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Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science have identified a protein called MTCH2, or "Mitch," which may hold the key to combating obesity. In experiments with mice, silencing this protein led to significant fat reduction and increased athletic performance, even when the mice were fed high-fat diets. The study, published in The EMBO Journal, indicates that silencing Mitch in human cells enhances fat and carbohydrate burning while inhibiting the formation of new fat cells. This dual action occurs as Mitch regulates metabolic processes and mitochondrial fusion, essential for energy production. However, the potential for gene therapy targeting Mitch as a weight-loss solution remains uncertain, as previous research linked its deletion to cognitive impairments. While this discovery marks a significant advancement in understanding obesity, further research is needed to explore its implications for human treatment. 
Published: May 10 2025, 8 ameznews.inIn a groundbreaking experiment, researchers at the University of Tsukuba in Japan have successfully stimulated cicadas to perform Pachelbel’s Canon in D, showcasing the potential of insect cyborgs. By using electrodes similar to muscle-toning devices, the team created a biological speaker that allowed the cicadas to produce music before flying away unharmed. This innovative approach falls under biomimetics, which seeks to solve human challenges by mimicking nature. The cicadas, capable of reaching volumes of 120 decibels with minimal electrical input, could serve as low-power acoustic actuators for disaster signaling or environmental monitoring. Authors Yuga Tsukuda and Naoto Nishida emphasized the importance of maintaining the insects' natural agency, noting that their unpredictable variations added a unique charm to the performance. While the applications remain experimental, the research hints at a future where cicada cyborgs could play a vital role in communication and safety.
Published: May 10 2025, 4 ameznews.inA new study has concluded that the COVID-19 pandemic was likely triggered by wildlife trade in China, echoing the origins of the SARS outbreak in 2002. Researchers found that the ancestor of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, originated in Western China or Northern Laos and traveled up to 2,700 kilometers before emerging in humans, a distance too great for natural dispersal by bats alone. The study, led by UC San Diego's Joel Wertheim, analyzed the genomes of SARS-related viruses, revealing that they have circulated in Asia for thousands of years. The findings suggest that the virus was likely transported by wild animal traders, similar to how SARS-CoV-1 was spread by infected civets and raccoon dogs. This research challenges the lab-leak theory and highlights the increasing risk of zoonotic spillover events due to wildlife trade and habitat loss, emphasizing the need for monitoring bat populations to prevent future outbreaks.
Published: May 10 2025, 9 ameznews.inThe Klamath River, once a vital habitat for salmon and a lifeline for Indigenous tribes, has undergone the largest dam removal project in U.S. history, with four major dams dismantled by October 2024. This monumental effort, highlighted in the BBC's _Our Changing Planet_, aims to restore the river's ecosystem after decades of ecological damage caused by the dams, which hindered fish migration and led to significant population declines, including a 90% drop in fall chinook salmon. Presenter Liz Bonnin noted the extensive environmental impact, including effects on orca populations. The removal, driven by local tribes' advocacy, marks a crucial first step in habitat restoration, with projects underway to rejuvenate the river's ecosystem. Remarkably, just days after the dams' removal, Chinook salmon were spotted returning to the river, symbolizing hope for the restoration of both the river and the cultural heritage of the tribes that depend on it.
Published: May 07 2025, 5 pmeznews.inIn a remarkable medical case from 2012, a 57-year-old quadriplegic man exhibited a heart rate of 600 beats per minute (bpm), significantly exceeding the theoretical maximum of 300 bpm. Admitted to the hospital for dizziness and chest pressure, he was treated for acute coronary syndrome. On the third day, he experienced episodes of chest pain and tachyarrhythmia, during which his heart rate spiked to 600 bpm for approximately 20 seconds before normalizing. While previous cases of extreme heart rates have been documented, including one involving a Danish audiologist who reportedly died laughing with a heart rate between 250 and 500 bpm, the mechanisms behind such high rates remain unclear. The medical team speculated that factors like bypass tracts and altered cardiac myocyte action potential duration could contribute to these phenomena, with atrial fibrillation being a likely explanation for this extraordinary case.
