Latest news with #Herrero
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
New Covid variant 'under monitoring' after spike in cases and hospitalisations
First identified in January, NB. 1.8.1 is spreading quickly across multiple countries, leading to an increase in cases and hospitalisations, the World Health Organisation said A new coronavirus variant has been labelled as "under monitoring" by the World Health Organisation following a spike in cases and hospitalisations. First identified on January 22 2025, NB. 1.8.1 is a derivative of the Omicron strain. The variant is causing concern among health experts after being identified in multiple countries including popular holiday destinations like Egypt, Thailand and the Maldives. The WHO has warned that the new strain is now responsible for more than 10 per cent of all infections and is already the dominant strain in Hong Kong and China. The Centre of Disease Control (CDC) in the US has also identified cases in a number of states including New York, California, Arizona, Ohio, Washington, and Rhode Island. Despite saying that the variant is currently being monitored, WHO said in their report that the current risk to the public is deemed to be low - and currently approved vaccines are expected to "remain effective to this variant against symptomatic and severe disease." WHO said that despite an increase in cases and hospitalisations, currently there is no indication that this variant leads to more severe illness than other variants in circulation. Even though NB.1.8.1 has been found in popular holiday destinations, the WHO says there is no need for travel or trade restrictions at this time, Wales Online reports. The organisation urges countries to stay alert and adjust their responses as needed, but does not recommend closing borders or limiting travel. The official report states: "WHO recommends that countries remain vigilant, adapt to evolving epidemiological trends, and leverage Covid-19 management strategies to strengthen systems for all respiratory disease threats. Member States should continue offering Covid-19 vaccines in line with WHO recommendations." Health experts at the CDC say that symptoms may vary in accordance with the variant, however they will likely be similar to the typical symptoms of Covid-19. These include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, new loss of taste or smell, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, nausea or vomiting, diarrhoea. This week, Lara Herrero Associate Professor and Research Leader in Virology and Infectious Disease at Griffith University, said that thanks to multiple mutations, the new strain "may infect cells more efficiently than earlier strains." Professor Herrero explained: "It's possible a person infected with NB.1.8.1 may be more likely to pass the virus on to someone else, compared to earlier variants. The evidence so far suggests NB.1.8.1 may spread more easily and may partially sidestep immunity from prior infections or vaccination. These factors could explain its rise in sequencing data. "But importantly, the WHO has not yet observed any evidence it causes more severe disease compared to other variants. Reports suggest symptoms of NB.1.8.1 should align closely with other Omicron subvariants. Common symptoms include sore throat, fatigue, fever, mild cough, muscle aches and nasal congestion. Gastrointestinal symptoms may also occur in some cases." The WHO report reads: "SARS-CoV-2 continues to evolve, and between January and May 2025, there were shifts in global SARS-CoV-2 variant dynamics. At the beginning of the year, the most prevalent variant tracked by WHO at the global level was XEC, followed by KP.3.1.1. In February, circulation of XEC began to decline while that of LP.8.1 increased, with the latter becoming the most detected variant in mid-March. Since mid-April, the circulation of LP.8.1 has been slightly declining as NB.1.8.1 is increasingly being detected."
