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When you close your eyes, you may notice swirling patterns and flashes of light, known as "phosphenes." These visual sensations occur even in darkness due to the ongoing activity of retinal cells, which generate weak internal signals that mimic light. According to Katrina Schmid, an Associate Professor at Queensland University of Technology, the brain interprets this random activity as visual stimuli, leading to the perception of colors and patterns. While phosphenes are typically harmless, they can also indicate underlying issues such as retinal detachment or neurological conditions, especially if the patterns change or become more pronounced. Applying pressure to the eyeball can also induce phosphenes, but caution is advised. If you experience persistent disturbances, consulting a medical professional is recommended to rule out any serious conditions. 
Published: Feb 04 2025, 8 pmeznews.inRecent research into Neanderthal genetics reveals that modern humans do not inherit pigmentation genes from these ancient relatives, complicating efforts to reconstruct their physical appearance. While all non-African populations carry about 2% Neanderthal DNA, linking this genetic material to specific traits is challenging due to the polygenic nature of most characteristics. Studies suggest that Neanderthals likely exhibited a variety of skin, hair, and eye colors, but definitive traits remain elusive. Notably, variants associated with red hair and blue eyes in modern humans have not been found in Neanderthal genomes, leading experts to doubt the likelihood of these features in Neanderthals. Instead, evidence points to a diverse range of pigmentation, potentially influenced by their adaptation to different environments. However, gaps in genetic data, particularly from southern Neanderthal populations, hinder a comprehensive understanding of their phenotypic diversity.
Published: Feb 06 2025, 1 ameznews.inAsteroid Bennu, a medium-sized space rock with a diameter of approximately 500 meters, poses a 1 in 2,700 chance of colliding with Earth in September 2182, according to NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission. While not as catastrophic as the Chicxulub impactor that led to the extinction of the dinosaurs, a collision with Bennu could still result in significant regional to global damage. Research indicates that such an impact could inject up to 400 million tons of dust into the atmosphere, potentially causing a global winter with temperatures dropping by 4°C (7.2°F) and a 36% decrease in terrestrial net primary productivity. This could lead to widespread famine and ecological disruption, although iron-rich dust might spur microalgae blooms in the Pacific. The findings underscore the potential consequences of medium-sized asteroid impacts on Earth's climate and ecosystems, as detailed in a recent study published in *Science Advances*.
Published: Feb 06 2025, 6 ameznews.inResearchers have uncovered fascinating insights into how various animals utilize the Earth's magnetic field for navigation and other behaviors. Birds, particularly migratory species like European robins, possess a unique ability to "see" the magnetic field through a quantum mechanism involving cryptochrome proteins in their eyes, allowing them to navigate vast distances. In contrast, mammals like dogs exhibit a more mundane use of this sense; studies show that dogs prefer to align themselves north-south when defecating, although the reason remains unclear. Other animals, such as red foxes, also demonstrate magnetoreception, using it to enhance hunting success by jumping in a specific direction. While humans may not consciously perceive magnetic fields, research suggests we retain some sensitivity to them, though the extent and practical application of this ability remain debated among scientists.
Published: Feb 04 2025, 1 ameznews.inA recent study has revealed that wild western chimpanzees in Taï National Park, Côte d’Ivoire, exhibit distinct "dialects" through various mating gestures, highlighting the complexity of their communication. Researchers observed four specific auditory gestures—'heel kick', 'knuckle knock', 'leaf clip', and 'branch shake'—used by male chimpanzees to attract females. Notably, the frequency of these gestures varied between neighboring communities, suggesting that these dialects are socially learned and influenced by female migration. However, the study also noted the disappearance of the 'knuckle knock' gesture in one group, attributed to human-induced demographic changes, including poaching. The researchers emphasize the importance of preserving chimpanzee culture in conservation efforts, as it not only impacts the species' survival but also offers insights into human evolutionary history. The findings are published in Current Biology, underscoring the urgent need for integrated conservation strategies.
