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Scientists at Westlake University have successfully tattooed tardigrades, tiny eight-legged creatures known for their remarkable survival abilities, in a groundbreaking study that could have significant medical applications. Tardigrades, or water bears, can endure extreme conditions by entering a cryobiotic state called a tun. In this experiment, researchers dehydrated the tardigrades, then applied a protective organic compound, anisole, before using an electron beam to create intricate tattoos on their bodies. Remarkably, the tattoos remained intact even after the creatures were revived and returned to their normal state. While about 60% of the tardigrades died during the process, the team aims to improve survival rates. This innovative technique could pave the way for integrating biosensors with living organisms, potentially leading to tiny cyborgs capable of detecting cancer cells or infections. The findings are detailed in the journal Nanoletters. 
Published: Apr 24 2025, 10 pmeznews.inMing, an ocean quahog clam (_Arctica islandica_), lived an astonishing 507 years, making it the oldest documented non-clonal animal. Dredged off the coast of Iceland in 2006, scientists from Bangor University initially estimated its age at 405-410 years, but further analysis revealed its true age. Named after the Ming dynasty, which was still thriving when it was born in 1499, Ming witnessed significant historical events and figures, from Christopher Columbus to Martin Luther King Jr. Unfortunately, the clam likely died after being frozen during collection in 2006, prompting outrage from the public, with some accusing researchers of "clam murder." Despite its untimely demise, Ming's study has provided valuable insights into oceanic changes and biological aging, with researchers noting its low metabolism and genetic factors as contributors to its longevity. Ming's legacy continues to inform scientific understanding, even as it rests in peace.
Published: Apr 25 2025, 7 ameznews.inScientists have unveiled a groundbreaking synthetic food source for honeybees, designed to combat the alarming decline in bee populations crucial for global agriculture. Developed through a collaboration between Washington State University and APIX Biosciences, this innovative "Power Bar" can be placed directly into bee colonies, providing essential nutrients without relying on natural pollen, which has become increasingly scarce due to urban expansion and climate change. Field tests demonstrated that colonies fed this new diet, enriched with isofucosterol—a vital nutrient found in pollen—showed significant improvements in health and survival rates compared to those receiving standard feeds. This advancement could revitalize beekeeping practices, particularly in crops like blueberries, where traditional pollination has become challenging. However, experts caution that while this solution addresses one aspect of the crisis, broader environmental threats continue to jeopardize bee populations and biodiversity. The findings are published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B.
Published: Apr 24 2025, 10 pmeznews.inA newly discovered species of caterpillar in Hawaii, dubbed the "bone collector," exhibits extraordinary behavior by adorning itself with the body parts of its prey, which include insects from six different families. This carnivorous caterpillar, which has yet to receive a scientific name, consumes dead or dying insects and decorates its silk case with their remains, potentially to intimidate rivals or camouflage itself from spiders in whose webs it resides. Researchers from the University of Hawai'i have observed that these caterpillars meticulously select and modify the trophies they wear, rejecting non-prey items when offered alternatives. Despite their unique adaptations, the bone collectors are at risk of extinction, with only 62 individuals recorded in a limited area over 22 years. The authors emphasize the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect this ancient lineage, which has likely existed for millions of years, predating the formation of the Hawaiian Islands.
Published: Apr 25 2025, 9 ameznews.inA viral TikTok challenge has sparked debate over the human body's swallowing capacity, with a user claiming that individuals can only swallow 2-3 times consecutively before being compelled to stop. Comments flooded in, with some users reporting sensations of forgetting how to swallow after three attempts, while others humorously claimed to have managed up to 20 swallows by using water. This long-standing myth suggests a limit to swallowing, which becomes increasingly difficult without food or liquid. Experts explain that the challenge is complicated by the diminishing saliva production during dry swallows, which hampers the peristaltic contractions necessary for swallowing. Research indicates that wet swallows are more effective, as they facilitate smoother muscle contractions. For those struggling, the solution is simple: just add a bit of water to ease the process.
Published: Apr 25 2025, 7 ameznews.inPhysicists may be on the brink of discovering a glueball, a theoretical particle formed solely from gluons, the carriers of the strong nuclear force. Unlike other forces, the strong nuclear force operates through three "color" charges—blue, green, and red—associated with quarks, which combine to form stable particles like protons. Researchers at the Beijing Spectrometer III (BES III) have been studying the decay of the J/ψ meson, a particle made of a charm quark and its antiquark, and have identified a new particle, dubbed X(2370), with a mass around 2395 megaelectronvolts. This finding aligns with theoretical predictions for glueballs, although it does not provide definitive proof, as alternative explanations involving quark-antiquark interactions could account for the observations. Further investigation is required to confirm the glueball's existence, as detailed in a study published in Physical Review Letters.
