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  • unraveling the secret steps of the Burgess Shale Trilobites — Harvard Gazette

    unraveling the secret steps of the Burgess Shale Trilobites — Harvard Gazette

    British Columbia’s Burgess Shale is renowned for its exceptional preservation of soft tissues in fossils, including limbs and guts. While trilobites are abundant in the fossil record thanks to their hard exoskeleton, their soft limbs are rarely preserved and poorly understood. However, Olenoides serratus, a particularly abundant and well-preserved Burgess Shale trilobite, offers a unique opportunity to study these appendages.

    In a new study published in the BMC Biology, Sarah Losso, a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology (OEB) at Harvard, led a team of researchers in analyzing 156 limbs from 28 O. serratus fossil specimens to reconstruct the precise movement and function of these ancient arthropod appendages —shedding light on one of the planet’s earliest animals.

    “Understanding behavior and movement of fossils is challenging, because you cannot observe this activity like in living animals,” said Losso. “Instead, we had to rely on carefully examining the morphology in as many specimens as possible, as well as using modern analogues to understand how these ancient animals lived.”

    Arthropods have jointed legs composed of multiple segments that can reach upwards (extend) or downwards (flex). The range of motion depends on the difference between how far each joint can reach in either direction. This range, along with the leg and shape of each segment, determines how the animal uses the limb for walking, grabbing and burrowing.

    Horseshoe crabs, common arthropods found along the eastern shore of North America, are frequently compared to trilobites even though they are not closely related. Horseshoe crabs belong to a different branch of the arthropod tree, more closely related to spiders and scorpions, whereas trilobites’ family ties remain uncertain. The comparison is due to the similarity in that both animals patrol the ocean floor on jointed legs. The results, however, showed less similarity between the two animals.

    Unlike horseshoe crabs, whose limb joints alternate in their specialization for flexing and extending (a pattern that facilitates both feeding and protection), O. serratus displayed a simpler, but highly functional limb design.

    “We found that the limbs of O. serratus had a smaller range of extension and only in the part of the limb farther from the body,” explained Losso. Although their limbs were not used the same way as horseshoe crabs, Olenoides could walk, burrow, bring food towards its mouth, and even raise its body above the seafloor.

    To bring their findings to life, the team created sophisticated 3D digital models based on hundreds of fossil images preserved at different angles. Because fossilized trilobite limbs are usually squashed flat, reconstructing them in three-dimensions posed a challenge.

    “We relied on exceptionally well-preserved specimens, comparing limb preservation across many angles and filling in missing details using related fossils,” said senior author and OEB assistant professor Javier Ortega-Hernández.

    The team compared the shape of trace fossils with the movement of the limbs. “Olenoides serratus could create trace fossils of different depths using different movements,” Losso explained. “They could raise their body above the sediment in order to walk over obstacles or to move more efficiently in fast-flowing water.”

    Surprisingly, the researchers discovered that the male species also had specialized appendages used for mating, and that each leg also had a gill used for breathing.

    While more than 22,000 species of trilobites have been described, less than 0.2% show any trace of legs at all. Nevertheless, lack of preservation does not imply these ancient arthropods went legless—rather, their soft limbs simply seldom survived fossilization. The rare conditions of the Burgess Shale — a fast burial by underwater landslides cutting off oxygen — were key to capturing such fleeting biological details.

    The study provides a rare window into a more dynamic picture of life more than half a billion years ago, as trilobites like Olenoides serratus scuttled across the seabed with sophisticated limbs that could burrow and foraged through prehistoric seas, revealing not just how they survived, but how they thrived.

    This research was partially funded by the National Science Foundation.


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  • Iran and Pakistan: Between neighborhood and strategic alliance

    Iran and Pakistan: Between neighborhood and strategic alliance

    Madrid – The August 2025 visit of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to Islamabad marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of the complex relationship between Iran and Pakistan. 

