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The recent freezing weather across parts of the United States can be attributed to the polar vortex, a low-pressure system of cold air that swirls above the North Pole. This phenomenon, which is closely linked to the polar jet stream, can become disturbed, allowing frigid air to escape and plunge into lower latitudes, particularly during winter months. As a result, many areas in the eastern US are experiencing significant cold and heavy snowfall, while the western regions enjoy milder temperatures. Scientists are improving their ability to predict polar vortex disturbances, relying on atmospheric patterns and stratospheric winds, but forecasting remains challenging. Despite predictions in December 2024 suggesting a strong polar vortex for the winter, the reality has proven different, highlighting the complexities of weather systems. 
Published: Jan 07 2025, 5 pmeznews.inAsteroid 887 Alinda, a rare 4.2-kilometer-wide celestial body, is set to make its closest approach to Earth in a century, allowing skywatchers to potentially observe it with binoculars. Discovered in 1918 by German astronomer Max Wolf, Alinda is among the five largest asteroids to come within 15 million kilometers of Earth until 2200. Although it poses no threat due to its predictable orbit, it will pass 12.3 million kilometers away, approximately 32 times the average distance to the Moon. The asteroid will be particularly bright in the sky for the next ten days, with live feeds available from the Virtual Telescope Project on January 8 and 12, 2025. After this close encounter, Alinda will not return until January 25, 2087, when it will come within 0.16633 AU of Earth.
Published: Jan 09 2025, 12 ameznews.inGeoscientists have uncovered unexpected structures deep beneath the Pacific Ocean, using seismic waves from earthquakes to analyze the lower mantle's composition. These anomalies, which exhibit different seismic wave behaviors, suggest the presence of colder or chemically distinct materials compared to the surrounding molten rock. The research team, led by doctoral student Thomas Schouten from ETH Zurich, notes that these formations could either be remnants of ancient, silica-rich material dating back to the mantle's formation 4 billion years ago or areas where iron-rich rocks have accumulated over time. The findings challenge existing geological models, as the Pacific is a single tectonic plate, making the presence of subduction materials puzzling. The study highlights the need for further investigation into the material properties responsible for these seismic patterns, with results published in *Scientific Reports*.
Published: Jan 09 2025, 1 ameznews.inRecent claims linking whale deaths in the US to offshore wind farms have been dismissed by experts and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). President-elect Donald Trump suggested that wind turbines are causing distress among whales, referencing a spike in whale strandings along the Massachusetts coast. However, NOAA has stated that there is no scientific evidence connecting these deaths to offshore wind activities, attributing the strandings primarily to fishing gear entanglements and vessel strikes. While offshore wind farms can impact marine ecosystems by altering soundscapes and habitats, they have not been shown to directly harm whales. Experts emphasize that focusing on wind farms detracts from addressing the real threats to marine mammals. As renewable energy sources like wind power play a crucial role in combating climate change, it is essential to separate fact from misinformation regarding their environmental impact.
Published: Jan 08 2025, 10 pmeznews.inArchaeologists have uncovered a vast Bronze-Age "mega fortress" in the Caucasus mountains, known as Dmanisis Gora, which is now believed to be over 40 times larger than previously estimated. Dating back approximately 3,000 years, this monumental structure features two layers of fortified walls and is situated at a significant crossroads between Europe and Asia. Initial excavations in 2018 revealed a second set of fortifications, and subsequent drone photography allowed researchers to map the site comprehensively. Despite its size, the outer settlement contains few artifacts, leading to speculation that it may have been used seasonally by pastoralists rather than as a permanent habitation. The findings suggest that both the inner and outer walls were constructed simultaneously, indicating a complex defensive system. Further research is anticipated to shed light on the site's purpose, including aspects of population density and agricultural practices. The study is published in the journal Antiquity.
Published: Jan 08 2025, 10 pmeznews.inResearchers have discovered that humans emit a faint glow, a phenomenon known as bioluminescence, which is typically associated with deep-sea creatures. This finding, stemming from a 2009 study, revealed that the human body "literally glimmers," although the emitted light is about 1,000 times weaker than what the human eye can detect. The study involved five male participants who were monitored under controlled light-dark conditions using highly sensitive cameras capable of detecting single photons. The researchers noted that the intensity of the glow varies throughout the day, with the face exhibiting the most luminescence, likely regulated by circadian rhythms. This glow is attributed to reactive oxygen species produced by mitochondria during energy metabolism, which interact with various molecules to emit biophotons. The study highlights the intricate relationship between our biological processes and the light we emit, showcasing a unique aspect of human physiology.
