Flesh-Eating Human Parasite Resurfaces in Central America
A resurgence of the New World screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax), a flesh-eating parasite that primarily targets livestock but can also infect humans, has prompted warnings from U.S. officials. The parasite, native to South America and the Caribbean, was thought to be largely eradicated in the U.S. and Central America through sterilisation programmes in the mid-20th century. Recent detections in Mexico and a rise in cases across Central America since 2023 suggest a troubling comeback, as per reports.
Parasite Impact on Livestock and Humans
The parasite’s lifecycle begins when female screwworm flies deposit eggs in open wounds or orifices of warm-blooded animals. Upon hatching, the larvae burrow into the host’s flesh, feeding and causing painful wounds that grow larger as the infestation progresses. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), screwworms can lay up to 300 eggs in a single instance, with a lifespan allowing multiple egg-laying cycles. No approved medical treatment exists for these infestations, and physical removal of larvae remains the only option.
Reports indicate that Panama has been heavily affected, with cases escalating from 25 annually before 2023 to over 22,600 confirmed incidents as of December 2024. Costa Rica has also witnessed a rise in human cases, with one fatality confirmed earlier this year, according to the U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica.
Preventative Measures and Monitoring Efforts
Reportedly, to curb the parasite’s spread into the U.S., the Department of Agriculture (USDA) has imposed restrictions on livestock imports from Mexico. A barrier zone, maintained jointly by the U.S. and Panama since 2006, is being monitored closely. Officials urge people in affected regions to protect open wounds, apply insect repellents, and report any signs of screwworm infestations in animals, as per reports.
Efforts to control the parasite’s resurgence continue, with authorities underscoring the importance of early detection and preventive practices.
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Engineers and materials scientists have achieved a major advancement in battery technology, developing a lithium-sulfur battery that retains 80 percent of its charge capacity after 25,000 charging cycles. The new design, which uses a specially formulated electrode, represents a significant improvement over conventional lithium-ion batteries. The breakthrough could pave the way for smaller, lighter, and longer-lasting energy storage solutions, addressing critical demands in electronics and electric vehicles.
Key Innovations in the Study
According to a study published in Nature, sulfur was utilised as a core component for the battery’s solid electrode. Despite being abundant and cost-effective, sulfur has historically posed challenges due to issues such as ion loss and expansion during reactions with lithium. These problems were tackled by incorporating a glass-like mixture composed of sulfur, boron, lithium, phosphorus, and iodine. The iodine element was found to enhance electron movement during redox reactions, allowing for faster charging and improved performance.
As reported by Techxplore, the research demonstrated that the porous atomic structure of the electrode facilitated ion diffusion, eliminating the need for intermediary movements. This structural stability, combined with the chemical properties of the glass-phase electrolyte, contributed to the battery’s durability across an unprecedented number of cycles.
Performance and Potential Applications
The experimental lithium-sulfur battery maintained its capacity even under high temperatures, a notable advantage in demanding environments. Standard lithium-ion batteries typically degrade after approximately 1,000 cycles, making this new battery’s longevity a striking development. Despite its promise, the study’s authors acknowledged the need for further research to improve energy density and explore alternative materials that could reduce the battery’s overall weight.
Efforts are being directed at refining this technology to support the growing demand for energy storage in applications ranging from consumer electronics to renewable energy systems.
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The nutritional reliance on small carnivores by early hunter-gatherer societies in the Levant has been highlighted through recent archaeological discoveries. A series of excavations at the Early Pre-Pottery Neolithic B (EPPNB) site of Aḥihud, located in present-day Israel, has revealed the widespread use of red foxes, wildcats, and other small carnivores for meat and fur. This period, dated between approximately 10,500 and 10,100 years ago, coincided with a transformative phase as communities transitioned from hunting and gathering to farming-based lifestyles.
Findings at the Aḥihud Site
According to the study published in Environmental Archaeology, various archaeological materials, including animal bone fragments, were recovered during salvage excavations in 2012 and 2013. These materials included 1,244 animal remains, with a significant proportion belonging to small carnivores such as red foxes, beech martens, Egyptian mongooses, and European badgers. Dr. Shirad Galmor, the lead researcher, explained to Phys.org that the high quantity of small carnivore bones, coupled with observable cut marks, sparked deeper investigation into their utilisation.
Evidence of Skinning and Consumption
Through taphonomic analysis, it was found that more than 12 percent of red fox remains and 19 percent of wildcat remains exhibited distinct cut marks, compared to lower percentages in larger game like gazelles and cape hares. These marks suggested both skinning for fur and butchering for meat. Burn marks on some of the bones further supported their use as food.
Implications for Neolithic Societies
The findings underscore the previously overlooked significance of small carnivores in the dietary and economic practices of early Neolithic communities. While earlier studies primarily attributed the presence of such remains to fur trade, these results open new avenues for understanding their role as a dietary staple during this period of societal evolution.
Researchers emphasise the need for additional studies to explore the contributions of small carnivores at other archaeological sites across the southern Levant.
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