Man Whose Eye ‘Melted’ in Acid Attack Thanks Placenta Donor for Sight-Saving Grafts

Man Whose Eye ‘Melted’ in Acid Attack Thanks Placenta Donor for Sight-Saving Grafts

Thursday, February 20, 2025 / No Comments

 

A man who lost vision in his left eye during a brutal acid attack has expressed gratitude to a placenta donor whose contribution provided life-changing tissue grafts.

Paul Laskey, 43, sustained severe injuries while protecting his son from a knife-point robbery in February 2023. During the altercation, Laskey was sprayed in the face with a corrosive substance, believed to be battery acid, causing extensive damage to his left eye.

Doctors at Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary determined that the acid had penetrated both the inner and outer layers of his cornea, leaving him completely blind in the affected eye. Over the following eight months, Laskey underwent two emergency transplants and three amniotic tissue grafts, created from donated placenta, offering hope for vision restoration.

Amnion grafts, made from the inner lining of the placenta, are lightweight and transparent, promoting healing of the eye’s surface while providing anti-inflammatory benefits. Each donated placenta can produce between 50 and 100 grafts, which can also be used to treat burns and other wounds.

Medical experts highlighted the significance of such donations. Professor Francisco Figueiredo, consultant ophthalmologist at Newcastle Eye Centre, noted that amnion grafts play a crucial role in treating various ocular surface conditions. The grafts, derived from an organ developed to nurture new life, have become a powerful tool in modern medicine.

The attack left a lasting impact on Laskey’s family. He revealed that his son continues to struggle with feelings of guilt, despite being reassured that he was not at fault.

Robbie Scott, the perpetrator of the attack, had his sentence increased from 10 to 11 years by the court of appeal last August.

Laskey’s recovery journey is ongoing, with doctors now considering a stem cell transplant to further restore his vision. He emphasized his gratitude to the anonymous placenta donor, noting how a simple act of generosity could transform lives.

Claire Price, national retrieval manager at NHS Blood and Transplant tissue and eye services, called Laskey’s story a reminder of the profound impact of donations, not only of blood and organs but also of placental tissue.

The innovative use of amnion grafts underscores the growing importance of medical research and tissue donation in offering hope and healing to patients facing life-altering injuries.

Ancient Mystery Solved: Lost Tomb of Egyptian Pharaoh Thutmose II Unearthed

Ancient Mystery Solved: Lost Tomb of Egyptian Pharaoh Thutmose II Unearthed

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The long-lost tomb of Pharaoh Thutmose II has been discovered near Luxor, Egypt, closing a significant gap in the history of one of ancient Egypt’s most prosperous eras, according to an announcement by the country’s antiquities ministry on Tuesday.

Thutmose II, who ruled during the 15th century B.C., was the husband of Queen Hatshepsut, one of Egypt’s most iconic pharaohs. His reign was part of the 18th dynasty, a period marked by prolific building projects and expanding trade routes. Thutmose II was also an ancestor of Tutankhamen, whose intact tomb, found in 1922, remains a landmark discovery in Egyptology.

While the mummy of Thutmose II was recovered in the 19th century, his tomb had remained elusive until now. Located just west of the Valley of the Kings, the tomb was initially believed to belong to a royal wife. However, a team of British and Egyptian archeologists later identified it as the burial site of a pharaoh, overturning previous assumptions about the area, which had been associated primarily with royal women.

The tomb’s discovery is being hailed as one of the most significant archeological finds in recent years. Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities described it as “one of the most important discoveries of this century,” noting its historical value in bridging knowledge gaps since the discovery of King Tutankhamen’s tomb.

Artifacts found within the tomb, including fragments of alabaster jars inscribed with Thutmose II’s name, offer valuable insights into the burial practices and reign of the king. Additional funerary furniture and relics contribute to understanding the rich cultural and historical context of the era.

The tomb features a blue-painted ceiling adorned with yellow stars, a design traditionally reserved for royal burials. The structure, built under a waterfall, had been deliberately emptied following a flood shortly after the king’s burial. Despite this, inscriptions on broken alabaster jars provided crucial evidence for identifying the tomb’s owner.

