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US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s controversial proposal to let the H5N1 bird flu run unchecked through poultry farms has drawn sharp criticism from experts, who argue it poses significant risks to animal and human health. In a recent policy forum, a group of five specialists, including veterinary medics and immunologists, condemned the idea as dangerous and unethical, warning it could lead to unnecessary suffering among poultry and create new reservoirs for the virus. They emphasized that allowing the virus to spread could decrease genetic diversity in poultry, making them more vulnerable to future pathogens, and increase the risk of H5N1 mutating to facilitate human transmission. With 70 confirmed human cases of bird flu in the US since 2025, experts advocate for enhanced detection and response measures rather than a laissez-faire approach, highlighting the need to protect both animal welfare and public health. 
Published: Jul 05 2025, 4 pmeznews.inOn March 20, 1995, a coordinated attack by the doomsday cult Aum Shinrikyo in Tokyo's underground system marked a grim milestone in terrorism, as five men released sarin gas, killing 13 and injuring thousands. The cult, founded in the mid-1980s by Chizuo Matsumoto, who later proclaimed himself a divine messenger, evolved from a yoga group into a violent organization advocating for an apocalyptic vision. Despite initial failures in their chemical weapon efforts, the attack demonstrated their capacity for mass destruction, raising global concerns about the potential for non-state actors to wield chemical weapons. In the aftermath, international efforts intensified to regulate chemical weapons and enhance counterterrorism measures. While Aum Shinrikyo's leaders were arrested and executed, the group persists under new names, prompting ongoing scrutiny. Experts warn that the threat of chemical attacks remains, particularly with advancements in technology that could facilitate their use.
Published: Jul 04 2025, 1 pmeznews.inNASA's Voyager spacecraft, now in their twilight years, are gradually shutting down instruments to conserve power while continuing to gather scientific data. In March, the cosmic ray subsystem on Voyager 1 and the low-energy charged particle instruments on Voyager 2 were deactivated, following the earlier shutdown of their power-hungry cameras. Voyager 2 had already turned off its cameras in 1989 after capturing groundbreaking images of Neptune, while Voyager 1 took its last photographs in 1990, including the iconic "Pale Blue Dot" image of Earth. This historic portrait of the Solar System remains unique, as no other spacecraft has replicated such a view. Although the cameras cannot be reactivated due to the removal of necessary software and the harsh conditions in space, both Voyagers continue to send valuable scientific data, including insights into the extreme temperatures at the edge of our Solar System.
Published: Jul 05 2025, 1 ameznews.inA kick to the testicles is notoriously painful, akin to a severe migraine for those without them, but can it be fatal? While the short answer is yes, such outcomes are exceedingly rare and typically occur under exceptional circumstances. Historical records, including a case from 1843 in Germany, document instances of death resulting from testicular injuries, often linked to severe trauma or lack of medical intervention. More recent cases illustrate that complications, such as Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome following an injury, can lead to death if untreated. Another case involved a man who died from a scrotal hematoma after being struck by a car. Experts emphasize that while testicular injuries can have serious long-term effects, they are generally not life-threatening, and prompt medical evaluation is crucial to prevent severe complications. Overall, fatalities from such injuries remain rare, and seeking medical advice is advisable for any concerning symptoms.
Published: Jul 06 2025, 9 ameznews.inJanuary 23, 1556, is marked as the deadliest day in recorded history, primarily due to a catastrophic earthquake in Shaanxi province, northwest China. The quake, with a magnitude estimated between 8 and 8.3, struck near Huaxian and is believed to have resulted in approximately 830,000 fatalities. Most victims perished from collapsing structures and landslides, while many others succumbed to disease and famine in the aftermath. Despite not being the strongest earthquake, its death toll represents the highest relative loss of life for a single day, given the global population at the time was under half a billion. Comparatively, the second deadliest earthquake occurred in 1976, claiming around 655,000 lives. While other disasters, such as the Yangtze-Huai River floods of 1931, have higher overall death tolls, none have matched the sheer scale of loss experienced on that fateful January day.
