HURRICANE BERYL INTENSIFIES, MENACES ISLANDS WITH CATASTROPHIC IMPACT

Hurricane Beryl escalated to a Category 4 storm as it moved through the Windward Islands, threatening communities with severe storm surge, destructive winds, and flash flooding. Particularly at risk were St. Vincent, the Grenadines, and Grenada, with Beryl positioned 70 miles east of Grenada, featuring 130 mph winds. While a direct landfall was uncertain, the impact was expected to be severe. Beryl’s rapid intensification, fueled by unusually warm ocean waters, marked it as the earliest Category 4 hurricane in Atlantic records for June, highlighting concerns about an abnormal hurricane season due to climate change. The region braced for catastrophic effects, with officials urging rigorous preparations and caution. Islands like Barbados experienced tropical storm-force winds, and significant storm surges were forecasted to elevate water levels by 6 to 9 feet. Over 400 individuals sought refuge in Barbados’ shelters as the storm neared. In response, several islands declared emergencies, closed airports, and suspended operations, impacting residents and visitors, including those for the T20 World Cup in Barbados. The storm’s approach prompted widespread evacuations and preparedness measures across the affected regions. (CNN)

MODERNA SEEKS FDA NOD FOR INNOVATIVE DUAL VACCINE

Moderna has developed a groundbreaking vaccine that provides protection against both SARS-CoV-2 and influenza, using the mRNA technology that was pivotal in its COVID-19 vaccines. This dual vaccine has proven more effective than separate flu and COVID-19 vaccines, particularly for individuals over 50, according to results from phase-III clinical trials. The company, based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is now seeking FDA approval to market this vaccine. The development of combination vaccines like this one presents significant public health advantages, although they are typically challenging and costly to produce. However, the use of mRNA simplifies the process by enabling the creation of a single set of instructions that can produce multiple antigens. This not only enhances the immune response but also allows for rapid adaptation to virus mutations, a stark contrast to traditional methods where antigen production can take months. Moderna is also exploring adding more pathogens, such as the respiratory syncytial virus, to this vaccine, potentially reducing the number of vaccinations needed, especially for children and in low-resource settings. This development marks a significant step in utilizing mRNA technology beyond a single disease application. (Nature)

COVID-19 CASES RISE AGAIN, CDC WARNS OF SUMMER SURGE

COVID-19 levels in the U.S., which were at their lowest during April and May, are showing signs of a potential increase as the summer progresses, according to the CDC. The agency noted rising rates of COVID-19 hospitalizations among adults aged 65 and older in some western states and is closely monitoring these trends. The California Department of Public Health has observed an uptick in COVID-19 activity and is encouraging preventative measures like staying home when sick, testing, seeking treatment if positive, and wearing masks indoors. Early indicators such as test positivity and emergency department visits have risen, with a 23.3% increase in ED visits nationally. Test positivity has climbed slightly to 8.1%, with the highest rates in Hawaii and other western regions. Although wastewater SARS-CoV-2 detections remain low nationally, there is a noticeable increase in the West and a modest rise in the South. The CDC also reported a rise in the KP.3 variant, which may evade immunity from previous infections or vaccinations. (CIDRAP)

MONGOLIA HORSE HOOF FIND SHIFTS DOMESTICATION TIMELINE

A recent discovery of a horse hoof fragment in Mongolia, estimated to be about 3400 years old, suggests earlier domestic horse use in the region by 200 years. Found in melting ice patches, this fragment could represent the earliest evidence of horse domestication in ancient Mongolia, potentially predating previous archaeological findings by centuries. This discovery is considered significant in understanding the evolution of the famed Mongolian equestrian tradition that had profound impacts on the social, political, and economic dynamics of East Asia. Archaeologist William Taylor from the University of Colorado Boulder, who led the discovery, initially thought the fragment was from a wild sheep but upon closer inspection, recognized it as a horse’s hoof with markings that suggested human clipping. Despite some skepticism from other experts regarding the nature of the hoof’s condition, Taylor believes this find confirms the advanced horse care and horsemanship that existed in Mongolia long before it was previously documented. This finding not only fills a gap in the archaeological record but also highlights the role of horses in the early Mongolian empires that shaped the ancient world. (Science)

NEW CHARM TOOL PROMISES BREAKTHROUGH IN PRION DISEASE TREATMENT

A new molecular-editing tool called CHARM has been developed to combat prion diseases by targeting the production of harmful proteins in the brain. Published in Science, this tool works by modifying the epigenome—specifically through a process that does not alter the DNA sequence but suppresses gene activity. In experiments with mice, CHARM successfully reduced the expression of prion proteins by over 80% across the brain, a significant achievement considering previous tools faced challenges with delivery and potential toxicity. Developed by a team including Jonathan Weissman at MIT, CHARM uses zinc-finger proteins to accurately target genes and activate DNA methyltransferases within cells, reducing external toxicity. This approach is seen as a potential ‘one and done’ treatment, offering long-term solutions without the need for repeated treatments, which are common with current drugs that can also cause adverse effects like liver damage. This breakthrough not only promises a new treatment pathway for prion diseases but could potentially be adapted for other neurodegenerative disorders involving protein buildup, such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Further development and testing are needed to ensure CHARM can be safely delivered to human neurons through vectors like the adeno-associated virus (AAV). (Nature)

CUNY SCIENTIST INDICTED FOR $16 MILLION NIH FRAUD

Hoau-Yan Wang, a scientist at City University of New York (CUNY), was indicted for defrauding the National Institutes of Health (NIH) of approximately $16 million. This indictment follows a two-year investigation into Wang’s involvement in developing Alzheimer’s treatments with Cassava Sciences, particularly the drug simufilam. Serious concerns were raised about the validity of his research, including a U.S. Food and Drug Administration report criticizing his analyses and a CUNY committee finding evidence of manipulated images in his work. Wang, previously a paid adviser to Cassava, allegedly fabricated data in NIH grant applications, leading to charges including major fraud and wire fraud. Cassava distanced itself, stating Wang’s involvement was limited to early drug development phases and not recent clinical trials. The allegations have significantly impacted Cassava’s stock, which dropped 35% following the news of the indictment. (Science)

MOROCCO TRILOBITE FOSSILS UNVEIL SECRETS OF ANCIENT ARTHROPODS

A remarkable discovery of trilobite fossils in Morocco, reported in a recent issue of Science, offers unprecedented insight into the anatomy of these ancient arthropods, which flourished 510 million years ago. Led by Abderrazak El Albani from the University of Poitiers, the team uncovered the fossils in the High Atlas Mountains, where a volcanic eruption during the Cambrian period preserved the trilobites in fine-grained volcanic ash, similar to the preservation of Pompeii’s victims. This rare find allows for the detailed examination of internal structures like digestive tracts and appendages, previously elusive in trilobite research. Using micro-C.T. scans and X-ray imaging, researchers revealed fine anatomical details, such as antennae and the labrum—a soft-tissue flap near the mouth, confirming long-held hypotheses about trilobite physiology. These findings not only deepen our understanding of trilobite biology but also help clarify their evolutionary relationships within the arthropod family tree. Furthermore, the study highlights the need to protect Morocco’s rich paleontological sites from commercial exploitation. (New York Times)