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In a curious exploration of the post-award behavior of Nobel Prize winners, researchers have identified a phenomenon dubbed "Nobel disease" or "Nobelitis," which describes the tendency of some laureates to adopt unscientific beliefs after their accolades. Notable figures like Albert Einstein expressed feelings of imposter syndrome, while others, such as Pierre Curie and Joseph Thomson, ventured into the realms of psychic phenomena and paranormal investigations. Some winners, like Richard Smalley and Kary Mullis, espoused controversial views against established scientific consensus, including skepticism about evolution and climate change. Paul Nurse, a Nobel laureate himself, cautioned against the pressures that come with fame, urging winners to remain within their areas of expertise. While the reasons behind this trend remain speculative, it highlights that even the most esteemed scientists are not immune to cognitive biases and pseudoscientific beliefs, underscoring the importance of critical thinking in science. 
Published: Jan 08 2025, 11 pmeznews.inAstronomers have confirmed the discovery of four rocky planets orbiting Barnard's Star, the closest single star to the Sun, located just 6 light-years away. This finding follows a previous detection of a single planet around the star, which has a history of false planet claims. The newly identified planets, each with minimum masses between 20% and 34% of Earth's, orbit the star in rapid cycles, ranging from 2.3 to 6.7 days, placing them outside the habitable zone due to excessive heat. The planets were detected through the star's gravitational wobble, rather than transit observations, making their study challenging. Lead researcher Ritvik Basant emphasized the significance of this breakthrough, facilitated by advanced instruments like MAROON-X and ESPRESSO. The findings, published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, highlight the ongoing quest to understand our cosmic neighbors better.
Published: Apr 03 2025, 3 ameznews.inThe Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR), located in deep underground caverns in Texas and Louisiana, currently holds 396.4 million barrels of crude oil, with a maximum capacity of 714 million barrels. Established after the 1973 energy crisis to protect against supply disruptions, the SPR serves as a crucial tool in U.S. energy security and geopolitics. Managed by the Department of Energy, it allows for the release of oil to stabilize domestic prices or support international allies, as seen in the coordinated release of 60 million barrels in March 2022 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. However, the SPR faces criticism for inefficiencies and potential political misuse, particularly regarding emergency releases aimed at influencing voter sentiment. As global energy dynamics shift, experts are calling for a reevaluation of the SPR's role and effectiveness in contemporary energy policy.
Published: Apr 03 2025, 7 ameznews.inIn a remarkable turn of events, DNA analysis confirmed the rediscovery of Fagilde’s trapdoor spider (_Nemesia berlandi_) in a Portuguese village, 92 years after it was last seen. First described in 1931, the species had seemingly vanished from existence until an expedition team, led by the Global Center for Species Survival at the Indianapolis Zoo, stumbled upon it beneath a rock. This significant find marks the 12th species to be rediscovered as part of Re:wild’s Search for Lost Species initiative, launched in 2017. Sérgio Henriques, the Invertebrate Conservation Coordinator at the zoo, shared insights into the extensive efforts required to locate such elusive creatures. The rediscovery not only highlights the importance of conservation efforts but also raises questions about the methods used in tracking down lost species. For more details, listeners can tune into the related podcast available on various platforms.
Published: Apr 03 2025, 5 ameznews.inUranus, often overlooked by NASA, has been explored by a probe only once, with Voyager 2 providing stunning images of the ice giant. However, the Hubble Space Telescope has been diligently monitoring the planet from 2002 to 2022, revealing insights into its complex atmosphere as it orbits the Sun over 84 Earth years. Unique for its extreme axial tilt of 97.77 degrees, likely due to a past collision, Uranus experiences prolonged seasons, with one pole basking in sunlight for nearly a quarter of its year while the other endures a 21-year winter. Recent observations indicate that methane, which gives Uranus its teal hue, is unevenly distributed, particularly depleted at the poles. As the planet approaches its summer solstice in 2030, changes in aerosol and haze structures have been noted, highlighting the influence of solar radiation on its atmospheric dynamics. Observations will continue as Uranus transitions through its seasons.
