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Roko's Basilisk, a controversial thought experiment first shared on the Internet forum LessWrong, has sparked significant debate and concern among philosophers and AI theorists. Named after a mythical creature that can kill with a glance, the basilisk posits that knowledge of its existence could lead to dire consequences for those who fail to aid in the creation of a benevolent superintelligent AI. The theory suggests that this AI, once developed, might retroactively punish individuals who were aware of its potential but did not contribute to its emergence, thus raising ethical dilemmas akin to the prisoner's dilemma in game theory. Despite its seemingly absurd premise, the idea has caused anxiety among some, prompting the forum to ban discussions about it. Roko himself later expressed regret for introducing the concept, warning that those who seek to learn more may be inviting unnecessary distress. 
Published: Mar 21 2025, 7 pmeznews.inIn a rare encounter filmed in Everglades National Park, an alligator and a crocodile were seen tussling over a prime basking spot on March 19. The footage, captured by Taylor Bonachea, shows the two reptiles exchanging hisses and snaps, but fortunately, neither was harmed. The alligator ultimately retreated to the water, allowing the crocodile to claim the sunny spot. This inter-species scuffle is notable as South Florida is the only region where the ranges of the American crocodile (_Crocodylus acutus_) and the American alligator (_Alligator mississippiensis_) overlap. While alligators are typically found in freshwater environments across the southeastern US, crocodiles inhabit coastal areas of southern Florida and parts of the Caribbean. The video highlights the crocodile's more aggressive nature and preference for brackish waters, contrasting with the alligator's affinity for freshwater habitats, illustrating the complexities of their coexistence.
Published: Mar 25 2025, 12 ameznews.inA recent SpaceX rocket launch created a stunning spiral cloud over Alaska, captivating observers amid the Northern Lights. The phenomenon occurred during the reentry of a Falcon 9 rocket, which had deployed satellites, including Kenya's first Earth observation satellite. Images and videos of the spiral, captured by both professionals and amateur astronomers, quickly circulated on social media, sparking curiosity about its formation. Scientists from the Geophysical Institute explained that the spiral resulted from exhaust gases released as the rocket's second stage spun during its descent. The gases, likely containing water vapor that crystallized into ice at high altitudes, reflected sunlight, creating a bright cloud visible from the ground. This event mirrors a similar spiral observed in Hawaii a year prior, showcasing the intriguing interplay of rocket science and atmospheric phenomena.
Published: Mar 25 2025, 3 ameznews.inUnusual micro-burrows, tiny tube-like structures measuring half a millimeter wide and up to three centimeters long, have been discovered in the rocks of southern Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, leading scientists to conclude they were formed by an unknown lifeform rather than geological processes. First identified by Professor Cees Passchier from Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz during fieldwork in Namibia, similar structures were later found in Saudi Arabia and Oman. Investigations revealed biological material within the burrows, suggesting they were created by microorganisms, possibly endoliths that extract nutrients from the surrounding rock. However, the exact nature of these organisms remains a mystery, as researchers could not obtain DNA or proteins due to the specimens' age, estimated at up to two million years. The findings could have significant implications for understanding the global carbon cycle, highlighting the potential role of these microorganisms in carbon storage and release. The study is published in the Geomicrobiology Journal.
Published: Mar 21 2025, 4 ameznews.inA colossal iceberg, A-84, the size of Chicago, has calved from Antarctica's George VI Ice Shelf, unveiling a previously hidden seafloor ecosystem rich in diverse marine life. Scientists aboard the Schmidt Ocean Institute's _R/V Falkor (too)_ seized the opportunity to explore this newly exposed habitat, which had been sealed beneath 150 meters of ice for centuries. Over eight days, the team utilized the remotely operated vehicle _ROV SuBastian_ to document an array of organisms, including icefish, giant sea spiders, and octopuses, thriving in this unique environment. Dr. Patricia Esquete, co-chief scientist, expressed astonishment at the ecosystem's beauty and diversity, suggesting that these life forms may have survived by relying on nutrients from ocean currents rather than the typical organic matter from the sunlit surface. The expedition highlights the serendipitous nature of marine research, revealing the untouched wonders of the Antarctic seafloor.
