Latest news with #HuazhongUniversityofScienceandTechnology
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Chinese bio-smuggling suspect cries in court over federal detention
Two Chinese nationals accused of smuggling biological materials into the United States appeared in court Friday as federal authorities fight to keep them detained in cases they say concern "national security." University of Michigan post-doctoral research fellow Yunqing Jian and Huazhong University of Science and Technology student Chengxuan Han were ordered to remain in federal custody as their separate cases remain ongoing. During the hearing, Han, who is accused of mailing packages containing biological materials to the University of Michigan's laboratory, became visibly emotional and was seen choking back tears when she learned her preliminary hearing had been pushed to a later date. In her brief detention hearing Friday, Han's attorney said her client is consenting to detention without prejudice and will remain in federal custody. Ccp Loyalist Should Be Sent To Gitmo After Arrest For Alleged Pathogen Smuggling, Says China Expert "Ms. Han is presumed innocent, and we will await further proceedings to comment any further," her attorney previously said in a statement to Fox News Digital. Read On The Fox News App Han's preliminary hearing was initially set for June 23, but was subsequently rescheduled for June 30. Both Han and Jian will remain in federal custody until their next hearings. Jian and her boyfriend, Chinese researcher Zunyong Liu, were charged this month after they first attempted to transport Fusarium graminearum, a "potential agroterrorism weapon" that can inflict dangerous health effects on humans, into the country in August 2022, prosecutors said. "The alleged actions of these Chinese nationals—including a loyal member of the Chinese Communist Party—are of the gravest national security concerns," interm U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan Jerome Gorgon said in a statement. "These two aliens have been charged with smuggling a fungus that has been described as a 'potential agroterrorism weapon' into the heartland of America, where they apparently intended to use a University of Michigan laboratory to further their scheme." Han was also arrested in June after allegedly mailing four packages containing undeclared biological material to individuals working in the University of Michigan's laboratory from September 2024 to March 2025, according to the criminal complaint. In the case of Jian and Liu, a WeChat conversation allegedly revealed the couple brainstorming ways to transport the substance, with Jian ultimately deciding to stash the bags in her shoes. The fungus causes a "head blight," described as a disease of wheat, maize, rice and barley, and is responsible for billions of dollars of economic losses throughout the world each year, according to the Department of Justice. If ingested by humans, the substance can cause vomiting, liver damage and "reproductive defects in humans and livestock." Friday's detention hearing lasted approximately two minutes, with Jian appearing in an orange jumpsuit and handcuffed around the waist. A federal judge adjourned the hearing until next Friday due to Jian's request to seek private counsel. According to the criminal complaint, Jian initially received Chinese government funding for her work on the pathogen while studying at the University of Michigan and allegedly lied on her student visa application regarding her education plans in the U.S. Prosecutors allege Jian first attempted to smuggle the fungus into the U.S. in 2022, with one instance of her asking a third party to send her Fusarium graminearum in January 2024. Jian's attorney did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. Chinese Official Claims No Knowledge Of Fungus Situation, Says China Requires Citizens 'Abide By Local Laws' "There are usually no problems," Jian said in a message to the third person. "Rest assured. I have mailed these before." The most recent smuggling attempt allegedly occurred in July 2024, when Liu arrived at the Detroit Metropolitan Airport to visit Jian, according to authorities. Upon landing, Liu was flagged by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and subsequently searched. Authorities allegedly discovered "a wad of tissues crumpled up in a small pocket in Liu's backpack," according to the affidavit. Suspected Chinese Bioterrorists Smuggled Killer Agent Into Us In Boots, Officials Say "The tissues concealed a note in Chinese, a round piece of filter paper with a series of circles drawn on it, and four clear plastic baggies with small clumps of reddish plant material inside," the affidavit said. The filter paper was sent for testing by the FBI, which revealed it contained Fusarium graminearum, according to authorities. The plastic baggies also allegedly carried material that was contaminated by the fungus, authorities said. "In addition, the laboratory identified 10 separate samples from the filter paper," the affidavit said. "Each sample had a hand drawn circle around it, and each circle was labeled with a code containing letters and/or numbers. The sample labeled '06172' was identified by the FBI laboratory to contain the DNA sequence for Fusarium graminearum." Liu allegedly denied carrying the pathogen, but later admitted to bringing it to the U.S. intentionally, officials said. He allegedly told authorities the pair planned to use the university's laboratory to conduct research. Patel: Chinese Nationals Charged With Smuggling 'Known Agroterrorism Agent' Into Us Is A 'Direct Threat' "These individuals exploited their access to laboratory facilities at a local university to engage in the smuggling of biological pathogens, an act that posed an imminent threat to public safety," Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office, said in a statement. Both Jian and Liu are charged with conspiracy, making false statements, visa fraud and smuggling goods into the U.S. Chinese Student Arrested For Allegedly Smuggling Undeclared Biological Materials Seen In New Mugshot "As one of the world's