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A new COVID variant, called “Cicada,” has unique mutations that might contribute to a seasonal wave of cases. Also, the strange mystery behind the first-ever medical evacuation from the ISS still hasn’t been solved.

 -Monica Cull, Digital Editor

BA.3.2, an emerging COVID-19 variant dubbed “Cicada,” carries a distinct set of spike protein mutations that may help it partially evade immune defenses. While it hasn’t triggered major concern, researchers are watching its spread and whether it could contribute to future seasonal waves.

A veteran astronaut lost the ability to speak while aboard the International Space Station, triggering NASA’s first-ever medical evacuation from the ISS. Though the episode lasted only 20 minutes and he later recovered, doctors still don’t know what caused it.

Fossils and high-resolution imaging show some ancient fish may have used a lung-like organ to detect sound underwater — pointing to a surprising dual role for the structure and offering new clues about how early vertebrates sensed their environment.

Hi Reader,

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began about six years ago, the virus has mutated into several variants, including Beta, Delta, and Omicron, all named after Greek letters.

The virus is still evolving, and one of the latest variants has just received its name — the Cicada variant. An offshoot of the Omicron family, the variant was named after the insect because of its unusual genetic profile. This variant can partially evade immune defenses and reemerge after long periods of going undetected, like a cicada.

At the moment, the CDC doesn’t believe there is any cause for alarm. They also say that the variant doesn’t appear to cause any new or unusual symptoms.

There’s still more to learn, like how ancient coelacanth used their ‘lungs’ to hear and how NASA plans to establish a base on the moon.

So, keep reading and stay curious!

Monica Cull

Digital Editor

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