Mother Pleads Guilty in Toddler's Death; Will Testify Against Ex-Boyfriend

A new study has raised alarms regarding the potential spread of the Aspergillus fungus, which could infect millions in Europe, Asia, and the Americas. According to co-author Norman van Rhijn, the world is approaching a "tipping point" where fungal pathogens may become commonplace, leading to significant health threats, particularly for vulnerable populations. The fungus thrives in warm, damp climates and can cause severe lung issues, particularly in individuals with pre-existing conditions such as asthma or a weakened immune system. The study noted that rising global temperatures and extensive fossil fuel use could enable Aspergillus fumigatus to expand its territory by an estimated 77% by 2100. This could expose nearly nine million people in Europe alone to the risk of infection. Researchers also highlighted the limited understanding of fungi, as less than 10% of the estimated 1.5 to 3.8 million species have been thoroughly studied. The financial unprofitability of developing antifungal treatments further complicates the situation, possibly leaving both doctors and patients without effective options in the future.

A 64-year-old man, David Boyd, was arrested in Wisconsin on April 26, 2025, after allegations surfaced regarding the sexual abuse of two minor sisters. The allegations indicate that the abuse began in 2015 when one of the girls was just five years old and persisted until 2024. According to a report by People, the abuse reportedly included incidents where one sister was chained and held in a basement, deprived of food and water. The allegations came to light after one of the victims disclosed her ordeal to her foster parent, who subsequently informed law enforcement. Reports indicate that Boyd used physical restraints and allegedly trafficked the girls to other men, allowing them to choose the order of assault, according to the victims' accounts detailed in a police complaint. Investigators have reportedly found alarming evidence, including chains and knives, in Boyd's basement. He faces multiple charges, including repeated sexual assault, child abuse, false imprisonment, child trafficking, and the use of a dangerous weapon, as noted by officials.

Four prominent U.S. scientists have ignited a significant bioethical debate by proposing the use of brain-dead individuals for medical experiments aimed at advancing drug research and treatment options for terminal illnesses. According to their study published in the journal *Science*, the team from institutions in California and New York suggests that the bodies of brain-dead patients can facilitate multiple simultaneous trials, such as testing experimental DNA editing and organ transplants from genetically modified pigs. The researchers, including bioethicist Brendan Parent and neurologists Neel Singhal, Claire Clelland, and Douglas Pet, advocate for what they call "physiologically maintained deceased" (PMD) research models, which have not been fully explored for drug discovery. They highlight previous studies from as early as 1988 that faced ethical scrutiny with similar proposals. Federico de Montalvo Jääskeläinen, former chair of Spain's Bioethics Committee, supports this approach under strict regulations, stating that consent from the deceased or their families is paramount. While the discussion raises ethical concerns, the scientists believe that the potential to advance science is enormous.