eznews.in
A recent study has revealed that dust clouds from the Sahara Desert, which occasionally reach Europe, still carry traces of radioactive isotopes from Cold War nuclear tests. Researchers analyzed samples from a significant dust event in March 2022 and found that the radiation detected did not originate from French nuclear tests conducted in Algeria during the 1960s, as previously thought. Instead, the isotopes matched those from tests by the USA and USSR, highlighting the extensive impact of their nuclear activities. The study indicated that the radioactive levels in the dust were well below European Union safety thresholds, posing negligible risk to public health. Lead author Yangjunjie Xu-Yang emphasized that while Saharan dust contributes to atmospheric pollution, its radioactivity is not a concern, urging policymakers to focus on pollution management rather than radiation fears. The findings were published in the journal Science Advances. 
Published: Feb 01 2025, 2 ameznews.inIn Kruger National Park, a giraffe exhibiting skin nodules, potentially linked to a type of papillomavirus, has raised concerns among wildlife experts. Captured in photographs by wildlife photographer Marius Nortje, the giraffe's condition has been shared by Worldwide Vets, who suggest the bovine papillomavirus (BPV) may be responsible. This virus, typically affecting cattle and horses, is believed to spread through direct contact or via oxpecker birds, which may inadvertently transmit the disease while removing parasites. Although the condition is not considered life-threatening, there is currently no treatment available. Dr. Gemma Campling from Worldwide Vets noted that similar cases have been documented in the past, including a 2007 incident where affected giraffes were euthanized for research. For now, the giraffe is under close observation, with no plans for euthanasia, as experts monitor its health. 
Published: Mar 13 2025, 5 pmeznews.inThe Illuminati, a secret society founded in 1776 by Bavarian law professor Adam Weishaupt, has long captivated popular culture, featuring prominently in films where heroes thwart their global conspiracies. Emerging during a time of significant societal change, Weishaupt aimed to challenge the Catholic Church's dominance and promote rationalist ideals, including gender equality in education. However, the society's radical views led to its suppression by the Bavarian government, culminating in its ban in 1785 and Weishaupt's exile. Despite persistent conspiracy theories suggesting the Illuminati's survival and influence, particularly during the French Revolution, there is no credible evidence to support the existence of the original group or any modern iterations. Today, while various organizations claim ties to the Illuminati, these assertions are largely unfounded, fueling speculation about their alleged ongoing machinations in global affairs. 
Published: Mar 13 2025, 10 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 ongoing activity of retinal cells, which generate weak internal signals that mimic light. According to Katrina Schmid, an Associate Professor at Queensland University of Technology, the brain interprets this random activity as visual stimuli, leading to the perception of colors and patterns that aren't actually present. While phosphenes are typically harmless, they can sometimes indicate underlying retinal issues or neurological conditions, particularly if the patterns change or become more pronounced. If you experience persistent disturbances, it is advisable to consult a medical professional. Understanding these phenomena sheds light on the complex workings of our visual system and the brain's interpretation of sensory information. 
Published: Mar 13 2025, 6 pmeznews.inA groundbreaking study from the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology has revealed that football teams exhibit movement patterns akin to Lévy walks, a mathematical model describing the foraging behavior of various organisms, including albatrosses and certain animal groups. The research, which analyzed player movements in Japan's J-League, found that teams behave as a single entity when seeking possession of the ball, balancing short, frequent movements with longer sprints to optimize their chances of winning. Professor Tom Froese, the study's senior author, noted that this strategy mirrors the search for resources in nature, where organisms must exploit nearby opportunities while exploring new ones. The findings suggest that players demonstrating pronounced Lévy walk patterns are more active and contribute positively to team dynamics. While the behavior of footballers is complex, the study highlights an intriguing connection between team movement strategies and those observed in other foraging systems. The research is published in the journal Complexity. 
