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The internet, once envisioned as an "information superhighway," has become a breeding ground for pseudoscience and anti-science beliefs, as highlighted in a recent paper. Pseudoscience, exemplified by practices like acupuncture, relies on the placebo effect rather than scientific evidence. On the other hand, anti-science movements, such as the anti-vax movement and Flat Earth conspiracy, outright reject scientific authority. While countering pseudoscience involves fact-checking and debunking, anti-science arguments are more resistant to rational arguments and may require a different approach. The key is to engage with these beliefs on their own terms, rather than trying to rationalize them out of existence. Ultimately, the rise of pseudoscience and anti-science poses a challenge to the dissemination of accurate information and highlights the importance of addressing these beliefs in a nuanced manner.
Published: Jul 15 2024, 6 pmeznews.inCalifornia has received regulatory approval to construct its first carbon capture plant in Kern County, aimed at absorbing up to 46 million tonnes of CO2 over its lifetime. The facility, to be built by California Resources Corp (CRC) at the Elk Hills Oil Field, will capture emissions from industrial sources and inject them into depleted oil reservoirs underground. CRC anticipates the plant will sequester over 1 million tonnes of CO2 annually, equivalent to the emissions of around 200,000 cars. While proponents argue that carbon capture is essential for achieving the state's carbon neutrality goal by 2045, critics express concerns about safety, potential leaks, and the risk of induced seismicity. Local opposition has emerged, with activists urging a focus on direct emission reduction strategies instead. CRC maintains that the technology has been safely implemented elsewhere and that thorough risk assessments have been conducted.
Published: Oct 29 2024, 9 pmeznews.inRecent studies highlight the alarming impact of accelerated ice melt in the North Atlantic on vital ocean currents, particularly the Gulf Stream system. Researchers warn that this melting could significantly slow or even halt the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), leading to severe climatic consequences. While one study suggests that a slowdown in AMOC might temporarily reduce Arctic warming, it would still result in a substantial temperature increase, with projections indicating an 8°C rise by 2100. This disruption could render parts of Northern Europe uninhabitable due to colder winters, while simultaneously exacerbating heat and flooding in other regions. The interconnectedness of ocean currents means that changes in the AMOC could trigger a cascade of global climate shifts, affecting ecosystems and weather patterns worldwide. Experts emphasize the urgent need for action to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions to prevent catastrophic outcomes.
Published: Oct 29 2024, 1 pmeznews.inDespite the widespread belief stemming from the biblical tale of Eve being created from Adam's rib, most humans are born with 24 ribs—12 on each side—regardless of gender. This misconception was notably challenged by 16th-century anatomist Andreas Vesalius in his seminal work, _On the Fabric of the Human Body_. Ribs serve to protect vital thoracic organs and facilitate breathing, with the first seven pairs classified as "true ribs" directly attached to the sternum. A small percentage of individuals may have more or fewer ribs due to conditions like cervical ribs, which can lead to complications such as thoracic outlet syndrome. Genetic mutations, particularly in _Hox_ genes, are believed to contribute to these variations. Additionally, some people opt for rib removal for cosmetic reasons, although this procedure carries significant risks.
Published: Oct 26 2024, 5 pmeznews.inThe predominance of white toilets in homes and public restrooms can be attributed to several factors, primarily hygiene, aesthetics, and manufacturing efficiency. White surfaces make dirt and stains more visible, facilitating easier cleaning, while the color also helps to create an illusion of space in typically small bathrooms. Most toilets are crafted from ceramic materials like porcelain or vitreous china, which are molded and fired at high temperatures, resulting in their characteristic white hue. This mass production of white toilets is not only cost-effective but also ensures a non-porous surface, crucial for maintaining cleanliness. While colorful toilets, such as those in the popular avocado and salmon shades of the 1970s, have seen a resurgence among younger homeowners, the classic white toilet remains the standard for its practicality and timeless appeal.
Published: Oct 29 2024, 2 pmeznews.inClimate scientists have issued a stark warning regarding the potential collapse of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), which could have catastrophic and possibly irreversible effects on global climate patterns. In an open letter to the Nordic Council of Ministers, 42 experts highlighted the AMOC's critical role in regulating temperatures across the North Atlantic and its vulnerability to tipping points, particularly in the Arctic region. Recent studies suggest that the AMOC is at risk of collapse within decades, contrary to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's (IPCC) assessment that it would not occur abruptly before 2100. The scientists caution that such a collapse could lead to severe cooling in Nordic countries, extreme weather events, and significant disruptions to ecosystems and agriculture in northwestern Europe. They emphasize the urgent need for policymakers to take action to prevent crossing these critical thresholds, as adaptation to such a climate catastrophe is deemed unfeasible.
