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Despite the arrival of spring in the Northern Hemisphere, North America is bracing for an unseasonably cold spell due to the recent collapse of the polar vortex. This atmospheric upheaval is expected to bring below-normal temperatures and even snowfall to the Midwest and Northeast, with parts of the eastern US and southeastern Canada potentially experiencing freezing conditions in mid-April. The polar vortex, a low-pressure system of cold air, can be disrupted by various factors, allowing frigid air to escape southward. Following significant pressure changes initiated by the polar vortex disturbance in mid-March, forecasts indicate that while the eastern half of North America will face cooler weather, the western regions will enjoy warmer temperatures. Meteorologists had previously warned of a "rough and stormy pattern" for eastern North America, and current icy conditions in eastern Canada suggest their predictions are proving accurate. 
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Mar 31 2025, 11 pmeznews.inResearchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed an innovative antiviral chewing gum that could significantly reduce viral loads for common infections, including influenza and herpes simplex viruses. Led by Dr. Henry Daniell, the team aimed to target viruses in saliva, where they replicate and spread. The gum contains plant-derived proteins, specifically from lablab beans, which naturally produce an antiviral protein called FRIL. In laboratory tests, the gum demonstrated a remarkable ability to reduce viral loads by over 95% for influenza and effectively neutralized herpes simplex viruses. The gum remained stable and effective even after 800 days of storage. This breakthrough could pave the way for new strategies to control viral transmission, particularly in light of recent global health challenges. The research, published in *Molecular Therapy*, also aims to explore the gum's efficacy against bird flu strains in future studies.
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Apr 07 2025, 9 pmeznews.inA new hypothesis suggests that early humans may have learned to create tools not by inventing the technique of knapping, but by utilizing naturally occurring sharp stones, termed "naturaliths." Researchers from the Cleveland Museum of Natural History propose that these naturally formed basalt specimens, found abundantly in regions like Northern Ireland and Oman, could have been used by hominins for cutting tasks before they developed the skill to intentionally shape stones. Professor Metin Eren argues that the presence of these sharp rocks likely influenced early tool use, allowing hominins to process food more efficiently. This theory challenges the traditional narrative of technological advancement, suggesting that the evolution of stone tools may have been a gradual process influenced by readily available resources rather than a sudden breakthrough. The findings, published in *Archaeometry*, call for further archaeological investigation into the use of naturaliths by our ancestors, potentially reshaping our understanding of early human innovation.
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Apr 08 2025, 6 ameznews.inWashington DC's cherry blossom season has reached its peak bloom, with pretty pink petals adorning the Tidal Basin. In 2025, peak bloom occurred on March 28, as defined by the National Park Service, marking the day when over 70% of the Yoshino Cherry blossoms are open. This annual spectacle, typically occurring between late March and early April, is deeply rooted in the Japanese tradition of hanami, symbolizing the fleeting beauty of nature and new beginnings. The cherry trees were first gifted to the US in 1909 by Japan to strengthen diplomatic ties, although the initial batch was destroyed due to disease. A second donation in 1912 successfully established the trees in Washington. The cherry blossoms continue to be a cherished symbol of friendship, with Japan recently gifting an additional 250 trees in 2024, reinforcing the enduring bond between the two nations.
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Apr 03 2025, 4 ameznews.inEarth's magnetic field undergoes a reversal approximately every 200,000 to 300,000 years, where the North and South Poles switch places, a phenomenon evidenced by the "zebra stripes" found on the ocean floor. These stripes, formed alongside mid-ocean ridges where tectonic plates diverge, are created as molten rock cools and solidifies, trapping magnetic iron oxide crystals (magnetite) that align with the Earth's magnetic field. As the field flips, the orientation of these crystals changes, resulting in alternating patterns that provide a permanent record of geomagnetic history. This discovery has bolstered the theory of plate tectonics, first proposed in the early 20th century, as scientists mapped these magnetic patterns and correlated them with known timelines of reversals. The last significant reversal occurred around 780,100 years ago, leading some to speculate that Earth may be overdue for another flip, although experts caution that an imminent reversal is unlikely.
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Apr 08 2025, 2 ameznews.inIn a fascinating exploration of how humanity is represented visually, the Pioneer plaque, designed by Carl Sagan and his team in the 1970s, featured a nude male and female figure to symbolize our species for potential extraterrestrial civilizations. This image briefly served as the face of humanity on Wikipedia from 2003 to 2008, but it sparked significant debate among editors who criticized it for being unrepresentative and overly simplistic. Concerns included its portrayal of racial features and the lack of clothing, which many argued is a fundamental aspect of human culture. After years of contentious discussions and various proposed alternatives, the image of an Akha couple from Thailand was ultimately chosen as a more inclusive representation. This photograph, depicting both genders and showcasing human tools, has since remained the symbol of humanity on Wikipedia, reflecting a broader and more accurate depiction of our species.
