eznews.inA rare autoimmune disorder, Anti-MDA5 positive dermatomyositis, is reportedly on the rise in northern England, particularly among Caucasian residents of Yorkshire, with new research suggesting a potential link to COVID-19. Previously more common in Asian populations, the condition has seen an alarming increase, with 60 cases and eight fatalities reported between 2020 and 2022. Researchers noted that this surge coincided with major COVID-19 waves, as MDA5, the enzyme targeted by the disorder, is an RNA receptor that recognizes the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The study, which identified a new form of the disease termed "MDA5-autoimmunity and Interstitial Pneumonitis Contemporaneous with COVID-19" (MIP-C), found elevated levels of the inflammatory cytokine interleukin-15 in affected patients. While only eight had confirmed COVID-19 infections, many may have experienced asymptomatic cases, indicating that even mild infections could trigger the autoimmune response. The findings suggest that this phenomenon may extend beyond Yorkshire, with reports emerging globally. 
Published: Nov 17 2025, 1 ameznews.inResearchers at Dartmouth College have made significant strides in understanding prosopometamorphopsia (PMO), a rare neurological disorder that distorts facial perceptions. For the first time, they visualized how a 58-year-old male patient experienced these distortions, which he described as making faces appear "demonic." Unlike previous studies, this patient could see faces normally in photographs but perceived them as distorted in person, allowing researchers to compare real-time visualizations. Their findings aim to enhance awareness of PMO among clinicians, who often misdiagnose it as a psychiatric issue, leading to inappropriate treatments. Senior author Brad Duchaine noted that many individuals with PMO hesitate to disclose their condition due to fears of being misunderstood as having a mental illness. The study, published in The Lancet, highlights the need for better recognition and understanding of this unique visual disorder.
Published: Nov 16 2025, 11 pmeznews.inThe Statue of Liberty, a gift from France to the United States in 1884, is celebrated for its iconic features, including its green hue and torch symbolizing enlightenment. However, a significant aspect often overlooked is the broken chains at the statue's feet, which reflect its original purpose: to commemorate both a century of American independence and the abolition of slavery. Proposed by Édouard de Laboulaye, the statue was intended to symbolize freedom, yet many Black Americans viewed it as hypocritical, given the ongoing Jim Crow laws and segregation. Originally, sculptor Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi envisioned Lady Liberty holding the broken chains, but opted to place them at her feet instead, a decision that diluted the statue's intended message. This historical context has faded over time, much like the statue's original colors beneath its green patina.
Published: Nov 16 2025, 9 pmeznews.inIn 1927, renowned physicist Oliver Lodge, known for his contributions to radio communication, led one of the largest telepathy experiments ever conducted, involving over 25,000 participants. Collaborating with the Psychical Research Society, Lodge and six volunteers were locked in a room in London, focusing on various objects while listeners were invited to guess what they were thinking via letters sent to the Society. Despite the intriguing setup, which included items like playing cards and a human skull, the results were disappointing. Only five participants correctly identified the skull, and the majority of guesses revealed a preference for aces and odd numbers. V. J. Woolley, a collaborator, noted some peculiarities in the guesses but ultimately concluded that the experiment did not provide evidence for psychic phenomena. Since then, no credible evidence for telepathy has emerged, despite ongoing interest and attempts to validate such claims.
Published: Nov 16 2025, 3 pmeznews.inPeacock spiders, tiny jumping spiders native to Australia, have captured the internet's fascination with their vibrant courtship dances, often set to the Bee Gees' "Stayin' Alive." These spiders, belonging to the genus _Maratus_, range from 2 to 6 millimeters in length and have seen a surge in species identification, with over 80 new species described since 2011, up from just seven. Jürgen Otto, a key figure in their viral popularity, has dedicated his life to studying these creatures, even filling his home with them to capture their unique mating displays. While harmless to humans, peacock spiders possess venom to subdue prey like grasshoppers and flies. Recent research has uncovered that they contain significant amounts of "dark DNA," which may play a role in their evolutionary diversity, suggesting that genetic factors beyond traditional genes could influence species development, according to Jonah Walker from the Sanger Institute.
