When observing orangutans munching on leaves, one might assume they choose the nearest plants. However, recent research reveals that orangutans actively seek out plants with medicinal properties.
This groundbreaking study, based on 20 years of research on wild orangutans in the Sebangau peat swamp forest of Borneo, indicates that these primates can “self-medicate” by consuming specific plant combinations in a prescribed sequence.
The research team meticulously documented the dietary habits of orangutans to uncover non-random eating patterns among the species. The findings showed that orangutans frequently consumed plants known for their medicinal benefits, surpassing initial expectations.
Notably, these plants contained compounds that demonstrated antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and wound healing effects. “At this stage, we cannot definitively state that orangutans consciously ‘diagnose’ themselves like humans,” explains Georgia Allen, the lead researcher and master’s student in conservation and biodiversity at the University of Exeter. The research results were published in Scientific Reports.
Allen notes, “However, our findings suggest that orangutans selectively consume certain medicinal plants in ways that extend beyond mere nutritional needs.”
Orangutans are a critically endangered species residing only in Indonesia and Malaysia. They share over 96% of their DNA with humans. – Credit: Getty
Interestingly, many of the specified plants do not form a major part of an orangutan’s regular diet, suggesting they are consumed for specific health benefits rather than as standard fare.
It remains uncertain whether this behavior is a natural instinct or a learned practice passed down through generations.
Chimpanzees display similar “self-medication” behaviors, consuming plants to combat internal parasitic infections, and similar actions have been observed in other primates like bonobos, gibbons, and gorillas.
This study, conducted by Allen under the guidance of Dr. Kimberly Hockings and supported by Dr. Elodie Fryman, underscores the significance of some plants, which are also utilized for healing by local indigenous communities.
The research team emphasized the need to preserve indigenous knowledge for effective biodiversity conservation.
Have you ever recalled the feelings of your first day at school when you caught a whiff of clay? Or perhaps a perfume from a passing stranger instantly transported you to thoughts of a long-lost love?
This experience highlights the powerful connection between smell and memory.
Neuroscientists have confirmed for over a century that our olfactory system is closely linked to brain regions managing memory and emotions, like the hippocampus and amygdala.
When we inhale, odor receptors in our noses connect with odor molecules, such as those from clay. This triggers olfactory neurons to send rapid electrical signals to varied brain areas in mere milliseconds.
“These are very direct connections between the olfactory system and areas of the brain associated with memory and emotion,” says Professor Thomas Hummel, who has explored the olfactory system at the Dresden University of Technology for decades.
The deep link between smell and memory suggests that losing the sense of smell might be an early indicator of cognitive decline. This is associated not only with normal aging but with neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Image credit: Joe Waldron
But what if the reverse is true? Strengthening your olfactory system could not only heighten your ability to enjoy fragrances but also enhance your memory and overall cognition?
This idea has gained traction in laboratories recently, piquing the interest of researchers who believe there’s merit to it.
Several studies, albeit small-scale, have shown that olfactory training can significantly impact cognitive abilities and even alter the brain’s physical structure.
A 2023 review of 18 studies concluded that olfactory training can improve cognitive functions like verbal fluency and language learning.
It has also been shown to increase the volume of specific brain areas, including the hippocampus and olfactory bulb, as well as enhance inter-region connectivity.
Notably, these cognitive enhancements are not limited to individuals experiencing cognitive decline; olfactory training can benefit the general population as well.
“It’s not a magic solution,” Hummel notes. “Enhancing your ability to smell doesn’t automatically make you smarter, but it can aid certain cognitive functions.”
“This concept is appealing because it represents a change that can occur through a simple activity,” he adds. “Anyone can do it, and there are no side effects.”
Enhanced olfactory function may also improve cognitive functions – Image courtesy of Joe Waldron
Various mechanisms have been proposed to explain this effect. One aspect suggests that increased sensory input generally promotes better brain health.
It could also relate to our evolutionary background, wherein our ancestors navigated largely by their sense of smell. Additionally, since the olfactory system has direct access to the hippocampus, it might directly stimulate brain circuits associated with learning and memory.
Amid this exploration, many startups are identifying potential opportunities and are developing scent-training products.
One such startup, Osmo, features an AI-powered digital scent engine, securing $70 million in a recent funding round. Meanwhile, researchers at UCL are advancing the my scent digital olfactory training platform.
You can start training your nose at home with a simple odor training protocol—select about four distinct and familiar odors.
“Stronger scents are more effective than weaker ones,” Hummel advises. Common scents used for research include clove, lemon, coffee, and eucalyptus.
Dedicate five minutes twice daily, focusing intently on each scent for at least 20 seconds. Consider what each scent evokes: How should it smell? What notes can you identify? Is it more intense or milder than expected?
“Consistency is key; change scents every two months for optimal results,” Hummel suggests. While he emphasizes the need for larger studies, he reassures, “This practice certainly won’t cause any harm.”
A wise old wizard once said: “When in doubt, always follow your nose.”
For over 50 years, the United States has invested hundreds of millions of dollars to keep the flesh-eating screwworm at bay. Unfortunately, it’s back.
Subscribe for ad-free access to this article
Enjoy unlimited access to exclusive content and articles.
While screwworms can infest any warm-blooded animal, they pose a significant threat to livestock, often resulting in fatalities among cattle. The ethical implications of intentionally eradicating this species have prompted debate among environmental bioethicists.
“Some species warrant consideration for complete eradication, and the screwworm is among them,” commented Gregory Koebnick, a senior research fellow at the Hastings Center for Bioethics.
Recently, the Department of Agriculture confirmed the presence of New World screwworms in calves in Texas. This marks the first occurrence of natural infestation in U.S. cattle since 1982, as reported in a recent study. A second case was subsequently identified, approximately 6 miles from the initial infection, as documented in tweets by researchers. This discovery represents a troubling resurgence of the species, reigniting the U.S.’s decades-long battle against screwworms.
Experts suggest that the U.S. will adopt a similar strategy to the one employed in the late 1950s, during which an aggressive, collaborative approach aimed at the screwworm population was initiated. The strategy involves mass-producing sterile males that, when released, render natural mating attempts futile since female screwworms mate only once.
“This strategy is effective,” stated Chad Cross, a professor of parasitology at Texas Tech University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. “It has proven successful in the past, and I believe it will continue to be effective.”
He also pointed out that the new cases in Texas serve as a critical reminder of the urgent need to prevent further outbreaks.
The screwworm fly, classified as a black fly, thrives in southern regions of the U.S. These flies are drawn to infected, neglected wounds, where females can deposit up to 300 eggs, leading to invasive larvae development.
“The larvae emerge from the eggs and feed on the flesh of warm-blooded hosts,” explained Philip Kaufman, a professor of entomology at Texas A&M University. “They pose a threat not only to domestic animals but also to wildlife, and even humans.”
Screwworm larvae possess specialized hooks that allow them to penetrate animal flesh and burrow deeper. Infection manifests as open, rotting sores on the skin, often accompanied by an unpleasant odor, which can attract other fly species. If left untreated, the infection is likely to lead to death unless proper intervention occurs, including insecticide and antibiotic treatments.
Cows graze June 2 in Quemado, Texas. Brandon Bell/Getty Images
Infections in humans are rare but extremely painful.
“You are essentially consuming tissue, whether it is muscle, fat, or skin,” Kaufman stated. “It’s highly probable that you would become aware of this issue.”
Currently, screwworms are primarily found in the southernmost areas of the United States but can adapt to milder climates provided they remain warm enough.
“They could survive in the Midwest during favorable weather conditions, but they can’t endure the winter,” Kaufman remarked. “South Texas and South Florida will remain warm enough to sustain their survival.”
These regions were previously the main habitats for screwworms until aggressive elimination efforts began in the 1960s, which involved constructing factories and spray fields in Florida, Texas, and Central America to produce and release sterile flies.
These sterile flies are irradiated and released in large quantities to saturate outbreak areas. Their mass presence prevents wild female screwworms from successfully mating, thereby curtailing egg-laying and reproduction.
The approach yielded success, and when infections reached zero in 1982, the U.S. continued operations in Mexico and Central America, driving the screwworms further south.
“It wasn’t until around 2004 that their effectiveness extended past the Panama Canal,” Kaufman remarked.
However, the U.S. and its partners gradually reduced investments in facilities that produced and distributed sterile insects in locations where screwworms had been eliminated.
“As new factories were opened further south, those in the north were shut down, leading to the closure of the Texas facility followed by those in Mexico and Nicaragua, leaving only the Panama factory operational,” Kaufman explained. “That aging plant is now showing signs of wear.”
For two decades, the Darien Valley, an inaccessible rainforest bordering Panama and Colombia, marked the northern limit of screwworm distribution. However, in 2023, outbreaks began spreading northward, initially to Panama and Costa Rica, and subsequently to Mexico and the United States.
“The crucial question now is: why have they re-emerged?” Kaufman ponders. “No one really knows.”
Regardless of the cause, the U.S. is investing again. The USDA is constructing a $750 million facility in Texas expected to produce around 300 million sterile screwworms weekly, tripling current production levels and aligning with capabilities established in the 1960s. However, the facility is not expected to be operational until late 2027, requiring time to ramp up to full capacity.
Until then, the likelihood of outbreaks remains significant. Screwworm infestations could inflict roughly $1.8 billion in losses each year to the Texas economy alone, encompassing livestock deaths, veterinary care, treatment, and additional labor costs, according to USDA estimates for 2024.
The ultimate goal is the complete eradication of the screwworm fly from the U.S. and Central America. Some researchers argue for considering the species’ total elimination. In 2024, a consortium of bioethicists, conservation biologists, and scientists debated whether refining sterilization methods and employing genetic modifications to introduce lethal genes into the gene pool of screwworms could lead to extinction, as discussed in a paper published in Science magazine last year.
The authors contend that screwworms cause immense suffering to livestock under human care. The infections they inflict upon animals are slow to develop and agonizing for both livestock and humans, raising questions about the environmental value or benefits provided by this species.
Koebnick, the bioethicist, noted that while the group includes individuals who cherish biodiversity and advocate species conservation, they ultimately concluded that there may be instances where eradication is justifiable.
The researchers were predominantly speculating. Currently available genetic modification techniques geared towards screwworm eradication have not been tested at a large scale and are not yet viable for implementation. “If such options were available, it would represent a significant decision with potential long-term consequences,” Kebnick explained.
“These methods are not yet ready for deployment,” he added.
While biologically minimal, hair holds significant meaning in our lives. A contemporary emblem of youth, vitality, and aesthetic appeal, both the presence and absence of hair profoundly influence our self-perception and how others perceive us.
What makes hair so crucial to our identity?
Dr. Fabio Zucchelli, a psychologist at the University of the West of England, attributes this to an innate desire for conformity.
From an evolutionary psychology standpoint, the need to belong drives many of our feelings about appearance. When hair begins to thin, it may feel like we deviate from established norms.
However, our perspectives on hair are not set in stone. “Much of our perception of attractiveness is socially constructed,” Zucchelli clarifies. “Standards of beauty shift over generations and even within the same generation.”
Curiously, baldness has been admired throughout history, from ancient Egypt to the 18th century and the present-day people of Isini in Ghana.
Vincent van Gogh captured beauty in baldness in his painting, “On the Threshold of Eternity” (1890), commenting on the unique allure of an older, bald worker – Image credit: Alamy
Today, hair symbolizes youth, directly correlating with attractiveness and social worth. For women, it’s often seen as a marker of femininity and beauty, while for men, it signifies masculinity and youth.
This cultural significance underpins the rapid growth of the hair restoration industry, valued at 6.5 billion dollars (around 5.23 billion pounds). Projections suggest substantial increases in this market from now until 2030, indicating a strong societal impulse to treat hair loss.
“In my view, the growing medicalization of hair loss problems perpetuates the issue,” Zucchelli notes, emphasizing the escalating efficacy and costs of hair treatments.
Ultimately, whether to “fix” your baldness is a personal choice. For many, it marks a new chapter in their life, rather than a flaw worth erasing. If you decide against or cannot pursue restoration treatments, numerous effective strategies exist to bolster confidence and self-acceptance.
1. Emphasize Functionality
A beneficial approach involves reframing your body image. Instead of fixating on appearance, redirect your focus toward your body’s functionality.
For instance, skin serves as a protective barrier against infections while regulating temperature, and hair provides insulation and aids in sweat evaporation.
Acknowledging these biological functions can help shift your mindset toward self-acceptance.
“Fostering a positive body image can help guard against the emotional toll of hair loss,” says Zucchelli.
“This can be achieved through writing exercises that encourage awareness of your body’s capabilities.”
Micrograph showcasing hair follicles, vital components of the body’s insulation and temperature regulation systems – Image credit: Getty Images
An innovative program promoting this mindset is Expand Your Horizon, developed by Dr. Jessica Alleva and her colleagues at Maastricht University. This evidence-based method encourages individuals to document their bodies from a functionality-focused perspective.
One of the exercises involves writing uninterrupted about your body’s appearance and sensations for at least 15 minutes.
Research indicates its effectiveness.
“Post-intervention, participants in the Expand Your Horizon program reported lower levels of self-objectification, increased satisfaction with their appearance, functionality, and body appreciation,” according to a study published in Body Image by Areva and colleagues in 2015.
The objective is not self-love, but self-neutrality, aiming to reduce self-objectification and foster a healthier body image.
“A common misconception is the necessity of self-love,” explains Zucchelli. “It may not be realistic for everyone to love their appearance consistently.”
“Instead of focusing on loving your hair, aim for accepting it as part of you. Acceptance is crucial,” he emphasizes.
2. Enhance Media Literacy
A vital strategy to alleviate the emotional impact of hair loss involves reevaluating how we perceive hair-related media.
“We must critically examine all that we consume,” advises Zucchelli. “Understand how external influences shape your beliefs regarding hair loss.”
This concept, known as media literacy, involves recognizing the influences on body image from advertising, algorithms, celebrities, and social circles.
“The hair restoration industry is worth billions and is rapidly expanding,” states Glenn Jankowski, a health and social psychology assistant professor at University College Dublin, whose research centers on male body image.
“This influence is pervasive across both media and the internet, where ostensibly unbiased information often serves as marketing for treatments.”
According to the 2022 Body Image Survey, men experiencing hair loss report increased dissatisfaction due to social media influenced by appearance – Image credit: Getty Images
To counteract this, he suggests probing the commercial affiliations behind any hair loss-related content you consume.
“When reading articles, examine if there are sponsorships or corporate ties,” recommends Jankowski.
More structured tools, such as the DISCERN questionnaire from the University of Oxford, can help assess the quality of health treatment information.
This assessment consists of 16 questions to help evaluate whether treatment information is balanced, evidence-based, and transparent about risks and benefits to detect potential biases.
Sample questions include:
Are the sources used to compile the article clearly stated?
Are alternative treatment options acknowledged?
Is there an explanation of how each treatment functions?
Our digital landscape is saturated with algorithmically targeted advertisements. A single inquiry into a hair loss treatment can trigger a barrage of ads over subsequent weeks.
Even if reducing social media use isn’t on your agenda, consider adjusting your ad preferences to minimize exposure to unwanted topics.
