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Wednesday, 5:22 AM

February 26, 2025

Good morning news friend! Stay engaged with the dynamic pulse of global news, tracking the ever-evolving landscape of current events. 📰🌟

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Ukraine and US Agree to Minerals Deal

Ukraine has agreed to a deal with the US to develop its mineral resources. The agreement aims to ensure continued military support for Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky plans to travel to Washington on February 27 to finalize the deal. The draft deal allows the US to explore Ukraine's vast mineral wealth, including rights to resources valued at around $500 billion.

Ukraine possesses 22 of the 34 minerals classified as critical by the EU, including graphite reserves that make up 20% of global resources.

Simultaneously, the US has pressured Ukraine to withdraw a UN resolution demanding the withdrawal of Russian forces.

Sources: APNews, Reuters, Bloomberg, NYTimes, FinancialTimes, WallStreetJournal.

Israeli Airstrikes in Southern Syria

Israel's Air Force has initiated airstrikes in southern Syria, targeting military sites and weapons storage. Defense Minister Israel Katz stated, "We will not allow southern Syria to become southern Lebanon."

The strikes occurred south of Damascus in the towns of Kisweh and Daraa. Reports indicate that the attacks targeted command centers and military assets.

Katz underscored the Israeli government's commitment to preventing the Syrian military and terrorist organizations from establishing a foothold in the area.

This action follows calls from Israeli PM Netanyahu for the demilitarization of southern Syria. Katz affirmed, "We will not endanger the security of our citizens," indicating a firm stance against any Syrian military presence.

Sources: ABC, TOI, AOL, ITV, Reuters.

Taiwan Detains Ship Over Severed Undersea Cable

Taiwanese authorities detained the Togo-flagged cargo ship Hong Tai 58 and its eight Chinese crew members after an undersea cable to the Penghu Islands was severed.

On February 22, the Hong Tai 58 anchored near the cable site. Taiwan's coast guard tracked the vessel for three days before responding to a damage report from Chunghwa Telecom.

The cable, located six nautical miles from Jiangjun Fishing Harbor, was cut around 3 a.m., but backup systems kept services running.

This incident follows four previous disruptions to undersea cables this year, compared to three each in 2023 and 2024. The coast guard suspects various Chinese tactics aimed at pressuring Taiwan.

Sources: FinancialTimes, WallStreetJournal, LloydsList, NYTimes, ME, Reuters.

House GOP Advances Trump’s Budget Blueprint

House Republicans pushed forward (217–215 vote) a budget resolution that aims to enact President Trump's agenda. The plan includes $4.5 trillion in tax cuts alongside $2 trillion in spending cuts over ten years.

The budget seeks some cuts to Medicaid and food assistance, raising alarms among swing-district lawmakers. Republicans anticipate that the proposed cuts will help reduce the $36 trillion national debt.

Prominent fiscal hawk Rep. Thomas Massie voted against the measure, expressing concerns about potential increases in the national debt.

Senate Republicans are also working on a separate $340 billion budget plan focusing on border and military funding. Lawmakers need to pass a new spending bill before March 14 to avoid a government shutdown.

Sources: APNews, WallStreetJournal, Reuters, Bloomberg, FinancialTimes.

Microplastics and Human Health

Microplastic levels have surged by about 50% from 2016 to 2024. Brain samples showed concentrations 7 to 30 times higher than those found in liver and kidney tissues, with polyethylene accounting for 75% of detected microplastics.

Coastal regions with high microplastic levels are associated with higher rates of disability. In these areas, the average rate of memory and thinking disabilities was 15.2%, compared to 13.9% in regions with low microplastics.

Concerns about the methodologies used in these studies persist, yet the confirmed presence of microplastics in human tissues cannot be ignored.

Sources: Nature, SciTechDaily, NewsWise, TCD, ObserverVoice.

The Evolution of Our Flexible Joints

The origin of synovial joints lies with ancient jawed fish, known as gnathostomes. Synovial joints, crucial for mobility, allow bones to move smoothly within a lubricated cavity.

A study examined two cartilaginous fish species—bamboo sharks and little skates—alongside the jawless sea lamprey. Researchers found that the cartilaginous fish possessed cavitated joints, while the lamprey did not.

This suggests that synovial joints first emerged in jawed vertebrate ancestors. Fossil evidence points to the ancient fish Bothriolepis as the earliest known example of a synovial joint.

Additionally, specific proteins like CD44 and aggrecan, essential for joint lubrication, were identified in modern fish. Muscle movement plays a critical role in joint formation. When skate embryos were paralyzed, no joint cavities developed.

Sources: Phys, SciTechDaily, CHN.

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Did you know we also write in-depth deep dives? They are long, packed with insights, and have received rave reviews. If you’re up for a detailed, action-packed read, check them out:

• Iran’s Nuclear Program 

• AI and the Age of Intelligence

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Anna Eisenberg ❤️