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A recent study published in Springer Nature highlights the potential threat of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), particularly the H5N1 subtype, as a candidate for a future pandemic. Researchers simulated a scenario in a fictional village in Tamil Nadu, India, where the virus could spill over from birds to humans and then spread between humans. The model demonstrated that effective control measures, such as isolating cases and quarantining households, could significantly curb infections in the early stages of an outbreak. However, once community transmission begins, more drastic public health interventions, like lockdowns and mass vaccinations, may be necessary. Currently, the CDC reports 71 bird flu infections and two deaths in the U.S. since 2024, with scientists cautioning that the virus could mutate to enable human-to-human transmission. The study emphasizes the importance of real-time simulations to respond to emerging cases effectively. 
Published: Dec 24 2025, 6 pmeznews.inAs temperatures soar, many seek relief in showers, but the choice between hot and cold water can significantly impact health. Hot showers, typically enjoyed at temperatures around 40-41°C (104-106°F), are known for their relaxing effects, aiding sleep and relieving muscle tension. However, they can also lead to dry skin and hair, and pose risks like vasovagal syncope, where a sudden drop in blood pressure can cause fainting. Conversely, cold showers, while historically prescribed for various ailments, are linked to immune boosts and increased metabolism, potentially aiding weight loss. They may also enhance mental alertness and alleviate depressive symptoms. Experts suggest a balanced approach: a warm shower followed by a brief cold rinse to maximize benefits while minimizing risks. During heat waves, lukewarm showers are recommended to avoid exacerbating the body's struggle to regulate core temperature.
Published: Dec 21 2025, 2 ameznews.inAs the festive season approaches, many are weighing the environmental impact of choosing between a real Christmas tree and a synthetic one. While cutting down a natural tree may seem detrimental, evidence suggests that Christmas tree farming can offer ecological benefits, such as carbon capture and habitat provision. For every tree harvested, one to three seedlings are planted, promoting sustainable forestry practices. However, concerns arise over pesticide use and the displacement of natural ecosystems. Real trees, when sourced locally and disposed of responsibly—ideally as mulch—are generally more eco-friendly than artificial trees. The latter, often made from environmentally harmful PVC, have a higher carbon footprint, especially if disposed of in landfills. Ultimately, while both options have pros and cons, real trees are deemed the better choice for the planet, provided they are ethically sourced and properly managed.
Published: Dec 24 2025, 8 pmeznews.inWhile humans often view themselves as unique in matters of love and loyalty, the animal kingdom reveals a complex landscape of mating behaviors. Monogamy, defined as exclusive mating between pairs, is rare among mammals, with only 3 to 5 percent exhibiting this trait. Species such as the California deermouse and African wild dog exemplify true monogamy, while others, like the moustached tamarin, practice social monogamy, forming long-term bonds without exclusive mating. In contrast, many mammals, including humans, display a spectrum of monogamous behaviors, with recent studies placing humans near the top of a monogamy scale, yet still behind certain species. Birds, however, dominate the monogamous realm, with around 90 percent forming lifelong pair bonds. Ultimately, while cooperation often drives monogamous relationships in the animal world, the motivations behind these bonds—whether practical or emotional—remain a subject of intrigue and debate.
Published: Dec 24 2025, 4 pmeznews.inA newly studied plant, Balanophora, may resemble a mushroom but is, in fact, a flowering plant from the Balanophoraceae family, which thrives without sunlight or sexual reproduction. Found in Taiwan's mountains and Okinawa's subtropical forests, these rare parasitic plants attach to tree roots, extracting nutrients from their hosts. Researchers analyzed the genomes of seven Balanophora species and discovered a significantly reduced plastid genome, essential for various cellular processes, including amino acid production. This reduction likely occurred over 100 million years ago, making Balanophoraceae one of the oldest parasitic lineages. The ability to reproduce independently further aids their spread across Japan's islands without reliance on pollinators. The research team plans to explore other parasitic plants to understand whether the loss of photosynthesis represents an evolutionary dead end or a new ecological strategy. The findings were published in the journal *New Phytologist*.