Zucchelli describes a critical view of the media we consume as a “protective shield” for our body image, empowering you to ask yourself why certain feelings arise and who benefits from them.
Recognizing these influences can be liberating.
“It can significantly empower individuals,” Zucchelli notes.
Read More:
3. Connect with Others Sharing Similar Experiences
Hair loss can feel isolating, but remember, you are not alone. Baldness is a common aspect of aging that affects many.
Bald men abound, from celebs like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Jude Law to family members or acquaintances who reminisce about their once-full heads of hair.
Hollywood star Jason Statham started showing signs of baldness in his late 20s – Image courtesy of Getty Images
“I refer to these men as ‘hidden bald guys’—they’re more prevalent than one might think,” says Jankowski.
Across history, numerous influential bald figures, from Winston Churchill to ancient Egyptian leaders, have left their mark.
Including other types of hair loss like alopecia areata (autoimmune condition causing patchy loss), cicatricial alopecia (inflammation causing permanent loss), and chemotherapy-induced alopecia makes it evident that over half of us experience some form of hair loss.
If you’re experiencing hair loss, remember: you’re not alone. Connecting with others can foster community and facilitate acceptance.
“For some, discussing hair loss experiences with peers can accelerate the acceptance journey,” Zucchelli notes.
Online forums and support groups prove beneficial, especially if you lack personal connections dealing with similar challenges.
Approach them cautiously, as not all support networks are conducive; some may push medical solutions that invite comparisons. Seek spaces where empathy prevails over competition.
“Engage with others and share experiences—building a sense of community can be immensely powerful,” Jankowski advises.
4. Seek Expert Guidance if Necessary
Unfortunately, despite employing the previous strategies, hair loss can still impact your mental well-being. If feelings become overwhelming, consulting a mental health professional can provide coping mechanisms.
Zucchelli advocates for acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) as particularly effective in addressing hair loss-related concerns. ACT enables individuals to acknowledge distressing thoughts and feelings without self-judgment while taking meaningful actions aligned with their values.
Conversations with others can help shift unhelpful thoughts about hair loss and refocus on what truly matters – Image credit: Getty Images
A crucial aspect of ACT is learning to perceive thoughts as mere thoughts, rather than truths—especially the misleading notion that baldness diminishes your romantic prospects. Distancing from these detrimental beliefs allows greater focus on what genuinely matters in life.
A common ACT technique involves recognizing and naming your thoughts: for instance, “I feel like my baldness is more noticeable.”
The ACT framework can also aid in managing unwanted attention or inquiries about your appearance by guiding your responses and permitting you to disclose as much as you’re comfortable sharing.
ACT isn’t the only therapeutic avenue available; cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can tackle unproductive thoughts, while counseling offers a supportive space for emotional processing, and group therapy provides connections with individuals who understand your experiences.
5. Allow Yourself Time
Lastly, be gentle with yourself. Hair loss denotes a form of loss, and feeling sad is a natural response.
“Give yourself time to adapt to these changes; it’s perfectly acceptable,” Zucchelli reassures.
While the journey through baldness can feel daunting, the process often becomes easier once you accept this change. In the end, the reflection in the mirror is simply the new you.
As Jankowski wisely notes, many content bald men recognize the truth: “Actual hair loss is often more subtle than perceived.”
Floatation Tanks: A Promising Solution for PTSD Relief
Image Credit: Dave Stamboulis / Alamy
A mobile unit containing three floatation tanks is en route to Maui, Hawaii, in response to the mental health crisis ignited by the catastrophic wildfires, which were the deadliest in U.S. history. Floatation therapy, often found in upscale spas, is emerging as a viable treatment for anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). If this initiative proves successful, similar units could be deployed in disaster-stricken areas worldwide.
In August 2023, devastating wildfires erupted in Maui, resulting in the tragic loss of 102 lives and destroying thousands of homes and businesses. Following these events, the risk of depression and anxiety has surged by over 50%, highlighting the urgent need for PTSD interventions.
“Maui lacks the infrastructure to manage a mental health crisis of this scale,” states Justin Feinstein, a clinical neuropsychologist and founder of a nonprofit organization, the Float Research Collective. “People are resorting to self-medication. Alcohol consumption is rising, and rates of suicide and PTSD are increasing.”
On May 2nd, Feinstein announced the Embodied Mind Summit in Los Angeles, where free floatation therapy sessions will be provided for first responders and wildfire survivors, while simultaneously gathering long-term data on float therapy’s efficacy for mental health treatment.
Float therapy, also referred to as environmental stimulus reduction therapy, entails lying in a shallow pool saturated with Epsom salt, allowing the body to float effortlessly. The pool’s water and the surrounding air are maintained at body temperature, with earplugs minimizing noise and the lights turned off to create an environment free of sensory distractions.
This innovative tank design originated with neuroscientists in the 1950s to explore whether the brain would deactivate without external stimulation. Surprisingly, participants remained conscious but reported heightened relaxation.
Feinstein has dedicated more than a decade to researching the treatments and the mental and physical effects of float therapy. His studies indicate significant reductions in anxiety for both healthy individuals and those with various mental health disorders, such as depression and PTSD. Feinstein notes that the effects can be almost as impactful as benzodiazepines, a common sedative.
While the exact mechanisms remain unclear, floatation therapy appears to alleviate external sensory input and reduce bodily movement, thereby inducing a state of tranquility in both the body and mind. Research indicates that shortly after floating, breathing and heart rates decrease, along with blood pressure, and brain activity shifts from self-referential thoughts and emotional processing to states resembling restorative sleep.
Residing in Maui since 2020, Feinstein collaborated with the UK-based company Floataway to develop a cost-effective, modular float pod that can be assembled rapidly in various locations, unlike traditional tanks. The Maui Calm Project aims to introduce these tanks in the region and begin data collection this summer. If successful, the initiative seeks to establish a fleet of portable tanks for deployment in disaster areas to combat PTSD.
According to Sarah Garfinkel, a professor at University College London studying the physical basis of PTSD, prioritizing body-calming techniques represents a crucial evolution in the treatment of this condition. “Hyperarousal is a core feature of PTSD, leading to heightened reactive physiological responses,” she explains. “It seems that floating could offer a sense of internal safety, which may transform our understanding and management of PTSD. I’m eager to see the results of this research.”
If you or someone you know needs support, please contact the British Samaritans at 116123 (samaritans.org); or the U.S. Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 (988lifeline.org). For services in other countries, visit bit.ly/SuicideHelplines.
Clinical Trial Compares Chewing Gum Types for Periodontal Health
PeopleImages/Shutterstock
Patients suffering from periodontal disease can experience immediate relief by chewing gum infused with nitrates, substances known to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria.
Periodontal disease, commonly referred to as mild gingivitis, develops when plaque—a thin film of bacteria—accumulates on the teeth, leading to gum inflammation and bleeding.
Maintaining oral hygiene by brushing twice daily, flossing or using interdental brushes, and rinsing with antibacterial mouthwash are essential for preventing or treating this condition. However, these habits can be challenging to maintain regularly, notes Sean Green at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center in West Carson, California.
If untreated, this milder form of gum disease can escalate to periodontitis, resulting in painful oral abscesses and loss of teeth.
Prior studies indicate that consuming nitrate-rich foods like leafy greens and beets can enhance the growth of beneficial bacteria, mitigating gum inflammation. However, access to or enjoyment of such foods varies widely, adds Green.
To explore a different method of leveraging nitrate benefits, Green and his team enlisted 30 adults diagnosed with mild periodontal disease. Participants were randomly assigned to chew a nitrate-rich gum developed by the researchers or a nitrate-free gum of the same flavor for at least 15 minutes three times daily over three weeks. They were instructed to continue their regular oral care routines and dietary habits during the study period.
Before and after the trial, the researchers evaluated gum health by measuring bleeding around each tooth using a small metal rod. Participants chewing the nitrate-rich gum showed a decrease in bleeding from an average of 26% at the study’s onset to 15% by the end. In contrast, chewing nitrate-free gum did not produce any significant results.
“This marks a clinically significant improvement in gum health,” states Praveen Sharma, a researcher from the University of Birmingham, UK, who did not participate in the study.
Analysis of saliva samples indicates that the nitrate gum enhances levels of beneficial oral bacteria that convert nitrate into nitric oxide while reducing the presence of harmful plaque-forming bacteria, including Porphyromonas gingivalis.
The findings imply that this approach, supplemented by conventional treatments, could serve as an effective method for alleviating periodontal symptoms. “This serves as a solid proof of concept,” adds Francesco Daiuto at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, UK. However, further research is necessary to determine the longevity of these effects and their efficacy in treating advanced periodontal disease.
Stem Cells and Partial Reprogramming for Rejuvenation Treatments
Katerina Conn/Science Photo Library/Alamy
Throughout my years in aging research, I’ve observed numerous promising rejuvenation treatments rise and fall. The cycle began with resveratrol, hailed by Sartoris Pharmaceuticals as a potential anti-aging miracle. In 2008, GlaxoSmithKline acquired the company for $720 million, only to abandon it five years later when it failed to deliver results. Disappointments similar to this have occurred with caloric restriction and other promising approaches, including the aging master switch MTOR and senescent cell destruction, aimed at eliminating the aging-causing “zombie cells.”
So, when I learned about the first clinical trials of a new class of rejuvenating drugs, I tried to temper my excitement. But as I observed developments, I began to believe that perhaps this time could be different due to the concept of “partial reprogramming,” showing real promise.
The journey began in 2006 when Shinya Yamanaka presented a revolutionary paper at Kyoto University, detailing groundbreaking work conducted with his colleague Kazutoshi Takahashi. They discovered that by adding just four genes to mature skin cells, they could revert them to a fetal state, termed induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). This breakthrough opened doors in biological sciences.
The therapeutic potential of iPSCs became quickly apparent. Numerous age-related diseases stem from damaged cells, which could theoretically be treated by creating iPSCs from a patient’s own cells. These reprogrammed cells could then be utilized to repair damaged organs—essentially providing rejuvenation. Additionally, iPSCs offer a way to source stem cells without the ethical dilemmas associated with cloning or embryo destruction.
However, the transition from lab discoveries to clinical applications would be long and arduous. Yamanaka’s research was primarily conducted on mice, posing uncertainties for human applications. Furthermore, while these cells mimic embryos, they fundamentally differ, and the efficiency of the process remained low—less than 1 in 1000 cells became pluripotent. Adding to the complexity, the use of retroviruses to deliver genes carried the risk of integrating into the host genome, potentially leading to cancer.
For many, these challenges obscured the therapeutic potential of iPSCs, despite their scientific validity, which ultimately warranted Yamanaka a Nobel Prize in 2012. In 2008, Tom Okama, president of the biotechnology company Geron, referred to them as “substitutes for nature” that would be impractical and prohibitively expensive for clinical use.
Yet, obstacles have been systematically addressed. Yamanaka confirmed this technique is viable in human cells, even without the c-Myc gene. Researchers have also developed alternative methods to bypass retroviral delivery, such as using adenoviruses. In 2016, the innovative concept of partial reprogramming emerged, enabling temporary activation of genes, allowing cells to rejuvenate while minimizing risks—successfully reversing this direction.
The Impact of Glaucoma on Optic Nerve Health
Stanford University/Science History Images/Alamy
Returning to the current clinical trial, this marks the first human test of partial reprogramming. The focus is on glaucoma and non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), both age-related degenerative eye diseases.
A group of eighteen participants (12 with glaucoma and 6 with NAION) will receive a single intraocular injection of a non-infectious virus that includes Yamanaka factors, excluding c-Myc. Following the injection, patients will take oral medication for 56 days, activating the factors before deactivating them. This is a Phase I trial aimed at demonstrating safety. If successful, the trial will progress to Phase II to assess potential degeneration reversal. While it may take years to determine outcomes, the drug’s developer, Life Biosciences of Massachusetts, aims to explore treatments for numerous other age-related conditions.
Stay tuned—partial reprogramming could revolutionize rejuvenation therapies and fundamentally transform our approach to aging. As João Pedro de Magalhães at the Institute of Aging and Chronic Disease noted in 2019, “If even one company succeeds in slowing the aging process, it will have a monumental impact on medicine and society.”
Gibraltar monkeys have recently been observed engaging in a surprising behavior: eating dirt. This habit may be a response to the adverse effects of human junk food, as detailed in a study published in Scientific Reports.
This unusual eating behavior seems to help the monkeys manage digestive issues caused by tourist treats, particularly when lactose-intolerant individuals consume ice cream.
According to Dr. Sylvain Lemoine, a biological anthropologist at the University of Cambridge, “Food consumed by Gibraltar’s monkeys is often high in calories, sugar, salt, and dairy, which is starkly different from their natural diet of herbs, leaves, seeds, and occasional insects.”
“Eating dirt may enable them to indulge in these unhealthy yet appealing foods, similar to how humans enjoy them,” he added.
A research team studied 230 monkeys in Gibraltar, finding that each monkey consumed dirt approximately 12 times per week.
Interestingly, geophagy (the act of eating soil) decreased by 40% during winter compared to the tourist-heavy summer months.
Furthermore, researchers noted that monkeys with a higher frequency of human interaction—and consequently junk food consumption—exhibited more geophagy. In fact, three groups of eight macaque monkeys residing in tourist areas accounted for 72% of geophagy incidents.
Conversely, the only group of monkeys without access to tourist-provided snacks was also the group that did not eat soil.
The study concluded that geophagy is directly linked to junk food, suggesting that it acts as a gut health supplement, mitigating the negative effects of cookies, ice cream, and other snacks on the monkeys’ microbiomes.
“Macaques may have developed this behavior to protect their digestive systems from the high-energy, low-fiber snacks that can lead to stomach issues in primates,” explained Dr. Lemoine.
“Soil can serve as a barrier in the gastrointestinal tract, reducing the absorption of harmful substances, and may even provide beneficial bacteria that assist in gut health.”
Different groups of monkeys showed distinct soil preferences; while most favored red clay, one group preferred tar-rich soils from potholes – Credit: Martin Nicourt/Gibraltar Macaques Project
Such geophagy isn’t unique to Gibraltar’s monkeys; ring-tailed lemurs consume dirt an average of 16 times a week, while East African chimpanzees do so about 14 times. This behavior is also observed in human cultures, particularly during pregnancy.
Geophagy is notably rare among Barbary macaques of North Africa, the ancestral population of Gibraltar’s monkeys.
Remarkably, a group of monkeys at Hong Kong’s Jamshan Country Park has been documented eating dirt over 33 times a week, likely due to their high consumption of human junk food.
Dr. Lemoine emphasized the study’s implications regarding human influence on animal behavior and culture.
“Gibraltar’s monkeys represent a unique case of human-primate interaction, offering valuable insights into how anthropogenic environments impact primate behavior and culture,” he noted.
Scientists, policymakers, and community leaders have undertaken numerous initiatives to combat racism in our society. While projects aimed at supporting victims and holding perpetrators accountable for racial violence provide some assistance, they often fail to address the deeper, systemic causes of racism. This challenge is compounded by the fact that individuals learn about race from various sources, including education and familial ties.