    Beyond mere geographic proximity, a new chapter is unfolding in which both states seek to consolidate a strategic axis that integrates security, economic development, and regional presence in an increasingly competitive and fragmented geopolitical landscape. This article aims to unpack the bilateral relationship between the two countries, as well as the challenges that lie ahead—both on a bilateral and regional level.

    Historical roots: A relationship shaped by cooperation and complexity

    To understand the present dynamics of Iran-Pakistan relations, it is essential to revisit their shared history—a history that combines moments of cooperation, tension, and coexistence within a shifting and often volatile geopolitical context. Iran was one of the first countries to recognize Pakistan’s independence in 1947, a gesture that laid the foundation for an officially cordial relationship that has persisted—with ups and downs—over time.

    In the 1960s, for instance, Iran supported Pakistan in its conflicts with India, supplying weapons and fuel at preferential prices. However, the 1979 Islamic Revolution profoundly transformed the region and redefined bilateral relations. As Pakistan deepened its ties with Saudi Arabia and strengthened its Sunni identity, Iran consolidated its Shi’a one, shaping an ideologically divergent landscape that would influence political and social dynamics. This divergence, though rooted in confessional difference, operated primarily as a political and strategic tension without completely undermining pragmatic cooperation.

    The shared border between Pakistan’s Balochistan province and Iran’s Sistan and Baluchestan has long been a volatile region, affected by insurgent movements and illicit trafficking. These challenges have required both countries to grapple with similar issues—from internal security to the containment of extremism—though their responses have varied depending on national contexts and priorities.

    A particularly complex episode occurred during the Afghan civil war in the 1990s, when Iran and Pakistan supported opposing factions: Iran backed the Northern Alliance while Pakistan supported the Taliban. This phase highlighted deep strategic differences but did not sever diplomatic and commercial ties, which continued to function despite tensions.
    Cultural and identity-based dimensions have served as anchors in this relationship. Islamic communities in both countries, historical ties, and cultural proximity provide a framework that enables gestures of solidarity even in difficult times. This cultural foundation, coupled with economic and strategic realities, points to a multifaceted relationship that privileges coexistence over confrontation.

    Security and border stability: A structural challenge

    The nearly 900-kilometer-long border between Iran and Pakistan has traditionally been a space of vulnerability and challenge. Terrorist groups operating in Balochistan, such as Jaish al-Adl and the Balochistan Liberation Army, represent a persistent threat that transcends national boundaries and has shaped the bilateral agenda for decades. During the recent visit, both governments emphasized the urgency of strengthening security and intelligence cooperation, recognizing that managing these terrorist forces and the associated violence is central to regional stability.

    This intergovernmental commitment is not only a response to immediate threats; it is part of a long-term strategy aimed at transforming a historically porous border into a space of shared control and management. Coordination on interceptions, intelligence sharing, and joint operations signals a pathway toward reducing structural violence that affects local populations and hampers any vision of sustainable economic development.

    By adopting this strategy, both countries demonstrate political will to overcome historic mistrust, even as unresolved tensions persist regarding certain insurgent factions and complex ethno-cultural questions. Nevertheless, their shared vision of the problem and its solutions suggests a level of cooperation that the bilateral relationship had rarely, if ever, reached before.

    The economic push: Aiming for integration and complementarity

    The alliance extends beyond security. The stated goal of both governments to increase bilateral trade from $3 billion to $10 billion highlights the scope of their shared ambition. The signing of twelve agreements and memoranda of understanding—covering sectors such as energy, technology, tourism, and transportation—underscores their explicit intention to overcome longstanding barriers.

    This commercial expansion responds to a dual imperative: on the one hand, fostering internal economic growth to counter international pressure and sanctions; on the other, building regional economic networks that offer new routes for trade and investment. Particularly noteworthy is the focus on improving infrastructure and facilitating cross-border trade—efforts aimed at transforming the border from a limit into a dynamic space of exchange and progress.

