eznews.inLaughter, a universal human experience, is not just a response to humor but a contagious emotion rooted in our evolutionary history, according to experts. Dr. Sandi Mann, a chartered psychologist, explains that all emotions, including laughter, are inherently contagious, a trait shared with other mammals like apes, who exhibit similar laughter-like vocalizations. Research indicates that laughter fosters social bonding, serving as a modern substitute for grooming, which historically helped strengthen group ties among early humans. This shared joy not only alleviates stress but also enhances resilience in challenging situations, as seen in medical settings where humor can ease patient discomfort. The phenomenon of laughter transcends cultural boundaries, with no known community devoid of it. Ultimately, laughter is a vital social tool, enriching human interactions and underscoring the importance of shared joy in our lives. 
Published: Dec 27 2025, 2 pmeznews.inAstronomers have unveiled the largest planet-forming disk ever observed, dubbed Dracula’s Chivito, after a Uruguayan sandwich, revealing its chaotic nature. This turbulence has caused wisps of material to extend far beyond the main disk, creating a striking butterfly-like appearance. Discovered around the young star IRAS 23077+6707, the disk is estimated to contain between 10 and 30 times the mass of Jupiter, significantly more than any previously observed disk. Utilizing the Hubble Space Telescope, researchers captured detailed images that confirm the disk's enormous size of 4,200 astronomical units, making it visible from 1,000 light-years away. Lead author Dr. Kristina Monsch noted that the disk's asymmetric features and chaotic processes provide a unique opportunity to study planet formation. While questions remain about the disk's structure and whether dust is still accumulating, the findings mark a significant advancement in understanding the environments where planets are born.
Published: Dec 25 2025, 2 ameznews.inA new study has challenged long-held beliefs about the origins of rocky planets, particularly Earth, by revealing that the stellar winds from the red giant star R Doradus are insufficient to disperse the necessary molecules across the galaxy. Previously thought to be a key contributor to the distribution of stardust, R Doradus, located 180 light-years away, emits dust rich in silicates and alumina, but its light lacks the force needed to propel these particles into the nebulae that form planets. While some iron-bearing silicates can gain enough acceleration, they risk overheating and turning to gas, complicating the dispersal process. The researchers suggest that while red giants are crucial for creating elements like oxygen and silicon, alternative mechanisms, such as giant convective bubbles or stellar pulsations, may be responsible for their distribution. The findings, published in Astronomy and Astrophysics, prompt a reevaluation of how the building blocks of life spread throughout the universe.
Published: Dec 23 2025, 6 pmeznews.inAs the holiday season brings feasting and festivities, it also leads to a surge in dirty dishes and kitchen hygiene concerns. A 2019 study from Cardiff Metropolitan University revealed that kitchen sinks and tap handles are hotspots for bacteria, with common culprits including _E. coli_ and _Staphylococcus spp._ These surfaces, often damp and in contact with raw food, create ideal conditions for bacterial growth. Leaving dishes to soak in warm water can exacerbate the problem, making it harder to eliminate harmful microorganisms during cleaning. Experts recommend washing dishes promptly and regularly disinfecting sinks with soapy water followed by an antibacterial spray. For those using dishwashers, opting for models with superheated steam can enhance sanitation. Maintaining a clean kitchen is crucial, especially during the holidays, to prevent the spread of bacteria and ensure food safety.
Published: Dec 23 2025, 12 ameznews.inA recent study employing network science to analyze 20,000 pieces of music spanning four centuries has revealed a notable decline in musical complexity over time. Conducted by researchers from Sapienza University of Rome and the University of Padova, the study categorized music into six macro-genres, using a network model where notes are represented as nodes and transitions as edges. Findings indicate that while classical music was historically more complex, it too has experienced simplification, with jazz showing a brief increase in complexity before stabilizing. The researchers suggest that this trend may be linked to technological advancements and the democratization of music composition, which have led to a more interconnected and algorithmically curated musical landscape. Despite the simplification of melodies, the study notes that other aspects of music may be becoming more intricate, highlighting the need for further research into these evolving dynamics.