A significant hurdle in the fight against racism lies in the widespread misconception that race is a biological concept. This misunderstanding is perpetuated by the current educational framework, which simplifies genetic concepts by focusing on single-gene influences, thus overshadowing the complex interplay of genetics and environment.
Oversimplifying genetics can lead to a binary perception of how physical traits are inherited, ignoring the intricate realities of biology. Research indicates that early childhood experiences can significantly impact the genes responsible for stress regulation.
Past researchers have observed that when students learn that a single gene can determine a disease, they may erroneously generalize this to assume that all human differences, including race, stem solely from genetics. Although educators are striving to remove race-focused language from genetics instruction, the fundamental content and student assumptions often remain unchanged.
To address this issue, researchers like Brian Donovan have introduced a novel approach to genetic education through a framework called humane genomics. This perspective emphasizes the significant role of environmental factors on genetic expression, fostering an understanding that social interactions and surroundings are critical in distinguishing human racial groups.
To evaluate this approach, the research team engaged over 1,000 students from 14 high schools and one middle school across six states, including Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, New Jersey, and Massachusetts. Each school participated with one biology teacher who underwent 40 hours of training on integrating humane genomics into their existing curricula. In half of the classes, a basic genetics unit was taught first, followed by a humane genomics unit, while the other half reversed this order.
Students completed surveys before the lessons and after each unit. The surveys assessed their knowledge of genetics and genomics, their beliefs regarding racism and its origins, and their reflections on the lessons learned. Findings indicated that students taught through the lens of humane genomics were 24% less likely to believe that genetics solely defines racial differences compared to those taught in traditional genetics. Moreover, 50% of students who experienced the humane genomics curriculum reported improved comprehension of how environmental factors influence human genetics.
Donovan and his team concluded that the methodology used to teach genetics in the United States significantly impacts students’ perceptions and understandings of race. However, they also noted that these conclusions are not yet applicable to educational contexts outside the U.S. Additionally, the need for further training for teachers to effectively deliver this innovative curriculum introduces added time and financial implications.
Despite these challenges, the research team believes their findings can reshape genetics education for the better. By prioritizing youth education, they aspire to instigate substantial societal change.
The glymphatic system facilitates the removal of brain waste products.
Klaus Renau/Science Photo Library
Researchers have discovered a groundbreaking drug that enhances the brain’s waste disposal system, effectively eliminating proteins linked to Alzheimer’s disease. A sedative commonly used in medical settings, when paired with a blood pressure stabilizer, shows promise in safely and efficiently clearing these toxic proteins, potentially delaying the disease’s onset by up to seven years.
“This is a significant advancement,” states Siju Gu from Harvard University, who was not part of the study. “While it may benefit individuals with neurodegenerative disorders, it could also enhance brain function in healthy individuals.”
The brain utilizes the glymphatic system, a vital network of channels surrounding blood vessels, to eliminate metabolic waste, directing it into the lymphatic system for blood disposal. This system is most active during deep sleep stages, wherein slow brain waves facilitate waste removal. However, its efficiency declines with age, especially in Alzheimer’s disease.
To assess dexmedetomidine’s effects in humans, Paul Dagham and his team at Applied Cognition, a pharmaceutical firm in California, enlisted 19 adults averaging 60 years of age. After a night of sleep deprivation in a controlled environment, blood samples were collected for baseline measurements.
Participants then received a four-hour infusion of dexmedetomidine alongside midodrine, a medication that mitigates low blood pressure, a common side effect of the sedative. Following a nap, additional blood samples were collected.
This experiment was replicated a few weeks later, with participants receiving a placebo and saline instead. The resulting analysis revealed that the combination of dexmedetomidine and midodrine, dubbed ACX-02, effectively removed amyloid and tau proteins—two proteins predisposed to misfolding and aggregation—better than the placebo treatment.
Dagham estimates that if ACX-02’s effects persist for several years, it could defer Alzheimer’s disease onset or progression by about seven years based on typical misfolded amyloid levels in those at risk. “This could significantly impact individuals at risk,” a research team member noted, including Jeff Iliff from the University of Washington.
Further analysis indicates that ACX-02 enhances the number of slow brain waves during sleep transitions and increases cerebral fluid flow, accelerating waste removal. Moreover, blood vessels appear to dilate and contract more effectively, enabling better fluid propulsion through the glymphatic system.
Though antibody therapies targeting amyloid plaques, such as lecanemab and donanemab, have received approval in the US and UK, their efficacy on symptoms remains minimal and they may cause hemorrhaging and swelling in the brain. “Innovative treatments are urgently needed. We know that the antibodies for Alzheimer’s are ineffective and can induce serious side effects,” asserts Natalie Beth Corner from the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases in Bonn.
No severe side effects were noted in Iliff’s trial. By enhancing the glymphatic system, there is less activation of the brain’s immune cells compared to antibody treatments, reducing risk factors associated with side effects, Dagham explains. ACX-02 additionally targets both amyloid beta and tau, which could augment its cognitive benefits. The research team plans to explore this further in patients with early Alzheimer’s disease.
Dr. Gu recognized that prior attempts to eliminate misfolded amyloid beta and tau in Alzheimer’s patients yielded limited success. However, he emphasized that if this novel approach proves safe and effective, it could see widespread application. “It may also benefit individuals with other neurodegenerative disorders linked to protein misfolding, such as Parkinson’s disease,” he states. Iliff adds that developing dexmedetomidine tablets could help treat diminished alertness due to sleep deprivation.
Promotional Still from Skysurfer Ultralight Aircraft
Credit: Hunter Kowald/skysurferaircraft.com
The concept of passenger transport drones is coming to life, albeit in a rudimentary form. Currently in operation are modified cargo drones, primarily used for transporting combat casualties and criminal elements.
Heavy-lift drones are essentially advanced versions of popular quadcopters. Numerous DIY drone videos reveal that the fundamental technology is relatively straightforward. However, achieving safety certifications for passenger transport aircraft can take years. Companies like Volocopter, E-hang, and Eve Air Mobility are working diligently to meet certification requirements within the next year or two.
Meanwhile, commercial cargo drones intended for agricultural and industrial purposes are becoming larger and more affordable. For instance, the DJI FlyCart 100, launched last year, can carry up to 85 kilograms and retails for just over £10,000. While not certified for human transport, there’s no guarantee some operators won’t attempt to use them for such purposes.
In Ukraine, the constant threat of drone attacks presents obstacles for medical evacuations. Unmanned ground vehicles, remotely controlled by humans, are currently the preferred method for transporting injured individuals. As of August 2025, Oleksandr Shirsky, Supreme Commander of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, stated: aerial drones are being explored for this role.
“The development of such drones is essential, as expedited medical care during the ‘golden hour’ significantly increases survival rates,” said Roy Gardiner, affiliated with the non-profit organization “Defense Tech for Ukraine”. “Creating large multicopter drones capable of swiftly evacuating injured soldiers is a pressing priority, and both parties have confirmed developments are in progress.”
Using cargo drones for evacuation is far from optimal. Unlike helicopter ambulances equipped with onboard medical personnel, drones lack real-time patient monitoring. Still, aerial drones have the potential to transport individuals from conflict zones to medical facilities quicker and more efficiently than ground-based alternatives.
Unauthorized Drone Transport of Individuals
@extremeoutdoor5048
Criminal organizations may also utilize drones for human transport. A recent DroneSec report from an Australia-based intelligence firm indicates a rising interest in drones that carry humans. It showcases a video where the militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba in Pakistan employs heavy-lift drones for short-distance passenger movements during training.
“These drones pose significant risks, as they could facilitate human trafficking across fortified borders,” indicates Robert Bunker from C/O Futures, an American consulting firm. “Criminals are often the first to innovate and disregard safety and regulatory standards.”
Small drones are already being exploited to smuggle contraband into prisons, and larger models may be capable of extracting inmates. They also present opportunities for transporting armed individuals to secure locations.
“This is an escalating concern that necessitates strategic planning, particularly concerning facilities and borders with formidable physical barriers like high walls, rivers, and canyons,” Bunker stated.
While commercial passenger drones are being designed with rigorous safety protocols and comprehensive testing, the allure of drone transportation remains strong for adventurous individuals seeking alternative means of travel.
Image Credit: Gordon Scammell/Loop Images/Universal Images/Getty Images
Experimental stem cell therapies offer groundbreaking potential in treating frailty by targeting its biological roots. This condition, which heightens the risk of falls and infections, is traditionally managed through lifestyle changes like strength training and balance exercises. However, recent studies suggest that injecting stem cells from young, healthy donors into older adults can substantially enhance mobility.
Dr. Joshua Hare from Longeveron, a biotechnology firm based in Miami, Florida, states, “Frailty is a leading cause of disability and diminished quality of life in older adults. There exists a significant unmet need for biological treatments.”
Dr. Hare and his team are innovating therapies that focus on the essential mechanisms of aging, including inflammation and metabolic disturbances causing muscle contractions. Their treatment, Laromestrocell, is derived from mesenchymal stem cells harvested from healthy bone marrow donors aged 18 to 45.
Having achieved success in early-stage testing, they recently conducted a study assessing different dosages of Laromestrocell compared to a placebo in a cohort of 148 individuals affected by frailty, which impacts approximately one in four people over the age of 65.
The researchers measured the walking distance of participants aged 74 to 76 with mild to moderate frailty in a six-minute walk test both before and after receiving Laromestrocell. Remarkably, a single injection resulted in a dose-dependent enhancement in performance without significant safety concerns. For instance, patients receiving the highest dose walked an additional 41 meters compared to those treated with a placebo six months post-infusion, increasing to 63 meters after nine months.
According to the researchers, Laromestrocell inhibits enzymes known as matrix metalloproteinases, which negatively impact structural proteins in blood vessels and related tissues. This gene therapy has the potential to regenerate vasculature and improve muscle fibers essential for endurance, as noted by Dr. Hare.
Nevertheless, improvements in walking speed or grip strength were not observed. “The most clinically significant measurement is the six-minute walk distance, which is well correlated with health status and longevity,” Dr. Hare explained.
Dr. Daisy Wilson from the University of Birmingham, UK, commented, “This trial appears very promising. I was quite impressed by the substantial changes observed in just six minutes of walking.”
Additionally, this trial may help identify biomarkers of frailty, aiding in pinpointing individuals who stand to gain the most from this treatment, potentially before symptoms manifest. During blood analyses, the researchers discovered that levels of a fragment known as sTIE2, indicative of vascular dysfunction, decreased progressively with escalating doses of Laromestrocell.
This indicates that individuals exhibiting high sTIE2 levels may derive the most benefit from this treatment, according to Dr. Wilson. “Frailty is highly heterogeneous,” she remarked. “The critical aspect of Jello Protector Medical interventions is to slow the aging process. Moving forward, aligning the right treatment with the appropriate patient will be essential.”
However, she expressed concerns regarding both the cost and feasibility of stem cell treatments. “Considering the high expenses, justifying their use becomes challenging, especially when walking programs that enhance six-minute walk test performance are under investigation,” she added. Worryingly, the acquisition of stem cells from volunteers could pose a considerable challenge, necessitating a large pool of donors to treat all frail patients.
Dr. Hare countered this argument, asserting that various companies are making technological advancements to scale up stem cell treatments for broader access. “Substantial research is underway to increase the production of these types of stem cells in larger quantities, and I am optimistic that this requirement will be met,” he stated.
How Birdwatching Can Enhance Your Cognitive Reserve
Steve Young/Alamy
Recent research suggests that birdwatchers exhibit distinct brain differences that could explain their remarkable skill in identifying unfamiliar birds. This indicates that engaging in birdwatching may alter brain structure, akin to the effects of learning a new language or musical instrument. Such activities are believed to enhance cognitive reserve—the brain’s capacity to combat aging and adapt to damage.
As individuals learn or practice new skills, neural pathways in the brain reorganize, strengthening relevant connections. This phenomenon, known as neuroplasticity, facilitates the acquisition of specialized knowledge. For example, professional musicians display structural changes in brain regions associated with auditory processing, while athletes experience similar adaptations in their motor cortex.
To explore the effects of birdwatching on brain structure, Eric Wing and his team from York University, Canada, examined the brain function and structure of 48 recreational birdwatchers, with participants categorized into experts and beginners. The age range of participants was between 22 and 79 years, ensuring balanced variables like gender, age, and education.
During brain scans, participants viewed bird images for less than four seconds. Following this, they attempted to identify the same bird from four options, each depicting a different species. “We purposefully selected bird species that were quite similar,” states Wing.
This identification task was done 72 times, utilizing images from 18 distinct bird species—six being local and twelve non-native.
As anticipated, expert birders outperformed novices, with an average correct identification rate of 83% for native bird species and 61% for non-native; novices, on the other hand, correctly identified only 44% of the birds.
Notably, while identifying non-local birds, activity increased in three key brain regions for expert birders, including the bilateral prefrontal cortex, bilateral intraparietal sulcus, and right occipitotemporal cortex—regions pivotal for object recognition, visual processing, attention, and working memory. “This illustrates the diverse cognitive processes involved in bird watching,” Wing explains.
Moreover, these areas exhibited greater structural complexity and organization in expert bird watchers compared to novices, indicating that developing expertise in birdwatching may reshape the brain.
As we grow older, the complexity and organization of brain structures typically diminish, a trend observed in both novice and expert birdwatchers. Nonetheless, the decline appeared less significant in birdwatchers, suggesting that engaging in birdwatching contributes to building cognitive reserve, enhancing the brain’s resilience against aging.
“This implies that staying mentally active in specialized areas may help mitigate the effects of aging,” asserts Robert Zatorre at McGill University in Canada. “While this has been a controversial topic, this paper provides new evidence that supports this concept.”
Broadly participating in other hobbies that demand similar skills—like attention, memory, and sensory integration—may drive comparable brain changes. Wing notes, “Birdwatching taps into numerous cognitive domains, potentially benefiting various cognitive abilities. However, the cognitive enhancement might not be exclusive to birds; if other activities engage similar processes, we could expect similar brain changes there.”
Nevertheless, this study reflects merely a snapshot in time. It’s possible that structural changes occurred prior to participants taking up birdwatching, or that other lifestyle factors leading to brain changes are more prevalent among birdwatchers. To determine if brain changes are directly linked to birdwatching, longitudinal studies involving multiple scans over several months or years are necessary, Wing asserts.
Wild blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium) is a perennial plant native to North America. This berry is rich in polyphenols, particularly flavonoids, which offer significant health benefits. A recent study published in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition provides a comprehensive review of the evidence and insights shared at an expert symposium regarding wild blueberries and their link to cardiometabolic health.
Vaccinium angustifolium. Image credit: Σ64 / CC BY 3.0.
Known for their high nutrient content, wild blueberries, or lowbush blueberries, are celebrated for their abundance of anthocyanins and other beneficial compounds.
These polyphenols, contributing to the berries’ vibrant blue hue, have been thoroughly researched for their powerful antioxidant properties.
“Wild blueberries have been valued for centuries,” noted University of Maine professor Dorothy Krimis Zakas, co-lead author of the recent review.
“Traditional wisdom recognizes their significance, and modern research continues to investigate how the unique constituents of wild blueberries contribute to health when part of a balanced diet.”
