A recent study by Chinese researchers reveals that prolonged consumption of whole milk and milk fat does not notably affect body weight or blood lipid levels in mice. The research, conducted by experts from a food and nutrition institute under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Tsinghua University, and the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), has been published in the journal iMeta. Milk, a dietary essential for over 6 billion people worldwide, is among the most frequently consumed foods. Tea bags release billions of harmful microplastics: Study Earlier studies suggested that diets rich in saturated fats might raise cardiovascular disease risks. However, newer evidence implies that dairy fats may not be as harmful, leaving questions about the long-term effects of milk fat on lipid metabolism unresolved. To address this uncertainty, researchers carried out a seven-week experiment involving mice. The animals were split into two groups—one on a standard diet and the other on a high-fat diet. Each group received daily doses of either 15 milliliters of whole milk or 0.5 milliliters of milk fat. These amounts equate to a human consuming over 2 kilograms of milk or 100 grams of milk fat per day for five years. Findings indicated that neither whole milk nor milk fat significantly influenced body weight or blood lipid levels, regardless of the dietary patterns. Additionally, the study highlighted that whole milk and milk fat enhanced gut microbiota diversity and increased the presence of key bacteria and metabolites associated with lipid regulation. Rare Whale Likely Died from Head Injuries: NZ Scientists "This research alleviates concerns about the effects of whole milk and milk fat," said Wang Jiaqi, a researcher at CAAS. "It provides valuable insights for the food industry and global nutrition policies while promoting optimal use of food resources." Wang further emphasized that these findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the long-term effects of whole milk and milk fat on blood lipid health.

Colorado has become the second state to legalize psychedelic therapy, sparking debates in conservative strongholds like Colorado Springs. Veterans advocating for the treatment, which aims to alleviate post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), are at odds with conservative leaders who seek to impose restrictions. In 2022, Colorado voters approved a measure legalizing psilocybin, the psychoactive component in psychedelic mushrooms, for therapeutic use. Following two years of regulatory preparations, applications for licenses to administer the therapy opened this week, though actual treatments may take months to commence. Colorado joins Oregon in permitting psilocybin therapy, although the substance remains illegal under federal law and in most other states. Several cities in Oregon have banned psilocybin, and some conservative areas in Colorado have attempted to impose strict limits on its use. State law prohibits outright bans, but municipalities can enforce zoning rules that restrict treatment facilities. The Colorado Springs City Council recently debated extending restrictions on "healing centers," including increasing the required distance from schools and other sensitive locations to one mile (1.6 kilometers). Veterans, however, pushed back, arguing such measures would limit access to the treatment and create long waiting lists. A butterfly collector in Africa with more than 4.2m seeks to share them for future Lane Belone, a former special forces soldier, shared his personal experience with psychedelic therapy, emphasizing its potential to assist veterans. He urged councilmembers to support broader access to psilocybin, highlighting the unique role veterans play in advocating for the treatment. Conservatives have shown mixed reactions. While some, like Councilmember David Leinweber, expressed skepticism about drug legalization, they acknowledged the therapeutic benefits of psilocybin. Leinweber contrasted psilocybin therapy with marijuana, which he described as harmful, and voiced support for controlled access to psychedelic treatments. Unlike marijuana, legalized in Colorado in 2014, psilocybin remains tightly regulated. Recreational use is prohibited, and therapy sessions require oversight by licensed facilitators. Patients must complete assessments, attend preparatory meetings, and undergo follow-ups. Psilocybin products will be tested, and providers will face stringent regulations. Despite acknowledging the therapy’s potential benefits, City Council President Randy Helms, a veteran, emphasized the need for thorough testing and strict guidelines. The council ultimately approved the proposed zoning restrictions. Research on psychedelics like psilocybin and MDMA (commonly known as molly) has shown promise in treating mental health issues such as PTSD, depression, and alcoholism. However, experts like Columbia University psychiatry professor Jeffrey Lieberman caution against moving too quickly, citing risks such as misleading claims and high costs. In Oregon, where treatments began in June 2023, therapy sessions can cost up to $2,000. Out of more than 16,000 doses administered, only five cases required emergency medical intervention. Critics note that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has yet to approve psilocybin or MDMA for treating mental health conditions, though clinical trials are ongoing. Tea bags release billions of harmful microplastics: Study Supporters argue that slow FDA approvals leave many suffering without effective treatment options. Taylor West, executive director of the Healing Advocacy Fund, called psychedelic therapy a valuable tool to combat the nation’s mental health crisis. Belone reflected on his military experiences and how they continued to affect him long after deployment. He described how psilocybin therapy helped him confront lingering fears and anxiety, allowing him to better manage triggers and find moments of peace. While debates persist, advocates remain hopeful that psychedelic therapy can provide a breakthrough for individuals struggling with mental health issues where traditional treatments have failed.