Published: Dec 27 2025, 7 ameznews.inPaul Edmonds, a 67-year-old patient at City of Hope in California, has become the fourth person globally to achieve long-term remission from HIV, alongside overcoming leukemia, thanks to stem cell donations from a donor with a rare genetic mutation. Diagnosed with HIV in 1988, Edmonds endured years of harsh treatments until advancements in medication improved his outlook. After being diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome in 2018, he underwent intense chemotherapy, which led to remission of his leukemia, allowing for a stem cell transplant in February 2019. Remarkably, by the following year, he was free of detectable HIV and has since stopped antiretroviral treatment. Edmonds shares his journey to inspire hope and highlight the ongoing challenges faced by those living with HIV, emphasizing the need for continued advocacy and access to effective treatments as the fight against the virus progresses.
Published: Dec 27 2025, 1 ameznews.inA woman in New York City, referred to as the "New York Patient," has reportedly achieved remission from HIV, becoming the first woman and the third person overall to be effectively cured of the virus. This groundbreaking case was presented at the Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI 2022) and involves a stem cell transplant from a genetically matched donor with the rare CCR5-delta32/32 mutation, which confers resistance to HIV. Diagnosed with HIV-1 in 2013 and treated for leukemia, the patient received both cord blood and adult stem cells, along with antiretroviral therapy. Remarkably, over 14 months after halting antiretroviral treatment, no traces of HIV were detected in her body. Experts highlight the significance of her mixed-race background, as it underscores the challenges of finding suitable donors in underrepresented communities, potentially paving the way for more inclusive treatment options in the future.
Published: Dec 23 2025, 2 ameznews.inBlack holes, enigmatic entities formed from the collapse of massive stars, continue to perplex physicists and challenge our understanding of the universe. While they are known for their immense gravitational pull, which prevents even light from escaping, their study has led to significant paradoxes, notably the black hole information paradox. This dilemma arises from the conflict between black holes' ability to evaporate, as proposed by Stephen Hawking, and the principle of unitarity in quantum mechanics, which asserts that information cannot be lost. Some researchers suggest that black holes may imply a holographic universe, where our three-dimensional reality is a projection of information encoded on a two-dimensional surface. This theory posits that our universe could exist within a black hole of a larger cosmos, a notion that, while intriguing, remains speculative without compelling evidence. As scientists continue to explore these ideas, the mysteries of black holes remain a captivating frontier in astrophysics.
Published: Dec 26 2025, 9 pmeznews.inA second individual has shown no detectable HIV in their blood for 18 months following a stem cell transfusion, a treatment that mirrors the case of Timothy Ray Brown, the "Berlin Patient," who was functionally cured of HIV in 2007. The new patient, diagnosed with HIV in 2003 and later with Hodgkin's Lymphoma, received a double Δ32 stem cell transfusion after chemotherapy, which may have played a crucial role in the treatment's success. While researchers, including Professor Ravindra Gupta from University College London, caution against declaring a definitive cure, they suggest this case indicates that the treatment approach could be effective. However, the method is not widely applicable due to the rarity of double Δ32 donors and the risks associated with stem cell transplants. Gupta remains optimistic about exploring safer alternatives, such as gene therapy, to modify CCR5 and combat HIV.
Published: Dec 26 2025, 11 pmeznews.inStromboli, a volcanic island north of Sicily, has been in a near-constant state of eruption for nearly 2,000 years, with its first recorded eruption dating back to 350 BCE. Known as the "lighthouse of the Mediterranean," Stromboli's frequent, mild eruptions produce spectacular bursts of lava, giving rise to the term "Strombolian" to describe such explosive activity. While most eruptions are relatively harmless, more violent episodes have occurred, notably between 1910 and 1931, which included a devastating eruption on May 22, 1919, that resulted in a tsunami and the destruction of homes, claiming four lives. The most powerful eruption of the 20th century took place on September 11, 1930, killing six people and generating a massive eruption cloud. Despite these violent episodes, Stromboli has remained active, continuing to erupt since February 2, 1934, and captivating observers with its fiery displays.
Published: Dec 26 2025, 6 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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