Published: Dec 24 2025, 5 pmeznews.inIn a rare observation, a camera trap in Green Mountain National Forest, USA, has documented moths drinking the tears of a bull moose, marking only the second instance of this behavior, known as lachryphagy, occurring outside tropical regions. The footage, captured between 1:44 am and 1:48 am on June 19, 2024, shows the moths on the moose's face, with 80 images taken from over 247,000 recorded across nearly 500 sites in the northeastern US. While most butterflies and moths typically obtain nutrients from nectar, some supplement their diet through puddling, which includes drinking from various sources. The moths involved likely belong to the Geometridae family, although their exact species remains unidentified. Experts caution that while this behavior is uncommon, it could pose a risk of disease transmission to the moose, although such occurrences have not been documented in other species. The findings are detailed in the journal Ecosphere.
Published: Dec 23 2025, 7 pmeznews.inIn 2025, significant advancements in Space, Physics, Health, and Medicine have been highlighted by IFLScience editors Dr. Alfredo Carpineti and Laura Simmons. In the realm of Space and Physics, key studies include challenges to the Standard Model of cosmology, suggesting dark energy may not be constant, and groundbreaking experiments at CERN that successfully manipulated antimatter. Additionally, the discovery of 6,000 confirmed exoplanets, including a 3D weather map of a hot Jupiter, marks a milestone in astronomy. In Health and Medicine, the five-year anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic prompted a study revealing substantial life years lost in Europe. A promising gene therapy for Huntington’s disease showed a 75% reduction in symptom progression, while a pioneering xenotransplantation case involved a pig liver transplant, though complications arose. These developments reflect a year of remarkable scientific progress across multiple disciplines.
Published: Dec 24 2025, 4 pmeznews.inA recent study from the University of Sussex has revealed that daily brain exercises can temporarily train individuals to perceive colors when reading black text, a phenomenon akin to synesthesia. While 95.6% of people experience text in standard black, the remaining 4.4% may see letters in various colors due to this sensory condition, which can also involve tasting words or hearing music while eating. Over nine weeks, 14 participants trained to associate letters with specific colors, resulting in an average IQ increase of 12 points, although this boost is likely linked to enhanced pattern recognition rather than genuine synesthetic experiences. Researchers emphasize that while their training method mimics synesthesia, it does not create true synesthetes, as the color perception fades after training. Future studies may explore the effects of this training in different languages to assess its longevity and potential clinical applications for individuals with sensory processing disorders.
Published: Dec 24 2025, 3 pmeznews.inClaims that there are only one or two places on Earth where one can walk directly on the mantle are more nuanced than they appear, with two notable locations often cited: Macquarie Island in Australia and Gros Morne National Park in Canada. Macquarie Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is unique as it features intact mantle rock pushed to the surface by tectonic forces, making it the only known location where oceanic mantle-derived rock is exposed at an active plate boundary. Conversely, Gros Morne is renowned for its ancient mantle rocks, which are part of a larger geological formation. While both sites offer remarkable opportunities to study mantle material, the claim of exclusivity is debated, as other locations may also expose mantle rocks, albeit less prominently. Ultimately, while Macquarie Island and Gros Morne are the most recognized, the existence of other potential sites remains a possibility.
Published: Dec 20 2025, 7 ameznews.inIn 1917, three shepherd children in Fátima, Portugal, reported an apparition of the Virgin Mary, who promised to reappear on the 13th of each month for six months. On October 13, 1917, an estimated 70,000 people gathered to witness what was dubbed the "miracle of the Sun." Witnesses described the Sun appearing to dance and change colors, with some reporting sensations of darkness and unusual hues in the atmosphere. However, scientific explanations suggest that the phenomenon may have been a local event, possibly caused by atmospheric conditions like "sun dogs," or even mass hysteria and solar retinopathy from staring at the Sun. Despite the large crowd and media presence, no photographic evidence of the event exists, leading to ongoing debate about the nature of what was witnessed that day.
Published: Dec 24 2025, 10 amFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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