A research team from the School of Biomedical Sciences at the LKS Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong (HKUMed), has achieved a significant advance in biotechnology that could revolutionize treatment strategies for neurodegenerative diseases. The team has developed a novel tool called RNA Segment Editing (RSE), which functions like a "cut-and-patch" tool for RNA. This innovative approach allows scientists to precisely remove or replace faulty segments of genetic messages within living cells without permanently changing a person's DNA.

As another heavy sargassum season unfolds, many beachgoers are asking the same question: Is it safe to be near it? A recent University of Miami study offers an evidence-based answer, particularly for children. Overall risks are low, but not zero. The research, published in Exposure and Health, found that noncancer risks from arsenic exposure during beach play are minimal. But it also identified small increased cancer risks in certain scenarios, particularly from skin contact and accidental ingestion, underscoring the need to better understand how children interact with sargassum on the beach.

Cell function is determined by how DNA is expressed into proteins. That process includes two main steps—transcription, when messenger RNA (mRNA) makes copies of active genes; and translation, when mRNA guides protein assembly.

The Lenovo Legion Go S is currently available for $549, down from its original $729 launch price, making this Windows gaming handheld more competitive against the likes of the Steam Deck and ROG Ally. The Legion Go S combines an 8" 120Hz display with Ryzen Z hardware.

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Apparently if you asked the bot just so, it would give you control of someone else's account.

Brainrot videos are specifically designed to confuse us. They can also be a financial bonanza for their creators.

Elon Musk: You've been challenged.

Scientists from six Asian countries have launched an ambitious 10-year effort to build synthetic cells from non-living molecules, marking the region's first coordinated push to create an artificial single-celled biological system. The roadmap, published on May 26 in Nature Biotechnology and led by the Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, was developed through the SynCell Asia Initiative, which comprises more than 100 scientists from China, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia.

Chemical reactions are the backbone to nearly all biological processes, including those used to make new medicines. However, these reactions can often take considerable time and require harsh conditions or materials—potentially inhibiting the timely development of life-changing drugs.

It’s a regrettable reality that there is never enough time to cover all the interesting scientific stories we come across. So every month, we highlight a handful of the best stories that nearly slipped through the cracks. May's list includes the discovery of a possible prehistoric mining site in the Pyrenees; a new species of tiny blue octopus; why cats seem to prefer silver vine to catnip; and why political polarization might behave like a phase transition, among other noteworthy stories.

Prehistoric mining in the Pyrenees

Credit: IPHES-CERCA

High in the eastern Pyrenees is a prehistoric cave, excavated between 2021 and 2023. Based on analysis of artifacts uncovered at the site, a team of Spanish archaeologists believes this may have served as an ancient copper smelting spot, with far more frequent occupation by humans than previously thought. The researchers described these preliminary findings in a paper published in the journal Frontiers in Environmental Archaeology.

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© Maria D. Guillén / IPHES-CERCA

It’s a regrettable reality that there is never enough time to cover all the interesting scientific stories we come across. So every month, we highlight a handful of the best stories that nearly slipped through the cracks. May's list includes the discovery of a possible prehistoric mining site in the Pyrenees; a new species of tiny blue octopus; why cats seem to prefer silver vine to catnip; and why political polarization might behave like a phase transition, among other noteworthy stories.

Prehistoric mining in the Pyrenees

Credit: IPHES-CERCA

High in the eastern Pyrenees is a prehistoric cave, excavated between 2021 and 2023. Based on analysis of artifacts uncovered at the site, a team of Spanish archaeologists believes this may have served as an ancient copper smelting spot, with far more frequent occupation by humans than previously thought. The researchers described these preliminary findings in a paper published in the journal Frontiers in Environmental Archaeology.

Read full article

Comments

© Maria D. Guillén / IPHES-CERCA

It’s a regrettable reality that there is never enough time to cover all the interesting scientific stories we come across. So every month, we highlight a handful of the best stories that nearly slipped through the cracks. May's list includes the discovery of a possible prehistoric mining site in the Pyrenees; a new species of tiny blue octopus; why cats seem to prefer silver vine to catnip; and why political polarization might behave like a phase transition, among other noteworthy stories.

