## Wales Deposit Return Scheme Sparks Price and Choice Concerns

Consumers in Wales could soon find themselves paying significantly more for bottled drinks, with industry experts warning that proposed changes to a new recycling initiative could push prices up by as much as 50p per bottle. Reduced product variety on shelves is also a real possibility, according to trade representatives.

### What Is the Deposit Return Scheme?

Wales is preparing to launch a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) on 1 October 2027. Under the initiative, shoppers will pay a small deposit when purchasing drinks in bottles or cans, which is then refunded once the empty container is returned to a designated collection point. The goal is to boost recycling rates and reduce litter across the country.

However, a key point of contention has emerged: unlike equivalent schemes being introduced elsewhere in the United Kingdom, Wales intends to include glass bottles from the outset.

### Why Glass Is Causing Problems

The British Soft Drinks Association (BSDA) has raised serious concerns about the decision to incorporate glass into the Welsh scheme from day one. Director General Andy Bagnall warned that mandating glass collection immediately would carry "very negative consequences for businesses and consumers," potentially adding "something like 50p per bottle" in additional production costs.

Glass is widely considered the most challenging material to include in a deposit return system. It demands dedicated collection infrastructure, specialist handling equipment, and far more expensive reverse vending machines compared to those needed for plastic and aluminium containers. Schemes launching in England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland have deliberately excluded glass in their initial phases to contain costs and maintain consistency across borders.

### Industry Voices Sound the Alarm

William Watkins, Chief Executive of Welsh drinks producer Radnor Hills, was particularly outspoken, describing the current state of affairs as a "complete and utter mess." He emphasised that having different systems on either side of the England–Wales border would create enormous operational headaches for manufacturers.

"We have to have a system which is the same on both sides of the border," Watkins stated, adding that since Wales represents a relatively small portion of the overall UK drinks market, some companies might conclude it is "simply not worth" continuing to supply certain products there.

Both the BSDA and drinks manufacturers also flagged an urgent timing issue. With only weeks remaining to appoint a Deposit Management Organisation (DMO) — the body responsible for running the scheme — Bagnall cautioned there is now "no time left" to design a standalone Welsh system if no appointment is made.

"We need decisions in the next few weeks if we're to have any realistic chance of getting a scheme up and running by October 2027," he said.

### The DMO Appointment Bottleneck

Only one organisation, Exchange for Change, is known to have submitted an application to serve as Wales' DMO. The same body is already contracted to manage deposit return schemes across England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Although the application window closed on 2 June, no decision has yet been announced by the Welsh government.

A further complication lies in the number of reverse vending machines required. The Welsh government is understood to want approximately 3,500 machines capable of handling glass at launch, whereas Exchange for Change has proposed beginning with just 100 suitable units across the country — a significant gap that insiders describe as a major sticking point in negotiations.

### Charities Push Back Against Industry Claims

Not everyone shares the industry's pessimism. Owen Derbyshire of Keep Wales Tidy accused drinks companies of spreading "misinformation" about the scheme's impact, pointing to the successful rollout of deposit return programmes in more than 40 countries worldwide.

"The reality is, it's the same arguments that come every single time from the industry. And the truth is, when they're established, when they're set up, when they're running, none of those stories, those accusations, ever come to light," Derbyshire said.

He argued that the lobbying effort amounted to "disinformation which absolutely doesn't survive contact with any of the international evidence."

### Government Stance Remains Firm

The Welsh Government has maintained its commitment to proceeding with the deposit return scheme and rejected suggestions that the process has been delayed.

"It is inaccurate to suggest there has been a delay, and it would be inappropriate to pre-judge the outcome of the ongoing formal process," a government spokesperson said, adding that officials would "continue to work closely with industry to ensure the arrangements are right."

Meanwhile, Plaid Cymru's election manifesto indicated the party would move forward with glass inclusion "when this becomes practically feasible." The newly appointed minister responsible for the scheme, Llyr Gruffydd, declined a request for an interview with BBC Wales.

### What This Means for Welsh Shoppers

With the October 2027 launch date drawing closer and key decisions still outstanding, uncertainty continues to hang over the scheme. Whether Welsh consumers ultimately face higher prices, fewer product options, or a streamlined recycling win will depend heavily on the decisions made in the coming weeks.

Wales' deposit return scheme could raise drink prices by 50p and cut product choice, industry leaders warn, as glass inclusion sparks major controversy.

Wales Bottle Return Scheme May Add 50p to Drink Prices

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Wales Recycling Scheme Could Push Drink Prices Up by 50p, Industry Warns

## Deadly Floods Strike Accra as Ghana Braces for More Rain

At least 13 people have lost their lives in Ghana's capital, Accra, following an intense bout of torrential rainfall that unleashed catastrophic flooding across the city. The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), which has been actively leading rescue operations, confirmed the death toll while warning that the number could climb further as recovery efforts continue.

Authorities have issued urgent advisories urging residents to remain indoors if they are in a safe location, or to evacuate immediately to higher ground. The warning comes as the Ghana Meteorological Agency has forecast additional heavy rainfall sweeping across southern Ghana — including Accra — with a significant storm system advancing from the east.

## Widespread Destruction Across the City

Although much of the floodwater from Sunday night's downpours has started to drain away, the scale of the destruction is stark. Low-lying neighborhoods bore the brunt of the disaster, with social media footage showing homes and vehicles completely submerged and numerous buildings reduced to ruins.

The flooding also ignited a serious fire at a rubber manufacturing facility within the city, compounding the emergency. A coordinated response involving the police, military, fire service, and the National Disaster Management Organisation has been mobilized across affected areas. The interior ministry confirmed these units were deployed to protect lives and safeguard property.

To date, the GNFS has successfully rescued more than 470 people trapped by the rising waters.

## Record Rainfall Linked to Climate Change

President Mahama revealed that preliminary measurements indicated approximately 140mm of rain fell on Accra during the event — a staggering figure when compared to the highest single-day rainfall recorded last year, which stood at roughly 56mm. Writing on X, the president suggested this dramatic increase was a clear indicator of the accelerating impact of climate change.

The meteorological agency echoed these concerns and issued additional safety guidance, advising citizens to avoid sheltering beneath trees, steer clear of downed electrical wires, and under no circumstances attempt to walk or drive through floodwaters.

## Residents Recount Harrowing Experiences

For many Accra residents, the flooding brought personal loss and distress. Philip Mensah told AFP that his cherished collection of 1970s vinyl records had been completely submerged. Schoolteacher Patience Naa Adjeley Adjei described spending hours battling to keep water from entering her room.

