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In a thought-provoking exploration of the dangers of chemistry, journalist Tom Hale highlights the terrifying potential of certain chemicals that have earned a notorious reputation in the scientific community. While biology is often associated with fearsome creatures and physics with powerful forces, Hale emphasizes that chemistry can be equally alarming, featuring substances that are highly volatile, extremely toxic, and corrosively dangerous. Notably, some of these chemicals were deemed so perilous that they were considered too risky even by the Nazis. Contrary to the belief that such substances are confined to the annals of history or high-security labs, many of these hazardous chemicals are still in use today, raising questions about safety and the responsibilities of chemists in handling these potent materials. The article serves as a reminder of the fine line between scientific advancement and the potential for catastrophic consequences. 
Published: Nov 15 2025, 2 ameznews.inNASA and the China National Space Administration (CNSA) have successfully landed rovers on Mars to investigate the potential for past or present life on the planet. However, certain areas, designated as "special regions," are off-limits for exploration due to international space treaties, specifically the UN Outer Space Treaty of 1967, which aims to prevent contamination of celestial bodies. The Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) has identified these regions, where conditions may support microbial life, necessitating strict planetary protection measures. Recent findings, including potential biosignatures from the Perseverance rover, underscore the importance of these guidelines, as contamination from Earth could compromise the search for extraterrestrial life. While some advocate for relaxing these restrictions to facilitate exploration, experts warn that such actions could hinder our understanding of life detection and pose risks to both Martian ecosystems and future human missions. Thus, caution is advised in exploring these scientifically intriguing yet sensitive areas.
Published: Dec 05 2025, 2 ameznews.inResearchers have unveiled the earliest known cases of two genetic disorders using a novel technique to measure chromosome counts in ancient DNA, which often suffers from degradation and contamination. The study, part of the Thousand Ancient British Genomes project, identified five individuals with sex chromosome aneuploidies, including the first prehistoric evidence of Turner syndrome, dating back 2,500 years, and Jacob's syndrome, from around 1,200 years ago. Turner syndrome is characterized by a single X chromosome, while Jacob's syndrome involves an extra Y chromosome. The findings also revealed three cases of Klinefelter syndrome and an infant with Down syndrome. Lead author Kakia Anastasiadou noted that while the individuals were not found in unusual graves, the research offers insights into historical perceptions of gender identity. The new method also aids in identifying DNA contamination, potentially enhancing the analysis of challenging archaeological remains. The study is published in *Communications Biology*.
Published: Dec 07 2025, 5 ameznews.inNew fossil discoveries have revealed that hippopotamuses thrived in central Europe much later than previously believed, surviving until approximately 47,000 to 31,000 years ago, well into the last ice age. Previously, it was thought that these mammals went extinct around 115,000 years ago due to unfavorable climatic conditions. The findings, based on radiocarbon dating of 19 hippo fossils from the Upper Rhine Graben in Germany, indicate that these hippos coexisted with woolly mammoths and rhinos during a milder climatic phase. Genetic analysis confirmed that these ancient hippos belonged to the same species as modern African hippos, albeit with low genetic diversity, suggesting a small, isolated population. Researchers emphasize the need to reassess other European hippo fossils and explore the survival of other heat-loving species during the ice age, highlighting the complexity of climatic impacts across different regions. The study is published in *Current Biology*.
Published: Dec 02 2025, 9 ameznews.inNew research indicates that fathers' alcohol consumption prior to conception may significantly contribute to brain and facial defects in their children, challenging the long-held focus on maternal drinking. The study, led by Dr. Michael Golding from Texas A&M University, found that paternal alcohol exposure has a more pronounced effect on certain craniofacial differences than maternal exposure. This revelation suggests that both parents should be mindful of their alcohol intake before conception, as fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) can be difficult to diagnose and often relies on maternal reporting, which may be unreliable. The findings, derived from mouse models, highlight the need for a shift in public health messaging, advocating for updated alcohol warning labels that emphasize the risks for both parents. Golding hopes this research will influence alcohol policy and raise awareness about the potential consequences of pre-conception drinking.
