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The Axial Seamount, a significant underwater volcano located approximately 480 kilometers off the Oregon coast, has postponed its anticipated eruption to 2026, according to scientists. Bill Chadwick, a research associate at Oregon State University, noted that the volcano's inflation rate has changed, leading to an updated forecast. Initially, experts believed Axial would erupt in 2025 due to its inflation surpassing levels seen before previous eruptions. However, the current inflation is still below a critical threshold, and seismic activity has been notably low, with fewer earthquakes than expected. Researchers are now exploring a new physics-based model for eruption forecasting, which may improve prediction accuracy. Despite the uncertainty, scientists remain hopeful about future developments, with some humorously suggesting that if all else fails, there’s always 2027. 
Published: Dec 31 2025, 5 pmeznews.inMicroplastics have infiltrated even the most remote regions of the Earth, including Antarctica, where researchers have discovered microplastic fragments in the digestive tracts of wild midge larvae, _Belgica antarctica_. This finding, reported by a team led by Jack Devlin from the University of Kentucky, marks the first evidence of microplastics in this unique insect, which is crucial for the Antarctic ecosystem. Although ingestion was rare, detected in fewer than 7% of the larvae, it highlights the pervasive nature of plastic pollution. The study revealed that while the midges' survival rates remained stable even at high plastic concentrations, their fat reserves were compromised, raising concerns about their long-term health and resilience amid climate change. The research underscores the urgent need for further investigation into the ecological impacts of microplastics in pristine environments, as Antarctica's relative purity is increasingly threatened by human activity.
Published: Dec 31 2025, 8 ameznews.inIn the early 20th century, the allure of radioactive products captivated the public, following French physicist Henri Becquerel's discovery of uranium's radioactive properties in 1896. This fascination led to the creation of various items, including Radithor, a radium-infused drink marketed as a health tonic. American sportsman Eben Byers, who consumed over 1,400 bottles of Radithor after an injury, initially believed it alleviated his pain. However, Byers soon experienced severe health issues, including weight loss, headaches, and extensive dental decay, ultimately leading to the removal of most of his jaw. Byers' case highlighted the dangers of radiation, prompting regulatory scrutiny in the 1930s. Tragically, he died at 51, with his body severely damaged by radiation exposure. The inventor of Radithor maintained its safety until his own death from bladder cancer, with posthumous examinations revealing extensive internal damage from radiation.
Published: Jan 05 2026, 7 ameznews.inLandslides, defined as the movement of rock, debris, or earth down a slope, are a significant geological phenomenon that can occur anywhere, including on Mars. They result from an imbalance between gravity and friction, often triggered by factors such as heavy rainfall, erosion, or human activities. Notably, volcanic activity can exacerbate landslides, leading to destructive events like lahars. The largest landslide in recorded history occurred at Mount St. Helens in Washington State in 1980, following a magnitude-5 earthquake. This catastrophic event released immense pressure, resulting in a lateral blast that devastated the surrounding area, killing dozens and transforming the landscape. The landslide, with a volume of 2.5 km³, traveled at speeds of up to 180 mph, destroying infrastructure and altering river systems, effects of which are still felt today as sediment continues to impact local ecosystems and flood management.
Published: Jan 01 2026, 9 ameznews.inNew research from Queensland, Australia, suggests that long COVID may not be a distinct condition but rather part of a broader spectrum of post-viral syndromes. A team led by Queensland's Chief Health Officer will present findings at an upcoming conference, indicating no significant difference in lasting symptoms among over 5,000 participants who tested positive for COVID-19, influenza, or had respiratory issues of unknown origin. Approximately 16% reported ongoing symptoms a year later, with 3.6% experiencing a moderate-to-severe impact on daily life. Critics of the study argue that its methodology lacks sufficient detail to support claims that long COVID is indistinguishable from other post-viral syndromes. Nonetheless, the research highlights the need for increased awareness and funding for post-viral conditions, coinciding with the second annual International Long COVID Awareness Day, which aims to confront the challenges faced by those affected.
Published: Jan 05 2026, 3 ameznews.inA recent study has revealed a significant increase in cases of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) linked to COVID-19, with incidence rates now 15 times higher than before the pandemic. Researchers from the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that individuals with a history of COVID-19 are nearly eight times more likely to develop ME/CFS. The study, part of the RECOVER Initiative, assessed 11,785 participants post-infection, revealing that 4.5% met the diagnostic criteria for ME/CFS, compared to just 0.6% of uninfected individuals. Symptoms such as post-exertional malaise, dizziness, and cognitive impairments were prevalent among those affected, mirroring those seen in long COVID patients. Dr. Suzanne D. Vernon emphasized the need for healthcare providers to recognize and manage post-COVID ME/CFS effectively, highlighting the urgency for further research into the condition's links to viral infections.
