Evolution and dispersal of snakes across the Cretaceous-Paleogene mass extinction.

Mass extinctions have repeatedly shaped global biodiversity. The Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) mass extinction caused the demise of numerous vertebrate groups, and its aftermath saw the rapid diversification of surviving mammals, birds, frogs, and teleost fishes. However, the effects of the K-Pg extinction on the evolution of snakes-a major clade of predators comprising over 3,700 living species-remains poorly understood. Here, we combine an extensive molecular dataset with phylogenetically and stratigraphically constrained fossil calibrations to infer an evolutionary timescale for Serpentes. We reveal a potential diversification among crown snakes associated with the K-Pg mass extinction, led by the successful colonisation of Asia by the major extant clade Afrophidia. Vertebral morphometrics suggest increasing morphological specialisation among marine snakes through the Paleogene. The dispersal patterns of snakes following the K-Pg underscore the importance of this mass extinction event in shaping Earth's extant vertebrate faunas.

Development and implementation of a spiritual issues psychoeducational group for those with serious mental illness.

Recent research has suggested that religion and spirituality can be a resource or a burden for those with serious mental illness (SMI). Investigators have begun to explore the nature and impact of interventions that focus on spiritual issues in this population. This study describes an innovative program for people with SMI who are dealing with spiritual/religious issues. The program was a seven-week semistructured, psychoeducational intervention in which participants discussed religious resources, spiritual struggles, forgiveness, and hope. This paper also reviews participants' feedback about the group intervention. Suggestions are made that may add to the clinical utility of this program in the future.