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Recent research has raised concerns about the potential release of micro- and nanoplastics from polymer-based tea bags, which could enter consumers' bodies and the environment. A study conducted by Spanish and German scientists tested three types of commercially available tea bags—made from nylon-6, polypropylene, and cellulose bio-based polymer—revealing that polypropylene bags released an alarming 1.2 billion particles per milliliter when steeped in hot water. While cellulose bags released 135 million particles per milliliter, nylon-6 was less prolific, emitting 8.18 million particles. Although the study found no immediate harmful effects on human intestinal cells, the long-term implications of ingesting these particles remain unclear. The findings highlight the need for consumers to consider the materials of their tea bags, with a suggestion to opt for loose-leaf tea. Despite these concerns, previous studies have indicated health benefits associated with moderate green tea consumption. The study is published in the journal Chemosphere. 
Published: Dec 23 2024, 7 pmeznews.inA rare astronomical event, known as a Black Moon, will occur on December 30-31, 2024, marking the end of the year. Unlike the more familiar Blue Moon, which refers to the occurrence of an extra full moon, a Black Moon is defined by the number of new moons in a given period. Specifically, the upcoming event will be the second new moon in December, occurring at 4:26 PM CST (10:26 PM UTC) on December 30. While Black Moons are infrequent, they are not visible in the night sky, as the moon will be positioned between the Earth and the Sun, making it difficult to see. However, this absence of moonlight provides an excellent opportunity for stargazing. The next Blue Moon is set for May 31, 2026, with a seasonal Blue Moon following on May 20, 2027.
Published: Dec 28 2024, 12 ameznews.inWhile Victoria Falls and Angel Falls are often celebrated for their grandeur, the title of the world's largest waterfall belongs to the Denmark Strait cataract, an underwater phenomenon located between Greenland and Iceland. Measuring an impressive 3,505 meters (11,500 feet) in height, with a flow rate of 123 million cubic feet per second, it dwarfs its more famous counterparts. The cataract forms as cold, dense water from the Nordic Seas sinks beneath warmer water from the Irminger Sea, cascading over a steep drop on the ocean floor. Despite its size, the Denmark Strait is not a tourist destination, primarily due to its remote location and icy conditions. This underwater waterfall plays a crucial role in the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, vital for marine ecosystems. However, climate change poses a significant threat to this system, potentially jeopardizing the cataract's existence and altering global weather patterns.
Published: Dec 24 2024, 5 pmeznews.inArchaeologists have discovered a rare 1,700-year-old ceramic oil lamp adorned with Jewish religious symbols, including the Temple menorah, during a dig near the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem. This significant find, attributed to the Late Roman period, offers a glimpse into Jewish culture following the Bar-Kochba rebellion (132-136 CE), which led to the expulsion of Jews from the city by Emperor Hadrian. Excavation director Michael Chernin noted the lamp's exquisite craftsmanship and its rarity, as it represents one of the few material traces of Jewish presence in Jerusalem during the 3rd to 5th centuries CE. The lamp, belonging to the "Beit Nattif" type, reflects the connection between daily life and faith in ancient Jerusalem. It will be displayed to the public during the upcoming Chanukah holiday, alongside stone molds used for similar vessels, highlighting its historical significance.
Published: Dec 27 2024, 9 pmeznews.inThe Parker Solar Probe has achieved a historic milestone by completing the closest-ever pass to the Sun by a human-made spacecraft, coming within 6.1 million kilometers (3.8 million miles) of the solar surface on December 24. Moving at an astonishing speed of approximately 690,000 kilometers per hour (430,000 miles per hour), the probe successfully transmitted a beacon signal back to NASA on December 26, confirming its good health and operational status. Launched in 2018, the Parker Solar Probe aims to explore the Sun's corona, investigating why it reaches temperatures of up to 980°C (1,800°F) and tracing the origins of solar wind. This 22nd flyby marks the closest approach, with two additional passes scheduled for March and June 2025. NASA scientists eagerly await detailed telemetry data expected on January 1, which will provide insights into the Sun's enduring mysteries.
