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NASA's Voyager spacecraft, launched in 1977, is on a remarkable journey that will see it reach the inner edge of the hypothetical Oort Cloud in approximately 300 years, spending the next 30,000 years traversing this vast region. Currently about 167 astronomical units (AU) from Earth, Voyager has become the first human-made object to enter interstellar space, with signals taking over 23 hours to reach it. As it continues its journey, Voyager will eventually come closer to the star AC +79 3888 than our Sun in about 40,000 years. The Oort Cloud, theorized by astronomer Jan Oort in 1950, is believed to be a shell of icy objects surrounding the Solar System, with its inner edge starting between 2,000 and 5,000 AU from the Sun. Despite its dwindling fuel, Voyager carries the Golden Records, messages intended for any extraterrestrial life that may encounter them, ensuring its legacy will endure long after its power is depleted. 
Published: Aug 05 2025, 11 pmeznews.inA recent study suggests that a minor alteration in brain chemistry may have provided _Homo sapiens_ with a competitive edge over Neanderthals and Denisovans. Researchers focused on an enzyme called adenylosuccinate lyase (ADSL), which plays a crucial role in purine synthesis, essential for DNA and RNA. The modern version of ADSL differs from its ancestral form by a single amino acid substitution, which, while making the enzyme slightly less stable, appears to enhance decision-making abilities in genetically modified mice. Female mice with the modern variant were quicker to respond to cues for water, indicating potential advantages in resource competition. Genetic analysis revealed that modern humans carry changes in the ADSL gene that further reduce its activity, suggesting evolutionary pressures favored this adaptation. The findings, published in the *Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences*, raise questions about the implications of these changes for human behavior and cognition.
Published: Aug 06 2025, 10 ameznews.inStendhal syndrome, also known as Florence syndrome, describes a psychosomatic reaction to extraordinary beauty, often experienced by visitors to Florence, Italy, home to numerous masterpieces. Symptoms can include increased heart rate, dizziness, fainting, and even hallucinations. The term was coined in 1989 by Dr. Graziella Magherini, inspired by the 19th-century writer Stendhal, who recounted feeling overwhelmed by art at the Basilica di Santa Croce. Magherini identified over 106 cases of tourists exhibiting acute reactions after viewing Florence's art, primarily among non-Italian visitors. A 2021 study suggested that factors such as travel stress and high expectations contribute to these experiences, particularly affecting impressionable, single individuals aged 26-40. While Stendhal syndrome is most associated with Florence, a similar phenomenon known as Paris syndrome has been noted among visitors to the French capital, highlighting the profound emotional impact of art and travel.
Published: Aug 06 2025, 9 ameznews.inAt approximately 124 years old, Henry is recognized as the world's oldest known crocodile, having lived a remarkable life that includes fathering over 10,000 offspring since arriving at Crocworld Conservation Centre in South Africa in 1985. Measuring over 5 meters (16 feet 5 inches) and weighing 700 kilograms (1,543 pounds), Henry far exceeds the average size of a Nile crocodile. Believed to have been born around 1900 in Botswana's Okavango Delta, his exact birth date remains uncertain. Captured in 1903 by an elephant catcher named Sir Henry, Henry's longevity has sparked interest in the phenomenon of negligible senescence in crocodiles, suggesting they may not age biologically in the same way as other species. Sharing his habitat with another elderly croc named Colgate, Henry's extraordinary lifespan highlights the resilience and unique biology of these ancient reptiles. His 125th birthday is set to be celebrated on December 16.
Published: Aug 06 2025, 5 ameznews.inGoogle Translate has inadvertently become a source of amusement for flat-Earthers, as it translates the phrase "I am a flat-earther" into French as "je suis un fou," meaning "I’m a crazy person." This unexpected translation has sparked laughter and criticism, highlighting the challenges faced by flat-Earthers in a world that largely ridicules their beliefs. Google attributes the translation error to its statistical machine translation system, which learns from vast amounts of text and reflects common perceptions, suggesting that many French and English speakers equate flat-Earthers with insanity. Despite Google's acknowledgment of the issue and efforts to correct it, the humorous translations persist, with variations in other languages yielding equally bizarre results. The flat-Earther movement, which has gained traction in recent years, recently held its first public convention in the UK, drawing attention from both supporters and skeptics alike.
