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A new genetic study has challenged the long-held belief that Native Americans descended from the Jōmon people of Japan, who lived from around 14,000 to 300 BCE. Previously, similarities in stone tools suggested a connection, with theories positing that the First Peoples migrated to North America via the Bering Land Bridge approximately 15,000 years ago. However, research led by Professor Richard Scott from the University of Nevada-Reno, published in *PaleoAmerica*, found minimal genetic links between Native Americans and the Jōmon population, with only 7% of Jōmon teeth samples showing any relation. The findings suggest that Native Americans likely originated from Siberia instead. Additionally, recent discoveries of ancient human footprints in New Mexico, dating back 23,000 to 21,000 years, indicate that early migrations into the Americas occurred much earlier than previously thought, further undermining the Jōmon connection. 
Published: Nov 21 2024, 2 ameznews.inAs Christmas approaches, families are reminded to inspect their real Christmas trees for walnut-like growths that may harbor praying mantis eggs. Ohio resident Andrea Coward discovered these "oothecas" on her tree, which began to move shortly after bringing it indoors. Officials in Erie County, Ohio, have advised against bringing such growths inside, as they contain 100-200 eggs that could hatch and starve in a home environment. Instead, they recommend clipping the affected branch and placing it outside. While praying mantises pose no threat to humans, their survival is at risk if transported into insect-free spaces. Christmas tree farms are trained to identify and manage these egg sacs, often detaching them during processing. If missed, homeowners are urged to take action to ensure the mantises can thrive in their natural habitat.
Published: Dec 03 2024, 9 pmeznews.inTrees derive the majority of their mass not from the soil, but from the air, primarily through the process of photosynthesis. This phenomenon was notably demonstrated in the 17th century by Jan Baptista van Helmont, who found that a willow tree gained significant weight while the soil's mass remained largely unchanged. Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which, along with water from the ground, is converted into sugars and oxygen. The sugars, primarily glucose, are then utilized to build the complex structures of the plant, including leaves, stems, and roots. As American physicist Richard Feynman articulated, while it may appear that trees grow from the ground, most of their substance actually originates from the air. Thus, unlike animals that gain mass through food consumption, trees primarily increase their mass through atmospheric carbon and water.
Published: Dec 03 2024, 10 pmeznews.inA new study from researchers at the University of California, San Diego, and Johns Hopkins University is challenging long-held beliefs about the structure of axons, the nerve fibers that transmit signals between brain cells. Traditionally depicted as smooth, cylindrical tubes, the study suggests that axons actually exhibit a "pearls on a string" configuration, featuring bulbous segments interspersed with narrower connections. This finding, which could reshape our understanding of brain cell signaling, was made using advanced imaging techniques that preserve the axons' natural shape. While some experts express skepticism, suggesting that the new imaging method may influence results, the study's authors assert that this pearled structure represents the normal state of axons. They plan to further investigate human axons in future research. The study is published in *Nature Neuroscience*, marking a potential paradigm shift in neuroscience.
Published: Dec 03 2024, 10 ameznews.inIn a significant breakthrough for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) treatment, researchers have unveiled benralizumab, a monoclonal antibody that outperforms traditional steroid therapies in managing acute attacks. Conducted by scientists at King’s College London, the clinical trial involved 158 high-risk participants and demonstrated that those receiving benralizumab experienced marked improvements in symptoms like coughing and breathlessness, with fewer requiring additional medical care after 90 days. This new treatment, which has been in use for severe asthma cases, is now being recognized for its potential to target inflammation caused by eosinophils, a key factor in exacerbations. Lead investigator Professor Mona Bafadhel emphasized the importance of personalized treatment, stating that this approach could revolutionize care for the millions affected by these conditions, which collectively account for 3.8 million deaths annually. The findings were published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine.
Published: Dec 03 2024, 8 pmeznews.inA recent study has linked carrageenan, a common food additive derived from red seaweed and used in various dairy products, to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Researchers observed 20 young men over two weeks, some consuming a placebo while others ingested carrageenan at levels exceeding the typical daily intake in the US. The findings indicated that carrageenan may heighten intestinal permeability and inflammation, potentially impairing insulin sensitivity—a precursor to diabetes. While no significant metabolic effects were noted in the healthy participants, those with higher body weight exhibited increased inflammation and reduced insulin response. Experts stress the need for further research, particularly involving older and overweight individuals, to fully understand the health implications of carrageenan consumption, given its widespread use in food products. The study was published in BMC Medicine.
