Search headlines

The Artemis II Crew Is Having Microsoft Outlook Issues, And NASA Had To Remote Access From Earth To Deal With It

"I have two Microsoft Outlooks, and neither one of those are working," a male voice told ground control.

Apr 2 • 9:56 AM EDT • Science • iflscience.com

Your Samsung TV is getting a massive upgrade for free with Google Cast

Google Cast lands on Samsung TVs, and it’s not just for new models.

Apr 2 • 7:32 AM EDT • Technology • androidauthority.com

Virginia’s redistricting fight ramps up as opponents wield Barack Obama’s past comments

An argument over former President Barack Obama’s past comments about gerrymandering reflects the conundrum that worries some Democratic allies ahead of an April 21 referendum. Having promoted nonpartisan redistricting in the past, Obama, Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger and other top Democrats now have to motivate voters to turn out for a special election to impose a gerrymander.

Apr 2 • 5:00 AM EDT • Politics • cnn.com

Mayor Brandon Johnson demotes housing authority board chair over CEO flap

Mayor Brandon Johnson said he demoted the CHA board chair because Johnson believes the appointment of Keith Pettigrew violated state law.

Apr 1 • 11:54 AM EDT • Politics • chicagotribune.com

HHSC Directs Health Care Facilities to Follow FDA Cybersecurity Guidance | Texas Health and Human Services

HHSC is directing health care facilities to review, understand and mitigate the risk of people remotely accessing protected health information.

Apr 1 • 9:17 AM EDT • Health • hhs.texas.gov

Microsoft Warns of WhatsApp-Delivered VBS Malware Hijacking Windows via UAC Bypass

WhatsApp VBS campaign began February 2026, abusing AWS and UAC bypass to gain persistent remote access.

Apr 1 • 7:49 AM EDT • Technology • thehackernews.com

Trump Signs Order Seeking Federal Control of Mail Voting as He Promotes False Claims

Election experts and Democratic officials called the order legally invalid, and Arizona and Oregon pledged to immediately challenge it in court.

Mar 31 • 8:41 PM EDT • Politics • nytimes.com

UND grad students gain front-row access to business and government in Washington

LEARNING strategic priority: ‘Promote experiences that expand horizons even as they build skills’

Mar 31 • 3:53 PM EDT • Business • blogs.und.edu

Pittsburgh black-owned businesses express frustration over NFL draft selection process

B. Marshall, Juneteenth promoter, said, "They are contracting businesses to work for the NFL to do certain functions."

Mar 30 • 5:45 PM EDT • Business • wtae.com

Brillstein Promotes Dari Bani, Geordan Somerville & Julia Weinstock

Brillstein Entertainment Partners has upped Dari Bani, Geordan Somerville and Julia Weinstock to new roles in the Comedy Department.

Mar 30 • 2:29 PM EDT • Entertainment • deadline.com

How a Civics School With a Conservative Bent Divided Its Supporters

A University of North Carolina program was intended to promote civil discourse and ideological diversity. Some of its early conservative supporters say it is doing the opposite.

Mar 30 • 5:00 AM EDT • Politics • nytimes.com

Do good neighbors make good economies? Minnesota could be a test case

Economic studies strongly suggest that higher levels of trust can lead to increased commerce, promote financial innovation and even foster economic growth. Will the neighborly care and civic engagement in Minnesota during the Immigration and Customs Enforcement surge translate into economic resilience?

Mar 30 • 5:00 AM EDT • Business • mprnews.org

Navigating the social media minefield

Scientists and researchers seeking to announce promising findings, exchange ideas or contribute to policy discussions outside of academic circles may find social media an expedient tool.But increasingly, scientists and other professionals are discovering that online platforms can be a double-edged sword: while sharing their work and expertise is crucial for visibility and meeting funder expectations, it also exposes them to baseless criticism and even accusations of spreading false information."It is getting harder and harder for scientists, and researchers in general, to convey their findings without facing attacks on their legitimacy and accuracy of their research," says Valère Ndior, a professor of public law at the University of Western Brittany in Brest, France, who has spent more than a decade studying misinformation on social media. Researchers attempting to challenge deceptive online information may themselves be accused of political bias or not being objective in their research, he explains, adding that some scientists disengage because they feel overwhelmed and unable to sustain meaningful dialogue. "It is quite sad to see in some instances that researchers end up leaving social media altogether because they feel like the pressure is getting too intense or feel threatened," he says.Ndior, a past president of the Francophone Network of International Law, is also involved in European efforts to make science and research findings more accessible to the public. As an ambassador for the Science Comes to Town (SCTT) project, he has participated in recent discussions on public perceptions of science and online misinformation. The European Commission-funded initiative connects Brest and two other cities — Kiel in Germany and Split in Croatia — and aims to strengthen ties between communities, universities and research institutions to promote science awareness and cooperation across Europe.Coordinated campaigns around contentious topicsNdior draws a clear distinction between critical thinking and thoughtless criticism. Yet he sees online discussions being increasingly shaped by suspicious behaviour and coordinated information campaigns — including "raids" aimed at dominating discussions and "astroturfing," where small groups act as larger movements to sway debates. Tracking these patterns has become harder because some platforms have restricted data or charge for it, despite provisions of the European Union's Digital Securities Act aimed at ensuring researchers can have access to such data. According to Ndior, "platforms became more reluctant from the moment access to data became a legal requirement rather than a voluntary initiative."Unfounded claims and scepticism about science existed long before Internet chat groups. But the noticeable rise in online hostility has intensified around contentious topics, such as the coronavirus pandemic and climate change, alongside the weakening of gatekeepers to moderate content.For Ndior, dubious claims about pandemic countermeasures and vaccine safety highlighted the struggle between "balancing freedom of expression and the protection of public health and order." Efforts to remove social media content deemed false or risky for public health triggered accusations of censorship and the silencing of legitimate discussion, and in some cases, legal challenges.Concerns about attacks on the credibility of scientists and researchers have generated a flurry of academic papers in recent years and prompted professional communities to address ways to counter online attacks. Such unease extends to the generation that has grown up with digital media. Ndior points out that his students, some of whom research artificial intelligence regulation, hate speech, online surveillance and other controversial topics, hesitate to share their work or viewpoints online. "Many of them don't want to expose themselves too much because they don't feel ready to be faced with the backlash of other people criticising their research," he explains.Safer harbours for engagementLegal challenges against false or defamatory posts are not necessarily a solution — especially given the trans-jurisdictional nature of the Internet. Lawsuits also take time and money, and if they fail, can be counterproductive. Instead, Ndior advises scientists and researchers to be selective in how and where they communicate. Professional online platforms and moderated discussion spaces offer a better environment for engagement. He also highlights the value of more traditional formats, such as radio interviews and in-person discussions at schools, libraries and science fairs, which encourage dialogue with the public. "Personal contact makes a big difference," he says, while acknowledging that these approaches lack the global reach of social media.Ndior’s interest in digital law and online misinformation stems from his time as a doctoral student in international law in the early days of social media. He began analysing posts from governments and heads of state to determine if they could be considered official and thus used as evidence in litigation. His work attracted media attention and led to conference and speaking invitations. "This was not part of my plan," he says, "but this is what happens as a researcher — your interest is sparked by a certain event or phenomenon, and it suddenly becomes your focus."Ndior believes SCTT provides "a double benefit" for researchers, enabling them to connect with peers and interact with the public. "There is a wide community of people who are not in academia who are critical thinkers looking for opportunities to ask questions, to get information and contribute their ideas,” he says. "I really value that kind of feedback."Science|Business, which connects policymakers, academics and industry through its news reporting, analysis and events, is an SCTT partner.

