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  • Archaeal G-Quadruplexes: A Novel Model for Understanding Unusual DNA/RNA Structures Across the Tree of Life

    Archaeal G-Quadruplexes: A Novel Model for Understanding Unusual DNA/RNA Structures Across the Tree of Life

    GC content, total number and their frequencies of PQS in H. volcanii
    genome. (A) Schematic presentation of a G-quartet (left) and a G-quadruplex (right).
    (B) Total PQS counts, percentage of GC and PQS frequency characteristics for the
    main chromosome and mini-chromosomes. (C,D) G4 prediction in H. volcanii’s
    promoters: number and localisation relative to the TSS. — biorxiv.org

    Archaea, a domain of microorganisms found in diverse environments including the human microbiome, represent the closest known prokaryotic relatives of eukaryotes.

    This phylogenetic proximity positions them as a relevant model for investigating the evolutionary origins of nucleic acid secondary structures such as G-quadruplexes (G4s), which play regulatory roles in transcription and replication. Although G4s have been extensively studied in eukaryotes, their presence and function in archaea remain poorly characterized.

    In this study, a genome-wide analysis of the halophilic archaeon Haloferax volcanii identified over 5, 800 potential G4-forming sequences. Biophysical validation confirmed that many of these sequences adopt stable G4 conformations in vitro. Using G4-specific detection tools and super-resolution microscopy, G4 structures were visualized in vivo in both DNA and RNA across multiple growth phases.

    Comparable findings were observed in the thermophilic archaeon Thermococcus barophilus. Functional analysis using helicase-deficient H. volcanii strains further identified candidate enzymes involved in G4 resolution. These results establish H. volcanii as a tractable archaeal model for G4 biology.

    Archaeal G-Quadruplexes: A Novel Model for Understanding Unusual DNA/RNA Structures Across the Tree of Life

    Astrobiology, Genomics,

    Explorers Club Fellow, ex-NASA Space Station Payload manager/space biologist, Away Teams, Journalist, Lapsed climber, Synaesthete, Na’Vi-Jedi-Freman-Buddhist-mix, ASL, Devon Island and Everest Base Camp veteran, (he/him) 🖖🏻

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  • Scotland: Gregor Townsend to remain coach to 2027 World Cup

    Scotland: Gregor Townsend to remain coach to 2027 World Cup

    Scotland have improved on Townsend’s watch, but there is nothing tangible to show for it and, while it is hard to gauge these things, there is definite support out there for an overhaul.

    Eight years – which is now set to become 10 years – is a mammoth innings and his critics have grown over time.

    Those Scotland fans who have been seeking change would have been hopeful of Glasgow’s Franco Smith stepping into the role of national coach. There is a feeling among that group of supporters that the team has stagnated under Townsend in recent seasons.

    For all of the fine one-off wins, Scotland have never properly challenged for a Six Nations title, with just two third-place finishes under Townsend in eight attempts and an average finishing position of fourth.

    The team has become hugely entertaining on its best days – hence the remarkable number of sell-outs at Murrayfield – but there has not been the depth of squad and consistency to contend.

    Townsend took them to a record high of fifth in the world, but following on from their defeat to Fiji in Suva in the summer, they now rank eighth.

    He has also failed at two successive World Cups, exiting in the pool stage in Japan in 2019 and again in France in 2023.

    Unquestionably, making up for such disappointment is part of why Townsend wants to stay on. That, and never having gone to the wire in the Six Nations, will leave him with a feeling of unfinished business.

    The World Cup draw takes place in December and this time around it will feature six groups of four teams, with the top six in the world rankings heading up each group.

    That is good news for Townsend as he seeks to get out of a group for the first time.

    In France in 2023, they suffered a horror draw when pitched-in with South Africa (the holders) and Ireland (at the time, the world number one), with only the top two qualifying.

    Even with a world ranking of eight, in the new 24-nation format, Scotland could not be landed with a similar pool of death in Australia.

    They would be seeded second in the group, with the two top countries, plus the four best third-place teams across all groups, making it to the last 16 knockouts.

    That is a friendlier landscape for Scotland and a more appealing one for Townsend.

    Now that his future is secure, the planning begins for the autumn, the marquee Test being that visit by the All Blacks on 8 November.

    Townsend has had two cracks at them as coach, a five-point loss in 2017 and an eight-point loss in 2022.

    In 32 Tests, Scotland have drawn two and lost 30 against the All Blacks.