"I have mopped my room more than eight times," she said. "I can't even step outside because both my room and the street outside are flooded."

## Power Shut Down as Precaution

The Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo) and the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) jointly announced temporary power cuts to flood-affected sections of the capital. In a shared statement, the two bodies described the shutdown as a necessary measure after floodwaters compromised power infrastructure at multiple substations, creating serious risks for both equipment and personnel.

## Illegal Structures and Poor Drainage Worsen the Crisis

Experts and officials alike have pointed to Accra's inadequate drainage network as a major factor amplifying the impact of flooding. Blocked gutters and the proliferation of illegal structures built over natural waterways have long been identified as critical vulnerabilities.

Following an aerial survey of the city on Monday, President Mahama ordered the immediate demolition of all such unauthorized structures. "The irresponsible actions of a few individuals end up putting entire communities at risk," he stated.

Accra, one of Africa's fastest-growing urban centers with a population exceeding four million, has faced devastating floods before. In 2015, severe flooding triggered an explosion at a fuel station that claimed approximately 150 lives.

## Calls for Urgent Urban Planning Reform

WaterAid Ghana's director, Ewurabena Yanyi-Akofur, called on authorities to implement stronger urban planning frameworks and disaster preparedness strategies. She stressed that what Accra is experiencing is not a one-off weather anomaly.

"What we are witnessing in Accra is not an isolated weather event, but part of a pattern intensified by climate change and rapid, unplanned urbanisation," she said, urging systemic action to protect communities before, during, and after extreme weather events.

At least 13 people are dead after record rainfall flooded Accra, Ghana. Authorities warn of a second storm as rescue teams save hundreds of survivors.

Deadly Floods Kill 13 in Ghana's Capital Accra

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Deadly Floods Devastate Ghana's Capital Accra as Another Powerful Storm Approaches

## Could Creatine Be the Next Weapon Against Depression?

For decades, creatine has been a fixture in gym bags and sports nutrition stacks, prized for its ability to boost muscle strength and athletic performance. Now, a growing body of scientific interest is pointing in an unexpected direction — toward the brain. Researchers are beginning to ask whether this popular supplement might also play a role in treating depression, one of the world's most prevalent and difficult-to-manage mental health conditions.

## What the Latest Research Found

A newly published systematic review in the journal *Brain Medicine* took a close look at existing clinical evidence surrounding creatine as a potential treatment for depression. Rather than conducting a fresh experiment, the team — led by Bassam Jeryous Fares of the University of Ottawa — analyzed five randomized controlled trials involving a combined 238 participants. Of those, 126 received creatine supplementation and 112 were given a placebo.

The trials were conducted across five countries: South Korea, the United States, Brazil, Israel, and India. Participants averaged 36 years of age, and the majority were women. Four of the five studies focused on major depressive disorder, while one examined participants with bipolar disorder who were experiencing a depressive episode.

Because the study designs varied significantly, researchers chose not to pool the data into a single statistical analysis. Instead, each trial was assessed on its own merits.

## Mixed Results, But Some Encouraging Signals

The findings were far from uniform, but two studies stood out with notably positive outcomes — both involving women diagnosed with major depressive disorder.

In the first, participants who took five grams of creatine daily alongside the antidepressant escitalopram showed significantly greater reductions in depressive symptoms after eight weeks compared to those taking escitalopram with a placebo. The effect size was considered large by conventional standards, with a Cohen's d of 1.13 on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. A higher rate of remission was also observed in the creatine group.

The second positive trial combined creatine supplementation with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Participants receiving creatine alongside CBT demonstrated greater symptom relief on standardized depression assessments than those undergoing therapy with a placebo.

### Where the Evidence Falls Short

The remaining three trials told a different story. One found that neither five nor ten grams of creatine per day improved outcomes in patients whose depression had not responded to medication. Another study testing various doses among adolescent girls showed no advantage over placebo. A third trial involving individuals with bipolar disorder also reported no meaningful improvement.

Beyond the lack of benefit, researchers flagged a notable safety concern: two participants with bipolar disorder developed hypomania or mania after taking creatine, suggesting the supplement may carry distinct risks depending on a person's underlying diagnosis.

## Why Scientists Believe Creatine Could Influence the Brain

The scientific rationale behind this research stems from the brain's extraordinary energy requirements. While creatine is widely recognized for helping muscles rapidly regenerate adenosine triphosphate (ATP) — the molecule that fuels cellular activity — the brain relies on this same energy system just as heavily.

Prior research has identified abnormalities in creatine metabolism within the brains of individuals with mood disorders, prompting scientists to investigate whether disruptions in cellular energy production might contribute to depressive illness. Additionally, creatine may interact with dopamine and serotonin pathways, the very neurotransmitters targeted by most antidepressant medications.

However, the review's authors are careful to distinguish between correlation and causation. These connections remain theoretical, and depression itself is a complex condition involving numerous overlapping biological mechanisms.

## Researchers Urge Measured Optimism

"The signal is interesting, but it is not a verdict," said Fares, first author of the review and a medical student at the University of Ottawa. "Two trials pointed one way and three pointed another. That is not the kind of evidence on which you change clinical practice. It is the kind that tells you the question is worth further exploration."

Nicholas Fabiano, the review's corresponding author and a psychiatry resident at the University of Ottawa, echoed that caution. "Creatine appears to be a safe intervention. The adverse events we found were limited to mild gastrointestinal discomfort. We cannot yet reliably say that creatine helps with depressive symptoms or if the findings are generalizable to everyone."

## Important Limitations to Consider

The review's authors are transparent about the constraints of the current evidence base. The trials were relatively small in scale, skewed heavily toward female participants, and varied in methodological quality. Two studies were rated as having a low risk of bias, while the remaining three raised concerns related to participant assignment procedures and missing data — factors that could influence the reliability of their conclusions.

As a result, experts are not recommending creatine as a routine treatment for depression at this time.

## What Comes Next

The review calls for larger, longer-duration clinical trials that extend well beyond the eight-week windows used in most existing studies. Researchers also recommend exploring creatine in combination with exercise, investigating optimal dosing strategies, and acknowledging that higher doses may not automatically produce stronger effects.

Animal research may also offer valuable clues. Laboratory experiments have demonstrated that creatine affects depression-like behavior differently in male and female rodents — a distinction that could help explain why the human trials involving predominantly female participants yielded the most promising results.

