eznews.in
New Mexico health officials have confirmed the death of Betsy Arakawa, a classical pianist and businesswoman, from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), a rare but serious disease. Erin Phipps, a state public health veterinarian, emphasized the ongoing public health threat posed by hantavirus, which is primarily transmitted through contact with deer mice. Symptoms of HPS can initially resemble flu-like illnesses, including fatigue, fever, and muscle aches, but can escalate to severe respiratory issues, with a mortality rate of approximately 38% among those who develop respiratory symptoms. There is no specific treatment for HPS; recovery relies on supportive care and early intervention. Since monitoring began in 1993, the U.S. has reported 834 cases, with New Mexico accounting for 129 cases since 1975. Preventative measures include rodent control and proper cleanup of contaminated areas. 
Published: Mar 10 2025, 7 pmeznews.inMale blue-lined octopi (_Hapalochlaena fasciata_) have been observed using their venom not only for defense and hunting but also during mating, where they bite the female's aorta to sedate her. This unusual behavior, documented by a team led by Dr. Wen-Sung Chung at the Queensland Brain Institute, allows males to mate without the risk of being rejected or attacked by the females, who, despite producing the same neurotoxin, tetrodotoxin (TTX), are not immune to its effects. The males' bites induce a state of asphyxia in the females, slowing their breathing and causing them to turn pale, while the males' breathing rate increases significantly during mating. This strategy enables the males to escape after transferring sperm, although it raises questions about the evolutionary benefits, as males typically mate only once. The study highlights a complex interplay of seduction and survival in the octopus world, with implications for understanding sexual dynamics in other species.
Published: Mar 10 2025, 10 pmeznews.inLast week, North America experienced a rare celestial event as the Moon transformed into a striking blood-red hue during a total lunar eclipse, an occurrence that happens approximately every two and a half years. This phenomenon, known as a "Blood Moon," occurs when the Earth positions itself between the Sun and the Moon, blocking most sunlight from reaching the lunar surface. The red coloration results from Rayleigh scattering, where blue light is scattered more effectively by the Earth's atmosphere, allowing only red light to illuminate the Moon. Viewers in North America were advised to stay up late to witness the totality phase, which occurred around 06:26 am UTC, lasting nearly an hour. While the eclipse was visible across North and South America, only the initial phase was observable in parts of Europe and Africa. The next opportunity to see a Blood Moon will be on September 7, 2025.
Published: Mar 10 2025, 11 pmeznews.inA remarkable archaeological discovery in Jerusalem has revealed a fifth-century female skeleton, previously thought to belong to a male ascetic, shackled with heavy iron chains and weighted down with plates. This finding challenges the long-held belief that extreme ascetic practices, aimed at spiritual purification, were exclusively male pursuits. Excavation leaders Zubair ʼAdawi and Kfir Arbiv noted that the nun's remains were found in a crypt beneath a church altar, adorned with multiple rings around her limbs and neck, suggesting a ritualistic form of self-torment. The research team employed a novel technique to identify the skeleton's sex through proteins in tooth enamel, confirming it was female. Dr. Amit Re’em from the Israel Antiquities Authority highlighted that women may have disguised themselves as men to participate in these ascetic traditions, which were predominantly male-dominated. The study has been published in the Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports.
Published: Mar 10 2025, 11 pmeznews.inA recent study from Arizona State University reveals that humans often misinterpret their dogs' emotions, relying more on situational context than the dogs' actual behaviors. Researchers Holly Molinaro and Clive Wynne conducted two experiments where participants viewed videos of dogs in various scenarios, such as receiving treats or reacting to a vacuum cleaner. Findings showed that viewers frequently judged the dogs' feelings based on the surrounding visuals rather than the dogs' actions. For instance, a dog appearing to react to a leash was perceived as happy, while the same dog responding to a vacuum was deemed agitated. Molinaro emphasizes the need for dog owners to recognize their biases and focus on their pets' unique cues to better understand their emotional states. This awareness can enhance the bond between dogs and their owners, as highlighted in the study published in the journal *Anthrozoös*.