The discovery team believes that the king’s remains were moved to a second tomb, which could still hold significant treasures. This secondary site, located beneath approximately 80 feet of rock and limestone, may contain intact grave goods, potentially making it only the second royal tomb to be found with such artifacts preserved.

The uncovering of Thutmose II’s tomb not only answers a long-standing historical question but also raises hopes for further discoveries that could reshape the understanding of Egypt’s ancient past.

Scientists Discover Fossilized Plesiosaur Skin Cells After 183 Million Years

Scientists Discover Fossilized Plesiosaur Skin Cells After 183 Million Years

Wednesday, February 19, 2025 / No Comments

 

In an extraordinary paleontological breakthrough, scientists at Lund University have analyzed a 183-million-year-old plesiosaur fossil, uncovering preserved soft tissue that offers a unique glimpse into the skin of these long-extinct marine reptiles. This discovery, detailed in the journal Current Biology, marks a significant advancement in our understanding of plesiosaurs, which were abundant during the Mesozoic Era, a time often referred to as the "Age of Dinosaurs."

The fossil, found near Holzmaden, Germany, reveals a combination of smooth and scaly skin, with smooth skin located along the tail and scaly, textured skin along the rear edges of the flippers. The study, led by Miguel Marx, a PhD student in geology at Lund University, highlights how this distinctive skin structure could have served two important functions. The smooth skin likely aided in the plesiosaur’s hydrodynamics, allowing it to swim efficiently in search of prey like fish and squid. On the other hand, the scaly skin on the flippers would have provided added grip and stability, enabling the animal to navigate and move across rough, uneven seabeds.

"Fossilized soft tissue, such as skin and internal organs, is exceptionally rare," said Marx. "Using a wide range of techniques, we identified smooth skin in the tail region and scales along the trailing edges of the flippers, giving us unparalleled insights into the external anatomy of plesiosaurs." This breakthrough offers a clearer understanding of how these reptiles may have adapted to their marine environment, which is crucial for researchers trying to reconstruct the life of prehistoric creatures.

Plesiosaurs were massive creatures that could reach lengths of up to 12 meters (39 feet) and were known for their long necks and four paddle-like flippers, which they used for propulsion in the water. Despite their unique body structure, very little was known about the external features of their skin until now. The ability to study such preserved tissue allows scientists to create more accurate reconstructions of these ancient reptiles, which had long been primarily studied through their skeletal remains.

One of the most remarkable aspects of this discovery is the preservation of skin cells, which had remained intact for 183 million years. Marx described the moment of seeing these cells as "shocking" and even likened the preserved skin to that of modern reptiles. "It was almost like looking at modern skin," he said. "The level of preservation is truly remarkable."

This discovery also paves the way for further exploration into the potential of soft tissue fossils, which can offer valuable insights into the biology of ancient animals. It challenges the long-held notion that soft tissues, which decompose quickly after death, could never survive for such an extended period. The fossilized skin has provided a rare opportunity to examine the evolutionary adaptations that allowed the plesiosaur to thrive in its environment.

Through the study of fossils like these, scientists are not only learning more about the evolution and behavior of ancient creatures but also gaining a better understanding of Earth’s biological history. The research is especially important in enhancing our understanding of how animals adapt to specific environments, how different ecosystems functioned millions of years ago, and how the planet’s climate and habitats have changed over time.

Marx and his team are excited about the implications this discovery has for the future of paleontology. "Our findings offer a glimpse into the past that was previously unimaginable. Soft tissue preservation like this allows us to build more accurate and detailed reconstructions of the creatures that once roamed our planet," he said.

Additionally, the research provides insight into the importance of preserving and analyzing fossils in great detail. It highlights how new technologies and advanced imaging techniques are helping paleontologists uncover details that were once thought to be lost forever. This discovery will likely prompt new avenues of research, particularly in the field of ancient marine reptiles, where knowledge has remained limited despite the vast number of fossils available.

