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A new working paper by Dartmouth University Professor David Blanchflower and colleagues challenges the long-held belief that high school years are the happiest of our lives, revealing a significant shift in the U-shaped happiness curve. Traditionally, this curve indicated that happiness peaks in youth and old age, with a midlife low. However, recent findings suggest that young adults are now the least happy demographic, with unhappiness declining and happiness increasing with age, a trend that began around 2017. Blanchflower noted alarming statistics, such as one in nine young women in the U.S. reporting daily poor mental health, alongside rising rates of self-harm and suicide attempts among youth. This decline in well-being is not confined to the U.S., as similar patterns have emerged in over 80 countries worldwide. The reasons behind this downturn remain unclear, with Blanchflower suggesting that factors like social media may play a role. 
Published: Dec 09 2025, 8 pmeznews.inAndy the goose, born without feet in 1987 in Harvard, Nebraska, became a symbol of resilience and compassion after inventor Gene Fleming crafted prosthetic shoes for him, allowing him to walk and capturing the hearts of many, including Nike, which provided him with a lifetime supply of sneakers. However, tragedy struck in October 1991 when Andy went missing, only for his dismembered remains to be discovered in a local park, still wearing his shoes. Despite a $10,000 reward for information leading to his killer, the perpetrators were never held criminally responsible. Andy's story, which even featured on _The Tonight Show With Johnny Carson_, highlights the impact of animal prosthetics, inspiring advancements that have transformed the lives of other animals in need, from elephants to tortoises, showcasing a hopeful side to human-animal relationships amidst the sorrow of Andy's untimely death. 
Published: Dec 09 2025, 11 pmeznews.inCinnamon, a beloved spice with a rich history, is derived from the dried bark of tropical trees, primarily _Cinnamomum verum_, or Ceylon cinnamon, native to Sri Lanka. This evergreen tree has been cultivated for centuries, with its bark processed into prized quills that can fetch high prices, sometimes exceeding $27 per pound. While true cinnamon is celebrated for its delicate aroma, many consumers unknowingly purchase cheaper alternatives, such as Cassia cinnamon, which lacks the subtlety of its true counterpart. Historically, cinnamon was highly sought after, influencing trade routes and the Age of Exploration. Its medicinal properties have been recognized across cultures, from ancient Egypt to traditional Chinese medicine, although modern research on its health benefits remains inconclusive. Despite this, cinnamon's enduring popularity suggests it holds a special place in culinary and medicinal practices worldwide. 
Published: Dec 10 2025, 6 ameznews.inNeanderthals in present-day Belgium may have resorted to cannibalism around 45,000 years ago, specifically targeting the weakest members of rival clans, according to new research. Analysis of bones found in the Goyet caves revealed a minimum of six individuals, predominantly petite females and children, indicating they were deliberately chosen as victims. The remains, which show clear signs of butchering, represent the largest collection of cannibalized Neanderthal remains in northern Europe. Isotopic studies suggest these individuals were not local, and their physical characteristics imply they were not particularly mobile, likely making them easy targets. The study authors propose that this exocannibalism reflects a predatory behavior linked to competition and warfare, coinciding with the arrival of Homo sapiens in the region, which may have heightened tensions and violence among Neanderthal groups. The findings are detailed in the journal *Scientific Reports*. 
Published: Dec 06 2025, 10 ameznews.inTigers are facing significant threats from habitat loss and poaching, yet new research highlights the positive impact of protected areas on their survival. A study conducted in the Leuser Ecosystem on Sumatra, the last refuge for critically endangered Sumatran tigers (_Panthera tigris sondaica_), reveals promising results. Researchers deployed 133 camera traps between 2023 and 2024, identifying 27 individual tigers, including three sets of cubs, indicating a healthy ecosystem capable of supporting both tigers and their prey. The number of tiger sightings was nearly three times higher than previous surveys, suggesting effective conservation efforts. Dr. Joe Figel, a conservation biologist, emphasized the importance of these findings, attributing the success to the collaboration of local communities and government agencies in preserving vital forest habitats. The study, published in *Frontiers in Conservation Science*, underscores the potential for conservation initiatives to benefit critically endangered species. 