Published: Mar 11 2025, 12 ameznews.inThe US Military's Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is exploring the ambitious concept of developing large-scale "biomechanical" structures in space. In a recent Request for Information, DARPA highlighted advances in metabolic engineering and biological self-assembly, suggesting the potential to "grow" structures like space elevator tethers and orbital debris remediation grids in microgravity. This approach could significantly reduce launch costs by utilizing in-situ biological materials, although the agency acknowledges that traditional materials will still be necessary for durability. While the idea of bio-engineered structures is intriguing, experts caution that practical challenges remain, particularly regarding the control of biological growth in microgravity. DARPA is inviting proposals for potential structures and Earth-based proof-of-concept experiments, but the realization of such sci-fi concepts remains a distant prospect, with significant hurdles to overcome before they can become a reality.
Published: Mar 06 2025, 10 ameznews.inA recent study by psychologists Dr. David Gordon and Dr. Megan Birney has highlighted the role of spite in the belief and spread of conspiracy theories, particularly during crises. Conspiracy theories often reject well-supported explanations in favor of complex narratives involving powerful, malevolent groups. The researchers identified three main drivers of conspiracy beliefs: the need for understanding, security, and social validation. Their findings suggest that feelings of spite, which can arise from perceived social or economic disadvantage, significantly correlate with stronger belief in conspiracy theories. The study, involving 1,000 participants, indicates that addressing conspiracy beliefs requires more than just countering misinformation; it necessitates tackling the underlying societal issues that foster feelings of disenfranchisement and uncertainty. The research underscores the importance of effective science communication and media literacy in combating misinformation, as published in the Journal of Social Issues.
Published: Mar 08 2025, 3 ameznews.inOn March 7, thousands of protestors rallied in 32 cities across the United States, including a major event in Washington, D.C., to oppose significant cuts to scientific funding and perceived attacks on scientific organizations by the Trump Administration. Organized by the grassroots group "Stand Up for Science," the protests featured prominent speakers such as Bill Nye and climatologist Professor Michael E. Mann, who emphasized the threats posed to scientific integrity and public health. The demonstrations coincided with planned walkouts in laboratories and classrooms across North America and Europe. Protestors expressed concerns over billions in frozen funding, layoffs of federal employees, and restrictions on research topics, particularly in climate science. Mann described the current climate as "the most challenging moment" for science, highlighting the normalization of anti-science sentiment within government agencies. The movement calls for an end to political interference in science and greater protections for research funding and diversity initiatives.
Published: Mar 10 2025, 8 pmeznews.inIn a groundbreaking achievement, an international team of researchers from China, Japan, and the US has successfully 3D-printed tissue that restored penile capabilities in pigs and rabbits, marking a significant advancement in biomedical engineering. The artificial organ, created using a hydrogel, was implanted into animals with penile issues, enabling them to mate and reproduce within weeks. Meanwhile, the recovery of Antarctica's ozone hole has been confirmed, attributed to global efforts to reduce ozone-depleting substances, according to a study from MIT. In other news, evidence suggests that early humans in East Africa were crafting bone tools 1.5 million years ago, far earlier than previously believed. Amidst these scientific advancements, questions arise regarding the lack of response from international organizations to recent attacks on science by figures like Donald Trump and Elon Musk, prompting concerns about the role of these organizations in defending scientific integrity.
Published: Mar 08 2025, 7 pmeznews.inWhile many believe "antidisestablishmentarianism" is the longest word in English, it pales in comparison to others lurking in the language. The word often cited as the longest, with a staggering 189,819 letters, is the full chemical name of Titin, the largest known protein, but it is more accurately described as a "verbal formula" rather than a traditional word. For a more accepted contender, "pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis," a 45-letter term for a lung disease caused by inhaling silica dust, is recognized in Oxford dictionaries, though its legitimacy is debated due to its contrived nature. Globally, languages like German boast lengthy words, such as "Rindfleischetikettierungsüberwachungsaufgabenübertragungsgesetz," a 63-letter term related to beef labeling regulations. Meanwhile, the longest word in the world, according to Guinness World Records, is a Sanskrit term with 195 characters, transliterating to 428 letters in Latin.
Published: Mar 09 2025, 1 amFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
India
World
Economy
Science
Health
Showbiz
Contact