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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.inIn March 2011, a powerful magnitude 9.0 earthquake struck off Japan's east coast, marking the most intense seismic event in the country's history. The quake shifted the Earth's axis by approximately 17 centimeters and moved the main island by about 2.4 meters. This seismic activity also altered the Earth's rotation, shortening the length of a day by roughly 1.8 microseconds. Dr. Richard Gross from NASA explained that such earthquakes can change the Earth's rotation by redistributing its mass, similar to how a spinning ice skater accelerates by pulling in their arms. While earthquakes significantly impact rotation speed, other factors, including seasonal weather and the Moon's gradual distancing from Earth, also play a role. Historical studies of ancient corals reveal that Earth once spun faster, with 420 days in a year around 444-419 million years ago, before the Moon's influence slowed its rotation.
Published: Jul 30 2025, 12 pmeznews.inThe Falkland Islands, often associated with their abundant sheep population, once hosted a unique native mammal—the Falkland Islands wolf (_Dusicyon australis_), which became the first canid to be driven to extinction by human activity. Prior to European settlement in the late 1700s, this curious creature, resembling a mix of wolf and fox, thrived on the islands. Charles Darwin, who visited in 1833, expressed bewilderment at the wolf's existence, noting the rarity of such a large, unique quadruped in such a remote location. Recent research suggests that earlier settlers may have introduced the wolf to the islands, contradicting previous theories of its arrival. However, by 1876, the wolf had vanished, primarily due to hunting by settlers who viewed it as a threat to their livestock. This extinction is part of a broader trend, with at least 680 species lost to human actions since the 16th century, raising concerns about a potential sixth mass extinction.
Published: Jul 30 2025, 4 pmeznews.inNew video evidence has bolstered a theory regarding the Dyatlov Pass Incident, where nine experienced hikers perished in 1959 on Kholat Syakhl Mountain, known as "Death Mountain." Researchers Johan Gaume and Alexander M. Puzrin previously proposed that the hikers were victims of a rare slab avalanche, which could explain the peculiar circumstances surrounding their deaths. Initial investigations revealed the hikers' tent had been cut open from the inside, with some bodies found near a fire and others in a ravine. Critics had dismissed the avalanche theory, citing the mountain's slope and conditions as unsuitable for such events. However, recent expeditions conducted by the researchers confirmed the slope's steepness and filmed two recent avalanches, suggesting that the conditions for an avalanche were indeed present. While the researchers do not claim to have solved every aspect of the mystery, they assert that their findings provide a credible explanation for the tragic event.
Published: Jul 30 2025, 4 pmeznews.inIn August 1993, a group of seven hikers, led by experienced mountaineer Lyudmila Korovina, embarked on a trek in the Khamar-Daban mountain range in Buryatia, Siberia. After successfully reaching the summit, they were caught in severe weather while descending. The following day, they failed to meet another group, prompting concern. Only one hiker, Valentina Utochenko, emerged alive, found by tourists in a distressed state, reportedly covered in dried blood. Utochenko recounted a harrowing experience where group members exhibited bizarre symptoms, including convulsions and bleeding, before collapsing. Despite a delayed search, the bodies were discovered two days later, partially mummified and showing signs of hypothermia. Theories surrounding their deaths range from hallucinations due to hypothermia to more sinister explanations, but the true cause remains elusive. Utochenko's traumatic experience and the mystery of the incident have drawn comparisons to the infamous Dyatlov Pass case.
Published: Jul 30 2025, 5 pmeznews.inA golden retriever named Bumper and a black Labrador retriever named Peanut have demonstrated the ability to detect Parkinson's disease (PD) through scent, potentially paving the way for early diagnostic tests. Trained to differentiate between the sebum of individuals with and without PD, the dogs underwent a year-long training process involving 205 samples. In a double-blind study, Peanut identified the disease in 80% of cases, while Bumper achieved a 70% success rate, both significantly outperforming previous canine detection rates for other conditions. Study author Claire Guest emphasized the importance of early diagnosis, as symptoms can manifest up to 20 years before a confirmed diagnosis. Although only two out of ten dogs showed the necessary aptitude for training, the findings suggest that, with further refinement, trained dogs could assist in validating clinical methods and facilitate earlier interventions for difficult-to-diagnose PD cases. The study is published in the Journal of Parkinson’s Disease.