leading public research institutions, the University of Michigan is dedicated to advancing knowledge, solving challenging problems and improving nearly every facet of the human experience," the university previously said in a statement. "We strongly condemn any actions that seek to cause harm, threaten national security or undermine the university's critical public mission. It is important to note that the university has received no funding from the Chinese government in relation to research conducted by the accused individuals. We have and will continue to cooperate with federal law enforcement in its ongoing investigation and prosecution." Han also made an appearance in federal court Friday. She is charged with smuggling goods into the U.S. and making false statements, according to court documents obtained by Fox News Digital. Chinese Phd Student From Wuhan Arrested Smuggling Biological Materials After Deleting Electronic Evidence: Doj Authorities allege Han, a Ph.D. student at Wuhan's College of Life Science and Technology in the Huazhong University of Science and Technology, mailed four packages containing undeclared biological materials to staff members at the University of Michigan's laboratory. Han was arrested on Sunday while traveling to the Detroit Metropolitan Airport from Shanghai on a J1 visa. Upon her arrival, Han was searched by CBP officers, and subsequently confronted about the packages. According to the criminal complaint, Han allegedly denied mailing the packages, but later admitted she had sent them after being pressed by authorities. Han initially told CBP officers the packages only contained plastic cups – not petri dishes – and a book, according to court documents. Foreign Nationals Charged Amid Trump Visa Crackdown For Scheme To Smuggle Us Military Equipment Into China Han allegedly confessed to sending the packages, which contained roundworm-related biomaterials, telling FBI and Homeland Security officials that she had initially lied to CBP agents. Officers also discovered Han's electronic devices had been wiped of their content three days before her arrival in the U.S. Former Us Army Intelligence Analyst Sentenced For Selling Sensitive Documents To Chinese National "The alleged smuggling of biological materials by this alien from a science and technology university in Wuhan, China – to be used at a University of Michigan laboratory – is part of an alarming pattern that threatens our security," Gorgon said in a statement. "The American taxpayer should not be underwriting a PRC-based smuggling operation at one of our crucial public institutions." Fox News' Olivianna Calmes and Peter D'Abrosca contributed to this report. Original article source: Chinese bio-smuggling suspect cries in court over federal detention
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
3rd Chinese researcher arrested for smuggling biomaterials to University of Michigan lab
[Source] Chengxuan Han, a doctoral student from Wuhan's Huazhong University of Science and Technology, was arrested June 8 at Detroit Metropolitan Airport and charged with smuggling biological materials into the U.S. and making false statements, federal prosecutors said. Han is the third Chinese national in two weeks accused of secretly sending research specimens to a University of Michigan laboratory. Packages flagged Court filings say Han mailed four packages from China in 2024 and 2025 that were labeled as household goods but actually held live biological material tied to roundworm research. All were addressed to associates at a university lab in Ann Arbor. Customs officers stopped Han after the flight from Shanghai and, during questioning, she initially denied shipping the items. Agents later found she had deleted phone data three days earlier. Han then admitted the shipments were hers, according to the criminal complaint. Trending on NextShark: Alleged pattern 'The alleged smuggling of biological materials by this alien from a science and technology university in Wuhan, China — to be used at a University of Michigan laboratory — is part of an alarming pattern that threatens our security,' U.S. Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. said. Cheyvoryea Gibson, special agent in charge of the FBI's Detroit field office, called the case 'a direct threat to public safety and national security' that 'severely compromises the integrity of our nation's research institutions.' Trending on NextShark: Strict rules Scientists often import foreign plants, animals or microbes to study traits such as pesticide resistance or genetic variation, but doing so legally requires advance federal permits. 'The guidelines for importing biological materials into the U.S. for research purposes are stringent but clear, and actions like this undermine the legitimate work of other visiting scholars,' said John Nowak, director of field operations for U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Officials have not explained why Han bypassed the permit process or whether the roundworm samples posed a safety risk. Trending on NextShark: Linked cases Han's arrest follows charges on June 3 against University of Michigan post-doctoral fellow Yunqing Jian and her partner Zunyong Liu, who allegedly tried to illegally bring the crop-blighting fungus Fusarium graminearum into the country. Federal investigators say they are examining whether the three cases are connected. Han remains in federal custody ahead of a detention hearing set for June 11. If convicted, she faces up to 20 years in prison on the smuggling count and five years for making false statements. Trending on NextShark: This story is part of The Rebel Yellow Newsletter — a bold weekly newsletter from the creators of NextShark, reclaiming our stories and celebrating Asian American voices. Subscribe free to join the movement. If you love what we're building, consider becoming a paid member — your support helps us grow our team, investigate impactful stories, and uplift our community. Trending on NextShark: Subscribe here now! Download the NextShark App: Want to keep up to date on Asian American News? Download the NextShark App today!
