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Since its launch over three years ago, the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has significantly advanced our understanding of the universe, notably through the discovery of the spiral galaxy Zhúlóng, or "Torch Dragon." This galaxy, observed just 1.13 billion years after the Big Bang, exhibits features akin to modern spiral galaxies, including a distinct bulge and disk structure. Weighing approximately 100 billion times that of the Sun, Zhúlóng is forming stars at a remarkable rate, although it appears relatively quiet compared to other massive galaxies of its time. Researchers are intrigued by how such a mature galaxy could form in the early universe, suggesting that galaxy formation may involve diverse processes. The findings, detailed in a preprint paper, highlight the complexities of galaxy evolution and underscore the need for further study using JWST and other observatories to unravel these cosmic mysteries. 
Published: Jan 22 2025, 9 pmeznews.inThe term "Disease X," popularized by the World Health Organization (WHO) since 2018, refers to unknown pathogens that could potentially trigger a global epidemic akin to COVID-19. The concept gained traction during the pandemic, with some experts suggesting COVID-19 itself could be viewed as the "first Disease X." Currently, the WHO maintains a priority list of known pathogens that pose a risk, including Ebola and Zika, while Disease X remains a placeholder for an unidentified infectious agent. Recent discussions at the 2024 World Economic Forum, led by WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, have reignited public interest, emphasizing the importance of pandemic preparedness. While the emergence of another pandemic is likely, experts advise against panic, highlighting ongoing global efforts to enhance readiness and response strategies based on lessons learned from COVID-19.
Published: Feb 05 2025, 8 ameznews.inResearchers from EvolutionaryScale have harnessed artificial intelligence to artificially replicate the natural process of protein evolution, which began around 3.7 billion years ago. Their AI model, ESM3, has been trained on an extensive dataset of 3.15 billion protein sequences and 236 million structures, enabling it to generate new protein sequences. In a significant breakthrough, the team created a novel variant of green fluorescent protein (GFP), named esmGFP, which shows only 53% similarity to its closest natural counterpart, suggesting a divergence equivalent to 500 million years of evolution. While the potential applications of this technology include developing proteins for carbon capture, plastic degradation, and new medicines, some experts, like Professor Tiffany Taylor from the University of Bath, caution against overestimating AI's ability to replicate the complexities of natural selection. The findings are detailed in a study published in the journal Science.
Published: Feb 02 2025, 6 pmeznews.inThe Florida Everglades, spanning 1.5 million acres, is a unique subtropical wilderness that hosts a diverse array of snake species. According to the National Park Service, 29 snake species inhabit the park, including four venomous varieties: the Eastern coral snake, Florida cottonmouth, dusky pygmy rattlesnake, and Eastern diamondback rattlesnake. Additionally, three invasive species—Burmese pythons, boa constrictors, and Brahminy blind snakes—pose ecological challenges. While snakes often evoke fear, conservationists emphasize their vital role in maintaining ecosystem balance. Among the native species, the Florida green water snake and the Eastern indigo snake, which is federally protected, are notable. The Burmese python, a non-native giant, has been a significant concern since its introduction in the 1980s, with some individuals exceeding 18 feet in length. The Everglades' rich snake population underscores the region's ecological complexity and the ongoing challenges of invasive species management.
Published: Feb 02 2025, 8 pmeznews.inMarine biologists are investigating a unique group of 49 killer whales, or orcas, off the coasts of California and Oregon, which exhibit a blend of physical traits typically associated with distinct populations. This group has been observed attacking sperm whales, northern elephant seals, and turtles, while also showing signs of frequent encounters with sharks. Researchers, led by University of British Columbia master's student Josh McInnes, noted that these orcas display a mix of characteristics from both transient and offshore ecotypes, suggesting they may represent a new oceanic subpopulation. Since their first sightings in 1997, reports of these whales have been rare, with only nine documented encounters. The orcas' predatory behavior, including a successful attack on a herd of sperm whales, highlights their formidable nature in the open ocean, a habitat that remains largely unexplored. The findings are detailed in the journal *Aquatic Mammals*.
Published: Feb 01 2025, 1 ameznews.inA TikTok video by creator @zachdfilms3 has sparked interest in the historical fact that the English alphabet once included 27 letters, with the ampersand ("&") serving as the 27th. The video explains that the ampersand, which represented the word "and," was recited after the letter Z in the alphabet, with students taught to say "per se" before it. Although the ampersand was part of the alphabet until the late 19th century, it has since fallen out of use, despite its early presence in nursery rhymes. The evolution of the English language has seen the loss of other letters, such as thorn (þ) and wynn (ƿ), while U and J were only added in the 1500s. Experts suggest that while standardized spelling may reduce the likelihood of further letter loss, changes in language are always possible.
