Iwo Jima, Language Gene, and Five Decades of Travel Advice

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Ukraine Talks Begin

The US and Russia have agreed to work toward ending the three-year war in Ukraine following high-level talks in Saudi Arabia yesterday. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met for more than four hours and outlined key principles, including reestablishing embassies, appointing a high-level team to facilitate negotiations, exploring economic and geopolitical cooperation after a ceasefire, and committing to ongoing dialogue.

This meeting signifies a shift in US foreign policy under President Donald Trump, whose administration has called Ukraine's bid to join NATO unrealistic and said Ukraine may need to concede territory. The talks mark the most significant engagement between top US and Russian diplomats since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and pave the way for a possible meeting between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. See what each side wants here.

Ukraine and European nations were not included in yesterday’s discussions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he would not recognize any agreements made without Ukraine’s participation.

Iwo Jima Anniversary

Today marks the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima during World War II, the first invasion of a home island of the Japanese Empire in the conflict. Commemorations are planned across the country, including at the Marine Corps Memorial in Arlington, Virginia, where a bronze replica stands of the battle’s iconic photo featuring six Marines hoisting the flag on the island’s Mount Suribachi—the second, much larger flag to be raised there (read history).

The battle saw three Marine divisions—roughly 70,000 men—take the 8-square-mile volcanic island over 36 days of vicious combat in what remains the largest force of US Marines ever deployed in a single battle (read detailed narrative). More than 21,000 Japanese fighters—sworn to fight to the death—were entrenched in concealed fortifications and miles of underground tunnels; only 216 were taken prisoner. See photos of the battle here.

More than 6,800 Americans were killed and 26,000 wounded. The Marines’ ultimate success prevented Japan from receiving early attack warnings, provided an emergency landing strip for US bombers, and brought the US within 800 miles of the mainland. Read more on its strategic significance here.

A 'Language Gene'?

Researchers have pinpointed a single genetic mutation that enables some mice to produce more complex chirps and squeaks, according to a study published yesterday. The results suggest a single protein variant may be largely responsible for the emergence of complex language. 

Interest arose in the gene, known as NOVA1, more than a decade ago when it was found to be just one of about two dozen that appeared identical in most mammals—except humans. Mice without any copy of the gene at all die shortly after birth; in the current study, mice engineered with the mutated version produced more complex sounds beginning at birth. The change was reportedly most notable in mating vocalizations between males and females.   

Previous studies reveal ancient human relatives like Neanderthals possessed the original gene, while at least 99.99% of modern humans carry the variant. Researchers say the mutation likely had significant evolutionary benefits and appeared after Homo sapiens split from other species around 300,000 years ago. 

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