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Business schools face demand for higher, ‘human’ skills
As AI erodes entry-level tasks, employers want ‘tier two’ abilities that young masters in management graduates once learnt at work
Social Egg Freezing in the Spotlight: Choice, Business, or Burden?
Growing interest in egg preservation raises questions about access, affordability, informed consent, and whether workplace pressures shift reproductive responsibility onto women.
Northwest Arkansas hospital becomes latest site for state's maternal health program
A program aimed at supporting high-risk pregnancies has expanded to Mercy Hospital Northwest Arkansas, Department of Human Services officials announced Monday.
CDFW News | Del Norte County Razor Clam Fishery Opens After One-Month Closure Due to Public Health Hazard
California Department of Fish and Wildlife Director Meghan Hertel has opened the recreational razor clam fishery in Del Norte County following a recommendation from state health agencies that domoic acid no longer poses a significant threat to human health if consumed.
AI tech uses cardiac CT scans to evaluate inflammation, predict stroke risk
AI technology developed by Caristo Diagnostics was the focus of multiple studies presented at ESC Congress 2026.
Risk of mosquito-borne viruses rises as EEE detected in Michigan horse
Michigan health leaders say there's a growing threat to humans and horses of mosquito-borne viruses after EEE was detected in two Michigan counties.
'Is This How Layoffs Start?' — How to Ease Your Employees' Fears About AI
Small business AI succeeds or fails on trust, not technology. The counterintuitive first step is drawing lines around what stays human.
First West Nile virus case in Utah County confirmed as neuroinvasive
The Utah County Health Department confirmed the county’s first human case of West Nile virus this season.Health officials said the case is neuroinvasive, the mo
At Blue Elephant, artists explore ‘Repetition, Ruin, and Reconstruction’
Life is cyclical by nature. Time folds over and patterns begin to arise in every aspect of living — some good, some bad. As humans, it is an often forgotten
In the 608: Kindness Bank launching Kindness Alliance to promote community health and well-being
Kindness Bank is launching a new division focused on bringing organizations and community members together to address basic human needs and improve community health and well-being.
From Netflix to Building Malaysia’s Sports Media
From Netflix and ESPN to launching a sports media company in Malaysia, Cedarville alumni Ernest Toh and Ian Chan are using human-centered storytelling to inspire...
Instagram cracks down on AI accounts pretending to be human
Give us a proper AI filter, you cowards.
How digital health can strengthen breastfeeding support
Discover how Philips Avent and the Human Milk Institute are exploring how connected digital ecosystems can strengthen breastfeeding support. Download the white paper.
Thousands of Ancient Human Brains Refuse to Rot—and Scientists Finally Know Their Strange Secret
The human brain sometimes avoids decay for millennia while the rest of the body turns to bones.
One injection could keep osteoarthritis drugs working for weeks
Scientists have created an injectable gel that can remain inside arthritic joints for weeks, slowly releasing medication while also improving lubrication. The approach could make it easier to deliver disease-modifying drugs directly where they are needed while limiting exposure elsewhere in the body.
Business Notes: New leader at Gloucester-Mathews Humane Society; $750K awarded for Norfolk rail project
See who’s getting promoted and which businesses are celebrating milestones in Hampton Roads.
GXO CEO: Better robot hands, not Olympic-level humanoids, are what businesses really need
Also: All the news and watercooler chat from Fortune.
Virginia health leaders, lawmakers share enhanced healthcare resources for rural communities
Eastern Shore residents and healthcare providers on Friday told state leaders about the opportunities and challenges they face serving their communities, with Virginia Secretary of Health and Human Resources Marvin Figueroa outlining how the state government can support them and other rural Virginians.
AI streamlines search for new ceramics that generate electricity
To streamline the search for new piezoelectric materials, or those that emit an electric charge when manipulated, a team led by materials science researchers at Penn State introduced a new framework that combines an existing artificial intelligence model with human expertise and experimentation.
UC San Diego Receives Up To $11.3 Million to Develop Smarter Red Blood Cells
Researchers at UC San Diego have been awarded a DARPA contract to redesign red blood cells to temporarily boost human performance.
Potential measles exposure reported at Asheville hotel, NCDHHS says
There was a measles case from an out-of-state person who traveled through Asheville in August, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services said.
