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A new theory proposed by Russian physicist Alexander Berezin offers a troubling perspective on the Fermi Paradox, which questions why we have yet to encounter extraterrestrial civilizations. Berezin's "First in, last out" hypothesis suggests that once a civilization achieves interstellar expansion, it may inadvertently eliminate others, akin to a construction crew demolishing an anthill. He argues that advanced civilizations might not even notice less developed ones, prioritizing their own expansion over the existence of others. This grim outlook posits that humanity could be among the first to reach this stage and potentially the last to survive, driven by a singular focus on growth. Berezin emphasizes that if life exists elsewhere, it may only be found in close proximity, raising the stakes for humanity to either explore and conquer or risk being destroyed. He hopes his theory is incorrect, advocating for the discovery of alien life before humanity embarks on a destructive path. 
Published: Dec 26 2025, 7 pmeznews.inStromboli, a volcanic island north of Sicily, has been in a near-constant state of eruption for nearly 2,000 years, with its first recorded eruption dating back to 350 BCE. Known as the "lighthouse of the Mediterranean," Stromboli's frequent, mild eruptions produce spectacular bursts of lava, giving rise to the term "Strombolian" to describe such explosive activity. While most eruptions are relatively harmless, more violent episodes have occurred, notably between 1910 and 1931, which included a devastating eruption on May 22, 1919, that resulted in a tsunami and the destruction of homes, claiming four lives. The most powerful eruption of the 20th century took place on September 11, 1930, killing six people and generating a massive eruption cloud. Despite these violent episodes, Stromboli has remained active, continuing to erupt since February 2, 1934, and captivating observers with its fiery displays.
Published: Dec 26 2025, 6 pmeznews.inA recent Reddit discussion sparked a debate on whether showering is more hygienic than bathing, with one user humorously referring to bathwater as "butthole and foot soup." While there is limited scientific research on the topic, studies suggest that showers are generally more hygienic, as the water used for washing flows away quickly, unlike in baths. A review of seven studies indicated that showers were more effective in reducing _C. difficile_ bacteria on the skin of infected patients. However, surveys show that many people feel cleaner after a shower, though this perception is subjective. Interestingly, some research indicates that bathing may offer benefits for mental and physical health, with one study finding that immersion bathing improved indicators of fatigue, stress, and overall well-being compared to showering. Ultimately, while hygiene differences are minimal, bathing may have additional health advantages, warranting further investigation.
Published: Dec 23 2025, 7 pmeznews.inA TikTok video by Ambria Alice Walterfield, which went viral last week, has sparked discussions about an unconventional method for relieving constipation known as "splinting." In her video, Walterfield humorously described a technique where individuals can use their thumb to apply pressure internally, aiding in bowel movements. This method, often referred to as "The Adele," has been recognized by some as a practical solution for those struggling with constipation or other medical conditions affecting bowel function. While many users shared their experiences with this technique, experts caution that it should not be a regular practice. A 2013 study highlighted that a significant number of women using manual splinting had underlying pelvic floor issues, such as rectoceles or cystoceles. Medical professionals advise consulting a physician if one frequently relies on this method, as it may indicate more serious health concerns.
Published: Dec 26 2025, 6 pmeznews.inGorillas, despite their impressive size and strength, possess the smallest penises relative to body size among mammals, measuring just 3 centimeters (1.1 inches). This surprising fact is linked to their social structure, where a dominant male typically mates with multiple females, reducing the need for larger genitalia. Unlike their chimpanzee relatives, who live in multi-male groups and require larger testes to compete for female attention, gorillas rely on physical dominance rather than sperm competition. Interestingly, research suggests that certain genetic traits in gorillas may correlate with low sperm counts in humans, challenging the notion that size equates to reproductive success. Humans, with larger penises but smaller testes, exhibit a unique evolutionary paradox, where social and cognitive factors play a more significant role in mating strategies than physical attributes. Ultimately, the evolution of human mating systems highlights the importance of social dynamics over mere anatomical features.
