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In a remarkable display of biological adaptability, the sea slug _Goniobranchus reticulatus_ has been found to possess the ability to regenerate its penis within 24 hours after mating. This unique trait, first documented in a 2013 study, allows these simultaneous hermaphrodites to jettison their penises post-copulation, thereby enhancing their reproductive success in competitive environments. The slugs are believed to have at least two additional penises stored internally, ready for use after the loss of the previous one. This strategy not only mitigates the short-term reproductive loss associated with penis shedding but also aids in sperm displacement during mating. Interestingly, both mating partners discard their penises, highlighting the unusual reproductive dynamics of these creatures. While this anatomical adaptation may seem extreme, it underscores the diverse evolutionary strategies employed by marine life to maximize reproductive opportunities. 
Published: Jan 06 2025, 10 pmeznews.inA recent study from Harvard University and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute has highlighted the potential of ketamine as a treatment for depression, using zebrafish as a model. The research demonstrated that when zebrafish, subjected to a simulated struggle, were treated with ketamine, they exhibited increased resilience, swimming longer despite feelings of futility. This behavior was linked to enhanced calcium signaling in non-neuronal astrocyte cells in the fish's brains, suggesting that these cells play a crucial role in processing signals related to giving up. The findings indicate that ketamine may alter the brain's response to perceived failure, offering insights into its antidepressant effects. While ketamine's use in treating treatment-resistant depression has surged, experts caution that further research is needed to fully understand its mechanisms and ensure safe application. The study is published in the journal Neuron.
Published: Jan 10 2025, 4 pmeznews.inMany travelers experience an urgent need to use the bathroom as soon as they return home, a phenomenon often attributed to psychological and physiological factors. According to Nick Haslam, a psychology professor at the University of Melbourne, this response is largely Pavlovian; the familiar environment of home signals safety, prompting relaxation and the urge to relieve oneself. While abroad, unfamiliar surroundings can lead to "travel constipation," as anxiety and changes in routine inhibit bowel movements. Factors such as increased alcohol consumption, dehydration, and jet lag further exacerbate this issue. Colorectal surgeon Dr. Brooke Gurland explains that the stress of unfamiliar toilets can cause stool retention, leading to harder stools. Upon returning home, the comforting sights and sounds trigger an automatic relaxation response, allowing the body to resume its natural functions. Ultimately, the urge to "unburden" at home is a complex interplay of habit and comfort.
Published: Jan 10 2025, 12 pmeznews.inThe World Magnetic Model 2025 has been released, marking a significant update on the shifting position of Earth's magnetic north pole, which is now closer to Siberia than Canada. This model, valid until late 2029, is crucial for navigation systems like GPS, as the magnetic north pole has been moving at an accelerated rate, now shifting approximately 50 to 60 kilometers per year. Since the 1830s, the pole has relocated about 2,250 kilometers across the Northern Hemisphere. The new model offers improved spatial resolution, enhancing accuracy for users reliant on the Earth's magnetic field. Dr. William Brown from the British Geological Survey noted that the current behavior of the magnetic north is unprecedented, with a recent deceleration in its movement observed. This timely update is particularly relevant as the holiday season approaches, ensuring accurate navigation for various sectors, including shipping and aviation.
Published: Jan 08 2025, 7 ameznews.inA recent study conducted by researchers at Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine has found a surprising correlation between nose size and penis length, suggesting that one might be able to infer a person's penis size by examining their facial features. The study, which analyzed 126 male corpses aged 30 to 50, measured various anatomical features, including the length of the nose and the "stretched penile length," a method used to estimate erect size post-mortem. The findings indicated that larger noses were associated with longer stretched penises, although no strong correlation was found with flaccid length. While the research offers intriguing insights into human anatomy, the authors noted that the results have limited forensic applications and warrant further investigation to understand the underlying biological mechanisms. The study was published in the journal Basic and Clinical Andrology.