Published: Mar 24 2025, 10 pmeznews.inA new study by Egyptologist Nicholas Brown suggests that Tutankhamun was the first pharaoh to undergo the "Awakening of Osiris," a funerary rite aimed at reanimating his mummified body for the afterlife. This ancient ritual, which sought to transform the deceased into Osiris, the god of the underworld, is supported by the discovery of four gilded wooden staffs in the tomb, linked to the "Books of the Underworld and Sky." Brown argues that these artifacts may represent the earliest archaeological evidence of this rite, potentially created specifically for Tutankhamun to reinforce his connection to traditional Egyptian deities, following his father Akhenaten's monotheistic reforms. Additionally, Brown re-evaluates four clay troughs found near the sarcophagus, suggesting they may have held offerings for the ritual. His findings, published in The Journal of Egyptian Archaeology, indicate that the layout of objects in the burial chamber reflects this significant ceremony, intended to ensure the king's immortality.
Published: Mar 24 2025, 10 pmeznews.inGenetic testing company 23andMe has filed for bankruptcy protection and is seeking a buyer, raising concerns about the future of millions of customers' genetic data. Founded in 2006, the company has attracted widespread participation, but its financial troubles have prompted California Attorney General Rob Bonta to advise residents to consider deleting their accounts and genetic information. While 23andMe claims there will be no immediate changes to data management, experts warn that the company's privacy policy allows for the transfer of personal information in the event of a sale or bankruptcy. This situation has reignited ethical debates surrounding the potential sale of genetic data, as customers may have limited protections against such transactions. Although users can delete their accounts, data already used in research may remain accessible, leaving many to question the implications of their genetic information being sold to the highest bidder.
Published: Mar 24 2025, 10 pmeznews.inIn 2018, a viral photo falsely depicted Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield aboard the International Space Station (ISS) with a bag of cannabis, when in reality, he was holding Easter eggs for his crewmates. While the idea of consuming substances like alcohol or cigarettes in space has intrigued many, both are prohibited on the ISS due to safety concerns. NASA spokesperson Daniel G. Huot confirmed that alcohol is banned to protect the station's water recovery systems. However, Buzz Aldrin famously took wine to the Moon during Apollo 11 for a private communion. Reports suggest that Russian cosmonauts may have smoked and consumed vodka aboard the Mir space station, raising concerns among American astronauts about the impact on scientific data. As for cannabis, there is no credible evidence of its use in space, with experts warning against any impairment in the challenging environment of zero gravity.
Published: Mar 24 2025, 11 pmeznews.inFunding cuts to scientific research, both in the U.S. and globally, have sparked debate over the value of seemingly frivolous projects. Critics often highlight these initiatives as wasteful, yet history shows that many groundbreaking advancements stem from such research. For instance, the invention of PCR technology emerged from studies of Yellowstone's hot springs, while investigations into Gila monster venom led to a diabetes treatment that has improved millions of lives. Senator William Proxmire's "Golden Fleece Awards" famously mocked scientific endeavors, including the Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence (SETI), which faced defunding as a result. In contrast, the Golden Goose Awards, established in 2012, celebrate research that initially appeared trivial but ultimately benefited humanity, such as cholera treatments and genetic testing technologies. Advocates argue that funding decisions should be made by those who understand the science, emphasizing the importance of curiosity-driven research in driving innovation and saving lives.
Published: Mar 24 2025, 9 pmeznews.inThe European Extremely Large Telescope (ELT), set to begin observations in 2029, could detect potential biosignatures in the atmosphere of Proxima Centauri b within just 10 hours, according to new modeling by researchers from the University of Washington. While the ELT's 39-meter mirror will allow it to gather 37 times more light than the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), the challenge lies in studying non-transiting planets, where light from the star can obscure atmospheric signals. The ELT aims to analyze the ratios of gases like oxygen and methane, which could indicate the presence of life. However, Proxima Centauri b may lack an atmosphere due to stellar flares. The study also highlights the need for further exploration of other nearby exoplanets, as the search for life is just one of the telescope's many objectives. The findings have been submitted for peer review in the Planetary Science Journal.
Published: Mar 24 2025, 8 pmeznews.inA recently resurfaced video on Reddit showcases the harrowing moment NASA astronaut Dale Gardner executed an untethered spacewalk to capture a satellite. This daring feat took place in 1984, when Gardner and fellow astronaut Joseph Allen were tasked with retrieving two communication satellites, Westar 6 and Palapa B2, that had been misaligned due to a rocket failure. Equipped with Manned Maneuvering Units (MMUs), the astronauts ventured outside the Space Shuttle Discovery, with Gardner successfully capturing Westar 6 after a complex maneuver involving a Remote Manipulator System operated by Anna Fisher. The mission, which lasted just under six hours for the first satellite and five hours and 42 minutes for the second, was a remarkable success, yielding some of the most striking and terrifying footage of space exploration. This event is often overshadowed by Bruce McCandless II's earlier untethered spacewalk, yet it remains a significant achievement in NASA's history.
Published: Mar 20 2025, 11 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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