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Second Person Cured of HIV Confirmed

In a significant breakthrough in HIV research, scientists have announced that a second individual, known as the "London patient," has been functionally cured of HIV-1, as detailed in a new report published in *The Lancet HIV*. Following a stem cell transplant from donors with an HIV-resistant gene, the patient has remained in remission for 30 months without antiretroviral therapy, leading researchers to suggest a high probability of lifelong remission. This case mirrors that of the "Berlin patient," who was cured in 2008 using a similar method. While remnants of the virus's DNA persist in the London patient's tissue, researchers deem them harmless. However, experts caution that this high-risk treatment is only suitable for patients with life-threatening cancers and is not a widespread solution for all HIV patients, who can manage the virus effectively with existing medications. The London patient, Adam Castillejo, has chosen to share his story to inspire hope among others facing similar challenges. sources

Published:
Oct 12 2025, 5 am

Skynet-1A Military Spacecraft Moved After 56 Years

A military satellite launched by the UK in 1969, Skynet-1A, has mysteriously shifted from its original orbit, raising questions about who may have moved it and why. Initially designed for military communications, the satellite ceased functioning 18 months after launch and was left to drift in space. It was expected to oscillate within a specific range around its decommissioned location at 40 East, but it is now found at 105 West, approximately 36,000 kilometers above the Americas. The maneuver likely occurred in the mid-1970s, but tracking records are sparse, leaving the details unclear. The satellite, which was partly operated by the USA, could pose a future risk to other satellites in geostationary orbit, as any collision could lead to complex liability issues regarding the order to adjust its position. Researchers continue to investigate the satellite's history for clues. sources

Published:
Oct 12 2025, 7 am

"Rare Two-Headed Reptile Fossil Discovered from 125 Million Years Ago"

A remarkable fossil of a prehistoric reptile, _Hyphalosaurus lingyuanensis_, dating back 125 million years, has been unveiled, featuring an extraordinary bicephalic structure—two heads. This rare find, discovered in the Jehol Biota fossil beds of Liaoning Province, China, is exceptional not only due to its dual-headedness but also because fossilization itself is a rare occurrence. Dr. Dean Lomax, a palaeontologist and author, expressed his fascination with the fossil, noting that while bicephalism is seen in modern animals, such as snakes with independent brains, finding a fossilized example is unprecedented. The specimen, measuring approximately 7 centimeters, likely lived a short life before its fossilization. The authenticity of the fossil has been confirmed, with no evidence suggesting it is a fake. Lomax speculated on the potential for more two-headed fossils to be discovered, pondering what iconic dinosaurs like _Tyrannosaurus_ or _Spinosaurus_ might look like with two heads. sources

Published:
Oct 08 2025, 9 pm

Sixth Person Shows Effective HIV Cure

Doctors have announced that a man known as the "Geneva Patient" has achieved long-term remission from HIV, marking him as the sixth individual effectively "cured" of the virus. This breakthrough was revealed by the Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève and the Institut Pasteur ahead of the International AIDS Conference in Brisbane, Australia. Unlike previous cases where patients received bone marrow transplants from donors with a CCR5 gene mutation that blocks HIV entry, the Geneva Patient's donor did not carry this mutation. After living with HIV since the early 1990s and undergoing a stem cell transplant in 2018 for leukemia, the patient was weaned off antiretroviral therapy in November 2021. Remarkably, 20 months later, no signs of the virus were detected. While researchers caution that such cases remain rare, they believe this unique situation could provide valuable insights for future HIV treatments. sources

Published:
Oct 12 2025, 4 am

First Woman Effectively Cured of HIV: A Third Person's Case

A woman in New York City, referred to as the "New York Patient," has reportedly achieved remission from HIV, becoming the first woman and the third person overall to be effectively cured of the virus. This groundbreaking case was presented at the Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI 2022) and involves a stem cell transplant from a genetically matched donor with the rare CCR5-delta32/32 mutation, which confers resistance to HIV. Diagnosed with HIV-1 in 2013 and treated for leukemia, the patient received both cord blood and adult stem cells, along with antiretroviral therapy. Remarkably, over 14 months after halting antiretroviral treatment, no traces of HIV were detected in her body. Experts highlight the significance of her mixed-race background, as it underscores the challenges of finding suitable donors in underrepresented communities, potentially paving the way for more inclusive treatment options in the future. sources