    For Iran, collaboration with Pakistan offers an opportunity to break through the economic siege imposed by Western sanctions, creating alternative access points to markets and energy supplies. For Pakistan, it is a chance to diversify trade relations and bolster its status as a strategic hub in the region. The complementarity is clear, and both states seem to understand that their economic futures are closely interlinked.

    Geo-strategic context: Between rivalry and cooperation

    It is important to recognize that Iran-Pakistan relations unfold within a regional chessboard marked by overlapping power struggles. Pakistan’s growing closeness with the United States—driven by renewed interest in commercial and security cooperation—adds a layer of complexity. Islamabad is attempting, in classic terms of pragmatic foreign policy, to balance its ties with global powers while preserving traditional relationships with neighbors, especially Iran.

    For Tehran, this Pakistani ambivalence presents an undeniable challenge, demanding a flexible policy that minimizes risk while maximizing opportunity. Pezeshkian’s visit can therefore also be read as a diplomatic move to consolidate shared priorities and prevent unwanted strategic frictions from undermining a relationship both sides aim to deepen.

    Moreover, with China’s growing presence and ongoing competition between the United States and regional powers, Iran and Pakistan are seeking to neutralize external pressure by building a pragmatic bloc grounded in common interests. Their alliance could serve as a meaningful counterweight amid rapid regional changes and the uncertainty stemming from the fragmentation of traditional power spaces.

    Identity, culture, and social fabric: The link that sustains the alliance

    What sets the Iran-Pakistan relationship apart is the depth of its cultural and Islamic interconnectedness—a factor that transcends state politics or economic calculus. The visit was also used to highlight these ties, drawing attention to the countries’ shared history, both Shi’a and Sunni Islamic traditions, and the sociocultural resonance of such links in legitimizing political agreements.
    This cultural substratum acts as a stabilizing principle and a narrative of social cohesion that helps strengthen mutual trust. In a region where identities are often fragmented and politicized under the weight of external interests, recognition and respect for shared traditions add both an ethical and symbolic dimension to the alliance.

    The articulation of these elements is a vital strategic component. It helps shield the relationship from international volatility and provides a platform for dialogue that can transcend short-term political or strategic friction.

    Toward a pragmatic and sovereign alliance

    In the face of various complexities, the Iran-Pakistan alliance represents a serious effort to construct a strategic and pragmatic cooperation model. It is not based on utopias or maximalist rhetoric but on a clear recognition of the need to engage in mutual benefit and shared resilience.

    This model seems to embrace sovereignty not as isolation but as autonomy from external influence, expanding national capacities through regional collaboration. The effective management of the border, increased trade, and the leveraging of cultural and historical solidarity point to a roadmap that fuses the tangible with the symbolic.

    As both countries move forward with this project, they are creating an alternative narrative in a region often defined by hegemony and fragmentation. This narrative aspires to build a space of balance where, without erasing their differences, shared interests and projects can coexist—shaping regional power dynamics on their own terms.
     

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  • It’s not too late to get early access for Battlefield 6 beta

    It’s not too late to get early access for Battlefield 6 beta

    The Battlefield 6 open beta is live. Here’s how to join and get early access.

    Looking to get in early on the action for the Battlefield 6 beta?

    Early access is underway for the latest entry in the Battlefield franchise, which is EA’s answer to the Call of Duty series.

    Here is how you can join the Battlefield 6 beta, which will be available in two four-day sessions.

    When is the Battlefield 6 beta going to be held?

    The first session of the Battlefield 6 beta started at 1 a.m. Pacific Time on Thursday, Aug. 7 and runs through Sunday, Aug. 10.

    The second session of the Battlefield 6 beta starts at 1 a.m. Pacific Time on Thursday, Aug. 14 and runs through Sunday, Aug. 17.

    How can I get early access to the Battlefield 6 beta?

