CDC REPORTS BIRD FLU MUTATIONS FOUND IN LOUISIANA CASE
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that mutations were found in the hemagglutinin (HA) gene of the virus from the first severe case of bird flu in the country. The patient, a Louisiana resident over 65, was infected with the D1.1 genotype of the virus, which had recently been found in wild birds and poultry, rather than the B3.13 genotype detected in dairy cows, humans, and poultry in multiple states. While the mutations are rare, they have been observed in other severe cases internationally, including one in British Columbia, Canada. The CDC confirmed that there has been no evidence of transmission from the Louisiana patient to others and emphasized that the risk to the general public remains low. (The Guardian)
BRAIN ROT NAMED OXFORD WORD OF THE YEAR 2024
“Brain rot” was named the Oxford Word of the Year for 2024, reflecting growing concerns about the impact of excessive consumption of low-quality online content. The term describes the supposed deterioration of mental and intellectual functions due to overconsumption of trivial or unchallenging material, especially on social media. Scientific studies from institutions like Harvard and Oxford have shown that constant exposure to sensationalist news, conspiracy theories, and entertainment can reduce grey matter, shorten attention spans, and distort cognitive functions. Research indicates that internet addiction, including doomscrolling, causes structural changes in the brain, impairing memory and decision-making. The constant switching of attention, driven by notifications and rapidly changing stimuli, further undermines cognitive abilities. Experts recommend recognizing the problem, disconnecting regularly, and engaging in activities like sports and socializing to combat the damaging effects of excessive screen time, emphasizing the importance of quality content and age-appropriate screen limits. (El Pais)
3M DISCOVERED PFAS IN SEWAGE SPREAD ON FARMLAND
In the early 2000s, scientists at 3M discovered high levels of PFAS, toxic “forever chemicals,” in the nation’s sewage, raising concerns about their widespread environmental impact. These chemicals, used in products like nonstick pans and stain-resistant carpets, were being spread on farmland as fertilizer, a practice endorsed by the EPA. Despite the findings linking PFAS exposure to health issues like birth defects and cancer, 3M did not publicly disclose the research but shared it with the EPA in 2003. The agency continued promoting sewage sludge as fertilizer without requiring PFAS testing. Over time, PFAS was detected in sewage, farmland, milk, and crops, but only Maine has begun systematic testing and banned sludge use on farms. 3M has committed to stopping PFAS manufacturing by 2025. The issue has sparked controversy, with lawmakers in states like Oklahoma pushing to ban sludge fertilizer to protect farmland and food supplies from contamination. (New York Times)
EARTH MAY CONTAIN 6.2 TRILLION TONS OF HYDROGEN
New research suggests that Earth may hold up to 6.2 trillion tons of hydrogen in underground reservoirs, a quantity significantly larger than the world’s remaining oil reserves. While most of this hydrogen is likely too deep or too dispersed to be easily accessed, even a small fraction—just 2%—could supply enough clean energy to meet global hydrogen needs for several centuries, potentially replacing fossil fuels. Hydrogen is a clean energy source that can power vehicles, industries, and generate electricity. The study, led by USGS geochemist Geoffrey Ellis, found that natural processes, such as reactions that split water into hydrogen and oxygen, can produce hydrogen underground. The research challenges previous assumptions that hydrogen couldn’t accumulate in significant amounts in Earth’s crust. However, uncertainties remain regarding the location and accessibility of these hydrogen reserves, and further research is needed to determine how much of it is practically recoverable. (space.com)
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PARKER SOLAR PROBE MAKES CLOSEST EVER APPROACH TO SUN
