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China's 'Batwoman' researcher continues to carry out hazardous coronavirus experiments despite concerns over lab leaks.

2025-05-30 20:17:40 By Robert Williams

Chinese researcher Shi Zhengli, aged 60, remains actively engaged in studying bat coronaviruses in Wuhan. Leading virologists warn that her research could have a 'potentially catastrophic' effect as we approach five years since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Chinese virologist Shi Zhengli has allegedly earned the nickname 'batwoman' (file).

A Chinese scientist is still conducting "potentially catastrophic" research into coronaviruses five years on from the start of the Covid pandemic which claimed millions of lives worldwide, according to experts.

Shi Zhengli, 60, is one of the world's leading scientists working on bat coronaviruses in Wuhan. She has reportedly earned herself the nickname "Batwoman" as a result. She was thrown into the spotlight in late 2019 when a new form of coronavirus emerged in the region, with some scientists questioning whether Covid-19 leaked from a lab.

In December, a two-year congressional investigation into the pandemic concluded the "weight of the evidence" suggests a lab leak was responsible. US lawmakers said in the report: "More and more senior intelligence officials, politicians, science editors, and scientists increasingly have endorsed the hypothesis that Covid-19 emerged as the result of a laboratory or research related accident."

Nevertheless, leading virologists assert that Zhengli's team is still engaged in potentially harmful coronavirus research in Wuhan. In a study released in Nature, she proudly highlighted her team's achievement in creating the first "tailored" coronavirus "receptors." This advancement could enable researchers to modify viruses, allowing them to infect various species, including humans.

Robert Redfield, the director of America's CDC during the pandemic, told The Sun: "It's potentially dangerous research. You are taking a non-pathogenic virus and changing it so that it could end up being dangerous to humans. You may have a pathogen that is restricted to pigs - but now you could totally change it so that it's highly infectious to other species too.

"She is experimenting with bat viruses and altering their receptors, which could enable them to infect animals like cows or chickens. This is a risky move with potentially disastrous outcomes. It might lead to a new pandemic affecting either animals or humans."

Dr. Alina Chan, an expert in genetic engineering, stated that it seems Zhengli's team has now succeeded in "isolating" additional novel coronaviruses. She expressed concerns that this research is "risky" and prompts inquiries about the intentions of Zhengli's team regarding the handling of these new viruses once they cultivate them in the laboratory.

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Columbia Basin Inhabitants Excited After Spotting Daytime Meteor and Space Debris

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View pictures in App save up to 80% data. On July 1, 2023, a Pentagon official at NASA headquarters calmly stated, ‘We see these metallic spheres all over the world, making maneuvers we can’t explain…moving at Mach 2 against the wind, with no apparent propulsion.” During a briefing where the Pentagon and NASA presented their findings after a year of research, a government scientist spoke about objects that challenge the fundamental principles of physics. This should have dominated the headlines. Yet, it scarcely registered in the mainstream media. NASA’s Briefing: Key Details & Quotes You can watch the entire briefing here on Youtube. All of the quotes that I am using will be time-stamped, when possible. Dr. Sean Kirkpatrick, the head of the Pentagon's All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO), was straightforward and direct in his approach. 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If these insights have struck you as enlightening (or even unsettling) like they did for me, there are multiple ways you can stay updated on this investigation: Check out the book to explore the full pattern [link] Follow me here on Medium for regular updates Share this article if you think others should know about NASA’s overlooked briefing At this stage, I prefer to remain open-minded rather than overlook what might turn out to be the most significant narrative of our era.

Lemurs Face Extinction Threat, Even with Their Remarkable Genetic Diversity

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Ancient Climate Record Retrieved from Antarctic Ice Sheet Remains Intact

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Recent studies shed light on the evolutionary reasons behind the development of saber-toothed predators' formidable teeth.