Published: Dec 26 2025, 5 pmeznews.inA recent study led by an international team of researchers has unveiled the "cosmic dipole anomaly," suggesting that the universe may be "lopsided," which poses a significant challenge to the standard cosmological model. Professor Subir Sarkar from the University of Oxford highlighted that this anomaly contradicts the widely accepted Copernican and cosmological principles, which assert that the universe is isotropic and homogeneous. The anomaly is evidenced by temperature variations in the cosmic microwave background (CMB), where one hemisphere of the sky is hotter than the other, contradicting expectations of uniformity. While the findings do not outright dismiss the Lambda-CDM model of the universe, they indicate a failure of the "Ellis-Baldwin test," which correlates CMB variations with matter distribution. As researchers await further data from upcoming astronomical projects, the implications of this anomaly could necessitate a reevaluation of our understanding of the cosmos.
Published: Dec 24 2025, 12 ameznews.inA new mRNA flu vaccine developed by Pfizer has demonstrated a 34.5% higher efficacy in preventing influenza A compared to existing vaccines, according to a clinical trial involving over 18,000 participants. While the vaccine was associated with more side effects, severe adverse events remained rare. This modRNA vaccine, which incorporates modified nucleosides for improved performance, showed a robust immune response against H1N1 and H3N2 strains but was less effective against influenza B. Notably, the trial did not include participants over 65, a demographic particularly vulnerable to flu complications. Current flu vaccines have an effectiveness of 44-54% for those under 64, while the new vaccine could potentially increase this to 60-67%. As flu seasons become increasingly severe, advancements in vaccine technology are crucial. The trial results are published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Published: Dec 26 2025, 3 pmeznews.inAs the holiday season approaches, many indulge in festive excess, only to embark on New Year’s resolutions and Dry January. However, a notable shift is occurring, particularly among younger generations. A recent Gallup poll reveals that the percentage of American adults consuming alcohol has dropped to a 90-year low, with only 54% reporting they drink, down from 62% in 2023. This trend is echoed globally, with young Australians born between 1997 and 2012 being 17 times more likely to abstain from alcohol compared to Baby Boomers. In the UK, average alcohol consumption has also decreased significantly. Researchers attribute this decline to heightened health awareness, rising living costs, and a cultural shift that reduces the pressure to drink. Interestingly, while alcohol consumption wanes, cannabis use among the 18-34 age group has nearly doubled since 2013, indicating changing preferences in recreational substances.
Published: Dec 25 2025, 7 pmeznews.inNew research published in the *Annals of Internal Medicine* suggests that longer, sustained walking sessions are more beneficial for heart health and reducing mortality risk than shorter, frequent bursts of activity. Analyzing data from 33,560 participants in the UK Biobank, the study found that those who walked in sessions lasting 15 minutes or more had significantly lower risks of all-cause mortality (0.8%) and cardiovascular events (4.39%) compared to those who walked in shorter bursts of less than five minutes, who faced a 4.36% mortality risk and a 13.03% risk of cardiovascular issues. While the study accounted for factors like age and BMI, it noted that correlation does not imply causation, and other health factors may influence these outcomes. The findings underscore the importance of longer walking sessions, particularly for individuals with sedentary lifestyles, challenging the widely accepted 10,000-steps-a-day guideline.
Published: Dec 26 2025, 2 pmeznews.inGeologists have made a groundbreaking discovery by analyzing ancient salt crystals formed 1.4 billion years ago in a now-dry saline lake near Black Sturgeon Lake, Ontario. These crystals trapped air from a time before significant photosynthesis, providing a rare glimpse into the Earth's early atmosphere. Using custom-built equipment, researchers led by Professor Morgan Schaller and graduate student Justin Park reconstructed atmospheric conditions, revealing oxygen levels at 0.78 percent and carbon dioxide at 0.28 percent—far lower than today's levels. This data challenges the notion of the "boring billion," a period between 1.8 and 0.8 billion years ago characterized by little apparent change, suggesting it may have laid crucial groundwork for the emergence of complex life. The findings, published in the *Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences*, highlight the importance of direct observational data in understanding the evolution of Earth's atmosphere and the origins of life.
Published: Dec 26 2025, 6 amFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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