Recently identified by astronomers, this newly discovered molecular cloud is one of the largest structures in the sky and is among the closest to the Sun and Earth ever detected.
The EOS Cloud is situated at the boundary of your local bubble—a region populated by large gases within the solar system. Image credits: Thomas Müller, HDA & MPIA/Thavisha Dharmawardena, NYU.
Molecular clouds consist of gas and dust, primarily composed of hydrogen, the most prevalent molecule in the universe and essential for the formation of all known stars and planets.
Additionally, these structures harbor other molecules, including carbon monoxide.
Traditional detection methods for molecular clouds often involve wireless and infrared observations, which readily capture the chemical signatures of carbon monoxide.
However, Blakely Burkhart, an astrophysicist from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, and his team took a different approach.
“This is the first molecular cloud discovered by directly seeking out the distant ultraviolet radiation of molecular hydrogen,” Dr. Burkhart stated.
“Our data revealed glowing hydrogen molecules detected through fluorescence in distant ultraviolet light. This cloud truly shines in the dark.”
The new molecular cloud, named EOS, was located approximately 300 light-years from Earth and can be viewed here.
It resides at the periphery of a local bubble, a region filled with gases surrounding the solar system.
Astronomers estimate that these crescent clouds are immense, spanning about 40 months across the sky and having a mass approximately 3,400 times that of the Sun.
They are projected to dissipate within 6 million years.
According to the research team, the EOS cloud poses no threat to Earth or the solar system.
Its proximity offers a unique opportunity to explore the properties of structures within the interstellar medium.
The interstellar medium, composed of gas and dust, fills the space between stars in the galaxy and is a key source for new star formation.
“When you look through a telescope, you observe the solar system in its formative phase, but the exact process remains unclear,” Dr. Burkhart explained.
“The discovery of EOS is thrilling because it allows us to directly measure how molecular clouds form and dissolve, as well as how galaxies transform interstellar gas and dust into stars and planets.”
“Utilizing distant UV fluorescence technology could redefine our understanding of the interstellar medium, uncover hidden clouds across the galaxy, and even push our exploration further back to the very edge of the universe’s inception.”
The findings are reported in a study published today in the journal Nature Astronomy.
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B. Burke Hart et al. Dark molecular clouds near local bubbles revealed via H2 fluorescence. Nature Astronomy. Published online on April 28, 2025. doi:10.1038/s41550-025-02541-7
Mobile phones and desktop computers have long been targets of cyber espionage, but how vulnerable are electric vehicles?
On Monday, a newspaper reported that a British defense company, engaged with the UK government, advised its staff against connecting mobile devices with Chinese-made electric vehicles due to concerns over potential data extraction by Beijing.
This article examines the security issues related to electric vehicles.
Can an electric car snoop on you?
Security experts quoted by the Guardian suggest that electric vehicles, being the most advanced vehicles on the market, could be vulnerable to hacking.
Rafe Pilling, director of threat intelligence at cybersecurity firm SecureWorks, notes that electric vehicles can produce a wealth of data that could interest a hostile state.
“There are numerous opportunities to compromise these vehicles as they collect data,” he states.
He further explains that WiFi or mobile connectivity can enhance data access for manufacturers through the “over-the-air” software update feature.
“Modern vehicles equipped with over-the-air updates, various sensors, and external cameras could potentially be repurposed as surveillance tools,” he adds.
A mobile phone connected to a car via a charging cable or Bluetooth is another significant data source, he mentions.
Should all car drivers be worried?
Experts indicate that individuals in sensitive sectors, such as government or defense, should exercise caution.
“If you’re working on a sixth-generation fighter jet and connect your work phone to your personal vehicle, be mindful that this connection could compromise your mobile data,” states a researcher at the Royal United Services Institute Think Tank.
Nate Drier, tech lead at cybersecurity firm Sophos, highlights the option to select “don’t trust” when connecting a phone charger to a car; however, this would forfeit many functionalities, such as music streaming or messaging.
“Most people tend to maintain that connection for the convenience it brings,” he acknowledges.
Pilling adds that even rental car users should remain vigilant.
“Generally, individuals may leave copies of their contacts and sensitive information in their car’s entertainment and navigation system, often forgetting to remove them before relinquishing the vehicle, making phone synchronization a risky move,” he advises.
