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The largest animal ever to exist, the blue whale, currently swims in our oceans, dwarfing even the largest land mammals like elephants. While mammals did grow larger after the extinction of dinosaurs, filling ecological niches left vacant, they are unlikely to reach sizes comparable to the colossal Brachiosaurus. Research by University of Georgia's John Gittleman indicates that various mammal lineages evolved to similar maximum sizes due to shared ecological roles. Among the largest land mammals was Paraceratherium, an ancient rhinoceros ancestor weighing up to 20 tonnes. However, biological constraints limit mammalian size; as endotherms, mammals expend significantly more energy to maintain body temperature compared to ectothermic dinosaurs. Consequently, while the conditions for giant mammals may exist, their biology restricts them from achieving the massive sizes of their prehistoric counterparts. For now, the evolution of such giants remains unlikely, though lizards may still surprise us. 
Published: Mar 11 2025, 5 pmeznews.inDogs are often celebrated as humanity's best friend, but they can also introduce harmful microbes into homes, particularly through their water bowls. A common issue pet owners may overlook is the formation of biofilms—communities of microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi, that thrive in moist environments. These biofilms can develop in water bowls, especially when food particles and organic matter are present, creating a breeding ground for pathogens like Campylobacter, E. coli, and Salmonella, which can pose health risks to dogs. To mitigate this, experts recommend cleaning the bowl daily with hot, soapy water and performing a weekly deep clean using a vinegar solution. Choosing ceramic or stainless steel bowls can also help reduce biofilm build-up, while replacing any chipped or cracked bowls is essential to prevent bacterial growth. Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure the health and safety of canine companions.
Published: Mar 12 2025, 9 ameznews.inThe National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory has confirmed the discovery of approximately 40 circular structures at the bottom of Lake Michigan, identified as sinkholes. These depressions, ranging from 91 to 183 meters in diameter, were first detected during a 2022 sonar survey and further examined in an August expedition, located about 22.5 kilometers southeast of Sheboygan. The sinkholes likely formed due to geological processes involving the dissolution of limestone by groundwater. Similar formations in Lake Huron have been found to host unique microbial communities, offering insights into early Earth conditions. Researchers are eager to explore the Lake Michigan sinkholes, as they may harbor comparable microbial life, including strains of cyanobacteria and methane-producing Archaea, potentially revealing new and undiscovered species. Further studies are anticipated to deepen understanding of these intriguing underwater features and their ecological significance.
Published: Mar 12 2025, 2 pmeznews.inRecent research suggests that creatine, commonly associated with bodybuilding, may enhance the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in treating depression, which affects approximately 280 million people globally. Traditional treatments, including psychotherapies and medications, do not work for all patients, with up to 25% experiencing no relief or dropping out due to side effects. The study involved 100 participants in India with moderate to severe depression, who received either creatine or a placebo alongside biweekly CBT. After eight weeks, those taking creatine showed a significant reduction in depression scores, averaging 5.8 compared to 11.9 in the placebo group. Experts highlight the substantial impact of creatine on patient well-being, though they call for larger and more diverse trials to confirm these findings. If validated, creatine could become a valuable, cost-effective addition to depression treatment strategies. The study is published in the journal *European Neuropsychopharmacology*.
Published: Mar 12 2025, 3 pmeznews.inA tweet by user BradiusZero has sparked widespread concern after sharing a scan allegedly showing a butt plug embedded dangerously within a person's body, reportedly due to a metallic core that was not disclosed by the manufacturer. The accompanying message details a personal injury case where a client, believing their butt plug was made of "100% silicone," wore it to an MRI appointment, only to have it propelled into their chest cavity by the machine's powerful magnetic field, described in a memo as an "anal rail gun." While the story raises alarms about the risks of using metal sex toys during MRI scans, skepticism surrounds its authenticity, as the image first appeared on Reddit before being deleted. Experts emphasize the importance of avoiding metallic objects in MRI settings, given the machines' strong magnetic fields, which can pose serious dangers to patients.