This review analyzed 12 human clinical trials conducted across four countries and numerous additional studies on the health effects of compounds found in wild blueberries.
The most consistent result from these studies was an improvement in vascular function, indicating better blood vessel responsiveness.
Some trials noted enhanced endothelial function just hours after consuming wild blueberries, while others observed benefits from regular intake over longer periods.
Recent studies have also highlighted the impact of wild blueberries on the gut microbiome.
Thanks to their high fiber and polyphenol content, these berries resist early digestion and are processed by gut bacteria into metabolites that enter the bloodstream.
These metabolites can constitute a significant proportion of bioactive compounds in circulation post-consumption; one study demonstrated that daily intake of freeze-dried wild blueberry powder boosted levels of beneficial bioactive compounds such as Bifidobacterium.
Emerging evidence suggests that consistent blueberry consumption may enhance cognitive abilities, especially thinking speed and memory in older adults, possibly linked to improved circulation and other systemic effects.
For adults at higher cardiometabolic risk, several studies referenced in the review identified meaningful improvements in blood pressure, glycemic control, and lipid profiles, including reductions in total cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, and triglycerides, following weeks of regular blueberry intake.
“What’s remarkable about wild blueberries is their wealth of polyphenols and nutrients. Their health benefits appear to stem from multiple mechanisms,” explained Sarah A. Johnson, Ph.D., from Florida State University, co-lead author of the review.
“Evidence indicates that these berries may influence various biological pathways related to cardiometabolic health, including vascular function and inflammation, but individual responses may vary.”
“The recent focus on the gut microbiome’s role in health benefits is intriguing and might help researchers understand how to optimize gut health for enhanced wellness.”
_____
Sarah A. Johnson et al. Wild blueberries and cardiometabolic health: A current review of the evidence. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, published online January 24, 2026. doi: 10.1080/10408398.2025.2610406
Last year, I penned an article for New Scientist detailing how a physicist unveiled the precise method to flawlessly cook the Italian classic, cacio e pepe. The emulsion of black pepper, pecorino cheese, and water can often turn clumpy. Ivan di Terlizzi and his team at the Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems experimented with cacio e pepe numerous times to perfect a method that guarantees consistent results.
This topic resonated with many readers. When I recently caught up with one of the scientists involved, he suggested the draw might stem from their research’s ability to unveil order in what can otherwise appear chaotic, especially when examined through the lens of mathematics and precision.
While this perspective is captivating, it also carries risks, as C. Thi Nguyen discusses in his book, Score: How to Stop Playing Someone Else’s Game. Formerly a food critic, Nguyen is now a philosophy professor at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. He cautions that recipes promising flawless results can obscure the essential values of food as “an exercise of taste and preference.”
By employing scientific rigor—exact measurements and meticulous procedures—the outcomes might be repeatable, but this approach diminishes the diversity of culinary experiences and the delightful chaos that food can represent.
Cooking serves as merely one instance illustrating how modern tendencies to systematize and impose order on chaotic realities—often driven by state bureaucracies—can result in less-than-ideal outcomes. Nguyen constructs a vivid image of a world rife with such consequences.
Using his own academic journey as a reference, Nguyen contends with the rankings that universities and magazines impose. In philosophy, these ratings often derive from websites evaluating departments based on criteria like publishing prestige or scholars’ ability to address specialized queries, contrasting sharply with the “wild, unruly questions” that initially piqued his interest in philosophy. He began to sense a phenomenon he labeled “value capture,” where metrics intended to guide us begin to dictate our actions.
Nguyen argues for embracing these intricate rule-based systems by engaging in games as a means to explore and remain open to life’s experiences. This book encompasses a diverse array of his recreational pursuits, from Dungeons & Dragons to rock climbing, yoga, and yo-yo.
He effectively illustrates why choosing to abide by the rules within a game serves as a “spiritual vaccine” against societal pressures to conform to institutional scoring systems, like those found in educational assessments. While the notion that games can save us may seem optimistic, Nguyen compellingly presents it as a refreshing perspective.
Many of Nguyen’s concepts aren’t groundbreaking, drawing from numerous influential philosophers and scholars shaping his thought process—including Tim Marshall’s Prisoners of Geography, which explains the influence of geography on geopolitics, and James C. Scott’s Seeing Like a State, which scrutinizes the shortcomings of scientifically planned societies.
However, Nguyen’s imaginative approach to discussing the core themes of his book ensures the conversation remains engaging and thought-provoking. This work provides a compelling starting point for further exploration.
The history of cancer can be traced back to ancient Egyptian civilizations, where it was thought to be a divine affliction. Over the years, great strides have been made in understanding cancer’s causes and exploring diverse treatment options, although none have proven to be foolproof. Recently, a research team at Columbia University has pioneered a novel method for combating cancerous tumors by utilizing a combination of bacteria and viruses.
The researchers engineered this innovative strategy by infecting bacterial cells with Typhimurium that were modified to carry the Seneca virus A. The theory posited that when tumor cells engulf these bacteria, they would also take in the virus, which would then replicate within the cells, leading to their death and the subsequent distribution of the virus to surrounding cells. This technique has been termed Coordinated Activities of Prokaryotes and Picornaviruses for Safe Intracellular Delivery (CAPPSID).
Initially, the research team verified that Typhimurium was a suitable host for Seneca virus A. They infected a limited number of these bacteria with a modified variant of the virus that emitted fluorescent RNA. Subsequently, they applied a solution that facilitated viral entry into the bacteria. Using fluorescence microscopy, they confirmed the presence of viral RNA inside the bacterial cells, validating the infection. To further assist the viral RNA in escaping the bacteria and reaching cancer cells, the researchers added two proteins, ensuring that viral spread was contained to prevent infection of healthy cells.
After optimizing the bacteria and virus, the team tested the viral delivery system on cervical cancer samples. They found that viral RNA could replicate both outside of bacterial cells and inside cancer cells. Notably, newly synthesized RNA strands were identified within tumor cells, confirming the successful delivery and replication of the virus through the CAPPSID method.
Next, the researchers examined CAPPSID’s impact on a type of lung cancer known as small cell lung cancer (SCLC). By tracking fluorescent viral RNA within SCLC cells, they assessed the rate of viral dissemination post-infection. Remarkably, the virus continued to propagate at a consistent rate for up to 24 hours following the initial infection, demonstrating effective spread through cancerous tissue without losing vigor.
In a follow-up experiment, the researchers evaluated the CAPPSID method on two groups of five mice, implanting SCLC tumors on both sides of their backs. They engineered the Seneca virus A to generate a bioluminescent enzyme for tracking purposes and injected the CAPPSID bacteria into the tumors on the right side. Two days post-injection, the right-side tumor glowed, indicating active viral presence. After four days, the left-side tumor also illuminated, suggesting that the virus had successfully navigated throughout the mice’s bodies while sparing healthy tissues.
The treatment continued for 40 days, leading to complete tumor regression within just two weeks. Remarkably, upon observation over a subsequent 40-day period, the mice demonstrated a 100% survival rate, with no recurrence of cancer or significant side effects. The research team observed that the CAPPSID virus, being encapsulated by bacteria, could circumvent the immune response, thus preventing cancer cells from building immunity against it.
Finally, to prevent uncontrolled replication of Seneca virus A, the researchers isolated a gene from a tobacco virus responsible for producing an enzyme that activates a crucial protein in Seneca virus A. By incorporating this gene into the Typhimurium bacteria, they were able to independently produce this enzyme, ensuring the virus could not replicate or spread without the bacteria’s presence. Follow-up tests confirmed that this modified CAPPSID method improved viral spread while maintaining confinement within cancer-affected areas.
The research findings hold promising potential for the development of advanced cancer therapies. The remarkable regression of tumors in mice and the targeted delivery system of CAPPSID—without adverse effects—could lead to safer cancer treatments for human patients, eliminating the need for radiation or harmful chemicals. However, the researchers also cautioned about the risk of viral and bacterial mutations that may limit the effectiveness of CAPPSID and cause unforeseen side effects. They suggested that enhancing the system with additional tobacco virus-derived enzymes could help mitigate these challenges, paving the way for future research into innovative cancer therapies.
Worldwide, drug-resistant gonorrhea is increasing, yet new antibiotics may provide a temporary solution until we face bacterial strains that cannot be treated at all, which heightens the risk of infertility.
Every year, it is estimated that sexually transmitted infections affect over 80 million individuals globally. Gonorrhea infections can spread to various body parts, including the anus, urethra, and genitals. Symptoms often include a burning sensation during urination and unusual discharge from genital areas. Untreated infections can lead to complications such as infertility and miscarriage.
Typically, the treatment for gonorrhea involves ceftriaxone injections, which remain effective against most strains. However, resistance is developing, and the World Health Organization reported that in 2024, about 5 percent of cases in 12 countries, including Thailand, South Africa, and Brazil, showed resistance to ceftriaxone—a sixfold increase since 2022.
When ceftriaxone fails, doctors typically resort to alternative antibiotics. However, it’s only a matter of time before completely untreatable strains appear. “We’re running out of options,” states Alison Luckey from the Global Antibiotic Research and Development Partnership. “It’s been decades since a new treatment for gonorrhea has been approved.”
To combat this escalating issue, researchers found that gepotidacin, an antibiotic pill used for urinary tract infections, can effectively treat gonorrhea, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is now reviewing the drug for U.S. approval. However, as bacteria evolve resistance to new medications, expanding treatment options is crucial, according to Lackey.
She and her team are currently studying another medication, zoliflodacin, specifically created to combat drug-resistant gonorrhea. In a study, 744 gonorrhea patients from the U.S., South Africa, Thailand, Belgium, and the Netherlands were randomly assigned to receive either zoliflodacin or a combination treatment that includes ceftriaxone and a second antibiotic, azithromycin.
After six days of testing through swabs of participants’ cervixes or urethras, results showed that zoliflodacin effectively cleared roughly 91 percent of infections, while standard treatment had a similar success rate of around 96 percent. Hence, no significant differences were observed between the two treatments, with side effects like headache and nausea being similar and short-lived in both groups.
Most of the 744 tested cases involved strains that were not resistant to ceftriaxone or azithromycin, but prior research indicated that zoliflodacin can effectively target N. gonorrhoeae strains resistant to all standard antibiotics. These findings suggest that zoliflodacin may represent a promising new strategy for treating gonorrhea, both as a first-choice treatment and when traditional options fail, as Lackey observes. “In areas with frequent resistance, early implementation as a primary treatment option could be beneficial,” she adds. Furthermore, since zoliflodacin is administered orally, it may provide a more convenient alternative than ceftriaxone, which some patients avoid due to needle aversion.
Researchers have already submitted findings to the FDA, with a ruling anticipated by December 15, according to Lackey.
If the FDA grants approval, other regions, including the UK, Europe, and Asia, could follow suit shortly, as noted by Charlotte Eve Short from Imperial College London, who was not part of the research.
Alongside ongoing vaccination efforts against gonorrhea, including the recent rollout of the Meningitis Group B vaccine in the UK, the introduction of these two new drugs could signify a pivotal moment in the battle against drug-resistant gonorrhea, according to Short. “This is excellent news,” she states. “While the population-level implications remain uncertain, our dual focus on prevention and treatment should help us significantly reduce resistance rates.”
Wildfires in California this January exacerbated by climate change
Josh Edelson/AFP via Getty Images
Famine, economic downfall, civil unrest, and conflict are serious threats we encounter unless we take urgent steps to curb further global warming and safeguard nature, leading climate, food, health, and security specialists cautioned in London today.
A national emergency briefing organized by climate activists and researchers aims to persuade politicians of the necessity for immediate and significant action regarding the intertwined crises of climate and biodiversity.
“I’m fearful for my life and future, and even more for my son’s,” stated Hugh Montgomery, a doctor at University College London focused on climate change’s impact on health.
“We require leadership on par with that of World War II, as if the survival of society depended on it—because it truly does,” remarked Mike Berners-Lee, who led the event at Lancaster University in the UK.
He indicated new evidence suggests the planet is heating up more rapidly than before, as noted by Kevin Anderson from the University of Manchester. “There exists a small but very real possibility that temperatures could reach 4°C by the end of this century.”
“The potential for 3°C or 4°C of warming is incredibly severe. We simply cannot afford to take that risk. It presents an extreme and unstable climate far beyond the conditions that have supported our civilization,” Anderson warned. “We will witness an unparalleled social and ecological breakdown at such levels. Geopolitical tensions will heighten, and there will likely be no viable economy left. A systemic collapse awaits us.”
Anderson cautioned against what he termed “delay technologies,” which aim to maintain the prosperity of the oil and gas sector. These encompass hydrogen and bioenergy with carbon capture and storage, according to him.
Hayley Fowler, a researcher at the University of Newcastle in the UK, stated that the impacts of warming are exceeding expectations. “Heat waves in Europe are escalating quicker than anywhere else globally and significantly faster than climate models predict,” she remarked.
The UK could face storms capable of releasing up to 35 centimeters of rain, leading to severe flooding as experienced in Germany in 2021. “However, like the people of Germany, we often fail to comprehend this until it occurs,” Fowler noted.
She emphasized that nations are unprepared for such extreme weather conditions. “We continue to construct infrastructure that cannot endure today’s climate, let alone what lies ahead.”
Tim Renton, a researcher from the University of Exeter in the UK, alerted about the danger of triggering critical tipping points, such as the potential collapse of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC).
If the AMOC collapses, Arctic sea ice may extend southward as far as the North Sea during winter, Renton explained. London, for three months each year, could see temperatures plunge below freezing, with lows reaching -20°C (-4°F), but summers could be hotter than currently experienced.
Renton warned that Britain could face water shortages and an inability to produce food. “Globally, more than half of the area will become incapable of cultivating wheat and corn, leading to a major food security crisis,” he said.
He cited that food production has already been adversely impacted, as noted by Paul Behrens from Oxford University. “In the past decade, the UK has recorded three of its five worst grain harvests,” he pointed out.
Behrens cautioned that the situation is poised to worsen, leading to civil unrest. “We are at a crossroads: we can either allow our food system to collapse and continue our current trajectory, preparing for political and social turmoil, or we can take action now.”
Richard Nagy, a former British Army lieutenant general and national climate and security adviser, expressed concern over national security risks. “What troubles me most is not one crisis but a series of crises. Multiple crises converging—food, health, infrastructure, immigration, energy, extreme weather—where slow or ineffective responses erode public trust in government, resulting in a reactionary political climate that promises to tackle all these crises simultaneously.”
“We must realistically anticipate a future that others may fail to envision or wish to ignore, a future with monumental consequences if realized. Just because we may not like risk doesn’t mean it will disappear or that we can turn a blind eye to it,” Nuzi commented.
New guidelines have urged social media platforms to curtail internet “pile-ons” to better safeguard women and girls online.
Ofcom, Britain’s communications regulator, implemented guidance on Tuesday aimed at tackling misogynistic abuse, coercive control, and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images, with a focus on minimizing online harassment of women.
The measures imply that tech companies will limit the number of responses to posts on platforms like X, a strategy Ofcom believes will lessen incidents where individual users are inundated with abusive responses.
