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In a groundbreaking study, Chinese scientists have discovered over 7,000 previously undocumented microbe species in the Mariana Trench, the deepest part of the world's oceans. Conducted aboard the deep-sea submersible _Fendouzhe_ during 2021, the research involved 33 dives to depths ranging from 6,000 to 10,900 meters (19,685 to 35,761 feet). The findings reveal a unique ecosystem in the hadal zone, with microbes exhibiting specialized adaptations to extreme pressure and cold. Notably, the study also identified the hadal amphipod (_Hirondellea gigas_) and the record-holding hadal snailfish (_Pseudoliparis swirei_). Genetic analysis indicated that some microbes possess smaller, efficient genomes for thriving under pressure, while others have larger, adaptable genomes. The researchers suggest that the novel genes found in these microorganisms could aid in biodiversity conservation efforts. The study is published in the journal *Cell*, highlighting the potential of these deep-sea discoveries. 
Published: Mar 07 2025, 8 ameznews.inEndometriosis, often referred to as the "missed disease," affects approximately 10% of women of reproductive age worldwide, causing severe pain, fertility issues, and mental health challenges. This condition occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, leading to inflammation and scarring. Despite its prevalence, the causes remain largely unknown, and there is no definitive cure, with diagnosis typically requiring surgery. The National Institutes of Health allocated only $29 million for endometriosis research in 2023, a fraction of its overall budget, highlighting the chronic underfunding and lack of understanding surrounding the disease. Many patients endure an average of 8.6 years before receiving a diagnosis, often facing dismissal of their symptoms as "normal." Experts advocate for increased research, public awareness campaigns, and a more compassionate approach to patient care to improve outcomes for those affected by this debilitating condition.
Published: Mar 09 2025, 8 ameznews.inA new study from MIT confirms that the Antarctic ozone layer is recovering, attributing this positive trend to global efforts to reduce ozone-depleting substances, particularly chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). With 95% confidence, researchers have established that the healing of the ozone layer is not merely a result of natural weather variability but a direct outcome of international action, notably the Montreal Protocol signed by 197 countries and the EU in 1987. Susan Solomon, a leading atmospheric chemist and co-author of the study, emphasized that this research is the first to quantify the recovery, which has shown signs of improvement over the past decade. If current trends continue, the ozone layer could fully recover by around 2035, marking a significant environmental success story. The findings, published in the journal Nature, highlight the effectiveness of global cooperation in addressing environmental challenges.
Published: Mar 05 2025, 11 pmeznews.inA controversial hypothesis proposed by geneticist Eugene M. McCarthy suggests that _Homo sapiens_ may have originated from a hybridization event between a chimpanzee and a pig. McCarthy, who claims to be an expert in hybridization, argues that certain human traits align more closely with pigs than with our primate relatives. However, this theory is widely dismissed by the scientific community, with experts emphasizing the lack of genetic evidence to support such an extraordinary claim. Critics, including palaeontologist Donald Prothero, have labeled the idea as "hogwash," highlighting its absence of rigorous scientific backing. While McCarthy attempts to address misconceptions about hybridization, his assertions remain unsubstantiated and are met with skepticism. Despite the intriguing nature of his proposal, it is largely viewed as a fringe theory lacking credibility in the field of evolutionary biology.
Published: Mar 05 2025, 10 pmeznews.inRecent research suggests that dark skin, hair, and eyes were prevalent among Europeans until the Iron Age, challenging previous beliefs about the timeline of lighter pigmentation. Originating from Africa, early humans had dark features, which began to lighten as they migrated to northern Eurasia, where paler skin offered an evolutionary advantage for vitamin D production in low-sunlight areas. Professor Guido Barbujani, a study author, noted that while light skin was first observed around 15,000 years ago in the Caucasus, dark features persisted much longer than previously thought, with half of the individuals studied showing dark or intermediate skin tones well into the Copper and Iron Ages. The research, which analyzed DNA from 348 ancient humans, revealed that the transition to lighter pigmentation was gradual and uneven, with dark skin remaining dominant in Europe until the Iron Age, when a mix of skin tones became more common.
Published: Mar 06 2025, 10 pmeznews.inA new study has revealed that the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), a crucial component of Earth's climate system, has significantly slowed since the mid-1990s. This slowdown could lead to colder winters in Europe and accelerated warming in tropical regions. Researchers, led by Dr. Alexey Mishonov from the University of Maryland, utilized temperature and sea surface height data to assess AMOC's strength, finding a 20% reduction in warm water transported by the Gulf Stream since 1994. While the North Atlantic is warming overall, subpolar regions are warming more slowly, indicating reduced warm water transport. The study does not confirm predictions of an impending AMOC collapse but raises concerns about potential climate impacts and oxygen depletion in deep-water ecosystems. The findings underscore the need for increased attention to AMOC's functionality, as significant changes could lead to unpredictable climate consequences. The research is published in *Frontiers in Marine Science*.
