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In a recent exploration of the name "Jesus H. Christ," Dr. Dan McClellan, a biblical scholar from the University of Birmingham, clarifies that the "H" does not stand for a middle name like Hector, but rather has its roots in Christian symbolism. The initial is believed to have originated from a Christogram, a monogram that combines letters and symbols to represent Jesus. This practice of using Christograms is prevalent in various artifacts, including artworks, coins, and gravestones, and even appears in ancient tattoos. Dr. McClellan's insights shed light on the historical and cultural significance of this name, emphasizing its connection to early Christian iconography. For those interested in a deeper understanding, Dr. McClellan has shared a detailed explanation in a video. 
Published: Nov 17 2025, 2 ameznews.inRenowned astronomer and science communicator Carl Sagan recorded a poignant message for future Mars astronauts shortly before his death in 1996. A staunch advocate for Mars exploration and co-founder of The Planetary Society, Sagan believed studying the Red Planet could yield insights into both its potential for life and our own planet's future. In his message, Sagan reflects on the interconnectedness of science and science fiction, noting how each inspires the other and fuels the quest for knowledge about Mars. He expresses a deep yearning to join future explorers, highlighting humanity's nomadic instincts and the importance of establishing communities beyond Earth. This heartfelt recording was sent to Mars aboard NASA's Phoenix lander, arriving on May 25, 2008, and is preserved on a mini-DVD, intended to endure for centuries. Sagan's vision continues to inspire generations of scientists and dreamers alike. 
Published: Nov 16 2025, 10 pmeznews.inA groundbreaking study from Stanford Medicine has established a link between the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease affecting over 5 million people globally. The research reveals that while EBV infects fewer than 1 in 10,000 B cells in healthy individuals, this figure rises to 1 in 400 in lupus patients. The study identifies a "molecular switch" gene activated by EBV in infected B cells, triggering a cascade of pro-inflammatory responses that lead to the immune system attacking the body’s own tissues. Senior author Dr. William Robinson emphasized the significance of this finding, suggesting it could apply to all lupus cases. However, the study notes that not all EBV-infected individuals develop lupus, indicating that specific strains of the virus may play a role in this transformation. The findings are published in *Science Translational Medicine*. 
Published: Nov 13 2025, 9 pmeznews.inOn October 8, the golden comet C/2025 K1 (ATLAS) made its closest approach to the Sun, coming within 49 million kilometers (31 million miles), a distance few comets survive intact. Despite initial celebrations of its survival, the comet has since fragmented into at least two large pieces and smaller debris, as reported by the Italian National Institute of Astrophysics (INAF). This event occurred during the night of November 11-12, with images showing the fragments spreading apart. C/2025 K1 (ATLAS) is expected to make its closest pass to Earth on November 24, 2025, at a distance of 60 million kilometers (37.3 million miles), although its brightness may be affected by the recent break-up. The comet, which has a unique carbon-poor composition, has garnered interest for its unusual color change from green to golden brown, likely due to dust release during its solar encounter. 
Published: Nov 14 2025, 8 pmeznews.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 amFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
