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Another Person Possibly Cured of HIV

A 53-year-old man has achieved remarkable remission from HIV, becoming one of the few individuals effectively cured of the virus after undergoing a stem cell transplant for leukemia a decade ago. Following the transplant in 2013, the patient, who had been managing his HIV with standard treatment, showed no detectable HIV in his blood after stopping antiviral therapy in 2018. Researchers noted that the transplant from an HIV-resistant donor led to the development of a new immune system that is stable and functioning well. While previous cases, such as the "London" and "Berlin" patients, have shown similar outcomes, this case adds to the evidence supporting hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) as a potential treatment for HIV. However, experts caution that while the patient appears healthy, traces of HIV remain in some tissues, indicating that the virus is not entirely eradicated, and the risk of transmission, though low, persists. sources

Published:
Dec 22 2025, 5 pm

"Rare Bear and Cub Photographed in Mongolian Desert"

In a remarkable discovery, a film crew filming for the Apple TV+ series *The Wild Ones* has captured footage of the critically endangered Gobi bear, including a rare sighting of a cub, in the harsh environment of Mongolia's Gobi Desert. With fewer than 40 individuals remaining, Gobi bears, a subspecies of brown bear known as Mazaalai, are the most endangered of the world's eight bear species. The crew utilized camera traps in the Great Gobi Strictly Protected Area, established in 1976 to safeguard the region's unique flora and fauna. Gobi bears have adapted to survive in extreme conditions, primarily feeding on wild rhubarb, grasses, and wild onions, with only 1% of their diet consisting of animal matter. The bears face significant challenges in their arid habitat, where water sources can be over 100 miles apart, highlighting their resilience in one of the planet's most unforgiving environments. sources

Published:
Dec 22 2025, 3 pm

New Evidence Reveals Unexpected First Human Ancestor Out of Africa

The Dmanisi site in Georgia, home to the oldest hominin fossils outside Africa, has sparked renewed debate regarding the classification of these ancient remains, dated to approximately 1.85 million years ago. Initially designated as _Homo georgicus_, recent research indicates that the fossil assemblage may represent two distinct species, _Homo georgicus_ and _Homo caucasi_. This finding challenges the long-held belief that _Homo erectus_ was the first human species to migrate from Africa. The study, which analyzed dental characteristics of three specimens, suggests that these early hominins may have evolved from different populations of _Homo habilis_ in Eurasia, adapting to various environments before coexisting in Georgia. This new perspective implies a more complex migration pattern, with multiple speciation events contributing to the diversity of early human ancestors in the region. The research has been published in the journal PLOS ONE. sources

Published:
Dec 17 2025, 9 pm

Similar Looks May Indicate Shared DNA and Behaviors

New research suggests that individuals who resemble each other may share more than just physical traits; they could also have similar DNA. This study, published in *Cell Reports*, analyzed participants from Canadian photographer François Brunelle's portfolio of doppelgängers, examining their appearance, lifestyle, and genetic material. Using facial recognition algorithms, researchers identified the most convincing lookalikes and collected DNA samples alongside biometric and lifestyle data. The findings revealed that while these doubles shared similar genotypes, they differed in DNA methylation and microbiomes. Notably, those with similar genetic backgrounds also exhibited comparable behaviors, such as smoking and education levels, indicating a potential link between DNA and behavior. Senior author Manel Esteller highlighted the implications for forensic medicine and genetic diagnosis, suggesting that understanding these connections could aid in reconstructing faces from DNA and predicting physical attributes based on genetic information. sources

Published:
Dec 22 2025, 1 am

"Internet Challenges: Why Won't the Magnet Truck Work?"

Despite the whimsical notion of powering vehicles with magnets, the concept remains firmly in the realm of impracticality, as highlighted by the laws of physics. While some may jest about the idea of attaching a magnet to a vehicle to propel it forward, such a mechanism would violate Newton's First and Third Laws of Motion. Essentially, the magnet and the vehicle are part of the same system, exerting equal and opposite forces on each other, thus failing to create any external propulsion. This principle is akin to the futility of trying to stretch a rubber band from inside a car to move it forward; the force remains internal and ineffective. While the idea may spark curiosity, it ultimately underscores the importance of established scientific principles in understanding motion and energy. For those still skeptical, a practical experiment—pushing a stationary car from within—might provide clarity on the matter. sources