Why are Chinese vehicles the focus of concern?
China is a significant producer of electric vehicles (EVs) through brands like BYD and XPENG. Coupled with the Chinese state’s practices in cyber espionage, this raises concerns. For instance, China’s National Intelligence Act of 2017 mandates all organizations and citizens to “support, assist, and cooperate” with national intelligence efforts.
“Chinese law compels companies to align with national security, so one must consider the possibility of surveillance capabilities in their vehicles,” he notes, albeit admitting that there is “no evidence” currently linking Chinese vehicles to espionage.
Experts believe that while electric vehicles are a concern, devices like mobile phones, smartwatches, and other wearables are more likely targets for spying.
What does the UK government say?
A government representative refrained from commenting on specific security protocols but affirmed that “protecting national security is our utmost priority, and strict procedures are in place to ensure government sites and information are adequately safeguarded.”
A more detailed statement released last month by Defence Minister Koker, indicated that the Ministry of Defence (MOD) is collaborating with other government bodies to understand and mitigate potential security threats from all types of vehicles, not just those manufactured in China.
Further reports state that while there are no overarching policy prohibitions on the movement of Chinese-made vehicles, EVs incorporating Chinese components have been banned from sensitive military locations.
Nevertheless, individual defense entities may impose stricter requirements for vehicles in particular settings.
BYD was reached for commentary, while Xpeng stated it is “committed to upholding and complying with applicable UK and EU privacy laws and regulations.”
SMMT, a trade association representing British automakers, responded:
“Our industry is dedicated to maintaining a high standard of customer data protection, which includes the responsible use of data. Features such as apps and paired phones can be removed from vehicles based on individual manufacturers’ guidelines, ensuring drivers feel secure.”
Melvin Vopson, a physicist from the University of Portsmouth, introduces a novel perspective on gravity.
This artist’s impression illustrates the evolution of the universe, starting with the Big Bang on the left. Then, the microwave background is depicted, followed by the formation of the first stars, which ends the dark ages of the universe, and continues with the emergence of galaxies. Image credit: M. Weiss/Harvard – Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics.
There is a theory positing that the entire universe is intrinsically informative and operates akin to a computational process, a perspective shared by many notable thinkers.
This line of thinking emerges from the domain of information physics, suggesting that physical reality is fundamentally composed of structured information.
In his latest paper, Dr. Vopson presents findings indicating that gravity stems from a computational process inherent in the universe.
He posits that gravity may be influenced by the organization of information related to matter throughout the universe.
Employing the second law of information dynamics, he demonstrates that universal matter and its objects could be considered as the universe endeavors to organize and compress information.
“My findings support the notion that the universe might operate like a vast computer, or that our reality represents a simulated configuration,” Dr. Vopson remarked.
“In the same way that computers strive to save space and enhance efficiency, the universe may do the same.”
“This presents a new outlook on gravity—it’s about the universe’s effort to stay organized, rather than simply pulling.”
Dr. Vopson has previously posited that information is fundamental and that all elementary particles harbor self-information, similar to how cells in biological entities carry DNA.
The current paper reveals how the spatial pixelation of fundamental cells serves as a medium for data storage, and how the information contained within these cells contributes to the physical properties and coordinates of space-time simulacra.
Each cell is capable of registering information in binary format, meaning an empty cell records a digital 0, while a cell containing matter records a digital 1.
“This process mirrors the design of a digital computer game, a virtual reality application, or other advanced simulations,” Dr. Vopson explained.
“As a single cell can accommodate multiple particles, the system evolves by relocating particles in space, merging them into a singular large particle within a single cell.”
“This sets the rules established in the computing system, causing attraction, which requires minimizing informational content and potentially reducing computational demand.”
“In simple terms, tracking and calculating the position and momentum of a single object is much more computationally efficient than managing multiple objects.”
“Therefore, gravitational attraction appears as yet another optimization mechanism within the computational process aimed at compressing information.”
“This study offers a fresh insight into gravity, affirming that its appeal arises from the fundamental urge to decrease information entropy in the universe.”
“The findings reveal significant conceptual and methodological distinctions, suggesting that gravity functions as a computational optimization process where matter self-organizes to lessen the complexity of encoding within space-time.”
“The broader implications of this work encompass fundamental physics topics, including black hole thermodynamics, dark matter, dark energy considerations, and potential links between gravity and quantum information theory.”