Prehistoric mining in the Pyrenees

Credit: IPHES-CERCA

High in the eastern Pyrenees is a prehistoric cave, excavated between 2021 and 2023. Based on analysis of artifacts uncovered at the site, a team of Spanish archaeologists believes this may have served as an ancient copper smelting spot, with far more frequent occupation by humans than previously thought. The researchers described these preliminary findings in a paper published in the journal Frontiers in Environmental Archaeology.

Read full article

Comments

© Maria D. Guillén / IPHES-CERCA

Participe da exclusiva sessão de The Mandalorian no Apple Park, evento especial da WWDC 2026 para convidados selecionados.

O post Apple promove sessão exclusiva de ‘The Mandalorian and Grogu’ no Apple Park durante WWDC 2026 apareceu primeiro em Blog do Edivaldo - Informações e Notícias sobre Linux.

What’s launching this week Early this morning, Monday, June 1, the state owned China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) successfully completed the maiden flight of the reusable Long March 12B — a two-stage, 236-foot (72-meter) rocket powered by nine liquid oxygen and kerosene engines with a 44,000-pound (20,000 kilogram) payload capacity. The mission launchedContinue reading "SpaceX, China set for busy launch week"

The post SpaceX, China set for busy launch week appeared first on Astronomy Magazine.

A comprehensive new study conducted by the UC Davis Centers for Violence Prevention provides pivotal insights into the current state of political violence attitudes among U.S. adults. Despite widespread national polarization and a contentious election cycle between mid-2024 and mid-2025, findings reveal a striking stability in public endorsement of political violence, challenging fears of imminent widespread escalation. This survey, encompassing a nationally representative sample of over 8,000 adults, interrogated nuanced belief systems surrounding democracy, civil unrest, and the legitimacy of force in political contexts.

Importantly, while modest increases were observed in the fraction of respondents who deemed political violence justified under certain conditions, the data demonstrated no concomitant rise in personal willingness to engage in such acts. Particularly, there was no uptick in readiness to inflict physical harm or employ firearms in pursuit of political objectives. These revelations underscore a persistent societal equilibrium, even amid intense political tensions and rhetoric that at times border on incitement.

Dr. Garen Wintemute, the lead investigator and director of the UC Davis Centers for Violence Prevention, emphasized that political violence remains an exception rather than a norm. His extensive interdisciplinary research frames violence as not merely a security threat but a complex public health issue that demands empirical exploration. By deploying an annually repeated, nationally representative survey commencing in 2022, Wintemute and colleagues are able to track temporal dynamics in attitudes towards violence, providing valuable longitudinal context to current findings.

Key metrics within the study showed a slight increase in those believing violence is “usually or always” justified to achieve at least one political objective, rising from 32.3% to 35.6%. However, readiness to personally participate in violent acts—ranging from damaging property to committing homicide—remained stable or even declined slightly in some categories. This distinction highlights an important psychological phenomenon: abstract conceptual support for political violence does not necessarily translate into personal behavioral intent.

Exploration of firearm-related dispositions revealed no significant change in the proportion of survey participants anticipating being armed in hypothetically justified violent scenarios. Similarly, willingness to threaten or shoot individuals under such conditions remained consistently low. These findings contribute empirical weight to ongoing debates regarding the relationship between political beliefs and firearms possession or use, challenging simplistic narratives that conflate ideological conviction with propensity for violent militancy.

The study also examined perceptions relating to civil war, a perennial concern in political discourse. While a small uptick occurred in the number of respondents anticipating a potential civil war in forthcoming years, the proportion endorsing civil war as a necessary corrective mechanism remained unchanged. This suggests a heightened awareness or fear without a corresponding escalation in advocacy for violent revolution, reflecting a nuanced public calculus rather than wholesale acceptance of conflict as inevitable.

