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In a remarkable discovery, marine geoscientist Sam Purkis and his team uncovered deep-sea brine pools in the Gulf of Aqaba, Red Sea, during a 2020 OceanXplorer research cruise. Located 1,770 meters below the surface, these highly saline and anoxic environments, initially thought to be lifeless, were found to host a vibrant ecosystem, including eels, flatfish, and houndsharks that prey on organisms unfortunate enough to enter the pools. The findings, published in *Communications Earth & Environment*, suggest that these extreme habitats could provide insights into the region's geological and meteorological history, revealing over 1,000 years of rainfall data and records of seismic activity. Purkis emphasized that understanding life in such extreme conditions is crucial for assessing the potential for life on other planets, stating, "Our discovery can help trace the limits of life on Earth and can be applied to the search for life elsewhere in our solar system and beyond." 
Published: Feb 23 2025, 1 ameznews.inDespite the common fear of spiders, experts urge homeowners to reconsider before exterminating these creatures, as they play a vital role in pest control. Spiders are estimated to eliminate between 400-800 million metric tons of prey annually, primarily targeting household pests like flies and cockroaches, which can pose greater risks to human health. While many people believe myths about spiders, such as swallowing them in sleep, these arachnids are generally harmless and prefer to remain hidden. Most spider bites occur only when they feel threatened, and the majority of species lack the ability to pierce human skin. By maintaining insect populations and contributing to local biodiversity, spiders help sustain a balanced ecosystem within homes. Therefore, rather than squashing these misunderstood creatures, it may be more beneficial to let them be, as they are likely more afraid of humans than we are of them.
Published: Feb 22 2025, 2 pmeznews.inIn January 1992, a storm in the Pacific Ocean led to the accidental release of 28,800 plastic bath toys, dubbed the "Friendly Floatees," from a freighter en route from China to America. The toys, which included yellow ducks, red beavers, green frogs, and blue turtles, escaped their packaging due to rough seas and began drifting across the ocean. Oceanographer Curtis Ebbesmeyer seized the opportunity to study ocean currents, enlisting beachcombers to track the toys' movements. The Floatees provided valuable data, helping to develop the Ocean Surface Currents Simulation (OSCAR) model, which accurately predicted their paths. Over the years, some toys washed ashore in Alaska, Washington, and even the UK, while others became trapped in Arctic ice. This unique study, which Ebbesmeyer termed "Flotsametrics," has significantly advanced oceanographic research and inspired further exploration into the impact of plastic waste in our seas.
Published: Feb 23 2025, 6 ameznews.inIn a groundbreaking study, researchers have fully sequenced the sex chromosomes of non-human primates for the first time, revealing significant evolutionary differences between the rapidly changing Y chromosome and the relatively static X chromosome. The study, which included complete genomes from five great apes and one lesser ape, found that while over 90% of ape X chromosome sequences align with the human X chromosome, only 14 to 27% of Y chromosomes do, indicating a high rate of mutation and degradation. This rapid evolution of the Y chromosome, which is shrinking and accumulating mutations, raises concerns about its potential extinction. However, certain genes are protected by mechanisms such as palindromic sequences, which may ensure the Y chromosome's survival. Despite fears of its disappearance, study author Kateryna Makova asserts that the Y chromosome is unlikely to vanish in the near future, providing a crucial safety net for male existence. The findings are published in *Nature*.
Published: Feb 23 2025, 7 ameznews.inResearchers at Stanford University have unveiled a promising, low-cost method for capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere using common minerals like olivine. The technique involves heating these silicate minerals in conventional cement kilns, transforming them into reactive materials that can absorb and permanently store CO2. This process, inspired by traditional cement-making, significantly accelerates the natural weathering of silicates, which typically takes centuries. While current lab tests show rapid carbon capture, scaling up production to millions of tons annually is essential for meaningful impact on climate change. The researchers suggest that existing cement production facilities could utilize mine tailings rich in silicates, potentially tapping into vast reserves of these minerals. This innovative approach not only aims to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions but could also enhance agricultural productivity by improving soil health. The findings are detailed in a study published in *Nature*.
