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The article focuses on the development of potential treatments for prion diseases, emphasizing strategies to remove or block the production of normal prion protein, with ongoing clinical trials showing promise. Topics discussed include the challenges of diagnosing and treating prion diseases, the significance of the Ionis trial targeting prion diseases, and the efforts of researchers like Sonia Vallabh and Eric Minikel to advance therapies for these devastating brain disorders.

The article focuses on the emergence of Japanese encephalitis (JEV) in southeastern Australia, specifically in temperate regions where such cases were previously unheard of. Topics discussed include the challenges in diagnosing the disease, the role of mosquito-borne viruses, and the environmental factors, such as unprecedented rains, contributing to the outbreak, raising concerns about the potential expansion of JEV's range in the context of climate change.

The article focuses on a groundbreaking study conducted in a climate chamber, aiming to replicate the physical exertion in intense heat that pregnant women experience daily in a warming world. Topics discussed include the risks of heat exposure during pregnancy, the lack of research in this area, and efforts to define safe heat exposure limits for pregnant individuals to protect their health.

The Eukaryotic Pathogen, Vector and Host Informatics Resources (VEuPathDB), a database containing detailed molecular information on parasites and fungi that cause infectious diseases, has lost funding from the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NI-AID). The database, which had 46,000 unique users per month in over 150 countries, provided valuable information for researchers studying diseases like malaria and leishmaniasis. While two new platforms funded by NI-AID claim to serve the same needs, many scientists argue that they do not adequately replace VEuPathDB's capabilities. Temporary funding has been secured to keep the database online for one year, but long-term sustainability remains uncertain. [Extracted from the article]

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is facing criticism for its guidelines advising parents to avoid foods with genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Critics argue that the advice ignores scientific evidence supporting the safety of GMOs and creates unfounded fears that organic products are the only safe option. The guidelines, published in Pediatrics, raised concerns about potential health risks from residues of the weed killer glyphosate, which is used on genetically engineered crops. However, regulators in the US and Europe have deemed glyphosate at current levels in food to be safe. Some experts believe the guidelines are fearmongering and not based on good science. The AAP report authors focus on glyphosate because of its widespread use in genetically modified crops, but the US National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine have found no evidence of adverse health effects from GMOs or glyphosate residues. The AAP guidelines have had an impact, with Mexico citing them in a trade dispute with the US over genetically modified corn imports. However, critics argue that the guidelines are flawed and do not reflect the scientific literature. They believe that the AAP is prioritizing caution and children's health, but others argue that the guidelines are confusing and may create unnecessary worry. Low-income families may face barriers in accessing organic foods due to financial constraints. It is important for parents to feel comfortable and safe with the food choices they can access. [Extracted from the article]

The article announces the Frontiers Planet Prize's all-male awardees, including Mark New, Peter Haase, and Ellen Welti, highlighting gender bias and systemic inequities in science, with efforts underway to improve diversity in nominations.

The article focuses on the challenges of securing funding for interdisciplinary research that addresses the intersection of climate change and human health. Topics include the difficulties faced by researchers like Ryan Harp in finding adequate financial support, the lack of dedicated funding for transdisciplinary projects, and the frustration with grant review panels that struggle to evaluate such diverse efforts effectively.

The article focuses on a recent paper highlighting the debate between physiologists and epidemiologists over the impact of humidity on heat-related health risks. Topics include the differing conclusions of these research camps, the potential implications for climate change projections, and the importance of resolving this debate to improve heat advisories and cooling methods.

IN A CLINIC in the next building over from his lab, Greenamyre has donned a white coat and mentally prepared his list of questions for Barbara Frieze, 71, a Parkinson's patient he has been looking after for nearly 10 years. Nearly all of Greenamyre's 200 or so Parkinson's patients, some of whom he has looked after for more than a decade, will learn of his diagnosis from this article, in which he is reluctantly making his condition public because it's becoming the subject of rumors. AFTER MONTHS of worrying about his own lack of smell and other symptoms, Greenamyre finally turned to a trusted colleague, Edward Burton, a Pitt neurologist and neuroscientist who studies Parkinson's. NEWS Several years ago, Tim Greenamyre, a neuroscientist and physician who directs the Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases at the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt), began to notice unsettling symptoms in his own body. [Extracted from the article]

The use of aborted fetal tissue has sparked controversy in the United States, but many scientists say it is essential for studies of HIV, development and more., Author(s): Meredith Wadman Author Affiliations: Massimo Berge/Lighthouse/SPL Every month, Lishan Su receives a small test tube on ice from a company in California. In it is a piece of liver [...]

The article focuses on the controversial reinstatement of developmental biologist, Bruce Blumberg at the University of California, Irvine (UCI), following allegations of sexual harassment. It is reported that despite findings supporting the claims against him, Blumberg returned to teaching with imposed restrictions, prompting criticism from faculty and experts who argue that the disciplinary measures are insufficient to protect students and uphold accountability in academia.