Thylacine's genome provides clues about why it went extinct
The recent sequencing of the thylacine's genome has provided significant insights into the potential reasons for its extinction, suggesting that a decline in genetic diversity predated the arrival of humans and dingoes in Australia. This analysis delves into the findings from comparing the thylacine's genetic makeup with that of other marsupials, as reported by New Scientist. The core of the…
CPR in space could be made easier by chest compression machines
Introduction: Performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the unique environment of space presents significant challenges, primarily due to the absence of gravity. Traditional CPR techniques, which rely on a rescuer's body weight and stable footing, are rendered ineffective. The current method described for space stations involves a rescuer performing a handstand on the patient's chest and using the walls for leverage,…
NASA Stennis Provides Ideal Setting for Range Operations
Introduction NASA's Stennis Space Center, widely recognized for its pivotal role in rocket propulsion testing, including support for the Artemis program and future Mars exploration, is also actively developing its capabilities for range operations. This expansion signifies a strategic move to leverage its existing infrastructure and expertise for a broader spectrum of aerospace activities beyond traditional propulsion testing. The center's…
Reaching Out
Introduction: This analysis delves into the recent release of a composite image that combines new radio data with existing X-ray data to provide a refreshed perspective on a pulsar and its surrounding nebula. The image, released on August 20, 2025, leverages data from the Australia Telescope Compact Array and NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory, building upon an initial Chandra release from…
Inside NASA’s New Orion Mission Evaluation Room for Artemis II
NASA's Artemis II mission, which will send the Orion spacecraft carrying crew around the Moon, will be closely monitored by a dedicated team of expert engineers. This critical oversight will take place from a newly established space within the Mission Control Center at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. This new facility is designed to support the meticulous monitoring of…
US reports its first New World parasitic screwworm infection in decades
Introduction: The United States has reported its first case of New World parasitic screwworm infection in a human in decades. This development marks a significant event, as the parasitic insect, known for its ability to infest living animal tissue, has not been documented in a human in the U.S. for a considerable period. The case was identified in Maryland, bringing…
An exotic quartz arrow may have killed a man 12,000 years ago in Vietnam
Introduction: A significant archaeological discovery in Vietnam suggests that a man who died approximately 12,000 years ago was killed by an exotic quartz arrow. The evidence for this comes from the examination of the man's skeletal remains, which revealed a broken "bonus" rib, a condition not typically found in human anatomy. This finding, detailed in a Live Science article, points…
US reports its first New World parasitic screwworm infection in decades
Introduction: The United States has reported its first human infection with the New World parasitic screwworm in decades, a significant development marking the re-emergence of this potentially devastating parasite in the country. The case, identified in Maryland, brings renewed attention to the threat posed by this organism, which was once largely eradicated from the U.S. through extensive control programs. In-Depth…
Diagnostic dilemma: Rare condition made a woman see people as dragons
Introduction: A woman experienced persistent, lifelong hallucinations where human faces transformed into dragon-like features, presenting a significant diagnostic challenge. This case highlights the complexities of diagnosing rare neurological and psychiatric conditions that manifest in unusual perceptual distortions. The core of the diagnostic dilemma lies in identifying the underlying cause of these specific, recurring visual hallucinations and differentiating them from more…
An exotic quartz arrow may have killed a man 12,000 years ago in Vietnam
Introduction: An archaeological discovery in Vietnam suggests a violent end for a man who lived approximately 12,000 years ago. The individual, whose remains were unearthed, possessed an anatomical anomaly – an extra rib – which bore evidence of a fracture. This fracture is believed to be the result of an impact from an arrow, specifically one crafted from an exotic…