Published: Oct 24 2024, 5 pmeznews.inA new study proposes the "groomer's last kiss hypothesis," suggesting that kissing may have evolutionary roots linked to grooming behaviors in our primate ancestors. Researchers, led by Adriano R. Lameira from the University of Warwick, argue that the final act of grooming among great apes resembles kissing, involving lip protrusion and suction movements. This behavior, which helps establish social bonds, may have evolved into the symbolic act of kissing seen in humans today. While kissing is a culturally significant practice, with various forms across societies, it is not universally practiced; a 2015 study found that only 46% of cultures engage in romantic kissing. Some Indigenous groups even find it unappealing, indicating that kissing may be a culturally specific behavior rather than a universal human trait. The findings are published in the journal *Evolutionary Anthropology*.
Published: Oct 29 2024, 12 ameznews.inResearchers at Northwestern University have developed a smartphone app designed to enhance the likelihood of experiencing lucid dreams, even for those who have never had one. The app employs a technique called targeted lucidity reactivation (TLR), which combines memory reactivation with sensory cues during REM sleep. In a study involving 26 participants, 19 met the criteria for using the app, which provided pre-sleep training and subtle sensory stimuli. Results showed that 17% of users experienced lucid dreams on the first night, significantly higher than the control group. The findings suggest that even minimal technological intervention can facilitate lucid dreaming, which has therapeutic potential for issues like nightmares and can improve mood the following day. Future research aims to explore wearable devices that could deliver cues without waking users, further enhancing the accessibility of lucid dreaming techniques. The study is published in *Consciousness and Cognition*.
Published: Oct 27 2024, 8 ameznews.inA recent study from the University of Toronto has revealed that distinctive eyebrows may serve as a visual cue for identifying narcissistic personality traits. Published in the Journal of Personality, the research involved photographing nearly 40 undergraduate students with neutral expressions and assessing their narcissism through the Narcissistic Personality Inventory. Participants were able to accurately gauge levels of narcissism based on eyebrow thickness and hair density. The findings suggest that well-groomed eyebrows not only reflect a person's grooming habits—often associated with narcissism—but also play a significant role in social perception and nonverbal communication. The study highlights that individuals with high narcissistic traits tend to maintain a polished appearance, which includes stylish clothing and meticulous grooming, further reinforcing their desire for admiration. This research underscores the importance of eyebrows in facial recognition and social interactions.
Published: Oct 25 2024, 6 pmeznews.inRecent claims suggest that Nostradamus predicted Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine would escalate into World War III, with various interpretations of his writings circulating online. One passage, which mentions "seven months the Great War," has sparked speculation about a larger conflict stemming from current tensions. However, experts argue that Nostradamus's predictions are often vague and can be retroactively applied to numerous events, a phenomenon known as "postdiction." For instance, a passage linked to famine suggests dire consequences, but its ambiguity allows for broad interpretation. Critics emphasize that Nostradamus's prophecies lack specificity and accuracy, rendering them more a reflection of contemporary fears than genuine foresight. Ultimately, the consensus is that Nostradamus did not predict Putin's actions or a potential world war, highlighting the tendency to ascribe meaning to his cryptic verses only after events unfold.
Published: Oct 29 2024, 7 ameznews.inA recent study has revealed that Burmese pythons can open their jaws wider than previously thought, allowing them to consume significantly larger prey. Researchers from the University of Cincinnati captured three pythons in Florida's Everglades, with the largest measuring 5.8 meters (19 feet) long and exhibiting a jaw gape of 26 centimeters (10.2 inches), surpassing the earlier maximum of 22 centimeters (8.7 inches). This increased gape area, which is 40% larger, suggests that these invasive snakes can prey on animals much bigger than anticipated, including deer and alligators. The study highlights the ecological threat posed by Burmese pythons to native wildlife in southern Florida, as they can consume prey nearly as large as themselves. Conservationists are concerned about the impact of these apex predators on local ecosystems, emphasizing the need for strategies to mitigate their effects. The findings are published in the journal *Reptiles & Amphibians*.
Published: Oct 26 2024, 3 amFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews