Google Deepmind and Liverpool FC collaborated to develop TacticAI, a system that predicts the outcomes of corner kicks in football, including the receiver of the cross and the likelihood of a shot on goal. The technology shows promise in training scenarios, enhancing the execution of set pieces.

The National Council of Ethics for Life Sciences (CNECV) has recommended establishing rules for the clinical use of psychedelic substances such as ayahuasca, MDMA, ketamine, and psilocybin, which are increasingly being studied for their therapeutic efficacy. Albino Maia, director of the Neuropsychiatry Unit at the Champalimaud Foundation, emphasizes the need for a regulatory framework for the application of psychedelics outside scientific research. The CNECV suggests additional rules are necessary due to the unique effects of these substances on consciousness and their growing social interest. The article discusses the importance of ensuring scientific evidence quality, equitable access, and proper public information while regulating the use of psychedelics.

Irving Weissman from Stanford University successfully rejuvenated the immune system of older mice, enabling them to respond effectively to new infections, a capability typically seen in younger mice. While the application to humans is still distant, this scientific achievement marks another step forward in the fight against aging.

Fertility rates have been low for decades, especially in wealthier countries, preventing generational replacement, which requires a ratio of 2.1 children per woman. However, this decline is not entirely negative, as it necessitates a focus on healthy aging, increased productivity, and sustainability. A recent study published in The Lancet indicates that six countries—Chad, Niger, Samoa, Somalia, Tajikistan, and Tonga—will maintain fertility rates above the 2.1 children per woman threshold by 2100.

Portuguese research highlights that job insecurity and a 'performance culture' have become the norm for professors and scientists, not just in Portugal but across two dozen countries. The study indicates that fixed-term contracts, increased workloads, and the pressure to publish more scientific articles annually have made academic careers more vulnerable, unpredictable, and individualized.

Two weeks after its launch, the Portuguese satellite Aeros has successfully established communication with Earth. The satellite, now orbiting at an altitude of 510 kilometers, is set to observe the Atlantic Ocean for the next three years using its hyperspectral camera and communication system. The project, led by Thales Edisoft and Ceiia, received international support from MIT and involved several Portuguese entities. The data collected will be made available to research centers for further study.

Measles, once thought to be a disease of the past, has resurged in Europe and Portugal, drawing attention and concern. The disease was eliminated in Portugal in 2016 but has made a comeback in 2024. The resurgence is attributed to a decline in vaccination rates and a lack of investment in poor countries, leading to new outbreaks.

The Portuguese Space Agency has introduced the Council of Guidance and Strategy, a new advisory body aimed at shaping the agency's strategic direction. The council includes notable figures such as Teresa Lago, Filipe Arnaut Moreira, and Ana Santos Pinto, among others. The agency, led by Ricardo Conde, has seen significant growth, including the launch of a Portuguese satellite and increased contributions to the European Space Agency. Future plans include launching 30 satellites by 2026 and developing infrastructure in the Azores.

The United States has approved Rezdiffra, the first treatment for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, recommended for patients with advanced stages of the disease. Available from April, the drug is developed by Madrigal Pharmaceuticals and has shown efficacy in clinical trials, improving liver fibrosis and symptoms. The approval marks a significant milestone after over 15 years of research. The disease, characterized by excess liver fat in non-alcohol drinkers, affects 25% of the global population and has a high incidence in Portugal. The drug's approval in Europe is anticipated next.

A 20-month-old unvaccinated child from the United Kingdom was hospitalized in Lisbon with measles. The child is stable and expected to be discharged soon, with no signs of having infected others. While more cases may arise due to delayed diagnosis, any outbreak in Portugal is expected to be self-limiting, according to pediatric health specialist Mário André Macedo.

A Chinese team successfully cloned a rhesus monkey named ReTro using the same technique as Dolly the sheep. Despite previous failures, the monkey has been alive and healthy for two years, marking a significant milestone in non-human primate cloning. The team corrected a placental issue that had caused earlier failures and now aims to test cloning with adult cells.