Additional measures proposed by Ofcom include utilizing databases of images to prevent the non-consensual sharing of intimate photos—often referred to as ‘revenge porn’.
The regulator advocates for “hash matching” technology that helps platforms remove disputed images. This system cross-references user-reported images or videos with a database of illegal content, transforming them into “hashes” or digital identifiers, enabling the identification and removal of harmful images.
These recommendations were put forth under the Online Safety Act (OSA), a significant law designed to shield children and adults from harmful online content.
While the advice is not obligatory, Ofcom is urging social media companies to follow it, announcing plans to release a report in 2027 assessing individual platforms’ responses to the guidelines.
The regulator indicated that the OSA could be reinforced if the recommendations are not acted upon or prove ineffective.
“If their actions fall short, we will consider formally advising the government on necessary enhancements to online safety laws,” Ofcom stated.
Dame Melanie Dawes, Ofcom’s chief executive, has encountered “shocking” reports of online abuse directed at women and girls.
“We are sending a definitive message to tech companies to adhere to practical industry guidance that aims to protect women from the genuine online threats they face today,” Dawes stated. “With ongoing support from our campaigners, advocacy groups, and expert partners, we will hold companies accountable and establish new benchmarks for online safety for women and girls in the UK.”
Ofcom’s other recommendations suggest implementing prompts to reconsider posting abusive content, instituting “time-outs” for frequent offenders, and preventing misogynistic users from generating ad revenue related to their posts. It will also allow users to swiftly block or mute several accounts at once.
These recommendations conclude a process that started in February, when Ofcom conducted a consultation that included suggestions for hash matching. However, more than a dozen guidelines, like establishing “rate limits” on posts, are brand new.
Internet Matters, a nonprofit organization dedicated to children’s online safety, argued that governments should make the guidance mandatory, cautioning that many tech companies might overlook it. Ofcom is considering whether to enforce hash matching recommendations.
Rachel Huggins, co-chief executive of Internet Matters, remarked: “We know many companies will disregard this guidance simply because it is not legally binding, leading to continued unacceptable levels of online harm faced by women and girls today.”
The rapid technological advancements can widen the gap between parents and teens. Gen
Moreover, a rise in cyberattacks affecting major companies has been frequently reported. Interestingly, many of those who face these hacks are young individuals equipped with advanced digital skills. In fact, the National Crime Agency reports that one in five children engages in unlawful activities under the Computer Fraud Act, which penalizes unauthorized access to computer systems or data. This statistic rises to 25% among gamers.
To combat this, co-ops adopt a unique preventive strategy. As part of our long-term mission to empower young people to harness their technology skills, Co-op has teamed up with a hacking game aimed at helping talented gamers secure positions in the cybersecurity sector.
This collaborative model is crucial because, as Greg Francis, former senior officer at the National Crime Agency and director of 4D Cyber Security, puts it, “A digital village is necessary to nurture digital natives.” Early intervention is essential, and parents play a pivotal role. “Parents are vital as they wield significant influence, but they shouldn’t remain passive. They should grasp the fundamentals of the hacker universe,” notes Francis, who also serves as Hacking Game’s Cyber Ambassador. So, where to begin?
Show Interest Without Judgment
First and foremost, having an interest in hacking isn’t inherently negative.
“Ethical hacking is an exhilarating and rapidly evolving domain, making it completely understandable for children to find it intriguing,” says Lynne Perry, CEO of children’s charity Barnardo’s. The organization collaborates with co-ops to generate funds to support young individuals in forging positive futures.
Maintaining an open dialogue is just as critical as beginning discussions early. “The ideal moment to start is now,” states Perry. “Once your child shows an interest in online technology, it’s time. Frequent, age-appropriate discussions are essential to keep the lines of communication open.”
Activities that seem innocuous can lead to a path towards cybercrime. Composite: Stocksy/Guardian Design
Perry advises involving children in online activities from a young age. “Explore technology together and discuss what to do if something unusual or concerning occurs. As kids mature, they may seek more independence, but regular interaction allows them to steer conversations, ask questions, and express concerns.”
For parents who grew up in a simpler digital age, grasping the complexities of today’s online gaming, dominated by franchises like Roblox, Minecraft, and Call of Duty, might seem daunting. However, both Francis and Perry emphasize that you don’t need to have all the answers to provide support.
Parents should check game age ratings and utilize parental controls, such as friend-only features, to enhance the security of in-game chats. For online resources, check Ask About Games for detailed information on popular games and guides to setting up safety measures.
It’s also beneficial to inquire if your young gamer has ever experienced being “booted” offline. Booting refers to a DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attack, where someone hacks another gamer’s IP address and floods it with data, causing an Internet outage. While booting may seem innocuous among gamers, it is a serious issue. Francis clarifies: “They may not realize this infringes on the Computer Misuse Act.” In fact, booting is identified as one of the initial steps towards cybercrime, as noted during Francis’s work with various prevention programs.
Asking questions aligns with observing potential warning signs like excessive gaming, social withdrawal, unexplained tiredness, unusual purchases of equipment or technology (especially if you’re unaware of how it was paid for), and multiple email addresses. While one sign alone might not be serious, a combination of them can be concerning.
Mary* faced these warning signs firsthand. “I had a son engaged in hacking on the darknet. He isolated himself and avoided sleep. I truly had no clue about his activities,” she shares. “After consulting a cybersecurity expert and discussing my challenges, I discovered he was attempting to delve into the cryptocurrency world on the darknet at just 13 years old.”
Guidance from trusted sources inspires talented young individuals to utilize their skills positively. Composite: Getty Images/Guardian Design
A Transformative Path for Neurodivergent Youth
Particularly for neurodivergent youth, engaging with games and spending time online can yield significant advantages in terms of socialization and emotion regulation. Yet, it’s crucial to recognize that with these benefits come potential drawbacks, including the considerable risks of internet or gaming addiction and the associated allure of cybercrime.
However, over 50% of technology professionals identify as neurodivergent, according to the Tech Talent Charter, indicating vast opportunities for neurodivergent young individuals in this sector. This is why The Hacking Games directly targets “digital rebels” showcasing “raw talent” and “unconventional thinking,” matching them with cybersecurity job opportunities, mentors, and fostering community through Discord group chats.
As Mary can confirm, mentorship and career awareness can be life-changing. “Cyber experts supported my son as a credible source of information and ultimately coached him on my behalf,” she states. “They helped him realize that he could channel his skills for impactful purposes. Consequently, he began assisting others.”
While this situation may seem alarming, there are numerous ways for parents to intervene positively. Approaching the subject with curiosity and care, rather than judgment, is paramount for guiding your child in the right direction. Here are some suggestions for parents who are concerned about their kids.
1 Begin conversations regarding online gaming safety early, approaching the topic with sensitivity rather than judgment. Remaining calm fosters open communication.
2 You don’t need to be fully informed, but a genuine interest can lead to insightful discussions. Ask your child about their games and online activities. Just as you would inquire about who they play with at a park, ask the same about their online friends. Be vigilant for warning signs like strangers trying to befriend them, offering freebies, or inviting them to unfamiliar worlds or games, as these could indicate grooming.
3 Take proactive measures. Pay attention to age ratings for games, which are significant. The best way to ascertain what is suitable for your child is to play the game together or at least observe them while they play. Remember, just like in Call of Duty, children can also be recruited in games like Minecraft. Games with community or “freemium” options can entice young players seeking extra income through in-game purchases or upgrades.
4 Monitor for warning signs such as social withdrawal, excessive gaming, lack of sleep, unusual tech purchases, and multiple email accounts.
5 Engage with your child’s school. Consult their computer science teacher to learn how they promote digital responsibility. Teachers often have insight into which students may require specific support to enhance their skills. This could serve as an early opportunity to channel their talents positively through initiatives like Cyber First and Cyber Choices or coding communities such as Girls Who Code.
*Mary’s name has been changed to protect her family’s anonymity.
Bryan Cranston expressed his “gratitude” to OpenAI for addressing deepfakes of him on its generative AI video platform Sora 2. This action follows instances where users managed to create his voice and likeness without his permission.
The Breaking Bad actor has voiced concerns to actors’ union Sag Aftra after Sora 2 users generated his likeness during the platform’s recent launch. On October 11th, the LA Times reported that in one instance, “a synthetic Michael Jackson takes a selfie video using an image of Breaking Bad star Bryan Cranston.”
To appear in Sora 2, living individuals must provide explicit consent or opt-in. Statements following the release from OpenAI confirmed it has implemented “measures to block depictions of public figures” and established “guardrails to ensure audio and visual likenesses are used with consent.”
However, upon Sora 2’s launch, several articles emerged, including those from the Wall Street Journal, Hollywood Reporter, and LA Times, which reported that OpenAI instructed several talent agencies that if they didn’t want their clients’ or copyrighted material to be featured in Sora 2, they needed to opt-out instead of opt-in, causing an uproar in Hollywood.
OpenAI contests these claims and told the LA Times its goal has always been to allow public figures to control how their likenesses are utilized.
On Monday, Cranston released a statement via Sag Aftra thanking OpenAI for “enhancing guardrails” to prevent users from generating unauthorized portraits of himself.
“I was very concerned, not only for myself but for all performers whose work and identities could be misappropriated,” Cranston commented. “We are grateful for OpenAI’s enhanced policies and guardrails and hope that OpenAI and all companies involved in this endeavor will respect our personal and professional rights to control the reproduction of our voices and likenesses.”
Hollywood’s top two agencies, Creative Artists Agency (CAA) and United Talent Agency (UTA), which represents Cranston, have repeatedly highlighted the potential dangers Sora 2 and similar generative AI platforms pose to clients and their careers.
Nevertheless, on Monday, UTA and CAA released a joint statement alongside OpenAI, Sag Aftra, and the Talent Agents Association, declaring that what transpired with Cranston was inappropriate and that they would collaborate to ensure the actor’s “right to determine how and whether he can be simulated.”
“While OpenAI has maintained from the start that consent is required for the use of voice and likeness, the company has expressed regret over these unintended generations. OpenAI has reinforced its guardrails concerning the replication of voice and likeness without opt-in,” according to the statement.
Actor Sean Astin, the new chair of SAG Aftra, cautioned that Cranston is “one of many performers whose voices and likenesses are at risk of mass appropriation through reproduction technology.”
“Bryan did the right thing by contacting his union and professional representatives to address this issue. We now have a favorable outcome in this case. We are pleased that OpenAI is committed to implementing an opt-in protocol, which enables all artists to decide whether they wish to participate in the exploitation of their voice and likeness using AI,” Astin remarked.
“To put it simply, opt-in protocols are the only ethical approach, and the NO FAKES law enhances our safety,” he continued. The Anti-Counterfeiting Act is under consideration in Congress and aims to prohibit the production and distribution of AI-generated replicas of any individual without their consent.
OpenAI has openly supported the No FAKES law, with CEO Sam Altman stating the company is “firmly dedicated to shielding performers from the misuse of their voices and likenesses.”
Sora 2 permits users to generate “historical figures,” which can be broadly defined as both well-known and deceased individuals. However, OpenAI has recently acknowledged that representatives of “recently deceased” celebrities can request for their likeness to be blocked from Sora 2.
Earlier in the month, OpenAI announced its partnership with the Martin Luther King Jr. Foundation to halt the capability of depicting King in Sora 2 at their request as they “strengthened guardrails around historical figures.”
Recently, Zelda Williams, the daughter of the late actor Robin Williams, pleaded with people to “stop” sending her AI videos of her father, while Kelly Carlin, the daughter of the late comedian George Carlin, characterized her father’s AI videos as “overwhelming and depressing.”
Legal experts speculate that generative AI platforms could enable the use of deceased historical figures to ascertain what is legally permissible.
Research reveals obesity rates among children in Colombia’s hilly capital, Bogotá
Guillermo Legaria/Getty Images
A study involving over 4 million children in Colombia suggests that living at high altitudes may help in preventing obesity.
This outcome is consistent with existing research. Higher altitudes are thought to reduce obesity, potentially due to increased energy expenditure at lower oxygen levels. Most studies, however, have focused primarily on adults.
To explore the effect on children, Fernando Lizcano Rosada from Lhasavanna University in Chia, Colombia, along with his team analyzed data concerning 4.16 million children from municipalities up to age 5, sourced from the Colombian Institute of Family Welfare.
The participants were categorized into four groups based on the altitudes where they resided.
In two low-altitude areas, about 80 out of every 10,000 children were classified as obese. In contrast, at altitudes of 3,000 meters or higher since 2001, this rate dropped to 40 per 10,000.
However, at elevations above 3,000 meters, the prevalence rose again, reaching 86 out of 10,000. The researchers caution that this might be a statistical anomaly since it is based on data from only seven municipalities and 11,498 individuals, substantially fewer than the data for the other altitude groups.
“That’s a valid observation,” states David Stencel from Loughborough University, UK. He notes that a dose-response relationship would have strengthened the findings.
Stencel also underscores that the study is observational, meaning it does not definitively prove that high altitudes reduce obesity risk. “The research takes into account various confounding factors,” he explains, including measures of poverty. Yet, he adds, “we cannot account for everything.”
Nevertheless, he sees this research as a promising commencement. “It establishes a relationship that calls for more tailored studies to verify the hypothesis independently.”
Lizcano Rosada posits that metabolism may be heightened at higher altitudes, leading to increased energy expenditure.
This claim is plausible, Stencel agrees. “Some studies indicate that resting metabolic rates may be elevated at high altitudes,” he notes. For instance, a 1984 study found that climbers tended to lose more weight at high altitudes partly because fat from food was burned or expelled before being stored as tissue.
More recent studies suggest that lower oxygen levels may lead to accelerated metabolism and increased levels of leptin, the hormone related to satiety, while levels of ghrelin, often associated with hunger, are reduced.
If it is indeed true that high altitude diminishes obesity risk, Stencel notes that the practical application of this knowledge in combating obesity remains ambiguous. Nonetheless, Lizcano Rosada asserts that personalized advice could be beneficial, acknowledging that diverse environmental factors contribute to obesity across various locales.
Arts, creative, and media organizations are urging the government to prohibit large tech companies from using Australian content and developing artificial intelligence models. There is growing concern that such a decision may “betray” Australian workers and facilitate the “widespread theft” of intellectual property.
The Albanese government has stated that it has no intention of altering copyright laws, but emphasizes that any changes must consider their effects on artists and news media. Opposition leader Sassan Ray has called for compensation for any use of copyrighted material.
“It is unacceptable for Big Tech to exploit the work of Australian artists, musicians, creators, and journalists without just compensation,” Ray asserted on Wednesday.
The Productivity Committee’s interim report titled “Utilizing Data and Digital Technology” proposes regulations for technologies, including AI in Australia, projecting a productivity increase of 0.5% to 13% over the next decade, thereby potentially adding $116 billion to the nation’s GDP.
The report highlighted that building AI models demands a substantial amount of data, prompting concerns from many players, including Creative Australia and copyright agencies, about the misuse of copyrighted content for AI training.
The committee outlined potential solutions, advocating for an expansion of licensing agreements, exemptions for “text and data mining,” and enhancements to existing fair trading regulations that are already in place in other countries.
