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Researchers at the University of Glasgow have made a significant breakthrough in brain imaging by developing a technique that allows light to penetrate the entire human head, overcoming previous limitations of functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Traditionally, fNIRS could only image the top 4 centimeters of the brain, but this new method successfully detected photons transmitted through an adult head, a feat previously thought impossible. The team utilized a powerful pulsed laser directed at one side of the head, with a detector on the opposite side, achieving landmark signal detections primarily with a participant who had fair skin and no hair, which minimized light attenuation. While the process is time-consuming and requires a dark environment, it opens new avenues for noninvasive brain imaging and may inspire advancements in future fNIRS systems. The findings are detailed in the journal Neurophotonics. 
Published: Jun 23 2025, 9 pmeznews.inThe National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory has confirmed the discovery of approximately 40 circular structures at the bottom of Lake Michigan, identified as sinkholes. These depressions, ranging from 91 to 183 meters in diameter, were first detected during a 2022 sonar survey and further examined in August 2023, located about 22.5 kilometers southeast of Sheboygan. The sinkholes likely formed due to geological processes involving the dissolution of limestone by groundwater. Similar formations in Lake Huron have been found to host unique microbial communities, reminiscent of early Earth ecosystems. Researchers are eager to explore the microbial life within Lake Michigan's sinkholes, as they may reveal insights into ancient life forms and the conditions that prevailed on Earth billions of years ago. Further studies are planned to understand the ecological significance of these underwater features.
Published: Jun 19 2025, 6 pmeznews.inA recent study has redefined the concept of venom, now classifying the common garden snail as venomous. This new definition posits that any secretion causing a "negative extended phenotype" in another organism qualifies as venom, broadening the category to include a variety of creatures, from slugs to aphids. Dr. Ronald Jenner, a venom expert at the London Natural History Museum, explained that this perspective views venom not merely as a weapon but as an evolutionary strategy for manipulation. For instance, mosquitoes inject toxins to suppress immune responses while feeding, akin to the venom of snakes. The study highlights that many animals, including cicadas and shield bugs, use secretions to disable plant defenses. This shift in understanding could pave the way for significant advancements in venom research, potentially benefiting pharmaceuticals and sustainable agriculture. The findings are detailed in the journal *Trends in Ecology & Evolution*.
Published: Jun 24 2025, 1 ameznews.inResearchers have identified promising anti-leukemia compounds produced by the fungus _Aspergillus flavus_, which has long been associated with the so-called "mummy's curse" due to its potential link to the deaths of archaeologists who opened Tutankhamun's tomb. While the fungus is known to cause lung infections, its peptides, particularly the newly discovered asperigimycins, show significant potential in cancer treatment. In laboratory tests, these compounds effectively killed leukemia cells and enhanced the efficacy of existing FDA-approved drugs when combined with a lipid from royal jelly. The team, led by Dr. Qiuyue Nie, noted that the unique structure of these peptides allows them to enter cells more effectively, a crucial factor in cancer treatment. Although further testing in animal models is necessary before clinical trials, the findings underscore the untapped potential of natural compounds in developing new oncology drugs. The study is published in *Nature Chemical Biology*.
Published: Jun 24 2025, 2 ameznews.inResearch from the UK Dementia Research Institute and Imperial College London has revealed a concerning link between frequent nightmares and accelerated biological aging, potentially increasing the risk of premature death. Analyzing data from over 183,000 adults and nearly 2,500 children, the study found that individuals experiencing weekly nightmares were more than three times as likely to die before age 70 compared to those who rarely had bad dreams. Even monthly nightmares were associated with faster aging and higher mortality rates. The findings, presented at the European Academy of Neurology Congress 2025, suggest that nightmares may trigger prolonged stress responses, leading to elevated cortisol levels and disrupted sleep, which are detrimental to health. Dr. Abidemi Otaiku emphasized the importance of addressing nightmares as a public health issue, noting that simple interventions could significantly improve sleep quality and potentially slow biological aging.
