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Earth's magnetic north pole is undergoing significant and accelerating movement, drifting eastward from Canada towards Siberia at an increasing rate. Since the 1830s, it has shifted approximately 2,250 kilometers (1,400 miles), with the pace of movement rising from less than 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) per year in 1990 to around 50 to 60 kilometers (31 to 37 miles) annually by 2005. If this trend continues, the pole could move an additional 660 kilometers (410 miles) in the next decade, potentially causing compasses to point east of true north by 2040. Meanwhile, the south magnetic pole is also drifting eastward over Antarctica. These changes are attributed to the dynamics of Earth's molten outer core, which generates the planet's magnetic field. While the shifting poles are unlikely to affect daily life, they necessitate recalibrations of GPS and satellite navigation systems. Scientists continue to study these phenomena, as the last complete pole reversal occurred 780,000 years ago. 
Published: Apr 05 2025, 7 pmeznews.inIn the ongoing debate over which gender experiences more pain, childbirth and testicular trauma often take center stage. Childbirth is notorious for its excruciating nature, involving hours of labor as a baby is forced through a narrow birth canal, often resulting in severe physical and psychological distress. In contrast, a kick to the testicles can induce immediate, intense pain, potentially leading to nausea or even hospitalization. The evolutionary design of testicles, which are sensitive and located outside the body for temperature regulation, contributes to this acute discomfort. However, the subjective nature of pain complicates comparisons; what may be unbearable for one person could be tolerable for another. Ultimately, experts suggest that both experiences are profoundly painful, leading to a conclusion that neither can definitively claim superiority in the pain hierarchy, leaving it a tie in this contentious battle of the sexes. 
Published: Apr 03 2025, 1 pmeznews.inA groundbreaking study has revealed that modern North Africans can trace their ancestry to a distinct population that thrived in the Sahara during its lush, green phase, known as the African Humid Period, approximately 11,000 to 5,000 years ago. Researchers sequenced the genomes of two 7,000-year-old mummies from Libya's Takarkori rock shelter, finding no genetic links to sub-Saharan populations, indicating their isolation. This lineage shares connections with ancient hunter-gatherers from Morocco, suggesting a long-standing genetic separation from southern Africa. The study challenges previous assumptions about North African history, positing that pastoralism likely spread through cultural exchange rather than migration. The mummies also exhibited small amounts of Neanderthal DNA, linking them to some of the earliest modern humans outside Africa. While today's interconnected world has diluted this ancient lineage, traces remain in the genomes of contemporary North Africans, underscoring their unique genetic heritage. The findings are published in the journal Nature. 
Published: Apr 04 2025, 11 pmeznews.inA recent preprint study from Oxford and Syracuse Universities has shed light on the growing trend of retro gaming, revealing that players often gravitate towards consoles and games they enjoyed at the age of 10. Analyzing 12,000 hours of gameplay data from 660 participants on the Nintendo Switch, researchers found that retro gamers, predominantly male and averaging 31 years old, tend to revisit classic consoles like the Nintendo 64 and Super Nintendo. Interestingly, nearly 30% of sessions involved consoles that were discontinued before the players were born, indicating a phenomenon known as historical nostalgia. The study highlights the emotional connection many gamers have with their childhood experiences, suggesting that retro gaming fosters social connections and enhances well-being. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, the findings underscore the importance of understanding the motivations behind this nostalgic pastime and its implications for identity and the future of gaming. 
Published: Apr 05 2025, 10 pmeznews.inBarnard’s Star, located just 6 light-years from Earth, is the closest single star to the Sun and now hosts four newly discovered tiny planets, adding to the intrigue surrounding this ancient M dwarf star. These planets, with minimum masses ranging from 20 to 34 percent of Earth's, orbit the star in just a few days, making them too hot to reside in the habitable zone. The discovery, made using advanced instruments like MAROON-X and ESPRESSO, highlights the challenges of studying these planets, as they do not transit across the star's disk, complicating direct observation. Lead researcher Ritvik Basant emphasized the significance of this finding, noting that Barnard's Star has long been a subject of speculation regarding planetary systems. The research, published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, marks a breakthrough in our understanding of this cosmic neighbor, which has eluded definitive study for decades. 