View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Saber-toothed tiger (Shutterstock) Saber teeth – the long, sharp, blade-like canines found in extinct predators such as Smilodon – represent one of the most extreme dental adaptations in nature. They evolved at least five times throughout mammalian history and are a classic example of convergence, which is when similar structures evolve independently in unrelated animal groups. With no living representatives, scientists have long debated how these predators used their fearsome teeth, and why this extreme tooth shape evolved so often. Our new study, published today in Current Biology, provides an answer. We found extreme sabre teeth are functionally optimal, meaning their shape provided a real advantage as specialized weapons. Their slender and sharp forms were perfect for puncturing prey. However, this came at a cost: sabre teeth were also weaker and more prone to breaking. These discoveries hold significant value as they enhance our comprehension of the evolution of extreme adaptations in the natural world. Additionally, they provide valuable perspectives on optimal design principles that can be applied not only in biology but also in the fields of engineering and technology. Saber-toothed hunters throughout history Saber-toothed predators once inhabited various ecosystems worldwide. Fossil evidence of these creatures has been discovered across North America, Europe, Africa, and Asia. What sets them apart are their sabre-like teeth, a unique form of canine tooth. These teeth are elongated, pointed, flattened on the sides, and exhibit a curved shape. This contrasts with the shorter, sturdier, conical canines found in contemporary large felines like lions and tigers. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Numerous extinct predators globally developed saber-shaped teeth that significantly differ from the teeth of today's large felines. Tahlia Pollock This legendary tooth predates the dinosaurs, having emerged approximately 265 million years ago among a category of mammal-like reptiles known as gorgonopsids. Over millions of years, saber teeth evolved repeatedly in different groups of carnivorous mammals, marsupial relatives like Thylacosmilus and “false” saber-tooth cats such as Barborofelis. The most well known saber-toothed predator is Smilodon. It persisted until just 10,000 years ago. You can look at a 3D model of one of these predators – Smilodon fatalis – below. This model has been digitised from a cast specimen from the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. Extensive studies of saber-tooth ecology have led to a widely accepted conclusion that these formidable predators mainly hunted large animals. They employed powerful neck muscles to execute slashing attacks aimed at the soft tissues of their prey's throat. It is believed that their specialized teeth provided a significant advantage in this regard, enabling them to effectively deliver a lethal bite. This concept is what we aimed to explore. Evaluating the balance between puncture resistance and strength In particular, we examined whether their shape achieved an ideal compromise between two opposing requirements concerning tooth functionality. On one hand, the teeth needed to be sharp and slender to effectively penetrate prey. On the other hand, they had to be sturdy and resilient to avoid damage or breakage. In order to explore this topic, we performed an extensive analysis involving over 200 various carnivore teeth, which encompassed both extinct saber-toothed species and contemporary animals. Initially, we assessed the three-dimensional structure of their teeth to compare saber teeth with those of other carnivorous species. Subsequently, we conducted two experiments to evaluate the biting performance of a selected group of these teeth. We created tooth models using stainless steel and inserted them into a gelatin block (which mimicked prey flesh) to assess the force required for puncturing. By utilizing metal replicas, we avoided any bending of the teeth throughout the experiment, thus guaranteeing precise measurements of the puncture force. We conducted engineering simulations to evaluate the stress levels experienced by various tooth shapes when subjected to biting forces. This analysis helped us understand their potential for fracturing. Ultimately, we performed an "optimality" assessment to identify which dental shapes provided the most effective combination of puncture efficiency and durability. A saber-toothed model created through 3D printing is being thrust into a gelatin block to assess the amount of force required for penetration. The most advanced forms of saber-tooth are the most efficient. Our findings regarding the shape of saber-toothed cats call into question the conventional classification of these predators into only two groups: the dirk-toothed, characterized by their elongated and slender form, and the scimitar-toothed, known for their shorter and laterally flattened appearance. Instead, we uncovered a continuum of saber-tooth shapes. This ranged from extreme forms, such as the long, curved canines of Barbourofelis, Smilodon and Hopolophoneus, to less extreme forms, such as the straighter, more robust teeth of Dinofelis and Nimravus. Our results reveal that the extreme saber-toothed forms, like Smilodon, were optimised for puncturing prey with minimal force. However, they were more prone to breakage under high stress. Less extreme saber-toothed forms, such as Dinofelis, were also optimal but in a different way. They struck a more balanced trade-off between puncture efficiency and strength. The existence of different saber-toothed species that developed distinct balances between puncture effectiveness and structural strength indicates a wider array of hunting tactics than was previously recognized. This finding aligns with an expanding collection of studies regarding their ecological variety. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Morphospace’ (visualization of shape diversity) of sabre and non-saber-tooth canines showing areas of optimal performance. Miranta Kouvari & Melisa Morales/Science Graphic Design An eye-catching remedy These findings shed light on the repeated evolution of extreme sabre teeth, likely influenced by natural selection favoring an ideal design. Additionally, they may offer insights into the reasons behind their eventual extinction. Their growing specialization might have functioned as an "evolutionary ratchet," enhancing their efficiency as hunters while simultaneously rendering them more susceptible to extinction when environmental shifts occurred and their food sources dwindled. Our research offers valuable perspectives on the evolution of extreme adaptations in various species. By combining biomechanics with evolutionary principles, we gain a clearer understanding of how natural selection influences organisms to excel in specific functions. The sabre-toothed design showcases an impressive approach to a core mechanical problem, achieving a balance between effectiveness and durability — a principle that is similarly seen in tools created by humans. The balance between sharpness and durability is a crucial factor in engineering, impacting the design of a wide range of tools, including surgical scalpels and industrial cutting blades. Engineers creating precision instruments like hypodermic needles or advanced cutting tools can draw inspiration from nature's evolutionary designs, utilizing the same principles that influenced the development of these ancient predators.

