eznews.in
An astronomer has proposed a new perspective on the Fermi Paradox, suggesting that the "Great Filter" may lie in humanity's future rather than its past. Michael Garrett, a professor at the University of Manchester, argues that the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) could lead to the downfall of civilizations before they achieve interstellar exploration. In his paper, Garrett warns that as AI becomes weaponized, it could escalate conflicts, potentially resulting in catastrophic events like nuclear war. He posits that once AI reaches superintelligence, it may prioritize computational efficiency over the survival of biological life, possibly leading to the extinction of its creators. Garrett estimates that civilizations utilizing AI may only last 100-200 years, significantly reducing the likelihood of contact with other intelligent life forms. This scenario suggests that the Great Filter could be humanity's own self-destruction, raising concerns about our technological trajectory. The findings are published in *Acta Astronautica*. 
Published: Jun 28 2025, 7 pmeznews.inNASA's latest simulations indicate that asteroid 2024 YR4, discovered in December 2024, has a 4.3% chance of impacting the Moon on December 22, 2032, a significant increase from earlier estimates. Initially, the asteroid posed a 1% risk of colliding with Earth, which has since dropped to 0.004%. If it strikes the Moon, the event could be spectacular, potentially creating a crater about 1 kilometer wide and ejecting up to 108 kilograms of lunar material, which could lead to meteor showers visible from Earth. However, this debris may also pose risks to satellites in orbit and lunar operations, with the potential for increased meteoroid impacts. While the odds of a lunar impact remain low, astronomers are closely monitoring the asteroid, with further observations expected in 2028 as it approaches Earth again. The findings are detailed in a paper submitted to the American Astronomical Society.
Published: Jul 03 2025, 10 pmeznews.inHumans have maintained a continuous presence in space for nearly 25 years aboard the International Space Station (ISS), which began operations in 2000. However, as the ISS nears the end of its operational life, set for 2030, NASA and other space agencies are preparing for a transition to commercial space stations. The ISS, initially launched in 1998, will exceed its planned lifespan due to the inability to repair its primary structure. NASA plans to shift operations to privately-owned destinations in low Earth orbit, with the upcoming Vast’s Haven-1 space station expected to launch in May 2026. This smaller station will host astronauts for short stays, focusing on safety and comfort, including innovative inflatable beds. Other companies, like Axiom, are also developing their own stations, ensuring that humanity's presence in space continues beyond the ISS's decommissioning.
Published: Jul 02 2025, 1 pmeznews.inThe Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), a crucial ocean current system that regulates climate by transporting warm water from the tropics to the North Atlantic, is showing signs of weakening, raising concerns about its potential collapse. Recent research from the University of California, Riverside, links a peculiar cold water "hole" near Greenland to this slowdown, attributed to human-induced climate change factors like altered rainfall and Greenland Ice Sheet melt. While some studies warn of a catastrophic collapse, others suggest that the AMOC may only experience a limited decline over the 21st century, with less severe impacts than previously feared. Additionally, the AMOC's slowdown is affecting global weather patterns, including increased dry season rainfall in the Southern Amazon. These findings highlight the urgent need for further research to understand the AMOC's future and its implications for ecosystems and societies worldwide.
Published: Jul 03 2025, 7 pmeznews.inOn July 1, the ATLAS (Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System) telescope announced the discovery of an interstellar object, now named 3I/ATLAS, which has been confirmed as a comet. This celestial body is moving at an impressive speed of approximately 58 kilometers (36 miles) per second, nearly double that of its predecessors, ‘Oumuamua and Comet 2I/Borisov. Initial observations suggest that 3I/ATLAS may be significantly larger than these earlier visitors, with estimates placing its size at around 20 kilometers, although further observations are needed to confirm this. Astronomers worldwide are currently studying its properties, and the comet is expected to remain visible from Earth until September before passing behind the Sun, re-emerging in December. The discovery has sparked excitement in the scientific community, with archival observations dating back to June 14 aiding in refining its characteristics. 3I/ATLAS will come closest to the Sun on October 30, 2025, at a distance of 210 million kilometers (130 million miles).
Published: Jul 03 2025, 8 pmeznews.inA new hypothesis has emerged regarding the proportions of Leonardo da Vinci's iconic Vitruvian Man, suggesting that the answer lies within human anatomy itself. Rory Mac Sweeney, a dentist, posits that da Vinci's design was influenced by an equilateral triangle, a concept familiar in dental anatomy, which connects the jaw's condyles to the midpoint of the lower incisors. This triangle, he argues, aligns with the geometric relationships described in da Vinci's own notes, where he indicated that the navel serves as the center for the figure's proportions. Mac Sweeney's analysis reveals that the ratio of the square's side to the circle's radius in the drawing is approximately 1.64, closely mirroring ratios found in human cranial architecture. This insight underscores da Vinci's profound understanding of the interplay between mathematics and the human form, reinforcing his legacy as a pioneer in both art and science.
