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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.inWhen you close your eyes, you may notice swirling patterns and flashes of light, known as "phosphenes." These visual sensations occur even in darkness due to the eyes' continuous activity, as cells at the back of the eyes generate weak internal signals that mimic light. Katrina Schmid, an Associate Professor at Queensland University of Technology, explains that these signals are interpreted by the brain as light and color, creating an illusion. 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. Applying pressure to the eyeball can also induce phosphenes, but caution is advised. If visual disturbances persist, consulting a medical professional is recommended.
Published: Jan 05 2025, 2 ameznews.inA viral image of a uniquely shaped honeycomb has captured the internet's attention, with many attributing its unusual design to the bees' natural artistry. However, folklorist Steve Byrne's investigation revealed that the image, which dates back to at least 2013, is not what it seems. Initially claimed by the UK's National Trust as a natural phenomenon, the true origin was uncovered by Brian Fanner, who admitted to creating the honeycomb through a deliberate manipulation of the beehive structure. Fanner explained that he used a foundation wax pattern to guide the bees, resulting in the eye-catching design. While the story may not be as whimsical as initially thought, it highlights the creativity behind the image, which was made as a gift for Fanner's wife. Despite the revelation, natural beehives remain fascinating, showcasing the remarkable behaviors of bees in the wild.
Published: Jan 05 2025, 10 ameznews.inA new "kiss and capture" mechanism may explain the formation of Pluto and its moon Charon, which are often viewed as a binary system. Unlike typical planetary collision scenarios, researchers propose that proto-Charon collided with Pluto, briefly sticking together before separating while remaining gravitationally bound. This model, developed by a team led by NASA postdoctoral fellow Dr. Adeene Denton at the University of Arizona, accounts for the structural integrity of rock and ice, revealing that the two bodies did not merge but rather touched and became temporarily stuck. The process generated heat, potentially sustaining a subsurface ocean beneath Pluto's surface. The study, published in *Nature Geoscience*, suggests that this mechanism could also apply to other celestial bodies, such as Eris and its moon Dysnomia, and aims to further explore how this initial interaction influenced Pluto's geological evolution.
Published: Jan 09 2025, 11 ameznews.inThe term "Disease X," coined by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2018, refers to unknown pathogens that could potentially trigger a global epidemic akin to COVID-19. The concept gained traction during the pandemic, with some experts suggesting COVID-19 itself could be viewed as the "first Disease X." Currently, the WHO maintains a priority list of known pathogens, including Ebola and Zika, while also designating Disease X as a placeholder for yet-to-be-identified infectious agents. Recent discussions at the 2024 World Economic Forum, led by WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, have reignited public interest, emphasizing the importance of pandemic preparedness. While the emergence of another global pandemic is deemed inevitable, experts advise against panic, highlighting ongoing global efforts to enhance readiness and response strategies based on lessons learned from COVID-19.
Published: Jan 05 2025, 6 pmeznews.inIn a stark reminder of the dangers of outer space, a recent article explores the grim realities of human exposure to the vacuum without a spacesuit. Contrary to cinematic portrayals, individuals would not explode; however, they would face severe consequences. The absence of atmospheric pressure leads to ebullism, causing body fluids to form gas bubbles, resulting in swelling that could double one's size. Oxygen deprivation would render a person unconscious within 15 seconds, with survival lasting only a couple of minutes. Additionally, exposure to harmful UV rays and radiation could inflict severe sunburn and DNA damage, potentially leading to cancer. While the extreme cold of space would not cause immediate freezing, heat loss would occur slowly. Ultimately, the article underscores the critical importance of spacesuits for astronauts, as even a brief exposure to space can be life-threatening.
Published: Jan 09 2025, 8 ameznews.inA recent TikTok video by creator @zachdfilms3 has sparked interest in the historical fact that the English alphabet once included 27 letters, with the ampersand ("&") recognized as the 27th. The video explains that the ampersand, which signified "and," was taught to be pronounced as "per se" when reciting the alphabet, resulting in the sequence "Q R S T U V W X Y Z &." This symbol was part of nursery rhymes and was officially recognized in the English language by 1835, but it fell out of use by the late 19th century. The evolution of the English language has seen the loss of other letters, such as thorn (þ) and wynn (ƿ), while letters like U and J were only added in the 1500s. Experts suggest that while standardized spelling may prevent further losses, changes in language are always possible.
Published: Jan 09 2025, 12 pmeznews.inA mysterious oval structure, measuring 120 meters across, has sparked speculation about ancient civilizations in Antarctica, as reported by the website Ancient Code. Located in Eastern Antarctica, the formation has been described as potentially man-made, leading to theories about a long-lost society that may have thrived in the region when conditions were different. However, experts, including geologist Dr. Robin Andrews, emphasize that Antarctica has been covered in ice for millions of years, making it inhospitable for human life. The article raises critical questions regarding the feasibility of such a civilization existing in such an extreme environment, including how they would have constructed the structure and sustained themselves without access to natural resources. Until substantial evidence is presented, the scientific consensus leans towards viewing the formation as a natural geological anomaly rather than a remnant of an ancient society.
Published: Jan 09 2025, 10 ameznews.inNinety million years ago, Antarctica was a lush rainforest, starkly contrasting its current icy landscape. Research conducted by scientists from the Alfred Wegener Institute and Imperial College London revealed ancient soil samples rich in preserved roots, pollen, and spores, indicating a thriving ecosystem of ferns and conifer trees. This discovery, made in 2020, suggests that the region experienced average temperatures of around 12 °C (54 °F) during the mid-Cretaceous period, a time when dinosaurs roamed the Earth. Despite the continent's four-month winter darkness, life flourished, hinting at a warmer climate than previously thought. While today, Antarctica is home to only two native vascular plant species, rising temperatures have led to an influx of over 100 non-native species. Although a return to its former rainforest state seems unlikely, this research underscores the dynamic nature of Earth's climate history.
Published: Jan 09 2025, 5 ameznews.inNew research has identified norepinephrine as a crucial neurotransmitter that activates the brain's glymphatic system, which functions like a "washing machine" to clear out toxic waste during sleep. Conducted on mice, the study revealed that during deep sleep, the brainstem releases norepinephrine in rhythmic waves, prompting blood vessels to pulsate and facilitate the flow of cerebrospinal fluid, effectively flushing out harmful proteins linked to neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s. Senior author Maiken Nedergaard likened this process to turning on a dishwasher before bed, resulting in a "clean brain" upon waking. While the findings are based on mice, they raise important questions about the impact of sleep aids on human sleep quality and the potential implications for preventing neurological diseases. The study, published in the journal Cell, underscores the need for further research to determine if these mechanisms apply to humans.
Published: Jan 09 2025, 12 ameznews.inAncient texts have long referenced orichalcum, a mysterious metal linked to the legendary city of Atlantis, described by Plato as more precious than gold. Once thought to be a mere myth, the metal's reality was confirmed with the discovery of 87 ingots off the coast of Gela, Sicily, in 2014 and 2016, believed to be remnants of a shipwreck from around 2,500 years ago. Analysis revealed that orichalcum is a copper-zinc alloy, akin to brass, though its composition varied historically. Additionally, a 2019 study identified orichalcum in ancient Roman coins, suggesting its use extended beyond myth into practical applications. While often shrouded in enigma, orichalcum is now understood as a term for a class of alloys rather than a distinct metal, highlighting its significance in ancient metallurgy and culture.
Published: Jan 09 2025, 6 amFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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