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The Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, a remarkable underground burial complex in Malta, spans 500 square meters and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980, recognized for its "Outstanding Universal Value." Discovered accidentally in 1902 when a stone mason breached its roof, much of the upper level was lost, but subsequent excavations revealed a three-level labyrinth of chambers and corridors carved from globigerina limestone, showcasing impressive craftsmanship. A 2020 study suggested the site was designed to enhance acoustic properties, potentially making it one of the earliest structures created with music in mind. The Hypogeum served as a cemetery for around 7,000 individuals from 4000 to 2500 BCE, though it may have originally functioned as a sanctuary. Among its artifacts is the enigmatic "Sleeping Lady" figurine, symbolizing life or death. The site reflects Malta's rich prehistoric heritage, linked to its unique limestone and strategic Mediterranean location. 
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Mar 13 2025, 5 ameznews.inCancer remains a leading global health challenge, responsible for 9.7 million deaths in 2022, with lung cancer being the most lethal, claiming 1.8 million lives worldwide. In the U.S., it accounted for approximately 130,180 deaths. Other significant causes of cancer mortality include colon and rectum, liver, breast, and stomach cancers. While breast cancer has a high mortality rate, it also boasts a five-year survival rate of 99.3%, contrasting with lower survival rates for pancreatic and liver cancers. Disparities in cancer mortality are evident, with men facing higher rates than women, and non-Hispanic black men experiencing the highest mortality. However, advancements in treatment and lifestyle changes have contributed to a 1.7% annual decline in cancer deaths in the U.S. between 2013 and 2022, with promising new therapies and personalized vaccines currently in development.
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Mar 17 2025, 9 pmeznews.inIn 1819, Padua, Italy, experienced a bizarre event when polenta turned blood-red due to an outbreak of the bacteria _Serratia marcescens_, identified by Venetian pharmacist Bartolomeo Bizio. This same pathogen may be lurking in your bathroom if you notice pink goo, as _S. marcescens_ thrives in moist environments, commonly found in bathrooms and kitchens. While generally harmless to those with healthy immune systems, it can cause serious infections in vulnerable individuals, particularly respiratory and urinary infections. Its ability to form biofilms allows it to adhere to surfaces and resist treatment, making it a concern in healthcare settings. To eliminate this bacteria, a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water can be sprayed on affected areas, followed by scrubbing. Preventive measures include improving ventilation to reduce humidity and promptly cleaning soap residue, which attracts the bacteria.
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Mar 17 2025, 8 ameznews.inA groundbreaking study has revealed that the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), which infects 64% of the global population under 50, may have a stealthy route into the brain, potentially leading to behavioral changes. Traditionally associated with cold sores, HSV-1 has been largely overlooked in terms of its neurological impact. Researchers from the University of Illinois Chicago found that the virus could enter the central nervous system via the nasal cavity if shed through tears. In experiments with mice, signs of neuronal damage and inflammation were observed, alongside declines in coordination, memory, and increased anxiety over six months. While the pathway to the brain is rare in humans, the study highlights the need for further investigation into the virus's long-term effects. Notably, mice lacking the heparanase enzyme did not exhibit the same neurological issues, suggesting a potential therapeutic target. The findings are published in the journal mBio.
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Mar 17 2025, 10 pmeznews.inIn a chilling discovery during renovations in Corbeil-Essonnes, France, a homeowner unearthed a skeleton in their basement, leading to the excavation of 37 additional skeletons and 10 plaster sarcophagi, dating back over 1,500 years to late Antiquity. Initially thought to be linked to a nearby medieval graveyard, the findings revealed burial practices from the third to tenth centuries, with bodies arranged in parallel rows. This incident highlights a broader phenomenon where construction projects worldwide often disturb forgotten graves, such as the mass burial pits from the Great Plague in London and the African Burial Ground in New York City, which contained the remains of 15,000 enslaved and free Africans. These discoveries not only provide insights into historical funerary practices but also serve as poignant reminders of the past, urging society to confront its complex history.
