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Astronomers have recently spotlighted exoplanet K2-18b, located 124 light-years away, as a potential candidate for biological activity beyond our Solar System. This sub-Neptune world, with a radius 2.6 times that of Earth, is believed to possess a hydrogen atmosphere and possibly an ocean, leading researchers to label it a "hycean" planet. Using the James Webb Space Telescope, scientists detected gases dimethyl sulfide (DMS) and dimethyl disulfide (DMDS) in its atmosphere, which on Earth are associated with microbial life. However, the findings are not definitive; the statistical significance of the detection is at a "three-sigma" level, below the five-sigma threshold typically required for scientific claims. While the research team remains optimistic about follow-up observations confirming these gases, the complexity of planetary atmospheres necessitates caution in interpreting these results as evidence of extraterrestrial life. The study is published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters. 
Published: Apr 17 2025, 10 pmeznews.inThe WindRunner, a colossal aircraft under development by Colorado-based Radia, is poised to become the largest plane ever built, surpassing the now-destroyed Antonov An-225 Mriya. With an impressive wingspan of 80 meters (262 feet) and a length of 108 meters (354 feet), WindRunner is designed to transport oversized cargo, specifically wind turbine blades exceeding 100 meters (328 feet), which are challenging to move via traditional methods. Its innovative design features a nose that flips up for easy loading and the capability to land on short, unpaved strips, making it ideal for remote wind farm locations. Radia aims to capitalize on the growing demand for renewable energy while also exploring military applications through a partnership with the US Department of Defense. Although WindRunner is not expected to enter production until late 2027, its potential impact on both the renewable energy sector and military logistics is significant.
Published: May 29 2025, 3 pmeznews.inA 58-year-old woman in the US succumbed to iatrogenic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (iCJD), a rare prion disease linked to a hormone treatment she received as a child. The woman, who had been treated with cadaveric human growth hormone from 1971 to 1980, experienced a rapid neurological decline, marked by tremors, slurred speech, and severe movement disorders, before slipping into unconsciousness and requiring life support. Prions, misfolded proteins that can remain dormant for decades, are notorious for causing irreversible brain damage, leading to cognitive decline and death. Although cases of prion diseases are rare, with around 300 reported annually in the US, researchers caution that vigilance is necessary as some individuals may still be at risk from past medical treatments. This case highlights the ongoing implications of historical medical practices, as detailed in a study published in the CDC's journal, Emerging Infectious Diseases.
Published: May 29 2025, 6 pmeznews.inIn a remarkable display of color change, the Labord's chameleon (_Furcifer labordi_) has been filmed exhibiting vibrant hues during its final moments, a phenomenon never before observed in the wild. Documentarians captured this extraordinary event using time-lapse photography for the PBS series _Big Little Journeys_ in Kirindy Forest, Madagascar. The footage reveals the chameleon laying and burying her eggs, a final act of survival before succumbing shortly after due to resource depletion. The color transformation is attributed to layers of skin cells called chromatophores, which respond to nervous signals even at death, creating chaotic patterns. With a lifespan of just four to five months, the Labord's chameleon spends most of its life as an egg, adapting to Madagascar's harsh seasonal variations. This poignant spectacle highlights the unique adaptations of this species and the intricate processes behind color change in the animal kingdom.
Published: May 29 2025, 9 pmeznews.inThe term "shallowing," a relatively new concept in sexual practices, has gained attention for its potential to enhance female pleasure. Defined as focusing penetrative touch at the entrance of the vagina rather than deeper inside, this technique has been reported to be used by approximately 86% of women surveyed globally. Experts suggest that shallowing can heighten sensations due to the high concentration of nerve endings in the vulva, which is comparable to the sensitivity of the scrotum. Advocates of the technique, including sexologists, highlight its benefits, such as fostering greater awareness of one's body, increasing anticipation during sexual encounters, and providing a comfortable alternative when deeper penetration is not enjoyable. While the practice is subjective, it encourages exploration and connection, making it a noteworthy addition to discussions about sexual wellness.
Published: May 31 2025, 12 pmeznews.inPoint Nemo, located in the southern Pacific Ocean, is recognized as the most remote spot on Earth, situated 2,689 kilometers (1,671 miles) from the nearest land. When the International Space Station passes overhead, the closest humans to sailors in this isolated region are the astronauts aboard, just 400 kilometers (250 miles) above. This desolate area, with its sparse marine life, has become a graveyard for decommissioned spacecraft, including the Soviet/Russian space station Mir. In 1997, the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) detected an enigmatic ultra-low-frequency sound dubbed the "bloop," which was so powerful it was recorded by hydrophones 4,800 kilometers apart. Initially speculated to be from a marine creature, NOAA later attributed the sound to ice calving, likely from icebergs near Antarctica, as similar sounds have been used to track ice movements in the region.
