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In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers from the XENON Collaboration reported an unexpected event in 2019 while searching for dark matter. Their device, designed to detect elusive particles, observed the decay of a xenon atom with a staggering half-life of 18 billion trillion years—over a trillion times longer than the universe's current age. This rare occurrence, described as the rarest event ever recorded, challenges conventional notions of radioactive decay, which typically involves much shorter half-lives. The team, utilizing a detector containing two metric tons of xenon, recorded only nine decay events over 177 days, highlighting the difficulty of observing such infrequent phenomena. While theories suggest protons may also decay, no evidence has yet been found, indicating their half-life could exceed 1.67 billion trillion trillion years. The findings were published in the journal *Nature*, underscoring the complexities of studying atomic decay on such an extraordinary timescale. 
Published: Jul 05 2025, 4 ameznews.inKimalu, a beluga whale at Chicago's Shedd Aquarium, has made history by becoming the first known beluga to survive general anesthesia following a pioneering surgery to remove cysts from her head. Weighing over 453 kilograms (1,000 pounds), Kimalu's condition was detected during routine check-ups, prompting a CT scan that revealed the need for surgery. The complex procedure involved around 30 experts, including human surgeons and veterinary specialists, who relied on their deep understanding of Kimalu's unique physiology. Dr. Karisa Tang, vice president of animal health at Shedd, expressed the emotional weight of the operation, stating, "There were moments when it felt like we were all holding our breath simultaneously." Post-surgery, Kimalu was placed in a recovery habitat, surrounded by familiar sounds from her pod, as she begins her healing journey, which remains closely monitored by her dedicated team.
Published: Jul 05 2025, 7 ameznews.inA recent analysis of data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) reveals a troubling trend in the U.S. regarding sex toy-related injuries, with a notable increase in emergency room visits over the past decade. The study, which focused on incidents involving vibrators, butt plugs, and other devices, found that the majority of mishaps occurred in the rectum (69.5%), followed by the vagina (16.5%) and penis (12.1%). Vibrators topped the list of "stuck" toys, often due to their lack of a flared base. Experts attribute the rise in incidents to the growing normalization of sex toys, increased accessibility, and a lack of education on safe usage practices. Dr. Carol Queen emphasizes the need for comprehensive sex education that includes safe anal play and toy safety to prevent such accidents. As societal attitudes shift, the importance of informed and safe sexual exploration becomes paramount to avoid becoming a statistic.
Published: Jul 04 2025, 10 ameznews.inThe White House has dismissed speculation about extraterrestrial involvement in the recent downing of four unidentified flying objects over North America, with Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stating there is "no indication of aliens." The latest object, described as an "octagonal structure" with strings, was shot down by F-16 fighter jets over Lake Huron on February 12, after being detected over Montana. This incident follows the downing of a Chinese high-altitude balloon on February 4, which China claimed was for meteorological purposes, while the US alleged it was for espionage. The military has initiated a task force to recover and analyze the debris from the latest object, which poses a potential hazard to civil aviation. Meanwhile, tensions between the US and China have escalated, with China accusing the US of violating its airspace with balloons, leading to the postponement of a planned state visit by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
Published: Jul 01 2025, 6 ameznews.inSpacecraft differ significantly from cinematic starships, as they operate under the constraints of limited fuel and orbital mechanics. Currently, only five probes—Voyager 1 and 2, Pioneer 10 and 11, and New Horizons—are on trajectories to interstellar space, with Voyager 1 and 2 already having exited the Solar System. Achieving escape velocity is crucial for any rocket launch, requiring a speed of at least 11.2 kilometers per second to overcome Earth's gravitational pull. Efficient launch strategies, such as launching near the equator, help maximize velocity. Once in space, a spacecraft must reach over 42 kilometers per second to escape the Sun's gravity. While the gravitational influence of the Sun slows these probes, they maintain sufficient speed to continue their journey. With two probes beyond the heliosphere and three others en route, humanity has successfully ventured beyond the Solar System, marking a significant achievement in space exploration.