This latter suggestion faced significant opposition from arts, creative, and media organizations. They expressed discontent at the idea of allowing wealthy tech companies to utilize their work for AI training without appropriate compensation.
Such a shift could jeopardize existing licensing agreements formed between publishers and creators with major tech firms and complicate negotiations for news media seeking fair compensation from social media platforms for journalism online.
Sign up: AU Breaking NewsEmail
The Australian Labour Union Council (ACTU) criticized the Productivity Committee’s proposal, claiming it exploits the interests of large multimillion-dollar corporations, warning that it may mislead efforts to assist Australian workers.
“The extensive discussion surrounding text and data mining exemptions risks normalizing the theft of creative works from Australian artists and Indigenous communities,” said ACTU.
Joseph Mitchell, ACTU Secretary, indicated that such exemptions would allow “high-tech corporations to reap the full benefits of advanced technology without giving back to the creators.”
APRA Chair Jenny Morris is among those who have voiced concerns over potential exemptions for “text and data mining” used in AI training. Photo: AAP
Australia’s music rights organizations, Apra Amcos and the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Music Bureau, expressed disappointment regarding the committee’s recommendations, raising alarms about the implications for Australia’s $9 billion music sector.
APRA Chair Jenny Morris stressed that this recommendation highlights a recognition that these practices are already widespread.
Attorney General Michelle Roland, responsible for copyright legislation, stated that any advancements in AI must prioritize building trust and confidence.
“Any reforms to Australia’s copyright law must reflect the effects on the nation’s creative and news sectors. We remain dedicated to participating in dialogues around these issues, particularly with the copyright and AI reference groups initiated by the government last year,” she mentioned.
When asked about the committee’s findings, Ray expressed concern regarding the absence of sufficient “guardrails” from the government to tackle AI-related issues.
“We need to safeguard content creators… their work rightfully belongs to them, and we must not take it without compensating them,” she added.
Ed Fushik, former Minister for Industry and Technology for Workers, defended the overall outlook for the economy on Wednesday. Treasurer Jim Chalmers later commented on ABC’s 7.30, saying, “The mechanism you deploy, whether one act or multiple existing acts… is not the crux of the issue.”
“I believe we can strike a balance between concerns that AI is harmful and those who pretend we can return to a previous state,” he indicated.
“There are no current plans to undermine or alter Australia’s copyright arrangements.”
Arts Minister Tony Burke highlighted a submission from Creative Australia regarding the review. He stated that, “It emphasizes the necessity for consent, transparency, and fair compensation concerning copyright and labeling.”
In a statement, Creative Australia asserted that the nation has the potential to lead globally in establishing “fair standards” for AI application.
“Artists and creatives whose work is utilized in training AI are entitled to proper compensation,” a spokesperson remarked.
“Innovation should not come at the cost of ethical business practices.”
The Australian Publishers Association (APA) has expressed worries about the possibility of works being utilized without authorization or compensation.
“While we support responsible innovation, this draft proposal favors infringers over investors,” stated Patrizia Di Biase-Dyson, CEO of APA.
“We oppose the idea that Australian narratives and educational materials integral to our culture and democracy should be treated as free resources for corporate AI systems.”
The copyright agency likewise spoke against the text and data mining exemption, emphasizing that it would adversely affect creators’ revenue.
“The movement towards revision of the Australian copyright system stems from large multinational corporations, and it does not serve the national interest,” remarked CEO Josephine Johnston. “To empower Australia’s high-quality content in the new AI era, it’s critical that creators receive fair compensation.”
Regular exercise aids in maintaining cognitive sharpness
Yoshikazu Tsuno/AFP via Getty Images
Engaging in structured exercise programs, dietary changes, cognitive activities, and social interactions has proven more efficient in combating cognitive decline than casual, self-initiated efforts.
The brain’s capabilities for memory, language use, and problem-solving typically diminish with age, often resulting in dementia. Nevertheless, studies indicate that up to 45% of global dementia cases are preventable by addressing 14 risk factors, which include inadequate education, social isolation, and brain injuries.
To explore strategies for preventing cognitive decline, Laura Baker from Wake Forest University School of Medicine in North Carolina and her team studied the American Pointer Study.
They involved over 2,100 individuals deemed at high risk for cognitive decline aged between 60 and 79, who led sedentary lifestyles, had suboptimal diets, and met at least two criteria related to dementia, such as a family history of memory issues.
Participants were randomly placed into one of two groups. Both were designed to promote physical and cognitive activity, healthy eating habits, and social interaction, although their methods varied.
One group followed a highly structured format, with 38 small group sessions across two years, led by trained facilitators who devised plans. This regimen also incorporated regular exercise at a community center along with weekly online brain training exercises.
The other group was less structured, participating in only six group meetings over the same two-year period. They were provided with public education materials and $75 gift cards aimed at encouraging behavioral changes, like attending gym classes.
After two years, both groups demonstrated enhancements in cognitive assessments measuring memory, executive function, and processing speed. The structured group saw an improvement of 0.24 standard deviations per year compared to their initial scores, while the self-guided group improved by 0.21 standard deviations per year.
“It’s remarkable that the structured care group has shown improvement,” remarks Gil Livingston from University College London. However, she points out the absence of a control group that received no intervention, making comparisons challenging between structured and self-directed participants.
Baker estimates significant declines in cognitive scores would have occurred without either regimen, claiming the benefits are significant. “A two-year structured intervention can effectively delay cognitive aging by nearly one to two years,” she states.
Baker mentions that improvement in both groups aligns with a placebo effect, suggesting that participants might have expected positive outcomes regardless of their group assignments.
Claudia Sumoto from the University of São Paulo in Brazil suggests the minor differences in cognitive scores between groups are likely imperceptible to participants and their families, given that dementia progresses gradually; clear effects may take more than two years to manifest.
Baker notes the team will continue monitoring participants for a total of six years, as the US Pointer Study has a four-year extension. “We’re observing subtle changes because they are cognitively normal individuals, and we are effectively slowing the rate of decline over time. We’re genuinely excited about empowering individuals at risk of dementia to take control of their health,” she remarks.
She believes that a structured approach is practical beyond the study context, emphasizing the need for caregivers and health professionals to motivate individuals rather than assuming high public expenditure is necessary to instill healthy habits.
“Overall, dementia care can be highly costly, and mitigating the burden can save expenses,” Livingston adds. “This study is crucial because lifestyle enhancements have shown benefits, and while guided support aids improvement, it’s not the only approach.”
LONDON – Eight healthy babies have been born in the UK, aided by experimental techniques designed to prevent mothers from transmitting severe rare diseases to their offspring through DNA, researchers have announced.
The majority of DNA resides within the nuclei of our cells and is inherited from both our mothers and fathers—essentially, it shapes who we are. However, mitochondria, the cell’s energy-producing structures, also contain DNA outside the nucleus. Mutations in this mitochondrial DNA can lead to various illnesses in children, resulting in symptoms like muscle weakness, seizures, developmental delays, major organ failure, and even death.
In vitro fertilization (IVF) testing typically helps identify these mutations, although there are instances where this is not evident.
Researchers have pioneered methods to circumvent these issues by employing healthy mitochondria from donor eggs. They reported their findings in 2023 in an article detailing the birth of the first babies born using this technique, which involves extracting genetic material from the mother’s eggs or embryos and transferring it to a donor egg or embryo possessing healthy mitochondria, while discarding the bulk of its original DNA.
Dr. Zev Williams, head of the Fertility Center at Columbia University and not involved in this study, stated that this research “marks a significant milestone.” He believes that broadening reproductive choices will allow more couples to achieve a safe and healthy pregnancy.
This method results in an embryo containing DNA from the mother, the father, and the donor’s mitochondria—an approach that became legally viable in the UK after law changes in 2016. Similar procedures are also permitted in Australia, though they remain banned in many countries, including the US.
Experts from Newcastle University in the UK and Monash University in Australia reported in the New England Journal of Medicine that they successfully implemented these new methods for fertilizing embryos from 22 patients, with one woman still pregnant.
Footage released by the Newcastle Fertility Center shows delicate IVF procedures. Fertility Centre in Newcastle
One of the eight babies born exhibited unexpectedly high levels of abnormal mitochondria, according to Robin Lovell-Badge, a stem cell and developmental genetics scientist at the Francis Crick Institute, who was not involved in the research. While these levels are not currently deemed harmful, monitoring is required as the baby grows.
Andy Greenfield, a reproductive medicine expert at Oxford University not associated with the research, emphasized its significance, noting that mitochondrial replacement techniques are primarily used in other settings aimed at avoiding genetic illnesses, like early-stage embryo testing.
“This technique was certified a decade ago, so we have all been anticipating this report,” he shared with NBC News via email. “Fortunately, the children appear to be healthy.”
Long-term follow-up with these children is essential as keeping them healthy is a priority, he emphasized.
Lovell-Badge noted that the donor DNA’s contribution is minimal, asserting that the child will not exhibit characteristics from the women who provided the healthy mitochondria. The donor genetic material constitutes less than 1% of the DNA in babies conceived using this technology.
“In comparison, if you received a bone marrow transplant from a donor, you would possess significantly more DNA from other individuals,” he explained.
In the UK, all couples seeking childbirth via donated mitochondria must obtain approval from the national fertility authority.
Concerns have been raised by critics, who warn that the long-term effects of such innovative techniques on future generations remain uncertain.
“At this time, clinical application in the US is not allowed, mainly due to regulatory restrictions regarding genetic modifications to embryos,” Dr. Williams from Columbia said via email. “Whether this situation will evolve remains unclear and is subject to ongoing scientific, ethical, and policy discussions.”
For almost ten years, Congress has included provisions in the annual funding bill that prevent the FDA from accepting applications related to clinical research protocols involving the intentional creation or modification of human embryos to incorporate genetic alterations.
However, in jurisdictions where such methods are allowed, advocates argue they can offer a promising option for some families.
Liz Curtis, whose daughter Lily passed away from mitochondrial disease in 2006, is collaborating with other families affected by these disorders. She expressed the devastation of receiving a diagnosis indicating that death was inevitable for an infant without intervention.
Curtis reflected on how the diagnosis “turned our world upside down, and yet there was minimal discussion about it, what it entailed, and how it would affect Lily.” Following this experience, she founded the Lily Foundation in her daughter’s honor to raise awareness and support regarding the disease, alongside her latest initiatives at Newcastle University.
“This development is incredibly exciting for families who have little hope for a positive outcome,” Curtis remarked.
The UK fertility authority, which oversees human fertilization and embryology, endorsed the findings, noting that this technique might only be accessible to individuals with a high risk of transmitting disease to their children.
As of this month, 35 patients have been approved to undergo the procedure.
Fig trees may excel at reducing carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere
Raimund Link/Mauritius Images Gmbh/Alamy
Certain fig trees have the ability to transform significant quantities of carbon dioxide into solid forms, allowing carbon to remain in the soil even after the tree has perished. This indicates that fig trees used for timber or fruit cultivation could offer additional environmental benefits through this carbon sequestration process.
While all trees generally utilize carbon dioxide from the air, most of it is converted into structural molecules such as cellulose. However, some tree species also synthesize a crystalline substance known as calcium oxalate, and the bacteria within the trees and soil can convert it to calcium carbonate, a primary component of rocks like limestone and chalk.
Mineral carbon can remain in the soil significantly longer than organic matter derived from wood. Trees that store carbon in this manner include iron syrup (Milisia Excelsa), which is found in tropical Africa and is valued for its wood yet does not yield edible fruit.
Recently, Mike Rory from the University of Zurich and his team discovered that three fig species indigenous to Samburu County, Kenya, can also produce calcium carbonate through their own processes.
“Most trees generate calcium carbonate within the soil,” Laurie explains. “We [also] observe that high concentrations can transform the entire root structure into calcium carbonate in the soil, which is a remarkable finding.”
The research team initially identified the calcium carbonate-generating fig species by using a weak hydrochloric acid solution to detect its release from calcium carbonate. Subsequently, they could confirm the presence of calcium carbonate in the surrounding soil and analyze wood samples to pinpoint where calcium carbonate was being generated.
“What genuinely astonished me was how deep I was digging for [calcium carbonate],” Laurie remarked, as he presented his findings at the Goldschmidt conference in Prague, Czech Republic, this week.
Further investigations are needed to estimate the total carbon storage of these trees, the resilience of water in various climates, and the water requirement. Nevertheless, if fig trees can be integrated into future planting initiatives, they could serve as both a source of nourishment and a carbon sink, according to Laurie.
In recent years, a substantial number of university students in the UK have been identified for misusing ChatGPT and similar AI tools. While traditional forms of plagiarism appear to be declining significantly, a Guardian investigation reveals concerning trends.
The investigation into academic integrity violations has indicated a rise to 5.1 cases per 1,000 students, with nearly 7,000 verified instances of fraud involving AI tools reported between 2023 and 2024. This marks an increase from just 1.6 cases per 1,000 students in the previous academic year, 2022-23.
Experts anticipate these figures will increase further this year, estimating potential cases could reach around 7.5 per 1,000 students, although reported cases likely reflect only a fraction of the actual instances.
This data underscores the rapidly changing landscape for universities as they strive to update evaluation methods in response to emerging technologies like ChatGPT and other AI-driven writing tools.
Before the advent of generative AI in the 2019-20 academic year, plagiarism accounted for nearly two-thirds of all academic misconduct. Plagiarism rates surged during the pandemic as many assessments transitioned online. However, with advances in AI tools, the character of academic fraud has evolved.
Predictions suggest that for the current academic year, confirmed instances of traditional plagiarism could decrease from 19 per 15.2 to 15.2, falling to approximately 8.5 per 1,000 students.
The Guardian reached out to 155 universities via the Freedom of Information Act, which mandates disclosure of confirmed cases of academic misconduct, including plagiarism and AI-related fraud over the past five years. Out of these, 131 responded; however, not all universities had comprehensive records of annual or fraud categories.
More than 27% of responding institutions did not categorize AI misuse as a distinct form of fraud in 2023-24, indicating a lack of acknowledgment of the issue within the sector.
Numerous instances of AI-related fraud may go undetected. A survey by the Institute for Higher Education Policy revealed that 88% of students admitted to utilizing AI for evaluations. Additionally, last year, researchers at the University of Reading tested their rating system and found that AI-generated submissions went undetected 94% of the time.
Dr. Peter Scarf, an associate professor of psychology at the University of Reading and co-author of the research, noted that while methods of cheating have existed for a long time, the education sector must adapt to the challenges posed by AI, creating a fundamentally different issue.
He remarked, “I believe the reality we see reflects merely the tip of the iceberg. AI detection operates differently from traditional plagiarism checks, making it almost impossible to prove misuse. If an AI detector indicates AI usage, it’s challenging to counter that claim.”
“We cannot merely transition all student assessments to in-person formats. Simultaneously, the sector must recognize that students are employing AI even if it goes unreported or unnoticed.”
Students keen to avoid AI detection have numerous online resources at their disposal. The Guardian found various TikTok videos that promote AI paraphrasing and essay writing tools tailored for students, which can circumvent typical university AI detection systems by effectively “humanizing” text produced by ChatGPT.
