On Friday, a prominent scientific organization announced its plans to release a pivotal report on climate change for the nation. This endeavor had been sidelined by the Trump administration, which dismissed numerous scientists involved in the effort.
The American Geophysical Union and the American Meteorological Society indicated that authors could opt to publish works initially drafted for evaluation in their respective journals.
Brandon Jones, program director for the National Science Foundation, stated, “It is essential to protect and prepare our community, our neighbors, and our children from the escalating risks associated with climate change. This collaboration opens a vital pathway for researchers to unite and provide the necessary science to address global climate change solutions.”
The National Climate Assessment represents a thorough review of current climate science, examining the impacts of climate change on the nation and outlining potential adaptation and mitigation strategies. Five editions have been published since 2000, with the sixth edition expected to be released in early 2028.
The new initiative will not replace the federal reports required by Congress, according to a statement from the American Geophysical Union and the American Meteorological Association.
The White House has not responded to a request for comment. Following the rejection of the authors of the National Climate Assessment, known as NCA6, the notification they received mentioned that “the scope of the report is currently being reassessed in accordance with the Global Change Research Act of 1990.” This law instituted the US Global Change Research Program in April, subsequently resulting in staff and funding cuts by the administration.
It remains uncertain whether the administration will move forward with a revised assessment, try to bypass Congress and cancel it entirely, or take an alternative approach.
Jason West, an environmental scientist at the University of North Carolina and former lead author on the Air Quality chapter in a past assessment, stated, “This effort cannot substitute for NCA6, which goes through extensive public and government reviews. However, it allows the team of authors who have already started their work the chance to finalize and publish their findings.”
The report’s authors had been preparing a chapter for nearly a year, addressing subjects like climate model updates and urban heat adaptation.
Scientists highlighted the unique breadth, depth, and rigor of national climate assessments, noting that the government’s role in publishing has historically added credibility and reliability to these reports.
Researchers expressed disappointment at the abrupt cancellation of their volunteer positions. For many, the announcement from the Science Association was a positive indication that their work could proceed, just as the authors of the first National Natural Assessment advocated for the publication of their efforts.
Costa Samaras, a civil engineer at Carnegie Mellon University and leader of the Climate Mitigation chapter, remarked via email, “The AGU/AMS initiatives can sustain the momentum of climate science in the wake of recent setbacks. It serves as a reminder that science will persist.”
Under President Trump’s proposed budget, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration aims to become the nation’s focal point for lunar and Martian exploration, sending astronauts to these celestial bodies.
The Trump administration has suggested an $18.8 billion budget for NASA, a reduction of 24% from the current fiscal year’s funding of $24.8 billion. This plan is part of Trump’s commitment to “plant the flag” on Mars, a promise made during his Congress address last March.
This budget shift aligns with the vision of Elon Musk, who founded SpaceX two decades ago with aspirations to transport settlers to Mars someday.
However, the proposal does not outline how the $1 billion allocation will be utilized or the timeline for sending astronauts to Mars. Musk has indicated that SpaceX intends to launch a new, large spacecraft toward Mars by the latter half of 2026, though it’s still under development.
Janet Petro, NASA administrator, stated, “The proposal includes investments focused on crucial scientific and technological research while advancing exploration of the Moon and Mars.”
The budget cuts will mainly affect NASA’s Robotics and Space Science Mission, including the proposed cancellation of a mission to retrieve Martian rock samples and a climate observation satellite. The Orion crew capsules are set to return astronauts to the Moon post-Artemis III, the first mission to land near the Moon’s South Pole. Additionally, the Gateway, a planned orbital space station around the Moon, will be scrapped.
Casey Drier, director of space policy at the Planetary Association, noted, “The exploration of space is a nonprofit advocating for space exploration. This budget reflects America’s standing as a leader in space, yet we are becoming more introspective.”
The budget plan also suggests an increase in operations at the International Space Station, while proposing the elimination of NASA’s educational initiatives, labeling them as “awakening.” Previous attempts by both President Trump and President Obama to terminate NASA’s educational funding were countered by Congress reinstating the funds.
In aviation, the proposed budget cuts research aimed at minimizing greenhouse gas emissions from aircraft.
The budget further suggests reducing “mission support” by over $1 billion, aiming to save costs through employee workforce cuts, maintenance reduction, construction decreases, and “environmental compliance activities.”
Last year, Vermont achieved a historic milestone by enacting the nation’s first climate superfund law, aimed at enabling the recovery of funds from fossil fuel companies to manage the escalating expenses associated with climate change.
This depends, however, on whether we can prevail against the mounting legal challenges.
Recently, the Department of Justice initiated a federal lawsuit, with Vermont being one of the states, alongside New York, to adopt the Climate Superfund Act. The lawsuit argues the measure is “a bold effort to seize federal authority” and forces others to subsidize state infrastructure expenditures.
Shortly after, West Virginia Attorney General John B. McCauskey announced he was spearheading another challenge against Vermont’s law, claiming it “encroaches upon American coal, oil, and natural gas producers.”
McCauskey had previously filed a similar lawsuit against New York, seeking $75 billion from oil and gas companies over the next 25 years. On Thursday, he warned that the Vermont version could be “even more perilous” as it lacks a financial cap.
He, along with 23 other attorneys, is joining the lawsuit filed late last year by the American Petroleum Research Institute, an affiliate of the US Chamber of Commerce and the Federal Court of Vermont.
West Virginia is a significant source of natural gas and coal, and the complaint asserts that fossil fuel companies operate legally. It argues that “Vermont enjoys affordable and reliable fuels while simultaneously punishing those who produce such energy.”
The Climate Superfund Act is patterned after the federal Superfund program, which aims to clean up hazardous waste sites. This program has been operational for decades, ensuring that businesses contributing to contamination help finance the cleanup.
The new climate superfund law stems from the understanding that the burning of fossil fuels—which generates carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases—is a primary driver of climate change. Consequently, the law permits states to pursue funding from fossil fuel producers to mitigate the costs of global warming. Similar legislative initiatives are gaining traction in states like California, New Jersey, and Massachusetts.
Patrick Derprue, an expert in environmental law in Vermont, characterized the Justice Department’s case as “a display of virtue signaling” and anticipates a dismissal. He expects the state will argue that the Chamber of Commerce’s lawsuit is premature, given that officials are still determining how the law will be applied and are not directly implicated.
Julie Moore, the secretary of the Vermont Natural Resources Agency, indicated her involvement in both filings and stated her office is reviewing the specifics. She noted that the Justice Department’s actions were “not unforeseen” in light of President Trump’s April 8 executive order, which aims to “protect America’s energy from federal overreach.”
This order explicitly mentions the new laws in Vermont and New York, deeming them threats to national economic and security interests.
Letitia James, the New York Attorney General, who is named in the DOJ lawsuit, stated that the Climate Superfund Act “will ensure that those responsible for the climate crisis contribute to remedying the damages they have inflicted.”
Meghan Greenfield, an environmental attorney with prior experience at the DOJ and the Environmental Protection Agency, now a partner at Jenner & Block, remarked that legal conflicts regarding such new laws are inevitable. Some arguments relevant to these measures are novel and untested, revolving around the concept of “equal sovereignty” between states, which posits that states should be equitably treated by the federal government.
“We are navigating complex legal landscapes, with new types of laws and challenges emerging, making predictions difficult,” she noted.
She also expressed anticipation for further confrontations regarding more conventional state climate regulations, particularly those in New York and California.
As Don Pike embarks on his daily stroll, he laces up his brown hiking boots, takes hold of his walking stick and bucket hat, and steps outside. A mere ten feet later, he skillfully navigates around barbed wire to enter the Tonto National Forest. Unlike the typical Tonto scenery, where the ground is strewn with dry grass between native plants and trees, this area feels stark, unfriendly, and barren.
The reason for this desolation is that Mr. Pike is engaged in weed removal.
“I’ve eliminated them so effectively that I can’t find any in this region,” remarked Pike, 84, a retired resident of Maine who has found great joy in his cherished desert and installed floor-to-ceiling windows in his living room.
Mr. Pike is in a battle against buffel grass and fountain grass, two invasive species that are spreading throughout the Sonoran desert. These plants suffocate native flora, elevate the risk and intensity of wildfires, and jeopardize a vibrant ecosystem.
His fight against this encroaching vegetation began nearly 15 years ago. Since then, he estimates he and his team of volunteers have cleared 550 acres of the approximately 14,000 acres they manage. In 2024, his efforts earned him the title of Arizona Weed Manager of the Year.
The work of volunteers like Pike has long been essential in supplementing federal land management, as government officials note that funding for their programs has been lacking for years. However, volunteers like Pike are becoming more crucial than ever given the reductions in federal workforce instigated by the Trump administration and its push for government efficiency.
“It will be vital for federal agencies to find innovative ways to attract individuals,” Pike stated from his back porch in March. “There are many who are eager to get involved, especially those with considerable skills.”
For residents of the West Coast, the weather event known as the atmospheric river, stretching from San Diego to Vancouver, can deliver winter-like conditions similar to those in Boston, with heavy rain and snowfall.
Much like the storms that affect the East Coast, the term “Atmospheric River” can often feel trendy. While it may resonate more with those walking the streets of San Francisco than just plain “heavy rain,” it precisely describes moisture-laden storms in the Pacific Ocean that release precipitation upon hitting the mountain ranges in Washington, Oregon, and California.
Yet, these plumes of highly humid air driven by strong winds are not exclusive to the West Coast. They can occur globally, and recently, meteorologists and scientists are starting to apply this term to storms occurring east of the Rocky Mountains. This spring, a series of heavy rains in the central and southern United States resulted in fatal floods, with Accuweather identifying the unusual weather phenomenon as an Atmospheric River. CNN did as well.
Some researchers are hopeful that the term will gain wider acceptance, although not all meteorologists, including those at the National Weather Service, are on board. The crux of the debate revolves around how forecasts will describe the conditions for the day.
The Atmospheric River can stretch up to 2,000 miles.
These weather systems typically form over oceans in tropical and subtropical regions, where water vapor evaporates and coalesces into extensive streams of steam that travel through the lower atmosphere towards the poles. Averaging around 500 miles wide and extending up to 1,000 miles, while many weak atmospheric rivers bring beneficial precipitation, stronger ones can lead to severe rainfall, causing flooding, landslides, and significant destruction.
Rain is not the only aspect; just as squeezing a wet sponge releases water, atmospheric rivers require a mechanism to shed rain and snow. As they ascend, the water vapor cools, condenses, and ultimately falls as precipitation.
On the West Coast, this process repeats from late fall to early spring, facilitated by mountain ranges such as the Cascade and Sierra Nevada, which provide the necessary lift. Atmospheric rivers from the Pacific Ocean collide with these mountains, forcing the water vapor upward where it turns into liquid.
The situation is more complex in other regions, where upward lift usually arises from less defined and unpredictable atmospheric instability rather than geographical features. In early April, for example, cold air descending from the north pushed under the Atmospheric River originating from the bay, elevating the moist air.
“When warm air is forced up to a higher elevation than its surroundings, it can rapidly ascend, leading to severe thunderstorms,” explained Travis O’Brien, an assistant professor at Indiana University and co-author of a noteworthy paper. This study garnered attention regarding Atmospheric Rivers impacting the Midwest and East Coast.
Regions like Kentucky, Tennessee, and Arkansas experienced extreme flooding, with rainfall exceeding 15 inches in some areas.
So, why is it called that?
Atmospheric rivers have existed for ages; however, scientists began recognizing and naming them in the mid-1970s to 1980s with advancements in satellite technology, specifically the global operating environment satellite known as GOES, developed by NASA and administered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Clifford Masa, a professor of atmospheric science at the University of Washington, noted, “Prior to that, we didn’t discuss it much.”
Advancements in satellite technology allowed researchers and meteorologists to visualize atmospheric rivers, leading to more discussions and the formal naming of the phenomenon.
The term “Atmospheric River” was introduced in the 1990s by two scholars at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology: meteorologist Reginald E. Newell and research scientist Yong Zhu. They originally referred to it as Tropospheric River, named after the lowest layer of the Earth’s atmosphere where most weather phenomena occur. It later evolved into “Atmospheric River,” as it was noted that these rivers “carry about the same amount of water as the Amazon.”
Is the terminology overused? Sometimes.
Though the term became more prominent in the 2010s to 2020s, it primarily gained traction on the West Coast, as scientists focused on and studied atmospheric rivers. Numerous research papers identified them as a key source of rain and snow across California, Oregon, and Washington, as well as major contributors to flooding events. One notable occurrence was a series of nine atmospheric rivers that inundated California in December 2022 and January 2023, resulting in widespread flooding and alleviating drought conditions.
Daniel Swain, a climate scientist at the University of California, Los Angeles, highlighted that interest in atmospheric rivers tends to peak during California’s exceptionally wet storm seasons. While he appreciates the label, he also points out its potential misuse, stating that excessive use can mislead the public if distinctions between different atmospheric river intensities are not made.
“The primary misconception is that every atmospheric river is an extreme and destructive event, which is not accurate,” Swain explained.
A classification system for atmospheric rivers was introduced in 2019 to clarify this confusion. Dr. Marty Ralph, director of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in San Diego and the Center for Extreme Weather and Water in the West, spearheaded the development of this classification system, which has been applied in various global regions including the Arctic and Antarctic. He has been a prominent advocate for researching and popularizing the term atmospheric river, particularly in California, authoring numerous papers on the topic.
“It was Marty Ralph who convened the scientific community around the concept of Atmospheric Rivers as a topic deserving of attention, and his efforts have implicitly tied this concept to the West Coast, despite the original studies being global in scope,” Dr. O’Brien remarked.
This association may mislead the public as daily forecasts from West Coast offices frequently discuss atmospheric rivers, whereas offices in other regions may not.
“In the Midwest and Southeast, we typically don’t use that terminology,” stated Jimmy Barham, lead meteorologist with the Arkansas Meteorological Service. “We simply refer to it as higher-level moisture.”
The focus on the West Coast also means that atmospheric rivers are studied less frequently in other regions, where hurricanes and summer thunderstorms also contribute significantly to rainfall and draw considerable attention.
Dr. Ralph aspires for expanded research to reach the East Coast, asserting, “Even the East Coast often experiences strong, potentially impactful atmospheric rivers.”
An illustrative instance of Elderspeak: Cindy Smith was spending time with her father in his assisted living apartment located in Roseville, California.
“He just shot her a look from beneath his bushy brows and asked, ‘What are we, married?'” she recounted.
Her father, 92 years old, was a former county planner and a World War II veteran. Although macular degeneration affected his eyesight and he navigated with caution, his cognitive faculties remained sharp.
“He usually isn’t very placid with others,” Smith noted. “But he felt he was an adult, and he often wasn’t treated as such.”
Most people intuitively grasp what “Elderspeak” entails. “What resembles baby talk is often directed toward the elderly,” stated Clarissa Shaw, a dementia care researcher and co-author affiliated with the University of Iowa College of Nursing. Recent Articles document its prevalence in research.
“It emerges from ageist assumptions of fragility, incapability, and reliance.”
This aspect may also involve inappropriate affection. “Elderspeak behaves like a superior, incorporating terms like ‘honey,’ ‘dearie,’ and ‘sweetie’ to dulcet the communication,” remarked Kristine Williams, a nurse gerontologist from the University of Kansas’s Faculty of Nursing and another co-author.
“We hold negative stereotypes about older individuals, prompting changes in our speech.”
Alternatively, caregivers might resort to using various pronouns. Are you ready for a bath? In this case, “they don’t act as individuals,” Dr. Williams explained. “I certainly hope I’m not bathing with you.”
Occasionally, Elderspeakers utilize loud, brief sentences or simple words delivered slowly. They may also employ an exaggerated singing tone more fitting for children, using terms like “toilet” or “jammies.”
With the so-called tag question – It’s lunchtime now, right? – “You’re posing questions but not allowing them to answer,” Dr. Williams clarified. “You’re telling them how to respond.”
Research in nursing homes highlights how prevalent such speech patterns are. This was evident when Dr. Williams, Dr. Shaw, and their team evaluated video recordings of 80 engagements between staff and dementia patients, finding that 84% involved some variant of Elderspeak.
“Most Elderspeak is well-meaning. People genuinely aim to assist,” Dr. Williams noted. “They fail to recognize the negative implications inherent in it.”