Published: Jul 03 2025, 5 pmeznews.inYoung people today are drinking less alcohol than previous generations, including millennials, Gen X, and baby boomers, prompting researchers from Australia and Sweden to explore the reasons behind this trend. In a special issue of the journal *Drug and Alcohol Review*, they highlight that while Gen Z is often labeled as the "sober-curious generation," their relationship with alcohol is complex. A 2023 Mintel study indicates that many Gen Zers view alcohol as an occasional treat rather than a regular indulgence. The decline in drinking appears to be more pronounced among boys, narrowing the gender gap in consumption. Factors influencing this shift may include a growing preference for cannabis, concerns about the emotional effects of drinking, and a desire for healthier alternatives. However, research on the health implications of reduced alcohol consumption remains mixed, necessitating further investigation into the evolving dynamics of youth drinking and its associated risks.
Published: Jul 03 2025, 6 pmeznews.inIn 1963, a man in Turkey's Nevşehir Province accidentally discovered the ancient underground city of Derinkuyu while breaking through a basement wall. This remarkable site, which extends up to 18 stories deep, features chapels, schools, and stables, and is believed to have been constructed as early as the 8th–7th centuries BCE. Archaeologists estimate it could accommodate around 20,000 people, with its peak during the Byzantine period, when it evolved into a complex network of tunnels and chambers covering 445 square kilometers. Initially used for food storage, the city served as a refuge for various groups, including early Christians fleeing Roman persecution and Muslims during the Arab-Byzantine wars. Its defensive design included narrow passageways and rolling stone doors, allowing inhabitants to thwart invaders effectively. Derinkuyu remains a testament to the ingenuity of its builders and the historical need for shelter from conflict.
Published: Jul 03 2025, 4 pmeznews.inTonight, stargazers may witness a striking "X" formation on the Moon's surface, known as the Lunar X or Werner X, best viewed through binoculars or a small telescope. This phenomenon occurs along the terminator line, which separates the Moon's illuminated and dark sides, enhancing the visibility of surface features due to elongated shadows. As the Moon reaches its first quarter phase, specific sunlight angles illuminate the rims of the Blanchinus, La Caille, and Purbach craters, creating the illusion of the letters "X" and "V." The X will gradually emerge starting at 11:41 PM EDT (3:41 AM UTC) on July 2, becoming visible for about an hour. Observers in the Northern Hemisphere are encouraged to look for the X along the terminator line. If missed, these formations reappear regularly throughout the year, offering multiple opportunities for lunar enthusiasts.
Published: Jul 03 2025, 1 ameznews.inNASA's Perseverance rover may have detected evidence of triboelectric discharge caused by a dust devil on Mars, suggesting the potential for lightning within these phenomena. Researchers presented their findings at the 2025 Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, noting that while dust devils have been observed on Mars before, this discovery indicates that the electric fields generated could reach levels sufficient to trigger lightning. The SuperCam microphone aboard Perseverance recorded a sharp signal during a dust devil encounter, which researchers believe corresponds to an atmospheric discharge. This marks the first direct detection of such a phenomenon on Mars, with electric fields reaching 25 kV/m, close to the atmospheric breakdown threshold. While electrified dust may seem intriguing, it poses risks to ongoing and future missions, including the Mars sample return and crewed expeditions. Further investigations are planned to assess the implications of this electrifying discovery.
Published: Jul 03 2025, 1 pmeznews.inHave you ever experienced a strange sensation when touching your belly button? This peculiar feeling, which can trigger a tingling in the groin or an urge to urinate, has a scientific explanation. The belly button, or umbilicus, is connected to nerve fibers that relay information to the spinal cord, including signals from the bladder and urethra. According to Dr. Christopher Hollingsworth from NYC Surgical Associates, stimulating the belly button can trick the brain into interpreting these signals, mimicking the sensation of needing to pee. However, this odd feeling only occurs when pressure is applied deeply into the belly button, as the internal lining, known as the parietal peritoneum, is highly sensitive. A gentle touch won't elicit the same response, but a deeper poke can lead to this unexpected and curious sensation.
Published: Jul 03 2025, 11 amFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
India
World
Economy
Science
Health
Showbiz
Contact