    To play the Battlefield 6 beta early on Aug. 7-8, you will need to get an early access code. While open beta early access already started on Thursday, it’s not too late to get an access code. Players just need to log on to their Twitch account and search for a streamer who’s taking part in the Battlefield 6 Early Access Beta Key Drops promotion. Watch the stream for 30 minutes and you will get an access code.

    Otherwise, beta access is open to everyone even without a code from Aug. 9 to Aug. 10.

    Where can I download the Battlefield 6 beta?

    The Battlefield 6 beta can be downloaded and played on the following systems and platforms:

    What maps will be available in the Battlefield 6 beta?

    Here are the maps that will be available for the Battlefield 6 beta session from Aug. 7-10:

    • Iberian Offensive
    • Liberation Peak
    • Siege of Cairo

    Here are the available maps for the Battlefield 6 beta session from Aug. 14-17

    • Iberian Offensive
    • Liberation Peak
    • Siege of Cairo
    • Empire State

    What modes will be available in the Battlefield 6 beta?

    Here are the modes that will be available to players for the Battlefield 6 beta session from Aug. 7-10:

    • Conquest
    • Closed Weapon Conquest
    • Breakthrough
    • Domination
    • King of The Hill

    Here are the modes that will be available to players for the Battlefield 6 beta session from Aug. 14-17:

    • Conquest
    • Closed Weapon Conquest
    • Breakthrough
    • Domination
    • King of The Hill
    • Rush
    • Squad Deathmatch
    • Closed Weapon Conquest & Breakthrough

    What rewards are available during the Battlefield 6 beta? Do the rewards carry over to the full game?

    Yes, the Battlefield 6 beta will feature rewards that can be carried over to the full version of the game once it releases. The rewards include character and vehicle skins, weapon packages, charms and stickers. To get all the rewards, you need to clear seven challenges during the Week 1 beta and 3 challenges during the Week 2 beta. Here are the Battlefield 6 beta rewards for Week 1 and how to get them:

    • Challenge 1: Reach Level 10. Reward: Lights Out Player Card
    • Challenge 2: Reach Level 15. Reward: All Terrain Character Skin
    • Challenge 3: Reach Level 20. Reward: Night Terror Weapon Charm
    • Challenge 4 (Assault): Get 50 Close Quarter Kills within 10 meters. Reward: Striking Distance Weapon Package
    • Challenge 5 (Support): Revive 100 teammates. Reward: Own the Night Weapon Sticker
    • Challenge 6 (Engineer): Repair 3000 health to vehicles. Reward: After Dark Weapon Sticker
    • Challenge 7 (Recon): Spot 300 Enemies. Reward: Seeker Character Skin

    Here are the three challenges in Weekend 2 of the Battlefield 6 beta and their rewards:

    • Challenge 1: Capture 42 flags in Conquest, Domination or King of the Hill. Reward: War Machine Vehicle Skin
    • Challenge 2: Get 200 kills or assists. Reward: Bat Company Dog Tag
    • Challenge 3: Capture 10 sectors in Breakthrough or Rush. Reward: Dominion Weapon Package

    When is the Battlefield 6 release date?

    Battlefield 6 will be released for sale on Oct. 10, 2025.

    What platforms and consoles will Battlefield 6 be available on?

    Battlefield 6 will be released on PC, PlayStation 5 and XBOX Series S and Series X.

    — This article will be updated as more Battlefield 6 beta information is released.

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  • Danish Taimoor & Ayeza Khan Celebrate 11th Nikah Anniversary

    Danish Taimoor & Ayeza Khan Celebrate 11th Nikah Anniversary

    Danish Taimoor and Ayeza Khan are the two super successful Pakistani actors who have been married for around 11 years. Danish and Ayeza got nikahfied on 8th August 2024. Danish Taimoor is known for his incomparable stardom and Ayeza Khan is also celebrated as the actor with many hit dramas. They have two adorable children Hoorain and Rayan. Fans adore Ayeza and Danish beautiful bond. Both Ayeza Khan and Danish Taimoor keep their fans updated about their life.