Elvira Fortunato, the Minister of Science, emphasizes the importance of scientific employment and anticipates success in this area. She hopes the next government will increase funding for research centers, acknowledging current financial limitations. Fortunato, previously an independent scientist, highlights ongoing issues such as the need for predictability, stability, and reduced bureaucracy in the science sector. The article also mentions a new funding competition for research projects in 2024, guaranteed by the FCT.

The Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) in Portugal has announced a new competition to finance scientific research projects, set to open in the fourth quarter of 2024. This follows a delayed 2023 competition, which saw an increased funding pool of 140 million euros, significantly higher than previous years. The funding, supported by European funds such as PT2030, aims to support around 630 research projects across various scientific fields. The Ministry of Science, Technology, and Higher Education confirms the upcoming competition, though the total funding amount remains undecided.

The Portuguese government will invest 9.4 million euros by the end of 2025 to enhance scientific research within health institutions. The 'Saúde+Ciência' program, a collaboration between the Ministries of Health and Science, will create 120 doctoral scholarships, fund 40 research projects, and provide 15 positions for scientists in health-related institutions. The initiative aims to attract more researchers to the National Health Service and improve conditions for health professionals to pursue doctorates and research. Secretary of State Margarida Tavares emphasizes the program's potential to transform the satisfaction and value of health professionals, with funding secured until 2030.

Portugal aims to become a reference in the semiconductor industry with the creation of a National Strategy for Semiconductors. The government plans to invest 121 million euros in microelectronics by 2027, with an additional 207 million euros from European funds. The strategy includes establishing a competence center and increasing the focus on education and scientific research in this field.

The Gigantopithecus blacki, the largest primate to have ever walked the Earth, went extinct more than 200,000 years ago due to climate changes. This conclusion is drawn from the study of 2000 teeth and four mandibles found in Chinese caves, providing a clearer timeline of the giant primate's existence and its eventual extinction.

The funding for Portuguese research centers remains unchanged for a decade, with 420 million euros allocated for 2020-2023 and 525 million euros for 2025-2029, maintaining an annual budget of 105 million euros. The Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) is responsible for these allocations, indicating no increase in financial support for scientific research units in Portugal over this period.

The seasonal flu, particularly Influenza A, has been dominant this winter, with symptoms lasting up to two or three weeks for some individuals. This prolonged duration is attributed to reduced exposure to the virus in recent years due to pandemic-related confinement and lower vaccination rates. The peak of these infections is expected in the next two weeks.

Portuguese geneticist António Lima de Faria passed away at 102 on December 27th in Sweden, where he lived and worked for over 70 years. Born in Cantanhede, his experimental work on the fusion of human and plant cells in 1977 and his controversial book 'Evolution without Selection' (1988) are part of his scientific legacy. Faria, who moved to Sweden in 1950, became an emeritus professor at the University of Lund. He was honored by his hometown Cantanhede, which named a school group after him and where he funded the Lima de Faria Prize for academic merit since 1991. The Municipality of Cantanhede declared three days of mourning following his death.

Porto's Centro Hospitalar de São João has introduced canine visits to its pediatric oncology ward, a first for Portuguese hospitals. The program, which began just before Christmas, has been bringing evident joy to the children undergoing treatment, as well as to their parents and the healthcare professionals. Diana, a nearly four-year-old patient, has already formed a friendship with Zazu, a two-year-old golden retriever, who is part of this initiative.

Burping, though often considered unappealing, is a natural human function that helps expel excess stomach gases. During festive seasons with abundant food and carbonated drinks, burping becomes more common. However, the inability to burp can indicate a serious health issue.

Flu and colds have increasingly appeared out of season, with the summer and autumn of 2022 seeing a rise in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections in North America and Europe, and an early start to the influenza season. The pandemic is likely to blame, as changes in routine, such as teleworking and confinement, have altered the dynamics of these respiratory viruses since 2020.