Published: Apr 03 2025, 3 ameznews.inWhile many are familiar with using a magnifying glass to focus sunlight and ignite materials, the question arises: can moonlight be harnessed similarly? The answer is yes, you can focus moonlight, but it remains ineffective for producing heat. The Moon's surface temperature peaks at around 121 degrees Celsius (250 degrees Fahrenheit), far below the 480 degrees Fahrenheit needed to ignite paper. According to the second law of thermodynamics, heat cannot flow from a cooler source to a hotter one, meaning that focusing moonlight cannot generate temperatures exceeding that of the Moon itself. Even with a larger lens, the conservation of étendue law dictates that concentrating light would only spread it out over a larger angle, preventing effective targeting. Thus, while the idea of igniting materials with moonlight is intriguing, it remains firmly in the realm of impossibility, leaving enthusiasts to wait for a more practical solution. 
Published: Apr 04 2025, 6 pmeznews.inThe Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR), located in deep underground caverns in Texas and Louisiana, currently holds 396.4 million barrels of crude oil, with a maximum capacity of 714 million barrels. Established after the 1973 energy crisis to protect against supply disruptions, the SPR serves as a crucial tool in U.S. energy security and geopolitics. Managed by the Department of Energy, it allows for the release of oil to stabilize domestic prices or support international allies, as seen in the coordinated release of 60 million barrels in March 2022 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. However, the SPR faces criticism for inefficiencies and potential political misuse, particularly regarding emergency releases aimed at influencing voter sentiment. As global energy dynamics shift, experts are calling for a reevaluation of the SPR's role and effectiveness in contemporary energy policy. 
Published: Apr 03 2025, 7 ameznews.inA 2015 YouGov poll revealed that over 40 percent of Americans believe humans and dinosaurs co-existed, reminiscent of the animated duo Fred Flintstone and Dino. Specifically, 27 percent thought it "probably" happened, while 14 percent were certain of it. In contrast, only 25 percent rejected this notion outright. The divide appears influenced by religious beliefs, with 56 percent of "born-again" Christians supporting the idea, compared to just 22 percent who do not. Conversely, 51 percent of non-born-again Americans dismiss the coexistence claim. Scientifically, evidence shows that non-avian dinosaurs went extinct around 66 million years ago, long before the emergence of the genus Homo, which appeared between 3 and 2.5 million years ago. While birds, descendants of theropod dinosaurs, still exist today, it is unlikely that poll respondents were considering this when expressing their views on human-dinosaur coexistence. 
Published: Apr 03 2025, 10 pmeznews.inOn January 23, 1556, the Shaanxi province of northwest China experienced a catastrophic earthquake, believed to be the deadliest day in human history, with an estimated death toll of 830,000. The quake, caused by the slipping of the Weinan and Huashan faults, had its epicenter near Huaxian. While records indicate that about one-third of the victims died from collapsing structures and landslides, many others succumbed to disease and famine in the aftermath. Despite its magnitude of 8 to 8.3, the Shaanxi earthquake is not the strongest recorded but remains the deadliest, surpassing the 1976 Tangshan earthquake, which killed around 655,000. Given the global population of less than half a billion at the time, the relative loss of life on that day is unparalleled. Nearly 500 years later, no single day has matched the devastation of that fateful Thursday. 
Published: Apr 04 2025, 9 pmeznews.inScientists have developed a self-injectable contraceptive shot that forms an implant within the body, offering a less invasive and more accessible alternative to traditional birth control methods. This innovative technology combines the long-term drug release of contraceptive implants with the ease of injectable administration, eliminating the need for daily pills and enhancing accessibility, particularly in areas with limited medical infrastructure. The contraceptive, levonorgestrel, is delivered through a tiny needle, minimizing discomfort for patients. Co-lead author Vivian Feig emphasized the goal of providing diverse, easy-to-administer contraceptive options, especially for women in developing regions. The new method, known as Self-aggregating Long-acting Injectable Microcrystals (SLIM), has shown promise in rodent tests, with plans for preclinical studies to assess its performance in humans. Researchers believe SLIM could also be adapted for other medications, potentially improving treatments for conditions like HIV and tuberculosis. The findings are published in *Nature Chemical Engineering*. 
Published: Apr 05 2025, 9 pmeznews.inA recent study by researchers at Brown University reveals that Americans have lower survival rates than Europeans, a trend consistent across all wealth levels. Despite wealthier Americans living longer than their poorer counterparts, their life expectancy still lags behind that of wealthy Europeans. Over the past six decades, the U.S. has seen a significant transfer of wealth from the middle class to the rich, exacerbating inequality and contributing to declining life expectancy, particularly among the poorest citizens. The study, which analyzed data from over 73,000 adults aged 50 to 85, found that even the wealthiest Americans have mortality rates comparable to the poorest in several European countries. Researchers emphasize that systemic issues, including economic inequality and lifestyle factors, affect health outcomes across all socioeconomic groups. The findings call for policymakers to address these disparities, suggesting that improvements in health could be achieved by learning from the better outcomes observed in other nations. 
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