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In 1985, Dr. Helena Greenwood, a British biochemist, was murdered in her California home, a crime that remained unsolved for 14 years. The breakthrough came when advancements in DNA fingerprinting, a technology Greenwood had championed, were applied to her case. After being assaulted by David Frediani, a man with a history of violent crimes, Greenwood reported the incident, but initial investigations failed to identify a suspect. Following her tragic death, the case was reopened in 1999 as part of a project to utilize new DNA techniques on cold cases. Forensic analysis of genetic material found under Greenwood's fingernails ultimately linked Frediani to the murder, leading to his conviction in 1999. Prosecutor Valerie Summers noted that without DNA advancements, the case might have remained unprosecuted, highlighting the profound impact of scientific progress on justice. 
Published: Mar 30 2025, 5 ameznews.inThe concept of a "meat tax" is gaining traction as a potential measure to combat climate change and improve public health, despite facing significant opposition from meat lovers and industry stakeholders. Research indicates that livestock farming contributes 11-17% of global greenhouse gas emissions and is linked to health risks such as heart disease and cancer. A proposed levy on meat consumption could reduce intake, similar to successful sugar taxes in places like Berkeley, California, which saw a 9.6% drop in sugary drink sales. Studies suggest a meat tax could prevent over 220,000 deaths globally and save $40 billion in healthcare costs, while also cutting carbon emissions by up to 1.1 billion tons annually. Although concerns about economic impact and consumer rights persist, experts argue that a well-designed tax could alleviate burdens on low-income families and that public support may grow with effective communication about its benefits.
Published: Apr 01 2025, 8 pmeznews.inA new plant species, _Thismia aliasii_, has been discovered in eastern Peninsular Malaysia, and researchers have classified it as critically endangered. This unique addition to the _Thismia_ genus, known for its non-photosynthetic, mycoheterotrophic nature, was first identified by co-author Mohamad Alias Shakri during a 2019 expedition in Terengganu’s Chemerong Forest Eco Park. The plant, characterized by its striking light to dark orange flowers, relies on fungi for nutrients and is typically pollinated by small insects. Despite extensive surveys, only five specimens were found at two locations, prompting concerns over habitat degradation from increased hiking in the area. The discovery highlights the ecological significance of Terengganu, already recognized as a hotspot for _Thismia_ species. The findings are detailed in a study published in the journal PhytoKeys.
Published: Apr 01 2025, 10 pmeznews.inA new interactive quiz on Playbuzz challenges participants to identify various objects as seen through a microscope, highlighting the often bizarre and unfamiliar nature of the microscopic world. The quiz invites users to engage with images that may be difficult to recognize due to their minute scale, prompting a fun exploration of everyday items that appear drastically different under magnification. This engaging activity not only tests one’s observational skills but also serves as an educational tool, shedding light on the intricate details of objects that are typically overlooked in daily life. As the fascination with microscopic phenomena continues to grow, this quiz offers a unique opportunity for individuals to connect with science in an entertaining way.
Published: Apr 01 2025, 11 pmeznews.inProlonged exposure to microgravity poses significant challenges to human physiology, particularly in bone density and muscle mass. NASA estimates that weight-bearing bones lose at least 1% of their density for every month spent in space, while muscle mass can decrease by 20% in less than two weeks. Recent research involving female mice aboard the International Space Station (ISS) for 37 days has shed light on the specific sites of bone loss, revealing that weight-loaded bones like the femur experience greater deterioration compared to others, such as the spine. This study, published in PLOS One, indicates that microgravity, rather than radiation, drives these changes, as osteoclasts—cells that break down bone—are more active in space. Interestingly, some bones, including cranial and mandible bones, may even become denser, potentially due to increased blood pressure in the upper body during the initial days of orbit. Understanding these effects is crucial for future long-duration space missions.
Published: Apr 01 2025, 8 pmeznews.inScuba divers have provided scientists with 13 film clips and three detailed descriptions of coral reef fish, particularly the black spot tusk fish, using rocks as anvils to crack open hard-shelled prey. This groundbreaking study, led by Professor Culum Brown of Macquarie University, challenges the long-held belief that fish lack the intelligence to use tools. The research reveals that tool use among fish is more widespread than previously thought, with five species documented, three of which are new to science. Lead author Dr. Juliette Tariel-Adam emphasized that this behavior indicates fish possess greater cognitive abilities than recognized. The study raises questions about whether this tool use is innate or learned, with ongoing research exploring the social learning aspects among wrasse. The findings, published in *Coral Reefs*, invite further contributions from the public to expand understanding of fish intelligence and tool use.