Researchers from Johns Hopkins University conducted five experiments to determine if people can identify what others are trying to discover by shaking presents. The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, found that participants could accurately guess whether someone was trying to determine the shape or number of objects inside a box. The findings highlight human cognitive abilities in detecting subtle cues and have implications for understanding everyday actions and intentions. Portuguese neuroscientist Jorge Almeida from the University of Coimbra comments on the broader significance of these findings in human cognition.

The death of a seven-year-old child in Coimbra due to suspected severe food poisoning has put specialists on alert. The primary suspicion is food poisoning, typically caused by ingesting food contaminated with harmful bacteria or microorganisms. The exact cause of the poisoning has not yet been determined.

The presence of Aedes mosquitoes in Portugal, including the detection of the Asian tiger mosquito in Lisbon, has heightened concerns about the potential transmission of diseases like dengue, Zika, and chikungunya. Municipalities and local councils are urged to invest in urban furniture and close communication to better protect against these species.

Céline Gossner, a representative of a leading European public health organization, emphasizes the growing concern in Europe regarding dengue and chikungunya. The detection of the Asian tiger mosquito in Lisbon highlights the need for vigilant monitoring as this mosquito species has been present in Portugal since 2017 and is spreading in Southern Europe, including the Algarve.

The Ministry of Health in Portugal will expand access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (Prep), a daily or intermittent pill that prevents HIV transmission, beyond hospitals starting in the first quarter of next year. This medication will be available in health centers and community organizations, as confirmed by the Secretary of State for Health Promotion, Margarida Tavares. The official decree will be published in Diário da República in the coming days.

The 6th edition of the Scientific Employment Stimulus Competition results were published by the Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT), with 400 new contracts awarded to researchers in Portuguese institutions. This year's approval rate of 14.6% is the highest since the competition's inception in 2017, attributed to a decrease in applicants. The competition remains a key tool for the Ministry of Science to secure fixed-term contracts for PhD researchers, although it has not significantly reduced precarious employment in the scientific sector. The contracts represent an investment of approximately 126 million euros.

Approximately 2.2 million people are living with HIV in Europe, with 110,000 new diagnoses last year, predominantly in Eastern Europe. Portugal reported 804 new infections, the lowest since 1990, but still above the EU average. Unlike most European countries, Portugal lacks data on people with HIV who are in treatment or have suppressed viral loads.

In 2022, Portugal recorded 804 new HIV infections, marking the lowest number of new diagnoses in the past three decades. This is only the second time since 1991 that the country has seen fewer than a thousand new cases, the first being in 2020. Despite the decrease in diagnoses, nearly half of the people reported experiencing discrimination in the past year.

The Portuguese Minister of Science, Elvira Fortunato, has advocated for reinforcing partnerships with top foreign universities, including those in Asia and Europe, despite the impending end of current agreements with three major U.S. institutions. The government is renegotiating these partnerships, aiming for dual-degree programs, though challenges exist, particularly with MIT's policies. The decision on the continuation of these partnerships will depend on the responses from the U.S. universities. The partnerships, initiated in 2006, have significantly contributed to scientific and technological advancements in Portugal, though their future remains uncertain amid political transitions.

The European Research Council has awarded over ten million euros to projects led by Portuguese scientists. Manuel João Mendes, Pedro Sousa Victor, and Sidh Losa Mendiratta, working in Portugal, received consolidation grants to continue their research. Additionally, João Mendonça in Denmark and Flor Avelino in the Netherlands are leading projects funded by the ERC. This funding supports a range of scientific endeavors, from muscle rejuvenation to solar energy.

Antimicrobial resistance is a critical and urgent issue following the COVID-19 pandemic, posing a significant threat to global health. Antibiotics are essential for various medical procedures, and their diminishing effectiveness could lead to severe consequences, including the inability to perform surgeries and treat infections. The problem is exacerbated by bacteria's natural ability to develop resistance and the slow pace of new antibiotic development. Combating this issue requires global cooperation and individual actions, such as staying informed, maintaining good hygiene, and adhering to prescribed antibiotic treatments.

