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In Iceland, the annual puffling season has sparked a unique tradition where locals toss baby puffins, known as pufflings, off cliffs to help guide them towards the sea. This practice, primarily observed in the Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands), addresses the confusion caused by city lights that can mislead the fledglings, causing them to crash into urban areas instead of heading to the ocean. As pufflings prepare for their first flight, they rely on the moonlight for navigation, but artificial lights can disrupt this instinct. To assist these young birds, rescue teams and families actively participate in the tossing ritual, which is both a community event and a conservation effort. Once airborne, the pufflings instinctively know how to soar, marking the beginning of their journey at sea. The event has become a festive occasion, with nets placed in harbors to protect the birds from potential dangers. 
Published: Sep 05 2024, 4 pmeznews.inScientists have long speculated about primordial black holes, theorizing that small black holes could have formed from slight overdensities in the early universe. However, new research suggests that these black holes cannot be lighter than one billion tons, as anything smaller would have triggered a catastrophic vacuum decay, potentially destroying the universe. This phenomenon is linked to the Higgs boson, the particle responsible for giving mass to everything. If the Higgs field were to change, it could lead to a fundamental shift in the laws of physics. The study, led by Dr. Lucien Heurtier from King’s College London, indicates that the Higgs is currently in a stable metastable state, unlikely to change for billions of years. The findings challenge the existence of primordial black holes below this mass limit, raising questions about the standard model of particle physics and the potential for undiscovered phenomena beyond it.
Published: Sep 10 2024, 12 ameznews.inSince 2013, cannabis use in the US has risen significantly, although rates among teenagers have remained stable, according to new research from the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville. The study, which analyzed data from over 500,000 individuals between 2013-2019 and 2021-2022, found that while overall cannabis consumption increased, particularly among young adults aged 18-25 and higher-income households, the prevalence among youth aged 12-17 did not change. This stability may be attributed to strict age restrictions on cannabis sales and the categorization of youth data. The research highlights a growing trend in cannabis use among Hispanic and non-Hispanic White populations, alongside a notable rise in usage among those with college degrees. The authors emphasize the need for educational campaigns to address potential health risks associated with increased cannabis consumption, particularly among vulnerable groups. The findings are published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence Reports.
Published: Sep 10 2024, 12 ameznews.inAs Utah's Great Salt Lake continues to shrink due to drought and water diversion, alarming levels of lead-contaminated dust are being released, posing a significant health risk to nearby Salt Lake City and its 1.2 million residents. A recent study revealed that the exposed lakebed emits dust containing hazardous heavy metals, including arsenic and lead, which can lead to serious health issues such as developmental problems, respiratory conditions, and heart disease. Researchers noted that while only 9% of the lakebed is currently emitting dust, the potential for increased exposure remains, especially as monitoring equipment to assess risks in residential areas has yet to be installed. The study highlights the urgent need for action, drawing parallels to the environmental crisis at California's Salton Sea, where similar dust issues have led to severe public health consequences. The findings were published in the journal *Atmospheric Environment*.
Published: Sep 10 2024, 1 ameznews.inThe world of parasites is filled with grotesque and fascinating examples, showcasing nature's darker side. One of the most notorious is the tongue-eating parasite, *Cymothoa exigua*, which invades fish, replaces their tongues, and even consumes their food. Another horrifying case is the guinea worm, *Dracunculus medinensis*, which inflicts excruciating pain on humans as it emerges from their skin after maturing inside their bodies. Fungi like *Ophiocordyceps* manipulate ants into seeking ideal growth conditions, ultimately killing them to sprout from their heads. Horsehair worms induce crickets to leap into water, ensuring their own demise for the worms' reproduction. Additionally, parasitoid wasps, such as *Glypatapanteles*, turn caterpillars into guardians for their larvae, while filarial worms can lead to debilitating conditions like elephantiasis in humans. These examples highlight the complex and often brutal relationships between parasites and their hosts.
Published: Sep 09 2024, 10 pmeznews.inExcessive light pollution in urban areas has been linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease, particularly among individuals under 65, according to new research from Rush University Medical Center. The study, which analyzed Medicare data from 2012 to 2018 alongside satellite data on nighttime light exposure, found that higher levels of light pollution correlated with higher rates of Alzheimer’s. For older adults, the association was stronger than some known risk factors, such as alcohol abuse, although conditions like stroke and high blood pressure showed even stronger links. Dr. Robin M. Voigt, the study's lead author, emphasized that disruption of circadian rhythms due to nighttime light exposure could be a contributing factor to the disease. While the findings are compelling, Voigt noted the need for further research to confirm these results at the individual level. In the meantime, he suggests practical measures to reduce light exposure at home.
