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A groundbreaking gene therapy, BE-CAR7, has shown remarkable promise in treating previously incurable cancers, particularly aggressive forms of leukemia, with 64% of patients remaining disease-free after three years. Developed by researchers at Great Ormond Street Hospital and University College London, the treatment involves modifying donor white blood cells to create "universal" cancer-fighting cells. In a recent trial involving ten patients, 82% achieved significant remission, allowing them to proceed to bone marrow transplants. Among the success stories is 16-year-old Alyssa Tapley, whose cancer has remained undetectable since her treatment. While the therapy offers hope for patients with limited options, it is not without risks, as some participants faced severe side effects. Experts emphasize the treatment's potential to revolutionize care for aggressive cancers, with further funding now available to expand its application. The findings were presented at the 67th American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting and published in the New England Journal of Medicine. 
Published: Dec 09 2025, 9 pmeznews.inArchaeologists have uncovered what is believed to be the earliest evidence of controlled fire-making by humans, dating back approximately 400,000 years, near Barnham in Suffolk, UK. A team from the British Museum discovered a patch of soil that had been repeatedly heated to over 700°C, indicating the presence of a campfire or hearth used multiple times. The site also yielded heat-cracked handaxes and rare iron pyrite, suggesting that early humans actively transported materials for fire-making. This finding challenges previous timelines, which suggested complex fire use emerged only 50,000 years ago, and indicates that early Neanderthals, rather than modern humans, were the fire masters of this era. Lead researcher Dr. Rob Davis emphasized the significance of this discovery, stating it pushes back the timeline of fire control by 350,000 years, highlighting its crucial role in human evolution and social development. 
Published: Dec 10 2025, 11 pmeznews.inIn a surprising turn of events, Tom Cruise's ambitious space movie, which was set to be filmed aboard the International Space Station (ISS), has been canceled, reportedly due to political considerations. NASA had previously expressed excitement about collaborating with Cruise, with then-Administrator Jim Bridenstine highlighting the potential to inspire future generations of engineers and scientists. Directed by Doug Liman, known for _Edge of Tomorrow_, the film aimed to transcend mere gimmickry and create a lasting cinematic experience. However, sources indicate that Cruise hesitated to seek necessary permissions from the federal government, specifically not wanting to approach former President Donald Trump for support. This decision follows Cruise's earlier refusal of a Kennedy Center Honor from Trump, citing scheduling conflicts. As it stands, the project remains indefinitely shelved, leaving fans to wonder if they will ever see Cruise's daring exploits in space. 
Published: Dec 13 2025, 5 ameznews.inThe often-overlooked pinky toe plays a crucial role in human mobility and balance, contrary to its reputation as a seemingly useless appendage. Podiatrist Dr. Bruce Pinker emphasizes that the pinky toe contributes to balance and propulsion during walking, functioning as part of a "tripod" system alongside the big toe and heel. Research indicates that shorter toes, including the pinky, enhance running efficiency, while sprinters may benefit from longer toes for short bursts of speed. Although some individuals can adapt to life without a pinky toe, its absence can lead to an altered gait and increased risk of falls. As humans have evolved from tree-dwelling ancestors, the pinky toe's significance in maintaining stability and facilitating movement underscores the need for greater appreciation of this small but vital part of the foot. 
Published: Dec 15 2025, 2 ameznews.inA significant discovery beneath the Moon's surface reveals a large granite mass emitting heat, indicating ancient volcanic activity. Researchers, utilizing data from Chinese and American lunar orbiters, identified this heat source beneath the Compton and Belkovich craters, suggesting the presence of a previously unrecognized Earth-like volcano. The granite, which is rare outside Earth, forms deep within the crust, typically associated with volcanic activity. The study, led by Dr. Matt Siegler of the Planetary Science Institute, found that the area is 10°C warmer than its surroundings, attributed to radioactive elements rather than recent magma activity, as the last eruption occurred 3.5 billion years ago. This discovery, published in the journal *Nature*, hints at the potential for more granite deposits on the Moon and possibly elsewhere in the Solar System, reshaping our understanding of lunar geology. 
