By Ed Cara Published March 27, 2025 | Comments (0) | A colorized transmission electron micrograph of rabies virus particles (in green) replicating inside cells. NIAID A normally life-saving procedure has ended in a incredibly rare kind of death. According to local health officials and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a person recently died from a rabies infection contracted from the kidney of a deceased donor. WTOL, a media outlet based in Toledo, Ohio, first reported on the unusual death Wednesday, which was confirmed by health officials in Michigan and Ohio, as well as the CDC. Officials say that no one else is at risk of rabies from the tainted procedure. The cause of death is rabies and complications, Carl Schmidt, a deputy coroner with the Lucas County Coroners Office, told WTOL. The diagnosis was confirmed by sending tissue to the CDC. Rabies is a virus that can infect the brain and spinal cord of most any mammal. Its infamous for being a practical death sentence once the infected starts to show signs of illness, such as aggression, disorientation, and a strong fear of water. Symptoms can take weeks to appear in humans, however, and death can almost always be prevented if someone gets timely treatment before this happens. Post-exposure prophylaxis is a combination of the rabies vaccine and donated antibodies. The virus typically spreads through the saliva of infected animals, often from scratches or bites. Widespread vaccination programs in pets and improved animal control have made rabies a rare occurrence in much of the world, with fewer than 10 deaths reported annually in the U.S. But Americans do still sometimes catch rabies, usually from bats or other infected wildlife. Even rarer is a fatal case of rabies transmitted via transplantation. The last such widely reported death in the U.S. appears to have occurred in 2013, for instance, involving a Maryland resident (other people who received organs from the deceased donor were given post-exposure prophylaxis). In 2004, a cluster of four deaths in Texas was traced back to a single decreased donor. Transplantation-related rabies is a bigger problem in China, where rabies is more commonly reported in general, but still very rare.Donors and their organs are routinely tested for potentially serious infections or other diseases that could be transmitted to a recipient. But in its investigation of the 2013 case, the CDC noted that donors typically arent tested for rabies if theyre not suspected to have it. In the earlier U.S. cases, neither deceased donor was initially believed to have been killed by rabies (in retrospect, they probably were). The recipient in this latest case received their transplant in late December 2024, and died from their infection in January 2025. Though the person underwent their operation in Ohio, they lived in Michigan, making this the first human case of rabies documented in the latter state since 2009. Health officials have conducted an investigation into the matter and determined theres no further risk of rabies from the exposure. The University of Toledo Medical Center, where the procedure was performed, has also said that no glaring issues with how the transplant was carried out were identified.The health system has worked closely with public health authorities and has conducted a thorough review of this case, which found all best practices and standard safety protocols were appropriately followed, the Center said in a statement provided to WTOL. In other words, this appears to be an extremely rare, but nonetheless tragic freak occurrence.Daily NewsletterYou May Also Like By Ed Cara Published March 26, 2025 By Ed Cara Published March 20, 2025 By Ed Cara Published March 18, 2025 By Ed Cara Published March 15, 2025 By Ed Cara Published March 4, 2025 By Ed Cara Published February 25, 2025

By Matthew Gault Published March 27, 2025 | Comments (0) | The Supreme Court heard oral arguments Thursday on a Texas law seeking to force porn websites to verify visitors' ages. Drew Angerer/Getty Images A conservative advocacy group is trying to shut down the three decade old practice of making U.S. telecommunications companies pay to build out broadband access in remote regions of the country. The Supreme Court heard the groups arguments and, despite its conservative leanings, seems poised to uphold the rural-focused subsidy. For 30 years the Federal Communications Commission has collected cash from U.S. telecoms as part of the Universal Service Fund. The FCC runs the fund but it was established after Congress passed the Telecommunications Act of 1996. The FCC levies the fees from telecoms and the companies pass those fees on to consumers. A conservative advocacy group called Consumer Research decried the practice, called it unconstitutional, and has argued the case all the way to the highest court in the land. Despite the court being a 6-3 majority, judges on both sides of the political spectrum seemed skeptical of the arguments put forth by Consumer Researchs lawyer. Trent McCotter, one of the groups lawyers, argued that one of the issues with the program is that it has no set cap. There is no clear boundary for the FCCs ability to set the amount to be raised, McCotter said. Conservative justice Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett balked at the idea. Your position would say, I think, that a solution to the problem you identify could be a trillion dollar cap or a $100 billion cap. And that makes the position seemwhat exactly are you trying to accomplish? Kavanaugh asked.That just seems a little bit hollow, Barrett said. Kind of seems like a meaningless exercise. The justices also argued about whether the FCCs practice was technically a fee or a tax and what the implications might be. This is just a straight-up tax without any numerical limit, any cap, any rate. And weve never had something like that before, Judge Neil Gorscuh said. Im not saying taxes are special. Im just saying whats unique about this case is we have a tax thats unlike any other tax that this courts ever approved. Its not a fee related to costs, and its not rate setting of a monopolist. Most of the judges worried about what the consequences of ending the program might be. Those consequences are very real. The amount levied has changed over the three years, but right now the FCC gets about $8 billion a year from the practice and uses the cash to improve the internet in hospitals, schools, and libraries in rural areas of the U.S. You dont see the risk that we judges would be overriding popularand I know you dont care that its popular, but popular in the sense that Congress has enacted itprograms? Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson asked towards the end of the proceeding. The arguments for this case are concluded and the judges are expected to issue a ruling sometime in June.Daily NewsletterYou May Also Like By Thomas Maxwell Published March 26, 2025 By AJ Dellinger Published March 12, 2025 By Matt Novak Published March 4, 2025 By AJ Dellinger Published March 3, 2025 By Thomas Maxwell Published February 12, 2025 By Matthew Gault Published February 12, 2025