Published: Jul 05 2025, 6 ameznews.inDespite living in an ostensibly rational age, superstitions surrounding death persist, revealing a complex relationship with mortality. While modern customs include euphemisms for death and the belief in lingering spirits, ancient cultures took far more drastic measures. In Ancient Egypt, for instance, pharaohs were buried with hundreds of servants to ensure a luxurious afterlife, a practice that began with the first king, Hor-aha, whose funeral saw the sacrifice of 35 individuals. In Turkey, a recent discovery of a cremated individual surrounded by bent nails and sealed with bricks suggests a fear of restless spirits, indicating a desire to prevent the deceased from returning. Meanwhile, in Poland, archaeological findings reveal "vampire" burials, where individuals were interred with sickles and padlocks to thwart any potential resurrection. These practices highlight humanity's enduring struggle with the concept of death and the lengths to which societies have gone to manage their fears.
Published: Jul 03 2025, 3 pmeznews.inThe intriguing question of why no modern birds rival the size of dinosaurs like Tyrannosaurus rex has sparked debate among paleontologists. While birds are indeed classified as dinosaurs, their size has significantly diminished compared to their prehistoric relatives. Experts Dr. Melanie During and Dr. Jingmai O’Connor suggest multiple factors contribute to this phenomenon, including physiological limitations and evolutionary pressures. Although some birds, like the ostrich, can weigh up to 145 kg, they pale in comparison to the T. rex, which weighed between 8-10 tons. The extinction of large birds, such as the elephant bird and moa, shortly after human arrival, hints at human impact, but the size gap remains vast. Additionally, the unique respiratory systems of birds, their high metabolism, and the absence of large herbivores may have hindered the evolution of giant avian species. Ultimately, the evolutionary advantages of smaller sizes likely shaped the birds we see today.
Published: Jul 05 2025, 9 pmeznews.inJonathan the tortoise, recognized as the world's oldest known living animal at 184 years old, has received his first bath in preparation for an upcoming royal visit to St Helena, a British island in the South Atlantic. The historic scrub-down was conducted by local vet Dr. Joe Hollins, who used surgical soap, soft brushes, and a loofah to clean the tortoise's shell, which had accumulated decades of dirt. Born in 1832 in the Seychelles, Jonathan became the oldest animal on record after the death of Harriet, a 175-year-old Galápagos tortoise, in 2005. He arrived on St Helena at the age of 50 as a gift to the governor and has since become a local celebrity, even appearing on the island's currency. Dr. Hollins noted that Jonathan seemed to enjoy the experience, standing still during the wash, possibly relishing his long-awaited bath.
Published: Jul 05 2025, 11 pmeznews.inThe ancient Greeks regarded Delphi as the _Omphalos_, or the world's navel, reflecting humanity's fascination with finding a center. However, defining the geographic center of continents is complex, influenced by shifting borders and differing interpretations. For instance, Asia's center is contested between Kyzyl in Russia and a site near Ürümqi in China. Australia’s center, determined using extensive coastline data, is at Lambert Centre. Africa's center is generally accepted to be near Epena, Cameroon, while Europe boasts multiple claimants, with the official center located in Lithuania. North America's center has shifted from Rugby, North Dakota, to a town aptly named Center, while South America's center is in Cuiabá, Brazil, though later measurements suggest a nearby location. This exploration highlights the intricate and often arbitrary nature of defining geographic centers across the globe.
Published: Jul 02 2025, 10 pmeznews.inRoyal honey, a blend of regular honey and royal jelly, is increasingly marketed as a health food and aphrodisiac, but its claims warrant scrutiny. While honey has been celebrated for its medicinal properties for centuries, the quality of royal honey can vary significantly based on bee care practices. Recent concerns arose when the FDA discovered that some royal honey products were adulterated with erectile dysfunction medications like Viagra, posing health risks. Although royal jelly is rich in nutrients and essential for bee fertility, its benefits for human consumption are limited, with studies suggesting it may enhance sperm count but not libido. The purported health benefits, including antifungal and anti-aging properties, remain largely unsubstantiated. As consumers navigate the royal honey market, they should weigh the potential health benefits against the risks and high prices associated with these products.
Published: Jul 06 2025, 12 amFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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