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A controversial study published in March 2020, which suggested that hydroxychloroquine could effectively treat COVID-19, has been retracted following extensive criticism from the scientific community. The study, conducted with just 36 participants, claimed that the drug, combined with azithromycin, significantly reduced viral load in COVID-19 patients. However, concerns about its small sample size, rapid publication timeline, and lack of randomization raised red flags among experts. Prominent microbiologist Elisabeth Bik highlighted these issues, alongside ethical questions regarding the study's approval process. Despite subsequent research failing to support hydroxychloroquine's efficacy, the initial hype, fueled by figures like then-President Donald Trump, led to widespread stockpiling of the drug. The retraction, now the second most-cited retracted paper, has prompted calls for a reevaluation of the work conducted by senior author Didier Raoult, amid ongoing legal scrutiny regarding ethical standards. 
Published: Sep 20 2025, 6 ameznews.inA jaguar in central Brazil has set a remarkable new swimming record, covering a distance of over 1.27 kilometers (0.7 miles), which is nearly six times the previously documented maximum for the species. This male jaguar, identified by its unique spot pattern, was first captured on camera in April 2020 on the mainland and later spotted on a forested island in August 2024, indicating it swam across the Serra da Mesa Reservoir. Researchers suggest that the jaguar's ability to traverse such distances highlights its adaptability in navigating barriers created by hydropower and dam developments, which have fragmented its habitat. While jaguars are known as powerful apex predators, their swimming capabilities have been largely underestimated, with prior evidence only suggesting they could swim up to 200 meters. This finding underscores the importance of preserving large habitats for the species' survival and genetic diversity.
Published: Sep 19 2025, 10 pmeznews.inIn a remarkable tale of love and adventure, Slavc, an 18-month-old Eurasian wolf, embarked on a 1,600-kilometer journey through the Alps in 2011, leaving his family behind in search of companionship. His trek, monitored by researchers from the University of Ljubljana, took him across treacherous terrain and busy motorways, ultimately leading him to northern Italy, a region devoid of wolves for a century. There, he encountered Juliet, a female wolf, and the pair mated, marking the first return of wolves to the area in a hundred years. Their union resulted in a litter of pups, a significant milestone in wolf conservation. Author Adam Weymouth chronicled Slavc's journey in his book *Lone Wolf*, highlighting how this lone wolf's quest for love has contributed to a burgeoning population of over 100 wolves in the region today, illustrating the profound impact of one animal's journey on wildlife recovery in Europe.
Published: Sep 19 2025, 2 ameznews.inAs the new school year begins, alongside the familiar sights of fresh stationery and pumpkin spice products, health officials are alerting the public to the rise of respiratory viruses, particularly the new COVID-19 variant known as Stratus, or XFG. This recombinant variant emerged from the merging of two others, LF.7 and LP.8.1.2, and was first identified in Canada before spreading globally. Stratus is believed to be a significant contributor to the recent surge in COVID-19 cases in the United States, where wastewater data indicates "Very High" SARS-CoV-2 activity in 19 states. Symptoms associated with Stratus are similar to those of previous Omicron subvariants, including cough, fatigue, and notably, hoarseness. While current vaccines are expected to remain effective, health authorities are reassessing vaccination strategies, and individuals are encouraged to take precautions, such as wearing masks and improving indoor ventilation, to mitigate the spread of the virus.
Published: Sep 20 2025, 8 ameznews.inYour pinky finger may harbor a rare anatomical feature known as an extra interphalangeal transverse, or supernumerary digital flexion crease, which manifests as a third crease below the main bend of the finger. Research on this phenomenon is limited, with a 1978 Japanese study revealing that out of 1,102 little fingers examined, only six exhibited this extra crease, predominantly in females. While some studies suggest a potential genetic link, no direct correlation with health issues has been established. Interestingly, the presence of this crease could have forensic applications, aiding in the identification of individuals through unique handprints. Despite its rarity, individuals with this harmless trait need not be concerned, as it does not indicate any underlying health problems. The study of such features remains a niche area within biomedical science, with little urgency for further investigation.