Dr. Thomas Lancaster, a researcher of academic integrity at Imperial College London, stated, “It’s exceedingly challenging to substantiate claims of AI misuse among students who are adept at manipulating the generated content.”
Harvey*, who has just completed his Business Management degree at Northern University, shared with the Guardian that he utilized AI for brainstorming ideas and structuring tasks while also incorporating references, noting that many of his peers have similarly engaged with these technologies.
“When I started university, ChatGPT was already available, making its presence constant in my experience,” he explained. “I don’t believe many students use AI simply to replicate text. Most see it as a tool for generating ideas and inspiration. Any content I derive from it, I thoroughly rework in my style.”
“I know people who, after using AI, enhance and adapt the output through various methods to make it sound human-authored.”
Amelia*, who has just completed her first year in a music business program at a university in the southwest, also acknowledged using AI for summarization and brainstorming, highlighting the tool’s significant benefits for students with learning difficulties. “A friend of mine uses AI for structuring essays rather than relying solely on it to write or study, integrating her own viewpoints and conducting some research. She has dyslexia.”
Science and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle recently emphasized to the Guardian the importance of leveraging AI to “level the playing field” for children with dyslexia.
It appears that technology companies see students as a key demographic for their AI solutions. Google is now providing free upgrades to university students in the US and Canada for 15 months to its Gemini Tools.
Lancaster stated, “Assessment methods at the university level may feel meaningless to students, even if educators have valid reasons for their structure. Understanding the reasons behind specific tasks and engaging students in the assessment design process is crucial.”
“There are frequent discussions about the merits of increasing the number of examinations instead of written assessments, yet the value of retaining knowledge through memorization diminishes yearly. Emphasis should be on fostering communication skills and interpersonal abilities—elements that are not easily replicable by AI and crucial for success in the workplace.”
A government spokesperson stated that over £187 million has been invested in the national skills program, with guidelines issued on AI utilization within schools.
They affirmed: “Generative AI has immense potential to revolutionize education, presenting exciting prospects for growth during transitional periods. However, integrating AI into education, learning, and assessment necessitates careful consideration, and universities must determine how to harness its advantages while mitigating risks to prepare for future employment.”
For bank leaders, it’s their worst nightmare. Urgent communications have rapidly unleashed turmoil across the UK’s financial sector, as cyberattacks incapacitate IT infrastructures.
Bank executives recognize that their stakes are particularly high, especially as family names in other sectors, like Marks & Spencer, grapple with the repercussions of such breaches.
Within hours of a bank breach, millions of direct debits might fail, jeopardizing rent, mortgages, and salaries. Online banking access may be blocked, cash withdrawals denied, and commuters stranded as buses and gas stations refuse payments. News of such an attack often incites panic, prompting rival banks to react and customers to withdraw their funds in anticipation of disruptions.
While this may seem extreme, a well-executed cyberattack on a major UK bank is not far removed from the government’s “rational worst-case scenario.” The financial sector, categorized as one of the 14 “critical national infrastructure” sectors, is particularly vulnerable. Highlighted in the National Risk Register, it models the most significant threats confronting the UK.
This spring, billions of pounds were invested to prevent catastrophic incidents involving major retailers like Harrods, The Co-op, and M&S.
“The financial commitment will be substantial,” Ian Stuart, CEO of UK HSBC, mentioned to MPs last month. “We are under constant attack,” he added.
Following the cyberattack, M&S was compelled to halt online orders for six weeks. Photo: Yui Mok/Pa
According to Stuart, HSBC alone needs to invest hundreds of millions to bolster their security. “This represents our largest expenditure.”
Globally, banks are projected to dedicate 11% of their IT budgets to cybersecurity by 2025, as indicated by an EY survey. This budget is expected to reach $290 billion (about £21.4 billion). By December, banks may invest $32 billion in cybersecurity, according to Celent’s research.
Cybercriminals represent a new kind of threat in the banking sector, evolving from masked robbers targeting physical branches to state-sponsored hackers and independent cybercriminals aiming for ransom or widespread chaos.
“Banks likely comprehend risk more profoundly than many other industries, investing significantly more in security,” states Stuart McKenzie, managing director at Mandiant Consulting, a Google-owned cybersecurity firm that collaborates closely with various UK lenders.
Last month, the Governor of the Bank of England shared with the BBC that cybersecurity risks remain ever-evolving. “We are contending with adversaries who continually enhance their methods of attack, which I must remind the agency to prioritize,” said Andrew Bailey.
However, safeguarding systems is complex. Many high street banks operate on multi-layered IT architectures with numerous updates and add-ons. Incorporating third-party software and cloud services complicates matters further, leading to a convoluted system.
“We refer to it as the offensive side,” remarked Alan Woodward, a cybersecurity expert and professor at the University of Surrey. “The attack surface is expanding, resulting in more chances for attackers to exploit vulnerabilities.”
Historically, successful bank hacks have not been destructive enough to halt the economy completely. Instead, hackers typically target customer data and account information.
In 2021, a hacker from Morgan Stanley accessed personal information belonging to a corporate client by breaching a server operated by third-party consultancy firms.
Earlier, at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, an attacker compromised a staff email for the Italian bank Monte Dei Paschi, sending a client a voicemail with malicious attachments.
In 2016, hackers guessed bank card details from over 9,000 Tesco Bank accounts, managing to steal nearly £2.5 million. Photo: Murdo Macleod/The Guardian
Notably, one of the worst hacking incidents in UK banking occurred in 2016, where criminals speculated on card details, leading to the theft of approximately £2.5 million from Tesco Bank accounts. In the aftermath, Tesco had to stop all online and contactless transactions to mitigate fraudulent activity occurring globally, including in Spain and Brazil.
In the end, Tesco Bank fully refunded its customers.
The National Cyber Security Center advises customers who suspect a breach to reach out to their banks through official websites or social media channels, avoiding any links or contact details shared in suspicious communications. Organizations should be able to confirm the status of the breach and provide guidance on next steps.
Since 2013, the Bank of England has actively recognized cybersecurity as a financial stability risk and initiated supervision of cyber resilience standards for all regulated banks and insurance firms.
The initiative includes the launch of CBEST, the first global program where ethical hackers evaluate the potential vulnerabilities of banks using advanced attack techniques.
“Nothing is absolutely secure,” emphasized Woodward, but he noted that the UK banking system is nearing that goal. “Much of this stems from oversight,” particularly by the central bank, which gathers intelligence from MI5, GCHQ, and NCSC, and conducts real-world scenarios to assess bank resilience.
Every two years, the central bank orchestrates the Multiday Cyberwar game as part of the Simex-Simulation Exercise program, assessing the security of businesses in London.
Additionally, authorities have been scrutinized, with banks, financial regulatory bodies, the Treasury, and the National Cybersecurity Centre evaluating their preparedness for various catastrophic incidents.
Regulators don’t just review bank defenses; they also encourage banks to develop response and recovery plans to mitigate long-lasting disruptions caused by potential cyberattacks, as it’s crucial for their success.
The Cross Market Business Continuity Group, connecting regulators with representatives from UK Finance in the banking sector, boasts the capability to convene approximately 100 firms for emergency discussions within an hour during potential threats.
Avoiding breaches is deemed essential for safeguarding industries that ultimately rely on trust. Customers expect banks to protect their data, incomes, and life savings from outside threats.
“If anyone can breach that security and execute a fraudulent transaction… you will lose trust in that bank, right?” remarked Woodward.
Banks have already faced backlash from mere IT disruptions, even without malicious intent aiming to undermine the banking system or steal sensitive information.
TSB has spent years rehabilitating its image after the IT collapse in 2018, caused by a failed separation from Lloyds’ internal systems, which led to millions of customers being locked out of their accounts for weeks. The bank was subsequently fined £48 million for “serious and widespread” failures.
TSB has been diligently working for several years to restore its standing following the 2018 IT crisis. Photo: Andrew Matthews/PA
Data gathered by the Parliamentary Treasury Committee indicates that the repercussions continue to affect some of the UK’s largest banks and their client bases, with significant IT failures over an extended period between January 2023 and February 2025.
“Customer money and data security are paramount for banks, not only due to regulatory demands but also as a cornerstone of their business model.”
“While I don’t dismiss the potential for cyber incidents, I remain confident in the level of cyber defense we maintain.”
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.
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.
Hinesville, Ga. — From an elevation of 9,000 feet, NASA researchers observed extensive areas of prescribed burns at Fort Stewart Army Base this month, actively monitoring the flames and engaging with the landscape.
This burn is intentional and controlled, conducted as part of “prescription burns” to clear specific regions. The study, part of NASA’s FireSense project, aids firefighters in combating actual wildfires and may even help land managers avoid unnecessary ignitions.
However, initiatives like FireSense may face challenges as reports suggest significant budget cuts for NASA and other federal agencies under the Trump administration.
Last year, the U.S. experienced nearly 9 million acres consumed by wildfires, according to the National Interagency Fire Centre. Their annual report noted that wildfires and burned acreage in 2024 were “significantly higher than the five- and ten-year averages.”
Research indicates that climate change not only increases the frequency of wildfires but also exacerbates their destructiveness.
“The situation is deteriorating,” stated Michele Steinberg, director of the Wildfire Division at the National Fire Prevention Association. “We are witnessing fires in areas previously unaffected, burning hotter than ever.”
Severe wildfires pose substantial health, financial, and environmental threats, highlighting the importance of safeguarding lives and livelihoods through research.
NASA is not the only agency focused on wildfire issues. The U.S. Forest Service, the Department of the Interior, and the Bureau of Land Management are among the key federal entities engaged in wildfire response and prevention. What sets space agencies apart is their application of advanced technologies, including tools used in space, to bridge existing knowledge gaps.
“FireSense emerged from NASA’s recognition of wildfires as a significant issue. We are leveraging our expertise to assist the government in improving its wildfire management efforts.”
Project scientists will collaborate with local, state, and federal agencies, as well as academic partners, to enhance understanding of fire behavior, air quality concerns during and after wildfires, and ecosystem recovery post-ignition. Researchers are also exploring ways to manage vegetation in at-risk areas to minimize wildfire risks and curb rapid spread.
“Our objective is to adopt innovative technology, work closely with Wildland Fire Managers, and ensure this technology is accessible for wildfire situations,” explained Jacquelyn Shuman, a NASA Firesense project scientist.
The project employs equipment designed similarly to instruments used in low-Earth orbit on the International Space Station, providing detailed and accurate metrics to assist firefighters and land managers before, during, and after major fires.
At Fort Stewart, scientists monitored the prescribed burns, documenting the spread and mapping the flames with advanced infrared instruments known as Aviris-3 (short for Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer 3). The fire ultimately consumed around 700 acres.
NASA scientists are studying prescribed burns at Fort Stewart on April 14th. Milan P. Leikono / NASA
Researchers closely monitored fire spread, its ground position, and temperature variations.
Prescription burns are intentionally ignited to manage ecosystems that rely on regular fires for health. They also help diminish dry, combustible vegetation that could ignite uncontrollably.
These burns are meticulously planned and conducted under specific weather conditions to control their spread; they also serve as scientific experiments for wildfire researchers, according to Harrison Raine, a former elite firefighter and current project coordinator for FireSense.
“We’re aiming to integrate all aspects of the fire lifecycle and utilize scientific understanding to address ongoing issues,” said Raine, who has extensive wildfire experience across multiple states.
“This is a profoundly personal issue for me,” he shared. “Coming from Los Angeles, I’ve witnessed the devastation firsthand, and I am committed to tackling this critical challenge. It requires all available tools, and science is crucial.”
NBC News correspondent Jacob Soborov (left) visits FireSense burns with Department of Defense employees. Milan P. Leikono / NASA
Nevertheless, the future of FireSense may be uncertain due to ongoing concerns regarding funding for NASA and other federal programs.
“Funding decisions have not yet been finalized,” stated Rachel Courley, a spokesperson for the White House Office of Management and Budget. NASA declined to comment and referred questions about the budget to OMB.
As the administration gears up to unveil its budget proposals shortly, concerns about possible cuts intensify.
“As a former NASA leader, I take pride in the agency’s comprehensive efforts to monitor and respond to wildfires,” remarked Sen. George Whiteside (D-Calif) in a statement. “Cutting essential wildfire programs like FireSense poses a risk to rebuilding communities like mine after devastating fires in Southern California.”
Stanford University’s Wara emphasized the far-reaching consequences of NASA’s wildfire research, noting that space agencies have significantly contributed to contemporary wildfire models and fire-related data.
“There’s no doubt that FireSense has considerably enhanced our understanding of fire behavior and risk,” he commented. “Losing this initiative would be detrimental, as regaining that knowledge is exceedingly challenging.”
British companies are being advised to conduct job interviews via video or in-person to avoid the risk of inadvertently hiring North Korean employees.
The caution comes after analysts noted that the UK has become a prime target for misinformed IT workers recruited by North Korea. These individuals are typically hired to work remotely, evade detection, and funnel earnings back to Kim Jong-un’s regime.
In a recent report, Google revealed an incident from last year involving a lone North Korean operative, with at least 12 aliases operating across Europe and the US. These IT workers were seeking positions in defense and government sectors. The new tactic involves fake IT professionals threatening to leak sensitive company data post-termination.
John Hultquist, chief analyst at Google’s Threat Intelligence Group, highlighted North Korea’s shift towards Europe, particularly targeting the UK.
He explained, “North Korea is feeling the heat in the US and has shifted its focus to the UK to expand its IT worker tactics. The UK offers a broad spectrum of businesses in Europe.”
Fraudulent IT worker schemes typically involve individuals with a physical presence in countries aided by “facilitators” or agents of North Korea.
These facilitators play crucial roles like providing fake passports and maintaining local addresses. Laptops used by these individuals often connect to servers in Pyongyang, not their current location. However, they seek jobs that offer unique devices for easier monitoring.
“Ultimately, having a physical presence in the UK is key to their expansion strategy across various sectors in the country,” mentioned Hultquist.
Hultquist suggested that conducting job interviews in-person or via video could disrupt North Korea’s tactics.
Sarah Kern, a North Korean specialist at cybersecurity firm SecureWorks, emphasized that the threat is more widespread than perceived by companies.
She recommended thorough candidate screening and HR education on deception tactics. Companies should prioritize in-person or video interviews to verify the legitimacy of potential employees.
“In the US, conducting in-person or video interviews to verify candidates’ background details is effective in ensuring you’re engaging with truthful candidates,” she added.
Kern noted that IT workers may propose unconventional methods like frequent address changes or the use of money exchange services over traditional bank accounts.
Bogus IT experts are infiltrating Europe through online platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, and Telegram. Upwork stated that attempts to use false identities go against their terms of service, and they take strict action to remove such individuals.
As pointed out by Kern, North Korean IT workers often try to avoid video interviews, likely due to their working conditions in cramped spaces resembling call centers.
Scientists, lawmakers, and energy executives have warned that President Trump’s “energy control” agenda will be compromised by abrupt cuts in federal agencies reportedly planned by the Trump administration. Pleas from various quarters have inundated the Cabinet Secretary’s inbox urging them to preserve different departments of the agency. A deadline looms for federal officials to present a new plan for significant budget cuts today, with energy and environment-related agencies expected to bear the brunt.