Mar 29 • 8:00 PM EDT • Science • sciencebusiness.net

Navigating the social media minefield

Scientists and researchers seeking to announce promising findings, exchange ideas or contribute to policy discussions outside of academic circles may find social media an expedient tool.But increasingly, scientists and other professionals are discovering that online platforms can be a double-edged sword: while sharing their work and expertise is crucial for visibility and meeting funder expectations, it also exposes them to baseless criticism and even accusations of spreading false information."It is getting harder and harder for scientists, and researchers in general, to convey their findings without facing attacks on their legitimacy and accuracy of their research," says Valère Ndior, a professor of public law at the University of Western Brittany in Brest, France, who has spent more than a decade studying misinformation on social media. Researchers attempting to challenge deceptive online information may themselves be accused of political bias or not being objective in their research, he explains, adding that some scientists disengage because they feel overwhelmed and unable to sustain meaningful dialogue. "It is quite sad to see in some instances that researchers end up leaving social media altogether because they feel like the pressure is getting too intense or feel threatened," he says.Ndior, a past president of the Francophone Network of International Law, is also involved in European efforts to make science and research findings more accessible to the public. As an ambassador for the Science Comes to Town (SCTT) project, he has participated in recent discussions on public perceptions of science and online misinformation. The European Commission-funded initiative connects Brest and two other cities — Kiel in Germany and Split in Croatia — and aims to strengthen ties between communities, universities and research institutions to promote science awareness and cooperation across Europe.Coordinated campaigns around contentious topicsNdior draws a clear distinction between critical thinking and thoughtless criticism. Yet he sees online discussions being increasingly shaped by suspicious behaviour and coordinated information campaigns — including "raids" aimed at dominating discussions and "astroturfing," where small groups act as larger movements to sway debates. Tracking these patterns has become harder because some platforms have restricted data or charge for it, despite provisions of the European Union's Digital Securities Act aimed at ensuring researchers can have access to such data. According to Ndior, "platforms became more reluctant from the moment access to data became a legal requirement rather than a voluntary initiative."Unfounded claims and scepticism about science existed long before Internet chat groups. But the noticeable rise in online hostility has intensified around contentious topics, such as the coronavirus pandemic and climate change, alongside the weakening of gatekeepers to moderate content.For Ndior, dubious claims about pandemic countermeasures and vaccine safety highlighted the struggle between "balancing freedom of expression and the protection of public health and order." Efforts to remove social media content deemed false or risky for public health triggered accusations of censorship and the silencing of legitimate discussion, and in some cases, legal challenges.Concerns about attacks on the credibility of scientists and researchers have generated a flurry of academic papers in recent years and prompted professional communities to address ways to counter online attacks. Such unease extends to the generation that has grown up with digital media. Ndior points out that his students, some of whom research artificial intelligence regulation, hate speech, online surveillance and other controversial topics, hesitate to share their work or viewpoints online. "Many of them don't want to expose themselves too much because they don't feel ready to be faced with the backlash of other people criticising their research," he explains.Safer harbours for engagementLegal challenges against false or defamatory posts are not necessarily a solution — especially given the trans-jurisdictional nature of the Internet. Lawsuits also take time and money, and if they fail, can be counterproductive. Instead, Ndior advises scientists and researchers to be selective in how and where they communicate. Professional online platforms and moderated discussion spaces offer a better environment for engagement. He also highlights the value of more traditional formats, such as radio interviews and in-person discussions at schools, libraries and science fairs, which encourage dialogue with the public. "Personal contact makes a big difference," he says, while acknowledging that these approaches lack the global reach of social media.Ndior’s interest in digital law and online misinformation stems from his time as a doctoral student in international law in the early days of social media. He began analysing posts from governments and heads of state to determine if they could be considered official and thus used as evidence in litigation. His work attracted media attention and led to conference and speaking invitations. "This was not part of my plan," he says, "but this is what happens as a researcher — your interest is sparked by a certain event or phenomenon, and it suddenly becomes your focus."Ndior believes SCTT provides "a double benefit" for researchers, enabling them to connect with peers and interact with the public. "There is a wide community of people who are not in academia who are critical thinkers looking for opportunities to ask questions, to get information and contribute their ideas,” he says. "I really value that kind of feedback."Science|Business, which connects policymakers, academics and industry through its news reporting, analysis and events, is an SCTT partner.

Mar 29 • 8:00 PM EDT • Science • sciencebusiness.net

Scientists Stunned: Colossal Eggs Discovered 3,500 Meters Beneath an Active Volcano

Beneath an active seafloor volcano off Vancouver Island, researchers have documented a congregation of giant eggs at roughly 3,500 meters, a discovery that reframes how life can flourish under extreme conditions. The eggs belong to the Pacific white skate, an elusive deep‑sea species adapted to cold, crushing pressure and perpetual darkness. What seemed an unlikely nursery is actually a geothermally warmed refuge, where subtle heat helps embryos survive a marathon incubation. The finding links volcanic energy to a quiet engine of biodiversity, turning a hostile landscape into an incubator. A living volcano, a hidden nursery The seamount long assumed dormant now exhales mineral‑rich, shimmering plumes, proof of hydrothermal life at depth. Expedition cameras swept across black basalt and pale bacterial mats, revealing vents that pulse with warmth. That warmth, though modest by human standards, alters the physics of development for cold‑adapted embryos. In a realm where metabolism creeps, even a few degrees can mean faster growth and higher survival. The volcano is not only active; it is ecologically formative, drafting a blueprint for a thriving oasis. Giant eggs and a skate built for the abyss The Pacific white skate, Bathyraja spinosissima, is built for the abyss: broad wings, armored spines, and a life history that trades speed for endurance. Females lay outsized, rectangular “mermaid’s purses,” often 46–50 centimeters long, packed with rich yolk to fuel years of growth. In the frigid deep, embryos can require around four years to hatch, a timeline that magnifies every energetic advantage. The scale is striking—large eggs, large adults, and a textbook case of deep‑sea gigantism. The volcano’s gentle heat may literally shave months or years from the wait. Why heat matters at the bottom of the sea Hydrothermal circulation delivers low‑level warmth without the turbulence that would scatter fragile egg‑cases. Slightly elevated temperatures accelerate enzyme kinetics, nudging development along while keeping embryos within a safe range. Mineral‑laden fluids likely shape local microbiomes, which, in turn, can influence biofilms on egg surfaces. The environment acts like a slow, steady incubator, countering the deep sea’s tyrannies of cold and scarcity. For a species with long maturation and few offspring, every incremental boost compounds across generations. An ecosystem sculpted by fire and water Seafloor volcanoes create steep environmental gradients, stitching together hot vents, cool eddies, and mineral gardens into mosaic habitats. Microbes harvest chemical energy, seeding food webs that support crustaceans, fishes, and skates. Cameras documented egg‑cases nestled among rocky ledges, near communities nourished by vent‑driven chemistry. These islands of productivity behave like deep‑sea oases, sustaining life far beyond the vent orifice’s flickering light. The nursery’s success underscores how geological forces engineer biological opportunity. “Finding a cradle of life tucked beneath a breathing volcano reminds us that the planet’s harshest places can be profoundly generous.” What the discovery could change The nursery reframes conservation priorities in regions where volcanism quietly underwrites reproduction. Protecting hydrothermal corridors could safeguard entire lifecycles, not just charismatic adults spotted during occasional surveys. It also sharpens questions about how climate‑driven shifts in ocean circulation might influence vent activity, temperature fields, and embryo survival. With methodical mapping, time‑series cameras, and environmental DNA, scientists can track whether nurseries remain stable or drift with geologic rhythms. Key implications include: Enhanced understanding of deep‑sea reproduction at hydrothermal sites. New conservation targets centered on geothermal nurseries. Comparative studies with other volcanic regions, from the Galápagos to rift zones. Biotechnological insights from organisms adapted to long, cold development. Better models of how seafloor heat shapes regional biodiversity. Methods behind the revelation Remotely operated vehicles threaded through chimney fields, gathering video, temperatures, and mineral signatures. High‑definition imagery captured the distinctive, horned egg cases, their edges dusted with fine volcanic silt. Geochemical profiles mapped how heat and chemicals disperse, outlining the “thermal lanes” where eggs most cluster. Combined, these datasets reveal a nursery organized by geothermal topography, with egg‑cases concentrated in pockets of gentle, sustained warmth. A fragile boon in a changing ocean Deep‑sea environments feel remote, yet they intersect with global pressures: mining proposals, cable routes, and shifting oxygen levels. The nursery’s resilience hinges on stable heat flow, intact substrates, and minimal disturbance from noise or sediment. Safeguarding such places is not just about protecting novelty; it preserves a slow, ancient strategy that lets large, long‑lived animals endure in the coldest reaches of the Pacific. Where geology and biology meet, the planet’s deep time still writes living stories. This volcano‑warmed nursery adds a vital chapter to that story, revealing how subtle thermal gifts can tip the scales toward life in the abyss. With each dive, researchers trace the contours of an unseen world, where fire feeds water, and water—against all odds—feeds the future.

Mar 29 • 5:00 PM EDT • Science • iowaparkleader.com

Brewers To Reportedly Promote Top Catching Prospect

Jeferson Quero is joining the Milwaukee Brewers to make his MLB debut

Mar 28 • 11:49 AM EDT • Sports • sports.yahoo.com

JPMorgan's Jamie Dimon rips into remote work again, WFH gurus disagree

JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon said remote work hinders training, hurts collaboration, and feeds distraction. WFH gurus said a balance is probably best.

Mar 28 • 7:03 AM EDT • Business • businessinsider.com

50 Years of Environmental Data Can Predict Health and Strandings of Sea Lions Pups in California

For more than 50 years, NOAA Fisheries has conducted vital research on seal and sea lion populations at a remote research station on San Miguel Island, California. The long-term data set provides clues to help us understand what environmental conditions lead to malnourished California sea lion pups and increased stranding levels. This information is important for managing their populations and helping rehabilitation centers prepare for periods when sea lion pup strandings may be elevated.

Mar 27 • 8:00 AM EDT • Health • fisheries.noaa.gov

Roseman University launches life science incubator to promote discoveries

Roseman University is launching a new life science incubator to support the growth of the biotechnology sector in Southern Nevada.