Published: Dec 09 2025, 2 ameznews.inIn Germany, the practice of _lüften_, or airing out spaces by opening windows and doors, is a cultural staple embraced year-round, even in winter. This ritual, often performed daily, is believed to enhance physical health and respiratory function, a notion supported by scientific studies linking fresh air to improved sleep quality and reduced depressive symptoms. Notably, during the COVID-19 pandemic, German Chancellor Angela Merkel highlighted _lüften_ as a cost-effective method to mitigate virus spread. However, experts caution that frequent ventilation can undermine energy efficiency in well-insulated buildings, as residents may not fully utilize modern heating and air recovery systems. To balance health benefits with energy conservation, the _stoßlüften_ (shock ventilation) method is recommended, where windows are opened briefly to minimize energy loss. As such, while _lüften_ is beneficial, it requires mindful execution to avoid energy inefficiencies. 
Published: Dec 09 2025, 11 pmeznews.inResearch into the lives of female Neanderthals reveals intriguing parallels with modern experiences, particularly regarding maturity and social roles. Genetic studies suggest that female Neanderthals may have reached menarche earlier than contemporary humans, and evidence indicates they likely migrated to their partners' communities after mating. Childbirth for Neanderthal women was likely painful, with anatomical studies showing a pelvis structure that may have complicated delivery, although they possibly received midwifery-like support from their communities. Furthermore, evidence of bone trauma and wear suggests that Neanderthal women actively participated in hunting and other labor-intensive activities, challenging the notion of a strict gender division in prehistoric societies. Overall, while definitive conclusions remain elusive due to limited data, the findings paint a picture of female Neanderthals as active, integral members of their communities, sharing many experiences with modern women. 
Published: Dec 10 2025, 12 ameznews.inA recent study analyzing over 28 million days of data from more than 70,000 participants has revealed the intricate relationship between sleep and physical activity. While only 13% of individuals met both recommended sleep and exercise targets, the findings suggest that quality sleep significantly enhances the likelihood of increased physical activity the following day. Specifically, those who achieved over seven hours of restful sleep tended to be more active, whereas achieving daily step goals did not correlate with improved sleep quality. Researchers emphasize that prioritizing sleep may be the most effective strategy for boosting energy and motivation for exercise. Simple lifestyle adjustments, such as reducing screen time before bed and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, can greatly enhance sleep quality, ultimately supporting a healthier, more active lifestyle. The study highlights the challenges of balancing sleep and exercise in real life, calling for a reevaluation of health guidelines to better accommodate individual circumstances. 
Published: Dec 09 2025, 1 ameznews.inResearchers at George Washington University have explored what they term "The Grandmother Hypothesis," revealing that people often neglect key areas of their skin during washing, which can adversely affect their skin microbiome. The study, led by Keith Crandall, involved 129 students who collected skin samples from various body parts, including commonly overlooked areas like the navel and behind the ears. Findings indicated that regions regularly cleaned, such as forearms and calves, exhibited a more diverse and healthier microbiome compared to neglected areas. The research highlighted that dry skin regions were richer and functionally distinct, while moist areas showed less diversity. Crandall noted that an imbalance in the skin microbiome could lead to conditions like eczema and acne, emphasizing the need for further investigation into the relationship between microbiome health and overall human health. This study serves as a foundational reference for understanding healthy adult microbiomes. 
Published: Dec 06 2025, 5 pmeznews.inResearchers have provided a new estimate for the universe's expansion rate, known as the Hubble constant, which highlights the ongoing Hubble tension—a significant discrepancy in measurements. Different methods yield varying results: the European Space Agency's Planck satellite estimates the rate at 67.4 kilometers per second per megaparsec, while other observations suggest a higher value of 72.8 kilometers per second per megaparsec. The latest findings from time-delay cosmography, which utilizes gravitational lensing, indicate a value of 71.6 kilometers per second per megaparsec, aligning more closely with the galaxy method but still diverging from the cosmic microwave background measurements. This discrepancy raises critical questions about our understanding of the universe, with experts like Professor Tommaso Treu emphasizing the need for further independent measurements to determine whether this is a new phenomenon or a result of measurement errors. The study is published in Astronomy and Astrophysics. 
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