Ongoing excavations include protection, site management, and conservation of these structures in Abydos, Egypt. Credit: Josef Wegner / Penn MuseumAn international team of archeologists have discovered a massive tomb that belonged to one of ancient Egypts earliest pharaohs. However, the rulers identity remains a mysteryas do many details of his long-lost dynasty.The existence of an Abydos Dynasty was first confirmed in 2014 after archeologists uncovered the tomb of King Seneb-Kay. The newer crypt, discovered in January, is estimated to have been constructed during the Second Intermediate Period (1640-1540 BCE), an era of political and economic instability that temporarily broke a unified Egypt into multiple rival kingdoms.The burial site was located almost 23 feet beneath Abydos. Credit: Josef Wegner / Penn Museum The burial chamber was uncovered at the base of a desert cliff almost 23 feet beneath Abydos, one of Egypts oldest cities about 300 miles south of Cairo and roughly six miles from the Nile River. Ancient Egyptian mythology held that Abydos served as the burial place for Osiris, god of the underworld. Many of historys earliest pharaohs also chose to be interred there inside a sprawling royal necropolis near Anubis Mountain.The team of researchers from Penn Museum in Philadelphia working with archeologists from the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities used tools including magnetometry, photogrammetry, and remote sensing to map the spacious burial complex. Additional excavation work has already revealed architectural and decorative similarities to Seneb-Kays tomb, leading experts to theorize it may have belonged to a predecessor. But further details, including even his name, still elude archeologists.]Credit: Josef Wegner / Penn Museum Credit: Josef Wegner / Penn Museum The kings name was originally recorded in painted scenes on plastered brickwork that decorated the entrance to the limestone burial chamber, Josef Wegner, curator of Penn Museums Egyptian Section and a University of Pennsylvania Egyptian Archaeology professor, said in the museums announcement on March 27.Painted scenes include depictions of the goddesses Isis and her sister Nephthys, as well as hieroglyphic texts on yellow bands. According to Wegner, however, it appears that ancient tomb robbers damaged the texts during their expeditions into the grave.Credit: Josef Wegner / Penn Museum Credit: Josef Wegner / Penn Museum There are multiple potential contenders for the tombs owner. Two kings in particular, Senaiib and Paentjeni, have dedicated monuments elsewhere in Abydos but their gravesites remain unaccounted for. Information gleaned from the tomb also confirms the existence of other early Egyptian kings in the surrounding enclosure.Excavation work will continue over the course of 2025, primarily in the new focal area at Anubis Mountain spanning over 100,000 square-feet. The Adybos marks the second discovery of an Egyptian kings tomb this year. In February, archeologists confirmed the location of Thutmose IIs crypt, marking one of the biggest ancient Egyptian discoveries since King Tutankhamun in 1922.