Published: Mar 09 2025, 3 ameznews.inOn January 23, 1556, the Shaanxi province of northwest China experienced a catastrophic earthquake, believed to be the deadliest day in human history, with an estimated death toll of 830,000. The quake, caused by the slipping of the Weinan and Huashan faults, had its epicenter near Huaxian. While records indicate that about one-third of the victims died from collapsing structures and landslides, many others succumbed to disease and famine in the aftermath. Despite its magnitude of 8 to 8.3, the Shaanxi earthquake is not the strongest recorded but remains the deadliest, surpassing the 1976 Tangshan earthquake, which killed around 655,000. Given the global population of less than half a billion in 1556, the relative loss of life on that day is unparalleled. Nearly 500 years later, no single day has matched the devastation of that fateful Thursday.
Published: Mar 05 2025, 9 ameznews.inSurgeons at Mount Saint Joseph Hospital in Vancouver have successfully performed the first stage of a groundbreaking procedure known as osteo-odonto-keratoprosthesis, or "tooth-in-eye" surgery, aimed at restoring vision in patients with severe corneal blindness. This innovative operation involves removing the damaged cornea and replacing it with tissue from the patient's cheek, while also crafting an implant from one of the patient's teeth, which is then placed in the cheek for three months to develop a blood supply. The second stage will see the tooth implant inserted into the eye, allowing light to pass through a plastic lens, potentially restoring sight. Dr. Greg Moloney, who led the surgeries, emphasized the procedure's advantages, including a reduced risk of rejection since it uses the patient's own tooth. The first patient, Gail Chapman, expressed hope for regaining her sight after a decade of blindness. While a first for Canada, this technique has been in use since the 1960s.
Published: Mar 05 2025, 8 pmeznews.inIn 1985, British biochemist Dr. Helena Greenwood was murdered in her California home, a crime that remained unsolved for 14 years until advancements in DNA technology led to her killer's conviction. Greenwood, who had been working on pioneering DNA fingerprinting techniques at Gen-Probe, was assaulted by David Frediani, a burglar who had previously attacked her. Despite initial investigations yielding no results, the case was reopened in 1999 as part of a project to utilize new DNA methods on cold cases. Forensic analysis of genetic material found under Greenwood's fingernails ultimately linked Frediani to the crime, with a staggering one-in-2.3 quadrillion chance that the DNA belonged to anyone else. He was convicted of first-degree murder, highlighting the profound impact of DNA technology in delivering justice long after the crime occurred. "All these years, Helena pointed from her grave at her murderer," remarked a colleague, underscoring the tragic yet redemptive nature of the case.
Published: Mar 09 2025, 4 ameznews.inIn January 1992, a storm in the Pacific Ocean led to the accidental release of 28,800 plastic bath toys, including rubber ducks, frogs, beavers, and turtles, from a shipping container. This unexpected event provided oceanographers, particularly Curtis Ebbesmeyer, with a unique opportunity to study ocean currents. Dubbed the "Friendly Floatees," the toys began washing ashore in Alaska later that year, with their movements tracked using a computer model called OSCAR, which analyzed weather data to predict their paths. Over the years, some toys reached as far as Japan and the UK, while others became trapped in Arctic ice. Ebbesmeyer coined the term "Flotsametrics" to describe the study of these floating objects, which has since informed ocean science and inspired further research into plastic pollution. The story of the Friendly Floatees has even been featured in David Attenborough's _Blue Planet II_, highlighting their impact on our understanding of ocean connectivity.
Published: Mar 09 2025, 2 ameznews.inA recent study has shed light on the burial of the Lapedo Child, a prehistoric skeleton discovered in Portugal in 1998, which exhibits both Neanderthal and modern human traits. Researchers have now dated the child's death to between 27,800 and 28,500 years ago, long after Neanderthals went extinct. This finding suggests that the child belonged to a population formed through extensive interbreeding between Neanderthals and modern humans. The burial site, initially a butchering camp, was abandoned for over 2,000 years following the child's interment, possibly due to a social taboo surrounding the death. The study also clarified the role of animal bones found in the grave, indicating that while a rabbit skeleton was likely a burial offering, red deer bones were used to position the body. These insights, published in *Science Advances*, enhance our understanding of human evolution and social practices in prehistoric times.
Published: Mar 08 2025, 2 amFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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