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JWST limb-resolved spectroscopy reveals a cloudy morning limb and a clearer evening limb on tidally locked exoplanet WASP-94A b, implying strong day-night circulation and challenging past assumptions about uniform planetary atmospheres.
The FDA has approved bemotrizinol (BEMT) for over‑the‑counter sunscreens, marking a modernization in U.S. UV protection. The ingredient absorbs both UVA and UVB rays, is photostable, and will debut as Parsol Shield before broader market adoption after an 18‑month exclusivity period. Industry and dermatology experts say the move could improve protection and user experience, though rollout and formulation timelines remain.
The Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory has started collecting data, producing some of the most precise measurements yet of how neutrinos switch flavors. Initial results test the detector’s capabilities and set the stage for cross-checks with Hyper-Kamiokande and DUNE.
Utah faces a widening measles outbreak affecting 22 of 29 counties, with infection clusters in undervaccinated communities. Officials warn that school start and cooler weather could trigger a renewed surge. ProPublica links endemism questions to national measles status.
The Vera C. Rubin Observatory has begun the Legacy Survey of Space and Time, a 10-year program that will image the entire southern sky every few nights. The facility will collect data on billions of stars, galaxies and transient events, producing the largest time-lapse sky survey and enabling new discoveries about dark matter, dark energy and small bodies in the solar system.
A JAMA Network Open study finds the vaccine reduces COVID-19-related hospitalizations by about 55% and lowers visits to emergency departments by 50%. The paper has drawn attention because of past political interference in CDC publishing decisions. The study uses a test-negative design and is part of ongoing assessments of vaccine performance amid evolving viral strains.
Coastal authorities have repeatedly stressed calm responses to rip currents as lifeguards warn that these powerful channels carry more than 100 drownings annually in the U.S., with more than 80% of beach rescues tied to them. This year, at least 21 fatalities have been recorded as scientists note currents can reach up to 8 feet per second. The public is urged to flip, float, and follow safety guidelines.
New research shows that laughter rhythms in humans and great apes are strikingly similar, suggesting a shared evolutionary past. Fresh recordings of children’s giggles align with decades-old ape tickling data, indicating a common ancestor and shedding light on the evolution of human speech.
NASA and partners are pursuing a high‑risk salvage to boost the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory into a higher, stable orbit. A Katalyst Space Technologies robot will capture Swift and lift it from 224 miles to about 373 miles, extending its life as solar activity threatens its destruction in October.
The CDC reports an early West Nile virus surge with dozens of cases across multiple states, including Arizona. Authorities warn of higher risk this summer and emphasize bite prevention as mosquito activity rises.
Outbreak cases have risen to 1,460 with 447 deaths (30.6% fatality). A WHO-led trial has enrolled the first patient to test remdesivir and MBP134, separately and in combination, against Bundibugyo Ebola. Enrollment could reach 1,000 participants, with results expected after months of testing and with post-trial access planned if effective.
NASA has commissioned a high-stakes rescue operation to move the Swift Observatory back to a safer orbit. The Link spacecraft, launched by Katalyst Space Technologies, is en route to attach to Swift and boost its altitude to prevent a fall back to Earth, with September as the target for resuming full operations.