Published: Apr 01 2025, 10 pmeznews.inA recent study has revealed nine rivers and lakes in the Americas that defy traditional hydrological principles, showcasing unique bifurcations where waterways split into multiple channels without returning to the main flow. Notable examples include the Echimamish River in Canada, which flows in both directions due to its flat terrain and beaver dams, and the Casiquiare River in Venezuela, which connects the Orinoco and Amazon Basins, described as a "hydrologic equivalent of a wormhole." Other intriguing cases include the Wayambo River in Suriname, which can flow either east or west depending on rainfall, and North Two Ocean Creek in Wyoming, allowing fish to migrate between the Atlantic and Pacific watersheds. The study emphasizes the diversity of these hydrological anomalies, highlighting the need for further exploration of Earth's complex water systems. The findings are published in the journal *Water Resources Research*.
Published: Apr 02 2025, 8 pmeznews.inSpaceX has made history by launching four astronauts into a pole-to-pole orbit, a trajectory not previously undertaken by humans. The Fram2 mission, commissioned by cryptocurrency billionaire Chun Wang, aims to conduct 22 scientific experiments, including the first X-ray in space and studies on human health in microgravity. Polar orbits, typically avoided for human missions due to increased radiation exposure and health risks, are beneficial for global Earth coverage, allowing satellites to observe every inch of the planet. Most rockets are launched from west to east to take advantage of the Earth's rotational speed, which reduces fuel costs. However, this mission's unique trajectory required more propellant, making it economically challenging. The crew is expected to spend 3-5 days in space before returning, where they will assess their ability to perform tasks without assistance after varying durations in orbit.
Published: Apr 02 2025, 11 pmeznews.inConcerns are mounting over public safety in the United States following significant job cuts initiated by the Trump administration, with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. overseeing the dismissal of approximately 10,000 employees from the Department of Health and Human Services. Key agencies affected include the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which is set to lose 3,500 staff responsible for food and drug safety, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), facing a reduction of 2,400 jobs that jeopardizes vital health programs. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) will also see 1,200 positions cut, impacting crucial research efforts. Critics argue that these drastic reductions will exacerbate existing health issues in a country already grappling with high healthcare costs and declining life expectancy. As the cuts unfold, questions remain about the long-term implications for public health and safety in the U.S.
Published: Apr 02 2025, 8 pmeznews.inA new study proposes a scientific explanation for near-death experiences (NDEs), often described as sensations of leaving the body and encountering a bright light. Researchers suggest that these phenomena may be an evolutionary response to life-threatening situations, termed the Neurophysiological Evolutionary Psychological Theory Understanding Near-death Experience (NEPTUNE). The model posits that NDEs occur when oxygen levels in the brain drop, leading to increased neuronal activity in key areas, which may trigger vivid hallucinations and feelings of peace due to neurotransmitter surges. The study indicates that individuals more prone to dissociation or daydreaming are likelier to experience NDEs, as are those with a tendency for REM intrusion. However, the authors acknowledge that while NEPTUNE sheds light on some aspects of NDEs, it does not fully explain phenomena like precognition. The findings are detailed in the journal *Nature Reviews Neurology*.
Published: Apr 02 2025, 9 pmeznews.inWhen transporting helium balloons in a car, an intriguing phenomenon occurs during acceleration and braking. Unlike ordinary balloons filled with air, which are pushed backward when the car accelerates, helium balloons move forward. This counterintuitive behavior is due to the principles of buoyancy and density. As the car accelerates, the air inside the vehicle shifts backward, creating a buoyant force that pushes the lighter helium balloon forward. Conversely, when the car brakes, the air moves toward the front, causing the buoyant force to push the helium balloon backward. This effect highlights the unique properties of helium, which is less dense than the surrounding air, and illustrates the fascinating dynamics of fluid behavior in motion.
Published: Apr 02 2025, 1 ameznews.inAn underwater vehicle named "Boaty McBoatface" has made headlines after recovering a long-lost camera from Loch Ness, originally deployed in a 1970s quest to capture images of the elusive Loch Ness Monster. The camera, which was designed to take photos when a bait line was disturbed, was discovered 180 meters underwater during a test mission by the UK’s National Oceanography Centre (NOC). Remarkably, it remained intact after 55 years. Although the developed film did not reveal any images of Nessie, the recovery marks a significant moment in the ongoing fascination with the legendary creature, first reported in the 7th century. The camera will be displayed at The Loch Ness Centre in Drumnadrochit. NOC engineers emphasized the importance of such missions in advancing marine robotics and understanding ocean ecosystems, particularly in the face of climate change and human impact.
Published: Apr 02 2025, 7 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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