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A new simulation suggests that Earth faces a 1-in-100,000 chance of being ejected from the Solar System due to the gravitational influence of passing stars. As the Sun nears the end of its life in about 5 billion years, it will expand into a red giant, likely consuming Mercury and possibly Venus and Earth. However, the study, published in the journal *Icarus*, indicates that interactions with nearby stars could destabilize the Solar System much sooner. The simulation predicts approximately 19 stellar passages per million years within 1 parsec of the Sun, with 2 percent of scenarios resulting in the loss of planets. Mercury is particularly vulnerable, with a 50 to 80 percent increased risk of instability, while Pluto has a 5 percent chance of becoming unstable. Mars also faces a slightly higher risk than Earth of collision or ejection. Fortunately, no stars are expected to approach us for a considerable time. 
Published: Jun 20 2025, 2 pmeznews.inIn the latest episode of _Break It Down_, host Charlie Haigh explores a range of intriguing scientific developments. Notably, two spacecraft have successfully created the first artificial solar eclipse, while new research suggests that dancing dinosaurs in Colorado may have engaged in elaborate displays to attract mates. Additionally, a child discovered at the world's oldest burial site has been identified as a hybrid of Neanderthal and Homo sapiens, and scientists have unveiled the first facial reconstruction of a Denisovan. In medical news, a promising breakthrough could lead to an HIV vaccine, although accessibility remains a concern. The episode also commemorates the 50th anniversary of the iconic film _JAWS_, examining its significant influence on shark conservation efforts. Listeners can access the podcast on various platforms, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify, for a deeper dive into these captivating stories. 
Published: Jun 22 2025, 3 ameznews.inAll elements in the periodic table exist as isotopes, which can be stable or unstable, with the latter undergoing radioactive decay or fission. While there are hundreds of stable isotopes, iron-56 is recognized as the most stable due to its high binding energy per nucleon, which is second only to nickel-62. Stability is determined by the balance of protons and neutrons in an atomic nucleus, with iron's configuration of 26 protons and 30 neutrons providing optimal stability. Although many stable isotopes theoretically could decay, iron-56 is resistant to such changes without external energy. This unique stability makes iron-56 the most prevalent heavier element in the universe, despite being rarer than lighter elements like hydrogen and helium. The intricate balance of forces within the nucleus, alongside the even distribution of nucleons, contributes to iron's status as the most stable element. 
Published: Jun 21 2025, 8 pmeznews.inIn a captivating underwater encounter, diver Jules Casey documented a Maori octopus, affectionately named Priscilla, as she hunted in the waters off Mornington Peninsula, Australia. Known for their intelligence and size, Maori octopuses typically feast on crabs and fish, but Priscilla showcased her prowess by capturing a banjo shark, also known as a fiddler ray. Over the course of an hour, she skillfully maneuvered the ray into her den, ultimately consuming the entire creature. This remarkable footage highlights the often unseen dynamics of marine life, as Casey, who has developed a rapport with Priscilla, shared her experiences of observing the octopus's hunting techniques. Maori octopuses have recently gained attention for their unusual behaviors, including riding on the backs of sharks, leaving observers curious about what they might do next. 
Published: Jun 21 2025, 10 pmeznews.inA substantial body of scientific evidence has firmly established that there is no causal link between vaccines and autism, a misconception that gained traction following a discredited 1998 study by Andrew Wakefield published in *The Lancet*. This paper, which suggested a connection between the MMR vaccine and autism, was retracted in 2010 after investigations revealed serious ethical violations and data manipulation. Despite the overwhelming consensus from numerous high-quality studies disproving any association, vaccine hesitancy persists, leading to a resurgence of preventable diseases like measles. Experts emphasize that the timing of autism symptoms often coincides with vaccination schedules, misleading parents into making unfounded connections. The CDC highlights the lifesaving impact of vaccines, which have drastically reduced mortality from diseases such as measles, underscoring the importance of public trust in vaccination programs to protect community health. 
Published: Jun 21 2025, 11 pmeznews.inAlaska has issued its first-ever heat advisory, with temperatures in the Fairbanks area expected to reach between 29.4 to 31.1°C (85 to 88°F), according to the National Weather Service (NWS). The advisory, first issued on June 12 and updated on June 16, emphasizes the dangers of leaving children and pets in vehicles and advises residents to take precautions against heat-related illnesses. This unusual heat is compounded by rapid snowmelt, leading to flooding risks across the state, particularly affecting roads and infrastructure. The NWS has warned of potential flooding due to ice jams on rivers, with some areas already experiencing significant water flow issues. While warmer weather is typical in Alaskan summers, the issuance of a heat advisory marks a significant climate milestone, as the state is warming at two to three times the global average, with average temperatures rising by 1.67°C (3°F) over the past 60 years. 
Published: Jun 19 2025, 6 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, sometimes referred to as "small penis syndrome," is exacerbated by societal pressures and media portrayals, leading to distorted self-perceptions. Experts suggest that these anxieties stem from a conflation of penis size with masculinity, with many men believing that larger sizes equate to greater sexual prowess. While some seek surgical solutions, specialists caution against such procedures due to potential complications. Instead, they advocate for improved sexual education and awareness to help men understand that most penises fall within a similar size range, thereby alleviating unnecessary concerns and promoting healthier body image perceptions. 
Published: Jun 21 2025, 8 pmeznews.inThe Great Blue Hole, a vast marine sinkhole located 70 kilometers off the coast of Belize, measures 318 meters in diameter and plunges to a depth of 124 meters. Formed during the Quaternary Glaciation, it was once a limestone cave that flooded as sea levels rose, leading to the collapse of its ceilings. Now part of the UNESCO-listed Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, the site attracts tourists and divers, despite its inhospitable depths, where oxygen levels plummet and a "graveyard" of dead sea creatures lies scattered on the seafloor. Notable expeditions, including one in 2018 led by Richard Branson, revealed stark reminders of climate change and plastic pollution, with Branson noting the geological changes as a warning of rising sea levels. Tragically, the expedition also uncovered the remains of individuals believed to have perished in the depths, highlighting the dangers of this enigmatic underwater world. 
Published: Jun 21 2025, 9 pmeznews.inMany people find themselves waking up at 3 AM, a phenomenon that is often linked to the natural sleep cycle. During a typical night, individuals experience several sleep cycles, transitioning from light sleep to deeper stages and then to REM sleep, which can lead to brief awakenings. While waking up is normal, stress and anxiety can exacerbate these moments, turning them into prolonged periods of wakefulness filled with worry. Psychologist Greg Murray explains that the inability to address problems at night can lead to irrational thoughts, making issues seem more daunting. To combat this, he suggests mindfulness meditation to help calm the mind, or reading a book to distract from anxious thoughts. Ultimately, while waking at this hour is common, managing stress can help individuals return to sleep more easily. 
Published: Jun 21 2025, 7 pmeznews.inMathematicians have long grappled with the elusive nature of prime numbers, which are defined as integers greater than one that have no divisors other than one and themselves. The ancient Greek mathematician Eratosthenes devised a "sieve" method to identify primes, a technique that remains effective today. However, a recent breakthrough by a team of mathematicians, including Ken Ono from the University of Virginia, has revealed a surprising connection between prime numbers and integer partitions, a concept from combinatorics. Their research suggests that integer partitions can detect primes in infinitely many ways, offering new insights into these fundamental numbers. This discovery, which earned Ono recognition as a finalist for the 2025 Cozzarelli Prize, could pave the way for advancements in number theory and cryptography, although experts assure that current security measures remain intact. The findings were published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 
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