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A remarkable spider known as Number 16 has been celebrated as the world's oldest spider, living an astonishing 43 years, far surpassing the previous record of 28. This mygalomorph spider, part of a long-term study initiated in 1974 by Barbara York Main at North Bungulla Reserve in Australia, exemplified sustainable living by maintaining her burrow and taking only what she needed from her environment. Despite her longevity, Number 16 met a grim fate in 2016 when a parasitic wasp invaded her burrow, leading to her demise. Researchers suggest that her life offers valuable lessons in sustainability, highlighting the importance of low-impact living in today's world. They argue that the lifestyles of such long-lived species can inspire humanity to adopt more sustainable practices as we face environmental challenges. As the authors noted, the legacy of Number 16 serves as a reminder of the rich biodiversity and ecological wisdom that can guide our future. 
Published: Oct 09 2025, 8 pmeznews.inThe World Health Organization (WHO) is collaborating with Cambodian authorities to investigate two confirmed cases of H5N1 bird flu, including the death of an 11-year-old girl, marking the first human case in Cambodia in nine years. Her father has also tested positive, raising concerns about potential human-to-human transmission, although experts assert that such transmission remains unlikely. The WHO describes the situation as "worrying," particularly given the virus's prevalence in birds and recent cases in mammals. Despite the alarming context, health officials emphasize that the risk to the general public is low, as human infections typically occur through direct contact with infected birds. Antivirals and vaccines are available but would need updating to match the current strain. The WHO stresses the importance of monitoring the virus closely to detect any mutations that could facilitate human transmission, while advising the public to avoid contact with potentially infected birds.
Published: Oct 13 2025, 4 pmeznews.inThe Chinese National Health Commission (NHC) has reported the first human case of the H3N8 bird flu, involving a four-year-old boy from Henan province who fell ill earlier this month. The child developed symptoms on April 5 and was hospitalized on April 10, with tests confirming the H3N8 strain on April 24. While the virus is common in animals like horses and dogs, it has never been documented in humans before. Experts express concern over potential mutations that could enhance its ability to infect humans, although the NHC assesses the risk of a widespread outbreak as low, noting that close contacts of the boy tested negative. The boy had been in close proximity to various bird species, which may have contributed to the infection. The NHC advises the public to avoid contact with sick or dead poultry and to maintain good hygiene practices.
Published: Oct 13 2025, 4 pmeznews.inA rare case of H5N1 bird flu has been confirmed in a resident of South West England, marking the first human infection of this strain in the UK. The individual, who has had regular contact with infected birds, is reported to be in good health, and health authorities have assessed the risk to the public as very low. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has traced all contacts of the infected person, who is currently self-isolating, with no evidence of further transmission. Experts emphasize that while avian flu can occasionally jump to humans, such occurrences are extremely rare, and human-to-human transmission is even less common. Professor Isabel Oliver from UKHSA reassured the public, stating that robust monitoring systems are in place to detect and manage such cases. Scientists agree that the current strain does not show signs of being capable of efficient human transmission, underscoring the need for a calm and measured response.
Published: Oct 13 2025, 5 pmeznews.inThe World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a significant surge in measles cases globally, with nearly 17,338 cases recorded in January and February 2022, marking an 80% increase from the same period in 2021. This alarming rise is attributed to weakened health systems due to the COVID-19 pandemic, ongoing conflicts, and disruptions in routine immunizations, which left 23 million children without essential vaccines in 2020. Countries like Somalia, Yemen, Afghanistan, Nigeria, and Ethiopia have been particularly affected, with fears that the war in Ukraine could exacerbate the situation. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the urgent need to restore immunization services, warning that the repercussions of these disruptions could lead to resurgences of other preventable diseases in the future. UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell echoed these concerns, highlighting the critical gaps in global immunization coverage that vulnerable children face.
