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While seashells may appear to be harmless souvenirs from beach trips, experts warn against collecting them due to their vital role in coastal ecosystems. A 2014 study revealed that the removal of seashells from beaches causes significant damage to marine life that depends on them for habitat and resources. Shells provide essential functions, such as stabilizing beaches and serving as homes for various organisms, including hermit crabs and algae. Researchers observed a 60% decline in seashells on Llarga Beach, attributing this to increased tourist activity. Michal Kowalewski, the study's lead author, emphasized the need to understand the subtle impacts of tourism on shorelines. Additionally, collecting seashells can be illegal; in the UK, the Coastal Protection Act prohibits taking natural materials from public beaches, while in the US, certain protected species can lead to legal repercussions, as demonstrated by a Florida woman jailed for taking live queen conch shells. 
Published: Mar 17 2025, 3 ameznews.inA recent study suggests that two of Earth's five confirmed mass extinction events may have been triggered by nearby supernova explosions that stripped the planet's ozone layer. While the theory has been previously proposed, this research provides more substantial evidence supporting its plausibility. The Late Devonian and late Ordovician extinctions, which occurred 372 million and 445 million years ago respectively, lack direct evidence linking them to supernovae, but the study indicates that such explosions could have led to significant ozone depletion, allowing harmful ultraviolet light to penetrate the atmosphere. This could have devastated the food chain and contributed to glaciation. The authors estimate a supernova rate of 0.4-0.5 per century in the Milky Way, suggesting that while not all mass extinctions can be attributed to supernovae, the timing aligns with historical extinction events. The findings are set to be published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.
Published: Mar 17 2025, 6 pmeznews.inDespite overwhelming evidence supporting the reality of the Moon landings, conspiracy theorists continue to question their authenticity, even 55 years after the first landing. A recent resurgence of skepticism has focused on the Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV), or "Moon buggy," with some doubting how it could fit inside the Apollo lander. However, NASA has clarified that the LRV was ingeniously designed to fold and fit within the lander’s constraints, utilizing lightweight materials like aluminum alloy. The agency's extensive documentation and footage of the LRV in action on the lunar surface further substantiate the missions' legitimacy. Critics of the conspiracy theories point out the improbability of NASA orchestrating such a vast deception involving over 400,000 personnel without a leak. Ultimately, the evidence remains robust, and those questioning the landings are encouraged to seek factual information rather than rely on unfounded claims.
Published: Mar 17 2025, 4 pmeznews.inAs the clock ticks towards January 19, 2038, a new digital crisis looms, reminiscent of the Y2K scare. Known as the 2038 problem, this issue arises from the limitations of 32-bit Unix time, which can only store timestamps up to 2147483647, corresponding to that fateful date. When systems reach this limit, they will reset to a negative number, potentially causing widespread disruptions across various sectors, including medical devices and industrial control systems. Despite having over three decades to prepare, many systems still rely on 32-bit time, and transitioning to 64-bit support is fraught with challenges. Experts warn that while newer systems may be equipped to handle the change, legacy programs could falter, leading to unforeseen complications. As we navigate this impending crisis, the lessons of Y2K remind us of the importance of proactive measures in technology management.
Published: Mar 14 2025, 2 ameznews.inA popular claim circulating online suggests that one gram of uranium contains approximately 20 billion calories, leading to humorous suggestions that it could serve as a supercharged diet supplement. However, experts strongly advise against consuming uranium under any circumstances, as it is highly toxic and can lead to severe health issues, including renal failure and death. While the theoretical energy content of uranium-235, a specific isotope, is indeed immense—around 19.6 billion calories when calculated through nuclear fission—this energy cannot be harnessed by the human body. Without a mechanism to initiate fission, such as a particle accelerator, consuming uranium would not provide any nutritional benefit and would be fatal. Instead of seeking energy from radioactive elements, nutritionists recommend opting for safe food sources, like a hearty curry, to meet dietary needs.