Crucially, the researchers segmented responses by political affiliation, particularly contrasting strong Democrats with supporters of the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement. Striking disparities emerged in beliefs about the justification for political violence; over half of MAGA Republicans viewed such violence as justified under at least some conditions, compared to roughly one-third of strong Democrats. However, willingness to personally engage in injuring or killing remained infrequent and did not differ significantly between these groups, indicating a broad societal moderation with respect to direct violent action.

Temporal trends within these political cohorts revealed countervailing movements: strong Democrats exhibited modest increases in perceived justification for violence, whereas MAGA Republicans displayed slight decreases on similar measures. This bidirectional flux complicates narratives of unilateral radicalization and suggests a complex interplay of factors driving attitude shifts. It also casts doubt on determinist models predicting a linear path toward escalated political violence.

One notable finding was that a small minority in all political groups expressed personal willingness to engage in political violence as lone actors, with MAGA Republicans indicating a higher propensity (6.3%) relative to strong Democrats (2.8%). Similarly, the likelihood of being armed in violent confrontations was markedly higher among MAGA supporters. These insights align with prior research linking ideological extremism and individual predisposition to risk-taking behaviors, underscoring the salience of targeted prevention and intervention.

Despite ongoing concerns about political unrest, election-related violence, and threats targeting public officials, the study authors caution against alarmism. Public opinion data do not currently indicate an inexorable slide toward widespread political violence. Rather, the persistence of majority rejection of violent methods across the political spectrum highlights resilience factors that could be leveraged in violence prevention strategies.

Veronica Pear, senior author and epidemiologist at UC Davis, articulated that these findings affirm the potential efficacy of prevention initiatives grounded in the recognition that support for violence remains the exception rather than the rule. The study advocates for nuanced approaches that balance vigilance toward emergent risks with reinforcement of democratic norms and nonviolent conflict resolution.

Methodologically, this rigorous survey utilized validated psychometric instruments to assess beliefs, intentions, and anticipated behaviors concerning political violence. Its representative sampling framework and longitudinal design enhance both generalizability and temporal sensitivity, rendering it a critical contribution to the field of violence epidemiology. The transparent disclosure of funding sources and absence of competing interests further solidify the study’s credibility.

As political tensions and societal fractures persist in the United States, this evidence-based articulation of public attitudes provides an essential counterbalance to sensationalized narratives. Understanding the complex mosaic of support, rejection, fear, and intent regarding political violence informs policymakers, public health professionals, and the broader community in efforts to maintain democratic stability and prevent escalation.

The linkage of political violence to public health underscores the imperative for interdisciplinary collaboration, integrating epidemiological methods with political science, psychology, and law enforcement frameworks. Preventative measures must not only address individual risk factors but also confront structural conditions and discursive environments shaping political attitudes.

In conclusion, the resilient majority stance against political violence, amid sustained societal strain, offers a cautiously optimistic outlook. This stability amidst volatility suggests that despite heightened political polarization, the United States has not descended into a spiral of normalized violent conflict. It affirms the critical role of evidence-driven public health approaches and political engagement in safeguarding democratic processes and social cohesion.

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Subject of Research: People

Article Title: Views on democracy and political violence in the United States in 2025: findings from a nationally representative survey

News Publication Date: 27-May-2026

Web References:

• Read the study
• UC Davis Centers for Violence Prevention
• Support for authoritarianism and use of force by and against the federal government in the United States in mid-2025
• Military Service and Support for Political Violence and Right-Wing Extremism
• Approval of the National Rifle Association and political violence

References: 10.1186/s40621-026-00684-3

Keywords: Human health, Behavioral psychology, Human social behavior, Human aggression, Group behavior, Violence

The dust-filled region likely operated over a span of two million years, birthing plenty of space rocks.

The humble Y chromosome may be the smallest chromosome in the mammalian genome (and getting even smaller), but it is mighty: Genes on the Y chromosome are critical for fertility in males. In a new study in the journal Current Biology, researchers at the University of Michigan Medical School have studied deer mice to outline how the Y chromosome defends itself against decay by acquiring gene families, holding its own to maintain fertility.