For now, creatine remains a compelling hypothesis rather than a confirmed therapeutic tool. A supplement long associated with physical performance is capturing the attention of mental health researchers — and while the evidence is still emerging, the question itself appears well worth pursuing.

*The peer-reviewed study, "Creatine as a treatment for depression," was published in Brain Medicine and will be available via open access beginning June 30, 2026.*

Scientists are exploring whether creatine supplements could ease depression. A new review of five clinical trials reveals promising but mixed results. Here's wh

Can Creatine Help Treat Depression? New Study Weighs In

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Could Creatine Be the Next Weapon Against Depression?

## The North Sea's Hidden Crater Finally Has an Answer

For more than twenty years, a strange circular structure buried deep beneath the North Sea defied explanation. Scientists argued, debated, and even voted on its origins — and still couldn't agree. Now, a team of researchers has delivered a definitive verdict: the Silverpit Crater was carved out by an asteroid impact roughly 43 to 46 million years ago, and the collision was violent enough to send a wall of water more than 100 meters into the sky.

The findings, published in the journal *Nature Communications*, bring one of geology's most stubborn controversies to a close.

## What Is the Silverpit Crater?

The Silverpit Crater sits approximately 700 meters below the floor of the southern North Sea, around 80 miles off the Yorkshire coastline. First identified in 2002, the structure spans about three kilometers across and is encircled by a sprawling network of circular fault rings stretching nearly 20 kilometers in diameter.

Faults — fractures in the Earth's crust caused by displacement or stress — gave the crater an unusual appearance that immediately caught the attention of geologists. Its circular form, central peak, and radiating fault pattern bore a striking resemblance to confirmed impact sites found elsewhere on the planet.

Yet not everyone was convinced. Some experts argued the feature was the result of shifting underground salt deposits, while others pointed to volcanic collapse as a possible explanation. The debate grew so heated that geologists formally voted on the crater's origins in 2009. At the time, the majority rejected the asteroid impact theory.

## New Evidence Overturns Two Decades of Doubt

The research team, led by Dr. Uisdean Nicholson of Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh and supported by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), approached the problem with a powerful combination of tools: advanced seismic imaging, microscopic rock analysis, and computer-generated impact simulations.

Seismic imaging — which functions much like an ultrasound scan applied to the Earth's crust — gave scientists an extraordinarily detailed view of the crater's underground structure. But the most compelling proof came from something far smaller.

Rock samples recovered from a nearby oil exploration well contained what geologists call **shocked quartz and feldspar crystals** — minerals that bear unmistakable microscopic patterns formed only under extreme pressure. The kind of pressure that only a hypervelocity impact can generate.

### The 'Needle-in-a-Haystack' Discovery

Dr. Nicholson described the find as a fortunate breakthrough:

> *"New seismic imaging has given us an unprecedented look at the crater. Samples from an oil well in the area also revealed rare 'shocked' quartz and feldspar crystals at the same depth as the crater floor. We were exceptionally lucky to find these — a real needle-in-a-haystack effort. These prove the impact crater hypothesis beyond doubt, because they have a fabric that can only be created by extreme shock pressures."*

Shocked minerals are widely regarded as one of the gold standards for confirming asteroid impacts. No ordinary geological process — not volcanic activity, not salt tectonics — can replicate the pressures required to alter these crystals at a microscopic level.

## A 160-Meter Space Rock and a Catastrophic Wave

According to the research team's reconstruction, the object responsible was an asteroid approximately **160 meters (525 feet) wide**. It struck the ancient seabed at a shallow angle, approaching from the west at tremendous speed.

The consequences were instantaneous and catastrophic.

> *"Within minutes, it created a 1.5-kilometer-high curtain of rock and water that then collapsed into the sea, creating a tsunami over 100 meters high,"* said Dr. Nicholson.

To put that in perspective, a 100-meter tsunami stands taller than 330 feet — surpassing the height of many modern skyscrapers. The impact would have blasted enormous quantities of rock, sediment, and seawater high into the atmosphere before the debris collapsed back down and triggered the towering wave.

While small in comparison to the roughly 10-kilometer asteroid thought to have ended the age of the dinosaurs, a 160-meter impactor still carries enough energy to cause regional devastation on a massive scale.

## The Simulation That Sealed the Case

Professor Gareth Collins of Imperial College London, who also participated in the original 2009 debate, developed the numerical models used to simulate the impact. His simulations allowed the team to compare the theoretical effects of such a collision against the actual structure observed beneath the seafloor — and the match was conclusive.

> *"I always thought that the impact hypothesis was the simplest explanation and most consistent with the observations. It is very rewarding to have finally found the silver bullet. We can now get on with the exciting job of using the amazing new data to learn more about how impacts shape planets below the surface."*

## Why So Few Impact Craters Survive on Earth

Despite Earth's long history of being struck by asteroids and comets, relatively few impact craters are still identifiable today. The planet's surface is in a constant state of renewal — shaped and reshaped by erosion, weathering, volcanic eruptions, and the gradual movement of tectonic plates. Over millions of years, these forces quietly erase the evidence of ancient collisions.

The preservation of the Silverpit Crater beneath the North Sea, shielded by layers of sediment, is part of what made it such a scientifically valuable — and endlessly debated — discovery.

With the mystery now resolved, researchers say the real scientific work is just beginning. The crater offers a rare window into how high-velocity impacts deform the Earth's crust, providing clues that could help scientists better understand planetary geology far beyond our own world.

Scientists confirm the Silverpit Crater was formed by an asteroid 43–46 million years ago, unleashing a tsunami over 330 feet tall beneath the North Sea.

Ancient Asteroid Hit North Sea and Caused 330-Foot Tsunami

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Ancient Asteroid Strike in the North Sea Unleashed a 330-Foot Tsunami, Scientists Confirm

## American Scientists Are Looking Abroad as Federal Funding Faces Cuts

A notable shift is underway in the American scientific community. A rising number of highly regarded researchers are packing up their careers and relocating to other countries — with the United Kingdom emerging as one of the top destinations. Many of these scientists point directly to the Trump administration's aggressive targeting of science funding as a driving force behind their decisions.

## A Widening Exodus From U.S. Research Institutions

The trend represents more than individual career moves. When leading scientists leave the United States in significant numbers, the ripple effects touch universities, research institutions, and the broader innovation ecosystem that has long positioned America as a global leader in scientific discovery.