For instance, research among dementia patients in nursing homes has identified a correlation between exposure to Elderspeak and behaviors collectively referred to as resistance to care. Research indicates.
“Individuals might turn away, cry, or refuse,” Dr. Williams elucidated. “They could close their mouths during feeding attempts.” Some may even push caregivers away or become aggressive.
She and her team created a training initiative called Chat (Change Talk), a three-hour session that incorporates videos of communication between staff and patients, aiming to mitigate the use of Elderspeak.
The initiative proved effective. Prior to the training, encounters in 13 nursing homes located in Kansas and Missouri revealed that roughly 35% of staff interactions involved Elderspeak. This figure has now dropped to around 20%.
Simultaneously, resistance behaviors constituted nearly 36% of interaction time. Post-training, this percentage decreased to approximately 20%.
Additionally, a study carried out at Midwest Hospital found the same decline in resistance behaviors among dementia patients. The findings indicated.
Furthermore, the implementation of chat training in nursing homes was linked to a reduction in antipsychotic medication usage. While the results did not achieve statistical significance, they were deemed “clinically significant” by the researchers due to the small sample sizes involved.
“Many of these medications carry a black box warning from the FDA,” Dr. Williams mentioned. “Their use in frail elderly populations can be perilous due to potential side effects.”
Currently, Dr. Williams, Dr. Shaw, and their colleagues have streamlined the chat training for online implementation. They are assessing its effectiveness across around 200 nursing homes nationwide.
Even without a structured program, individuals and organizations can combat Elderspeak. Kathleen Carmody, the owner of Senior Matters Home Care and Consulting in Columbus, Ohio, suggests that when addressing clients, one should use titles like Mr. or Mrs., unless instructed otherwise.
However, in long-term care settings, families and residents may express concerns that altering staff communication could lead to resentment.
A few years ago, Carol Fahe dealt with a mother who was vision-impaired at an assisted living facility near Cleveland, becoming increasingly dependent in her 80s.
She described staff members who called her mother “sweetie” and “honey,” hovering over her while tying her hair in pigtails, likening the treatment to how toddlers are treated, said Fahe, 72, a psychologist from Kaneohe, Hawaii.
She recognized the aides meant well, but “there’s a misleading notion associated with that,” she reflected. “It doesn’t feel good for anyone. It’s isolating.”
Fahe contemplated addressing her concerns with the aide but hesitated, fearing retaliation. Ultimately, she moved her mother to a different facility for various reasons.
However, opposing Elderspeak doesn’t need to be confrontational, Dr. Shaw emphasized. Residents, patients, and individuals encountering Elderspeak elsewhere can respectfully express their preferences regarding how they wish to be addressed and what names they prefer, which is often applicable beyond healthcare environments.
Cultural variances also play a significant role. Felipe Agudero, a health communication educator at Boston University, pointed out that in specific contexts, endearing terms or phrases “aren’t rooted in underestimating someone’s intellect. They represent affection.”
Having moved from Colombia, he noted that his 80-year-old mother does not take offense when a physician or healthcare staff asks her to “Tómesela pastilita” (take this little pill) or “Muévanlas manitas” (move your little hands).
Such expressions are customary and “she feels as though she’s conversing with someone who cares,” Dr. Agudero conveyed.
“Arrive at a place of negotiation,” he advised. “There’s no need for confrontation. Patients have every right to state, ‘I prefer not to be spoken to in that manner.’ “
In response, professionals should “acknowledge that the recipient may not share the same cultural background,” he noted, adding, “This is how I communicate, but I can adapt.”
Lisa Graeme, 65, a retired writer from Alvada, Colorado, recently confronted Elderspeak when she enrolled in Medicare drug coverage.
She recalled receiving nearly daily calls from mail-order pharmacies, following their failure to meet her prescription needs.
These “overly sweet” callers seemed to follow a script, addressing her as “Mr. Graeme,” as if they were administering medication.
Frustrated by their assumptions and their probing questions about her medication adherence, Ms. Graeme informed them that she had sufficient stock, thanks. She organizes her own refills.
“I asked them to cease calling,” she recounted. “And they did.”
A spokesperson from HHS stated that the U.S. is experiencing its largest measles outbreak in 25 years, marking the latest move in a series of actions by top health officials. Experts worry that this may negatively impact public confidence in vaccines, which are crucial for public health.
This announcement comes as Kennedy faces intense criticism while managing the outbreak, which has severely affected regions in the southwest with low vaccination rates. The outbreak has led to hundreds of infections and two fatalities among young girls. As of Friday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported over 930 cases nationwide, with most linked to the southwestern outbreaks.
Critics argue that Kennedy has emphasized unproven treatments like cod liver oil supplements and provided limited support for the measles vaccine, which has a proven 97% efficacy rate in preventing infections.
Redirecting resources towards potential treatments rather than promoting vaccination can have serious consequences at the core of the outbreak.
“We’ve seen many individuals engaging with public health schools,” noted Jennifer Nuzzo, an epidemiologist at Brown University’s Faculty of Public Health.
Researchers have extensively studied various vitamins and drug therapies as potential treatments for measles, said Michael Osterholm, an epidemiologist from the University of Minnesota.
Currently, there is no effective treatment for the measles virus, which can cause pneumonia and complicate oxygen absorption in the lungs, as well as lead to brain swelling resulting in blindness, hearing loss, and cognitive impairment.
“It’s not that there is a lack of research,” he emphasized.
Patients with measles are typically given “supportive care” to ease symptoms, which may include fever reduction, supplemental oxygen, and IV fluids.
HHS spokesman Andrew Nixon mentioned that the initiative to explore new treatments is intended to assist those who have opted not to get vaccinated. He reiterated that the CDC still endorses the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine as the most effective preventive measure against measles.
“Our commitment is to support all families in minimizing the risks of hospitalization, severe complications, and death from measles, regardless of vaccination status,” he stated.
Kennedy mentioned the example of the Mennonite community in Western Texas, which is facing significant challenges during this outbreak.
Nixon indicated that the CDC will collaborate with universities to test new treatments for “various illnesses,” including existing drug and vitamin combinations. This initiative was initially reported by CBS News.
Public health experts expressed confusion over Kennedy’s decision to seek new treatments rather than support vaccines, which possess decades of safety and efficacy data. They remarked that this approach seems to contradict a longstanding emphasis on disease prevention rather than treatment.
“This is akin to saying, ‘Please go ahead and do something; don’t exercise or smoke excessively. We will devote all resources to heart transplants,'” remarked Dr. Jonathan Temte, former chairman of the CDC’s Vaccine Advisory Committee.
Throughout the measles outbreak, Kennedy has delivered inconsistent messages regarding MMR vaccinations. At one point, he referred to the vaccine as “the most effective way to prevent the spread of measles.”
Yet, he has also raised concerns about its safety, stating, “We don’t know the risks associated with many of these products since they lack safety testing,” during a CBS News interview last month.
Healthcare professionals in western Texas report that Kennedy’s focus on treatment over vaccinations complicates their efforts.
In the early phase of the outbreak, he claimed to have heard of “almost miraculous and instantaneous recoveries” from treatments like cod liver oil.
While doctors may manage severe measles cases with high doses of vitamin A in hospitals, experts advise against its unsupervised use.
Shortly after, doctors reported encountering a measles patient who postponed critical care to self-treat with some supplements endorsed by Kennedy. They indicated that some children with measles received dangerously high levels of vitamin A.
Dr. Osterholm noted that Kennedy’s approach assumes that people’s views on the vaccine are unchangeable.
Despite Kennedy’s assertion that the Mennonite community has “religious objections” to the vaccine due to its inclusion of “fetal fragments,” community historians report no religious doctrine prohibits vaccinations. Vaccine experts confirm that MMR vaccines do not contain fetal tissue.
Instead, local doctors attribute the reluctance of Mennonite families to vaccinate their children to misinformation regarding the vaccine’s safety perpetuated by Kennedy.
The video lasts under 2.5 minutes. A slender man with thick hair enters the room, pulling a long black mamba that can deliver a lethal bite within an hour. He bites his left arm and moments later, extends his right arm towards a Taipan from Papua New Guinea. “Thank you for watching,” he states, as he calms down to speak to the camera while his left arm bleeds before it is bandaged.
For nearly 18 years, 57-year-old Tim Friede has injected himself with over 650 precisely measured doses of venom from 16 deadly snake species to develop immunity. He has also allowed snakes—mostly one at a time, although occasionally two, as in the video—to bite him nearly 200 times.
This coincidence, also known as one of its names, could aid in addressing global health issues. With over 600 species of venomous snakes across the globe, they bite approximately 2.7 million people annually, causing around 120,000 fatalities and affecting 400,000 others.
Researchers report that in Friede’s blood, they have discovered antibodies capable of neutralizing toxins from multiple snake species. According to Journal Cell.
“I am genuinely proud to contribute something meaningful for humanity and make a difference for people 8,000 miles away.
Deforestation, urban expansion, and climate change have heightened the risk of snake bites in recent years, yet antivenom research has not kept pace with demand.
“This is a more significant issue than the first world might realize,” stated Jacob Glanville, founder and CEO of Centivax, which aims to create broad-spectrum vaccines and serves as the lead author of the study.
Dr. Glanville and his team discovered that two potent antibodies from Friede’s blood, when paired with drugs that inhibit neurotoxins, can protect mice from the venom of 19 deadly snake species from various families around the world.
Experts not involved in the research consider this an extraordinary achievement. Most antivenoms can only counteract venom from one or a few closely related snake species within a particular area.
Nicholas Casewell, a researcher at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine in the UK, indicates that antivenom cocktails could potentially prevent fatalities and injuries from all snake families.
“The principles from this study can be effectively applied to other snakes,” he remarked.
Friede’s journey with snakes began with a harmless bite from a five-year-old garter snake, which sparked his lifelong fascination. “If I had known what lay ahead, I would have laughed at the thought,” he reminisces with a chuckle.
However, it wasn’t until he married and started a family while working in construction that he seriously began to explore his interest in snakes. He started experimenting with scorpions around 2000 but soon transitioned to snakes. At one point, he kept 60 venomous snakes in his basement lab.
His experiments came to a sudden halt on September 12, 2001, when he was bitten by two cobras, his emotions heightened by the previous day’s terrorist attack and the recent loss of a friend. Those were his first encounters with snakes without adequate immunity built up. While he initially felt fine after the first bite, the second caused him to feel cold, his eyelids to droop, and he lost his ability to speak. He awoke four days later in a hospital after slipping into a coma.
His wife was furious, while he felt frustrated with himself. He resolved to adopt a more methodical approach, carefully measuring venom doses and timing the bites.
“I work during the day, spend time with my kids and family at home, then head downstairs to work late into the night, only to repeat it all over again the next day,” he explained.
He faced numerous accidents, including unintentional bites, anaphylactic shocks, and power outages. Friede describes himself as a self-taught scientist, asserting, “No university in the world provides training for this. I’ve done as much as I could.”
Two scientific teams studied Friede’s blood over the years, but those efforts led to little progress. By the time he met Dr. Glanville in 2017, he was ready to give up.
Dr. Glanville was investigating what scientists refer to as broadly neutralizing antibodies as a foundation for universal vaccines, inspired by his upbringing in Mayan villages in the Guatemalan Highlands. He was intrigued by the potential to apply the same strategy to develop a Universal Antivenom.
Initially, he said his “humble” goal was to find someone like a hapless snake researcher who had experienced multiple bites. His quest took a turn when he stumbled upon an article about Friede.
“I had been eagerly awaiting this opportunity,” shared Dr. Glanville, expressing gratitude towards Friede.
In partnership with Columbia University vaccine researcher Peter Kwon, Dr. Glanville isolated broadly acting antibodies from Friede’s blood and devised a combination treatment.
Tests on antibodies from Friede’s blood against the venom of 19 snake species showed that one broadly neutralizing antibody protected mice from six species. When combined with a small molecule known as Varespladib, the second antibody provided full protection against 13 snake species and partial defense against the remaining six.
Cobras and mambas produce toxins that paralyze nerve cells, while the venom from Viper family snakes damages tissue and induces bleeding in victims. Each snake species within its family produces a unique combination of dozens of toxins, which can vary by region, age, diet, and season. It can vary significantly.
Despite advances, antivenoms are still produced using methods from 130 years ago. A small amount of venom is injected into horses, camels, or sheep, and the antibodies produced in response are harvested. These antibodies are typically specific to the type of venom administered and offer minimal relief from other snake venom types.
In fact, many antivenoms can cause more severe reactions than the venom itself, as mammalian proteins can provoke fatal allergic reactions.
Researchers are seeking treatments that mitigate these side effects. Cocktail treatments involving small-molecule drugs and monoclonal antibodies targeting critical toxic families are being developed—crafted copies of human antibodies that neutralize toxins across numerous species, according to Dr. Casewell.
Future plans include testing the Australian treatment on dogs brought into veterinary clinics for snake bites. Researchers also aim to identify additional components from Friede’s blood that could expand protection across all 19 snake species under study.
However, Friede’s experimental days are over. His last bite came from a water cobra in November 2018. He has since divorced; his wife and children have moved away. “That felt like enough,” he recalled.
While he misses the thrill of interacting with snakes, he insists it was not driven by painful bites. “I might revisit this in the future,” he reflected, “but for now, I’m content with where I am.”
National Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. emphasizes that addressing the “epidemic” of chronic diseases is fundamental to his health agenda, often citing unexpected statistics as a compelling reason for public health reform in the nation.
Recently, President Trump proposed a budget that includes a nearly 50% reduction in funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This plan includes the complete elimination of the Chronic Disease Center, leaving many state and city health officials stunned.
“A significant portion of Americans suffers from some form of chronic illness,” noted Dr. Matifha Frathschwei Davis, the health director for the city of St. Louis.
In discussing the proposed cuts, she questioned, “How can we justify this as a step toward making America healthy again?”
Last month, the Federal Health Administration eliminated 2,400 positions from the CDC. The National Centre for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, which operates with the largest budget within the CDC, was affected greatly by these changes.
Several initiatives, including those addressing lead poisoning, smoking cessation, and reproductive health, were discontinued amid the reorganization.
The proposed budget slashes CDC funding to around $4 billion, down from $9.2 billion allocated for 2024.
Notably, the budget plan does not account for the $1.2 billion set aside for the Prevention and Public Health Fund, which could mean even deeper cuts than Trump’s initial proposal indicates.
Additional programs aimed at preventing injuries, including those from firearms, HIV surveillance and prevention initiatives, and grants for state preparedness in public health emergencies, will also be eliminated.
The budget outlines that these reductions aim to eliminate “duplicate, DEI, or unnecessary programs.” While Congress will draft a federal budget, it’s uncertain how much influence Trump’s proposal will wield, given the current Republican majority and his allegiance to the former president.
CDC officials were informed that the Chronic Disease Center’s functions are to be absorbed by a new division under the Department of Health, called Management for a Healthy America.
Moreover, the newly released proposal seems to earmark $500 million for the Health Secretary to focus on “nutrition, physical activity, healthy lifestyle, medication, and treatment.”
However, the Chronic Disease Center’s budget at the CDC had nearly tripled previously. Plus, even if some chronic disease programs are revived under AHA, it’s doubtful that CDC scientists from Atlanta will be included.
“The true experts in managing these programs might no longer be with the CDC,” stated Dr. Scott Harris, state health officer with the Alabama Department of Public Health. “My state certainly lacks the same level of expertise.”
The Department of Health and Human Services has yet to respond to requests for comments.
The CDC’s Chronic Disease Center has spearheaded initiatives to prevent cancer, heart disease, diabetes, epilepsy, and Alzheimer’s disease. The center has also launched programs that range from developing hiking trails in rural areas to advocating for healthier food options in airports and promoting wellness in underserved communities.
Dr. Davis noted that her department is already feeling the impact of cuts aimed at reducing smoking and lead poisoning, as over $11 billion in funding previously provided by the CDC to the state’s health department has been withdrawn.
“I’m going to be back in the COVID-19 cycle with everything happening,” Dr. Davis remarked.
Under the proposed budget, the administration suggests that responsibilities of eliminated programs would be better handled at the state level. Yet, the state’s health department already administers the majority of chronic disease programs, with 75% of the funding from the CDC supporting these efforts.
Dr. Harris described the loss of funds as “devastating for us.”