Florida's Attorney General is taking a second swing at OpenAI with a new Civil Suit that claims the company released and aggressively marketed ChatGPT to the public "while concealing serious risks [and] suppressing internal safety warnings' but is AI really the villain here?

In a groundbreaking advancement in metabolic medicine, researchers at the Medical University of Vienna have utilized an innovative whole-body positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) imaging framework to reveal the extensive metabolic transformation triggered by bariatric surgery. This state-of-the-art imaging technique, employing radiolabeled glucose analog [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG), has illuminated the profound metabolic remodeling across numerous organs, offering unparalleled insights into how bariatric surgery reshapes the body’s internal metabolic landscape beyond mere weight loss.

For decades, bariatric surgery has served as a cornerstone treatment for obesity, delivering sustained weight reduction and mitigating related comorbidities such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. However, until now, the precise systemic metabolic changes induced by these surgical interventions remained largely elusive. The advent of this novel PET/CT-based investigative approach addresses this gap by simultaneously quantifying metabolic activity across a broad spectrum of tissues, highlighting coordinated organ responses that contribute to metabolic recovery.

The study retrospectively analyzed 32 individuals diagnosed with obesity, who underwent either laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy or one-anastomosis gastric bypass—a pair of commonly employed bariatric procedures. Whole-body 18F-FDG PET/CT scans were performed preoperatively and again at a 12-month postoperative interval. This design allowed for a comprehensive comparison of metabolic alterations in diverse tissues including subcutaneous and visceral adipose depots, liver, pancreas, spleen, adrenal glands, and skeletal muscle.

Quantitative analysis of 18F-FDG uptake demonstrated a significant decline in glucose metabolism within adipose tissue compartments—both subcutaneous and visceral—as well as in the liver, pancreas, and spleen. These reductions reflect diminishing metabolic stress and inflammatory activity, consistent with clinical improvements reported in patients’ glycemic control and lipid profiles. Intriguingly, skeletal muscle metabolism exhibited complex remodeling, potentially indicating enhanced insulin sensitivity and muscle functionality after weight loss surgery.

Perhaps most striking was the observation of an apparent increase in colonic volume at the 12-month mark, pointing to a potential compensatory adaptation in gastrointestinal anatomy and function. This expansion may influence nutrient absorption dynamics and warrants further investigation. Moreover, the network analysis of PET data revealed increased metabolic connectivity between different organs post-surgery, signifying a more synchronized, systemic metabolic state rather than isolated organ changes.

These multidimensional metabolic insights provide compelling evidence that bariatric surgery unleashes a holistic metabolic recalibration, underscoring the notion that organ systems adapt in concert to restore metabolic homeostasis. This data challenges the traditional focus on singular biomarkers and weight parameters by emphasizing integrative organ-level metrics that better capture the complexity of obesity treatment outcomes.

Clinicians stand to benefit immensely from these findings, as whole-body molecular imaging could serve as a vital tool for tailoring postoperative care. By visualizing metabolic recovery across multiple tissues, healthcare providers can optimize monitoring strategies, anticipate complications, and customize therapeutic interventions—transitioning from a one-size-fits-all paradigm toward truly personalized metabolic medicine.

While pharmacological advances, such as glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, have recently gained prominence in managing obesity, many patients continue to elect bariatric surgery for its durable benefits and reduced reliance on chronic medication. The novel imaging approach described herein holds promise for enhancing the safety and efficacy of these surgical treatments by illuminating the intricate biological shifts occurring during the critical healing and adaptation periods.

From a technological perspective, relying on 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging leverages the high sensitivity of positron emission tomography combined with anatomical precision from computed tomography, enabling precise spatial localization and quantification of metabolic signals. This synergistic imaging modality opens pathways for broader applications beyond obesity, including the study of metabolic diseases, cancer metabolism, and aging.

