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Storm Clouds Over Dutch Higher Education: Impact of Far-Right Victory on Universities

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Amidst a political landscape shift in the Netherlands, concerns arise over the potential ramifications on higher education. The unexpected surge of far-right parties could reshape policies, impacting international students and the scientific community. As far-right parties gain unexpected traction in the Netherlands, the ramifications extend beyond political arenas into the academic landscape. The recent victory of the Party for Freedom (PVV) and its leader, Geert Wilders, has sparked apprehensions within the scientific community about the potential impact on education, research, and international collaboration. The Threat to Internationalization: The PVV's manifesto sends ripples through Dutch universities, with a call to restrict internationalization. A Wilders-led government could impose severe restrictions on international students, comprising 15% of the university population. The proposal to eliminate English-language undergraduate courses raises concerns about the quality

Redwood Resilience: Ancient Sugars Come to the Rescue After Devastating Wildfires

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When flames threatened the towering redwoods of Big Basin Redwoods State Park, it wasn't just a battle against fire; it was a showdown of resilience. In the aftermath of the 2020 inferno, scientists unveil a secret weapon hidden in the heart of these ancient giants—sugars that defy time and nature. The redwoods, known for their majestic stature and fire-resistant bark, faced an unprecedented threat as wildfires raged. But in a tale defying our understanding of tree growth, a team led by tree ecophysiologist Drew Peltier reveals the surprising strategy employed by these arboreal giants. "The charred survivors astounded us. It was like witnessing a phoenix rising from the ashes," exclaims Peltier. The research, published in Nature Plants, showcases a remarkable feat: tapping into energy reserves dating back centuries. Adrian Rocha, an ecosystem ecologist, expresses his awe, stating, "Carbon taken up decades ago sustains growth into the future. It challenges everyth

NIH Hits the Brakes on Stroke Drug Trial Amidst Safety Concerns and Lab Investigations

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In a plot twist that could rival a medical thriller, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has slammed the brakes on a major human trial for a potential stroke drug, 3K3A-APC, amidst concerns over safety and alleged scientific misconduct. The drug, touted as a brain protector after strokes, now finds itself at the center of a dramatic saga involving whistleblowers, questionable data, and a suspenseful NIH investigation. The rollercoaster began with a Science investigation that unveiled whispers of potential troubles with 3K3A-APC. Whistleblowers raised alarms about data from an earlier phase 2 trial, suggesting that rather than saving lives, the drug might be linked to increased deaths or disabilities in stroke patients. As if that weren't enough, allegations of manipulated images and data in lab studies supporting the drug's promise added an extra layer of intrigue. NIH's response on November 16 was swift and decisive—halting the launch of the eagerly awaited phase 3

AI news: Frozen Fortresses: Siberian Discovery Challenges History's Farming Bias

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In a jaw-dropping revelation from the icy depths of Siberia, archaeologists have unearthed the remains of the world's oldest fortresses, turning conventional wisdom on its head. Forget the notion that complex societies only sprouted with the advent of agriculture; these ancient Siberian hunter-gatherers were busy building elaborate defenses 8,000 years ago, showcasing their architectural prowess in a region known more for frost than fortresses. Nestled along the Amnya River in central Siberia, where winters are as formidable as the challenges facing hunter-gatherer communities, these ancient architects defied expectations. Fishing for abundant pike and salmonids, hunting elk and reindeer with bone and stone-tipped spears, and preserving their bountiful harvests in elaborately decorated pottery—these early Siberians were no strangers to a life of sophistication. What sets these fortresses apart is not just their architectural brilliance but their shocking timeline. Constructed 2

Science: Unraveling the Brain's Mysteries: Cerebellum Takes Center Stage in Human Cognitive Evolution

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In a twist that challenges the longstanding belief that the neocortex reigns supreme in the evolution of human cognition, groundbreaking research has thrust the cerebellum into the spotlight. Forget the neocortex; the "little brain" might just be the brainiac behind advanced cognitive functions. Move over, neocortex – it's time for the cerebellum to shine! The saga unfolds with scientists from Heidelberg University, led by the dynamic duo Prof. Dr. Henrik Kaessmann and Prof. Dr. Stefan Pfister, revealing the hidden secrets of the cerebellum's genetic development. Their quest took them through the evolutionary history of humans, mice, and opossums, unearthing both ancient and distinctive cellular characteristics that have shaped cognitive evolution for over 160 million years. Now, prepare for a brain teaser: The human cerebellum boasts a nearly double proportion of Purkinje cells compared to mice and opossums in the early stages of fetal development. These large, c

Prepare Your Swords and Spells: Dragon's Dogma 2 Unleashes Epic Adventure on March 22, 2024!

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Get ready to embark on a mythical journey as Capcom drops the long-awaited bombshell – Dragon's Dogma 2 is officially hitting screens on March 22, 2024! In a world where dragons, false Arisens, and towering bronze golems reign supreme, gamers are in for a treat as the sequel promises to be a mirror image of the beloved original but with a fantastical twist. Capcom spilled the beans on the release date during a presentation that took gamers on a deeper dive into the realm of Dragon's Dogma 2. Director Hideaki Itsuno and producer Yoshiaki Hirabayashi teased fans with tantalizing tidbits about the game, showcasing not only familiar vocations but also introducing a brand-new Trickster vocation to spice up the magical mix. But hold onto your enchanted swords; Dragon's Dogma 2 isn't just a copy-paste sequel. It's set in a "parallel world" where two nations, Vermund and Battahl, clash with ideologies as divergent as dragons and dungeons. Vermund is ruled by a reg

Breaking Stereotypes: Prehistoric Women Unleashed as the Ultimate Huntresses, Sabre-Tooth Tigers Beware!

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In a stunning revelation that's rewriting the narrative of prehistoric prowess, scientists have thrown a prehistoric curveball our way – women were likely the alpha hunters, not the gatherers we thought they were. Move aside, stereotype; it's time for the fairer sex to take the spotlight as the ultimate sabre-tooth tiger slayers and woolly mammoth conquerors. For eons, we've clung to the idea that men were the mighty hunters, while women were relegated to the noble task of gathering berries and tending to the little ones. But hold on to your spears and gather your jaws from the prehistoric floor – two groundbreaking studies are challenging this age-old narrative. The first study, led by the formidable Dr. Cara Ocobock from the University of Notre Dame, dives into the biology of it all. It turns out, women weren't just gathering; they were biologically better suited to the grueling task of hunting. Picture this: a fearless prehistoric woman, oestrogen coursing through he