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A resurgence of New World Screwworm (NWS) fly larvae (_Cochliomyia hominivorax_) has prompted concerns in southern Mexico, where the larvae were discovered in a single cow, breaking a 34-year eradication streak. This outbreak, believed to be linked to illegal cattle trade across Central and South America, poses a potential threat to the United States. Wildlife Conservation Society's Jeremy Radachowsky highlighted the rapid spread of the parasite, which can travel nearly 700 miles in just two and a half months. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has urged vigilance among residents for signs of NWS infections, which can include behavior changes, loss of appetite, and the presence of larvae in wounds. The USDA's successful eradication strategy, the sterile insect technique, has historically controlled NWS populations, but officials stress the need for caution until the threat is contained. Residents are advised to use insect repellent and cover wounds outdoors. 
Published: Jan 06 2025, 11 pmeznews.inThe horseshoe crab, a marine creature that has existed for 445 million years, possesses highly valuable blue blood, crucial for vaccine safety. Unlike human blood, which contains iron, the copper-rich blood of the Atlantic horseshoe crab (_Limulus polyphemus_) is used in Limulus Amebocyte Lysate tests to detect bacterial contamination in vaccines, fetching around $15,000 per liter. This unique blood contains amebocytes that can identify bacterial endotoxins at extremely low levels, protecting both the crabs and vaccine recipients. However, overharvesting for this blood has led to population declines, with estimates suggesting that 10 to 30 percent of harvested crabs do not survive the process. Additionally, females may breed less after being bled, further threatening their recovery. As the search for sustainable alternatives, such as synthetic testing methods, intensifies, the future of these ancient creatures remains uncertain.
Published: Jan 08 2025, 8 ameznews.inThe phenomenon of wrinkled fingers after prolonged exposure to water is not merely due to skin absorbing moisture, as human skin is waterproof. Instead, it involves a complex interaction with the nervous system. Research dating back to 1935 revealed that individuals with severed median nerves do not experience this wrinkling, suggesting a neurological basis for the effect. The median nerve, part of the sympathetic nervous system, regulates involuntary functions like sweating, which may trigger the wrinkling response. This adaptation is thought to enhance grip in wet conditions, acting like "tire treads" that improve contact with objects. The wrinkles create channels that help drain water away, reducing slippage when handling wet items. This evolutionary trait likely provided early humans with a survival advantage while foraging, making it easier to grasp slippery objects.
Published: Jan 08 2025, 4 ameznews.inOn January 23, 1556, the Shaanxi earthquake struck northwest China, marking what is considered the deadliest day in human history, with an estimated death toll of 830,000. The earthquake, which registered a magnitude between 8 and 8.3, primarily affected the city of Huaxian and resulted in widespread destruction, with many victims perishing from collapsing buildings and landslides. The aftermath saw further casualties due to disease and famine. Despite not being the strongest earthquake recorded, its catastrophic impact remains unparalleled, especially when considering the global population of less than half a billion at the time. Comparatively, the deadliest day of warfare occurred during the US bombing raid on Tokyo in 1945, which killed around 100,000 people, while the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki resulted in approximately 66,000 and 39,000 deaths, respectively. The Shaanxi earthquake's toll has yet to be surpassed in a single day.
Published: Jan 04 2025, 4 ameznews.inThis January, stargazers can enjoy a spectacular display as four out of the five visible planets—Venus, Saturn, Jupiter, and Mars—align in the night sky. Throughout the month, these planets will be easily visible to the naked eye, with Venus shining brightly in the west after sunset. Saturn, while less luminous, can be spotted near Venus, particularly on January 17 and 18 when the two will appear in conjunction. Jupiter will dominate the celestial dome, and Mars will reach its peak brightness on January 16 during opposition. Even in light-polluted areas, these planets can be distinguished from stars, as they do not twinkle and follow the ecliptic line. For those equipped with telescopes, Uranus and Neptune can also be observed between Saturn and Jupiter. Mercury will join the lineup in mid-February, completing the planetary visibility for the season.
Published: Jan 07 2025, 9 pmeznews.inThe recent freezing weather across parts of the United States can be attributed to the polar vortex, a low-pressure system of cold air that swirls above the North Pole. This phenomenon, which is closely linked to the polar jet stream, can become disturbed, allowing frigid air to escape and plunge into lower latitudes, particularly during winter months. As a result, many areas in the eastern US are experiencing significant cold and heavy snowfall, while the western regions enjoy milder temperatures. Scientists are improving their ability to predict polar vortex disturbances, relying on atmospheric patterns and stratospheric winds, but forecasting remains challenging. Despite predictions in December 2024 suggesting a strong polar vortex for the winter, the reality has proven different, highlighting the complexities of weather systems.
