Chemist Emily Mevers and her research team at Virginia Tech have uncovered a new series of compounds from millipede secretions that can influence specific neuroreceptors in ant brains. Published on July 25, 2025, in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, this discovery highlights the potential of these compounds for future medical applications, particularly in pain management.

Discovery of Andrognathanols and Andrognathines

The newly identified compounds, named andrognathanols and andrognathines, were derived from the millipede species Andrognathus corticarius, which resides in the Stadium Woods area of the Virginia Tech campus. This research is part of Mevers’ broader effort to utilize the chemistry of underexplored ecological niches for drug discovery.

To isolate these compounds, Mevers and her team collected millipedes from leaf litter and fallen branches, employing advanced analytical techniques to analyze the chemical makeup of the millipedes’ defensive secretions. These secretions not only deter predators but also serve a communicative function among the millipedes themselves.

Significance and Future Drug Development

Despite their widespread presence, many aspects of millipedes remain poorly understood, including their habitats and behaviors. Mevers is collaborating with entomologist Paul Marek to address these knowledge gaps and explore the potential medical uses of their findings. Previously, the team had studied another millipede species, Ishcnocybe plicata, discovering that similar alkaloids interact selectively with the Sigma-1 neuroreceptor, suggesting a promising avenue for pharmacological research.

The newly discovered alkaloids are released from the Hokie millipede when disturbed, causing disorientation in ants, which are considered natural predators. Some compounds from this new class also exhibit similar interactions with the Sigma-1 neuroreceptor, indicating their potential for treating pain and neurological disorders.

With the identification of these complex compounds, the next phase involves synthesizing them in larger quantities for further evaluation. “These compounds are quite complex, so they’re going to take some time to synthesize in the lab,” Mevers stated. Once sufficient quantities are produced, the research team will investigate their properties and possible biomedical applications.

The ongoing research into millipede secretions not only contributes to our understanding of these creatures but also opens new pathways for innovative pain relief treatments and other medical interventions.

The moon begins a new lunar cycle tonight, July 25, 2025, entering the Waxing Crescent phase. Currently, just 1% of the moon’s surface is visible from Earth, marking the start of this cycle which lasts approximately 29.5 days, according to NASA. With minimal visibility, observers will find it challenging to spot any details on the moon’s surface, even with the aid of binoculars or telescopes.

As the moon orbits Earth, its phases change due to the varying angles between the Sun, Moon, and Earth. Tonight’s Waxing Crescent presents a slim sliver of illumination on the moon’s right side for viewers in the Northern Hemisphere. While the moon remains largely dark, it signals the commencement of a new cycle filled with potential for more visible phases in the coming days.

Upcoming Lunar Events

Looking ahead, the next significant event will be the Full Moon on August 9, following the last full moon that occurred on July 10. This full moon will be fully illuminated, providing a stark contrast to the current phase.

Understanding Moon Phases

Moon phases are a result of the moon’s orbit around Earth, where the illuminated portion changes based on its position relative to the Sun. There are eight primary phases in the lunar cycle:

– **New Moon**: The moon is positioned between Earth and the Sun, rendering it invisible.
– **Waxing Crescent**: A small crescent appears on the right side.
– **First Quarter**: Half of the moon is illuminated on the right side.
– **Waxing Gibbous**: More than half is lit, yet not completely full.
– **Full Moon**: The entire face of the moon is visible and bright.
– **Waning Gibbous**: The illumination begins to decrease on the right side.
– **Last Quarter**: The left side is illuminated, resembling another half-moon.
– **Waning Crescent**: A thin sliver of light remains on the left before the cycle restarts.

Each of these phases plays a role in various cultural and scientific contexts, influencing everything from agricultural practices to folklore. Understanding the moon’s cycle not only enriches our appreciation of celestial phenomena but also connects us to the rhythms of nature.

As the lunar cycle unfolds, skywatchers can anticipate the gradual increase in the moon’s visibility, culminating in the brilliance of the upcoming full moon next month.

Patients at The James Cook University Hospital in North East England are celebrating the benefits of robotic-assisted surgeries, which have significantly improved recovery times and reduced pain following major cancer operations. The hospital has successfully completed over 1,000 robotic surgeries since it began this innovative approach in 2015. This milestone highlights a decade of advancements in gynaecological cancer treatment, offering patients a less invasive alternative that enhances their quality of care.