Experts have cautioned that cuts to the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Interior, and the Department of Energy would severely impact efforts to combat climate change. Unfortunately, there seems to be little hope that these concerns will be heeded by Trump administration officials who either deny or disregard the threat of global warming. Instead, the proposed job cuts align with the administration’s priorities, arguing that the cuts jeopardize the expansion of nuclear energy, mineral production, and energy accessibility.
The Department of Energy is expected to face significant losses, particularly in programs like the Clean Energy Demonstration overseeing major projects such as plans to establish seven hydrogen hubs nationwide. Another target is the Loan Program Office, which provides federal funding for clean energy initiatives.
A coalition of energy producers and trade groups representing various sectors like nuclear, data centers, wind and solar energy, and carbon dioxide removal technology expressed concerns that the proposed cuts jeopardize America’s energy and industrial strategies. They highlighted critical projects such as the loan office’s funding for a new nuclear power plant, major lithium mining projects in Nevada, and grid upgrades in Arizona and the Midwest to meet increasing electricity demand from manufacturing.
Additionally, 20 former commissioners and directors of state environmental agencies raised alarm over reports that the EPA intends to eliminate its Scientific Research Division and Research and Development Agency.
EPA administrator Lee Zeldin has announced plans to slash the agency’s budget and workforce by approximately 65%. State officials criticized these cuts, stating that they would hinder the agency’s ability to conduct essential research and uphold its regulatory responsibilities.
They emphasized the pivotal role of the EPA’s science department in addressing issues like PFA removal from drinking water and developing technologies for cleaning toxins from environmental sites.
Democrats on the House Energy Commerce Committee expressed concern over the impact of what they described as “mass cuts” at the EPA. They warned that targeting professional civil servants would endanger public health and impede the agency’s mission to protect human health and the environment.
Reports indicate that thousands of government employees have already resigned, including personnel from agencies like the National Park Service and the Bureau of Land Management. The anonymity was requested to disclose details of the resignations that have not been publicly disclosed by the administration.
The Crown Prosecutor’s Office is planning to update its guidance on “revenge porn” crimes to ensure that explicit photos of the victim are no longer allowed to be retained.
observer reported last month that the Magistrates’ Court did not order the removal of content related to Image-based abuse cases, and prosecutors did not request such action.
An examination of court records revealed that out of 98 cases, only three resulted in deprivation orders requiring offenders to surrender their devices and delete private photos and videos.
In one case, a man was accused by a magistrate of engaging in “deeply disturbing” behavior to emotionally intimidate the victim. Despite receiving a suspended sentence, no order was issued to have him surrender his device for deletion, leaving the police without the legal authority to do so.
These findings prompted outcry from activists, demanding immediate action and stating that the failure to act left victims “living in fear.” The CPS acknowledged the need for more action to prevent these images from being used to perpetrate further crimes.
The prosecutor’s guidance on communication crimes is currently being revised. The new guidelines, released this week, urge prosecutors to utilize deprivation orders more effectively and consistently.
Prosecutors are advised to consider implementing the order early in their case strategies to strip offenders of their devices promptly and foster a more uniform approach to device confiscation from suspects from the outset.
Campaigners welcomed the change as a positive step forward.
Elena Michael from the campaign group #notyourporn commended the guidance as a helpful step but emphasized the need for further actions to be taken.
She highlighted additional areas for improvement, such as addressing issues related to evidence collection and advocating for a more comprehensive investigation process.
Furthermore, she urged clarity on whether the guidance would extend to hard drives, cloud storage, and physical devices in addition to mobile phones.
Law professor Claire McGlyn praised the updated guidance as a positive development and a step towards progress, emphasizing the importance of addressing image-based sexual abuse cases more effectively.
The Judgment Council, responsible for issuing guidance to judges and magistrates, stated that they are monitoring the government’s new intimate image law proposal and will consider necessary adjustments to guidelines once it is enacted.
Pere Santamaria was 15 years old when she developed myasthenia. This autoimmune condition can cause extreme muscle weakness and sometimes lead to difficulty breathing. In Santa Maria's case, it affected the muscles in the eye that controlled his vision, causing him to look double.
“It personally had a huge impact on me,” he says. “I was in adolescence and suddenly I couldn't play sports and couldn't live a normal life. I had to take very high doses of corticosteroids, so I was able to have balloons. It's inflated like that.”
Worse, these drugs simply attenuate the body's general immune response, rather than addressing the causes of autoimmune. In other words, Santa Maria did not expect that taking them would cure his condition.
As years went by, Santa Maria developed an additional autoimmune state. “I just wanted to understand the disease and mechanisms, and hopefully I can help others in the end,” he says.
He is now progressing towards that goal. He works as an immunologist at the University of Calgary, Canada. Santa Maria It is at the forefront of pushing to reprogram the immune system and develop new therapies to encourage the human body to end a destructive war against its own organization.
As these treatments move to clinical trials, there are signs of promise. Certainly, some are very effective, so with a single dose, in some cases, people have been symptomatically gone for years. So, is the end of an autoimmune state visible now?
Innate and Adaptive Immunity Systems
Our bodies have several lines of defense against pathogens. …
The United Kingdom has become the first country to implement laws regarding the use of AI tools, as highlighted by a remarkable enforcement organization overseeing the use of this technology.
It is now illegal to possess, create, or distribute AI tools specifically designed to generate sexual abuse materials involving children, addressing a significant legal loophole that has been a major concern for law enforcement and online safety advocates. Violators can face up to five years in prison.
There is also a ban on providing manuals that instruct potential criminals on how to produce abusive images using AI tools. The distribution of such material can result in a prison sentence of up to three years for offenders.
Additionally, a new law is being introduced to prevent the sharing of abusive images and advice among criminals or on illicit websites. Border units will be granted expanded powers to compel suspected individuals to unlock and submit digital devices for inspection, particularly in cases involving sexual risks.
The use of AI tools in creating images of child sexual abuse has increased significantly, with a reported four-fold increase over the previous year. According to the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF), there were 245 instances of AI-generated child sexual abuse images in 2024, compared to just 51 the year before.
These AI tools are being utilized in various ways by perpetrators seeking to exploit children, such as modifying a real child’s image to appear nude or superimposing a child’s face onto existing abusive images. Victim voices are also incorporated into these manipulated images.
The newly generated images are often used to threaten children and coerce them into more abusive situations, including live-streamed abuse. These AI tools also serve to conceal perpetrators’ identities, groom victims, and facilitate further abuse.
Senior police officials have noted that individuals viewing such AI-generated images are more likely to engage in direct abuse of children, raising fears that the normalization of child sexual abuse may be accelerated by the use of these images.
A new law, part of upcoming crime and policing legislation, is being proposed to address these concerns.
Technology Secretary Peter Kyle emphasized that the country cannot afford to lag behind in addressing the potential misuse of AI technology.
He stated in an Observer article that while the UK aims to be a global leader in AI, the safety of children must take precedence.
Concerns have been raised about the impact of AI-generated content, with calls for stronger regulations to prevent the creation and distribution of harmful images.
Experts are urging for enhanced measures to tackle the misuse of AI technology, while acknowledging its potential benefits. Deleclehill, the CEO of IWF, highlighted the need for balancing innovation with safeguarding against abuse.
Rani Govender, a policy manager at NSPCC’s Child Safety Online, emphasized the importance of preventing the creation of harmful AI-generated images to protect children from exploitation.
In order to achieve this goal, stringent regulations and thorough risk assessments by tech companies are essential to ensure children’s safety and prevent the proliferation of abusive content.
The concept of Marine Cloud Brightening revolves around the idea that by making clouds brighter or whiter, more sunlight is reflected back into space. This ultimately helps reduce the amount of heat absorbed by Earth’s atmosphere and offers a respite from the effects of increased carbon emissions.
Clouds in marine environments are believed to benefit the most from such brightening efforts. But how exactly does one go about brightening clouds, and does it work as effectively as theorized?
Scientists primarily suggest spraying aerosols, such as fine sea salt particles, to brighten clouds. These aerosols act as “condensation nuclei” within the clouds, promoting water vapor to form more liquid droplets and creating denser, brighter clouds. A similar effect can be seen with pollution particles.
Fun fact: Some clouds can contain 500,000 kg (or £ 1.1 million) of water. That’s about 100 elephants -Photo Credit: Getty
However, the challenge lies in ensuring the particles sprayed are of the right size to effectively brighten the clouds at the appropriate time. Additionally, achieving significant sunlight reflection requires scaling up the operation sufficiently. There is also the concern of unforeseen impacts on clouds and climate.
Current research efforts mainly involve small-scale experiments and computer simulations, though some real-world studies have raised questions. For instance, a bright cloud experiment in Arameda, California was halted in May following warnings from local authorities reported in the media.
Experts have suggested that useful insights can be gleaned from “natural” experiments as well. Observations near the Kilauea volcano in Hawaii showed that aerosols generated naturally during the eruption led to a 50% increase in cloud cover. 。
Ultimately, the decision on whether to pursue large-scale marine cloud brightening rests with policymakers, who require convincing evidence. As scientific understanding and the climate crisis evolve, attitudes may shift.
This article addresses the question (I asked from Besariany Shepherd, Derbyshire) “Is Marine Cloud Brightening useful for fighting climate change?”
To submit a question, please email questions@sciencefocus.com or send a message via our Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram Page (remember to include your name and location).
For fascinating science facts, visit our fun fact page.
A stone tablet with a sun motif discovered on the Danish island of Bornholm
Antiquity Publications/John Lee, National Museum of Denmark
Hundreds of mysterious carved “sun stones” excavated in Denmark may have been ritually buried after the sun disappeared in a volcanic eruption around 2900 BC.
A total of 614 stone tablets and fragments inscribed with decorative motifs of the sun and plants have been unearthed in recent years. Basagard West Ruins Located on the island of Bornholm in Denmark. They were discovered in geological formations dating back some 4,900 years, when Neolithic people were farming the region and building enclosures surrounded by earthworks of banks and ditches.
Most of the carved sun stones were found in ditches around these enclosures, which were covered with cobblestones containing pottery shards and other items. This pottery is typical of the Late Funnel Beaker culture, which existed in the area from about 2900 to 2800 BC.
It was originally proposed that the stone carving of the sun was buried to ensure a good harvest. They say the sun was central to early Nordic agricultural culture. Rune Iversen at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
“But why did they store all these images at the same time?” Iversen asks. “The last thing they basically did here was deposit these sun stones and cover them with animal bone fragments and all kinds of artifacts and stuff like that. And then it went from trench to trench. You can see it being repeated. So it's some kind of action or event.”
Now he and his colleagues have found the answer. They looked at data from ice cores taken in Greenland and Antarctica and found that high concentrations of sulfate were deposited in the years following volcanic eruptions around 2900 BC.
Researchers say the relative proportions of sulfate deposition in Greenland and Antarctica suggest the eruption was somewhere close to the equator, and its effects appear to have spread over a vast area. . Ash clouds may have blocked out the sun and cooled temperatures for years.
A severe cold period around 2900 B.C. is supported by sources such as preserved wood rings from the Main River Valley in Germany and long-lived rock pine tree rings from the western United States.
This eruption would have had a devastating impact on the Neolithic peoples of northern Europe. “If we don’t have a harvest and the crop is not accepted, we won’t be able to sow anything next year,” Iversen says. “They must have felt quite punished at the time, because endless catastrophe was just going to befall them.”
He and his colleagues say burying the sculptures may have been an attempt to bring back the sun, or a celebration after the skies finally cleared.
say “that's a good explanation” jens winter johansen At the Roskilde Museum in Denmark. “There is no doubt that our staunchly agricultural society must trust the sun.”
Lars Larsson Researchers from Sweden's Lund University asked why, if climate impacts are widespread, evidence of such behavior is only found on Bornholm and not elsewhere in southern Scandinavia. Ta.
That may be because the people there had an abundance of slate, a hard stone with which to carve statues of the sun, whereas much of the rest of southern Scandinavia is mostly clay and has fewer stones suitable for carving. The body, Iversen says. “They may have carved wood or leather from other locations,” he says, but these would not normally have been preserved.
Or it may reflect cultural differences, Johansen says. “These societies are not isolated, but they are more isolated on the islands. That may be why they developed their own customs and culture.”
Environmental groups are gearing up to resist the anticipated policy changes from the incoming Trump administration.
They foresee President Trump expanding oil and gas drilling and attempting to undo or scale back some of the legislation passed during Biden’s presidency.
Environmental groups are bracing for legal battles ahead and are seeking donations to support their efforts.
Environmental groups are preparing for pushback against the upcoming Trump administration, expecting swift policy changes compared to when Donald Trump took office in 2017.
Based on Trump’s past actions and recent campaign comments, experts predict that he will expand oil and gas drilling, reduce land conservation efforts, and possibly aim to reverse Biden-era legislation like the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Curbing Inflation Act.
Environmentalists are concerned about Trump’s Cabinet picks, who are likely to support increased drilling activities as per Trump’s statements. Legal battles are on the horizon, with groups like the Center for Biological Diversity gearing up for potential fights against unlawful changes.
The Brookings Institution reported that Trump’s first administration made around 74 moves that were seen as detrimental to environmental policies, a number that might rise in the next term given Trump’s promise to change regulations significantly.
Environmental groups like NRDC and the Center for Biological Diversity are readying themselves for legal disputes and are actively seeking donations to fund their fight against expected environmental policy changes.
Trump’s transition team has not provided any comments on the matter.
Both NRDC and the Center for Biological Diversity have a track record of successfully challenging Trump’s policies in court, winning a significant percentage of the cases they engaged in.
Conservation groups are anticipating conflicts over protected federal lands, particularly in the Southwest, with past battles over Bears Ears National Monument and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in Utah serving as examples of potential future clashes.
The sun sets over Monument Valley in the distance, seen from Bears Ears National Monument outside Blanding, Utah, in 2021.George Fry/Getty Images File
Recently, ChildLine counselors have been receiving an alarming number of calls regarding a specific issue.
In one case, a 17-year-old boy reached out for help after being blackmailed for sending intimate images to someone he thought was his age. This type of sextortion, driven by financial motives, is becoming more prevalent among UK teenagers.
Childline supervisor Rebecca Hipkiss revealed that these incidents have increased significantly over the past year, with over 100 cases reported. Victims often feel embarrassed and fear the repercussions of having their personal images shared with their friends and family.
Childline, operated by the NSPCC children’s charity, offers a “Report Remove” service to help victims of sexual blackmail take control of their images online. The service creates a digital fingerprint of uploaded images to prevent them from being circulated on major platforms.
With the rise of sophisticated AI tools, teenagers are now facing threats of deepfake content being created using their photos. These fake images are then used to extort money from victims, causing significant distress.
Victims of sex blackmail often feel helpless and worried about the consequences of these incidents. Childline advises them not to pay the scammers and to report the extortion attempts to the authorities.
It’s crucial for teens to be cautious and set boundaries in their online interactions. Understanding the risks and knowing when to say no are essential in protecting themselves from falling victim to such scams.
This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Strictly Necessary Cookies
Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.
