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Big animals have higher ******* risk – but also evolved better defences Big animals have higher ******* risk – but also evolved better defences African elephants have extra copies of genes that help resist ******* Neil Aldridge/Nature Picture Library/Alamy ******* animals live longer and have more cells that could go awry, so we would expect them to have a greater risk of developing *******. A comprehensive analysis of 263 species suggests this is indeed the case, but also finds that some large animals have evolved ways to curb the risk. “We provide the first empirical evidence to show that there’s an association between body size and ******* prevalence, meaning that ******* species get more ******* than smaller species,” says George Butler at University College London. The results stand in contrast to prior studies that have found no link between body mass and ******* rates. But many of these involved just a few dozen species, says Butler. To gain a broader view, Butler and his colleagues analysed data on the size and ******* rates of 79 species of bird, 90 mammals, 63 reptiles and 31 amphibians. This data came from previous work by other researchers, who had sifted through autopsy records that logged whether captive animals – kept in places like zoos and aquariums – had ******* when they died. The team found that larger animals were slightly more likely to have ******* at the time of their death compared with smaller ones. Across birds and mammals, every 1 per cent increase in body mass was linked to a 0.1 per cent increase in ******* rate, on average. Body mass data wasn’t available for reptiles and amphibians, so the team used body length, finding that every 1 per cent increase was linked to an average rise in ******* rate of 0.003 per cent. Butler and his team say their findings challenge a long-standing idea known as Peto’s paradox, which points out that ******* rates should correlate with body size but don’t. On the other hand, Vera Gorbunova at the University of Rochester in New York state says the weakness of the correlation still demands explanation. “The increase in risk they see is very, very minor, and it’s just not proportional at all to body size,” she says. “If you take a small animal like a mouse, and a human is maybe 100 times *******, or an elephant is 1000 times *******, the difference in ******* rate is not 100 times higher in humans, or 1000 times higher in the elephant.” That suggests larger species have evolved more ways to protect themselves, says Gorbunova. Indeed, by using evolutionary trees to infer animals’ rates of body size evolution, the team found that bird and mammal species of similar size had better defences against ******* if they had experienced a more rapid increase in size during their evolution. Previous studies have pinpointed genetic adaptations in elephants and whales that may protect against ******* by improving DNA repair or stopping faulty cells from dividing. A deeper understanding of how some animals resist ******* could lead to new therapies for people, says Gorbunova. “If you find out that, in these *******-resistant animals, there are particular biological pathways that are tweaked differently, we could also design, for example, small molecules that would target these pathways and then either kill ******* cells more efficiently, or maybe even prevent ******* from occurring,” she says. “These would be likely to be very promising drugs because, in the course of evolution, those mechanisms have been tested over millions of years,” she says. Topics: Source link #Big #animals #higher #******* #risk #evolved #defences Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Trump picks loyalist Bongino to be second-in-command at FBI – PBS NewsHour Trump picks loyalist Bongino to be second-in-command at FBI – PBS NewsHour Trump picks loyalist Bongino to be second-in-command at FBI PBS NewsHourPodcaster and ex-Secret Service agent Dan Bongino will be FBI deputy director, Trump says CNNHow Dan Bongino Fits Into Trump’s Plans to Remake the FBI TIME Source link #Trump #picks #loyalist #Bongino #secondincommand #FBI #PBS #NewsHour Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Unlocking opportunities to create new designer 2D materials with a twist Unlocking opportunities to create new designer 2D materials with a twist Bilayer 2D COFs monitored in real-time and designable moiré superlattice formation. Credit: Nature Chemistry (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41557-025-01748-5 Chemists from the National University of Singapore (NUS) have successfully imaged the dynamic assembly of bilayer covalent organic frameworks (COFs) in solution, providing new insights into controlled stacking and moiré superlattice formation. Moiré superlattices belong to the exciting field of “twistronics,” where a new correlated electron phase can be created when one lattice is rotated with respect to another in a stacked structure. In a correlated electron phase, the properties of electrons are significantly influenced by their interactions with each other, rather than behaving as independent particles, and they can give rise to unique forms of superconductivity or ferromagnetism. While the formation of Moiré superlattices have been seen in pure inorganic materials, it is much rarer to see them in pure organic crystals. One reason is that moiré superlattices have to be ultrathin and highly crystalline to be imaged by conventional microscopy techniques, and these properties are not easy to find in organic materials. Two-dimensional covalent organic frameworks (2D COFs) are highly