Published: Jul 05 2025, 12 ameznews.inFor years, Steven Kilburn experienced an unsettling feeling while driving a stretch of road in Maryland, which he attributed to a sense of being watched. This unease culminated in May 1978 when psychologist Dr. Girard Franklin hypnotized him, revealing a traumatic memory of an alleged alien abduction. Kilburn's account, detailed in Budd Hopkins' 1981 book *Missing Time*, sparked widespread interest in alien abduction narratives, leading to a surge of similar claims. However, many experts argue that these experiences may stem from suggestive hypnosis rather than actual encounters, highlighting the malleability of memory. The phenomenon has been linked to psychological factors such as fantasy-proneness and sleep paralysis, while folklorists suggest that modern abduction stories echo ancient myths. Ultimately, these narratives may fulfill deep-seated psychological needs, offering a sense of wonder and connection to something greater in an increasingly secular world.
Published: Jul 05 2025, 2 ameznews.inOn December 26, 2004, a devastating tsunami triggered by a massive undersea earthquake off Indonesia claimed around 230,000 lives, yet some communities, notably the Moken tribe of sea nomads in the Andaman Islands, emerged largely unscathed. Their survival can be attributed to traditional knowledge passed down through generations, particularly their understanding of the "Laboon," a cultural warning of impending disaster. This incident highlights the growing recognition among scientists of the value of Indigenous knowledge in disaster preparedness and environmental management. As climate change intensifies, integrating Indigenous practices, such as fire management and community resilience strategies, is increasingly seen as essential. For instance, the Māori in New Zealand utilize communal gathering sites for support during crises, showcasing the importance of social infrastructure. As researchers and policymakers begin to appreciate these insights, the hope is to foster collaboration that respects and enhances Indigenous knowledge rather than exploiting it.
Published: Jul 03 2025, 12 ameznews.inMathematicians have unveiled the Bille, a groundbreaking monostable tetrahedron that always rests on the same side, a concept long theorized but never realized. First proposed by mathematician John Conway in the 1960s, the challenge of creating a four-sided monostable shape seemed insurmountable until Gábor Domokos and student Gergő Almádi embarked on a quest using modern computational methods. After extensive trials, they constructed the Bille using ultra-light carbon fiber for its frame and tungsten carbide for weight, overcoming initial setbacks that resulted in two stable equilibria. This innovative shape could have practical applications, particularly in space exploration, where self-righting mechanisms are crucial for landers that may tip over. The Bille not only addresses mathematical inquiries but also represents a significant achievement in geometric modeling, showcasing the intersection of theory and engineering. The findings are detailed in a preprint paper awaiting peer review.
Published: Jul 04 2025, 10 pmeznews.inA report published in The Lancet warns that President Trump's decision to slash US funding for foreign humanitarian aid could lead to over 14 million additional deaths by 2030, primarily affecting children. The US Agency for International Development (USAID), the world's largest humanitarian funding agency, has played a crucial role in providing essential services, including antiretroviral drugs for HIV patients and disaster relief efforts. However, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced an 80% cut to USAID programs, citing wasteful spending, a move condemned by humanitarian organizations. Current legal challenges to these cuts leave their future uncertain, but if implemented, they could severely impact maternal and child health, epidemic monitoring, and family planning initiatives. Researchers estimate that without reversing these funding cuts, millions of preventable deaths could occur, jeopardizing decades of humanitarian progress and undermining global efforts to meet the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
Published: Jul 05 2025, 1 ameznews.inA groundbreaking gene therapy has shown promise in restoring hearing for children and adults with a genetic form of deafness, according to a new study published in *Nature Medicine*. The therapy, which employs a synthetic virus to deliver a functional copy of the faulty _OTOF_ gene to the inner ear, resulted in significant hearing improvements within a month for most of the 10 participants, aged one to 24, and all experienced notable enhancements within six months. The average sound perception improved dramatically from 106 decibels to 52, akin to the difference between a motorcycle and rainfall. This marks the first successful application of the therapy in teenagers and adults, with no serious side effects reported during a year-long follow-up. Researchers are optimistic about expanding this treatment to other genetic causes of deafness, potentially benefiting the estimated 200,000 individuals affected globally by _OTOF_ mutations.
Published: Jul 04 2025, 11 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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