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A new study by geologists from Australia and China has produced a one-minute video illustrating the movement of Earth's tectonic plates over the past 1.8 billion years, showcasing the planet's dynamic nature. The video begins in the 21st century and traces the formation of supercontinents, including Pangaea and Rodinia, while challenging the notion of the "boring billion"—a period previously thought to be geologically stable. Instead, researchers suggest it was a time of significant tectonic activity. The study also highlights ongoing geological changes, such as the rift in East Africa, which could eventually split the continent and create a new ocean. Looking ahead, models predict the formation of a new supercontinent in about 200 million years, with potential scenarios including "Amasia," where continents cluster around the North Pole, or "Aurica," where they gather at the equator. The findings are published in the journal Geoscience Frontiers. 
Published: Nov 08 2024, 7 pmeznews.inRecent research has raised concerns about the potential release of micro- and nanoplastics from polymer-based tea bags, which could enter consumers' bodies and the environment. A study conducted by Spanish and German scientists tested three types of commercially available tea bags—made from nylon-6, polypropylene, and cellulose bio-based polymer—revealing that polypropylene bags released an alarming 1.2 billion particles per milliliter when steeped in hot water. While cellulose bags released 135 million particles per milliliter, nylon-6 was less prolific, emitting 8.18 million particles. Although the study found no immediate harmful effects on human intestinal cells, the long-term implications of ingesting these particles remain unclear. The findings highlight the need for consumers to consider the materials of their tea bags, with a suggestion to opt for loose-leaf tea. Despite these concerns, previous studies have indicated health benefits associated with moderate green tea consumption. The study is published in the journal Chemosphere.
Published: Dec 23 2024, 7 pmeznews.inThe US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has awarded Breakthrough Therapy designation to the cancer drug dostarlimab, marketed as Jemperli, for its promising results in treating locally advanced mismatch repair deficient (dMMR)/microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) rectal cancer. The designation accelerates the drug's development and review process, following a remarkable 100% clinical response rate observed in an ongoing phase II trial involving 42 patients. Jemperli, a PD-1-blocking monoclonal antibody, enhances the immune system's ability to target cancer cells, potentially eliminating the need for traditional treatments like chemotherapy and radiation, which often carry significant side effects. This innovative therapy not only aims to improve patient outcomes but also represents a significant shift in the treatment landscape for rectal cancer, which accounted for over 152,000 new cases in the US in 2024.
Published: Dec 23 2024, 9 pmeznews.inResearchers at the University of Science and Technology of China have achieved a remarkable breakthrough in quantum physics by creating a "quantum cat" state that lasted an unprecedented 1,400 seconds, or 23 minutes and 20 seconds. This record-setting superposition of 10,000 ytterbium atoms, cooled to near absolute zero and manipulated with light, could pave the way for advancements in high-precision measurements and quantum computing. The experiment builds on the famous Schrödinger's cat thought experiment, illustrating how quantum states can exist in multiple forms simultaneously. Experts believe that with improved vacuum systems, the duration of such states could be extended even further. Barry Sanders from the University of Calgary highlighted the significance of this stable atomic system for probing interactions in quantum mechanics. This achievement follows other recent milestones in quantum research, indicating rapid progress in the field. The findings are detailed in a preprint paper available on ArXiv.
Published: Dec 24 2024, 1 pmeznews.inA study by researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science has revealed that ants can outperform humans in collective problem-solving tasks, particularly in navigating complex environments. The research focused on "collective cognition," comparing the performance of ants (_Paratrechina longicornis_) and humans in a task known as the "piano movers puzzle," where both groups were required to move a T-shaped object through a maze. While humans excelled individually, ants demonstrated enhanced performance in larger groups, exhibiting what researchers termed "emergent collective memory." This allowed them to coordinate effectively, unlike human groups, which often resorted to "greedy" strategies that hindered their progress. The findings suggest that ant colonies function as a cohesive unit, or "super-organism," where cooperation prevails over competition, contrasting with human group dynamics that do not necessarily enhance cognitive abilities. The study is published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Published: Dec 27 2024, 3 ameznews.inThe Earth's magnetic field, which can flip over long timescales, last underwent a significant reversal approximately 781,000 years ago during the Brunhes–Matuyama event. Unlike the consistent alignment of geographic north, the magnetic north pole has drifted north-northwest by over 600 miles since its precise location was first recorded in 1831. While the magnetic field has weakened by about 9% globally in the past 200 years, it remains stronger than it has been in the last 100,000 years. Reversals can occur randomly, with intervals ranging from 10,000 to 50 million years, and can lead to magnetic poles shifting as far south as the equator. Recent studies indicate that the magnetic north pole's movement has accelerated towards Siberia, prompting scientists to monitor its unpredictable behavior closely. The complexities of these magnetic shifts continue to intrigue researchers, as they explore their potential impacts on Earth's climate and life.