Last summer, a good friend of mine dislocated his shoulder trying to pull-start his old gas-powered lawn mower. This year, hes using an electric model that starts with a simple button press. Even if youve never been injured by your aging yard tools, now is a great time to upgrade your home arsenal with Greenworks battery-powered mowers, a, trimmers, pressure washers, and more. Amazons Big Spring Sale has dropped prices on Greenworks gear to the lowest levels I have seen in at least a year. Theyre only going to get more expensive as we get into the meat of yardwork season, so grab these now before the sale ends. Greenworks 48V (2x24V) 21" Brushless Mower+12" String Trimmer+320CFM Blower,(2) 5.0Ah Batteries and 4A Dual Port Charger $399 (was $609)GreenworksSee ItIf youre just starting out with electric yard tools, this is a perfect way to jump in. This kit includes a 21-inch wide push mower, a 12-inch string trimmer, and a 320CFM blower. The kit comes with a pair of 5.0Ah 48V batteries and a charger that can juice up both cells at the same time. Despite the cheap price, these devices have bells and whistles youd expect on more expensive versions. For instance, the lawn mower is self-propelled and has a front-facing light to help you see obstacles in your way. The blower can create wind up to 90 mph, which makes quick work of leaves and other annoying stuff on your lawn and driveway. Plus, theyre a lot quieter than the gas-powered versions. This is a great kit if you have a small to medium-sized lawn. The 48V system strikes a great balance of size, power, and price. The batteries will hold a charge for more than a year, so you can still do your yard work even if you forgot to stick a battery on the charger.Greenworks 40V 16" Cordless (Push) Lawn Mower (75+ Compatible Tools), 4.0Ah Battery and Charger Included $209 (was $299)GreenworksSee ItIf you just need a simple mower, this 40V model is great for smaller yards. It has a 16-inch deck, so it fits easily into tight spaces. A full battery charge affords the mower up to 45 minutes of run time. Thats enough for roughly 1/3 of an acre. You can capture clippings in a bag or just put it in mulch mode and let the clippings fall as they may. This the most basic model, but there are some burlier mowers on deep discount as well. Greenworks 80V 16" Brushless Cordless String Trimmer (Carbon Fiber), 2.0Ah Battery and Charger Included $212 (was $299)GreenworksSee ItEven if you have Popeye-like forearms, wielding a powerful string trimmer can be taxing. This 80V, 16-inch trimmer is as powerful as a gas model, but it starts and handles like a much lighter device. The carbon fiber handle and extra-wide 16-inch cutting area make quick, easy work of weeds, hard-to-reach grass, or whatever else you want to cut down. Greenworks lawn mower dealsGreenworks 80V 21 Brushless Cordless (Push) Lawn Mower, 4.0Ah Battery and Rapid Charger $399 (was $499)Greenworks 80V 21 Brushless Cordless (Self-Propelled) Lawn Mower (LED Headlight + Aluminum Handles), 4.0Ah Battery and Rapid Charger + Bonus 24V Power Tool Combo Kit $479 (was $717)Greenworks 80V 21 Self-Propelled Lawn Mower (Gen 2), 8.0Ah Battery $524 (was $749)Greenworks 24V 13 Brushless (Push) Cordless Lawn Mower, 4.0Ah Battery and Charger $191 (was $239)Greenworks 40V 21 Brushless Cordless (Self-Propelled) Lawn Mower (LED Headlight + Aluminum Handles), 5.0Ah Battery and Charger $359 (was $449)Greenworks 40V 15 inch Dethatcher/Scarifier, Tool Only $199 (was $249)Greenworks 80V 25 Brushless Cordless ( Self-Propelled) Lawn Mower (75+ Compatible Tools), 5.0Ah Battery and Charger $629 (was $899)Greenworks 80V 21 Brushless (Push) Cordless Electric Lawn Mower + (500 CFM) Axial Leaf Blower + 13 String Trimmer (75+ Compatible Tools), (2) 2.0Ah Batteries and 30 Minute Rapid Charger $524 (was $699)Greenworks 80V 21 Brushless Cordless (Self-Propelled) Lawn Mower (LED Headlight + Aluminum Handles), 4.0Ah Battery and Rapid Charger $479 (was $599)Greenworks blower and sprayer dealsGreenworks 80V (770 CFM/190 MPH) Brushless Cordless Leaf Blower, 4.0Ah Battery & Rapid Charger $239 (was $299)Greenworks 40V (120 MPH / 500 CFM / 75+ Compatible Tools) Cordless Axial Leaf Blower, 2.5Ah Battery and Charger $125 (was $149)Greenworks 60V (610 CFM / 130 MPH) Cordless Leaf Blower, High Power, Lightweight & Quiet Operation for Wet Leaves, Driveways and Dense Gravel, Includes 2.5Ah Battery & 5A Rapid Charger $139 (was $199)Greenworks 24V 4 Gallon Battery Powered Backpack Sprayer with 5 Tips, 70PSI Pressure-Weed Killer, Pest Control, Sanitizing & Garden Spraying, High-Pressure Sprayer, 2.0Ah Battery and Charger $139 (was $199)Greenworks 80V (180 MPH / 610 CFM / 75+ Compatible Tools) Cordless Brushless Backpack Blower, 2.5Ah Battery and Rapid Charger $244 (was $349)Greenworks 60V 450 CFM Cordless Leaf Blower, 2.0 Ah Battery and Rapid Charger $128 (was $179)Greenworks saw dealsGreenworks 80V 10-Inch Cordless Polesaw | Cordless Pole Saw with 2.0Ah Battery & Charger $209 (was $299)Greenworks 40V 24-Inch Cordless Hedge Trimmer | Cordless Hedge Trimmer with 1 Cutting Capacity | Lightweight & Powerful for Shaping Hedges and Shrubs (Tool Only) $139 (was $199)Greenworks 60V 17 Brushless Cordless Push Lawn Mower, 2-in-1 Mulching/Bagging, 4.0Ah Battery and 3A Charger $299 (was $399)Greenworks 40V 16 Brushless Cordless Chainsaw (Gen 2) (Great For Tree Felling, Limbing, Pruning, and Firewood / 75+ Compatible Tools), 4.0Ah Battery and Charger $207 (was $259)Greenworks 60V 20 Brushless Cordless Battery Powered Pole Hedge Trimmer, 2.0Ah Battery and Charger $229 (was $299)Greenworks 80V 16 Brushless Cordless Chainsaw (Great For Tree Felling, Limbing, Pruning, and Firewood), 75+ Compatible Tools, 2.5Ah Battery and Charger $263 (was $329)Greenworks 40V 8 Pole Saw + Pole Hedge, 2.0Ah Battery $175 (was $219)Greenworks pressure washer dealsGreenworks 3000 PSI Pressure Washer (2.0 GPM Max) with Foam Cannon $374 (was $499)Greenworks Pro Brushless 2700 PSI (CSA Certified) 2.3 GPM Max Electric Pressure Washer $319 (was $399)Greenworks 1900 PSI (SGS Certified) 1.2 GPM 13Amp Compact Portable Electric Pressure Washer $127 (was $159)Greenworks 2100 PSI (SGS Certified) 1.2 GPM 13Amp Compact Electric Pressure $159 (was $199)Greenworks 1800 PSI (1.1 GPM) Electric Pressure Washer PWMA Certified $104 (was $139)Greenworks 12 (in.) Surface Cleaner Pressure Washer Attachment $20 (was $30)Greenworks string trimmer dealsGreenworks 60V 13 Cordless String Trimmer & Leaf Blower Combo Kit, 4.0 Ah Battery and Charger $214 (was $299)Greenworks 80V 16 inch Brushless String Trimmer, 2.0Ah Battery & Rapid Charger $160 (was $229)Greenworks 40V 12 Cordless String Trimmer, 2.0Ah Battery and Charger Included $111 (was $139)Greenworks extra battery dealsGreenworks 40V 4.0Ah Lithium-Ion Battery $109 (was $159)Greenworks 80V 5.0Ah Lithium-Ion Battery $234 (was $299)Greenworks Snow Blower dealsGreenworks 60V 24 (Two-Stage) Snow Blower, (2) 8.0Ah Batteries + Dual-Port Rapid Charger $1,699 (was $1,999)The post Amazon is blowing out Greenworks battery-powered yard tools during its Big Spring Sale appeared first on Popular Science.

