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Starkville, MS – A groundbreaking study published in the prestigious journal Science is reshaping our understanding of the origins of syphilis. Researchers at Mississippi State University, led by Professor of Anthropology Molly Zuckerman and graduate student Lydia Bailey, have uncovered ancient DNA evidence pushing back the known history of diseases related to syphilis by over 5,000 years and bolstering the theory that the disease originated in the Americas, not Europe.

The research, detailed in the article available at www.science.org/doi/full/10.1126/science.aee7963, draws on recent paleogenomic discoveries from Colombia and Mexico. This perform demonstrates the transformative power of ancient DNA research in unraveling long-standing debates surrounding human disease, evolution, and global health. The findings challenge previous assumptions about the spread of this historically devastating illness.

“This research is important because it moves us further into understanding the origins and adaptability of a disease that is harmfully resurging in human populations, especially in the U.S., and thus its potential for future change,” explained Professor Zuckerman. The resurgence of syphilis cases in recent years, particularly in the United States, makes understanding its evolutionary history increasingly critical for public health strategies.

The study highlights the importance of mentorship in scientific research. Zuckerman shared that her own career path was significantly influenced by a graduate mentor who included her in early research on syphilis origins. She described her current collaboration with Bailey as “a meaningful way to pay that mentorship forward,” providing a hands-on scholarly experience.

For Lydia Bailey, an applied anthropology master’s student from Lafayette, Novel Jersey, participation in the project underscored the value of examining infectious diseases through a historical lens. “Examining infectious diseases ‘in deep time’ can inform how we think about the roles of human mobility, environment and behavior in shaping infectious disease spread today,” Bailey stated. She added that publishing in Science provides a platform to share these insights beyond the academic community, potentially helping to destigmatize infectious diseases and promote more equitable public health initiatives.

Ancient DNA and the Shifting Narrative of Syphilis

The discovery builds upon a growing body of evidence suggesting a New World origin for syphilis. Previous research, including a 2018 study detailed in Smithsonian Magazine, recovered DNA of a bacterium related to the one that causes syphilis from 5,500-year-traditional human remains. This earlier finding, combined with the new research from Mississippi State, strengthens the argument against the long-held belief that Christopher Columbus and his crew brought syphilis to Europe from the Americas.

According to ScienceAlert, the ancient DNA analysis revealed a twisted evolutionary history, suggesting the disease evolved over millennia in the Americas before potentially spreading globally.

Implications for Public Health

The findings have significant implications for understanding the current spread and evolution of syphilis. As the disease experiences a concerning resurgence, particularly in the U.S., a deeper understanding of its origins and adaptability is crucial for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies. The research underscores the importance of continued investment in paleogenomic studies to track the evolution of infectious diseases and inform public health responses.

Mississippi State University’s College of Arts and Sciences and its Department of Anthropology and Middle Eastern Cultures are committed to advancing knowledge and addressing critical global challenges. Further information about the university and its research initiatives can be found at www.msstate.edu.

The ongoing research promises to shed further light on the complex history of syphilis and its impact on human populations. Scientists will continue to analyze ancient DNA samples from across the globe to refine our understanding of the disease’s evolutionary trajectory and inform strategies to combat its resurgence.

Share your thoughts on this fascinating discovery in the comments below.

Specialized maintenance procedures for turbine engines powering a wide range of helicopters are the focus of a Class 3 maintenance certification, with work centering on the core of these critical components. The training and certification specifically address the Rolls-Royce 250 series (including models 250-C20, 250-30P, and 250-C47B) and the Lycoming T53 series engines, vital for both civilian and military aviation. This level of maintenance, according to technical classifications, involves a deep dive into the engine’s structure, ensuring continued safe and reliable operation.

Class 3 maintenance for these engines encompasses a detailed process, beginning with the disassembly of the engine down to the core module. Technicians perform rigorous inspections of the compressor and turbine sections, carefully examine the engine’s shafts, and replace parts as dictated by the manufacturer’s technical manuals. The scope of work is specifically limited to the core body of the designated Rolls-Royce 250 series and Lycoming T53 series engines, requiring specialized knowledge and adherence to strict protocols.

Understanding Class 3 Engine Maintenance

The Class 3 maintenance designation signifies a focused approach to turbine engine upkeep, concentrating on the fundamental structural and rotating components essential for operation. The Rolls-Royce (formerly Allison) 250 series, including the 250-C20, 250-30P, and 250-C47B models, represents a widely utilized line of turboshaft engines powering numerous rotary-wing aircraft. According to Wikipedia, the Allison Model 250 has been produced by Rolls-Royce since 1995, with over 30,000 engines built.

Similarly, the Lycoming T53 series engines are employed in transport helicopters and governmental applications. Maintenance on these models involves a thorough review and servicing of the core body, adhering to established technical classifications. The Rolls-Royce website details the continuous development of the M250 series, originating as the T63 to meet a US Army requirement for a 250 shaft horsepower (SHP) turboshaft.

