eznews.in
A new species of hermit crab, dubbed "Strawberry Claws," has been identified off the coast of southeast Queensland, Australia. Officially named *Strigopagurus fragarchela*, the crab is notable for its vibrant red legs and claws, which are adorned with scarlet spots. Queensland Museum's Dr. Marissa McNamara, who co-authored the species' scientific description, highlighted its significance as an addition to the genus, which is predominantly found in Australian waters. The crabs were discovered in deep continental shelf waters, measuring approximately 13.9 millimeters in size. Unique to this species is their ability to produce sound through stridulation, a behavior that may serve as a defense mechanism against predators. The findings, published in the *Memoirs of the Queensland Museum*, underscore the importance of natural history collections in advancing scientific knowledge and conservation efforts.
Published: Nov 09 2024, 9 ameznews.inA recent warning from NHS surgeon Dr. Karan Raj has highlighted the dangers of kissing newborns, a message that many new parents are unaware of, according to a survey by The Lullaby Trust, which found that 54% of parents would allow friends and family to kiss their infants. Newborns have underdeveloped immune systems, making them particularly vulnerable to serious infections, including herpes, which can lead to severe illness or even death. Other pathogens, such as group B streptococci and certain strains of E. coli, pose additional risks. Experts advise parents to request that visitors refrain from kissing their babies, especially on the face, and to practice good hygiene. If kissing is unavoidable, it is recommended to kiss the baby's foot or back of the head and to cover any cold sores. Ultimately, while affection is important, safeguarding a newborn's health is paramount.
Published: Dec 26 2024, 2 pmeznews.inA curious phenomenon has emerged among heart transplant patients, who report experiencing unexpected personality changes and altered preferences, suggesting a potential transfer of traits from their organ donors. Some recipients have noted shifts in tastes, emotions, and even memories, with instances such as a health-conscious dancer developing a sudden craving for Kentucky Fried Chicken nuggets, a food she had never previously enjoyed. This raises intriguing questions about the heart's role beyond its biological function, with researchers exploring concepts like cellular memory, epigenetic modifications, and the heart's neural network, which may facilitate communication with the brain. While no definitive mechanism has been established, the interplay between the heart and brain, alongside the emotional and physical impacts of transplantation, warrants further investigation. A recent review highlights the need for interdisciplinary research to deepen our understanding of memory transfer and its implications for patient care and human identity.
Published: Dec 27 2024, 1 ameznews.inThe world's oceans are home to several notoriously dangerous seas, each with unique hazards. The Drake Passage, infamous for its treacherous currents and extreme weather, poses significant risks to vessels attempting to navigate between Antarctica and South America. Similarly, the Bermuda Triangle has gained a reputation for mysterious disappearances, although statistical analyses show no higher accident rates than other regions. The South China Sea is fraught with severe storms and geopolitical tensions, complicating navigation amid uncharted reefs and piracy. Meanwhile, the Bering Sea, known for its harsh weather and icy conditions, presents dangers particularly for fishermen, where fatigue can lead to accidents. These perilous waters highlight the formidable power of nature and the challenges faced by those who venture into them.
Published: Dec 27 2024, 2 ameznews.inTahlequah, the killer whale known for carrying her deceased calf for 17 days in 2018, has given birth to a new female calf, J61, observed traveling with her pod in Puget Sound since December 20. While the Center for Whale Research confirmed J35 (Tahlequah) as the mother, concerns have arisen regarding the calf's health. Experts from NOAA's Northwest Fisheries Science Center noted troubling behaviors, suggesting J61 may be premature and that Tahlequah appeared in poor condition last October. Observations indicate the calf has been struggling to stay active and may be nursing inadequately. Conservationists stress the critical need for a healthy salmon supply to support the survival of both mother and calf, as the Southern Resident killer whale population faces high mortality rates among newborns. As the community hopes for a positive outcome, the situation underscores the ongoing challenges faced by these iconic marine mammals.
Published: Dec 26 2024, 11 pmeznews.inResearchers at the Korean Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) have developed a groundbreaking technology that could transform cancer treatment by reverting cancer cells to a state resembling normal cells. This innovative approach, which avoids the side effects and resistance associated with traditional therapies, focuses on reactivating differentiation-associated genes that are typically mutated in cancer cells. By creating a digital twin of the gene network linked to normal cell differentiation, the team identified "master regulators" that can induce this reversion. Their experiments demonstrated that colon cancer cells could be successfully converted to a normal-like state, a finding that could pave the way for reversible cancer therapies applicable to various cancer types. Professor Kwang-Hyun Cho emphasized the significance of this research, stating it establishes a systematic method for inducing cancer cell reversion, potentially revolutionizing future cancer treatments. The study is published in the journal *Advanced Science*.
