eznews.inIn recent years, scientific research has been governed by stringent ethical standards aimed at preventing harm and ensuring moral conduct, particularly in experiments involving human subjects. These guidelines emerged largely in response to past unethical studies, such as the infamous Little Albert experiment of 1920, where psychologists John B. Watson and Rosalie Rayner conditioned a baby to fear fluffy objects, causing potential long-term psychological damage. Similarly, Stanley Milgram's 1960s obedience study revealed alarming tendencies in participants to administer severe electric shocks to others under authority pressure. The Tuskegee Syphilis Study, conducted from 1932 to 1972, involved 600 Black men who were misled about their health and denied treatment, resulting in numerous deaths and suffering. Lastly, the Stanford prison experiment of 1971 highlighted the dangers of role conformity, leading to psychological distress among participants. These historical examples underscore the critical need for ethical oversight in research. 
Published: Oct 24 2025, 3 ameznews.inAstronomers have been investigating a perplexing phenomenon where stars seem to vanish without a trace, with the Vanishing and Appearing Sources during a Century of Observations (VASCO) project identifying around 100 such cases over the past 70 years. A new study suggests that massive stars may collapse directly into black holes without the expected supernova explosion, a theory supported by observations of the binary star system VFTS 243 at the Milky Way's edge. Researchers found evidence indicating that the black hole formed with minimal baryonic ejecta, implying a total collapse scenario. This could explain the sudden disappearance of some stars, as they might extinguish without any visible explosion. Co-author Alejandro Vigna-Gómez noted that such collapses could lead to stars seemingly vanishing from the night sky. The findings, published in *Physical Review Letters*, mark a significant step in understanding stellar evolution and black hole formation.
Published: Oct 25 2025, 1 pmeznews.inThe interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS is set to undergo a significant test of the controversial "alien mothership" hypothesis as it approaches solar conjunction and perihelion on October 29. Discovered on July 1, 3I/ATLAS has exhibited unusual chemical properties and an anti-tail, leading some, notably Harvard astronomer Avi Loeb, to speculate about its potential artificial origins. Loeb suggests that if the comet is not natural, it could perform an "Oberth maneuver" using the Sun's gravity to alter its trajectory, raising concerns about its implications for humanity. However, most scientists, including NASA's Tom Statler, assert that the evidence overwhelmingly supports the idea that 3I/ATLAS is a natural comet. As it nears perihelion, observers hope to gather data that could clarify its nature, with the alien hypothesis likely to be dismissed if the comet continues on its expected path out of the Solar System.
Published: Oct 21 2025, 6 pmeznews.inFor over a millennium, observers have reported mysterious flashes of light on the Moon, known as transient lunar phenomena (TLP). These sightings date back to at least the sixth century CE, with notable accounts including a vivid description by medieval chronicler Gervase of Canterbury in 1178. Despite skepticism, the phenomenon gained credibility in the 20th century, particularly after amateur astronomer Patrick Moore coined the term TLP in 1939. Recent studies, including a European Space Agency project from 2017 to 2023, recorded 55 events during 90 hours of observation, suggesting an average of nearly eight flashes per hour across the lunar surface. While various explanations have been proposed, including radon gas emissions and meteorite impacts, the latter is currently favored, although it remains unproven. Further research is needed to fully understand these enigmatic lunar occurrences.
Published: Oct 24 2025, 5 pmeznews.inIn a quirky display of marine behavior, male Australian humpback dolphins (_Sousa sahulensis_) have been observed wearing sea sponges on their heads, a practice intended to attract females. Researchers from Western Australia’s Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) noted that these sponges, varying in shape and color, are not mere debris but a deliberate choice by the dolphins, akin to offering flowers. This unique courtship display highlights the species' vulnerability, as Australian humpback dolphins were only recognized as a distinct species in 2014 and currently face a declining population of fewer than 10,000 mature individuals. The DBCA is closely monitoring these dolphins to aid in their conservation. Interestingly, this isn’t the first instance of marine mammals sporting unusual headgear; orcas in Puget Sound have previously been seen carrying dead salmon on their heads, showcasing a fascinating trend in animal behavior.
