News

Doctors pull live 8cm parasitic worm from Aussie woman’s brain

Published

2 years ago

August 30, 2023

This unprecedented occurrence, believed to be the world’s first recorded instance of a live worm inhabiting the human brain, has raised questions about zoonotic infections and the significance of food handling practices.

In what’s believed to be a world first, doctors in Australia have found an 8-centimetre or 3-inch live parasitic worm living in a 64-yr-old woman’s brain.

The surgeon who removed the worm said: “”I’ve only come across worms using my not-so-good gardening skills… I find them terrifying and this is not something I deal with at all.”

The discovery prompted a swift investigation into the identity of the parasite. Collaborating with an animal parasitology expert from a nearby governmental scientific research agency, Canberra Hospital infectious disease expert Sanjaya Senanayake unveiled the creature’s true nature.

The live worm was identified as Ophidascaris robertsi, a roundworm commonly found in pythons.

The patient resided in proximity to a lake area inhabited by carpet pythons in southeastern New South Wales.

Although she hadn’t directly interacted with these reptiles, it is speculated that the woman ingested the roundworm through the consumption of foraged Warrigal greens, a native leafy vegetable.

A snake’s faeces could have potentially contaminated the vegetation, leading to cross-contamination during cooking or consumption.

The patient’s ailment initially presented as abdominal pain and diarrhoea, evolving into a persistent dry cough, fever, and night sweats. Over time, her symptoms escalated to include forgetfulness and depression, prompting her referral to a hospital in the Australian capital.

Senanayake highlighted the broader implications of zoonotic infections, underscoring the encroachment of human habitats into animal territories.

The incident emphasises the increasing opportunities for interactions between humans, domestic animals, and wildlife, potentially leading to the transmission of diseases.

Senanayake cautioned that while the Ophidascaris infection does not transmit between humans, the prevalence of zoonotic infections, such as coronaviruses, necessitates greater vigilance.

The incident serves as a reminder of the risks associated with foraging and the importance of maintaining hygienic practices.

Proper hand hygiene and thorough washing of foraged materials used in cooking or salads are crucial to prevent contamination.

News

SpaceX IPO could make Elon Musk’s Mars dream a trillion-dollar reality

SpaceX’s upcoming IPO could raise $25 billion and value the company over $1 trillion, igniting investor excitement for Mars missions.

Published

12 hours ago

December 12, 2025

Harvey Vargas

SpaceX’s upcoming IPO could raise $25 billion and value the company over $1 trillion, igniting investor excitement for Mars missions.

Investors are buzzing as SpaceX gears up for a potential IPO, aiming to raise more than $25 billion, possibly as soon as June. The offering could value the company at over $1 trillion, fueling Musk’s ambitious plans for Mars and beyond.

Despite the high-risk nature of space ventures, demand from retail investors is expected to be strong. Experts predict this IPO could become historic, with the company’s market value potentially soaring past $2 trillion once it launches.

Musk’s unconventional management style hasn’t slowed investor enthusiasm, even amidst regulatory hurdles. The funds raised could also support groundbreaking innovations, including energy-efficient space data centers.

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#SpaceX #ElonMusk #IPO #MarsMission #Investing #StockMarket #TrillionDollar #SpaceTech

News

Russia shoots down 280+ Ukrainian drones as Zelenskyy pushes new peace plan

Russia claims 280 Ukrainian drones shot down; Zelenskyy finalizes a new peace proposal amid rising tensions and military clashes.

Published

13 hours ago

December 12, 2025

Harvey Vargas

Russia claims 280 Ukrainian drones shot down; Zelenskyy finalizes a new peace proposal amid rising tensions and military clashes.

Russia’s Defence Ministry claims it has shot down over 280 Ukrainian drones, with 40 intercepted near Moscow, some targeting the city directly. Emergency services responded to debris, and temporary flight restrictions were enforced at Moscow’s airports amid the attacks.

Meanwhile, President Zelenskyy revealed his team is finalizing a revised 20-point peace proposal, introducing new ideas on territorial control. Ukrainian and American officials are set to consult online, focusing on security guarantees rather than the detailed points of the plan.

As tensions rise, both military clashes and diplomatic efforts continue to shape the future of the conflict. Keep up with the latest updates and expert analysis on these unfolding events.

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#UkraineConflict #RussiaUkraine #Zelenskyy #DroneAttack #PeacePlan #Moscow #WorldNews #TickerUpdates

News

Disney invests $1B in OpenAI to generate Marvel, Star Wars, and Pixar videos

Disney invests $1 billion in OpenAI for AI-generated videos featuring iconic characters, enhancing fan interactions and launching in 2026.

Published

13 hours ago

December 12, 2025

Harvey Vargas

Disney invests $1 billion in OpenAI for AI-generated videos featuring iconic characters, enhancing fan interactions and launching in 2026.

Disney is taking AI to the next level, investing $1 billion in OpenAI to create a licensing deal that allows users to generate videos featuring more than 200 characters from Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, and Pixar. This partnership could redefine how fans interact with their favorite characters.

The deal will let users stream short AI-generated videos directly on Disney+, and ChatGPT will also produce images of Disney’s licensed characters. However, the agreement excludes talent likenesses or voices, keeping human performances separate.

Set to launch in 2026, the collaboration also gives Disney warrants to purchase additional OpenAI equity and use AI tools for product development, opening doors to new creative opportunities.

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