Published: Mar 17 2025, 2 ameznews.inResearch by Darel Cookson from Nottingham Trent University highlights the psychological underpinnings of conspiracy beliefs, particularly the influence of thinking styles. Individuals who lean towards intuitive thinking—characterized by quick, gut-based judgments—are more likely to endorse conspiracy theories, while those who engage in analytical thinking, which involves slower and more deliberate processing, tend to be less susceptible. Intuitive thinking can lead to cognitive errors and has been linked to harmful beliefs, such as vaccine hesitancy. However, intuitive thinking also has its merits, particularly in crisis situations where rapid decision-making is crucial. Cookson suggests that rather than viewing analytical and intuitive thinking as opposing styles, they should be seen as complementary, with effective decision-making requiring a flexible approach that adapts to the context. Improving adaptive decision-making could be key to reducing the endorsement of conspiracy theories.
Published: Mar 17 2025, 12 pmeznews.inA recent study utilizing the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has revealed an unexpected pattern in the rotation of galaxies from the early universe, suggesting that we may be inside a black hole. Researchers from Kansas State University analyzed images of 263 galaxies, finding that 60% rotated clockwise and 40% counterclockwise, a discrepancy that contradicts current cosmological models which predict no preferred rotation direction. This observation raises questions about the universe's structure, with some theories proposing that it may have been born rotating, aligning with black hole cosmology. Alternatively, the findings could be influenced by the Doppler effect, which might make certain galaxies appear brighter based on their rotation relative to the Milky Way. While the study opens new avenues for understanding cosmic evolution, further observations are necessary to validate these claims and refine our understanding of the universe's dynamics. The research is published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.
Published: Mar 13 2025, 6 pmeznews.inA recent study has raised concerns about microplastics potentially entering the human bloodstream through intravenous (IV) infusion bags. Researchers found that two brands of saline solution contained tiny particles of polypropylene, the material from which the bags are made, suggesting that microplastics can leach into the fluids administered during medical treatments. Each IV bag could transfer approximately 7,500 particles into a patient's bloodstream, with multiple infusions potentially leading to significant accumulation. While the health implications of microplastics in the body remain unclear, the study highlights a direct pathway for these particles to enter the bloodstream, prompting calls for further investigation and potential filtering solutions before administration. Despite growing awareness of microplastics' environmental impact, the study underscores the need for more research into their effects on human health, as experts caution that the full extent of the risks is still not well understood.
Published: Mar 14 2025, 2 ameznews.inAs the global community seeks sustainable alternatives to traditional livestock, a new study suggests that giant pythons could offer a viable solution. Researchers from Macquarie University and the University of Oxford found that python farming, already established in parts of Asia, is both efficient and environmentally friendly. Pythons grow rapidly, reaching maturity in three years and producing up to 100 eggs annually for two decades. They require minimal food and water, thriving on a diet of wild-caught rodents and agricultural waste, while generating fewer greenhouse gases than warm-blooded livestock. The study highlights the potential for python farming to address food insecurity in low-income countries, although experts caution that widespread adoption in Western nations remains unlikely. The findings, published in *Scientific Reports*, underscore the need for innovative approaches to meet the challenges posed by climate change and resource scarcity.
Published: Mar 17 2025, 2 ameznews.inFlat-Earthers continue to promote their unconventional theories, often resorting to dubious experiments to support their claims. Recently, a Reddit post by Greg Pagel gained traction as he tackled the popular flat-Earther argument that a flat horizon indicates a flat Earth. Pagel analyzed the horizon from his coastal hometown, calculating that the curvature of the Earth over a distance of 13.5 kilometers should yield an arc of approximately 0.12 degrees—too subtle to perceive with the naked eye. He emphasized that the horizon appears flat not because the Earth is a disc, but due to its immense size. Critics quickly pointed out that the existence of satellite images from space, such as those from Google Earth, contradicts flat-Earth claims. Additionally, the phenomenon of boats disappearing hull-first over the horizon further illustrates the Earth's curvature, reinforcing the scientific consensus on the planet's shape.
Published: Mar 17 2025, 2 amFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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