    If history was made at Murrayfield, those who oppose his reappointment might just fade away.

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  • Sarr to miss the rest of FIBA EuroBasket 2025 through injury

    Sarr to miss the rest of FIBA EuroBasket 2025 through injury

    The official EuroBasket app

    KATOWICE (Poland) – Alexandre Sarr is forced to withdraw from FIBA EuroBasket 2025 due to a left calf injury, the French Basketball Federation (FFBB) announced on Tuesday.

    The Washington Wizards big man sustained the injury during France’s winning encounter against Slovenia. As a consequence, the youngster the didn’t take part in the following matchup against Israel, where Frederic fautaux’s team suffered their first loss of the tournament.

    📝

    Statement from France Basketball

    Alexandre Sarr (2.13 m, 7 caps) must withdraw from the remainder of the competition due to a left calf injury.

    Injured in his left calf against Slovenia last Saturday, Alexandre Sarr was rested for the game against Israel on Sunday.

    Since then, the French national team’s medical staff has carried out various tests, which revealed an injury whose recovery time is incompatible with the player’s participation in the rest of the tournament.

    Sarr was averaging 9.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game as part of France’s new wave of up-and-coming players, alongside club teammate Bilal Coulibaly and Zaccharie Risacher.

    The 2005-born big was participating in his first-ever FIBA EuroBasket, ready to contribute as Victor Wembanyama, Rudy Gobert, Vincent Poirier, Moustapha Fall and Mathias Lessort all announced their unavailability.

    The FIBA EuroBasket 2022 runner-ups have booked their ticket for the Round of 16 in Riga.

    FIBA

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  • Saudi Aramco, Iraq’s SOMO stop selling crude oil to Indian company Nayara Energy – RADIO PAKISTAN

    1. Saudi Aramco, Iraq’s SOMO stop selling crude oil to Indian company Nayara Energy  RADIO PAKISTAN
    2. Exclusive: Saudi Aramco, Iraq’s SOMO halt crude sales to Indian refiner Nayara, sources say  Reuters
    3. Saudi Arabia and Iraq Suspend Oil Sales to Sanctioned Indian Refinery  Crude Oil Prices Today | OilPrice.com
    4. Saudi and Iraqi companies halt oil supply to India’s Nayara Energy  ptv.com.pk
    5. Iraq’s SOMO halts oil exports to India’s Nayara Energy after EU sanctions  Iraqi News

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  • At least 5 dead, 29 injured in blast at BNP rally in Quetta’s Shahwani Stadium – Pakistan

    At least 5 dead, 29 injured in blast at BNP rally in Quetta’s Shahwani Stadium – Pakistan

    At least five people were killed and 29 were injured in a blast at a rally of the Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) at Quetta’s Shahwani Stadium on Tuesday night.

    A statement from the Balochistan Health Department said the blast occurred at a rally of the BNP-M and listed five dead and 29 injured in the incident. It said the injured were brought to the Quetta Civil Hospital for treatment and were provided first aid before being admitted to the trauma centre for further medical attention. Quetta Civil Hospital spokesperson Dr Waseem Baig also confirmed the same toll.

    In a media talk at the hospital, Advocate Sajid Tareen, acting president of the BNP-M, said 13 party workers were killed in the blast and several were injured, adding that the attack occurred in the parking lot after a party rally to observe the death anniversary of party founder Attaullah Mengal.

    He had earlier posted a picture on X of the crowd gathered for the rally.

    Tareen said the party already had apprehensions of such an incident and had contacted the district administration in advance for security. He added that former MPA Ahmed Nawaz and party leader Musa Baloch were among the injured.

    A statement from the Balochistan Home Department said rescue teams had reached the scene and the injured were being taken to the hospital for treatment, adding that security forces had cordoned off the area and begun collecting evidence.

    It said the government ordered a high-level investigation into the incident and appealed to the public not to heed rumours and to cooperate with institutions.

    Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti strongly condemned the incident and termed it a “cowardly act of enemies of humanity”.

    He said that “malicious elements” were “playing with the blood of innocent citizens”, vowing that the “evil intentions of terrorists” would be thwarted at all costs.

    “Instructions have been given to provide the best medical facilities to the injured. Hospital administration and medical staff should remain alert, there should be no negligence in the treatment of the injured,” he said.

    Saying that the investigation committee had been ordered to submit its report soon, the chief minister said those involved in the incident would be brought to justice and security agencies had been instructed to immediately apprehend the perpetrators.

