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Scientists have identified a remarkably bitter compound derived from the bitter bracket mushroom, _Amaropostia stiptica_, which is found in woodlands across several regions, including Great Britain and North America. Researchers from the Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology and the Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry isolated three new bitter compounds and discovered that one, oligoporin D, activates a specific human bitter taste receptor, TAS2R46, even at extremely diluted concentrations. This research sheds light on the largely unexplored realm of bitterness, which is underrepresented in existing databases, primarily dominated by compounds from flowering plants. While the ability to detect bitterness is often linked to avoiding toxins, the study suggests that not all bitter substances are harmful. The findings could have implications for food and health research, potentially aiding in the development of foods that enhance digestion and satiety. The study is published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 
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Apr 15 2025, 8 ameznews.inMorning erections, scientifically known as nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT), are a common occurrence for men, typically happening three to five times during sleep. These spontaneous erections begin in utero and continue throughout life, also paralleling similar physiological responses in women. While the exact cause of NPT remains uncertain, it is associated with REM sleep, where reduced activity of certain brain neurons allows testosterone-driven excitatory signals to trigger erections. Additionally, the release of nitric oxide during REM sleep promotes blood flow to the penis, facilitating the erection. The phenomenon may serve a health purpose by oxygenating erectile tissue, thus preventing conditions like cavernous fibrosis, which can lead to erectile dysfunction. Some theories suggest that NPT might also help prevent bedwetting, although this is less substantiated. Ultimately, these nocturnal events appear to play a crucial role in maintaining male reproductive health.
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May 04 2025, 1 pmeznews.inA groundbreaking placebo-controlled clinical trial published in JAMA Psychiatry has found that psilocybin, the psychedelic compound found in magic mushrooms, may significantly reduce alcohol consumption in individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD). The study involved 93 participants who underwent 12 weeks of psychotherapy, with half receiving high doses of psilocybin and the other half a placebo. Eight months later, those treated with psilocybin reported an 83% reduction in heavy drinking days, dropping from 52.7% to just 9.7%. In contrast, the placebo group saw a 51% decline. Notably, 48% of psilocybin recipients stopped drinking entirely, compared to 24% in the placebo group. Researchers, inspired by 1960s studies on LSD, emphasize the potential of psilocybin therapy for treating AUD and other addictions, while cautioning against self-medication. They advocate for further clinical trials to develop effective treatment protocols.
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May 04 2025, 6 ameznews.inIlya Ivanovich, a pioneering Russian biologist born in 1870, made significant strides in artificial insemination, famously inseminating 500 mares with a single stallion's semen. His curiosity led him to experiment with hybridization, creating various animal hybrids, including a zedonk and a rat-mouse. In 1910, he proposed the controversial idea of creating a human-ape hybrid, or "humanzee," a concept that intrigued many but remained largely theoretical. Following the Russian Revolution, Ivanov received funding and support from the Soviet government to pursue his hybridization ambitions at the Institut Pasteur. His experiments included attempts to inseminate chimpanzees with human sperm and even a disturbing plan to inseminate African women with chimpanzee sperm without their consent. However, his unethical proposals led to the withdrawal of support from the Soviet Academy of Sciences, and he was ultimately exiled, dying shortly thereafter, leaving his hybridization dreams unrealized.
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May 04 2025, 9 ameznews.inIn a groundbreaking move for sustainable fashion, a partnership between VML, The Organoid Company, and Lab-Grown Leather Ltd. aims to create luxury handbags and accessories from fossilized collagen of the Tyrannosaurus rex. This innovative approach seeks to provide a cruelty-free alternative to traditional leather, which is often linked to significant environmental issues, including deforestation and biodiversity loss. The process involves engineering cells with synthetic DNA to produce a material that mimics the durability and texture of leather, while also being more sustainable than conventional vegan options, which are typically made from fossil fuel-derived plastics. VML describes T. rex leather as a pioneering step in utilizing ancient biology to inspire high-performance materials. As the fashion industry grapples with ethical concerns, this unique development could redefine luxury goods, merging style with sustainability in an unexpected way.