North Carolina: Rabid baby goats at a mobile petting zoo prompts health warning
On Friday, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services reported confirmed multiple rabies cases in baby goats at a mobile petting zoo located in Iredell County. They were first notified of a potential rabies exposure among four baby goats at Farm Adventures in Harmony, North Carolina on August 27. The goats were most likely exposed to rabies by a skunk that had entered the pen where they were kept in late July. The NC State Laboratory of Public Health confirmed rabies viruses in three of the baby goats on August 28; a fourth goat was not tested but is also assumed to have been infected. Based on information gathered on August 28, it was determined that no other animals on the farm pose a risk of rabies exposure to people. Learn about rabies Anyone who had contact with baby goats from the Farm Adventures mobile petting zoo either at their location in Harmony, North Carolina, or at an off-site event, between July 28 and Aug. 27, 2026, may have been exposed while the animals were infectious. Impacted individuals should contact their local health department to determine whether medications are needed to prevent infection. Individuals are encouraged to call before visiting an emergency department or urgent care clinic to determine if treatment is needed and where it can be accessed. Known potential exposure dates and locations include: July 28: Jurney’s Assisted Living, 1942 Van Haven Drive, Statesville in Iredell County July 30: Private event in Mecklenburg County Aug. 1: Community Connections Back-to-School Bash, Breeden Amphitheater, 333 S. Main St., Lexington in Davidson County Aug. 6: Brookdale Peachtree, 2806 Peachtree Road, Statesville in Iredell County Aug. 8: Private event in Watauga County Aug. 9: Private event in Burke County Aug. 15: Masonic Picnic Grounds, 201 Poplar St., Mocksville in Davie County Aug. 16: Private event in Durham County Aug. 22: Private event in Iredell County Aug. 23: Private event in Durham County Rabies is a deadly disease that can spread from wild animals to pets and people, primarily through a bite, scratch or when infected saliva touches broken skin or mucous membranes. Human rabies infections are extremely rare in the United States. No human cases have been reported in North Carolina since 2011. Rabies is almost always fatal in mammals, including people, unless medications to prevent infections are given before symptoms develop. Symptoms can begin weeks to months after someone is exposed. Early symptoms are flu-like illness including weakness, fever or headache as well as a prickling or itching sensation where someone was bitten or exposed. In 2025, over 4,000 animals were submitted to the NC State Laboratory of Public Health for rabies testing, and of these, approximately 6% tested positive. In North Carolina the disease most often occurs in wild animals especially skunks, raccoons, bats and foxes. Outbreak News Today is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Subscribe
Over 4,400 human brains found intact in skeletons: scientists finally know why - Futura-Sciences
For decades, archaeologists have puzzled over a strange phenomenon: skeletons stripped bare by time, with only one soft and unlikely survivor remaining, the brain. Now, a team of researchers says it has finally uncovered the chemistry behind this mystery. It appears that the answer does not come from a rare...
Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities opens nominations for Bright Lights Awards. Here's the details.
Since 1985, the Bright Lights Awards have celebrated the state's defining cultural leaders, from Norman C. Francis to John Folse.
1.4-million-year-old footprints reveal a surprisingly large human relative
Ancient footprints in Kenya reveal that eight Paranthropus boisei may have traveled together 1.4 million years ago, with some individuals reaching surprisingly large, human-like body sizes. The tracks offer a rare glimpse of their social behavior and suggest these extinct human relatives may have lived in more complex groups than previously thought.
EU provides €12 million to WHO to sustain essential health services and support recovery across Syria
30 August 2026, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic – The World Health Organization (WHO) has received €12 million (approximately US$14 million) from European Union Humanitarian Aid, to help sustain essential health...
Four baby goats at mobile petting zoo in North Carolina test positive for rabies
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services said the petting zoo held events involving children and elderly people between July 28 and Thursday.
Central Colorado Humanists September 6 Sunday Science Program Focuses on Wolves - by Ark Valley Voice Staff
“The Truth About Wolves” is the title of the Central Colorado Humanists Sunday Science Program for September 6. Rebecca Burkhalter of Colorado Wild will
New exhibit to take Sacramento on a trip inside the human body
The traveling exhibition, “Bodies - The Science Within,” features preserved human specimens will arrive in Sacramento this fall.
Dogs may hold surprising clues to human longevity
Dogs and humans may have more in common when it comes to aging than scientists realized. Researchers with the Dog Aging Project found that patterns of small molecules in dogs’ blood were linked to longer or shorter lifespans in remarkably similar ways to those seen in people. These metabolic “fingerprints” could offer clues about the biological processes that drive aging, including metabolism, inflammation, and cellular stress.
Bryan Johnson wants dogs to live forever
Tech entrepreneur Bryan Johnson has become famous for his mission to help humans live forever. Now he wants to do the same thing for dogs.
Human Mini Brains Kept Alive For 5 Years, Listen To The Sounds Of An Ancient Jurassic Forest, And Much More This Week
All the biggest science news stories of the week.
Movie Review: What's up, flop? The toon-human hybrid 'Coyote vs. Acme' should've stayed on shelf
Some Hollywood decisions defy logic. Like, who looked at the world of Looney Tunes, those unhinged cartoons of our youth, and thought: Let’s add a bunch of personal injury lawyers.
Local health department reports human case of West Nile in Central Nebraska
The Grand Island-based Central District Health Department (CDHD) Friday reported the first human case of West Nile Virus (WNV) in the district.
Scientists Found 6,000-Year-Old Human Remains. No Other People Share Their DNA.
If they have no ancestors or descendants, then who are they?
How AI is changing the art of business presentations
AI tools can speed up the creation of slides, but human input is still needed to check the presentation’s visual style, data, and messaging.
Scientists tracked 4,500 animals and found a surprising human effect
Scientists tracking thousands of animals found that our physical presence can reshape where wildlife moves and lives, sometimes as strongly as roads, cities, and other human development. Because different species reacted in very different ways, conservation efforts may need to become much more targeted.
