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China is poised to explore the Earth's mantle with its newly launched drilling ship, _Meng Xiang_, which translates to "dream." Officially entering service in November 2024, the vessel can drill up to 11 kilometers (6.8 miles) beneath the seabed, surpassing the capabilities of Japan's _Chikyū_ and the now-scrapped US ship _JOIDES Resolution_. Measuring 179.8 meters (589 feet), _Meng Xiang_ can operate independently for 120 days and supports a crew of 180, alongside nine laboratories focused on various scientific disciplines. This ambitious mission aims to unlock secrets of the Earth's interior, enhancing our understanding of plate tectonics and oceanic crust evolution. Xu Zhenqiang, director of the China Geological Survey, emphasized the potential for groundbreaking discoveries that could reshape our knowledge of geology and marine life. The project also signifies China's ascent as a scientific superpower, challenging the US's historical dominance in oceanic research. 
Published: Mar 14 2025, 9 pmeznews.inA recent study utilizing the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has revealed an unexpected pattern in the rotation of galaxies from the early universe, suggesting that we may be inside a black hole. Researchers from Kansas State University analyzed images of 263 galaxies, finding that 60% rotated clockwise and 40% counterclockwise, a discrepancy that contradicts current cosmological models which predict no preferred rotation direction. This observation raises questions about the universe's structure, with some theories proposing that it may have been born rotating, aligning with black hole cosmology. Alternatively, the findings could be influenced by the Doppler effect, which might make certain galaxies appear brighter based on their rotation relative to the Milky Way. While the study opens new avenues for understanding cosmic evolution, further observations are necessary to validate these claims and refine our understanding of the universe's dynamics. The research is published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.
Published: Mar 13 2025, 6 pmeznews.inA recent study has raised concerns about microplastics potentially entering the human bloodstream through intravenous (IV) infusion bags. Researchers found that two brands of saline solution contained tiny particles of polypropylene, the material from which the bags are made, suggesting that microplastics can leach into the fluids administered during medical treatments. Each IV bag could transfer approximately 7,500 particles into a patient's bloodstream, with multiple infusions potentially leading to significant accumulation. While the health implications of microplastics in the body remain unclear, the study highlights a direct pathway for these particles to enter the bloodstream, prompting calls for further investigation and potential filtering solutions before administration. Despite growing awareness of microplastics' environmental impact, the study underscores the need for more research into their effects on human health, as experts caution that the full extent of the risks is still not well understood.
Published: Mar 14 2025, 2 ameznews.inAs the global community seeks sustainable alternatives to traditional livestock, a new study suggests that giant pythons could offer a viable solution. Researchers from Macquarie University and the University of Oxford found that python farming, already established in parts of Asia, is both efficient and environmentally friendly. Pythons grow rapidly, reaching maturity in three years and producing up to 100 eggs annually for two decades. They require minimal food and water, thriving on a diet of wild-caught rodents and agricultural waste, while generating fewer greenhouse gases than warm-blooded livestock. The study highlights the potential for python farming to address food insecurity in low-income countries, although experts caution that widespread adoption in Western nations remains unlikely. The findings, published in *Scientific Reports*, underscore the need for innovative approaches to meet the challenges posed by climate change and resource scarcity.
Published: Mar 17 2025, 2 ameznews.inFlat-Earthers continue to promote their unconventional theories, often resorting to dubious experiments to support their claims. Recently, a Reddit post by Greg Pagel gained traction as he tackled the popular flat-Earther argument that a flat horizon indicates a flat Earth. Pagel analyzed the horizon from his coastal hometown, calculating that the curvature of the Earth over a distance of 13.5 kilometers should yield an arc of approximately 0.12 degrees—too subtle to perceive with the naked eye. He emphasized that the horizon appears flat not because the Earth is a disc, but due to its immense size. Critics quickly pointed out that the existence of satellite images from space, such as those from Google Earth, contradicts flat-Earth claims. Additionally, the phenomenon of boats disappearing hull-first over the horizon further illustrates the Earth's curvature, reinforcing the scientific consensus on the planet's shape.
Published: Mar 17 2025, 2 ameznews.inWhile seashells may appear to be harmless souvenirs from beach trips, experts warn against collecting them due to their vital role in coastal ecosystems. A 2014 study revealed that the removal of seashells from beaches causes significant damage to marine life that depends on them for habitat and resources. Shells provide essential functions, such as stabilizing beaches and serving as homes for various organisms, including hermit crabs and algae. Researchers observed a 60% decline in seashells on Llarga Beach, attributing this to increased tourist activity. Michal Kowalewski, the study's lead author, emphasized the need to understand the subtle impacts of tourism on shorelines. Additionally, collecting seashells can be illegal; in the UK, the Coastal Protection Act prohibits taking natural materials from public beaches, while in the US, certain protected species can lead to legal repercussions, as demonstrated by a Florida woman jailed for taking live queen conch shells.