'Siberian Express' Set to Intensify January's Frigid Conditions in Central and Eastern Regions

View pictures in App save up to 80% data. January has delivered a bitterly cold experience for numerous residents in the central and eastern regions, and the arrival of the "Siberian Express" is set to intensify the icy conditions as we approach the weekend and the upcoming week. First up, a temperature roller coaster this week. A bout of arctic air currently entrenched over the Midwest and Northern and Central Plains will sweep toward the Northeast through Wednesday. Low temperatures will sometimes be 10 to 25 degrees below average into midweek. Following this event, the Plains and Midwest are expected to experience significant warming, with temperatures reaching 10 to 20 degrees above the seasonal norm by Thursday and Friday. This will result in afternoon highs climbing into the relatively mild (for January) range of the 30s and 40s across many regions. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Present Temperature Readings The "Siberian Express" arrives this weekend. When arctic air spills into the U.S. during winter it can have one of multiple source regions. That includes Arctic Canada, Alaska, and in the case what lies ahead this weekend and early next week, Russia's Siberia region. Sometimes meteorologists call this the "Siberian Express" because of the cold air's geographic origins. Siberia ranks among the coldest places on the planet. For instance, several areas in the region recorded temperatures plunging close to minus 60 degrees Fahrenheit in the 24-hour period leading up to Monday morning in the U.S. Such extreme cold is a common occurrence during the winter months in Siberia. Considering the frigid origins, arctic air from this area can deliver a powerful impact as it moves southward into Canada and the United States. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. How frigid temperatures might become. In general, some locations might see their coldest lows of winter so far, while for others it might rival what they have already seen. Minneapolis may experience its first double-digit below-zero temperature of the season early next week. Chicago and Denver could experience their initial sub-zero temperatures of the season. Please remember that this forecast is several days out, so the low temperatures for Sunday through next Tuesday may change. We will provide more updates on the forecast later this week. Another undeniable fact is that wind chills will once again pose a threat to many starting early next week. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Next Week's Predicted Morning Lows January's cold start is notable for one reason. Record-setting cold hasn't been widespread this month, but what we've seen so far plus what's to come makes it noteworthy from a persistence point of view. For the first 11 days of the month, temperatures in many regions east of the Rockies were generally below the average, according to NOAA's analysis. Particularly significant was the observation that areas in the Plains, South, Ohio Valley, and mid-Atlantic experienced temperature drops of 5 degrees or more below the norm. Aside from a short warm spell towards the end of this week, most of these regions will still experience the harsh effects of this chilly January trend as we move into the final days of the month. View pictures in App save up to 80% data.

The meme "Will Smith enjoying a plate of spaghetti" marks the inaugural AI benchmark meme.

Perhaps the sole one? View pictures in App save up to 80% data. AI video generators have made significant strides in their brief history, and an unexpected benchmark that many of us use to gauge this advancement has—due to various reasons—manifested as videos of Will Smith enjoying spaghetti. As one user pointed out on flight simulation forum AVSIM in late September 2024, these videos have become an AI benchmark. The difference in quality between the original AI-generated Will Smith eating spaghetti video—which went viral after it was posted to the r/stablediffusion subreddit by u/chaindrop in March 2023—and subsequent iterations—is stark. The AI improved significantly in movement, detail, and realism. About a year apart between these “Will Smith Eating Spaghetti” videos. Wild progress and can’t believe this became the AI-generated video Turing Test. pic.twitter.com/65UONEXhzg— Bearly AI (@bearlyai) January 5, 2025 So significantly that nearly a year after the initial nightmarish iteration went viral on X.com, the actor shared a parody video of himself pretending to be an AI-generated rendering eating spaghetti—and people were unsure of what was real, and what was AI. Which is arguably when it crossed over from viral video to meme. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. The reason behind Will Smith eating spaghetti becoming the unofficial standard for AI video generation remains a mystery. From a technical standpoint, it's quite a challenging task. AI generators have consistently struggled with accurately depicting food (which frequently appears distorted), hands (which seldom show the right number of fingers), and the intricacies of the eating process as a whole. Additionally, the abundance of noodles adds another layer of complexity for the AI to manage. But culturally speaking, as with any meme, the why doesn’t so much matter. It is as much a method of communication as it is an inside joke. Much like the Utah Teapot of the late ’70s and ’80s—a famous 3D model and computer graphics benchmark that was kind of a pre-meme meme—Will Smith eating spaghetti videos have become a cultural reference that breaches the gap between tech and pop culture. It has become an AI litmus test for the layman, a way for the culture at large to participate and track developments in the latest big tech wave. 2023 AI Will Smith eating spaghetti was comically gruesome. 2024 AI Will Smith eating spaghetti is plausible. 2025 AI Will Smith eating spaghetti might not be recognizable as AI at all (the actor’s real-life parody of the spaghetti-eating videos is undoubtedly hastening this certainty, providing generators with more exact data to replicate). At which point AI benchmarks will become more difficult to articulate and define, and memes will continue to feel more niche as the social internet grows increasingly fragmented. Tutto passa.