Published:
Oct 12 2025, 4 am

US Patient Cured of HIV: Fourth Case Linked to Leukaemia

Doctors at City of Hope Hospital in California have announced that a 66-year-old patient has achieved long-term remission from HIV, marking the fourth such case globally. The patient, who had lived with HIV for 31 years and was also battling leukemia, received stem cells from a donor with a rare genetic mutation. This treatment, administered 3.5 years ago, makes him the oldest individual to enter remission for both blood cancer and HIV. Despite the absence of a definitive cure for HIV, antiretroviral drugs can suppress the virus to undetectable levels, allowing patients to lead healthy lives. The patient, who wishes to remain anonymous, stopped taking antiretroviral therapy 17 months ago without any resurgence of the virus. Dr. Jana Dickter, who will present the findings at the AIDS 2022 conference, emphasized the potential for less intensive chemotherapy regimens for older patients with similar conditions. sources

Published:
Oct 12 2025, 4 am

Levi's Boss Shares Insights on Washing Jeans Frequency

Levi's CEO Charles Bergh has reignited the debate on jean washing, advocating for minimal machine use and suggesting spot cleaning instead. In a recent interview, Bergh clarified his previous stance from 2014, stating, "I never said don’t wash your jeans," but emphasized that true denim enthusiasts avoid washing altogether. He recommends cleaning stains as they occur and even showering in jeans if they become excessively dirty. Bergh's perspective is partly driven by environmental concerns, noting that each pair of jeans contributes approximately 33.4 kilograms of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere, equivalent to flying around the world 2,372 times. He argues that washing machines significantly increase energy consumption and carbon emissions. Supporting his claims, a 2011 University of Alberta study found that jeans worn for 15 months without washing showed no significant bacterial growth compared to those washed after two weeks, suggesting that jeans can remain relatively clean without frequent laundering. sources

Published:
Oct 12 2025, 12 am

Why October 1582 Is Missing 10 Days on Your Phone

In a curious quirk of history, the iPhone calendar reveals a gap in October 1582, skipping directly from the 4th to the 15th, as ten days simply did not exist that year. This anomaly stems from the adoption of the Gregorian calendar by the Catholic Church, which aimed to correct the inaccuracies of the Julian calendar that had caused the timing of Easter to drift. To realign the calendar with the solar year, Pope Gregory XIII decreed that the days from October 5 to October 14 be omitted. This change was significant for the Church, as it restored the timing of Easter, which had been misaligned since the Council of Nicaea in 325 CE. Interestingly, not all regions adopted the Gregorian calendar simultaneously; for instance, Alaska only made the switch in 1867, resulting in its own set of "missing" days. sources

Published:
Oct 12 2025, 12 am

A Simple, Unpopular Solution to Prevent Erectile Dysfunction

A recent review published in The Journal of Nutrition suggests that adopting a vegan diet may help prevent erectile dysfunction (ED), a condition often linked to cardiovascular health. The study highlights that ED can stem from various causes, including arterial health, as the smaller arteries in the penis can be affected by conditions like heart disease before other parts of the body. A plant-based diet, rich in whole foods, is associated with lower cholesterol, reduced blood pressure, and improved blood vessel flexibility—all factors that contribute to better erectile function. The diet enhances nitric oxide production, crucial for arousal and blood flow, while also lowering harmful proteins that can stiffen arteries. Experts recommend prioritizing whole plant foods over processed options to maximize health benefits. While the primary focus is on improving ED, the diet also offers broader health advantages, including a lower risk of heart disease and certain cancers. sources

Published:
Oct 12 2025, 1 am

British Man Becomes Second Person Cleared of HIV

A second individual has shown no detectable HIV in their blood for 18 months following a stem cell transfusion, a treatment that mirrors the case of Timothy Ray Brown, the "Berlin Patient," who was functionally cured of HIV in 2007. The new patient, diagnosed with HIV in 2003 and later with Hodgkin's Lymphoma, received a double Δ32 stem cell transfusion after chemotherapy, which may have played a crucial role in the treatment's success. While researchers, including Professor Ravindra Gupta from University College London, emphasize that it is premature to declare a cure, this case suggests that the treatment approach could be effective beyond isolated instances. However, the complexity and risks associated with stem cell transplants, along with the rarity of suitable donors, mean that widespread application remains unlikely. Gupta advocates for exploring safer alternatives, such as gene therapy, to modify CCR5 and combat HIV. sources

Published:
Oct 11 2025, 11 pm

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