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Hospitals across the Northern Hemisphere are facing significant pressure due to a surge in flu cases, with January marking the peak of the flu season. In Japan, the situation is particularly alarming, as the country reported its largest flu outbreak in 25 years, with over 317,000 cases diagnosed in late December. The UK is also experiencing high levels of flu activity, comparable to the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting health officials to raise alarms about hospital capacity. Similar trends are observed across Europe and the US, where flu, COVID-19, and RSV cases are rising, leading to increased hospital admissions. Vaccination strategies vary by country, with the CDC recommending flu shots for everyone over six months in the US, while the UK offers free vaccines to high-risk groups. The effectiveness of vaccines can fluctuate, and low uptake among healthcare workers has been noted this season, raising concerns about public health preparedness. 
Published: Jan 10 2025, 8 pmeznews.inThe prospect of dying in space raises complex logistical challenges for agencies like NASA, which has developed protocols for such unfortunate events. Astronaut Chris Hadfield notes that if a death occurs during a spacewalk, the body would be brought inside the airlock and kept in the pressurized suit to mitigate decomposition and unpleasant odors. On the International Space Station (ISS), remains could be temporarily stored in a cooler area before options like return to Earth or disposal in space are considered. For lunar missions, the situation is less clear; NASA prefers cremation to prevent contamination of extraterrestrial environments. If cremation isn't feasible, bodies could be left on the Moon, where they would not decompose as they would on Earth, potentially becoming "Moon mummies" due to extreme temperature fluctuations and lack of bacteria. Ultimately, dying in space presents significant challenges, making Earth the preferable option for such an event.
Published: Jan 07 2025, 10 pmeznews.inIn a curious exploration of the psychological effects of winning a Nobel Prize, researchers have noted that some laureates develop what is informally termed "Nobel disease" or "Nobelitis," leading them to adopt unscientific beliefs outside their fields of expertise. Albert Einstein famously expressed feelings of imposter syndrome, while others, like Pierre Curie and Joseph Thomson, became involved in psychic research post-award. Notable examples include Charles Richet, who coined "ectoplasm," and Kary Mullis, who claimed to have encountered a talking raccoon. Critics suggest that the pressure of newfound fame may push winners to comment on diverse issues, often straying from their scientific roots. Paul Nurse, a Nobel laureate himself, cautioned against this tendency, highlighting cognitive biases and personality traits that may lead to such beliefs. While intriguing, the phenomenon underscores that even the most brilliant minds are not immune to flawed reasoning.
Published: Jan 08 2025, 11 pmeznews.inThe quest to resurrect the extinct dodo bird has advanced with a new collaboration between Colossal Biosciences and the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation. This partnership aims to restore the dodo's native habitats in Mauritius, crucial for the species' potential rewilding. Dodos, which became extinct in the 17th century due to hunting and introduced predators, are being studied through the genome of the Nicobar Pigeon, their closest living relative. Dr. Beth Shapiro, a key figure in the project, has successfully sequenced the dodo's genome, while the team is also developing genetically modified chickens to serve as surrogates. Colossal is not only focused on the dodo but is also working on genetic rescue efforts for the critically endangered pink pigeon, aiming to enhance its genetic diversity. The initiative reflects a broader ambition to restore lost species and biodiversity in Mauritius.
Published: Jan 10 2025, 3 pmeznews.inA recent study published in BJU International has revealed a significant increase in the depiction of penis size in art over the past seven centuries, particularly from the 19th century onwards. Researchers analyzed 232 paintings of nude males, focusing on the penis-to-ear and penis-to-nose ratios to assess changes in perceived ideal size. They found that while penis sizes were relatively small in the 15th and 16th centuries, the average ratio rose dramatically to 1.5761 in the 21st century. The study suggests that the rise in perceived size may be influenced by the internet and pornography, which often associate larger sizes with masculinity and partner satisfaction. This shift could contribute to body image issues among men, as many tend to overestimate average sizes and seek enhancements. The researchers acknowledge limitations in their study, including a European bias in the selected artworks.
