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New blue water spring found at Yellowstone after 'mildly explosive' activity

New blue water spring found at Yellowstone after 'mildly explosive' activity

Yahoo6 days ago
Geologists discovered a new blue water spring at Yellowstone National Park that likely formed after a series of "mildly explosive events," the United States Geological Survey said.
The new pool was found in a subbasin at the Norris Geyser Basin, which is the park's hottest and oldest thermal area. Scientists conducting routine maintenance in the area unearthed the spring in April, according to a July 14 release from USGS.
The hole is about 13 feet in diameter and 1 foot below the rim, USGS said. The water in the pool, which is light blue in color, was measured at 109°F.
USGS said satellite images indicate the spring formed in a series of events between December 2024 and February 2025.
Geologists believe it formed as a result of a hydrothermal explosion, which is when hot water within a volcano flashes to steam, breaking rocks and throwing them into the air.
More Yellowstone: Watch pair of baby bison run off the 'zoomies' at the park
New Yellowstone spring probably formed in 'mildly explosive events'
Yellowstone's new blue water spring "probably formed in a series of mildly explosive events" between late December 2024 and February 2025, USGS said.
Geologists discovered the hole in April after visiting the site for the first time since last fall, USGS said.
The pool was surrounded by small rocks that were covered in light-gray, sandy mud. The sides of the pool also appeared to have two exposed layers, but one was actually a coating left when the water was at a higher level, USGS said.
Both the presence of the rocks and the water layers are evidence of a hydrothermal explosion, according to USGS. Satellite images corroborated the findings that the hole formed over several months.
Can you swim in Yellowstone's hot springs?
While hot springs are often popular swimming spots for visitors to national parks, it's unlikely the one recently discovered at Yellowstone's Norris Geyser Basin will allow bathing.
According to the National Park Service, Yellowstone has very limited spots for swimming because of extreme water temperatures.
The water in the park's hot springs often reaches the boiling point, so swimming in them is prohibited to protect visitors as well as the park's thermal environments, according to NPS.
On the other end of the spectrum, the park's high-elevation lakes and rivers typically have cold water that can pose a risk of hypothermia, per NPS.
Melina Khan is a national trending reporter for USA TODAY. She can be reached at melina.khan@usatoday.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Yellowstone National Park geologists find new blue water spring
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Trailhead Biosystems® Expands Human Cell-Based Product Line with iPSC-Derived A9 Dopaminergic Neurons
Trailhead Biosystems® Expands Human Cell-Based Product Line with iPSC-Derived A9 Dopaminergic Neurons

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Trailhead Biosystems® Expands Human Cell-Based Product Line with iPSC-Derived A9 Dopaminergic Neurons

BEACHWOOD, Ohio, July 23, 2025 /CNW/ -- Trailhead Biosystems, Inc. ( a biotechnology company pioneering the creation of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived human cells at scale for drug discovery and cell therapy, introduces TrailBio® A9 Dopaminergic Neurons, a powerful new tool available off-the-shelf for studying Parkinson's disease and other neurodegenerative conditions. A9 dopaminergic neurons play a critical role in movement regulation and are disproportionately affected in Parkinson's disease. Historically, researchers have lacked access to viable human models, relying instead on animal studies with limited relevance. With TrailBio® A9 Dopaminergic Neurons, scientists now have a human-specific platform to investigate disease mechanisms, develop therapies and accelerate drug discovery. "TrailBio® A9 Dopaminergic Neurons open new possibilities for Parkinson's research," said Dr. Jan Jensen, Chief Scientific Officer, Chief Technology Officer and founder of Trailhead Biosystems. "These cells enable researchers to study the vulnerabilities of A9 neurons, helping drive progress toward more effective treatments." "For decades, the lack of human A9 neurons has limited our ability to truly understand Parkinson's disease," added Dr. Nooshin Amini, Scientific Director at Trailhead Biosystems. "Now, with TrailBio® A9 Dopaminergic Neurons, researchers can directly study the exact cells that are most affected, offering hope for groundbreaking insights and future therapies." About Trailhead Biosystems Trailhead Biosystems, Inc. is pioneering an informatics-based approach in regenerative medicine and drug discovery. Founded in 2015 as a spinout from the Cleveland Clinic and Case Western Reserve University, Trailhead emerged from the research of CSO/CTO and founder Dr. Jan Jensen. Trailhead creates optimized human cells at scale with its proprietary High-Dimensional Design-of-Experiments (HD-DoE®) platform, integrating advanced mathematical modeling with high-throughput robotic manufacturing. This innovative system allows Trailhead to develop specialized, high-quality iPSC-derived human cells for drug discovery and cell-based therapies. TrailBio® A9 Dopaminergic Neurons represent one of many specialized human cell types emerging from this platform, with additional cell models expected in the near future. Learn more about Trailhead Biosystems, TrailBio® A9 Dopaminergic Neurons and HD-DoE® at For more information, please contact: Tim Mauk, Corporate CommunicationsTrailhead BiosystemsEmail: info@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Trailhead Biosystems Inc View original content to download multimedia:

Nano-Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste: The Benefits and Risks of the Fluoride-Free Alternative
Nano-Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste: The Benefits and Risks of the Fluoride-Free Alternative

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time9 minutes ago

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Nano-Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste: The Benefits and Risks of the Fluoride-Free Alternative

As health concerns around fluoride in public drinking water continue to swirl, nano-hydroxyapatite toothpastes are becoming increasingly popular substitutes for fluoride toothpaste. Popular brands include Boka Davids and NOBS (No Bad Stuff), which are touted as fluoride-free alternatives that whiten teeth, repair enamel and prevent cavities. "As ingredient labels shift toward cleaner, fluoride-free formulas, one compound is taking center stage in modern oral care: nano-hydroxyapatite," Dr. Pia Lieb, DDS, cosmetic dentist and clinical assistant professor emerita at NYU College of Dentistry, explains. If you're thinking about replacing your fluoride toothpaste with a nano-hydroxyapatite alternative, this is what dental experts want you to know before you brush your teeth. What is nano-hydroxyapatite? "Nano-hydroxyapatite is a synthetic calcium phosphate compound that's used in some oral care products, including toothpastes," explains Dr. Ada Cooper, consumer advisor and spokesperson for the American Dental Association, says. "[It] has a structure that is similar to hydroxyapatite found in enamel, and nHAP gets incorporated into the tooth structure preferentially in demineralized areas." Nano-hydroxyapatite is also abbreviated as n-HA and n-HAp. Dr. Royce Lai of King Village Dental adds that this is technically a two-part question, since "hydroxyapatite has been around for decades and has been studied for at least 20 years." Newer and less studied, nano-hydroxyapatite is a version of hydroxyapatite with small, rod-shaped particles. "Hydroxyapatite is natural. It is a type of calcium that makes up bones and teeth," says Lai. "Nano-hydroxyapatite relates to the particle size. These are between 20 and 80 nanometers and are much smaller than the hydroxyapatite tubules that are a part of your teeth." According to Dr. Daniela Eversgerd, a cosmetic dentist and the founder of Allure Dental, nano-hydroxyapatite was developed by NASA in the 1970s for astronauts dealing with bone and enamel loss during long periods of space travel. Since the early 1990s, it has been approved for oral care products in Japan. Nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste benefits "Nano-hydroxyapatite doesn't just protect your teeth -- it helps rebuild them," says Dr. Catrise Austin, a cosmetic dentist, author of Gum Health Made Simple and host of the Let's Talk Smiles podcast. She lists the following as potential nano-hydroxyapatite benefits: Enamel remineralization Tooth sensitivity relief Reduced bacterial adhesion Whitening and gloss enhancement "n-HA can actually fill microscopic cracks and help reverse or arrest early cavities," adds dentist Dr. Sandip Sachar. Austin cites a 2019 study that found a 10% hydroxyapatite toothpaste is equivalent or non-inferior to fluoride toothpaste for preventing and remineralizing dental cavities (or caries) in children. When it comes to teeth sensitivity, Lai cites a 2014 study concluding that 15% nano-hydroxyapatite helped sensitive teeth. "The particle size could get into space and work better than larger particles in micro-hydroxyapatite or fluoride," he explains. "The conclusion was that nano-hydroxyapatite could significantly reduce tooth sensitivity to hot and cold in two to four weeks of use." Referencing an 18-month 2023 clinical trial finding that a 10% n-HAp toothpaste protected adult teeth from new cavities as well as a standard 1,450-ppm fluoride paste, Dr. Christopher Tolmie, DDS, MBA, of PDS Health, states, "By patching enamel and calming swollen gums, nano-hydroxyapatite may cut off a hidden spark of chronic inflammation linked to heart disease and diabetes." Since nano-hydroxyapatite toothpastes are fluoride free, Dr. Yenile Y. Pinto, DDS, functional and biomimetic dentist and founder of Deering Dental, adds, "It's also been shown to reduce sensitivity and strengthen the enamel surface without the risk of fluorosis." Fluorosis occurs when you get too much fluoride as a child, causing white or brown spots on the teeth. The CDC reports that fluorosis typically doesn't affect tooth function and isn't painful. A 2020 systematic review of 32 studies concluded that "Nano-HA is a relatively novel material with outstanding physical, chemical, mechanical and biological properties that makes it suitable for multiple interventions. It outperformed most of the classic materials used in implantology and surgery, but it should be further investigated for bone engineering and caries prevention therapy." HengleinA 2023 comprehensive review found that, while more long-term studies are needed to establish the safety of regular use, "Nanohydroxyapatite is a promising revolutionary material in the prevention of early carious lesion mainly due to a greater source of free calcium." Ultimately, providing a 2021 review and 2022 scoping review, Cooper concludes, "Although there is some evidence that alternative ingredients, such as [nano] hydroxyapatite, prevent tooth decay by acting as a remineralizing or anti-cavity agent, the studies are preliminary. The only anti-cavity