Alabama ranks among the states with the highest rates of chronic disease, with about 84% of the Department of Public Health’s budget reliant on the CDC, according to Dr. Harris. Approximately $6 million is allocated for programs addressing chronic diseases, such as blood pressure screenings, diabetes nutrition education, and promoting physical activity.
He added, “I really don’t know where these funds would come from if these cuts happen.” “No one truly seems to know what to expect, and our input isn’t being sought.”
Minnesota’s health department has already reduced its workforce by 140 employees, with more potential layoffs looming if additional CDC funds are lost. Cutting chronic disease prevention resources jeopardizes nursing homes, vaccination clinics, and public health programs for Native Americans in the state.
“Federal actions have left us in precarious situations without support,” noted Dr. Brooke Cunningham, the state health commissioner.
Recently, Dr. Cunningham observed, “There was a shared understanding at the local, state, and federal levels that investing in health was crucial.”
The impact of the CDC’s Chronic Disease Center extends into many unexpected areas of American life.
In Prairie Village, Kansas, Stephanie Bar was made aware of the center’s resources while working as an uninsured waitress fifteen years ago when she discovered a lump in her breast.
Through the CDC’s National Early Breast and Cervical Cancer Detection Program, she received mammograms and ultrasounds, and staff assisted her in signing up for Medicaid after her biopsy revealed cancer. “It was caught just in time,” said Barr, now 45 and cancer-free.
Since its 1991 inception, the program has conducted over 16.3 million screenings for more than 6.3 million individuals, offering vital services to those without affordable access.
One such organization, 530 Health, has petitioned lawmakers to reject the proposed HHS budget, which would reduce discretionary spending by about one-third. The signers expressed that such cuts would “devastate” the nation’s research and public health systems.
The budget also suggests dismantling the disease registry and surveillance frameworks.
“Without gathering data and maintaining these surveillance systems, we lose sight of health trends,” explained Dr. Philip Fan, director of Dallas County Health and Human Services in Texas.
“You lose all historical context,” he added.
In his former role as the Director of Chronic Diseases in Texas, Dr. Huang collaborated closely with CDC experts who successfully curbed tobacco use among Americans. “Dismantling smoking and health initiatives is irrational if you aim to address chronic illnesses,” he stated.
Smoking continues to be a leading cause of preventable death in the U.S., claiming over 480,000 lives annually, as per CDC data.
Although more than 10% of Americans smoke regularly, usage rates differ significantly by region, and CDC monitoring helps identify areas that require intervention programs.
“While smoking rates have declined, tobacco companies are poised to exploit any federal laxity,” warned Erica Seward, vice president of advocacy for the American Lung Association.
She cautioned that tobacco companies are continuously developing new products, like nicotine pouches, adding, “Reining this back in will cost significantly more.”
The CDC Chronic Disease Center collaborates with community and academic institutions to promote effective health initiatives, leading nutrition classes and fitness programs to engage rural youths in Iowa as well as training members of Black churches in Columbia, South Carolina.
In rural Missouri, numerous walking trails have been developed in the “boot heels” region, an area marked by high obesity and diabetes rates, as noted by Dr. Ross Brownson, a public health researcher at Washington University in St. Louis, who is allied with the CDCC to steer the Center for Prevention Research.
“There’s robust evidence that enhancing community walkability can increase physical activity,” affirmed Dr. Brownson. “While there are no health clubs in the countryside, residents can appreciate nature and walk, and land is relatively affordable.”
In Rochester, New York, CDC funding supports training for deaf individuals to lead wellness programs tailored for other members of the deaf community who might struggle to engage in traditional gym classes.
In San Diego, researchers are exploring methods to shield farm workers from UV and heat-related ailments.
“When they mobilize and begin to take action, they become self-sufficient and are no longer reliant on government support,” commented Allison Bey, who recently lost her position overseeing such initiatives at the CDC.
The CDC reorganization has also resulted in the cancellation of the lead poisoning program, a significant concern as lead exposure represents “one of our major public health threats in Cleveland,” noted Dr. David Margolius, the city’s public health director.
Although the CDC does not directly fund the lead program in Cleveland, which relies on state funding, Dr. Margolius emphasized, “We depend on federal expertise to guide us toward a future free of lead exposure. This shift will have major repercussions for us.”
National Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. emphasizes that addressing the “epidemic” of chronic illness is fundamental to his vision for American health, frequently citing alarming statistics as a pressing need for reform in public health across the nation.
On Friday, President Trump proposed a budget that would nearly halve funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, completely eliminating the Chronic Disease Center, a move that left many state and city health officials in disbelief.
“Most Americans suffer from some form of chronic illness,” stated Dr. Matifha Frathschwei Davis, health director for the city of St. Louis.
Addressing the proposed cuts, she asked, “How do you reconcile this with an effort to make America healthy again?”
Last month, the Federal Health Administration eliminated 2,400 jobs at the CDC. The Chronic Disease Center, which handles the largest budget within the CDC, was particularly impacted.
In a reorganization last month, programs focused on lead poisoning, smoking cessation, and reproductive health were discontinued.
The proposed budget would slash CDC funding to around $4 billion, down from $9.2 billion in 2024.
Moreover, the budget plan does not account for the $1.2 billion Prevention and Public Health Fund, suggesting that the cuts could surpass what Trump has proposed.
Programs targeting injury prevention, including those related to firearms, along with HIV surveillance and public health emergency preparedness grants, would also be affected.
According to the budget proposal, reductions aim to eliminate “duplicate, DEI, or simply unnecessary programs.” While Congress will formulate a federal budget, it remains uncertain how Trump’s proposal will evolve given the Republican majority and his allegiance to Trump.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. of the Department of Health and Human Services at the White House last month.credit…Eric Lee/The New York Times
CDC officials have been informed that the functions of the Chronic Disease Center will be relocated to a new entity within the health department called Management for a Healthy America.
Additionally, the proposal released on Friday seems to allocate $500 million to the Health Secretary for initiatives focusing on “nutrition, physical activity, healthy lifestyle choices, medications, and treatments.”
Yet, the Chronic Disease Center’s budget at the CDC was nearly tripled. Even if some chronic disease centers are revived under AHA, it’s unlikely that CDC scientists, who have relocated from Atlanta, will be involved.
“The actual subject matter experts managing the program may no longer be at the CDC,” remarked Dr. Scott Harris, Alabama’s state health officer. “We certainly don’t have the same level of expertise in my state.”
The Department of Health and Human Services did not respond to requests for comment.
The CDC’s Chronic Disease Center has launched programs aimed at the prevention of cancer, heart disease, diabetes, epilepsy, and Alzheimer’s disease. However, it also supports initiatives beyond traditional boundaries, like developing walking trails and ensuring healthy food options are available in airports.
Dr. Davis from St. Louis indicated that her department has already been impacted by cuts that affect smoking cessation programs, lead poisoning initiatives, and health equity efforts, with a loss of over $11 billion in funding that the CDC previously provided to the state’s health department.
Diabetes Prevention Program at the Bronx YMCAcredit…Benjamin Norman from New York Times
The center is involved in various initiatives, from developing walking paths to ensuring that healthy food options like salads are available at airports.credit…Tony Senicola/The New York Times
“I’m going to see the impacts of COVID-19 reflected in our current situation,” Dr. Davis emphasized.
In the proposed budget, the administration claims that discontinued programs could be more effectively managed at the state level. However, the state’s health department already oversees most chronic disease initiatives, with approximately three-quarters of the CDC Center’s funding dedicated to these programs.
Dr. Harris expressed that the funding loss is “devastating for us.”
Alabama has one of the highest chronic disease rates nationwide, with upwards of 84% of the Department of Public Health’s budget sourced from the CDC, Dr. Harris noted. Approximately $6 million is estimated to support chronic disease initiatives, including blood pressure screenings, diabetes education, and promoting physical activity.
If these funds are cut, he added, “I have no idea now where the funding will come from.” “No one truly seems to know what to expect, and we are not solicited for input on these matters.”
The Minnesota health department has already terminated 140 positions, with hundreds more potentially at risk if CDC funding reductions continue. Cuts to chronic disease prevention have direct repercussions on nursing homes, vaccination clinics, and public health efforts for Native Americans in the region.
“Federal decisions have left us unsupported in a fragile situation without a safety net,” stated Dr. Brooke Cunningham, the state health commissioner.
Dr. Cunningham noted that until recently, there seemed to be a shared understanding at all levels of government regarding the importance of investing in health.
In 2023, Dr. Brooke Cunningham, Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Health.credit…David Joles/Star Tribune via the Associated Press
The impact of the CDC Chronic Disease Center is felt in many surprising facets of American life.
In Prairie Village, Kansas, Stephanie Barr learned about the center when she worked as a waitress without health insurance and discovered a lump in her breast 15 years ago.
Thanks to the CDC’s National Early Breast and Cervical Cancer Detection Program, she received mammograms and ultrasounds, with staff assisting her in registering for Medicaid for treatment after a biopsy revealed the mass was cancerous, Barr recounted.
“It was caught just in time,” said Barr, now 45 and cancer-free.
Since its inception in 1991, the program has provided over 16.3 million screenings for more than 6.3 million individuals, with no other affordable options available.
The organization 530 Health has circulated a petition urging lawmakers to reject the proposed HHS budget, which could cut discretionary funding by approximately one-third. The signers contend that these cuts would “effectively devastate” the nation’s research and public health infrastructure.
The budget also suggests dismantling the disease registry and surveillance system.
“Without collecting data or maintaining these surveillance systems, we lose sight of trends,” mentioned Dr. Philip Fan, director of Dallas County Health and Human Services in Texas.
“You’re losing all historical context,” he explained.
In a previous role as Director of Chronic Diseases in Texas, Dr. Huang worked closely with CDC specialists who effectively decreased tobacco use among Americans.
“Abolishing smoking cessation efforts is utterly irrational if you aim to address chronic illnesses,” he stated.
The Chronic Disease Center’s programs target cancer, heart disease, diabetes, epilepsy, and Alzheimer’s disease.credit…Tony Leon of the New York Times
Smoking continues to be a leading cause of preventable deaths in the U.S., causing over 480,000 fatalities annually, according to the CDC.credit…Jenny Kane/Applications
Smoking remains a top contributor to preventable deaths in the United States, leading to over 480,000 deaths each year, per CDC data.
More than one in ten Americans smoke regularly; however, rates vary significantly by region, and CDC monitoring is crucial for targeting areas where cessation programs are most necessary.
“While smoking rates have declined, if the federal government eases regulations, tobacco companies are poised to regain ground,” cautioned Erica Seward, vice president of advocacy for the American Lung Association.
She highlighted that tobacco firms continually innovate new products, such as nicotine pouches. Usage among teenagers doubled last year. “It would be significantly more challenging to reverse this trend,” she added.
The CDC Chronic Disease Center collaborates with both community and academic organizations to promote effective programs, ranging from engaging youth in rural areas of Iowa to training members of Black churches in Columbia, South Carolina.
In rural Missouri, numerous walking trails have been established in the Bootheel region, an area with high obesity and diabetes rates, as noted by Ross Brownson, a public health researcher at Washington University in St. Louis, who is partnering with the CDCC to lead the Center for Prevention Research.
“Research indicates that enhancing walkability in a community can significantly increase physical activity levels,” Dr. Brownson commented. “Though there may be no fitness centers in rural areas, residents can enjoy nature and outdoor walking, and land is relatively affordable.”
In Rochester, New York, CDC support is training both deaf and hearing individuals to lead exercise and wellness programs targeted at others who are deaf and often excluded from mainstream fitness classes.
In San Diego, investigators are exploring strategies to shield farmworkers from ultraviolet and heat-related health issues.
“When they initiate these efforts from the ground up, they’re community-driven and not reliant on government support,” commented Allison Bey, who recently lost her position overseeing such initiatives at the CDC.
The CDC’s reorganization has also resulted in the termination of the lead poisoning program. Lead poisoning is “among our most significant public health challenges in Cleveland,” pointed out Dr. David Margolius, the city’s public health director.
While the CDC does not directly fund Cleveland’s lead program, the state provides the necessary resources. “We rely on federal expertise to guide us toward a lead-free future, so this will have a profound impact on us,” he stated.
Voters are also casting their ballots to elect the inaugural mayor of Star Base, along with two additional mayors. All candidates for these positions are employees of SpaceX and are running unopposed.
As of Tuesday, early voting records from the county indicate that 181 individuals, including candidates for mayor and city commissioner, have already participated. Data on the masks eligible for voting in this special Cameron County election has yet to be included in early voting statistics.
It remains unclear why SpaceX and the Masks wish to establish their own city in this area. The company has not provided any feedback to inquiries for clarification.
SpaceX’s Mega Rocket Starship is undergoing preparations for a test flight from Starbase in Bocachica, Texas on January 12th. Eric Gay/AP File
According to Cameron County election manager Remi Garza, the county’s authority over city matters is quite limited.
“They lack the ability to regulate expansion or establish standards in the same manner that local governments can, which can adopt city codes, building regulations, and more,” he noted, emphasizing that cities significantly influence planning and development.
Elon Musk first mentioned the concept of a city called Starbase back in 2021. Coastal Spot is where SpaceX manufactures boosters and engines, as well as launching a massive Starship rocket for test flights.
Visitors are seen near a large bust of Elon Musk outside Starbase in SpaceX, Bocachica, Texas on March 5th. Eric Gay/AP File
As city governance expands, certain bureaucratic hurdles related to these activities could be mitigated. However, earlier this week, Texas lawmakers voted against a bill that would have granted SpaceX significant control over public beach access adjacent to the launch site.
Generally, SpaceX must secure approval from Cameron County officials to restrict public access to Bocachica Beach and Bocachica State Parks during rocket launches for safety reasons.
Frequent closures have led to legal challenges against SpaceX, inciting protests from local residents and activist groups, including the Carrizo Comecrudo Tribe in Texas, the South Texas Environmental Justice Network, and Border Workers United. As reported by CNBC.
As legislators tackle hard-to-recycle plastics and foams, packaging firms in California are unveiling innovative transport coolers crafted from woven fibers, revolutionizing the way temperature-sensitive products like pharmaceuticals and laboratory reagents are shipped globally.
The launch of new “recycled” containers made from recyclable paper and fibers aligns with the “Expanded Producer Responsibility” (EPR) Act, pushing the U.S. towards a more sustainable product landscape.
At least 33 states have enacted EPR laws aimed at reducing the use of plastics, styrofoam, and other contaminating materials by holding businesses accountable for their lifecycle and transferring disposal costs to producers.
Over 80 million tons of packaging waste are discarded annually in the U.S., with only around half being recycled, and a mere 9% of plastic packaging finding its way back into the recycling stream, according to Product Stewardship Research Institute.
The EPR Act seeks to minimize landfill waste, boost recycling rates, and mitigate the environmental harm caused by non-recyclable materials, prompting businesses to navigate increasingly stringent packaging regulations.
Recently, seven states have adopted the EPR Act, specifically targeting packaging materials in California, Washington, New Jersey, Minnesota, Colorado, Oregon, and Maine.
“As temperatures rise globally, the need for safe delivery options becomes crucial,” stated Catherine Telloch, CEO of the nonprofit Chicago Environmentalist. “Transitioning to fully recyclable items is fantastic, as it allows for continuous cleaning and reuse, positively impacting the environment.”
Recycling staff
Last month, Container Consulting Services from Gilroy, California, announced the launch of recyclable personnel made from paper and textiles. These containers are validated by a third party to comply with ISTA Thermal and ISTA Transit Standards, meeting essential qualifications for shipping medicines.
Other companies are manufacturing comparable eco-friendly transport coolers, but according to CCS, their product utilizes unique technology that maintains the necessary cold, matching the performance of plastic options. Their patented design features open-cell woven or nonwoven fibers that range from 1.5 to 3 inches thick, sandwiched between two interconnected fiber walls, offering insulation that effectively resists heat, akin to expanding polyethylene.
CCS claims recyclers can maintain contents at cool temperatures for over 100 hours, making them suitable for long-haul and international shipments. Upon arrival, these containers can be converted into other paper products through curbside recycling.
Telloch expressed that recyclers present a viable alternative to polystyrene. A few months prior, she received a shipment of temperature-sensitive medicine that was packed in styrofoam.