Published: Jul 30 2025, 2 pmeznews.inA melting glacier on Wilczek Island in Russia's Franz Josef Land archipelago has revealed a significant prehistoric whale graveyard, according to scientists from the Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute (AARI). The researchers discovered numerous whale skeletons as they studied the region's permafrost, noting that the glacier has retreated dramatically over the past two decades, exposing several square kilometers of land. Some of the skeletons are well-preserved, indicating a rapid sea level change in the area over the last few thousand years. While the exact number and species of the whales remain undisclosed, images suggest multiple large individuals are present. This discovery highlights the dual impact of climate change, which not only threatens wildlife habitats and raises sea levels but also uncovers ancient landscapes previously hidden beneath ice. Similar prehistoric whale graveyards have been found globally, including notable sites in Chile and along Russia's northeastern coast.
Published: Jul 28 2025, 11 pmeznews.inZebras, often recognized for their striking appearance, exhibit remarkable versatility in hybridization, resulting in unique hybrids known as zebroids. These hybrids arise from breeding zebras with other equines, such as horses, donkeys, or ponies, leading to combinations like zorses (zebra and horse), zonkeys (zebra and donkey), and zonies (zebra and pony). The naming conventions can vary based on the parents' sexes, with zonkeys typically being male zebras crossed with female donkeys. While these hybrids can occur naturally, they are also bred in controlled environments, showcasing the genetic adaptability within the Equidae family. Although most zebroids are infertile due to differing chromosomal counts, exceptions exist, such as a historical case noted by Charles Darwin involving a "triple hybrid" at London Zoo. This highlights the complexities of interspecies breeding, challenging the notion that different species cannot produce viable offspring.
Published: Jul 30 2025, 3 pmeznews.inIn a remarkable tale from Australia, Jake Gray has welcomed a giant huntsman spider, affectionately named Charlotte, into his home for the past year. Sharing his experience on a Facebook spider identification page, Gray explained that the spider has become a part of the family, helping to control pests like cockroaches without the use of toxic chemicals. Despite the initial shock many would feel at the sight of such a large arachnid, Gray's children have been reassured by the spider's presence, even witnessing her catch an Asian house gecko. While huntsman spiders can grow up to 15 centimeters and possess venom, they are generally harmless to humans, preferring to flee rather than bite. Experts advise that if one encounters a huntsman, remaining calm and gently relocating the spider is the best course of action, as bites are rare and typically non-venomous.
Published: Jul 30 2025, 12 pmeznews.inTrifluoroacetic acid (TFA) is emerging as a pervasive "forever chemical," found in various environments, including animal organs, drinking water, and even rain. As a member of the per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) family, TFA is resistant to degradation, leading to its accumulation in ecosystems and human bodies. While some industry-linked researchers suggest TFA may form naturally, the consensus is that it primarily enters the environment through human activities, particularly as a byproduct of manufacturing and the use of fluorinated gases. Recent studies indicate a significant rise in TFA levels globally, with alarming increases reported in countries like China and the US. Although the health impacts of TFA remain unclear, concerns about its potential effects on human reproduction are growing, prompting countries like Germany to propose its classification as a reproductive toxicant. Experts predict that TFA will soon become a focal point in discussions about environmental health and regulation.
Published: Jul 30 2025, 1 pmeznews.inA new study published in *Nature Microbiology* suggests that gut bacteria may play a significant role in the cardiovascular risks associated with red meat consumption, rather than just the high fats and cholesterol typically blamed. Researchers from the Cleveland Clinic found that trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), a compound produced by gut bacteria from nutrients abundant in red meat, is linked to increased risks of heart attacks and strokes. Participants who consumed red meat as their primary protein source exhibited two- to three-fold higher TMAO levels compared to those who opted for white meat or plant-based proteins. However, the study also revealed that TMAO levels can decrease to healthier ranges within three to four weeks after eliminating red meat from the diet. Dr. Stanley Hazen, a study author, emphasized the potential for dietary interventions to personalize nutrition and mitigate cardiovascular disease risks.
Published: Jul 30 2025, 1 amFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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