Scientists Discover Light from an Ancient Galaxy Defying Cosmic Expectations

A sightseeing helicopter crash in New York City on April 10 resulted in the deaths of six people, prompting further investigation by federal officials. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released a series of images showing the helicopter, a Bell 206L-4, breaking apart midair before descending into the Hudson River. Witnesses reported hearing several loud bangs as the aircraft lost structural integrity, according to the NTSB's preliminary report. Aviation lawyer Justin Green emphasized the mechanical issues that likely led to the crash, indicating a severe yawing motion and a failed tail boom. The NTSB has not yet confirmed the specific cause but notes that the helicopter had a prior maintenance issue involving its transmission assembly. The pilot, Seankese Johnson, who received his commercial license in 2023, had limited experience with the specific model. This incident adds to growing concerns regarding the safety of helicopter tours in New York, marking the fifth significant crash since 2005, during which 20 people have been killed. The crash notably claimed the lives of a family from Spain, including three children.

A recent study published in *Nature Communications Earth & Environment* reveals that climate change has been responsible for approximately 15,000 deaths and economic losses amounting to $160 billion from 2006 to 2020 in the United States due to wildfire smoke. The estimated annual death toll ranges from 130 to 5,100, with the highest fatalities observed in states like Oregon and California. Nicholas Nassikas, a physician and professor at Harvard Medical School, stated, "We’re seeing a lot more of these wildfire smoke events," prompting the research team to investigate the changing environment's impact on mortality rates. The study focuses on PM2.5, fine particulate matter from wildfires that poses serious health risks, especially to vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and outdoor workers. Sources noted that human-induced climate change has significantly increased wildfire frequency and severity, particularly in the western U.S., leading to severe health and economic repercussions. The study emphasizes the urgent need for emissions reduction and improved land management strategies as global warming exacerbates these dangers.

A team of U.S. scientists has created a groundbreaking serum that could potentially neutralize venom from 19 of the world's most toxic snake species, including the black mamba and king cobra. This innovation stems from the antibodies of Tim Friede, a man from Wisconsin who has survived over 200 snake bites in an effort to self-immunize. According to a study published in the journal Cell, the experimental antivenom has shown promising results in laboratory mice, offering full protection against several venom types. The research, led by Jacob Glanville, CEO of Centivax, involved combining Friede's antibodies with a small-molecule inhibitor, varespladib, to enhance effectiveness. Currently, traditional snakebite treatments, derived from immunized animals, pose risks of complications, especially in rural areas where snakebites are prevalent. This new cocktail aims to minimize these risks and could be administered without precise snake identification. Experts project that it may take over a decade for such a treatment to be available in regions like Latin America, where snakebites are common. Further testing is planned, including trials on dogs in Australia, before moving to human applications.