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In a shocking revelation, it has come to light that the U.S. military conducted simulated biological warfare tests on its own citizens, including a significant operation in San Francisco. Between the end of World War II and the late 1960s, the military carried out 239 secret open-air tests, using harmless bacteria as stand-ins for more lethal agents. One of the largest experiments, Operation Sea-Spray, involved spraying the bacteria _Serratia marcescens_ and _Bacillus globigii_ from a Navy ship, exposing approximately 800,000 residents to these microbes. While initially deemed harmless, _S. marcescens_ is now known to cause infections, leading to at least one death and multiple hospitalizations. The military's experiments extended beyond San Francisco, with similar tests conducted across the U.S. and the U.K., raising serious ethical concerns about public safety and the implications of such covert operations. 
Published: Jan 02 2025, 4 ameznews.inA recent video by Randall Munroe, the creator of xkcd, explores the whimsical idea of placing a swimming pool on the Moon, suggesting it could offer a unique experience for astronauts. Despite the Moon's low gravity, buoyancy would still allow astronauts to float in the water, making swimming feel similar to that on Earth. However, the reduced gravity would lead to larger waves and the possibility of leaping out of the water like dolphins, a playful twist on the Apollo missions. Additionally, a 2012 study indicates that humans could potentially run on water in the Moon's gravity, provided they weigh under 73 kilograms (160 pounds) and utilize specific techniques. This imaginative concept highlights the fun and scientific possibilities of lunar exploration, suggesting that future missions could include more than just scientific endeavors.
Published: Dec 31 2024, 9 pmeznews.inInvasive hybrid pythons in Florida's Everglades are proving to be a significant ecological threat, exhibiting "hybrid vigor" that enhances their adaptability and predatory skills. Research has revealed that many of these snakes are hybrids of Burmese (_Python bivittatus_) and Indian pythons (_P. molurus_), introduced to Florida in the 1970s, with their population surging after Hurricane Andrew in 1992. This interbreeding has resulted in hybrids that are better suited to the local environment, leading to a dramatic decline in native species, including a 99.3% drop in raccoon populations since 1997. Despite ongoing control efforts, the snakes' effective camouflage and secretive behavior complicate management strategies. Scientists are now employing genetic analysis to better understand these invasive predators, aiming to develop more effective conservation strategies in the face of this growing threat.
Published: Jan 01 2025, 6 ameznews.inWhen you close your eyes, you may notice swirling patterns and flashes of light, known as "phosphenes." These visual sensations occur due to the normal functioning of the eyes, which continue to generate weak internal signals in the absence of light. According to Katrina Schmid, an Associate Professor at Queensland University of Technology, these signals are interpreted by the brain as light, creating the illusion of colors and patterns. While phosphenes are typically harmless, they can also indicate underlying issues such as retinal detachment or neurological conditions, especially if the patterns change or become more pronounced. It is advisable to consult a medical professional if you experience persistent or altered visual disturbances. The article emphasizes that while these phenomena are common, they should not replace professional medical advice.
Published: Jan 05 2025, 2 ameznews.inAn astronaut aboard the International Space Station (ISS) recently captured a striking image of the Trou au Natron volcanic caldera in northern Chad, which resembles a giant skull. Taken on February 12, 2023, and shared by NASA Earth Observatory on Halloween, the photograph reveals the caldera's 1,000-meter depth and irregular diameter of 6 to 8 kilometers, with a white salt crust made of natron covering its base. The dark features resembling eyes and a nose are actually cinder cones formed around volcanic vents. Located in the remote Tibesti Mountains, the area is home to diverse wildlife, including golden jackals and fennec foxes, and is the ancestral land of the semi-nomadic Toubou people. Despite its intriguing geology, the caldera remains poorly understood due to its isolation and the surrounding political instability. Trou au Natron was once a glacial lake approximately 14,000 years ago.