Published: Nov 15 2025, 11 pmeznews.inResearch into post-mortem processes reveals fascinating insights into what happens to our bodies after death, particularly in outdoor settings. A study highlights the "decomposition ecosystem," where corpses interact with a universal community of microbes, leading to a series of biological activities that guide the path to skeletonization. Common myths, such as the belief that hair and nails continue to grow after death, are debunked; in reality, this perception arises from skin retraction due to dehydration. Additionally, while rigor mortis causes muscle stiffness, it does not enable dramatic movements like sitting up, as the necessary brain signals are absent. This phenomenon can even aid criminal investigations, as seen in a case where a body was found in an unusual position, suggesting foul play. For those curious about the science of death, experts will discuss these topics at the upcoming CURIOUS Live 2023 event.
Published: Nov 16 2025, 10 ameznews.inThe _Archaeoraptor liaoningensis_ fossil, once celebrated as a pivotal "missing link" in the evolution of birds from feathered dinosaurs, has been revealed as a sophisticated forgery. Initially unveiled by National Geographic in 1999, the turkey-sized specimen was touted as evidence of the transition from dinosaurs to birds. However, an investigation prompted by scientific skepticism uncovered that the fossil was a composite of two separate specimens, glued together to enhance its market value. Paleontologist Timothy Rowe confirmed this through advanced imaging techniques, revealing the fraudulent nature of the fossil, which had been smuggled from China and sold for $80,000. Critics, including ornithologist Storrs Olson, condemned the publication for lacking peer-reviewed validation, arguing it detracted from legitimate research. The _Archaeoraptor_ case has since underscored the importance of ethical fossil collection and the need for rigorous scientific scrutiny in paleontology.
Published: Nov 16 2025, 11 ameznews.inIn 1989, Tim Berners-Lee, a British computer scientist at CERN, revolutionized information sharing by developing a hypertext system that laid the groundwork for the World Wide Web, which he made freely available to the public. This decision mirrors other significant innovations, such as the three-point seatbelt, which have been shared without patents, emphasizing the importance of accessibility in fostering progress. As global patent filings reached a record 3.55 million in 2023, the need for collaboration in addressing climate change has become increasingly urgent. SKF, a Swedish engineering company, has launched The Patent Bay, a platform for sharing selected patents to accelerate sustainable technologies. SKF's Chief Technology Officer, Annika Ölme, highlighted that openness in innovation can lead to significant societal benefits. The first patent shared, a high-performance bearing alloy named Arctic15, aims to enhance aircraft engine efficiency and reduce emissions, showcasing SKF's commitment to sustainability and innovation.
Published: Nov 16 2025, 7 ameznews.inThe Sun has unleashed its most powerful solar flare of 2025, an X5.1 eruption, resulting in widespread radio blackouts across Europe and Africa. This event, which occurred on Tuesday, follows two earlier flares recorded on November 9 and 10, categorized as X1.7 and X1.2, both linked to an active sunspot, AR4274. The accompanying coronal mass ejections (CMEs) are expected to reach Earth, potentially triggering a severe G4 geomagnetic storm, which could make the aurora borealis visible at unusually low latitudes, including as far south as Alabama and northern California. The NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center has indicated that these geomagnetic disturbances may persist into November 14. Prior to this week, the strongest flare of the year was an X2.7 event in May. The phenomenon highlights the dynamic nature of solar activity and its impact on Earth's atmosphere.
Published: Nov 12 2025, 10 pmeznews.inMagic mushrooms, known for their active compound psilocybin, have garnered attention since the mid-20th century for their potential therapeutic benefits, including treatment for addiction, depression, and even alleviating existential fears in cancer patients. Recent genetic research reveals that psilocybin has evolved independently in different mushroom species, suggesting a significant evolutionary advantage. While the exact reason for this development remains unclear, hypotheses include its role as a chemical defense mechanism against predators, aiding in spore dispersal by altering the behavior of animals that consume them, or providing a fitness advantage in specific ecological niches. Despite the rarity of psilocybin-producing mushrooms, their substantial nitrogen allocation to psilocybin production indicates potential benefits that outweigh growth costs. As researchers continue to explore these mysteries, the evolutionary significance of psilocybin in fungi remains a captivating subject in the field of mycology.
Published: Nov 12 2025, 5 amFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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