Published: Mar 12 2025, 7 ameznews.inThe remarkably preserved mummy of Lady Dai, also known as Xin Zhui, has earned the nickname "China's Sleeping Beauty" due to her exceptional condition, despite being over 2,100 years old. Discovered in the 1960s by construction workers in Mawangdui, her tomb contained thousands of artifacts from the Han dynasty, including silk manuscripts and herbal medicines. Unlike her husband, Li Cang, and a younger male relative, Lady Dai's body remains intact, with congealed blood in her veins and soft tissues preserved. Researchers attribute her preservation to her elaborate burial, which included multiple lacquered coffins and layers of silk clothing, as well as a mysterious liquid in her coffin. However, scientific studies reveal that she lived a lavish lifestyle that contributed to her poor health, leading to her death at around 50 from a heart attack, shortly after consuming a meal of musk melon seeds. Today, her remains are displayed at the Hunan Provincial Museum, attracting visitors intrigued by her longevity.
Published: Mar 12 2025, 5 ameznews.inA recent study highlights the growing threat of misinformation, which undermines societal functions and democratic processes globally. Researchers conducted five large-scale experiments with over 11,000 participants to explore proactive measures against misinformation, likening these strategies to "booster shots" for the mind. Participants engaged with text, video, and game-based interventions, such as the browser game _Bad News_, designed to expose them to common misinformation tactics. While these interventions improved participants' ability to detect misinformation, their effectiveness waned over time—lasting about a month for text-based methods and two weeks for gamified approaches. To combat this decline, researchers advocate for regular "psychological booster shots" to reinforce memory and resistance to misinformation. This approach could enhance public education and digital literacy programs, offering a scalable solution to a pervasive issue. The findings are detailed in the journal *Nature Communications*.
Published: Mar 12 2025, 2 ameznews.inFive years after the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic, a new study from Imperial College London reveals the extensive toll of the crisis, estimating a loss of 16.8 million years of life among adults aged 35 and over across 18 European countries. The research highlights that over half of these lost years would have been lived without disability, emphasizing the pandemic's underestimated impact, particularly on older populations. The study also found that 3.6 to 5.3 million years were lost due to non-COVID-related mortality and indirect pandemic effects, which persisted even after vaccine rollouts began in 2021. Variability in life years lost was noted among countries, with Estonia experiencing the highest rates. Lead author Dr. Sara Ahmadi-Abhari stressed the importance of understanding these long-term consequences to enhance future pandemic preparedness and public health strategies. The findings are published in PLOS Medicine.
Published: Mar 12 2025, 3 ameznews.inResearchers from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (GLERL) have identified approximately 40 circular sinkhole-like structures on the floor of Lake Michigan, following their discovery during a 2022 sonar survey. These depressions, measuring between 91 and 183 meters in diameter, were located about 22.5 kilometers southeast of Sheboygan. The sinkholes likely formed due to geological processes involving the dissolution of limestone beneath the lake. Similar formations in Lake Huron have revealed unique microbial communities, including ancient cyanobacteria and methane-producing Archaea, which thrive in oxygen-poor environments. Scientists believe that the Lake Michigan sinkholes may host comparable life forms, potentially offering insights into conditions on early Earth. Further research is planned to explore the ecological significance of these structures and their implications for understanding microbial life in extreme environments.
Published: Mar 12 2025, 1 ameznews.inNASA astronaut Butch Wilmore has photographed a rare atmospheric phenomenon known as a blue jet sprite from the International Space Station (ISS). The image, shared by fellow astronaut Don Pettit on Reddit, showcases this elusive occurrence, which is characterized by upward-directed lightning that can reach altitudes of 75-80 kilometers (47-50 miles). Although blue jets and their counterparts, red sprites, have been reported for decades by ground witnesses and pilots, their existence was only confirmed in the late 1980s through video recordings. These phenomena arise from electrical charge build-up in clouds, but unlike typical lightning, the charge moves upwards due to a layer of negative charge above. Despite advancements in capturing these events, scientists still seek to understand the conditions that trigger sprites and their connection to gravity waves, highlighting the need for further research from both ground and space.
Published: Mar 11 2025, 3 amFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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