    “Protection of people’s lives and property is the first responsibility of the government. Malicious elements will not be allowed to succeed in their designs against the peace. The federal and provincial governments will work together to ensure the protection of people’s lives and property.”

    Balochistan Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar reached Civil Hospital on the chief minister’s instructions and was personally overseeing all medical relief activities.

    He said that an emergency was imposed in all hospitals after the blast and all doctors and medical staff had been called for duty immediately.

    Kakar further said that the regional blood centre was functional and emergency measures were underway to ensure the supply of blood, adding that the best medical facilities were being provided to the injured and operation theatres and ICUs in all hospitals were on alert, along with ambulance services and paramedical staff.

    The minister expressed solidarity with the injured and assured all possible support to their families.

    No group has yet claimed responsibility for the blast.

    Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the blast and extended his condolences to the injured.

    “The terrorists and their facilitators of Fitna-al-Hindustan are targeting innocent people to create instability through a nefarious conspiracy. With the support of the nation, we will crush the sinister designs of Indian-sponsored terrorists,” he said.

    In May, the government designated all terrorist organisations in Balochistan as Fitna al-Hindu­stan — a new phrase aimed at framing India’s alleged role in terrorism as a deliberate destabilisation strategy, potentially to galvanise domestic support.

    Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman criticised the state over the incident, terming it a case of “incompetence and negligence”.

    Opposition coalition Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan strongly condemned the attack and termed it the “worst form of cowardice”.

    “We express grief and anger over the martyrdom of political workers. The federal and provincial governments have failed badly in protecting the lives and property of the people.

    “The enforcement of the Constitution and law has ended in the country, and every citizen feels insecure. We are assessing the situation and will soon present a detailed stance of the alliance before the public,” the alliance said.

    Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen Pakistan (MWM) central chairman Senator Allama Raja Nasir Abbas Jafri said the incident was not only an attack on a democratic political party and its leadership but also a “direct assault on Pakistan’s constitutional and democratic framework”.

    “I strongly demand from the federal and provincial governments and law enforcement agencies that the perpetrators of this attack be immediately arrested and brought to a deterrent end, and that the protection of the lives and property of political leaders and workers across the country be ensured,” he said.

    Sardar Akhtar Mengal and other participants of a BNP-M protest sit-in had survived a suicide attack near the Lakpass area of Mastung district in March.

    Officials had said the suicide bomber had detonated the explosives strapped to his body away from the sit-in site after security guards intercepted him, preventing him from reaching the stage where the BNP-M leaders were present.

    “Sardar Akhtar Mengal, party workers and supporters remained unharmed in the attack,” police had confirmed, adding that no casualties were reported. However, Mengal claimed that at least four party members were injured in the blast.

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  • Savant Chat achieves a historic top 6 ranking in the

    Savant Chat achieves a historic top 6 ranking in the

    DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Sept. 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Savant Chat, a top-tier AI agent for smart contracts audits, announced a groundbreaking achievement that signals a paradigm shift in Web3 security. It has secured 6th place in a public Sherlock contest, competing directly against dozens of expert human auditors. This landmark event marks the first time an AI has publicly demonstrated performance on par with expert human auditors in a fiercely competitive environment, fundamentally reshaping the future of decentralized finance security.

    Breaking through human-optimized barriers

    The achievement is particularly notable given that audit contests are inherently designed for human participants. According to professional auditors, the most challenging aspect of these competitions isn’t finding bugs – it’s proving they’re true positives during the judging phase. Human auditors compete intensely, with success heavily reliant on describing findings in a manner that withstands rigorous judging. A true positive finding, if presented with inaccuracies or insufficient detail by either an AI or a human, is highly likely to be rejected during the judging phase. Despite these significant challenges, Savant Chat (Pro plan, an early glimpse of June 2025 technology) excelled.

    Adding to the significance, the Symbiotic contract contest, on which Savant Chat was tested, featured no critical or high-severity vulnerabilities – a domain where Savant is primarily optimized to excel. Medium-severity findings are typically identified by AI agents sometimes and by residual principle. Yet, the AI’s ability to secure a top position in a contest focused on less severe issues speaks volumes about its sophisticated analytical capabilities and adaptability.

    Savant’s operational methodology involved deep analysis, generating threat vectors, and forming complex vulnerability hypotheses. For the crucial final step – writing Proof-of-Concept (PoC) code to validate findings and eliminate noise – Savant Chat’s team strategically delegated this task to a best-in-class open-source SWE agent. This approach ensured maximum signal from Savant’s core insights, while efficiently validating the findings.