There is a general decline in the presence of multi-resistant bacteria in Portugal, but the main current concern is the resistance to carbapenems by bacteria such as Klebsiella pneumoniae. This issue recently led to the closure of the neonatology service at Hospital de Santa Maria in Lisbon. The article highlights the critical challenge posed by bacteria that do not succumb to last-resort antibiotics, making treatment responses scarce and the situation more dangerous.

The primary public health threat in Europe has shifted from COVID-19 to antimicrobial resistance, including resistance to antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and antiparasitics. Key concerns include the hospital impact of 'superbugs' Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli. Andrea Ammon, director of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, highlights this growing issue, while expert Fidelma Fitzpatrick warns of the dire consequences if antibiotics become ineffective.

In 2022, measles cases and estimated mortality worldwide increased, with nine million cases (up 18% from 2021) and 136,000 deaths (up 43%). The disease remains a significant threat, particularly to children in poorer countries. The rise follows years of declining measles vaccination rates. Nearly 22 million children missed their first vaccine dose, and another 11 million missed the second. Outbreaks have returned to global health concerns, with 37 countries experiencing outbreaks in 2022, 28 of which were in Africa. Health organizations prioritize vaccination reinforcement in poorer countries and preventing declines in higher-immunization countries due to vaccine denialism. Global vaccination coverage is below the 95% target, with 83% for the first dose and 74% for the second in children. In Portugal, coverage reached 99% in children up to one year old, according to 2021 data from the Direcção-Geral da Saúde.

Estimates from a recent study suggest that a nuclear attack on the United States' 450 nuclear silos could result in up to 300 million deaths, affecting not only the United States but also neighboring countries like Canada and Mexico. Severe radiation exposure alone could cause one to two million deaths.

Mount Etna erupted again on Sunday, causing a brief but intense period of volcanic activity that lasted less than three hours. The eruption led to rivers of lava flowing south and a smoke column reaching 4500 meters in altitude. The Italian National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology reported that the volcanic activity has since decreased and is gradually cooling down, posing no danger to the local population. Despite frequent eruptions, the current active period since 2013 has not directly affected the local residents.

More than half of people with infertility in Portugal expressed a need for psychological support during treatments but did not receive it, according to a European survey. The challenges of infertility include long and expensive treatments, recurring family and work pressure, and the frustration of consecutive negative pregnancy tests.

Five thousand years ago, over 300 people were killed during a large-scale conflict in the northern region of Spain, in the Basque Country. The injuries on the skeletons had not yet healed and showed signs of arrow tips, indicating the use of weapons. This event, which may have lasted several months, is the oldest known plausible war in Europe, occurring a thousand years earlier than previously thought.

By the end of the first quarter of the academic year, the Ministry of Science, Technology and Higher Education aims to have all scholarship applications for higher education reviewed. Currently, about 60% of the applications have been processed. Over 32,000 students received scholarships in September due to process automation, but nearly half of the applicants are still awaiting responses. The ministry highlighted increased social support for students and ongoing construction of student housing projects. The scientific agenda included the opening of funding competitions for research projects and the FCT-Tenure program, aiming to provide permanent contracts to 1,400 scientists by 2025. The proposal for the 2024 state budget was approved in general terms, with the final vote scheduled for November 29.

Scientists have observed two giant rock formations deep within the Earth's mantle beneath Africa and the Pacific Ocean, whose origins were unknown. A new proposal suggests these are remnants from a collision 4.5 billion years ago between young Earth and another planet, possibly contributing to the Moon's formation. Led by geologist Qian Yuan from Arizona State University, the team used computational simulations to support this hypothesis. The findings, published in Nature, indicate that about 10% of the colliding planet, Theia, might have merged with Earth's mantle. While the theory adds to the narrative of Earth's violent formation, it also raises questions about the similarities between Earth and the Moon, which further lunar samples could help answer.

