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A hidden pantry pest, the rice weevil, may be lurking in your rice, often entering in its larval form within the grains. While these tiny insects are common and pose no health risks if consumed, they can lead to significant damage if left unchecked. Rice weevils thrive on grains like rice and corn, with females laying eggs inside the grains, leading to infestations if rice is improperly stored. Industrial rice production employs fumigation to combat these pests, but it is not always foolproof. Studies suggest that heat sterilization can help minimize infestations, particularly in raw milled rice. For consumers, washing rice can help remove any weevils, and proper storage in airtight containers can prevent infestations. While the presence of rice weevils may be unsettling, they are not harmful, and some even advocate for insects as a sustainable protein source for the future. 
Published: Mar 29 2025, 8 ameznews.inDespite the arrival of spring in the Northern Hemisphere, a significant cold spell is expected to grip parts of North America due to the recent collapse of the polar vortex. This atmospheric disturbance is set to bring unseasonably low temperatures and even snowfall to the Midwest and Northeast, with forecasts indicating potential freezing conditions in mid-April. The polar vortex, a low-pressure system of cold air above the poles, can be disrupted by various factors, allowing frigid air to spill into lower latitudes. Following a mid-March disturbance, meteorologists predict that the eastern half of North America will experience below-normal temperatures, while the western regions will enjoy warmer conditions. AccuWeather's lead meteorologist noted that such disruptions can impact the polar jet stream, leading to a "rough and stormy pattern" for the eastern US. As ice storms currently affect eastern Canada, the extent of this cold snap's duration remains uncertain.
Published: Mar 31 2025, 11 pmeznews.inResearchers at the Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research have successfully revived ancient phytoplankton from sediments at the bottom of the Baltic Sea, which had been dormant for nearly 7,000 years. The team, led by Dr. Sarah Bolius, exposed microorganisms to light and oxygen, resulting in the revival of the single-celled organism _Skeletonema marinoi_, the oldest of which was approximately 6,871 years old. This process, termed "resurrection ecology," aims to understand how these organisms adapted to historical environmental changes. The revived _S. marinoi_ demonstrated similar biological performance to modern counterparts, with healthy reproduction and oxygen production rates. While the genetic makeup of these ancient algae varied across different sediment layers, their revival raises questions about the implications of reintroducing long-dormant species into contemporary ecosystems. The findings are detailed in a study published in the ISME Journal.
Published: Mar 31 2025, 11 pmeznews.inThe naming of Earth, unlike other planets in our solar system, reflects a complex etymology rooted in Germanic languages rather than Roman mythology. The term "Earth" derives from the Old Anglo-Saxon word "ertha," meaning "ground" or "soil," highlighting humanity's deep connection to the land for survival. This contrasts with celestial bodies like Venus and Jupiter, named after Roman deities. While many cultures have their own terms for Earth, such as "Erde" in German and "Aarde" in Dutch, these words also signify a broader concept of the inhabited world, distinct from the divine realms. Historically, Earth was not recognized as a planet until the shift from geocentrism to heliocentrism in the 16th and 17th centuries, yet the name remained tied to its terrestrial roots, emphasizing our enduring relationship with the soil beneath our feet.
Published: Apr 01 2025, 12 ameznews.inA recently discovered glassified lump of soil, dated to around 10,800 years ago, could challenge existing narratives about the origins of metallurgy, suggesting that early humans in Türkiye may have experimented with copper smelting while still living as hunter-gatherers. Found at the Pre-Pottery Neolithic site of Gre Filla, the greenish-yellow blob exhibits signs of exposure to extreme temperatures, potentially around 1,000 °C (1,830 °F). Researchers noted the presence of ash and charcoal, indicating regular cooking fires, but the lack of a nearby furnace or metallurgic by-products like slag leaves the evidence inconclusive. While the findings suggest that early inhabitants were exploring metallurgical principles, the absence of definitive smelting evidence means the site should not be classified as a fully developed metallurgical location. The study, published in the Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, emphasizes the need for further investigation into this intriguing relic of humanity's technological heritage.
Published: Mar 31 2025, 9 pmeznews.inA recent expedition off the Chilean coast has unveiled a stunning array of deep-sea life, including dazzling octopuses, eerie anglerfish, and various crustaceans, many of which may be entirely new to science. Conducted by the Schmidt Ocean Institute aboard the R/V _Falkor (too)_ in December 2024, the team explored four uncharted underwater canyons and nearly 20 methane seep ecosystems, revealing habitats that support diverse marine species. The largest canyon spans approximately 2,000 square kilometers and plunges over 3,000 meters deep, serving as a vital ecosystem for creatures like glass sponges and deep-sea corals. Notable discoveries included red cusk-eels, a key ingredient in a traditional Chilean dish, and a shimmering polychaete worm. Researchers estimate they may have identified at least 60 new species, highlighting the expedition's significance in enhancing our understanding of the planet's biodiversity, according to Dr. Patricia Esquete from the University of Aveiro.
