More than two million years ago, an extraordinary event unfolded in Lake Tanganyika, located in East Africa. This deep body of water, which stretches over 400 miles (645 kilometers) and is surrounded by rugged highlands, became a hotbed for the diversification of viruses that infect fish. Researchers have observed a rapid increase in the mutation rates of these viruses, leaving the scientific community intrigued and puzzled.

The key to this phenomenon may lie in the increased levels of cosmic radiation during the same time period. Cosmic rays are high-energy particles that travel through space at nearly the speed of light, originating from various cosmic events such as supernovae and solar flares. When these particles collide with Earth’s atmosphere, they generate secondary particles that can reach the surface, playing a significant role in shaping our environment.

In a troubling development, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is grappling with a mysterious illness that has claimed at least 53 lives and sickened hundreds more. The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported two clusters of this unknown disease in northwestern DRC, raising alarms about its potential public health implications.

As of mid-February, the WHO has documented 431 cases associated with this illness, with the most significant outbreak occurring in Bomate Village. Here, at least 419 individuals have fallen ill, resulting in 45 fatalities. A previous cluster in Boloko Village and the nearby Danda has also been reported, with 12 cases and eight deaths attributed to the illness.

In a significant move that could shape the future of the team, the San Francisco 49ers have announced a comprehensive overhaul of their coaching staff as they prepare for the 2025 NFL season. The changes include new hires and title adjustments that aim to bolster the team’s performance and address key areas of development.

One of the most noteworthy changes is the appointment of Mick Lombardi as the new quarterbacks coach, taking over from Brian Griese. Griese, who played a pivotal role in the development of rookie quarterback Brock Purdy last season, leaves behind a legacy of growth in the quarterback room. The circumstances surrounding his departure remain unclear, leaving fans and analysts speculating about the transition.

Recent research from Brown University has unveiled crucial insights into the mechanics of working memory, shedding light on why our ability to hold information is limited. Traditionally, scientists have debated whether these limitations stem from a finite storage capacity or the brain’s processing capabilities. However, a groundbreaking study suggests that the challenges associated with working memory are primarily linked to learning processes rather than mere storage constraints.

Working memory is essential for everyday tasks, such as remembering a grocery list while shopping or dialing a phone number. While it is widely accepted that working memory has limits, the specifics of these limitations have remained elusive. The study conducted by Michael Frank, a professor at the Carney Institute for Brain Science, and graduate student Aneri Soni, utilizes a sophisticated computer model of the basal ganglia and thalamus—two brain regions crucial for working memory—to explore this phenomenon.

In today’s fast-paced world, health has become a paramount concern for individuals and communities alike. With the rise of chronic diseases, mental health issues, and lifestyle-related ailments, understanding the multifaceted nature of health is more crucial than ever. Health is not merely the absence of disease; it encompasses physical, mental, and social well-being, making it essential for individuals to adopt a holistic approach to their health.

Physical health is often the first aspect that comes to mind when discussing overall well-being. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep are foundational elements that contribute to a healthy body. Engaging in physical activity not only helps maintain a healthy weight but also reduces the risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. Furthermore, a nutritious diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins fuels the body, enhances immune function, and promotes longevity.

In a delightful fusion of nostalgia and modern craftsmanship, legendary designer Susan Kare has unveiled a new collection of 32 retro-inspired icons that transcend the digital realm. Collaborating with Asprey Studio, Kare’s “Esc Keys” collection features mechanical keyboard keycaps and wearable pendants, each adorned with charming 8-bit pixel art illustrations. From playful depictions of dogs and plants to representations of mail and coffee, these designs are sure to resonate with fans of Kare’s iconic work.

On February 13, 2025, the Blue Ghost lunar lander made history by successfully entering the moon’s orbit, marking a significant milestone for its developer, Firefly Aerospace. Since then, the spacecraft has been sending back breathtaking visuals of our celestial neighbor, including a close-up look at the moon’s far side, an area that remains hidden from Earth.

The recent footage showcases the moon’s rocky terrain, dotted with impact craters, as the Blue Ghost transitioned from a high elliptical orbit to a lower orbit approximately 120 kilometers (74.6 miles) above the lunar surface. This transition was completed on February 18, just days after the lander’s initial orbital insertion.

In a recent episode of “The Joe Rogan Experience,” actor Woody Harrelson shared his strong opinions on the state of America’s health system, particularly targeting former Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Dr. Anthony Fauci. Known for his roles in films such as “Hunger Games” and “No Country For Old Men,” Harrelson did not hold back in expressing his disdain for Fauci, who has been a polarizing figure throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a groundbreaking discovery, astronomers have identified a supermassive black hole located in the galaxy LID-568 that is challenging our understanding of black hole formation and growth. This black hole, observed just 1.5 billion years after the Big Bang, is consuming material at an astonishing rate—more than 40 times the Eddington limit, a theoretical threshold that governs the maximum rate at which black holes can accrete matter.

The Eddington limit plays a crucial role in black hole accretion theory. As black holes consume surrounding material, it forms an accretion disk that spirals around the event horizon. The radiation pressure generated by this infalling matter eventually becomes strong enough to counterbalance further accretion, effectively capping the growth rate of the black hole. However, the black hole in LID-568 is defying this limit, exhibiting a luminosity far exceeding expectations for its size. This remarkable behavior was confirmed through observations from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) and the Chandra X-ray Observatory.

The entertainment world is mourning the loss of Lynne Marie Stewart, a beloved actress and comedian, who passed away at the age of 78. Her friend Cassandra Peterson shared the heartbreaking news via Instagram on February 24, 2025, highlighting the profound impact Stewart had on those who knew her.

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Stewart’s journey in comedy began with the renowned sketch group “The Groundlings,” where she honed her craft and formed lasting friendships, including with Peterson and Paul Reubens, who would later become her co-star in the iconic “Pee-wee’s Playhouse.”