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Researchers at the Wuhan Institute of Virology have identified a new coronavirus in bats, named HKU5-CoV-2, which can enter human cells using the same mechanism as SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. While this discovery raises concerns about potential spillover to humans, the study indicates that HKU5-CoV-2 is less virulent than its predecessor. The virus can bind to the human variant of the ACE2 enzyme, crucial for viral entry, and has shown the ability to infect various mammals, including farmed minks. However, it has a lower binding affinity for human ACE2 compared to SARS-CoV-2, and several monoclonal antibodies and antiviral drugs have proven effective against it. The researchers caution that while the findings warrant attention, the risk of HKU5-CoV-2 emerging as a significant threat to human populations remains low. The study is published in the journal Cell. 
Published: Feb 22 2025, 6 pmeznews.inDivers at Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia have captured alarming footage of widespread coral bleaching, prompting urgent calls from the Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS) for government action to protect this ecologically vital site. The footage reveals a stark contrast to the reef's usual vibrancy, resembling a lunar landscape, as corals face imminent death due to climate change-driven stress. Coral reefs depend on a symbiotic relationship with dinoflagellates, which are expelled under stress, leading to bleaching. While some corals can recover, prolonged stress can be fatal, particularly for slow-growing species essential to the reef's health. Despite Ningaloo's relative isolation from pollution and overfishing, rising sea temperatures threaten its survival. AMCS's WA Director, Paul Gamblin, emphasized the need for immediate government intervention, especially as the region approaches critical elections. The ongoing fossil fuel production in Western Australia poses a significant threat to the reef's future, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable environmental policies.
Published: Feb 19 2025, 4 pmeznews.inIn a remarkable discovery, marine geoscientist Sam Purkis and his team uncovered deep-sea brine pools in the Gulf of Aqaba, Red Sea, during a 2020 OceanXplorer research cruise. Located 1,770 meters below the surface, these highly saline and anoxic environments, initially thought to be lifeless, were found to host a vibrant ecosystem, including eels, flatfish, and houndsharks that prey on organisms unfortunate enough to enter the pools. The findings, published in *Communications Earth & Environment*, suggest that these extreme habitats could provide insights into the region's geological and meteorological history, revealing over 1,000 years of rainfall data and records of seismic activity. Purkis emphasized that understanding life in such extreme conditions is crucial for assessing the potential for life on other planets, stating, "Our discovery can help trace the limits of life on Earth and can be applied to the search for life elsewhere in our solar system and beyond."
Published: Feb 23 2025, 1 ameznews.inThe volcanic activity in Tonga continues to captivate scientists, particularly following the significant eruption of Hunga Tonga–Hunga Haʻapai in 2021, which was the largest natural explosion in over a century. In 2022, a new island emerged from the Home Reef submarine volcano, located in the Central Tonga Islands. Recent eruptions have expanded this island, which grew by an additional 3.7 hectares (9.2 acres) by February 2, 2025, bringing its total size to 12.2 hectares (30.1 acres). This marks the fifth recorded island formation at Home Reef, with previous iterations disappearing over time. Unlike its predecessors, the current island is formed from more durable effusive lava flows, increasing its chances of longevity. While recent reports indicate no new lava flows as of February 7, the potential for further growth remains, as Home Reef is part of the active Tonga-Kermadec Arc, which includes around 80 submarine volcanoes.
Published: Feb 21 2025, 11 pmeznews.inNew research reveals that Vikings faced significant oral and maxillofacial diseases, challenging the notion of their robust warrior image. A study involving CT scans of 15 skulls from a Viking cemetery in Varnhem, Sweden, dated between the 10th and 12th centuries, uncovered alarming health issues. Approximately 80% of the specimens exhibited apical periodontitis, a painful condition caused by bacterial infections in the tooth canal. Some individuals appeared to have undergone primitive dental procedures, likely excruciating in nature. Additionally, three skulls showed signs of chronic sinusitis, leading to facial pressure and loss of smell, while others displayed bony growths from ear infections. Evidence of rheumatoid arthritis was also found. Study author Carolina Bertilsson noted the lack of medical care at the time, emphasizing that untreated infections could lead to severe complications or even death. The findings were published in the journal BDJ Open.
