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The interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS is set to undergo a significant test of the controversial "alien mothership" hypothesis as it approaches solar conjunction and perihelion on October 29. Discovered on July 1, 3I/ATLAS has exhibited unusual chemical properties and an anti-tail, leading some, notably Harvard astronomer Avi Loeb, to speculate about its potential artificial origins. Loeb has suggested that if the comet is not natural, it could perform an "Oberth maneuver" using the Sun's gravity to alter its trajectory. However, most scientists, including NASA's Tom Statler, assert that the evidence overwhelmingly supports its classification as a natural comet. As 3I/ATLAS nears perihelion, it will be out of view from Earth, but observations from Mars and potentially Jupiter may provide insights into its behavior. The outcome of this event could either validate or debunk the alien hypothesis, with implications for our understanding of interstellar objects. 
Published: Oct 21 2025, 6 pmeznews.inThe first clinical trial of "enteral ventilation," colloquially known as "butt-breathing," has yielded promising results, marking a significant advancement in medical treatment for patients with respiratory issues. Inspired by certain Australian turtle species that extract oxygen through their cloaca, Dr. Takanori Takebe from the Institute of Science in Tokyo has developed a method using a liquid called perfluorodecalin, which can hold significantly more oxygen than water or blood. In the trial, 27 healthy Japanese men were administered the liquid rectally, with 20 successfully holding it for 60 minutes, experiencing only mild discomfort. While this initial study focused on safety rather than effectiveness, it paves the way for future trials involving oxygenated versions of the liquid, particularly aimed at aiding newborns with underdeveloped lungs. With millions of critically ill patients requiring ventilation annually, this innovative approach could offer a vital alternative to traditional methods.
Published: Oct 21 2025, 9 pmeznews.inRecent viral posts have suggested that the "52 hertz whale," often dubbed the world's loneliest whale, has found companionship. However, this claim lacks new evidence and likely references a 2010 incident where sensors detected a similar whale call off California, indicating the possibility of multiple singing whales. The 52 hertz whale, first identified in 1989 by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, emits a unique call at a frequency much higher than that of known whale species, leading to speculation about its identity, possibly as a hybrid. Despite its solitary reputation, experts like Christopher Clark from Cornell University suggest that the whale may not be as isolated as believed, as other whales can recognize its song. A 2021 documentary revealed a potential sighting of a blue-fin whale hybrid, hinting at a more complex social life for this enigmatic creature.
Published: Oct 22 2025, 12 ameznews.inIn a groundbreaking conservation effort, Chester Zoo has successfully microchipped 80 critically endangered achoque salamanders, native to Lake Pátzcuaro in Mexico. These elusive amphibians, also known as Lake Pátzcuaro salamanders (_Ambystoma dumerilii_), are notoriously difficult to identify visually, making individual tracking a challenge. Project lead Adam Bland highlighted the unique biology of these creatures, which can absorb or expel microchips, complicating tagging efforts. The initiative received support from the Monasterio de la Virgen Inmaculada de la Salud, where nuns have been breeding the salamanders after their numbers dwindled. Following a successful implantation process, the team monitored the salamanders for four months, finding no adverse health effects. This innovative approach aims to enhance conservation strategies for the species, which is believed to have only 150 adults remaining in the wild, while also raising awareness of their cultural significance to local communities.
Published: Oct 21 2025, 10 pmeznews.inFor nearly 35 years, the Kryptos sculpture at the CIA's Langley headquarters has concealed a cryptic message, with only three of its four parts decoded. Created by artist Jim Sanborn, the sculpture features a jumble of letters that have stumped cryptographers since its installation in 1990. Recently, researchers Jarett Kobek and Richard Byrne claimed to have uncovered the plaintext of the elusive fourth section, K4, through archival research at the Smithsonian Institution. However, they emphasize that their discovery was not a result of cryptographic skill but rather a consequence of mishandled paperwork. The Smithsonian has since sealed the archives until 2075 to protect Sanborn's intellectual property, and the researchers have no plans to disclose their findings. While some argue that the mystery remains unsolved due to the lack of knowledge about the encoding method, others believe the puzzle's complexity may never be fully unraveled.
