CDC PARTNERS WITH TEXAS TO MANAGE MEASLES OUTBREAK
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is collaborating with the Texas State Department of Health Services (TSDHS) to manage a measles outbreak in west Texas. The partnership, called Epi-Aid, involves CDC’s Epidemic Intelligence Service officers who provide on-the-ground support to help control the outbreak quickly. The CDC emphasized the importance of collective action to prevent future outbreaks and protect public health. The outbreak has now reached 159 cases, with 13 additional cases confirmed. Affected counties are primarily in the South Plains area, with Gaines County being the epicenter. Of the 159 cases, 80 are unvaccinated, and 74 have an unknown vaccination status. Five patients had received at least one dose of the MMR vaccine. In neighboring Lea County, New Mexico, the number of measles cases remains at 9. (CIDRAP)
WORLD’S LARGEST ICEBERG GROUNDS NEAR SOUTH GEORGIA ISLAND
The world’s largest iceberg, A23a, appears to have run aground about 70km from South Georgia Island, potentially sparing the island’s wildlife from disruption. Measuring 3,300 sq km and weighing nearly 1 trillion tonnes, the iceberg has been drifting north from Antarctica since 2020. Researchers had feared it could collide with the island, threatening penguins and seals that rely on the area for breeding. The iceberg has been stuck since March 1, and if it remains grounded, it may not significantly impact wildlife. In fact, its grounding may benefit the ecosystem by increasing food availability for animals. A chunk of the iceberg broke off in January, but it poses no threat to shipping due to its size. While icebergs of this size are rare, the increasing loss of Antarctic ice, exacerbated by climate change, raises concerns about rising sea levels and its long-term environmental impact. (The Guardian)
MEMES SHAPE NARRATIVES AND SPREAD MISINFORMATION IN EXTREMIST COMMUNITIES
Memes are powerful cultural tools that go beyond simple humor or irony; they play a significant role in shaping online narratives, especially in extremist communities. According to the University of Bath’s Institute for Digital Safety and Behaviour (IDSB), memes serve as “internet language” for sharing simplified narratives and connecting like-minded groups. They help spread conspiracy theories by reinforcing an “enlightened minority” worldview. Memes’ quick, shareable nature makes them particularly effective in these communities, where they bolster harmful beliefs and attract new members. This widespread misinformation thrives due to a phenomenon called “epistemic trust,” where individuals blindly accept information without verification. Studies show that most content, including fake news, is shared without even being clicked on, further amplifying its reach. The rapid spread of misinformation via memes, emojis, and hashtags highlights the growing challenges of managing digital communication and maintaining trust in information sources. (El Pais)
NIH CANCELS LONG-STANDING SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAM IMPACTING STUDENTS
The NIH recently canceled its long-standing summer internship program, which has provided hands-on research experience to over 1,000 students annually for decades. This decision, stemming from hiring freezes and program review delays, affects students like Satchel Bell, a molecular biology major, who was hoping to gain experience in biomedical research. The program, which offers stipends and is crucial for aspiring scientists, has been particularly important for underrepresented groups in science. This cancellation follows broader cuts in research funding, including the National Science Foundation’s defunding of undergraduate research sites. Many students, like Ellen Liebig, who had applied for the NIH program, are now uncertain about their career paths. Experts warn that these reductions may discourage future scientists and harm innovation, as early training is vital for the next generation of researchers. Alumni credit the program for shaping their careers in research, highlighting its impact on building scientific careers and networks. (STAT)
COLOSSAL BIOSCIENCES CREATES GENETICALLY ENGINEERED MOUSE WITH MAMMOTH TRAITS
Colossal Biosciences has created a genetically engineered mouse with mammoth-like traits, including thick, wavy fur, as part of their de-extinction efforts. The team modified multiple mouse genes by analyzing ancient mammoth genomes, with changes targeting traits such as hair length, texture, and lipid metabolism. While some researchers view this achievement as a significant proof of principle, others argue that it lacks groundbreaking impact, as similar gene-editing methods have been used in other fields. The goal is to use this mouse as a steppingstone to eventually create a mammoth-like calf by 2028, using Asian elephants as surrogates. Critics, however, caution against the ethics and practicality of de-extinction, questioning whether reviving extinct species is worthwhile or could harm conservation efforts. Despite this, Colossal’s team continues to refine their approach, believing that the project could offer valuable insights into climate resilience. (Science)
ARCHAEOLOGISTS DISCOVER ANCIENT PUPPETS IN EL SALVADOR SITE
Archaeologist Jan Szymański and his team recently uncovered five clay figurines at the San Isidro site in El Salvador, which may have been ancient puppets. These figurines, featuring open mouths and detachable heads, could be turned using strings, suggesting they were marionette-like objects used in performances. Dating from around 400 B.C.E., during the Middle Preclassic period, these figurines could provide insight into Mesoamerican rituals and performances. Some experts believe the puppets might have represented different characters, potentially with costumes and accessories. The figurines were found in a specific arrangement, possibly linked to ritualistic purposes. Though some archaeologists argue the positioning was altered by environmental factors, the idea that these puppets were used in performances tied to funerary or political rituals remains compelling. The discovery could shed light on how voices and stories were shared in egalitarian societies like San Isidro, contrasting with the hierarchical Maya cultures nearby. (Science)
STUDY FINDS BAMBOO MICRO-RNAS HELP PANDA ADAPT TO DIET
A new study suggests that bamboo-derived microRNAs may play a significant role in the giant panda’s adaptation to its vegetarian diet, despite its carnivorous bacterial flora. The research, published in *Frontiers in Veterinary Science*, found that microRNAs from bamboo can enter the panda’s bloodstream, regulating dopamine levels and influencing food preferences, including its strong inclination toward bamboo. These molecules also impact other physiological processes such as growth, immune responses, and behavior. Although the panda has a carnivorous gut microbiome and lacks the genes to digest plant food, bamboo seems to adapt the panda’s body through these microRNAs. The discovery could help explain the panda’s dietary specialization and open doors for studying disease prevention. The giant panda, now classified as vulnerable, has been the focus of significant conservation efforts, with more than 70% of its natural habitat protected, and successful breeding programs in place at institutions like the Madrid Zoo Aquarium. (El Pais)
Thanks for reading. Let’s be careful out there.
WORDS: The Biology Guy.