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In a groundbreaking achievement, an international team of researchers from China, Japan, and the US has successfully 3D-printed tissue that restored penile capabilities in pigs and rabbits, marking a significant advancement in biomedical engineering. The artificial organ, created using a hydrogel, was implanted into animals with penile issues, enabling them to mate and reproduce within weeks. Meanwhile, the recovery of Antarctica's ozone hole has been confirmed, attributed to global efforts to reduce ozone-depleting substances, according to a study from MIT. In other news, evidence suggests that early humans in East Africa were crafting bone tools 1.5 million years ago, far earlier than previously believed. Amidst these scientific advancements, questions arise regarding the lack of response from international organizations to recent attacks on science by figures like Donald Trump and Elon Musk, prompting concerns about the role of these organizations in defending scientific integrity. 
Published: Mar 08 2025, 7 pmeznews.inThe US Military's Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is exploring the ambitious concept of developing large-scale "biomechanical" structures in space. In a recent Request for Information, DARPA highlighted advances in metabolic engineering and biological self-assembly, suggesting the potential to "grow" structures like space elevator tethers and orbital debris remediation grids in microgravity. This approach could significantly reduce launch costs by utilizing in-situ biological materials, although the agency acknowledges that traditional materials will still be necessary for durability. While the idea of bio-engineered structures is intriguing, experts caution that practical challenges remain, particularly regarding the control of biological growth in microgravity. DARPA is inviting proposals for potential structures and Earth-based proof-of-concept experiments, but the realization of such sci-fi concepts remains a distant prospect, with significant hurdles to overcome before they can become a reality. 
Published: Mar 06 2025, 10 ameznews.inA recent study by psychologists Dr. David Gordon and Dr. Megan Birney has highlighted the role of spite in the belief and spread of conspiracy theories, particularly during crises. Conspiracy theories often reject well-supported explanations in favor of complex narratives involving powerful, malevolent groups. The researchers identified three main drivers of conspiracy beliefs: the need for understanding, security, and social validation. Their findings suggest that feelings of spite, which can arise from perceived social or economic disadvantage, significantly correlate with stronger belief in conspiracy theories. The study, involving 1,000 participants, indicates that addressing conspiracy beliefs requires more than just countering misinformation; it necessitates tackling the underlying societal issues that foster feelings of disenfranchisement and uncertainty. The research underscores the importance of effective science communication and media literacy in combating misinformation, as published in the Journal of Social Issues. 
Published: Mar 08 2025, 3 ameznews.inNew Mexico health officials have confirmed the death of Betsy Arakawa, a classical pianist and businesswoman, from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), a rare but serious disease. Erin Phipps, a state public health veterinarian, emphasized the ongoing public health threat posed by hantavirus, which is primarily transmitted through contact with deer mice. Symptoms of HPS can initially resemble flu-like illnesses, including fatigue, fever, and muscle aches, but can escalate to severe respiratory issues, with a mortality rate of approximately 38% among those who develop respiratory symptoms. There is no specific treatment for HPS; recovery relies on supportive care and early intervention. Since monitoring began in 1993, the U.S. has reported 834 cases, with New Mexico accounting for 129 cases since 1975. Preventative measures include rodent control and proper cleanup of contaminated areas. 
Published: Mar 10 2025, 7 pmeznews.inOn March 7, thousands of protestors rallied in 32 cities across the United States, including a major event in Washington, D.C., to oppose significant cuts to scientific funding and perceived attacks on scientific organizations by the Trump Administration. Organized by the grassroots group "Stand Up for Science," the protests featured prominent speakers such as Bill Nye and climatologist Professor Michael E. Mann, who emphasized the threats posed to scientific integrity and public health. The demonstrations coincided with planned walkouts in laboratories and classrooms across North America and Europe. Protestors expressed concerns over billions in frozen funding, layoffs of federal employees, and restrictions on research topics, particularly in climate science. Mann described the current climate as "the most challenging moment" for science, highlighting the normalization of anti-science sentiment within government agencies. The movement calls for an end to political interference in science and greater protections for research funding and diversity initiatives. 