“I didn’t want that; it wasn’t good,” Telloch remarked. “If they could utilize a recyclable option instead, that would be fantastic.”
The potential impact of reusable transport coolers is significant, studies indicate. Materials such as polystyrene and polyethylene commonly used in coolers are non-biodegradable and pose threats to both human and animal health. Styrene carcinogens are released during production and usage. These lightweight materials tend to break apart and contaminate the environment as wildlife ingest microplastics. Plastic foam made with these compounds can persist in nature for thousands of years, as noted by the United Nations Environment Programme.
“Polystyrene foam is particularly harmful,” said Janet Domenitz, executive director of the Massachusetts Student Public Interest Research Group, a student advocacy organization focused on public health and environmental protection. “It’s much lighter than other plastics, making it easy for wind to carry it into landfills and the environment.”
Proponents of polystyrene argue that the material is cost-effective since its lightweight nature requires less energy and water compared to paper or fiber alternatives. The plastics industry organization did not respond to requests for comment.
Nevertheless, numerous lawmakers across the U.S. are contemplating bans on polystyrene products. In March, Senator Chris Van Hollen and Rep. Lloyd Doggett introduced the Bubble Farewell Act, which aims to prohibit the sale and distribution of polystyrene products by 2028. Additionally, California enacted a law in 2022 mandating plastics and packaging companies to minimize single-use plastics, although its implementation remains pending amid uncertain circumstances.
Globally, there is a push to eliminate plastic foam packaging, with numerous countries like Canada, Germany, and Zimbabwe having banned or restricted styrofoam, particularly in food services and packaging.
Julie Etter Simpson, co-owner of CCS, emphasized that Recycoolers are developed to align with these evolving laws.
“Product versatility is key to our commitment to environmental responsibility,” she stated.
Yaniv Abitan, managing director of Insulpack Group, an international cold package distribution company, remarked that his company has evaluated the recycling personnel and believes it will drive significant environmental initiatives as the industry shifts away from single-use plastics and EPS forms.
“We recognize the urgent need for eco-friendly alternatives that do not compromise on performance,” Avitan concluded. “Recyclers symbolize the direction the industry is headed towards for domestic and international cold chain transportation.”
Tim Friede has endured hundreds of snake bites. Presently, researchers are analyzing his blood with the aim of developing more effective snake bite treatments.
Friede has a long-standing fascination with reptiles and other venomous creatures. He used to milk scorpions and had a collection of dozens of snakes at his home in Wisconsin.
To protect himself from snake bites and satisfy his “simple curiosity,” he started injecting himself with small doses of snake venom, gradually increasing the amount to build his tolerance before allowing a snake to bite him.
“It was very frightening at first,” Friede said. “But the more you do it, the better you become at handling it, and the more comfortable you get.”
While no healthcare professional would endorse this practice, experts indicate that his approach sheds light on how the body functions. When the immune system encounters snake venom, it produces antibodies that can counteract the venom. If exposed to a small quantity, the body might respond before being overwhelmed, and prior exposure can lead to quicker reactions to larger doses.
For nearly two decades, Friede has endured snake bites and self-injections, yet he still keeps a fridge stocked with venom. In a video on his YouTube channel, he showcases the prominent fang marks on his arms from black mamba, taipan, and water cobra bites.
“I essentially wanted to test the boundaries of life and death as much as possible,” he stated.
In addition, Friede sought to contribute to science. He reached out to numerous scientists, requesting studies on the tolerance he had developed.
According to the World Health Organization, approximately 110,000 people die from snake bites annually. Developing antivenoms is both costly and challenging, often requiring large mammals like horses to produce antibodies through venom injections. These antivenoms tend to be effective against only specific snake species and can cause adverse reactions due to their non-human origin.
Tim Friede stands in a lab in Southern San Francisco, California, utilizing his blood to prepare anti-venom for various snake bites. Centibacs via AP
Upon learning about Friede, Peter Kwon from Columbia University remarked, “Oh, wow, this is quite extraordinary. He is a uniquely special individual with remarkable antibodies developed over 18 years.”
In a publication in the Journal Cell on Friday, Kwon and collaborators shared insights on what Friede’s unique blood can accomplish. They have identified two antibodies capable of neutralizing venom from multiple snake species, aiming to create a treatment that could eventually provide broad protection.
This study is in its early stages—antivenoms are currently tested only on mice, with years needed before human testing can commence. While their experimental treatments show promise for certain snake categories, including mambas and cobras, they are less effective against vipers.
“Despite the potential, there is still much work to be done,” noted Nicholas Casewell, a snakebite researcher at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, in an email. Casewell was not part of the recent study.
Friede’s journey has not been without challenges. He mentioned that a bad snake bite resulted in part of his finger needing amputation, and some severe cobra bites sent him to the hospital.
Friede is currently working with Centivax, which is developing a treatment, and he is hopeful that his 18-year journey might someday lead to a lifesaving solution for snake bites. However, his advice for those inspired to follow his path is straightforward: “Don’t do this,” he cautioned.
On Friday, the White House unveiled a budget proposal outlining significant reforms at NASA as part of its initiative to secure $163 billion in federal funding.
The suggested reductions include a nearly 25% cut, translating to over $6 billion, from NASA’s budget. The most substantial decreases target the agency’s Space Science, Earth Science, and Mission Support divisions.
The blueprint also advocates for a space launch system rocket and Orion spacecraft aimed at returning astronauts to the moon, but proposes to terminate the program after just two more missions.
The SLS Megarocket and Orion Spacecraft were fundamental components of NASA’s Artemis Moon initiative, named after the Greek goddess associated with the moon. This mission aimed to create a base camp on the lunar surface and facilitate regular missions.
Critics have pointed out that the SLS rocket exceeds the scale and capabilities of the historic Saturn V booster used in the Apollo missions, resulting in significant delays and budget overruns.
President Donald Trump’s budget draft seeks to terminate the Artemis II test flight, expected to launch in early 2026, as well as the Artemis III mission, planned for mid-2027.
A document outlining the budget requests indicates a shift in NASA’s funding priorities aimed at “returning to the moon and placing the first human on Mars.”
The proposal envisions a hub for space stations in lunar orbit, along with the cancellation of the lunar gateway project, which was intended to play a crucial role in upcoming deep-space missions.
Other significant changes include a $2.265 billion reduction in NASA’s Space Science budget, a $1.161 billion cut in Earth Science funding, and a $5 billion decrease for the International Space Station.
Additionally, these budget cuts will shrink the size of the crew aboard the space station and limit scientific research capabilities, while preparing for its decommissioning by 2030, as part of a transition to commercial space stations, dependent on budget requirements.
In an internal email obtained by NBC News, NASA’s acting administrator, Janet Petro, stated that the proposed budget “demonstrates the administration’s backing for our mission and sets the foundation for our next significant accomplishment.”
She encouraged NASA employees to “exercise patience, resilience, and the discipline needed to achieve unprecedented feats,” acknowledging the budgetary constraints as “difficult choices” that would result in some activities being discontinued.
Among other points, Petro highlighted that under the discretionary budget, NASA would dissolve the SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft programs, as well as the gateway initiative, and halt funding for the Mars sample return project.
Petro’s communications did not specify which aerospace and defense contractors might gain or lose federal support due to these proposed changes. However, companies such as SpaceX, led by Elon Musk, Blue Origin, founded by Jeff Bezos, and the United Launch Alliance (a collaboration between Boeing and Lockheed Martin) are positioned as leading launch providers in the absence of the SLS.
Following the rejection of numerous authors by the Trump administration for the upcoming national climate assessment, two scientific organizations have embarked on initiatives to publish special collections of climate change research.
Earlier this week, researchers were informed that their contributions would no longer be needed for the national climate assessment.
The future of this assessment is uncertain, and some authors have voiced concerns that its integrity is compromised, lacking scientific rigor or the ability to adequately convey the risks associated with climate change.
Robert Kopp, a professor of Earth and Planetary Science at Rutgers University and one of the authors affected by the recent decisions regarding the National Climate Assessment, commented:
In response to the administration’s actions, the American Geophysical Union (AGU) and the American Meteorological Society (AMS) announced on Friday their plans to curate a special collection focused on climate research, as stated in press releases from both organizations.
As per the news release, this collection will span over 20 peer-reviewed journals and aims to “sustain momentum” in the work relevant to the National Climate Assessment, in light of the author and staff rejections.
AGU President Brandon Jones noted in a statement that this special collection is not meant to serve as an “alternative” to the national climate assessment but represents “a unique opportunity to publish new research and reviews that could support climate assessments focused on the U.S.”
The White House has not commented on the rationale behind the rejection of National Climate Assessment authors or the administration’s plans moving forward.
The 1990 Global Change Research Act mandates the U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP) to submit reports to the President and Congress every four years, with national climate assessments previously satisfying this obligation. These reports summarize the best available science on climate change physics, its effects on the U.S., and societal adaptations. They also include localized climate forecasts for various regions to inform the public about community risks.
The latest assessment, published in 2023, comprised around 2,200 pages across 37 chapters. It highlighted that the lower 48 states have experienced an average warming of 2.5 degrees Fahrenheit since 1970, alongside increasingly severe weather events and costly disasters.
“If you’re a state official, business leader, or a member of the public looking to understand the impacts of climate change on the economy, coastal areas, or human health,” Kopp stated:
The National Climate Assessment is a culmination of the efforts of hundreds of researchers volunteering their time, although it is organized by USGCRP staff. In April, the White House ceased funding for this organization.
“I have no insight into the plan; I don’t think anyone does,” Kopp remarked. “They have let go of all the authors and staff of the Global Change Research Program, leaving some government positions currently unfilled.”
The USGCRP website currently states, “We are reviewing the operation and structure of USGCRP.”
Kopp mentioned that the authors of the National Climate Assessment had dedicated about a year to summarizing the chapters intended for their 2027 report and evaluating relevant themes. This summary has already been submitted for review to the federal agency, and the authors are now considering how best to proceed with it.
“We cannot replicate the NCA unless there is an organization prepared to take charge and staff up,” Kopp concluded.
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Challenging charging patterns: Why night charging eases grid pressure
ifeelstock/alamy
Offering small financial incentives encourages many electric vehicle owners to charge their cars during off-peak hours, despite the lesser impact of motivational nudges.
This finding emerged from a practical trial illustrating how minor financial rewards can alleviate grid demand during peak times. Such flexibility will become increasingly crucial as the number of electric vehicle users escalates globally.
“Incentivizing nighttime charging led to a 50% reduction in charging periods and a substantial increase in off-peak usage,” says Blake Sheaffer from the University of Calgary, Canada.
Sheaffer and his team engaged 200 electric vehicle owners in Calgary, dividing them randomly into three groups. One group received a financial incentive of 3.5 cents per kilowatt-hour (roughly $10 monthly). The second group was given informational nudges about the societal benefits of off-peak charging, while the third group served as a control, tracking standard charging behaviors without intervention.
Surprisingly, the nudging strategy proved “entirely ineffective,” according to Shaffer. “Simply encouraging them to act out of goodwill didn’t yield significant results.” However, he posits that more frequent reminders than the initial one might have improved outcomes.
In contrast, the financial incentives brought a marked change in charging timings but only while recipients were receiving the money; once the incentives ceased, many reverted to their previous habits.
“The study compellingly demonstrates how small financial rewards can influence electric vehicle charging behavior,” notes Kenneth Gillingham from Yale University. Such rewards might have felt like “easy money” since nighttime charging was largely convenient.
This is particularly significant, as “many energy grids require substantial upgrades,” warns Andrea La Nause from Deakin University in Australia. She points out that her study highlights how financial incentives can lead Australian electric vehicle owners to charge during the day when solar energy inflows peak.
Meanwhile, utility companies like Con Edison and Orange & Rockland in New York have already initiated similar incentive programs to promote off-peak charging.
Drought conditions can have severe repercussions in regions like Karapinar in Türkiye
Yasin Akgul/AFP via Getty Images
Over the past two decades, from the grain stores of Ukraine to towns in northern China, Eurasia has experienced a notable increase in droughts following extreme heat events. Tree ring analysis extending back nearly three centuries indicates that human-induced climate change is a significant factor in the acceleration of these combined catastrophes.
This phenomenon presents a severe threat due to the way heat and drought reinforce each other. Elevated temperatures deplete soil moisture, and droughts further reduce the humidity needed to mitigate the impact of subsequent heat waves. This harmful cycle contributes to decreased agricultural productivity and a heightened risk of wildfires.
Certain regions in Eurasia have encountered similar heat and drought patterns in the past, but researchers assert, “current developments exceed natural fluctuations,” according to Hans Linderholm, a researcher at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden.
The complete landscape became apparent only after Linderholm and his team compiled tree ring data covering Eurasia from 1741, which reflects temperature and precipitation variations. This allowed them to recreate a comprehensive distribution of high- and low-pressure systems that influence wet and dry conditions across the continent.
Researchers identified specific phenomena affecting the area, termed the “heatwave motion train of iolarism,” which has intensified since 2000, amplifying anomalies beyond historical measurements. This alteration is associated with atmospheric pressure changes prompted by warming in the North Atlantic and increased precipitation in some regions of North Africa, both linked to anthropogenic climate change.
Rising local temperatures can directly worsen extreme heat and drought situations. However, new research indicates that climate change is modifying the dynamics between distant atmospheric regions (referred to as teleconnections), further complicating the situation, Linderholm explains.
Climate model forecasts predict worsening conditions under all scenarios except for those with the lowest emissions. “We observe a distinct, robust trend in this new teleconnection pattern, suggesting that impacts will escalate in both speed and severity,” states Linderholm.
“It is difficult to envision how [the most affected regions will] recover,” he concludes.
Treatment offers protection to mice against venom from common taipans and various other snakes
Matthijs Kuijpers/Alamy
Antibodies derived from inflammatory men exhibit effectiveness against a range of snake bites, suggesting that a universal treatment may soon be achievable.
The use of non-human antibodies, however, can lead to serious adverse effects, including potentially fatal allergic reactions. Additionally, it necessitates the identification of the specific snake responsible for the bite before administering the anti-venom.
Jacob Granville from Centivax, a biotechnology firm in San Francisco, California, is exploring broadly neutralizing antibodies that could be developed into anti-venoms effective against multiple or all venomous snakes. “There are 650 venomous snake species, but their venoms involve just 10 common classes of toxins,” Granville explains.
Researchers began investigating individuals bitten multiple times by different snakes. “Perhaps a daring snake researcher,” remarks Granville. Media reports introduced the story of Tim Friede, who claims to have “self-administered escalating doses of venom from the world’s deadliest snakes over 700 times.”
“If anyone could yield a wide-ranging neutralizing antibody against snake venom, it would be Tim Friede,” Granville affirms.
From just 40 milliliters of Friede’s blood, the team “converted immune memory into a library of billions of antibodies,” he adds. They subsequently tested promising candidates against venom from 19 of the deadliest Elapidae family species, including several cobra varieties.
Ultimately, they treated two antibodies derived from Friede’s blood, known as LNX-D09 and SNX-B03, along with a toxin inhibitor named varespladib. In experiments on mice, this combination provided comprehensive protection against 13 species, including various cobras, the tiger snake (Notechis scutatus), and the general Thai bread snake (Oxyuranus scutellatus). It also offered partial protection against six additional species, including the notorious death adder (Acanthophis Antalcus).
The subsequent phase involves testing these treatments on animals brought into Australian veterinary clinics following a snake bite and identifying antibodies that can confer protection against vipers.
Tian Du from the University of Sydney emphasizes that “discovering two antibodies that can inhibit toxins makes for a universal treatment for closely related species.”
Additionally, after learning that the anticoagulant drug heparin can assist individuals in avoiding limb loss following a cobra bite, Du aims to determine whether their treatment can also avert skin and muscle necrosis.
Halley’s Comet makes its appearance near Earth every 75 years. Nevertheless, the remnants of this comet give rise to two significant meteor showers annually: the Eta Aquarids.
During this meteor shower, the night sky lights up as Earth travels through the paths left by various famous comets, according to Shauna Edson of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.
NASA’s Bill Cook describes the Eta Aquarids as “very fast meteors.”
On the peak night, which falls on Tuesday morning, we anticipate witnessing 10-15 meteors per hour under optimal viewing conditions, Cook noted.
However, with the moon approximately two-thirds full, visibility may be diminished.
