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Whale earwax, often dismissed as an unappetizing substance, is proving to be a valuable scientific resource, according to Richard Sabin, Principal Curator at the Natural History Museum in London. In the museum's new gallery, _How To Fix Our Broken Planet_, Sabin highlights how layers of earwax, or earplugs, can reveal crucial information about the whales' health and the pollutants in our oceans. These fatty deposits, which can grow up to 1.6 feet long, accumulate throughout a whale's life, preserving a record of its age, hormonal changes, and exposure to environmental toxins. Research has shown that stress hormone levels in whales peaked during the height of commercial whaling, and alarming levels of banned pollutants still persist in marine ecosystems. The gallery aims to raise awareness of human impact on the environment while inspiring visitors to advocate for change, emphasizing the need for collective action to protect our oceans and wildlife. 
Published: Apr 17 2025, 10 pmeznews.inIn 2013, a camera trap in Vietnam's Quang Nam province captured a rare image of the elusive saola, also known as the Asian unicorn (_Pseudoryx nghetinhensis_), but no confirmed sightings have occurred since. This critically endangered species, believed to inhabit forests in Vietnam and Laos, has no known individuals in captivity, raising concerns about its survival. Nguyen Quoc Dzung from Vietnam's Forest Inventory and Planning Institute stated that the existence of live saolas remains uncertain, although genetic research has provided new insights. A recent study mapped the saola's genome, revealing two distinct populations with significant genetic differences, a finding that could inform conservation efforts. Researchers suggest that mixing these populations through a potential captive breeding program could enhance genetic diversity and improve the species' chances of survival. However, locating living saolas remains a critical challenge. The study is published in the journal *Cell*.
Published: May 09 2025, 9 pmeznews.inSalmon, renowned for their remarkable anadromous migration, face a perilous journey from freshwater streams to the ocean and back to spawn. This complex life cycle begins with hatchlings growing in safe, oxygen-rich waters before embarking on a dangerous trek to the sea, where they grow larger and stronger. However, this high-risk strategy is increasingly threatened by climate change, which has altered migration patterns for many salmon populations in North America. A recent NOAA study revealed significant shifts in migration timing over the past few decades, attributed to rising temperatures. Dr. Jonathan Moore from Simon Fraser University emphasized the need for precautionary management to ensure the survival of these ecologically and economically vital species. As climate change continues to disrupt their habitats, protecting salmon biodiversity becomes crucial for maintaining the health of their ecosystems.
Published: May 09 2025, 7 pmeznews.inThe enigmatic Voynich Manuscript, a centuries-old text filled with bizarre illustrations and indecipherable writing, has long puzzled scholars and cryptographers. Recent research indicates that the manuscript adheres to Zipf's law, a statistical principle observed in nearly all known languages, which suggests that word frequency follows a predictable pattern. Carbon dating places the manuscript's creation between 1404 and 1438, with its earliest known owner linked to Holy Roman Emperor Rudolf II. Despite extensive analysis, the text remains undeciphered, leading some to speculate it could be an elaborate hoax. However, the adherence to Zipf's law suggests a structured linguistic system, challenging the notion of it being mere gibberish. Researchers note that the manuscript's word patterns exhibit morphological relationships akin to established languages, hinting at a complex underlying code. The mystery of the Voynich Manuscript continues, as scholars strive to unlock its secrets while grappling with the implications of its linguistic properties.
Published: May 09 2025, 5 pmeznews.inElevators often feature mirrors, a design choice rooted in enhancing safety and user experience. According to UK lift supplier Gartec, mirrors help alleviate feelings of claustrophobia by creating an illusion of more space, which can ease anxiety for passengers in the confined environment. Additionally, mirrors serve a practical purpose by allowing users to monitor their surroundings, increasing awareness of potential theft or assault. They are particularly beneficial for wheelchair users, enabling them to see behind them when maneuvering in tight spaces. Furthermore, mirrors provide a distraction, helping to pass the time and reducing boredom during rides. This thoughtful design element transforms the often uncomfortable experience of using an elevator into a more manageable one, making it a topic worth considering on your next journey in one of these reflective enclosures.
Published: May 08 2025, 8 pmeznews.inEarth's magnetic field, a protective shield for at least 3.7 billion years, may have formed even earlier, though evidence remains contentious. Research from the University of Oxford, examining iron-rich rocks in Greenland's Isua Greenstone Belt, indicates that the magnetic field had a strength of at least 15 microteslas during this time, comparable to today's 30 microteslas. The field is generated by molten iron and nickel in the outer core, driven by the planet's rotation and convection, a process known as the geodynamo. While some studies suggest the magnetic field could date back to 4.2 billion years, later research has cast doubt on this due to geological alterations. The magnetic field is crucial for life, shielding Earth from cosmic radiation. Notably, it undergoes geomagnetic reversals every 200,000 to 300,000 years, with the last occurring 780,000 years ago, indicating we may be overdue for another flip.