porous organic materials with significant potential in catalysis, energy storage, and gas storage. These frameworks consist of covalently bonded layers, stacked via electrostatic interactions and van der Waals forces. However, the transition from a monolayer to a bilayer remains poorly understood due to the complex interplay of bonding forces, including van der Waals, electrostatic, and hydrogen bonding. The precise stacking of the second layer is critical, as misalignment can reduce the material’s crystallinity. Currently, producing single COF crystals larger than a millimeter is challenging due to potential errors in bonding in both the horizontal (x–y) and vertical (z) dimensions. Misalignment during stacking often leads to crystallinity issues, particularly from rotational misalignments between layers. Observing the stacking process during growth is essential for understanding the mechanism, but this poses significant experimental challenges, as the process occurs in solution. Random stacking and bond formation during hydrothermal synthesis contribute to poor crystallinity, often resulting in crystal domains smaller than tens of microns. A deeper understanding of layer stacking could enhance synthesis methods, enabling the fabrication of larger COF crystals. While there has been substantial progress in synthesizing monolayer 2D polymers (2DP), the development of bilayer 2DP stacks remains limited. This area is particularly promising, as stacking or twisting 2D materials can create new materials with properties distinct from those of the individual layers. In inorganic materials, this field, known as twistronics, has led to discoveries but remains to be explored in 2D organic materials. Breakthrough in bilayer COF synthesis and imaging A team led by Professor Loh Kian Ping from the NUS Department of Chemistry has developed a method for synthesizing large area two-layer 2D COFs at the liquid-substrate interface. This was achieved through the direct condensation of chemical molecules. The research is published in the journal Nature Chemistry. Using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) in solution, they successfully imaged the molecular assembly process, capturing the formation of both the monolayer and bilayer. More importantly, they show how molecular structure and solvent mixture influence the bilayer stacking modes, and how, under certain conditions, large-area moiré superlattices emerge from twisted bilayer stacking. Due to their highly porous and organic nature, COFs present significant challenges for imaging in air or ultra-high vacuum (UHV) conditions using STM. The pores of COFs are typically filled with solvent, and their surfaces may trap residues, complicating atomic-scale imaging. To overcome these difficulties, the team focused on imaging COFs directly in solution, where the surface is cleaner than when exposed to air. AA eclipsed/shifted stacking and their dynamic stacking processes. Credit: Nature Chemistry (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41557-025-01748-5 Prof. Loh said, “Performing STM in solution allows us to study the dynamic self-assembly process of molecular frameworks in real-time.” The research team includes Dr. Zhan Gaolei, who was an NUS postdoctoral fellow at the time of the research and is currently a researcher at Suzhou Institute of Nano-tech and Nano-bionics, China, Professor Steven De Feyter from KU Leuven, Belgium, and Professor Zhu Yihan from Zhejiang University of Technology, China. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matter—daily or weekly. Moiré superlattices and controlled twist angles A moiré superlattice is a pattern that emerges when two layers of periodic structures, like 2D materials, are stacked on top of each other but slightly misaligned or at different angles. This misalignment creates a new, larger periodic pattern that is not present in either of the original layers. In simpler terms, it is like two sets of paper strips. If one set of paper strips is placed over another but rotated slightly, the overlapping area will create a new pattern—similar to the moiré pattern. Moiré superlattices can lead to interesting electronic properties and behaviors that are not found in the individual layers, making them a significant area of research in materials science and condensed matter physics. The research team demonstrated that by designing specific precursor molecules, they could precisely control the twist angle of the stacked COF layers to form a moiré superlattice. Unlike inorganic 2D materials, where the twist angles are often random and difficult to control, in 2D COFs, the twist angles can be controlled by designing the molecular precursors. The researchers compared two different monomer isomers: pyrene-2,7-diboronic acid (27-PDBA) and pyrene-1,6-diboronic acid (16-PDBA). With 27-PDBA, the second layer could either be AA-stacked or twisted in relation to the first layer. In contrast, only a moiré superstructure formed with 16-PDBA exhibited a uniform moiré superstructure. This difference is attributed to the subtle differences in the electrostatic potentials. 