Latest news with #2025LivingstonAward
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Researchers discover novel bacteria linked to deadly fever in New England ticks
UMass Amherst researchers have discovered a new bacteria in Maine rabbit ticks linked to an infection that can be deadly for humans, the university announced Wednesday. The researchers discovered the novel bacteria while testing ticks collected from the backyard of a Maine home for pathogens, UMass Amherst said in a press release. Though rabbit ticks can be found across North and South America, the scientists were surprised to encounter them at all, as they are uncommon in New England. UMass Amherst microbiology Professor Guang Xu tested the ticks for bacteria that can cause Rocky Mountain spotted fever — which has a death rate of 20 to 30% when untreated — and discovered they were infected, the university said. The professor then sequenced the bacteria's DNA and found that, though it was unlike any other strain previously identified, it was similar to one identified in California a few years ago that has caused severe cases of Rocky Mountain spotted fever. The University of Maine soon sent Xu more ticks to test. He ultimately found that just over 6% of the nearly 300 rabbit ticks that were collected from nine Maine counties tested positive for the new bacteria, UMass Amherst said. 'This wasn't a needle in a haystack. It looks like lots of the rabbit ticks there have this pathogen,' UMass Amherst microbiology Professor Stephen Rich said in the release. Cases of Rocky Mountain spotted fever have climbed in recent years, from 495 in 2002 to a peak of 6,248 in 2017, though most of these cases occurred in the South and Midwest, according to UMass Amherst. Dog ticks are the usual vector for bacteria that can cause the infection, but despite the fact that the bacteria has yet to be found in New England dog ticks, the region has still had a few cases of Rocky Mountain spotted fever. 'It was a mystery. Why are there some cases of Rocky Mountain spotted fever in New England?' Xu said in the release. 'This finding may solve part of the puzzle. Maybe the rabbit ticks are the vector.' Rabbit ticks typically don't feed on humans, but there are other ticks common in New England that feed on both rabbits and humans, Rich explained in the release. The researchers posit that the rabbit ticks may be infecting the rabbits, who then pass the bacteria on when a different tick feeds on them, and that that tick could then infect a human when it feeds on them. Rich plans to collaborate with rabbit hunters in Massachusetts to collect more rabbit ticks from the region, UMass Amherst said. The hope is that this will advance scientists' understanding of the bacteria's impact on public health. 'While these rabbit ticks don't feed on people very often, there's a possibility that they could spill over into systems where people could get exposed. We're interested in figuring out the nature of this environmental risk,' Rich said in the release. MassLive journalist is a finalist for prestigious 2025 Livingston Award 1 person dead after fall from Purgatory Chasm in Sutton Petition from Worcester resident calls on city to do more to clean up park Mass. waterfront restaurant voted the best in the country Boston Greek restaurant included on Condé Nast Traveler's 2025 Hot List Read the original article on MassLive.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
250 years in the making: USPS stamps honor America's military branches
The United States Postal Service (USPS) has released a new series of stamps honoring the 250th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Army, Navy and Marine Corps. The three individual 'Forever' stamp panes pay tribute to each branch, all of which have roots in the Revolutionary War. In 1775, following the start of the Revolutionary War, the Second Continental Congress established the Continental Army on June 14, the Continental Navy on Oct. 13 and the Continental Marines on Nov. 10. These foundational acts mark the origins of today's military branches. 'These stamps honor the enduring legacy and unwavering commitment of the men and women who have served and continue to serve,' the USPS said in its statement. 'Each branch plays a crucial role in safeguarding American interests, standing as symbols of strength and resilience, upholding core values such as loyalty, duty, honor and courage.' Each stamp pane was designed by USPS Art Director Antonio Alcalá. And they can be purchased for $14.60 through the Postal Store. MassLive journalist is a finalist for prestigious 2025 Livingston Award 1 person dead after fall from Purgatory Chasm in Sutton Petition from Worcester resident calls on city to do more to clean up park Mass. waterfront restaurant voted the best in the country Boston Greek restaurant included on Condé Nast Traveler's 2025 Hot List 12aa Read the original article on MassLive. Read the original article on MassLive.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Former child star found dead in New England was pregnant
Child actor Sophie Nyweide, who was found dead in the woods last week, was pregnant, according to a death certificate obtained by PEOPLE. Nyweide, 24, was pronounced dead before 5 a.m. on April 14 in Bennington, Vermont, the magazine reported. An autopsy was performed, but the cause of death is still unknown. Police are investigating the death of Nyweide as an unintentional overdose. PEOPLE spoke with Nyweide's mother, Shelly Gibson, who said she knew her daughter was using drugs and was with other people when she died, though she didn't know their identities. Authorities were called to a 'wooded area along the banks of the Roaring Branch River' after someone reported an unresponsive female, Vermont Office of Chief Medical Examiner, Paul Doucetter, the chief of police for Bennington, Vermont, told USA Today. That same person who called 911 stayed on the scene and is cooperating with authorities, police told the news outlet. The circumstances of Nyweide's pregnancy, including her stage, were unclear, according to PEOPLE. Born in Burlington, Vermont, on July 8, 2000, Nyweide began acting early, with her first role being Bella in the 2006 film, 'Bella.' She then played Jackie Vidales in Mammoth and the younger sister in 'Noah,' which came out in 2014, according to IMDb. 'Sophie was a beloved daughter, granddaughter, sister, friend and new aunt,' Nyweide's family wrote in an obituary according to CNN. 'Creative, athletic and wise beyond her years, Sophie accomplished so much in the time she danced upon earth (literally-she danced as she moved!).' Florida-based breakfast chain expanding in Mass. with first Boston location MassLive journalist is a finalist for prestigious 2025 Livingston Award 1 person dead after fall from Purgatory Chasm in Sutton Petition from Worcester resident calls on city to do more to clean up park Mass. waterfront restaurant voted the best in the country 12aa
