eznews.inIn 1978, the USS Stein, a US Navy frigate, experienced a critical malfunction in its radar system, prompting an emergency return to base. Upon inspection, engineers discovered extensive damage to the sonar dome's rubber coating, with large tears and massive teeth embedded in the surface, suggesting a powerful attack. Navy biologist F.G. Wood speculated that the culprit was a colossal squid, potentially measuring up to 45 meters (150 feet) long, based on the size of the teeth. This creature, known for its aggressive behavior and large hooks used for capturing prey, may have mistaken the frigate for a whale or been nearing the end of its life, leading it to surface and latch onto the ship. While the true identity of the "Stein Monster" remains a mystery, it highlights the potential for extraordinary marine life lurking in the depths of the ocean. 
Published: Feb 16 2025, 9 ameznews.inGoogle has officially renamed the Gulf of Mexico to the "Gulf of America" on Google Maps, following a directive from US President Donald Trump during his inauguration. Trump stated that this change was part of a broader vision for America to reclaim its status as a leading nation. Google confirmed that the update would not be limited to US users; it will be visible to nearly all Google Maps users worldwide, with users in the US seeing "Gulf of America," while those in Mexico will still see "Gulf of Mexico." The change aligns with Google's policy of updating geographic names based on official government sources. Additionally, the company has recently shifted its approach to diversity and inclusion initiatives, ceasing to highlight various cultural observances in its calendar, a move that coincides with the current political climate under Trump's administration. 
Published: Feb 12 2025, 11 pmeznews.inResearchers at the University of Cambridge have unveiled an innovative solar-powered device that captures carbon dioxide directly from the air and converts it into fuel, addressing the high costs and energy demands associated with traditional carbon capture methods. Led by Professor Erwin Reisner, the team drew inspiration from photosynthesis, designing a reactor that operates at night to filter CO2 using specialized silica-amine adsorbents. During the day, concentrated sunlight triggers a chemical reaction that transforms the captured CO2 into syngas, a precursor for liquid fuels. The researchers aim to scale up the technology, potentially offering a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels while simultaneously reducing atmospheric CO2 levels. Dr. Sayan Kar emphasized the dual benefits of this approach, suggesting it could pave the way for a circular economy reliant on recycled carbon. The findings are detailed in a study published in *Nature Energy*. 
Published: Feb 15 2025, 6 pmeznews.inA groundbreaking study has revealed that the molecular movements within glass and similar materials may exhibit time-reversibility, challenging conventional understandings of the second law of thermodynamics, which states that systems tend toward disorder. Researchers from the Technical University of Darmstadt investigated the physical aging of glass, noting that while the material appears solid, its molecules continuously rearrange themselves, affecting its properties. Using advanced laser technology, the team observed that these molecular fluctuations could be reversed, suggesting a unique "material time" that ticks differently than conventional time. However, study author Till Böhmer emphasized that this does not imply the aging process can be reversed. The findings raise intriguing questions about the potential universality of this time-reversibility in other materials and its implications for the fundamental laws of physics. The study is published in *Nature Physics*, and further research is anticipated to explore these phenomena. 
Published: Feb 12 2025, 8 pmeznews.inRed light therapy, often seen in the form of masks worn by beauty influencers, employs low-level lasers or LEDs to purportedly improve skin conditions, including acne and signs of aging. While some at-home devices are FDA-cleared for marketing purposes, this does not confirm their effectiveness. A 2024 review indicated moderate effectiveness for treating inflammatory acne, but overall, studies show no significant difference in acne lesions compared to conventional treatments. Similarly, while some research suggests red light therapy may reduce signs of skin aging, evidence remains inconclusive due to small sample sizes and varying study designs. Safety appears to be generally acceptable for short-term use, though mild side effects can occur, particularly in individuals with darker skin tones. Experts recommend consulting a board-certified dermatologist before starting any red light therapy regimen to ensure suitability and safety. 