Published: Jun 01 2025, 2 pmeznews.inA new paper has sparked debate over the controversial idea of deliberately introducing life to Enceladus, one of Saturn's icy moons, to study how life might proliferate in a previously lifeless but habitable environment. Researchers argue that if future missions reveal no existing life in Enceladus' subsurface ocean, inoculating it with microbes could provide insights into the origins and spread of life, akin to early Earth conditions. While the authors suggest that current technology could facilitate such an experiment, they emphasize the profound ethical implications, questioning humanity's right to alter an extraterrestrial biosphere. The discussion extends to other ocean worlds, such as Europa and Titan, highlighting the need for careful consideration of the potential consequences of our cosmic explorations. The study, published in *Space Policy*, calls for a timely dialogue on the responsibilities that accompany our quest to understand life beyond Earth.
Published: May 29 2025, 11 pmeznews.inAs men age, they may experience a reduction in penis size, a phenomenon noted by urologist Irwin Goldstein, who suggests that an erect penis measuring six inches in a man's 30s could shrink to five or five-and-a-half inches by his 60s or 70s. This shrinkage can be exacerbated by weight gain and conditions like Peyronie's disease, which affects 0.5 to 13 percent of men in the U.S. and causes curvature due to scar tissue buildup. Additionally, decreased testosterone production and age-related blood flow issues can further impact size and function. However, Dr. Edward Zimmerman, known as @dickdocontiktok, emphasizes that regular use of the penis can help mitigate these changes, likening it to the principle of "use it or lose it." Engaging in sexual activity may also lower the risk of prostate cancer, providing an added health incentive.
Published: Jun 01 2025, 11 ameznews.inIceland's government has lifted its summer 2023 suspension on commercial whaling, allowing hunting to resume under new regulations aimed at improving animal welfare. Initially announced in June by Minister Svandís Svavarsdóttir following a report highlighting the suffering of whales during hunts, the suspension was intended to reassess compliance with animal welfare laws. The new rules permit hunting only within 25 meters of boats and prohibit killing whales accompanied by calves, while banning controversial methods like electrification. However, animal rights advocates have expressed disappointment, arguing that the measures do not address the inherent cruelty of whaling. Kate O’Connell from the Animal Welfare Institute criticized the decision, asserting it would lead to unnecessary suffering for whales, while anti-whaling campaigner Luke McMillan dismissed the regulations as ineffective. Despite the resumption, there remains hope that Iceland may not renew the whaling permit for the last remaining company, Hvalur, in 2024.
Published: Jun 01 2025, 11 ameznews.inA puzzling discovery at Shanidar Cave in northern Iraq, where Neanderthal remains were found alongside significant amounts of pollen, has sparked debate among scientists regarding ancient burial practices. Initially thought to indicate elaborate funerary rituals, recent research suggests that the pollen may have been deposited by nesting solitary bees rather than by humans or animals transporting flowers. The study, published in the Journal of Archaeological Science, highlights that the pollen clumps consist of various species unlikely to bloom simultaneously, pointing to a different origin. While the "Flower Burial" hypothesis remains contentious, researchers emphasize that the true significance of the site lies in its unique cluster of Neanderthal burials, which may offer insights into their spatial awareness and social behaviors, rather than the presence of flowers. The findings challenge previous assumptions and open new avenues for understanding Neanderthal culture.
Published: Jun 01 2025, 12 pmeznews.inA recent study by the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and Smithsonian’s National Zoo highlights the urgent need to protect Hawaii's endangered honeycreepers, particularly the critically endangered ‘akikiki and ‘akeke‘e, which have seen population declines exceeding 99% in the last two decades. The research, which involved genome sequencing of these species and the extinct po‘ouli, identified avian malaria as a primary threat, exacerbated by habitat degradation and invasive species. While the honeycreepers possess high genetic diversity, which could aid adaptation, inbreeding poses significant risks to their survival. The findings underscore the importance of ongoing conservation efforts to combat malaria and protect these birds, as genetic insights may guide recovery strategies. Lead author Christopher Kyriazis emphasized the critical nature of understanding these species' genetics in the race to save them from extinction. The study is published in Current Biology.
Published: Jun 01 2025, 10 amFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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