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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 previously underestimated impact on behavior. While typically associated with cold sores, researchers from the University of Illinois Chicago found that HSV-1 can infiltrate the brain through the nasal cavity, particularly when the virus is shed via tears. In experiments with mice, the team observed long-term neuronal damage, inflammation, and behavioral changes, including impaired coordination and increased anxiety. Lead author Dr. Deepak Shukla emphasized the need for greater awareness of the virus's neurological consequences, which may be more severe than previously thought. Notably, mice lacking the heparanase enzyme showed no neurological issues, suggesting potential therapeutic avenues. While the findings may not directly translate to humans, they underscore the importance of further research into HSV-1's effects on brain health. The study is published in the journal mBio. 
Published: Mar 17 2025, 10 pmeznews.inThe velvet worm, an intriguing invertebrate predator, has captured the attention of scientists due to its unique slime, which it uses to ensnare prey. This creature, resembling a fuzzy rope with two antennae, can detect air currents despite its limited vision. When hunting, it ejects a viscous liquid from specialized glands, which rapidly transforms into a stiff, nylon-like fiber, a process faster than spider silk spinning. Recent research led by Professor Ali Miserez has identified the slime's main component as leucine-rich repeat (LRR) proteins, which function as molecular glue, binding other proteins to form the fiber network. This discovery not only challenges previous assumptions about the role of these proteins but also highlights their ancient evolutionary significance, dating back nearly 400 million years. The findings could inspire the development of sustainable, biodegradable materials, showcasing the potential of biomimicry in addressing modern environmental challenges.
Published: Mar 20 2025, 6 ameznews.inSince Donald Trump's return to power in early 2025, his administration has taken significant steps to downplay the climate crisis, including removing references to it from government websites and attempting to halt climate-related funding. This approach echoes a historical precedent in the U.S., where for over 60 years, the term "tornado" was banned from weather forecasts, despite the potential for life-saving predictions. John Park Finley, an early tornado researcher, compiled extensive data on tornado patterns and advocated for a warning system, but his efforts were suppressed by officials who believed that warnings could cause more harm than good. The ban on tornado reporting persisted until World War II, when the need for a warning system for military sites led to a shift in policy. As climate change intensifies, experts suggest that current government officials should reconsider their stance on climate research, learning from past mistakes in disaster preparedness.
Published: Mar 20 2025, 11 pmeznews.inA recent discussion sparked by Twitter user @HannahPosted has raised the intriguing question of whether humans can actually feel wetness. Contrary to common belief, research indicates that humans lack specific receptors for detecting humidity, unlike insects that possess hygroreceptors. A 2014 study revealed that our perception of wetness is influenced by a combination of thermal and mechanical sensory inputs. For instance, when the temperature of an object decreases, our sense of wetness increases, suggesting that cold sensations can trick the brain into perceiving wetness. Additionally, the study found that hairy skin is more sensitive to wetness than non-hairy skin, and blocking nerve activity diminishes the sensation of wetness. Ultimately, humans infer wetness through a complex integration of sensory information rather than direct detection, highlighting the brain's role in interpreting ambiguous sensory signals.
Published: Mar 21 2025, 12 ameznews.inRobert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, has proposed a controversial strategy to combat the ongoing avian influenza crisis, suggesting that farmers allow the virus to spread among their flocks to identify birds with natural immunity. This comes as over 20 million chickens have died from the disease, with 70 human cases reported since April 2024, primarily linked to exposure to infected poultry and dairy cows. While the immediate risk to the public remains low, experts warn that allowing the virus to circulate could increase the chances of mutations that might enable human-to-human transmission. Critics, including veterinarians, argue that the lack of genetic diversity in modern poultry farming makes this approach dangerous, potentially leading to a public health disaster. They emphasize the need for stringent biosecurity measures to prevent further spread and protect both animal and human health.
Published: Mar 20 2025, 10 pmeznews.inA recently resurfaced video on Reddit showcases the harrowing moment NASA astronaut Dale Gardner executed an untethered spacewalk to capture a satellite, a feat reminiscent of the iconic 1984 spacewalk by Bruce McCandless II. On February 7 and 9, 1984, McCandless and fellow astronaut Bob Stewart became the first humans to perform untethered spacewalks using Manned Maneuvering Units (MMUs) while traveling at nearly 28,900 kilometers per hour. However, Gardner's mission, alongside astronaut Joseph Allen, involved retrieving two misoriented communication satellites, Westar 6 and Palapa B2, due to a rocket failure. The astronauts donned MMUs to maneuver in space, with Gardner successfully capturing Westar 6 in just under six hours, followed by the second satellite in five hours and 42 minutes. The mission not only showcased human ingenuity but also produced some of the most breathtaking and terrifying footage from space.