Mint
a day ago
- Science
- Mint
What does this mysterious 43,000-year-old red dot hint at? Scientists discover the ‘oldest fingerprint' by Neanderthals
Researchers in Spain may have found one of the oldest symbolic objects with a human fingerprint ever recorded in Europe. The small pebble, discovered in the San Lazaro rock shelter in Segovia, could be linked to Neanderthals. Experts believe this shows that Neanderthals may have created symbolic art, like cave paintings. The pebble was found under 1.5 metres of soil during a 2022 excavation. Forensic experts helped study the print. This discovery supports the idea that Neanderthals, who lived over 40,000 years ago, were more like modern humans than we used to believe. Scientists now believe Neanderthals had more imagination than once thought. The pebble with red ochre suggests they could see faces in objects, much like we see shapes in clouds. This shows they may have had symbolic thinking. Experts say the gap between modern humans and Neanderthals is getting smaller. Forensic tools will now help find more hidden clues from the past. 'When we saw (the pebble) the first time … we were looking at the stone, all the team and students, and we were like 'Uh, it looks like a face,'' CNN quoted study coauthor Maria de Andres Herrero as saying. A team led by Herrero found the 43,000-year-old ancient fingerprint on a pebble, likely left by a Neanderthal. It had no clear use but had a strange red dot. Curious, Herrero contacted fingerprint experts from Madrid police. Though doubtful at first, the forensic team confirmed a fingerprint using special cameras and multispectral analysis. It was the first time such modern techniques helped identify a Neanderthal print. This find was surprising even for the experts. They usually work with prints only days or weeks old, not thousands of years. This may be the oldest full fingerprint from an early human ever discovered. The fingerprint had red ocher pigment on it, showing the person might have used the colour on purpose. Experts say the mark was made intentionally, not by accident. This print could also be the oldest one linked to the use of pigment. The hollows may look like a human face with eyes, mouth and chin. The red dot could mark the nose. Researchers believe this pebble might carry a symbolic message. 'A meaning or message exists, however simple the object and action may appear,' the study says.
Dublin Live
2 days ago
- Health
- Dublin Live
Fast-spreading new Covid variant with unusual symptoms confirmed in Ireland
A fresh Covid variant sporting atypical signs has been spotted in Ireland, with experts flagging its swift global transmission. The Health Protection Surveillance Centre of Ireland has identified 14 instances of the new strain, dubbed NB. 1.8.1, within the past five weeks. Although the figures in Ireland remain modest, the World Health Organisation (WHO) is raising concerns as this variant now represents over 10% of worldwide Covid cases, reports the Irish Mirror. The WHO has classified NB. 1.81 as a 'variant under monitoring' due to its speedy spread and possible resistance to immunity from previous infections or vaccinations. The strain is currently predominant in Hong Kong and China, and cases have appeared in Australia, the US and various holiday hotspots such as Egypt, Thailand, and the Maldives. WHO statistics indicate that in a matter of four weeks, the proportion of this variant among all submitted global sequences has surged from 2.5% to 10.7%, triggering heightened international alarm. A representative for the WHO said: "SARS-CoV-2 continues to evolve, and between January and May 2025, there were shifts in global SARS-CoV-2 variant dynamics. At the beginning of the year, the most prevalent variant tracked by WHO at the global level was XEC, followed by KP.3.1.1. "In February, circulation of XEC began to decline while that of LP.8.1 increased, with the latter becoming the most detected variant in mid-March. Since mid-April, the circulation of LP.8.1 has been slightly declining as NB.1.8.1 is increasingly being detected." Experts are flagging that the new NB. 1.8.1 variant boasts multiple mutations that "may infect cells more efficiently than earlier strains". "But importantly, the WHO has not yet observed any evidence it causes more severe disease compared to other variants. Reports suggest symptoms of NB.1.8.1 should align closely with other Omicron subvariants." Diverging from the well-known Covid symptoms such as fever, cough, and tiredness, the latest variant seems to be causing gastrointestinal issues in certain patients – marking a departure from the usual respiratory symptoms associated with previous strains. Dr Herrero noted: "Common symptoms include sore throat, fatigue, fever, mild cough, muscle aches and nasal congestion. Gastrointestinal symptoms may also occur in some cases." These gastrointestinal symptoms can span from abdominal pain and bloating to nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation and indigestion. Amidst this development, the HSE is advising people in Ireland to stay vigilant about the extensive list of Covid symptoms, which now reportedly includes: fever (high temperature - 38C or above) - including having chills dry cough fatigue (tiredness) loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – this could mean they're completely gone or just different to normal nasal congestion (runny or blocked nose) conjunctivitis (also known as red eye or pink eye) sore throat headache muscle or joint pain (aches and pains) different types of skin rash nausea or vomiting diarrhoea chills dizziness shortness of breath or breathing difficulties loss of appetite confusion pain or pressure in the chest The current guidance for those showing signs of Covid in Ireland is to remain isolated at home until you're symptom-free for 48 hours. It's also crucial to steer clear of others, particularly those at increased risk from Covid. Whilst the WHO calls for continued vigilance among nations, they've stopped short of recommending restrictions on travel or trade, communicating: "Based on the current risk assessment of this event, WHO advises against imposing travel or trade restrictions." Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Prehistoric fingerprint found in Spain offers clue to Neanderthal capacity for making art, study finds