Published: Aug 05 2025, 2 ameznews.inFeeling low on energy? You might consider vitamin B12 supplements, but do they really work? Vitamin B12, or cobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin found in animal products like fish, meat, and dairy. It plays a crucial role in nervous system function, red blood cell formation, and DNA synthesis. A deficiency can lead to fatigue, heart palpitations, and neurological issues such as numbness and confusion. While those at risk—like vegans, vegetarians, and older adults—may benefit from supplementation, healthy individuals likely do not need it. Excess B12 is excreted in urine, making unnecessary supplementation more of a financial burden than a health benefit. Claims that B12 can reduce heart disease or boost energy lack strong scientific backing. If unsure about your B12 levels, consult a doctor for a blood test and tailored advice.
Published: Aug 06 2025, 4 ameznews.inResearchers have sequenced the complete genome of an early strain of the 1918 "Spanish flu," which claimed up to 100,000 lives between 1918 and 1920, from the preserved lung of an 18-year-old victim who died in Zurich. The study reveals that this strain exhibited several mutations that enhanced its ability to infect human cells and increased its lethality, even during the pandemic's initial wave. Notably, three mutations present in this early strain allowed it to evade a key antiviral protein in the human immune system, while another mutation improved its binding to human cell receptors. This genome represents the only first-wave variant with these adaptations, which were also found in later strains. The findings, published in BMC Biology, provide crucial insights into the virus's evolution in Europe and may help predict future pandemic developments, according to study author Verena Schünemann.
Published: Aug 05 2025, 11 pmeznews.inAalborg Zoo in Denmark has appealed to the public for donations of healthy chickens, rabbits, and guinea pigs to feed its carnivorous residents, particularly the European lynx, which requires whole prey to mimic its natural diet. The zoo emphasized that these donations are vital for maintaining animal welfare and professional integrity by replicating the natural food chain. Additionally, the zoo accepts live horses that are healthy and possess a horse passport, stating that animals needing euthanasia can be donated, ensuring nothing goes to waste. While the initiative has garnered support from some who appreciate the professional handling of their pets, it has also faced criticism, with detractors labeling it "unacceptable." The zoo's deputy director, Pia Nielsen, defended the practice, noting its commonality in Denmark and the positive response from visitors and partners. Comments on the zoo's social media have since been disabled amid the mixed reactions.
Published: Aug 05 2025, 4 pmeznews.inA newly discovered giant virus, named PelV-1, has been identified in the North Pacific Ocean, notable for its unprecedentedly long tail measuring 2.3 micrometers, the longest recorded for any virus. This massive virus, which infects the marine phytoplankton Pelagodinium, features a capsid size of 200 nanometers and two distinct appendages, one of which is exceptionally thin. Researchers sequenced its genome, revealing genes linked to the metabolism of amino acids, carbohydrates, and lipids, suggesting that PelV-1 could influence its host's metabolic processes and behavior. The discovery, detailed in a preprint paper, highlights the ecological significance of giant viruses, which can be up to 125 times larger than typical viruses and have complex genomes. Found in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre, PelV-1 adds to the limited knowledge of dinoflagellate viruses, emphasizing the potential for further discoveries in marine virology.
Published: Aug 06 2025, 12 ameznews.inNASA's interim administrator, Sean Duffy, is poised to announce plans for a nuclear reactor on the Moon by 2030, following President Trump's withdrawal of billionaire Jared Isaacman's nomination amid tensions with Elon Musk. This ambitious initiative aims to provide a reliable power source for potential lunar settlements, particularly given the Moon's prolonged nights that limit solar energy options. While nuclear fission is not the sole solution for lunar power, it offers continuous energy generation, crucial for operations in permanently dark regions like the Crater of Eternal Darkness. However, the timeline raises concerns, as Duffy seeks a 60-day consultation period, and experts warn that developing such technology within five years is overly optimistic. Additionally, challenges related to cooling systems, safe transport, and the lack of a reliable lunar lander complicate the feasibility of this project, especially as private companies like SpaceX face setbacks in their launch capabilities.
Published: Aug 05 2025, 8 pmeznews.inNASA is reportedly planning to terminate the missions of key satellites, including the successful Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 (OCO-2), at the request of the Trump administration, according to NPR. Launched in 2014, OCO-2 has become a vital tool for measuring carbon dioxide levels in Earth's atmosphere, providing crucial data for climate science and supporting initiatives like the Paris Agreement. Despite its operational success and contributions to understanding CO2 emissions and agricultural monitoring, the Trump administration's proposed budget cuts threaten its future. Former NASA employees have indicated that the agency is preparing for mission termination, which could severely impact climate research and waste the significant investment already made in the satellite. While NASA seeks private funding to sustain the instrument attached to the International Space Station, Democrats in Congress are urging against the cuts, emphasizing the importance of these missions for climate forecasting and disaster management.
Published: Aug 05 2025, 10 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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