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A groundbreaking study has revealed that the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), which infects 64% of the global population under 50, may have a stealthy route into the brain, potentially leading to behavioral changes. Traditionally associated with cold sores, HSV-1 has been largely overlooked in terms of its neurological impact. Researchers from the University of Illinois Chicago found that the virus could enter the central nervous system via the nasal cavity if shed through tears. In experiments with mice, signs of neuronal damage and inflammation were observed, alongside declines in coordination, memory, and increased anxiety over six months. While the pathway to the brain is rare in humans, the study highlights the need for further investigation into the virus's long-term effects. Notably, mice lacking the heparanase enzyme did not exhibit the same neurological issues, suggesting a potential therapeutic target. The findings are published in the journal mBio. 
Published: Mar 17 2025, 10 pmeznews.inTouching your belly button can evoke a peculiar tingling sensation, often leading to an urge to urinate. This phenomenon is linked to the belly button, or umbilicus, which connects to nerve fibers that relay signals to the spinal cord, including sensations from the bladder and urethra. According to Dr. Christopher Hollingsworth from NYC Surgical Associates, the parietal peritoneum, the internal lining at the belly button, is highly sensitive and shares nerve pathways with those of the bladder. Consequently, when pressure is applied to the belly button, it can trick the brain into interpreting these signals as originating from the bladder, resulting in the unusual feeling. However, this sensation is only experienced when one presses deeply into the belly button, as light touches do not stimulate the same nerve fibers.
Published: Mar 13 2025, 11 ameznews.inRecent studies have revealed that both Mercury and the Moon are undergoing significant shrinkage due to thermal contraction, while the situation for Earth is more complex. Mercury, the smallest planet in the Solar System, has been observed to have contracted by approximately 7 kilometers since the 1970s, with evidence of ongoing cooling and the formation of thrust faults, akin to wrinkles on an aging apple. Similarly, the Moon has shown signs of contraction, with thrust faults indicating a reduction of about 100 meters in recent geological history. Data from Apollo-era seismometers suggest that the Moon remains tectonically active, producing moonquakes as it continues to cool. In contrast, Earth experiences a negligible mass loss of around 50,000 tonnes annually due to atmospheric gas escape, while its overall radius changes minimally at a rate of 0.1 millimeters per year, indicating that it is not shrinking in the same manner as its celestial neighbors.
Published: Mar 18 2025, 6 ameznews.inIn March 2013, a tragic incident unfolded in Seffner, Florida, when 37-year-old Jeff Bush was swallowed by a sinkhole that opened beneath his bedroom. The sinkhole, approximately 6 meters (20 feet) wide and deep, was heard by his brother Jeremy and his partner Rachel, who rushed to the scene after hearing Jeff's screams. Despite Jeremy's desperate attempt to rescue him, he was pulled to safety by a deputy sheriff as the ground continued to collapse. Rescuers were unable to locate Bush's body, which, along with bedroom furniture, was lost in the sinkhole. The following day, engineers deemed the site too dangerous for further rescue efforts, leading to the demolition of the house and filling of the sinkhole with gravel. Florida's geology, rich in limestone, makes it particularly prone to such sinkholes, which occur when underground caverns collapse.
Published: Mar 15 2025, 12 ameznews.inIn the past two months, four commercial airplane crashes have occurred, three of which were fatal, raising concerns about aviation safety. However, data from the US National Transportation Safety Board indicates that January and February 2025 have seen fewer aviation accidents than in previous years, with flying remaining the safest mode of travel. Between 2005 and 2023, global aviation accidents dropped significantly, and fatalities in commercial crashes decreased from 824 to 72. Experts attribute the perception of increased crashes to statistical anomalies and the pervasive nature of social media, which amplifies attention on rare incidents. Recent cuts to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have sparked debate about potential impacts on safety, though experts suggest these changes are unlikely to have immediate effects. While the recent incidents have drawn scrutiny, the overall trend shows that flying is safer than ever, with the odds of a fatal accident remaining exceedingly low.