Published: Jan 07 2025, 5 pmeznews.inA groundbreaking discovery in Hungary has revealed the grave of a 1,100-year-old female, designated SH-63, buried with weapons typically associated with male warriors, including armor-piercing arrowheads and a bow. Found in the Sárrétudvari–Hízóföld cemetery, this burial is unique as it combines both male and female grave goods, raising questions about her identity and role in society. While the presence of weapons might suggest she was a warrior, researchers caution against jumping to conclusions, noting that warrior status is complex and often defined by social and legal contexts. Morphological and genetic analyses confirmed her sex, and her skeletal injuries resemble those of male skeletons from the site, hinting at a similar lifestyle. This finding marks the first instance of a female burial with weapons from the 10th-century Carpathian Basin, prompting further debate on the role of women in ancient warrior cultures. The study is published in PLoS ONE.
Published: Jan 07 2025, 10 pmeznews.inNew research has cast doubt on the long-held belief that Rujm el-Hiri, also known as the "Wheel of Ghosts" or the "Levantine Stonehenge," served as an astronomical observatory. Located in the Golan Heights and dating back 5,000 years, this massive megalithic structure features a central cairn surrounded by concentric basalt circles. A recent study revealed that tectonic movements have caused the site to shift approximately 40 meters over the past 4,000 years, suggesting that its original alignment with celestial bodies is no longer valid. Consequently, the researchers concluded that the monument was unlikely to have been used for astronomical purposes. The true reason for its construction remains elusive, paralleling the discovery of a similar labyrinthine structure in Crete, which may have served as a ceremonial space. The findings were published in the journal Remote Sensing, reigniting debates about the purpose of this ancient site.
Published: Jan 07 2025, 6 pmeznews.inNewly released documents have shed light on the CIA's controversial MKUltra program, which aimed to develop mind control techniques through drugs and psychological manipulation from the 1950s to the 1970s. Published by the Digital National Security Archive at George Washington University, the collection includes over 1,200 records, many sourced from John Marks, a former State Department official. Notable findings include a 1952 memo detailing Project Artichoke's use of drug-induced hypnosis on suspected Russian agents, and a 1953 document revealing the CIA's reliance on LSD, primarily sourced from Eli Lilly. The documents also reference the mysterious death of Army chemist Frank Olson, who died shortly after being dosed with LSD, raising questions about the program's ethical implications. Despite the CIA's attempts to destroy MKUltra files in 1973, these records provide a troubling glimpse into a dark chapter of U.S. history, highlighting the agency's long-standing efforts to manipulate the human mind.
Published: Jan 07 2025, 10 pmeznews.inThe prospect of dying in space raises complex logistical challenges for agencies like NASA, which has developed protocols for such unfortunate events. Astronaut Chris Hadfield notes that if a death occurs during a spacewalk, the body would be brought inside the airlock and kept in the pressurized suit to mitigate decomposition and unpleasant odors. On the International Space Station (ISS), remains could be temporarily stored in a cooler area before options like return to Earth or disposal in space are considered. For lunar missions, the situation is less clear; NASA prefers cremation to prevent contamination of extraterrestrial environments. If cremation isn't feasible, bodies could be left on the Moon, where they would not decompose as they would on Earth, potentially becoming "Moon mummies" due to extreme temperature fluctuations and lack of bacteria. Ultimately, dying in space presents significant challenges, making Earth the preferable option for such an event.
Published: Jan 07 2025, 10 pmeznews.inIn the heart of the Congo Rainforest, tales of the Bondo or Bili ape—a purportedly ferocious giant ape—have captivated imaginations for decades. Described as standing the height of a man and nesting on the ground like gorillas, these creatures have gained a reputation for being lion-killers. Initial investigations, notably by Swiss conservationist Karl Ammann in 1996, uncovered unusual skulls that suggested a possible new species. Subsequent expeditions, including one led by Dr. Shelly Williams in the early 2000s, fueled sensational media reports. However, doubts emerged when primatologist Dr. Cleve Hicks observed the apes in 2006, concluding they were not a new species but rather a unique population of eastern chimpanzees (_Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii_). While their behavior, including ground nesting and tool use, is intriguing, claims of lion predation remain unverified, leaving the true nature of these enigmatic apes shrouded in mystery.
Published: Jan 07 2025, 11 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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