agent recognized by the Food and Drug Administration in its over-the-counter monograph is fluoride, a naturally occurring chemical." Cooper adds that all toothpastes with the ADA Seal of Acceptance contain fluoride. The administration specifically recommends brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and regularly visiting your dentist. Nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste risks "According to a [2021] narrative review from Odontology, the official journal of the Society of the Nippon Dental University, so far, there have been no reports of adverse dental or systemic effects of HAP-containing toothpastes because HAP has an excellent biocompatibility," states Cooper. According to Austin, the concern with nano-hydroxyapatite is that, because it's made of nanoparticles, some worry about how much might get absorbed into the body if regularly swallowed. "The European Commission's Scientific Committee raised concerns due to the lack of long-term safety data on ingestion, particularly in children," she says. This has led to temporary nano-hydroxyapatite restrictions (not a full-on banning) in Europe. The European Scientific Committee deems nHA safe in toothpaste up to 29.5% and up to 10% in mouthwash, per Tolmie. However, he states, "Regulators still bar it from breath-spray products to avoid lung exposure, so stick to pastes and rinses." Key concerns around nano-hydroxyapatite, according to Lieb, are: Potential ingestion and systemic absorption, especially in nano form Lack of long-term studies in humans on the cumulative effects Unknown impact of inhalation from aerosol products (not toothpaste) In terms of systemic absorption, Sachar specifies, "Because nano-hydroxyapatite particles are similar in composition to bone mineral, there has been some theoretical concern that if absorbed systemically, they could potentially contribute to unwanted calcifications in soft tissues (like blood vessels or kidneys)." However, she states that this is speculative and not supported by any current clinical nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste only effective at 10%? "Most clinical formulations of nHA range from 5%-15%, with 10% emerging as the benchmark concentration in several Japanese and European studies," answers Lieb. "This concentration has demonstrated reliable enamel restoration while maintaining product stability and usability." However, she states that newer formulations are experimenting with lower concentrations and enhanced delivery systems (such as encapsulation or synergistic minerals), which may improve efficacy at reduced levels. "The effectiveness isn't just about percentage, it's also about particle quality and how it's delivered to the tooth surface," she explains. Tolmie adds, "Effective repair starts as low as 5% and plateaus around 10-15%. Several studies show that 5% n-HAp can mend enamel dings, divots and dents in the teeth, with benefits leveling off somewhere between 10% and 15%. One review even noted that 5% sometimes beats 10% because fewer particles clump, making them easier to slip into enamel defects; hence, most US brands sit comfortably in the 5-10% sweet spot." We also reached out to Dr. Foti Panagakos, who's a part of Boka's Oral Health Advisory Committee. "While there is a lot of discussion around nano-hydroxyapatite concentration and its effectiveness, what matters most is how it is formulated and the fact that the ingredient is backed by research," he explains. "This includes how nano-hydroxyapatite is stabilized, delivered and supported by other ingredients, which is why at Boka, years were spent working with oral health professionals to ensure our formula delivers on both safety and performance. Each tube of Boka toothpaste contains a precisely balanced concentration of nano-hydroxyapatite -- high enough to deliver measurable benefits and safe for daily use, with a formula that's gentle on dentin." Should people replace fluoride toothpaste with nano-hydroxyapatite? Eversgerd states that it all depends on each person's oral health needs. "Fluoride remains the gold standard for cavity prevention, supported by decades of large-scale, randomized controlled trials," she explains. "However, for patients seeking a fluoride alternative -- whether due to sensitivity, allergies, personal preferences or a desire for a biomimetic approach -- nano-hydroxyapatite provides a scientifically supported option." According to the Academy of Biomimetic Dentistry, a biomimetic approach is one in which damaged teeth are restored using materials mimicking natural teeth in function, strength and appearance. For high-risk patients, Eversgerd recommends fluoride, while she may recommend n-Ha to low-risk or fluoride-averse individuals. Austin seconds this, but adds that she also recommends fluoride toothpaste to children with poor brushing habits or communities with limited dental access. "nHA is a great option, but it's not a one-size-fits-all replacement for fluoride -- yet," Austin says. Lieb explains that nHA may also be a compelling alternative for patients with aesthetic concerns, such as whitening-induced sensitivity, and individuals in preventive care regimens post-restorative treatment. Pinto agrees that it depends on the person, stating, "For most of my patients, especially those with low to moderate cavity risk, nano-hydroxyapatite is an excellent option; gentler on the mouth, less drying and effective at rebuilding early damage. For people with high cavity risk, fluoride might still be the best