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The Salmon River in Alaska, once known for its pristine waters, has turned a troubling orange hue due to climate change and thawing permafrost, raising alarms about environmental and public health. This transformation has released toxic contaminants, including heavy metals like aluminum, iron, and cadmium, into the river, threatening local ecosystems and the health of Indigenous communities reliant on the river for sustenance. Recent studies reveal that nine out of ten tributaries tested exceeded U.S. Environmental Protection Agency toxicity thresholds, with alarming implications for fish populations and water quality. The decline in salmon harvests, which have plummeted to their lowest levels in over 60 years, underscores the socio-economic impact of this ecological crisis. As permafrost continues to thaw, scientists warn that more Arctic rivers may face similar fates, highlighting the urgent need for action against climate change. 
Published: Sep 13 2025, 10 ameznews.inPlanet Earth's oceans contain an astonishing amount of gold, estimated at around 20 million tons, or approximately $2.13 quadrillion in value. Scientists have found that there is about one gram of gold dissolved in every 100 million metric tons of seawater, with slightly higher concentrations in areas like the Mediterranean Sea. This gold enters the oceans through weathering of rocks on land and hydrothermal vents on the seafloor. However, extracting gold from seawater is currently not cost-effective; methods developed over the years, including a sponge-like material that can absorb trace amounts of gold, have proven too expensive to scale profitably. As a result, the ocean remains a glittering reservoir of gold that is largely untapped, leading experts to suggest that those seeking precious metals might find better prospects in asteroid mining, where vast quantities of valuable materials are believed to exist.
Published: Sep 15 2025, 8 pmeznews.inThe Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, spanning 38 kilometers (24 miles), is recognized as the longest continuous bridge over water globally, supported by approximately 9,500 concrete pilings. The southbound section opened on August 30, 1956, followed by the northbound bridge in 1969, facilitating access between New Orleans and surrounding communities. Constructed in just 14 months using innovative assembly-line techniques, the bridge significantly reduced commute times and enhanced tourism, allowing visitors to explore the north shore's attractions. The southbound bridge features 2,246 spans, while the northbound has 1,506, with both supported by precast pile bents averaging 27.4 meters (90 feet) in length. Although the Causeway's title as the longest bridge was challenged by China's Qingdao Jiaozhou Bay Bridge in 2011, it remains the longest continuous bridge over water, following the establishment of separate categories for bridge length.
Published: Sep 15 2025, 9 pmeznews.inNASA's Perseverance rover team has announced what they describe as the "clearest sign of life that we've ever found on Mars," during a highly anticipated press conference. Acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy revealed that a year ago, the rover collected a sample believed to contain signs of microbial life, which has since undergone rigorous analysis by the scientific community. Unlike previous findings that were met with skepticism, this evidence has reportedly not been easily explained away, suggesting a significant breakthrough in the search for extraterrestrial life. Associate Administrator Nicky Fox emphasized the importance of this discovery, stating it brings humanity closer to answering the profound question of whether we are alone in the universe. The findings, particularly intriguing "leopard spots" observed in Martian mudstone, have sparked excitement among scientists, marking a pivotal moment in Mars exploration.
Published: Sep 11 2025, 4 ameznews.inEarwax, often regarded as one of the body's more unpleasant secretions, serves crucial protective functions for the ears, shielding them from dirt, bacteria, and moisture. Its color can indicate health issues; for instance, green or black earwax may signal infections or blockages, while brown with red streaks could suggest injuries. Interestingly, the smell of earwax can also provide health insights, with a sweet scent potentially indicating maple syrup urine disease, and a musky odor linked to Parkinson's disease. Research has shown that earwax can be a valuable diagnostic tool, as its lipid-rich composition allows for the detection of metabolic changes associated with various health conditions, including cancer. While the relationship between earwax characteristics and certain diseases is still being explored, it highlights the potential of this bodily secretion as a non-invasive health indicator.
