The Daily Factum
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Congressional Hearing Discusses Antisemitism and Islamophobia on College Campuses
Broke On: Tuesday, 05 December 2023The federal government has opened civil rights investigations into seven schools and universities over allegations of antisemitism or Islamophobia. The presidents of Harvard, University of Pennsylvania, and MIT testified about the incidents of antisemitism on their campuses. Harvard University President Claudine Gay acknowledged the increase in antisemitism and also highlighted the impact of rising Islamophobia on Arab and Muslim communities. Liz Cheney Considers Third-Party Presidential Run Amid Criticism of Trump
Broke On: Saturday, 02 December 2023Liz Cheney is considering a third-party bid for the White House in 2024. Cheney has criticized ex-President Donald Trump, viewing him as a threat to democracy. Despite political setbacks, Cheney remains a prominent figure in the Republican Party. Cheney is releasing a book titled 'Oath and Honor: A Memoir and a Warning' that rebukes the modern Republican Party. U.S. Imposes Visa Restrictions on Individuals Involved in West Bank Violence
Broke On: Friday, 01 December 2023The U.S. is imposing visa restrictions on individuals involved in violence in the West Bank. The restrictions apply to both Israeli settlers and Palestinians. Immediate family members of these individuals may also be subject to the restrictions. The move is part of efforts to revive the two-state solution and address right-wing settler violence. Rise in Childhood Pneumonia Cases Linked to Known Respiratory Germs
Broke On: Monday, 04 December 2023Childhood pneumonia cases are increasing in several countries, but the cause is not a new virus or pathogen. Known respiratory germs, such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and Mycoplasma pneumoniae bacteria, are expected for this time of year. Co-infections with multiple respiratory viruses can lead to more severe symptoms. Antibiotic resistance may be contributing to the higher number of cases in China. Deep Brain Stimulation Shows Promise in Improving Cognitive Function in Traumatic Brain Injury Patients
Broke On: Friday, 01 December 2023A new technique involving deep brain stimulation (DBS) has shown promise in improving cognitive function in individuals with traumatic brain injuries (TBI). The trial involved five participants who received DBS stimulation targeting the thalamus for 12 hours a day. The participants experienced a 15-52% improvement in processing speed after three months of DBS implants. Mysterious Respiratory Illness Affecting Dogs Across the U.S.
Broke On: Monday, 04 December 2023A mysterious respiratory illness is affecting dogs across multiple states in the U.S. The illness is characterized by a cough and can progress to more severe symptoms, including pneumonia. The cause of the illness is still under investigation. Changes in dog care and management during the COVID-19 pandemic may be contributing factors. The illness does not respond to kennel cough treatments. Wasabi Consumption Linked to Memory Improvement, Study Finds
Broke On: Tuesday, 05 December 2023The study was conducted on 72 healthy volunteers aged 60 to 80. Participants who took 100 milligrams of wasabi extract showed improvements in both short-term and long-term memory. The study was funded by wasabi maker Kinjirushi Co. Geomagnetic Storms: A Spectacular Display and a Potential Threat
Broke On: Saturday, 02 December 2023Skygazers in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and other parts of the US were recently treated to a stunning display of the northern lights, caused by a geomagnetic storm and solar flares shooting directly towards Earth. A minor geomagnetic storm is expected to impact Earth on Tuesday, caused by a large coronal hole on the sun. Scientists are studying historic magnetic storms to understand the potential impact on our technological infrastructure. Super geomagnetic storms, like the one that hit Earth in 1872, are more common than previously thought. Solar storms powerful enough to impact our infrastructure are more common than previously thought. ISRO Successfully Re-orbits Chandrayaan-3 Propulsion Module from Moon to Earth
Broke On: Monday, 04 December 2023ISRO has successfully re-orbited the propulsion module of the Chandrayaan-3 mission from the moon to the Earth. This marks the first time ISRO has brought anything back from the moon. The Chandrayaan-3 mission exceeded its objectives, with the lander and rover spending one lunar day collecting data and samples from the moon. The propulsion module will remain in Earth's orbit for a year, during which it will continue to gather additional information for future lunar missions. Ancient Mosquito Fossils Suggest Males Also Fed on Blood, Challenging Evolutionary Understanding
Broke On: Friday, 01 December 2023The oldest known mosquito fossils have been discovered in Lebanese amber, dating back to the early-Cretaceous period. The fossils are of a new species called Libanoculex intermedius. The male mosquitoes had piercing-sucking mouthparts, suggesting they likely fed on blood. This discovery challenges the belief that only female mosquitoes are bloodsuckers.