Deadly Fungus Could Threaten Millions Across Continents, Study Finds

A tragic incident in Texas has resulted in the death of a 71-year-old woman who contracted Naegleria fowleri, a rare and deadly brain-eating amoeba, after using tap water for a nasal irrigation device. According to a report by the Texas Department of State Health Services, the woman fell ill four days post-usage of the nasal rinse filled with water from an RV's system at a campground. Medical experts noted she exhibited severe neurological symptoms, including fever, headache, and altered mental state. Despite receiving treatment, she suffered from seizures and succumbed to the infection eight days later. Lab tests confirmed the presence of Naegleria fowleri in her cerebrospinal fluid. Naegleria fowleri is commonly found in warm freshwater environments and infects individuals when contaminated water enters through the nose, causing primary amebic meningoencephalitis, a severe infection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises against using untreated tap water for sinus rinsing, recommending distilled or sterile alternatives to prevent infection.

Astronomers using NASA's James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) have identified several unexpected molecules, including silicon monoxide (SiO), in the atmosphere of the exoplanet WASP-121b, marking its first detection in any planetary atmosphere. Findings were reported in studies published on June 2 in *Nature Astronomy* and *The Astronomical Journal*. WASP-121b, a gas giant located approximately 880 light-years from Earth, is about 1.2 times more massive and 1.8 times wider than Jupiter. This extreme "hell planet" orbits its sun every 30.5 hours, with its day side reaching temperatures of around 5,500 degrees Fahrenheit (about 3,000 degrees Celsius). The presence of SiO suggests origins from silicate-rich materials that may have evaporated from asteroids within its atmosphere, according to Anjali Piette of the University of Birmingham. The extraordinary resolution of the JWST allows researchers to deepen their understanding of gas giant atmospheres under extreme conditions. "Studying the chemistry of ultra hot planets like WASP-121b helps us to understand how gas giant atmospheres work," stated Joanna Barstow, a planetary scientist involved in the studies.

A violent attack on a group advocating for the release of hostages held in Gaza in Boulder, Colorado, left 12 people injured on Sunday. The suspect, 33-year-old Mohammed Sabry Soliman, allegedly targeted the group after planning the assault for a year, intending to "kill all Zionist people," according to court documents cited by various news sources. This incident follows a series of attacks on Jewish communities, including the recent homicide of two Israeli embassy workers in Washington, DC. Adina Vogel Ayalon from the pro-Israel group J Street noted that fears among Jewish Americans have intensified significantly. She remarked that antisemitic hate crimes have blurred political lines, affecting those across the spectrum regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict. The Boulder attack has sparked wider condemnation, with the Muslim Public Affairs Council emphasizing that such acts threaten the principles of pluralism and safety for all. Halie Soifer, CEO of the Jewish Democratic Council of America, highlighted a pervasive sense of insecurity within Jewish communities, and a fundraiser has been organized to bolster local security.