The Literacy Crisis Reaches Dog-Bear Science
“New analysis of more than 300 bear encounters suggests our canine companions often increase odds of conflict and rarely serve as early warning systems many recreationists assume,” reads a subhead in Mountain Journal. The thing is, that study reaches no such conclusion. But you have to read beyond the abstract to understand that. Mountain Journal is not alone. Let’s look at a brief list of takeaways published elsewhere just to establish that none of them seem to know how to read science. Wes Siler’s Newsletter is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Subscribe Here’s CBC: “A new peer-reviewed study, The Canine Conundrum: Is a Dog a Help or Hindrance in Bear Country?, dug into conflicts similar to what the video depicts, by analyzing 326 reported human-bear conflicts from 1901 to 2023 involving dogs.” “The study found 54 per cent of conflicts were started by dogs. In the encounters researchers included in the study, five people and 56 dogs were killed, and 170 people were injured.” “Lana Ciarniello, an independent researcher who co-authored the study, said researchers found when a person goes hiking with at least one other person, the odds of a negative bear encounter decrease by 50 per cent.” “However, when a dog is involved, the chances of a negative bear encounter increase because ‘a dog really adds a chaotic factor into the mix of recreation,’ said Ciarniello.” Again, the study finds no data supporting that conclusion. “Hiking with your pet dog may make you feel safer in bear country—but a hiker’s recent encounter and a new study prove that the numbers don’t add up,” writes Backpacker, which is now part of Outside. The numbers don’t add up to support this take. There’s plenty more examples, but all are equally dumb, so I’ll stop there. How did so many people get this so wrong? Three reasons: 1) the study is published behind a paywall, with only the abstract freely available. 2) the methodology sets out to create work relevant to a hyper-specific audience, not the public. And 3) the dataset studied is almost absurdly limited and doesn’t bear (get it?!) comparison to wider information. Let’s work through all three. The Problem is Money I understand the irony, since I’m writing about this on a subscription-model newsletter, but information wants to be free. The study is published by The Wildlife Society and costs $16 to access. Reprinting it is specifically prohibited by the terms of use, so I can only share snippets and my conclusions with you here. Having worked as a journalist for 24 years, I can report with some authority that journalists are both lazy and cheap. I don’t think it’s a stretch to say that much of the material you’re seeing written about this study is drawn from the freely-available abstract (above) only, and not a deep dive into its methodology or data. And that’s a problem, because abstracts are where researchers are able to break from their numbers and editorialize their opinions about conclusions. So what’s getting reported isn’t based on numbers, it’s based on an opinion designed for a specific audience, not the general public. Hell yeah ladies, kick that bear’s ass. The Methodology is Designed to Support a Predetermined Conclusion One of the biggest issues with the science that everyone likes to cite about bear spray’s efficacy is that no one understands that study was designed for a specific audience, looking for a specific answer. And since that audience is not the public, and our safety was not the question being asked, its conclusion is rendered irrelevant to our needs. Yes, I’m talking about Efficacy of Bear Deterrent Spray in Alaska, which was created by Tom Smith and Stephen Herrero, two of the same scientists who put together this dog-bear conflict analysis. In the spray study, the purpose was to present relevant agencies with the information they needed to issue their field workers with bear spray. As such, incidents where people were unable to access the spray or similarly failed to get it deployed in time were excluded from the results, and only incidents they deemed successful were included. Could a ranger roll down their vehicle’s window and scare a bear away from a dumpster by spraying it? Turns out the answer was yes, and that was good enough for the purposes of that study. The sample size of actual bear attacks—the thing you and I would want bear spray to provide a solution to, was too small to draw conclusions from, and didn’t indicate success in that role. Is a Dog a Help or Hindrance in Bear Country? has similar limitations. “Insights provided here are intended to help wildlife managers create effective guidelines regarding the presence of domestic dogs in bear habitat,” is explained clearly by the study’s text. To conduct the study, Smith and Herrero went looking for publicly available reports of dog-bear conflicts: “All incidents included in our analysis involved at least one bear, one dog, and one person who was at immediate risk of injury (e.g., not in a protective structure such as a cabin or vehicle), injured, or killed,” explains the report’s methodology. Why is that a problem? “We recognize that data used in this study are biased in that people generally only report adverse interactions with bears, not benign ones. Consequently, we assume that for the most part, people and their dogs pass through bear country without incident.” As was the problem with the bear spray study, people are drawing conclusions here from a study that was never intended to be relevant to the general public. The Smith-Herrero database famously excludes Alaska’s Defense of Life and Property records, which are elsewhere considered the largest and most authoritative source on human-bear conflict. The Dataset is Absurdly Limited A 2009 study conducted by the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife estimates that each year there are at least 43,000 documented complaints of human-bear conflict across North America. Is a Dog a Help or Hindrance in Bear Country? Examined those reports for years ranging from 1901 to 2023, and only managed to find 326 such incidents that met the criteria explained above. Let’s do some quick math, poorly. 43,000 incidents x 122 years = 5,246,000 total incidents of documented human-bear conflict. Smith and Herrero were only able to find 326 incidents that met their criteria for dog+human+bear+risk or occurrence of injury. That means there’s a 0.006 percent chance that the study’s conclusion—that dogs make bear encounters more dangerous—even gets a chance of occurring. And remember, that’s only in documented conflicts. There’s no way to know how many people across North America run into a bear in any given year without any conflict, but it’s probably safe to assume that the total number is well in excess of 43,000. And, dig deeper into the study and you can find further restrictions that skew its conclusions even more. “While the people involved in these incidents did not report the level of training their dogs had received, it is our assumption that most were untrained companion dogs as opposed to well-trained bear dogs, such as Karelians and livestock guardian breeds that have proven to be significant aids in bear country,” the study’s methodology explains. And that’s a problem, because an ongoing study here in Montana is finding that the simple presence of a Kangal like our youngest dog Teddy can reduce visits to private property from grizzly bears by 87.8 percent. In addition to being a badass, Teddy is also a companion animal. And in my admittedly limited sample size of the three dogs currently present in our living room, she’s no more effective than her mutt brothers. Plenty of people own a dog capable of deterring bears, even if they didn’t set out to own a bear dog. The real purpose of this study appears to be a recommendation that leashes are mandated and recreationists pursue training in their deterrent of choice. But that doesn’t make for sensational headlines. Are There Any Real Takeaways Here? Let’s throw some numbers around, just to try and get our hands around what the larger picture might look like for bears and dogs here. The American Veterinary Medical Association estimates that 42.6 percent of American households own a dog. The Canadian Animal Health Institute says roughly 35 percent of households in Canuckistan own a dog. In an attempt to create the worst possible result for dogs, let’s run with that 35 percent number. And given that outdoorsy and rural people are more likely to both own a dog, and have bear encounters, let’s just make a giant assumption and apply that number to those 43,000 conflicts documented annually. If 35 percent of 43,000 human-bear encounters involve a dog, then we can assume that at least 15,050 dog-bear conflicts are occurring annually in North America. 15,050 x 122 = 1,836,100. Smith and Herrero were only able to find 326 incidents that met their human, dog, chance or occurrence of injury criteria across 122 years. And only 170 documented human injuries. So, with all the obvious caveats about these numbers in no way describing reality beyond narrow study parameters, what they actually found is that your risk of injury if your dog tangles with a bear is only 0.009 percent. I’ll take those odds next time I’m hiking my dogs in bear country. Top photo: “Superintendent Horace Albright, eating pancakes with bears, at Lake Lodge, Yellowstone National Park.” NPS. A journalist with more than two decades of experience working around the world, Wes Siler is here to cut through the outrage and disinformation to bring you the factual, insightful, actionable reporting you need to understand what’s going on. Upgrading to a paid subscription supports this reporting, and buys personal access to Wes, who will help you save money on gear, plan outdoor adventures, and prepare for real life, and who promises he’s less salty in real life than he sometimes comes across as on the Internet. Wes Siler’s Newsletter is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Subscribe
El Niño is being supercharged by climate change, study finds
It's one of the biggest questions in climate science: Is human-caused climate change making El Niños worse? A new study weighs in.