Sign up for CNN's Wonder Theory science newsletter. Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more. Researchers in central Spain say they may have uncovered one of the most ancient symbolic objects bearing a human fingerprint on record in Europe, dating back tens of thousands of years. Unlocking the secret identity of exactly who made the mark involved enlisting the help of forensic experts working in crime scene investigations. The pebble marked with the print, found in the San Lázaro rock shelter in Segovia, hints at the possible capacity of Neanderthals to create symbolic art, according to a new study. The discovery adds to a growing body of evidence, including cave markings and paintings unearthed in recent years, building the case that our prehistoric relatives who went extinct about 40,000 years ago were more like modern humans than some might think. The team of Spanish researchers spotted the oblong rock below 5 feet (1.5 meters) of sediment during an excavation in July 2022 and reported their findings in a paper published May 24 in the journal Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences. San Lázaro is a site believed to have been occupied by Neanderthals, according to the study. 'When we saw (the pebble) the first time … we were looking at the stone, all the team and students, and we were like 'Uh, it looks like a face,'' said study coauthor María de Andrés Herrero, a professor of prehistory at the Compultense University of Madrid. This kind of finding in a Neanderthal context was unexpected, she added. Herrero said she and her team carbon-dated the fingerprint, and they are certain it dates back about 43,000 years. The rock had been found near a riverbed and deliberately brought to the rock shelter, the researchers believe. Unlike other artifacts found in the shelter, this pebble was unique: It appeared to have no functional use and had a peculiar red dot that intrigued the researchers. 'We felt that the red dot had something, I don't know what … and the only way we could know there was a fingerprint was to contact the main specialist in Spain (for) finding fingerprints,' Herrero said. 'That's why we contacted the police.' With the help of experts working in crime scene investigations with Madrid's forensic police corps Madrid, the researchers were able to confirm that a fingerprint existed within the dot. But the police were initially skeptical about the find. 'They are used to identifying fingerprints that are very recent, from 2 days, 1 week, 1 month. But 43,000 years ago — it was very weird and very difficult for them,' Herrero said. Using forensic techniques and multispectral analysis (an advanced method of capturing images), the investigative experts and the study team were able to discern a fingerprint within the red dot. 'We couldn't believe it really,' Herrero said. The forensic investigator created a special camera to capture the evidence, and it was the first time such techniques were used to identify a Neanderthal fingerprint, according to Herrero. The imaging technology section of the forensic team then analyzed the marking to confirm it was compatible with a human fingerprint — and to make sure it didn't belong to any of the researchers. The police unit was able to verify that it likely belonged to an adult male Neanderthal. 'The verification of the fingerprint by forensic experts shows beyond doubt that this derived from direct contact with a human fingerprint,' said Paul Pettitt, a professor of paleolithic archaeology at Durham University in the United Kingdom. The artifact could be the oldest complete hominin fingerprint ever found, according to Herrero. Another, possibly older print was found in Königsaue, Germany, back in 1963 — but that one is a partial fingerprint. The San Lázaro fingerprint could also be the oldest associated with a pigment, according to the study. The researchers were able to confirm that ocher, a clay pigment, was applied to the tip of the finger that made its mark on the quartz-rich granite pebble. Statistical modeling used by the researchers showed that the mark on the pebble was 'not random' and rather, intentionally placed, Herrero said. Pettitt said he was unsurprised by the findings. 'It represents yet another example of the emerging data that are revealing Neanderthal visual culture,' he explained. 'This is an admirably clear and unequivocal example of the Neanderthal use of red pigment, one of a growing database that reveals that Neanderthals were routinely using pigments to leave marks of their bodies (hands, fingertips) on cave walls and portable objects.' One theory is that the hollows on the rock resemble parts of a face: eyes, mouth and chin. The placement of the red dot, the researchers hypothesized, could be the place of a nose. If that is the case, the pebble marking would constitute a visual sign with a symbolic purpose. 'A meaning or message exists, however simple the object and action may appear, 'the study authors wrote. They added there is reason to suspect that the pebble was intended to be a representation of a face. The study, which called the characteristics of the pebble 'exceptional,' suggests it might be a visual symbol that could be considered a piece of 'portable art in some contexts.' If that's the case, scientists' understanding of what Neanderthals were capable of could continue to shift. 'The fact that the pebble was selected because of its appearance and then marked with ocher shows that there was a human mind capable of symbolizing, imagining, idealizing and projecting his or her thoughts on an object,' the study authors wrote. Though there is no way of knowing for certain, Herrero thinks it's a demonstration of how our understanding of the 'thin line' separating Neanderthals from modern humans is getting thinner. 'They were able to recognize faces in objects, as you and me are able to recognize a lion in the clouds,' she said. Pettitt offered a similar outlook, saying the findings fit with 'emerging evidence that the Neanderthal imagination was experimenting with the human form and with recognition and extension of that form within and onto objects in their natural world.' Herrero said the research team is now planning to search for more 'invisible artifacts' to help interpret the past. The forensic police will play a role in finding information not visible to the naked eye. 'We have to collaborate and integrate forensic technologies in archaeology, and maybe archaeology in forensic technologies,' she explained, saying the collaboration is 'opening a new window to check our past.'