Mar 26 • 2:21 PM EDT • Science • news3lv.com

Healthcare Priorities in Governors’ 2026 State of the State Addresses

Across the country, Governors from coast to coast made healthcare a centerpiece of their 2026 legislative addresses—identifying common challenges around rural access, workforce shortages, rising costs, and behavioral health, and charting a range of ambitious courses to address them. Rural Access Gaps Rural and remote communities have experienced losses in critical healthcare infrastructure, inherently decreasing […]

Mar 26 • 2:07 PM EDT • Health • nga.org

Paramount prepares an RTO mandate for fully remote employees

Remote workers at Paramount Skydance may soon need to decide whether to hire a moving company or update their résumés.

Mar 26 • 11:25 AM EDT • Business • businessinsider.com

Anthony DeMaio named global head of sales at Business Insider

Anthony DeMaio has been promoted to global head of sales and George Scordo is being promoted to Managing Director of the Finco team

Mar 26 • 10:16 AM EDT • Business • businessinsider.com

Strand Entertainment Promotes Aileen Lewis To Manager (EXCLUSIVE)

Strand Entertainment has elevated Aileen Lewis to Manager, Deadline can tell you first.

Mar 25 • 5:51 PM EDT • Entertainment • deadline.com

UT Health San Antonio launches clinical trial to study rapamycin and healthy aging - UT Health San Antonio

Contact: Eileen Teves, 210-450-7239, tevese@uthscsa.edu Content provided by Claire Kowalick SAN ANTONIO, March 25, 2026 – UT Health San Antonio, the academic health center of The University of Texas at San Antonio (UT San Antonio) is launching a multi-phase clinical study to better understand how the drug rapamycin may promote healthy aging. Funded by the National […]

Mar 25 • 1:05 PM EDT • Health • news.uthscsa.edu

O'Connor touts business opportunities at latest tech summit held in Pittsburgh

Mayor Corey O’Connor sees himself as Pittsburgh’s biggest promoter, which is why he’s been making dozens of calls to sell people on settling...

Mar 25 • 11:59 AM EDT • Business • post-gazette.com

JPMorgan’s Jamie Dimon says remote work breeds ‘rope-a-dope politics’ and stunts young workers’ growth

Dimon has a message for remote workers: the customer comes first.

Mar 25 • 11:08 AM EDT • Politics • fortune.com

Inter Miami CF Announces Heron Sports & Entertainment as Club Continues Unprecedented Growth

Heron S&E to serve as promoter of major entertainment events both locally at their new home at Miami Freedom Park, Inter Miami CF Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, the Florida Blue Training Center, and globally Continuing to push the boundaries in the global entertainment landscape, Inter Miami CF is excited to

Mar 25 • 7:57 AM EDT • Entertainment • intermiamicf.com

Inter Miami CF Announces Heron Sports & Entertainment as Club Continues Unprecedented Growth

Heron S&E to serve as promoter of major entertainment events both locally at their new home at Miami Freedom Park, Inter Miami CF Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, the Florida Blue Training Center, and globally Continuing to push the boundaries in the global entertainment landscape, Inter Miami CF is excited to

Mar 25 • 7:57 AM EDT • Sports • intermiamicf.com

Newcastle should resist any calls for change

The biggest game of the weekend was Newcastle v Sunderland - well, it was in the north east, anyway. For all the passion, and there was plenty on show, as well as the usual late drama, in the end it was Sunderland winning to go 11th leaving their neighbours down in 12th. ‌For Sunderland it is still a fine season as a promoted side, but for Newcastle this is disappointing mid-table mediocrity following defeat in the semi-final of the Carabao Cup against Manchester City and in the Champions League against Barcelona.

Mar 25 • 4:20 AM EDT • Sports • sports.yahoo.com

Some Meta employees told to work remotely for the day as layoffs loom

The note comes as the company gears up for layoffs. Business Insider reported that some managers were tasked with drawing up cost-cutting plans.

Mar 25 • 12:52 AM EDT • Business • businessinsider.com

Veterinary Science Certificate Program promotes early steps on career path

Rural communities face a growing shortage of veterinary professionals, creating challenges for pet owners and livestock producers alike.

