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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.inA recent study reveals that conservative Americans exhibit a deeper distrust of science than previously understood, particularly towards fields that contribute to economic growth. This skepticism is rooted in the perception that scientific findings often conflict with conservative values, leading some to dismiss science as a "leftist hobby." Researchers from the University of Amsterdam surveyed 7,800 Americans across 35 scientific professions and found that liberals generally have more trust in science, especially in areas like climate science and medical research. Attempts to bolster trust among conservatives through targeted interventions proved ineffective, suggesting that their skepticism is deeply ingrained. The findings highlight a growing crisis in public trust in science, exacerbated by misinformation and political rhetoric, raising concerns about the future of scientific engagement in the U.S. The study underscores the need for more profound, personalized approaches to rebuild trust in science.
Published: Apr 19 2025, 1 pmeznews.inAustralian researchers have identified a new species of grouper, named _Epinephelus fuscomarginatus_, which had previously gone unnoticed despite being consumed by locals. The discovery was made by Queensland Museum fish expert Jeff Johnson, who first encountered the fish in 2000 through photographs from a fisherman. After years of unsuccessful attempts to obtain a specimen, Johnson purchased five fish at a Brisbane market in 2017. Genetic analysis conducted by Dr. Jessica Worthington Wilmer confirmed the fish as a new species, characterized by its dark-edged fins and lack of distinctive markings. Measuring 70 centimeters in length, this grouper inhabits depths of 220-230 meters off the Great Barrier Reef. The findings, published in the journal Zootaxa, highlight a trend where new species are often identified from creatures destined for dinner, underscoring the intersection of culinary culture and scientific discovery.
Published: Apr 19 2025, 2 pmeznews.inScientists at the University of California, Berkeley, have introduced a new color, dubbed "olo," which they claim is a previously unseen hue characterized by an intensely saturated greenish-blue. This groundbreaking color was created using a novel technique that stimulates the eye's photoreceptors in a unique manner, specifically targeting the M cone cells with focused laser light. Participants reported that olo appeared more vibrant than any color they had previously encountered, requiring the addition of white light to match it with existing colors. While the researchers assert that olo represents a novel color, some experts caution that the concept of single-cone stimulation is not entirely new. The study, published in *Science Advances*, highlights the potential of this method, known as spatial metamerism, to create a wider range of colors without relying on traditional color mixing techniques.
Published: Apr 19 2025, 1 ameznews.inA bold new hypothesis from Professor Richard Lieu of The University of Alabama in Huntsville suggests that transient temporal singularities—mini Big Bang-like events—could eliminate the need for dark matter and dark energy in cosmology. Lieu's theory posits that these singularities, which flood the universe with matter and energy before vanishing, could account for the gravitational effects attributed to dark matter and the accelerated expansion linked to dark energy. He argues that these singularities, occurring infrequently and rapidly, might explain why dark matter and dark energy have yet to be observed. While Lieu's model offers a fresh perspective on cosmic structure and stability, it faces challenges, including reconciling with observations of galaxies that exhibit varying dark matter levels. The study, published in *Classical and Quantum Gravity*, invites further scrutiny and testing of its predictions.
Published: Apr 18 2025, 7 pmeznews.inOn Tuesday, the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), the world's largest particle accelerator, resumed operations after three years of upgrades, achieving record energy levels in particle collisions and observing three exotic particles for the first time. Scientists at CERN are eager to explore the Higgs Boson and potential signs of dark matter. However, the LHC's activation has reignited a wave of conspiracy theories, with some claiming it could open a portal to another dimension or even unleash catastrophic events. These theories, often fueled by social media, suggest that the collider could detect evidence of extra dimensions or produce miniature black holes, though CERN assures that any such phenomena would be harmless and fleeting. As the LHC begins its new run, conspiracy theorists have quickly adapted their narratives, suggesting that the true implications of the collider's operations will unfold in the coming months.
