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What’s on tap: 

• Lunar New Year kicks off

• Cannabis memory study

• How diets affect grocery bills

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Big Story

New Cancer Treatment

Researchers at the University of Kentucky's Markey Cancer Center have found a new way to fight cancer by targeting a protein called S6K1.

• This protein, which becomes activated through a process called phosphorylation, is found at high levels in many types of cancer including lung, prostate, colon, and esophageal cancers. When activated, S6K1 helps cancer cells survive and resist traditional treatments.

• Through testing about 1,400 FDA-approved drugs, the research team found an antihistamine called ebastine that could target some cancer cells. They then created an improved version called Super-ebastine (Super-EBS) that was much more effective and worked by blocking S6K1. In lab tests, Super-EBS was successful against more than 95% of cancer cell types tested.

• The research is promising for treating resistant cancers. When cancer cells become resistant to treatment, they become more dependent on the activated S6K1 protein, making them more vulnerable to Super-EBS.

• Lead researcher Vivek Rangenakr believes the treatment could help patients who have run out of other options.

Big Story

“Baby Boom” Breaks Sound Barrier

Boom Supersonic’s civilian aircraft, the XB-1, broke the sound barrier during a test flight in the Mojave Desert.

• The plane reached Mach 1.1 (845 miles per hour) at over 35,000 feet. It is the first time a privately developed jet has achieved supersonic flight in America since Chuck Yeager's historic flight in 1947. (Watch the test flight here)

• The XB-1, nicknamed "Baby Boom," includes several innovative features. It uses augmented reality to help with takeoff and landing, has a specially designed long nose for better runway visibility, and is built almost entirely from carbon fiber materials to keep it light but strong.

• Boom Supersonic's next project is a larger aircraft called Overture, which will use technology developed for the XB-1. The commercial airliner will carry up to 80 passengers at nearly 1,300 miles per hour - more than twice as fast as current flights. Several major airlines have already pre-ordered about 130 planes.

Big Story

Lunar New Year

Lunar New Year, also called Spring Festival or Chinese New Year, is China's most celebrated traditional holiday.

• Starting between late January and mid-February each year, it marks the beginning of a new year according to the lunar calendar. In 2025, celebrations began on Jan. 29th, welcoming the Year of the Snake. The holiday is officially celebrated for seven days in mainland China, though preparations and festivities often last longer.

• The Chinese zodiac runs on a 12-year cycle, with each year represented by a different animal. The snake is the sixth animal in the cycle, coming after the dragon. People born in the Year of the Snake are said to be resilient, creative, and adaptable. (See your zodiac animal here)

• The holiday causes the world's largest human migration as millions of Chinese people travel home to their families. This has become especially significant in China as many people now work far from their hometowns in big cities.

• The celebrations have also spread globally, with communities worldwide adding local touches. In Vietnam, where it's called Tết, people prepare special local dishes and hold parades. Cities like San Francisco, New York, and Sydney host festivals with traditional elements like Dragon Dances.

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Quick Stories

US News

• Former Democratic Senator Bob Menendez received an 11-year prison sentence for accepting gold bars and cash bribes while working secretly as an agent of Egypt. (More)

• The White House reversed its controversial memo that had frozen federal grant spending following legal challenges from states and organizations dependent on federal funds. (More)

• An F-35 fighter jet crashed at Alaska's Eielson Air Force Base. The pilot ejected safely from the aircraft before impact. (More)

World

• Britain's government has backed adding a third runway at Heathrow Airport (Europe’s busiest) despite years of challenges, as finance minister Rachel Reeves prioritizes economic growth projects. (More)

• A poll shows 85% of Greenlanders reject becoming part of the US, with many viewing Trump's interest as threatening. Only 6% support US control of the Danish territory. (More)

• At the world’s largest religious gathering, the Hindu festival Kumbh Mela in India, 30 people died, and 60 were injured in a crowd crush during ritual bathing. (More)

Business & Economy

• US stock markets closed lower on Wednesday (S&P -0.51%, Nasdaq -0.51%, Dow -0.31%). Markets fell after the Federal Reserve kept interest rates at 4.25-4.5%. The Fed may delay rate cuts until May. (More)

• Spirit Airlines rejected another Frontier Group takeover bid worth $2.16 billion, saying it wasn't favorable. The airline plans to exit bankruptcy in 2025's first quarter. (More)

• Fox Corp has sold all Super Bowl 59 advertising spots, with over 10 commercials selling for $8 million each—higher than the fall 2024 average of $7 million. (More)

Sports & Entertainment

• Major League Table Tennis has signed its first TV deal with CBS Sports Network, bringing professional ping pong to primetime television starting Sunday at 8 PM ET. (More)

• CNN anchor Jim Acosta is leaving CNN after being offered a midnight time slot. He signed off with a message seemingly aimed at Trump's influence, though CNN denies politics affected their scheduling decision. (More)

• WNBA rookie Caitlin Clark declined to join a special NBA All-Star Weekend 3-point challenge, preferring to make her contest debut at WNBA All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis. (More)

Science, Health, & Tech

• Scientists found life's basic chemical components, including amino acids and DNA building blocks, in dust from asteroid Bennu, which was collected by NASA in 2023. (More)

• Chinese tech company Alibaba unexpectedly launched its Qwen 2.5-Max AI model Wednesday, claiming it outperforms DeepSeek-V3. The unusual timing suggests pressure from DeepSeek's recent success. (More)

• A University of Colorado study found that 68% of recent and 63% of long-term cannabis users showed decreased brain activity during memory tasks. (More)

Extra Credit

🛒 The food choices you make can determine your grocery bill.

🥐 Japan wins the Pastry World Cup.

🧑‍🚀 How do astronauts clean their clothes in space?

🕷️ Quiz: Can you guess the animal phobia?