SPECIAL DELIVERY FROM THE DARKSIDE OF THE MOON.

China successfully returned a capsule with lunar soil from the far side of the moon, marking a significant achievement in space exploration. This sample was collected by the Chang’e-6 lander after a 53-day mission, distinguishing it as the first mission to return samples from the moon’s far side. The successful mission emphasizes China’s growing capabilities in space, building on a series of flawless lunar missions since 2007. The effort not only advances scientific understanding but also fuels geopolitical discussions, with concerns about a new space race with the U.S. The findings from this mission may provide new insights into the moon’s volcanic activity and geological history. Looking ahead, China aims to continue its lunar exploration, targeting the south pole for potential crewed missions by 2030 and planning for an international lunar base. This contrasts with NASA’s Artemis campaign, which also focuses on the lunar south pole, highlighting ongoing international competition and collaboration in space exploration. (New York Times)

PRIORITIZING SCIENCE.

Mexico’s President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo announced the elevation of the nation’s science council, Conahcyt, to a new “Secretariat of Science, Humanities, Technology and Innovation,” signaling a major promotion within the government’s hierarchy. She appointed evolutionary biologist Rosaura Ruiz Gutiérrez as the head of this new secretariat, a move well-received by the scientific community who view it as a positive shift in the government’s approach to science. This restructuring is seen as a response to previous unpopular policies under the outgoing president, including reduced research funding and restructuring of Conahcyt. The new secretariat is expected to have more influence and funding, almost $3 billion this year, to better collaborate with other federal agencies.Researchers are optimistic about Ruiz Gutiérrez’s leadership, given her extensive background in science and her previous administrative roles, including her time as Mexico City’s secretary of education, science, technology, and innovation. She plans to enhance funding for scholarships and rebuild international collaborations, though she will continue some austerity measures. This elevation marks a significant step, positioning Mexico alongside few Latin American countries with science agencies at the highest governmental levels. (Science)

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sedaDNA MAY REVOLUTIONIZE PALEONTOLOGY.

The field of paleogenetics is advancing our understanding of ancient organisms through sedimentary ancient DNA (sedaDNA). This method retrieves DNA from sediments, extending beyond traditional studies based on bone or fossil remains. Researchers can now explore ancient human, plant, and animal communities across diverse environments such as permafrost and caves without visible organic remains. However, interpreting sedaDNA requires careful assessment of its stratigraphic context and potential for post-depositional movement. Ensuring the accuracy of sedaDNA analyses necessitates microcontextual analysis to verify the stratigraphic integrity and taphonomy of samples. Integrating sedaDNA sampling with geochemical and archaeological techniques helps provide clearer insights into past biodiversity, human population dynamics, and environmental changes, thus significantly enriching our historical understanding. (PNAS)

LONG COVID ANTIBODIES INDUCE DISEASE

Research is intensifying around the role of autoantibodies in Long Covid, as studies suggest they may contribute to the persistent symptoms experienced by some patients after a SARS-CoV-2 infection. Two international research teams injected mice with antibodies from Long Covid patients, observing symptoms similar to those in humans, such as heightened pain sensitivity. This supports theories of an immune-mediated basis for Long Covid and possibly other postviral syndromes. The studies conducted by Akiko Iwasaki at Yale University and a Dutch team led by Jeroen den Dunnen and Niels Eijklekamp, however, have not conclusively linked specific autoantibodies to specific symptoms. This is partly because the presence of autoantibodies varies widely among patients and can even appear in healthy individuals. The research also highlighted the complexity of Long Covid, suggesting multiple underlying causes and symptom drivers. Despite these uncertainties, the findings have spurred interest in potentially treating Long Covid by targeting autoantibodies. Preliminary trials with treatments like efgartigimod and rituximab have shown mixed results, but further clinical trials are considered worthwhile to explore whether reducing autoantibodies could alleviate symptoms. (Science)

WORDPRESS HACK DANGERS

Security researchers from Wordfence have discovered a supply-chain attack targeting WordPress plugins, affecting potentially 36,000 websites. The attack, active since at least June 21, 2024, involves malicious updates on WordPress.org that install backdoors by creating attacker-controlled admin accounts and adding SEO-spamming content. Five plugins confirmed as compromised include Social Warfare, BLAZE Retail Widget, Wrapper Link Elementor, Contact Form 7 Multi-Step Addon, and Simply Show Hooks. These backdoors allow full control over the compromised sites. The malicious code is straightforward, with comments making it easy to trace. Users of these plugins are advised to uninstall them, check for unknown admin accounts, and inspect for unauthorized content. The attack highlights the evolving threat of supply chain attacks, where malware is inserted into software sources, impacting users who perform routine updates or installations. (Ars Technica)

WOLF ATTACKS WOMAN IN PARIS

A woman is in critical condition after being attacked by wolves while jogging in Thoiry park near Paris. The 36-year-old inadvertently entered a car-only safari zone and was mauled by three arctic wolves, sustaining severe injuries to her neck, back, and leg. Thoiry, a popular wildlife park where animals roam freely, is located about 40km west of Paris. The incident occurred despite protective measures such as electric fences and ditches around lodge areas. The reasons for her entering the restricted zone are unclear, and an investigation has been initiated following her rescue by park attendants. (BBC)

Thanks for reading. Let’s be careful out there.

IMAGE CREDIT: NASA.

WORDS: The Biology Guy.