Published: Feb 21 2025, 10 ameznews.inA recent study has shed light on the mysterious condition of Long COVID, which can persist for months or years after initial infection. Researchers followed 24 COVID-19 patients for up to 900 days, focusing on T cells—immune cells that may play a crucial role in the condition. Unlike previous studies, this research utilized PET scans to observe T cell behavior, revealing patterns of long-term activation in various body parts, including the lungs and gut. This suggests that some individuals may harbor reservoirs of the virus, complicating their recovery. While the findings are not definitive—raising questions about whether the T cells are responding to remnants of the virus or active particles—they represent a significant advancement in understanding Long COVID. Experts believe this research could pave the way for targeted therapies, offering hope to millions affected by the condition. The study is published in *Science Translational Medicine*.
Published: Feb 19 2025, 4 pmeznews.inDivers at Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia have captured alarming footage of widespread coral bleaching, prompting urgent calls from the Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS) for government action to protect this ecologically vital site. The footage reveals a stark contrast to the reef's usual vibrancy, resembling a lunar landscape, as corals face imminent death due to climate change-driven stress. Coral reefs depend on a symbiotic relationship with dinoflagellates, which are expelled under stress, leading to bleaching. While some corals can recover, prolonged stress can be fatal, particularly for slow-growing species essential to the reef's health. Despite Ningaloo's relative isolation from pollution and overfishing, rising sea temperatures threaten its survival. AMCS's WA Director, Paul Gamblin, emphasized the need for immediate government intervention, especially as the region approaches critical elections. The ongoing fossil fuel production in Western Australia poses a significant threat to the reef's future, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable environmental policies.
Published: Feb 19 2025, 4 pmeznews.inThe volcanic activity in Tonga continues to captivate scientists, particularly following the significant eruption of Hunga Tonga–Hunga Haʻapai in 2021, which was the largest natural explosion in over a century. In 2022, a new island emerged from the Home Reef submarine volcano, located in the Central Tonga Islands. Recent eruptions have expanded this island, which grew by an additional 3.7 hectares (9.2 acres) by February 2, 2025, bringing its total size to 12.2 hectares (30.1 acres). This marks the fifth recorded island formation at Home Reef, with previous iterations disappearing over time. Unlike its predecessors, the current island is formed from more durable effusive lava flows, increasing its chances of longevity. While recent reports indicate no new lava flows as of February 7, the potential for further growth remains, as Home Reef is part of the active Tonga-Kermadec Arc, which includes around 80 submarine volcanoes.
Published: Feb 21 2025, 11 pmeznews.inNew research reveals that Vikings faced significant oral and maxillofacial diseases, challenging the notion of their robust warrior image. A study involving CT scans of 15 skulls from a Viking cemetery in Varnhem, Sweden, dated between the 10th and 12th centuries, uncovered alarming health issues. Approximately 80% of the specimens exhibited apical periodontitis, a painful condition caused by bacterial infections in the tooth canal. Some individuals appeared to have undergone primitive dental procedures, likely excruciating in nature. Additionally, three skulls showed signs of chronic sinusitis, leading to facial pressure and loss of smell, while others displayed bony growths from ear infections. Evidence of rheumatoid arthritis was also found. Study author Carolina Bertilsson noted the lack of medical care at the time, emphasizing that untreated infections could lead to severe complications or even death. The findings were published in the journal BDJ Open.
Published: Feb 22 2025, 9 pmeznews.inCommunities in the Pacific Northwest face a significant threat from lahars, or volcanic mudflows, which can occur without warning and pose a greater risk than traditional eruptions. These deadly landslides can be triggered by factors such as heavy rainfall, which destabilizes the ice and debris on glaciated volcanoes. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) warns that lahars have caused approximately 20% of volcano-related fatalities, with the most notable incident occurring in May 1980 at Mount St. Helens, resulting in 57 deaths. Currently, Mount Adams is showing increased activity, raising concerns about potential lahars. To mitigate risks, the Cascades Volcano Observatory has established over 20 monitoring stations equipped with technology to detect ground movements, aiming to provide crucial early warnings. However, even with early detection, communities like Orting and Puyallup could face devastating impacts within just 30 minutes, underscoring the importance of evacuation preparedness.
Published: Feb 22 2025, 10 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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