Mar 23 • 4:59 PM EDT • Science • agrilifetoday.tamu.edu

Your Thymus and Your Healthspan

Our thymus gland plays a central role in the development or our immune system, specifically for supporting T cell development (how these cells got their name, maturation and differentiation in the thymus) and discriminating between self and foreign, non-self antigen proteins with production of dendritic cells. As we age, our thymus gland shrinks—the process known as involution—with progressive change from spongy to fatty tissue, with loss of functionality. But this process, with respect to timeline and extent, markedly varies from one person to the next. And to make things even more complicated, our thymus gland anatomy and precise location in the chest also is highly variable. So the famous Frank Netter diagrams from the 1960s (such as at left below) don’t capture the remarkable heterogeneity that a random set of 12 chest CT scans (below at right). What I consider as 2 landmark papers in Nature this week (here and here) used AI to quantify health of the thymus in 2 large cohorts, and then correlate the metric to a broad array of health outcomes. In this edition of Ground Truths, I’m going to cover three questions: (1) How was thymus health determined by AI?; (2) How is thymus health linked to key clinical outcomes? and (3) Are there ways we can promote a healthy (aka rejuvenate) thymus gland in our later years? Subscribe 1. How was thymus health determined by AI? This was accomplished by extensive work developing and validating an AI pipeline for 2 stages, the first for localization and segmentation of the thymus bed, and the second to quantify a digital marker, termed the thymic health score. There’s a lot to this algorithmic development, so I won’t go into all the details, but just provide a rudimentary outline of what was done. The 1st stage used supervised learning with 2 radiologists reviewing 2,461 chest CT scans. That work trained a 3D U-Net model to automatically identify the thymic bed’s 3D cropped region using center of mass coordinates, which reached 99.8% accuracy. The 2nd stage used a foundation model that was pre-trained with SwAV (which stands for Swapping Assignment between multiple Views), a self-supervised model, that generated a high-dimensional thymus representation of 4,096 features. That compares to the radiology reductionist and subjective scoring of 0 to 3 where 0 means the thymus is fully degenerated and fatty, and 3 is considered dense, intact glandular soft tissue. Notably, the self-supervised learning (SSL) performance was superior to supervised (AUC ~0.75 vs 0.55, respectively) reflecting the shallowness of the 0-3 classifier vs SSL’s holistic, self-taught AI. The thymic health score ranged from 0 to 100, with the highest number indexed to fully preserved thymic health. The algorithmic work extended to explainability with both Shapely value distribution, meaning the model was holistic not relying on any “magic” pixel, and occlusion sensitivity, demonstrating the model’s performance was not affected by ribs, sternum, lung tissue, but rather focused on the thymic bed directly. Below are a few saliency maps from the occlusion sensitivity that indicate the thymic bed focus, not affected by neighboring structures, using the jet color scale. Now the AI was ready for processing ~25,000 CT scans, each over 30 MB files, from the 2 large participant cohorts to provide a thymic health score, it did so in less than 14 hours, which is less than 2 seconds per scan! Share 2. How is thymus health linked to key clinical outcomes? The two cohorts were the National Lung Screening Trial, NLST (N=25,031) and the Framingham Heart Study, FHS (N=2,581) each with baseline demographics and long term follow up of >12 years for health outcomes. From the NSLT, you can see below that increased age and body-mass index were correlated to reduced thymic health. And, overall, men had reduced thymic health scores compared with women. There are a lot of graphs in the paper for outcomes, for both the NLST and FHS cohorts. To simplify the major outcomes, below is a composite Figure with striking reduction of all-cause mortality and for the different causes of death. The results were consistent between the 2 cohorts. For example, the cardiovascular mortality hazard ratio average was 0.57 in NLST and 0.38 in FHS (weighted to be 0.53 for the aggregate). The reduction of mortality also extended to digestive diseases and pulmonary disease (data not shown below). Lung cancer incidence was reduced by 36% for high vs low thymic health (Figure below, with a panel -incidence and b panel-mortality, adjusted for age, sex, BMI, smoking status). Notably, there was a smoker’s paradox: lower incidence and improved survival for lung cancer in smokers who had a high thymus health score. Smoking was associated with lower thymic scores whereas alcohol was not. Higher thymic health was linked to higher HDL cholesterol, lower triglycerides, lower fasting blood glucose, and lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Inflammation biomarkers, such as C-reactive protein and interleukin-6, were elevated in the people with lower thymic health scores. In their second paper, the same team looked at the relationship between thymic score and outcomes for 3,476 patients receiving cancer immunotherapy. The non-small cell lung cancer progression-free survival was reduced in patients with low thymic health score. A parallel relationship for survival was seen for other types of cancer including melanoma, breast, and kidney with a 44% lower risk among high thymic scores (Figure). A similar pattern was seen with different immune checkpoint inhibitors. The thymus health score outperformed programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1)and tumor mutation burden (TMB) assay of the tumor and was an independent prognostic marker of progression-free survival. In this dataset, a direct connect with thymus score and adaptive immune function was noted with a correlation before cancer treatment for both T-cell diversity and thymus T-cell production (a metric known as T cell receptor excision circles). Thymus Removal Study There is a highly relevant citation about thymus function before moving onto ways to rejuvenate it. In 2023, a very important study of thymus removal during cardiothoracic surgery was published, with 1146 patients undergoing thymus removal vs 1146 matched controls (mean age 55 years). The adverse outcomes for thymus removal were striking, with a 2.9 higher risk of all-cause mortality and doubling of cancer incidence, 1.5 fold increase in cancer mortality, and 1.5-fold increase in autoimmune diseases. The immune function showed marked compromise after thymus removal, as reflected by CD4+ and CD8+ T cells (Figure below) Share Ground Truths 3. Are there ways we can promote a healthy (aka rejuvenate) thymus gland in our later years? In recent months we’ve learned a lot about the process of thymus involution and the pathways by which this may be modulated. Thymus involution is primarily due to loss to thymus epithelial cells (TECs) and there are 2 subtypes with different functions: the cortical, responsible for positive selection of T cells, and the medullary, for negative selection. When adipose tissue infiltrates the thymus, thymic adipocytes are pro-inflammatory, knocking out T-cell output. Likewise, systemic inflammation, or “inflammaging,” from smoking, obesity, and chronic stress promote thymic adipocytes. Now, from preclinical studies, we know about key pathways that account for these processes. Historically, back in 2014, FOXN1 was recognized as a single master transcription factor essential for TEC function, with studies in mice with forced FOXN1 upregulation leading to thymus regeneration. That laid the foundation for potential regrowth of quiescent thymus cells. It took awhile to find pathways to accomplish this goal and to even refute its role as the master regulator. The Liver-Thymus Axis Feng Zhang and his team recently showed that injection of an mRNA vaccine to the liver encoding DLL1, IL-7 and FLT3-L in combination, factors known to support thymopoiesis (Figure), successfully enhanced immune function in aged mice. However, the effect was transient. The FGF21 Story Two reports in 2025 addressed the thymus gland’s production of FGF21, a growth factor (fibroblast growth factor 21) and its control of thymus involution. This growth factor is also produced by the liver, but it doesn’t have impact on the thymus in aged rodent models. In contrast, The liver’s hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) has been shown to reverse senescent TEC structural changes. Growth hormone stimulates production of insulin growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in the liver and the thymus. Two small studies in human participants (TRIIM, for Thymus Regeneration, Immunorestoration, and Insulin Mitigation) of 6 and 50 people, respectively, treated with combined human growth hormone, metformin and DHEA, suggested the potential of slowing epigenetic aging and improving thymus mass and function. But the combination of drugs, small sample, and lack of controls make conclusions murky. Increased thymus FGF21 led to increased CD8 T cells in old mice and extended healthspan and improved physical performance. Building on the previous FOXN1 data, ablation of β-klotho, the obligatory co-receptor for FOXN1, accelerated thymic aging. The benefit to FGF21 was confirmed in a companion paper using an FGF21 knock-in mouse model showing thymus enlargement and increased TECs throughout the lifespan. (schematic Figure below). The accompanying editorial for these 2 papers speculated: “The proposed link between age-associated thymus involution and organismal aging is intriguing, and suggests we might seek to achieve systemic rejuvenation by counteracting thymic involution.” Other Factors Lessons from the Axolotl (Mexican Salamander) In an elegant set of experiments of the axolotl (Figure), known for its complete thymus regeneration after total surgical removal, mediators were identified. Surprisingly FOXN1 was dispensable. But midkine, a growth factor, appeared to be the driver, the initiator of thymus cell growth, survival, and repair. Other components that contributed were Postn+ (periostin-expressing mesenchymal niches) and Ccl19, a chemokine protein from the bloodstream. RANK and RANKL RANK (receptor activator of nuclear factor κB its ligand (RANKL) have been considered key regulators of medullary TECs. In a study of both aged mice and human thymus cell cultures, their key role was confirmed, with multiple benefits of resorting TEC function, recruitment of progenitor cells, and T cell development. Subscribe Summing Up This body of work strongly supports the health of the thymus gland as a critical regulator of human healthspan, not just a correlate or link. The new landmark studies are reinforced by the regenerative biology experimental models that have shown, via an array of mediators, that healthspan of aged mice is at least in part dependent on thymus gland function and its critical role for maintaining adaptive immunity. It sure seems that we’d be better off having an immune reservoir of naive T cells instead of a profile in older adults of exhausted, low quality, memory T cells, with a senescent phenotype. It is striking that we ignored the importance of the thymus gland for many decades. A wake-up call was the results of the thymectomy matched control study reviewed here, with the opposite of high thymic health score improved health outcomes. The convergence of AI and healthspan here is notable. The exceptional and laborious work for developing and validating (no less explaining) the AI to quantify thymus health set the foundation for probing the connect the major health outcomes in two cohorts with extensive follow-up. We’ve never had a way to meaningfully quantify the thymus gland before, so this represents important leverage of supervised, self-supervised, and transformer models. The study wouldn’t have been possible without AI. And it begs the question as to whether there are ways we can maintain our thymus at a high health score. But it’s not so simple to rejuvenate our thymus. There are multiple risks including the induction of autoimmunity, increasing the risk of cancer, and inducing a pro-inflammatory state. For example, factors that increase TEC proliferation could compromise the medulllary negative selection process and leak out auto-reactive (self-attacking) T cells. Thymic cells could be induced to proliferate, but we know, for example, that growth hormone and IGF-1 are associated with an increase risk of cancer. If thymus rejuvenation doesn’t clear out the accumulated senescent cells in older adults, then inflammation within the gland could block the production of TECs. Keeping these risks in mind, we now have identified many ways to keep our thymus healthy as we age that undoubtedly will be tested in clinical trials going forward. Ultimately, the benefit-to-risk tradeoffs will be defined. In the meantime, we have desperately needed an immunome. As I’ve stressed in multiple prior Ground Truths, we have no test in the clinic to assess a patient’s immune status! It was very encouraging for me to get an email from Hugo Aerts, the senior author of the landmark papers in the days after they were published: “I also wanted to say that your Substack on “Why We Need an Immunome” was inspiring for this work. We found it a very compelling perspective and greatly enjoyed reading it.” Just having an assessment of a person’s immune status via a chest CT scan, with millions of these performed per year, might help in guiding the right immunotherapy for cancer (e.g. more intensive, combinations for those with low thymic health scores) and help define people who are increased risk for age-related diseases of cancer, cardiovascular, and neurodegenerative. The main theme of Super Agers is that we now have many layers of data (genetics, proteins, biomarkers, organ clocks that can be integrated via multimodal AI) for us to define a person’s specific risk decades before one of these age-related diseases leads to symptoms, enabling prevention. From the new studies this week, we can add thymus health score as yet another way to understand a person’s risk, a window into their adaptive immune system and healthspan. And perhaps someday we will be able to safely rejuvenate the thymus, or maintain its health through one’s life, and use the thymus health score to monitor. NB: I wrote this post (No A.I.) A Quick Poll Loading... ********************************************************************* Thanks to Ground Truths subscribers (now > 200,000) from every US state and 212 countries. Your subscription to these free essays and podcasts makes my work in putting them together worthwhile. Please join! If you found this interesting PLEASE share it! Share Ground Truths Paid subscriptions are voluntary and all proceeds from them go to support Scripps Research. They do allow for posting comments and questions, which I do my best to respond to. Please don’t hesitate to post comments and give me feedback. Let me know topics that you would like to see covered. Leave a comment Many thanks to those who have contributed—they have greatly helped fund our summer internship programs for the past two years. It enabled us to accept and support 47 summer interns in 2025! We aim to accept even more of the several thousand who will apply for summer 2026.

Mar 22 • 2:18 PM EDT • Health • erictopol.substack.com

Black Family Wellness Expo returns to Wichita, promotes health awareness for second year

Organizers say more than 40 different vendors participated in the expo.

Mar 21 • 10:46 PM EDT • Health • kwch.com

RJ promotes Traci Wilson to vice president of digital strategy

Wilson succeeds Jim Prather, who retires on April 3. She will assume her new role on April 6.