NASA’s Parker Solar Probe made history on Christmas Eve by surviving the closest-ever approach to the Sun, coming within 3.8 million miles (6.1 million km) of its surface. The spacecraft, which launched in 2018, endured extreme temperatures of up to 1,800°F (980°C) and radiation levels that could have damaged its electronics. Protected by a carbon-composite shield, it moved at speeds of up to 430,000 mph (692,000 km/h). The mission’s goal is to study the Sun’s outer atmosphere, the corona, which is mysteriously much hotter than the Sun’s surface. Scientists hope to gain insights into solar wind and space weather, which can impact Earth’s communications and power systems. After several days of silence, NASA received confirmation that the probe was safe and operating normally, marking a milestone in solar research. The probe’s data could help solve long-standing mysteries about the Sun and its effects on the solar system. (BBC)
RESEARCHER SUGGESTS KUIPER BELT COULD HIDE NEW PLANET
Astronomer Mike Brown, who helped demote Pluto to dwarf planet status in 2006, now believes the Kuiper Belt, which stripped Pluto of its planet status, may give the solar system a new planet. The Kuiper Belt, a vast region beyond Neptune, is home to icy bodies like Pluto and Eris, and astronomers have long theorized the existence of a hidden planet, often called Planet Nine. Recent studies suggest that unusual orbits of trans-Neptunian objects could be caused by an unseen planet, potentially a super-Earth five to seven times Earth’s mass. Despite strong evidence, the debate over Planet Nine’s existence continues, with skeptics questioning the data. A new telescope, the Vera C. Rubin Observatory, set to launch in 2025, could settle the debate by searching the sky for Planet Nine or other distant objects. Whether or not it’s found, the search could reshape our understanding of the solar system and the universe. (CNN)
HUMAN BRAIN PROCESSES INFORMATION AT JUST 10 BPS
A recent study estimates that the human brain processes information at a rate of just 10 bits per second (bps), a stark contrast to the high speeds of digital systems. Researchers Markus Meister and Jieyu Zheng, using information theory, arrived at this figure by analyzing tasks like typing and speedcubing. Even with extraordinary feats such as blind speedcubing, the information flow was still relatively low, around 11.8 bps. For comparison, the human eye can transmit about 1.6 billion bps. This research highlights the brain’s limitations, despite its complex capabilities. While some experts suggest that unconscious bodily signals might increase this rate, others agree that for conscious tasks, the flow is remarkably slow. The study also opens discussions about the potential for faster information processing in other animals, particularly insects, suggesting a fascinating area for future research. (New York Times)
HUMANS MAY HAVE REACHED THE AMERICAS 27,000 YEARS AGO
New research suggests that humans may have arrived in the Americas much earlier than previously thought, challenging the established theory of the Clovis culture’s first presence around 13,000 years ago. The study, led by Mírian Pacheco, found that sloth fossils from around 27,000 years ago in Brazil show evidence of being intentionally altered by early humans, likely used as jewelry or adornment. This, combined with other discoveries, suggests humans may have coexisted with giant animals like ground sloths much longer than expected. While earlier sites like Monte Verde, Chile, were the first to suggest pre-Clovis human presence, sites such as White Sands in New Mexico and Arroyo del Vizcaíno in Uruguay hint at even earlier dates, with footprints and cut marks found on animal bones dating to 21,000-30,000 years ago. While debates continue, these findings suggest humans’ impact on the environment was less destructive than once believed. (AP)
HUMANS GENETICALLY ADAPTED TO EATING STARCHY FOODS 45,000 YEARS AGO
Humans have genetically adapted to eating starchy foods, with a key gene, AMY1, playing a significant role in this adaptation. AMY1 encodes the enzyme amylase, which breaks down starches into glucose, and multiple copies of this gene help us produce higher levels of the enzyme. New research reveals that extra copies of AMY1 existed long before the advent of agriculture, with evidence of them in humans as far back as 45,000 years ago, and in Neanderthals and Denisovans over 800,000 years ago. This gene likely became more prevalent as early humans and their ancestors adapted to diets containing starchy foods. The study also found that the number of AMY1 copies increased significantly in agricultural societies, suggesting that the ability to metabolize starch was crucial for survival as farming emerged. The increased copies of AMY1 also influence how we perceive the taste of starches, potentially explaining our preference for carbs. (Ars Technica)
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