Big Stories

3D-printed brains

Scientists have 3D-printed functioning human brain tissue.

• Scientists have been making brain "organoids" for a while, but they have limitations. One big problem is the lack of control over how these tiny lab-grown cultures develop, which limits their usefulness. Researchers believed 3D printing might solve this issue, but previous attempts were unsuccessful.

• University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers had a recent breakthrough and invented a new 3D-printing method for creating brain tissue cultures that behave like real brain tissue. Instead of stacking layers vertically, they are printed horizontally, which helps the tissue grow and operate better.

• The new technique allows for the creation of brain tissue that can mimic the interactions seen in the human brain. The tissue also forms connections within and across layers, similar to human neurons. Researchers believe this method could help them study diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, test new drugs, and understand how different parts of the brain communicate.

Republicans shoot down foreign aid package

The Senate voted against a bipartisan bill on border security and foreign aid.

• Republicans previously demanded the bill but ultimately blocked it with a 49-50 vote, arguing it didn't do enough to address the border situation. The move came as a surprise because the legislation had been negotiated and approved by leadership just days before.

• The Senate will now turn to Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s pared-down plan focused solely on aid for Israel and Ukraine, removing the border security components. However, the plan will still include provisions targeting issues like fentanyl trafficking.

• While the White House supports the revised aid package, its success remains unclear because of the ongoing disagreements and debates among political parties about what's most important for the country.

Iran-backed militia leader killed by drone

A US drone strike in Baghdad killed a leader of an Iran-backed militia.

• The strike, conducted in response to attacks on US forces, targeted a commander of Kata'ib Hezbollah. The group has been linked to Iran and has claimed responsibility for multiple attacks on American troops in Iraq.

• The strike occurred in a busy part of Baghdad. The US military said that there were no civilian casualties, though the Iraqi military is investigating an attack on a civilian car. US operators used a specialized missile that was created to limit collateral damage.

• Some Iraqi lawmakers want the US forces to leave the country after the strike, arguing that its mission has shifted from fighting ISIS to conflicts with Iran. The US said it wants to keep a small force in Iraq to keep ISIS from resurfacing.

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Little Stories

• A pod of killer whales trapped by drift ice near Hokkaido, Japan, has reportedly escaped safely. Environmental groups told Japanese officials about a dozen orcas surrounded by drift ice. When they arrived the pod had moved north, and by the next day, it was gone. They believe the orcas managed to free themselves as gaps in the ice widened. (More)

• After Super Bowl LVIII, around 16.1 million employees are expected to take sick leave, in a phenomenon called "Super Bowl Flu." Efforts are underway to recognize "Super Sick Monday" as an official holiday due to the significant number of call-outs. Approximately 14.5 million adults, including 11% of managers, have admitted to falsely claiming sickness post-Super Bowl. (More)

• Rescue teams are searching for five US Marines after their military helicopter was found in Southern California's Pine Valley. The CH-53E Super Stallion went missing while flying from a base near Las Vegas to one in San Diego. Search efforts are underway in the challenging terrain amid rain and snow. (More)

• Disney purchased a $1.5 billion stake in Epic Games, the creator of Fortnite. The investment will allow consumers to play and engage with Disney's characters and stories, including those from Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, Avatar, and more. (More)

• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected Hamas' ceasefire demands on Wednesday, warning that complying would not secure the release of hostages in Gaza but could lead to further attacks. Qatar and Egypt had presented Hamas with negotiation terms for a three-phase deal last month, following discussions with US and Israeli officials. (More)

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