Researchers identified RNF213, an E3 ubiquitin ligase, as a key surveillance mechanism that marks poorly branched, disease-causing glycogen (polyglucosan) for destruction via autophagy. Mice lacking RNF213's ligase activity built up polyglucosan deposits in the cerebellum, pons, and hippocampus, and cell studies showed the enzyme selectively ubiquitylates abnormal glycogen while a structural domain restrains it from attacking healthy glycogen. Once tagged, the aberrant glycogen recruits autophagy receptors SQSTM1, TAX1BP1, and optineurin, which shuttle it into autophagosomes for clearance.
Nepal's army is using four China-donated DJI FlyCart 100 drones to make 10 to 16 daily aid runs following the August 26 glacier collapse that triggered flash floods along the Nepal-Tibet border. The drones, each capable of hauling around 132 pounds per trip, have delivered food supplies and also retrieved bodies from areas inaccessible to ground crews. Nepal's disaster authority reports 1,369 deaths and more than 5,000 people still missing as of September 9.
A body of new research, including work from NHS psychiatry fellow Mark Horowitz, shows that withdrawal from long-term SSRI use is more common and severe than doctors previously acknowledged. Horowitz's own decade-long use of escitalopram ended in panic attacks, dizziness and disorientation when he tried to stop, prompting him to return to the drug purely to escape the withdrawal effects. This evidence is now prompting medical bodies to reconsider guidance on tapering and discontinuing antidepressants.
South Africa's government has proposed a law requiring 'practising natural scientists' to register with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions, covering anyone providing scientific services or advice, whether paid or unpaid. Exceptions apply to educators at recognized institutions and those crafting government science policy, but failure to comply could result in up to a year in prison.
A review of naturism's history and modern research suggests that spending time nude among others, whether at clubs, beaches or organized events, can improve how people feel about their own bodies. The report traces the practice from ancient Greek athletics and indigenous customs through the rise of formal naturist societies in Britain, the US and colonial India in the early 20th century, noting a documented surge in social nudity's popularity in the 1970s.
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