WASHINGTON Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche revealed Friday that the Department of Justice (DOJ) would be taking a new approach when its attorneys face activist bar complaints. Under the new policy,

Internal documents from the Democratic Socialists of Americas Anti-War Working Group (AWWG) reveal the plans and efforts to carry out socialist demands in New York City. The documents, obtained by

A woman named Michelle talks about how she was crippled by guilt after helping a friend have an abortion: After I took my roommate home and got her settled, I started off for a visit to New York. It was

University of MarylandThe study sought to take advantage of how mosquitoes are attracted to certain smells. By some measures, mosquitoes are among the deadliest creatures on Earth. They carry diseases like malaria, and are notoriously difficult to eradicate. But a group of researchers has proposed a new solution to Earths mosquito problem: genetically modified fungi, which can successfully trap and kill mosquitoes. By genetically engineering the Metarhizium fungus, which is already used to control bugs, the researchers may have invented a way to kill mosquitoes without extensive chemical intervention. Rather, this more natural way of eradicating mosquitoes may offer a new and more powerful solution to communities across the world. How Researchers Used The Metarhizium Fungus To Attract And Kill MosquitoesUniversity of MarylandStudy co-author Raymond St. Leger of the University of Maryland.According to the researchers study published in Nature, the question of how to both trap and kill mosquitoes naturally began with a fungus called Metarhizium. Metarhizium is known to be deadly to mosquitoes, as the fungus can release fatal spores that kill the insects by overtaking their insides and consuming them. However, Metarhizium only emits longifolene a compound with a sweet or woodsy smell that is highly attractive to mosquitoes after its already killed an insect. So the researchers set out to turbocharge the fungus. Mosquitoes need flowers because they provide nectar, a crucial source of food for them, and they are drawn to flowers through their scents, study co-author Raymond St. Leger, a professor of entomology at the University of Maryland, explained in a university statement. After observing that some types of fungi could trick mosquitoes into thinking they were flowers, we realized we could turbo-charge the attraction by engineering fungi to produce more longifolene, a sweet-smelling compound thats already very common in nature.In order to turbocharge the fungus, the researchers created a genetically modified strain of Metarhizium that produces high levels of longifolene. Instead of producing the compound only when it killed insects, the researchers tweaked the fungus so that it produced longifolene on a consistent basis. Then, they tested out their theory. Mark Sherwood and Raymond St. LegerThe contraption used by researchers to test out their genetically modified fungus, which they found killed between 90 and 100 percent of mosquitoes that encountered it. They found that once the fungus spores are placed in a trap, longifolene is quickly released. Mosquitoes are naturally drawn to the smell, but are overwhelmingly killed by the fungus itself. In fact, between 90 and 100 percent of mosquitoes who encountered the fungus in lab tests died within days, even when the Metarhizium traps were placed near humans and real flowers, other living things that also draw mosquitoes. It made no difference if the trap was placed indoors or outdoors, and the fungus spores produce longifolene on such a consistent basis that the trap could be used effectively for months. Whats more, researchers say that longifolene is not harmful to humans. A Possible Way To Eradicate Mosquitoes Naturally Using LongifoleneThe research into Metarhizium is especially revolutionary because it offers a more natural way to eradicate mosquitoes. Not only are other methods, including pesticides and fumigation, potentially harmful to people, but many mosquitoes have developed a defense against them. Metarhizium, however, promises a more effective and safer way to kill the bugs. The fungus is completely harmless to humans as longifolene is already commonly used in perfumes and has a long safety record, St. Leger explained. This makes it much safer than many chemical pesticides. Huiyu ShengA mosquito infected by two different species of Metarhizium fungi. Whats more, its highly unlikely that mosquitoes will be able to develop a defense against the technique, since their very survival depends on the sweet smell found in flowers. If mosquitoes evolve to avoid longifolene, that could mean theyll stop responding to flowers, St. Leger stated. But they need flowers as a food source to survive, so it would be