The viewing period will extend until May 28th. For more information about the Eta Aquarids and other meteor showers, check out this meteor shower guide.
What is a Meteor Shower?
As Earth orbits the Sun, it encounters bits left behind by comets and sometimes asteroids several times a year. The Eta Aquarids originate from fragments of Halley’s Comet.
When these fast-moving space rocks enter Earth’s atmosphere, they experience friction with the air, causing them to heat up and eventually incinerate.
This process can create a brief glow in the surrounding air, leaving a luminous tail that marks the path of a “shooting star.”
You don’t need any special gear to view the meteor showers that light up the sky each year, just find a dark spot away from city lights.
How to View the Meteor Shower
The optimal time for observing meteor showers is early when the moon is positioned low in the sky.
The primary challenges to clear visibility are bright moonlight and artificial lights. A cloudless night with a faint moon provides the best conditions.
Remember to keep looking up. If you haven’t been distracted by your phone, your eyes will be well-adapted to spot a shooting star.
When Will the Next Meteor Shower Be?
The next major meteor shower, the South Delta Aquarids, will peak in late July.
Pterosaurs often glide above dinosaurs, but recent examinations of fossilized footprints reveal that some of these flying reptiles were equally adept at terrestrial movement.
Terrestrial migration and tracking morphology of vegetative eye type skeletal morphology: (a) Reconstruction of the ctenochasmatoid orbit Ctenochasma elegans walking with an ipsilateral gait, where the fore and hind legs on the same side move together as a pair. (b) Manual and pedal morphology of Ctenochasma elegans; PES is plant and pentadactyl, while Manus is digital grade, functionally triductyl as the large fourth digit supporting the outer wing is folded during terrestrial movement. (c) Height map of pterosaur manus and PES footprints in the holotype of Ichnotaxon Pteraichnus stokesi, showing a form that matches Ctenochasma elegans; (d) height maps from part of the Pterosaur trackway; Pteraichnus ISP. From the Upper Jurassic Casal Formation of Claysac, France. An outline drawing of (e) interpretation of Pteraichnus ISP. Scale bar – 20 mm in (c), 200 mm in (d) and (e). Image credit: Smith et al, doi: 10.1016/j.cub.2025.04.017.
“We have been diligently working to enhance our understanding of these creatures,” stated Robert Smith, a doctoral researcher at the University of Leicester.
“These findings provide insights into their habitats, movement patterns, and daily activities in ecosystems long since vanished.”
In this research, Smith and his team identified three distinct types of pterosaur footprints, each offering insights into various lifestyles and behaviors.
By correlating footprints with specific groups, a robust new method emerges to study how these flying reptiles thrived, migrated, and adapted to diverse ecosystems over time.
“Finally, 88 years after the initial discovery of Pterosaur tracks, we have pinpointed precisely who created them and how,” remarked Dr. David Unwin, Ph.D., from Leicester.
Perhaps the most striking revelation comes from a group of pterosaurs known as Neoazdalci. Quetzalcoatlus, one of the largest flying creatures, boasts a wingspan of 10 meters.
Their footprints have been found in both coastal and inland areas worldwide, supporting the theory that these long-legged animals not only soared through the skies, but also inhabited the same environments as numerous dinosaur species.
Some of these tracks date back to an asteroid impact event 66 million years ago, coinciding with the extinction of both pterosaurs and dinosaurs.
Ctenochasmatoids, recognized for their elongated jaws and needle-like teeth, left footprints primarily found in coastal sediments.
These animals likely walked along muddy shores or shallow lagoons, employing unique feeding strategies to capture small fish and floating prey.
The prevalence of these tracks suggests that these coastal pterosaurs were far more common in these habitats than than the rare fossilized remains.
Another type of footprint was located in rock formations, where fossilized remains of the same pterosaur were also found.
The close association between footprints and skeletons offers compelling evidence for identifying the track makers.
These pterosaurs, known as Dsungaripterids, possessed robust limbs and jaws; their toothless, curved beaks were adept at securing prey, while their large, rounded teeth were ideal for crushing shellfish and other resilient foods.
“Footprints are often overlooked in Pterosaur studies, yet they yield a wealth of information about the behaviors and interactions of these creatures with their environment,” emphasized Smyth.
“A detailed analysis of these footprints allows us to uncover biological and ecological insights that other methods may not provide.”
The team’s paper was published in the journal Current Biology.
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Robert S. Smith et al. Identifying Pterosaur track makers provides crucial insights into Mesozoic terrestrial invasions. Current Biology, published online on May 1, 2025. doi: 10.1016/j.cub.2025.04.017
Few voters have as much influence over climate change as Australians do.
In terms of per capita greenhouse gas emissions, only the US and Canada are close to Australia. The nation stands as one of the largest exporters of fossil fuels, significantly contributing to global warming by selling vast quantities of natural gas to Asian countries, alongside some of the most polluting fossil fuels.
As national elections approach this Saturday, polls indicate that climate change is not a primary concern for many voters. However, the leading candidates from the Labour Party and the Liberal Party hold starkly different views on climate and energy policies.
At the forefront is the reliance on aging coal plants, which dominate the country’s electricity generation.
“We’ve seen various approaches worldwide,” stated Andrew McIntosh, a professor of environmental law and policy at the Australian National University. “On one hand, there’s a push for expanding renewable energy, while on the other, a conservative coalition advocates for nuclear power.”
Both strategies aim to reduce emissions, according to McIntosh, though many remain puzzled by the nuclear initiative. Nuclear plants can take over a decade to build, while renewable energy solutions can be implemented in just a few months.
“We need to rely on coal for years to come,” he added.
In some ways, analysts compare the polarized situation in Australia to that in the US, where former President Donald J. Trump downplayed climate science, dismissing it as a scam. Matt McDonald, a political scientist specializing in climate matters at the University of Queensland, remarked:
However, instead of heightening Australians’ concerns about climate change, Trump’s criticisms “don’t seem to have generated significant international momentum to address the issue, effectively cooling tensions on both sides,” said Dr. McDonald.
If Australians are feeling pressure, it stems from surging household energy prices. According to Australian energy regulators, average energy costs have risen by approximately 60% over the last decade.
Anthony Albanese, the current Prime Minister and Labour Party leader, has committed to a relatively ambitious renewable energy target, aiming for over 80% generation by 2030.
“Yet,” Dr. MacDonald noted, “we still have a significant reliance on coal.”
Albanese’s main rival, Peter Dutton, heads a coalition that aims to increase domestic gas production for electricity generation. While gas is still a fossil fuel, it is far less polluting than coal. Dutton proposes requiring gas producers to sell portions of their output to Australian electricity grids while expediting approvals for new drilling projects.
Generally, both parties endorse gas development, with Australia being the second-largest gas exporter globally, following the US.
Polling indicates a competitive race, revealing that the Green Party and the so-called Teal Independents strongly advocate for robust climate policies and could play a crucial role in Congress. “If they maintain their current seats, they will be in a position to advocate more strongly for climate action, such as reducing coal exports,” Dr. McDonald said.
A significant question looming globally is whether Australia will host next year’s annual United Nations-sponsored Global Climate Conference, commonly known as COP. Australia is currently vying with Türkiye to secure this event, which comes with notable geopolitical significance and economic advantages, drawing tens of thousands of delegates.
Host countries typically influence the ambition levels of negotiations, and Prime Minister Albanese’s administration has been lobbying for international support for Australia’s bid for over a year. “If they are elected, it’s unlikely to happen under the coalition government,” Dr. McDonald concluded.
Meet Ronan, a California sea lion who probably has better rhythm than you do.
Researchers have demonstrated that Ronan, a resident at the Long Marine Lab at the University of California, Santa Cruz, was the first non-human mammal trained to keep the beat through movement to music. This took place back when Ronan was young, in 2013. Recently, scientists decided to reassess the skills of this now 15-year-old sea lion, revealing not only an enhancement in her ability to bob her head in sync with the music but also that she outperformed most humans in doing so.
“This ultimately shows that humans aren’t the only mammals that can sustain a beat,” said Tecumse Fitch, a cognitive biologist studying biomimetics at the University of Vienna, who was not involved in the new research. The findings were published on Thursday in Scientific Reports.
Parrots are known to keep the beat through their movements, and recent studies have highlighted similar rhythmic abilities in monkeys and other mammals such as rats. However, over a decade later, “the rhythmic abilities of sea lions are distinctly recognized among non-human vertebrates,” Dr. Fitch stated.
Researchers worked with Ronan for several months, focusing on enhancing her accuracy with the original tempos she had learned. They then compared her ability to maintain the beat now to when she was three years old.
The team evaluated Ronan’s ability to move her head to a tempo of 112, 120, and 128 beats per minute, contrasting her head movements with those of 10 individuals aged 18-23 moving their arms. “The hands function similarly to a sea lion’s head, and their arms resemble the necks of a sea lion in size, making it a valid comparison for measuring movement capabilities.”
Across all assessment parameters analyzed by Dr. Cook and his team, Ronan topped the class.
“Ronan outperformed everyone on every measure of accuracy and consistency,” stated Dr. Cook. “In all respects, she excelled beyond most people, truly setting herself apart.”
Ronan’s headbanging abilities sparked debate in 2013 regarding whether her skills could truly be compared to those of humans, as well as whether such behavior is common in the animal kingdom or restricted to species capable of learning complex vocalizations, like humans and parrots, which allow spontaneous rhythmic movement.
“What Ronan does appears indistinguishable from what humans are adept at,” Dr. Cook remarked. He believes that the new findings about Ronan’s capabilities further challenge the assumption that rhythmic timing is inherent only to vocal learners.
Some scientists challenge this conclusion.
Aniruddh D. Patel, a cognitive neuroscientist at Tufts University, maintains that the ability to naturally synchronize with music is exclusive to certain species that can inherently learn complex vocal patterns.
He suggests further research into the vocal learning abilities of sea lions would corroborate this hypothesis. Nonetheless, he emphasizes that the “crucial distinction” lies in the fact that Ronan has been trained to keep the beat.
Moving forward, Dr. Cook and his colleagues aim to investigate whether Ronan can maintain rhythm with less predictable beats.
“Can she adjust her tempo by speeding up or slowing down? Can she handle variations that aren’t steady?” Dr. Cook questioned. “These are things that humans excel at. Can non-humans do them?”
Interviews with over a dozen scientists and federal officials reveal that the initiative to control bird flu on farms has been hindered by a tumultuous administration transition, which prioritized cost-cutting, reduced federal employment, and limited communication.
On one poultry farm alone, more than 168 million birds were culled to mitigate the outbreak. The virus, first identified in American dairy cows about a year ago, has spread to 17 states and is increasingly prevalent. A flock of 1,000 birds was affected.
In the early months, the Trump administration dismissed a team of scientists crucial for tracking the virus’s spread, canceling significant meetings and limiting data access for federal scientists.
The Department of Health and Human Services has not held a public briefing on bird flu since January and has not responded to inquiries for comments.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. suggested letting the virus spread unchecked among poultry to distinguish vaccinated birds, an idea supported by Democratic lawmakers. This opened the survey into the federal response.
The Trump administration also removed funding for the Food and Agriculture Organization’s program, a UN body responsible for monitoring and controlling avian flu in 49 countries.
“We’ve noted considerable challenges,” highlighted Lindsay Mar, a specialist in airborne viruses at Virginia Tech.
“Animals and people provide strong warning signs. Yet we merely observe them and fail to act,” she remarked.
Avian influenza has impacted various mammal species, including 150 cats, with at least 70 cases across 26 states resulting in four hospitalizations and one death. Following the winter lull, the spring travel season has reignited the infection rates.
In the past 30 days, the Ministry of Agriculture has reported 47 new infectious cases across three states.
Currently, the H5N1 virus does not seem capable of human-to-human transmission. Nonetheless, a recent mutation appears to be edging closer to that possibility.
This week, an international group of virologists concluded that continuous monitoring of milk from dairy farms, wastewater, and individuals working with infected animals is vital.
Authorities are testing bulk milk to help identify infected herds. However, the agricultural sector’s strategy to counter bird flu is currently focused on lowering egg prices, with little mention of dairy cows.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins has proposed enhancements to farm biosecurity to assist farmers in ten states in curbing the virus’s spread on their premises.
“The initial emphasis of these ongoing efforts will be on egg-soaking facilities as part of USDA’s coordinated strategy to tackle egg prices, but we anticipate the inclusion of other poultry and dairy producers as the program expands,”
An early wave of federal layoffs impacted a veterinarian in the avian flu-focused agriculture sector, leading to both terminations and rehiring. Today, many continue to manage government-issued credit cards with restrictions that complicate travel and procurement of necessary supplies without seeking extended credit.
The Agriculture Department defended its policies, stating, “The restrictions on government-issued credit cards will automatically relax once personnel obtain travel approval,” according to a department spokesperson via email.
On April 1, the Trump administration dismissed veterinarians and scientists at the Food and Drug Administration investigating raw pet food contaminated with H5N1, which had adversely affected cats, and was pivotal in assisting veterinarians in developing proposals for vaccines and treatment of infected animals.
According to an anonymous official fearing retaliation, the CDC has begun withholding genetic analyses of virus samples collected from patients. Even some internal teams can no longer access this information.
Typically, federal agencies release data 242 days post-collection, as revealed by a recent analysis. Ideally, this process should only take a few weeks, according to scientists. Such delays complicate the tracking of the virus’s spread and accurate assessment of risks to the public.
Significant reports in the agency’s publications, such as weekly morbidity and mortality records, have been affected, mentioned the former anonymous official.
In February, instead of the scheduled reports on avian flu infections in domestic cats, agency scientists were instructed to prioritize a paper on the impact of LA wildfires on air quality.
While research on avian flu emerged weeks later, agency staff expressed their discontent with the delayed directives from superiors.
The Biden administration has been holding regular inter-departmental calls on avian flu, involving numerous external experts and state health officials, to share the latest findings. These discussions have been diminished, much like the CDC’s guidance on monitoring.
All communication from the CDC requires clearance from federal health officials in Washington. The agency has not held an avian flu press conference since January.
“There have been numerous health challenges,” remarked Dr. Adam Rowling, a virologist and infectious disease specialist at the University of Michigan.
The nation retains stockpiles containing millions of doses of human vaccines against avian influenza. However, amid budget cuts, agencies responsible for these stockpiles and rapid emergency distribution have shifted under the CDC.
Dawn O’Connell, who leads the administration for strategic preparation and response, an agency that has maintained its stockpile under the Biden administration, noted that this shift would “add a layer of bureaucracy instead of removing it.”
In interviews, several employees from the CDC and agricultural sector expressed low morale, worsened by successive layoffs. During a City Hall gathering on April 16, around a quarter of the veterinarians present indicated they would consider signing onto a deferred resignation program that offers full pay and benefits until September 30th.
Over the past year, it has been challenging to monitor cows infected with H5N1. They exhibited fever and produced thick yellow milk, with some cows suffering voluntary abortions.
However, reinfections have been found in cows, with second-round symptoms being subtle, complicating the identification of infected cows and protecting those who interact with them. Currently, rapid testing for the virus in cattle and humans is unavailable.
Reinfection indicates that the virus may permanently colonize dairy cows. Meanwhile, the virus continues to circulate among wild birds, evolving approximately twice as fast in birds as in cows.
A new variant, known as D1.1, which is believed to cause more severe illness, emerged in September and quickly became the dominant strain. The government’s response has not matched this rapid evolution.
In Nevada, milk samples collected on January 6th and 7th tested positive for avian influenza by January 10th. Ideally, the 12 farms contributing these samples would have been quarantined while confirming results.
Instead, further samples were gathered on January 17th, with results confirmed a week later.
The Agriculture Department stated that delays in test results would not impede the outbreak response. “It is crucial to note that response activities operate independently of the sequence of the results and occur as needed,” the department claimed.
Michael Warby, an evolutionary biologist at the University of Arizona, expressed skepticism, noting, “This appears to be a situation where the barn door is closed after the cows have escaped.”
He suggested that it’s still feasible to eradicate the virus on American farms if the Agriculture Bureau enhances containment measures.
For instance, a rapid testing method that detects H5N1 in bulk milk could provide officials with more time to eliminate outbreaks, compared to tests that yield results after several weeks.
“We believe this is a goal to pursue unless it proves futile,” Dr. Warby commented regarding the virus’s expulsion.