Published: Feb 12 2025, 6 pmeznews.inHumans often pride themselves on their unpredictability, yet a fascinating linguistic phenomenon known as Zipf's law suggests otherwise. This statistical principle, first noted by George Kingsley Zipf 80 years ago, reveals that the frequency of word usage in nearly all languages—ranging from English to Mandarin—follows a predictable pattern: the most common word is used twice as often as the second most common, three times as often as the third, and so forth. This trend persists even in undeciphered languages, such as those in the enigmatic Voynich Manuscript. While various theories attempt to explain this phenomenon, including the balance of effort minimization in communication, no consensus has emerged. The implications of Zipf's law challenge our understanding of language and free will, suggesting a surprising level of predictability in how we express ourselves, even in the works of literary giants like Shakespeare and Darwin. 
Published: Feb 11 2025, 5 pmeznews.inBoom Supersonic has successfully tested its XB-1 jet, achieving supersonic flight at Mach 1.12 without generating an audible sonic boom on the ground. During the flight on January 28, microphones placed along the flight path detected no sonic boom, confirming the company's belief that supersonic travel can be both sustainable and considerate of those on the ground. Founder and CEO Blake Scholl stated that this success paves the way for their upcoming aircraft, Overture, which aims to fly at Mach 0.94 over land and Mach 1.7 over water, adhering to regulations. The innovative Boomless Cruise system could allow for speeds of Mach 1.3 without audible booms, potentially cutting US coast-to-coast flight times by up to 90 minutes. With 130 pre-orders from major airlines, further tests of the propulsion system are scheduled for completion by the end of 2025. 
Published: Feb 12 2025, 6 ameznews.inIn recent years, conspiracy theories have evolved from the stereotypical fringe beliefs to more mainstream narratives, often propagated online. These theories include claims that vaccines cause autism, climate change is a hoax, and even that the Earth is flat. Research suggests that such beliefs may stem from a desire for uniqueness and gullibility. However, history reveals that some conspiracy-like events have indeed occurred, such as the CIA's MK-ULTRA program, which involved unethical mind control experiments, and the tobacco industry's long denial of smoking's health risks. Additionally, the sugar industry has been accused of manipulating research to downplay its product's dangers. The U.S. government has also been involved in dubious activities, including the Tuskegee syphilis study, where Black men were misled and left untreated, and the poisoning of alcohol during Prohibition to deter drinking. These examples illustrate that while many conspiracy theories are unfounded, some historical events reflect real-life conspiracies. 
Published: Feb 15 2025, 7 pmeznews.inIn a rare display of camaraderie, three male koalas have been filmed grooming each other, marking only the second documented instance of such behavior among males and the first captured on video. This surprising observation was made by Deakin University PhD student Darcy Watchorn in the Otway Ranges, where koala populations have been managed through contraceptives due to previous overpopulation. Typically, koalas are known for their territorial aggression, particularly among males, making this friendly interaction noteworthy. Watchorn speculates that low genetic diversity in the isolated population may have contributed to this unusual behavior, aligning with the "kin recognition hypothesis." While the grooming session lasted for two hours, Watchorn also reported a concerning incident where a joey fell from a tree during a male's mating attempt, prompting him to intervene and return the joey to its mother. These findings highlight both the complexities of koala behavior and the ongoing challenges they face as an endangered species. 
Published: Feb 15 2025, 5 pmeznews.inOn February 7, a hearing in the Montana state legislature addressed a controversial bill aimed at banning mRNA vaccines for humans, sponsored by Republican State Representative Greg Kmetz. If enacted, this legislation would be unprecedented in the U.S. Despite extensive research affirming the safety and efficacy of mRNA vaccines, particularly those developed for COVID-19, the bill is based on misconceptions, including the false claim that mRNA can integrate into human DNA. Experts have clarified that mRNA cannot alter DNA and that concerns about "shedding" are unfounded, as mRNA vaccines do not contain live virus particles. The bill has faced opposition from medical professionals, who argue it could hinder advancements in treating various diseases. Additionally, legal experts suggest the bill may conflict with the U.S. Constitution, raising questions about state authority over such health regulations. 
Published: Feb 11 2025, 6 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
