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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 new study suggests that the genetic foundations for human language capabilities emerged at least 135,000 years ago, when all _Homo sapiens_ belonged to a single tribe. As this group diversified into regional populations, their shared capacity for verbal and symbolic communication likely played a crucial role in the development of modern human behavior and culture by around 100,000 years ago. Despite _H. sapiens_ existing for approximately 230,000 years, complex behaviors such as funerary practices and art became widespread only in the last 65,000 years, a period referred to as the "great leap forward." The researchers analyzed data from 15 genetic studies, concluding that the initial division of populations, represented by the Khoisan peoples of Southern Africa, occurred around 135,000 years ago. This suggests that language capabilities must have developed before this division, potentially driving the emergence of modern behaviors. The findings are published in the journal *Frontiers in Psychology*.
Published: Mar 17 2025, 9 pmeznews.inA recent study from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health highlights the health implications of reducing ultra-processed foods (UPFs) in diets, which account for over half of the calories consumed in US homes. UPFs, which include items like burgers, chips, and even some breads, are often high in unhealthy fats, sugars, and sodium. The study involved 14 participants, primarily women, who were overweight and motivated to change their eating habits. Over eight weeks, they attended weekly sessions focused on meal planning and preparation, resulting in an average weight loss of 3.5 kilograms and a reduction in daily calorie intake. While participants reported satisfaction and a decrease in UPF consumption, the study's small sample size and self-reported data limit its generalizability. The authors emphasize the need for broader public health policies alongside individual interventions to effectively reduce UPF intake in the population.
Published: Mar 14 2025, 11 pmeznews.inA 29-year-old man was hospitalized after inserting 15 boiled eggs into his rectum while under the influence of GHB, a drug known for its use in chemsex and as a date-rape drug. The incident, detailed in a recent case report in The Dutch Journal of Medicine, began when the man arrived at the emergency room with acute stomach pain, rapid heartbeat, and difficulty breathing. A CT scan revealed a perforation in his sigmoid colon and significant abdominal fluid, prompting doctors to perform an emergency laparotomy. The surgery involved removing the eggs and cleaning the abdominal cavity, which had been contaminated due to fecal leakage. Fortunately, the patient was discharged a few days later in stable condition, although medical professionals strongly advise against such dangerous practices.
Published: Mar 17 2025, 10 pmeznews.inFirefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost lunar lander successfully touched down on the Moon's Mare Crisium region on March 2, 2025, as part of a NASA-funded initiative. The mission has since provided unprecedented footage of its landing, including the first-ever visuals of a lunar lander's engine plumes interacting with the surface. Captured at 8 frames per second by the SCALPSS 1.1 instrument, the footage reveals the lander's descent from 28 meters, showcasing how its thrusters stirred up lunar dust before a smooth touchdown. Project manager Rob Maddock noted that the over 3,000 images collected will enhance understanding of plume-surface interactions, crucial for future lunar missions. Blue Ghost's objectives include investigating lunar heat flow and crustal fields, alongside technology tests. The lander transmitted a stunning lunar sunset on March 16 before entering the extreme cold of the lunar night, leaving behind valuable data for future exploration.
Published: Mar 17 2025, 8 pmeznews.inThe Kola Superdeep Borehole, a rusted metal cap in the Russian wilderness, was once a remarkable feat of engineering during the Cold War, serving as a geological portal into Earth's crust. Located on the Kola Peninsula, the borehole reached a staggering depth of 12,263 meters (40,230 feet), surpassing even the Mariana Trench. Initiated in 1970, the project aimed to explore the Earth's crust but was halted in 1992 due to extreme temperatures and the collapse of the Soviet Union. Despite its abandonment, the borehole yielded significant scientific discoveries, including the presence of water in deep rocks and fossilized microorganisms. The site has since fallen into disrepair, with rumors of its destruction circulating. As geopolitical rivalries continue, China has recently launched its own ambitious drilling project, reflecting ongoing global interest in Earth's mysteries. The Kola Superdeep Borehole remains a symbol of scientific ambition and Cold War competition.
Published: Mar 15 2025, 8 pmeznews.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 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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