very interesting to see how they could possibly avoid the fungus yet still be attracted to the flowers they need. Even if mosquitoes did learn to avoid longifolene, St. Leger continued, it would be possible for researchers to modify Metarhizium to produce different floral scents. He also noted that research into killing mosquitoes is more important than ever, as rising temperatures around the world have created many ideal conditions for mosquitoes to thrive. Because they can carry dangerous diseases, its important for scientists to figure out a way to curb their populations. Metarhizium seems like a promising solution, but this doesnt necessarily mean its time to put away the bug spray, as St. Leger and his fellow researchers are now looking into how Metarhizium might be used alongside other insect repellents. Its not as if youre going to necessarily find a silver bullet to control mosquitoes everywhere, but were trying to develop a very diverse and flexible set of tools that people in different parts of the world can use and choose from, St. Leger said. Different people will find different approaches work best for their particular situation and the particular mosquitoes theyre dealing with. In the end, our goal is to give people as many options as possible to save lives.After reading about the genetically modified fungus that traps and kills mosquitoes, discover the story of cordyceps, the zombie fungus from The Last Of Us that brutally kills insects by invading their bodies. Or, learn about the bullet ant, the insect with the worlds most painful sting. The post Researchers Are Developing A Genetically Modified Fungus That Can Trap And Kill Mosquitoes appeared first on All That's Interesting.

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A cat gave the sweetest "thank you" when she was let inside to have kittens. Now, she and her kittens have the happy ending she dreamed of. PenelopeFoster Kitten MamaA few months, Heidi Shoemaker, founder of Foster Kitten Mama, welcomed a tabby cat who had been rescued from the streets.The cat, named Penelope, was pregnant with a second litter. "Thankfully, this cycle ends here," Heidi shared. "I'll find them all homes and their happily ever after. I wish I could do this for every mistreated cat in the world, but at least this little family will have their world changed."Penelope quickly settled into her new space, complete with soft beds, toys, and an all-you-can-eat buffet. She was rescued from the streetsFoster Kitten MamaSafe indoors where she belonged, Penelope's playful side began to shine. She batted at every toy Heidi placed in her nest, her inner kitten coming alive again.Whenever Heidi entered the room, Penelope would crawl into her lap, purring contentedly as if to thank her for letting her in. For two weeks, she kept everyone guessing when the kittens would finally arrive. Penelope cuddled with Heidi when she entered the roomFoster Kitten MamaThen one day, Heidi came home to find Penelope in labor. She gently helped the mama cat into the cozy birthing box she'd prepared, and before the night was over, Penelope had all her kittens nestled beside her, nursing happily.After the long day, the devoted mama finally ate her fill, enjoying a well-deserved feast from the comfort of her bed. Foster Kitten Mama"Penelope has done an absolutely wonderful job, and I'm so proud to have been with her during her last ever delivery."The kittens grew stronger each day, their bellies round and healthy. Heidi was told that in Penelope's previous litter, only two kittens had survived. "I'm determined this time will be different. They will be raised in our home and loved dearly." Foster Kitten MamaThe kittensPrescott, Polly, Paxton, Price, and Pipergrew by leaps and bounds. Once their little legs were strong enough to climb, they graduated to a bigger playpen. Surrounded by new toys and scratching posts, their curiosity and adventurous spirit bloomed."Penelope is truly a wonderful mama. She's always with them, making sure they are clean and fed." Foster Kitten MamaSoon, the kittens turned into whirlwinds of energy, wrestling, chasing toys, and zooming in every direction. If one kitten climbed a cat post, the others quickly followed. They were always on the lookout for fun and mischief."They loved the cat tree with the hammock. Add a feather wand, and everyone had a blast." Foster Kitten MamaWhen the kittens were ready for their next chapter, Heidi hoped they'd be adopted in pairs so no one would ever be lonely, especially Penelope. Mother cats are often overlooked when their kittens steal the spotlight, but Heidi knew Penelope deserved a happy ending, too.Piper, a little house panther, was small but full of spirit and ready to take on the world. Foster Kitten MamaThree months after Penelope arrived, her happily ever after came true. A