Jimmy Carter’s Legacy: A Nearly Four-Decade Battle Against Guinea Worm Disease Former U.S. President and Nobel laureate Jimmy Carter dedicated nearly 40 years to eradicating Guinea worm disease, a parasitic affliction that once plagued millions in some of the world's poorest regions. Carter, who passed away Sunday at the age of 100, made the fight against the disease a priority for The Carter Center, the nonprofit he co-founded with his wife, Rosalynn, after leaving the White House. His efforts have brought the disease to the brink of eradication, with only 14 human cases reported across four African nations in 2023, down from 3.5 million cases in 20 countries in 1986 when the campaign began. Chief Astronaut of NASA to visit Bangladesh first time The World Health Organization aims to declare Guinea worm eradicated by 2030, but The Carter Center hopes to achieve this milestone even sooner. A Painful Disease Guinea worm disease, while rarely fatal, causes excruciating pain and disability. The parasite infects individuals who drink contaminated water. The larvae grow into worms up to three feet long, eventually emerging through painful blisters on the skin. Treatment, unchanged since ancient times, involves slowly removing the worms, a process that can take weeks. 58 Nasaka members forced to take shelter in Bangladesh as Arakan Army overrun them in Rakhine The Carter Center’s strategy focused on breaking the parasite's life cycle by promoting simple preventive measures, such as filtering drinking water and isolating infected individuals from water sources. Mobilizing Resources Carter leveraged his influence to rally donors, public health experts, and political leaders. The campaign became a model for combating neglected tropical diseases, helping 22 countries eliminate at least one disease within their borders. In 2023, Mali eradicated trachoma, a blinding eye infection, under The Carter Center’s guidance. Personal Commitment Carter’s firsthand experiences with the disease motivated his mission. During a visit to Ghana in 1988, he witnessed a young woman suffering as a worm emerged from her breast. This moment underscored the need for urgent action. The former president’s visits to affected regions and relentless fundraising brought global attention to the issue. The center invested $500 million in the eradication campaign, distributing water filters, larvicides, and other resources to affected communities. Challenges and Progress The campaign faced setbacks, including civil wars and natural disasters that disrupted operations. In 1995, Carter negotiated a ceasefire in South Sudan to ensure aid delivery, a move that not only reduced Guinea worm cases but also fostered trust among warring communities. NASA's Parker Solar Probe aims to fly closer to the sun like never before Despite challenges, the campaign achieved remarkable milestones. Pakistan eliminated the disease in 1993, followed by India. By 2003, cases worldwide had dropped by 99%. Countries like Ghana and Nigeria, once epicenters of the disease, eradicated it by 2010. The Final Push Although cases are now rare, challenges remain. Civil unrest, flooding, and infections in animals, particularly dogs in Chad, complicate eradication efforts. Carter’s vision of eliminating Guinea worm disease remains a driving force for The Carter Center, which continues to rely on thousands of volunteers across affected regions. “The Carter Center is committed to this, no matter what,” said campaign director Adam Weiss. Carter once expressed his desire to see the last Guinea worm die before him. While that goal wasn’t realized, his legacy endures in the near-eradication of a disease that once seemed insurmountable.

