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A recent study from Boston College has highlighted the numerous benefits of a four-day workweek, including increased job satisfaction, improved mental and physical health, and reduced burnout and fatigue. The research, which involved nearly 2,900 employees across 141 organizations in multiple countries, found that those participating in the four-day model reported significant improvements in well-being compared to their five-day counterparts. Notably, employees maintained their salaries while working fewer hours, and productivity levels remained stable or even increased. Associate Professor Paula O’Kane noted that healthier, well-rested employees can be more productive in less time, suggesting that flexible work arrangements could yield similar benefits. As artificial intelligence transforms the workplace, the traditional five-day workweek appears increasingly outdated, prompting calls for a shift towards more balanced work structures. The findings are published in the journal *Nature Human Behaviour*. 
Published: Jul 22 2025, 2 ameznews.inIn a significant challenge to the cosmological principle, which posits that the universe is uniform and isotropic at large scales, researchers have discovered a second colossal structure in close proximity to the previously identified Giant Arc. The newly named Big Ring, measuring 1.3 billion light-years in diameter and located 9.2 billion light-years away, is only 12 degrees apart from the Giant Arc, which spans 3.3 billion light-years. Alexia Lopez, a graduate researcher from the University of Central Lancashire, expressed astonishment at the existence of these two massive structures, as current cosmological theories suggest that such formations should not exceed a size limit of 1.2 billion light-years. The findings, presented at the 243rd meeting of the American Astronomical Society, highlight the need for further observations to understand the implications of these extraordinary structures on our comprehension of the universe.
Published: Jul 22 2025, 8 ameznews.inIn 2013, six-year-old Nathan Woessner became trapped beneath 3.35 meters of sand at Mount Baldy in Indiana Dunes National Park when a sinkhole unexpectedly opened. After three hours, he was rescued by emergency workers, with geo-scientist Erin Argyilan, who was studying wind speeds nearby, witnessing the incident. Argyilan later investigated the phenomenon, noting that the dune, formed around 4,500 years ago, had enveloped a forest, leaving stable hollows where trees once stood. Her research revealed that decayed tree trunks, combined with calcium-carbonate-rich cement, could create hidden voids beneath the surface, posing a potential hazard in popular natural areas. The study suggests that Nathan survived due to an air pocket, preventing him from sliding to the bottom of the hole. The findings highlight the need for further investigation into similar geological features in other dune areas.
Published: Jul 22 2025, 9 ameznews.inA new study from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health suggests that the sex of a child at birth may not be as random as previously thought, challenging the conventional 50/50 assumption. Analyzing data from 58,007 women in the Nurses’ Health Study, researchers found a higher incidence of families with children of the same sex than expected, indicating a potential biological bias. Factors such as maternal age and the number of children were linked to this phenomenon, with older mothers and those with three or more children more likely to have offspring of one sex. Genetic analysis identified variants associated with having only male or female children. However, critics highlight the study's limited sample size and lack of diversity, pointing to larger studies that found no genetic influence on sex ratios. The researchers acknowledge the need for further investigation into these findings, which are published in *Science Advances*.
Published: Jul 22 2025, 4 ameznews.inA century-old fragment known as the Newall Boulder, discovered at Stonehenge, has reignited debate over how the monument's bluestones were transported from their origins in Wales and Scotland. While some researchers argue that the stones were carried by glaciers, a new study published in the Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports contends that they were likely moved by humans. The authors assert that the Newall Boulder, previously thought to be a glacial erratic, actually shares petrographic features with stones from the Preseli Hills, suggesting active quarrying around 3000 BCE. They emphasize the absence of glacial evidence on the Salisbury Plain and refute claims of glacial transport, arguing instead for human involvement in the stones' relocation. This ongoing scholarly dispute highlights the complexities of understanding Stonehenge's construction and the methods employed by Neolithic communities.