Published: Jan 08 2025, 10 pmeznews.inIn a curious exploration of the post-award behavior of Nobel Prize winners, researchers have identified a phenomenon dubbed "Nobel disease" or "Nobelitis," which describes the tendency of some laureates to adopt unscientific beliefs after their accolades. Notable figures like Albert Einstein expressed feelings of imposter syndrome, while others, such as Pierre Curie and Joseph Thomson, ventured into the realms of psychic phenomena and paranormal investigations. Some winners, like Richard Smalley and Kary Mullis, espoused controversial views against established scientific consensus, including skepticism about evolution and climate change. Paul Nurse, a Nobel laureate himself, cautioned against the pressures that come with fame, urging winners to remain within their areas of expertise. While the reasons behind this trend remain speculative, it highlights that even the most esteemed scientists are not immune to cognitive biases and pseudoscientific beliefs, underscoring the importance of critical thinking in science.
Published: Jan 08 2025, 11 pmeznews.inIn the coastal regions of Chile and Peru, a peculiar marine organism known as _Pyura chilensis_, or "living rock," has garnered attention for its striking appearance and unique biological traits. Resembling a rock with gooey red insides, this filter feeder is related to sea squirts and can house thousands of individuals within its hard exoskeleton. While its soft tissues appear to bleed, the organism's blood is actually clear and rich in vanadium, a metal that is toxic to many species but accumulates in _P. chilensis_ at astonishing levels—up to 10 million times that of surrounding seawater. This intriguing creature is not only a culinary delicacy but also a subject of scientific interest due to its reproductive strategy; it starts life as male, becomes hermaphroditic, and can self-fertilize if necessary. Despite its unusual characteristics, the health implications of consuming _P. chilensis_ remain uncertain.
Published: Jan 08 2025, 8 pmeznews.inExcavations at the thermal baths of San Casciano dei Bagni, near Siena, Italy, have unearthed a remarkable collection of artifacts, including two dozen statues and thousands of coins, preserved for over 2,300 years in mud. The discoveries, which date from the 2nd century BCE to the 1st century CE, reflect a significant historical period marked by the transition from Etruscan to Roman culture. Among the statues are depictions of Graeco-Roman deities, including Hygieia, the goddess of health, and inscriptions in both Etruscan and Latin. The site, believed to have been a sanctuary and a place of healing, will soon host a new museum and archaeological park, as local officials see this as a chance for cultural and economic revitalization. Excavation leader Jacopo Tabolli emphasized the importance of this find in rewriting the history of ancient art and the cultural exchange between the Etruscans and Romans.
Published: Jan 08 2025, 9 pmeznews.inA team of physicists has proposed a novel method for sending spacecraft to our nearest star, Proxima Centauri, using relativistic electron beams, potentially reducing travel time to mere decades. Current propulsion methods, such as those envisioned by the Breakthrough Starshot initiative, would take over 73,000 years to reach the star system. The new approach suggests utilizing a solar sail to harness electron beams accelerated to relativistic speeds, which could mitigate issues of beam dispersion and power loss over distance. The researchers highlight the concept of a "solar statite," a craft that could maintain a continuous line of sight to the probe while directing the beam. While this method shows promise, significant advancements in technology are still required to make interstellar travel feasible. The findings are detailed in the journal Acta Astronautica.
Published: Jan 08 2025, 5 ameznews.inThe US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has released new draft recommendations aimed at improving the accuracy of pulse oximeters, which measure blood oxygen levels, particularly for individuals with darker skin tones. Research has shown that these devices often provide inaccurate readings for people with more melanin, leading to potentially dangerous misdiagnoses, especially highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic. A 2023 study indicated that pulse oximeters frequently overestimated oxygen saturation in minority patients, resulting in delayed treatment. The FDA's draft guidance suggests that manufacturers should conduct more extensive testing, including diverse skin tones, to ensure accurate performance. While the recommendations are open for public comment for 60 days, experts express skepticism about their potential impact without formal enforcement. The FDA believes these changes could enhance the reliability of pulse oximeters, ultimately promoting equitable healthcare outcomes.
Published: Jan 08 2025, 6 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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