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Mar 17 2025, 10 pmeznews.inIn the realm of intelligence measurement, IQ tests are often viewed as definitive indicators of cognitive ability, yet their validity is increasingly questioned. Originating in 1905 with Alfred Binet and Théodore Simon's assessments for schoolchildren, modern IQ tests evaluate verbal reasoning, working memory, and visual-spatial skills, with an average score set at 100. While some studies suggest a correlation between higher IQ scores and professional success, others highlight the limitations of these tests, which often overlook creativity and emotional intelligence. Historically, IQ scores have been misused to propagate racist ideologies, particularly during the eugenics movement, leading to harmful stereotypes linking race and intelligence. Critics argue that environmental factors, such as socioeconomic status, play a crucial role in shaping cognitive abilities. Ultimately, the article posits that improving living conditions can enhance collective intelligence, advocating for a focus on social equity rather than divisive narratives surrounding IQ.
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Mar 17 2025, 7 pmeznews.inThe Blue Ghost lunar lander, operated by Texas-based Firefly Aerospace and funded by NASA, has successfully completed its historic mission on the Moon, landing in the Mare Crisium region on March 2, 2025. Over its 14-day mission, Blue Ghost captured stunning footage, including a total solar eclipse on March 14, where Earth obscured the Sun, casting a shadow on the lunar surface. This event marked a milestone as the first time a commercial entity observed such an eclipse from the Moon. Two days later, Blue Ghost witnessed a lunar sunset, signaling the onset of a two-week lunar night, during which temperatures can plummet to -133°C. Firefly Aerospace noted the mission's conclusion but emphasized that the data and imagery collected will provide valuable insights for researchers in the future.
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Mar 17 2025, 10 pmeznews.inMathematicians Joshua Zahl and Hong Wang have made significant strides in solving the Kakeya conjecture, a problem that has puzzled mathematicians since its inception in 1917. The conjecture, which questions the minimum area that an infinitely thin needle can sweep out while rotating in all directions, has evolved into a complex inquiry about the dimensions of Kakeya sets. Zahl and Wang's recent proof, which is yet to be peer-reviewed, has been hailed as one of the most important mathematical achievements of the 21st century by Eyal Lubetzky, chair of the mathematics department at the Courant Institute. Their work builds on over a century of research, including breakthroughs by notable mathematicians like Abram Besicovitch and Terence Tao. The implications of their findings extend beyond pure mathematics, potentially influencing fields such as harmonic analysis, number theory, and computer science. The mathematical community eagerly anticipates further developments stemming from this groundbreaking research.
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Mar 17 2025, 11 pmeznews.inA new study suggests that the genetic foundations for human language capabilities emerged at least 135,000 years ago, when all _Homo sapiens_ belonged to a single tribe. As this group diversified into regional populations, their shared capacity for verbal and symbolic communication likely played a crucial role in the development of modern human behavior and culture by around 100,000 years ago. Despite _H. sapiens_ existing for approximately 230,000 years, complex behaviors such as funerary practices and art became widespread only in the last 65,000 years, a period referred to as the "great leap forward." The researchers analyzed data from 15 genetic studies, concluding that the initial division of populations, represented by the Khoisan peoples of Southern Africa, occurred around 135,000 years ago. This suggests that language capabilities must have developed before this division, potentially driving the emergence of modern behaviors. The findings are published in the journal *Frontiers in Psychology*.
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Mar 17 2025, 9 pmeznews.inA recent study from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health highlights the health implications of reducing ultra-processed foods (UPFs) in diets, which account for over half of the calories consumed in US homes. UPFs, which include items like burgers, chips, and even some breads, are often high in unhealthy fats, sugars, and sodium. The study involved 14 participants, primarily women, who were overweight and motivated to change their eating habits. Over eight weeks, they attended weekly sessions focused on meal planning and preparation, resulting in an average weight loss of 3.5 kilograms and a reduction in daily calorie intake. While participants reported satisfaction and a decrease in UPF consumption, the study's small sample size and self-reported data limit its generalizability. The authors emphasize the need for broader public health policies alongside individual interventions to effectively reduce UPF intake in the population.
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Mar 14 2025, 11 pmeznews.inA 29-year-old man was hospitalized after inserting 15 boiled eggs into his rectum while under the influence of GHB, a drug known for its use in chemsex and as a date-rape drug. The incident, detailed in a recent case report in The Dutch Journal of Medicine, began when the man arrived at the emergency room with acute stomach pain, rapid heartbeat, and difficulty breathing. A CT scan revealed a perforation in his sigmoid colon and significant abdominal fluid, prompting doctors to perform an emergency laparotomy. The surgery involved removing the eggs and cleaning the abdominal cavity, which had been contaminated due to fecal leakage. Fortunately, the patient was discharged a few days later in stable condition, although medical professionals strongly advise against such dangerous practices.
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Mar 17 2025, 10 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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