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Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery in the Tarim Basin of China—an unknown substance found on the head and neck of an ancient mummy has been identified as the world’s oldest cheese, dating back 3,500 years. Can you tell us more about how this incredible find came about?

Around 20 years ago, this mysterious substance was first noticed on a number of mummies from the Xiaohe cemetery in northwest China’s Tarim Basin. Recently, a study published in the journal *Cell* confirmed that it is kefir cheese, a product of microbial fermentation. This cheese, found on the mummy, was made from a blend of cow and goat milk sourced from thousands of years ago.

What can you tell us about the microbial content of this ancient cheese?

The cheese includes a mix of bacteria and fungi, such as Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens and Pichia kudriavzevii, which are also present in modern kefir grains. Researchers noted that these microbial grains represent a symbiotic blend of bacteria and yeast that work together to ferment milk into cheese.

In your view, what does this discovery reveal about human history?

Dr. Fu Qiaomei, a paleobiologist at the Chinese Academy of Sciences and a senior author of the study, remarked, “This is the oldest cheese sample discovered to date. Foods like cheese are incredibly difficult to preserve for thousands of years, making this a rare and invaluable opportunity.” She added that studying ancient cheese could greatly enhance our understanding of our ancestors’ diets and cultural practices.

Were any significant connections found between this ancient microbe and other known strains?

Researchers determined that the kefir grains are closely linked to similar strains found in Tibet. They noted that by sequencing bacterial genes, they can trace the evolution of these probiotics over the last 3,600 years.

What conclusions can we draw about dietary practices in northwest China since the Bronze Age?

Dr. Fu highlighted that their research indicates kefir culture has been present in the Xinjiang region of northwest China since the Bronze Age. By examining these bacteria, we can learn about their development over the past 3,000 years. Furthermore, studying dairy products provides deeper insights into ancient human lifestyles, although the reason for the cheese’s presence on the mummy remains unclear.

In an exciting turn of events, the Dallas Cowboys managed to transform what could have been a disappointing defeat into a thrilling victory.

As the NFL regular season reaches its fifth week, the Cowboys faced off against the Pittsburgh Steelers on October 6, emerging victorious with a score of 20-17. This win improved their record to 3-2, positioning them just behind the Minnesota Vikings, Washington Commanders, and Detroit Lions in the NFC standings, while standing toe-to-toe with teams like the Seattle Seahawks, Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, Atlanta Falcons, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The game was a nail-biter, with the Cowboys managing to score at least three points in every quarter except the third, taking a 6-3 lead into halftime. Although the Steelers avoided a scoreless quarter, they struggled to dominate on their home field.

For Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, this game marked the 119th start of his career. Standing at 6 feet 2 inches and 31 years old, Prescott’s overall record now stands at 76 wins and 43 losses. Despite facing challenges during the game—two interceptions and two sacks that set his team back by 16 yards—he completed 29 of 42 passes for an impressive 352 yards, including two touchdown passes and a long completion of 48 yards. Prescott also collaborated with five teammates on 30 rushing attempts, contributing to a total of 106 yards on the ground, although he did not score himself.

The Cowboys held possession for an impressive 32 minutes and 29 seconds, clinching their win just 20 seconds before the final whistle blew. The electrifying away game attracted a crowd of 67,380 fans, further underscoring the significance of this hard-fought victory.

In a recent conversation, Justice Amanda Fox did not hold back on her disapproval of Aran Sherani’s actions. Sherani, a convicted terrorist, was sentenced to eight years in prison after a jury found him guilty of preparing for a terrorist act based on a video he made in 2021. The video depicted the 22-year-old pledging allegiance to the Islamic State, a move that has sparked significant concern.

The footage was particularly alarming, showing Sherani not only expressing his loyalty to the Islamic State but also boasting about evading police while wielding a knife. During the trial, he admitted to being part of a terrorist organization and confessed to setting two bushfires in northern Melbourne in February 2021. Disturbingly, he threatened civilians in the video, claiming they would face the “fire of Allah.”

Interestingly, despite the serious nature of his actions, both Sherani and his older brother, Ari, were acquitted of charges related to attempting to commit terrorist acts. In her remarks at sentencing, Justice Fox highlighted the gravity of Sherani’s behavior, stating that he had not only embraced but actively promoted the “depraved ideology” of the Islamic State.

“It’s serious offending that must be denounced,” Justice Fox declared as she handed down the eight-year sentence, allowing for the possibility of parole after six years.