Published:
Dec 21 2025, 7 pm

Evidence Supports Biblical Account of Jerusalem's Burning

Archaeologists excavating the City of David in Jerusalem have unearthed artifacts that support a biblical account of the city's destruction by the Babylonians around 587 BCE. The Israel Antiquities Authority team discovered burnt pottery, wood, grape seeds, and bones, all covered in ash, which align with the Book of Jeremiah's description of the Babylonian conquest. Among the findings were jars with stamped handles and rosette seals, dating back 2,600 years, indicative of the administrative practices of the time. Dr. Joe Uziel, who led the excavation, noted that while the evidence shows significant fire damage, it also suggests that not all buildings were destroyed in a single event; some were abandoned after the initial blaze. This discovery, alongside previously found Babylonian arrowheads, reinforces the historical accuracy of the biblical narrative regarding the burning of Jerusalem. sources

Published:
Dec 21 2025, 11 pm

World's Largest Amphibian May Be 9 Distinct Species

A recent study has revealed that the Chinese giant salamander, long considered a single species, may actually comprise up to nine distinct species, prompting renewed calls for enhanced conservation efforts for this critically endangered group. Previously, in 2019, researchers identified three species, with the South China giant salamander recognized as the world's largest amphibian. The latest findings, led by Professor Samuel Turvey and researcher Melissa Marr, highlight genetic differences among populations that suggest at least seven distinct species, with the possibility of nine. The study emphasizes the urgent need to protect these amphibians, as their genetic diversity is crucial for ecosystem health. Currently classified as critically endangered by the IUCN, the original species, _Andrias davidianus_, faces significant threats from overexploitation and habitat loss. Conservation measures must adapt to include these newly identified species to prevent their potential extinction. sources

Published:
Dec 21 2025, 6 am

"1 Minute Video: 1.8 Billion Years of Tectonic Movement"

Earth is a dynamic planet, constantly reshaped by tectonic movements, as illustrated by a new study from Australian and Chinese geologists. They have created a one-minute video showcasing the movement of Earth's tectonic plates over the past 1.8 billion years, beginning with the present-day continents and tracing back to the formation of supercontinents like Pangaea and Rodinia. Contrary to the notion of a "boring billion" years of geological stability, the study suggests this period was marked by significant tectonic activity. Looking ahead, Africa's Great Rift could eventually split the continent in two, potentially forming a new ocean in 5 to 10 million years. Furthermore, projections indicate that a new supercontinent could emerge in about 200 million years, with scenarios including "Amasia," where continents cluster around the North Pole, or "Aurica," where they gather at the equator. The findings are detailed in the journal Geoscience Frontiers. sources

Published:
Dec 19 2025, 3 am

Astronomers Capture Moon Crash Event in Real Time

Astronomers at the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium in Northern Ireland have captured a rare flash of light on the Moon, caused by a small object colliding with its surface. The event occurred at 03:09 am UTC on December 12, 2025, and was observed live by PhD student Andrew Marshall-Lee using the Armagh Robotic Telescope. The impact, likely linked to the ongoing Geminid meteor shower, involved a meteoroid approximately the size of a golf ball striking the Moon at speeds around 35 km/s, resulting in a brief but intense burst of light. This marks the first recorded lunar impact flash from Ireland and only the second in the British Isles. The object may be associated with the asteroid 3200 Phaethon, which is known for shedding debris that creates the meteor shower. With the Geminid shower still active, further lunar impacts could be on the horizon. sources

Published:
Dec 18 2025, 10 pm

Jared Isaacman Confirmed as NASA Head Amid Uncertain Future

NASA has appointed billionaire private astronaut Jared Isaacman as its new administrator, following a tumultuous nomination process influenced by his ties to the private space sector and Elon Musk. Initially nominated after the 2024 election, Isaacman's candidacy faced setbacks due to a feud between Musk and Donald Trump, leading to a temporary withdrawal of his nomination. However, he was renominated and confirmed by the Senate with a vote of 67-30. Isaacman aims to advance NASA's scientific programs while navigating the Trump administration's controversial budget proposals, which threaten significant cuts to key projects, including the Lunar Gateway. Critics express concern over his past legal issues and the potential prioritization of private interests over public investment in space exploration. As NASA seeks to return to the Moon by 2027, Isaacman’s leadership comes at a critical juncture for the agency's future and its role in global space exploration. sources

Published:
Dec 19 2025, 2 am

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