Published: Jan 05 2026, 3 ameznews.inA groundbreaking study from Stanford Medicine has established a link between the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease affecting over 5 million people globally. The research reveals that while EBV infects fewer than 1 in 10,000 B cells in healthy individuals, this figure rises to 1 in 400 in lupus patients. The study identifies a "molecular switch" gene activated by EBV in infected B cells, triggering a cascade of pro-inflammatory responses that lead to the immune system attacking the body’s own tissues. Senior author Dr. William Robinson emphasized the significance of this finding, suggesting it could apply to all lupus cases. However, the study notes that not all EBV-infected individuals develop lupus, indicating that specific strains of the virus may play a role in this transformation. The findings are published in *Science Translational Medicine*.
Published: Jan 05 2026, 4 ameznews.inA new study has shed light on the last meal of the Tollund Man, a well-preserved bog body discovered in Denmark in the 1950s, believed to have been a victim of human sacrifice. Researchers from the Museum Silkeborg and the National Museum of Denmark analyzed his gastrointestinal contents, revealing a nutritious Iron Age meal of barley porridge, fish, and various seeds, consumed just 12 to 24 hours before his death. Despite the grim circumstances of his demise, the findings suggest he led a relatively comfortable life, as indicated by the hearty meal and the careful positioning of his body, which implies he was not executed but possibly sacrificed. However, the presence of hundreds of parasitic eggs points to poor hygiene practices of the time. While the study aimed to uncover special ingredients linked to sacrificial rituals, it ultimately left the exact reasons for his death shrouded in mystery.
Published: Jan 05 2026, 3 ameznews.inIn late October 79 CE, the ancient Roman town of Pompeii faced its catastrophic fate as Mount Vesuvius erupted, enveloping the area in a lethal cloud of superheated gas, molten rock, and ash. Today, Pompeii attracts around 2.5 million tourists annually, drawn to the haunting plaster casts of its victims, often misrepresented as petrified bodies. However, these casts are not actual remains but rather replicas created from voids left by decomposed bodies, a technique pioneered in the 1860s by archaeologist Giuseppe Fiorelli. As the volcanic material hardened around the corpses, it left behind negative imprints, which were later filled with plaster to create the casts. Modern methods, including X-ray techniques, have refined this process, allowing for the reproduction of these figures. Despite the destruction from World War II, the casts remain a poignant testament to Pompeii's tragic history, blending ancient and modern efforts in preservation.
Published: Jan 04 2026, 10 pmeznews.inIn 1962, French geologist Michel Siffre emerged from Scarasson, a glacial cave in the Alps, after spending 63 days in isolation, devoid of natural light and timekeeping devices. Initially intending to study the glacier for just 15 days, Siffre extended his stay to explore the effects of prolonged darkness on human physiology. His experience revealed that the human body possesses an internal clock independent of the Sun, leading to significant alterations in his sleep-wake cycle. Siffre's findings, which included a psychological time distortion and a shift to longer sleep cycles, laid the groundwork for the field of human chronobiology, influencing research on sleep patterns, jet lag, and even cancer development. Despite facing skepticism and criticism for his unconventional methods, Siffre's pioneering work attracted attention from military and space agencies, ultimately earning him a place in scientific history as a catalyst for understanding human biological rhythms.
Published: Dec 31 2025, 11 pmeznews.inIn 1971, the gaming landscape was transformed with the introduction of the first arcade machine, Computer Space, followed by the iconic Pong and the Magnavox Odyssey home console. These developments were built on earlier experimental games created by researchers, leading to a burgeoning industry projected to reach $189 billion. However, the roots of video gaming trace back to 1958, when American physicist William Higinbotham, working at the Los Alamos Laboratory, created Tennis for Two, widely regarded as the first true computer game designed solely for entertainment. Higinbotham, who later advocated for nuclear nonproliferation, crafted the game during a dull science exhibit, using an analog computer to simulate tennis on an oscilloscope. Although initially forgotten, Tennis for Two gained recognition in the 1970s, highlighting Higinbotham's legacy as a pioneer in the gaming world, despite his preference to be remembered for his contributions to radar technology and nuclear safety.
Published: Jan 04 2026, 5 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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