    Mehfil E Ramzan’s Chef Reveals Real Story Behind Danish Taimoor’s Filhal

    Today, Danish Taimoor has shared three adorable pictures and an adorable wish on their 11th Nikah Anniversary. Danish wrote fans, “11 years of our Nikah today, Alhamdulillah”. Have a look at the post and pictures:

    Danish Taimoor & Ayeza Khan Celebrate 11th Nikah AnniversaryDanish Taimoor & Ayeza Khan Celebrate 11th Nikah Anniversary

    Danish Taimoor & Ayeza Khan Celebrate 11th Nikah AnniversaryDanish Taimoor & Ayeza Khan Celebrate 11th Nikah Anniversary

    Danish Taimoor & Ayeza Khan Celebrate 11th Nikah AnniversaryDanish Taimoor & Ayeza Khan Celebrate 11th Nikah Anniversary

    Danish Taimoor & Ayeza Khan Celebrate 11th Nikah AnniversaryDanish Taimoor & Ayeza Khan Celebrate 11th Nikah Anniversary

    Naveed Raza congratulated the couple, saying, “Congratulations to both of you, have a blessed life ahead.” Zhalay also extended her wishes, writing, “Congratulations, may you both always stay happy.” A fan of Danish Taimoor wrote, “Hi, my favorite couple, wishing you a happy 11th anniversary and many more. Always be blessed by Allah and receive lots of prayers.” Another fan prayed, “Mashallah, may Allah keep you together like this for thousands of years and always keep you happy. Ameen.”

    Danish Taimoor & Ayeza Khan Celebrate 11th Nikah AnniversaryDanish Taimoor & Ayeza Khan Celebrate 11th Nikah Anniversary

    Danish Taimoor & Ayeza Khan Celebrate 11th Nikah AnniversaryDanish Taimoor & Ayeza Khan Celebrate 11th Nikah Anniversary

    Danish Taimoor & Ayeza Khan Celebrate 11th Nikah AnniversaryDanish Taimoor & Ayeza Khan Celebrate 11th Nikah Anniversary

    Danish Taimoor & Ayeza Khan Celebrate 11th Nikah AnniversaryDanish Taimoor & Ayeza Khan Celebrate 11th Nikah Anniversary

    Danish Taimoor & Ayeza Khan Celebrate 11th Nikah AnniversaryDanish Taimoor & Ayeza Khan Celebrate 11th Nikah Anniversary

    Danish Taimoor & Ayeza Khan Celebrate 11th Nikah AnniversaryDanish Taimoor & Ayeza Khan Celebrate 11th Nikah Anniversary

    Danish Taimoor & Ayeza Khan Celebrate 11th Nikah AnniversaryDanish Taimoor & Ayeza Khan Celebrate 11th Nikah Anniversary

    Here are a few pictures from Danish Taimoor and Ayeza Khan’s Nikah ceremony:

    Danish Taimoor & Ayeza Khan Celebrate 11th Nikah AnniversaryDanish Taimoor & Ayeza Khan Celebrate 11th Nikah Anniversary

    Danish Taimoor & Ayeza Khan Celebrate 11th Nikah AnniversaryDanish Taimoor & Ayeza Khan Celebrate 11th Nikah Anniversary

    Danish Taimoor & Ayeza Khan Celebrate 11th Nikah AnniversaryDanish Taimoor & Ayeza Khan Celebrate 11th Nikah Anniversary

    Danish Taimoor & Ayeza Khan Celebrate 11th Nikah AnniversaryDanish Taimoor & Ayeza Khan Celebrate 11th Nikah Anniversary

    Danish Taimoor & Ayeza Khan Celebrate 11th Nikah AnniversaryDanish Taimoor & Ayeza Khan Celebrate 11th Nikah Anniversary

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  • ‘No excuses’: Manchester United admit new £50m training hub must spark success | Manchester United

    ‘No excuses’: Manchester United admit new £50m training hub must spark success | Manchester United

    Diogo Dalot says there will be “no excuses” if Manchester United do not succeed after the opening of a new £50m training facility.

