Category: News

Researchers at the University of California San Diego discovered that a broken connection between two gut-immune proteins plays a central role in Crohn’s disease. The team found that a protein called girdin must bind to the gene product of NOD2 to keep gut immune cells balanced. When that bond breaks, inflammation takes over. Using artificial intelligence, scientists mapped more than 50 genes in intestinal immune cells and observed how NOD2 mutations disrupt the link to girdin. In lab tests, mice missing girdin developed intense gut inflammation and showed major changes in their gut microbes. It’s the first time researchers have shown how a long-known Crohn’s gene drives inflammation through a specific protein partner. It opens the door to treatments that restore this bond instead of broadly suppressing the immune system. The discovery could lead to more precise and less disruptive therapies for people living with Crohn’s disease.

President Trump announced that Kazakhstan will join the Abraham Accords, extending the Israel-normalization pact outside its usual region. He said Kazakhstan is the “first country of my second term” to sign on. Kazakhstan already has full diplomatic ties with Israel, but this move formalizes their membership in the Accords framework. The announcement came during a summit in Washington with Kazakh President Kassym‑Jomart Tokayev and other Central Asian leaders. U.S. officials described the step as largely symbolic, but said it signals broader diplomatic momentum for the Accords beyond the Middle East. By bringing Kazakhstan—situated in Central Asia and far from the Gaza or Arab-Israeli arenas—the Accords show a new geographic reach. For Israel and the U.S., it means a fresh diplomatic partner and expanded cooperation in trade, technology and regional strategy.

Researchers have reviewed multiple studies and found growing evidence that the bacteria in your gut may influence how well you sleep. Using data from recent trials, the review reveals that people with sleep issues—such as insomnia or apnea—often show altered gut-microbe profiles compared with those who sleep well. The scientists noted that certain microbial strains appear less abundant in sleep-impaired individuals, and that these changes may affect inflammation and the nervous system during sleep. While it’s too early to say that gut bacteria-fixing treatments will cure sleep disorders, this link opens a fresh area for investigation. Improving diet and gut health may play a role in better rest.

A Republican congressman filed a bill today that would block federal funding for Zohran Mamdani’s incoming administration in New York City. The proposed “MAMDANI Act” would suspend unobligated federal dollars to the city so long as Mamdani serves as mayor. The draft text specifies that no federal funds may be obligated or spent for any purpose in the city during his term. Mamdani ran on a progressive platform of free buses, universal child care and a higher minimum wage. Supporters say the bill is a direct attack on democratic self-governance, while opponents argue it’s a defense of national priorities. The legislation signals an early clash between the incoming mayor’s agenda and federal political forces. Its passage would reshape the financial relationship between New York City and Washington — and set a precedent for federal oversight of local governments.

A string of drone sightings across Europe has spurred the U.S. government to sharpen its national security posture. U.S. officials say several unmanned aircraft have flown near critical military sites, airports and allied bases in recent days. These incursions have raised fresh alarm over vulnerabilities in allied air-defense networks. In response, the U.S. is working closely with NATO partners to increase intelligence sharing, review drone detection systems and coordinate counter-measures at key bases. One senior official said the focus is shifting from “reacting to random threats” to “standing guard for systematic probing of our defenses.” The same official emphasized that improved joint training and rapid-response protocols are now under review. Unmanned aircraft can gather intelligence, disrupt operations or signal wider aggression.

NATO announced it is deploying new units to its eastern European border in response to a recent surge in air-space violations. NATO Secretary-General highlighted that allied jets and radar systems will be stationed in several member states bordering Russia and Ukraine. This move follows several instances where unidentified aircraft reportedly crossed into allied airspace without warning. Member states expressed concern that the violations compromise regional stability and put civilian air traffic at risk. NATO underscored that the deployments are defensive, aimed at reinforcing surveillance and rapid-response capabilities. The alliance emphasized its commitment to collective defense and warned that repeated incursions will be met with stronger deterrence. The additional forces are expected to begin arriving within days, with exercises planned to test readiness.

Researchers at Massachusetts Institute of Technology used artificial-intelligence tools to design new antibiotic compounds that successfully cleared MRSA infections in animal models. The drugs were created by screening dozens of chemical candidates via AI and then testing them on mice infected with MRSA. MRSA infections are increasingly resistant to standard antibiotics, so new treatment options could make a big difference.

Russia has announced it shipped next-generation air-defense systems to Venezuela via cargo aircraft. According to a senior Russian lawmaker, the shipment includes the Pantsir-S1 and Buk-M2E systems, marking a significant upgrade for Venezuela’s military. The move comes amid increased U.S. military presence in the Caribbean and wider tensions between Washington and Caracas. Russian officials also hinted the country may be willing to provide offensive weapons, such as ballistic or cruise missiles, to Venezuela.

China announced that several provinces will cut electricity costs by up to half for data centers that use home-grown AI chips. Local governments in regions like Gansu, Guizhou, and Inner Mongolia launched special incentives for tech firms that drop foreign-made hardware and switch to domestic silicon from companies such as Huawei and Cambricon. The change comes after many firms complained that Chinese chips use far more power than imported ones. Companies that continue using foreign chips will not qualify for the discount. China is accelerating efforts to reduce its dependence on foreign technology and strengthen its local semiconductor industry. With cheaper power, its tech companies gain an edge in cost and scale, while global chipmakers face growing competition from within China.

A new study suggests that adults who used the sleep aid melatonin for a year or longer faced a much higher risk of heart problems. Researchers compared more than 130,000 adults diagnosed with insomnia and found that long-term melatonin users had about a 90 percent greater chance of being diagnosed with heart failure over five years compared to those who did not use it. The study also found that melatonin users were over three times more likely to be hospitalized for heart failure and nearly twice as likely to die from any cause during the same period. Experts stressed that the results do not prove melatonin causes heart failure. The research was observational and may have missed details such as exact dosage or consistent use. Melatonin is widely used and often seen as safe for short-term sleep support, but these findings suggest that long-term, routine use may carry hidden risks that deserve closer attention.