REI to Resurrect Adventure Travel for 2026, With a New Look - GearJunkie

Scientists reconstructed antimicrobial peptides from mammalian ancestors dating back up to 160 million years and found that some ancient forms killed bacteria more effectively than modern versions. Credit: ShutterstockAncient mammalian antimicrobial peptides revealed stronger bacteria-killing activity in some cases, offering clues for designing future treatments against resistant infections. Some proteins that vanished millions of years ago may still have something to teach scientists about fighting modern infections. University of Oregon biologists have reconstructed antimicrobial molecules dating back as far as 160 million years, and laboratory tests showed that some ancient versions were more effective against drug-resistant bacteria than their modern counterparts. The work, described in a paper published in PLOS Biology on August 25, traced these peptides — short protein fragments — through the evolutionary history of placental mammals, the lineage that includes humans and nearly all mammals living today.

Agoda has “doubled” its supply of premium accommodation over the past four years, Andrew Smith, senior vice president of supply at the Booking Holdings-owned online travel agency, told Skift. Recent deals with luxury groups show how Agoda is adding that inventory.

Some Vrbo listings will be allowed to keep their annual subscriptions even as Vrbo ends its legacy subscription model on October 29, Skift has learned. They include some users of Vrbo’s in-house Escapia property management system, as well as others not on Escapia. Most listings on annual plans will be required to move to a 12% commission on each booking when their plans expire. The subscription can cost less than that for some hosts, and some hosts and homeowners have expressed concern about the change.