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A recent UK survey has revealed alarming hygiene habits regarding bathroom towels, with many respondents washing them infrequently. Out of 2,200 participants, 24% reported washing their towels weekly, while 33% admitted to doing so only once every three months, and 8% just twice a year. Most concerning, 3% claimed to wash their towels only once a year, potentially affecting over 1.5 million people nationwide. Bacterial contamination is a significant risk, as a freshly laundered towel can harbor around 190,000 bacteria, escalating to 17 million after a day of use. Pathogenic bacteria, including _E. coli_, can be present, raising concerns about skin infections and other health issues. Experts recommend washing towels every three to four uses to minimize health risks, yet only a quarter of respondents adhere to this guideline, highlighting a critical gap in public awareness regarding hygiene practices. 
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Mar 24 2025, 3 pmeznews.inParents are often warned against feeding honey to infants under one year old due to the risk of infant botulism, a potentially life-threatening condition caused by the botulinum toxin from the bacterium *Clostridium botulinum*. This bacterium produces spores that can survive in honey and, while harmless to older children and adults, can colonize the intestines of infants, leading to serious symptoms such as breathing difficulties and difficulty feeding. Although cases of infant botulism are rare, the recommendation to avoid honey is a precautionary measure, as the spores are easily avoided. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises parents to be vigilant about food safety, as the botulinum toxin is undetectable by smell or taste. In addition to honey, other low-acidity foods can pose risks, particularly if improperly canned or stored.
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Mar 26 2025, 11 pmeznews.inThe Trump administration's decision to initiate a large-scale study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) into a debunked link between vaccines and autism has raised significant concerns among experts. The controversial vaccine skeptic David Geier, previously disciplined for practicing medicine without a license, has been appointed to lead the research. Critics, including Jessica Steier of the Science Literacy Lab, argue that this move undermines decades of credible scientific evidence disproving any connection between vaccines and autism, a myth originating from a now-retracted 1998 study by Andrew Wakefield. Despite extensive research showing no link, the administration, influenced by vaccine-skeptical figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Trump himself, appears intent on pursuing this narrative. Experts warn that the study could misallocate resources and potentially exacerbate public health issues, particularly amid ongoing measles outbreaks, as it may be designed to validate unfounded claims rather than contribute to genuine scientific understanding.
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Mar 27 2025, 12 ameznews.inAfrica is gradually splitting into two, a geological process that will unfold over millions of years, ultimately leading to the formation of a new ocean between the East African landmass and the rest of the continent. This phenomenon is linked to the East African Rift System (EARS), one of the world's largest rifts, which stretches through several countries, including Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania. The separation will divide the smaller Somalian plate from the larger Nubian plate, a process that has been ongoing for approximately 25 million years. While a dramatic crack in the Kenyan Rift Valley in 2018 sparked interest, it is believed to be more related to soil erosion than the rift's future. As tectonic activity continues, the eventual detachment of East Africa will be a slow, gradual event, echoing the Earth's history of continental drift, which has seen landmasses come together and break apart multiple times.
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Mar 26 2025, 10 pmeznews.inAn Australian man, Emmanuel Lidden, 24, faces potential jail time after attempting to collect all elements of the periodic table, including a small sample of plutonium, which triggered a major hazmat alert in Sydney. In August 2023, Lidden imported the radioactive material from the US to his parents' home, prompting a response from the Australian Border Force, firefighters, and police. Although he and his family were unharmed, Lidden has become the first person charged under Australia’s Nuclear Non-Proliferation Act, facing a possible 10-year sentence. His defense describes him as an "innocent collector" and "science nerd," arguing that his actions stemmed from naivety rather than malicious intent. Prosecutors, however, contend that his collection of illegal materials poses a risk. Lidden, who lost his job as a train driver due to the investigation, is set to be sentenced on April 11.
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Mar 26 2025, 10 pmeznews.inA recent study led by Janina Bühler from Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz reveals that relationships often reach a critical "transition point" after which satisfaction declines rapidly, signaling an impending breakup. Analyzing data from over 11,000 individuals across Germany, the Netherlands, Australia, and the UK, researchers found that couples typically experience a gradual decrease in happiness over approximately eight years, culminating in this pivotal moment. Once reached, the relationship is likely to deteriorate within one to two years, with many individuals unaware that their partner has already recognized this decline. Bühler emphasizes that successful relationships do not undergo this terminal phase, suggesting that proactive measures to address issues before they escalate can help preserve partnerships. The findings, published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, highlight the importance of recognizing and addressing relationship patterns early on.