Published: Mar 10 2025, 8 pmeznews.inWhile many believe "antidisestablishmentarianism" is the longest word in English, it pales in comparison to others lurking in the language. The word often cited as the longest, with a staggering 189,819 letters, is the full chemical name of Titin, the largest known protein, but it is more accurately described as a "verbal formula" rather than a traditional word. For a more accepted contender, "pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis," a 45-letter term for a lung disease caused by inhaling silica dust, is recognized in Oxford dictionaries, though its legitimacy is debated due to its contrived nature. Globally, languages like German boast lengthy words, such as "Rindfleischetikettierungsüberwachungsaufgabenübertragungsgesetz," a 63-letter term related to beef labeling regulations. Meanwhile, the longest word in the world, according to Guinness World Records, is a Sanskrit term with 195 characters, transliterating to 428 letters in Latin. 
Published: Mar 09 2025, 1 ameznews.inA recent study led by Professor Kenshu Shimada from DePaul University has revealed that the prehistoric Megalodon, one of the largest sharks to ever inhabit the oceans, likely gave birth to live young measuring between 3.6 and 3.9 meters (12 to 13 feet) long. This remarkable size at birth is attributed to a form of intrauterine cannibalism known as oophagy, where embryos consume their siblings in the womb. The research, which analyzed a near-complete vertebral column from Belgium, suggests that Megalodon had a slender body shape, akin to modern lemon sharks, which may have contributed to its massive size. The study also posits that competition with the more agile great white shark could have played a significant role in Megalodon's extinction, as it struggled to adapt to changing marine environments. The findings are published in the journal *Palaeontologia Electronica*. 
Published: Mar 10 2025, 4 pmeznews.inIn the world of card games, the art of shuffling is crucial for ensuring a fair play. While theoretically, a standard deck of 52 cards can be shuffled into an astronomical number of permutations, practical shuffling often falls short of true randomness. The overhand shuffle, a common technique, requires around 10,000 iterations to achieve a decent mix, making it inefficient. In contrast, the riffle shuffle is far superior, needing only about seven repetitions to effectively randomize the deck. Mathematicians Dave Bayer and Persi Diaconis have highlighted the "cut-off phenomenon," where significant randomization occurs after approximately 1.4 log2 n shuffles. However, shuffling too perfectly can lead to predictability, as seen in early computer-generated card games that baffled seasoned players. Thus, for optimal randomness, players should employ the riffle shuffle seven times, but beware of overdoing it, as excessive shuffling can negate the intended randomness. 
Published: Mar 08 2025, 11 pmeznews.inA recent trial has shown promising results for long COVID patients suffering from loss of smell, with a small group experiencing significant improvements following functional septorhinoplasty (fSRP) surgery. Typically used to alleviate breathing difficulties caused by nasal blockages, fSRP was tested on 25 adults who had similar degrees of olfactory loss post-COVID-19. Participants were divided into two groups: 12 underwent the surgery while 13 served as a control. Over six months, those who received fSRP demonstrated marked enhancements in their sense of smell, attributed to increased nasal airflow, while the control group either showed no improvement or further decline. Although the findings are encouraging, researchers caution that further studies with larger cohorts are necessary to confirm the surgery's safety and efficacy. For participants like Penelope Newman, the results have been transformative, allowing her to enjoy food and social interactions once again. The study is published in *Facial Plastic Surgery*. 
Published: Mar 08 2025, 1 ameznews.inThe phenomenon of shoes tossed over power lines, known as "shoefiti," is a global practice with various interpretations. One common theory suggests it serves as a memorial for deceased loved ones, a tradition that has evolved over millennia. However, the act can also be misinterpreted as a marker of gang territory, a notion debunked by fact-checkers but still rooted in some urban legends. For instance, a former gang member revealed that in certain neighborhoods, hanging shoes signify lost members. Additionally, the act can be a form of taunting, particularly in school settings, where tossing someone's sneakers out of reach can be a cruel prank. While the true motivations behind shoefiti may vary, its presence on power lines continues to spark curiosity and debate about its significance in urban culture. 
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