The Ministry of Science and the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) will open applications for scientific project funding by the end of the year, with a significant increase in available funds from 75 million to 122 million euros. Additionally, the FCT-Tenure program will create 1000 permanent positions for scientists, with further openings in 2025. The government aims to integrate PhD holders into non-academic environments and attract top international scientists. The FCT's financial execution reached a record 618.1 million euros in 2022, with similar projections for 2023.

The Portuguese government has announced a 2.5% increase in funding for the Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) in the 2024 state budget, amounting to 675.1 million euros. This increase is smaller compared to the previous year's 3.5% rise. The Ministry of Science, Technology and Higher Education, led by Elvira Fortunato, confirmed the figures, which include new expenses for programs like Defesa+Ciência and Saúde+Ciência. The overall budget for science and higher education will see a significant increase, with a total consolidated expenditure of 3597.5 million euros. The budget also emphasizes strengthening scientific collaboration with Spain and aims to increase investment in science to 3% of GDP by 2030.

A 160-million-year-old lamprey fossil discovered in Northern China, measuring 60 centimeters, has surprised scientists due to its size and age. This discovery is one of the oldest lamprey fossils found. Currently, six species of lampreys remain threatened in Portugal.

Irritation, despite being a negative emotion, can be beneficial in certain situations. It can help solve puzzles, win games, and even motivate people to vote. The article discusses how anger can be useful for achieving goals or overcoming persistent obstacles, whether in video games or physical challenges.

Breast cancer surgery involves more than just removing the malignant tumor; it also considers the patient's post-surgery satisfaction. Project Cinderella aims to help patients visualize their post-surgery appearance, addressing the concern that one in three women are not aesthetically satisfied with the final result.

The sailing vessel Tara, measuring 36 meters in length and known for its expeditions in the Arctic and Pacific Ocean over the past two decades, has made a stop in Porto. This stop is part of its current mission to create an atlas of the entire European coastline, from the land to the open sea. The project aims to capture a detailed snapshot of the current situation, including pollution and antibiotic resistance, and to compare different European regions.

A consortium including Portuguese scientist Lourenço Beirão da Veiga, based in Italy, has been awarded 7.8 million euros by the European Research Council to develop more effective numerical methods for mathematical calculations with applications in geosciences. The team, which also includes Daniele di Pietro, Jerome Droniou, and Paola Francesca Antonietti, aims to create a new generation of numerical methods to improve precision, efficiency, and speed in complex geometries and heterogeneous spaces. These methods have potential uses in seismic risk assessment and CO2 storage evaluation, among other applications. The project will span four years, culminating in the application of these methods to specific conditions in geosciences.

The Portuguese government has yet to disclose the 2024 budget for the Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT), two weeks after submitting the State Budget proposal. The Ministry of Science, Technology and Higher Education has not confirmed the exact amount allocated to the FCT, which is the main public funding body for science in Portugal. The proposed budget includes a 5% increase for the FCT, but it is unclear whether this refers to the 2023 budget or the estimated financial execution for 2023. The FCT's budget for 2023 was €658.1 million. The delay in budget disclosure is not new, as similar delays occurred in previous years. The FCT will have new expenses in 2024, including the Ciência+Defesa program and the evaluation of research centers. The total budget for science and higher education will increase by over €300 million in 2024, with the Ministry's consolidated expenditure reaching €3.597 billion. The State Budget will be debated in Parliament on October 30-31, with a final vote on November 29.

The Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT) of Universidade Nova de Lisboa is calling on the public to help identify and capture invasive mosquito species, particularly the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) and the yellow fever mosquito (Aedes aegypti). These species, which can transmit diseases like dengue and Zika, have been increasingly detected in Southern Europe due to rising temperatures. The citizen science project, Mosquito Web, encourages people to photograph and send captured mosquitoes to IHMT to prevent their spread. The initiative highlights the importance of early detection and public participation in managing invasive species and protecting public health.