At present, removing the virus from farms is not straightforward.
For example, if an infected duck flies over a farm and defecates, an outbreak could commence among millions of birds. Farmers may inadvertently transport remains into chicken coops, and infected rodents can enter through small openings.
Chickens are densely packed and have weak immune systems; a single sneeze can quickly infect hundreds or even thousands.
Over the past two years, the Agriculture Department has collaborated with egg producers in four states: Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota, and North Dakota.
Federal officials have assisted in identifying and removing surrounding wildlife, including mice, and have eliminated potential virus entry points that farmers might overlook. Notably, only two out of 108 facilities involved in the pilot program reported subsequent virus outbreaks.
This project is slated to expand this year to ten states, including California, Texas, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, with plans to reach all 50 states by 2027. Agricultural experts aim to help farmers identify even the smallest vulnerabilities against avian flu.
While this proposal has garnered praise from scientists, some experts, including veterinarians in agriculture, are uncertain about its implementation.
Department staff have been striving to combat bird flu since early 2022. There is already an insufficient workforce to detect facility weaknesses necessary for farm operation and readiness for reopening.
“We’ve been working continuously for three years, leading to increasing fatigue among staff,” noted a veterinarian who requested anonymity without permission to engage with the media.
Given the current situation on farms, even stringent measures may not suffice to bar the virus, remarked Andrew Decoriolis, executive director of Advocacy Group Farm Fight.
“The outbreak is likely to persist until the industry undergoes significant transformation,” he remarked.
The Justice Department has charged three major health insurance companies with engaging in illegal kickback schemes totaling hundreds of millions of dollars over several years, involving payments to insurance brokers who guided individuals to private Medicare plans.
Federal prosecutors also alleged that two of these insurers colluded with brokers to discriminate against individuals with disabilities by hindering their enrollment in private Medicare plans, based on the belief that these plans would be costlier.
Around 12% of Medicare beneficiaries, who are disabled and under the age of 65, qualify for the federal insurance program. Their intricate health requirements often lead to high care costs.
According to a complaint initially filed by whistleblowers, the Department of Justice has joined the case against the nation’s largest health insurance company, previously known as Anthem. Humana is also implicated for allegedly funneling kickbacks to three large brokers—Ehealth, GoHealth, and SelectQuote—to boost enrollment in Medicare Advantage plans, which have also been tied to fraudulent activities.
A complaint filed in federal court in Boston claims that the kickback scheme spanned from at least 2016 to 2021, accusing Aetna and Humana of discrimination against individuals with disabilities.
Aetna, Elevance, GoHealth, and Humana have denied the allegations, although others have not responded to requests for comments.
This lawsuit is one of the first indications of the Trump administration’s scrutiny of certain Medicare Advantage plans, which face ongoing federal oversight. Critics, including lawmakers, have condemned these popular plans for potential overcharging the federal government through aggressive marketing strategies. Over half of all individuals enrolled in the federal program are covered by Medicare Advantage plans.
During the Senate confirmation hearing for Dr. Mehmet Oz, he assured concerned senators about the oversight of Medicare plans, promising a “new sheriff” to address excesses.
Brokers play a crucial role in assisting senior Americans in selecting private Medicare plans. However, the allegations suggest brokers have directed individuals to plans that offer the highest commissions instead of the best fit for their needs.
In recent years, small local brokerage firms have been overshadowed by large national organizations that employ numerous agents and utilize call centers and websites like those mentioned in the lawsuit. These companies increasingly depend on technology to help brokers identify the optimal plans for callers, facilitating the kind of steering described in the allegations.
The Biden administration implemented regulations last year aimed at reducing the commissions insurance companies can pay to brokers for patient enrollments. Recent Congressional testimonies and consumer complaints have indicated that insurers are offering bonuses to brokers for enrolling more individuals in specific plans, regardless of their actual needs. However, the lawsuit is still pending.
Regarding cases involving disabled individuals, federal prosecutors have stated: “The efforts to specifically exclude beneficiaries are even more ruthless given that their disabilities may render them less profitable for health insurance companies,” said attorney Leah B. Foy. “We will continue to investigate and prosecute the greed targeting these beneficiaries.”
On Thursday, federal health authorities released a report stating there is no scientific basis for administering hormones or surgical interventions to young individuals experiencing gender dysphoria. This marks a significant shift from prior agency guidelines and the recommendations made by various US health organizations, highlighting concerns surrounding potential long-term harm.
The report emphasizes the importance of psychotherapy, which has sparked considerable debate, as some proponents equate it with conversion therapy aimed at altering gender identity.
Certain sections of the review appeared to challenge the very notion of a gender identity that diverges from one’s sex assigned at birth.
In January, President Trump issued an executive order titled “Protecting Children from Chemical and Surgical Amputations,” directing the Department of Health and Human Services to compile a report within 90 days on optimal treatment approaches for youth indicating a disconnect between their gender identity and their birth sex.
The executive order suggested that the administration had already drawn its conclusions about gender transition treatments for minors, denouncing the “blatant harm done to children” as a “stain on our country’s history.”
The report, spanning 400 pages, adopted a calmer tone yet arrived at a similar verdict. Notably, the report’s author remains unidentified as the post-publication review process is set to commence in “the coming days.”
Officials at HHS declined to comment on the review process, noting contributors included a diverse group of physicians, medical ethicists, and methodologists selected for their commitment to scientific integrity.
Importantly, the report clarified that it is not designed to establish standards for healthcare or formulate policy recommendations.
The findings were primarily based on analyses of scientific studies regarding adolescent blockers, hormone treatments, and surgical interventions conducted over the past few decades as these therapies became accessible to adolescents.
The assessment concluded that while the advantages of medical interventions remain unclear, potential harms, including erosion of birth rates, are deemed less substantial.
“Clinical practice in this area is exceptional and concerning,” the report asserts, pointing to American medical groups that advocate for an intolerant atmosphere where clinicians may feel compelled to self-censor.
The appropriateness of treatments such as adolescent blockers, hormone therapy, or surgery for young individuals remains a subject of vigorous debate.
Recently, several European nations have imposed restrictions on such treatments, with scientificreviews and discussions highlighting the insufficient quality of supporting evidence and uncertainties about long-term risks.
In the United States, 24 states have enacted legislation preventing doctors from offering such treatments to adolescents.
“This report misrepresents the prevailing healthcare consensus and fails to represent the realities of pediatric care,” stated Dr. Susan Cresley, chair of the Academy. “This document favors opinions over a rational examination of evidence.”
Advocates for transgender rights criticized the report for presenting ideological views disguised as scientific.
During Trump’s initial 100 days in office, his administration aimed to downplay transgender identities in public forums. The measures included cutting funding for hospitals that provide gender transition treatments to individuals under 19 and contemplating barring transgender individuals from military service.
The administration facilitated the transfer of transgender men and women from federal prisons to their homes and ceased recognizing the gender of transgender individuals on their passports.
“Is the administration’s animosity towards this healthcare grounded in genuine scientific insights or ideologically motivated by its disapproval of transgender individuals believing that transgender identity is fabricated?” questioned Shannon Minter, director of legal affairs at the National Center for Lesbian Rights.
The Center represents transgender plaintiffs in multiple lawsuits contesting the administration’s policies’ constitutionality.
“This is an ideological declaration, not a medical one,” stated Casey Pick, director of law and policy at the Trevor Project, an organization focused on suicide prevention among LGBTQ youth.
This report signifies a triumph for individuals who categorize this medical field within a broader agenda to deny the reality of biological gender.
Roger Severino, vice president of domestic policy at the Heritage Foundation, commended the HHS report while condemning “profit-driven physicians and ideological groups” for convincing families that “children’s sex aligns with everything they profess.”
According to government statistics, around 3% of high school students identify as transgender, a significant surge over the last decade. However, a much smaller percentage of these adolescents seek medical interventions.
Despite this, the topic of medical transition for minors has turned into a political battleground, with Trump making it a focal point of his campaign while some Democrats believe this strategy may aid his electoral prospects.
The new HHS report extends beyond similar assessments in Europe, which have initiated new limitations on gender-related treatments for adolescents.
Independent Clinical Services Reviews for UK youth reached a comparable conclusion, led by Dr. Hillary Cass, former president of the Royal College of Pediatrics. It noted the insufficient quality of evidence supporting the use of adolescent blockers and hormone treatments for minors, with surgery being unavailable to minors in the UK.
However, this review, conducted over four years, painted a broader picture of the medical landscape by consulting young patients, transgender adults, parents, and clinicians.
Dr. Kass concluded that evidence regarding the benefits and risks associated with treatment is “significantly weak,” but acknowledged that some young individuals are very likely to benefit from early interventions.
“Certain young people will undoubtedly reap the benefits of the medical pathway. As research evolves, we need to ensure that those individuals can access care under research protocols, but we mustn’t assume this is the right path for everyone,” Dr. Cass expressed in an interview last year.
This review concluded that the use of blockers in England should be restricted and that clinicians are encouraged to prescribe hormones to teenagers only with “extreme caution.”
Other clinicians who have expressed concern about the field of adolescent gender medicine are unclear about how the new report will be applied.
“We are pleased that in recent years US authorities are finally considering what is happening in Europe,” remarked Erica Anderson, a child psychologist and former president of the American Transgender Health Association.
She is outspoken about her concerns that adolescent gender clinics are shifting away from thorough mental health evaluations in light of the growing number of children seeking gender treatment.
However, Dr. Anderson supports the need for early intervention for certain young people, despite the inflammatory presidential order leading to the report.
“It’s akin to calling someone out on their rank and then expecting to engage in a meaningful conversation,” she stated. “This approach doesn’t work well with real individuals, who possess emotions and histories.”
Minter from the National Center for Lesbian Rights argued that by emphasizing psychotherapy over medical interventions, the HHS report effectively endorses conversion therapy aimed at altering minors’ gender identity or sexual orientation.
Variousmedicalassociations support prohibiting the practice, citing evidence that it leads to depression, anxiety, and feelings of self-loathing.
However, the Supreme Court has agreed to review a First Amendment challenge concerning Colorado’s conversion therapy regulations, initiated by a licensed professional counselor who contends that “individuals prosper when they align with God’s design, including their biological sex.”
Other therapists, including Dr. Anderson, advocate for what they term “exploratory therapy” which assists supportive clinicians in addressing mental health challenges related to adolescents’ gender identity.
Kellan Baker, a researcher focusing on transgender health policies at Whitman-Walker, a Washington-based nonprofit health center, remarked that the report signifies a divergence from customary health policy development in the US.
“It’s crucial that healthcare is administered by individuals with specialized knowledge, not dictated by the federal government, but by skilled clinicians operating according to the standards set by their respective healthcare fields,” Dr. Baker stated.
He voiced concerns that the report could be utilized by the government as a pretext for denying medical coverage for transgender youth.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, a branch of HHS, issued a letter last month directing Medicaid agencies to refrain from using funds for gender transition care for minors.
Few voters can impact climate change as significantly as Australians.
In terms of per capita greenhouse gas emissions, only the US and Canada closely approach Australia. The nation stands as one of the largest exporters of fossil fuels contributing to global warming, notably sending vast quantities of natural gas to Asian countries alongside some of the most polluting fossil fuels.
As the country prepares for national elections on Saturday, polls indicate that climate change is not a primary concern for many voters. However, the leading candidates from the Labour Party and the Free State Union present starkly different approaches to climate and energy policy.
Central to the discussion is the dependence on the aging coal plants that generate electricity for the country.
“We’ve witnessed a lot of global experiences,” noted Andrew McIntosh, professor of environmental law and policy at Australian National University. “One perspective emphasizes workforce requirements and the need for increasing renewables, while the alternative espouses a conservative coalition favoring nuclear energy.”
Both strategies could lead to reduced emissions, according to McIntosh, though many are puzzled by the nuclear program. Constructing nuclear power plants can take over a decade, whereas renewable energy sources can be implemented within months.
“We need to rely on coal for the foreseeable future,” he added.
In some ways, analysts reflect a polarized debate akin to that in the US, where former President Donald J. Trump dismissed climate science and branded efforts to clean energy as a hoax. Matt McDonald, a political scientist specializing in climate issues at the University of Queensland, stated:
“However, rather than making Australians more apprehensive about climate change, Trump’s rhetoric has not gained significant traction internationally, effectively cooling the debates on both sides,” remarked Dr. McDonald.
For Australians feeling the pressure, it largely stems from rising energy costs for households. Australian energy regulators report that average energy prices have surged by approximately 60% over the past decade.
Incumbent Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who leads the Labour Party, has proposed an ambitious target for renewable energy, aiming for over 80% generation by 2030.
“But,” Dr. McDonald pointed out, “we have substantial coal reserves as well.”
Albanese’s main rival, Peter Dutton, at the helm of a liberal coalition, advocates for increased domestic gas production to support electricity generation. While gas is a fossil fuel, it is considerably less polluting than coal. Dutton proposes that gas producers be mandated to supply a portion of their output to Australian power grids, while also expediting the approval process for new drilling projects.
Generally, both parties are proponents of gas development, with Australia being the world’s second-largest gas exporter after the US.
With polls indicating a tight race, the Green Party and the so-called Teal Independents, both strong advocates for robust climate policies, could potentially influence Congress significantly. “If they retain their seats, they’ll be poised to push harder on climate initiatives—like decreasing coal exports,” Dr. McDonald noted.
An additional point of contention globally is whether Australia will be the host for the upcoming United Nations-sponsored Global Climate Conference next year, commonly referred to as COP. Currently, Australia is vying with Türkiye for the hosting rights, an opportunity carrying geopolitical significance and economic advantages by welcoming tens of thousands of representatives.
Hosting nations often establish the dialogue tone for consultation ambitions, and Prime Minister Albanese’s government has been actively lobbying other countries for over a year to support Australia’s bid. “If the coalition wins, this opportunity will certainly vanish,” Dr. McDonald asserted.
NASA’s Anne McClain ventured out from the International Space Station alongside Nichole Ayers. Both are military officers and pilots who returned instead of going to the Orbit Lab in March with two other astronauts. Now, I’m back home.
Just before floating out, McClain spotted a loose string on the index finger of her right glove. Mission Control briefly postponed the launch to ensure her glove was secure.
During the mission, the duo prepared the space station for a new solar panel and adjusted the antenna at the 260-mile-high complex.
On Wednesday evening, the space station needed to be elevated slightly to avoid debris: remnants of a 20-year-old Chinese rocket.
McClain, an army colonel and helicopter pilot, was originally set to participate in the first all-female spacewalk in 2019, but the medium-sized suit was insufficient. The historic mission was accomplished by Christina Koch and Jessica Meir. This latest outing marks the fifth time a woman has gone outside the spacecraft in a 60-year history.
NASA’s SpaceX Crew-10 astronauts Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers prepare for launch at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida on March 14. Craig Bailey / USA Today Network
Koch is set to become the first woman to fly to the moon. Along with three male astronauts, she will orbit the moon without landing next year as part of NASA’s Artemis program, the successor to Apollo.
Currently, men continue to outnumber women in NASA’s astronaut corps.
Out of NASA’s 47 active astronauts, 20 are women. Among the seven astronauts now aboard the space station, McClain and Ayers are the only females. This marks Ayers’ first mission, while McClain is on her third.
Ronan, the sea lion, continues to keep the rhythm even after all these years.
She can create grooves with rocks and electronic music. However, her talent truly shines as she bobs along to classic hits like “Boogie Wonderland.”
“She’s absolutely nailing it,” said Peter Cook, a behavioral neuroscientist at the University of Florida, who has dedicated a decade to studying Ronan’s rhythmic talents, observing her shake her head in sync with tempo changes.
While many animals lack the ability to recognize the beat, humans, parrots, and some primates can. Ronan, however, is prompting scientists to reconsider what music means.
Rescued years ago, she rocketed to fame about a decade ago when researchers highlighted her musical abilities. Since she was three, she has called the Ocean Institute at the University of California, Santa Cruz her home, where she has assisted researchers, including Cook, in recognizing rhythms.
Ronan is part of a group of remarkable animals, including cockatoos, challenging the long-held belief that only humans excel in responding to music and identifying beats.
Notably, Ronan learned to dance to the beat without needing to learn how to sing or produce music.
“Previously, it was thought that only vocal learners, like humans and parrots, could discern beats,” noted Hugo Merchant, a researcher at the Institute of Neurobiology in Mexico.