Ultimately, this plesiosaur fossil is a significant step forward in paleontological research. It not only enhances our understanding of a species that lived millions of years ago but also opens new doors to studying the evolution of life on Earth, providing critical knowledge that could shape how we interpret the prehistoric past.

Cambridge Scientists Develop Smart Pyjamas to Revolutionize Sleep Disorder Monitoring

Cambridge Scientists Develop Smart Pyjamas to Revolutionize Sleep Disorder Monitoring

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Researchers at the University of Cambridge have introduced innovative 'smart pyjamas' designed to monitor sleep disorders, such as sleep apnoea, within the comfort of one's home. These advanced garments incorporate printed fabric sensors capable of detecting subtle skin movements associated with breathing, even when worn loosely around the neck and chest. The sensors are integrated into the fabric using a process called reactive vapor deposition, which allows for the creation of electronic components directly on the textile without compromising comfort or durability.

The embedded sensors are powered by a 'lightweight' artificial intelligence algorithm that can accurately identify six distinct sleep states with a 98.6% success rate. This system effectively distinguishes between normal sleep movements, such as tossing and turning, and potential disorders. The energy-efficient design requires minimal data to differentiate between regular and disordered sleep patterns, offering a promising solution for individuals seeking accessible and reliable sleep monitoring.

Traditional sleep monitoring methods, like polysomnography (PSG), are often expensive, complex, and not suitable for long-term home use. Alternative home devices may focus on single conditions and can be bulky or uncomfortable, while wearable devices like smartwatches often infer sleep quality indirectly and may lack accuracy in detecting disordered sleep. The development of these smart pyjamas aims to provide a comfortable and efficient alternative, eliminating the need for adhesive patches, cumbersome equipment, or visits to specialized sleep clinics.

Professor Luigi Occhipinti from the Cambridge Graphene Centre, who led the research, emphasized the importance of accessible sleep monitoring: "We need something that is comfortable and easy to use every night, but is accurate enough to provide meaningful information about sleep quality." The smart pyjamas are designed to be comfortable and easy to use, making them suitable for regular use at home.

The researchers believe that these smart pyjamas could be particularly beneficial for the millions of individuals experiencing sleep disorders, enabling them to monitor their sleep quality and assess the impact of lifestyle changes without the need for clinical interventions. This advancement represents a significant step forward in wearable health technology, combining comfort, accuracy, and convenience in sleep disorder monitoring.

First Patient in the UK Tests New Treatment for Smell Loss

First Patient in the UK Tests New Treatment for Smell Loss

Monday, February 17, 2025 / No Comments

 

Chrissi Kelly, the first person in the UK to undergo a groundbreaking treatment for anosmia, a condition involving the loss of the sense of smell, is trialing an innovative procedure that offers hope to many who lost their sense of smell, particularly following viral infections like Covid-19.

For many, the loss of smell was a devastating symptom of Covid, with some never regaining it. While most people regain their sense of smell as they recover from the infection, others experience persistent anosmia, leaving them unable to detect everyday smells like spoiled food, or the fragrance of a newborn baby.

Kelly, who lost her sense of smell in 2012 after a sinus infection, has described anosmia as “like a bereavement.” She later developed parosmia, where common smells become distorted, such as the scent of food turning into the stench of rotting flesh. For years, her only relief came from retraining her sense of smell through inhaling familiar scents like coffee. However, a breakthrough has now emerged in medical research.

The treatment Kelly is receiving involves platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections derived from her own blood. PRP has been found to potentially help regenerate the olfactory nerve, the part of the brain that controls our sense of smell. This development stems from research by Prof Zara Patel, who discovered that PRP could help rebuild the damaged olfactory nerve, offering a viable treatment for anosmia, even years after the initial loss.

The first clinical trials have shown promising results. Patients have experienced significant improvement, and the treatment has already helped individuals recover their sense of smell long after losing it, including a case where a man regained his sense of smell 45 years after losing it.

