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A new study proposes a scientific explanation for near-death experiences (NDEs), often described as sensations of leaving the body and encountering a bright light. Researchers suggest that these phenomena may be an evolutionary response to life-threatening situations, termed the Neurophysiological Evolutionary Psychological Theory Understanding Near-death Experience (NEPTUNE). The model posits that NDEs occur when oxygen levels in the brain drop, leading to increased neuronal activity in key areas, which may trigger vivid hallucinations and feelings of peace due to neurotransmitter surges. The study indicates that individuals more prone to dissociation or daydreaming are likelier to experience NDEs, as are those with a tendency for REM intrusion. However, the authors acknowledge that while NEPTUNE sheds light on some aspects of NDEs, it does not fully explain phenomena like precognition. The findings are detailed in the journal *Nature Reviews Neurology*. 
Published: Apr 02 2025, 9 pmeznews.inA stalled atmospheric river is set to unleash unprecedented rainfall across the central United States, with forecasters warning of potentially catastrophic flash floods. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a high-risk alert for excessive rainfall from Arkansas to Kentucky, extending up to Ohio, predicting that some areas could receive four months' worth of rain in just five days. AccuWeather estimates that over a foot of precipitation may fall in certain regions, significantly exceeding the rainfall that caused deadly floods in Kentucky earlier this year. More than 46 million people are expected to be affected, with 13 million in high-risk zones. The NWS advises communities to prepare for severe disruptions and urges residents near rivers and streams to remain vigilant for rising water levels, with recommendations to seek higher ground if necessary. The situation is exacerbated by a blocked atmospheric river, which is expected to deliver multiple rounds of intense thunderstorms throughout the week.
Published: Apr 03 2025, 7 pmeznews.inGoogle has become synonymous with online searching, with the term "Google it" widely used even when referring to other search engines. The company, founded by Larry Page and Sergey Brin in 1996, was initially called "Backrub," reflecting its focus on backlinks to rank web pages. In 1997, after realizing the need for a more fitting name, they settled on "Google," a play on the mathematical term "googol," which denotes a vast number (1 followed by 100 zeros). This name was suggested during a brainstorming session when Sean Anderson misspelled "googol" while checking domain availability, leading to the registration of "google.com" on September 15, 1997. Contrary to popular belief, the name does not stand for "Global Organization of Oriented Group Language of Earth," but rather symbolizes Google's mission to organize the immense amount of information available online.
Published: Apr 02 2025, 2 ameznews.inEaster, unlike Christmas, does not have a fixed date, with its timing determined by the lunar calendar. For Western Christians, Easter 2024 will be celebrated on March 31, followed by April 20 in 2025, and April 5 in 2026. The holiday is observed on the first Sunday after the first full Moon following the Northern spring equinox, which this year fell on March 20. Easter commemorates the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, with its date linked to the Jewish Passover, which also follows lunar cycles. In contrast, Christmas is celebrated on December 25, a date chosen by the Roman Emperor Constantine in 336 CE, likely to coincide with pagan winter solstice festivities. Despite calls for Easter to adopt a solar calendar for simplicity, such as the Easter Act of 1928 in the UK, traditional practices remain deeply entrenched.
Published: Apr 02 2025, 4 pmeznews.inIn navigating life's myriad choices, from selecting a partner to hiring an employee, the "37 Percent Rule" offers a mathematical strategy to optimize decision-making. Originating from the 1960 "Secretary Problem," this rule suggests that individuals should reject the first 37% of options they encounter and then select the next choice that surpasses all previously seen. Mathematician Thomas S. Ferguson's analysis indicates that this approach yields a 37% probability of choosing the best option, a significant improvement over random selection. While the strategy may seem counterintuitive—especially if the ideal choice appears early—it can be adjusted for varying standards of acceptability. For instance, aiming for a partner in the top 5% increases success rates to 57% by rejecting the first 22%. Ultimately, while the 37% threshold is a guideline, it highlights the balance between patience and opportunity in decision-making.