“The question of whether the universe is fundamentally a computational structure remains unresolved.”
This paper was published in the journal on April 25th, 2025, in AIP Advances.
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Melvin M. Vopson. 2025. Is there evidence of gravity in the computational universe? AIP Advances 15, 045035; doi:10.1063/5.0264945
The Hubble team has unveiled a breathtaking new series of images showcasing the majestic Spiral Galaxy NGC 1961, featuring NASA/ESA Hubble’s cosmic insights.
This Hubble image depicts the Spiral Galaxy NGC 1961. Image credits: NASA/ESA/Hubble/J. Dalcanton/RJ Foley, UC Santa Cruz/C. Kilpatrick.
NGC 1961 is located about 190 million light-years away in the constellation Camelopardalis.
This spiral galaxy spans 240,000 light-years, making it the largest member of a small group of ten galaxies.
NGC 1961 was first discovered by German and British astronomer William Herschel on December 3, 1788.
French astronomer Guillaume Bigon observed the galaxy on December 22, 1891, and it was cataloged as IC 2133.
NGC 1961 displays a distinctive perturbation that led to its classification as ARP 184.
“The designation ARP 184 is derived from Halton Arp’s 1966 Atlas of Peculiar Galaxies,” the Hubble astronomers noted.
“The 338 galaxies listed in the Atlas often exhibit unusual shapes, lacking perfect oval or spiral forms.”
“Many of these galaxies are in interaction with others, while some show characteristics of duster galaxies without well-defined structures.”
“ARP 184 earned its spot in the catalog due to its prominent, elongated spiral arm extending towards us,” they elaborated.
“The galaxy’s far side shows clusters of gas and stars but lacks a similarly impressive spiral arm.”
“This Hubble image merges data from three short observation programs that fit into time gaps between other proposals,” the astronomer explained.
“One of these programs focuses on ARP 184 due to its unique structure.”
“It reviewed galaxies in the Atlas of Peculiar Galaxies, compiled by Halton Arp and Barry Madore, among others, along with catalogues of singular galaxies in the southern hemisphere.”
The remaining two programs aimed to study transient astronomical events, including supernovae and tidal disruption phenomena.
“Given that ARP 184 has hosted four known supernovae in the past 30 years, it has become a prime target for supernova research.”
A recent analysis of data from NASA’s Dawn Spacecraft indicates that Vesta, the second-largest asteroid in our solar system, has not fully differentiated into a metallic core, silicate mantle, or basaltic crust.
NASA’s Dawn Spacecraft studied Vesta from July 2011 to September 2012. The towering mountains of Antarctica, more than twice the height of Mount Everest, can be seen at the bottom of the image. A set of three craters known as ‘snowmen’ can be found in the top left. Image credits: NASA/JPL-CALTECH/UCLA/MPS/DLR/IDA.
First discovered by Heinrich Wilhelm Olbers on March 29, 1807, Vesta is the only significant asteroid visible to the naked eye.
It completes a rotation in 5.34 hours, orbits the Sun in 3.63 years, and has an elongated shape with dimensions of 286 x 279 x 223 km.
Due to its substantial size, Vesta is regarded as a differentiated body with a core and mantle, similar to our own planet.
“There has been significant effort put into this research,” noted Dr. Seth Jacobson, a researcher from Michigan State University, along with his colleagues.
“One possibility is that Vesta has undergone incomplete differentiation, meaning it initiated the necessary melting process to create distinct layers such as a core, mantle, and crust, but never completed it.”
“Another theory suggests that Vesta is a fragment of a larger body that contributed to the formation of planets in the solar system.”
“The Jet Propulsion Laboratory has played a crucial role in this research,” explained Dr. Ryan Park, a senior research scientist and principal engineer at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
“After nearly ten years of advancements in calibration and processing technology, we have achieved remarkable consistency between the Dawn spacecraft’s Deep Space Network data and its onboard imaging data.”
“We were eager to see the strength of the data in revealing Vesta’s deep interior.”
“Our findings suggest that Vesta’s history is far more complex than previously thought, influenced by unique processes such as interrupted planetary differentiation and late-stage collisions.”
Celestial bodies with dense cores behave differently from those without cores.
With this newfound understanding, researchers assessed Vesta’s rotation and gravitational field.