The discovery of 13 mummified mice at an altitude of six thousand meters in the Andes challenges previous scientific assumptions about the ability of mammals to survive in such extreme conditions. The findings, led by biologist Jay Storz from the University of Nebraska, suggest that these mice, specifically the species Phyllotis vaccarum, have adapted to live in an environment similar to Mars. The research, published in Current Biology, raises questions about the physiological tolerances of small mammals and the reasons behind their presence at such high altitudes, potentially to escape predators. Further studies are planned to understand the biology and adaptation mechanisms of these mice.

PhD employees at the Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) have accused the management of wage discrimination, highlighting significant salary disparities between permanent staff and those on fixed-term contracts performing the same roles. The employees claim a minimum wage difference of around 500 euros, describing the situation as 'subjective discrimination' within Portugal's main science funding institution.

Eleven scientists, 11 films, and various interactive experiences are featured at Homo curiosus, a science event taking place this Saturday in Lisbon. The event, held at the Pavilion of Knowledge, aims to spark and satisfy curiosity through lectures and activities involving robots and holograms. Notable Portuguese scientists such as Alexandre Quintanilha, Carlos Fiolhais, Eugénia Cunha, and Nuno Maulide will participate.

The concept of 'lunar villages' is becoming increasingly feasible, with recent milestones such as India's landing at the Moon's South Pole and plans for human missions by the end of the decade. To support prolonged human presence, infrastructure like houses, landing strips, and roads will be necessary. The European Space Agency has developed a solution to melt lunar dust using lasers, allowing the solidified material to be shaped into required structures, simplifying the construction process on the Moon.

Scientists have identified genes that assist the avian flu virus in replicating, which could be targeted to contain this threat. Since October 2022, there have been over five thousand avian flu outbreaks in Europe. Genetic editing of three specific genes in birds' DNA may be the solution to halt the spread of this animal infection.

An error in the application form for non-academic doctoral scholarships could cost the Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) over one million euros annually. Out of 123 applications initially deemed ineligible, 52 will now be reassessed due to the error. If approved, these applications will be funded by the FCT.

A new study confirms that exposure to light during the day helps us go to bed earlier at night. The lack of light in workplaces or schools can delay bedtime and result in poorer sleep quality. The article offers tips for improving sleep, such as using curtains and taking walks.

In 2020, one in ten babies was born premature, maintaining a stable rate from 2010 to 2020. The study published in The Lancet highlights the urgent need for investment in healthcare, especially in low-income countries where 65% of premature births occur in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Premature births are the leading cause of early childhood mortality due to associated complications. In Portugal, the rate of premature births is lower at 7.8%, with significant advancements in neonatal care reducing infant mortality rates. Experts emphasize the importance of focusing on extremely premature births, particularly those born before 28 weeks, to improve outcomes.

The 2023 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to scientists Alexei Ekimov, Louis Brus, and Moungi Bawendi for their contributions to the creation of quantum dots, tiny semiconductor particles with applications in transistors, lasers, and quantum computers. The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences highlighted their role in the discovery and development of quantum dots, which are so small that their size determines their properties. The discovery dates back to the late 1970s, with significant advancements made by each of the laureates over the years. The announcement was prematurely leaked by the Swedish Academy, but the nationality of the laureates, including Russian scientist Alexei Ekimov, was stated as not being a factor in the selection process. The prize includes a monetary award of 11 million Swedish kronor.

The 2023 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to Anne L’Huillier, Ferenc Krausz, and Pierre Agostini for their pioneering work in attosecond physics, which allows the observation and measurement of electron dynamics. Their research has enabled the creation of extremely short light pulses, opening new avenues in the study of subatomic particles. Anne L’Huillier is notably the fifth woman to win the Nobel Prize in Physics. The awarded work has significant implications for future advancements in electronics and molecular identification.

