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Miami Herald
3 days ago
- Science
- Miami Herald
Parasitic creatures — living in spider egg sacs — found as new species in India
Across the regions of West Bengal, India, a group of researchers were on the hunt for the egg sacs of spiders. Between 2021 and 2023, they searched near farmland and natural environments alike until they found the groups of eggs. 'Spider egg sacs, along with guarding mother spiders, whenever encountered were collected from different localities in West Bengal,' researchers said in a study published June 23 in the peer-reviewed European Journal of Taxonomy. The researchers weren't after the spiders — they wanted the parasites hidden within. 'Each spider egg sac was carefully placed in a labelled vial and covered by muslin cloth,' researchers said. 'These vials were kept at room temperature (75 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit) in the lab for one month to monitor the emergence of spiderlings and parasitoids.' What emerged from the egg sacs were members of the Idris genus of parasitic wasps, according to the study. The group is known as 'gregarious' parasites, meaning more than one parasite is depositing in each host, in this case the egg sacs. When the wasps were reared from the eggs, they were revealed to belong to four new species, according to the study. The first new species is Idris bianor, named after the spider genus it parasitizes, according to the study. Its body length is just 0.02 to 0.03 inches long, researchers said, and its body is light brown, reddish brown and pale yellow with brownish black patches. The species is found in West Bengal, India, as well as in Pakistan, according to the study. Idris furvus, the second new species, was named after the Latin word for 'black,' and references its body color, according to the study. The wasp is predominantly black, with 'honey brown' legs and antennae, researchers said. The black Idris wasp is a bit larger than the bianor wasp, measuring 0.05 inches long, according to the study. The species has only been found in West Bengal, researchers said. The third new species is named Idris hyllus, again named after the host spider it parasitizes. The head and body are 'honey brown to yellow,' with 'pale yellow' mandibles that are 'reddish-brown' on the tip, according to the study. Only females of the species were discovered, researchers said. The last species, Idris longiscapus, was named after the 'elongated scape characteristic of this species,' or the section of antennae closest to the wasp's head, according to the study. Similar in size to the other species, the wasp is 'brownish black' with 'yellow' legs and antennae and white hairs on the body, researchers said. The species is found in West Bengal and Pakistan, researchers said. Parasitic wasps are a group of wasps that rely on other species to complete their life cycles, according to the University of Minnesota. They are all generally very small and lay eggs either in the eggs of another species or in another species itself the university said. Parasitic wasps don't build a hive or have a queen, and instead lead solitary lives that begin hidden. When the wasps emerge from a parasitized insect, the insect dies, according to the university. All four species were found in West Bengal, a state on the far eastern border of India, just west of Bangladesh. The research team includes V. Sushama, Rupam Debnath, K. Rajmohana and K.P. Dinesh.
New York Times
20-06-2025
- Business
- New York Times
Tuition Hikes and Layoffs Are Coming to a Broad Set of Universities
Public universities in the Midwest are raising prices for out-of-state students, as Florida schools consider making the same move for the first time since 2012. Cornell and Duke are among the colleges weighing layoffs. The University of Minnesota is cutting hundreds of jobs, even as undergraduate tuition soars as much as 7.5 percent. Just as America's colleges are preparing to welcome what could be the largest freshman class in the nation's history, political and economic forces are unleashing havoc on higher education budgets. Schools are grappling with meager upticks in state support and topsy-turvy economic forecasts, and Republicans in Washington are pursuing federal budget cuts and threatening tax hikes. Students and employees from coast to coast are poised to feel the squeeze. Although the exact consequences will vary by school, administrators are warning that many students may have to pay more, professors may lose their jobs, programs could vanish and support services could shrink. The turmoil is not limited to any one type of university or college, or any one state. A day before Michigan State University trustees opted for tuition increases, a California State University campus minutes from the Pacific Ocean announced that it was trimming its work force. 'If you're a student or family looking to go to college this year, all of the numbers are going in the wrong direction,' said Ted Mitchell, the president of the American Council on Education, who described the mood among higher education leaders as 'dark but resolved.' Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Los Angeles Times
19-06-2025
- Politics
- Los Angeles Times
Hundreds gather to remember prominent Minnesota lawmaker and husband slain in their home
ST. PAUL, Minn. — Hundreds of people, some clutching candles or carrying flowers to lay in front of a memorial, gathered outside Minnesota's Capitol on Wednesday evening for a vigil to remember a prominent state lawmaker and her husband who were gunned down at their home. As a brass quintet from the Minnesota Orchestra played, Gov. Tim Walz wiped away tears and comforted attendees at the gathering for former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, who were killed early Saturday in the northern Minneapolis suburbs. Colin Hortman, the Hortmans' son, embraced Walz and lay a photo of his parents on the memorial. The memorial, which sprang up outside the Capitol after the killings, features flowers, American flags, photos and sticky notes with such messages as, 'Thank you for always believing in me and in Minnesota' and 'We got this from here. Thank you for everything.' Wednesday's vigil also included a Native American drum circle, a string quartet and the crowd singing 'Amazing Grace.' Around the gathering, there was a heavy police presence, with law enforcement blocking off streets leading up to the Capitol and state troopers standing guard. The event didn't include a speaking program and attendees were instructed not to bring signs of any kind. The man charged in federal and state court with killing the Hortmans, Vance Boelter, is also accused of shooting another Democratic lawmaker, Sen. John Hoffman, and his wife, Yvette, at their home a few miles away in Champlin. They survived and are recovering. Federal prosecutors have declined to speculate about a motive. Boelter's attorneys have declined to comment on the charges. Hortman had served as the top House Democratic leader since 2017, and six years as speaker, starting in 2019. Under a power-sharing deal after the 2024 election left the House tied, her title became speaker emerita and Republican Rep. Lisa Demuth became speaker. Walz has described Hortman as his closest political ally and 'the most consequential Speaker in state history.' The Hortmans were alumni of the University of Minnesota, which held a midday memorial gathering on the Minneapolis campus. Rebecca Cunningham, the university's president, spoke during the event about the grief and outrage people are grappling with along with questions about how things got to this point. 'I don't have the answers to these questions but I know that finding answers starts with the coming together in community as we are today,' she said. Funeral information for the Hortmans has not been announced. Vancleave and Golden write for the Associated Press. Golden reported from Seattle. AP writer Steve Karnowski in Minneapolis contributed to this report.