Published: Mar 20 2025, 11 pmeznews.inThe question of whether zero is an odd or even number often confuses many due to its unique mathematical properties. However, zero is classified as an even number. This classification stems from the definition of even numbers, which are divisible by two without a remainder. Since zero can be expressed as 0 = 0 × 2, it meets this criterion. Additionally, when dividing zero by any number, the result remains zero, further supporting its even status. Despite its peculiarities—such as the fact that multiplying any number by zero results in zero, and dividing by zero leads to undefined outcomes—zero's mathematical behavior aligns with that of even numbers. Thus, while zero may seem idiosyncratic, it is definitively not odd.
Published: Mar 18 2025, 9 pmeznews.inHumans are living longer than ever, yet reaching the age of 100 remains rare, with fewer than 250 supercentenarians worldwide, and only three over 115. A recent analysis, not yet peer-reviewed, sheds light on the biology of longevity through the study of Maria Branyas Morera, who lived to 117. Researchers conducted a comprehensive analysis of her genomic and biological markers, discovering that many indicators of aging were surprisingly youthful, including her telomere length, which was greater than that of individuals in their 30s. Genetic variants linked to disease resistance were also identified, alongside a healthy lifestyle characterized by a Mediterranean diet and active social engagement. The findings suggest that extreme longevity may arise from a unique combination of genetic and environmental factors, challenging the notion that aging and disease are always linked. Branyas Morera's life exemplifies the potential for healthy aging, underscoring the importance of lifestyle choices.
Published: Mar 20 2025, 8 pmeznews.inIn a groundbreaking medical achievement, an Australian man has become the first person to survive with a titanium artificial heart for over 100 days and to be discharged from the hospital with the device still implanted. The patient, in his 40s, had been suffering from severe heart failure, a condition where the heart cannot pump sufficient blood. With donor hearts in short supply—only 4,545 transplants were performed in the US in 2023—total artificial hearts like the BiVACOR, which uses a magnetically suspended rotor to circulate blood, offer a promising alternative. The man received the BiVACOR heart during a pioneering surgery at St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney last November. Following a successful heart transplant earlier this month, he is now recovering well. This milestone not only highlights the potential of artificial hearts but also raises hopes for their permanent use in the future.
Published: Mar 20 2025, 8 pmeznews.inA recent exploration into coffee consumption highlights the paradox of caffeine's stimulating effects and its potential to disrupt sleep. While approximately 75% of Americans enjoy coffee to boost alertness, experts warn that excessive intake can lead to increased fatigue. Caffeine blocks sleep-promoting chemicals and can worsen sleep quality, creating a cycle where individuals consume more coffee due to tiredness caused by prior caffeine consumption. Medical professionals suggest that those struggling with sleep should evaluate their caffeine intake, including hidden sources like chocolate and certain skincare products. The timing of coffee consumption is crucial; experts recommend cutting off caffeine by 2 or 3 PM for those with a typical sleep schedule, as caffeine can linger in the system for hours. Ultimately, while coffee can provide a temporary boost, experts emphasize that nothing replaces the restorative power of sleep.
Published: Mar 20 2025, 9 pmeznews.inIn a groundbreaking achievement, researchers have successfully transmitted images via satellite using Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) over a record distance of 12,900 kilometers (8,000 miles) between ground stations in China and South Africa. This milestone not only highlights the potential of quantum mechanics for secure data transmission but also marks a significant reduction in the weight and cost of transmission technology. The demonstration involved the microsatellite Jinan-1, which enabled the secure transfer of 1.07 million bits during a single pass, aided by favorable climatic conditions in Stellenbosch, South Africa. Unlike traditional fiber-optic systems, which require extensive infrastructure, QKD utilizes single photons to encode keys, alerting recipients to any interception attempts. The lighter design of Jinan-1, compared to its predecessor Micius, enhances portability for ground stations, paving the way for future advancements in quantum communication. The findings were published in the journal Nature.
Published: Mar 20 2025, 7 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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