The researchers emphasize that interpreting postoperative metabolic changes necessitates multifactorial analysis, integrating PET imaging results with comprehensive laboratory assessments of glycemic indices, lipid panels, endocrine markers, and inflammatory parameters. Such a multidisciplinary approach is essential to unravel the complex biochemical networks underpinning the observed structural and functional organ modifications.

Critically, this study’s longitudinal design allowed for the assessment of sustained metabolic impact one year following surgery, providing more reliable data on long-term physiological adaptation rather than transient postoperative fluctuations. The findings underscore the dynamic but persistent nature of the metabolic recalibration prompted by weight loss interventions.

This landmark research was detailed in Abstract 261206, titled “Evaluation of organic metabolic profiling alternation assessed by [18F]FDG PET/CT in obese patients before and after bariatric surgery,” and presented at the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging’s 2026 Annual Meeting. The collaborative effort included experts in nuclear medicine, endocrinology, surgery, and biomedical imaging, reflecting the multidisciplinary challenges inherent in obesity treatment research.

In conclusion, this pioneering work spotlights the immense potential of whole-body PET/CT imaging as a transformative modality for understanding and optimizing metabolic health post-bariatric surgery. By mapping the metabolic trajectory across organ systems, clinicians and researchers gain a powerful vantage point to decipher obesity’s complex biology and tailor interventions for maximal therapeutic benefit. This integrated imaging strategy heralds a new era in metabolic medicine, one where precision and personalization drive superior patient outcomes across diverse obesity phenotypes.

Subject of Research: Metabolic changes and organ-level remodeling after bariatric surgery assessed by whole-body 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging.

Article Title: Evaluation of organic metabolic profiling alternation assessed by [18F]FDG PET/CT in obese patients before and after bariatric surgery.

News Publication Date: Not explicitly provided; related to Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging 2026 Annual Meeting.

Web References:

• Link to Abstract
• SNMMI Website

Image Credits: Courtesy of Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI).

Keywords: bariatric surgery, 18F-FDG PET/CT, metabolic imaging, obesity, organ metabolism, molecular imaging, personalized medicine, laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, one-anastomosis gastric bypass, metabolic remodeling, glucose metabolism, multimodal imaging.

In recent years, the medical community has begun to critically reassess the longstanding reliance on Body Mass Index (BMI) as the primary tool for evaluating obesity and its associated health risks. Despite its widespread use as a simple and accessible measure, BMI fails to distinguish between muscle mass, bone density, and actual body fat. This inability to account for fat distribution and composition means that a substantial portion of individuals with potentially serious obesity-related complications may slip through the conventional screening process undetected. Now, groundbreaking research from Keck Medicine of USC challenges the adequacy of BMI by introducing clinical obesity as a more precise and meaningful metric for identifying at-risk individuals.

Traditional calculations of BMI classify individuals based solely on the ratio of their weight to height, typically categorizing those with a BMI under 18.5 as underweight, between 18.5 and 25 as normal or healthy weight, between 25 and 29.9 as overweight, and 30 or above as obese. However, this methodology overlooks a crucial factor integral to metabolic health: the location and nature of adipose tissue. BMI’s inability to differentiate between lean muscle and fat means that muscular individuals might be labeled obese, whereas normal-weight individuals with excessive visceral fat remain unrecognized as having clinically significant obesity.

The concept of clinical obesity, developed in 2025 by the Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology Commission, directly addresses the shortcomings of BMI by focusing on visceral fat accumulation, particularly in the abdominal region. Unlike subcutaneous fat, which lies just beneath the skin, visceral adipose tissue infiltrates deep within the abdominal cavity, surrounding vital organs and releasing inflammatory mediators that contribute to metabolic dysfunction and chronic disease. This inflammation plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance, cardiovascular disease, and other obesity-related morbidities.

Measurement of clinical obesity involves three key anthropometric parameters: waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, and waist-to-height ratio. These metrics provide a more nuanced assessment of fat distribution, enabling clinicians to detect dangerous levels of abdominal adiposity. If an individual exceeds established thresholds in at least two of these measurements and exhibits health impairments commonly linked to excess visceral fat—such as hypertension, diabetes, or joint pain—they are classified as clinically obese, regardless of their BMI category.

