eznews.in
Human and non-human cases of avian influenza H5N1, or "bird flu," have surged in the US, raising concerns about potential human transmission. Since 2024, the CDC has confirmed 67 human cases, primarily linked to animal exposure, with three cases of unknown origin. Despite speculation, there is currently no evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission. Experts warn that the virus could mutate to facilitate such transmission, with Dr. Robert Murphy noting it is "very likely" to happen soon. The ongoing outbreak has led to the culling of over 20 million chickens, impacting egg prices. While the CDC assesses the risk to the general public as low, vigilance is crucial for those in close contact with poultry. The US is better prepared than during the COVID-19 pandemic, with ongoing vaccine development efforts, but experts stress the need for improved testing and public health support. 
Published: Feb 06 2025, 2 ameznews.inThe phenomenon of carcinization, where various species evolve crab-like forms, has gained attention, particularly with the invasive European green crab, _Carcinus maenas_. This species, dubbed a "supervillain" for its rapid spread across the Atlantic and Baltic regions, possesses traits that make it a formidable invader, including a voracious appetite, adaptability to diverse environments, and a staggering reproductive capacity of up to 185,000 eggs per brood. Their larvae can drift for two months, hitching rides on cargo ships and facilitating their global distribution. The ecological impact of these crabs is significant, threatening local flora and fauna while exacerbating climate change. Conservation biologist Joe Roman advocates for an "invasivore diet," encouraging the consumption of invasive species like green crabs to mitigate their effects and address food demands. His initiative, "Eat The Invaders," aims to inspire culinary creativity in combating invasive species, promoting the idea of "Fighting invasive species, one bite at a time."
Published: Feb 03 2025, 11 pmeznews.inA recent study highlights the critical role predators, such as wolves, play in maintaining healthy ecosystems, revealing that their populations are declining globally due to various threats, including climate change and habitat destruction. Co-author Tom Gable emphasized that the research synthesizes the ecological functions of predators beyond their traditional role in controlling prey populations. Predators create "ecological hotspots" by generating carcasses that nourish scavengers and enrich soil nutrients, benefiting surrounding plant life. This challenges the conventional view that predators primarily influence ecosystems through trophic cascades. The findings underscore the necessity of recognizing the multifaceted benefits predators provide, advocating for their conservation as irreplaceable components of biodiversity. Lead author Sean Johnson-Bice hopes the study will enhance public understanding of these complex roles, stressing that humans cannot replicate the unique ecological contributions of predators, which are essential for sustaining diverse ecosystems. The study is published in the journal Oikos.
Published: Feb 06 2025, 8 ameznews.inDrying clothes indoors, particularly in poorly ventilated spaces, can significantly increase mould growth, posing serious health risks. Mould thrives in damp environments, producing spores that can lead to respiratory issues, especially for individuals with compromised immune systems or conditions like asthma. Common mould species, such as *penicillium* and *aspergillus*, can trigger severe allergic reactions and infections, with the latter becoming increasingly resistant to antifungal treatments. The tragic case of toddler Awaab Ishak, who died from mould exposure, has prompted legislative changes in the UK to ensure landlords address damp issues promptly. To mitigate these risks, experts recommend improving home ventilation, using dehumidifiers, and considering heated drying racks during winter months. As climate change exacerbates mould resistance, ongoing monitoring and public health initiatives are essential to safeguard against potential increases in mould-related health problems.
Published: Feb 04 2025, 4 ameznews.inRecent research into Neanderthal genetics reveals that modern humans do not inherit pigmentation genes from these ancient relatives, complicating efforts to reconstruct their physical appearance. While all non-African populations carry about 2% Neanderthal DNA, linking this genetic material to specific traits is challenging due to the polygenic nature of most characteristics. Studies suggest that Neanderthals likely exhibited a variety of skin, hair, and eye colors, but definitive traits remain elusive. Notably, variants associated with red hair and blue eyes in modern humans have not been found in Neanderthal genomes, leading experts to doubt the likelihood of these features in Neanderthals. Instead, evidence points to a diverse range of pigmentation, potentially influenced by their adaptation to different environments. However, gaps in genetic data, particularly from southern Neanderthal populations, hinder a comprehensive understanding of their phenotypic diversity.
