AnewZ Morning Brief - June 20th, 2025
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for June 20th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Researchers at the University of Miami have discovered 230 new giant viruses in global ocean waters, shedding light on their hidden role in marine ecosystems and their potential impact on public health.
Tiny marine organisms such as algae, amoebas, and flagellates form the backbone of the ocean food chain—but viruses that infect them could significantly influence their growth, survival, and ecological functions. In some cases, these giant viruses may even trigger harmful algal blooms that threaten public health.
In a recent study published by researchers at the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric and Earth Science, scientists uncovered 230 previously unknown giant viruses by analyzing global ocean data with advanced computational tools.
The team also identified 530 new proteins encoded by these viruses, including nine linked to photosynthesis—indicating the viruses may interfere with the way their microscopic hosts harness sunlight for energy.
“Giant viruses are often the main cause of death for many phytoplankton, which serve as the base of the food web supporting ocean ecosystems and food sources,” said Mohammad Moniruzzaman, a co-author of the study. “The novel functions found in giant viruses could have biotechnological potential, as some of these functions might represent novel enzymes.”
Understanding the diversity and function of giant viruses could also help predict and manage harmful algal blooms—events that pose growing risks to ecosystems and human health in places like Florida.
To identify these elusive viruses, researchers developed a new computational tool named BEREN. Unlike previous methods, BEREN provides an all-in-one solution for detecting and classifying giant viruses in DNA sequencing datasets.
Using BEREN, the team analyzed data from nine major ocean sampling projects. After extracting the viral genomes, scientists used public gene databases to determine the biological roles of viral genes and compared them to known virus genomes to identify new functions.
Lead author Benjamin Minch, a doctoral student at the Rosenstiel School, noted that many of the viruses carry genes involved in critical cell functions such as carbon metabolism and photosynthesis—functions usually exclusive to living cells. This discovery suggests that giant viruses may significantly alter the metabolism of their hosts and influence vital marine chemical cycles.
Peace is no longer a dream. It is a discussion. On the streets of Baku and Yerevan, it is also a question, of trust, of foreign interests, and of who truly wants it.
Iranian missiles struck multiple locations across Israel and neighbouring regions early Friday morning, including a Microsoft office complex, according to emergency responders and local media reports.
Israeli strikes have reportedly targeted areas near the residences of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian, according to the New York Times, citing local witnesses.
Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) has cancelled certain flights scheduled for 13th and 14th June amid recent escalation of situation in the Middle East and the closure of airspace in several countries for security reasons.
The 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit was held June 15–17 in Kananaskis, Alberta, under Canada’s presidency. Prime Minister Mark Carney framed the meeting around priorities of protecting communities, energy and climate security, the digital transition, and future partnerships.
China has successfully mastered the technology to produce Yttrium-90, a critical medical isotope used in radiation therapy for liver cancer, within a commercial nuclear reactor.
German biotech firm BioNTech (22UAy.DE), has agreed to acquire domestic peer CureVac, for about $1.25 billion worth of BioNTech shares, it said on Thursday, to boost its work on new mRNA-based cancer treatments.
Revolutionizing Heart Care: How Artificial Intelligence Powered Digital Twins Are Shaping the Future of Medicine
Mayo Clinic researchers have validated a blood test's high precision for diagnosing patients with cognitive impairment.This non-invasive, cost-effective breakthrough, detailed in Alzheimer's & Dementia, offers much-needed hope for earlier intervention and better management.
US President Donald Trump signed an executive order Friday to ease restrictions on American drones and help the industry compete with China.
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