Published: Feb 05 2025, 3 ameznews.inIn the frigid waters of McMurdo Sound, Antarctica, the giant volcano sponge (_Anoxycalyx joubini_) may be among the oldest living animals on Earth, with estimates suggesting some individuals could live up to 40,000 years. These sponges, which can grow up to 1.5 meters in diameter and 1.95 meters in height, thrive at depths ranging from 15 to 144 meters. Their longevity is attributed to their slow growth rates and the cold, stable environment that reduces metabolic demands. While one sponge was estimated to be around 23,000 years old, marine biologist Dr. Susanne Gatti cautions that geological events, such as the last glacial maximum, likely limit the age of marine invertebrates in the region to around 15,000 years. Nonetheless, Gatti asserts that these sponges are among the oldest living organisms, surpassing even some terrestrial life forms.
Published: Feb 05 2025, 12 ameznews.inA recent study has revealed that dust clouds from the Sahara Desert, which occasionally reach Europe, still carry traces of radioactive isotopes from Cold War nuclear tests. Researchers analyzed samples from a significant dust event in March 2022 and found that the radiation detected did not originate from French nuclear tests conducted in Algeria during the 1960s, as previously thought. Instead, the isotopes matched those from tests by the USA and USSR, highlighting the extensive impact of their nuclear activities. The study indicated that the radioactive levels in the dust were well below European Union safety thresholds, posing negligible risk to public health. Lead author Yangjunjie Xu-Yang emphasized that while Saharan dust contributes to atmospheric pollution, its radioactivity is not a concern, urging policymakers to focus on pollution management rather than radiation fears. The findings were published in the journal Science Advances.
Published: Feb 01 2025, 2 ameznews.inGunung Padang, an archaeological site atop an extinct volcano in West Java, Indonesia, has sparked theories suggesting it is an ancient pyramid built by a lost civilization predating Egypt's pyramids. While the site features a pyramid-like shape and terraces of volcanic rocks, claims of advanced construction techniques dating back 25,000 years were recently published but later retracted due to flawed evidence regarding soil sample dating. Archaeologists confirmed human activity at the site from 45 BCE to 22 CE, but the assertion of a sophisticated civilization remains contentious. Critics, including experts in geophysics and archaeology, argue that the geological formations, often misinterpreted as man-made, are natural volcanic structures. Despite the site's allure, the challenges of tropical excavation and the need for rigorous scientific scrutiny suggest that while Gunung Padang warrants further study, claims of it rewriting human history should be approached with skepticism.
Published: Feb 05 2025, 1 ameznews.inResearchers have conducted a study on bonobos to explore their ability to understand the knowledge of others, a cognitive skill known as "theory of mind," previously thought to be unique to humans. The experiment involved three bonobos—Nyota, Kanzi, and Teco—who observed a human hiding a reward under one of three cups. The setup varied, allowing the bonobos to know whether the second human could see where the food was placed. Findings revealed that when the human was unaware of the reward's location, the bonobos pointed more frequently to indicate where it was hidden. Co-author Chris Krupenye noted that this behavior suggests bonobos can recognize gaps in another's knowledge and adjust their actions accordingly. The study indicates that these apes can hold conflicting perspectives simultaneously, a skill that may aid in social interactions, and the team plans to further investigate whether bonobos can influence others' beliefs. The research is published in PNAS.
Published: Feb 04 2025, 11 pmeznews.inThis Sunday, the Kansas City Chiefs will clash with the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX, a highlight of the American sporting calendar. The use of Roman numerals for the Super Bowl, despite the absence of historical ties between the USA and ancient Rome, serves a practical purpose: it helps distinguish the championship game from the season year. The NFL's season concludes with the Super Bowl held in February of the following year, prompting the adoption of Roman numerals to avoid confusion. This tradition, championed by Chiefs founder Lamar Hunt in 1970, adds an air of sophistication and prestige to the event. Initially, the first four Super Bowls were numbered in Arabic numerals, but the Roman numeral system has since become a hallmark of the championship, with the exception of Super Bowl 50, which was branded for simplicity.
Published: Feb 04 2025, 9 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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