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In a thought-provoking exploration of mortality, neuroscientist Dr. Ariel Zeleznikow-Johnston argues that the desire for life persists even in the face of death, with around 70% of terminally ill patients expressing a strong will to live. His new book, *The Future Loves You: How And Why We Should Abolish Death*, posits that advancements in brain preservation could allow us to indefinitely delay death by capturing and storing an individual's unique connectome—the intricate network of neural connections that define their memories and personality. Zeleznikow-Johnston highlights that while opinions among neuroscientists vary on the feasibility of this concept, a significant portion believes in its potential. He introduces the idea of "information-theoretic death," suggesting that if a person's connectome can be retrieved post-mortem, they may not be truly dead. This radical notion raises profound questions about the future of life, death, and identity in an age of technological advancement. 
Published: Jan 02 2025, 4 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 ameznews.inThe Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR), located in deep underground caverns in Texas and Louisiana, currently holds 396.4 million barrels of crude oil, with a maximum capacity of 714 million barrels. Established after the 1973 energy crisis to protect against supply disruptions, the SPR serves as a crucial tool in U.S. energy security and geopolitics. Managed by the Department of Energy, it allows for the release of oil to stabilize domestic prices or support international allies, as seen in the coordinated release of 60 million barrels in March 2022 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. However, the SPR faces criticism for inefficiencies and potential political misuse, particularly regarding emergency releases aimed at influencing voter sentiment. As global energy dynamics shift, experts are calling for a reevaluation of the SPR's role and effectiveness in contemporary energy policy.
Published: Apr 03 2025, 7 ameznews.inIn a remarkable turn of events, DNA analysis confirmed the rediscovery of Fagilde’s trapdoor spider (_Nemesia berlandi_) in a Portuguese village, 92 years after it was last seen. First described in 1931, the species had seemingly vanished from existence until an expedition team, led by the Global Center for Species Survival at the Indianapolis Zoo, stumbled upon it beneath a rock. This significant find marks the 12th species to be rediscovered as part of Re:wild’s Search for Lost Species initiative, launched in 2017. Sérgio Henriques, the Invertebrate Conservation Coordinator at the zoo, shared insights into the extensive efforts required to locate such elusive creatures. The rediscovery not only highlights the importance of conservation efforts but also raises questions about the methods used in tracking down lost species. For more details, listeners can tune into the related podcast available on various platforms.
Published: Apr 03 2025, 5 ameznews.inUranus, often overlooked by NASA, has been explored by a probe only once, with Voyager 2 providing stunning images of the ice giant. However, the Hubble Space Telescope has been diligently monitoring the planet from 2002 to 2022, revealing insights into its complex atmosphere as it orbits the Sun over 84 Earth years. Unique for its extreme axial tilt of 97.77 degrees, likely due to a past collision, Uranus experiences prolonged seasons, with one pole basking in sunlight for nearly a quarter of its year while the other endures a 21-year winter. Recent observations indicate that methane, which gives Uranus its teal hue, is unevenly distributed, particularly depleted at the poles. As the planet approaches its summer solstice in 2030, changes in aerosol and haze structures have been noted, highlighting the influence of solar radiation on its atmospheric dynamics. Observations will continue as Uranus transitions through its seasons.
Published: Apr 01 2025, 10 pmeznews.inA recent study has revealed nine rivers and lakes in the Americas that defy traditional hydrological principles, showcasing unique bifurcations where waterways split into multiple channels without returning to the main flow. Notable examples include the Echimamish River in Canada, which flows in both directions due to its flat terrain and beaver dams, and the Casiquiare River in Venezuela, which connects the Orinoco and Amazon Basins, described as a "hydrologic equivalent of a wormhole." Other intriguing cases include the Wayambo River in Suriname, which can flow either east or west depending on rainfall, and North Two Ocean Creek in Wyoming, allowing fish to migrate between the Atlantic and Pacific watersheds. The study emphasizes the diversity of these hydrological anomalies, highlighting the need for further exploration of Earth's complex water systems. The findings are published in the journal *Water Resources Research*.
Published: Apr 02 2025, 8 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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