Published: Mar 17 2025, 3 ameznews.inThe US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is set to conduct a significant study investigating the alleged link between vaccines and autism, despite extensive research debunking this myth. Vaccines have been credited with saving approximately 154 million lives over the past 50 years, with the measles vaccine being the most impactful. The skepticism surrounding vaccines largely stems from a discredited 1998 study by Andrew Wakefield, which falsely claimed a connection between the MMR vaccine and autism. This study was retracted due to ethical violations and scientific fraud. Despite numerous large-scale studies consistently finding no link between vaccines and autism, the CDC's new research initiative has been prompted by rising autism diagnoses, which experts attribute to improved diagnostic practices. Critics warn that questioning vaccine safety could have dire public health consequences, especially as measles cases rise in the US. The implications of this new research remain to be seen.
Published: Mar 13 2025, 1 ameznews.inMarie Curie, celebrated for her groundbreaking research on radioactivity, remains a pivotal figure in science, having won two Nobel Prizes and earning the title of the "mother of modern physics." Alongside her husband Pierre, she discovered the radioactive elements polonium and radium in 1898, which contributed to her Nobel Prize in Physics in 1903. Curie's subsequent Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1911 recognized her isolation of pure radium, significantly advancing cancer treatment. However, her relentless work with radioactive materials led to her death from aplastic anemia in 1934, a condition linked to radiation exposure. Curie's remains were so radioactive that she was interred in a lead-lined coffin, a fact only revealed after her exhumation in 1995. Today, many of her personal belongings, including laboratory notes, remain highly radioactive, stored under strict safety measures, serving as a lasting testament to her extraordinary yet hazardous legacy.
Published: Mar 14 2025, 10 pmeznews.inA tragic case has emerged from Belgium, where a 20-year-old student died after consuming five-day-old pasta that had been left at room temperature. The student, who prepared meals weekly to save time, reheated the spaghetti and attributed its odd taste to a new tomato sauce before heading out to play sports. Within half an hour, he experienced severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting but chose not to seek medical help. His parents found him unresponsive the next morning, and an autopsy revealed liver necrosis and signs of acute pancreatitis. Tests confirmed the presence of *Bacillus cereus*, a bacteria linked to food poisoning, in both the pasta and sauce. This incident highlights the dangers of improper food storage, as *Bacillus cereus* poisoning is a common risk associated with improperly stored meals, with previous cases resulting in severe illness and even death.
Published: Mar 14 2025, 7 ameznews.inA comprehensive study conducted by Swiss physicians, examining the vulvas of 657 women aged 15 to 84, has confirmed that there is no "normal" appearance for female genitalia, a finding that challenges widespread insecurities among women. The research, published in the journal BJOG, highlights significant variations in vulva size, with outer labia lengths ranging from 12 to 180 millimeters. This study is particularly relevant as previous surveys indicated that a high percentage of women express anxiety about their genital appearance, often leading to an increase in cosmetic procedures like labiaplasty. The authors emphasize that the diversity of vulvar morphology should serve as a reference for healthcare providers to reassure patients. However, the study's limitation lies in its focus on Caucasian participants, suggesting that including a broader demographic could reveal even greater variation. The findings aim to combat societal taboos surrounding female anatomy and promote body positivity.
Published: Mar 14 2025, 3 pmeznews.inA comprehensive study analyzing penis sizes from 1942 to 2021 has revealed a notable increase in average erect penis length over the past 30 years, while flaccid lengths remained unchanged. The meta-analysis, which included data from 55,761 males globally, found that erect length rose by 24 percent, from 12.3 centimeters (4.8 inches) to 15.2 centimeters (6 inches). Lead researcher Michael Eisenberg from Stanford Medicine suggested that this increase may be linked to environmental factors, such as chemical exposure that disrupts hormonal systems, rather than a decline in reproductive health, which has been observed in other studies. The research, published in the World Journal of Men's Health, emphasizes the need for further investigation into these findings, as the rapid changes could indicate significant underlying shifts in male physiology. The study's methodology focused on measurements taken by investigators, excluding self-reported data to ensure accuracy.
Published: Mar 12 2025, 10 amFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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