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The Statue of Liberty, an iconic symbol of freedom, was originally a shiny copper color when it was gifted to the United States by France in 1885. Over the years, chemical reactions transformed its appearance, leading to the distinctive blue-green hue known as "verdigris." According to a video by the American Chemical Society, the statue's color change began with copper reacting with oxygen, forming various minerals before finally turning green due to a combination of sulfuric acid and chloride from sea spray. This green patina has stabilized over the past century, preserving the underlying bronze. Recently, discussions on social media have sparked interest in restoring the statue to its original color, but past proposals have faced public backlash, as many have grown fond of its current appearance. Restoring the statue would inevitably lead to a repeat of the chemical processes that created its iconic color. 
Published: Dec 23 2024, 6 ameznews.inAs people age, a notable shift in sleep patterns occurs, with older adults tending to wake up earlier than their younger counterparts. This phenomenon is attributed to natural changes in the brain and eyes. Experts suggest that the brain's responsiveness diminishes with age, leading to a reduced ability to process external cues such as light and social signals, which are crucial for regulating sleep-wake cycles. Additionally, age-related vision changes, including conditions like cataracts, can further impact the brain's perception of daylight, causing melatonin levels to rise prematurely and prompting earlier bedtimes. Consequently, while younger individuals may identify as night owls, the aging process often results in a natural inclination towards earlier sleep and wake times, reflecting a broader trend in sleep behavior among older adults.
Published: Dec 23 2024, 10 ameznews.inScientists have made a groundbreaking discovery by observing a new isotope of oxygen, known as oxygen-28, which contains 20 neutrons. This finding, achieved at the Radioactive Isotope Beam Factory, challenges existing nuclear physics theories regarding "magic numbers"—specific numbers of protons or neutrons that confer stability to an atom. While oxygen-28 was expected to be a "doubly magic" isotope due to its configuration, it unexpectedly decayed into another isotope, suggesting that the nuclear shell may not be filled as previously thought. This instability raises questions about the validity of 20 as a magic number, a concept also seen in isotopes of neon, sodium, and magnesium. The researchers propose that further studies, particularly observing the nucleus in higher-energy states, could provide insights into this phenomenon. The findings are detailed in a study published in *Nature*.
Published: Dec 23 2024, 11 ameznews.inA highly controversial 2020 study claiming that hydroxychloroquine could effectively treat COVID-19 has been retracted, marking it as the most-cited COVID-related paper to face such action. Published in the International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents, the study involved just 36 participants and suggested that the drug, often used for malaria, significantly reduced viral load in COVID-19 patients, especially when combined with azithromycin. However, the research faced immediate scrutiny due to its small sample size, rapid publication timeline, and methodological flaws, including the removal of patients from the final dataset. Despite subsequent studies disproving hydroxychloroquine's efficacy, the initial hype, fueled by figures like former President Donald Trump, led to widespread stockpiling of the drug. The retraction, prompted by ongoing criticism and ethical concerns, has reignited discussions about the scientific integrity of the work led by senior author Didier Raoult.
Published: Dec 20 2024, 1 ameznews.inTo enhance your Wi-Fi signal, it's crucial to consider the placement of your router in relation to certain household items. Objects such as fish tanks, mirrors, microwaves, large furniture, cordless phones, Bluetooth devices, and other electronic gadgets can significantly disrupt the router's signal. Water containers absorb radio frequencies, while mirrors can deflect signals, creating dead zones. Microwaves operate on the same frequency as Wi-Fi, causing interference when in use. Additionally, cordless phones and Bluetooth devices can compete for bandwidth, leading to sluggish connections. To optimize your Wi-Fi experience, ensure your router is positioned away from these potential obstacles, allowing for a clearer signal path. Simple adjustments in your home layout can lead to a noticeable improvement in connectivity, making your online activities smoother and more efficient.
