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A groundbreaking study from New York University (NYU) has revealed that learning and memory may extend beyond the brain, with evidence of a phenomenon known as the massed-space effect occurring in non-neuronal cells. Co-led by Clinical Associate Professor Nikolay Kukushkin, the research, published in November 2024, demonstrated that kidney and neuroblastoma cells can store and respond to information patterns similarly to brain cells. By simulating experiences through specific signals, the team found that short, spaced signals elicited a stronger response from a memory-associated gene than a single long signal. This discovery suggests that all cells in the body could be involved in monitoring and responding to various stimuli, potentially leading to innovative approaches in fields like cancer treatment and nutrition. The researchers plan to further explore cellular memory in whole organisms, such as sea slugs, to deepen our understanding of this phenomenon. 
Published: Jun 03 2025, 8 pmeznews.inWhen learning a new language, many learners feel overwhelmed by the rapid speech of native speakers, leading to the impression that some languages are inherently "faster." Research indicates that the speed of speech can vary significantly, with a 2011 study from the University of Lyon ranking Japanese as the fastest language at 7.84 syllables per second, closely followed by Spanish. However, a 2019 study from the same institution revealed that while Japanese speakers produce syllables quickly, the language conveys less information per syllable compared to others like English. This suggests a trade-off between speed and information density, with "information-light" languages spoken faster. Critics argue that the evidence for significant tempo differences is inconclusive, and many studies have focused primarily on European and East Asian languages, overlooking the vast diversity of global languages. Thus, while some languages may appear faster, the reality is more complex.
Published: Jun 05 2025, 2 pmeznews.inIn the Northern Hemisphere, the North Star, Polaris, serves as a reliable navigation aid, located just one degree from the geographic North Pole. Conversely, the Southern Hemisphere lacks a prominent pole star, relying instead on the Southern Cross for orientation. For those unable to identify stars, the Moon can provide some guidance. When the Moon is in a crescent phase, one can draw an imaginary line from the crescent's top to its bottom, extending it to the horizon to find due south in the Northern Hemisphere and north in the Southern Hemisphere. This method works because the Moon's bright side indicates the Sun's position. Alternatively, during a bright or full Moon, the "shadow stick" method can be employed, where a stick's shadow is marked over time to establish an east-west line. However, these techniques are less precise than modern navigation tools like compasses or GPS.
Published: Jun 04 2025, 1 ameznews.inA recent study has revealed the remarkable navigation abilities of harbor seals (_Phoca vitulina_) in low-visibility ocean conditions. Researchers aimed to understand whether these seals rely on their vision or other senses, such as their whiskers, to determine their direction in murky waters filled with particles like sand and phytoplankton. To investigate, they created three computer simulations that mimicked different underwater environments, allowing seals named Nick, Luca, and Miro to indicate their perceived movement direction by tapping a red ball. While Nick and Luca adapted quickly, Miro took longer to learn the task but eventually matched their performance. The seals demonstrated a good degree of accuracy in determining their heading, although not as proficient as humans or rhesus macaques. The study, published in *The Journal of Experimental Biology*, highlights the seals' ability to utilize optic flow patterns to navigate, with plans for future research on how they cope with drifting particles in sea currents.
Published: Jun 02 2025, 8 pmeznews.inA new genetic analysis of ancient teeth has challenged the long-held belief that Native Americans descended from the Jōmon people of Japan, who lived from around 14,000 to 300 BCE. Previously, archaeological evidence suggested that the First Peoples arrived in North America from Japan approximately 15,000 years ago, using the Bering Land Bridge. However, a study published in *PaleoAmerica* led by Professor Richard Scott from the University of Nevada-Reno found minimal genetic links between Native Americans and the Jōmon population. Only 7% of Jōmon teeth samples were associated with non-Arctic Native Americans, indicating a likely origin from Siberia instead. Additionally, recent discoveries of ancient human footprints in New Mexico, dating back 23,000 to 21,000 years, suggest that humans migrated to the Americas much earlier than previously thought. This evidence further undermines the theory of a Japanese origin for Native Americans, pointing instead to a Siberian ancestry.
Published: Jun 04 2025, 4 ameznews.inA recent exploration into men's concerns about penis size reveals a widespread anxiety that often overshadows reality. Despite studies indicating that the average erect penis measures around 5.16 inches, many men perceive themselves as below average, with two-thirds expressing dissatisfaction with their size. This phenomenon, termed "small penis syndrome," is not necessarily linked to actual size but rather to societal pressures and self-perception. Experts suggest that media portrayals and unrealistic standards contribute to these feelings, with many men desiring sizes far beyond the average. Urologists warn against surgical interventions, advocating instead for better education and understanding of what constitutes a normal size. The consensus among specialists is that most men fall within a similar size range, and addressing these misconceptions could alleviate unnecessary anxiety. As one expert noted, "the amount of variation for about 85 or 90 percent of the male population for penis size is all centered around pretty much the same number."