Published: Jan 09 2025, 8 pmeznews.inArchaeologists remain hesitant to open the tomb of Qin Shi Huang, China's first emperor, due to fears of damaging the site and the potential dangers posed by ancient booby traps and toxic mercury. Discovered in 1974 near Shaanxi province, the Terracotta Army was created to protect the emperor in the afterlife, but the tomb itself has remained untouched for over 2,000 years. Concerns about invasive excavation methods damaging vital historical information echo past mistakes, such as those made by Heinrich Schliemann during the Troy excavations. While non-invasive techniques, like using muons to peer inside, have been proposed, progress has been slow. Historical accounts suggest the tomb is rigged with traps, including crossbows and a flood of mercury, which recent studies indicate may still be present in hazardous concentrations. For now, the tomb remains sealed, holding secrets that may one day be revealed through scientific advancements.
Published: Jan 10 2025, 2 ameznews.inTahlequah, the orca renowned for her profound display of grief, has been spotted once again carrying the body of her deceased calf, J61, just days after giving birth. The female calf, observed in Puget Sound on December 20, 2024, tragically died on New Year’s Eve, only 11 days after her birth. The Center for Whale Research (CWR) noted that J61's death is particularly devastating as she was a female who could have contributed to the population's future. Concerns have been raised about Tahlequah's health, as she had previously shown signs of poor condition. This heartbreaking behavior mirrors her actions in 2018, when she carried another dead calf for 17 days, covering over 1,600 kilometers. Experts suggest this behavior reflects the strong maternal bond in orcas, while the CWR continues to monitor Tahlequah's well-being during this difficult time.
Published: Jan 06 2025, 8 pmeznews.inThe "blue seven phenomenon" suggests a surprising predictability in human choice, with many people likely to select "blue" as a color and "seven" as a number when prompted. Research dating back to the 1970s, notably by William Simon, found that a significant number of participants—nearly one in three for seven and over two in five for blue—consistently made these selections, indicating a potential innate preference. While blue is widely favored across cultures, associated with positive feelings and lacking taboos, the number seven stands out due to its cultural significance and perception as a "random" choice. However, subsequent studies have questioned the connection between the two, revealing that while both preferences exist, they do not necessarily correlate. Thus, while many may choose "blue" and "seven," the likelihood of selecting both simultaneously is less certain than previously thought.
Published: Jan 09 2025, 11 pmeznews.inA physicist from Vanderbilt University, Lorenzo Gavassino, has proposed a solution to the infamous "grandfather paradox," suggesting that time travel to the past may not be impossible within the framework of known physics. The grandfather paradox posits that if one were to kill their grandfather before their parent was born, it would create a logical inconsistency. While Stephen Hawking's chronology protection conjecture suggested that undiscovered laws of physics would prevent such time travel, Gavassino's research explores the implications of "closed timelike curves" (CTCs) in spacetime. He argues that while traversing a CTC, entropy must increase, but the universe would return to its initial state, erasing any memories of the journey. His findings indicate that time travel, if it exists, would not resemble typical science fiction narratives, as thermal fluctuations would disrupt causation and memory retention. The study is published in *Classical and Quantum Gravity*.
Published: Jan 10 2025, 12 ameznews.inScientists have identified the oldest equatorial dinosaur, _Ahvaytum bahndooiveche_, dating back 230 million years, making it North America's oldest dinosaur. Discovered in Wyoming, which was once near the equator on the supercontinent Laurasia, this chicken-sized dinosaur challenges previous assumptions about the timeline of dinosaur presence in the northern hemisphere. Researchers, led by Dave Lovelace from the University of Wisconsin, determined its age through radioisotopic dating of the surrounding rocks, revealing it as an early relative of sauropods. The name _Ahvaytum_, meaning "long ago" in the Shoshone language, reflects its ancient lineage and marks a significant collaboration with Indigenous communities, aiming to foster a more reciprocal research relationship. Amanda LeClair-Diaz, a co-author and member of the Eastern Shoshone Tribe, emphasized the importance of this partnership in reshaping research dynamics within Indigenous contexts. The findings are published in the *Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society*.
Published: Jan 09 2025, 9 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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