    Revolutionizing the economics of security auditing

    The economic implications are profound. In traditional audit contests, hypothesis generation consumes approximately 85% of resources, while verification requires only 5%. While AI generates marginally more noise than average human auditors—measured in multiples rather than orders of magnitude – the cost of AI-powered hypothesis generation is orders of magnitude lower. “We’re seeing clear evidence that AI-powered hypothesis generation combined with human verification represents an effective and economically viable business model,” the team explained. “This isn’t about cutting costs – it’s about enabling more comprehensive security coverage across the entire Web3 ecosystem.”

    The future: cyborg auditors, not replacement

    It’s essential to acknowledge that AI, although powerful, still has limitations and performs less effectively than humans in identifying specific types of errors. However, SavantChat’s AI offers a distinct and invaluable advantage: its point of view on bugs differs significantly from that of human auditors. This unique perspective enables AI to identify vulnerabilities that human experts might inadvertently overlook.

    It has been revealed that 80% of zero-day exploits submitted to the Savant team were successfully identified and mitigated by SavantChat. This highlights a critical, complementary capability, demonstrating that had these vulnerabilities been run through SavantChat, the vast majority of associated hacks could have been prevented. This positions AI not as a replacement, but as an essential enhancement to existing security measures.

    The future of Web3 security is not just arriving; it’s accelerating faster than ever before.

    About

    Savant.chat is an AI-powered smart-contract security platform that automatically audits Solidity code—finding vulnerabilities, integrating with CI/CD for continuous checks and real-time monitoring for developers, audit firms, and enterprises.

    Tested on hundreds of real-world exploits. Savant Chat is game-changing platform instantly detects advanced threats like broken cryptography and economic flaws, delivering fast, transparent, and efficient auditing. Savant Chat is securing blockchain projects with AI that never sleeps.

    Media contact
    Alexandra Gulamova
    Co-founder
    alexandra@savant.chat

    Disclaimer: This content is provided by Savant Chat. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e4e42c3b-4f90-4ba1-9654-806c9516fd5d

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  • Marc Guehi: Oliver Glasner the winner after Liverpool transfer collapse

    Marc Guehi: Oliver Glasner the winner after Liverpool transfer collapse

    Guehi travelled back to London with the Palace squad on Sunday night.

    It was decided that if Liverpool and Palace were able to agree a deal that Guehi would undergo a medical and complete the formalities of his move at the Merseyside club’s London offices before travelling north for his official unveiling.

    Between 1.30pm and 3pm, a club-to-club agreement had been concluded and Guehi was given permission by Palace to undergo his medical.

    At that moment, Guehi believed he was joining the Premier League champions, who were also about to confirm the capture of Alexander Isak for £125m. He had a medical which was over an hour long.

    But Parish did not sit down with Guehi and his advisers until after 6pm following a fitness class at a gym in Soho.

    Little was Guehi to know that the rug would be pulled from under him, shortly after.

    Among the conditions required for Guehi to join Liverpool were that Palace needed suitable defensive replacements before letting him depart.

    They have completed the signing of Toulouse centre-back Jaydee Canvot. But at 19, the Frenchman is vastly inexperienced.

    Palace approached Manchester City for Manuel Akanji but he was reluctant to move to south London.

    Ousmane Diomande of Sporting was the club’s first-choice option, but his £45m price tag was prohibitive. Roma defender Evan Ndicka was another they considered.

    On deadline day, however, it emerged that they were in talks over a loan move for Brighton’s Igor Julio.

    At one point in the day, it looked as if a deal for Julio was in place only for the player to head east to West Ham.

    And with that detour, Guehi’s move to Liverpool effectively collapsed.

    Adam Wharton, who has a groin issue, and Ismaila Sarr, who has injured his hamstring, are both expected to be out for at least a month, which did not help matters.

    There remained hope of reviving the deal as we approached the 7pm deadline; the fact a deal sheet – an application for a time extension – was filed indicative to how close the transfer was to completion.

    But sometimes it is the hope that kills. Parish explaining to Guehi why he could not sanction his move to Liverpool despite agreeing to do so just hours earlier.

    How Guehi feels about it all may come up in the fullness of time, but you can imagine it has been difficult to process.