Irish Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Health
- Irish Daily Mirror
Ireland confirms new Covid variant with strange symptoms that's spreading fast
A new Covid variant with unusual symptoms has been confirmed in Ireland, with experts warning it is spreading rapidly across the globe. Ireland's Health Protection Surveillance Centre has reported 14 cases of the strain, named NB.1.8.1, in the last five weeks. While numbers here remain low, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has sounded the alarm as the variant now accounts for more than 10% of global Covid infections. NB.1.8.1 has been officially designated a 'variant under monitoring' by the WHO due to its rapid rise and the potential to evade immunity from previous infections or vaccines. It is already the dominant strain in Hong Kong and China, and has been detected in Australia, the US and across popular holiday destinations including Egypt, Thailand and the Maldives. According to WHO data, the strain has jumped from 2.5% to 10.7% of submitted global sequences in just four weeks, which has prompted growing international concern. A WHO spokesperson said: "SARS-CoV-2 continues to evolve, and between January and May 2025, there were shifts in global SARS-CoV-2 variant dynamics. At the beginning of the year, the most prevalent variant tracked by WHO at the global level was XEC, followed by KP.3.1.1. "In February, circulation of XEC began to decline while that of LP.8.1 increased, with the latter becoming the most detected variant in mid-March. Since mid-April, the circulation of LP.8.1 has been slightly declining as NB.1.8.1 is increasingly being detected." Experts say NB.1.8.1 carries multiple mutations that "may infect cells more efficiently than earlier strains". Dr Lara Herrero, Associate Professor and Virology Research Leader at Griffith University, explained: "It's possible a person infected with NB.1.8.1 may be more likely to pass the virus on to someone else, compared to earlier variants. The evidence so far suggests NB.1.8.1 may spread more easily and may partially sidestep immunity from prior infections or vaccination. These factors could explain its rise in sequencing data. "But importantly, the WHO has not yet observed any evidence it causes more severe disease compared to other variants. Reports suggest symptoms of NB.1.8.1 should align closely with other Omicron subvariants." While we are all familiar with the classic Covid signs like fever, cough and fatigue, the new variant is reported to trigger gastrointestinal symptoms in some patients - a strange shift from the typical respiratory focus of earlier strains. Dr Herrero added: "Common symptoms include sore throat, fatigue, fever, mild cough, muscle aches and nasal congestion. Gastrointestinal symptoms may also occur in some cases." Gastrointestinal symptoms can include abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation and heartburn. This comes as the HSE has reminded the Irish public to be aware of the wide range of Covid symptoms, which it says now include: If you have any symptoms of Covid, Ireland's current advice is to stay at home until 48 hours after the symptoms are mostly or fully gone. You should also avoid contact with other people, especially people at higher risk from Covid. The WHO has urged countries to stay alert but has not recommended any travel or trade restrictions at this stage, stating: "Based on the current risk assessment of this event, WHO advises against imposing travel or trade restrictions."