What began as a childhood hobby more than six decades ago has led to what might be Africa's largest butterfly collection in a suburb of Kenya's capital. Steve Collins, 74, was born and raised in western Kenya. By the age of 5, he was fascinated by butterflies and started building a collection that has grown to more than 4.2 million, representing hundreds of species. “My parents encouraged us to look for butterflies after visiting the Congo and were gifted a trapping net by some friends," Collins said. “By the time I was 15 years old, I was already visiting other countries like Nigeria to study more about butterflies.” During his 20-year career as an agronomist, Collins dedicated his free time to research. He established the African Butterfly Research Institute in 1997. Now, running out of space and time, he hopes to hand it over to the next generation. On his 1.5 acres (0.6 hectare) of land, hundreds of indigenous trees and flowering bushes form a well-knit forest. Hundreds of butterflies dance from one flower to another, at times landing on Collins' hand. His collection is private, although it was initially open to the public when he ran it as an education center between 1998 and 2003. Collins has 1.2 million butterflies from across Africa delicately pinned in frames and stored in rows of shelves, with another 3 million in envelopes. “They need to be kept in dark spaces," he said. “The form of storage also ensures the dried butterflies are not eaten by other insects, parasites and predators. We also ensure we apply insecticides once a year to keep them safe.” Julian Bayliss, an ecologist specializing in Africa and a visiting professor at Oxford Brookes University, said he has collected butterflies for Collins over two decades. LA Zoo hatches first-ever perentie lizards, one of largest lizard species in the world “There is a large part of that collection that is completely irreplaceable because a large part of Africa’s habitat is being destroyed,” Bayliss said. Africa is vulnerable to climate change, with periods of prolonged drought and serious flooding destroying forests and other butterfly habitats. Bayliss suggested digitizing the collection to make it accessible worldwide. Whoever takes it over "needs to be an institution that is well-founded, well-funded and secure,” he said. Scott Miller, an entomologist at the Smithsonian Institution, met Collins almost 30 years ago. He said such collections provide critical information that could show environmental changes over 60 years. “These physical specimens, you can actually keep going back to them to get new layers of information as you learn more or you get a different technology or you get different questions," he said. Collins is concerned that soon he will no longer be able to sustain his research. He said his most prized butterfly costs $8,000 — which he keeps from sight, concerned about possible theft — and hopes to sell the collection to an individual or research institution. The costs of running his institute are high. An annual budget posted in 2009 on the Lepidopterists' Society of Africa website was $200,000. Collins estimates that the specimens and other assets are worth $8 million. “This has been my hobby for decades, and I can’t put a price on what I have done so far. I’m currently seeking to ensure the species are in safe hands when I’m out of this world,” he said.

A study by the Autonomous University of Barcelona reveals that commercial tea bags made from polymer-based materials release harmful microplastics. Tea bags are popular for offering a convenient and comfortable tea-drinking experience, allowing users to easily dip and enjoy their brew. However, the material used for the outer layer of tea bags can actually have a negative impact on health. Commercial tea bags, which are made of polymer-based material, release millions of nanoplastics and microplastics when infused and release millions of microplastics when in use. According to a study by the Autonomous University of Barcelona, food packaging is a major source of micro- and nanoplastic (MNPL) contamination and inhalation and ingestion are the main routes of human exposure. The capacity of these nanoplastic and microplastic particles to be absorbed by human intestinal cells, and are thus able to reach the bloodstream and spread throughout the body. A twice-yearly shot could help end AIDS Researcher have successfully obtained and characterised micro and nanoplastics derived from several types of commercially available tea bags. The UAB researchers observed that when these tea bags are used to prepare an infusion, huge amounts of nano-sized particles and nanofilamentous structures are released, which is an important source of exposure to MNPLs. The tea bags used for the research were made from the polymers nylon-6, polypropylene and cellulose. The study shows that, when brewing tea, polypropylene releases approximately 1.2 billion particles per milliliter, with an average size of 136.7 nanometres; cellulose releases about 135 million particles per milliliter, with an average size of 244 nanometres; while nylon-6 releases 8.18 million particles per milliliter, with an average size of 138.4 nanometres. "We have managed to innovatively characterize these pollutants with a set of cutting-edge techniques, which is a very important tool to advance research on their possible impacts on human health," says microbiologist Alba Garcia-Rodriguez, from UAB. Source: With inputs from NDTV

