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For the first time in over 50 years, endangered Southern Resident orcas have been spotted in Penn Cove, Washington, a site notorious for a large-scale capture attempt in 1970 that resulted in the deaths of several whales. The non-profit Ocean Conservancy announced the return of L Pod on November 4, marking a significant moment in the region's marine history. The orcas were seen swimming and breaching in the cove, which had been avoided by their ancestors due to the traumatic events of the past. The 1970 capture, which involved herding over 80 orcas using boats and explosives, led to public outcry and the eventual passage of the Marine Mammal Protection Act in 1972. While the reasons for their return remain unclear, Ocean Conservancy suggests that generational changes may have encouraged exploration, and their presence could indicate a resurgence of prey in the area. 
Published: Nov 08 2024, 7 pmeznews.inIn a groundbreaking discovery, researchers have identified the oldest confirmed case of the plague outside Eurasia in a 3,290-year-old Egyptian mummy, revealing that the deadly bacterium _Yersinia pestis_ was present in North Africa long before the infamous Black Death pandemic of the 14th century. The mummy, housed at the Museo Egizio in Turin, Italy, showed advanced signs of infection in both its bone tissue and intestinal content. This finding, presented at the European Meeting of the Paleopathology Association, marks the first molecular evidence of plague in ancient Egypt, although the extent of its prevalence remains unclear. Previous studies have suggested possible outbreaks along the Nile, supported by archaeological findings of fleas and references in ancient medical texts. Researchers propose that the plague may have been spread by fleas on Nile rats before transitioning to black rats, which later facilitated the global spread of the disease.
Published: Dec 23 2024, 10 pmeznews.inA groundbreaking prototype reactor has successfully operated for three years, directly splitting water into hydrogen using only sunlight and photocatalysts, without the need for electricity conversion. Developed by researchers at Shinshu University, this 100 square meter reactor demonstrated higher efficiency than previous lab trials, although it still falls short of the efficiency required for practical applications. Currently, the reactor achieves about 1% efficiency under simulated sunlight, with hopes of reaching 5% in natural sunlight. Hydrogen, a clean fuel that produces only water when used, is primarily produced through fossil fuels, necessitating a shift to greener methods. The team emphasizes the need for improved photocatalysts and a global accreditation process to enhance efficiency and safety standards. While the cost of green hydrogen remains high compared to its fossil fuel counterpart, advancements in photocatalyst technology could pave the way for more sustainable hydrogen production and broader adoption of solar energy solutions.
Published: Dec 26 2024, 5 pmeznews.inA widely circulated photo of a giant spider, claimed to have lived with an Australian man for a year, has been confirmed as real. Jake Gray shared the image of the huntsman spider, affectionately named Charlotte, on a Facebook spider identification page, explaining that the family has tolerated her presence due to her appetite for cockroaches. Despite the spider's intimidating size, experts note that the Banded huntsman, or Sydney huntsman, is generally harmless, preferring to flee rather than bite. Gray's family even named the spider to ease their children's fears, with Charlotte reportedly growing over the year and even catching an Asian house gecko. Behavioral ecologist Linda S. Rayor advises that if one encounters a large spider, remaining calm and gently relocating it is the best approach, as bites are rare and typically non-venomous.
Published: Dec 26 2024, 4 pmeznews.inA recent working paper by Dartmouth University Professor David Blanchflower reveals a significant shift in the traditional U-shaped happiness curve, which previously indicated that happiness peaks in youth and old age, with a low point in midlife. The study finds that young adults, particularly young women, are now the least happy demographic, with unhappiness declining with age. This trend, which began around 2017, has been observed in over 80 countries, including the US, where one in nine young women report daily mental health struggles. The research highlights alarming increases in young people seeking mental health services and experiencing self-harm or suicidal thoughts. While the reasons behind this downturn remain unclear, Blanchflower notes that it is not solely attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic or labor market issues, suggesting a need for further investigation into factors affecting youth well-being, potentially including the impact of technology.
Published: Dec 21 2024, 9 pmeznews.inIn the ongoing debate over which gender experiences more pain, childbirth and testicular trauma often take center stage. Childbirth is notorious for its excruciating nature, involving hours of labor as a baby is forced through a narrow birth canal, often resulting in severe physical and psychological distress. In contrast, a kick to the testicles can induce immediate, intense pain, potentially leading to nausea or even hospitalization. The evolutionary design of testicles, which are sensitive and located externally, amplifies this pain response, serving as a protective mechanism for sperm production. While both experiences are undeniably painful, the subjective nature of pain makes it difficult to declare a definitive winner. Ultimately, experts suggest that the pain of childbirth and a kick in the balls may be equally torturous, leaving the question of who suffers more unresolved.