Published: Jan 05 2025, 3 ameznews.inLieutenant Colonel William Rankin's harrowing experience inside a cumulonimbus cloud on July 26, 1959, marks one of the rarest survival stories in aviation history. While flying at 14,300 meters, Rankin's F-8 Crusader jet suffered an engine failure, forcing him to eject into the frigid, oxygen-deprived atmosphere. Without a pressure suit, he faced immediate peril as he entered the storm cloud, where he was violently tossed by powerful updrafts and threatened by hail and lightning. For 40 agonizing minutes, Rankin endured the chaos, relying on an automatic parachute deployment system to avoid pulling the cord too early. Eventually, he was released from the storm and landed in a tree, suffering from frostbite and decompression injuries but ultimately surviving. Rankin, who passed away in 2009, remains one of only two individuals known to have survived such a terrifying ordeal.
Published: Jan 05 2025, 12 ameznews.inA curious feature found on male anatomy, the perineal raphe, runs from the penis through the scrotum to the anus, often prompting questions about its origin. This seam-like structure, which varies in shape and thickness among individuals, is a remnant from fetal development, forming around seven weeks into gestation. Prior to this stage, male and female fetuses exhibit similar genital structures. As male fetuses develop, testosterone triggers the fusion of urogenital swellings, leading to the formation of the scrotum and the underside of the penis. The raphe serves as a reminder of our shared embryonic origins, as it is also present in females, extending from the anus to the labia majora. Thus, the raphe is not a sign of surgical intervention but rather a natural aspect of human anatomy.
Published: Jan 05 2025, 1 ameznews.inAustralian researchers are making strides towards a breakthrough blood test for endometriosis, a condition affecting approximately 190 million women globally. Currently, diagnosis often requires invasive laparoscopic surgery, leading to an average wait of seven years for women to receive a definitive diagnosis while enduring debilitating symptoms. The proposed blood test, named PromarkerEndo, identifies a signature of ten proteins associated with the disease, potentially allowing for earlier and non-invasive detection. This advancement could significantly reduce the time and costs associated with diagnosing endometriosis, which can severely impact quality of life and fertility. The study, published in the journal *Human Reproduction*, highlights the urgent need for improved diagnostic tools for conditions affecting women's reproductive health, which have historically received insufficient attention. Further testing is underway to enhance the test's reliability for clinical use.
Published: Jan 03 2025, 9 pmeznews.inA peculiar yellow fungus known as "witch's butter," or *Tremella mesenterica*, has been spotted on trees, once believed to signify a witch's curse if found on a family's door. This jelly-like fungus, resembling a small yellow brain, thrives year-round but is most common in winter, feeding on wood-rotting fungi like rosy crust fungus. While it is technically edible and sometimes used in Chinese soups, its lack of flavor makes it unpopular among foragers. Interestingly, witch's butter has gained attention for its potential medicinal properties, with research exploring its effects on immune function, diabetes, and antioxidant activity. Additionally, it has inspired a niche following for its unique sounds, featured in viral ASMR videos. As such, witch's butter may transform from a symbol of superstition to a source of scientific interest and culinary curiosity.
Published: Jan 04 2025, 7 ameznews.inIn the latest episode of _Break It Down_, significant scientific developments are highlighted, including the remarkable recovery of the Saiga antelope, marking one of the most notable mammal comebacks recorded. The episode also anticipates a rare astronomical event involving the Coronae Borealis nova, alongside eerie predictions made a century ago that are expected to materialize in 2025. Additionally, an undersea volcano off the US West Coast is predicted to erupt soon, while scientists celebrate a groundbreaking achievement in giraffe IVF with the first successful embryo milestone. The episode commemorates 100 years since Edwin Hubble's pivotal discovery that revealed the vastness of the universe. Listeners can access the podcast on various platforms, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify, to stay updated on these exciting scientific advancements.
Published: Jan 04 2025, 1 pmeznews.inA polar vortex is set to bring severe cold weather to the United States this January, affecting millions from the Central Plains to the Mid-Atlantic. A winter storm is expected to deliver significant snow and ice from January 4 to 6, with temperatures plunging as low as sub-zero in some areas, including Florida. The National Weather Service warns of dangerous wind chills and heavy snowfall across the Appalachians, Ohio Valley, and Northeast. This weather phenomenon, which occurs when a band of cold air expands from the North Pole, could lead to the coldest January in over a decade, with potential impacts on Florida's citrus crops and the infamous falling iguanas. While the polar vortex is a regular winter occurrence, this year's conditions may be particularly extreme, prompting caution for those venturing outdoors or driving in the frigid temperatures.
Published: Jan 04 2025, 4 amFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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