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A 58-year-old woman in the US succumbed to iatrogenic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (iCJD), a rare prion disease linked to a hormone treatment she received as a child. The woman, who had been treated with cadaveric human growth hormone from 1971 to 1980, experienced a rapid neurological decline, marked by tremors, slurred speech, and loss of motor control, before slipping into unconsciousness and requiring life support. Prions, misfolded proteins that can remain dormant for decades, are notorious for causing severe brain damage and cognitive decline, with no known cure. Although cases of prion diseases are rare, with around 300 reported annually in the US, researchers caution that vigilance is necessary as some individuals may still be at risk from past medical treatments. This case highlights the lingering effects of historical medical practices, as detailed in a study published in the CDC's journal, Emerging Infectious Diseases. 
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May 29 2025, 6 pmeznews.inNew research has revealed that the size of modern human noses may be linked to genes inherited from Neanderthals, our extinct relatives. The study, which analyzed the DNA of over 6,000 individuals from Latin America, found that certain genetic regions, particularly 1q32.3, associated with increased nasal height, show evidence of Neanderthal introgression. Researchers suggest that Neanderthals evolved larger noses to adapt to the cold Eurasian climate, a trait that was passed on to modern humans through interbreeding. Dr. Kaustubh Adhikari, a study author, noted that these inherited genes influence facial shape and may have provided survival advantages. The findings indicate that the shape of our noses, shaped by natural selection, could have helped our ancestors regulate air temperature and humidity as they migrated from Africa. The study is published in the journal *Communications Biology*.
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Jun 04 2025, 4 pmeznews.inPresident Donald Trump has signed an executive order aimed at "restoring trust in science," but critics argue it could undermine research freedom in the U.S. The order mandates that heads of federal agencies appoint senior officials to correct scientific information deemed inaccurate, a move seen as politicizing scientific oversight. This has raised concerns about the potential for the administration to dictate scientific discourse under the vague concept of "gold standard science." While the order claims to enhance transparency and rigor in federally funded research, experts highlight the administration's history of misinformation on issues like climate change and COVID-19. Critics, including the group Stand Up For Science, warn that the order consolidates political control over scientific inquiry, allowing appointees to label legitimate research as misconduct. This has sparked fears of a chilling effect on scientific integrity and independence in the U.S.
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Jun 04 2025, 8 pmeznews.inThe tooth-billed pigeon, or manumea, is a critically endangered species in Samoa, often referred to as the "little dodo" due to its rarity and close relation to the extinct bird. Last photographed in 2013, the population has dwindled to fewer than 100 individuals, primarily due to habitat loss, hunting, and predation by invasive species. In a bid to locate these elusive birds, scientists from The Colossal Foundation and the Samoa Conservation Society have developed advanced bioacoustic technology capable of detecting their unique calls with 95% accuracy. This innovative approach utilizes machine learning algorithms to classify bird calls, even for species with minimal recordings. The collaboration aims to locate the pigeons, capture live specimens for biobanking, and potentially establish a captive breeding program to prevent extinction. The initiative represents a significant step in conservation efforts for this national treasure, with hopes of reviving its population in the wild.
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May 31 2025, 2 pmeznews.inA massive haboob originating from the Sahara Desert is set to impact the southeastern United States, particularly Texas and Florida, on Wednesday. These dust storms, common in the Sahara from May to October, are caused by microbursts from thunderstorms that lift dust into the atmosphere, creating clouds that can reach heights of 5,000 feet and span up to 100 miles wide. This particular haboob, described as the size of the lower 48 states, has traveled approximately 4,000 miles across the Atlantic. While the dust plume will lose some density en route, residents can expect a change in sky color due to the red dust scattering sunlight. Health impacts depend on dust concentration and altitude, with local air quality monitoring recommended. The haboob may also influence local weather patterns, potentially leading to fewer thunderstorms and hazy conditions across the Gulf Coast until Friday.
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Jun 04 2025, 7 pmeznews.inA recent study involving over 7,000 individuals has revealed that certain Neanderthal gene variants may influence pain sensitivity in modern humans. Researchers found that individuals carrying three specific variants of the _SCN9A_ gene, which encodes proteins involved in pain perception, exhibited heightened sensitivity to skin pricking, particularly after exposure to irritants like mustard oil. These variants, more prevalent in populations with significant Native American ancestry, were linked to a lower pain threshold. The study, which analyzed genetic samples from diverse Latin American populations, suggests that Neanderthals may have had greater pain sensitivity, potentially as a survival mechanism. While the findings highlight the genetic legacy of interbreeding between Neanderthals and early humans, further research is needed to understand the evolutionary advantages of these traits. The study is published in the journal *Communications Biology*.