    The minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe cut the ribbon on the building for the men’s team at Carrington after Sir Alex Ferguson unveiled a plaque to the long-serving club receptionist Kath Phipps, who died last year. Ratcliffe said the renovations were befitting of a club with ambitions to be one of the best in Europe, as he continues his plan to return United to previous heights.

    Dalot said: “The big thing that I like the most is now there’s going to be no excuses. Ultimately, the thing that will define us is what we do on the pitch. I think what is going to bring joy to the fans, joy to ourselves is winning games. We’re getting all the conditions to put us in the best position to win. And then we just have to make that final step.”

    The full squad attended the ceremony alongside the coaching staff, the chief executive, Omar Berrada, and the director of football, Jason Wilcox. The former chief executive David Gill and former captain Bryan Robson, a club ambassador, were among the dignitaries to attend.

    “We are delighted with the outcome and are confident the new facility will play an important role in building a winning culture at the club,” Ratcliffe said.

    Manchester United staff pose in front of a new trophy-adorned staircase. Photograph: Nigel Young/Foster + Partners

    United moved to Carrington from The Cliff at the turn of the century and had consistently adapted the site but created a disjointed layout. The comprehensive renovation, designed by Foster + Partners, aims to correct that. There is an emphasis on the flow of a player’s journey through the building, natural light plays a key role in what was previously a dark interior and additional communal spaces have been created to help players socialise. “Equipment and technology have been upgraded throughout, with a focus on fitness, nutrition, recovery and team unity,” United said.

    After Cristiano Ronaldo returned to United in 2021 he lamented the lack of change at Carrington in the 12 years since he had left, saying it “stopped in time”.

    It was accepted within the club that the training ground had fallen behind those of Premier League rivals and Ratcliffe identified it as an area to improve. It was prioritised as part of his £237.6m investment in infrastructure.

    The new first-team dressing room at Carrington. Photograph: Nigel Young/Foster + Partners

    There is a barber’s shop on site, which the goalkeeper Tom Heaton suggested would be most frequently visited by Dalot, a Formula One simulation room and a padel court, a construction the players insisted on.

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    It is anticipated players will spend longer at the training ground than in previous years and it is designed to be more accommodating of the modern footballer’s requirements. An expanded first-team changing room and improved canteen have been installed. Sleep pods and dry floating tanks for relaxation are due to follow.

    Medical and rehabilitation facilities have been revamped with a view to matching the elite amenities at other sporting organisations. A basement was dug to allow for recovery pools and there is a new altitude training room.

    Sir Alex Ferguson unveils a plaque to the late former club receptionist Kath Phipps. Photograph: Simon Peach/PA

    The men’s team going in will allow the women’s side to return to their facilities. They were moved out into temporary structures while the ­building work took place over the past 12 months, so the men could have the best of what was available.

    “We’ve all been blown away by the opportunity this is going to provide in terms of a world-class facility,” said Heaton, who first trained at the site in the early 2000s in the academy. “Of course people make a building, players on the pitch bring performances and bring results, but in terms of what that [the new facilities] can give you, in terms of providing help and stability for that performance, I think everyone’s excited.”

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  • 2025 films from Amazon coming to theaters and Prime Video

    2025 films from Amazon coming to theaters and Prime Video

    From director Colin Hanks and lifelong John Candy fan Ryan Reynolds comes John Candy: I Like Me, an exploration of the life of the Canadian comedic icon. This John Candy film documents his on- and off-camera existence, featuring never-before-seen home videos, intimate access to his family, and candid recollections from collaborators to paint a bigger picture of one of the brightest stars of the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s. It’s the story of a son, husband, father, friend, and professional driven to bring joy to audiences and loved ones while battling personal ghosts and Hollywood pressures.

