GITHUB STRUGGLES AGAINST MASSIVE MALWARE ATTACK, USER CAUTION ADVISED.
GitHub is currently battling an attack where millions of code repositories, filled with obfuscated malware designed to steal passwords and cryptocurrency, are being uploaded. This malware, hidden in repositories that are clones of legitimate ones, makes it challenging for users to identify the threat. The attack involves an automated process that creates forks of legitimate repositories with a malicious payload buried under seven layers of obfuscation. Despite GitHub's efforts to remove these malicious forks, the sheer scale of automation means that thousands still remain, posing a significant threat. The attack, which started in May 2023, has evolved through several phases, now encompassing over 100,000 repositories. This method of attack, known as "repo confusion," relies on users mistakenly downloading malicious versions of repositories, which then execute malware to harvest user credentials. The situation highlights the importance for developers to verify the legitimacy of repositories before using them, as the attack continues to exploit the platform's vast user base. (Ars Technica)
US RESEARCHERS UNRAVEL MYSTERY OF LIFE'S AMINO ACID CHIRALITY.
A team of U.S. researchers has proposed a new explanation for the longstanding mystery of why life predominantly uses left-handed amino acids, despite their mirror-image right-handed counterparts being equally available in nature. Published in Nature, their study reveals that certain mechanisms favor the formation of dipeptides, pairs of amino acids, with the same handedness. This discovery challenges previous theories about life's chirality, suggesting that simple chemical processes on early Earth could naturally lead to a dominance of left-handed amino acids in proteins. The research involved observing the formation rates of amino acid pairs and found that specific sulfur-based molecules, likely present on early Earth, facilitated the formation of these dipeptides in a water environment. This process, which shows a preference for left-handed amino acids, could also potentially explain the right-handed bias in RNA and DNA, offering a unified theory for the origin of life's molecular asymmetry. The findings represent a significant step forward in understanding how life's fundamental asymmetry originated and persisted. (Science)
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STUDY INTRODUCES SAFE, LONG-TERM CHOLESTEROL REGULATION VIA EPIGENETICS.
A recent study has presented an innovative alternative to genome editing, focusing on the epigenome to regulate gene activity impacting cholesterol levels without altering the DNA sequence. This approach, tested in mice, involves modifying the epigenome—specifically, by adding chemical tags to DNA that influence gene activity. Following treatment, the activity of a gene associated with cholesterol remained significantly reduced for 11 months. This development comes after the 2023 approval of genome-editing therapies utilizing CRISPR-Cas9, introducing a new medicinal avenue through DNA sequence modification. However, the latest research, published in Nature, advocates for epigenetic editing as a safer alternative by avoiding the potential risks associated with directly altering DNA strands. This technique, spearheaded by Angelo Lombardo and his team, employs zinc finger proteins to target and modify the PCSK9 gene, crucial for cholesterol regulation. By attaching methyl groups to DNA, they managed to decrease cholesterol levels in mice, with effects lasting potentially beyond a year. This breakthrough not only confirms the long-term viability of epigenetic editing but also stimulates growing interest in its therapeutic applications, evidenced by the surge in companies and ongoing clinical trials exploring its potential, notably in cancer treatment. (Nature)
DUBAI DEBUTS JET SUIT RACE, MERGING REALITY WITH FANTASY.
Dubai hosted its first-ever jet suit race, showcasing pilots equipped with jet engines on their backs and hands, flying against the backdrop of the city's skyscrapers. Inspired by the fictional world of Marvel superheroes, the event was organized by Gravity Industries, known for its pioneering work in jet suit technology. Pilots raced in 1,500-horsepower jet suits, demonstrating remarkable speeds up to 80 mph over water for safety and performance reasons. The event attracted attention for its innovation and resemblance to Iron Man-like flight, blending the realms of fantasy and reality. Despite the inherent risks, as highlighted by a crash during the race, participants and onlookers were captivated by the spectacle, seeing it as a step toward futuristic transportation and adventure sports. The race underscores Dubai's reputation as a hub for technological advancements and extreme sports, continuing its exploration of flight and pushing the boundaries of what's possible. (Associated Press)
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DISNEY RESEARCH FELLOW BRINGS FANTASY TO LIFE INNOVATIONS.
Lanny Smoot, a Disney research fellow with over 106 patents, has dedicated his career to turning the fantastical into reality, from building realistic lightsabers with laser-blocking abilities to creating immersive environments reminiscent of the Star Trek Holodeck. His work at Disney, spanning over 25 years, involves bringing the imaginative visions of Imagineers to life through cutting-edge science and technology. Among his notable inventions are the omnidirectional HoloTile Floor, which reacts to user movements for AR/VR experiences, and various gadgets that merge the lines between fantasy and reality. Smoot's contributions have not only enriched Disney's theme parks and attractions but have also placed him in the National Inventors Hall of Fame, second only to Walt Disney himself. His efforts underscore Disney's commitment to innovation and the creation of magical experiences, drawing on his extensive background in engineering and his passion for making the impossible possible. (Wired)
ANCIENT REMNANTS REVEAL 5,000-YEAR-OLD NEOLITHIC CULINARY PRACTICES.
In Germany, researchers discovered 5,000-year-old remnants of burnt porridge in a Neolithic settlement, revealing insights into ancient culinary practices. The scorched grains found inside a ceramic pot at Oldenburg LA 77, one of the oldest villages in Schleswig-Holstein, provided a unique preservation of the food residue, enabling detailed analysis. The study, a collaboration between Kiel University, Kenaz Consult and Laboratory, and BIAX Consult, utilized electron microscopy to examine the chemical composition of the leftovers. Findings indicated the porridge was made from barley and emmer grains along with seeds from the white goosefoot plant, prepared in a manner similar to modern techniques. The grains were sprouted before cooking, enhancing their sweetness, nutritional value, and digestibility. Contrary to previous beliefs that the pot contained dairy, this analysis highlighted a sophisticated plant-based meal, offering a glimpse into the dietary habits and culinary sophistication of Neolithic people. (Smithsonian)
LA BOUGIE DU SAPEUR: SATIRICAL QUADRENNIAL NEWSPAPER DELIGHTS ONCE AGAIN.
La Bougie du Sapeur, the world's only quadrennial newspaper, has been published again in France, available exclusively on February 29th, leap day. First issued in 1980, this satirical 20-page tabloid, now in its 12th edition, enjoys a 200,000-copy print run and is priced at €4.90. Created by a group of friends seeking humor, the paper covers various sections like a traditional newspaper, including politics, sports, and arts, but with a twist of humor in each article. This edition's headlines humorously tackle subjects like artificial intelligence making exams obsolete and playful commentary on transitioning genders. It also features jokes about international figures and proposes a fictional Winston Churchill award for the first eliminated in the Olympic Games. Named after a comic figure, Le Sapeur Camembert, the paper aims to provide laughter and fresh air every four years, maintaining its print-only tradition without an online presence, according to editor Jean d'Indy. (BBC)
Thanks for reading. Let's be careful out there.
WORDS: The Biology Guy.
IMAGE CREDIT: GitHub.
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