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Apr 07 2025, 11 pmeznews.inA recent study of a 30-meter sediment core from the Great Blue Hole, located in Lighthouse Reef Atoll off the coast of Belize, reveals a troubling increase in hurricane activity over the past 5,700 years. Researchers from Goethe University Frankfurt found evidence of 574 storm events, indicating a rise in tropical storms and hurricanes in the southwestern Caribbean, with projections suggesting up to 45 storms could occur this century alone. The sediment layers, resembling tree rings, highlight distinct tempestites caused by storm surges, contrasting with calmer periods. The study attributes this surge in storm frequency to human-driven climate change, exacerbated by rising sea temperatures and shifts in the Intertropical Convergence Zone. The findings underscore the urgent need to address climate change, as the region faces a stormier future. The research is published in the journal Science Advances.
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Apr 03 2025, 10 pmeznews.inIn 1954, Egyptian archaeologist Kamal el-Mallakh unearthed two ancient ships beneath the Great Pyramid of Giza, known as the Khufu Boats, believed to be linked to the pharaoh Khufu's journey to the afterlife. These remarkable vessels, measuring approximately 43 meters (141 feet) in length, were crafted from imported Lebanese cedar wood and ingeniously constructed without nails, using a jigsaw-like assembly method. While the prevailing theory suggests they were intended for Khufu's solar journey post-death, some scholars propose they may have served as funeral barges or pilgrimage vessels during his lifetime. After extensive excavation, the first boat was restored and displayed at the Grand Egyptian Museum in 2021, while the second was retrieved in 2009. At around 4,500 years old, these ships are the oldest known intact boats globally, showcasing the advanced maritime engineering skills of ancient Egyptians, and could potentially still sail today.
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Apr 08 2025, 12 ameznews.inFootprints discovered at Prince Charles’s Point on the Isle of Skye, Scotland, reveal that large predatory dinosaurs and their herbivorous counterparts congregated at shallow freshwater lagoons 167 million years ago. The site, part of the Kilmaluag Formation, boasts 131 dinosaur tracks, including those of theropods and sauropods, making it one of Scotland's most significant fossil locations. Researchers utilized drone technology and photogrammetry to analyze the footprints, uncovering evidence of "milling behavior" that suggests these dinosaurs preferred lagoon edges over mudflats. Notably, the site features a higher number of theropod tracks compared to sauropods, likely due to its freshwater environment. This discovery not only enhances understanding of dinosaur behavior during the Middle Jurassic but also intertwines with Scottish history, as the area was once a refuge for Bonnie Prince Charlie in 1746. The findings are detailed in a study published in PLOS One.
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Apr 04 2025, 12 pmeznews.inSix new spider species have been identified in a mountainous region of China, expanding the _Pholcus phungiformes_ species group, which is part of the Pholcidae family. The newly discovered species, named _Pholcus chaoyang_, _P. hebei_, _P. huludao_, _P. jinzhou_, _P. liaoning_, and _P. qin_, were found on the undersides of rocky cliffs between the Yanshan-Taihang and Changbai Mountains. This group, which includes common cellar and carpenter spiders, comprises 125 species primarily located in China and North Korea, with one species found off the coasts of Japan and Russia. The researchers noted that while their study filled a zoogeographical gap, many unexplored areas, particularly in North Korea, could potentially harbor an additional 20 to 30 spider species. The findings are detailed in a paper published in the journal ZooKeys.
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Apr 07 2025, 9 pmeznews.inLast week, the World Health Organization (WHO) conducted Exercise Polaris, a two-day pandemic preparedness drill aimed at testing a new global coordination mechanism for health emergencies. This exercise simulated an outbreak of a fictional viral disease and involved over 350 health experts from more than 15 countries, including Canada, Germany, and Ukraine, alongside regional agencies like Africa CDC and UNICEF. Dr. Mariela Marín, Costa Rica's Vice Minister of Health, emphasized the importance of efficient coordination for timely interventions. Participants reported optimism about the exercise, with Dr. Soha Albayat from Qatar noting the strengthened collaborative efforts compared to previous years. WHO's Executive Director for Health Emergencies, Dr. Mike Ryan, highlighted the urgency and unity demonstrated during the exercise. As the world remains vigilant for potential pandemics, including threats from H5N1 bird flu and other pathogens, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus reiterated that global cooperation is essential for effective responses to future health crises.
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Apr 07 2025, 9 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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