Survivors of the atomic bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki view the recent Nobel Peace Prize as a renewed motivation to advocate for nuclear disarmament, especially with the 80th anniversary of the 1945 attacks approaching. Terumi Tanaka, a 92-year-old survivor of the Nagasaki bombing on Aug. 9, 1945, expressed his determination to intensify his efforts toward disarmament. Speaking at a press conference in Tokyo after receiving the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo on behalf of Nihon Hidankyo, Japan's atomic bomb survivors' organization, Tanaka highlighted the significance of the upcoming milestone. Tanaka, who co-chairs Nihon Hidankyo and formerly taught materials engineering, emphasized the importance of focusing on the next decade to bolster the movement. He aspires to spearhead a widespread campaign of survivor testimonials and urged Japan to lead the push for nuclear disarmament. NASA's Parker Solar Probe aims to fly closer to the sun like never before As the only nation to have suffered atomic bombings, Tanaka believes Japan has a unique responsibility to take a stand against nuclear weapons. He plans to challenge Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who supports nuclear deterrence, during a scheduled meeting in January. Despite survivors' calls, Japan remains under the U.S. nuclear umbrella and has yet to sign the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. Michiko Kodama, another survivor who endured the Hiroshima bombing three days prior to Nagasaki, expressed gratitude for the Nobel recognition. Kodama, who was 7 years old at the time, acknowledged the struggles survivors faced, including discrimination and health concerns caused by radiation. She stressed the need to educate others about the catastrophic effects of nuclear weapons before survivors can no longer share their experiences firsthand. Japanese space startup aborts 2nd satellite launch attempt minutes after liftoff Founded nearly 70 years ago, Nihon Hidankyo has consistently campaigned to stigmatize nuclear weapons. The atomic bombings by the United States killed approximately 140,000 people in Hiroshima and another 70,000 in Nagasaki. Japan's surrender on Aug. 15 marked the end of World War II, which began with Japan's 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor during its bid to dominate Asia.

Rescued as an infant from the mud following the catastrophic Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004 and reunited with his parents after a dramatic legal battle, the boy once known as “Baby 81” is now 20 years old and aspires to pursue higher education. Jayarasa Abilash’s journey has become a symbol of hope amid the devastation caused by one of modern history’s deadliest natural disasters. Sri Lanka alone lost over 35,000 lives, with many still unaccounted for. At just 2 months old, Abilash was swept away by the tsunami in eastern Sri Lanka and later discovered by rescuers some distance from his home. Registered as patient number 81 at the hospital, he earned the moniker “Baby 81.” Rare Whale Likely Died from Head Injuries: NZ Scientists Murugupillai Jayarasa, Abilash's father, spent three days searching for his displaced family, possessing nothing but a pair of shorts. He first located his mother, then his wife, but their baby remained missing. A nurse initially took the infant but returned him upon learning his parents were alive. However, the ordeal didn’t end there. Nine other families claimed the baby, prompting the hospital to demand proof before handing him over. The case escalated to the police and eventually to court, which ordered a DNA test—a relatively new process in Sri Lanka at the time. Despite public calls for DNA testing, none of the other claimants followed through. A DNA test ultimately confirmed Abilash belonged to the Jayarasa family, reuniting them and attracting international media attention. The family even traveled to the U.S. for an interview. Ancient genes pinpoint when humans and Neanderthals mixed and mingled Now preparing for his final high school exams, Abilash dreams of studying information technology at university. Though classmates once teased him with nicknames like “Baby 81” or “tsunami baby,” causing embarrassment, he has since embraced his story. Reflecting on his past struggles, Abilash recalled hiding from journalists revisiting his story each anniversary. His father reassured him, emphasizing his uniqueness. As he matured, Abilash learned more about his experience and gradually shed his insecurities. Today, he humorously refers to “Baby 81” as his personal code word, joking that it’s the easiest way to find him online. Jayarasa still vividly remembers those desperate days, even as other memories fade. However, the attention their story garnered also brought challenges. The family faced exclusion from relief programs under the assumption they had received funds during their U.S. trip. Gossip and jealousy further isolated them, leading to relocation. In Nigeria's lithium boom, many mines are illegal and children do much of the work Jayarasa hopes his son will remain thankful for their survival and use his experiences to assist others. Saving small sums from his hairdressing job, he built a memorial in their yard to honor tsunami victims when Abilash turned 12. The monument, featuring four cupped hands, serves as a daily reminder of loss and survival. “Since many lives were lost and Abilash was spared, I felt compelled to create a memorial to honor those who passed,” Jayarasa explained.