Published: Jun 23 2025, 10 pmeznews.inThe Vera C. Rubin Observatory has unveiled its first stunning images, showcasing the Trifid and Lagoon Nebulae, captured by the world's largest digital camera. A mosaic of 678 images taken over seven hours reveals intricate details of these star-forming regions, located thousands of light-years away in the Milky Way. The observatory, named after pioneering astronomer Dr. Vera C. Rubin, aims to revolutionize our understanding of the universe, capturing more data than all previous optical telescopes combined. In its initial hours of operation, the observatory has already documented millions of galaxies and thousands of new asteroids. Future images will include breathtaking views of the Virgo Cluster, a group of at least 1,300 galaxies, highlighting their interactions through gas bridges. The observatory's camera captures a 3200-megapixel image every 40 seconds, promising to provide unprecedented insights into dark matter and dark energy. More images and insights are expected in a livestreamed event later today.
Published: Jun 23 2025, 6 pmeznews.inSnow, while often admired for its beauty, possesses a complex nature that can be both enchanting and destructive. Composed entirely of water, it manifests in various forms, from light and fluffy flakes to heavy, sticky clumps. Its appearance can also vary significantly, leading to the intriguing question of why snow sometimes appears blue. To explore this phenomenon, researchers at the UC Berkeley Central Sierra Snow Lab, including Dr. Andrew Schwartz, provided insights, revealing their unique relationship with snow, which sometimes involves playful interactions. For those interested in delving deeper into such scientific inquiries, the latest episode of the "We Have Questions" podcast is available on popular platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music, offering listeners a chance to engage with the wonders of snow and its many mysteries.
Published: Jun 23 2025, 3 pmeznews.inAs Thanksgiving approaches, many turkeys face an unfortunate fate at the dinner table, but the question arises: why don’t we eat turkey eggs? While wild turkey hens lay between nine to thirteen eggs every two weeks, the yield is not sufficient for commercial farming. In the U.S., approximately 2,500 turkey farms exist, yet turkey eggs are rarely seen in the market due to their lower production rate—taking about 32 hours to lay a single egg compared to a chicken's near-daily output. Additionally, turkeys take seven months to reach egg-laying maturity, making them less appealing to farmers. Although turkey eggs are edible and reportedly taste similar to chicken eggs, they are larger with tougher shells. Ultimately, the financial viability of raising turkeys for eggs pales in comparison to other poultry, leaving turkey eggs largely overlooked in the culinary world.
Published: Jun 23 2025, 4 pmeznews.inBoiling a penguin egg results in a strikingly translucent albumen that remains clear rather than turning white, a stark contrast to the familiar appearance of chicken eggs. While penguin eggs, particularly those from Gentoo penguins, have historically been consumed during Antarctic explorations, their collection is now illegal in many regions. Robert Headland from the Scott Polar Research Institute notes that Gentoo eggs are larger and have a thicker shell, with a yolk that is notably bright orange. The taste of boiled penguin eggs is described as somewhat fishy, attributed to their krill-rich diet, and they are often considered unappetizing unless enhanced with vinegar. However, they can be successfully used in dishes like pavlova, as demonstrated by Falkland Islands resident Donald Morrison. Overall, penguin eggs are a unique culinary curiosity, boiling clear and offering a distinct flavor profile.
Published: Jun 23 2025, 3 pmeznews.inThe new COVID-19 variant, N.B.1.8.1, has been increasingly detected in the UK, with its prevalence rising from 3.97% of sequenced tests in late May, as reported by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). This strain, which has been linked to symptoms such as cough, fatigue, and a notably severe sore throat dubbed "razor blade throat," is expected to spread further this summer. Although hospital admissions for COVID-19 remain low, there has been a slight increase in cases requiring hospitalization. The World Health Organization has noted that N.B.1.8.1 is growing rapidly compared to other variants, suggesting enhanced transmissibility. First identified in January 2025, the variant has since become dominant in regions like Hong Kong and China, and has been reported in several countries, including the US. Vaccination continues to offer effective protection against this emerging strain.
Published: Jun 22 2025, 4 amFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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