Published: Dec 14 2025, 10 pmeznews.inSeals, often celebrated for their charm as marine predators, possess nails that serve various functions, akin to human toenails. Zookeepers frequently trim these nails, particularly for species like harbor seals, which may not wear them down naturally in captivity. The nails, made of keratin, are crucial for grooming and maintaining their fur, while also aiding in climbing on surfaces like sand and ice. Interestingly, the placement of nails on fur seals appears unconventional, as they are located halfway up the flipper due to the underlying bone structure. In contrast, northern true seals have more robust claws, which they utilize for catching prey, showcasing an evolutionary adaptation that reflects their swimming style. This diversity in nail and claw functionality highlights the evolutionary history of seals, illustrating how they have adapted to their aquatic environments while retaining traits from their terrestrial ancestors. 
Published: Dec 14 2025, 1 pmeznews.inThe first X-ray image of interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS has revealed a unique signature not previously observed in other interstellar objects, according to data from the XRISM X-ray telescope. Unlike its predecessors, 1I/’Oumuamua and 2I/Borisov, 3I/ATLAS is noted for its speed, age, and activity, and is now confirmed to emit X-rays due to interactions between solar plasma and the comet's coma. This emission, which occurs as high-energy electrons are released, spans approximately 400,000 kilometers and includes signatures of carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen, suggesting a distinct source rather than background noise. Observations were delayed due to the comet's proximity to the Sun, but as it moves closer to Earth, further X-ray insights are anticipated. Researchers emphasize that the X-ray emissions are a normal phenomenon for comets, dispelling any unfounded theories regarding unusual activity. 
Published: Dec 10 2025, 9 pmeznews.inIn a fascinating exploration of the animal kingdom's reproductive anatomy, a recent article highlights some of the most bizarre penises found in nature. The Argentine blue-bill lake duck boasts a corkscrew-shaped organ that can reach 42.5 centimeters, designed to navigate the female's similarly twisted anatomy. Meanwhile, the short-beaked echidna features a unique four-headed penis, allowing for multiple ejaculations without pause. Barnacles, known for their adhesive prowess, possess the longest penis relative to body size, extending up to 20 centimeters. The leopard slug engages in a dramatic mating ritual, using a bright blue penis that emerges from its head. Other species, such as koalas and certain sharks, have dual reproductive organs, while humans, with comparatively larger and wider penises than other primates, stand out in the evolutionary narrative. This exploration underscores the remarkable diversity and complexity of reproductive strategies across species. 
Published: Dec 13 2025, 4 ameznews.inOn September 26, 1983, the world narrowly avoided a nuclear catastrophe, thanks to the quick thinking of Soviet engineer Stanislav Petrov. While on duty at the Serpukhov-15 nuclear early-warning center, Petrov received an alert indicating that the United States had launched a single nuclear missile towards Moscow. Instead of escalating the situation by notifying his superiors, Petrov suspected a system malfunction, reasoning that the U.S. would not initiate a nuclear strike with just one missile. His decision ultimately averted a potential retaliatory strike that could have led to widespread devastation. This incident is one of many near-misses in the nuclear age, highlighting the precarious balance of power and the potential for catastrophic misunderstandings. Despite the presence of sophisticated fail-safes, history shows that miscommunication and errors can bring nations to the brink of disaster, underscoring the ongoing risks associated with nuclear weapons. 
Published: Dec 14 2025, 9 ameznews.inNew research has revealed that the black-spotted pond frog (_Pelophylax nigromaculatus_) can consume giant hornets, often referred to as "murder hornets," without suffering significant harm from their venomous stings. Conducted by ecologist Shinji Sugiura at Kobe University, the study involved placing individual frogs in a cage with various hornet species, including the formidable Asian giant hornet (_Vespa mandarinia_). Remarkably, the frogs demonstrated a high success rate in attacking and eating the hornets—93% for the yellow hornet, 87% for the yellow vented hornet, and 79% for the Asian giant hornet—despite being stung during the process. Unlike mammals, which can suffer severe consequences from similar stings, the frogs appeared largely unaffected, suggesting they possess a unique tolerance to hornet venom. This discovery could pave the way for further research into venom resistance in vertebrates, as published in the journal Ecosphere. 
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