Published: Mar 31 2025, 10 pmeznews.inThe Great Pyramid of Giza, an enduring symbol of ancient engineering, continues to intrigue researchers with its mysteries, including a massive void sealed within its structure for 4,500 years. Contrary to common belief, the pyramid does not have four sides; rather, it is a concave octagonal pyramid, a fact confirmed by British pilot P. Groves in 1926 through aerial photography. This unique design, characterized by indented sides, enhances the pyramid's stability against natural forces such as earthquakes and rainstorms, which have occurred over its long history. Akio Kato, a mathematician from Kanagawa University, notes that the pyramid's construction allows it to strengthen over time, although some sealed corridors may indicate that builders faced challenges with stability. This raises questions about whether the pyramid's distinctive shape was a deliberate choice for longevity or an unintended consequence of engineering trials.
Published: Mar 31 2025, 5 pmeznews.inThe legend of Mokele-Mbembe, a purported sauropod-like creature said to inhabit the swamps of the Congo, has captivated cryptozoologists and sparked intrigue for decades. Known as "eater of the top palms" in the Bomitaba dialect, the creature's name translates to "one who stops the flow of rivers" in Lingala, reflecting its mythical status as a water-dwelling giant. The origins of this legend may stem from misinterpretations of local wildlife, such as elephants and hippos, combined with Western misconceptions about Africa's prehistoric past during the "dino-mania" of the early 20th century. Notable figures like biochemist Roy Mackal have contributed to the myth, describing Mokele-Mbembe as a massive creature with a snake-like head and a body resembling that of an elephant. Despite its enduring allure, the existence of such a dinosaur remains unproven, leaving the world to ponder the mysteries of the past.
Published: Mar 28 2025, 9 pmeznews.inFor the first time, a giant helical structure, extending millions of kilometers from the Sun, has been captured on camera by the European Space Agency's Solar Orbiter, launched in 2020 with NASA's assistance. The spacecraft, equipped with six imaging instruments, including the Mid-infrared ELT Imager and Spectrograph (Metis), provides unprecedented views of the solar wind and the Sun's polar regions. On October 12, 2022, Metis observed a twisting structure that lasted over three hours, revealing the long-duration outflow of Alfvénic solar wind. This phenomenon, driven by Alfvén waves, showcases the complex behavior of plasmas influenced by magnetic fields. Researchers suggest that while this structure is massive, similar processes may occur in smaller jets, though it remains uncertain whether these outflows contribute to the solar wind or return to the Sun's atmosphere. Further studies are planned to enhance our understanding of these solar dynamics.
Published: Mar 31 2025, 7 pmeznews.inIn Central Africa, reports of the elusive Mokèlé-mbèmbé, often dubbed the "dinosaur of the Congo," are on the rise, sparking intrigue about the existence of a previously unknown species. This legendary creature, said to inhabit the Congo Basin's dense forests and swamps, is described as resembling a sauropod and is believed to be the size of an elephant or hippo. While sightings have dwindled over the past century, recent claims from local residents suggest an uptick, potentially linked to environmental changes. Experts argue that deforestation, which has devastated 23 million hectares of the Congo's forests since 2000, is forcing wildlife into closer contact with humans, leading to misidentifications fueled by local folklore. Conservationists emphasize that these encounters reflect the realities of a shrinking ecosystem rather than the discovery of a living dinosaur, highlighting the complex relationship between humans and their environment.
Published: Mar 29 2025, 6 pmeznews.inThe United States remains a predominantly Christian nation, particularly when compared to other high-income Western countries, though its religiosity varies significantly by state. According to the 2020 US Religion Census, Utah leads in religious participation, with 76.1% of its population involved in congregations, while states like New Hampshire and Maine report much lower rates, at 27.2% and 30.8%, respectively. Notably, Utah's religious landscape is dominated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which saw an 11.3% growth in followers from 2010 to 2020. Nationwide, Protestantism is the most prevalent faith, comprising 49.2% of religious individuals, but a decline in Christianity is evident; from 90% in 1972, the figure dropped to 64% by 2020. Projections suggest that if current trends continue, Christians could make up less than 50% of the population by 2060, with the religiously unaffiliated potentially rising to 52%.
Published: Mar 31 2025, 5 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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