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Russian physicist Alexander Berezin has proposed a troubling explanation for the Fermi Paradox, which questions why we have yet to encounter extraterrestrial civilizations. His theory, dubbed the “First in, last out” solution, suggests that advanced civilizations, upon achieving interstellar travel, may inadvertently destroy other life forms in their path, akin to a construction crew demolishing an anthill. Berezin argues that these civilizations may not even notice the existence of others, prioritizing their expansion over the preservation of lesser life forms. He posits that humanity might not be the ants in this scenario but rather the potential destroyers of countless civilizations, as we are among the first to reach an interstellar stage. While his hypothesis raises concerns about our future, Berezin expresses hope that we might discover alien life before we embark on a destructive path, allowing us to evolve into a more benevolent civilization. 
Published: Nov 24 2024, 4 ameznews.inDespite advancements in medicine and technology that have extended human lifespans, evolution remains an ongoing process, albeit influenced by new factors. Evolution, defined as genetic change in populations over time, continues to shape human traits, as evidenced by the Bajau Laut tribe's remarkable diving abilities and genetic adaptations to diseases like malaria. Cultural influences, particularly in sexual selection, are also driving evolutionary changes; for instance, a study revealed that Dutch men have significantly increased in height over the past century due to preferences for taller partners. Additionally, the emergence of HIV has led to a rise in genetic variants that confer resistance in affected regions. While traditional natural selection pressures may have diminished, evolution is adapting to contemporary challenges, suggesting that the process is far from over.
Published: Nov 24 2024, 5 ameznews.inDespite the allure of "bottomless lakes," no such body of water exists, as all lakes have a measurable depth. The term often refers to lakes with significant depths or unique geological features that create an illusion of endlessness. Lake Baikal in Siberia holds the title of the world's deepest lake at 1,642 meters (5,387 feet) and contains about 20% of Earth's unfrozen freshwater. Similarly, Lake Tanganyika, at 1,436 meters (4,710 feet), is the second-deepest and longest freshwater lake, supporting diverse ecosystems. Other bodies of water, like cenotes and sinkholes, can appear bottomless due to their deep, cavernous structures. The Great Blue Hole in the Caribbean, a popular diving site, plunges 124 meters (407 feet), while New Mexico's Bottomless Lakes State Park features several sinkholes that contributed to the myth of bottomlessness. Ultimately, these lakes offer valuable insights into Earth's history, even if they lack true bottomless depths.
Published: Nov 20 2024, 6 pmeznews.inA recent study from the George Washington University Computational Biology Institute has validated the "Grandmother Rule" of washing, emphasizing the importance of cleaning often-neglected areas of the body. Researchers investigated the skin microbiome of 129 students, focusing on regions like behind the ears, between the toes, and the navel, which are frequently overlooked during washing. The findings revealed that these neglected areas hosted less diverse and potentially less healthy microbial communities compared to regularly cleaned regions like the forearms and calves. Keith Crandall, the study's director, noted that a balanced microbiome is crucial for preventing skin conditions such as eczema and acne. While the research highlights the significance of maintaining hygiene in all skin areas, it also underscores the need for further exploration into the relationship between microbiome health and overall well-being. The study is published in *Frontiers in Microbiology*.
Published: Nov 24 2024, 2 ameznews.inChildbirth has historically been fraught with pain and danger, but a significant shift occurred in the early 20th century when German obstetricians Bernhardt Kronig and Karl Gauss introduced a controversial method known as "Twilight Sleep." This technique combined morphine for pain relief and scopolamine to induce drowsiness and amnesia, allowing women to give birth without remembering the pain. Initially celebrated, the method attracted women from across the globe, including the United States. However, the reality was starkly different; while patients were restrained to prevent injury during labor, they often still experienced pain, evidenced by their screams. The procedure's popularity waned after the death of advocate Francis Carmody in 1915, and by the 1960s, reports of the harsh conditions and physical restraints used during the process led to its decline. Despite its initial promise, Twilight Sleep ultimately highlighted the dangers of inadequate medical oversight in childbirth.