27-PDBA exhibits concentrated negative charge lobes on its boroxine rings, which may hinder the formation of twisted phases compared with 16-PDBA, which has a flatter electrostatic potential. Implications and future directions This study provides fundamental insights into the controlled synthesis of ultra-thin porous organic films, as thin as two-unit cell layers. Such films with well-controlled channel structures can be used as ultra-thin filtration layers in nanofiltration applications. Furthermore, the ability to tune the twist angle in stacked COFs opens new possibilities for manipulating light propagation, including phase and polarization control. Looking ahead, the researchers plan to extend the concept to a broader class of molecular precursors with different linkage chemistries. They aim to achieve deterministic control over twist angles in bilayer COF stacking, unlocking further potential applications in filtration and optical materials. More information: Gaolei Zhan et al, Moiré two-dimensional covalent organic framework superlattices, Nature Chemistry (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41557-025-01748-5 Provided by National University of Singapore Citation: Unlocking opportunities to create new designer 2D materials with a twist (2025, February 24) retrieved 24 February 2025 from This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only. Source link #Unlocking #opportunities #create #designer #materials #twist Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Bali Nine member escapes punishment for 2005 joy ride Bali Nine member escapes punishment for 2005 joy ride A Bali Nine member has escaped without any further punishment after he was arrested and charged over a joy ride 20 years ago. Source link #Bali #member #escapes #punishment #joy #ride Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Roosevelt Hotel Shelter, Symbol of NYC Migrant Crisis, Will Close – The New York Times Roosevelt Hotel Shelter, Symbol of NYC Migrant Crisis, Will Close – The New York Times Roosevelt Hotel Shelter, Symbol of NYC Migrant Crisis, Will Close The New York TimesNYC mayor announces closure of Roosevelt Hotel Asylum Seeker Arrival Center NBC New YorkNYC’s Roosevelt Hotel set to close as a migrant shelter according to Mayor Eric Adams ABC7 New York Source link #Roosevelt #Hotel #Shelter #Symbol #NYC #Migrant #Crisis #Close #York #Times Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

UN Security Council adopts neutral US stance on Ukraine UN Security Council adopts neutral US stance on Ukraine In the UN General Assembly, the US has joined Russia in voting against a Europe-backed Ukrainian resolution that calls out Moscow’s aggression. Source link #Security #Council #adopts #neutral #stance #Ukraine Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Wyoming Resident Purposely Misgenders Senator To Prove A Point Wyoming Resident Purposely Misgenders Senator To Prove A Point A Wyoming resident purposely referred to Wyoming Sen. Tim French (R) as “madam” in an effort to point out the hypocrisy of Senate File 0077, which states “compelled speech is not free speech,” and employees of the state are not required to use another employee’s preferred pronouns. During Friday’s Wyoming Senate Agriculture, State and Public Lands & Water Resources committee meeting, Britt Boril joined the meeting via video and addressed French as “Madam Chairman.” When French told Boril to call him “Mister Chairman,” Boril responded that she “cannot be compelled to use” his preferred pronouns. “I prefer to be called Chairman French,” French said. “That’s my preferred pronoun.” “I know, and you all voted that preferred pronouns cannot be compelled speech in SF77,” Boril said. “Anyway, my name is Britt Boril…” Boril did not respond to a request for an interview, but in a video posted on her Instagram, she said that “misgendering people is not cool,” and it’s “always disrespectful and dehumanizing whether intentional or not.” She said she’s been watching her Wyoming legislators “tear people down” and not listen to residents’ testimony, so when she deliberately misgendered French, “Disrespect was the message.” She said she worries that others will do the same in “bad faith.” “We’re all about mindful malicious compliance here,” she said. A Wyoming resident (right) purposely referred to Wyoming Sen. Tim French (left) as “madam” in an effort to point out the hypocrisy of a bill that states employees of the state are not required to use another employee’s preferred pronouns. wyoleg.gov/screenshot French did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Wyoming Sen. Lynn Hutchings (R), who sponsored the bill, also did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Boril joined the committee meeting to share testimony regarding What Is A Woman Act, which states that a female is a person who has, had or will have the “reproductive system that at some point produces, transports and utilizes eggs for fertilization.” Boril told the committee that the act puts women in “real danger through government overreach” because if a woman don’t present as “female enough,” Boril asks if they would have to undergo a ******** inspection just to use the bathroom. She asked why legislators are attacking women and trans people instead of focusing on issues “that actually matter” to Wyoming citizens. She also asked the legislators to vote no on the bill and to “do their jobs.” French thanked her for her testimony and said, “We are doing our job. We work hard at it every — it starts with a D. Every D-day.” A trio of anti-trans and anti-DEI bills in Wyoming, including What Is A Woman Act, made headway last month. The other two bills would close DEI offices in the state and the University of Wyoming, and one would ban transgender students from playing sports at UW and other community colleges in the state. Related… Source link #Wyoming #Resident #Purposely #Misgenders #Senator #Prove #Point Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Germany’s election could further boost Europe's defense sector — and these stocks are set to benefit, analysts say Germany’s election could further boost Europe's defense