Published: Sep 20 2025, 4 ameznews.inA recent survey utilizing artificial intelligence has revealed a dramatic decline in the wildebeest population of the Serengeti, estimating fewer than 600,000 animals, significantly lower than the previous count of 1.3 million. Researchers from the University of Oxford employed deep-learning models trained on over 70,000 images to analyze high-resolution satellite photos from the Masai Mara National Reserve, suggesting counts of 324,202 to 533,137 wildebeests between 2022 and 2023. This discrepancy raises questions about the accuracy of traditional estimates and the potential reasons for the apparent decline, including altered migration routes due to agricultural expansion, infrastructure development, and climate change. While some wildebeests may have been obscured, researchers believe the population has not collapsed but rather adapted its movements. This innovative satellite-based approach could revolutionize wildlife monitoring and conservation efforts, providing crucial data for protecting large species. The findings are published in the journal PNAS Nexus.
Published: Sep 19 2025, 11 pmeznews.inIn a remarkable rescue operation in 1985, approximately 2,000 beluga whales trapped by thick ice in the Chukchi Peninsula were saved thanks to a Finnish icebreaker, the _Moskva_. Initially, local residents attempted to sustain the whales by digging air holes and providing frozen fish, but as conditions worsened, the situation became dire. The _Moskva_ was dispatched to break through the ice, but upon arrival, the crew found the whales too traumatized to follow. In a creative turn, they decided to play classical music from the ship, which successfully lured the whales closer. As the icebreaker carved a path through the ice, the belugas began to follow the sound, ultimately leading them back to the open ocean. The operation, which cost around $200,000, highlighted the unexpected bond between music and marine life, allowing the whales to escape their icy prison.
Published: Sep 20 2025, 12 ameznews.inThe Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) convened on September 18 to discuss updates to vaccine guidance, including the MMRV, COVID-19, and hepatitis B vaccines. This meeting follows a controversial overhaul of the committee by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who replaced all members to restore public confidence in vaccine science. The ACIP voted 8-3 to end the recommendation for the MMRV vaccine for children under four, a decision that has raised concerns about public perception of vaccine safety. Despite this, the committee decided to maintain coverage for the MMRV under the federally funded Vaccines for Children program. As discussions continue, experts emphasize the importance of vaccination, particularly for hepatitis B in newborns, while also highlighting the growing complexity of vaccine information sources amid rising skepticism and misinformation. The ACIP's next focus will be on COVID-19 vaccine recommendations, which have already sparked legal challenges.
Published: Sep 19 2025, 10 pmeznews.inNASA has addressed claims by Harvard professor Avi Loeb that the interstellar object 3I/ATLAS could be an alien spacecraft sent to the Solar System. Discovered on July 1, 2025, this comet is notable for its high speed and large size, with a nucleus measuring approximately 5.6 kilometers. Loeb speculated that the object might be a probe from an advanced civilization, potentially posing a threat to Earth, referencing the "Dark Forest" hypothesis, which suggests preemptive strikes by intelligent life. However, NASA scientists, including Tom Statler, assert that 3I/ATLAS exhibits typical cometary behavior, reinforcing its classification as a natural body rather than an artificial construct. While the object is indeed intriguing, NASA emphasizes that current observations indicate it poses no danger to Earth, dismissing the notion of it harboring alien technology. As 3I/ATLAS approaches, it will be closely monitored, although it will be obscured from view at its closest point to the Sun.
Published: Sep 15 2025, 10 pmeznews.inPhantom traffic jams, often experienced by drivers who encounter long queues without any visible cause, are a fascinating phenomenon that can be effectively modeled using hydrodynamics. Mathematician Benjamin Seibold explains that these jams occur when a minor disturbance, such as one driver braking, triggers a chain reaction of braking among subsequent vehicles, creating stop-and-go waves that can travel for miles. This phenomenon is particularly prevalent in dense traffic situations, where vehicles are less than 35 meters apart. Research indicates that these stop-and-go waves behave similarly to shockwaves in fluids, with their propagation speed averaging around 15 km/h (9.3 mph) globally. While frustrating, these jams can be mitigated through better driving practices, such as maintaining adequate space between vehicles to reduce the likelihood of sudden braking, although even minor deviations in driving behavior can lead to significant traffic disruptions.
Published: Sep 19 2025, 1 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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