These departing researchers are not simply chasing higher salaries or better weather. Many cite a fundamental concern about the stability and future of science funding under the current federal administration — a concern serious enough to uproot established careers and lives.

## The Role of Trump's Science Funding Policies

The Trump administration has made sweeping cuts to federal research budgets a central part of its fiscal agenda. For scientists who depend on grants and institutional support to conduct their work, this uncertainty has become untenable. Rather than wait and hope for a policy reversal, a growing cohort of researchers is choosing to plant roots in countries where scientific inquiry remains a clearly supported national priority.

The United Kingdom, in particular, has been actively positioning itself to attract global scientific talent, making it a natural landing spot for displaced American researchers seeking stable, well-funded environments.

## What This Means for American Science

The long-term consequences of this brain drain could prove significant. Scientific advancement is cumulative — discoveries build on previous work, and research communities thrive through collaboration and continuity. Losing experienced scientists to foreign institutions means losing not just individuals, but decades of accumulated knowledge, mentorship capacity, and institutional momentum.

As this story continues to develop, the central question facing American policymakers is whether the short-term savings from cutting science budgets are worth the long-term cost of dismantling the research talent pipeline that has fueled U.S. innovation for generations.

Top American scientists are leaving for countries like the U.K. as the Trump administration targets federal science funding, sparking a growing brain drain.

U.S. Scientists Moving Abroad Amid Trump Funding Cuts

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Brain Drain: Top U.S. Scientists Are Leaving America for Opportunities Abroad

## A New Theory for What Drives Yellowstone's Volcanic Power

For decades, scientists thought they had a reasonable handle on what fuels Yellowstone — one of the most closely watched supervolcanoes on Earth. The leading theory pointed to a deep mantle plume, a column of superheated rock rising from near the planet's core. New research, however, tells a very different story.

A team of geoscientists has proposed that a sprawling, horizontal "mantle wind" — not a rising plume — may be responsible for pushing hot rock beneath Yellowstone and generating magma much closer to the surface than previously believed. The findings, published in the journal *Science*, could fundamentally change how researchers think about supervolcano formation worldwide.

## Understanding Why Supervolcanoes Matter

Supervolcanoes are not your average geological feature. When they erupt, they release more than 1,000 cubic kilometers of magma, ash, and rock in a single event — enough to alter global climate patterns, devastate ecosystems, and reshape entire civilizations. For this reason alone, understanding the underground machinery that powers them is a scientific priority.

Yellowstone, located in the western United States, has experienced two such catastrophic supereruptions over the past 2.1 million years. It remains one of the most intensively studied volcanic systems on the planet.

## How Scientists Previously Explained Supervolcanoes

The traditional model of a supervolcano centered on a large, persistent chamber filled mostly with liquid magma. In this view, low-density molten rock slowly accumulates beneath the crust, building pressure until the surrounding rock eventually cracks, collapses, and erupts violently.

But that picture has been quietly unraveling. Mounting evidence suggests that active supervolcanoes do not actually harbor these stable liquid reservoirs. Instead, magma is thought to be spread across vast regions of partially molten rock — a substance scientists call "magma mush." These mush systems stretch across much of the lithosphere, Earth's cold and rigid outer shell, presenting a far more complex structure than older models ever accounted for.

### What Is Magma Mush?

Magma mush is a thick, highly viscous mixture of molten rock and solid material. Unlike a pool of liquid magma, it is dense, relatively immobile, and distributed broadly rather than concentrated in one place. This raises an obvious question: how can something so sluggish and spread out produce the kind of explosive energy seen in a supereruption?

That question has puzzled researchers for years — and it is precisely what this new study sets out to answer.

## The Mantle Wind Explanation

Researchers from the Institute of Geology and Geophysics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences (IGGCAS) developed an advanced three-dimensional geodynamic model of western North America. The model simulates the current behavior of both the lithosphere and the flowing mantle beneath it.

Their results point to the shallow asthenosphere — the hot, slowly flowing layer just beneath the lithosphere — as the true source of Yellowstone's magma supply. Rather than originating from a deep plume, the heat appears to be delivered by a broad eastward-moving mantle wind.

This mantle wind is not at all like wind in the atmosphere. It consists of a wide, horizontal flow of hot rock slowly moving through Earth's mantle. According to the model, it is driven by the long-running subduction of the ancient Farallon Plate, remnants of which still lie buried deep beneath central and eastern North America.

### How the Mantle Wind Generates Magma

As this buoyant hot material moves eastward beneath the continent, it gets drawn downward under the thicker portions of the lithosphere. That downward pull stretches the surrounding rock, triggering a process known as decompression melting — where rock melts not because it gets hotter, but because pressure around it drops. The result is fresh magma produced relatively close to the surface.

This mechanism directly challenges the long-held assumption that Yellowstone sits atop a plume originating at the core-mantle boundary, thousands of kilometers below.

## How Mantle Flow Shapes Yellowstone's Structure

The study goes further than simply explaining where Yellowstone's magma comes from. It also sheds light on the shape and long-term behavior of the volcanic system as a whole.

The eastward mantle flow pushes against a thick root of lithosphere located to the east of Yellowstone. Meanwhile, lighter lithosphere to the west exerts a counterforce. These competing pressures effectively tear at the continental lithosphere, carving out a southwest-dipping channel beneath the volcanic system.

This channel acts as a natural conduit — a pathway through which magma can rise, migrate, and evolve over time. It plays a decisive role in determining both the geometry and the longevity of Yellowstone's vast magmatic system, helping explain why the system has remained active across millions of years.

Importantly, the model's outputs align closely with existing geophysical and geochemical data collected independently from the region, lending credibility to the new framework.

## Broader Implications for Volcanic Science

The researchers believe their work offers the most complete and unified explanation yet for how large magmatic systems develop beneath supervolcanoes. For the first time, a single model connects the process of magma generation in the asthenosphere with its long-term accumulation throughout the lithosphere — two phenomena that had previously been difficult to reconcile.

Perhaps most significantly, the study identifies a physical mechanism capable of sustaining massive, long-lived magma mush systems. Since this characteristic is shared by supervolcanoes around the globe, the implications of the research extend well beyond Yellowstone.

As scientists continue to refine their models and gather new subsurface data, this mantle wind hypothesis may well become the new standard for understanding the deep forces behind Earth's most powerful volcanic events.

New research reveals a massive mantle wind, not a deep plume, may be fueling Yellowstone's supervolcano. Discover what this means for volcanic science.

