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The accelerated expansion of the universe has sparked controversy among astronomers, with varying methods yielding different rates of expansion. A bold new hypothesis suggests that our galaxy, the Milky Way, may be situated in a cosmic void, which could explain these discrepancies. Dr. Indranil Banik from the University of Portsmouth posits that this void, characterized by a density 20% below the universe's average, could cause nearby galaxies to experience additional gravitational acceleration, leading to a perceived faster local expansion rate. This theory challenges the standard model of cosmology, which assumes a uniform universe on large scales. Banik's research, presented at the National Astronomy Meeting in Durham, UK, aligns with observations of galaxy distributions and Baryonic Acoustic Oscillations, the remnants of the Big Bang. The team plans to further validate their findings using alternative methods, potentially reshaping our understanding of cosmic structure. 
Published: Jul 08 2025, 7 ameznews.inDespite the unappealing appearance of packaged meats, washing chicken before cooking is not advisable, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Raw chicken can harbor harmful bacteria like _Campylobacter_ and _Salmonella_, which are common causes of food poisoning. Washing the meat can inadvertently spread these bacteria around the kitchen, increasing the risk of contamination. A study from North Carolina State University found that 35% of participants washed their chicken, often to remove visible residue, but both washers and non-washers contaminated kitchen surfaces. The key to food safety lies in proper cooking and hand hygiene rather than washing the chicken. To stay healthy, experts recommend skipping the rinse and cooking the chicken directly, as the cooking process effectively eliminates harmful bacteria. 
Published: Jul 05 2025, 2 pmeznews.inResearchers propose a novel approach to uncover the elusive nature of dark matter by searching for "dark dwarfs," faint celestial objects potentially illuminated by dark matter interactions. The study, led by Dr. Jeremy Sakstein from the University of Hawai’i, suggests that if dark matter, likely composed of Weakly Interacting Massive Particles (WIMPs), accumulates within stars, it could lead to energy release and increased brightness. Unlike typical brown dwarfs, which lack sufficient mass for hydrogen fusion, these "dark dwarfs" could exhibit unique characteristics, such as elevated levels of lithium-7, a marker that could help distinguish them from ordinary stars. While locating these objects poses challenges due to their distance and the crowded galactic center, the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) may aid in detecting lithium-7, potentially confirming the presence of WIMPs and advancing our understanding of dark matter. The findings are detailed in the Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics. 
Published: Jul 08 2025, 1 pmeznews.inResearchers from the US and Germany have discovered that individuals with high psychopathy exhibit structural changes in brain regions associated with impulse control and emotional regulation. Using advanced neuroimaging techniques, the study examined 39 male subjects identified through the Psychopathy Checklist-Revised, revealing that those with elevated scores had 1.45% less total brain volume compared to control subjects, particularly in areas like the basal ganglia and insular cortex, which are crucial for emotional processing and moral judgment. While the findings suggest a link between psychopathy traits and brain structure, the study's small sample size and potential confounding factors, such as prior drug use, warrant caution in interpretation. The results underscore the need for further research to explore the heritability and environmental influences on these structural differences, potentially paving the way for new treatment and rehabilitation strategies for individuals exhibiting psychopathic traits. The study was published in the *European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience*. 
Published: Jul 05 2025, 6 pmeznews.inEuropean discovery of Antarctica dates back to the early 19th century, with Captain James Cook first crossing the Antarctic Circle in 1773 and Russian explorer Thaddeus von Bellingshausen confirming its sighting in 1820. However, a 2021 study suggests that Polynesian explorers, led by Hui Te Rangiora aboard the vessel Te Ivi o Atea, may have reached the continent over a millennium earlier, around the seventh century. The research highlights Māori legends describing voyages into icy waters, with imagery that aligns with Antarctica's landscape. While these narratives are compelling, they face skepticism due to a lack of supporting evidence and concerns about post-European embellishments. New Zealand anthropologist Sir Peter Buck cautions against assuming Polynesians would venture into the inhospitable southern seas, suggesting that the legends may have been influenced by later European accounts. Nonetheless, the Māori connection to Antarctica remains a topic of interest and debate in the scientific community. 