NewsQuantum PhysicsPhysicists are mostly unconvinced by Microsofts new topological quantum chipThe evidence for Majorana qubits didnt win over many skeptics at the Global Physics Summit Microsofts topological quantum chip, the Majorana 1 (pictured), could be a boon to quantum computing, but some physicists are skeptical that the chip does whats claimed.MicrosoftBy Emily Conover8 seconds agoANAHEIM, CALIF. At the worlds largest gathering of physicists, a talk about Microsofts claimed new type of quantum computing chip was perhaps the main attraction.Microsofts February announcement of a chip containing the first topological quantum bits, or qubits, has ignited heated blowback in the physics community. The discovery was announced by press release, without publicly shared data backing it up. Aconcurrent paper inNaturefell short of demonstrating a topological qubit. Microsoft researcher Chetan Nayak, a coauthor on that paper, promisedto provide solid evidence during his March 18 talkat the American Physical Societys Global Physics Summit.

Nature, Published online: 27 March 2025; doi:10.1038/d41586-025-00983-7US science partnerships are on thin ice as geopolitical tensions soar.

Nature, Published online: 26 March 2025; doi:10.1038/d41586-025-00901-xA natural antibacterial molecule shows clinical promise. Its unusual binding site is on an excellent target: protein-synthesis machinery known as the ribosome.

An ancient and enormous organism called Prototaxites, initially found to be a type of fungus, may actually be an unknown branch of life, researchers say.

The strange sight is actually two galaxies, with the light of the second warped around the one at the front as a result of its massive gravity.

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