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  • Nicolas Jackson: Chelsea striker agrees with club that he can leave Stamford Bridge

    Nicolas Jackson: Chelsea striker agrees with club that he can leave Stamford Bridge

    Striker Nicolas Jackson was left out of Chelsea’s squad to face Bayer Leverkusen on Friday after agreeing with the club that he can leave this summer.

    The 24-year-old trained alone on Friday amid reported transfer interest from Newcastle after they missed out on signing Manchester United-bound Benjamin Sesko.

    A move suits Jackson and Chelsea, with the Blues having signed two strikers this summer – Joao Pedro from Brighton and Liam Delap from Ipswich Town.

    Chelsea hope to receive at least double the £32m they spent to sign the Senegal forward in 2023 from Villarreal.

    The club believe he is worth more than the £52m paid by Arsenal to sign Noni Madueke due to the striker’s superior goal and assists statistics.

    If their asking price is not met, Chelsea plan to reintegrate Jackson into the squad.

    Christopher Nkunku was also left out of the match amid a possible move but is also getting over a minor injury complaint and not in full training.

    Jackson has scored 30 goals and delivered 12 assists in 80 matches for Chelsea in his two years at the club.

    In September 2024, he signed a nine-year contract until 2033.

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  • Save Up to 53% on Samsung’s Frame TV, Starting at Just $750

    Save Up to 53% on Samsung’s Frame TV, Starting at Just $750

    Buying a new TV normally just means making sure it has the best picture you can get, but Samsung’s The Frame models give you more than that. They look just as good off as they do when they’re on, adding personality to your home by displaying works of art hanging on your wall. Its matte, 120Hz display makes it look much more like a physical print or painting than a regular TV would. It’s a major aesthetic upgrade without losing utility.

    Right now, Samsung’s stylish Frame TVs can be had at huge discounts at Amazon’s site Woot, starting at just $750. Sizes on offer range from 55 inches all the way up to a massive 85-inch screen, with discounts ranging from 42% to 53% off.

    These 2024 Frame TVs offer 4K resolution for detailed images and a QLED display for excellent brightness and contrast. These are smart TVs that you can connect to your Wi-Fi network, so you can watch your preferred online content and streaming apps. The only catch? These prices won’t last long, as always with Woot, so you might want to hurry up before the deals expire.

    Originally launched back in 2017, The Frame is famous for its intention to blend into your home by posing as a classical artwork carousel when you’re not enjoying your sports and shows. You can even buy a magnetic picture frame to snap on and hide the already-thin bezels and really sell your sophisticated, “tech-free” living space.

    Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money.

    The upgrades for the 2024 series bring a dynamic refresh rate that gives beautifully smooth motion in movies, shows and games, but also saves energy in static Art Mode. HDR mode is also brighter, helping create a better contrast and more dynamic image, something that matte TVs like The Frame can need to overcome the soft glow their screens can get in bright environments.

    Looking for a smart TV but want to explore all your options? Check out our roundup of more TV deals you can shop right now.

    TV DEALS OF THE WEEK

    Deals are selected by the CNET Group commerce team, and may be unrelated to this article.

    Why this deal matters

    The Samsung Frame TV is one of the most stylish options on the market. It looks sublime basically anywhere, but that usually comes with a hefty price tag. Because of that, any deep discount is worth paying attention to. And at up to 53% off, the savings here are substantial.

    CNET is always covering a wide array of deals on tech products and much more. Start with the hottest sales and discounts on the CNET Deals page, and sign up for the CNET Deals Text to get daily deals sent straight to your phone. Add the free CNET Shopping extension to your browser for real-time price comparisons and cash-back offers. And peruse our gift guide, which includes a full range of ideas for birthdays, anniversaries and more.


