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A patient in Louisiana has become severely ill from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), marking the first serious human case of bird flu in the U.S. since the outbreak began in 2024, according to the CDC. The virus has shown mutations affecting its ability to attach to cells, identified as the D1.1 genotype, distinct from strains affecting livestock. Genetic analysis revealed mutations in the hemagglutinin (HA) gene, which occurred post-infection, suggesting they arose during the patient's illness rather than prior to transmission. While the CDC acknowledges these mutations are concerning, they emphasize that the overall risk to the public remains low. The agency highlights the importance of genomic surveillance and containment measures for avian influenza outbreaks, noting that there have been 66 confirmed human cases since the outbreak began, predominantly in California. 
Published: Dec 28 2024, 6 pmeznews.inArchaeologists have uncovered evidence of a rare human sacrifice within a Moche burial site in Peru, revealing that two teenagers, likely related to the high-status woman known as Señora de Cao, were strangled and interred alongside their family members approximately 1,500 years ago. Genetic analysis indicates that the adolescents were the niece and nephew of Señora de Cao, who was buried with other high-status individuals in Huaca Cao Viejo. This discovery sheds light on the Moche culture, known for its complex social hierarchy and ritual practices, despite the absence of written records. The findings suggest that the sacrifices may have been a dignified ritual reserved for those of higher societal status, potentially indicating a familial bond between the sacrificed teens and their father. This unprecedented insight into Moche customs highlights the intricate relationships and burial practices of this ancient civilization, as detailed in a study published in the journal PNAS.
Published: Dec 27 2024, 9 pmeznews.inThe concept of photographic memory, often romanticized in popular culture, lacks scientific backing, according to Professor Jon Simons, a cognitive neuroscientist at the University of Cambridge. While many, including historical figures like Leonardo da Vinci and Bill Clinton, claim to possess this ability, true photographic memory—defined as perfect recall of images or text—has not been substantiated by research. Instead, Simons refers to "eidetic memory," which allows for vivid recall of images, primarily seen in children, with only 2-10% exhibiting this trait. A 2023 case study suggested a rare instance of eidetic memory in an adult with epilepsy, hinting at potential neurological links. Although photographic memory remains a myth, individuals can enhance their visual memory through techniques like the Method of Loci. Ongoing research aims to unravel the complexities of memory, offering insights into exceptional recall abilities and their neurological underpinnings.
Published: Dec 29 2024, 5 ameznews.inConcerns are mounting over Kessler Syndrome, a phenomenon where the increasing amount of space debris could lead to catastrophic collisions in Earth's orbit. Currently, around 13,000 satellites, including over 10,000 active ones, are orbiting the planet at speeds exceeding 6 miles per second, contributing to a growing problem of space junk. The concept, introduced by astrophysicist Don Kessler in the 1970s, suggests that collisions will generate more debris, creating a domino effect that could reach a critical mass. With the recent surge in satellite launches, particularly by SpaceX's Starlink, experts warn of the unintended consequences of such rapid expansion. The potential for even small pieces of debris to cause significant damage raises alarms for both astronauts and essential satellite functions on Earth. In response, scientists advocate for a circular space economy and responsible disposal methods to mitigate the risks associated with this crowded celestial environment.
Published: Dec 29 2024, 2 ameznews.inScientists at Northern Arizona University have issued a stark warning about the potential for a public health crisis due to antibiotic resistance, predicting that deaths from E. coli could surge by up to 46 times within five years if no action is taken. Their research, which models the impact of a hypothetical pan-resistant strain of E. coli on sepsis mortality rates, suggests a rapid and alarming increase in fatalities, contrasting with the gradual changes typically anticipated. Lead author Benjamin Koch emphasized that the emergence of such resistant strains is not a question of "if" but "when." The study highlights the urgent need for coordinated global efforts to combat antibiotic resistance, which currently causes over a million deaths annually and could double by 2050. While individual actions, such as responsible antibiotic use, are crucial, researchers are also exploring innovative treatments, including new classes of antibiotics and phage therapy, to address this escalating threat.