Scope of Core Body Maintenance

In practice, Class 3 engine maintenance can include several key procedures. These encompass the complete disassembly of the engine to the core module, a detailed inspection of the engine casing, compressor, and turbine assembly, a thorough review of the engine’s shafts and internal components, and the replacement of parts based on the manufacturer’s technical documentation. This meticulous process ensures that the engine’s core functionality remains within specified parameters.

The Class 3 maintenance applies specifically to the identified models within the Rolls-Royce 250 and Lycoming T53 series, with work confined to the core body as defined by the technical classifications. This focused approach allows technicians to address critical components without undertaking more extensive overhauls, optimizing maintenance efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Tofly7 and Aviation Services

Even as the Class 3 maintenance focuses on the technical aspects of engine upkeep, companies like Tofly7 demonstrate the broader applications of these engines in the aviation industry. Based in the State of Mexico (EDOMEX), Tofly7 offers a range of aerial experiences, including sightseeing flights around Toluca, Cancún, and executive transfers throughout central and southern Mexico. They also provide specialized aviation services through Tofly7 Pro, encompassing aerial fumigation, firefighting, external cargo hook operations, aerial photography and filming, aircraft rental for film production, humanitarian support, and damage assessments.

Beyond transportation, Tofly7 Plus offers unique aviation-themed experiences such as “Pilot for a Day” programs, event landings (like a Santa sleigh arrival), marriage proposals, and aerial photography and filming services. These offerings highlight the versatility of turbine-powered aircraft and the growing demand for specialized aviation services.

As the demand for reliable helicopter and light aircraft engines continues, the importance of skilled technicians and comprehensive maintenance programs like Class 3 certification remains paramount. The ongoing development and refinement of engines like the Rolls-Royce M250, with a history stretching back to the 1960s, ensures continued advancements in aviation safety and performance.

What comes next for turbine engine maintenance will likely involve further integration of data analytics and predictive maintenance techniques, allowing for even more efficient and proactive upkeep of these critical components. Share your thoughts on the future of aviation maintenance in the comments below.

The Supreme Court on Friday invalidated the legal basis for a series of tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, a decision that could trigger a wave of refund requests from American businesses totaling billions of dollars. The court ruled that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) did not authorize the broad employ of tariffs enacted by former President Donald Trump, finding that the administration had illegally collected over $133 billion in taxes.

The ruling immediately prompted a response from Trump, who, at a White House press conference, called the decision “terrible” and “defective.” He predicted that resolving the issue of refunds would take “two years,” anticipating extensive litigation as companies seek to recover funds paid under the invalidated tariffs. More than 1,000 companies have already filed lawsuits seeking refunds, anticipating a potential reversal of the tariffs justified under IEEPA, according to reports.

The core of the dispute centered on tariffs imposed on goods imported from China and other countries, justified by the Trump administration as necessary to protect national security. The court’s decision throws into question the legality of those tariffs and opens the door for businesses to reclaim the duties they paid. Justice Brett Kavanaugh, in a dissenting opinion, acknowledged the potential for complications, predicting a “mess” as importers seek refunds, some of which have already been passed on to consumers.

The process for obtaining refunds is currently unclear. Typically, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) would handle such requests, but the Trump administration has not yet established a formal process for addressing the anticipated influx of claims, according to Rachel Brewster, a professor of international trade law at Duke University. Without a clear procedure, Brewster explained, claims will likely be litigated in the Court of International Trade, which will then order CBP to issue refunds on a case-by-case basis.

The Court of International Trade has previously handled similar refund orders, albeit on a smaller scale, following a 1998 Supreme Court decision that overturned a harbor maintenance tax, noted Daniel Mach, a commercial litigator at Bryan Cave. Mach suggested the court is likely to appoint an administrator or special master to manage the volume of claims, rather than addressing each lawsuit individually. Advocates for overturning the IEEPA tariffs have urged the Court of International Trade to establish a streamlined refund process, with the National Retail Federation stating that refunds would “serve as an economic boost and allow companies to reinvest in their operations, their employees and their customers.”

The refund process is expected to be lengthy, potentially taking up to two years to complete, Brewster estimated. Numerous large corporations, including Toyota and Costco, have already filed lawsuits seeking refunds, in addition to the smaller companies that initially brought the case before the Supreme Court. Although individuals who paid higher prices due to the tariffs may attempt to seek refunds for personal purchases, such claims are likely to be complicated and potentially cost-prohibitive, Brewster said. Distinguishing between tariffs imposed under IEEPA and those justified by other laws will be crucial, and the legal fees associated with individual lawsuits may outweigh any potential refund.

As of Friday afternoon, the White House had not responded to requests for comment regarding a plan to address the refund process. The Biden administration has not indicated whether it will appeal the Supreme Court’s decision or attempt to re-establish the tariffs under a different legal framework.