Published: Mar 31 2025, 9 pmeznews.inChina has announced a significant oil discovery in the South China Sea, with the state-owned China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) revealing that the Huizhou 19-6 oilfield contains over 100 million tons of proven reserves. Located approximately 170 kilometers off the coast of Shenzhen, the site was drilled to a depth of 5,415 meters, yielding 413 barrels of crude oil and 2.41 million cubic feet of natural gas per day from its test well. This discovery comes amid ongoing territorial disputes in the resource-rich South China Sea, where multiple nations, including Vietnam and the Philippines, assert competing claims. While the find bolsters China's energy security, it raises environmental concerns regarding the risks of deep-sea drilling and its implications for global climate commitments, as the country aims for carbon neutrality by 2060. The impact of this discovery on regional tensions and energy stability remains to be seen.
Published: Apr 01 2025, 8 pmeznews.inA recent study sheds light on the evolutionary origins of the anus, suggesting it may have evolved from a sperm-releasing orifice. Researchers examined the marine worm *Xenoturbella bocki*, which possesses a single opening for both food intake and waste expulsion, akin to jellyfish. The study posits that the male gonopore, through which sperm is released, shares a developmental relationship with the anal opening in more complex organisms. By analyzing gene expression patterns, scientists found that genes associated with the hindgut are also present around the male gonopore, indicating a potential evolutionary link. While the exact pathway remains debated, the findings suggest that the anus may have originated from a structure initially used for reproduction. This research, which has yet to undergo peer review, adds a new dimension to our understanding of animal evolution and the development of digestive systems.
Published: Apr 01 2025, 9 pmeznews.inOver the past few centuries, the global human population has surged from one billion in 1804 to seven billion by 2017, raising fears of potential famine due to resource scarcity. While some theorists, like the Malthusians, predicted that population growth would self-correct through mass deaths, advancements in agriculture have enabled food production sufficient to sustain 10 billion people. However, distribution issues have led to starvation. In the 1970s, researcher John B. Calhoun conducted a controversial experiment with mice in a "utopia" where all needs were met, leading to a breakdown in social structures and violent behaviors, ultimately resulting in extinction despite ample resources. Calhoun's findings, termed "behavioral sink," suggest that without fulfilling social roles, populations may collapse. While his conclusions resonated with concerns about urban overcrowding, recent critiques argue that the experiment's design may not accurately reflect human societal dynamics, emphasizing the importance of resource control over mere availability.
Published: Mar 31 2025, 9 pmeznews.inQuantum computing firm D-Wave has announced it has achieved "quantum supremacy" by solving a complex magnetic materials simulation more efficiently than traditional supercomputers, claiming this task would take nearly one million years on conventional systems. Using their Advantage2 prototype, D-Wave's researchers assert that the insights gained could enhance materials in various fields, including superconductors and medical imaging. CEO Dr. Alan Baratz hailed the achievement as a significant milestone for quantum computing, distinguishing it from previous claims that lacked practical applications. However, skepticism remains, with some experts arguing that classical computers can achieve similar results. Dries Sels from New York University noted that his team had performed comparable calculations on a conventional laptop. In response, D-Wave's Dr. Andrew King emphasized the breadth and depth of their simulations. The findings are detailed in a study published in the journal Science, highlighting the growing impact of quantum technology.
Published: Apr 01 2025, 3 ameznews.inSince January 20, the Trump administration, alongside figures like Elon Musk, has faced criticism for its ongoing attacks on scientific knowledge and institutions, prompting a response from over 1,900 researchers. These signatories, affiliated with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, have issued an open letter urging the public to recognize the dangers posed by these actions, which they argue threaten independent scientific inquiry and the integrity of higher education. The letter highlights the administration's investigations into more than 50 universities and its use of executive orders to undermine scientific freedom, including cuts to vital services at agencies like NOAA. Additionally, controversial policies have emerged, such as the cancellation of flu vaccine preparation meetings and attempts to link vaccines to autism. The researchers call for public support to protect the nation's scientific enterprise, emphasizing that the consequences of its destruction would affect everyone.
Published: Apr 01 2025, 6 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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