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Former Apollo 14 astronaut Edgar Mitchell has made headlines with his claim that extraterrestrial beings intervened to prevent a nuclear war during the Cold War. In a recent interview, Mitchell suggested that aliens were particularly interested in the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, where the first atomic bomb was tested. He alleged that Air Force officers informed him of incidents where UFOs disabled or shot down missiles, implying that these beings aimed to maintain peace on Earth. While Mitchell's assertions have drawn skepticism, with UFO expert Nigel Watson dismissing them as "UFO fantasy," they highlight a notable shift from his historic achievements as the sixth man on the Moon. Despite his scientific background, Mitchell's increasingly bizarre theories have raised concerns about his detachment from reality, prompting calls for him to reconnect with more grounded perspectives. 
Published: Jun 12 2025, 8 ameznews.inThe phenomenon of shoes tossed over power lines, known as "shoefiti," is a global practice with various interpretations. One common theory suggests it serves as a memorial for deceased loved ones, a tradition that has evolved over millennia. However, the act can also be misinterpreted as a marker of gang territory, a notion debunked by sources like Snopes, which emphasize that there is no singular explanation for this behavior. Some individuals, like former gang member Patrick Starr, have confirmed that in certain contexts, it can signify neighborhood affiliations or commemorate fallen members. Additionally, the act of throwing shoes can be a form of taunting, particularly in school settings, as retrieving them can be dangerous due to the height of utility poles. Ultimately, the true meaning behind shoefiti often remains elusive, varying widely based on local culture and individual intent. 
Published: Jun 13 2025, 12 pmeznews.inA YouTuber known as "styropyro," real name Drake Anthony, has developed what he claims to be the world's most powerful handheld laser, capable of cutting through titanium and melting tungsten. In a recent video, Anthony explained that his laser operates at 250 watts, a staggering 50,000 times stronger than the legal limit of 5 milliwatts for laser pointers. This new device surpasses the highest laser danger rating by a factor of 500, posing significant risks, including instant blindness and fire hazards. Demonstrating its capabilities, Anthony showcased the laser's ability to slice through copper wire, penetrate titanium, and even transform alumina powder into rubies. He emphasized the advancements in technology that allowed him to create this powerful tool, which boasts a brightness four times greater than his previous record-breaking laser. However, he cautioned viewers against attempting similar experiments at home due to the inherent dangers involved. 
Published: Jun 13 2025, 10 ameznews.inIn a notable deviation from tradition, John Tyler, the 10th president of the United States, was buried under a Confederate flag, marking him as the only U.S. president not to have his coffin draped in the American flag. Born in 1790 to a wealthy Virginian family, Tyler served from 1841 to 1845, advocating for states' rights and the annexation of Texas, which heightened tensions leading to the Civil War. A former Democrat turned Whig, he ascended to the presidency after the death of William Henry Harrison. Tyler sided with the Confederacy, encouraging Virginia's secession and was elected to the Confederate Congress before his death in 1862. His burial was orchestrated by Confederate leaders to bolster their cause, despite his wish for a simple funeral. His legacy remains contentious, often ranking him among the least favorable presidents, though he established the "Tyler Precedent," affirming the vice president's succession to the presidency. 
Published: Jun 13 2025, 9 ameznews.inIn a surprising discovery, researchers have observed Galapagos sharks (_Carcharhinus galapagensis_) using manta rays (_Mobula birostris_) as scratching posts in the Revillagigedo Archipelago, eastern tropical Pacific. Video footage captured in late 2024 and early 2025 shows sharks rubbing against mantas near established cleaning stations, a behavior previously noted in other marine species. The interactions varied, with juvenile sharks often tolerated by the mantas, while an adult shark prompted evasive maneuvers from a manta, suggesting learned behavior from past encounters with sharks. The study raises questions about the role of mantas as mobile alternatives to traditional cleaning stations, particularly in the absence of cleaner fish, potentially influenced by increased tourism and diving activities disrupting these environments. The findings, which have yet to undergo peer review, are detailed in a preprint paper available on bioRxiv. 
Published: Jun 12 2025, 7 ameznews.inA new genus of jumping spiders, named _Ourea_, has been discovered in the alpine regions of Aotearoa New Zealand, adding to the estimated 200 endemic species in the country. A team of scientists collected 170 spiders from 19 alpine sites, identifying 12 new species and highlighting the genus's widespread presence across various locations, including Kahurangi and Arthur’s Pass National Parks. Notably, _O. petroides_ emerged as the most common species, likely utilizing a behavior known as ballooning to traverse the mountainous terrain. This technique allows spiders to ascend using silk as a parachute, aided by atmospheric electric fields. While the researchers did not directly observe _Ourea_ ballooning, the isolated mountaintop habitats suggest this method may explain their distribution. The study underscores the significance of _Salticidae_ spiders, which are among the most researched invertebrates globally, yet remain underexplored in New Zealand. 