Yellowstone Supervolcano Powered by Mantle Wind, Not Plume

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Yellowstone's Power Source May Not Be What Scientists Long Assumed

## Teen Cannabis Use Linked to Doubled Risk of Severe Psychiatric Disorders

A sweeping new study involving nearly half a million adolescents has found that teenagers who use cannabis face significantly elevated risks of developing serious mental health conditions, including psychotic and bipolar disorders. The research, published in *JAMA Health Forum*, also revealed that cannabis use typically began almost two years before any psychiatric diagnosis was made — a timeline that raises serious concerns about the drug's impact on still-developing adolescent brains.

## What the Research Found

Researchers tracked 463,396 young people between the ages of 13 and 17, following them through age 26. Among those who reported using cannabis in the prior year, the odds of later receiving a diagnosis of psychotic disorder or bipolar disorder were roughly twice as high compared to non-users. Elevated risks were also observed for depression and anxiety.

The study was a collaborative effort between Kaiser Permanente, the Public Health Institute's Getting it Right from the Start program, the University of California San Francisco, and the University of Southern California. Funding was provided by the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

### Cannabis Use Preceded Diagnosis by Nearly Two Years

Data for the study was drawn from electronic health records gathered during routine pediatric appointments between 2016 and 2023. On average, adolescents reported cannabis use approximately 1.7 to 2.3 years before being diagnosed with a psychiatric condition. Because the study followed participants longitudinally rather than capturing a single point in time, the results offer a stronger foundation for understanding how cannabis exposure during the teenage years may contribute to the onset of mental illness later in life.

## Expert Voices: An Urgent Public Health Matter

Lynn Silver, M.D., program director of Getting it Right from the Start and a co-author of the study, emphasized the seriousness of these findings in the context of today's increasingly potent cannabis market.

"As cannabis becomes more potent and aggressively marketed, this study indicates that adolescent cannabis use is associated with double the risk of incident psychotic and bipolar disorders — two of the most serious mental health conditions," Silver said. "The evidence increasingly points to the need for an urgent public health response — one that reduces product potency, prioritizes prevention, limits youth exposure and marketing, and treats adolescent cannabis use as a serious health issue, not a benign behavior."

Kelly Young-Wolff, Ph.D., lead author and senior research scientist at the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research, added that the elevated risks held up even after accounting for prior mental health diagnoses and other substance use.

"This study adds to the growing body of evidence that cannabis use during adolescence could have potentially detrimental, long-term health effects," Young-Wolff said. "It's imperative that parents and their children have accurate, trusted, and evidence-based information about the risks of adolescent cannabis use."

## A Drug That's More Common — and More Potent — Than Ever

Cannabis remains the most widely used illicit substance among American teenagers. Data from the Monitoring the Future study shows usage climbing steadily with age — from around 8% of eighth graders to 26% of twelfth graders. The 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that more than 10% of U.S. teens aged 12 to 17 reported using cannabis within the previous year.

At the same time, today's cannabis products are far more powerful than those of previous generations. Average THC concentrations in California cannabis flower now surpass 20%, and certain cannabis concentrates have been found to contain more than 95% THC.

### A Broader Lens on Cannabis Use

Unlike many earlier studies that focused narrowly on heavy users or those diagnosed with cannabis use disorder, this research cast a wider net — examining any self-reported cannabis use within the past year, captured through universal screening during standard pediatric care visits.

## Mental Health Disparities a Growing Concern

The study also uncovered troubling patterns related to socioeconomic status. Cannabis use was found to be more prevalent among teens enrolled in Medicaid and those living in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods. The researchers warn that the ongoing commercialization and expansion of cannabis markets could deepen existing mental health disparities, disproportionately affecting already vulnerable youth populations.

These findings collectively make a compelling case for stronger public health policies targeting adolescent cannabis use — including tighter restrictions on marketing, greater investment in prevention programs, and increased regulation of product potency.

A major study of 463,000 teens found cannabis use doubles the risk of psychotic and bipolar disorders, with use preceding diagnosis by nearly two years.

Teen Cannabis Use Doubles Risk of Serious Mental Illness

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Large-Scale Study Finds Teen Cannabis Use Doubles the Risk of Serious Mental Illness

## Why Your Belly Grows With Age: Scientists Uncover the Hidden Biological Trigger

For decades, expanding waistlines have been chalked up to slower metabolisms, poor diet, and less exercise. But groundbreaking new research suggests something far more fundamental may be at work — a newly discovered type of stem cell that quietly emerges during middle age and drives the aggressive production of belly fat.

The findings, published in the prestigious journal *Science*, come from researchers at City of Hope, a leading cancer and diabetes research institution. Their discovery could open entirely new doors for treating age-related obesity and its associated health risks.

## More Than a Cosmetic Problem

Abdominal fat accumulation is one of the most common complaints people have as they grow older — and it tends to happen even when overall body weight stays relatively stable. But this isn't merely an aesthetic issue.

Excess belly fat is strongly associated with a range of serious health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, accelerated biological aging, and a sluggish metabolism. Understanding why fat gravitates toward the midsection as we age has been a long-standing challenge in medical science — until now.

## A Surprising Discovery Inside Fat Tissue

The City of Hope research team, working in collaboration with scientists at UCLA, trained their focus on white adipose tissue (WAT) — the body's primary system for storing excess energy and a key contributor to weight gain.

Scientists already knew that fat cells tend to get larger over time. What was less understood was whether aging also triggers the creation of entirely new fat cells — a process that would mean the body isn't just expanding existing fat stores, but actively building new ones.

To investigate, the team studied **adipocyte progenitor cells (APCs)**, specialized stem cells found within fat tissue that are capable of maturing into fully formed fat cells.

### What the Experiments Revealed

In a revealing series of experiments using mice, researchers transplanted APCs from older animals into younger ones. The result was a dramatic surge in new fat cell production. When the experiment was reversed — transplanting young APCs into older mice — far fewer fat cells were generated.

This told researchers something critical: the fat-producing power was embedded within the older cells themselves, not simply a response to the animal's environment. In other words, aging fundamentally changes these stem cells at a molecular level.

Using **single-cell RNA sequencing** — a cutting-edge technique that maps gene activity within individual cells — the team confirmed that APCs were relatively dormant in young mice. In middle-aged mice, however, these same cells became highly active, churning out new fat cells at a remarkable rate.