On October 6, multiple U.S. media outlets reported on the catastrophic aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which made landfall in Florida on September 26. The storm has resulted in over 200 fatalities, with hundreds still unaccounted for as rescue efforts continue. This tragedy has ignited political tensions between the two major parties in the U.S.

As of October 4, the death toll has continued to climb across several southeastern states impacted by Helene, marking it as one of the deadliest hurricanes to hit the continental U.S. in over fifty years. Authorities anticipate that the number of casualties may rise as search and rescue operations unfold. The hurricane also caused widespread power outages, affecting hundreds of thousands of homes.

Officials have initiated extensive relief operations aimed at restoring electricity, repairing damaged water systems, and providing essential supplies to those in need. However, the recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene have raised significant health concerns among residents, particularly regarding contaminated water and toxic pollutants, as noted by NBC.

While the nation mourns the loss of life, political strife has emerged over the disaster response. Republicans are attempting to connect the aftermath of Hurricane Helene to immigration policies, with former President Donald Trump lambasting the Biden administration for its handling of the crisis, calling it “terrible.” Trump has alleged that emergency funds intended for hurricane relief have been redirected to support immigrants.

In response, the White House quickly dismissed these claims, branding them as “shameless lies” that could hinder relief operations and deepen divisions among Americans. They stressed that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has allocated funds specifically for the emergency response and recovery following Helene.

Additionally, the Secretary of Homeland Security pointed out ongoing budget limitations facing FEMA for the remainder of the hurricane season, which has drawn criticism from Trump and his supporters regarding the agency’s reported expenditure of $640 million on housing for immigrants.

With the U.S. election just around the corner, the stakes are particularly high. North Carolina and Georgia, both affected by the hurricane, are critical battlegrounds for Trump and Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, making their responses to this disaster even more significant as voters consider their choices.

Wyoming, known for its stunning landscapes and natural beauty, is making headlines for an unexpected reason. According to a recent report by Icelandic Provisions in conjunction with Wakefield Research, it’s not the sun-drenched beaches of Hawaii that boast the most optimistic residents in the country—it’s the less-talked-about state of Wyoming.

What do you think contributes to the positive outlook of Wyoming’s residents? Is it the stunning natural environment, the close-knit communities, or perhaps something else entirely?

In a recent report from Abuja, Emmanuel Addehin revealed that Abuja Electricity Distribution Plc (AEDC) has teamed up with Husk Power Systems to create what they hope will be the first of several interconnected mini-grids across Nigeria. The goal of this partnership is to integrate solar energy generated from Husk’s mini-grids into AEDC’s network, which is projected to improve service delivery, increase revenue, reduce technical losses, and lower carbon emissions.

Husk has outlined plans for a strong pipeline of over 50 interconnected mini-grids across 10 states in Nigeria. This initiative represents a significant step forward in Husk’s broader partnership with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to deploy a total of 250 MW around the region, expanding the renewable energy service company (RESCO) model.

As part of their collaborative initiative, Husk and AEDC have also partnered with the Duduguru community in Nasarawa State, formalizing an agreement to provide sustainable, affordable, and reliable energy to peri-urban commercial and residential customers through interconnected mini-grids.

The upcoming solar-powered mini-grid in Duduguru, situated in the Obi Local Government Area, is expected to deliver an average daily energy supply of 656 kW, serving about 1,000 customers. This customer base will consist of roughly 80% households and 20% micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), along with small factories.

The signing ceremony featured important figures including AEDC’s Acting Managing Director Chijioke Okwuonkenye, Nigeria Country Director Olu Aruike from Husk Power Systems, and Prince Bulus Iwala, the Chief of Duduguru.

This model of interconnected mini-grids emphasizes a three-way partnership among mini-grid developers, Distribution Companies (Discos) like AEDC, and the local communities they aim to serve. In May 2024, Husk and the REA pledged their commitment to deploying 250 MW of Decentralized Renewable Energy (DRE) projects in Nigeria, which will include these interconnected mini-grids. Husk views this initiative as a crucial advancement in enhancing the RESCO model and supporting Nigeria’s efforts to increase the proportion of renewable energy in its grid through resilient and distributed energy infrastructure.

Commenting on this pivotal development, Husk’s Co-Founder and CEO Manoj Sinha remarked, “This is a first step in successfully scaling the RESCO model, not only for all of Nigeria but eventually across Sub-Saharan Africa. It clearly demonstrates how decentralized renewable energy systems empower individuals and businesses to take charge of their energy future.”