Published: Mar 14 2025, 1 pmeznews.inA recent study challenges the stereotype of the "lazy stoner," revealing that chronic cannabis users do not exhibit reduced motivation or effort due to their consumption. Researchers surveyed 260 regular cannabis users, who reported using the drug recreationally at least three times a week, through a smartphone app that assessed their motivation levels over a week. The findings indicated that these users chose challenging tasks at similar rates whether they were high or not, suggesting that their motivation remains intact. Interestingly, those who consumed cannabis more frequently were often more inclined to tackle difficult challenges. While the study noted that regular use could lead to impulsivity and reduced conscientiousness, it found no evidence of a "weed hangover" affecting motivation the following day. The research, published in *Social Psychological and Personality Science*, highlights that cannabis use is often associated with positive emotions rather than the negative traits commonly attributed to it.
Published: Mar 18 2025, 5 ameznews.inCancer remains a leading global health challenge, responsible for 9.7 million deaths in 2022, with lung cancer being the most lethal, claiming 1.8 million lives worldwide. In the U.S., it accounted for approximately 130,180 deaths. Other significant causes of cancer mortality include colon and rectum, liver, breast, and stomach cancers. While breast cancer has a high mortality rate, it also boasts a five-year survival rate of 99.3%, contrasting with lower survival rates for pancreatic and liver cancers. Disparities in cancer mortality are evident, with men facing higher rates than women, and non-Hispanic black men experiencing the highest mortality. However, advancements in treatment and lifestyle changes have contributed to a 1.7% annual decline in cancer deaths in the U.S. between 2013 and 2022, with promising new therapies and personalized vaccines currently in development.
Published: Mar 17 2025, 9 pmeznews.inIn 1819, Padua, Italy, experienced a bizarre event when polenta turned blood-red due to an outbreak of the bacteria _Serratia marcescens_, identified by Venetian pharmacist Bartolomeo Bizio. This same pathogen may be lurking in your bathroom if you notice pink goo, as _S. marcescens_ thrives in moist environments, commonly found in bathrooms and kitchens. While generally harmless to those with healthy immune systems, it can cause serious infections in vulnerable individuals, particularly respiratory and urinary infections. Its ability to form biofilms allows it to adhere to surfaces and resist treatment, making it a concern in healthcare settings. To eliminate this bacteria, a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water can be sprayed on affected areas, followed by scrubbing. Preventive measures include improving ventilation to reduce humidity and promptly cleaning soap residue, which attracts the bacteria.
Published: Mar 17 2025, 8 ameznews.inIn a chilling discovery during renovations in Corbeil-Essonnes, France, a homeowner unearthed a skeleton in their basement, leading to the excavation of 37 additional skeletons and 10 plaster sarcophagi, dating back over 1,500 years to late Antiquity. Initially thought to be linked to a nearby medieval graveyard, the findings revealed burial practices from the third to tenth centuries, with bodies arranged in parallel rows. This incident highlights a broader phenomenon where construction projects worldwide often disturb forgotten graves, such as the mass burial pits from the Great Plague in London and the African Burial Ground in New York City, which contained the remains of 15,000 enslaved and free Africans. These discoveries not only provide insights into historical funerary practices but also serve as poignant reminders of the past, urging society to confront its complex history.
Published: Mar 17 2025, 10 pmeznews.inIn the realm of intelligence measurement, IQ tests are often viewed as definitive indicators of cognitive ability, yet their validity is increasingly questioned. Originating in 1905 with Alfred Binet and Théodore Simon's assessments for schoolchildren, modern IQ tests evaluate verbal reasoning, working memory, and visual-spatial skills, with an average score set at 100. While some studies suggest a correlation between higher IQ scores and professional success, others highlight the limitations of these tests, which often overlook creativity and emotional intelligence. Historically, IQ scores have been misused to propagate racist ideologies, particularly during the eugenics movement, leading to harmful stereotypes linking race and intelligence. Critics argue that environmental factors, such as socioeconomic status, play a crucial role in shaping cognitive abilities. Ultimately, the article posits that improving living conditions can enhance collective intelligence, advocating for a focus on social equity rather than divisive narratives surrounding IQ.
Published: Mar 17 2025, 7 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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