"While most adult stem cells' capacity to grow wanes with age, the opposite holds true with APCs — aging unlocks these cells' power to evolve and spread," said Adolfo Garcia-Ocana, Ph.D., chair of the Department of Molecular & Cellular Endocrinology at City of Hope.

## Meet the CP-A: A Newly Identified Age-Specific Stem Cell

Perhaps the most significant finding was the identification of an entirely new category of stem cell that emerges specifically during the aging process.

As mice entered middle age, some APCs transformed into what researchers are calling **committed preadipocytes, age-specific** — or **CP-As**. These cells proved exceptionally efficient at generating new fat cells and appear to be a primary driver of age-related belly fat expansion.

The team also identified a key signaling pathway involved in this process: the **leukemia inhibitory factor receptor (LIFR)**. This molecular communication system appears to instruct CP-A cells to multiply and differentiate into fat cells — a process that intensifies with age.

"We discovered that the body's fat-making process is driven by LIFR. While young mice don't require this signal to make fat, older mice do," explained study co-corresponding author Qiong (Annabel) Wang, Ph.D., an associate professor at City of Hope's Arthur Riggs Diabetes & Metabolism Research Institute.

## The Human Connection

Critically, the researchers didn't stop at mice. To determine whether these findings translate to humans, the team analyzed tissue samples from people across different age groups using the same single-cell RNA sequencing method.

The results were encouraging. Human tissue from middle-aged individuals contained cells that closely mirrored the CP-As identified in mice, and these cells demonstrated a similarly strong capacity to generate new fat cells.

This suggests that the same biological mechanism driving belly fat accumulation in aging mice may also be at play in humans — a finding with significant implications for future treatments.

## A New Frontier in Anti-Obesity Medicine

While further research is needed before any clinical applications become a reality, the discovery provides scientists with a compelling new therapeutic target. By learning how to suppress CP-A activity or block the LIFR signaling pathway, it may one day be possible to slow or even prevent age-related belly fat accumulation.

"Our findings highlight the importance of controlling new fat-cell formation to address age-related obesity," said Wang. "Understanding the role of CP-As in metabolic disorders and how these cells emerge during aging could lead to new medical solutions for reducing belly fat and improving health and longevity."

For the millions of people watching their waistlines expand with each passing decade, that promise may represent one of the most meaningful medical breakthroughs in the fight against obesity and chronic disease.

Researchers at City of Hope identify a new age-specific stem cell that drives belly fat production, offering a potential target for future obesity treatments.

Scientists Discover What Triggers Belly Fat With Age

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Why Your Belly Grows With Age: Scientists Uncover the Hidden Biological Trigger

## How to Keep Your Pets Safe and Calm During Fireworks Season

As communities across the United States prepare for supersized fireworks displays celebrating America's 250th birthday, millions of pet owners face a familiar challenge — keeping their animals calm, safe, and secure during one of the most stressful nights of the year for pets.

What feels like an exciting celebration to humans can be genuinely traumatic for animals. According to Dr. Michael Bailey, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association, dogs and cats can hear and feel fireworks explosions from up to four times the distance that humans can detect them. That heightened sensory experience translates directly into fear, anxiety, and panic — even in typically confident, outgoing animals.

"This is a frightening situation and even the most outgoing and confident dogs will be startled," notes The Seeing Eye, a nonprofit organization dedicated to guide dogs.

## Keep Pets Indoors and Secure

The most important step any pet owner can take is keeping animals inside once fireworks begin. Event organizers for major celebrations, including the Freedom 250 events in Washington, D.C., explicitly state that large public venues are not appropriate environments for pets on the Fourth of July.

If you have guests visiting, place a visible reminder on your door alerting them that a pet is inside. Visitors unfamiliar with your home may accidentally allow an animal to escape.

"Especially if you have guests," Dr. Bailey warns, "they may not realize there's a pet in the house. Put a note on the door: 'Dog in house, please close door.'"

The American Humane Society reports that July 5th is the single busiest day of the year at animal shelters nationwide, as countless pets go missing during the previous night's celebrations.

## Update ID Tags and Microchip Information

Before the holiday arrives, verify that your pet's ID tags and microchip registration contain current, accurate contact information. Should your pet escape in a panic, up-to-date identification dramatically increases the chances of a swift reunion.

The Brandywine Valley SPCA also recommends keeping a recent photograph of your pet on hand and registering it with a photo-matching service such as Petco Love Lost, which helps connect lost animals with their owners.

If you must walk your dog or cat after dark during the holiday period, always use a leash — even if your pet is typically well-behaved off-leash.

## Tire Them Out Before the Show Begins

One of the most effective and natural strategies is surprisingly simple: exercise your pet thoroughly during the day.

"One of the things that we tell people is, get them tired," Dr. Bailey advises. "So that when the fireworks are starting, they want to sleep."

Daytime walks, play sessions, and outdoor activities can help reduce anxiety levels significantly by the time evening celebrations begin.

## Create a Calm, Safe Space at Home

Designate a quiet, comfortable area inside your home — ideally in a central room away from exterior walls — to give your pet a buffer zone from loud noises and bright flashes. Provide familiar toys and, if possible, stay with your pet to offer reassurance.

Background noise from a television, radio, or music can also help mask the startling sounds of fireworks and create a more soothing environment.

"Play some music," Dr. Bailey suggests, noting that steady, calming audio can make a meaningful difference.

## Consider Anti-Anxiety Options

For pets with particularly severe anxiety, consult your veterinarian ahead of time about appropriate treatment options. Depending on the individual animal, a vet may recommend over-the-counter remedies or prescription anti-anxiety medications.

"It's very individualized, depending on the pet," Dr. Bailey explains.

Pressure-based anti-anxiety garments, such as the ThunderShirt, are another option worth exploring. These snug-fitting vests apply gentle, consistent pressure that many dogs and cats find calming during stressful situations.

Pet owners with birds should take additional precautions, as birds are particularly sensitive to the chemical fumes produced by fireworks.

## Check Your Yard After the Fireworks End

Once celebrations have concluded, inspect your yard carefully before allowing pets outside. Fireworks debris, including spent shells and chemical residue, can land in your yard even if you did not set off any fireworks yourself.

The American Veterinary Medical Association cautions that curious animals may attempt to pick up or ingest fireworks debris, which can pose a serious health hazard. A thorough yard check before letting pets roam outside is a simple but essential precaution.

With the right preparation and a thoughtful plan in place, pet owners can help their animals get through the holiday safely — and enjoy the celebration with greater peace of mind.