Kaiser Permanente, a prominent name in American healthcare, has discreetly offloaded an office building steeped in over 20 years of history located at 1950 Franklin St., near Lake Merritt in Oakland. This 21-story structure has been largely empty since the onset of the pandemic. A spokesperson for Kaiser confirmed that the sale also encompassed a parking lot at 1901 Franklin St., which offers 635 parking spaces. Both properties are linked by a pedestrian bridge that crosses Franklin St.

The buyer, Behring Companies, already owns a nearby 39-story luxury apartment building at 1900 Broadway. Neither Kaiser nor Behring has disclosed the sale price.

According to The San Francisco Business Times, the reported total for both properties is $14.35 million. Behring mentioned that the combined area of the office building and parking lot is roughly 702,000 square feet. If this figure holds true, it translates to an astonishing $20 per square foot overall, with the office building alone averaging about $32 per square foot.

In today’s challenging market, this valuation seems particularly low. For instance, a 276,000 square-foot office building at 180 Grand, boasting an occupancy rate of around 72%, recently sold for $105 per square foot, amounting to approximately $28 million. Notably, that building was appraised at $119 million back in 2017.

In 2019, Kaiser announced plans to consolidate its East Bay employees from seven locations into a new 29-story building at 2100 Telegraph, the Kaiser Permanente Thrive Center, which was projected to be worth $900 million. This ambitious project was to be developed by Lane Partners, with Kaiser anticipated to purchase the site from them and their development partners, Strategic Urban Development Alliance LLC.

However, the initiative was scrapped shortly after the pandemic struck in March 2020. While Kaiser cited delays and rising costs as reasons for the cancellation, they maintained that the pandemic was not the primary factor.

As the new owner of the properties at 1950 and 1901 Franklin St., Behring plans to redevelop the parking lot at 1901 Franklin St. and seamlessly integrate it into their existing ecosystem at 1900 Broadway, which features a mix of apartments, office spaces, collaborative work environments, and amenities, including a fitness center and a Stak GO Tesla fleet available for residents.

Colin Behring, CEO of Behring Companies, emphasized that this acquisition enables them to create a vibrant urban campus, thereby transforming downtown Oakland. He views this as an outstanding opportunity to bring the Stak Site vision to life, allowing residents to live, work, and play within a cohesive environment.

In a recent court appearance at the Santa Clara County Courthouse, the case of Liren Chen, a Google engineer charged with the murder of his wife, Xuanyi Yu, has sent waves of concern throughout the Asian-American community. The hearing took place on October 4, following the tragic events earlier this year in Silicon Valley.

Chen entered the courtroom clad in a red prison-issued T-shirt, beige pants, and black shoes, handcuffed and in leg irons. He appeared composed as he sat beside his attorney, occasionally whispering to him during the proceedings.

During the hearing, Chen’s attorney informed the court that he had received medical records from China related to “behavioral health.” He requested additional time to translate and review the documents, emphasizing the importance of fully understanding the information before moving forward. Despite the prosecution’s objections to further delays, the judge granted the request and rescheduled the next hearing for early January of next year.

After the session, Chen’s attorney revealed that he has been maintaining regular communication with Chen and had spoken with his father just the day before for about an hour.

Dame Maggie Smith, the celebrated British actress renowned for her iconic roles as Professor McGonagall in the “Harry Potter” series and the Dowager Countess of Grantham in “Downton Abbey,” passed away at the age of 89 on September 27 in London. Her passing was confirmed by her two sons, who shared that she left us peacefully at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital. With a career spanning over 70 years, Smith’s legacy includes more than 60 films and over 70 stage productions, firmly establishing her as one of Britain’s most prolific actors.

In a rare engagement with the media, Smith, known for her strong preference for privacy, often allowed her work to communicate her talents. Despite receiving numerous accolades, including two Oscars and three Emmys, she notably missed many major award ceremonies. This led to humor from late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, who quipped in 2016 about establishing the “Maggie Smith Rule,” suggesting that anyone who skips an award ceremony should be disqualified from winning.

Born on December 28, 1934, in Essex, England, Smith’s journey into the acting world began in Oxford when her family relocated there during her childhood. Making her stage debut at 17 at the Oxford Playhouse, she embodied the character Viola in Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night.” The 1960s marked a turning point for her, as she became a staple at the Royal National Theatre and transitioned to television and film.

Smith earned her first Oscar nomination in 1965 and clinched her first Academy Award in 1969 for her portrayal of a politically engaged teacher in “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie.”

Her remarkable talent spanned genres, earning her widespread acclaim. The Hollywood Reporter highlighted her seamless ability to move between comedy and drama, with renowned British director Alan Bennett commenting, “The boundary between laughter and tears is where Maggie always remains composed.”