Published: Dec 27 2024, 10 pmeznews.inHumans have engaged in games for thousands of years, with evidence suggesting that gaming predates language itself. Neuroscientist Kelly Clancy, author of *Playing With Reality: How Games Shape Our World*, highlights the universality of gaming, noting that ancient civilizations, from Egyptian priests to the citizens of Pompeii, created makeshift game boards in various settings. Games like chess and snakes and ladders served not only as entertainment but also as educational tools, teaching lessons about strategy and morality. Clancy emphasizes that games are a natural training ground for understanding rules and societal structures, a concept dating back to Plato. While modern gaming has evolved, the fundamental reasons for play—education, social interaction, and even addiction—remain consistent across cultures and eras. Clancy herself enjoys puzzle and adventure games, illustrating the enduring appeal of gaming in contemporary society.
Published: Dec 27 2024, 2 pmeznews.inA recent meta-analysis published in the World Journal of Men's Health reveals that the average erect penis length has increased by 24% over the past 29 years, rising from 12.3 cm (4.8 inches) to 15.2 cm (6 inches). The study, which examined data from 55,761 males worldwide, found no significant changes in flaccid or stretched lengths. Lead researcher Michael Eisenberg, a professor of urology at Stanford Medicine, suggests that this increase may be linked to environmental factors, particularly chemical exposures that disrupt hormonal systems. While the findings may seem positive, they raise concerns about broader implications for male reproductive health, especially in light of declining sperm counts observed in recent years. Eisenberg emphasizes the need for further investigation to understand the causes behind this rapid change, as it could indicate significant shifts in human biology.
Published: Dec 27 2024, 4 pmeznews.inIn a groundbreaking medical achievement, the UK has successfully performed its first double lung transplant using the innovative "lungs in a box" technology, known as ex-vivo lung perfusion (EVLP). The procedure took place at the Royal Papworth Hospital in Cambridge, where 49-year-old Daniel Evans-Smith received the transplant after suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The EVLP system allows for the reconditioning of marginal donor lungs outside the body, significantly enhancing their viability for transplantation. This method, already in use in the US and Europe, could potentially increase the number of available lungs for patients on the transplant waiting list. Following the surgery, Evans-Smith reported a remarkable improvement in his health, stating he can now walk further and climb hills without difficulty. The success of this operation marks a significant advancement in lung transplant technology in the UK, offering hope to many awaiting similar procedures.
Published: Dec 26 2024, 5 pmeznews.inAsteroid 33 Polyhymnia may harbor elements beyond the current periodic table, according to a study by physicists at The University of Arizona. The research suggests that the asteroid's mass density exceeds that of osmium, the densest known stable element, indicating the potential presence of Compact Ultradense Objects (CUDOs) with unknown compositions. The team explored theoretical elements with atomic numbers higher than 110, predicting that superheavy metals could exist within dense asteroids like Polyhymnia. They noted that while familiar elements could not account for the asteroid's density, those theorized near atomic number 164 might be plausible candidates. The findings, which excite both physicists and space mining enthusiasts, suggest that if these superheavy elements are stable, they could be sourced from within our Solar System. The study is published in The European Physical Journal Plus.
Published: Dec 27 2024, 11 ameznews.inIn a world where the shortest distance between two points is deemed a perfectly straight line, the reality of nature reveals a different story, as even the straightest structures exhibit imperfections. While light beams, crystal edges, and spider silk are often cited as examples of linear precision, they are not immune to flaws. Light, for instance, is subject to diffraction, causing it to bend slightly as it travels, which is evident in the asterisk-shaped points of stars captured by the Hubble and James Webb Space Telescopes. Similarly, crystals, despite their geometric forms, contain countless defects due to their formation processes and external influences. This notion extends to human-made objects, which, while crafted with high precision, still harbor minute imperfections. Ultimately, perfectly straight lines exist only as theoretical concepts, with the physical universe consistently showcasing the beauty of imperfection.
Published: Dec 27 2024, 3 ameznews.inIn a remarkable tale from Australia, Jake Gray has shared his experience of cohabiting with a giant huntsman spider named Charlotte for the past year. Initially spotted a year ago, Charlotte has grown significantly and has become a part of the family, helping to control the cockroach population in their home. Gray explained that they avoid toxic pest control methods, opting instead for natural solutions. To ease the fears of his children, he named the spider Charlotte, and the family has even enjoyed watching her hunt, including a memorable moment when she caught an Asian house gecko. While huntsman spiders can appear intimidating, experts note they are generally harmless and prefer to flee rather than bite. With a size of up to 15 centimeters, these spiders serve as effective pest controllers, making them a unique, albeit unsettling, housemate for the Gray family.
Published: Dec 26 2024, 10 amFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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