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Apr 29 2025, 5 pmeznews.inA team of geologists has embarked on a quest to identify the oldest rock in the United States, a task that highlights the complexities of determining a rock's age. While Minnesota's Morton Gneiss has long claimed the title, recent assessments suggest it is only 3.5 billion years old, down from an earlier estimate of 3.8 billion. In contrast, Canada's Acasta Gneiss is recognized as the oldest rock on the continent at 4 billion years. The researchers, led by Professor Bob Stern, have designated Michigan's Watersmeet Gneiss as the oldest rock in the U.S. at 3.6 billion years, despite its inclusion of younger zircon crystals. The study underscores the challenges of dating rocks, as geological processes can obscure their true ages. The findings, published in GSA Today, suggest that older rocks may still lie undiscovered beneath the surface, inviting further exploration in states like Wyoming and Michigan.
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May 01 2025, 4 pmeznews.inThe American Museum of Natural History's Hall of Meteorites features Ahnighito, a colossal 34-ton fragment of the Innaanganeq meteorite, also known as the Cape York Meteorite. Dating back approximately 4.5 billion years, Ahnighito crash-landed in Greenland around 10,000 years ago and was first encountered by Western explorer Robert Peary in 1894, despite having been a vital metal source for the Inuit for millennia. Transporting the meteorite to New York posed significant challenges, necessitating a support system that extends into the bedrock to safely bear its immense weight. Jack Ashby, Assistant Director at the University Museum of Zoology, Cambridge, highlights the logistical complexities of displaying such heavy specimens, noting that many dinosaur fossils are often represented by casts due to similar weight concerns. His insights into the intersection of human history and natural collections are explored in his book, *Nature’s Memory*.
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Apr 30 2025, 7 ameznews.inRecent research from the University of Glasgow has revealed a new type of rock formation in West Cumbria, England, driven by human waste, including a coin and a drinks can tab, which has formed in just 35 years—an unprecedentedly fast process compared to the thousands or millions of years typically required for natural rock formation. This phenomenon, termed the "rapid anthropoclastic rock cycle," incorporates human materials into natural systems, raising concerns about its impact on ecosystems and biodiversity. The study, which analyzed samples from coastal slag deposits in a former iron and steel-making area, found that the rapid lithification of waste could alter coastal responses to climate change, including rising sea levels and extreme weather. Researchers warn that this process, likely occurring at other industrial sites globally, is not currently accounted for in land management models, posing significant risks to the environment. The findings are published in the journal Geology.
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May 02 2025, 7 pmeznews.inIn the latest episode of "We Have Questions," IFLScience delves into the intriguing mummification practices of Ancient Egypt, particularly focusing on the fate of the eyes during this complex process. Egyptologist Dr. Campbell Price, Curator of Egypt and Sudan at the Manchester Museum, sheds light on the rituals that have fascinated modern audiences, revealing that the mummification process primarily reflects the funerary customs of the wealthy elite. While much is known about the treatment of skin and organs, the specifics regarding the eyes remain less understood, prompting curiosity about their preservation. Surprisingly, the discussion also touches on the use of onions in mummification, a detail that adds to the rich tapestry of ancient practices. Listeners can explore this captivating topic further by subscribing to the podcast on platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
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May 04 2025, 5 ameznews.inHeadaches are a common ailment that can range from mild discomfort to severe pain, often leading individuals to fear serious health issues. They are categorized into primary headaches, which occur independently, and secondary headaches, which signal underlying conditions. The most prevalent primary headache is the tension headache, characterized by a dull, pressure-like pain, often triggered by stress or poor posture. Migraines, affecting over 10% of the global population, can occur without head pain and are linked to various triggers, though their exact cause remains elusive. Cluster headaches, though rare, are marked by intense pain on one side of the head. Secondary headaches can arise from dehydration or caffeine withdrawal, both of which affect blood vessel dynamics in the brain. While most headaches are benign, sudden, severe headaches, known as thunderclap headaches, warrant immediate medical attention due to potential life-threatening causes.
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May 04 2025, 3 ameznews.inIFLScience requires the contact information you provide to communicate with you regarding its products and services. Subscribers have the option to unsubscribe from these communications at any time. For details on how to unsubscribe, as well as insights into IFLScience's privacy practices and its commitment to safeguarding your personal information, readers are encouraged to review the Privacy Policy available on their website.
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Apr 30 2025, 11 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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