In 1989, she received the title of Dame from the late Queen Elizabeth II, a testament to her contributions to the arts, with further recognition in 2014.

Fans particularly cherish her later roles, especially as the strict yet caring Professor McGonagall and the formidable Dowager Countess. Known for her sharp wit, Smith embodied McGonagall’s character on and off the set. During the filming of the sixth “Harry Potter” movie in 2008, she fought through chemotherapy for breast cancer while remaining dedicated to her role, downplaying her health struggles to her concerned supporters. Reports confirmed her recovery in 2009.

Smith also battled health issues in 1988, being diagnosed with Graves’ disease, which necessitated radiation therapy and eye surgery.

Her exacting standards made working with her a distinctive experience. Director Richard Eyre remarked, “She can’t tolerate foolishness… You need to be on your game with her, or she won’t let it slide, but it keeps you sharp.”

As McGonagall, Smith’s sharp humor shone through, particularly in the final “Harry Potter” film, where she joyfully declared, “I’ve always wanted to try that spell” after successfully using Hogwarts’ statues in battle.

Beneath her serious facade was a compassionate soul that resonated with audiences, especially in her portrayal of the beloved Dowager Countess. After “Downton Abbey” concluded its six-season run, she reflected, “I had been working for a long time before ‘Downton Abbey,’ and my life is lovely now; nobody knows who I am,” expressing her contentment with stepping back from the limelight.

Smith’s characters frequently blended sharp humor with genuine warmth, as evidenced by the Dowager Countess’s endearing traits. She reprised her role in the 2019 “Downton Abbey” film and its sequel, “Downton Abbey: A New Era,” released in 2022.

As Maggie Smith takes her final bow from life’s stage, she leaves behind a profound legacy that will be honored and remembered by generations of fans. Daniel Radcliffe, who portrayed Harry Potter, expressed his sorrow over her passing, stating, “She was one of the most talented women in history, and she leaves us with an incredible legacy that will live on in our memories.”

Costco has recently introduced a range of new products, from electronics to seasonal decorations, as highlighted by GoBankingRates. Can you tell us about some of the standout new additions and what makes them special?

Absolutely! One of the key highlights is the Novaform SoFresh Plus 10-inch memory foam mattress, available at prices ranging from $259.99 to $549.99. It has received rave reviews for its exceptional comfort and comes in various sizes, including twin and king. The mattress utilizes high-quality, responsive memory foam, offering medium-firm support and features a removable, machine-washable cover for convenience.

Moving on to wearable technology, we have the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7, priced at $319.99. This smartwatch is packed with features, including Energy Score assessment, sleep tracking, heart rate monitoring, and built-in GPS. Users can even chat directly from the watch. It is available in two colors—green and silver—and is designed to be durable, supported by a two-year warranty along with two fast chargers, making it a great companion for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling.

For those looking to add a touch of elegance to their home, the LED Glass Raindrops set, priced at $32.99, could be the perfect option. This three-piece set is hand-blown and has a beautiful crackled texture. The LED bulbs emit a warm, inviting light that’s perfect for evening ambiance. It runs on three AA batteries and includes a timer function to automatically switch on for six hours and off for 18.

Gamers will appreciate the HyperX Pulsefire Surge RGB gaming mouse priced at $49.99. This robust entry-level mouse offers up to 16,000 customizable DPI settings, features RGB lighting, and includes six programmable buttons, making it an excellent choice for gaming enthusiasts.

As the winter season approaches, staying warm is a priority, and the Berkshire Life Heated Blanket, available for $44.99 to $74.99, is an ideal solution. It comes in sizes from twin to king, is made of 100% polyester, and is machine-washable. With eight heat settings and an automatic shut-off feature, it’s available in soothing colors like beige, gray, and blue—perfect for cozying up on the sofa.

Another fantastic option for comfort is the Jennifer Adams Marshmallow Blanket, priced at $69.99. This blanket is incredibly soft, lightweight, and durable, available in twin and king sizes. It is machine-washable and comes in neutral colors like beige, white, and gray, making it suitable for all seasons.

For those getting into the holiday spirit, the Jim Shore Grinch and Max figurine, priced at $59.99, is a delightful decoration. Standing at 20 inches tall, it makes a charming addition to your fireplace or Christmas tree.

Finally, the Wyatt & Ash Washable Area Rug ranges from $49.99 to $199.99 depending on size. Designed for living or dining areas, this machine-washable rug features a non-slip backing and a minimalist design that complements various decor styles. It’s available in five sizes, from 3×5 feet to 9×12 feet, with color options including red and blue.

What are you most excited about with this new product launch?