Published: Apr 25 2025, 7 ameznews.inA newly reconstructed face of a female Neanderthal, dubbed Shanidar Z, has emerged from the most complete skeleton found since 2000, dating back approximately 75,000 years. Discovered in the renowned Shanidar Cave in Iraqi Kurdistan, known for its controversial burial practices, the skeleton is featured in the Netflix documentary _Secrets of the Neanderthals_. The cave has yielded significant Neanderthal remains, including evidence of funerary rituals that suggest a complex understanding of death among these ancient humans. Shanidar Z, who likely died in her mid-40s, was found with her skull crushed beneath a rock, and researchers painstakingly reconstructed her face, revealing similarities to modern humans. Despite debates over the "flower burial" theory, recent findings indicate Neanderthals exhibited empathy and social care, challenging long-held perceptions of them as primitive. Professor Graeme Barker emphasized that these discoveries highlight the cognitive sophistication of Neanderthals, akin to that of modern humans.
Published: Apr 25 2025, 8 ameznews.inA recent editorial highlights a concerning lack of awareness and engagement among the American public regarding the threat of bird flu, based on a survey of 10,000 residents. The study, led by Rachael Piltch-Loeb, revealed that many individuals are unaware of basic precautions to reduce their risk of exposure to the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza, which has recently affected dairy cows in 17 states, raising fears of potential spillover to humans. While the CDC currently assesses the risk to the general public as low, 70 human cases have been confirmed, including one fatality. Alarmingly, over a quarter of respondents expressed reluctance to modify their diets or receive vaccinations, particularly among rural populations and those identifying as Republican or Independent. The authors stress the need for targeted health communication strategies to effectively address these attitudes and engage agricultural communities in prevention efforts. The findings are published in the American Journal of Public Health.
Published: Apr 22 2025, 9 pmeznews.inA remarkable fossil of an ancient ant, entombed in stone for 113 million years, has been identified as the oldest known ant specimen, belonging to the extinct subfamily Haidomyrmecinae, commonly referred to as hell ants. Unearthed from Brazil's Crato Formation, this new species showcases highly specialized anatomical features, including a forward-extending jaw and unique facial projections, suggesting advanced predatory behaviors distinct from modern ants. Study author Anderson Lepeco from the Museu de Zoologia da Universidade de São Paulo emphasized the significance of this discovery, which challenges existing assumptions about the evolution of complex adaptations in ants. The fossil's resemblance to relatives found in Myanmar indicates a broader prehistoric distribution, hinting at the ecological dynamics of the Cretaceous period. The findings are detailed in the journal Current Biology, shedding light on the evolutionary history of these formidable insects.
Published: Apr 25 2025, 3 ameznews.inGoogle, the world's second most popular website, can be a double-edged sword, offering invaluable information while also leading users to unsettling content. A recent discussion highlights several terms that should be avoided in searches due to their disturbing implications. For instance, "oral myiasis" refers to a condition where insect larvae invade the mouth, often resulting in a foul odor, as documented in medical literature. Another alarming term is "degloving," which describes a severe injury where skin is removed from the underlying tissue, often illustrated with graphic images to deter risky behavior. Additionally, "krokodil," an opioid known for causing severe skin damage, and "Fournier's gangrene," a life-threatening infection affecting the genitals, are also cautioned against. Other terms, such as "harlequin ichthyosis," a rare genetic skin disorder, further illustrate the potential horrors lurking in a simple search. Users are advised to seek medical advice rather than rely on online searches for sensitive health issues.
Published: Apr 22 2025, 11 pmeznews.inArchaeologists are unraveling the mystery behind a chilling discovery of 38 headless skeletons found in a prehistoric pit near Vráble, Slovakia, dating back to between 5250 and 4950 BCE. The remains, all lacking skulls except for one child, were unearthed in a disordered ditch, complicating the identification process, as noted by Professor Dr. Martin Furholt. Initial assumptions suggested a violent massacre, but researchers are considering alternative explanations, including a potential "death cult" practice involving the careful removal of skulls for cultural or spiritual reasons. Dr. Katharina Fuchs highlighted that some bones appear to have been repositioned, indicating a more complex burial sequence. Ongoing investigations, including DNA analysis and radiocarbon dating, aim to shed light on the identities of the individuals, their origins, and any possible diseases, ultimately seeking to clarify the circumstances surrounding this enigmatic site.
Published: Apr 25 2025, 4 amFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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