Published: Dec 26 2024, 3 pmeznews.inThe internet was briefly thrown into a frenzy after a NASA audio feed from the International Space Station (ISS) was mistakenly broadcast to the public, leading listeners to believe there was a medical emergency aboard. The audio, which featured a doctor discussing treatment for a crew member suffering from decompression sickness, raised alarms among those tuning in. However, NASA quickly clarified that the audio was part of a ground training exercise and not indicative of a real crisis. The agency confirmed that the ISS crew was safe and asleep at the time, with no emergencies occurring. NASA reassured the public that the incident stemmed from a misrouted simulation audio channel and that all crew members remain healthy, with a scheduled spacewalk set to proceed as planned.
Published: Dec 26 2024, 9 ameznews.inOnce a staple of UFO lore and fringe beliefs, crop circles have largely faded from public discourse since their peak in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Initially perceived as mysterious phenomena possibly linked to extraterrestrial activity, investigations revealed that these intricate designs were primarily the work of human pranksters. The phenomenon dates back to at least 1678, with early reports attributing similar markings to supernatural causes. However, it was in the 1970s that two Englishmen, Doug Bower and Dave Chorley, famously confessed to creating over 200 crop circles using simple tools, debunking claims of alien involvement. Their revelation, published in 1991, coincided with a decline in interest as the public became aware of the hoaxes. Today, while crop circles are often crafted as artistic expressions, many enthusiasts still cling to the belief in their extraterrestrial origins, despite the lack of scientific evidence supporting such claims.
Published: Dec 26 2024, 11 ameznews.inEpigastric hernias, characterized by a small bump above the belly button, are common in babies and young children but can occur at any age. These hernias arise when fatty tissue pushes through a weakened area of the abdominal wall, typically between the belly button and breastbone. Most cases are asymptomatic, often going undiagnosed unless discovered during medical examinations. However, some individuals may experience pain if the hernia becomes strangulated, cutting off blood supply to the tissue. Treatment options vary based on severity and may include observation for asymptomatic cases or surgery for those experiencing significant discomfort. Risk factors include heavy lifting, obesity, and previous pregnancies, which can strain the abdominal wall. While epigastric hernias usually do not resolve on their own, monitoring and surgical intervention are available for those affected.
Published: Dec 24 2024, 3 pmeznews.inIn a fascinating exploration of avian evolution, scientists reveal that birds are, in fact, modern-day dinosaurs, tracing their lineage back to the Theropoda clade, which includes infamous species like _Tyrannosaurus rex_. The discovery of the "wonderchicken," a prehistoric bird that lived just before the mass extinction event 66 million years ago, highlights the deep connection between birds and their dinosaur ancestors. Notably, the fossil _Archaeopteryx_ serves as a crucial link, showcasing feathers in a dinosaur, while subsequent finds like _Sinosauropteryx_ and _Caudipteryx_ further blurred the lines between birds and non-avian dinosaurs. Dr. Jingmai O’Connor emphasizes that the evolution of bird-like traits occurred within theropods, complicating the definition of what constitutes a bird. Ultimately, while mammals have become more impactful, birds remain the most diverse group of amniotes, suggesting that the age of dinosaurs, in a sense, continues today.
Published: Dec 26 2024, 4 ameznews.inResearch based on NASA satellite data indicates that global cloud coverage is decreasing, potentially worsening the effects of climate change. A study led by climate scientist George Tselioudis revealed that cloud cover is shrinking at a rate of approximately 1.5 percent per decade, with significant changes observed in the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) near the equator, where heavy clouds typically form. This zone has narrowed, while the subtropical dry zone has expanded, leading to an overall reduction in cloud cover. Tselioudis emphasized that this phenomenon represents a critical yet overlooked factor in understanding global warming. The findings, presented at the American Geophysical Union meeting, suggest that the decline in cloud coverage contributes to increased solar energy absorption, complicating the already intricate dynamics of Earth's climate systems. The study was published in the journal Climate Dynamics, highlighting the urgent need for further investigation into these trends.
Published: Dec 26 2024, 7 amFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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