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Research has revealed that individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD) exhibit significantly lower levels of acetyl-L-carnitine (LAC) in their blood, a deficiency linked to reduced efficacy of antidepressant treatments. This discovery could lead to the development of a blood test to diagnose depression and assess its severity, potentially transforming mental health care. Dr. Carla Nasca from Rockefeller University found that acutely depressed patients had, on average, 25% lower LAC levels compared to non-depressed individuals, with particularly low levels observed in those resistant to treatment. Additionally, childhood trauma was associated with lower LAC levels, highlighting its long-term impact on mental health. While LAC supplementation has shown promise in animal studies, further research is needed to explore its effects in humans. The potential for an objective diagnostic test could address the underdiagnosis of depression and improve treatment accuracy, particularly in distinguishing MDD from bipolar disorder. 
Published: Sep 28 2025, 3 pmeznews.inThe National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (GLERL) has identified approximately 40 circular structures at the bottom of Lake Michigan, believed to be sinkholes. Discovered during a 2022 sonar survey, these depressions range from 91 to 183 meters in diameter and are located about 22.5 kilometers southeast of Sheboygan. The sinkholes likely formed due to geological processes involving the dissolution of limestone by groundwater, a phenomenon common in karst terrain. Similar sinkholes in Lake Huron have revealed ancient microbial communities, suggesting that Lake Michigan's sinkholes may also harbor unique life forms. Researchers are eager to explore these structures further, as they could provide insights into early Earth conditions and the types of microorganisms that thrive in extreme environments. The findings underscore the ecological significance of these underwater formations and their potential to enhance our understanding of microbial life.
Published: Sep 27 2025, 6 pmeznews.inIn 1981, astronomers conducting a redshift survey unexpectedly identified a significant gap in galaxy distribution, leading to the discovery of the Boötes Void, a vast region in the vicinity of the Boötes constellation. Spanning 330 million light-years, it was initially the largest known void, containing only 60 galaxies instead of the expected 2,000. This anomaly raised questions about galaxy formation theories. In 2015, researchers found an even larger void, the KBC Void, measuring 1.8 billion light-years, which also contains our Milky Way. Both voids challenge existing models of matter distribution in the universe and are linked to the "Hubble tension," a discrepancy in the observed rate of cosmic expansion. Some scientists propose that the Milky Way's position near the center of a local void could explain this tension, suggesting that our understanding of the universe's structure may need reevaluation. Further research is essential to explore these implications.
Published: Sep 25 2025, 6 pmeznews.inA noticeable change is underway in plastic bottles across Europe as the European Union (EU) prepares to enforce a new directive requiring that caps and lids remain attached to single-use plastic containers during use. This regulation, aimed at reducing plastic waste, stems from the EU's recognition that plastic caps are among the most common litter found on beaches. The directive, first announced in 2018 and finalized in June 2019, mandates compliance by July 3, 2024, although many consumers have already encountered bottles with tethered lids. While some praise the initiative, others express frustration over usability issues. Major beverage companies, including Coca-Cola and Nestlé, initially opposed the rule, but the EU has remained firm in its commitment. The effectiveness of this regulation will be evaluated by July 3, 2027, though it remains unclear how consumer feedback will be integrated into this assessment.
Published: Sep 28 2025, 10 pmeznews.inNASA's Psyche spacecraft has successfully demonstrated advanced optical communication by sending and receiving laser messages over a distance of 350 million kilometers (218 million miles), surpassing the average distance to Mars. This achievement, part of NASA's Deep Space Optical Communications technology, lays the groundwork for high-speed data links essential for future human missions to the Red Planet. Launched in 2023, Psyche is set to study the metallic asteroid 16 Psyche, with operations beginning in 2029. The spacecraft utilizes a laser transceiver to communicate with ground stations, including Caltech’s Palomar Observatory, which decodes the faint signals. This technology, which has shown data rates comparable to household broadband, could enable real-time video streaming from Mars, enhancing exploration capabilities. NASA officials emphasize that these advancements are crucial for the future of space exploration, paving the way for a new era of discovery.