Mar 21 • 11:00 AM EDT • Business • reviewjournal.com

Mid-Ohio Valley Entertainment Commission hosts training session on film production

The Mid-Ohio Valley Entertainment Commission brought together film enthusiasts for a film crew training event at Marietta College on Sunday. The event sought to promote creativity and inspire filmmakers in the region. The event was originally scheduled for the entirety of the weekend but due to weather, the session was condensed to Sunday only. MOV […]

Mar 19 • 8:00 PM EDT • Entertainment • mariettatimes.com

Mid-Ohio Valley Entertainment Commission hosts training session on film production

MARIETTA – The Mid-Ohio Valley Entertainment Commission brought together film enthusiasts for a film crew training event at Marietta College on Sunday. The event sought to promote creativity and inspire filmmakers in the region. The event was originally scheduled for the entirety of the weekend but due to weather, the session was condensed to Sunday […]

Mar 19 • 8:00 PM EDT • Entertainment • newsandsentinel.com

RFK Jr. makes food sound like a miracle drug. Researchers say he often overstates the science

In the Trump administration’s campaign to promote healthy eating, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has not stopped at his slogan urging people to “eat real food” to prevent disease. In recent speeches and…

Mar 19 • 9:02 AM EDT • Science • wtop.com

RFK Jr. Makes Food Sound Like a Miracle Drug. Researchers Say He Often Overstates the Science

In the Trump administration’s campaign to promote healthy eating, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has not stopped at his slogan urging people to “eat real food” to prevent disease. In recent speeches and podcast appearances, the nation’s health secretary also has claimed that diet can “cure” schizophrenia and ...

Mar 19 • 9:02 AM EDT • Science • usnews.com

RFK Jr. Makes Food Sound Like a Miracle Drug. Researchers Say He Often Overstates the Science

In the Trump administration’s campaign to promote healthy eating, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has not stopped at his slogan urging people to “eat real food” to prevent disease. In recent speeches and podcast appearances, the nation’s health secretary also has claimed that diet can “cure” schizophrenia and ...

Mar 19 • 9:02 AM EDT • Health • usnews.com

Nextdoor Promotes Tony Castellanos to Executive Vice President, People as AI-Driven People Strategy Becomes Core to Business Growth

SAN FRANCISCO, March 19, 2026--Nextdoor Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: NXDR), the essential neighborhood network, today announced the promotion of Tony Castellanos to Executive Vice President, People. Castellanos will lead Nextdoor's People organization — including talent acquisition, compensation, HR business partnering, and benefits — as the company deepens its investment in AI-enabled People operations and continues to scale its workforce strategy.

Mar 19 • 6:30 AM EDT • Business • finance.yahoo.com

Leading Chinese remote-sensing scientist Zhang Jinshui dies at 47

Beijing Normal professor led major R&D programmes and was instrumental in enhancing the country’s food security with satellite technologies.

Mar 19 • 2:00 AM EDT • Science • scmp.com

Primary care consultation modality and acute mental health service use in adults

Nature Mental Health - Using retrospective health-record analyses, Hidalgo-Padilla et al. evaluated whether differences in remote versus in-person primary care consultations were associated with...

Mar 16 • 8:00 PM EDT • Health • nature.com

AMD unveils OpenClaw to run AI agents locally on Ryzen and Radeon hardware

The effort is part of AMD's broader Agent Computer initiative, which argues that the future of AI isn't limited to remote infrastructure. Instead, it envisions a world...

Mar 15 • 10:40 AM EDT • Technology • techspot.com

Corey Andeen Promoted to Business Development Manager at PCL Construction

PCL Construction is pleased to announce the promotion of Corey Andeen to Business Development Manager for its Fargo-area operations.

Mar 14 • 9:00 AM EDT • Business • grandforksherald.com

Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones travels to Taiwan to promote San Antonio business partnerships

Mar 14 • 8:09 AM EDT • Business • kens5.com

NVIDIA, Intel join Microsoft for Advanced Shader Delivery, confirmed for Lunar/Panther Lake and GeForce RTX 50

Intel and NVIDIA promote Advanced Shader Delivery Advanced Shader Delivery is currently supported through the Xbox PC app, while Intel and NVIDIA say they

Mar 13 • 7:33 AM EDT • Technology • videocardz.com

Trump visits northern Kentucky, pushes economic record and midterm message

Trump visits a logistics facility to promote his economic record, highlight tax law and weigh in on the midterms and Rep. Thomas Massie’s reelection.

Mar 11 • 7:10 PM EDT • Politics • spectrumnews1.com

2026 William T. Pecora Award Nominations Now Being Accepted

The William T. Pecora Award is presented annually to individuals or teams using satellite or aerial remote sensing that make outstanding contributions toward understanding the Earth (land, oceans, and air), educating the next generation of scientists, informing decision-makers, or supporting natural or human-induced disaster response. Both national and international nominations are welcome.

Mar 11 • 4:18 PM EDT • Science • science.nasa.gov

Pontifical Academy for Life launches “Scientists for peace” appeal

The Pontifical Academy for Life launches an international appeal to all scientists, researchers, and academics to enact concrete actions to promote ...

Mar 11 • 8:52 AM EDT • Science • vaticannews.va

Husted set to testify remotely in ex-FirstEnergy executives' corruption trial

Husted is likely to be asked to corroborate details of the many meetings, emails and texts referenced over the five weeks of the trial.

Mar 11 • 7:15 AM EDT • Politics • spectrumnews1.com

Why is Trump gamifying the war in Iran?

The White House is posting ‘video-game vibe’ content to promote US success in the Middle East conflict

Mar 10 • 11:01 AM EDT • Politics • theweek.com

Apple creates adorable little Finder guy to promote its adorable little Mac

Apple is pitching the MacBook Neo at people who’ve never owned a Mac before, and it’s reaching out to them...

Mar 10 • 7:29 AM EDT • Technology • 9to5mac.com

Halfpricesoft.com Launches 2026 ezPaycheck Network Version to Empower Growing and Remote-Ready Businesses

Halfpricesoft.com announces the release of the latest 2026 ezPaycheck payroll software , now available in a powerful network version designed to support growing companies and remote teams. This enhanced edition allows businesses to securely share payroll data between multiple offices while enabling simultaneous printing of payroll checks and tax forms, streamlining operations for organizations with expanding workforces and distributed staff.

Mar 10 • 3:00 AM EDT • Business • finance.yahoo.com

Health tech company says it will dive into Medicare’s new chronic care experiment

How a remote patient monitoring company is reworking its tech to enroll in a Medicare program seeking to align payment with health care outcomes.

Mar 9 • 4:30 AM EDT • Health • statnews.com

This Tiny Gadget Brings Smart Controls To Every Ceiling Fan In Your Home

The Bond Bridge makes hardwired ceiling fans smart by copying RF remote signals and adding app control through a Wi-Fi connected hub.

Mar 8 • 8:17 AM EDT • Technology • bgr.com

Longtime radio station GM promoted to VP; consultants hire new creative manager

Take a look at some of the recent promotions and new hires announced at south Louisiana businesses.

Mar 8 • 5:00 AM EDT • Business • nola.com

Orange Persian Cat Makes It Very Clear He Is the Only Entertainment Needed

Remote control revoked.

Mar 7 • 7:20 PM EST • Entertainment • yahoo.com

Hochul not taking 'fall' for Mamdani's property tax hike

Mayor Mamdani and Gov. Hochul stood side by side to promote their free child care pilot program for 2-year-olds in the city.

Mar 5 • 9:27 PM EST • Politics • ny1.com

WPXI-TV promotes anchor Jenna Harner, hires Shelby Cassesse on its sports desk

Sports programming at WPXI-TV is delivering a changeup, with two familiar faces. Both are experienced sports journalists. Jenna Harner, who has anchored...

Mar 5 • 5:54 PM EST • Sports • post-gazette.com

UFC champion Aspinall signs for Hearn's new talent agency

UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall signs for boxing promoter Eddie Hearn's new agency.

Mar 5 • 3:03 PM EST • Sports • sports.yahoo.com

UFC champ Aspinall inks business deal with boxing promoter Hearn

UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall has signed a "commercial and advisory" deal with Eddie Hearn's newly established Matchroom Talent Agency.

Mar 5 • 2:06 PM EST • Business • espn.com

New Columbus initiative aims to promote women’s sports

Mar 4 • 5:31 PM EST • Sports • 10tv.com

Legends Business Launchpad Presented by InTouch Credit Union

Small Businesses are vital to the economy, and an important part of the communities we live and work in across North Texas. InTouch Credit Union and the Texas Legends are committed to healthier small businesses here in our own community. That’s why we are celebrating small businesses- with a big opportunity to promote small business to Texas Legends fans at no cost through the Legends Business Launchpad Presented by InTouch Credit Union Enter for a chance to have your business in the spotlight and promoted to the Texas Legends community. Prize Details Winners will receive the following:

Mar 4 • 4:51 PM EST • Business • texas.gleague.nba.com

Source: Cameron Clemmons to replace Brian Fleury as 49ers tight ends coach

The San Francisco 49ers promoted Cameron Clemmons to their tight ends coach position, a source told NBC Sports Bay Area.