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Cycling Linked to Lower Risk of Dementia, Study of Half a Million Finds
Getting from A to B on a bicycle more often could reduce risk of dementia, possibly by protecting a part of the brain tied to memory functions, new research finds. A study carried out by researchers from the Huazhong University of Science and Technology in China and the University of Sydney backs up the idea that frequent amounts of moderate exercise and keeping the brain busy can guard against neurodegeneration. "The findings of this cohort study suggest an association between active travel mode and incident dementia and brain structure," write the researchers in their published paper. Following UK public health records of nearly half-a-million people aged on average around 56, the researchers looked for a relationship between common forms of transport most and whether individuals developed any form of dementia. The modes of transport were split into four groups: non-active (cars and public transport), walking, walking and non-active combined, and finally a group of people who primarily cycled to get around, or used cycling alongside other options. Commutes to and from work were excluded from the analysis. Compared with non-active travelers, the cyclists had a 19 percent lower risk of all-cause dementia, a 22 percent lower risk of Alzheimer's, a 40 percent lower risk of young-onset dementia (before the age of 65), and a 17 percent lower risk of late-onset dementia. "Our findings suggest that promoting active travel strategies, particularly cycling, may be associated with lower dementia risk among middle-aged and older adults, which carries substantial public health benefits by encouraging accessible, sustainable practices for cognitive health preservation," write the researchers. Dementia is a complex condition, and a whole host of factors are thought to be involved. Previous studies have found a link between spatial navigational abilities and brain volume, for example, which fits in with what the researchers found here: that cyclists ended up with higher hippocampal volumes. It could be the level of physical activity cycling demands that is largely responsible lowering the dementia risk, or having to negotiate routes and directions, or the need to stay alert, or perhaps being more exposed to fresh air. These are all mentioned by the researchers, as is genetic risk – cycling was less beneficial for those with the APOE4 gene variant linked to Alzheimer's. Potentially influential variables like age and education were factored in, but the study doesn't show direct cause and effect – there are plenty of variables that weren't monitored. What it does show is a strong link, which makes sense in the context of other research (associating exercise with dementia risk, for example). What we do know is dementia is a growing issue worldwide, as populations get older. Methods for reducing dementia risk are desperately needed, and cycling could be an easy, affordable option for a lot of people. "Dementia has emerged as a leading contributor to dependence and disability among older adults, with the global number of cases projected to rise from 55 million in 2019 to 139 million by 2050," write the researchers. The research has been published in JAMA Network Open. Scientists Found Cancer in a Dinosaur – And It Might Help Save Human Lives Here's Why Rational People Skip Vaccines Even When They Trust Science Softgel Capsules Draw Concerns Over Toxic Shells. Here's What to Know.