UT To Lead NSF Center That Will Study How Robots and People Learn To Live and Work Together
A 5-Year Collaboration Between 6 Universities and Industry Partners Will Place Assistive Robots in Everyday Human Environments.
Your dislike of eating bugs may be 9,000 years old
Ancient teeth and human DNA are revealing a surprising history of insect eating. Modern humans in northern Eurasia appear to have eaten insects only occasionally, while Neanderthals may have consumed them much more regularly. Populations near the tropics also retained genes that make insect exoskeletons easier to digest.
Understanding the science behind cooling the body down on the cellular level in extreme heat
UAB researchers explain how heat stress affects cells during extreme temperatures, revealing how cellular defense systems protect against damage and what these responses can teach scientists about aging, cancer, neurodegenerative disease and human health.
Smart nanoparticles light up brain cancer and destroy what surgery misses
Scientists created smart nanoparticles that can both illuminate hidden glioblastoma cells during surgery and destroy microscopic cancer left behind afterward. In mice, the treatment prevented recurrence and led to 100% survival at 60 days, though it has not yet been tested in humans.
How to get North Carolina students to love science and math? Ask a NASA astronaut.
NASA astronaut and Artemis II Mission Specialist Christina Koch was honored Wednesday with the Order of the Tar Heel, the highest award bestowed by the North Carolina Commissioner of Labor. Koch, a Jacksonville native and N.C. State University graduate, became the first woman to travel beyond low Earth orbit, and with her crew broke the record for the farthest distance humans have ever traveled in space.
Researchers identify traces of two ‘ghost’ ancestors in modern human DNA
Scientists uncovered DNA from two mysterious human ancestors hidden in modern genomes, revealing new clues about our evolutionary past.
Monkeys hunt small animals when fruit is scarce
Capuchins hunt and eat small vertebrates more often as plant foods wane. The behavior may help us learn more about humans’ early dietary evolution.
The Real Purpose of China's Robot Games Is Not Your Entertainment
China’s endlessly delightful World Humanoid Robot Games featured tons of impressive stunts. But the most mindblowing tricks were far less showy, and a lot more significant. For more like this, subscribe to Will Knight’s “AI Lab” newsletter.
Danny De Lillo To Launch Sweet Humans Entertainment Company At AFM
Independent producer Danny De Lillo will announce the launch of his entertainment company Sweet Humans at the upcoming American Film Market in LA.
College of Information Sciences and Technology welcomes six new faculty members
Six new faculty members recently joined the College of Information Sciences and Technology, representing the college's Department of Human-Centered Computing and Social Informatics, Department of Informatics and Intelligent Systems and Department of Privacy and Cybersecurity Informatics.
Bill Gates proposes major limits on AI development
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates says there need to be significant limits placed on artificial intelligence or else the harm to humans will outweigh any potential good.
Bill Gates wants to tax robots to deter businesses from replacing humans with machines
"The tax system nudges you toward replacing people with machines."
Monogram Health to pay $2.4M to settle Medicare Advantage upcoding allegations
The Justice Department told Healthcare Dive that Monogram, a home health company, overcharged Medicare through contracts with Cigna and Humana by inflating diagnostic codes.
‘Intrinsic Capacity’: The Most Important Longevity Term You’ve Never Heard of
Intrinsic capacity is quickly becoming a preferred way to measure and assess human aging.
Yemen: Violence Against Health Care in Conflict 2025 [EN/AR]
Analysis in English on Yemen about Health, Protection and Human Rights, Epidemic and more; published on 26 Aug 2026 by Insecurity Insight and Safeguarding Health in Conflict
Around the world, people are rejecting divisive and dangerous politics. We can – and must
The vast majority of the global public supports international cooperation on human rights, climate and AI. Like-minded countries must stand together to deliver, says former UK prime minister Gordon Brown
‘He’s human’: Mason Miller’s rare mistake costs Padres against Pirates
The Sporting Tribune's Fernando Ramirez writes about a rare mistake from closer Mason Miller cost the Padres a much needed victory.
The Psychology of Tribalism Is Damaging Politics
Since he first walked this earth, man has organized himself into tribes. There is safety in numbers and, along with physical and practical advantages, comes the most appealing benefit: belonging.Politics is no different. With the midterm election looming, examining the psychological forces and incentives that drive tribal behavior can help us understand political movements and electoral outcomes.For most of the human species, the feeling of belonging isn’t just a desire; it is a biological and psychological necessity. We are, after all, social creatures.