sector — and these stocks are set to benefit, analysts say Germany headed to the polls on Sunday for the country’s federal election, with the result paving the way for a new coalition government. Source link #Germanys #election #boost #Europe039s #defense #sector #stocks #set #benefit #analysts Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Going out of business: Joann to close all 800+ stores – Bring Me The News Going out of business: Joann to close all 800+ stores – Bring Me The News Going out of business: Joann to close all 800+ stores Bring Me The NewsJoann stores closing: All fabric and crafts stores to liquidate in “a number of weeks” AxiosAll of Joann’s stores now set to close after new ownership group wins bid USA TODAYJoann will close all stores, shutter business pending court approval The Washington Post Source link #business #Joann #close #stores #Bring #News Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Recruit to be a vice-captain in first season with Crows Recruit to be a vice-captain in first season with Crows Adelaide have named recruit Alex Neal-Bullen as one of four vice-captains under skipper Jordan Dawson ahead of the 2025 AFL season. Source link #Recruit #vicecaptain #season #Crows Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Judge denies AP’s request for restored access to presidential events Judge denies AP’s request for restored access to presidential events Associated Press suing the White House Why the Associated Press is suing Trump White House officials 04:07 A federal judge denied an emergency motion to restore access for Associated Press reporters and photographers to White House events Monday, pending a fuller briefing and another hearing before he rules. The Associated Press sued three Trump administration officials — White House chief of staff Susie Wiles, deputy chief of staff Taylor Budowich, and press secretary Karoline Leavitt — last week, arguing its reporters were unconstitutionally banned in retaliation for the news company’s refusal to change its style from the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America,” after President Trump signed an executive order renaming the body of water in January. Judge Trevor McFadden, appointed to the federal bench by President Trump, said that an expedited briefing schedule would be necessary and additional briefs would be required before he can make a decision in the matter. Jacob Rosen Jake Rosen is a reporter covering the Department of Justice. He was previously a campaign digital reporter covering President Trump’s 2024 campaign and also served as an associate producer for “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan,” where he worked with Brennan for two years on the broadcast. Rosen has been a producer for several CBS News podcasts, including “The Takeout,” “The Debrief” and “Agent of Betrayal: The Double Life of Robert Hanssen.” Source link #Judge #denies #APs #request #restored #access #presidential #events Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

J&J sues Samsung Bioepis over contract breach for Stelara biosimilar J&J sues Samsung Bioepis over contract breach for Stelara biosimilar (Reuters) – Johnson & Johnson said on Monday it had filed a lawsuit against Samsung Bioepis for breaching its contract agreement with the drugmaker over the launch of a biosimilar to Stelara, J&J’s autoimmune drug. J&J said it is seeking a preliminary injunction for Samsung Bioepis’ close copy of Stelara over an unauthorized sublicense deal with a private label provider, which the drugmaker declined to identify. The company, along with partner Sandoz, said earlier on Monday that its biosimilar Pyzchiva is now available in the United States. J&J over the past two years has signed settlement agreements with several companies to delay the U.S. launches of Stelara, its top-selling drug since 2019. Close copies of Stelara launched in Europe, Canada and a few other markets last year and at least six close copies of Stelara are expected to launch in the U.S. this year. Teva Pharmaceuticals and Alvotech last Friday launched Selarsdi, a biosimilar to Stelara. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has allowed the use of Selarsdi as an “interchangeable” substitute only after April 30, when the exclusive rights for Amgen’s Wezlana expire. Pyzchiva is approved to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, active psoriatic arthritis, moderately to severely active Crohn’s disease and moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis. (Reporting by Sneha S K in Bengaluru; Editing by Alan Barona) Source link #sues #Samsung #Bioepis #contract #breach #Stelara #biosimilar Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

50,000-Year-Old Kiss Painting Found in Brazil’s Serra da Capivara 50,000-Year-Old Kiss Painting Found in Brazil’s Serra da Capivara ‘The Kiss’ found at Brazil’s Serra da Capivara National Park. Credit: ICMBio – Public Domain. The first painting depicting a kiss in human history may have been discovered in Brazil’s Serra da Capivara National Park. According to the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio), researchers believe a rock painting in the park, showing people touching heads, could be one of the earliest depictions of a kiss, as the painting dates back 50,000 years. The institute announced on social media that this painting was found alongside other drawings engraved on cave walls across the park. The paintings document the presence of prehistoric humans in South America. ICMBio says the paintings depict ******* acts, kisses, and hugs In the statement posted to Instagram, ICMBio stated, “The