However, after Ronan became a star, questions emerged regarding her sustained abilities. Was her previous acclaim a fluke? Could she even outperform humans in maintaining the beat?
A chef and fellow researchers devised a plan to tackle this question. Their findings, detailed in new research published in the journal Scientific Reports, confirm that Ronan remains a star.
This time, researchers focused on lab tempos using percussion instruments, rather than recorded music. During the study, Ronan shook her head to three distinct tempos: 112, 120, and 128 beats per minute. These tempos were unfamiliar to her, enabling scientists to test her adaptability to new rhythms.
Ten university students participated in a similar task, showcasing their abilities as well.
Ronan emerged as the top performer.
“No one outperformed Ronan across the various tests for beat keeping,” Cook shared, adding, “she’s significantly improved since childhood.”
Hencan Horning, a music cognition researcher at the University of Amsterdam and not involved in the study, stated that the findings reinforce Ronan’s status as one of the leading examples of animal musicality.
Researchers plan to train and evaluate other sea lions. Cook believes others might also have beat-keeping abilities, but Ronan remains a standout star performer.
Block Island, Rhode Island – The enigmatic aquarium animal rescue team is busier than ever.
With binoculars in hand, Program Manager Sarah Curran surveys the coastline, facing an increasing problem on Block Island.
When fishing gear, litter, or balloons entangle a gray seal’s neck, these marine mammals, which can weigh over 800 pounds, may suffer serious injuries or even death as the restraints tighten.
Thus far this year, Connecticut nonprofits have reported 20 tangled gray seals, surpassing the usual count recorded by Mystic each year.
Curran affectionately dubbed one of the seals “anxiety.”
Intertwined stickers. Mysterious aquarium
NBC News has been granted rare access to follow Mystic’s collaboration with the Atlantic Marine Conservation Association and the Brock Island Maritime Institute, which recently formed.
Curran and her team navigated around a group of seal pups basking at the water’s edge. They skillfully separated the entangled pups and dashed on bright red boards to capture them with precision and speed.
Once a pup was secured, the team worked quickly to attach a tracker for research and freed it from the fishing net constricting its neck.
“We can release stickers today and avoid the need to transport them to the clinic for rehabilitation,” said Curran, who leads the effort. “The sooner you can intervene, the better the chances of recovery.”
This team previously photographed a seal pup stuck with a plastic object in downtown New Haven, Connecticut, in February. The pup, with its big eyes and gentle whine, captured the public’s heart and even received the name “Chappy” through a voting contest.
Unfortunately, Chappy’s story didn’t have a happy ending. In a statement online, Mystic reported that pieces of plastic were found in his stomach, highlighting the dangers that marine debris, particularly plastic, poses to marine life.
Some estimates indicate that plastic pollution claims the lives of over 100,000 marine mammals annually.
“The number of animals interacting with human debris in their early months of life is quite alarming,” Curran stated.
In this ongoing battle, Mystic remains undeterred.
The team celebrated as the seals returned to the sea, now freed from the constraining nets.
“It’s a special moment to give these animals a second chance at life,” Curran remarked. “It’s truly rewarding to witness.”
A Soviet-era spaceship aims to land on Venus, with plans for it to return to Earth in the near future.
Currently, it is uncertain where the mass of half-ton metal will descend and how much will survive the journey. Experts are monitoring space debris.
Dutch scientist Marco Langbroek estimates that the spacecraft may re-enter Earth’s atmosphere around May 10th.
“There are risks involved, but there’s no need for excessive concern,” Langbroek stated in an email.
The object is relatively small, and even if it remains intact, the likelihood of it causing damage is similar to that of encountering a random meteorite fall, which occurs annually. “The chance of being struck by lightning in your lifetime is far greater,” he added.
He also mentioned that the spacecraft could potentially impact someone or something; however, this scenario cannot be entirely dismissed.
The Soviet Union sent the spacecraft, known as Cosmos 482, into orbit in 1972 as part of its Venus mission series. It never successfully launched from Earth orbit due to a rocket malfunction.
Most of its counterparts fell back within a decade, yet Langbroek and others believe the landing capsule, a spherical object about three feet (1 meter) in diameter, has been in a highly elliptical orbit for the past 53 years, gradually descending.
There is a substantial possibility that the over 1,000-pound (approximately 500 kilograms) spacecraft could endure re-entry. It was designed to withstand the harsh conditions of Venus’ atmosphere, which is thick with carbon dioxide, according to Langbroek from Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands.
Experts are skeptical about the longevity of its parachute system. Additionally, heat shields might have deteriorated over extended periods in orbit.
Jonathan McDowell of the Harvard Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory mentioned in an email that while the spacecraft would benefit from an intact heat shield, if it manages to re-enter successfully, “a half-ton metal object will be falling from the sky.”
The spacecraft is projected to re-enter around 51.7°N and 51.7°S, passing near London, Edmonton, Alberta, and Cape Horn, South America. However, given that much of the Earth is covered by water, “the chances are favorable.”
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<img class="Image" alt="" width="1350" height="900" src="https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/01181823/SEI_249575190.jpg" sizes="(min-width: 1288px) 837px, (min-width: 1024px) calc(57.5vw + 55px), (min-width: 415px) calc(100vw - 40px), calc(70vw + 74px)" srcset="https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/01181823/SEI_249575190.jpg?width=300 300w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/01181823/SEI_249575190.jpg?width=400 400w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/01181823/SEI_249575190.jpg?width=500 500w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/01181823/SEI_249575190.jpg?width=600 600w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/01181823/SEI_249575190.jpg?width=700 700w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/01181823/SEI_249575190.jpg?width=800 800w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/01181823/SEI_249575190.jpg?width=837 837w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/01181823/SEI_249575190.jpg?width=900 900w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/01181823/SEI_249575190.jpg?width=1003 1003w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/01181823/SEI_249575190.jpg?width=1100 1100w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/01181823/SEI_249575190.jpg?width=1200 1200w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/01181823/SEI_249575190.jpg?width=1300 1300w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/01181823/SEI_249575190.jpg?width=1400 1400w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/01181823/SEI_249575190.jpg?width=1500 1500w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/01181823/SEI_249575190.jpg?width=1600 1600w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/01181823/SEI_249575190.jpg?width=1674 1674w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/01181823/SEI_249575190.jpg?width=1700 1700w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/01181823/SEI_249575190.jpg?width=1800 1800w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/01181823/SEI_249575190.jpg?width=1900 1900w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/01181823/SEI_249575190.jpg?width=2006 2006w" loading="eager" fetchpriority="high" data-image-context="Article" data-image-id="2478846" data-caption="The division of human cells may not exactly align with what’s written in textbooks" data-credit="Iokanan VFX Studios/Shutterstock"/>
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<p class="ArticleImageCaption__Title">Inaccuracies in Textbook Descriptions of Human Cell Division</p>
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<p>Researchers have identified a unique type of cell division that enables cells to store information in a way that determines the identity of their offspring. This discovery is key to advancing tissue engineering techniques and deepening our comprehension of cancer progression.</p>
<p>Traditionally, it was believed that the majority of cells would curl into a spherical shape prior to division, allowing for an even distribution of contents between the "daughter" cells and ensuring they remain of the same type.</p>
<p>However, stem cells represent an exception, as they can undergo heterogeneous or asymmetric cell division, yielding two distinct types of cells.</p>
<p>In a surprising find, <a href="https://research.manchester.ac.uk/en/persons/shane.herbert">Schoen Herbert</a> from The University of Manchester, along with his team, observed that non-stem cells in developing zebrafish blood vessels also divide asymmetrically. These endothelial cells migrated to form new vessel branches and divided without adopting a spherical shape, resulting in different cell types.</p>
<p>By altering the shape of human endothelial cells in laboratory conditions, the team established that a cell's geometry can predict the symmetry of its division. Longer, more slender cells were more likely to divide asymmetrically, indicating that the division process can be influenced by the cell's shape.</p>
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<p>Herbert illustrated that cells do not lose their structural and behavioral information during this process, suggesting they maintain their form, thereby preserving their "memory." "Often, they retain their shape, enabling them to convey this memory," he stated.</p>
<p>This phenomenon allows for a simultaneous movement, division, and production of various cell types without disrupting the ongoing cellular processes. Such flexibility supports rapid adjustments to developmental needs, like supplying tissues necessary for expanding blood vessels and nerves.</p>
<p>The implications of this discovery extend to lab-grown tissues, where generating functional blood vessels is a significant hurdle. "Our challenge is to create a specific environment that allows these cells to achieve the shapes and behaviors necessary for forming functional blood vessels," explains team member <a href="https://research.manchester.ac.uk/en/persons/holly.lovegrove">Holly Lovegrove</a> from the University of Manchester. Adjusting cell shapes could pave the way for producing specific cell types, she suggests. Conversely, cancer can spread through the formation of clusters of migrating cells, with these new insights potentially shedding light on that process.</p>
<p>This research exemplifies how organisms can fine-tune mechanisms like cell rounding to accomplish multiple tasks critical for tissue development. <a href="https://www2.mrc-lmb.cam.ac.uk/group-leaders/a-to-g/buzz-baum/">Buzz Baum</a> from the MRC Institute of Molecular Biology in Cambridge, UK, remarked, "This is a clever method to retain essential information while facilitating network growth by generating more cells."</p>
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Feedback presents the latest updates in science and technology from New Scientist. We encourage you to email Feedback@newscientist.com with intriguing items you think our readers would enjoy.
Is It Really a Flower?
In recent years, the landscape of AI companies has exploded, leading to a mix of excitement and surprise (depending on your early stock investments). However, this influx has also resulted in a surge of nearly identical logos among these companies.
A fascinating observation made by multiple publications is the prevalence of similar designs in these logos. Sociologist James I. Bowie writes for Fast Company about how the trend has shifted towards “stylized hexagons” with an implicit rotation. He notes that these designs evoke a “portal to a mysterious new world,” suggestive of “the expansion of Yetian Gaia,” and humorously, “toilet flushing.”
On a similar note, Radek Sienkiewicz, a developer at VelvetShark, observed that most of these logos share common features: circular shapes, a focal point at the center, radiating elements, and soft organic curves. He refers to this phenomenon as an “apt explanation” for its resemblance to a “butthole“.
Feedback analyzed logos for companies like OpenAI, Apple Intelligence, and Claude, and noted their resemblance to anatomical features more than you might expect. Exceptions like DeepSeek and Midjourney, whose logos depict a whale and a yacht, stand out, but they may soon succumb to the trend of circular designs.
What’s behind the proliferation of stylized hexagons? Perhaps they symbolize the recursive nature of thought, reflecting AI’s capacity to enhance our comprehension of the world.
However, OpenAI offers a different perspective. Their branding guidelines describe their company logo as a “flower,” designed deliberately to avoid any interpretations associated with openings. The logo symbolizes the dynamic interplay between humanity and technology, merging the fluidity of human-centric design through circles with the precision needed for technological structures, allowing for creative freedom.
Personally, Feedback proposes a working hypothesis regarding these logos, invoking the concept of “GroupThink.”
The Challenging Second Album
One of my favored areas of inquiry is the notion that “it’s a common understanding, yet there’s an obvious counterargument that people are either aware of or not.” Thus, we found it pertinent to explore Musical Psychology, focusing on the “Second Album Slump,” where musicians’ sophomore albums often fail to measure up to their debut releases.
This research was originally published last November, highlighting these trends. As noted by science writer Philip Ball on Bluesky in April, and here we are in May finally addressing this topic. Feedback is nothing if not timely.
The study claims it is “the first comprehensive multistudy analysis aimed at discerning the existence of a second-album slump.” The authors analyzed over 2,000 reviews and feedback from more than 4,000 fans. The results indicated a decline in album quality ratings throughout artists’ careers, with significant dips noted in critic reviews during the second album phase.
This raises discussions surrounding the causes: Is it cognitive bias at play? Or is there a “return to the mean”? A standout debut album is an anomaly that garners disproportionate attention, yet subsequent efforts typically don’t replicate that success due to random chance. Furthermore, this notion can be traced back, as Elvis Costello noted as early as 1981: “I had 20 years to write my first album and six months to pen my second.”
It’s important to note that the second-album slump is merely a statistical trend. Numerous artists have released second albums that surpass their debuts, such as Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, and Nirvana—alongside Beastie Boys, Pixies, and Taylor Swift. There’s a broader response to Ball’s observations.
Moreover, Feedback wonders whether this second-album phenomenon is confined to rock and pop genres, or if it similarly affects less mainstream styles. Are composers of acid jazz and ambient music also facing second-album challenges? If so, how can we recognize this?
While serious, Tim wanted to highlight a particular detail: the article mentions the “source of the ant trade” concerning the necessary documentation for the legal export of M. cephalotes from Kenya. The trade is described as a “small world,” and thus this individual was “requested not to be named.”
Have thoughts to share with Feedback?
You can email stories to feedback@newscientist.com. Please include your home address. This week and previous editions of Feedback can also be found on our website.
Bora Chong’s Red Sword is set on a planet of conflict
Liu Zishan/Shutterstock
Although there are no blockbuster science fiction releases for May, several remarkable titles stand out. All Versions of Yours is a book I want everyone to read. This month also features two intriguing sci-fi thrillers by Adam Oevani and Burnaby Martin, but it’s Catherine Chidsey’s eerie Guilt that has captivated me enough to consider it my next read—unless I get sidetracked by a narrative of warfare on an alien planet inspired by the true history of Boracheon, Red Sword.
Set in Australia during the late 21st century, this novel (originally released in Australia in 2022 but now gaining broader distribution) tells the tale of Taoi, who lives in a world where most people immerse themselves in a virtual reality called Gaia. Each day, she enters Gaia from her apartment pod to work. The real world is a grim place riddled with relentless heat, devoid of trees and wildlife. This chilling future vision prompts her partner Navin to consider uploading himself to Gaia permanently, seeking an escape as his physical body deteriorates. Taoi, however, is conflicted. This is currently my favorite read—an engaging, thought-provoking sci-fi narrative that lingers in my mind. Watch out, New Scientist Book Club: this might be a selection for us later this year!
I enjoy speculative thrillers, and this one examines the scars left by the Atlantic slave trade. The story kicks off with an unexplainable death – a man found 1600 km from any ocean, while his son appears to have drowned. Detective Ethan Kroll delves into the mystery, uncovering details about Abi Eniola, who claims to be an ordinary Nigerian woman, although her extraordinary skills and high-tech tools suggest otherwise.
On the disputed planet, women are compelled to battle for POWs, revealing a “truly alien landscape” that exposes scientific hatred and the truth about her identity and her fellow captives. Bora Chong draws upon real history to create this narrative, particularly the Korean soldiers who fought for the Qing Dynasty against Russia. It seems like a must-read!
Requiem unfolds in a moon-sized graveyard in space
Luca Oleastri/Alamy
Another riveting sci-fi horror piece comes from former president of the Association of Horror Writers, John Parisano. Set within the lunar cemetery of Eden, this story follows entities in the universe reclaiming the souls of the deceased. A spirit named Roland must fight to protect what he loves as their souls are threatened.
I’m also intrigued by never let me go, which reimagines England in 1979, where triplets Vincent, Lawrence, and William reside in a government-run facility known as the Sycamore scheme. They are monitored by three figures: morning, afternoon, and night mothers, recording their every move and keeping meticulous notes of their dreams and sins. As the government begins shutting down these homes, the children start to realize their lives might differ drastically from what they’ve been led to believe. I can’t wait to uncover the mystery of this tale.
This upcoming novel is being labeled speculative fiction, suggesting it isn’t traditional fantasy or science fiction, but it definitely piques my interest. The story revolves around Lina and her father arriving at a peculiar seaside building with a “time-made” design that symbolizes a clash between past and future. There, they meet an excommunicated 17th-century Jewish scholar and poets from the Tang Dynasty. What brings Lina and her father to this location?
As a reader, I’m often drawn to narratives focusing on mothers trying to protect their children in perilous futures. This one involves a world of extreme heat, forcing people to live nocturnally, with a mysterious sound field that has loomed for two decades. Scientist Hanna, once affiliated with Soundfield, must now safeguard her gifted son, Isaac.
In a grim future filled with raging wildfires, Iris, a hotelier in the German spa town of Badheim, believes the arrival of a young mother and daughter guests poses a significant threat.