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Mar 26 2025, 11 pmeznews.inNASA's Perseverance Rover has discovered an unusual rock formation on the rim of Mars' Jezero Crater, named St. Pauls Bay, which is composed of hundreds of spherical objects reminiscent of previously identified "blueberries." The rover, which recently arrived at Broom Point, was sent to investigate layered materials that suggest a different climate on Mars in the past. The rock features dark gray spheres, some elongated or angular, and even includes tiny pinholes. Researchers speculate that these formations could be concretions formed by groundwater interaction or result from volcanic activity or meteorite impacts. Notably, this rock is classified as a "float rock," indicating it is out of place in its environment. The team is currently analyzing the geological context to better understand the rock's origins and its connection to the dark-toned bands observed from orbit.
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Mar 26 2025, 5 pmeznews.inThe rise of reusable water bottles, driven by environmental awareness and health trends, has seen their use soar among American adults, with a recent poll indicating that 60% now own one. However, these eco-friendly accessories may pose health risks, as they can harbor harmful bacteria, viruses, and fungi. A 2017 study from Purdue University revealed that 70% of tested bottles contained bacteria levels exceeding safe drinking water standards, with nearly a quarter showing coliform bacteria linked to foodborne illnesses. Despite 84% of users claiming to clean their bottles, many do not do so adequately, with 15% never cleaning them at all. Experts recommend thorough daily cleaning, including scrubbing and sanitizing, to mitigate microbial growth. Special attention should be given to rubber seals and straws, which can trap moisture and foster mold. Regular maintenance is essential to ensure these popular hydration tools remain safe for use.
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Mar 26 2025, 6 pmeznews.inA new species of therizinosaur, named _Duonychus tsogtbaatari_, has been discovered in Mongolia, dating back approximately 90 million years. This remarkable find, unearthed during pipeline construction in 2012, features a unique two-fingered claw, diverging from the typical three-fingered structure seen in other therizinosaurs. The claw, recovered from the Bayanshiree Formation, is exceptionally well-preserved, including its keratin sheath, providing rare insights into the dinosaur's behavior. Dr. Yoshitsugu Kobayashi, who studied the fossil, noted that the stiff joints in _Duonychus_ suggest it adapted to pull down branches for feeding, rather than using its arms like other theropods. This discovery not only challenges existing theories about therizinosaur evolution but also offers a rare glimpse into the feeding habits of these prehistoric creatures. The findings are detailed in a study published in iScience.
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Mar 26 2025, 12 ameznews.inA buoyancy dilemma involving a ping pong ball and an iron ball has sparked debate on Reddit, where user Veiy posed the question of which way a scale would tip when the two are placed in water. The crux of the issue lies in the principles of buoyancy, which state that an object submerged in a fluid experiences an upward force equal to the weight of the fluid it displaces. Both balls displace the same amount of water, generating equal buoyant forces. However, when suspended by strings, the iron ball's weight increases the beaker's overall weight due to the buoyant force supporting part of its weight, causing the scale to tip downwards. In contrast, the ping pong ball's buoyant force is counteracted by the tension in the string, resulting in a lesser increase in weight for its beaker, which tips upwards. Without strings, both balls displace equal water, balancing the scales.
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Mar 26 2025, 7 pmeznews.inA new study reveals that greenhouse gases are diminishing the safe carrying capacity for low Earth orbit, posing a significant threat to the burgeoning satellite industry. Researchers from MIT and the University of Birmingham warn that without substantial emissions reductions, the number of satellites that can safely operate between 200 and 1,000 kilometers above Earth could decline by 50-66% by 2100. The study highlights that while increased greenhouse gas concentrations lead to a thinner upper atmosphere, which might seem beneficial for space travel, it actually reduces atmospheric drag that helps mitigate space debris. As more satellites are launched—more in the last five years than in the previous 60—this could exacerbate the risk of collisions, known as Kessler Syndrome. The authors emphasize the urgent need for action to manage emissions and space traffic to prevent a crowded and hazardous orbital environment. The findings are published in *Nature Sustainability*.
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Mar 26 2025, 2 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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