Published: Feb 05 2025, 11 pmeznews.inThe European Space Agency's ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter has captured intriguing images from Mars' southern polar region, revealing what appear to be "giant spiders" on the planet's surface. However, these formations are not actual spiders but rather patterns created by the seasonal transition from Martian winter to spring. As sunlight warms the carbon dioxide ice, gas builds up beneath the surface, breaking through layers of ice and dragging dark material upwards, resulting in dark patches that can measure between 45 meters and 1 kilometer across. This phenomenon, known as pareidolia, occurs when the human brain interprets random patterns as familiar shapes, a survival instinct that helped early humans identify potential threats. Dr. Jess Taubert from the University of Queensland notes that recognizing patterns is crucial for survival, even if it sometimes leads to misinterpretations, such as seeing spiders where none exist.
Published: Feb 05 2025, 11 pmeznews.inThe medieval Wound Man, a striking surgical diagram from the 15th century, depicts a naked male figure afflicted with various weapons and injuries, serving as a visual guide for surgeons of the time. Despite the gruesome array of wounds, including signs of plague and venereal disease, the Wound Man's indifferent expression suggests a deliberate portrayal of resilience rather than suffering. This instructional figure, often accompanied by annotations linking injuries to treatments, reflects the evolving understanding of medicine during a period marked by the rise of surgery as a profession. The Wound Man also highlights the historical perception of the male body as the ideal human form, with female bodies largely absent from such medical illustrations. Ultimately, the Wound Man encapsulates the vulnerabilities of the human body and the complexities of medieval medical thought, illustrating a time when even minor infections could prove fatal.
Published: Feb 05 2025, 11 pmeznews.inTommy Thompson, a former deep-sea treasure hunter, may soon be released from prison after a judge dismissed a civil contempt charge related to his refusal to disclose the location of 500 gold coins from the SS Central America, which sank in 1857. The ship, dubbed the "Ship of Gold," was carrying an estimated 21 tonnes of gold, intended to support banks in New York, when it went down during a hurricane. Thompson has been incarcerated since 2015, incurring a daily fine of $1,000, which has now exceeded $3.3 million. Although the judge expressed doubt that further imprisonment would compel Thompson to cooperate, he will begin serving a two-year sentence for a related criminal contempt charge. Thompson claims the coins were entrusted to a Belizean trust but has not provided further details, leaving the treasure's fate uncertain.
Published: Feb 06 2025, 12 ameznews.inGoogle's parent company, Alphabet, has revised its artificial intelligence (AI) policies, removing a commitment made in 2018 to avoid using AI in ways that could cause overall harm, including weaponization and surveillance. This pledge followed employee protests against the company's collaboration with the Pentagon on military drone footage analysis. The original guidelines included a clear prohibition on technologies likely to cause harm and those violating international law and human rights. However, the updated principles now lack specific assurances against harmful applications, instead offering a vague commitment to ensure that benefits outweigh risks. In a blog post, senior executives acknowledged the rapid evolution of AI and the need for democracies to lead its development, suggesting a shift towards applications that enhance national security. While they assert that AI use will align with international law and human rights, the lack of clarity raises concerns about potential future uses of the technology.
Published: Feb 05 2025, 9 pmeznews.inAs Donald Trump prepares for his second presidency, the scientific landscape in the United States is facing significant turmoil due to a series of controversial executive orders. These orders, deemed illegal and unconstitutional by critics, have led to immediate funding freezes at key agencies like the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), impacting both current and future grants. The NSF has been instructed to halt any projects promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, raising fears among scientists about job security and research integrity. Meanwhile, NASA and the CDC have reportedly removed references to marginalized groups and critical scientific data, prompting concerns over censorship and the potential dismantling of academic freedom. As uncertainty looms, many in the scientific community are calling for accountability and expressing fears of a broader brain drain from the country.
Published: Feb 05 2025, 9 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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