Published: Jun 13 2025, 3 ameznews.inIn the animated film _Finding Nemo_, a scene featuring Bruce the shark raises an intriguing question about the function of shark nostrils, or nares, given that sharks lack lungs. Unlike humans, who rely on lungs to inhale and detect odors, sharks have a distinct olfactory system that operates independently from their respiratory system. Their nares contain a specialized structure called a rosette, which allows them to detect chemical signals in water. Water flows into the nares as sharks swim, or through tiny cilia-like hairs, enabling them to pinpoint prey by following scent trails. Research by Jelle Atema from Boston University reveals that sharks not only seek the highest concentration of odors but also consider water currents, enhancing their hunting efficiency. Thus, while sharks have nostrils, they serve a unique purpose in olfaction rather than respiration, underscoring the complexity of their sensory adaptations. 
Published: Jun 13 2025, 2 ameznews.inExercise is widely recognized for its health benefits, yet many individuals experience a painful phenomenon known as a "stitch," or exercise-related transient abdominal pain. This discomfort, typically felt beneath the ribcage during physical activity, can range from a mild ache to a sharp, stabbing sensation. While the precise cause remains unclear, theories suggest it may stem from irritation of the parietal peritoneum, the membrane lining the abdominal cavity, potentially exacerbated by factors such as reduced blood flow to the diaphragm or mechanical stress. To mitigate the risk of stitches, experts recommend avoiding heavy meals before exercise, warming up gradually, and staying hydrated with small sips. Although there is no guaranteed prevention or immediate remedy, stopping the activity often alleviates the pain, with techniques like deep breathing and stretching providing additional relief. Further research is needed to fully understand this common exercise-related issue. 
Published: Jun 12 2025, 9 pmeznews.inRussian scientists from the Shirshov Institute of Oceanology have confirmed the emergence of a new island in the Caspian Sea, the world's largest inland body of water, located approximately 30 kilometers southwest of Maly Zhemchuzhny Island. First detected via satellite images in November 2024, the island's existence was validated during a recent expedition, although adverse weather and shallow waters hindered landfall attempts. The Caspian Sea is currently experiencing maximum runoff from the River Volga, its primary water source, but as water levels decline, more of the island may be revealed. Over the past century, the Caspian has seen significant water level fluctuations, with declines accelerating due to climate change, threatening unique ecosystems and species, including the endangered Caspian seal. However, the new island could also provide critical nesting grounds for vulnerable wildlife as the sea continues to recede. 
Published: Jun 12 2025, 10 pmeznews.inA new COVID-19 variant, officially named NB.1.8.1 but informally referred to as "Nimbus," is spreading globally, prompting health officials to prepare for a potential rise in cases, particularly in the Southern Hemisphere as flu season begins. Symptoms associated with Nimbus largely mirror those of previous variants, including cough, congestion, headaches, fatigue, sore throat, fever, and gastrointestinal issues. Notably, there has been an increase in reports of severe sore throats described as "razor blade throat." While the World Health Organization indicates that current vaccines should still provide adequate protection, experts warn that respiratory symptoms could also stem from other illnesses, such as hay fever or the common cold. Nimbus has been detected in around 22 countries, and although there is a slight uptick in global cases, the situation remains far from the pandemic's peak. As always, individuals experiencing concerning symptoms should seek medical advice. 
Published: Jun 12 2025, 7 pmeznews.inUnder the Trump administration, the relationship between science and governance has become increasingly contentious, with the emergence of "alternative facts" raising concerns about the integrity of scientific communication. Controversial oil pipelines have been revived even as the administration claims to support environmentalism, while references to climate change have been removed from the White House website. Federal agencies, including the EPA and USDA, have reportedly been instructed to halt public communications regarding their research, a move seen as an attempt to suppress information on climate change and environmental issues. Although some gag orders have been rescinded, the rapidity of these restrictions has alarmed many. In response, scientists are mobilizing through protests, open letters, and alternative social media accounts to resist this suppression and advocate for transparency in scientific discourse. As the battle for scientific integrity intensifies, the scientific community is rallying to ensure their voices are heard. 
Published: Jun 12 2025, 5 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