Published: Dec 03 2024, 3 pmeznews.inA small asteroid, measuring approximately 70 centimeters in diameter, is set to enter Earth's atmosphere over Siberia today at around 4:15 PM UTC. This event marks only the 11th time an asteroid impact has been predicted prior to occurrence, highlighting advancements in planetary defense systems. Discovered by the Kitt Peak National Observatory in Arizona, this asteroid is significantly smaller than the infamous Chelyabinsk meteor, which was over 30 times larger, and is not expected to cause any damage. The impact zone is sparsely populated, reducing the likelihood of capturing dramatic footage. This incident is part of a record-setting year, with four predicted asteroid impacts already occurring in 2024, including notable fireballs over Berlin and the Philippines. Experts assure that today's event will not resemble the catastrophic Tunguska event of 1908.
Published: Dec 03 2024, 6 pmeznews.inA recent viral tweet has sparked concern over the dangers of wearing a metal butt plug during an MRI scan, following a purported incident where a client suffered severe injuries after a metallic core in a supposedly "100% silicone" butt plug was accelerated into their chest cavity. The tweet, which included a scan showing the butt plug embedded in the body, has been met with skepticism, as it resembles urban legends and the original image was deleted from Reddit. However, experts warn that MRI machines generate powerful magnetic fields that can pose serious risks to individuals with metal objects on or inside their bodies. MRI technology, which relies on aligning hydrogen nuclei in water, is effective for imaging soft tissues but can be hazardous when metal is involved. This serves as a stark reminder to always check for metal before entering an MRI machine.
Published: Dec 02 2024, 7 pmeznews.inA 40-year-old lawyer, Leandro Mathias de Novaes, has died after a tragic incident involving a concealed firearm in an MRI room in São Paulo, Brazil. De Novaes accompanied his mother to a medical appointment at Laboratorio Cura, where he allegedly entered the examination room with a loaded gun hidden in his waistband, despite being warned to remove all metallic objects. The powerful magnetic field of the MRI machine reportedly pulled the firearm from his waistband, causing it to discharge and fatally injure him in the stomach. Although he held a license to carry the weapon, the circumstances surrounding his decision to bring it into the MRI room remain unclear. De Novaes was known for his pro-gun advocacy on social media. This incident highlights the dangers of bringing metallic objects into MRI environments, which have previously resulted in fatalities.
Published: Dec 03 2024, 3 pmeznews.inHorseshoe crab blood, notable for its bright blue hue due to copper-based hemocyanin, has remarkable antibacterial properties that have significant medical applications. The amebocytes in the blood can detect bacterial contamination at levels as low as one part in a trillion, enabling rapid testing of medical equipment and vaccines. This process, facilitated by a substance called coagulan, is crucial for preventing infections that could otherwise claim countless lives. However, the demand for this valuable resource has led to the overharvesting of horseshoe crabs in North America, with around 250,000 crabs collected annually. Harvesters extract 30% of each crab's blood, but studies suggest that 10-30% do not survive the procedure, and those that do may experience reduced breeding success. Despite these concerns, the high market value of the blood, estimated at $15,000 per quart, continues to drive its collection.
Published: Dec 03 2024, 4 pmeznews.inThe cowgirl position, also known as the cowboy or rider position, is a popular penetrative sex position where the receiving partner sits atop the penetrating partner, typically facing each other. This position is favored for its ability to provide clitoral stimulation, making it the second most preferred position for men and the third for women, according to sex experts. Variations include the reverse cowgirl and horizontal cowgirl, allowing for different angles and movements that enhance the experience. However, caution is advised, as studies indicate that about 50% of penile fractures during sex occur in this position, often due to erratic thrusting. Communication between partners is essential to ensure comfort and enjoyment, helping to mitigate risks and enhance pleasure. Overall, the cowgirl position remains a versatile and widely enjoyed choice for couples looking to spice up their intimate encounters.
Published: Dec 03 2024, 2 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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