Published: Feb 06 2025, 1 ameznews.inAsteroid Bennu, a medium-sized space rock with a diameter of approximately 500 meters, poses a 1 in 2,700 chance of colliding with Earth in September 2182, according to NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission. While not as catastrophic as the Chicxulub impactor that led to the extinction of the dinosaurs, a collision with Bennu could still result in significant regional to global damage. Research indicates that such an impact could inject up to 400 million tons of dust into the atmosphere, potentially causing a global winter with temperatures dropping by 4°C (7.2°F) and a 36% decrease in terrestrial net primary productivity. This could lead to widespread famine and ecological disruption, although iron-rich dust might spur microalgae blooms in the Pacific. The findings underscore the potential consequences of medium-sized asteroid impacts on Earth's climate and ecosystems, as detailed in a recent study published in *Science Advances*.
Published: Feb 06 2025, 6 ameznews.inWhen you close your eyes, you may notice swirling patterns and flashes of light, known as "phosphenes." These visual sensations occur even in darkness due to the ongoing activity of retinal cells, which generate weak internal signals that mimic light. According to Katrina Schmid, an Associate Professor at Queensland University of Technology, the brain interprets this random activity as visual stimuli, leading to the perception of colors and patterns. While phosphenes are typically harmless, they can also indicate underlying issues such as retinal detachment or neurological conditions, especially if the patterns change or become more pronounced. Applying pressure to the eyeball can also induce phosphenes, but caution is advised. If you experience persistent disturbances, consulting a medical professional is recommended to rule out any serious conditions.
Published: Feb 04 2025, 8 pmeznews.inResearchers have uncovered fascinating insights into how various animals utilize the Earth's magnetic field for navigation and other behaviors. Birds, particularly migratory species like European robins, possess a unique ability to "see" the magnetic field through a quantum mechanism involving cryptochrome proteins in their eyes, allowing them to navigate vast distances. In contrast, mammals like dogs exhibit a more mundane use of this sense; studies show that dogs prefer to align themselves north-south when defecating, although the reason remains unclear. Other animals, such as red foxes, also demonstrate magnetoreception, using it to enhance hunting success by jumping in a specific direction. While humans may not consciously perceive magnetic fields, research suggests we retain some sensitivity to them, though the extent and practical application of this ability remain debated among scientists.
Published: Feb 04 2025, 1 ameznews.inA recent study has revealed that wild western chimpanzees in Taï National Park, Côte d’Ivoire, exhibit distinct "dialects" through various mating gestures, highlighting the complexity of their communication. Researchers observed four specific auditory gestures—'heel kick', 'knuckle knock', 'leaf clip', and 'branch shake'—used by male chimpanzees to attract females. Notably, the frequency of these gestures varied between neighboring communities, suggesting that these dialects are socially learned and influenced by female migration. However, the study also noted the disappearance of the 'knuckle knock' gesture in one group, attributed to human-induced demographic changes, including poaching. The researchers emphasize the importance of preserving chimpanzee culture in conservation efforts, as it not only impacts the species' survival but also offers insights into human evolutionary history. The findings are published in Current Biology, underscoring the urgent need for integrated conservation strategies.
Published: Feb 05 2025, 11 pmeznews.inThe European Space Agency's ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter has captured intriguing images from Mars' southern polar region, revealing what appear to be "giant spiders" on the planet's surface. However, these formations are not actual spiders but rather patterns created by the seasonal transition from Martian winter to spring. As sunlight warms the carbon dioxide ice, gas builds up beneath the surface, breaking through layers of ice and dragging dark material upwards, resulting in dark patches that can measure between 45 meters and 1 kilometer across. This phenomenon, known as pareidolia, occurs when the human brain interprets random patterns as familiar shapes, a survival instinct that helped early humans identify potential threats. Dr. Jess Taubert from the University of Queensland notes that recognizing patterns is crucial for survival, even if it sometimes leads to misinterpretations, such as seeing spiders where none exist.
Published: Feb 05 2025, 11 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
India
World
Economy
Science
Health
Showbiz
Contact