paintings depict not only everyday aspects, such as hunting and rituals, but also show affectionate and social interactions, such as records of ******* acts, kisses, and hugs.” Additionally, the institute says the park holds the largest collection of known rock paintings in the Americas. According to the researchers, ancient humans in modern-day Brazil created the paintings, including one depicting a kiss, using natural pigments such as iron oxides and charcoal. The paintings have surprising durability due to the dry climate and the characteristics of the sandstone rocks. A screenshot of the original icmbio depicting showing ‘The Kiss’. Credit: ICMBio via Instagram. Serra da Capivara National Park houses approximately 35,000 rock drawings, some dating back 50,000 years. It also contains more than 1,300 archaeological sites. The park, located in the Brazilian state of Piauí, had its rock art recognized as a World Heritage Site in 1991. Other remarkable early depictions of kisses If the ‘first kiss’ rock painting found in Brazil is confirmed to be 50,000 years old, it would more likely than not be the earliest depiction of a kiss in art. However, this has not been confirmed. Until this is confirmed, however, the oldest confirmed depiction of a kiss in a painting is more likely than not those on ancient Greek pottery. Scholars widely accept some of these vases dating back to the 7th century BCE as some of the earliest depictions of romantic gestures in art. A famous example of this is the Attic Red-Figure Kylix. This drinking cup portrays a scene in which a couple is affectionate with each other and shares an embrace. The cup dates back to 480 BCE. Retweeted J. Paul Getty Museum (@GettyMuseum): On the interior of this Athenian red-figure kylix or cup, a seated youth pulls his older male lover down toward him for a kiss. On view at the #GettyVilla #InternationalKissingDay pic.twitter.com/6oTHUGawBL — Hadrian Bagration (@HBagration) July 6, 2018 Another example is the Attic Red-Figure Lekythos, a vase used for storing oil, portraying a couple sharing an intimate moment. Scholars continue to debate these poses, leading to differing interpretations of whether kisses were depicted on the vases. Source link #50000YearOld #Kiss #Painting #Brazils #Serra #Capivara Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Stock market today: Live updates Stock market today: Live updates Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange during morning trading on Feb. 19, 2025. Michael M. Santiago | Getty Images News | Getty Images S&P 500 futures were relatively unchanged on Monday evening after the broad market index was unable to recover from last week’s sell-off, notching its third session in the red. Futures tied to the S&P 500, along with Nasdaq-100 futures, were about 0.1% higher. Futures tied to the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 48 points, or 0.1%. During Monday’s regular trading, shares of key tech companies dragged down the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq Composite to session losses. Defense tech and artificial intelligence play Palantir extended last week’s decline by falling more than 10%, while Microsoft lost 1% on the heels of a TD Cowen report signaling that the company is slashing data center spending. Nvidia also shed 3% ahead of its quarterly results due Wednesday after the bell. Monday’s decline among tech names also pulled the Nasdaq Composite into negative territory year to date. “Investors in the market more broadly, they sort of almost want to believe that the AI trade is over. They’re looking for evidence [and] reasons to doubt,” Doug Clinton, a managing partner at Deepwater Asset Management, said on CNBC’s “Closing Bell” on Monday. “From our perspective, the AI trade is still real. I don’t think this ***** is over. I still think we have two to four years to go.” Along with Nvidia’s earnings this week, Wall Street is looking ahead to a batch of other key results, including Home Depot’s release before the opening bell on Tuesday. On the economic front, investors are also turning their attention to the latest U.S. consumer confidence data due out at 10:00 a.m. ET Tuesday. Economists polled by Dow Jones are expecting the Conference Board’s consumer confidence index to show a reading of 102.3 for February, less than the previous month’s reading of 104.1. The data comes ahead of a slew of other economic data releases later in the week, including January’s personal consumption expenditures price index reading Friday. The PCE is the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge. Source link #Stock #market #today #Live #updates Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Pope shows ‘slight improvement’ amid special prayers at St. Peter’s – The Washington Post Pope shows ‘slight improvement’ amid special prayers at St. Peter’s – The Washington Post Pope shows ‘slight improvement’ amid special prayers at St. Peter’s The Washington PostPope Francis shows slight improvement and resumes some work, while still critical, ******** says The Associated Press’Slight improvement’ in Pope’s condition ******** News – EnglishNew Jersey doctor breaks down what health conditions are plaguing Pope Francis, what this means CBS News Source link #Pope #shows #slight #improvement #special #prayers #Peters #Washington #Post Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