choice, at least short term. For my high-risk patients, I often recommend a combo toothpaste that includes both ingredients when appropriate." Ultimately, if a patient isn't high risk and has health or safety concerns about fluoride, she thinks hydroxyapatite is a great option. When asked if there's a reason people should choose n-HAp over other anti-cavity toothpastes, Tolmie answers, "No, as long as patients are brushing their teeth with an anti-cavity toothpaste. There are differences in the way an n-HAp toothpaste and a fluoride toothpaste work to prevent decay, and some n-HAp toothpastes may feel smoother on the teeth. But anti-cavity toothpastes as a whole accomplish the same task. Do I wash a car with tap water or bottled water? We know that both of them get the job done." What's most important, according to Tolmie, is that patients ensure they're not swallowing toothpaste. What does the American Dental Association think? Cooper states that the ADA recommends brushing teeth twice daily for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste, as the naturally occurring mineral has been proven to remineralize weakened enamel and reverse early signs of tooth decay. "Additionally, the fluoride you take in from drinking water and other beverages continues to provide a topical benefit because it becomes part of your saliva, constantly bathing the teeth and helping to rebuild weakened tooth enamel," Cooper further explains. "The best scientific evidence has shown that adding fluoride to community water supplies is safe and effective. This is backed by decades of research and recognized by more than 100 health organizations." GoodboyDoes nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste work? All of the dentists we consulted agree that nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste works, but in the right context and with the right product. It's also not a miracle cure and should not replace your entire oral care routine, dentist's recommendations or regular appointments. Plus, Eversgerd adds that more long-term, large-scale trials are needed to fully validate whether it's equal to fluoride in preventing cavities. When asked if it's effective, Austin says, "Yes -- particularly for enamel remineralization and sensitivity. In my practice, I've seen patients who switched to nHA toothpaste experience noticeable improvements in comfort, plaque control and surface smoothness. But like any product, it works best when paired with consistent brushing, flossing and professional cleanings." Pinto agrees and has also seen the results firsthand. "It helps remineralize enamel, soothe sensitivity and support a healthier oral microbiome, especially when paired with a good routine (good home hygiene, healthy diet, hydration and nasal breathing)," she explains, noting that it's not a miracle cure, but does offer many benefits. On behalf of the ADA, Cooper echoes Eversgerd's earlier statement: "The use of nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAP) in over-the-counter products is growing, and some evidence shows that nHAP may contribute to remineralization, but the evidence is fairly new and often ambiguous, especially regarding clinical indications. " Do experts recommend nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste? All of the experts we consulted do recommend nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste, but only for certain patients. After all, according to Austin, "Nearly half of US adults over 30 have some form of gum disease, and you can't out-toothpaste a bad hygiene routine." Brushing your teeth regularly, flossing and regularly visiting your dentist are still essential, no matter what toothpaste you use. Though Lieb recommends nHA toothpaste for adult patients experiencing post-whitening sensitivity or early enamel erosion, low-caries risk individuals seeking natural alternatives and adults undergoing cosmetic dental work who want to protect their investment with gentle, remineralizing care, she doesn't recommend nano-hydroxyapatite for children with deciduous dentition. "In my professional opinion, fluoride remains the safest and most effective option for all patients under 14," says Lieb. "Its protective effect during the development of permanent dentition is unmatched, and its caries-prevention record is well established." Sachar states that she often recommends it for "patients seeking fluoride-free options, those with mild tooth sensitivity and for children at risk of swallowing fluoride toothpaste." However, she advises that patients with moderate to high cavity risk not fully abandon fluoride. Again, it's important to note that the "ADA recommends that adults brush their teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste for at least two minutes each time, or as directed by a licensed dentist," according to Cooper. This is because the proposed benefits of nHAP are fairly new and ambiguous. Getty Images The bottom line Though more research is needed, the dentists we consulted explained that nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste can be an effective alternative to fluoride -- but only in the right context. The ADA doesn't recommend it. It's also not a miracle cure or a replacement for brushing regularly, flossing and professional dental appointments. If you're considering nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste, consult your dentist first before making the switch. They know your teeth best and will be able to help you find the best toothpaste for your smile.