Miami Herald
12-06-2025
- Health
- Miami Herald
Biking might help lower risk of dementia
Want to reduce your risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease? Get on your bike and ride, a new study recommends. Biking regularly for transportation appears to lower risk of dementia by 19% and Alzheimer's by 22%, according to results published Tuesday in JAMA Network Open. The results also suggest that cycling might even help increase the size of a brain region important for memory, researchers noted. "Cycling is a moderate- to high-intensity workout, and also requires balance," said Dr. Liron Sinvani, director of geriatric services at Northwell Health in Manhasset, N.Y., who reviewed the findings. "It requires more complex brain function than walking, which is why maybe it was a better reducer of dementia risk." "It's not about just doing exercise and making that part of your routine, but thinking about the way you live your life," she added in a news release. "So instead of having to drive somewhere, taking that bike and using active travel modes to get around as part of your lifestyle becomes very important." For the study, researchers analyzed data on nearly 480,000 people participating in the UK Biobank, a long-term health study of people living in England, Scotland and Wales. As part of the study, participants noted the forms of transport they used most often to get about, not including travel to and from work. During an average follow-up of 13 years, more than 8,800 participants developed dementia and nearly 4,000 developed Alzheimer's. Results showed a lower risk for dementia and Alzheimer's among those who cycled or included cycling among other forms of travel like walking, driving or using public transportation. "Our findings suggest that promoting active travel strategies, particularly cycling, may be associated with lower dementia risk among middle-aged and older adults, which carries substantial public health benefits by encouraging accessible, sustainable practices for cognitive health preservation," concluded the research team led by Liangkai Chen, an associate professor at Tongji Medical College at the Huazhong University of Science and Technology in Wuhan, China. MRI brain scans showed that cycling also was associated with a larger hippocampus, a part of the brain involved in memory formation and learning, researchers noted. However, cycling's benefits appeared to extend mostly to people without a genetic risk for Alzheimer's, results showed. People without the APOE E4 genetic variant had a 26% lower risk of dementia and 25% lower risk of Alzheimer's. Results were not statistically significant among APOE E4 carriers, but indicated less protection from cycling. Interestingly, the results also indicate that driving offered some protection against dementia compared to taking the bus or subway. "Even when using inactive travel like car or public transportation, it seemed like driving had a little bit better impact [on brain health] than public transportation," Sinvani said in the news release. However, researchers noted that this observational study could not draw a direct cause-and-effect link between cycling and healthy brain aging. "What I tell my patients and family and friends whenever they ask me what they can do to reduce their risk of dementia, is whatever gets you outside doing stuff is what you should be doing," she said. "I think we see that it's not just the physical activity, but it's also in the balance, and it really engages different parts of your brain." If you're able to get on a bike, Sinvani said, do that. If you're aren't, use your feet. "I think if it's, 'should I walk or take a bike?' I would say take a bike, but if it's 'should I walk or just stay home?' I would say definitely walk," she said. More information The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more on how physical activity boosts brain health. Copyright © 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved. Copyright 2025 UPI News Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Biking might help lower risk of dementia
Want to reduce your risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease? Get on your bike and ride, a new study recommends. Biking regularly for transportation appears to lower risk of dementia by 19% and Alzheimer's by 22%, according to results published Tuesday in JAMA Network Open. The results also suggest that cycling might even help increase the size of a brain region important for memory, researchers noted. "Cycling is a moderate- to high-intensity workout, and also requires balance," said Dr. Liron Sinvani, director of geriatric services at Northwell Health in Manhasset, N.Y., who reviewed the findings. "It requires more complex brain function than walking, which is why maybe it was a better reducer of dementia risk." "It's not about just doing exercise and making that part of your routine, but thinking about the way you live your life," she added in a news release. "So instead of having to drive somewhere, taking that bike and using active travel modes to get around as part of your lifestyle becomes very important." For the study, researchers analyzed data on nearly 480,000 people participating in the UK Biobank, a long-term health study of people living in England, Scotland and Wales. As part of the study, participants noted the forms of transport they used most often to get about, not including travel to and from work. During an average follow-up of 13 years, more than 8,800 participants developed dementia and nearly 4,000 developed Alzheimer's. Results showed a lower risk for dementia and Alzheimer's among those who cycled or included cycling among other forms of travel like walking, driving or using public transportation. "Our findings suggest that promoting active travel strategies, particularly cycling, may be associated with lower dementia risk among middle-aged and older adults, which carries substantial public health benefits by encouraging accessible, sustainable practices for cognitive health preservation," concluded the research team led by Liangkai Chen, an associate professor at Tongji Medical College at the Huazhong University of Science and Technology in Wuhan, China. MRI brain scans showed that cycling also was associated with a larger hippocampus, a part of the brain involved in memory formation and learning, researchers noted. However, cycling's benefits appeared to extend mostly to people without a genetic risk for Alzheimer's, results showed. People without the APOE E4 genetic variant had a 26% lower risk of dementia and 25% lower risk of Alzheimer's. Results were not statistically significant among APOE E4 carriers, but indicated less protection from cycling. Interestingly, the results also indicate that driving offered some protection against dementia compared to taking the bus or subway. "Even when using inactive travel like car or public transportation, it seemed like driving had a little bit better impact [on brain health] than public transportation," Sinvani said in the news release. However, researchers noted that this observational study could not draw a direct cause-and-effect link between cycling and healthy brain aging. "What I tell my patients and family and friends whenever they ask me what they can do to reduce their risk of dementia, is whatever gets you outside doing stuff is what you should be doing," she said. "I think we see that it's not just the physical activity, but it's also in the balance, and it really engages different parts of your brain." If you're able to get on a bike, Sinvani said, do that. If you're aren't, use your feet. "I think if it's, 'should I walk or take a bike?' I would say take a bike, but if it's 'should I walk or just stay home?' I would say definitely walk," she said. More information The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more on how physical activity boosts brain health. Copyright © 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