Time of India
19-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
University of Minnesota approves largest tuition hike in a decade amid US education funding crisis
University of Minnesota approves steep tuition hike amid US funding crisis. (AI Image) The University of Minnesota (U of M) Board of Regents has approved the largest tuition increase in more than ten years, marking a significant development in the landscape of US higher education. In a 9-3 vote held on June 18, 2025, the board adopted a budget for fiscal year 2026 that includes tuition increases across all campuses and cuts to academic spending. The decision comes as the university faces a steep reduction in federal and state support, with leaders citing an 'uncertain financial landscape' and warning of tough decisions ahead. As reported by KSTP, University President Rebecca Cunningham told the board that 'higher education is facing unprecedented challenges' and emphasized the need to ensure financial stability despite the difficult choices involved. Tuition hike affects students across all campuses Under the new budget, undergraduate tuition will increase by 4% to 7.5% depending on the campus. Graduate students will see tuition rise by 6.5% for residents and 7.5% for out-of-state students. According to KSTP, officials said this marks the steepest tuition hike in over a decade and is part of a broader effort to stabilize finances. The board also approved a 7% cut in academic spending, a move that has drawn concern from students and faculty. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Here's A List Of Cheapest Steel Suppliers (See List) Steel Suppliers | search ads Search Now Undo During a public hearing the week prior to the vote, members of the university community expressed fears about the impact these changes could have on education quality and employee well-being. Federal and state funding cuts deepen financial strain University officials warned that a potential 30% reduction in federal funding and a 3.5% decline in state funding (adjusted for inflation) are exacerbating budget pressures. Cunningham noted during the meeting, as quoted by KSTP, that 'we can all agree there are no easy choices this year.' Board member Doug Huebsch defended the vote, saying, 'Not everyone is going to be happy with this budget… but it is our job and obligation to deliver a budget that's balanced and as fair as possible,' as reported by KSTP. Low-income students promised protection Despite the hikes, university leaders stressed that low-income students will not be adversely affected. Thanks to programs like the North Star Promise and sustained scholarship and aid efforts, tuition increases will be offset for qualifying students. As per KSTP, the administration reassured the public that affordability remains a priority. The budget will take effect starting fiscal year 2026, as the University of Minnesota moves to navigate what leaders described as one of the most challenging periods for higher education in recent memory. Is your child ready for the careers of tomorrow? Enroll now and take advantage of our early bird offer! Spaces are limited.
South Wales Guardian
19-06-2025
- Politics
- South Wales Guardian
Vigil held to remember Minnesota politician and husband shot dead at home
As a brass quintet from the Minnesota Orchestra played, Governor Tim Walz wiped away tears and comforted attendees at the gathering for former House speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, who were killed early on Saturday in the northern Minneapolis suburbs. Colin Hortman, the Hortmans' son, embraced Mr Walz and laid a photo of his parents on a memorial. The memorial, which sprang up outside the Capitol after the killings, features flowers, American flags, photos and sticky notes with such messages as 'Thank you for always believing in me and in Minnesota' and 'We got this from here. Thank you for everything'. The vigil also included a Native American drum circle, a string quartet and the crowd singing Amazing Grace. Around the gathering, there was a heavy police presence, with law enforcement blocking off streets leading up to the Capitol and state troopers standing guard. The event did not include any speeches and attendees were instructed not to bring signs of any kind. Vance Boelter, the man charged in federal and state court with killing the Hortmans, is also accused of shooting another Democratic lawmaker, Senator John Hoffman, and his wife, Yvette, at their home a few miles away in Champlin. They survived and are recovering. Boelter's attorneys have declined to comment on the charges. Mrs Hortman had served as the top House Democratic leader since 2017, and six years as speaker, starting in 2019. Under a power-sharing deal after the 2024 election left the House tied, her title became speaker emerita and Republican representative Lisa Demuth became speaker. Mr Walz has described her as his closest political ally and 'the most consequential speaker in state history'. The Hortmans were alumni of the University of Minnesota, which held a memorial gathering on the Minneapolis campus. Rebecca Cunningham, the university's president, spoke during the event about the grief and outrage people are grappling with along with questions about how things got to this point. 'I don't have the answers to these questions but I know that finding answers starts with the coming together in community as we are today,' she said. Funeral information for the Hortmans has not yet been announced.