Published: Jan 09 2025, 10 ameznews.inThe Mariana Trench, one of the ocean's deepest and most inaccessible regions, is home to a diverse array of unique and bizarre species that have adapted to extreme conditions, including pressures exceeding 16,000 PSI and complete darkness. Notable inhabitants include the blobfish, which appears normal at depth but deforms under lower pressures, and the goblin shark, a rare species with a lineage dating back 125 million years. The black seadevil anglerfish uses bioluminescence to attract prey, while the deepsea dragonfish boasts transparent teeth to remain stealthy. Other remarkable residents include the dumbo octopus, which uses ear-like fins to navigate, and the barreleye fish, equipped with a see-through head for spotting prey. The frilled shark, with its ancient lineage, and the gelatinous snailfish, the deepest known fish, further illustrate the trench's evolutionary marvels, showcasing life’s resilience in extreme environments.
Published: Jan 06 2025, 2 pmeznews.inExcavations at the thermal baths of San Casciano dei Bagni, near Siena, Italy, have unearthed a remarkable collection of artifacts, including two dozen statues and thousands of coins, preserved for over 2,300 years in mud. The discoveries, which date from the 2nd century BCE to the 1st century CE, reflect a significant historical period marked by the transition from Etruscan to Roman culture. Among the statues are depictions of Graeco-Roman deities, including Hygieia, the goddess of health, indicating the site's role as a sanctuary for healing. The burial of these artifacts, following Etruscan tradition, was linked to a lightning strike that struck the bathhouse. Plans are underway to establish a new museum and archaeological park in San Casciano, which local officials believe will boost cultural tourism and provide a fresh perspective on the region's ancient history.
Published: Jan 08 2025, 9 pmeznews.inAn interdisciplinary team of researchers has determined that a skull previously believed to belong to Arsinoë IV, Cleopatra's sister, actually belonged to a young boy aged 11 to 14, who likely suffered from a developmental disorder. The skull was discovered in 1929 by Austrian archaeologist Josef Keil in a sarcophagus at the ancient site of Ephesos, Turkey. Initial assessments suggested it belonged to a young woman of noble descent, leading to speculation about its connection to Arsinoë IV, who was murdered in Ephesos around 41 BCE. However, modern analysis using micro-computed tomography and genetic testing revealed the presence of a Y chromosome, confirming the individual was male. The boy exhibited significant cranial abnormalities, possibly due to a vitamin D deficiency or a genetic syndrome. While this research clarifies the identity of the remains, the search for the true resting place of Arsinoë IV continues. The findings are published in *Scientific Reports*.
Published: Jan 10 2025, 11 pmeznews.inIn a world where everyday knowledge can often surprise, the latest revelation involves the small dots, known as frits, around the edges of car windscreens. These ceramic-painted spots, along with the larger black frit band, serve crucial roles in automotive engineering. Primarily, they enhance structural integrity by providing a better grip for the urethane sealant that bonds the windscreen to the vehicle frame, while also shielding this adhesive from harmful UV rays. Additionally, the dot matrix pattern helps mitigate optical distortion, known as "lensing," by ensuring even heat distribution during the glass manufacturing process. Beyond functionality, frits also contribute to aesthetics by concealing the adhesive and creating a smoother visual transition. This clever design not only underscores the sophistication of modern windshields but also highlights how even the smallest details in automotive design can have significant impacts on safety and performance.
Published: Jan 11 2025, 5 ameznews.inNocturnal lagophthalmos, a condition where individuals sleep with their eyes partially or fully open, is more common than many might think, affecting an estimated 5% to 20% of adults. This phenomenon, which derives its name from the Greek word for "hare," has historical roots, with accounts dating back to ancient China, where General Zhang Fei reportedly evaded assassins due to this trait. While generally not harmful, it can lead to dry eyes, as the eyelids do not provide the necessary protection during sleep. Symptoms of dry eye disease, which can affect up to 50% of the population, include irritation and excessive tearing. Those experiencing such symptoms are advised to consult an eye doctor for potential treatments, which may include lubricating eye drops or taping the eyelids shut at night. Despite its unsettling appearance, nocturnal lagophthalmos is rarely associated with severe eye damage.
Published: Jan 11 2025, 6 amFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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