Regeneron Pharmaceuticals is set to acquire 23andMe for $256 million following its bankruptcy filing due to declining demand and a significant data breach in 2023. The acquisition excludes Lemonaid Health, which will be shut down. Regeneron pledges to uphold privacy commitments and legal safeguards for the genetic data of 15 million users, with a court-appointed overseer monitoring data use.
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Scientists have made a surprising discovery: penguin droppings in Antarctica may contribute to cooling the continent. Ammonia released from penguin guano combines with compounds from phytoplankton, boosting the formation of cloud-seeding aerosols. These aerosols then create low-lying clouds that reflect sunlight, potentially offsetting some warming effects, highlighting the intricate link between ecosystems and climate.
A major solar storm is approaching Earth. NASA and other agencies issued warnings. This storm may cause radio blackouts and GPS issues. Vivid auroras are expected. The Sun's activity is increasing. Scientists are monitoring sunspot regions. The storm might affect power grids and satellites. The UK and Ireland could see Northern Lights. People should prepare for communication disruptions.
Mega tsunamis are colossal waves triggered by geological events. Lituya Bay saw the tallest tsunami ever recorded. Hawaii faces threat from volcanic landslides. Cumbre Vieja volcano poses Atlantic tsunami risk. Cascadia subduction zone is a ticking time bomb. Melting glaciers increase landslide risks. Early warning systems and preparedness are crucial. These events highlight nature's power and the need for vigilance.
NASA and SpaceX have rescheduled the undocking of the Dragon cargo capsule from the ISS to May 23 due to adverse weather. Part of the CRS-32 mission, the Dragon will return scientific experiments and supplies to Earth. The mission delivered 6,700 pounds of cargo to the ISS. NASA will livestream the undocking, but the splashdown will not be webcast.
In a global scientific race, US and Japan are exploring the universe's existence mystery. The US-led Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) in South Dakota and Japan's Hyper-Kamiokande are constructing detectors to study neutrinos. These elusive particles may explain why matter exists despite the theoretical annihilation with antimatter after the Big Bang.
Scientists have engineered innovative contact lenses that grant humans the ability to see in the dark by converting infrared light into visible images. These nanoparticle-infused lenses offer potential applications in rescue operations, security, and medicine, eliminating the need for bulky, powered goggles.
Dr. Malur Ramasamy Srinivasan, a key figure in India's nuclear energy program, passed away at 95. As former Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission, he spearheaded the development of India's nuclear capabilities. His work with Dr. Homi Bhabha on the Apsara reactor and his leadership in building Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors were crucial.
Space advocates, including those from Mississippi's Stennis Space Center and Louisiana's Michoud Assembly Facility, rallied in Washington, D.C., to protect NASA programs amid proposed budget cuts. They emphasized the importance of continued funding for the Artemis program, which is vital for America's space ambitions and supports thousands of jobs in the Gulf Coast region.
A recent Virginia Tech study reveals that the Pacific Northwest faces a heightened risk of catastrophic flooding and mega-tsunamis, potentially reaching 1,000 feet. The Cascadia Subduction Zone's inactivity since 1700, coupled with climate change, intensifies the threat. Coastal land subsidence and rising sea levels could overwhelm communities, impacting thousands and vital infrastructure.
SpaceX's Starship rocket exploded during a test. The issue was a fuel reaction in an engine. The company made fixes, including better insulation. The Federal Aviation Administration approved the changes. A new test flight is set for May 27. This flight will reuse a Super Heavy booster. SpaceX aims to use Starship for Moon and Mars missions.