Published: Dec 27 2024, 4 ameznews.inAs the world emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic, public health officials are increasingly concerned about the potential rise of infectious diseases, particularly malaria, HIV, and tuberculosis, which collectively claim around 2 million lives annually. Among emerging threats, the H5N1 influenza virus, commonly known as bird flu, is drawing significant attention due to its recent spread among birds and livestock, including dairy cattle in the US and horses in Mongolia. With 61 human cases reported in the US this year, a notable increase from previous years, the virus poses a serious risk, especially given its 30% mortality rate in humans. Although H5N1 currently does not transmit easily between people, a single genetic mutation could change that, prompting governments to prepare for potential outbreaks. The UK has already secured 5 million doses of a vaccine to bolster its pandemic readiness, highlighting the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health in combating future threats.
Published: Dec 26 2024, 5 pmeznews.inA recent warning from NHS surgeon Dr. Karan Raj has highlighted the dangers of kissing newborns, a message that many new parents are unaware of, according to a survey by The Lullaby Trust, which found that 54% of parents would allow friends and family to kiss their infants. Newborns have underdeveloped immune systems, making them particularly vulnerable to serious infections, including herpes, which can lead to severe illness or even death. Other pathogens, such as group B streptococci and certain strains of E. coli, pose additional risks. Experts advise parents to request that visitors refrain from kissing their babies, especially on the face, and to practice good hygiene. If kissing is unavoidable, it is recommended to kiss the baby's foot or back of the head and to cover any cold sores. Ultimately, while affection is important, safeguarding a newborn's health is paramount.
Published: Dec 26 2024, 2 pmeznews.inA curious phenomenon has emerged among heart transplant patients, who report experiencing unexpected personality changes and altered preferences, suggesting a potential transfer of traits from their organ donors. Some recipients have noted shifts in tastes, emotions, and even memories, with instances such as a health-conscious dancer developing a sudden craving for Kentucky Fried Chicken nuggets, a food she had never previously enjoyed. This raises intriguing questions about the heart's role beyond its biological function, with researchers exploring concepts like cellular memory, epigenetic modifications, and the heart's neural network, which may facilitate communication with the brain. While no definitive mechanism has been established, the interplay between the heart and brain, alongside the emotional and physical impacts of transplantation, warrants further investigation. A recent review highlights the need for interdisciplinary research to deepen our understanding of memory transfer and its implications for patient care and human identity.
Published: Dec 27 2024, 1 ameznews.inThe world's oceans are home to several notoriously dangerous seas, each with unique hazards. The Drake Passage, infamous for its treacherous currents and extreme weather, poses significant risks to vessels attempting to navigate between Antarctica and South America. Similarly, the Bermuda Triangle has gained a reputation for mysterious disappearances, although statistical analyses show no higher accident rates than other regions. The South China Sea is fraught with severe storms and geopolitical tensions, complicating navigation amid uncharted reefs and piracy. Meanwhile, the Bering Sea, known for its harsh weather and icy conditions, presents dangers particularly for fishermen, where fatigue can lead to accidents. These perilous waters highlight the formidable power of nature and the challenges faced by those who venture into them.
Published: Dec 27 2024, 2 ameznews.inTahlequah, the killer whale known for carrying her deceased calf for 17 days in 2018, has given birth to a new female calf, J61, observed traveling with her pod in Puget Sound since December 20. While the Center for Whale Research confirmed J35 (Tahlequah) as the mother, concerns have arisen regarding the calf's health. Experts from NOAA's Northwest Fisheries Science Center noted troubling behaviors, suggesting J61 may be premature and that Tahlequah appeared in poor condition last October. Observations indicate the calf has been struggling to stay active and may be nursing inadequately. Conservationists stress the critical need for a healthy salmon supply to support the survival of both mother and calf, as the Southern Resident killer whale population faces high mortality rates among newborns. As the community hopes for a positive outcome, the situation underscores the ongoing challenges faced by these iconic marine mammals.
Published: Dec 26 2024, 11 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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