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On February 7, 1984, astronaut Bruce McCandless II made history as the first person to conduct an untethered spacewalk, a feat accomplished aboard the space shuttle Challenger. Alongside fellow astronaut Bob Stewart, McCandless donned a Manned Maneuvering Unit (MMU) and ventured into the void of space, hurtling at nearly 28,900 kilometers per hour (18,000 miles per hour). Despite the daunting speed, the astronauts experienced a gentler pace due to the MMU's nitrogen thrust. McCandless recalled the tension felt by those watching from mission control, including his wife, and humorously referenced Neil Armstrong's famous moon landing quote, saying, "It may have been a small step for Neil, but it’s a heck of a big leap for me." For McCandless, the experience was a blend of personal elation and professional pride, marking a significant milestone in human space exploration. 
Published: Aug 01 2025, 10 pmeznews.inThe mysterious disappearance of a group of hikers in Siberia has drawn comparisons to the infamous Dyatlov Pass Incident of 1959. In August 1993, seven hikers, led by experienced mountaineer Lyudmila Korovina, set out to traverse the Khamar-Daban mountain range but were caught in severe weather. After failing to meet another group, only one member, Valentina Utochenko, emerged alive, reportedly in a state of distress and covered in dried blood. Utochenko recounted a harrowing tale of her companions suffering from convulsions and bleeding from their eyes and ears before collapsing. Despite various theories, including hypothermia and possible contamination, autopsy reports indicated that several died from hypothermia, with one heart attack. The phenomenon of "paradoxical undressing" may explain the hikers' undressed state, but Utochenko's account remains enigmatic, leaving the true cause of the tragedy shrouded in mystery.
Published: Jul 30 2025, 5 pmeznews.inTrifluoroacetic acid (TFA), a human-made compound, is emerging as a significant "forever chemical" found in various environments, including animal organs, drinking water, and even rain. As part of the per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) group, TFA is notorious for its resistance to degradation, making it highly soluble in water and easily spread throughout ecosystems. While some industry-linked researchers suggest TFA may form naturally, the consensus is that it primarily enters the environment through human activities, particularly as a breakdown product of other PFAS used in manufacturing and cooling systems. Recent studies indicate a concerning rise in TFA levels globally, with significant increases reported in countries like China and the US. Although the health implications of TFA remain unclear, concerns about its potential reproductive toxicity are prompting regulatory actions, with Germany proposing to classify it as a reproductive toxicant under EU law, a move that may influence other nations, including the US.
Published: Jul 30 2025, 1 pmeznews.inIn a fascinating twist on alchemy, scientists have discovered that gold can be created in a laboratory setting, albeit through complex and energy-intensive processes. Most of Earth's gold originated from cosmic events, such as supernovae and neutron star collisions, which fused lighter elements into heavy metals. Modern techniques, including nuclear reactions and particle accelerators, can replicate this phenomenon, allowing the transformation of elements like mercury and platinum into gold. For instance, experiments at CERN's Large Hadron Collider have shown that smashing lead nuclei can produce fleeting amounts of gold. However, these methods are highly inefficient and costly, with estimates suggesting it could take over a quadrillion dollars to produce just one ounce of gold. Nobel Prize-winning chemist Glenn Seaborg's experiments in the 1980s demonstrated the feasibility of this process, but he noted it was far from a lucrative venture.
Published: Jul 29 2025, 8 pmeznews.inA groundbreaking study has shed light on the complexities of human memory by examining how the brain categorizes and recalls visual memories. Researchers from the University of Southern California utilized brain activity recordings and machine learning techniques to analyze the hippocampus's role in memory organization. The study involved 24 epilepsy patients with implanted electrodes, allowing scientists to monitor neuronal activity while participants recalled images from five categories: animals, plants, buildings, vehicles, and small tools. Remarkably, the team was able to decode the specific category of images the patients were remembering based solely on their brain signals, confirming the brain's ability to sort memories into categories. This research not only enhances our understanding of memory but also paves the way for developing clinical tools aimed at restoring memory loss, such as memory prostheses. Future studies will explore broader categories and real-world memory storage dynamics, as many mysteries about memory remain.
Published: Aug 02 2025, 8 ameznews.inResearchers have revealed that "space hurricanes," massive vortices of electrically charged particles, are occurring at Earth's poles and can disrupt GPS signals. These phenomena, first identified in 2021, exhibit characteristics similar to terrestrial hurricanes, including spiral arms and cyclonic motion, but are composed of plasma rather than air. A study focusing on a space hurricane from 2014 demonstrated that these events can inject energy comparable to magnetic storms, leading to geomagnetic disturbances and phase scintillation in Global Navigation Satellite Systems, which compromises navigation accuracy. Between 2005 and 2016, 329 space hurricanes were recorded in the Northern Hemisphere and 259 in the Southern Hemisphere, with occurrences influenced by the solar cycle and Earth's magnetic field. The findings, published in the journal *Space Weather*, underscore the need for further research into these intriguing space weather events.