Published: Mar 13 2025, 11 pmeznews.inA recent study suggests that the genetic ability of East Asian adults to digest milk without adverse effects may have originated from Neanderthals, predating the human consumption of dairy. Researchers found a unique haplotype associated with lactase persistence (LP) in East Asians, a group typically known for high lactose intolerance. This genetic variant, which affects the lactase gene (_LCT_), likely spread through ancient hunter-gatherer populations due to its immune system benefits rather than lactose digestion. The haplotype underwent positive selection between 25,000 and 28,000 years ago, long before dairy farming began, indicating its initial purpose was unrelated to milk consumption. The study also highlights that this haplotype influences other genes, such as _DARS1_, crucial for immune cell development, suggesting that ancient adaptations may have been driven by factors like famine or pathogen exposure. The findings are detailed in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 
Published: Mar 13 2025, 9 pmeznews.inPhysicists have long grappled with the mystery of why the universe contains more matter than antimatter, a disparity crucial for the existence of life. Recent analyses of subatomic particle decays at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) have unveiled two new instances of symmetry violation, shedding light on this enigma. While matter and antimatter are generally symmetrical, the universe's observed imbalance suggests a lack of symmetry, leading to the creation of more matter or the destruction of more antimatter. The LHC's experiments, particularly involving beauty mesons and baryons, revealed differing decay rates between matter and antimatter, supporting theories of symmetry breaking. These findings, detailed in two papers, mark significant progress in understanding the fundamental forces shaping our universe, with one study published in *Physical Review Letters* and the other available as a preprint. However, the quest for a comprehensive explanation continues. 
Published: Mar 13 2025, 2 ameznews.inIn a significant advancement in pain management, researchers from Washington University and Stanford University have developed a synthetic cannabinoid, VIP36, that retains the analgesic properties of cannabis without the addictive or psychoactive effects. Chronic pain affects a substantial number of adults in the U.S., often leading to a reliance on opioids, which carry risks of addiction and harm. The new compound, designed to be positively charged, cannot cross the blood-brain barrier, thus avoiding interaction with the brain's reward center. Initial tests in mice showed promising results, with VIP36 effectively alleviating various types of pain, including inflammatory and nerve pain, without the tolerance issues seen in previous treatments. The researchers aim to further develop VIP36 into an oral medication for human clinical trials, addressing the urgent need for non-addictive chronic pain therapies. The findings are published in the journal Nature. 
Published: Mar 13 2025, 6 pmeznews.inLake Sørvágsvatn, located on the island of Vágar in the Faroe Islands, has gained attention for its stunning optical illusion that makes it appear to float high above the ocean. This largest lake in the archipelago, covering 3.4 square kilometers, is actually situated just 30 meters (98 feet) above sea level. The illusion is enhanced by specific photographic angles that create the impression of a dramatic height difference between the lake and the swirling sea below. The Faroe Islands, a self-governing territory of Denmark, are strategically positioned between the North Atlantic Ocean and the Norwegian Sea. Historically significant during World War II, the island of Vágar housed a British airfield. Today, visitors can hike to viewpoints like Trælanípa cliff to witness the lake's mesmerizing effect, which continues to captivate nature enthusiasts and photographers alike. 
Published: Mar 13 2025, 7 pmeznews.inA planned mission to return astronauts Suni Williams and Barry Wilmore from the International Space Station (ISS) has been delayed after a launch was aborted due to a hydraulic system issue with a ground support clamp arm for the Falcon 9 rocket. The launch, now rescheduled for March 14, comes after the astronauts have spent nine months aboard the ISS, far exceeding their original timeline. NASA's website confirmed the delay, citing adverse weather conditions as a factor in extending the timeline. The mission also aims to transport NASA astronauts Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers, along with JAXA's Takuya Onishi and Roscosmos's Kirill Peskov, to the ISS. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has previously claimed political interference hindered the astronauts' return, a statement the astronauts and NASA have disputed. The situation highlights ongoing challenges in space travel, particularly with Boeing's Starliner, which has faced its own issues. 
Published: Mar 13 2025, 6 pmeznews.inThe World Health Organization (WHO) has issued new guidelines urging a reduction in sodium intake, highlighting that 1.9 million deaths annually are linked to high sodium consumption. Despite ongoing public health campaigns, global average sodium intake remains at 4.3 grams per day, more than double the recommended limit of 2 grams. To combat this, the WHO recommends switching to lower-sodium salt substitutes, such as potassium-enriched salt, which can help maintain flavor while reducing sodium levels. However, individuals with kidney issues should consult a doctor before making this switch due to potential risks of excessive potassium. The WHO's guidelines are the first of their kind globally, aiming to encourage healthier dietary practices, including avoiding processed foods, using less salt in cooking, and opting for low-sodium products. These measures are part of a broader strategy to monitor and reduce sodium consumption across member states. 
Published: Mar 13 2025, 2 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
