A guide to vaccinology: from basic principles to new developments

Egyptian Mummy Discovered With Bubonic Plague Rewrites History Of The Notorious Black Death

Scientists have discovered an over 3,000-year-old Egyptian mummy who may have died of the bubonic plague — marking the first case of the disease outside of the Eurasian continent.

The breakthrough discovery provides "molecular evidence for the presence of plague in ancient Egypt," the researchers wrote in their abstract.

Researchers determined this after examining the corpse, which is housed in Italy's Egyptian Museum of Turin, and dates back 3,290 years to the late Bronze Age, Popular Science reported.

while experts have long postulated about the plague's footprint in Egypt for decades, there hasn't been solid evidence for it — until now. Getty Images

Analysis of the mummy's bone tissue revealed traces of Y. Pestis — bubonic plague bacteria — DNA, meaning that the disease had reached an advanced stage when the victim perished, IFL Science reported. However, it's unclear if this was an isolated case or part of a widespread epidemic in the region.

Also known as the Black Death, the bubonic plague is one of history's most infamous diseases in history. It is spread when humans are bitten by fleas that piggyback on rodents

When the microbes infect a human host, they ravage the lymphatic system, causing lymph nodes in the groin, underarm, and neck to balloon into swollen masses called buboes (hence the name).

A depiction of a plague hospital in Vienna while the city was being besieged by the Turks in 1679. Bettmann Archive

The disease only snowballs from there, causing complications including seizures, vomiting blood, internal bleeding, and death.

Bubonic plague is most often associated with the notorious epidemic in 14th-century Europe — where it killed around 25 million people between 1347 and 1351 — as well as subsequent outbreaks in China, Mongolia and India.

And while experts have long postulated about the plague's footprint in Egypt for decades, there hasn't been solid evidence for it — until now.

In 2004, scientists found millennia-old fleas at a repository on the banks of the Nile River.

There was also a 3,500-year-old Egyptian medical document describing a bubo filled with petrified pus, suggesting that the plague rats may have spread throughout the world by boat.

The mummy is housed at the Egyptian Museum of Turin in Turin, Italy. Getty Images

However, the Black Death's existence wasn't able to be confirmed without DNA evidence like the kind found in the mummy.

The scientists hope their discovery will inspire others to conduct further studies and hopefully shed light on the Egyptian iteration's "possible modes of transmission and pathology."

2024 Was Worst Year For Stomach Virus Outbreaks On Cruise Ships In Over A Decade: CDC

This year marked the worst in over a decade for stomach bug outbreaks on cruise ships docking in the US, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

With one day left, 2024 recorded the highest number of stomach virus outbreaks onboard cruises since 2012 — with both years tying at 16 total outbreaks. Last year saw 14 gastrointestinal outbreaks.

In December alone, the CDC reported five separate outbreaks on four different ships — sickening more than 800 people. All of the outbreaks were caused by the highly contagious norovirus which is seeing an uptick in cases across the US.

The most recent outbreak is this year's worst.

There have been 16 gastrointestinal virus outbreaks on cruises in the US this year — the highest since 2012. Biletskiyevgeniy.Com – stock.Adobe.Com

The outbreak onboard Cunard cruise line's Queen Mary 2 ship — which set sail on Dec. 21 and is still out at sea — has sickened nearly 400 people onboard. According to the most recent CDC data, 326 of 2,565 passengers, or 12%, and 65 of 1,233 crew members, or 5%, have come down with the nasty stomach bug.

The norovirus seemingly stayed onboard the Queen Mary 2 — either through contaminated surfaces or infected crew members — when passengers on its last voyage deboarded the cruise ship.

An earlier outbreak on the same boat during a Dec 14 to Dec 21 voyage sickened 138 of 2,430 passengers or 5% and 12 of 1,237 crew members or 1%, according to the data.

The vast majority of the 16 outbreaks — all but three — were caused by norovirus in 2024. One outbreak in March was caused by E. Coli and one in September was caused by Salmonella, while a third's cause remains unknown, the CDC said.