Although the treatment is still in its early stages, experts like Prof Claire Hopkins are optimistic about its potential. It is hoped that the procedure could soon be offered more widely, particularly within the NHS, due to its minimally invasive nature and the use of the patient's own blood, which simplifies the approval process.

While Kelly has only received the initial injection, she is cautiously optimistic. She has started to notice subtle improvements, such as being able to recognize certain scents in her environment that she could not previously detect.

This new treatment represents a ray of hope for those suffering from anosmia and its severe form, parosmia, potentially offering a way to restore a vital sense many thought lost forever.

Why Does Water Appear Different Colors in Different Places?

Why Does Water Appear Different Colors in Different Places?

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Water can appear a variety of colors, and the reasons behind this have to do with what’s in it. When you look at water, it could be a brilliant blue, dark and murky, or light turquoise. But what makes it look that way?

Water is usually clear, but in places like rivers, lakes, and oceans, particles like dirt, plant material, or chemicals float in it. These particles can be stirred up by storms or runoff when rainwater washes over the ground and into bodies of water, carrying loose materials.

The color we see in the water depends on how light interacts with those particles. When sunlight hits the water’s surface, the particles either absorb or scatter light. Water appears to be a certain color depending on how it scatters different wavelengths of light.

For example, muddy waters, like the Missouri River, appear yellow or orange due to the particles scattering light in those wavelengths. On the other hand, water that is cleaner and purer, such as Crater Lake in Oregon, looks blue because it scatters light in the blue range. Shallow, clear waters like those in the Caribbean can look turquoise or light blue because sunlight reflects off the sandy bottom.

When plants are present, the pigment chlorophyll in them absorbs blue light and scatters green light, which is why waters with lots of plant life, like Lake Okeechobee in Florida, often look green.

Sometimes, water contains organic material from decomposing plants, animals, or waste. This material absorbs most of the light and makes the water look very dark, such as in heavily forested areas or places with pollution.

Too much of any of these substances can be problematic. For example, when there are too many nutrients in the water, plants may grow uncontrollably and cause harmful algal blooms. These blooms can be toxic, posing health risks to swimmers and the fish that live in the water.

Scientists use the color of water to track pollution and manage water quality. By studying the changes in color, officials can monitor water safety and help protect the environment and public health.

Ancient Roman Basilica Unearthed Beneath London Skyscraper Site

Ancient Roman Basilica Unearthed Beneath London Skyscraper Site

Friday, February 14, 2025 / No Comments

 

Construction crews in central London have stumbled upon a remarkable piece of history—remnants of a massive Roman basilica, buried for nearly 2,000 years beneath the city’s streets.

Archaeologists from the Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA) announced the discovery at a site on Gracechurch Street, where a 32-story office tower is set to rise. Excavations revealed stone foundations, brickwork, and flint walls dating back to 78-84 A.D., when the city was still known as Londinium.

“This is one of the most significant discoveries in recent years,” said Sophie Jackson of MOLA. “It offers a rare glimpse into the early days of London as a Roman settlement.”

The basilica, part of Londinium’s central forum, served as a hub for politics, commerce, and social life. Experts believe the newly unearthed structure was part of the tribunal—a raised platform where officials oversaw legal proceedings and civic matters.

Archaeologists are particularly intrigued by the site's history, as the original forum was replaced by a larger complex just 20 years later. Further excavations may reveal why the early structure was abandoned, offering insights into the evolving urban landscape of Roman Britain.

In a positive move for history enthusiasts, property developer Hertshten Properties has agreed to incorporate the remains into its building plans, with a visitor center showcasing the ancient site.

“This discovery ties together the scattered remnants of Roman London,” said Andrew Henderson-Schwartz of MOLA. “It was the heart of the city, where crucial decisions were made, and now we have a chance to preserve it for future generations.”

The find joins other Roman-era relics across London, including sections of the ancient city wall, the remains of an amphitheater beneath Guildhall, and the Temple of Mithras, now displayed under Bloomberg’s headquarters.