Turmeric compound may protect blood vessels from diabetes damage
A compound found in turmeric may help protect blood vessels from some of the damage caused by Type 1 diabetes. In rats, curcumin reduced inflammation, improved cellular signaling, and restored vascular health to levels resembling those of nondiabetic animals. The results hint at a possible new way to reduce the long-term cardiovascular risks of diabetes, but human trials are still needed.
Dolly Parton, queen of country music and humanitarian hero, dead at 80
Dolly Parton, who rose from humble beginnings to the greatest heights of American music and became one of the country’s most philanthropic, unifying and beloved stars, has died. She was 80.
Can Humans Get Pregnant in Space?
From microgravity to intense radiation risks, the quirks of space travel raises some big questions about how they might affect a developing fetus.
What Dolly Parton meant to New York: Fans remember iconic country music legend following her death at 80
Dolly Parton, the country music legend, humanitarian and globally unifying figure who died Tuesday at the age of 80, shared a special connection with New York
Dolly Parton, queen of country music and humanitarian hero, dead at 80
Dolly Parton, who rose from humble beginnings to the greatest heights of American music and became one of the country’s most philanthropic, unifying and beloved stars, has died. She was 80.
The New World Of Wearables: From Health Monitoring To Human Augmentation
The new world of wearables may be more about a much larger transformation: providing people with previously unheard-of visibility into their skills, performance, and health.
The business case for human rights is more important and urgent than ever
The continuing backlash against corporate sustainability today risks becoming something more consequential: a retreat from responsible business itself. This overreaction, driven in part by domestic political pressures in the U.S., is a short-sighted course for American multinationals.
People, animals, plants, ecosystems – making the case for investing in One Health - WOAH - World Organisation for Animal Health
Discover why investing in One Health is key to safeguarding human, animal and environmental health in an interconnected world.
Internal body awareness does not predict mental health, study finds
The human brain continuously receives information from inside the body that helps detect physical needs and emotional states, such as a racing heartbeat, shortness of breath, hunger, thirst, pain and ...
Syria: Violence Against Health Care in Conflict 2025 [EN/AR]
Analysis in English on Syrian Arab Republic about Health, Protection and Human Rights and more; published on 25 Aug 2026 by Insecurity Insight and Safeguarding Health in Conflict
Commentary: The Tate brothers and the amplification of misogyny
Most people have heard about the arrests of Andrew and Tristan Tate in July on charges that include rape and human trafficking. The Tate brothers built their fortune through webcam
Unregulated food vendors can pose health threat
Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) Environmental Health is reminding community members that eating at an unlicensed food vendor location can pose a high risk of serious foodborne illnes
West Nile risk 'high' as second human case turns up, health officials say
Two people in Massachusetts have contracted the West Nile virus that's typically spread through bites from infected mosquitoes, according to state public health officials.
'Sisters' adds to the AI debate
What does it mean to be human in an increasingly technological world?
Expanded humanities and social science collection at UCSB Library is a research treasure trove
UCSB Library expands its digital humanities and social science collection with AM archives spanning global history, culture, politics and the arts.
Five Best Books on the Human Side of Science
The author of “Lost in Curiosity” on tales of lab mishaps, fieldwork adventures and personal sacrifices in the pursuit of good data.
HHS Secretary Kennedy touts 'Make America Healthy Again' victories of Trump administration
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. over the weekend touted some victories from the Trump administration regarding health and wellness.
Scientists May Have Found the Blueprint of the Human Body at the Bottom of the Ocean
A discovery in sea anemones complicates the origin story of bilateral body plans—including ours.
Vote for your favorite chonky rodent during Fat Marmot Week
While humans are on the beach, yellow-bellied marmots are eating for their lives.
Sudan’s conflict worsening, UN political and peacebuilding chief warns
On 24 August, the Security Council held a briefing on Sudan at the request by Denmark to discuss the protection of civilians and the humanitarian consequences of the ongoing conflict. “The consequences of this conflict will be long-lasting and should shock us all,” said Rosemary DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs.Civilians face one of the worst humanitarian crises, she said, as they deal with frequent drone attacks against markets, schools, fuel stations and water infrastructure, and the rainy season. Some 13 million people have fled their homes, but access challenges have made it impossible to confirm the true death toll, "it is likely to be in the hundreds of thousands", she said. “Brutal mass killings and atrocities, abductions of women and girls and mass rapes are recurring patterns,” she warned.In North Kordofan, drone attacks continue as both parties compete for control of strategically important towns, she said, reiterating deep concern at the imminent risk of large-scale atrocities by the Rapid Support Forces in and around El abdede. Drone strikes near Tina, on Sudan’s border with Chad, where the refugee influx has intensified pressure on already scarce land, have led to violent disputes over resources. Plus numerous armed movements are pursuing their own territorial and political interests. The UN continues to support efforts of the QUAD - United States, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, United Arab Emirates – for a humanitarian truce. And it is working with the Quintet partners, the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the League of Arab States, and the European Union to help advance a viable political path. “Our goal is to build confidence in the political path and pave the way for an inclusive Sudanese-led dialogue for a shared vision for the country’s future,” she said. Sudanese authorities have also bolstered efforts to support civilian dialogue. “Their desire for an inclusive and durable peace is clear,” she said. Both parties must now make concrete commitments on releasing of prisioners, particularly vulnerable groups such as women and children. “The Personal Envoy will travel to Sudan shortly to advance these conversations," she said.