The Star Wars Legends Graphic Novel Omnibus Will Take Fans Back To The Old Republic Era Next Month The Star Wars Legends Graphic Novel Omnibus Will Take Fans Back To The Old Republic Era Next Month The Star Wars expanded universe has explored the various parts of a Galaxy Far, Far Away that the movies only hinted at, and the comics are packed with all-new storylines and eras of the Star Wars mythos–and soon, readers can return to the fan-favorite Old Republic era with the Star Wars Legends: The Old Republic Omnibus Edition that launches March 25 and is available to preorder for $150 at Amazon. $150 | Releases March 25 When we say massive, we mean this collection is big enough to be confused with the Death Star. The Old Republic Omnibus Edition is almost 1,400 pages in size, and collects the following issues: Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic #1-50 Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic – War #1-5 Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic Handbook Select material from Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic/Rebellion #0 Despite sharing the same name and being set in the same era of the (now non-canon) Star Wars Legends Universe, The Knights of the Old Republic comic series feature a different series events than Bioware classic Knights of the Old Republic video game. The comics follow young Jedi Zayne Carrick, a fugitive who was framed for ******* by his own Jedi masters. On the run, Carrick joins up with **** artist Marn Hierogryph, outlaw scientist Camper, and bodyguard Jarael. Determined to clear his name, the ragtag group soon find themselves facing off against corrupted Jedi, deadly Mandalorians, and the Sith as they journey across the galaxy. As mentioned above, the Star Wars Legends series is the name for the expanded universe material published before Disney bought the franchise and retconned all those old stories. Despite not being a part of the current Star Wars in-universe lore, fans still love many of these beloved stories, so it’s nice when they’re reprinted like this. If you’re interested in exploring this version of the Star Wars universe tales, you can pick up Omnibus Editions of various other Star Wars Legends comics series at Amazon. Star Wars Legends: The Empire tells the story of what happened after Revenge of the Sith as Palpatine and Darth Vader cemented their rule on the galaxy, while Star Wars Legends: The Rebellion follows the Rebel Alliance and its attempts to bring order back to the galaxy. There’s also Star Wars Legends: Tales of the Jedi Volume 1 for $91 (was $150) that explores the origin and early days of the ancient order of peacekeepers, and to see how the galaxy changed after Return of the Jedi, you can read through the Star Wars Legends: The New Republic comics that envisioned a very different future for Star Wars before Disney came along with its sequel trilogy of films. Check out more Star Wars Legends Omnibus Editions in the list below. More Star Wars Legends Omnibus Edition Preorders Source link #Star #Wars #Legends #Graphic #Omnibus #Fans #Republic #Era #Month Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Woodside’s profit more than doubles to $5.6 billion Woodside’s profit more than doubles to $5.6 billion Woodside says its statutory net profit after tax rose 115 per cent in 2024 to $US3.57 billion ($5.62 billion), but it will pay a smaller dividend. Australia’s largest oil and gas producer said its underlying net profit for the 12 months to December 31 was down 13 per cent to $US2.88 billion ($4.5 billion), primarily due to lower oil and gas prices. The company produced a record 193.9 million barrels of oil equivalent in 2024, underpinned by strong early production at its Sangomar oil field off the coast of Senegal, which $1.5 generated US$950 million in sales revenue since producing its first oil in June. Woodside chief executive Meg O’Neill said that Woodside was set to become a highly cash-generative business. “Our proven track record of operational excellence, disciplined investment decisions and world-class project execution is delivering near-term rewards for our shareholders while laying the foundations for a new chapter of value creation.” Woodside’s Scarborough project 375km off the Pilbara coast of WA is now 80 per cent complete and on track for its first LNG cargo in 2026, Ms O’Neill said. Woodside said its operating revenue was down six per cent to $US13.2 billion, as the average realised price it received for oil equivalent dropped seven per cent. Production costs were down two per cent despite the inflationary environment, Woodside highlighted. Woodside said that it would pay a 53 US cent per share fully franked final dividend, down from 60 cents per share a year ago. Source link #Woodsides #profit #doubles #billion Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii Review – A Swashbuckling Success I The Koalition Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii Review – A Swashbuckling Success I The Koalition Richard Bailey Jr. of The Koalition writes: ARR!!! Assassin’s Creed IV: ****** Flag has been dethroned (in my opinion) as the best pirate video game. Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is a WILD pirate adventure game built within the Like a Dragon (aka Yakuza) universe. Source link #Dragon #Pirate #Yakuza #Hawaii #Review #Swashbuckling #Success #Koalition Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Pennsylvania’s governor says the Trump administration has unfrozen billions in grants and loans Pennsylvania’s governor says the Trump administration has unfrozen billions in grants and loans HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said Monday that President Donald Trump ’s administration has freed up billions in federal aid that the Democrat had accused it of withholding illegally and unconstitutionally. Shapiro said in a news conference that more than $2 billion that his administration had identified as either frozen or held up by an unspecified review was now accessible to state agencies. Shapiro sued in federal court over the aid on Feb. 13, after federal courts had repeatedly rejected the Trump administration’s sweeping pause on federal funding and questioned whether the Trump administration was ignoring court orders. Trusted news and daily delights, right in your inbox See for yourself — The Yodel is the go-to source for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories. Shapiro also said he pressed his case in conversations with senior Trump administration officials while he was in Washington, D.C., over the weekend. The U.S. attorney’s office in Philadelphia, which represents the federal agencies named in the lawsuit, did not immediately comment on Monday. In federal court in Rhode Island, Trump administration lawyers, however, have argued that the government’s move to freeze funds was legal and asked a judge to reject a request by nearly two dozen Democratic states for a preliminary injunction. Administration lawyers characterized the freeze as simply a “pause” to consider how best to use federal funds. They contended the case was moot since the Office of Management and Budget had rescinded its memo in late January freezing federal grants and loans. Much of the stalled grant funding identified by Shapiro’s administration was passed by Congress in signature laws signed by former President Joe Biden, including his landmark 2022 climate law, the Inflation Reduction Act, and his 2021 infrastructure law. The lawsuit had said aid was being withheld from programs that distribute money to upgrade energy efficiency in homes, plug abandoned gas wells, clean up abandoned mine land, improve municipal water and sewer systems and reimburse industry for cutting their planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions. Five federal agencies were named as defendants: the White House Office of Management and Budget, the Environmental Protection Agency and the departments of Interior and Transportation. None have commented on the lawsuit, except for the Department of Energy, which said it was complying with the court orders. However, the department didn’t say whether it had released funding that Shapiro’s administration accused it of holding up. ___ Follow Marc Levy on X at: Source link #Pennsylvanias #governor #Trump #administration #unfrozen #billions #grants #loans Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Once Human Cross-Save Beta Test Starts Later This Week Once Human Cross-Save Beta Test Starts Later This Week Starry Studio has announced that it’ll be conducting a closed beta test for cross-save on Once Human. It’ll take place starting on February 27 at 8 PM PT / 11 PM ET and ends on March 1 at 3 AM PT / 6 AM PT. The beta test will only be between iOS and Android platforms, with progress during the beta test being retained afterwards. All scenarios will be available for this beta test, and progression is fully cross-platform with Once Human’s PC version. Players on Steam, Epic Games Store, and Starry Studio’s launcher, Loading Bay, can use their existing characters for the beta test. In order to get access to this beta test, players will be invited via survey. Successful applications will receive an invite to the beta test through the player’s in-game mail. Once Human currently has cross-play meaning that players on announced platforms can play with each other as long as they’re on the same server. However, cross-save is being worked on at the moment as it has “limitations.” Starry Studio said that a console version of Once Human is coming after it wraps up development of the mobile version, which are set to launch on April 10 for iOS and Android. Once Human is now available for PC. It’s a free-to-play game that launched last year and made it to the #4 slot of Steam’s top 10 most-played games during the week it was released. Source link #Human #CrossSave #Beta #Test #Starts #Week Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Starbucks asks office workers to stay at home as it announces 1,100 job cuts – Financial Times Starbucks asks office workers to stay at home as it announces 1,100 job cuts – Financial Times Starbucks asks office workers to stay at home as it announces 1,100 job cuts Financial TimesStarbucks cuts 2025: Company announces layoffs and what it’s cutting from menu AxiosStarbucks is laying off workers and paring back the menu as it tries to turn the business around CNNStarbucks lays off 1,100 corporate employees as coffee chain streamlines The Associated PressStarbucks to lay off 1,100 employees this week as CEO aims to deliver on turnaround Yahoo Finance Source link #Starbucks #asks #office #workers #stay #home #announces #job #cuts #Financial #Times Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Monster Hunter Wilds | Fortress of Solitude Review – An Early Game of the Year Contender Monster Hunter Wilds | Fortress of Solitude Review – An Early Game of the Year Contender PSU: “Endlessly ambitious and full of detail, Monster Hunter: Wilds manages to deliver on everything that it sets out to do and then some. I have complete faith in Capcom to keep building off of this launch as one of their strongest foundations yet. Putting the game down genuinely seems like an impossibility with just how much there is to do. The wait has been long and tense, but Capcom haven’t missed the mark with their latest and arguably, greatest.” Source link #Monster #Hunter #Wilds #Fortress #Solitude #Review #Early #Game #Year #Contender Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Guyana waiting for Exxon’s gas development plans until end of March, VP says Guyana waiting for Exxon’s gas development plans until end of March, VP says By Marianna Parraga and Kemol King GEORGETOWN (Reuters) – Guyana’s government expects a consortium led by U.S. oil major Exxon Mobil to brief officials by the end of March on plans to develop offshore gas, the country’s vice president told Reuters. “They said: ‘by end March, we will tell you what we will do.’ And that’s what we’re waiting (for),” Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo said in an interview on the sidelines of Guyana’s Energy Conference in Georgetown. Guyana is the fastest-growing economy in the world thanks to rapid expansion of output from offshore oilfields controlled by the Exxon-led consortium, in which Hess and CNOOC also participate. “Clearly for us, there shall be a project. We have to monetize the gas, and if Exxon doesn’t want to do it, we already said to them… we have a lot of people who are interested in doing this on their own,” Jagdeo added. The government, which wants to use natural gas to drive growth in the domestic economy, has progressed to award contracts for power and petrochemical projects that will receive gas supplies. It is also exploring options to develop liquefied natural gas facilities to export the fuel. The government says there is enough gas at Exxon’s massive Stabroek block for commercial development, while Exxon says it has yet to complete its assessment of the gas resources in the area. Exxon last week announced the “Wales Gas Vision”, which outlined what could be done with the offshore gas the consortium is planning to produce, if its assessment shows commercial development is viable. Exxon did not immediately reply to a request for comment. One of the possibilities could be to jointly develop some gas fields with neighbor Suriname, where offshore reserves have also been discovered, Jagdeo said. Guyana, which will be entitled to about 50% of gas produced at Stabroek after the Exxon group takes some of the output to recover expenses, last year chose little-known U.S. company Fulcrum LNG as its preferred partner for a project to process and export the gas. The startup, which the government expects to partner with the Exxon consortium for that development, has since faced questions over its capacity to execute a project that could need as much as $30 billion. Jagdeo acknowledged external concerns about Fulcrum LNG’s capacity, but said the government believes the company’s team has the potential. “They (Fulcrum LNG) demonstrated to our team that they had substantive backing, both to take the gas… and also for equity investment and raising the capital. So we are hoping that we could continue the tripartite discussion to make this work, Exxon, Fulcrum and the government of Guyana,” he said. Story Continues GAS TO SHORE The Exxon group reinjects the gas it produces into the oilfields already in operation to maintain pressure at the reservoir. The consortium expects to send a small volume of gas back to shore for power generation as soon as this year, depending on when the power plant is ready. Last year, it completed a $1 billion pipeline from the fields. The bulk of future gas supply is expected to come from the Pluma and Haimara projects, rich in gas resources and seen starting output after 2030. The power project, to be built by a consortium between Texas-based Lindsayca and Puerto Rico-based CH4 Systems, faces problems after a three-month delay to hand over the site. The parties could go to arbitration over the delay, but the project will be completed, Jagdeo said. A separate plan to build a fertilizer plant also connected to Exxon’s pipeline could be offered this year through a tender for companies interested, Jagdeo said. Guyana is also trying to clear a standoff with Canada-based firms Frontera Energy and CGX Energy over the expiration of an exploration license for a key offshore block where oil reserves were found. The dispute could also end up in arbitration after the government notified Frontera and CGX that it had canceled the license. (Reporting by Marianna Parraga and Kemol King; Editing by Simon Webb and David Gregorio) Source link #Guyana #waiting #Exxons #gas #development #plans #March Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Monster Hunter Wilds (PS5) Review – CGMagazine Monster Hunter Wilds (PS5) Review – CGMagazine PSU: “Endlessly ambitious and full of detail, Monster Hunter: Wilds manages to deliver on everything that it sets out to do and then some. I have complete faith in Capcom to keep building off of this launch as one of their strongest foundations yet. Putting the game down genuinely seems like an impossibility with just how much there is to do. The wait has been long and tense, but Capcom haven’t missed the mark with their latest and arguably, greatest.” Source link #Monster #Hunter #Wilds #PS5 #Review #CGMagazine Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Roberta Flack, Virtuoso Singer-Pianist Behind ‘Killing Me Softly,’ Dies at 88 – The New York Times Roberta Flack, Virtuoso Singer-Pianist Behind ‘Killing Me Softly,’ Dies at 88 – The New York Times Roberta Flack, Virtuoso Singer-Pianist Behind ‘Killing Me Softly,’ Dies at 88 The New York TimesRoberta Flack, Grammy Award-winning singer, dead at 88 CNNA timeline of Roberta Flack’s career in 10 essential songs Yahoo EntertainmentRoberta Flack’s Life in Photos: ‘Killing Me Softly with His Song’ to The Beatles Covers PEOPLE Source link #Roberta #Flack #Virtuoso #SingerPianist #Killing #Softly #Dies #York #Times Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]