Published: Oct 25 2025, 8 ameznews.inOn August 10, 2023, a massive landslide in Tracy Arm, an Alaskan fjord, unleashed approximately 100 million cubic meters of earth into the water, generating waves that reached heights of up to 500 meters (1,640 feet). This event, which occurred around 5:30 am local time, was so powerful that it obliterated anything near the glacier's terminus, according to state seismologist Michael West. While no casualties were reported, kayakers nearby had their gear swept away but escaped unharmed. The landslide triggered a megatsunami, with waves creating a seiche effect that caused water to slosh back and forth for 35 hours. Although not the tallest tsunami on record, the event has left a significant impact on the landscape, with experts warning of ongoing instability in the area that could lead to further rockfalls and local tsunamis.
Published: Oct 25 2025, 2 ameznews.inLinguists are exploring the evolution of English, particularly how far back one could go and still understand the language. While texts from the 1800s, such as Jane Austen's *Sense and Sensibility*, remain accessible, earlier forms of English become increasingly challenging due to the Great Vowel Shift, which occurred between the 15th and 18th centuries. This significant phonetic change altered the pronunciation of long vowels, making Middle English sound foreign to modern speakers. For instance, the word "sheep" was pronounced similarly to "shape." The reasons behind this shift are debated, with theories suggesting that migration to London post-Black Death, the rise of the middle class, and a desire to distance English from French pronunciations during conflicts with France all played a role. Understanding these historical changes highlights the dynamic nature of language and its continuous evolution.
Published: Oct 25 2025, 12 ameznews.inA mystery at the Aquarium and Shark Lab in Hendersonville, North Carolina, has taken a somber turn regarding a stingray named Charlotte, who was initially thought to be pregnant despite the absence of male stingrays. Speculation arose that she could have been impregnated by a shark after two male white spot bamboo sharks were introduced to her tank. However, after extensive testing, the aquarium announced that Charlotte is suffering from a rare reproductive disease that has adversely affected her reproductive system, dispelling earlier theories of parthenogenesis or hybridization. Team ECCO, which operates the aquarium, emphasized their commitment to Charlotte's health and well-being, stating they will collaborate with veterinarians to explore treatment options. The case, while unfortunate, may contribute valuable insights to the understanding of reproductive health in rays.
Published: Oct 22 2025, 1 ameznews.inDolphin meat, once consumed in various cultures, is now largely banned due to health concerns, particularly high mercury levels. Recent tests by Action for Dolphins revealed alarming mercury concentrations in dolphin offal from Japan, with levels reaching 265 times the regulatory limit. This follows earlier findings where dolphin meat sold online contained mercury levels exceeding safe limits by up to 97 times. The accumulation of mercury in dolphins, a result of their position at the top of the food chain, poses significant health risks, especially for pregnant women and children, as exposure can lead to severe developmental issues. Despite Japan's continued consumption of dolphin meat, only a minority partake, and experts suggest that the taste is unappealing, with many preferring other seafood options. Consequently, while the news may be good for dolphin populations, it underscores the dangers of consuming their meat.
Published: Oct 25 2025, 6 ameznews.inNew research from the University of Tokyo suggests that going gray, often viewed as an undesirable aspect of aging, may actually serve as a protective mechanism against cancer. The study, conducted on mice, examined how hair follicle stem cells (melanocyte stem cells) respond to DNA damage, revealing a link between hair graying and melanoma, a type of skin cancer. When these stem cells encounter DNA double-strand breaks, they undergo a process called senescence-coupled differentiation, leading to hair graying. Conversely, exposure to certain carcinogens allows these cells to avoid differentiation, enabling them to continue dividing. This indicates that stem cells face a critical choice under stress: to differentiate and gray or to proliferate, potentially leading to tumors. While the findings do not imply that gray hair prevents cancer, they highlight a complex relationship between stem cell stress responses and aging. The study is published in *Nature Cell Biology*.
Published: Oct 25 2025, 3 amFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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