Lead Story
Scientists discover combinations of rattlesnake blood proteins that neutralize venom 10 times better than current antivenom
Researchers led by biologist Sean B. Carroll reported in findings covered September 7, 2026, that specific combinations of blood proteins from western diamondback rattlesnakes neutralize venom far more effectively than existing treatments. Building on the 2022 discovery of a single protein, FETUA-3, that blocks many of the venom's damaging toxins, the team found that combining several of these naturally occurring blood proteins produced roughly ten times the neutralizing power of current sheep-derived antivenom in lab tests, and the combinations worked against venom from multiple dangerous snake species, not just diamondbacks. The findings point toward a cheaper, more effective and more broadly protective antivenom, at a time when snakebites kill well over 100,000 people worldwide each year, many in regions with poor access to treatment.
Read more →Lead Story
Scientists discover combinations of rattlesnake blood proteins that neutralize venom 10 times better than current antivenom
Researchers led by biologist Sean B. Carroll reported in findings covered September 7, 2026, that specific combinations of blood proteins from western diamondback rattlesnakes neutralize venom far more effectively than existing treatments. Building on the 2022 discovery of a single protein, FETUA-3, that blocks many of the venom's damaging toxins, the team found that combining several of these naturally occurring blood proteins produced roughly ten times the neutralizing power of current sheep-derived antivenom in lab tests, and the combinations worked against venom from multiple dangerous snake species, not just diamondbacks. The findings point toward a cheaper, more effective and more broadly protective antivenom, at a time when snakebites kill well over 100,000 people worldwide each year, many in regions with poor access to treatment.
UK solar power hits a record summer high, up 23% on last year
UK solar farms and rooftop panels together generated 8.8 terawatt-hours of electricity over June, July and August 2026, according to analysis published by Carbon Brief this week, a record for any summer and 23% higher than the same period last year and more than double the output recorded in 2021. Chris Hewett, chief executive of trade body Solar Energy UK, credited the record to a run of clear skies combined with continued growth in new solar deployment across the country. The milestone underscores how quickly solar has scaled up in a country not traditionally associated with abundant sunshine, as rooftop and utility-scale installations keep expanding.
Read more →UK solar power hits a record summer high, up 23% on last year
UK solar farms and rooftop panels together generated 8.8 terawatt-hours of electricity over June, July and August 2026, according to analysis published by Carbon Brief this week, a record for any summer and 23% higher than the same period last year and more than double the output recorded in 2021. Chris Hewett, chief executive of trade body Solar Energy UK, credited the record to a run of clear skies combined with continued growth in new solar deployment across the country. The milestone underscores how quickly solar has scaled up in a country not traditionally associated with abundant sunshine, as rooftop and utility-scale installations keep expanding.
Studio City community effort pays off as suffering coyote with year-long facial swelling is finally captured for treatment
Wendy, a coyote whose severely swollen face had worried residents of the Studio City neighborhood of Los Angeles for more than a year, was captured on Monday, September 7, 2026, by Wildlife Care of Southern California working alongside Southern California Pit Bull Rescue and Urban Rescue, after weeks of tracking her movements with help from local residents. New information suggests her condition may stem from an injury sustained when she was struck by a car roughly a year ago, rather than a tumor as earlier feared. Wendy has since received antibiotics, anti-inflammatory and pain medication, and treatment for fleas and internal parasites, with the community having donated thousands of dollars toward her care.
Read more →Studio City community effort pays off as suffering coyote with year-long facial swelling is finally captured for treatment
Wendy, a coyote whose severely swollen face had worried residents of the Studio City neighborhood of Los Angeles for more than a year, was captured on Monday, September 7, 2026, by Wildlife Care of Southern California working alongside Southern California Pit Bull Rescue and Urban Rescue, after weeks of tracking her movements with help from local residents. New information suggests her condition may stem from an injury sustained when she was struck by a car roughly a year ago, rather than a tumor as earlier feared. Wendy has since received antibiotics, anti-inflammatory and pain medication, and treatment for fleas and internal parasites, with the community having donated thousands of dollars toward her care.
Utah woman becomes first certified fitness instructor with Down syndrome, leads class of 60
Aubry Alldredge, 22, of Kaysville, Utah, became the first person with Down syndrome to become a certified UpBeat Barre instructor, a report published this week said, after years of attending classes at her local studio where instructors noticed her drive to be up front leading others. She recently taught her first full class to more than 60 people. Co-owner and instructor Jane Johnson said Alldredge already knew the choreography so well she would sometimes turn around and lead the class herself. Alldredge, who has also written a children's book about her six dogs promoting positivity, said she wants to help everyone feel good and loves showing people their options in class.
Read more →Utah woman becomes first certified fitness instructor with Down syndrome, leads class of 60
Aubry Alldredge, 22, of Kaysville, Utah, became the first person with Down syndrome to become a certified UpBeat Barre instructor, a report published this week said, after years of attending classes at her local studio where instructors noticed her drive to be up front leading others. She recently taught her first full class to more than 60 people. Co-owner and instructor Jane Johnson said Alldredge already knew the choreography so well she would sometimes turn around and lead the class herself. Alldredge, who has also written a children's book about her six dogs promoting positivity, said she wants to help everyone feel good and loves showing people their options in class.
NASA's Roman Space Telescope powers on its planet-hunting coronagraph after deploying antenna and sunshade
In the days since its August 30, 2026 launch, NASA's Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope has been steadily coming to life on its three-month journey to its final orbit: its antenna and visor-like sunshade successfully deployed on September 1, and later that day the mission's Coronagraph Instrument, which blocks starlight to reveal planets and dusty disks around nearby stars, was successfully powered on. The Wide Field Instrument, which will give Roman a field of view 100 times larger than Hubble's while matching its image sharpness, is due to power on within weeks. NASA expects to release Roman's first images in early 2027 once commissioning and calibration are complete, opening a sweeping new window on the cosmos and the search for other worlds.
Read more →NASA's Roman Space Telescope powers on its planet-hunting coronagraph after deploying antenna and sunshade
In the days since its August 30, 2026 launch, NASA's Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope has been steadily coming to life on its three-month journey to its final orbit: its antenna and visor-like sunshade successfully deployed on September 1, and later that day the mission's Coronagraph Instrument, which blocks starlight to reveal planets and dusty disks around nearby stars, was successfully powered on. The Wide Field Instrument, which will give Roman a field of view 100 times larger than Hubble's while matching its image sharpness, is due to power on within weeks. NASA expects to release Roman's first images in early 2027 once commissioning and calibration are complete, opening a sweeping new window on the cosmos and the search for other worlds.