Published: Oct 21 2025, 8 pmeznews.inA United Airlines Boeing 737-8 MAX, operating flight UA-1093 from Denver to Los Angeles, was diverted to Salt Lake City on October 16 after its windshield cracked mid-flight. Initial speculation suggests the damage may have been caused by space debris, although this remains unconfirmed. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the incident, gathering data and examining the damaged windshield. While a pilot reportedly observed an object approaching, alternative theories include a meteorite or ice fragment. The likelihood of aircraft being struck by space debris is extremely low, with a 2023 FAA report estimating a risk of 0.36 in a trillion for individual casualties. However, as the number of satellites in orbit increases—now over 15,600, primarily from SpaceX's Starlink—the risk of collisions may rise, prompting calls for a reassessment of safety protocols regarding space debris.
Published: Oct 21 2025, 5 pmeznews.inOutside the CIA headquarters in Langley, Virginia, a 12-foot copper sculpture named Kryptos has baffled cryptographers and enthusiasts for over three decades. Created by artist Jim Sanborn, the sculpture features four encrypted passages, three of which have been deciphered using various ciphers, including the Vigenère cipher. The first passage reveals a message about the nuances of illusion, while the second discusses an invisible transmission involving the Earth's magnetic field, providing coordinates linked to a buried secret. The third passage, echoing Howard Carter's discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb, describes a moment of revelation. However, the fourth passage remains unsolved, despite Sanborn offering clues over the years, including hints that the letters "NYPVTT" translate to "BERLIN" and "MZFPK" to "CLOCK." Should the code remain unbroken before Sanborn's passing, he plans to auction the solution, with proceeds benefiting climate science.
Published: Oct 21 2025, 5 pmeznews.inWestern Australian police have discovered a burning object on an access road to a mine in the Pilbara region, prompting speculation about its origins. Space junk expert Professor Steven Tingay from Curtin University noted that images suggest the object was on fire upon landing, raising concerns about the potential risks associated with increasing space debris. While the likelihood of being struck by space junk is low, Tingay warned that a flaming object could ignite a bushfire if it landed in a dry area. Dr. Alice Gorman from Flinders University suggested it might be the fourth stage of a Jielong rocket launched in late September, but Tingay cautioned against speculation without further evidence. He emphasized the need for better monitoring of space debris, as the rapid rise in space launches could lead to more incidents like this. The source of the object remains unconfirmed, and no nation or company has claimed responsibility.
Published: Oct 21 2025, 3 pmeznews.inResearch presented at the European Society for Medical Oncology Congress 2025 indicates that cancer patients receiving immunotherapy were twice as likely to survive three years if they had received a COVID-19 mRNA vaccine within 100 days of starting treatment. Led by Dr. Adam Grippin from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, the study analyzed over 1,000 patients treated between August 2019 and August 2023. The findings suggest that mRNA vaccines can enhance the immune system's ability to combat cancer, particularly in patients with "immunologically cold" tumors, where survival rates improved nearly five-fold. The study highlights the potential of low-cost mRNA vaccines to significantly boost the effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibitors, which have transformed cancer therapy. While the research is promising, further clinical trials are needed to confirm these results and explore the mechanisms involved.
Published: Oct 21 2025, 4 pmeznews.inA recent study from the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute in Australia has revealed significant molecular changes in adult transgender women undergoing gender-affirming hormone therapy, aligning their protein profiles more closely with those of cisgender women. The research, which analyzed 5,279 blood proteins before and after six months of treatment with estradiol and either cyproterone acetate or spironolactone, found that 36 of the top 100 proteins typically differing between sexes shifted towards a "female" form. These hormonal changes could influence health risks, potentially increasing susceptibility to autoimmune diseases while reducing heart disease risks. The findings underscore the malleability of human biology and suggest that monitoring protein levels could enhance personalized treatment approaches for transgender individuals. However, the study's small size and focus on feminizing hormones indicate a need for further research, particularly regarding transgender men and non-binary individuals. The study is published in *Nature Medicine*.
Published: Oct 21 2025, 6 amFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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