Mar 4 • 3:55 PM EST • Sports • nbcsportsbayarea.com

Nutritionists Recommend These 9 Gut-Healthy Drinks for Better Digestion

Drinks like kombucha, kefir, and bone broth can promote gut health by introducing beneficial bacteria, aiding digestion, or reducing inflammation.

Mar 4 • 7:00 AM EST • Health • health.com

SVG in Indy: Pacers Sports & Entertainment Remotely Produces Broadcasts of G League’s Noblesville Boom

The production method, which spans a distance of 36.2 miles, was designed and implemented by the Pacers’ in-house engineers When the Noblesville Boom became an official franchise in spring 2025,...

Mar 4 • 7:00 AM EST • Entertainment • sportsvideo.org

How the IRC supports women’s health amidst crisis in remote regions of the DRC

In times of conflict, women and girls face the greatest risks—violence, exploitation and limited access to essential care. This International Women’s Day, discover how the International Rescue Committee (IRC) is supporting survivors of gender-based violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Mar 3 • 7:00 AM EST • Health • rescue.org

TCL is upgrading its easy-on-the-eyes glare-free NXTPAPER display tech with AMOLED

TCL is preparing for a major leap forward on future phone and tablet displays.

Mar 2 • 3:57 AM EST • Technology • engadget.com

Global webinar on core public health capacities to conduct ship inspections and issue ship sanitation certificates

Ships cross borders every day, connecting countries and serving as a backbone of the global economy. However, outbreaks onboard can disrupt maritime traffic, leading to significant economic and operational negative consequences. Without strong public health capacities to detect, prevent, and respond to public health risks on board ships, maritime travel can also become a pathway for the spread of infectious diseases. To support countries in strengthening these capacities, the World Health Organization (WHO) convened a two-day webinar on 11–12 February, bringing together more than 700 ship inspectors, port health officers, and public health authorities, primarily from the African, Eastern Mediterranean, and European Regions. The webinar came at a pivotal time. With the amended International Health Regulations entering into force on 19 September 2025, the need to focus on public health preparedness has never been greater. Strengthening public health capacities at borders, including onboard conveyances, is a cornerstone of global health security and central to the amended IHR.“The high level of attendance and active participation throughout the two days of the webinar highlighted the growing demand for technical guidance and capacity-building support in ship inspection and issuance of ship sanitation certificates”, said Dr Ninglan Wang, Head of the Borders, Mass Gatherings and Health Protection Measures (BMM) Unit at the Health Emergency Preparedness Department at WHO headquarters. “The dynamic interactions among experts and countries underscored the value of continued cross-border collaboration in the maritime sector and knowledge exchange in this area”. Conducting regular public health inspections on board ships for the issuance of ship sanitation certificates (SSCs) in accordance with the IHR requirements is crucial for ensuring that ships meet specific health standards, thereby minimizing the risk of the international spread of diseases via maritime traffic. These certificates, mandated by the IHR, require ports to have trained personnel who can identify and control public health risks on board vessels and apply recommended control measures. This standardized global procedure not only ensures compliance with the IHR but also promotes consistency in health practices across ports worldwide. SSCs are the globally-recognized tool used to prevent and control known public health risks on ships, providing a common way to register and communicate public health events and measures taken on board between all stakeholders involved in this process, including public health authorities in ports and ship operators. Only SSCs issued by ports authorized by national authorities to issue such certificates are considered valid. As per the IHR, all States Parties are required to send to WHO their list of authorized ports (available here) and to keep it updated. However, many Member States continue to face practical challenges, such as limited resources, high staff turnover, and competing priorities. These realities underscore the value of platforms such as this webinar, which foster collective learning, peer-to-peer exchange, and practical solutions to help countries build and sustain the capacities required under the IHR.Over the two days, participants engaged in presentations and discussions covering a wide range of technical and operational topics, such as the overarching international legal framework governing ship sanitation; considerations for pre-inspection planning; risk assessment factors by type of vessel; the completion and issuance of SSCs and evidence report forms; or practical insights on the inspection of various technical areas, such as food safety, medical facilities, water systems, or vector control, among others. In addition, public health authorities from the Netherlands, Morocco, and Tanzania shared case studies to showcase their practical application of these IHR requirements in their respective countries. Given its success, WHO plans to replicate similar sessions in the future to reach additional time zones and regions and cover other pressing border health-related topics, ensuring that Member States can continue benefiting from these opportunities to share knowledge and expertise.

Mar 1 • 7:00 PM EST • Health • who.int

Scientists just turned light into a remote control for crystals

NYU researchers have found a way to use light to control how microscopic particles assemble into crystals, effectively turning illumination into a tool for shaping matter. By adding light-sensitive molecules to a liquid filled with tiny particles, they can adjust how strongly the particles attract or repel one another simply by changing the light’s intensity or pattern. This allows them to trigger crystals to form, dissolve, or even be reshaped in real time.

Mar 1 • 7:00 PM EST • Science • sciencedaily.com

Newsmakers: Easterseals NH & VT promotes Leary

Easterseals NH & VT promotes Leary

Mar 1 • 7:00 PM EST • Business • unionleader.com

Kickstarter’s C.E.O. on Running a Fully Remote Company With a Four-Day Workweek

Everette Taylor took over Kickstarter at a low moment for the crowdfunding pioneer, which made its name with small projects but now attracts major multinationals and celebrities.

Mar 1 • 5:01 AM EST • Business • nytimes.com

PHOTO RELEASE: Gottheimer Honors Black History Month, Joins Bergen County’s Black History Month Health Fair

Above: Gottheimer at Bergen County’s Black History Month Health Fair. HACKENSACK, NJ — Today, February 28, 2026, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) honored Black History Month and joined with the local community for the Bergen County Black History Month Health Fair. The event brought together local organizations, health professionals, and families to promote wellness, raise […]

Feb 28 • 7:00 AM EST • Health • gottheimer.house.gov

Kazakhstan’s train hospital brings healthcare to remote regions

Feb 28 • 6:30 AM EST • Health • aljazeera.com

Five ways NOAA scientists helped improve human and marine life in 2025

Our 2025 NOAA Science Report focuses on advancements that contribute to NOAA’s robust research and development enterprise, help reduce the impacts of hazardous weather, and promote sustainable use and stewardship of ocean and coastal resources.

Feb 25 • 9:58 AM EST • Science • research.noaa.gov

Someone Remotely Accessed the Cameras in 7,000 DJI Robot Vacuums

Maybe all these cameras inside homes aren't such a good idea, after all.

Feb 24 • 7:16 PM EST • Technology • petapixel.com

Exclusive: Talking to new Xbox CEO Asha Sharma and CCO Matt Booty — "This team has brought it back before, and I'm here to help us do it again."

As former Xbox CEO Phil Spencer prepares to exit, we caught up with incoming CEO Asha Sharma and newly promoted CCO Matt Booty to learn about what the future holds for Microsoft's gaming operation.

Feb 24 • 6:02 PM EST • Technology • windowscentral.com

Olaplex links with ‘SNL’ star to blend science, style and humor in new ads

Chloe Fineman serves as Chief Hair Officer for “Science Never Looked So Good,” a campaign that promotes the hair care brand’s bond repair treatment.

Feb 24 • 4:00 AM EST • Science • marketingdive.com

Kristen Mellen

First Bank Chicago, one of the five largest privately held banks in Chicago, is pleased to announce Kristen Mellen has been promoted to Systems and Applications Support Officer. In this role, Kristen leads process improvement initiatives that enhance client experiences with our products and services. She provides ongoing support throughout the Bank for system configuration and application implementations. Kristen joined the Bank in 2017.

Feb 23 • 11:54 AM EST • Business • chicagobusiness.com

PRET for impact: Advancing pandemic preparedness in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea

IN THE SPOTLIGHT PRET for impact: Advancing pandemic preparedness in the Democratic People’s Republic of KoreaThe Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPR Korea) is making significant progress in strengthening pandemic preparedness, with dedicated support from the WHO South‑East Asia Regional Office (SEARO) and the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Partnership Contribution (PC).Aligned with the WHO Global Influenza Strategy and the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Framework Partnership Contribution High‑Level Implementation Plan III (2024–2030), the country is strengthening its capacity to prepare for and respond to influenza and other respiratory threats. In early 2025, a core team from the Ministry of Public Health of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) participated in a two‑day virtual workshop, which included a mini‑simulation exercise. The workshop was organized by WHO SEARO in collaboration with the Preparedness and Resilience for Emerging Threats (PRET) Secretariat at WHO headquarters and the WHO Country Office for the DPRK. Read more A REGIONAL CONSULTATION GUIDES WHO SEARO IN DEVELOPING A ROADMAP FOR IMPLEMENTING THE PREPPAREDNESS AND RESILIENCE FOR EMERGING THREATS (PRET) INITIATIVE BASED RESPIRATORY PATHOGEN PANDEMIC PREPAREDNESSInfluenza and other respiratory pathogens with pandemic potential continue to pose major public health risks globally. To strengthen regional preparedness and response, Member States of the WHO South‑East Asia Region (SEAR) convened in Colombo, Sri Lanka, to review and provide input on the draft Roadmap and Action Framework for Broad Respiratory Pathogen Pandemic Planning (2026–2031). Supported through the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Partnership Contribution (PC) funds, the proposed roadmap aims to advance robust, integrated preparedness and response capacities for influenza and other respiratory threats across SEAR. This work is aligned with the Preparedness and Resilience for Emerging Threats (PRET) initiative and the SEAR Strategic Roadmap on Health Security and Health System Resilience for Emergencies Read moreSRI LANKA’S USE OF ANTIVIRALS TO REDUCE THE SEASONAL INFLUENZA BURDEN Sri Lanka is strengthening its influenza response by placing greater emphasis on rapid testing, timely treatment, and integration with maternal health services. With support from WHO, the country is building a stronger evidence base on the burden of influenza and the value of vaccination, advancing a holistic approach to protect vulnerable populations and enhance pandemic preparedness. To reduce hospitalizations and deaths from seasonal influenza, Sri Lanka is taking proactive steps to expand access to rapid diagnostic testing and ensure prompt initiation of treatment. National clinical guidelines recommend the use of oseltamivir for individuals at high risk of complications, helping prevent severe illness and shorten the duration of infection. This strategy not only saves lives but also supports local pharmaceutical production, contributing to a reliable supply of antivirals for both seasonal outbreaks and future pandemics.Read moreBHUTAN BOOSTS PANDEMIC INFLUENZA READINESS WITH PANDEMIC INFLUENZA PREPAREDNESS FRAMEWORK PARTNERSHIP CONTRIBUTION SUPPORTED TRAINING AND SIMULATIONSOriginally developed in 2012, the National Influenza Pandemic Preparedness and Response Plan (NIPPRP) has long served as Bhutan’s central framework for managing influenza threats. In 2024, the plan underwent a comprehensive update to reflect evolving global and regional guidance, lessons learned from the COVID‑19 pandemic, and new capacities developed under the PIP Framework. The revised NIPPRP is now more clearly aligned with Bhutan’s broader emergency and disaster risk management structures, ensuring a coordinated, whole‑of‑government approach to pandemic response. As part of efforts to strengthen national pandemic preparedness, Bhutan conducted three national‑level training sessions followed by simulation exercises on influenza pandemic preparedness and response at five sentinel hospitals between April and May 2025, with support from the PIP Partnership Contribution (PC). These activities brought together more than 140 health professionals and key partners from across the country, with a focus on operationalizing the updated NIPPRP and enhancing readiness at key frontline facilities. Read moreSTRENGTHENING INFLUENZA SURVEILLANCE: WHO BRINGS TOGETHER INFLUENZA EXPERTS FROM SOUTH-EAST ASIA AND WESTERN PACIFIC REGIONSThe World Health Organization (WHO) convened the 18th Bi‑regional Meeting of National Influenza Centres (NICs) and Influenza Surveillance for the WHO South‑East Asia and Western Pacific Regions from 9–11 September 2025. Hosted by the WHO South‑East Asia Regional Office (SEARO), the meeting brought together representatives from Member States, Territories, and Areas across both regions, alongside experts from the WHO Collaborating Centres for Reference and Research on Influenza in Australia and Japan, the WHO Collaborating Centre for Studies on the Ecology of Influenza in Animals in the United States, quadripartite partners (WOAH and FAO), and other technical counterparts. The consultation provided a platform to review progress, share experiences, and outline priorities for strengthening influenza and respiratory pathogen surveillance across the two WHO regions.Read moreNETWORKS AND TECHNICAL PARTNERSHIPSSTRENGTHENING PANDEMIC READINES: SOUTH-EAST ASIA ADVANCES UNITY STUDIES UNDER THE PANDEMIC INFLUENZA PREPAREDNESS INITIATIVEThe WHO Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS) Investigations & Studies initiative, also known as Unity Studies, provides a standardized, globally coordinated framework to support these efforts. Originally developed for influenza and adapted during COVID-19, Unity Studies enable countries to conduct rapid, nationally led investigations and studies to assess transmissibility, severity, susceptibility, and intervention effectiveness. To better prepare for future influenza pandemics, WHO has recently launched a network of sites which will be ready to conduct these investigations and studies rapidly in the event of a pandemic, or epidemic of an emerging or re-emerging respiratory pathogen. The WHO South-East Asia Region now hosts six sites of WHO GISRS Unity Studies across the five countries including Sri Lanka, strengthening regional capacity for early pandemic investigations. From 13–16 July 2025 in Colombo, the Global Public Health Summit offered an opportunity to advance this agenda. Read moreSTRENGTHENING PANDEMIC PREPAREDNESS THROUGH UNITY STUDIES: REAL-WORLD APPLICATIONS FROM INDIA IN WHO’S SOUTH-EAST ASIA REGION As countries continue to strengthen their pandemic preparedness through investments in resilient health systems during the interpandemic period, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS) Investigations & Studies Global Initiative, Global Initiative, commonly known as Unity Studies, remains a vital framework for respiratory pathogen pandemic preparedness. These standardized epidemiological protocols enable countries to rapidly generate high‑quality data on transmissibility, infection severity, population immunity, and the effectiveness of public health interventions. To highlight how Unity Studies protocols are being adapted and applied in national settings, WHO Headquarters, together with WHO Regional Offices, including the WHO South‑East Asia Regional Office (SEARO), hosted a global webinar. The session showcased case studies from India and the United Kingdom (UK), demonstrating innovative approaches to respiratory virus surveillance and pandemic readiness. Read moreSTRENGTHENING REGIONAL INFLUENZA SURVEILLANCE AND PREPAREDNESS: WHO SEARO HOSTS HIGH-LEVEL WEBINAR AMID RISING H5 THREATS In response to the increasing detection of avian influenza A(H5) cases in humans globally and within the WHO South‑East Asia Region, the WHO Regional Office for South‑East Asia (SEARO) convened a regional webinar on 25 July 2025 to review preparedness mechanisms, strengthen surveillance pathways, and promote timely reporting of unusual respiratory events. The virtual session brought together more than 50 participants from Ministries of Health, National Influenza Centres (NICs), National IHR Focal Points (NFPs), WHO Headquarters, WHO Country Offices across the Region, and WHO Collaborating Centres (CCs) for influenza. The webinar provided an opportunity to share situational updates, discuss surveillance gaps, and reinforce coordination mechanisms critical for early detection and rapid response to avian influenza threats. Read moreOther Key PIP Updates (July-December 2025)MEMBER STATES:Bangladesh drafted and conducted a series of Core Group Meetings in 2025 to review and update the National Pandemic Preparedness and Response Plan for Respiratory Pathogens. In addition, the country carried out Rapid Response Team (RRT) trainings on seasonal and avian influenza and other re‑emerging infectious diseases. Bangladesh also updated its epidemiological data‑training programme for physicians at sentinel surveillance sites, using a revised epidemiological data‑collection tool.Bhutan revised and updated its National Influenza Pandemic Preparedness and Response Plan (NIPPRP) in 2025 and developed a national Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for influenza outbreak management. DPR Korea conducted a nationwide simulation exercise in July 2025 to support the update of its National Influenza Pandemic Preparedness Plan (2019). This followed a PRET‑based virtual orientation and mini‑simulation exercise held in May 2025 by SEARO and the WHO PRET Secretariat. The comprehensive exercise, conducted across central and provincial levels, assessed strengths and gaps in pandemic influenza preparedness and response. The feedback gathered has been incorporated into the revised draft plan to address identified weaknesses and strengthen overall readiness.India conducted a targeted nationwide online re‑orientation training on review and updates to the influenza portal for all State Surveillance Officers (SSOs) and relevant officials using the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP). The training emphasized correct marking and reporting of influenza samples as “unsubtypable” or “not subtyped” where applicable, to ensure accurate national surveillance.Maldives conducted simulation exercises in three atolls based on its existing National Pandemic Preparedness and Response Plan (NPPRP). The country plans to conduct similar exercises in three additional atolls after updating the NPPRP in 2026. In addition, Maldives conducted training on FluID and FluMart as part of a broader data‑management training package for Ministry of Health and Health Protection Agency officials, aimed at improving routine reporting to WHO platforms and the DHIS2 system.In Myanmar, technical support was provided to the National Influenza Centre (NIC) through dedicated human‑resource support (January–December 2025) to sustain data management and laboratory detection capacity for influenza and other emerging and re‑emerging respiratory viruses. This support also included strengthening genomic sequencing capacity.Nepal conducted a consultative workshop on the National Pandemic Preparedness and Response Plan (NPPRP) in July 2025. The workshop engaged key stakeholders from multiple sectors to review lessons from past pandemic responses, assess current mechanisms, and gather critical inputs for strengthening national preparedness. Key recommendations included revising the 2019 NPPRP and developing an updated Influenza Pandemic Preparedness Plan aligned with emerging risks, national priorities, and relevant international frameworks. Nepal also held a two day workshop dedicated to advancing the National Action Plan for Genomic Surveillance, aimed at reinforcing the country’s capacities for early detection and monitoring of emerging respiratory pathogens.Sri Lanka received the final report from WHO on the feasibility assessment for conducting an Influenza Burden of Disease (BoD) study in the country. The assessment, conducted from 28 April to 9 May 2025, included a desk review of existing data sources, document review, visits to sentinel surveillance sites, and key informant interviews. The study identified critical data sources required for a future BoD assessment, as well as their availability and quality. Officials from the Epidemiology Unit, the National Influenza Centre (NIC), and SARI/ILI sentinel hospitals across the country participated in the assessment.Timor Leste conducted on‑the‑job training and monitoring activities at two sentinel surveillance sites to strengthen surveillance and laboratory capacity for the detection of SARI, ILI, ARI, and other respiratory infections. REGIONAL OFFICE:SEARO conducted a Member States Consultation on the first draft of the Regional Roadmap and Strategic Action Framework for implementing WHO’s PRET‑based broad respiratory pathogen pandemic planning for 2026–2031. The consultation took place on 29–30 October 2025 during the final two days of the Regional PIP PC Annual Review and PRET Meeting in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Participants included representatives from Member States, WHO Country Offices, WHO SEARO, WHO Headquarters, partner agencies, and invited multidisciplinary technical experts. They reviewed the draft and provided detailed feedback, which has since been incorporated into a revised version. The consultation helped shape a shared regional vision for robust, PRET‑aligned pandemic preparedness, building on country‑level progress, addressing existing gaps and challenges, and aligning with global and regional health security frameworks. The publication is planned for release during the SEAR regional committee in 2026.SEARO documented the evolution of the National Influenza Pandemic Preparedness Planning process in the Region, tracing its development from its origins as a planning tool for responding to avian influenza outbreaks in 2006, through the experiences of the 2009 and 2019 pandemics, to the current status. The document outlines the way forward for respiratory pathogen pandemic planning across all 10 SEAR countries, aligning future national plans with WHO’s PRET Framework for broad respiratory pathogen pandemic preparedness.The Infectious Hazard Management (IHM) Unit has drafted the WHO South‑East Asia Regional Guidance on Influenza Prevention and Control, aligned with the Global Influenza Strategy and other regional initiatives. The draft is currently under review. Although this technical product was developed in response to a request from the Ministry of Public Health of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (MoPH‑DPRK), SEARO is finalizing it for use not only in DPRK but also across all Member States in the Region.The Immunization and Vaccine Development (IVD) Unit, in collaboration with WHE/SEARO, completed a regional landscape analysis on key barriers, challenges, and opportunities for the introduction of seasonal influenza vaccination in WHO South‑East Asia Regional (SEAR) countries.Additionally, the Immunization and Vaccine Development (IVD) Unit has completed a regional landscape analysis of influenza vaccine procurement systems across the WHO South‑East Asia Region (SEAR).KEY MEETINGS AND PUBLICATIONSMEETINGS:Six-month progress review of the implementation of the PIP-PC workplans in SEAR, focusing on Outputs 1 and 2 for the period January to June 2025, and held virtually across three sessions on 4, 8, and 10 July 2025. Read moreAnnual Regional Meeting (Hybrid) on Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Partnership Contribution (PC) and WHO’s Preparedness and Resilience for Emerging Threats (PRET) Implementation in SEAR in Colombo, Sri Lanka, 27 to 30 October 2025. Read more18th Bi-regional Meeting (Virtual) of National Influenza Centres (NICs) and influenza surveillance in WHO South-East Asia and Western Pacific Regions from 9 to 11 September 2025. Read morePUBLICATIONSImplications of influenza A virus surveillance in Southeast Asian Region countries: a scoping review of approaches for the surveillance of swine influenza viruses at human-swine interfaces. Read moreAnnual South-East Asia regional meeting on operational planning for implementation of global influenza strategy and preparedness for respiratory viruses in 2025 Report on annual review meeting of implementation of pandemic influenza preparedness (PIP) partnership Contribution (PC) Fund in South-East Asia Region and the simulation exercise on PRET Status of influenza in who south-East Asia Region