longtime supporter of the rescue, who had recently lost her beloved cat, was ready to open her heart again. The moment she met Penelope, she knew it was meant to be.Wanting to give her the best life possible, she decided to adopt both Penelope and her little girl, Piper. Penelope and PiperFoster Kitten MamaThe rest of the litter soon found their own happy endings. Paxton and Prescott were adopted together by a family with a cat-friendly Golden Retriever, while Price and Polly joined a loving home with two young human siblings who adore them endlessly."I'm so thankful for their little lives, and I know they will be such a blessing to their new families." Foster Kitten MamaShare this story with your friends. More cats and kittens at Foster Kitten Mama on Instagram and Facebook.Related story: Woman Bought a House and Inherited a Cat, Shortly After Bringing Her Inside, She Found Kittens

Dog gates protect your family and pets from accidents, but not all gates offer the same level of protection. A poorly chosen gate can create more hazards than it prevents.We at DogingtonPost believe every safety first dog gate should meet strict standards for durability, proper installation, and secure locking mechanisms. The right gate keeps everyone safe while giving you peace of mind.Which Gate Type Provides Maximum SafetyPressure-mounted gates work well for doorways and temporary barriers, but they fail when your dog applies serious force. The Cumbor Safety Gate provides reliable protection for medium-sized dogs. However, pressure gates should never be used at stairway tops where falls pose serious injury risks. Proper gate placement prevents accidents in homes with children and pets.Hardware-Mounted Gates Offer Superior ProtectionHardware-mounted gates provide unmatched security through direct wall attachment with screws and brackets. These gates handle determined dogs who push, jump, or lean against barriers. The Regalo Pet Products Extra Tall Top of Stairs Gate stands 39 inches high and mounts securely without bottom bars that create trip hazards. Installation takes 25-35 minutes but delivers permanent protection. Mount these gates at stair tops, between floors, and anywhere maximum security matters most.Freestanding Options Work for Specific SituationsFreestanding gates like the Richell Deluxe model span up to 90.2 inches wide without wall attachment requirements. These gates suit rental properties, temporary needs, and large openings where installation proves difficult. However, freestanding gates tip over when large dogs push against them. Use freestanding options only for calm dogs (under 40 pounds) or temporary situations. The lack of secure attachment makes these gates unsuitable for high-risk areas or escape-prone pets who test boundaries regularly.Retractable Gates Balance Convenience and FunctionRetractable gates like the Regalo model offer complete discretion when not in use but sacrifice durability for convenience. These gates retract into wall-mounted housings (similar to window blinds) and work best for occasional use rather than daily barriers. The mesh material handles light pressure but wont stop determined dogs. Consider retractable options for areas where aesthetics matter more than maximum security, such as formal living spaces or guest areas.Now that you understand the safety differences between gate types, the next step involves identifying which specific features will keep your dog secure and your home protected.What Safety Features Matter MostGate height determines whether your dog stays contained or escapes. Dogs under 25 pounds need gates at least 24 inches tall, while medium dogs (25-60 pounds) require 30-inch heights minimum. Large breeds over 60 pounds need gates 36 inches or taller to prevent jumps. The Midwest Steel Pet Gate at 39 inches works for most large breeds, but Great Danes and other giant breeds may still clear this height. Width adjustability matters equally most gates fit 28-42 inch openings, but measure your space twice before purchase. Gates that fit too loosely create gaps where small dogs squeeze through.Lock Systems That Actually WorkSingle-latch mechanisms fail when dogs learn to manipulate them with paws or noses. Double-action locks provide added security and make escape nearly impossible for even clever dogs. The Safety 1st SecureTech system uses color indicators green means secure, red signals the gate needs tightening. One-handed operation prevents fumbles while you carry items, but the lock must resist dog manipulation. Top-release handles work better than side latches because dogs rarely reach that high. Avoid gates with simple push-button releases that dogs master quickly.Materials That Withstand Daily UseMetal gates outlast plastic options by 3-5 years in typical households. Steel construction handles impacts from large dogs