Published: Mar 31 2025, 6 pmeznews.inResearchers have discovered that a hardy lichen species, _Diploschistes muscorum_, could potentially survive the harsh conditions on Mars, offering hope for future human colonization of the planet. Mars is considered the most viable option for extraterrestrial habitation due to its relatively stable surface and proximity to the habitable zone, where liquid water can exist. The study, published in IMA Fungus, tested two lichen species under simulated Martian conditions, revealing that _D. muscorum_ maintained metabolic activity and defense mechanisms despite extreme temperature fluctuations and radiation. While the findings are promising, further research is needed to assess the long-term effects of Martian conditions on these organisms. Lead author Kaja Skubała emphasized that this research enhances our understanding of lichen adaptation and their potential role in future extraterrestrial environments, although it is premature to send lichen to Mars just yet.
Published: Apr 03 2025, 12 pmeznews.inA recent survey by YouGov across 13 countries has prompted a urologist to recommend that men should sit down to urinate. The survey revealed significant variations in habits, with only 10% of American men reporting they always sit down, compared to a majority in Germany, where the term "sitzpinkler" humorously refers to those who do. Urological consultant Gerald Collins highlighted the health benefits of sitting, noting that it promotes better bladder emptying by relaxing pelvic muscles, which is particularly beneficial for older men with enlarged prostates. Research indicates that men with urinary issues experience improved flow when seated, reducing the risk of complications like urinary tract infections and bladder stones. Given that over 90% of men in their 80s face prostate enlargement, Collins suggests that adopting this practice early could be advantageous for men's health.
Published: Mar 30 2025, 7 ameznews.inAs digital technology increasingly dominates note-taking, the cognitive benefits of handwriting are gaining renewed attention, particularly in educational settings. Research indicates that children who learn letters through tracing and writing demonstrate superior recognition and understanding compared to those who type. Studies also reveal that adults who take notes by hand perform better on conceptual questions than their typing counterparts, suggesting that the complexity of handwriting engages different brain functions, enhancing memory and comprehension. While typing offers speed and efficiency, it may lead to less meaningful processing of information. However, the value of handwriting does not negate the utility of digital tools; using a stylus on a touchscreen can replicate the benefits of traditional writing. As schools emphasize tech skills, experts advocate for a balanced approach that incorporates both handwriting and digital literacy to optimize learning outcomes.
Published: Apr 03 2025, 11 ameznews.inIn the ongoing debate over which gender experiences more pain, childbirth and testicular trauma often take center stage. Childbirth is notorious for its excruciating nature, involving hours of labor as a baby is forced through a narrow birth canal, often resulting in severe physical and psychological distress. In contrast, a kick to the testicles can induce immediate, intense pain, potentially leading to nausea or even hospitalization. Urologists explain that the testicles are highly sensitive due to their evolutionary role in reproduction, necessitating a strong pain response to encourage protection. While both experiences are undeniably painful, the subjective nature of pain complicates comparisons. Ultimately, experts suggest that neither experience can be definitively deemed worse, leading to a conclusion that both childbirth and a kick in the balls can be equally torturous, leaving individuals to navigate their own pain thresholds.
Published: Apr 03 2025, 1 pmeznews.inIn a recent discussion on social media, confusion arose over the concept of straight-line travel from India to the USA, sparked by a post from the X (formerly Twitter) account Latest in Space. Despite the post's straightforward assertion, many users struggled to grasp the idea, highlighting the complexities of representing a three-dimensional world on a two-dimensional map. The widely used Mercator projection, created by cartographer Gerardus Mercator in 1569, illustrates this issue; while it aids navigation by depicting constant bearing courses as straight lines, it distorts the size and shape of landmasses, particularly away from the equator. As a result, straight lines that do not align with lines of latitude or longitude on a globe may appear curved on flat maps. Ultimately, this means that actual travel from the USA to India would require minimal steering, despite the visual misconceptions presented by traditional mapping techniques.
Published: Apr 01 2025, 1 ameznews.inAstronomers have confirmed the discovery of four rocky planets orbiting Barnard's Star, the closest single star to the Sun, located just 6 light-years away. This finding follows a previous detection of a single planet around the star, which has a history of false planet claims. The newly identified planets, each with minimum masses between 20% and 34% of Earth's, orbit the star in rapid cycles, ranging from 2.3 to 6.7 days, placing them outside the habitable zone due to excessive heat. The planets were detected through the star's gravitational wobble, rather than transit observations, making their study challenging. Lead researcher Ritvik Basant emphasized the significance of this breakthrough, facilitated by advanced instruments like MAROON-X and ESPRESSO. The findings, published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, highlight the ongoing quest to understand our cosmic neighbors better.
Published: Apr 03 2025, 3 amFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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