Launched in 2018, NASA’s Parker Solar Probe has been making groundbreaking strides in solar research. In its mission to study the sun up close, the spacecraft has already achieved a monumental feat by flying through the sun’s corona—the outermost layer of its atmosphere, visible during solar eclipses. The next major milestone is set for this Tuesday, when Parker will make its closest approach yet, coming within a record 3.8 million miles (6 million kilometers) of the sun’s surface. According to NASA scientist Joe Westlake, this is equivalent to being at the 4-yard line if the sun and Earth were positioned at opposite ends of a football field. NASA Space Apps Challenge: 11th edition ends with award giving ceremony Due to communication limitations during the flyby, mission controllers won’t know the spacecraft’s status until several days afterward. Designed for extreme conditions, Parker will travel at an unprecedented speed of 430,000 mph (690,000 kph), making it the fastest spacecraft ever constructed. Its advanced heat shield can endure temperatures as high as 2,500°F (1,371°C). Parker will maintain its proximity to the sun until at least September, providing scientists with valuable insights into the solar corona, which is mysteriously hundreds of times hotter than the sun’s surface. Researchers also hope to uncover the mechanisms behind the solar wind—a continuous stream of charged particles that can occasionally disrupt Earth’s communications and power systems. NASA’s Chief Astronaut Joseph M. Acaba concludes historic visit to Bangladesh Currently, the sun is in the peak phase of its 11-year cycle, a period marked by heightened solar activity and vivid auroras appearing in unexpected regions. Describing the sun’s dual nature, Westlake remarked, “It is our closest, friendliest neighbor, but at times, it shows a fiery temperament.”

Two new baby lizards have hatched at the Los Angeles Zoo, the first of their species to be bred there, zoo officials said Thursday. Perentie lizards, or Varanus giganteus, are native to Australia and one of the world's largest lizards, dwarfed only by the Komodo dragon and a few others. “It is incredibly rewarding for our team to experience success breeding this species,” zoo curator Byron Wusstig said in a statement. “This species is not endangered, but it is rarely seen in zoo settings outside of Australia." The LA Zoo is one of only three institutions accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums that have successfully reproduced them, Wusstig said, and it is the first time the zoo has bred the perentie lizard species in its history. Zoo officials said the baby lizards are doing well, eating, and being closely observed by staff. They will be raised off-exhibit in a controlled environment in their early stages of life. Visitors can see the father in the zoo's Australia section by the Komodo dragon habitat. Rare Whale Likely Died from Head Injuries: NZ Scientists Adult perentie lizards can reach more than 8 feet (2.4 meters) in length and can weigh more than 40 pounds (18 kilograms), the zoo said. They have brown skin with cream or yellow markings. The carnivorous species eats turtle eggs, insects, birds, other reptiles, and small mammals and marsupials, and they swallow their prey whole.

Japanese space startup Space One had to abort its second rocket launch attempt on Wednesday, just minutes after liftoff. This setback comes nine months after its inaugural attempt ended in failure. The Kairos No. 2 rocket, which launched from Wakayama Prefecture in central Japan, was carrying five small satellites, including one from Taiwan's space agency and several from Japanese startups. Despite successfully lifting off, the flight was halted after the company determined the mission could not be completed. The cause of the failure remains unclear, with more details expected to be shared during a news conference later in the day. How old are Saturn's rings? Study suggests they could be 4.5 billion years old Space One, established in 2018, aims to become Japan's first private company to successfully place a satellite into orbit. It seeks to revitalize Japan’s space industry with affordable, small-rocket space transportation services. The company has ambitious plans for up to 20 launches annually, significantly exceeding the six launches currently planned by Japan's government-led programs. Wednesday's attempt followed two weather-related delays over the weekend and came after the company's March debut ended with an intentional explosion just five seconds after takeoff due to a propulsion miscalculation in the rocket's first stage. That flight carried a government satellite intended for monitoring North Korean missile activities. Rare Whale Likely Died from Head Injuries: NZ Scientists Japan’s space programs are currently spearheaded by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and industry giants such as Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and IHI. Their flagship rockets, the H3 and Epsilon, are tailored for the growing satellite transport market. However, the government hopes Space One can help the nation compete with global players like the United States in space technology and services. The Tokyo-based startup has received investments from leading Japanese companies, including Canon Electronics, Shimizu, IHI, and major banks, aiming to commercialize low-cost space delivery services.