Published: May 06 2025, 8 ameznews.inA recent study from researchers in the UK and the Netherlands has revealed that time perception can significantly slow down during exercise, challenging the notion of time as a constant. Participants in the study, while engaged in stationary cycling, reported that time felt about nine percent slower, with the effect intensifying as physical exertion increased. For instance, after cycling 2,500 meters, participants perceived time to have stretched by as much as 25 percent. This phenomenon may be linked to heightened sensory awareness and discomfort during strenuous activity, akin to the way time seems to slow during threatening situations. The findings, published in the journal *Brain and Behavior*, suggest potential implications for enhancing exercise motivation and performance by understanding how our perception of time can be manipulated during physical activity. Lead researcher Andrew Edwards emphasized the importance of these insights for promoting healthier exercise habits and improving enjoyment levels.
Published: May 09 2025, 4 pmeznews.inA recent study has applied palaeontological techniques to assess the bite force of the Rancor from _Star Wars_, concluding that it could indeed chomp through a femur with a force of 44,000 Newtons, comparable to that of a _Tyrannosaurus rex_. The research, led by Dr. Stephan Lautenschlager from the University of Birmingham and Dr. Thomas Clements from Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, was inspired by a scene where Luke Skywalker uses a leg bone to distract the Rancor. Their findings, published in the Journal of Geek Studies, utilized computer simulations and biomechanical modeling to analyze the fictional creature's capabilities. While the Rancor's bite force surpasses that of modern predators like the great white shark and saltwater crocodile, the authors note that the _T. rex_ could potentially match or exceed it. The study highlights the intersection of creativity and science, showcasing how unconventional inspirations can lead to innovative research methods.
Published: May 10 2025, 7 ameznews.inA recent social media discussion has sparked curiosity about the purpose of the lines found on towels, known as "dobby borders." Initially raised by an X user, the question led to a flurry of humorous responses, with some suggesting they serve as "face/butt delineation lines" or "racing stripes" for faster drying. However, the consensus among those seeking a serious answer is that these woven strips enhance the towel's durability and absorbency, preventing fraying and maintaining an even structure. According to Towel Hub, the dobby border balances thickness and performance, ensuring towels remain soft, lightweight, and efficient for drying. Beyond their practical benefits, these borders also add an aesthetic touch, making towels suitable for both personal and commercial use. With this mystery resolved, attention may now shift to more complex enigmas, such as dark energy and the purpose of screensavers.
Published: May 10 2025, 4 ameznews.inA recent study by Dr. Juan de Lara from the University of Oxford has shed new light on the Parthenon, one of Greece's most iconic architectural marvels, originally dedicated to the goddess Athena. Using a multidisciplinary approach that combines archaeology, 3D technology, and optics, de Lara reconstructed the temple's interior lighting, revealing that it was a dark, atmospheric space designed to evoke a sense of the divine. Contrary to previous assumptions of bright, open interiors, his findings suggest that light entered through roof openings and windows, creating a dramatic effect as it illuminated the statue of Athena, crafted by Phidias in 438 BCE. This research not only enhances our understanding of ancient Greek religious practices but also emphasizes the role of architecture in shaping spiritual experiences. With over three million annual visitors to the Acropolis, de Lara hopes his work will provide a more profound appreciation of this historic site.
Published: May 10 2025, 5 ameznews.inAustralia's unique mammalian fauna has revealed an unexpected trait: many species glow under ultraviolet (UV) light, a phenomenon known as photoluminescence. While the reasons behind this glow remain unclear, researchers from James Cook University have identified various luminescent molecules in the fur of seven native mammals, including bandicoots and possums, which emit different colors under UV light. Notably, the coppery brushtail possum's fur contains an intriguing non-luminescent molecule that produces a purple hue. Despite the long-standing knowledge of photoluminescent mammals, interest surged after the discovery of glowing flying squirrels in 2019, prompting further investigations during the pandemic. The evolutionary purpose of this glow is still debated, as it may not provide clear advantages in the wild. However, the study highlights the potential for these findings to enhance our understanding of animal behavior and diet, with implications for future research. The full study is published in PLOS One.
Published: May 06 2025, 10 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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