Published: Sep 15 2025, 5 pmeznews.inThe European cave spider (_Meta menardi_) has gained attention as interest in cave-dwelling arachnids rises, revealing a variety of impressive species that thrive in dark, abandoned spaces. Among these is the recently identified Sierra Cacachilas wandering spider (_Califorctenus cacachilensis_), discovered in an abandoned mine in Baja California Sur, Mexico. This new genus, related to the venomous Brazilian wandering spider, boasts a leg span of approximately 10 centimeters and a stocky body, making it a formidable predator despite its non-lethal venom. Field entomologist Jim Berrian noted that miners likely cohabited with these spiders, as the mine was once active. Additionally, cave orb-weavers like _Meta menardi_ are common in the UK, employing webs as tripwires to catch prey. Recent discoveries of blind spider species in Israeli caves highlight the extreme adaptations of these creatures to their dark environments.
Published: Sep 12 2025, 1 ameznews.inIn a remarkable incident from 2017, a stowaway rat aboard a Miami to Berlin flight sparked panic among passengers before being captured by a sniffer dog and handed over to scientists at the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut. Initially thought to be a mere nuisance, the rat's unexpected journey has provided valuable insights into global disease transmission. Researchers, led by Professor Rainer Ulrich, discovered that the rat carried a strain of _Staphylococcus aureus_ closely related to human variants, highlighting the potential for rats to transmit pathogens to humans. While the rat did not harbor any major infectious diseases, its journey underscores the risks posed by animals hitching rides on planes, emphasizing the need for immediate capture and thorough pathogen screening of stowaways. This study serves as a crucial reminder of the role rats play in the global spread of diseases, as air travel accelerates the movement of both people and pathogens.
Published: Sep 13 2025, 6 ameznews.inThis week, scientists have achieved a remarkable feat by injecting phosphor particles into succulents, causing them to glow for hours, reminiscent of scenes from _Avatar_. In paleontology, new fossils of the ankylosaur _Spicomellus afer_ reveal it was adorned with massive spikes fused to its bones, some nearly a meter long, marking a unique form of armor among vertebrates. Meanwhile, a historical incident involving physicist Anatoli Bugorski, who survived being struck in the head by a proton beam in 1978, has been re-examined through 3D digital analysis, shedding light on his extraordinary survival. Additionally, the phenomenon of glowing seafood, particularly shrimp, has garnered attention, with experts explaining how refrigeration can lead to bioluminescence in frozen marine life. These diverse scientific discoveries highlight the ongoing intrigue in both biology and physics.
Published: Sep 13 2025, 1 pmeznews.inA recent online discussion sparked curiosity about the purpose of the lines found on towels, known as "dobby borders." While some users jokingly suggested they served as "face/butt delineation lines" or "racing stripes" to aid drying, the consensus leaned towards their practical benefits. These woven strips enhance the towel's absorbency, prevent fraying, and maintain an even structure, ensuring the towel remains lightweight and efficient for drying. According to Towel Hub, the dobby border not only contributes to durability but also adds an aesthetic touch, making towels suitable for both personal and commercial use. With this mystery resolved, attention may now shift to more complex questions, such as the nature of dark energy or the purpose of screensavers.
Published: Sep 11 2025, 11 pmeznews.inGeologists have uncovered evidence of a significant climatic shift during the Carnian pluvial event, approximately 232 million years ago, which marked the onset of a prolonged wet period lasting 1-2 million years. This era, characterized by increased rainfall and humidity, coincided with the emergence and diversification of dinosaurs. Research conducted in the Eastern Alps and the UK revealed layers of sediment that indicate this global phenomenon, with similar deposits found across South America, China, and Australia. The cause is believed to be linked to massive volcanic eruptions from the Wrangellia Large Igneous Province, which released greenhouse gases and triggered global warming. While the humid conditions initially led to extinctions due to acid rain and habitat loss, they ultimately allowed dinosaurs to thrive and expand their ecological dominance, shaping the future of terrestrial life. This event is considered pivotal in the evolutionary history of modern fauna.
Published: Sep 12 2025, 8 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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