Feb 22 • 7:00 PM EST • Health • who.int

A giant blade-crested spinosaurus, the “hell heron,” discovered in the Sahara

Deep in the heart of the Sahara, scientists have uncovered Spinosaurus mirabilis — a spectacular new predator crowned with a massive, scimitar-shaped crest that may once have blazed with color under the desert sun. Discovered in remote inland river deposits in Niger, the fossil rewrites what we thought we knew about spinosaur dinosaurs, suggesting they weren’t fully aquatic hunters but powerful waders stalking fish in forested waterways hundreds of miles from the sea.

Feb 22 • 7:00 PM EST • Science • sciencedaily.com

Uniting to respond to mental health impacts of digital violence

Technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV), from doxxing and cyberstalking to cyberbullying and online harassment, is reshaping how women and girls navigate digital spaces. Globally, an estimated 23% of women have experienced digital violence. In Indonesia, reported cases of TFGBV reached 1,791 in 2024, a 40.8% increase from the previous year. Yet very few survivors seek help, leaving lasting effects on their mental health and wellbeing. As part of the multi-UN agencies UNiTE campaign for the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Ministry of Health (MoH) co-hosted a talk show on 6 December 2025 to spotlight this urgent issue. The event brought together voices from Meta, the Indonesian Clinical Psychologist Association and Dr Vivi Syarif, a WHO Fides content creator, creating a cross-sectoral dialogue on the magnitude and mental health impact of digital violence. The talk show introduced psychological first aid as a vital initial intervention that communities can provide to survivors. This intervention aligns with the Psychological First Aid: Guide for Field Workers, a framework that has been standardized for over a decade. The "look, listen, link" approach focuses on ensuring safety and urgent needs, reassuring survivors and connecting them to appropriate services. In addition to this public health approach, Meta also outlined mechanisms to respond to digital violence and reaffirmed its commitment to building safer digital spaces by continuously updating community guidelines based on user feedback. Such collaborative discussions help connect community engagement initiatives with daily digital life. They empower audiences not only to understand how the health sector and industry are responding, but also to educate others, promote first-line support and encourage referrals to appropriate help. By fostering awareness and engagement, these dialogues strengthen collective resilience against digital violence. Written by Jessie O. Yunus, National Professional Officer (Gender, Equity, Rights and Disability Inclusion), WHO Indonesia

Feb 22 • 7:00 PM EST • Health • who.int

Pols & Politics: Massachusetts AG Andrea Campbell ditches X due to ‘hate, disinformation’

AG Andrea Campbell is leaving X, a social media platform that she claims “promotes hate, disinformation, and the exploitation of our kids.” Also, a popular political newsletter serving Massachusett…

Feb 22 • 4:31 AM EST • Politics • bostonherald.com

6 Things You Should Never Add to Your Tea

Tea is a healthy beverage that promotes heart health and longevity, but adding the wrong things to your brew can diminish its health benefits.

Feb 21 • 7:00 AM EST • Health • health.com

Simple, day-to-day tasks may delay Alzheimer’s and dementia, scientists say

The survey, one of the largest of its kind, promotes the idea that the texture of daily life can leave a measurable imprint on the aging brain.

Feb 21 • 5:00 AM EST • Health • washingtonpost.com

Trump's administration is loaded with people who backed his false 2020 election claims

President Donald Trump has long spread conspiracy theories designed to explain away his 2020 election loss. Now that he's president again, Trump has stocked his administration with those who have promoted his falsehoods and in some cases helped him try to overturn his loss.

Feb 20 • 6:50 PM EST • Politics • pbs.org

Inside Binghamton native's vision for new downtown entertainment venue

A new entertainment venue is planned for downtown Binghamton. Here's how the owner hopes to promote all types of art forms.

Feb 20 • 5:01 AM EST • Entertainment • pressconnects.com

Japan Business Activity Strongest Since 2023 on Takaichi’s Push

Japan’s manufacturing activity stayed expansionary for a third month on the back of solid output, signaling firmer corporate sentiment as Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi prepares to promote her investment plans.

Feb 19 • 10:35 PM EST • Business • bloomberg.com

Replacing animals in science: what the UK’s new strategy means

Find out how the UK is leading the way in replacing animals in science with strategies that promote non-animal research methods.

Feb 19 • 7:00 PM EST • Science • drugtargetreview.com

Met officer sacked for running pizza business on sick leave

Matt Skelt had promoted his pizza business on social media, sometimes on days when he had called in sick.

Feb 19 • 5:03 PM EST • Business • bbc.com

Democrats recruit popular content creators in new strategy to win back Latino voters

Democrats are playing catch-up in having online influencers and content creators promote their candidates and priorities

Feb 18 • 8:34 PM EST • Politics • washingtonpost.com