Published: Dec 07 2025, 6 ameznews.inNASA's OSIRIS-REx mission has yielded groundbreaking discoveries from the 121 grams of samples collected from Asteroid Bennu, revealing nearly all the essential molecules for life on Earth. In recent studies, scientists led by Yoshihiro Furukawa from Tohoku University identified ribose and glucose sugars, crucial for forming RNA, alongside previously reported nucleotides and amino acids. This marks the first detection of these sugars in an extraterrestrial sample, bolstering theories that meteorites could have contributed to the origins of life. Additionally, researchers Scott Sandford and Zack Gainsforth uncovered a nitrogen-rich polymer, dubbed "space gum," which may represent early chemical processes on Bennu. These findings enhance our understanding of Bennu's complex history and its potential connection to the early solar system, as the asteroid is believed to have originated from a larger parent body that harbored water and heat.
Published: Dec 07 2025, 3 ameznews.inA painting from the 1860s, "The Expected One" by Ferdinand Georg Waldmüller, has sparked online speculation that it depicts a time traveler due to the figure of a woman seemingly holding a modern smartphone. This theory, which has resurfaced periodically since 2017, has been dismissed by experts who clarify that the woman is actually holding a prayer book. Gerald Weinpolter, CEO of an art agency, emphasized that the interpretation of the painting has evolved with technological advancements, highlighting how modern perceptions can alter historical context. Blogger Peter Russell echoed this sentiment, noting that changes in technology significantly influence how artworks are understood. Despite the fanciful theories, the consensus remains that the painting reflects its time, with no evidence of time travel involved.
Published: Dec 07 2025, 4 ameznews.inAstronomers have made a groundbreaking discovery using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), identifying a well-formed spiral galaxy named Alaknanda, which emerged just 1.5 billion years after the Big Bang. This finding, led by Rashi Jain and Yogesh Wadadekar from the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, challenges existing theories of galaxy formation, as Alaknanda exhibits structural maturity akin to galaxies billions of years older. Spanning 30,000 light-years, it features two prominent spiral arms and is currently in a vigorous star-forming phase, producing stars at a rate over 20 times that of the Milky Way. The galaxy's stellar mass is estimated at 16 billion Suns, suggesting a rapid assembly process that contradicts previous models. Jain noted that this discovery compels astronomers to rethink the efficiency of the physical processes driving galaxy formation in the early Universe. The study is published in Astronomy & Astrophysics.
Published: Dec 03 2025, 8 pmeznews.inSelecting astronauts for a Mars mission poses significant challenges, including the risk of never returning and enduring a seven-month journey in a confined spacecraft. A recent study suggests that an all-female crew may be the optimal choice for this historic endeavor. This idea, rooted in a 1950s NASA proposal, highlights that women generally require fewer resources than men due to their smaller body size, which translates to lower oxygen and caloric needs. The study analyzed various metrics, revealing that male astronauts have significantly higher energy and resource requirements, while female astronauts show a marked reduction in these metrics as body size increases. With the push for smaller habitats on Mars, the findings indicate that female crews could enhance mission efficiency, making them a compelling option for the first human landing on the Red Planet. The study is published in *Scientific Reports*.
Published: Dec 07 2025, 1 ameznews.inCharging your phone overnight may seem convenient, but it can adversely affect battery longevity, according to experts. Manufacturers like Huawei advise against prolonged charging, recommending that users maintain their battery levels between 30% and 70% to minimize stress on lithium-ion batteries. This is because charging a nearly full battery can lead to solid electrolyte interface (S.E.I.) buildup, which reduces overall capacity. Apple echoes this sentiment with its optimized charging feature, which keeps the battery below 80%. Additionally, overnight charging poses safety risks, as devices can overheat if placed on flammable surfaces, leading to potential fire hazards. Experts recommend charging phones on stable surfaces to mitigate these risks. To enhance battery life, users should avoid letting their devices drop to 0% and reconsider their overnight charging habits.
Published: Dec 07 2025, 2 ameznews.inResearchers have discovered that the woolly umbrella plant (_Helichrysum umbraculigerum_), a South African species unrelated to cannabis, produces over 40 cannabinoids, including CBG, which shows potential for treating neurological disorders and colon cancer. Unlike cannabis, which requires intensive cultivation for its psychoactive compounds THC and CBD, the woolly umbrella is a fast-growing, commercially viable source of cannabinoids without the intoxicating effects. This discovery, detailed in a study published in *Nature Plants*, highlights the plant's potential for medical applications while avoiding the psychoactive properties that some patients find undesirable. The study's authors, including Dr. Paula Berman, emphasize the need for further research into the therapeutic uses of the newly identified cannabinoids and the ecological roles these compounds may play, as both cannabis and the woolly umbrella have independently evolved to produce them.
Published: Dec 07 2025, 12 amFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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