Cunard Line said it enacted enhanced health protocols in response to the outbreaks, including additional deep cleaning and close monitoring of ill passengers and crew by the onboard medical staff.

In December alone, the CDC reported five separate outbreaks on four different ships — sickening more than 800 people. Dragana Gordic – stock.Adobe.Com

Norovirus symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting and stomach cramps and typically last between one to three days.

But the virus is often still contagious after the symptoms reside — even up to two weeks later.

It can spread "very easily and quickly" through direct contact, consuming contaminated food or drinks and touching contaminated surfaces, the CDC states.

The norovirus has been behind 13 of the 16 outbreaks on cruise ships this year. REUTERS

Frequent and thorough hand washing — especially before eating and after using the restroom — is key to keeping the bug at bay as well as cleaning and disinfecting surfaces.

Cruise lines follow specific CDC-approved guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting ships and are required to report any outbreaks affecting 3% or more of passengers and crew members to the agency.

Cruise ships aren't the only place the norovirus spreads quickly. Each year, there are an average of 2,500 reported outbreaks of the nasty stomach virus across the US and cases are currently surging in parts of the country.

The norovirus is estimated to cost $60 billion worldwide — and about $2 billion in the US — each year in healthcare costs and lost productivity, according to the CDC.

Nostradamus' Predictions For 2025: Asteroid Collision To Plague-Like Outbreak And More

As 2024 draws to an end, social media users have once again turned to the 'prophet of doom', Nostradamus, for their fill of 2025 predictions. Born Michel de Nostredame, Nostradamus was a French astrologer and physician who lived in the 1500s and predicted some of the modern-day epochal moments such as Adolf Hitler's rise to power, the September 11 attacks and the COVID-19 pandemic. He is best known for his book Les Prophetis (The Prophecies), published in 1555, which contains 942 poetic quatrains that are widely interpreted for global events.

Researchers analysing his work have hinted that 2025 may have some hard-hitting events in store, ranging from an asteroid collision to another plague-like outbreak in the UK. Though Nostradamus' prophecies more often than not miss the mark, they do provide a certain thrill to the people reading them.

End of Russia-Ukraine war?

Nostradamus' 2024 prediction included the continuation of a continent-wide war but as per his vague writings, 2025 may witness a potential end to one of the long-running wars. The astrologer said owing to the exhaustion of the war, perhaps referring to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict that started in 2022, both sides may call it quits.

"Through long war all the army exhausted,so that they do not find money for the soldiers; instead of gold or silver, they will come to coin leather, Gallic brass, and the crescent sign of the Moon," he wrote.

The mention of "Gallic brass" and "sign of the moon" has led social media users to believe that France and Turkey may get involved in the conflict.

Plague and war

Nostradamus has predicted that the new year will weigh heavily on England which will be beset by "cruel wars' and face an "ancient plague" outbreak that would be "worse than enemies". Since his COVID-19 pandemic prediction came true, experts have put a pin on this prophecy.

Also Read'Living Nostradamus' Claims Four Prophecies Fulfilled, Predicts More Unforeseen Events

Asteroid collision with Earth?

While other events may not cause civilisation loss, Nostradamus has predicted that 2025 may witness a giant asteroid collodion with the Earth, or coming in dangerous proximity to the planet. Though the prediction might suggest a wipeout of life from Earth, asteroids coming close to the planet is not a new phenomenon. Several hundred asteroids whiz past Earth every year with the majority of them maintaining a safe distance.

Natural disasters in Brazil

The prophecy also stated that the South American country of Brazil, which Nostradamus refers to as the "Garden of the World", may face flooding and potential volcanic activity, linked to climate change.

"Garden of the world near the new city, In the path of the hollow mountains: It will be seized and plunged into the Tub, Forced to drink waters poisoned by sulfur," read the eerie piece.

According to reports, Nostradamus' bleak worldview stems from heavy consumption of the Old Testament and the trauma of losing his wife and young children to illness, presumably the plague. Unable to save his loved one, Nostradamus sought solace in predicting doom and gloom that may befall humanity.

---