Common medications may change your gut for years
Common medications may reshape the gut microbiome long after the last dose is taken. In a study of more than 2,500 people, researchers found lasting microbial changes linked not only to antibiotics, but also to antidepressants, beta-blockers, acid-reducing drugs, and benzodiazepines. Some effects were still detectable years later, suggesting past medication use may strongly influence the gut bacteria people carry today.
Healthcare costs, Medicaid cuts draw increased scrutiny from NC Democrats ahead of midterms
Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, North Carolina is expected to lose nearly $50 billion over the next 10 years, according to analysis by the NC Department of Health and Human Services. Democrats say families will be hard hit by the looming cuts.
Scientists discover new 'immune hubs' in skull bone marrow
In mouse skull marrow, 'immune hubs' that actively defend the brain have been discovered. Similar cells exist in human skulls, but their role remains unclear.
Invest more in human capabilities as AI advances, health leaders urge
Speakers at HIMSS26 APAC say better health outcomes would require redesigning health systems to harness AI.
Human creativity still has the edge – and this CEO says an MBA can help you use it
Emerging technologies are changing the face of Australian business, but this pharmaceuticals CEO says there’s still plenty of room for human creativity, if you’ve got the right tools
When machines misread science: creating guardrails for human and AI interpretation of biomedical research
npj Digital Medicine - Artificial intelligence is increasingly acting as a first interpreter of biomedical research, shaping how evidence is applied to patient care. Simultaneously, science is...
A deep dive into climate change
Some policymakers continue to question the science of climate change, despite the growing evidence of significant damage to life on land and in the ocean.Katja Matthes, director of the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel in Germany, believes the ongoing attempts to politicise climate science and discredit researchers are hindering international cooperation and public understanding. The ocean provides clear evidence of the extent to which changes are occurring, she says.“We are seeing severe, unprecedented and accelerating changes in the ocean — warming ocean temperatures, acidification and oxygen depletion — that are destabilising the most important system that makes life on this planet possible,” Matthes explains. Visible signs of these changes include the melting of ice sheets in the Arctic and Greenland. Deeper down, the growing frequency of hypoxia — or oxygen-deprived “dead zones”, where marine life can no longer survive — in the Baltic and record-high Mediterranean surface temperatures are indicators of the “dramatic warming” of the ocean, she adds.The ocean, which covers around 70% of the Earth’s surface, acts as a vital carbon sink, absorbing around 30% of the planet’s carbon dioxide (CO2) and 90% of the excess heat. However, the global ocean surface temperature has risen by an average of half a degree Celsius since 1982, according to the EU Copernicus observatory. More significant rises have been recorded in the Mediterranean, Black, Baltic and other shallower seas.Some ocean temperature increases do occur naturally, such as during El Niño events. But sustained rises can trigger extreme weather on land — including droughts, floods and catastrophic storms — while also harming marine ecosystems. Only 10% of marine species have been studied, Matthes notes, “so the consequences might be even more severe than we know.”Fostering European cooperation amid uncertaintyMatthes, who holds a doctorate in meteorology, is a professor of atmospheric physics as well as director of GEOMAR. She serves as one of Kiel’s ambassadors to Science Comes to Town (SCTT), an EU-funded programme that aims to promote science’s role in society and strengthen cross-border collaboration in research, innovation and sustainability. SCTT is hosted by the coastal cities of Kiel, Brest (in France) and Split (in Croatia).The SCTT project also provides a platform for raising awareness and understanding between scientists and the public about major issues, such as climate change. Having worked on both sides of the Atlantic, Matthes is frustrated by recent attempts to erode decades of international climate collaboration and question the credibility of research. Earlier this year, the US administration delivered a major blow to global cooperation by withdrawing from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and other global climate organisations, claiming they were “contrary to the interests of the United States.”In addition, a US Department of Energy (DOE) report cast doubt on the latest IPCC climate assessment, which was published in 2024. As a contributing author to the IPCC study, Matthes says the DOE sought to discredit scientists like herself. “Climate change is not a matter of opinion, it really exists and we are witnessing dramatic changes,” she notes. “It’s not climate change as a whole that is being targeted, but scientists and their research.”Other US actions have also hit home for Matthes, who spent three years at the US National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Boulder, Colorado. The White House has announced plans to close the facility, a move that was “pretty tough” due to the German scientist’s personal connections with the staff and their reputation for excellence.Changing the narrative on climate changeEurope’s scientific community remains a driving force on climate research and collaboration. As one of the world’s leading marine research institutions, GEOMAR attracts students from more than 50 countries and plays an important role in global observation initiatives that contribute to understanding and protecting the ocean basins. At a European level, GEOMAR works closely with other top marine research facilities, including France’s Ifremer, an SCTT partner in Brest. GEOMAR has also developed innovative and safe strategies for removing unexploded wartime munitions from the seabed, which release toxic substances that pose a danger to humans and the marine environment. Through the Horizon Europe MMinE-SwEEPER project, this knowledge has been transferred to the European level.These initiatives are examples of how local action can have a global impact, Matthes says, and how Europe can strengthen climate research and partnerships. “This is a chance for Europe to step up and work on climate cooperation and agreements,” she notes. “Climate change is an international problem and a real threat, and we need more speed on climate action than we have now.”Matthes believes her fellow scientists need to communicate that climate change is not only a threat, but an opportunity to find solutions. “We need to change our narrative and expand our strategic alliances with those who are willing,” she says, “and luckily there are a lot of willing people and countries.”Science|Business, which connects policymakers, academics and industry through its news reporting, analysis and events, is an SCTT partner.