without bends or breaks, while aluminum offers lighter weight with good durability. Wood gates look attractive but splinter under pressure and absorb moisture that leads to warps. Plastic gates cost less initially but crack within months when dogs push against them regularly. Non-toxic powder coating prevents rust while it remains safe if dogs chew the bars. Avoid gates with sharp edges, protruding screws, or small parts that create choke hazards for curious pets.Bar Spacing and Design ElementsVertical bars spaced 2-3 inches apart prevent small dogs from squeezing through while they stop larger dogs from getting stuck. Horizontal bars create footholds that help athletic dogs climb over barriers (making them poor safety choices). Gates without bottom bars eliminate trip hazards for humans but may allow very small puppies to crawl underneath. The spacing between bars becomes critical for households with multiple dog sizes what contains your large dog might trap your puppys head.Proper installation transforms even the best gate into an effective safety barrier, but poor installation techniques can turn quality gates into dangerous hazards.Where Should You Install Dog GatesStairways top the list of high-risk locations where falls cause serious injuries. Safety gates provide effective protection when you install them correctly at stair tops. Hardware-mounted gates work exclusively for these locations because pressure gates fail under force and create deadly hazards. Kitchen entrances require gates to prevent access to hot stoves, sharp knives, and toxic foods that harm dogs. Basement stairs pose double risks with concrete floors and potential hazards like chemicals or tools stored below.Wall Types Demand Different MethodsDrywall installation requires hollow wall anchors rated for 75+ pounds per anchor point to support gate weight plus dog impact force. Standard drywall screws fail within weeks when dogs push against gates regularly. Stud attachment provides maximum security locate studs with electronic finders and drive 3-inch wood screws directly into frame lumber. Brick and concrete walls need masonry bits and expansion bolts rated for outdoor use because standard anchors crack under pressure. Plaster walls over lath require special toggle bolts that spread load across multiple lath strips rather than single points that crack plaster.Common Errors Create Dangerous FailuresGates mounted too high leave gaps underneath where small dogs escape or get trapped. Installation problems contribute to gate-related incidents in homes with multiple pets. Loose hardware kills gate effectiveness check tightness monthly because vibration from door slams and dog impacts loosens screws over time. Wall cups for pressure gates must align perfectly or the gate shifts sideways under pressure and creates pinch points. Never install gates in doorways narrower than the minimum width specification because forced installation bends frames and compromises structural integrity.High-Traffic Areas Need Extra AttentionHallways between bedrooms see constant foot traffic that tests gate durability daily. Gates in these areas face repeated opening and closure (sometimes 20+ times per day in busy households). Choose gates with reinforced hinges and heavy-duty latches for these locations. Entryways near front doors require gates that handle excitement from visitors and delivery personnel. Dogs often jump against gates when they hear doorbell sounds or see strangers approach. Consider pet-friendly household upgrades that complement your gate installation for maximum safety and functionality.Final ThoughtsYour Safety First dog gate selection impacts your familys protection for years to come. Hardware-mounted gates provide maximum security for stair tops and high-risk areas, while pressure-mounted options work for temporary doorway barriers. Dogs under 25 pounds need 24-inch gates minimum, medium dogs require 30 inches, and large breeds need 36+ inches.Monthly maintenance prevents dangerous failures that threaten your pets and family. Check all screws and hardware for looseness, especially after your dog tests the gate boundaries. Inspect locks for wear and replace gates that show cracks, bent bars, or damaged latches immediately (metal construction outlasts plastic alternatives by 3-5 years in typical households).Double-action locks resist manipulation better than single latches, while vertical bar spacing of 2-3 inches prevents escapes without creating entrapment risks. We at DogingtonPost help dog owners make informed decisions about responsible dog ownership including safety equipment selection. Your gate investment protects both two-legged and four-legged family members when you choose quality construction, install properly, and maintain consistently.

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