A new study led by hepatologist and liver transplant specialist Dr. Brian P. Lee, MD, MAS, and published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, systematically analyzed data from 5,600 adults aged approximately 49 years in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Their findings unequivocally highlight the limitations of BMI: an estimated 26% of individuals categorized as having a normal BMI by conventional standards are, in fact, clinically obese. Furthermore, half of those classified as overweight by BMI also meet criteria for clinical obesity, underscoring the vast underdiagnosis potential inherent in BMI screening.

This underrecognition poses serious implications for public health and clinical practice. Presently, many treatment protocols, including pharmacologic and surgical options for obesity, are contingent upon BMI thresholds, inadvertently excluding millions who suffer the metabolic consequences of fat deposition despite “normal” weight status. Dr. Lee emphasizes that this gap means patients with normal or slightly elevated BMI values may miss timely interventions that could prevent progression to severe disease states.

The distinguishing capacity of clinical obesity to identify high-risk phenotypes that BMI overlooks is particularly vital given the wide spectrum of obesity-related diseases. Excess visceral fat is implicated in the etiology of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and certain malignancies. Moreover, chronic inflammation fueled by adipose tissue contributes to early vascular aging and organ dysfunction, making early detection a cornerstone for effective disease management.

Importantly, clinical obesity is not an inescapable destiny; it is a modifiable condition. Evidence-based interventions spanning lifestyle modifications, tailored pharmacotherapy, and in selected cases, bariatric surgery, have demonstrated effectiveness in reducing visceral fat and improving metabolic outcomes. However, success hinges on accurate diagnosis and stratification, areas where clinical obesity proves superior to BMI.

The compelling research results advocate for a paradigm shift in obesity screening and diagnosis. Dr. Lee envisions the integration of clinical obesity metrics into routine medical practice, augmenting current approaches. Doing so would refine risk assessments, enable personalized treatment pathways, and potentially reduce the incidence of obesity-related complications that represent a substantial burden on healthcare systems worldwide.

Furthermore, these insights challenge public perceptions of obesity, moving beyond the simplistic reliance on weight charts toward a more sophisticated understanding of metabolic health. The emphasis on adiposity rather than body weight alone could decrease stigma by reframing obesity as a complex biological condition rather than merely a cosmetic issue.

This evolving understanding also holds promise for advancing research into obesity pathophysiology. By employing clinical obesity criteria, studies can more accurately stratify participants, enhancing the validity of findings regarding interventions and outcomes. Such precision could drive innovation in therapeutics targeting visceral fat reduction and inflammation modulation.

In summary, the transition from BMI to clinical obesity assessment marks a critical evolution in the medical evaluation of obesity. The nuanced approach recognizes the heterogeneous nature of obesity and its metabolic consequences, advocating for improved diagnostic accuracy to ultimately enhance patient care and public health outcomes. Widespread adoption of this approach could redefine how clinicians worldwide identify and manage obesity, offering new hope for millions at risk of preventable disease.

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Subject of Research: Evaluation of obesity measurement methods comparing Body Mass Index (BMI) and clinical obesity criteria.

Article Title: Limitations of BMI in Obesity Diagnosis: Clinical Obesity as a Superior Metric for Identifying At-Risk Individuals

News Publication Date: 2024

Web References:

• Keck Medicine of USC Liver Health Center
• Study in Annals of Internal Medicine
• Clinical Obesity Measurement Guidelines

Image Credits: PHOTO COURTESY OF BRIAN P. LEE, MD, MAS

Keywords: Body Mass Index, Clinical Obesity, Visceral Fat, Adipose Tissue, Obesity-Related Health Risks, Metabolic Syndrome, Waist Circumference, Waist-to-Hip Ratio, Waist-to-Height Ratio, Inflammation, Hepatology, Obesity Diagnosis