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  • Rilzabrutinib Nets Approval in Pretreated Immune Thrombocytopenia

    Rilzabrutinib Nets Approval in Pretreated Immune Thrombocytopenia

    The FDA has approved rilzabrutinib (Wayrilz) for the treatment of adult patients with persistent or chronic immune thrombocytopenia who have had an insufficient response to a previous treatment.1

    The regulatory decision was supported by data from the pivotal phase 3 LUNA 3 trial (NCT04562766).2 Findings from LUNA 3 presented during the 2024 ASH Annual Meeting revealed that patients who received rilzabrutinib (n = 133) achieved a 25-week platelet response rate of 23% compared with 0% among those who received placebo (n = 69; P < .0001). Moreover, the time to first platelet response was 36 days in the investigational arm and was not reached in the placebo arm. The duration of platelet response was a least square mean of 7 weeks in the rilzabrutinib arm vs 0.7 weeks in the placebo arm.

    “The burden of immune thrombocytopenia can be both physical and emotional with significant overlooked symptoms that can impact various aspects of daily living,” Caroline Kruse, president and chief executive officer at the Platelet Disorder Support Association, stated in a news release.1 “We are pleased to have a new treatment option that can help ease the ongoing strain of managing the disease for patients and their families.”

    In terms of safety, the most common adverse effects that occurred in at least 10% of patients included diarrhea, nausea, headache, abdominal pain, and COVID-19. Patients in the rilzabrutinib arm experienced a 10.6-point improvement across 9 health-related quality of life measures per The Immune Thrombocytopenia Patient Assessment Questionnaire; patients in the control arm had a 2.3-point increase.

    References

    1. Sanofi’s Wayrilz approved in US as first BTK inhibitor for immune thrombocytopenia. News release. Sanofi. August 29, 2025. Accessed September 2, 2025. https://www.news.sanofi.us/2025-08-29-Sanofis-Wayrilz-approved-in-US-as-first-BTK-inhibitor-for-immune-thrombocytopenia
    2. Kuter DJ, Ghanima W, Cooper N, et al. Safety and efficacy of rilzabrutinib vs placebo in adults with immune thrombocytopenia: the phase 3 LUNA3 study. Blood. 2025;145(24):2914-2926. doi:10.1182/blood.2024027336

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  • Who is Yago Dora? Top facts about Brazil’s newly crowned world champion

    Who is Yago Dora? Top facts about Brazil’s newly crowned world champion

    Dora started late. Then, he soared.

    Born in Curitiba before moving to Florianópolis, Dora’s first time on a surfboard came at the age of 11, later than so many of his peers at the top of global surfing. By 21, he was on the tour, contending with big names like compatriot Gabriel Medina and Australian Mick Fanning in 2017.

    His father was his first coach – and one of the world’s best.

    When Dora took up competitive surfing, he didn’t have to look far for a coach.

    His father, Leandro “Grilo” Dora, has worked with some big stars in the sport including Adriano de Souza and Jack Robinson.

    So, it might come as a surprise that in 2025 he made a bold move: he found a new coach in Leandro da Silva.

    He’s bouncing back from heartbreak.

    Dora’s win this year has special meaning.

    In 2024, he narrowly missed out on the WSL Finals. He finished sixth after strong results earlier in the year in El Salvador and Brazil.

    It was part of a disappointing season that also saw him fall short of earning Olympic qualification. Compatriot Gabriel Medina edged him out of a chance at the Paris Games at the ISA Games.

    2025 has been a breakout season.

    2025 has been a total turnaround after disappointment in 2024 – perhaps sparked by those missed moments a year ago.

    In addition to his recent WSL Finals win, he’s captured two Championship Tour events in 2025: one in California and the other in Portugal.

    His surfing is about more than gold medals.

    Even after his recent coaching move away from his father, Dora remains deeply connected to his surfing roots.

    It’s something he says he tries to keep in mind when he’s out competing.

    “I started for fun, and I try to remember that every day,” he told Revista Trip. “I surf because I love it.”

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  • Exclusive: US regulators cancel bank exams as Trump rollback gathers pace – Reuters

    1. Exclusive: US regulators cancel bank exams as Trump rollback gathers pace  Reuters
    2. Banking Regulators Return Focus to Key Financial Metrics  PYMNTS.com
    3. Trump Administration Going Light on Bank Exams  Banking Exchange
    4. US Bank Watchdogs Ease Up On Non-Essential Oversight  Finimize
    5. Easing Regulations: Trump’s Softer Supervision on U.S. Banks Unfolds  Devdiscourse

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