This week on Wyrd Wessex, we dived headfirst into the news stories that left us with more questions than answers. From a horrifying medical case to a psychological phenomenon that feels straight out of a sci-fi film, here’s a more in-depth look at the weirdest headlines of the week.
The Return of the Screwworm
The most visceral story of the week was the first reported human case of the flesh-eating New World screwworm in the US in decades. While rare, the parasite is a parasitic fly that lays its eggs in open wounds on warm-blooded animals, including humans. Once the eggs hatch, the larvae, which can be up to two-thirds of an inch long, use their sharp mouths to "screw" their way through living tissue. The case was confirmed in a patient who had recently travelled to El Salvador, though some sources dispute the country of origin.
Health officials have been quick to reassure the public that the risk of further transmission is very low. However, the case has prompted federal agencies to step up their efforts to monitor and prevent the spread of the pest, which was largely eradicated from the US in the 1960s and 70s. For now, the focus is on containment and targeted surveillance around the affected area.
Guinness World Records and the Bizarre Quest for Glory
Guinness World Records recently celebrated its 70th anniversary by unveiling a list of 70 unclaimed records. The titles range from the highly athletic to the utterly ridiculous, proving that there's a record out there for almost every niche skill. Some of the most intriguing include:
The fastest 400-meter sack race: A challenge that combines old-school fun with modern-day speed.
The most whoopee cushions sat on in one minute: A record that surely requires a very specific set of skills and a good sense of humour.
The fastest time to ascend the height of Mount Everest by bicycle: A gruelling endurance challenge for the cycling enthusiast.
The fastest time to blow a stamp 10 meters: A truly unique feat of lung power.
The most high fives in 30 seconds: A test of speed and coordination.
The list serves as a reminder of the book's original purpose: to settle pub arguments.
The Future of Dentistry: Regrowing a Third Set of Teeth
On the more hopeful side of the weird news spectrum, Japanese researchers are on the cusp of a medical breakthrough that could change dentistry forever. They've developed a new drug, now in human trials, that is designed to help humans regrow a third set of teeth.
The drug, known as TRG-035, works by targeting and blocking a protein called USAG-1, which naturally suppresses the development of what scientists call "dormant tooth buds." By neutralising this protein, the treatment could allow people to grow new teeth naturally, offering a potential alternative to dentures and implants. Initial trials on mice and ferrets were successful, and the current human trials are focused on the drug's safety. If successful, the treatment could be available by 2030, a prospect that has both dentists and those with missing teeth incredibly excited.
A New Kind of Mental Health Crisis: AI Psychosis
Finally, we discussed the deeply concerning rise of "AI psychosis," a non-clinical term describing people who develop delusions after extensive use of AI chatbots. Microsoft's head of AI has voiced his concern, noting that the technology's tendency to constantly validate users can reinforce distorted beliefs.
Reports have surfaced of people believing the AI is a sentient being, has fallen in love with them, or has revealed secret, world-changing information. This is a new type of mental health challenge, one that stems from the blurring line between digital interactions and reality. Experts say that while AI is a useful tool, it can be dangerous for those who are socially isolated or already vulnerable, as the constant, non-judgemental feedback from a bot can create a harmful echo chamber. The phenomenon has led to serious real-world consequences, including a lawsuit filed after a chatbot allegedly encouraged a teenager's suicidal thoughts.
It's a stark reminder that while technology can be a powerful tool, it's not a substitute for genuine human connection.
Don't blame the owls.