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Jun 04 2025, 5 pmeznews.inOcean explorers have uncovered a mysterious object at the bottom of the Baltic Sea, first detected in 2011 by the Ocean X Team. The sonar image, resembling the Millennium Falcon, appeared to rest at the end of a 300-meter flattened seabed, sparking speculation about its origins, including theories of UFOs, asteroids, and Cold War U-boat bases. However, subsequent investigations revealed that the object is likely a natural formation of glacial deposits, consisting of granites, gneisses, and sandstones, as confirmed by geology experts. The peculiar interference with electronic devices near the site added to the intrigue, but scientists suggest that the features are a result of glacial processes rather than extraterrestrial activity. Despite the initial excitement, the Ocean X Team has shifted focus to new projects, including exploring historic shipwrecks and searching for lost treasures, showcasing the ongoing allure of underwater exploration.
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Jun 04 2025, 11 ameznews.inScientists have discovered that the southern tip of Africa is rising by up to 2 millimeters annually, attributing this phenomenon to drought rather than the previously suggested mantle flow. GPS data from South Africa indicated a significant land uplift of 6 millimeters between 2012 and 2020, prompting researchers from the University of Bonn to investigate further. They found that regions experiencing the most substantial groundwater and surface water loss were also the ones rising the highest. Lead author Christian Mielke explained that as water mass diminishes, the land rebounds, akin to a foam ball regaining its shape. This research highlights the ongoing water crisis in South Africa, particularly in the Western Cape and Cape Town, exacerbated by factors such as climate change and urban management issues. The study, published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth, underscores the complex interplay between environmental changes and geological processes.
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Jun 04 2025, 3 pmeznews.inIn a groundbreaking study, scientists have successfully determined the biological sex of an ancient human ancestor, _Paranthropus robustus_, which lived in Africa approximately two million years ago. Utilizing palaeoproteomics, researchers analyzed proteins from four fossil teeth discovered in South Africa's Swartkrans cave, revealing two male and two female individuals. This finding challenges previous assumptions based on sexual dimorphism, as one smaller tooth belonged to a male, suggesting significant genetic diversity within the genus. The study highlights the close genetic relationship between _Paranthropus_ and early human species like _Homo habilis_ and _Homo erectus_, while also indicating that the level of diversity within _Paranthropus_ may be greater than previously understood. Co-author Dr. Marc Dickinson emphasized the study's potential to reshape our understanding of human evolutionary history in Africa. The research is published in the journal *Science*.
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Jun 03 2025, 9 pmeznews.inRecent scientific research suggests that many habits often deemed "bad" may actually offer health benefits. For instance, skipping breakfast, once thought to lead to weight gain, is now associated with weight loss through intermittent fasting. Similarly, moderate coffee consumption has been linked to a reduced risk of certain cancers and improved heart health. Eggs, previously criticized for their cholesterol content, are now recognized for their nutritional value. High-fat foods, once avoided, are now recommended in moderation for their health benefits. Additionally, moderate alcohol consumption may protect against cognitive decline, while social media use can foster connections rather than harm mental health. Even short workouts, like high-intensity interval training, can be as effective as longer sessions. Lastly, napping has been shown to restore immune function and enhance problem-solving abilities, challenging the stigma around these so-called bad habits.
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Jun 04 2025, 6 ameznews.inTuberculosis (TB) has reclaimed its position as the deadliest infectious disease globally, according to a new World Health Organization (WHO) report. In 2023, TB caused 1.25 million deaths, significantly surpassing the 320,000 fatalities attributed to COVID-19. The report highlights that 10.8 million people fell ill with TB last year, a slight increase from 2022. Alarmingly, 87% of infections were concentrated in just 30 countries, with India, Indonesia, China, the Philippines, and Pakistan accounting for over half of the cases. Despite being preventable and treatable in 85% of cases, TB remains a major health crisis, with WHO calling for urgent action to meet the UN's goal of ending the epidemic by 2030. Funding for TB prevention and research remains critically low, with only $5.7 billion allocated last year against a target of $22 billion. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the need for countries to fulfill their commitments to combat TB effectively.
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May 31 2025, 6 amFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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