Fireworks can terrify pets. Follow these vet-approved tips to keep your dogs and cats safe, calm, and secure during July Fourth celebrations.

How to Keep Pets Calm and Safe During Fireworks

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How to Keep Your Pets Safe and Calm During Fireworks Season

## When a Beloved Pet Becomes an Ecological Nightmare

Goldfish are one of the world's most popular household pets — but outside the aquarium, they can become a serious threat to freshwater ecosystems. A landmark new study has confirmed that when goldfish enter natural waterways, whether released by well-meaning owners or escaping during flood events, the consequences can be catastrophic and long-lasting.

Researchers from The University of Toledo and the University of Missouri conducted the study, which was published in the *Journal of Animal Ecology*. Their findings represent some of the most compelling experimental evidence to date that invasive goldfish are capable of fundamentally transforming lakes and other freshwater environments.

## What the Research Found

The study, titled *"Invasive goldfish trigger a regime shift in experimental lake ecosystems of varying trophic state,"* used large outdoor freshwater mesocosms — controlled environments carefully designed to replicate real-world lake conditions. Scientists introduced goldfish (*Carassius auratus*) into these experimental ecosystems and closely tracked the resulting changes over time.

The research team examined two distinct freshwater environments: nutrient-poor (oligotrophic) waters and nutrient-rich (eutrophic) waters. In both settings, the introduction of goldfish caused significant ecological disruption.

### Goldfish Damage Ecosystems in Multiple Ways

According to the study, goldfish that enter wild environments grow rapidly into large fish with an outsized impact on their surroundings. They stir up lake sediments, reduce water clarity, consume large quantities of prey, and aggressively compete with native fish species for resources. The resulting damage ripples through the entire food web, harming phytoplankton communities, invertebrates, aquatic vegetation, and native fish health.

To isolate the specific effects of goldfish — rather than simply the presence of additional fish in general — researchers used both additive and substitutive experimental designs. Their analysis confirmed that while some changes in aquatic plant life were related to total fish population size, the most severe ecological damage was directly attributable to the goldfish themselves.

## A Point of No Return: Ecosystem Regime Shifts

One of the study's most alarming discoveries was the documentation of what scientists refer to as a "regime shift." This occurs when an ecosystem is pushed past a critical threshold and rapidly reorganizes into a fundamentally different — and typically degraded — state. Once this tipping point is crossed, restoring the ecosystem to its original condition becomes extraordinarily difficult and expensive.

Dr. William Hintz, the study's lead investigator and associate professor in UToledo's Department of Environmental Sciences and Lake Erie Center, emphasized the urgency of the findings.

"It is critically important to inform the public that their pets can become pests that will harm freshwater ecosystems," said Dr. Hintz. "The evidence is now clear — releasing a goldfish into the wild might be seen as an act of kindness, but it can turn into a major ecological threat."

Co-author Dr. Rick Relyea, professor at the University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, added that once goldfish establish themselves in natural waterways, they grow to surprisingly large sizes and begin reshaping the ecosystem almost immediately.

## A Global Pet Trade Problem

Goldfish rank among the most widely distributed ornamental fish on the planet. The booming global pet trade continuously moves aquatic species across continents, increasing the likelihood that non-native animals will find their way into ecosystems where they do not belong.

Releases can happen in several ways — deliberate dumping by pet owners, accidental escapes during flooding, or improper disposal. Regardless of the cause, goldfish populations can establish themselves quickly and spread throughout connected waterways with little resistance.

## What Experts Are Calling For

The research team is urging natural resource agencies and policymakers to treat goldfish as a high-priority invasive species. Their recommendations focus on three key areas:

- **Prevention** — stopping the spread of goldfish before populations become established in the wild
- **Early detection** — monitoring waterways for signs of invasive goldfish activity
- **Public education** — informing pet owners about the environmental harm caused by releasing aquarium animals

For goldfish owners who can no longer care for their fish, researchers suggest responsible alternatives such as returning the fish to a pet store, rehoming it with another aquarium hobbyist, or consulting local wildlife authorities for safe disposal guidance.

## The Bigger Picture

This study serves as a powerful reminder that the pet trade carries environmental responsibilities. Animals that thrive in a living room tank can wreak havoc in a natural lake, upsetting ecosystems that took thousands of years to develop. As invasive species continue to pose growing threats to biodiversity worldwide, understanding and addressing the role of the pet trade is more important than ever.

A new study reveals that goldfish released into the wild can trigger devastating ecological shifts, damaging water quality, food webs, and native fish populatio

How Goldfish Are Destroying Freshwater Ecosystems

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How Goldfish Released Into the Wild Are Silently Destroying Freshwater Ecosystems

## Utah Wildfire Crisis Deepens Amid Record-Breaking Fire Conditions

Firefighters on the front lines of the nation's largest active wildfire are facing an uphill battle as a rare and dangerous combination of weather factors pushes the blaze beyond their control. The Cottonwood Fire, burning across a remote stretch of southern Utah, continues to spread unchecked — and conditions show no sign of improving anytime soon.

## An Unprecedented Weather Warning

For the first time in its operational history, the National Weather Service office in Salt Lake City issued a "particularly dangerous situation" red flag warning across parts of Utah on Friday. The extraordinary alert was triggered by a volatile mix of fierce winds, soaring temperatures, and dangerously low humidity levels — a trifecta that creates near-perfect conditions for explosive fire behavior.

Those conditions are expected to persist well into Sunday, posing severe challenges to containment efforts on the ground.

"Our biggest challenge right now is that we have single-digit humidities and wind gusts reaching around 45 miles per hour," said Alyssa Mason, a spokesperson assigned to the Cottonwood Fire. "That's on top of fuel moistures sitting between just 2 and 8 percent."

## Fire Forces Crews Off the Line

On Friday afternoon, the dangerous combination of conditions compelled incident commanders to temporarily pull crews back from the fire line for their own safety. Firefighting aircraft, including helicopters, were also grounded as wind speeds made aerial operations impossible.

The Cottonwood Fire has now scorched an area exceeding the total footprint of Salt Lake City itself, yet remains zero percent contained.

## A Drought-Stricken Landscape Ready to Burn

The severity of this fire season is rooted in months of abnormally dry conditions across the Intermountain West. Utah, Nevada, Colorado, and neighboring states have been gripped by widespread drought following a historically poor winter snowpack season.