Published: Dec 27 2024, 12 ameznews.inIn a groundbreaking discovery, researchers have identified the oldest confirmed case of the plague outside Eurasia in a 3,290-year-old Egyptian mummy, revealing that the deadly bacterium _Yersinia pestis_ was present in North Africa long before the infamous Black Death pandemic of the 14th century. The mummy, housed at the Museo Egizio in Turin, Italy, showed advanced signs of infection in both its bone tissue and intestinal content. This finding, presented at the European Meeting of the Paleopathology Association, marks the first molecular evidence of plague in ancient Egypt, although the extent of its prevalence remains unclear. Previous studies have suggested possible outbreaks along the Nile, supported by archaeological findings of fleas and references in ancient medical texts. Researchers propose that the plague may have been spread by fleas on Nile rats before transitioning to black rats, which later facilitated the global spread of the disease.
Published: Dec 23 2024, 10 pmeznews.inA groundbreaking prototype reactor has successfully operated for three years, directly splitting water into hydrogen using only sunlight and photocatalysts, without the need for electricity conversion. Developed by researchers at Shinshu University, this 100 square meter reactor demonstrated higher efficiency than previous lab trials, although it still falls short of the efficiency required for practical applications. Currently, the reactor achieves about 1% efficiency under simulated sunlight, with hopes of reaching 5% in natural sunlight. Hydrogen, a clean fuel that produces only water when used, is primarily produced through fossil fuels, necessitating a shift to greener methods. The team emphasizes the need for improved photocatalysts and a global accreditation process to enhance efficiency and safety standards. While the cost of green hydrogen remains high compared to its fossil fuel counterpart, advancements in photocatalyst technology could pave the way for more sustainable hydrogen production and broader adoption of solar energy solutions.
Published: Dec 26 2024, 5 pmeznews.inA widely circulated photo of a giant spider, claimed to have lived with an Australian man for a year, has been confirmed as real. Jake Gray shared the image of the huntsman spider, affectionately named Charlotte, on a Facebook spider identification page, explaining that the family has tolerated her presence due to her appetite for cockroaches. Despite the spider's intimidating size, experts note that the Banded huntsman, or Sydney huntsman, is generally harmless, preferring to flee rather than bite. Gray's family even named the spider to ease their children's fears, with Charlotte reportedly growing over the year and even catching an Asian house gecko. Behavioral ecologist Linda S. Rayor advises that if one encounters a large spider, remaining calm and gently relocating it is the best approach, as bites are rare and typically non-venomous.
Published: Dec 26 2024, 4 pmeznews.inA recent working paper by Dartmouth University Professor David Blanchflower reveals a significant shift in the traditional U-shaped happiness curve, which previously indicated that happiness peaks in youth and old age, with a low point in midlife. The study finds that young adults, particularly young women, are now the least happy demographic, with unhappiness declining with age. This trend, which began around 2017, has been observed in over 80 countries, including the US, where one in nine young women report daily mental health struggles. The research highlights alarming increases in young people seeking mental health services and experiencing self-harm or suicidal thoughts. While the reasons behind this downturn remain unclear, Blanchflower notes that it is not solely attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic or labor market issues, suggesting a need for further investigation into factors affecting youth well-being, potentially including the impact of technology.
Published: Dec 21 2024, 9 pmeznews.inIn the ongoing debate over which gender experiences more pain, childbirth and testicular trauma often take center stage. Childbirth is notorious for its excruciating nature, involving hours of labor as a baby is forced through a narrow birth canal, often resulting in severe physical and psychological distress. In contrast, a kick to the testicles can induce immediate, intense pain, potentially leading to nausea or even hospitalization. The evolutionary design of testicles, which are sensitive and located externally, amplifies this pain response, serving as a protective mechanism for sperm production. While both experiences are undeniably painful, the subjective nature of pain makes it difficult to declare a definitive winner. Ultimately, experts suggest that the pain of childbirth and a kick in the balls may be equally torturous, leaving the question of who suffers more unresolved.
Published: Dec 26 2024, 3 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews