KENNEDY SWIMS IN POLLUTED ROCK CREEK WATER
Over the weekend, U.S. health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a known skeptic of germ theory and longtime anti-vaccine advocate, shared photos of himself and his grandchildren swimming in Washington, DC’s Rock Creek—a waterway known for dangerous levels of bacterial contamination. The National Park Service prohibits swimming and wading in Rock Creek due to chronic sewage overflows from century-old infrastructure, which have led to alarmingly high E. coli levels even during dry weather. In one 2016 instance, bacteria levels reached 40,000 MPN, vastly exceeding EPA safety standards. Despite warnings on the NPS website to avoid contact with the water, Kennedy was seen fully submerged. Experts and environmental reports have repeatedly emphasized the health risks of the creek’s polluted waters. The National Park Service recently approved a DC Water plan to construct a tunnel to reduce sewage overflows into a tributary. Kennedy’s actions have drawn criticism given his position and the public health dangers. (Ars Technica)
BIOPLASTICS LINKED TO ORGAN DAMAGE IN NEW STUDY
New research reveals that starch-based bioplastics, often promoted as sustainable and biodegradable alternatives to petroleum-based plastics, may pose similar health risks. In a peer-reviewed study, mice exposed to environmentally relevant levels of bioplastics over three months developed health problems including organ damage, metabolism changes, gut microbe imbalances linked to heart disease, and disrupted glucose levels. Chemicals from bioplastics were found in the liver, ovaries, and intestines, where they caused tissue damage. The study also found genetic and circadian rhythm disruptions. Despite being derived from corn, rice, or sugar, and used in products like straws, wipes, and clothing, bioplastics shed micro-particles similar to conventional plastics. While touted as eco-friendly, bioplastics have not proven to degrade as quickly as advertised, and their toxicity remains under-researched. With bioplastic production nearing 2.5 million metric tonnes annually and expected to double, the findings raise urgent concerns about their safety in everyday items. (The Guardian)
AI DESIGNS ANTIBODIES TO TARGET HARD-TO-HIT PROTEINS
Roughly one-third of FDA-approved drugs target G protein–coupled receptors (GPCRs), critical but notoriously difficult proteins to reach with antibodies due to their structure. Now, AI is transforming this challenge. Nabla Bio, a Massachusetts biotech firm, has used AI to rapidly generate tens of thousands of GPCR-targeting antibody candidates—some outperforming traditionally developed drugs. One AI-designed antibody even activates a GPCR, rather than just blocking it—a potential breakthrough in controlling cell signaling and disease. Nabla’s improved results stem from adapting OpenAI’s “test-time scaling” technique for biological problem-solving. Other firms are also seeing success: AI-designed antibodies are now being developed for influenza, Clostridium difficile, HIV, and even conditions like hair loss. With the antibody drug market projected to reach \$455 billion by 2028, AI promises to streamline and revolutionize discovery, reducing years of trial-and-error into months. Experts stress the importance of validating these innovations, but many agree a biotech revolution is underway. (Science)
CHIKUNGUNYA OUTBREAK RAISES SAFETY FEARS OVER VACCINE
A major chikungunya outbreak on Réunion Island has sickened about 174,000 people and caused 12 deaths, echoing a 2005–06 epidemic that devastated the island. The virus, transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, causes severe joint pain and can lead to long-term health issues. While the recently approved Ixchiq vaccine initially offered hope, safety concerns have emerged. The European Medicines Agency has suspended its use in adults 65+ after reports of serious adverse events and two deaths. U.S. regulators have since recommended pausing use in adults 60+. The vaccine, made from a live weakened virus, may pose risks to the elderly and immunocompromised, similar to concerns with the yellow fever vaccine. Experts warn this limits protection for those most vulnerable, including infants and seniors. Despite signs the outbreak is slowing, public health officials are concerned about the virus spreading further, especially as summer approaches in Europe and travelers carry the infection beyond the Indian Ocean region. (Science)
DON PETTIT TURNS 70 WHILE RETURNING FROM SPACE