Surveyors recorded the lowest snow levels ever measured in parts of the Rocky Mountains this past winter. In Utah specifically, the snowpack — which supplies a significant portion of the state's water as it melts each spring — peaked three full weeks earlier than average and hit the lowest level ever recorded, according to the Utah Division of Water Resources.

This parched landscape has left vegetation bone dry and highly combustible, accelerating the spread of wildfires across the region.

## Governor Declares Emergency, Restricts Fireworks

With multiple large fires straining resources and drought conditions showing no sign of easing, Utah Governor Spencer Cox issued an emergency order last week placing temporary restrictions on firework displays through the Fourth of July holiday.

"When people who have dedicated their lives to protecting Utah tell us this year is different, we desperately need to listen," Cox said during a press conference announcing the move.

Firefighters may get a modest break next week, according to the National Weather Service, as cooler temperatures and slightly higher humidity levels are forecast to move through the region — though the underlying drought conditions will remain a concern.

## The Bigger Picture: Climate, History, and a Worsening Crisis

The Cottonwood Fire is not an isolated incident. According to the U.S. Forest Service, the overwhelming majority of wildfires that ignite across the country each year are caused by human activity. And as global temperatures continue to climb due to human-driven climate change, the fires that do start are becoming increasingly destructive.

A study published this week in the *Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences* revealed a staggering trend: forest fires in the U.S. now burn ten times more acreage annually than they did in 1985.

While fire itself is a natural and even necessary part of many ecosystems — helping clear undergrowth and encourage forest regeneration — a century of aggressive wildfire suppression has left many American forests dangerously overgrown. That accumulated fuel load, combined with rising temperatures and increasingly erratic precipitation patterns, has shifted the balance sharply toward high-severity, destructive fires.

The consequences extend far beyond scorched landscapes. Mitchell Hung, an earth-systems researcher who led the study as a graduate student at UCLA, emphasized the real-world costs of forest loss.

"The loss of these forests isn't just about losing a scenic view," Hung said. "There are profound socioeconomic impacts. Real dollars are being lost each year due to high-severity forest fire."

As the Cottonwood Fire continues to burn and fire weather grips the West, the crisis serves as a stark reminder of the compounding risks that a warming climate poses to communities, ecosystems, and the people who protect them.

The Cottonwood Fire, the largest active wildfire in the U.S., rages unchecked in Utah amid historic fire weather, extreme winds, and record drought conditions.

Cottonwood Fire Burns Unchecked in Southern Utah Wildfire

Utah's Cottonwood Fire Rages Unchecked as Historic Fire Weather Grips the West

## A Mother's Desperate Wait Amid Venezuela's Earthquake Devastation

When two powerful earthquakes tore through Venezuela, Andreina Valerio dropped everything and raced back from work to find her family. Her almost two-year-old son, Santiago, had been spending the day with her partner, Ramsés Mendoza, at her in-laws' apartment in La Guaira — a coastal region now reduced largely to rubble.

What she found when she arrived was unimaginable. The building had completely collapsed. Her brother-in-law, Samuel Mendoza, was already sifting desperately through the wreckage with his bare hands, searching for any sign of life.

## Voices in the Dark: Signs of Life Beneath the Ruins

Andreina confirmed that her son, her partner, and several members of her partner's family — including his mother, father, grandparents, and sister — were still buried somewhere beneath the destroyed structure. Yet she refused to surrender hope.

Samuel recalled that on the first morning after the disaster, he heard a faint sound rising from beneath the debris. "I heard a woman's voice — someone whose voice I couldn't understand at first — and the only word was 'help,'" he said.

The following day brought an even more emotional moment. When Andreina returned to the site, she heard what she believes was her son crying somewhere deep within the wreckage.

"I still have faith my son is alive," she said. "I have faith that it's my son. And I know my son will get through this, as will his family."

Other children were also reported to be trapped in the same building — a nine-year-old boy named Lucas and a three-year-old girl named Aranza.

## Rescue Efforts Overwhelmed as Death Toll Climbs

Specialized rescue teams from El Salvador and Spain arrived at the scene, but were initially unable to penetrate the collapsed structure. As of Saturday, no survivors had been pulled from that particular building.

Across La Guaira, the scale of destruction has been staggering. Official figures indicate more than 1,400 structures have been damaged or destroyed throughout the region. The national death toll has climbed to 1,430, with a further 3,238 people injured and tens of thousands still reported missing.

Venezuela's National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez described the twin earthquakes as "the most disastrous event this republic has suffered in the last 123 years."

## Chaos and Grief Grip La Guaira

On the ground, the situation has been harrowing. Families deprived of sleep, with voices made hoarse from hours of screaming, have been digging through debris with nothing but their bare hands. Neighbors pitched in to help throughout Friday, and volunteers from other parts of Venezuela began arriving to offer whatever support they could.

At one point, only a single small tractor was visible on the street. Heavier machinery eventually appeared, though it faced an arduous journey along a narrow, badly damaged road.

The stench of death hung heavily in the air near the Hotel Edward. Bodies were being transported by volunteers lacking proper equipment — loaded into private cars and vans when ambulances could not navigate the congested roads. With traffic backed up severely around a nearby collapsed bridge, injured survivors were even seen being ferried away on the backs of motorcycles.

At night, relatives camped in the streets, unwilling to leave for fear that authorities would block access to the area and, with it, any chance of reaching their loved ones.

## Government Response and International Aid

Interim President Delcy Rodríguez announced that 14,000 security personnel had been deployed to La Guaira state, which she described as having been "militarised" in the interest of public safety. She also confirmed that rescue teams from ten nations were expected to arrive by Saturday, and that electricity had been restored to approximately 60% of the affected region.

Despite the large security presence, tensions flared at times — including at least one incident involving police responding to a suspected theft amid the chaos.

Meanwhile, volunteers distributed medicine and clothing to survivors in need, doing what they could to fill the gaps left by overwhelmed emergency services.

## Hospitals Strained as Trauma Mounts

At a hospital in Caracas that has been receiving casualties from La Guaira, a doctor reported that at least 600 patients had been admitted, the majority suffering from fractures. Beyond the physical injuries, he noted that many survivors were showing signs of severe psychological trauma, with some experiencing acute panic attacks.

For families like Andreina's, the wait continues — each passing hour a test of endurance and faith. Her words capture the spirit of countless Venezuelans refusing to give up on those they love.

"I know my son will get through this," she said, "as will his family."

A Venezuelan mother holds onto hope after hearing her trapped toddler crying beneath earthquake rubble in La Guaira, as the death toll surpasses 1,430.