I find the pitch for one novel appealing: “Boy Meets Girl Meets AI Therapist.” Adrian begins using Sike, an AI psychotherapy app designed to monitor users’ emotions and behaviors for optimal mental well-being. He becomes entangled with venture capitalist Maquie, keen on the next tech breakthrough, but she refuses to engage with Sike.
There’s nothing better than a good alien insect…
Victor Zastolskiy/Alamy
Jeff’s ordinary existence is upended when he encounters “a pale woman”; suddenly, he finds himself as a mercenary battling alien insects on the front lines. This intriguing premise is from the publisher of Joe Haldeman’s military sci-fi novel, Eternal War—a title I’m eager to explore, especially given my fascination with alien insects.
The Art and Science of Writing Science Fiction
Dive into the realms of science fiction and learn how to craft your own captivating stories in this immersive weekend getaway.
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<p class="ArticleImageCaption__Title">Greenland shark eyes appear to retain their integrity over time</p>
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<p>The Greenland shark, the longest-living vertebrate on the planet, exhibits no signs of retinal degeneration despite surviving for centuries. This discovery has intrigued scientists, particularly as these creatures are thought to be functionally blind, inhabiting the bleak depths of the ocean.</p>
<p><a href="https://duw.unibas.ch/en/persons/fogg-lily/">Lily Fog</a> from the University of Basel, Switzerland, and her team performed a detailed examination of the eyes of eight deceased Greenland sharks (<em>Somniosus microcephalus</em>) and analyzed their DNA.</p>
<p>For humans and many other species...</p>
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<img class="Image" alt="" width="1350" height="900" src="https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/01134232/SEI_249423817.jpg" sizes="(min-width: 1288px) 837px, (min-width: 1024px) calc(57.5vw + 55px), (min-width: 415px) calc(100vw - 40px), calc(70vw + 74px)" srcset="https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/01134232/SEI_249423817.jpg?width=300 300w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/01134232/SEI_249423817.jpg?width=400 400w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/01134232/SEI_249423817.jpg?width=500 500w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/01134232/SEI_249423817.jpg?width=600 600w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/01134232/SEI_249423817.jpg?width=700 700w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/01134232/SEI_249423817.jpg?width=800 800w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/01134232/SEI_249423817.jpg?width=837 837w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/01134232/SEI_249423817.jpg?width=900 900w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/01134232/SEI_249423817.jpg?width=1003 1003w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/01134232/SEI_249423817.jpg?width=1100 1100w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/01134232/SEI_249423817.jpg?width=1200 1200w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/01134232/SEI_249423817.jpg?width=1300 1300w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/01134232/SEI_249423817.jpg?width=1400 1400w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/01134232/SEI_249423817.jpg?width=1500 1500w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/01134232/SEI_249423817.jpg?width=1600 1600w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/01134232/SEI_249423817.jpg?width=1674 1674w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/01134232/SEI_249423817.jpg?width=1700 1700w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/01134232/SEI_249423817.jpg?width=1800 1800w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/01134232/SEI_249423817.jpg?width=1900 1900w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/01134232/SEI_249423817.jpg?width=2006 2006w" loading="eager" fetchpriority="high" data-image-context="Article" data-image-id="2478769" data-caption="Dark chocolate is a particularly rich source of theobromine" data-credit="Studio-N/Shutterstock"/>
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<p class="ArticleImageCaption__Title">Dark chocolate is a notable source of theobromine, a beneficial chemical</p>
<p class="ArticleImageCaption__Credit">Studio-N/Shutterstock</p>
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<p>While chocolate may be associated with anti-aging benefits, it’s wise to be cautious before indulging. The beneficial compounds are predominantly found in dark chocolate, and the overall health impact of chocolate consumption remains uncertain.</p>
<p>"There are numerous aspects of dark chocolate, each with its pros and cons," says <a href="https://profiles.ucl.ac.uk/90100-ramy-saad/publications">Rumy Sars</a> from University College London.</p>
<p>The substance in question, theobromine, is famously known to be toxic to dogs. However, that's just one aspect...</p>
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When Lyubomirsky joined Stanford’s Graduate School of Social Psychology in 1989, the study of happiness was just beginning to earn respectability in academia. Ed Diener, a psychologist at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, would later gain recognition for his contributions to the field. Despite his long-standing interest in happiness, he chose to wait until he achieved tenure before diving into the subject. Similarly, Lyubomirsky was hesitant to specialize in happiness; as a serious scientist, she felt that topics related to “emotion” were often regarded as less rigorous. However, after an engaging discussion with her advisor on her first day at Stanford, she resolved to make happiness her primary focus.
Lyubomirsky began by exploring the fundamental question of why some individuals experience greater happiness than others. A few years prior, Diener had published a survey that examined existing research, highlighting the types of behaviors often associated with happy individuals. However, the studies often yielded conflicting results, leading to a lack of definitive answers. Lyubomirsky’s own findings indicated that mindset plays a significant role; happy individuals tended to avoid comparing themselves to others, held positive views of those around them, made fulfilling choices, and did not dwell on negativity.
Yet, Lyubomirsky recognized the complexity of cause and effect. Did a happy disposition foster a healthy mindset, or did adopting a positive outlook lead to increased happiness? Were people inherently predisposed to a certain level of happiness, much like mothers clustering together? She pondered whether it was possible to shift one’s mindset, noting that such changes often required extensive time—many people spend years in therapy attempting to achieve this, often without success. This prompted her to investigate whether simpler, quicker actions could enhance well-being.
To this end, Lyubomirsky researched various habits and practices thought to uplift mood, such as random acts of kindness and expressions of gratitude. Over six weeks, she instructed students to perform five acts of kindness each week—like donating blood or assisting peers with assignments. By the end of the study, these students reported higher levels of happiness compared to a control group. Another group reflected weekly on things they were grateful for, such as “My Mother” and “AOL Instant Messenger,” and similarly experienced an increase in happiness. Although the changes were modest, Lyubomirsky found it intriguing that small, low-cost interventions could enhance students’ quality of life. In 2005, she published a paper asserting that individuals possess significant control over their happiness.
Lyubomirsky’s research emerged during a time when psychology was reevaluating its objectives and focus. When Martin Seligman, a psychologist from the University of Pennsylvania, took leadership of the American Psychological Association in 1998, he and his colleagues noted that the field had overly concentrated on dysfunction, neglecting the promotion of life satisfaction. He urged his peers to explore themes such as “optimism, courage, work ethic, resilience, interpersonal skills, pleasure, insight, and social responsibility,” advocating a return to making life more fulfilling and productive for everyone.
Recent research by Curtin University reveals that an ancient influence, previously believed to have occurred 1.2 billion years ago, actually took place 990 million years ago, leading to the formation of the STAC FADA member. This discovery corrects the dating of some of the UK’s oldest non-marine microfossils and their significance in the timeline of eukaryotic colonization on land.
STAC FADA member. Image credit: Tony Prave.
“We utilized small zircon crystals as geological ‘time capsules’ to accurately date the impact at 990 million years ago,” stated Professor Chris Kirkland from Curtin University.
“These tiny crystals recorded precise moments of impact, some transforming into the rare mineral Reidite, which forms under extreme pressure.”
“This provided irrefutable evidence that the meteorite strike initiated the STAC FADA deposit.”
“When a meteorite strikes, it partially resets the atomic clocks within the zircon crystal. Although these ‘broken clocks’ can’t generate dates, they developed a model to reconstruct timing, affirming the impact’s occurrence 990 million years ago.”
The impact events coincided with the earliest emergence of freshwater eukaryotes, the ancient precursors to plants, animals, and fungi.
“The new date indicates that these life forms in Scotland appeared roughly at the same time as the meteorite impact,” Professor Kirkland remarked.
“This presents intriguing questions about whether significant impacts could have affected environmental conditions, potentially influencing early ecosystems.”
“The impact crater has yet to be located, but this study has gathered additional clues that may eventually uncover its position.
“Understanding the timeline of meteorite impacts will enable us to explore their potential effects on Earth’s environment and the diversification of life beyond the oceans.”
The team’s findings will be published in the journal Geological.
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CL Kirkland et al. The impact of Scottish meteors 100 million years ago. Geological Published online on April 28, 2025. doi: 10.1130/g53121.1
A recent study conducted by the Florida Museum of Natural History reveals that this apex predator is a type of Cebucid crocodile with origins in South America.
The Cebushid crocodile ruled the South American landscape after the dinosaurs vanished, remaining dominant until roughly 11 million years ago. Image credit: Jorge Mackey.
The sebecids were the last survivors of notosuchia, a large and varied group of extinct crocodiles with fossil records that trace back to the era of dinosaurs.
Notosuchians exhibited a wide range of sizes, diets, and habitats, distinguishing themselves from their alligator relatives, as most inhabited terrestrial environments.
The Sevecid behaved like a carnivorous dinosaur, sprinting with four long, agile limbs and tearing flesh with its notorious teeth.
Some species were equipped with protective armor made of bone plates embedded in the skin, reaching lengths of up to 6 m (20 feet).
The catastrophic mass extinction at the end of the Cretaceous period, which eradicated non-avian dinosaurs, also nearly led to the extinction of the notosuchians.
In South America, only the Sevecids survived post-dinosaurs, quickly ascending to the role of apex predators.
The open waters separating the Caribbean islands from the South American mainland posed significant challenges for the Sevensids when it came to swimming.
In a new research effort, paleontologist Jonathan Bloch and his colleagues from the Florida Museum of Natural History analyzed vertebrae from fossilized teeth and spinal vertebrae dating back six million years, collected from the Paleopoultry 1 site in Savanna Grande de Boya, Dominican Republic.
“Our first question upon discovering these teeth in the Dominican Republic and other Caribbean islands was: what could they be?” Dr. Bloch mentioned.
The team also examined 18 million-year-old teeth found in Cuba and 29 million-year-old specimens from Puerto Rico.
“The fossils suggested evidence supporting the Girllandia hypothesis,” they noted.
This theory posits that a temporary land bridge or chain of islands enabled the migration from South America to the Caribbean.
“If the serrated teeth found in other Caribbean islands also belong to the Sevecid, the history of these giant reptiles stretches beyond just the Dominican Republic.”
“They would have played a significant role in shaping the ecosystems of this region for millions of years. However, today, evidence of large terrestrial predators is scarce.”
“In their absence, smaller endemic predators like birds, snakes, and crocodiles have evolved to fill gaps in the food chain,” he added.
“We could not have predicted this just by studying modern ecosystems,” Dr. Bloch remarked.
“The presence of large predators greatly differs from our previous assumptions, and it’s thrilling to explore what further discoveries might await in the Caribbean fossil record.”
The team’s paper was published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B.
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Lázaro W. Viñola López et al. 2025. The South American Sevecid from the Miocene of Hispaniola documents the presence of apex predators in the ecosystems of the Early West Indies. Proc. R. Soc. B 292 (2045): 20242891; doi: 10.1098/rspb.2024.2891
A British court has approved the extradition of an Israeli individual charged by a New York prosecutor in a case involving an operation dubbed “hacking fatalen,” aimed at environmental organizations.
According to prosecutors, the company operated by 57-year-old Amit Forlit allegedly earned over $16 million by hacking more than 100 victims and stealing confidential data while working for major oil companies on behalf of a lobbying firm.
In a court submission from January, Forlit’s attorneys identified the company as ExxonMobil. Exxon is currently facing lawsuits from Democratic lawyers and local officials regarding its role in climate change, with claims that it has concealed knowledge about climate change for decades to maintain its oil sales. The lobbying firm mentioned in the filing is known as DCI Group.
Exxon has stated that it was not involved in and had no knowledge of the hacking activities, emphasizing, “If hacking is involved, we will condemn it in the strongest possible terms.”
A spokesman for DCI, Craig Stevens, stated that the firm has instructed its employees and consultants to follow the law and asserted that none of DCI’s guidance was linked to the hack that allegedly occurred a decade ago.
DCI also referred to “numerous billionaire donors still benefiting from the fossil fuel legacy,” describing them as “financiers of radical anti-oil activists and their billionaire backers.”
This remark hinted at the Rockefellers’ involvement in supporting organizations pursuing climate change litigation. The Rockefeller heirs, who amassed oil fortunes over a century ago, lead the Rockefeller Family Fund, which plays a significant role in the movement to sue oil companies over climate change. Lee Wasserman, its director, has reported being targeted in a hacking initiative.
Last year, Forlit was arrested in connection with a major trial in New York for allegedly committing wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and hacking offenses that could lead to lengthy prison sentences. His legal team contended that he should not be extradited due to concerns about a fair trial in the U.S., given the political climate surrounding climate change litigations.
They argued that “one motive for the prosecution appears to be an effort to advance political agendas against ExxonMobil, with Forlit being collateral damage.”
Forlit’s attorneys also expressed concerns about his safety at the Metropolitan Detention Center, New York’s only federal prison, which has been criticized for violence and dysfunction. High-profile detainees have included individuals such as Luigi Mangione, Sam Bankman-Fried, and Shawn Combs (Puff Daddy/Diddy).
The Westminster Magistrate’s Court dismissed these worries, but Forlit has the option to appeal. His attorney did not immediately respond to inquiries for comments.
One targeted entity was a coalition of concerned scientists who have extensively researched the fossil fuel industry’s influence on climate science disinformation. This group also engages in source attribution science, estimating how specific companies contribute to global warming effects like rising sea levels and wildfires. Their findings support lawsuits against the oil sector.
The organization became aware of hacking attempts following a 2020 report from Citizen Lab, a cybersecurity watchdog from the University of Toronto, which revealed that hackers were targeting American nonprofits working on the #ExxonKnew campaign.
A coalition of concerned scientists has received suspicious emails in which hackers attempted to extract passwords or deploy malicious software. Prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of New York have initiated an investigation.
One of Forlit’s associates, Aviram Azari, pleaded guilty in New York to charges including computer breaches, wire fraud, and identity theft, receiving a six-year prison sentence.
Forlit manages two Israel-registered security and intelligence newsletter firms, one of which is registered in the U.S. His clientele includes a lobbying firm representing “one of the world’s largest oil and gas companies” involved in ongoing climate change litigation. Exxon has its historical roots in Irving, Texas.
The lobbying firm selected targets for Mr. Forlit, who then passed the list to Azari. Azari, who owned another Israeli-based company, employed individuals from India to gain illegal access to accounts. This information was reportedly utilized to gather documents from oil companies and the media, allegedly undermining the integrity of the civil investigation, according to the filings.
Microplastics are not merely present on the ocean’s surface. A comprehensive study on small particles has shown their widespread presence throughout the water column, potentially impacting the ocean’s capacity to sequester carbon from the atmosphere.
“There are countless entities like this all across the ocean’s interior,” states Tracy Mincer from Florida Atlantic University.
Mincer and his team analyzed microplastic data collected over the last decade from nearly 2,000 global locations. While many assessments concentrate on shallow ocean surfaces, their dataset incorporated samples from various depths, including some of the ocean’s deepest regions.
The researchers found microplastics documented precisely where research efforts were focused. This includes the Mariana Trench, where more than 13,000 microplastic particles were recorded, nearly 7 kilometers per cubic meter.
They were taken aback by the uniform distribution of the smallest particles throughout the water column. “While we anticipated finding plastics at both the ocean’s surface and its depths, they were unexpectedly widespread,” remarked Aron Stubbins from Northeastern University, Massachusetts.
Additionally, these plastic polymers contribute significantly to the carbon particles present in the water. At a depth of 2,000 meters, an area less biologically active than the surface, they account for 5% of the carbon content.
The ecological ramifications of these findings are not yet fully understood. One major concern is that buoyant plastics consumed by plankton may decrease the amount of carbon that is effectively transported to deeper layers through fecal pellets and carcasses. This could impede the ocean’s biological carbon pumps, says Stubbins. However, he emphasizes that quantifying the impact of this phenomenon remains a challenge. “We are uncovering a variety of plastics throughout the ocean,” he notes.
“We can no longer afford to overlook the insights of chemists and biologists in understanding how vast ocean systems operate,” stated Douglas McCauley from the University of California, Santa Barbara. He believes this research will clarify the discrepancies between estimates of millions of tons of plastic entering the oceans and the actually measured quantities. “Sadly, it’s not vanishing. Instead, it has dispersed throughout the water as microplastics,” he adds.
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