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  • Zongertinib Approved by FDA for Patients With Nonsquamous NSCLC With HER2 TKD Mutations

    Zongertinib Approved by FDA for Patients With Nonsquamous NSCLC With HER2 TKD Mutations

    Zongertinib (Hernexeos, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc) received accelerated approval from the FDA for adults with unresectable or metastatic nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors have HER2 (ERBB2) tyrosine kinase domain (TKD) activating mutations, as detected by the FDA-approved test Oncomine Dx Target Test (Life Technologies Corporation), and who have received prior systemic therapy. This marks the approval of the first oral drug for HER2-positive NSCLC.1

    X-ray 3D visualization of lungs with tumors | Image Credit: © Moon Story – stock.adobe.com

    Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer, representing roughly 80% to 85% of cases. HER2 mutations are found in about 2% of NSCLC diagnoses and are associated with more aggressive, progressive disease. Zongertinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), is designed to irreversibly and selectively block HER2 activity while minimizing toxicity by sparing EGFR inhibition. In the phase 1a/1b first-in-human Beamion LUNG-1 trial (NCT04886804), zongertinib showed promising safety and efficacy results.1,2

    The FDA approval is supported by data from this trial, where zongertinib demonstrated clinically meaningful capabilities in eliciting deep, durable responses. Beamion LUNG-1 is an open-label, phase 1 dose escalation trial evaluating zongertinib as a monotherapy in patients with advanced or metastatic small tumors; in this case, those with unresectable or metastatic, nonsquamous NSCLC with HER2 TKD mutations. The primary outcomes measured were objective response rate (ORR) and duration of response (DOR), as determined by blinded independent central review per RECIST v1.1.3

    “The purpose of the first study part is to find the highest dose of a medicine called zongertinib the participants can tolerate,” the investigators wrote in their study overview on Clinicaltrials.gov. “Once this dose is found, it will be used in the second study part to test whether zongertinib can make tumors shrink.”2

    In patients who had received prior platinum-based chemotherapy but had not been treated with a HER2-targeted TKI or antibody-drug conjugate (ADC; n = 71), the ORR was approximately 75% (95% CI, 63–83), with 58% of patients achieving a DOR of at least 6 months. Among 34 patients previously treated with both platinum-based chemotherapy and a HER2-targeted ADC, the ORR was approximately 44% (95% CI, 29–61), with 27% of patients maintaining a DOR of at least 6 months.3

    The recommended dose of zongertinib is weight-based: 120 mg orally once daily for patients weighing less than 90 kg and 180 mg once daily for those weighing 90 kg or more. It can be taken with or without food and should be continued until disease progression or the development of unacceptable toxicity.3

    REFERENCES
    1. FDA grants accelerated approval to zongertinib for non-squamous NSCLC with HER2 TKD activating mutations. FDA. August 8, 2025. Accessed August 8, 2025. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/resources-information-approved-drugs/fda-grants-accelerated-approval-zongertinib-non-squamous-nsclc-her2-tkd-activating-mutations
    2. Beamion LUNG-1: a study to test different doses of zongertinib in people with different types of advanced cancer (solid tumours with changes in the HER2 Gene). Updated July 28, 2025. Accessed August 8, 2025. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04886804#study-overview
    3. Patient-reported outcomes show improved symptoms with zongertinib for HER2-mutated non-small cell lung cancer. Pharmacy Times. May 30, 2025. Accessed August 8, 2025. https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/patient-reported-outcomes-show-improved-symptoms-with-zongertinib-for-her2-mutated-non-small-cell-lung-cancer

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  • The burden of malaria in East Africa: prevalence, risk factors, and control strategies | Malaria Journal

    The burden of malaria in East Africa: prevalence, risk factors, and control strategies | Malaria Journal

  • Namuganga JF, Nankabirwa JI, Maiteki-Ssebuguzi C, Gonahasa S, Opigo J, Staedke SG, et al. East Africa International Center of Excellence for Malaria Research: impact on malaria policy in Uganda. Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2022;107:33–9.

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