Published: Dec 23 2024, 9 ameznews.inThe critically endangered Sombrero ground lizard (_Pholidoscelis corvinus_), once teetering on the brink of extinction with fewer than 100 individuals in 2018, has made a remarkable recovery, with its population now exceeding 1,600. This resurgence is attributed to dedicated conservation efforts by the Anguilla National Trust, Fauna & Flora, and Re:wild, who have worked tirelessly to remove invasive species and restore the lizard's habitat on the tiny Caribbean island of Sombrero, located 54 kilometers off Anguilla. Despite the encouraging growth, experts caution that the species remains critically endangered, highlighting the ongoing need for conservation initiatives. "This recovery is a beacon of hope," said Justin Springer from Re:wild, emphasizing that with concerted efforts, nature can rebound. The island, part of a marine reserve, is vital for biodiversity, hosting numerous rare species found nowhere else.
Published: Dec 21 2024, 12 pmeznews.inAstronomers from the University of Georgia, Athens, propose a refined approach to the search for extraterrestrial life by focusing on the "photosynthetic habitable zone" (PHZ), a subset of the broader habitable zone around stars. While many planets have been identified within these habitable zones, the researchers argue that the search should prioritize planets capable of supporting life forms detectable from Earth, particularly those with atmospheres altered by biological processes. Their study identifies five rocky planets—Kepler-452 b, Kepler-1638 b, Kepler-1544 b, and Kepler-62 e and f—that consistently fall within the PHZ under various conditions. The authors caution that many known habitable zone planets are tidally locked, which may limit their habitability, and emphasize the need for targeted observations to maximize the efficiency of telescope time. This research highlights the importance of narrowing the search criteria in the quest for alien life.
Published: Dec 23 2024, 7 ameznews.inIn a chilling development, police in Tajueco, Spain, are investigating a potential murder case after Google Street View images appeared to show a man loading a human-like figure into a car. The investigation began in November 2023 when a 33-year-old man from nearby Soria was reported missing by his cousin, who became concerned after receiving strange WhatsApp messages from him. A month later, authorities discovered a decaying torso in a cemetery. Key evidence included Google Street View photos, which had not been updated in 15 years, showing the suspect loading what appeared to be a body into a vehicle and another image of a figure in a wheelbarrow. In November 2024, police arrested a woman linked to the victim and her ex-partner. While the Google Maps evidence was deemed useful, it was not the sole factor in the ongoing investigation. Both suspects remain in custody as inquiries continue.
Published: Dec 19 2024, 8 pmeznews.inIn a significant update, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has revised the definition of "healthy" food for the first time in 30 years, reflecting advancements in nutrition science and addressing rising diet-related diseases. The new criteria, which manufacturers must comply with by February 2028 to label their products as "healthy," maintain limits on saturated fat and sodium while introducing restrictions on added sugars and removing total fat limits. Instead of focusing on specific nutrients, the updated guidelines emphasize the inclusion of food groups such as fruits, vegetables, dairy, protein, and whole grains. This change aims to provide consumers with clearer information to make healthier dietary choices, as a significant portion of the US population exceeds recommended intake levels for saturated fat and sodium, both linked to cardiovascular disease. FDA Commissioner Dr. Robert M. Califf highlighted the importance of this initiative in promoting public health and combating chronic diseases through improved nutrition.
Published: Dec 22 2024, 12 pmeznews.inAs winter sets in, many find themselves battling common viruses that can leave them feeling unwell. Norovirus, often dubbed "winter vomiting disease," is highly contagious and causes severe vomiting and diarrhea, with symptoms lasting two to three days. The flu, a more serious viral infection, can lead to hospitalizations and is characterized by sudden onset, fever, and body aches; vaccination is recommended to reduce risks. COVID-19 symptoms can range from mild to severe, including loss of taste and shortness of breath, with self-isolation advised for those infected. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) poses a significant threat to infants and the elderly, leading to hospitalizations, while the common cold, caused by over 200 viruses, typically results in milder symptoms. Regardless of the illness, hand hygiene remains crucial to prevent spread. Always consult healthcare providers for persistent symptoms.
Published: Dec 23 2024, 12 amFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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