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Laughter, a universal human experience, is not just a response to humor but a contagious emotion rooted in our evolutionary history, according to experts. Dr. Sandi Mann, a chartered psychologist, explains that all emotions, including laughter, are inherently contagious, a trait shared with other mammals like apes, who exhibit similar laughter-like vocalizations. Research indicates that laughter fosters social bonding, serving as a modern substitute for grooming, which historically helped strengthen group ties among early humans. This shared joy not only alleviates stress but also enhances resilience in challenging situations, as seen in medical settings where humor can ease patient discomfort. The phenomenon of laughter transcends cultural boundaries, with no known community devoid of it. Ultimately, laughter is a vital social tool, enriching human interactions and underscoring the importance of shared joy in our lives. 
Published: Dec 27 2025, 2 pmeznews.inFlat-headed cats, one of the world's rarest feline species, have been detected and filmed in southern Thailand for the first time in nearly 30 years, raising hopes for their conservation. Last documented in 1995 and long thought to be "possibly extinct," the species was confirmed through a study utilizing camera traps set up by Thailand's Department of National Parks and Panthera Thailand. The project yielded 13 detections in 2024 and 16 in 2025, including photographic evidence of a female with her cub, indicating successful reproduction. Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Suchart Chomklin, hailed this as a significant conservation milestone, emphasizing the importance of protecting natural habitats. With an estimated global population of 2,500, flat-headed cats are classified as endangered by the IUCN. The findings underscore the need for further exploration in areas where rare species may still exist, prompting a reassessment of conservation strategies.
Published: Dec 27 2025, 3 ameznews.inIn a remarkable find during a 2007 subsistence hunt, Inuit whalers in Alaska discovered fragments of a harpoon embedded in the carcass of a bowhead whale, dating back to the late 1800s. Scientists estimated the whale's age at around 115 years, highlighting the species' exceptional longevity, which can exceed 200 years. Bowhead whales, which can grow up to 18.8 meters and weigh as much as 90,710 kilograms, have rebounded from near extinction due to commercial whaling, with current populations estimated between 10,000 and 23,000. The harpoon, identified as an exploding lance popular in New Bedford, Massachusetts, was traced to a period between 1885 and 1895. This discovery adds to the understanding of bowhead whales, the longest-living mammals on Earth, and underscores their significance as a vital food source for Indigenous Peoples in Alaska.
Published: Dec 27 2025, 10 ameznews.inWhile filming off Rarotonga in the Cook Islands, whale scientist Nan Hauser encountered a life-threatening situation when a humpback whale charged at her, attempting to shield her from a massive tiger shark lurking nearby. Initially fearing for her safety as the whale hoisted her onto its back, Hauser later realized the creature was trying to protect her from the predator. After managing to escape, she was astonished to see the enormous shark, which she described as "like a truck." Believing the whale's actions were altruistic, Hauser noted that humpbacks are known for such behaviors. Remarkably, she was reunited with her rescuer a year later, recognizing it by its distinctive tail notches. The emotional reunion felt akin to reuniting with a long-lost pet, as the whale nudged her affectionately. Hauser expressed her hope to see her "cetacean pal" again, reflecting on the extraordinary bond formed during that perilous encounter.
Published: Dec 27 2025, 3 pmeznews.inAstronomers have unveiled the largest planet-forming disk ever observed, dubbed Dracula’s Chivito, after a Uruguayan sandwich, revealing its chaotic nature. This turbulence has caused wisps of material to extend far beyond the main disk, creating a striking butterfly-like appearance. Discovered around the young star IRAS 23077+6707, the disk is estimated to contain between 10 and 30 times the mass of Jupiter, significantly more than any previously observed disk. Utilizing the Hubble Space Telescope, researchers captured detailed images that confirm the disk's enormous size of 4,200 astronomical units, making it visible from 1,000 light-years away. Lead author Dr. Kristina Monsch noted that the disk's asymmetric features and chaotic processes provide a unique opportunity to study planet formation. While questions remain about the disk's structure and whether dust is still accumulating, the findings mark a significant advancement in understanding the environments where planets are born.