Published: Sep 09 2024, 11 pmeznews.inThe rising popularity of alkaline water, often touted by celebrities and wellness influencers for its supposed health benefits, has sparked debate over its efficacy. Alkaline water, defined as having a pH above 7, typically ranges from pH 8 to 9, compared to the US EPA's recommended pH of 6.5 to 8.5 for drinking water. While a small study suggested that it may enhance hydration in active individuals, the findings are preliminary and lack robust clinical support. Research from the University of California, Irvine, found no significant advantage of alkaline water over regular tap water for treating kidney stones. Claims that it can slow aging are based on animal studies, which do not directly translate to humans. Although generally safe for occasional consumption, those on certain medications should exercise caution. Ultimately, experts advise that regular water remains the best choice for hydration.
Published: Sep 08 2024, 9 ameznews.inA two-decade-old cold case has been resolved after a submerged car was spotted on Google Maps, leading to the discovery of missing mortgage broker William Earl Moldt's remains. Moldt, 40, was last seen leaving a nightclub in Lantana, Florida, on November 7, 1997, after calling his girlfriend to say he would be home shortly. His disappearance remained a mystery for 22 years until a local property surveyor noticed the vehicle in a pond while browsing satellite images. The car, a 1994 Saturn SL, was confirmed to belong to Moldt after being retrieved from the water, where it had been hidden since the time of his disappearance. The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office noted that the vehicle had been visible on Google Earth since 2007 but had gone unnoticed until now, providing closure for Moldt's family after years of uncertainty.
Published: Sep 09 2024, 8 pmeznews.inA bag of Cheetos carelessly dropped in the Big Room of Carlsbad Caverns has raised alarms from the National Park Service (NPS), highlighting the potential ecological consequences of littering in sensitive environments. The NPS warned that while a spilled snack may seem insignificant, it can disrupt the delicate balance of the cave's ecosystem. The humidity allowed the processed corn snacks to foster microbial life and fungi, creating a temporary food web that could affect local species such as cave crickets and spiders. Rangers spent 20 minutes removing the trash and mold to mitigate any lasting damage. The incident underscores a broader issue of waste in U.S. national parks, which see over 300 million visitors annually, generating nearly 70 million tons of trash. Caves, being isolated ecosystems, are particularly vulnerable to such disturbances, as evidenced by the damage caused to the Lascaux Caves in France due to increased human activity.
Published: Sep 09 2024, 9 pmeznews.inA man planning a camping trip in Quebec's Côte-Nord region has potentially uncovered an ancient asteroid impact site while browsing Google Maps. Joël Lapointe discovered a roughly spherical structure, approximately 15 kilometers in diameter, surrounding Marsal Lake. He reached out to geophysicist Pierre Rochette from the Centre de recherche en géosciences de l'environnement (CEREGE) for analysis. Initial assessments suggest the formation may be linked to an impact event, with Rochette noting the topography is indicative of such an occurrence. Although the area shows no significant gravity anomalies, the team believes further fieldwork is necessary to confirm the structure's origins. Preliminary evidence, including the presence of silicates and magnetite, points to impact melt rock, suggesting the event could have occurred between 450 and 38 million years ago. The findings were presented at the 86th Annual Meeting of the Meteoritical Society, with hopes for a dedicated expedition to the site in the future.
Published: Sep 09 2024, 7 pmeznews.inThe term "overmorrow," which means the day after tomorrow, has recently gained attention online as people seek a more concise way to express this concept. This archaic word, derived from the Old English "morrow," was first documented in a 1535 Bible translation and has largely fallen out of use since the 16th century. Despite its decline, "overmorrow" was still referenced in UK Parliament as late as 1925. The resurgence of interest in this term highlights a desire for linguistic efficiency, similar to the German "übermorgen" and the French "surlendemain." As social media users advocate for its revival, they hope to simplify everyday conversations, sparking a broader discussion about the value of forgotten words in modern language.
Published: Sep 09 2024, 2 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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