The da Vinci X and Xi robotic systems facilitate complex surgeries through a minimally invasive keyhole technique. Surgeons use a computer-assisted interface to maneuver fine instruments, allowing for intricate procedures that were previously challenging. This technology is particularly beneficial for patients with conditions such as ovarian and uterine cancers.

The advantages of robotic-assisted surgery are clear: patients experience smaller incisions, faster recovery times, and less postoperative pain. This method has proven especially advantageous for individuals over the age of 70 who may have multiple health issues. As a result, hospitals can discharge the majority of patients the day after their surgeries, freeing up beds for others and reducing waiting lists.

Before the introduction of robotic techniques, traditional gynaecological cancer surgeries involved large incisions, which often led to extended hospital stays, increased blood loss, and a heightened risk of infections.

Patient Experiences Highlight Success

Two patients, Sue Jeffrey and Annalisa Perry, recently shared their positive experiences after undergoing robotic-assisted surgeries. Sue, a retired council leader, discovered a large lump in her abdomen in December 2024. Given her medical history of breast cancer, she was understandably anxious. After undergoing robotic surgery to remove a cyst, alongside a hysterectomy and appendectomy, Sue was surprised by her swift recovery.

“I was unsure about what robotic surgery was at first but not worried at all because it was all explained very clearly,” Sue said. “It felt amazing to go home the very next day after a major surgery. There were no big dressings or stitches but just five tiny incisions that were sealed with glue.” She expressed gratitude for the care she received, stating, “The care I have received was brilliant.”

Annalisa, a retired chef diagnosed with atypical endometrial hyperplasia in 2020, faced a similar journey. After her biopsy in March 2025 revealed cancer, she underwent robotic-assisted surgery to remove the tumor. “To be honest, I felt no pain on the day of the surgery or after the procedure,” she remarked. Annalisa also emphasized the broader implications of robotic surgery for healthcare, stating it could help save beds and enable more patients to return home quickly.

Future of Robotic Surgery in Healthcare

The NHS 10 Year Health Plan outlines a commitment to integrating digital technologies into healthcare to enhance patient care. Expanding robotic surgery is a fundamental aspect of this initiative, aimed at modernizing services and improving patient outcomes across the UK.

According to Dr. Anupama Rajan Babu, a consultant gynaecologic oncologist at The James Cook University Hospital, robotic surgery allows for greater precision in treating complex cancer cases. “Most patients return to their normal routines much sooner than with traditional open surgery,” she explained. Additionally, the cost savings associated with robotic procedures is significant, estimated at approximately £5,000 per patient.

These advancements not only improve patient outcomes but also alleviate pressure on healthcare resources, allowing hospitals to serve more patients effectively. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, the impact of robotic-assisted surgeries at The James Cook University Hospital serves as a notable example of how technology can transform patient care and recovery.

Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, **Starlink**, experienced a significant network outage on **March 15, 2024**, affecting thousands of users across various regions. The issue was confirmed by **SpaceX**, the company behind Starlink, which announced the outage through a post on the social media platform **X**.

According to data from **Downdetector**, a service that tracks outages by collecting user reports, there were over **36,700 incidents** of service disruption reported as of **15:54 ET**. Users across the United States faced difficulties in connectivity, highlighting the impact of the outage on day-to-day internet usage.

In its communication regarding the issue, Starlink stated, “Starlink is currently in a network outage and we are actively implementing a solution.” This transparency aims to reassure users that efforts are underway to restore service as quickly as possible.

Elon Musk also addressed the situation on X, apologizing for the inconvenience caused to users. He stated, “Service will be restored shortly. Sorry for the outage. SpaceX will remedy root cause to ensure it doesn’t happen again.” His commitment to resolving the underlying issues reflects the company’s focus on maintaining reliability for its customers.

The outage underscores the challenges faced by satellite internet services like Starlink, which are celebrated for their potential to provide high-speed internet in underserved areas. Despite the technological advancements, such incidents can raise concerns about service stability, particularly during critical times when users rely heavily on internet connectivity for work, education, and communication.

As the company works to rectify the situation, users remain hopeful for a swift return to normal service. With a growing customer base, the reliability of Starlink will be crucial for maintaining trust and satisfaction among its users.