Published: Jul 22 2025, 7 ameznews.inJanuary 23, 1556, is widely regarded as the deadliest day in human history, with estimates suggesting that more lives were lost on this date than any other. The catastrophic event occurred in the Shaanxi province of China, where a massive earthquake struck, leading to the collapse of structures and widespread devastation. Historical records indicate that approximately 830,000 people perished as a result of the quake and its aftermath, marking a grim chapter in human history. The sheer scale of the tragedy has left an indelible mark on historical accounts, highlighting the vulnerability of human life to natural disasters. As we reflect on this day, it serves as a stark reminder of the power of nature and the fragility of human existence. For more details on this tragic event, visit the full article linked above.
Published: Jul 17 2025, 8 pmeznews.inResearchers at the University of Florida have developed an experimental mRNA vaccine that could pave the way for a "universal" cancer vaccine, enhancing existing cancer treatments. Tested in mice, the vaccine demonstrated a robust antitumor response when combined with immunotherapy, notably without targeting specific tumors. Senior author Elias Sayour highlighted the unexpected finding that an mRNA vaccine could stimulate a strong immune response against various cancers. Unlike traditional cancer vaccines that focus on specific proteins or personalized approaches, this innovative method aims to broadly activate the immune system. The study showed that the vaccine, when paired with a PD-1 inhibitor, significantly improved treatment outcomes, sometimes eliminating tumors entirely. Co-author Duane Mitchell emphasized its potential to awaken patients' immune responses to cancer. While still in early stages, this research signifies a promising advancement in cancer immunotherapy, with hopes for future commercialization as a universal treatment option.
Published: Jul 22 2025, 2 ameznews.inIn the Paraná Delta, just north of Buenos Aires, a remarkable natural phenomenon known as El Ojo, or "the eye," has captured attention. This giant floating island, measuring approximately 118 meters in diameter, consists of a dense mat of plant life and organic matter, drifting freely in a perfectly circular lake. Its unique shape is the result of erosion, as the island gradually carves out a symmetrical basin while rotating over time. Filmmaker Sergio Neuspiller documented this intriguing site in 2016, describing the striking contrast of the transparent water against the black earth below. Similar floating forests, known as _matupás_, exist in the Brazilian Amazon, often linked to local folklore about the mythical _cobra grande_ or "Giant Anaconda." Despite limited scientific research on these islands, Indigenous communities possess valuable knowledge about their ecological significance, highlighting the importance of traditional wisdom in understanding such natural wonders.
Published: Jul 18 2025, 5 pmeznews.inThe tiny handles on maple syrup bottles, often deemed impractical for pouring, have sparked curiosity about their purpose. These features are believed to be skeuomorphs—design elements that mimic older objects without serving a functional role. Dating back to the 1930s, the handles were likely introduced as a marketing strategy during the Great Depression, evoking nostalgia for larger stone jugs used for various liquids, including liquor and molasses. Jean-François, curator at the Canada Museum of History, noted that syrup companies aimed to connect their product with the romanticized image of 19th-century crocks. This trend mirrors other skeuomorphic designs, such as the floppy disk icon for saving files and the shutter sound in digital cameras. Ultimately, the handles serve as a reminder of a bygone era rather than a practical addition to modern syrup packaging.
Published: Jul 22 2025, 3 ameznews.inOn July 22, the Earth is expected to experience a day that is 1.34 milliseconds shorter than the standard 86,400 seconds, part of a puzzling trend of increasing rotational speed observed since 2020. While the Moon's gradual distancing from Earth typically contributes to a long-term slowing of rotation, recent data indicates a reversal, with 2024 recording the shortest day to date at 1.66 milliseconds short. Factors influencing rotation include sea level changes, atmospheric shifts, and significant earthquakes, such as the 2011 Japan quake, which altered the Earth's mass distribution and accelerated its rotation. Despite the historical need for leap seconds to adjust for slowing rotation, none have been required since 2016, leaving scientists baffled by this unexpected acceleration. The International Earth Rotation and Reference Systems Service (IERS) continues to monitor these changes closely, as astronomers anticipate further short days in the coming months.
Published: Jul 22 2025, 12 amFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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