Do Cows Actually Align Themselves With Earth's Electromagnetic Field?

In 2008, scientists analyzed satellite imagery of grazing cows and discovered something rather surprising. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Presenting the cow compass! Image source: Labellepatine/Shutterstock.com. In 2008, a group of researchers examining deer and cattle made an intriguing discovery. They observed that both species, whether grazing or at rest, tend to orient their bodies along the north-south axis. "Farmers and attentive nature and countryside observers know that most cattle and sheep, when grazing, face the same way," the team explained in their study. "The farmers’ wisdom and experience indicate that cattle face into the wind, whereas sheep face away from the wind; the animals expose the maximum body surface area to the sun when sun basking in cold but sunny times of the day." Although it is known that these animals often orient themselves in a specific direction while grazing, there has been limited scientific research into the reasons behind this behavior. In their investigation, the research team examined Google Earth satellite images capturing cows grazing globally, observed roe deer during their grazing and resting periods, and studied the body imprints left in the snow by red and roe deer. While they tried to consider elements like wind direction and the Sun's position in the sky, the researchers ultimately discovered that all these animals consistently aligned themselves along the magnetic north/south axis in statistically significant proportions. "The team stated, 'Since climatic elements such as wind, sunlight, or temperature do not seem to be prevalent directional influences that account for the widespread alignment, we deduce that the magnetic field is the sole and most probable factor responsible for the observed orientation.' They further added, 'Our examination of cattle in areas with naturally high positive and negative declinations offers compelling evidence supporting the notion that the Earth's magnetic field serves as the guiding signal.'" Though a strange result, it's not entirely out of the realms of possibility. Some animals, generally smaller than cows and deer, have been shown to have magnetoreception, or the ability to perceive the Earth's magnetic fields. In fact, it's surprisingly common, and particularly useful in migratory birds, likely aiding navigation.  In a subsequent investigation, the researchers suspected they had discovered indications that "orientation behavior" might be interfered with by the extremely low-frequency magnetic fields produced by high-voltage power lines. The team emphasized that the exact mechanism behind the orientation behavior remains unclear, although there are several hypotheses.  "For instance, the radical pair hypothesis proposes an intimate coupling of magnetic sensing with vision. According to this hypothesis, magnetic fields are perceived as visual patterns, which are dependent on both field direction and intensity," the team wrote in their study. "Thus, it is conceivable that the oscillations of the direction and intensity resulting from the [Earth's magnetic field] and [alternating magnetic field] interaction may blur magnetically modulated visual patterns and, in turn, compromise or disrupt magnetic compass orientation." Although the concept is intriguing, it might be premature to discard your compass in exchange for a more entertaining cow compass. A recent investigation involving 34 cows, which had powerful neodymium magnets affixed to their collars, revealed that these animals exhibited no noticeable directional preference, regardless of whether they were equipped with the magnets. Additionally, the study included 2,428 daytime observations of 659 resting cattle in Portugal, conducted at times excluding the hottest parts of the day, and concluded that the cows tended to prefer facing southeast. The team suggests that instead of having magnetoreception, the phenomenon is more related to the position of the Sun. They conclude that earlier research might have been biased due to the reliance on Google Earth images captured on clear, sunny days. "We found a significant correlation between the animal’s orientation and the direction of the sun, minimizing sun radiation on the animal’s body, similar to what was observed in horses," the team wrote in their discussion. "Indeed, if most views were made on cloudless sunny days, then the animals were possibly reducing their body exposure to the sun. We thus believe that the cattle’s reported south-north alignment observed in earlier studies could perhaps, at least in part, be attributed to thermoregulation, possibly overriding a magnetic alignment. Similar sun-reducing behaviour has been observed in springbok and in black wildebeest, and was demonstrated to be linked to thermoregulation in those studies." In summary, additional and more detailed research might be required to understand the reasons behind cows' tendency to align themselves while grazing and resting. For now, it's best not to rely on them as a substitute for a compass.