New book offers a scientific look at global human rights — maybe the last of its kind
Binghamton University and University of Rhode Island researchers collaborate on ‘Science and the Study of Human Rights’
A deep dive into climate change
Some policymakers continue to question the science of climate change, despite the growing evidence of significant damage to life on land and in the ocean.Katja Matthes, director of the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel in Germany, believes the ongoing attempts to politicise climate science and discredit researchers are hindering international cooperation and public understanding. The ocean provides clear evidence of the extent to which changes are occurring, she says.“We are seeing severe, unprecedented and accelerating changes in the ocean — warming ocean temperatures, acidification and oxygen depletion — that are destabilising the most important system that makes life on this planet possible,” Matthes explains. Visible signs of these changes include the melting of ice sheets in the Arctic and Greenland. Deeper down, the growing frequency of hypoxia — or oxygen-deprived “dead zones”, where marine life can no longer survive — in the Baltic and record-high Mediterranean surface temperatures are indicators of the “dramatic warming” of the ocean, she adds.The ocean, which covers around 70% of the Earth’s surface, acts as a vital carbon sink, absorbing around 30% of the planet’s carbon dioxide (CO2) and 90% of the excess heat. However, the global ocean surface temperature has risen by an average of half a degree Celsius since 1982, according to the EU Copernicus observatory. More significant rises have been recorded in the Mediterranean, Black, Baltic and other shallower seas.Some ocean temperature increases do occur naturally, such as during El Niño events. But sustained rises can trigger extreme weather on land — including droughts, floods and catastrophic storms — while also harming marine ecosystems. Only 10% of marine species have been studied, Matthes notes, “so the consequences might be even more severe than we know.”Fostering European cooperation amid uncertaintyMatthes, who holds a doctorate in meteorology, is a professor of atmospheric physics as well as director of GEOMAR. She serves as one of Kiel’s ambassadors to Science Comes to Town (SCTT), an EU-funded programme that aims to promote science’s role in society and strengthen cross-border collaboration in research, innovation and sustainability. SCTT is hosted by the coastal cities of Kiel, Brest (in France) and Split (in Croatia).The SCTT project also provides a platform for raising awareness and understanding between scientists and the public about major issues, such as climate change. Having worked on both sides of the Atlantic, Matthes is frustrated by recent attempts to erode decades of international climate collaboration and question the credibility of research. Earlier this year, the US administration delivered a major blow to global cooperation by withdrawing from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and other global climate organisations, claiming they were “contrary to the interests of the United States.”In addition, a US Department of Energy (DOE) report cast doubt on the latest IPCC climate assessment, which was published in 2024. As a contributing author to the IPCC study, Matthes says the DOE sought to discredit scientists like herself. “Climate change is not a matter of opinion, it really exists and we are witnessing dramatic changes,” she notes. “It’s not climate change as a whole that is being targeted, but scientists and their research.”Other US actions have also hit home for Matthes, who spent three years at the US National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Boulder, Colorado. The White House has announced plans to close the facility, a move that was “pretty tough” due to the German scientist’s personal connections with the staff and their reputation for excellence.Changing the narrative on climate changeEurope’s scientific community remains a driving force on climate research and collaboration. As one of the world’s leading marine research institutions, GEOMAR attracts students from more than 50 countries and plays an important role in global observation initiatives that contribute to understanding and protecting the ocean basins. At a European level, GEOMAR works closely with other top marine research facilities, including France’s Ifremer, an SCTT partner in Brest. GEOMAR has also developed innovative and safe strategies for removing unexploded wartime munitions from the seabed, which release toxic substances that pose a danger to humans and the marine environment. Through the Horizon Europe MMinE-SwEEPER project, this knowledge has been transferred to the European level.These initiatives are examples of how local action can have a global impact, Matthes says, and how Europe can strengthen climate research and partnerships. “This is a chance for Europe to step up and work on climate cooperation and agreements,” she notes. “Climate change is an international problem and a real threat, and we need more speed on climate action than we have now.”Matthes believes her fellow scientists need to communicate that climate change is not only a threat, but an opportunity to find solutions. “We need to change our narrative and expand our strategic alliances with those who are willing,” she says, “and luckily there are a lot of willing people and countries.”Science|Business, which connects policymakers, academics and industry through its news reporting, analysis and events, is an SCTT partner.
When Farm Animals Get Sick, Human Health Is Often Next
New editorial reviews 10 studies on zoonotic pathogens, AMR, and vaccine advances, underscoring One Health surveillance needs for biosecurity professionals.