Published: Apr 19 2025, 6 ameznews.inSince their discovery in 1843, the classification of _Prototaxites_ has sparked debate among scientists, with theories suggesting they could be early land plants, giant fungi, or even a new kingdom of life. Currently, they are largely considered a type of fungus, but a recent study of _Prototaxites taiti_ fossils from the well-preserved Rhynie chert in Scotland challenges this view. Researchers found that _P. taiti_ lacks key structural components typical of fungi, such as chitin and beta-glucan, and exhibits unique features not seen in any known living fungi. This suggests that _P. taiti_ represents a distinct lineage of multicellular life that thrived for millions of years before becoming extinct. The study, which is still undergoing peer review, posits that _Prototaxites_ did not have any direct relatives among existing life forms, highlighting the complexity of early terrestrial ecosystems.
Published: Apr 19 2025, 10 ameznews.inFoot orgasm syndrome, a rare condition characterized by the sensation of sexual orgasm in the foot, has gained attention following a 2013 case study of a 55-year-old Dutch woman. After undergoing gallbladder surgery in 2008, she began experiencing unusual tingling in her left foot, which doctors attributed to nerve damage. Treatment with antidepressants led to spontaneous orgasmic sensations in her foot, radiating to her calf and vagina, occurring up to six times daily. Despite the embarrassment it caused, the condition did not affect her sexual life with her husband. Interestingly, stimulation of her foot could evoke sensations in her vagina and vice versa, suggesting a neurological misinterpretation of sensory inputs. Experts, including Vilayanur Ramachandran, propose that this phenomenon may explain foot fetishes, as the brain regions processing foot and genital sensations are closely linked, leading to potential cross-wiring.
Published: Apr 19 2025, 11 ameznews.inA viral photo of a lion appearing to have its testicles bitten by a lioness has sparked widespread amusement online, amassing 77,000 shares on Twitter. However, the image, taken by photographer Safi Kok at Rotterdam Zoo, misrepresents the situation. The lioness in the photo is actually a juvenile cub, and the male lion's expression is not one of mating distress but rather a reaction to playful biting from his offspring. While lions do exhibit intense mating behaviors, including the use of barbed penises to stimulate ovulation, there is no evidence to support the claim that lionesses bite males to initiate mating. The zoo clarified that this playful behavior is typical among the cubs, who have been known to engage with their father, Aapel, in various playful antics. Thus, while the image is humorous, it reflects a more innocent interaction than the viral narrative suggests.
Published: Apr 19 2025, 9 ameznews.inA recent un-peer-reviewed study suggests that the Antikythera Mechanism, often hailed as the world's oldest analog computer, may not have functioned as intended. Discovered in a shipwreck dated to around 60 BCE, this ancient device was designed to track celestial movements using gears and pointers. However, researchers have raised concerns about its operational viability due to manufacturing errors identified through CT scans, which could lead to gear jamming. The study authors argue that these inaccuracies exceed tolerable limits, casting doubt on whether the mechanism ever worked or if its errors were less severe than observed. While some experts propose it may have served as an educational display rather than a precise astronomical tool, the findings remain speculative, emphasizing the need for caution in interpreting the device's functionality. The study is available on arXiv for further examination.
Published: Apr 15 2025, 1 ameznews.inIn Kruger National Park, a giraffe exhibiting skin nodules has raised concerns among wildlife experts, as it may be infected with a type of papillomavirus, specifically the bovine variant. Captured in photographs by wildlife photographer Marius Nortje, the giraffe's condition has been shared by Worldwide Vets, who noted that the disease likely spreads through direct contact or via oxpecker birds, which may inadvertently transmit the virus while removing parasites. Although the disease is not considered life-threatening, there is currently no treatment available. Dr. Gemma Campling from Worldwide Vets highlighted that this is not the first occurrence of such symptoms in the area, recalling a similar case in 2007 that led to the euthanasia of two affected giraffes for research purposes. For now, the affected giraffe is under close observation, with no plans for euthanasia.
Published: Apr 19 2025, 6 amFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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