Published: Oct 13 2025, 12 pmeznews.inThe Loch Ness monster, affectionately known as Nessie, continues to intrigue enthusiasts worldwide, with theories ranging from plesiosaurs to giant eels. The Official Loch Ness Monster Sightings Register has recorded only three sightings this year, bringing the total to 1,163. Recent reports include unusual wave patterns and sightings of long, thin shapes in the water, leading some to speculate whether these could be misidentified animals. Ecologically, Loch Ness is deep and cold, home to species like European eels and Arctic char, but unlikely to support a prehistoric marine reptile. A 2019 study from the University of Otago found abundant eel DNA but no evidence of larger creatures like sharks or sturgeons. While seals occasionally swim upstream, they are rare visitors. The loch's geological history suggests that while it may harbor unique species, the existence of a legendary monster remains highly improbable.
Published: Oct 12 2025, 6 ameznews.inThe World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a dramatic surge in global measles cases, with over 110,000 infections recorded in the first quarter of 2019—an alarming increase of nearly 300% compared to the same period last year. This rise is attributed to various factors, including stagnant vaccination rates, with only 85% of children receiving the first dose of the measles vaccine, far below the 95% needed for herd immunity. Outbreaks are particularly severe in Madagascar, Brazil, Yemen, and Ukraine, with Madagascar alone reporting 69,000 cases and over 1,200 deaths since October 2018. The WHO highlights that misinformation about vaccines, exacerbated by the digital age, poses a significant threat to public health, leading to increased vaccine hesitancy. As a result, anti-vaccine sentiment has been identified as one of the top ten global health threats, underscoring the urgent need for improved vaccination efforts worldwide.
Published: Oct 13 2025, 7 ameznews.inSixty-six million years ago, a massive asteroid impact marked the end of the dinosaurs, yet some survived and evolved into modern birds. Researchers are now exploring the anatomical changes that occurred during this transition, employing a technique known as "reverse evolution." A recent study published in the journal *Evolution* details how scientists at the University of Chile successfully induced chicken embryos to grow dinosaur-like leg bones by manipulating the expression of a gene called Indian Hedgehog (IHH). By inhibiting IHH, the researchers observed that the fibulae of the chickens continued to grow, resembling those of the ancient *Archaeopteryx*. This study builds on previous work that enabled chickens to develop dinosaur-like features, although these modified embryos were not allowed to hatch. The findings shed light on the genetic factors that have shaped the evolution of bird anatomy from their dinosaur ancestors.
Published: Oct 13 2025, 8 ameznews.inIn the ongoing debate over which gender experiences more pain, the comparison between childbirth and a kick to the testicles remains contentious. Childbirth is often cited as the pinnacle of pain, involving hours of intense contractions and the physical trauma of delivering a baby through a narrow birth canal, which can lead to severe complications and long recovery times. Conversely, a kick to the testicles can cause immediate, excruciating pain that radiates throughout the body, potentially resulting in nausea or even hospitalization. Urologists explain that the high sensitivity of the testicles is an evolutionary trait designed to protect reproductive capabilities. Ultimately, pain is subjective, and while some may argue that childbirth is more painful due to its duration and complexity, others contend that the acute pain from a testicular injury is unparalleled. The conclusion? It’s a tie, leaving both experiences as uniquely agonizing in their own right.
Published: Oct 11 2025, 7 ameznews.inA recent study suggests that stevioside, a natural sweetener derived from the Stevia plant, may enhance hair loss treatment, particularly for androgenetic alopecia, commonly known as male pattern baldness. Researchers developed a dissolving patch that improved the absorption of minoxidil, the active ingredient in Rogaine, in a mouse model. The combination of stevioside and minoxidil significantly increased the solubility of the drug, leading to hair regrowth in over 67% of the treated area after 35 days, compared to just 25% in the control group. While the findings are preliminary and further research is needed to confirm efficacy in humans, the study indicates that this method could offer a more effective and natural approach to treating hair loss, potentially benefiting millions globally. Dr. Lifeng Kang from the University of Sydney emphasized the promise of this innovative delivery system for improving hair loss treatments.
Published: Oct 10 2025, 1 amFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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