Published: Dec 29 2024, 3 ameznews.inIn a groundbreaking demonstration of telesurgery, a pig in Hong Kong underwent an endoscopy operated remotely from 9,300 kilometers away in Zurich, Switzerland. Researchers from ETH Zurich and The Chinese University of Hong Kong utilized advanced robotic technology and a high-speed internet connection to conduct the procedure, with doctoral student Alexandre Mesot controlling the endoscope via a PlayStation controller, experiencing only a 300-millisecond delay. The specially designed endoscope, capable of bending 180 degrees and navigating through a magnetic field, allowed for precise tissue sampling from the pig's stomach. This innovative approach could pave the way for minimally invasive procedures in humans, potentially enhancing comfort and reducing sedation needs. Professor Bradley Nelson of ETH Zurich expressed hopes for future human trials, emphasizing the technology's potential in gastrointestinal procedures. The study has been published in the journal Advanced Intelligent Systems, marking a significant advancement in remote surgical capabilities.
Published: Dec 28 2024, 10 pmeznews.inStarting June 17, 2025, commercial air tours over Canyon de Chelly National Monument in Northeastern Arizona will be prohibited under new conservation rules established by the National Park Service (NPS) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This decision follows the completion of an Air Tour Management Plan aimed at safeguarding the area's natural and cultural resources, which hold significant spiritual importance for the Navajo Nation. The monument, one of North America's longest continuously inhabited regions, has been home to various Indigenous peoples for approximately 5,000 years. Park Superintendent Lyn Carranza emphasized that the ban on air tours honors the unique relationship between the Navajo Nation and the park, while preserving its archaeological landscape. Although aerial tours will cease, visitors can still explore the area through ranger-led and Navajo-guided tours.
Published: Dec 28 2024, 2 pmeznews.inIn a groundbreaking development for reproductive health, a baby has been born in Lima, Peru, using a pioneering technique called Fertilo, which employs ovarian support cell (OSC) technology to mature eggs outside the body. Dr. Dina Radenkovic, CEO of Gameto, the company behind Fertilo, hailed this as the world's first live birth conceived through this method, which aims to address the challenges of traditional in vitro fertilization (IVF), such as lengthy treatment cycles and significant side effects. The Fertilo method reduces the hormone injection period from 10-14 days to just three, minimizing risks like ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and making the process less invasive and more affordable. With regulatory approvals in several countries and ongoing Phase 3 trials in the US, Fertilo represents a significant advancement in fertility treatment, offering renewed hope to families facing reproductive challenges.
Published: Dec 24 2024, 8 pmeznews.inGoogle has unveiled its top searches for 2024, highlighting a year marked by significant global events and concerns. Dominating the search trends were sports, particularly football and cricket, alongside notable figures like Donald Trump and Princess Kate, the latter likely due to her cancer diagnosis and a royal photo controversy. In the U.S., the election cycle was a major focus, with Trump leading searches over Kamala Harris. Worryingly, extreme weather events, including excessive heat and Hurricane Milton, topped the global news search list, reflecting growing climate concerns. The most-searched deceased individuals included Liam Payne and Toby Keith, while Google Maps revealed Central Park as the most-viewed park worldwide. The comprehensive data can be explored further on Google Trends, offering insights into public interests and anxieties throughout the year.
Published: Dec 28 2024, 8 pmeznews.inThe presence of air in potato chip packets, often perceived as excessive, serves crucial purposes, primarily protecting the chips from crushing during transport and accommodating atmospheric pressure changes, especially during air travel. However, rather than regular air, manufacturers use nitrogen, which prevents oxidation and keeps chips fresh and crunchy. Despite this, artist Henry Hargreaves conducted an informal experiment suggesting that the air-filled packaging may not be as effective as claimed, finding that chips with more air were more prone to breakage. He advocates for vacuum-sealing as a more efficient method for transport, which could also reduce the carbon footprint associated with transporting excess air. While the industry maintains its practices for quality preservation, Hargreaves' findings raise questions about the necessity of current packaging methods and their environmental impact.
Published: Dec 23 2024, 11 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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