Scientists are raising concerns about the increasing brightness of satellites, such as the BlueWalker 3, which now outshine many stars in the night sky. This proliferation of bright satellites poses a threat to astronomical observations and the ability to view the stars from Earth. The scientific community is calling for impact assessments before launching more satellites into Earth's orbit.

Eastern Europe remains a conservative stronghold within the EU, with a significant presence of right-wing groups in the European Parliament. Despite recent electoral defeats of right-wing populists in Poland and the Czech Republic, conservative forces continue to dominate. The region's political landscape is crucial for the realignment of illiberal forces within the EU, with potential new alliances forming. However, illiberal parties are struggling in most Eastern European countries, with notable exceptions in Romania and Latvia. The upcoming 2024 EU elections will be pivotal, particularly in how the new EU Commission president handles candidates from Hungary and Slovakia. Progressive forces in Eastern Europe, such as Progresīvie in Latvia and Možemo in Croatia, offer a glimmer of hope for a more progressive EU, but much will depend on voter mobilization.

Dmitri Petelin, Frank Rubio, and Sergei Prokopiev have returned to Earth after spending 371 days in space, exceeding their initial six-month mission due to a malfunction in their return spacecraft. Frank Rubio set a record for the most consecutive days in space by an American astronaut. The astronauts landed safely in Kazakhstan, although Dmitri Petelin showed signs of fatigue. The delay in their return was due to issues with the Russian spacecraft, requiring multiple missions to bring them back.

The Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus), a potential vector for diseases like chikungunya, dengue, and Zika, has been detected in Lisbon for the first time. The Direcção-Geral da Saúde (DGS) assures that no disease agents have been identified in these mosquitoes, and no related illnesses have been reported. The mosquito has previously been found in other regions of Portugal since 2017. The spread of this species in Southern Europe is attributed to rising temperatures. The DGS has increased surveillance and plans to implement mosquito population control measures, emphasizing that there is no increased health risk to the public.

The 250 grams of dust and rock collected from asteroid Bennu by NASA's OSIRIS-Rex mission are expected to revolutionize our understanding of the early solar system and the origins of life. After a successful landing in Utah, the samples were quickly transported to a clean room to avoid contamination. Over the next decade, these samples will be studied by scientists from the United States, Canada, and Japan. The first scientific results are anticipated to be presented on October 11, pending the approval of the U.S. federal budget. The mission highlights the importance of studying primitive, carbon-rich asteroids, which may contain organic molecules and amino acids that are precursors to life on Earth.

The mysterious 'fairy circles,' which are circular patches of land surrounded by vegetation in the desert, have intrigued scientists for decades. These formations, not limited to Western Australia or the Namib Desert between Namibia and Angola, are a widespread phenomenon with at least 263 locations around the world. A world atlas for this phenomenon has now been created.

The article reflects on the 30th anniversary of the launch of PoSat-1, Portugal's only satellite to reach space. It discusses the political changes and lack of investment that led to the abandonment of the country's space policy, despite initial plans for additional satellites and a return to space. PoSat-1 remains in Earth's orbit but no longer communicates with Earth.

The formation of pink diamonds, a rare gemstone, is now understood to require not only pure carbon subjected to the immense heat and pressure of tectonic plate collisions at great depths but also the fragmentation of a supercontinent 1.3 billion years ago. This process is linked to one of the world's largest sources of natural diamonds and the largest source of colored diamonds: the Argyle mine in Western Australia.

The Russian spacecraft Soiuz MS-24 has arrived at the International Space Station (ISS), bringing with it astronauts who are set to break records. Frank Rubio will become the first American astronaut to spend over a year in space, surpassing Mark Vande Hei's record. Russian astronauts Sergei Prokopiev and Dmitri Petelin will also set personal records. Oleg Kononenko aims to break the cumulative space-time record held by Gennady Padalka, potentially becoming the first person to spend over 1000 days in space. The ISS now hosts ten astronauts, including new arrivals Oleg Kononenko, Nikolai Chub, and Loral O’Hara.