Published: Nov 24 2024, 12 ameznews.inThe Ethiopian wolf (_Canis simensis_), Africa's most endangered carnivore, has existed for over 1.4 million years but now faces a critical threat of extinction. Endemic to the Ethiopian highlands, these slender canids are social animals that primarily hunt giant mole rats and are found in just six populations across alpine regions above 3,000 meters. Recent studies indicate that only 454 adult wolves remain, with their numbers declining due to human activities, particularly the spread of diseases from domestic dogs, such as rabies and canine distemper virus, which have devastated local populations by up to 75%. Additionally, agricultural expansion has encroached on their habitat, with 60% of suitable land converted for farming. Conservation efforts are urgently needed to protect their habitat, manage disease, and foster coexistence, as the future of the Ethiopian wolf is now heavily reliant on human intervention.
Published: Nov 19 2024, 3 ameznews.inA recent study by linguists from the Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics has identified the word "huh" as a nearly universal term across various languages, serving as a prompt for clarification in conversations. Published in PLOS ONE, the research examined "huh" in 31 languages, revealing that it shares similar phonetic characteristics, such as being a monosyllable with a questioning intonation. The study suggests that this interjection may have evolved through convergent linguistic development, akin to natural evolutionary processes, rather than being an innate sound. The researchers argue that "huh" effectively signals confusion and prompts a response, fulfilling essential communicative functions in dialogue. This finding challenges the notion that words across languages are entirely arbitrary, highlighting a fascinating exception in the realm of human communication.
Published: Nov 19 2024, 10 pmeznews.inA 2012 study has revealed that humans can identify the age of individuals based solely on their body odor, with younger participants able to discern older individuals from their scent. Researchers collected body odors from various age groups by having participants wear T-shirts with underarm pads for five nights, which were then sniffed by volunteers aged 20 to 30. Surprisingly, the study found that the so-called "old person smell," or "kareishu" in Japan, is perceived as neutral rather than unpleasant. Sensory neuroscientist Johan Lundström noted that while certain compounds like 2-Nonenal contribute to this distinct odor, the exact mechanisms remain unclear. The ability to detect age-related scents may serve evolutionary purposes, such as mate selection and identifying kin. Further research is needed to understand the implications of these findings and the potential advantages of age-related body odors in humans.
Published: Nov 23 2024, 10 pmeznews.inThe debate over the largest wolf species centers on the gray wolf (*Canis lupus*), which is generally considered the biggest, with males weighing up to 80 kilograms (176 pounds) and standing about 76 centimeters (30 inches) tall at the shoulder. In contrast, the red wolf (*Canis rufus*) is smaller, measuring around 66 centimeters (26 inches) and weighing between 20 to 36 kilograms (45 to 80 pounds), while the Ethiopian wolf (*Canis simensis*) is the smallest, weighing only 11 to 20 kilograms (24 to 42 pounds). Notably, the largest recorded gray wolf was from Yukon, Canada, weighing 103 kilograms (227 pounds). The extinct dire wolf (*Canis dirus*), often compared to modern wolves, was similar in size to the largest gray wolves. Interestingly, some dog breeds, such as the Old English Mastiff and St Bernard, can exceed the weight of these wolves, showcasing the diversity within the canine family.
Published: Nov 21 2024, 6 pmeznews.inIn a groundbreaking study, scientists have successfully created a mouse using genes derived from ancient single-celled organisms, specifically choanoflagellates, which are believed to be the closest living relatives of animals. By introducing these ancient _Sox_ genes into mouse cells, researchers generated induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) capable of developing into various cell types. When these iPSCs were injected into a developing mouse embryo, they produced a chimera displaying traits from both the donor embryo and the iPSCs, including distinct black fur patches and dark eyes. This discovery challenges previous assumptions about the evolution of stem cells, suggesting that key genes for stem cell formation may have originated much earlier than previously thought. The findings, published in *Nature Communications*, could have significant implications for regenerative medicine, offering insights into how pluripotency mechanisms can be optimized for future medical advancements.
Published: Nov 19 2024, 8 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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