Published: Sep 24 2025, 10 pmeznews.inA recent study has revealed that the interstellar comet 3I/Atlas is "anomalously massive," weighing approximately 33 billion tons, significantly more than its predecessors, ‘Oumuamua and Comet Borisov. Discovered on July 1, 2025, 3I/Atlas is moving through the Solar System at nearly double the speed of previous interstellar visitors and features a nucleus estimated to be 5.6 kilometers in diameter. Researchers from Harvard analyzed data from 227 observatories, noting that the comet's non-gravitational acceleration was minimal, suggesting a dense nucleus that resists acceleration changes due to outgassing. This raises questions about the rarity of such massive interstellar objects, with astronomer Avi Loeb speculating on the possibility of an alien origin, although NASA has emphasized that the evidence strongly supports its classification as a natural comet. Observations of 3I/Atlas will continue, with potential insights expected from the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter in October 2025.
Published: Sep 25 2025, 8 pmeznews.inIn a remarkable cosmic event, a coronal mass ejection (CME) from the Sun is set to collide with the interstellar comet 3I/Atlas, which was first detected by astronomers on July 1, 2025. This comet, traveling at nearly double the speed of previous interstellar visitors like ‘Oumuamua, is estimated to have a nucleus measuring around 5.6 kilometers and a mass exceeding 33 billion tons. As it approaches the Sun, the comet has been exhibiting outgassing, confirming its classification as a comet. NASA predicts that the CME will impact 3I/Atlas on September 25, 2025, potentially altering its tail but not its trajectory. While past interactions between comets and CMEs have shown temporary effects, astronomers are eager to observe the outcome of this rare encounter. However, they face a limited observation window as the comet will soon enter solar conjunction, obscuring it from view.
Published: Sep 25 2025, 10 pmeznews.inBlue Babe, a steppe bison (Bison priscus), lived 50,000 years ago in Ice Age Alaska before being killed by a lion. Its remarkably preserved remains were discovered by gold miners in 1979, making it the only known Pleistocene bison retrieved from permafrost. Researchers, led by palaeontologist Dale Guthrie, later prepared a unique dinner featuring a stew made from a small portion of Blue Babe's neck, which had been well-preserved and resembled beef jerky. The stew, seasoned with vegetables and spices, was described as having a "strong Pleistocene aroma." Despite the ancient origins, the taste was deemed delicious, and those who partook in the meal reported no adverse effects. The bison's abdomen, however, had spoiled before freezing, highlighting the challenges of ancient preservation. This culinary experiment took place on April 6, 1984, celebrating the scientific significance of Blue Babe.
Published: Sep 28 2025, 6 pmeznews.inA new study led by Lukas Pezawas from the Medical University of Vienna suggests that blood biomarkers may soon aid in diagnosing clinical depression, a serious mood disorder affecting approximately 1 in 10 American adults. The research, published in *PLOS ONE*, highlights the role of serotonin, often dubbed the "happiness hormone," in mood regulation. Low serotonin levels are linked to depression, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly prescribed to enhance serotonin flow in the brain. Using functional MRI (fMRI), the team found a strong correlation between serotonin uptake in blood cells and the neural networks associated with depression. This groundbreaking finding indicates that a blood test could potentially diagnose depression, a prospect that has long eluded physicians. Pezawas expressed optimism that this diagnostic method could become a reality in the near future, improving treatment accuracy and patient outcomes.
Published: Sep 28 2025, 3 pmeznews.inA team of researchers led by Professor Alexander B. Niculescu at Indiana University School of Medicine has developed a groundbreaking RNA biomarker blood test capable of assessing the severity of depression and predicting the risk of developing severe depression or bipolar disorder. This innovative test builds on previous work identifying blood biomarkers linked to suicidality and post-traumatic stress disorder. Over four years and involving more than 300 participants, the team identified 26 key biomarkers that correlate with mood changes, enabling tailored treatment plans. Niculescu emphasized the importance of transitioning psychiatry into a more precise, 21st-century practice akin to oncology, aiming to enhance patient outcomes. The study also revealed connections between circadian rhythm genes and mood disorders, shedding light on seasonal symptom variations. As blood biomarkers gain traction in medical diagnostics, this research marks a significant advancement towards integrating objective assessments in mental health care.
Published: Sep 28 2025, 3 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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