Eastlake science students make district history
Three Eastlake High School students made Sweetwater Union High School District history this year when they became the first students from the district to qualify for the International Science and Engineering Fair, an international competition that brings together some of the top high school researchers from around the world. Ronald Wyatt, Giles Del Priore and Ihan Sung advanced to the competition after successful runs at regional and state science fairs. Sung went a step further, placing fourth in the chemistry category at ISEF. The students were recognized on Aug. 10 during a Sweetwater Union High School District board meeting at the district office in Chula Vista.For Wyatt and Del Priore, recent Eastlake graduates, the journey began with a shared concern about dementia and the challenges faced by families caring for loved ones with memory impairment. Their engineering project, “Design and Evaluation of a Behaviorally Grounded Caregiver-Governed AI Companion for Individuals with Memory Impairment,” earned the Sweepstakes Award at the Sweetwater District STEM Fair and first place in its division at the Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair. The project explored whether Artificial Intelligence could provide companionship and support while helping reduce stress for people with dementia and their caregivers. “Our inspiration came from personal experience. Both of us have seen family members and loved ones affected by dementia, and we’ve witnessed how overwhelming the caregiving process can be,” Wyatt said. Del Priore said the students also wanted to address the high cost of third-party health care services while creating something that could potentially help their own families as well as people elsewhere. The students developed an AI system designed with safeguards intended to prevent misinformation reinforcement, emotional escalation and unsafe responses. In 240 controlled trials involving memory, identity, agitation and neutral scenarios, they said the system consistently prevented harmful incorrect reinforcement while using context-aware silence, de-escalation and caregiver verification. The project required the students to combine Artificial Intelligence, psychology, neuroscience and human-computer interaction. For Del Priore, one of the biggest technical challenges was getting the AI companion to communicate verbally with a patient. Hardware limitations required the students to collaborate with multiple Python libraries for speech-to-text and text-to-speech functions while keeping the cost of the companion low. “For us, the biggest challenge was translating complex behavioral and cognitive care principles into a functioning AI system,” Wyatt said.Qualifying for ISEF was a milestone that student expected. The international competition proved to be another milestone. “Competing at ISEF was an incredible experience and unlike anything we’ve ever done before,” Del Priore said. “Being surrounded by some of the most talented young researchers from around the world was both inspiring and motivating.” He said the experience stood out because of the emphasis on collaboration, innovation and scientific discovery. “The most memorable part was seeing how people from completely different backgrounds and disciplines approached solving real-world problems with creativity and passion,” he said. The students also credited teachers and mentors who supported their work. Del Priore said his sophomore-year AP Physics teacher, Dr. Price, was particularly influential. “Through all of my personal and academic struggles, Dr. Price always believed in me,” Del Priore said. “All of his faith in me really molded me into the person I am today and helped create my love for science even through tough times.” Wyatt is continuing his education at UC Santa Cruz, where he plans to study biomolecular engineering and bioinformatics, with an interest in research involving Artificial Intelligence, biology and health care. Del Priore plans to double major in chemistry and accounting. Sung, a rising Eastlake senior, qualified for ISEF after winning first place in the Engineering: Energy, Materials & Transport category at the Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair and first place in chemistry at the California Science and Engineering Fair. His project, “Renewable Ammonia Electrochemical Synthesis by Glow Discharge with an Iron-Based Catalyst,” involved a device he designed and engineered to produce renewable ammonia, with potential applications in fertilizer production and energy storage. Sung became interested in the project after considering the relationship between food insecurity and fertilizer costs. His system uses plasma to break apart nitrogen molecules so they can interact with hydrogen and form ammonia. At ISEF, Sung competed against more than 1,700 students from 65 countries and earned fourth place in chemistry. “I am proud to become one of te first students in the district to qualify for ISEF because this milestone can inspire others in the district to attain similar goals,” Sung said.
A hidden “on switch” in human DNA has finally been decoded
Researchers have used AI to uncover the DNA signature of a key genetic “switch” involved in turning genes on. After analyzing about 500,000 DNA sequences, the model identified the initiator in roughly 60% of human genes. The breakthrough could help predict the effects of harmful mutations and eventually contribute to decoding the broader genetic instructions that control gene activity throughout the body.
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. visits Rochester to announce new autism initiative
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has made autism a priority in his agency, but he consistently spreads false information about the condition, including claims that Tylenol causes it. He visited Rochester Friday to share his near autism initiative in partnership with the U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Voyager 2’s three surviving instruments are part of humanity’s only direct scientific presence in interstellar space—and with no approved successor under development, engineers remotely reconfigured the 49-year-old probe’s power system in July 2026, completing a delicate operation across a 39-hour command-and-response delay that should preserve its science for at least another year.
Voyager 2's saved watts preserve magnetic-field, plasma-wave and cosmic-ray measurements from beyond the heliopause, where no approved replacement mission is yet on its way.
Letter: Apply science, aloha to solve cat problem
Hawaii must address the impact of free-roaming cats on native wildlife, but it must be done humanely and based on science. Simply restricting feeding is not a viable solution; it risks increasing predation on endangered species and ignores the root causes of the problem. Hungry cats do not disappear — they might hunt more, further threatening native wildlife (“Enact law to curb feral cat colonies,” Star-Advertiser, Our View, Aug. 19). That is not a responsible outcome.
Experimental compound helps burn fat without muscle loss
A decades-old compound may point to a new way of treating obesity by making the body burn more energy rather than simply reducing appetite. In mice, TOFA increased energy use by as much as 18%, reduced body fat without significant muscle loss, and improved blood sugar, triglycerides, and fatty liver disease. It also produced stronger results when combined with GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound.
Bette Midler and Tyrese Gibson feud over AI-generated song: ‘Cultural genocide’
Bette Midler and Tyrese Gibson are feuding about AI-generated music: ‘What HUMAN writer and SINGER IS gonna write a song that’s better than this??’
World Humanoid Robot Games: How to watch
China's second World Humanoid Robot Games kicked off Saturday in Beijing. The spectacle comes as China pours money into its humanoid robot industry.
How will NASA's astronaut training hub change with commercial space stations?
A tour of Johnson Space Center in Houston shows how NASA and private industry are already working together on the future of human spaceflight.
Quitting alcohol may prime the brain for relapse
Mice that developed compulsive drinking after alcohol abstinence showed more than double the activity in a brain region associated with stress and addiction. Because the signal appeared before they drank again, researchers think it could eventually help predict who is most at risk of relapse.
This shark can live 400 years. Its eyes barely seem to age
Greenland sharks may live for 400 years without suffering the kind of retinal decline normally associated with aging. Researchers found healthy eye tissue and active proteins specially adapted for seeing blue light in the dim Arctic depths. DNA repair mechanisms may help keep their eyes functioning across centuries. The discovery could eventually offer new clues for protecting human vision as we age.
Multilingual people may have brains up to 13 years younger
People who speak several languages may have brains that age more slowly, with four-language speakers showing brains that appeared about 13 years younger than those of monolinguals. Starting earlier and becoming highly fluent were also linked to a stronger effect.