Published: Aug 01 2025, 9 pmeznews.inThe latest issue of CURIOUS, Issue 36, is now available, featuring a range of science highlights and in-depth explorations of fascinating topics. The cover story delves into the intriguing world of fossil forgery, examining how to distinguish genuine prehistoric artifacts from fakes. A deep dive investigates the reasons behind varying singing abilities, questioning whether talent is innate or can be cultivated. The magazine also revisits the unusual practice of using frogs for pregnancy tests, a method popular until the 1960s. Additionally, readers can explore the enigmatic Plain of Jars in Laos, home to thousands of ancient stone jars linked to burial customs. An exclusive interview with Professor Sadiah Qureshi offers insights into her new book, _Vanished: An Unnatural History of Extinction_. The issue is packed with news, diary dates, and recommendations for what to see, watch, and read this month.
Published: Aug 01 2025, 3 pmeznews.inA groundbreaking study has revealed that the movement of molecules within glass and similar materials may exhibit time-reversibility, challenging conventional understandings of the second law of thermodynamics, which states that systems tend toward disorder. Researchers from the Technical University of Darmstadt investigated the physical aging of glass, noting that while the material appears solid, its molecules can rearrange themselves over time, affecting its properties. Using advanced laser technology, the team observed that these molecular fluctuations could be reversed, suggesting a unique "material time" that ticks differently than conventional time. However, study author Till Böhmer emphasized that this does not imply the aging process can be reversed. The findings raise intriguing questions about the potential universality of this time-reversibility in other materials and its implications for the fundamental laws of physics. The study was published in *Nature Physics*, and further research is anticipated to explore these phenomena.
Published: Aug 01 2025, 4 pmeznews.inThirty thousand years ago, _Homo sapiens_ emerged as the last surviving human species, following the extinction of _Homo neanderthalensis_. The fate of Neanderthals, explored in BBC Studios' new series _Human_, reveals a grim narrative, particularly highlighted by the El Sidrón Cave in northern Spain. Here, the remains of 13 Neanderthal family members were discovered, showing signs of violent deaths, cannibalism, and inbreeding-related congenital anomalies. These findings illustrate the dire circumstances faced by the Neanderthals, who struggled for survival during the Ice Age. As _Homo sapiens_ re-entered the region, competition for resources intensified, leading to the decline of Neanderthal populations. Executive producer Paul Overton described the cave as a haunting site that encapsulates the tragic story of a family driven to extinction. The series _Human_ airs on BBC Two and PBS, offering a deeper look into this poignant chapter of human history.
Published: Aug 02 2025, 3 ameznews.inA chikungunya virus outbreak in China's Guangdong Province has raised concerns among US health authorities, prompting the CDC to consider issuing a travel advisory. The virus, transmitted by _Aedes_ mosquitoes, has been increasingly prevalent since its identification in the 1950s. Symptoms typically appear four to eight days post-infection and include sudden fever and severe joint pain, which can persist for months. While there is no specific treatment, two vaccines—IXCHIQ and VIMKUNYA—are available in the US, and vaccination is recommended for travelers to affected areas. Foshan has reported over 5,000 cases, leading local health officials to elevate their emergency response. Although most cases are mild, the outbreak's scale has caught the attention of global health officials. A recent study suggests that climate change may shift high-risk zones for chikungunya in China, potentially expanding the threat beyond Guangdong.
Published: Aug 02 2025, 4 ameznews.inIn a remarkable display of survival strategy, boxer crabs, or _Lybia edmondsoni_, have been filmed "cloning" their living anemone gloves for the first time, a behavior highlighted in the new BBC series _Parenthood_ narrated by Sir David Attenborough. These crabs utilize the stinging power of the anemone _Triactis producta_ to protect their approximately 1,000 eggs from predators. If a crab loses one anemone, it can tear the remaining one in half to create a second glove, a process that has led to low genetic diversity among the anemones as they asexually reproduce. While the boxer crabs are small, with a carapace measuring just 13 millimeters, they boast a striking exoskeleton adorned with colorful patterns. The series, which explores various parenting strategies in the animal kingdom, airs on BBC One on August 3 at 7.20 pm BST, with all episodes available on BBC iPlayer.
Published: Jul 29 2025, 4 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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