Published: Jun 04 2025, 6 ameznews.inA mysterious metallic orb has been discovered in Mexico, sparking speculation about its origins, including theories of extraterrestrial involvement. The orb, described by meteorologist Isidro Cano as potentially made of a hard plastic or metal alloy, was found atop a tree near Veracruz after witnesses reported it falling from the sky with a noise but no fire. Cano warned the public to avoid the object, citing concerns about possible radioactivity and noting a code inscribed on its surface. He suggested that the orb might open on its own to reveal valuable information. On Monday, a specialized team removed the orb for further examination. While some speculate it could be alien technology, more plausible explanations include a weather balloon or space debris, particularly following the recent re-entry of China's Long March 5B rocket, which has also left remnants in various locations around the world.
Published: Jun 01 2025, 6 pmeznews.inA viral claim suggests a fascinating coincidence: the latitude of the Great Pyramid of Giza, 29.9792458°N, matches the speed of light at 299,792,458 meters per second. While both figures are accurate, experts confirm this is merely coincidental. The Ancient Egyptians, who constructed the pyramids, did not measure distances in meters, as the metric system was established long after their time. Instead, they used cubits, which would translate the speed of light to approximately 571,033,253 cubits per second. Furthermore, the Egyptians did not navigate using modern latitude and longitude systems. Thus, while the numerical alignment may seem intriguing, it lacks historical significance, reinforcing that it is simply a coincidence rather than evidence of advanced ancient knowledge.
Published: Jun 05 2025, 10 ameznews.inIn a groundbreaking conservation effort, two Yangtze finless porpoises have been successfully returned to the wild for the first time, raising hopes for the critically endangered species. Known for their distinctive "smiley" faces, these freshwater porpoises have seen their population plummet due to habitat degradation and fishing entanglements, with estimates suggesting only around 595 remain in the Yangtze River. Captured from a non-native area, the two males underwent health checks and acclimatization in a protected section of the river before their release on April 25, 2023. Remarkably, within three days, they integrated with local porpoises, indicating a successful adaptation. Researchers from the Institute of Hydrobiology emphasized the significance of this project for both the species and the broader Yangtze ecosystem, which is vital for biodiversity and human communities. The findings are detailed in the journal *Biology Letters*.
Published: Jun 05 2025, 6 ameznews.inGroundwater depletion in the Colorado River Basin is accelerating at an alarming rate, threatening the water supply for approximately 40 million Americans. A recent study led by Arizona State University researchers reveals that since 2003, the region has lost around 42.5 cubic kilometers of groundwater—equivalent to 12 trillion gallons—at a rate 2.4 times faster than surface water depletion. This crisis is largely driven by agricultural demands, with 80% of water withdrawals attributed to farming, particularly for water-intensive crops. Climate change exacerbates the situation, contributing to prolonged droughts and increased evaporation. While some regions are beginning to regulate groundwater use, much of it remains unprotected, raising concerns about sustainability. Experts warn that without significant changes in water management practices, the situation will worsen, jeopardizing both local communities and broader agricultural markets. The study underscores the urgent need for a reevaluation of water policies in the face of ongoing climate challenges.
Published: Jun 05 2025, 8 ameznews.inResearch into dinosaur reproduction reveals that these ancient creatures laid numerous eggs, often in large clutches, to counteract the high mortality rates of their young. Palaeoartist Jay Balamurugan notes that juvenile dinosaurs faced numerous dangers, leading to a survival strategy of producing many offspring, similar to modern baby sea turtles. For instance, theropods like _Allosaurus_ typically laid 10 to 20 eggs and exhibited protective behaviors, while larger sauropods may have laid up to 100 eggs with minimal parental care. Evidence suggests some dinosaurs, such as sauropods, used natural heat sources like volcanic activity to incubate their eggs. Interestingly, while some species displayed nurturing behaviors, others, like titanosaurs, showed little interest in their offspring, leaving them to fend for themselves shortly after hatching. This complex interplay of reproductive strategies highlights the diverse parenting practices of dinosaurs, shaped by their environments and evolutionary pressures.
Published: Jun 05 2025, 1 amFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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