Male birth control pill passes early safety test, with more trials underway
Male birth control pill passes early safety test, with more trials underway

Yahoo

timean hour ago

  • Yahoo

Male birth control pill passes early safety test, with more trials underway

When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. An experimental, hormone-free male birth control pill has just passed its first safety test in humans. The trial included 16 people and was only intended to test whether the drug reached adequate levels in the body, as well as whether it triggered any serious side effects, such as concerning changes in heart rate, hormone function, inflammation, mood or sexual function. Across the doses tested, no significant side effects were observed. That result tees up the pill to be tested in larger trials that will now look at both safety and efficacy. The results of the early safety trial, published Tuesday (July 22) in the journal Communications Medicine, are a critical first step toward getting the pill approved, Dr. Stephanie Page, an endocrinologist at the University of Washington School of Medicine who wasn't involved in the study, told Scientific American. "We really need more reversible contraceptive methods for men," she added. For the moment, the only male birth control options are condoms and vasectomies. The latter can be reversed, but the actual success rate of the reversal procedure varies widely in terms of how likely a person is to conceive a child afterward. If approved, the new pill would be the first drug in its class. "A safe and effective male pill will provide more options to couples for birth control," Gunda Georg, a professor in the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy, where the drug molecule was developed, said in a statement released earlier this year following promising preclinical testing of the pill. Columbia University was also involved in the drug's development, along with the company YourChoice Therapeutics, which is overseeing the trials. Related: Why is there still no male birth control pill? "It will allow a more equitable sharing of responsibility for family planning and provide reproductive autonomy for men," Georg said. How the male birth control pill works The experimental pill, called YCT-529, is designed to pause sperm production by interrupting specific signals in the body. Specifically, the drug works by blocking a protein called "retinoic acid receptor alpha," which is known to play a key role in the formation and maturation of sperm. In the testes, the receptor would usually be activated by the insertion of a "key" — a vitamin A metabolite — but the drug stops this key from clicking into place. That, in turn, prevents the chain reaction that ends with sperm being made. Finding a compound with this effect required the scientists to closely examine the structure of the receptor when it's bound to its key, as well as test dozens of molecules to see which could block the interaction. In preclinical tests with male lab mice, the drug "elicited profound effects" on sperm production. It triggered reversible infertility within four weeks of use, showing 99% effectiveness at preventing pregnancy in the female mice the treated males mated with. When taken off the drug, the male mice's fertility was restored within about four to six weeks. Further tests in nonhuman primates returned similar results, with sperm counts falling dramatically within two weeks of starting the drug and fully recovering within 10 to 15 weeks of stopping the drug. These preclinical tests set the stage for the recent clinical trial in people. The trial included 16 males ages 32 to 59, all of whom had previously undergone vasectomies. This was done out of an abundance of caution, in case the experimental drug was to have any lasting impacts on fertility, Nadja Mannowetz, co-founder and chief science officer of YourChoice Therapeutics, told Scientific American. The participants were split into groups who received either placebo pills or a low or high dose of the drug. Most of the participants took the pill only after a period of fasting, but a subset were also given doses after a large meal, to see if that affected levels of the drug in the body. Across all of the doses and conditions tested, the levels of the drug in the body reached decent levels, but Mannowetz anticipates that, if approved, the final dose would be closest to the highest one tested: 180 milligrams. RELATED STORIES —Hormonal birth control may double risk of stroke, study finds —1st over-the-counter birth control pill approved by FDA —Blood clot risk linked to taking common painkillers alongside certain hormonal birth control Both the animal study and the human trial results suggest that the approved pill would likely be taken once a day, but further trials will confirm that dosing. And although no notable side effects emerged in this small trial, future trials with larger study cohorts will still need to monitor for these effects. "The positive results from this first clinical trial laid the groundwork for a second trial, where men receive YCT-529 for 28 days and 90 days, to study safety and changes in sperm parameters," the study authors wrote in their paper. That trial is already underway and again is looking at males who have already had vasectomies or who have made a firm decision not to father children. This article is for informational purposes only and is not meant to offer medical advice.

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