In the pediatric wing of Centro Hospitalar de São João in Porto, eight-year-old Frederico, diagnosed with Ewing's sarcoma, continues to play energetically despite his condition. The article highlights the resilience of young cancer patients and the supportive environment provided by the hospital staff.

NASA's newly published report concludes there is no evidence that unidentified flying objects (UFOs) are of extraterrestrial origin. Despite this, the investigation will continue, and a new director has been appointed to lead the UFO research within the agency. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson emphasized the lack of extraterrestrial evidence but highlighted the ongoing efforts to understand these phenomena.

A Portuguese study involving 90,000 people found that those with some knowledge about science tend to have overconfidence in their understanding and a more negative view of science. In contrast, individuals with either no knowledge or extensive knowledge about topics like COVID-19 vaccines are less likely to distrust science and scientists.

The exoplanet K2-18b, located 120 light-years from Earth, may have a rare ocean of liquid water and a molecule, dimethyl sulfide, typically produced by living organisms on Earth. The James Webb Space Telescope made this discovery, though further confirmation is needed. The presence of methane and carbon dioxide, along with the absence of ammonia, suggests an ocean beneath K2-18b's atmosphere. This exoplanet, a 'Hycean' world, has the potential for a hydrogen-rich atmosphere and liquid ocean, making it a significant target in the search for extraterrestrial life. The findings underscore the importance of considering various habitable locations in the universe.

A new Portuguese satellite, ISTSat-1, developed by students and professors from Instituto Superior Técnico, is set to launch early next year after the publication of a crucial ordinance regarding civil liability insurance. The satellite, which has passed several technical tests, awaits final approval from the European Space Agency. The ordinance, signed by three ministries, ensures the satellite can be licensed by Anacom. The ISTSat-1 is part of the ESA's Fly Your Satellite program and will be launched aboard the Ariane 6 rocket.

Ian Wilmut, a pivotal figure in the creation of Dolly the sheep, passed away at 79. The British embryologist led the team at the Roslin Institute that announced the birth of the first mammal cloned from an adult cell in 1997. Diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2018, Wilmut was one of the two main scientists behind the Dolly project, alongside Keith Campbell. The technique used, nuclear transfer, remains significant in cloning research. Despite fears, human cloning has not occurred, and the ethical debate continues. Wilmut later focused on regenerative medicine, founding the Centre for Regenerative Medicine at the University of Edinburgh.

Scientists from the Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health in China have partially developed a humanized kidney, with half of the cells being human, inside a pig embryo. This advancement builds upon previous work from 2017 and utilizes chimeric organisms, which are a mix of cells from different species. The researchers created a 'niche' by removing pig genes designated for kidney formation, allowing human cells to develop the organ without competition. Despite the low efficiency of the technique and the need for specific manipulations to prevent pigs from developing their own organs, this research marks a significant step towards the ultimate goal of producing organs for human transplants, potentially reducing the need for immunosuppressants.

The Deucalion supercomputer is inaugurated at the Minho Advanced Computing Center, University of Minho, significantly enhancing Portugal's computing capacity. Acquired by the European Union and allocated to eight European countries, its operation was delayed from the initial 2020 timeline. The article discusses the supercomputer's potential users and the areas that could benefit from this technological innovation, featuring insights from Tiago Ramalho, a journalist from the Science section of Público.

The article discusses the ongoing challenges in the occupied regions of Palestine, including frequent water and energy cuts and military operations by Israel, alongside attacks from Palestinian movements like Hamas. Despite these adversities, the St. John of Jerusalem Eye Hospitals continue to provide essential eye care services to both Israeli and Palestinian patients, regardless of their religious backgrounds. Ahmad Ma’ali, the director of these hospitals, emphasizes their commitment to offering hope and assistance in a challenging environment, a mission they have upheld for over 140 years.