Published: Jul 08 2025, 1 ameznews.inProsopometamorphopsia (PMO) is an exceedingly rare neurological condition that causes individuals to perceive faces as distorted or transformed into other face-like forms. Neuroscientist Dr. Austin Lim, who discusses PMO in his book _Horror On The Brain_, explains that this condition can lead to unsettling visual experiences, such as faces appearing to melt or morph into fantastical creatures, including dragons. A notable case study from 2020 highlighted a patient, referred to as AD, who experienced significant quality of life issues due to hemi-prosopometamorphopsia, a variant of PMO linked to brain lesions. With only about 75 documented cases, PMO can often be mistaken for other disorders, complicating diagnosis and treatment. The condition's bizarre manifestations, which can include faces resembling witches or zombies, underscore the complexities of facial recognition in the brain and the potential for misinterpretation in visual processing. 
Published: Jul 07 2025, 10 pmeznews.inScientists studying the volcanic bay of Illa Grossa, part of the Columbretes Islands marine reserve off Spain's coast, have uncovered alarming levels of microplastic pollution, with concentrations reaching over 6,000 particles per kilogram of sediment—among the highest recorded in the Mediterranean. This area is home to _Cladocora caespitosa_, the only reef-forming coral in the region, which plays a crucial role in supporting diverse marine life. Researchers found microplastics in every sediment sample collected, with the most common types being polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, and polystyrene, alongside significant amounts of micro-rubber. The small size of these particles poses a serious threat to corals, as over 90% are small enough to be ingested. The study highlights the urgent need for increased research and action to combat plastic pollution, even in protected marine areas, as it endangers sensitive ecosystems. The findings are published in the *Marine Pollution Bulletin*. 
Published: Jul 04 2025, 8 pmeznews.inOn April 25, 1935, a tiger shark at Coogee Aquarium in Sydney regurgitated a human arm adorned with a tattoo of two boxers, leading detectives to a perplexing murder mystery. The arm was identified as belonging to James "Jimmy" Smith, a 45-year-old amateur boxer with ties to Sydney's criminal underworld, particularly to a businessman named Reginald Holmes. Tensions escalated between Smith and Holmes over a failed drug operation, culminating in Smith's disappearance on April 7. Following his death, Patrick Brady, a man last seen with Smith, was arrested but implicated Holmes in the murder. However, Holmes was found dead before he could testify, leaving the case unresolved. The prevailing theory suggests that Brady dismembered Smith and disposed of the arm, which was later consumed by the tiger shark, a creature brought to the aquarium by its owner, Bert Hobson, in a bid to attract visitors during the Great Depression. 
Published: Jul 07 2025, 10 pmeznews.inAstronomers at the Planetary Virtual Observatory and Laboratory (PVOL) are seeking assistance after NASA's Mario Rana captured an image that may show an object colliding with Saturn. Unlike terrestrial planets, gas giants like Saturn and Jupiter do not leave obvious craters from impacts due to their gaseous compositions. While studies estimate that Saturn experiences about 0.0032 impacts from objects over one kilometer in size annually, smaller impacts are believed to be more frequent, with Cassini data indicating that they can create ripples in Saturn's rings. The potential impact, observed on July 5, 2025, has been reported as a bright flash in Rana's image, reminiscent of past observations of impacts on Jupiter. PVOL is urging astronomers who captured footage of Saturn during that time to come forward to help confirm this exciting possibility, marking a potential first observation of an impact on the gas giant. 
Published: Jul 07 2025, 11 pmeznews.inIn 1963, a man in Turkey's Nevşehir Province accidentally discovered the ancient underground city of Derinkuyu while breaking through a basement wall. This remarkable site, which extends up to 18 stories deep, features chapels, schools, and stables, and is believed to have been constructed as early as the 8th–7th centuries BCE. Archaeologists estimate it could accommodate around 20,000 people, with its peak during the Byzantine period, when it evolved into a complex network of tunnels and chambers covering 445 square kilometers. Initially used for food storage, the city served as a refuge during times of conflict, allowing early Christians and Muslims to escape persecution. Its defensive design included narrow passageways and rolling stone doors, enabling inhabitants to thwart invaders effectively. Derinkuyu remains a testament to the ingenuity of its builders and the enduring need for safety throughout history. 
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