Published: Feb 22 2025, 9 pmeznews.inCommunities in the Pacific Northwest face a significant threat from lahars, or volcanic mudflows, which can occur without warning and pose a greater risk than traditional eruptions. These deadly landslides can be triggered by factors such as heavy rainfall, which destabilizes the ice and debris on glaciated volcanoes. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) warns that lahars have caused approximately 20% of volcano-related fatalities, with the most notable incident occurring in May 1980 at Mount St. Helens, resulting in 57 deaths. Currently, Mount Adams is showing increased activity, raising concerns about potential lahars. To mitigate risks, the Cascades Volcano Observatory has established over 20 monitoring stations equipped with technology to detect ground movements, aiming to provide crucial early warnings. However, even with early detection, communities like Orting and Puyallup could face devastating impacts within just 30 minutes, underscoring the importance of evacuation preparedness.
Published: Feb 22 2025, 10 pmeznews.inManitoulin Island, situated in Lake Huron near Ontario, Canada, is the world's largest lake island, covering 2,766 square kilometers—just shy of Ottawa's size. This vast island boasts over 100 lakes, including Lake Manitou, the largest lake within an island in a lake, spanning 106 square kilometers and home to diverse fish species like lake trout. Another notable feature is Lake Mindemoya, which hosts Treasure Island, the largest island in a lake on an island in a lake. Originally named Mindimowenh, meaning "old woman" in Ojibwe, Treasure Island is steeped in local folklore. Additionally, Manitoulin Island is home to the Sheguiandah National Historic Site, a significant archaeological site revealing artifacts from as far back as 11,000 B.C.E., showcasing the rich cultural history of early inhabitants in the region.
Published: Feb 17 2025, 10 pmeznews.inA new method for assessing the danger posed by animal species has emerged, known as the Crespo Scale, developed by researcher David Duarte Crespo. This scale ranks animals based on two key factors: population size (PS) and mortality rate (MR), which together help determine the likelihood of human encounters with dangerous species. Excluding domesticated animals and humans, the scale categorizes species into a 1-5 system, with categories 3-5 indicating significant threats. Notably, the most dangerous animals, such as mosquitoes, Russell’s viper, and feral dogs, are often found in low- and middle-income countries. Crespo's findings revealed some unexpected results, such as the Asian giant hornet being rated as a category one threat, despite its large population. The scale highlights the variability of danger based on geographic location, emphasizing that the perceived threat of certain species can differ significantly across countries. The research is published in the Asian Journal of Research in Zoology.
Published: Feb 21 2025, 7 ameznews.inPorn MD has unveiled an interactive infographic revealing the top 10 searches on its site, highlighting global trends in adult content. Notably, the term "teen" emerged as a common search, raising concerns despite all performers being over eighteen. The acronym "MILF" also featured prominently, while "compilation" searches suggest a preference for variety among users. A striking observation is that many countries' top searches reflect their own nationalities, with France searching for "French" and India for "Indian." Additionally, Porn MD offers a live feed of current search terms, which may evoke mixed reactions from viewers. In a related study, PornHub released a state-by-state map of U.S. porn habits, revealing that Mississippi users spent the longest time on the site, averaging just under 12 minutes, while Rhode Island users were slightly below the national average.
Published: Feb 22 2025, 7 ameznews.inResearchers have digitally resurrected the face of Ramesses II, one of Ancient Egypt's most renowned Pharaohs, using advanced Computed Tomography (CT) scans of his mummy. The study, published in the Journal of Archaeological Science, presents two depictions of Ramesses: a robust 45-year-old at the height of his power and a frail 90-year-old at his death. Known as Ramesses the Great, he ruled from 1279 to 1213 BCE, expanding Egypt's empire and solidifying his legacy. The scans revealed details such as his honey-brown skin tone, prominent nose, and hair dyed orange with henna, while also noting that he had a bald head in old age. The researchers employed computer modeling to enhance the younger version, removing signs of aging to showcase a firmer jawline and fuller features. This project highlights the remarkable preservation of Ramesses II's remains, offering insights into his physical appearance over three millennia ago.
Published: Feb 22 2025, 12 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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