Published: May 09 2025, 2 pmeznews.inGenghis Khan, born Temüjin near Lake Baikal, is a historical figure renowned for uniting Mongolia and establishing an empire stretching from China to the Adriatic Sea. Despite his military prowess, he is often remembered for his extensive lineage, with studies suggesting that approximately 8% of men in the former Mongol Empire share a Y-chromosomal lineage linked to him, translating to about 16 million descendants worldwide. This conclusion stems from a 2003 genetic study that identified a unique Y-chromosome pattern among men across Asia, attributed to Khan's cultural and military dominance, which decimated local populations and favored his lineage. While Khan's recognized heirs were limited, he reportedly had numerous wives and concubines, contributing to his vast progeny. Other historical figures, such as Niall of the Nine Hostages, have also been linked to significant descendant lineages, but none rival Khan's genetic legacy, which remains unverified due to the absence of his DNA.
Published: May 06 2025, 7 ameznews.inThe resurgence of interest in fungi, spurred by the second season of _The Last of Us_, coincides with groundbreaking research revealing that fungal spores can survive in the harsh conditions of the Earth's stratosphere. Scientists from the University of Geneva and Agroscope have developed a low-cost sampling device to collect these spores, which can endure extreme temperatures and radiation. Their research, conducted between October 2023 and June 2024, successfully identified 235 genera of fungi, including pathogenic species that affect both plants and humans. The device, which ascends via a meteorological balloon, captures spores at altitudes of up to 35,000 meters before parachuting back to Earth for analysis. This study highlights the importance of monitoring airborne fungal spores, as understanding their biodiversity could aid in tracking potential disease outbreaks and contribute to broader climate change and astrobiology research. The findings were presented at the European Geosciences Union General Assembly 2025.
Published: May 08 2025, 8 pmeznews.inArchaeologists are unraveling the mystery behind a chilling discovery of 38 headless skeletons found in a prehistoric pit near Vráble, Slovakia, dating back to between 5250 and 4950 BCE. The remains, all missing skulls except for one child's, were unearthed in a jumbled mass within a 15-square-meter ditch, complicating the identification process. Initial assumptions suggested a violent massacre, but researchers, including Professor Dr. Martin Furholt, are exploring alternative theories, such as a unique "death cult" practice involving the careful removal of skulls for cultural or spiritual reasons. Dr. Katharina Fuchs noted that the positioning of some bones indicates a more complex burial sequence, possibly involving previously skeletonized bodies. Ongoing investigations, including DNA analysis and radiocarbon dating, aim to shed light on the identities and origins of the individuals, as well as any potential diseases or injuries, ultimately seeking to clarify the circumstances surrounding this enigmatic site.
Published: May 08 2025, 10 pmeznews.inA significant study has raised alarms about the need for closer monitoring of cats as migratory birds carrying the H5N1 bird flu virus pose an increasing risk of human transmission. The virus has evolved to infect various non-human species, including domestic and larger cats, which can act as a conduit for spillover to humans. Researchers from the University of Maryland found 607 cases of bird flu in cats across 18 countries, resulting in 302 deaths, yet cats are rarely tested for the virus, leading to underreporting of infections. Cats can contract the virus through various means, including consuming infected birds or contaminated food. While human cases remain rare, with a 50% fatality rate among those infected, experts warn that the potential for human-to-human transmission could rise as the virus spreads. Future research aims to assess the prevalence of bird flu in high-risk cat populations to safeguard both humans and pets.
Published: May 08 2025, 11 pmeznews.inThe ALICE experiment at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) is investigating the effects of heavy ion collisions, primarily to explore the quark-gluon plasma from the early universe. Notably, these collisions can lead to nuclear transmutation, where lead atoms, composed of 82 protons, can be transformed into gold by removing three protons. While the LHC's primary focus is not on this process, collisions at 99.999993% of the speed of light can generate brief pulses of light capable of facilitating this transformation. The ALICE team has successfully detected the production of gold, along with other elements like thallium and mercury, using advanced detectors. Although gold production occurs at a rate of 89,000 nuclei per second, the total yield is minuscule, preventing any gold rush at CERN. The findings, published in *Physical Review C*, also enhance theoretical models related to electromagnetic dissociation, crucial for optimizing LHC performance.
Published: May 09 2025, 3 amFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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