Published: Dec 25 2025, 2 ameznews.inA new study has challenged long-held beliefs about the origins of rocky planets, particularly Earth, by revealing that the stellar winds from the red giant star R Doradus are insufficient to disperse the necessary molecules across the galaxy. Previously thought to be a key contributor to the distribution of stardust, R Doradus, located 180 light-years away, emits dust rich in silicates and alumina, but its light lacks the force needed to propel these particles into the nebulae that form planets. While some iron-bearing silicates can gain enough acceleration, they risk overheating and turning to gas, complicating the dispersal process. The researchers suggest that while red giants are crucial for creating elements like oxygen and silicon, alternative mechanisms, such as giant convective bubbles or stellar pulsations, may be responsible for their distribution. The findings, published in Astronomy and Astrophysics, prompt a reevaluation of how the building blocks of life spread throughout the universe.
Published: Dec 23 2025, 6 pmeznews.inAs the holiday season brings feasting and festivities, it also leads to a surge in dirty dishes and kitchen hygiene concerns. A 2019 study from Cardiff Metropolitan University revealed that kitchen sinks and tap handles are hotspots for bacteria, with common culprits including _E. coli_ and _Staphylococcus spp._ These surfaces, often damp and in contact with raw food, create ideal conditions for bacterial growth. Leaving dishes to soak in warm water can exacerbate the problem, making it harder to eliminate harmful microorganisms during cleaning. Experts recommend washing dishes promptly and regularly disinfecting sinks with soapy water followed by an antibacterial spray. For those using dishwashers, opting for models with superheated steam can enhance sanitation. Maintaining a clean kitchen is crucial, especially during the holidays, to prevent the spread of bacteria and ensure food safety.
Published: Dec 23 2025, 12 ameznews.inA recent study employing network science to analyze 20,000 pieces of music spanning four centuries has revealed a notable decline in musical complexity over time. Conducted by researchers from Sapienza University of Rome and the University of Padova, the study categorized music into six macro-genres, using a network model where notes are represented as nodes and transitions as edges. Findings indicate that while classical music was historically more complex, it too has experienced simplification, with jazz showing a brief increase in complexity before stabilizing. The researchers suggest that this trend may be linked to technological advancements and the democratization of music composition, which have led to a more interconnected and algorithmically curated musical landscape. Despite the simplification of melodies, the study notes that other aspects of music may be becoming more intricate, highlighting the need for further research into these evolving dynamics.
Published: Dec 27 2025, 7 ameznews.inPaul Edmonds, a 67-year-old patient at City of Hope in California, has become the fourth person globally to achieve long-term remission from HIV, alongside overcoming leukemia, thanks to stem cell donations from a donor with a rare genetic mutation. Diagnosed with HIV in 1988, Edmonds endured years of harsh treatments until advancements in medication improved his outlook. After being diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome in 2018, he underwent intense chemotherapy, which led to remission of his leukemia, allowing for a stem cell transplant in February 2019. Remarkably, by the following year, he was free of detectable HIV and has since stopped antiretroviral treatment. Edmonds shares his journey to inspire hope and highlight the ongoing challenges faced by those living with HIV, emphasizing the need for continued advocacy and access to effective treatments as the fight against the virus progresses.
Published: Dec 27 2025, 1 ameznews.inA woman in New York City, referred to as the "New York Patient," has reportedly achieved remission from HIV, becoming the first woman and the third person overall to be effectively cured of the virus. This groundbreaking case was presented at the Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI 2022) and involves a stem cell transplant from a genetically matched donor with the rare CCR5-delta32/32 mutation, which confers resistance to HIV. Diagnosed with HIV-1 in 2013 and treated for leukemia, the patient received both cord blood and adult stem cells, along with antiretroviral therapy. Remarkably, over 14 months after halting antiretroviral treatment, no traces of HIV were detected in her body. Experts highlight the significance of her mixed-race background, as it underscores the challenges of finding suitable donors in underrepresented communities, potentially paving the way for more inclusive treatment options in the future.
Published: Dec 23 2025, 2 amFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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