Don Pettit, NASA’s oldest active astronaut, returned to Earth on April 20—his 70th birthday—after spending 220 days aboard the International Space Station. On his fourth mission, Pettit carried out experiments, outreach, and exercise routines, but his standout contribution was his remarkable space photography. Using up to five cameras and even a homemade orbital sidereal tracker, he captured stunning images of Earth, space, and cosmic events like auroras, lightning storms, and distant galaxies. He also photographed phenomena unique to human activity, such as fishing boat lights off Thailand. During downtime, Pettit conducted playful science experiments with water, antacid tablets, and frozen ice wafers, showcasing how microgravity alters physical behavior. His creative documentation blends science and art, offering Earthbound audiences rare glimpses into life and beauty in orbit. Despite being 70, Pettit hinted he may pursue future missions, joking, “I’ve got a few more good years left.” He is NASA’s oldest current astronaut but not its oldest ever in space. (New York Times)
SCIENTISTS FACE CENSORSHIP AND RETALIATION UNDER TRUMP
Since Donald Trump’s return to office, U.S. scientists have faced escalating fear, censorship, and retaliation. Rebekah Tromble quietly launched a support program for targeted scientists, fearing political backlash—an irony emblematic of a broader climate of intimidation. Federal agencies have canceled over 2,000 research grants, cutting more than \$1.5 billion in funding, fueling silence among researchers who once welcomed public attention. Scientists worry about the ripple effects of lost funding on students and staff, and advocacy groups report widespread fear of speaking out. High-profile figures like Elon Musk have amplified attacks on government scientists. Some institutions, like Harvard, have begun resisting, suing over blocked grants. Experts such as Gregg Gonsalves and Kate Starbird argue silence no longer offers protection, urging the scientific community to defend academic freedom. Tromble’s own program lost NSF funding, prompting her to go public and seek philanthropic support. Activists warn the window to resist threats to U.S. science may be closing. (Science)
BIRDS AND MAMMALS EVOLVED INTELLIGENCE ON SEPARATE PATHS
Birds have long stunned scientists with their intelligence—crows use tools, ravens plan, and chickadees track thousands of seeds—despite having brains radically different from mammals’. New studies published in Science provide strong evidence that birds and mammals evolved complex cognition independently, not from a shared ancestor. Using RNA sequencing, researchers tracked brain development in birds, mammals, and reptiles. They found that bird and mammal brains use similar circuits for cognition, but those circuits arise from different regions and stages in embryonic development—indicating convergent evolution. Despite structural differences, both groups achieved advanced cognitive abilities through distinct yet parallel paths. These findings challenge long-held views about the mammalian neocortex being essential for intelligence and show intelligence can emerge in various ways. This work also broadens perspectives on artificial intelligence and extraterrestrial life, suggesting that intelligence has no single blueprint. As one researcher put it: “We’re not the optimal solution to intelligence—birds got there too, on their own.” (Wired)
FLAMINGOS USE VORTEX FLOWS TO HUNT PREY
Flamingos are not just passive filter feeders—they are dynamic, precision-engineered predators, according to new research published in PNAS. Fascinated by their peculiar upside-down feeding behavior, integrative biologist Victor Ortega-Jiménez and his team studied three flamingos using high-speed cameras, fluid dynamics, and mechanical models. They discovered that flamingos actively generate vortex flows with rapid head retractions and beak clapping, creating whirlpools that funnel prey directly into their mouths. Their uniquely shaped L-shaped beaks and underwater “dancing” with their webbed feet also produce vortices that help stir and direct food particles upward. This coordinated use of body and hydrodynamics transforms the flamingo into a “super feeding machine.” The findings challenge long-standing assumptions about flamingos as passive eaters and suggest broader evolutionary functions for webbed feet. Researchers say this deepened understanding of flamingo feeding could inspire future bioinspired technologies to trap microplastics or toxic algae by mimicking their fluid manipulation. (New York Times)
Thanks for reading. Let’s be careful out there.
WORDS: The Biology Guy.
IMAGE CREDIT: Kennedy.