The findings indicate that Vesta’s behavior contradicts previous notions about core formation.
“To confirm whether Vesta is an ancient remnant from a planetary formation, we need to develop more models and refine our analyses,” stated Dr. Jacobson.
“Scientists can also adapt their methodologies for studying Vesta’s materials to delve deeper into both hypotheses.”
“Further research can be conducted using innovative approaches to the Dawn mission data.”
“Our publications mark the beginning of a new research direction and could fundamentally alter how scientists perceive differentiated worlds.”
Read the paper published in the journal Natural Astronomy.
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RS Park et al. Vesta’s small core is inferred from Dawn’s observations. Nature Astronomy published online on April 23, 2025. doi:10.1038/s41550-025-02533-7
Lead by a team of paleontologists from the National Museum of Scotland, this specimen is recognized as the first and most complete dinosaur skeleton discovered in Scotland to date.
The artist’s impression of Ornishkia’s dinosaurs. Image credit: Peter Trusler.
The newly identified specimen originates from the mid-Jurassic period, approximately 166 million years ago.
“Dinosaurs from the Triassic and Early Jurassic were typically small, bipedal, and carnivorous or omnivorous. However, by the late Jurassic, a remarkable diversification occurred, leading to the emergence of some of the largest terrestrial vertebrates to ever walk the Earth,” stated Dr. Elsa Pansilolli, a paleontologist and her colleagues at the National Museum of Scotland.
“This significant diversification in dinosaur species appears to have primarily occurred during the mid-Jurassic period, positioning these dinosaurs as key elements for understanding the drivers behind this rapid evolution.”
“Unfortunately, central Jurassic dinosaur fossils are exceedingly rare and underrepresented globally,” they added.
“Consequently, the early evolutionary history and major diversification of many dinosaur groups remain largely unknown.”
“Thus, new dinosaur findings from the central Jurassic are critical for unwinding the development of ecosystems dominated by dinosaurs.”
A 166 million-year-old skeleton of Ornithikian dinosaurs from the Kilmalag Formation on the Isle of Skye. Image credit: Pansilolli et al., doi: 10.1017/s1755691024000148.
Partial dinosaur skeletons were initially discovered in 1973, but the collection was only completed in 2018.
“The specimen comprises numerous bones and fragments that seem to originate from a single bedding plane within an area measuring approximately 60 cm x 40 cm,” remarked the paleontologist.
The skeleton was uncovered in the Kilmalag Formation, located north of the village of Ergol on the Isle of Skye.
This representation includes Scotland’s most comprehensive fossils, with its initial discovery preceding the earliest reported dinosaur fossils from Skye.
“The central Jurassic in Scotland is becoming more representative of fossil finds from the Kilmalag Formation, increasing its global significance in understanding this period of tetrapod evolution,” the researchers indicated.
“Despite being fragmented, it remains the most intact dinosaur specimen known from Scotland, including partial ilium, nerve arches, rib parts, and other key elements.”
The dinosaurs from the Middle Jurassic are likely Ornithischian Dinosaurs, known as Ornithopoda.
“If the specimen is confirmed to represent Ornithischian, as suggested by the partial iliac bone and histological sections, it signifies a geologically recent event in Scotland, originating from the Kilmalag Formation,” the scientist noted.
The team’s study has been published in the journal Earth and Environmental Science Transactions of the Royal Society of Edinburgh.
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Elsa Panchiroli et al. The first and most complete dinosaur skeleton from the central Jurassic region of Scotland. Earth and Environmental Science Transactions of the Royal Society of Edinburgh Published online on March 6, 2025. doi:10.1017/s1755691024000148
If you’ve ever had a pet cat, you know they are masters of communication. Cats were domesticated over 10,000 years ago, learning to mix body language with an assortment of meows, purrs, and chirps to express their needs to humans. I also have a cat colonywith complex social relationships based on factors like rank, age, sexual status, and genetics. So how do they “speak” to each other?
Researchers have indicated that other mammals, including primates, communicate using facial signals. For example, gorillas oftenmirror each other’s facial expressions while playing; this phenomenon is known as rapid imitation of faces. Scientists correlate emotional perception with this rapid facial imitation, which may have evolved as a precursor to human empathy. Veterinarians are particularly aware of how catsexhibit different facial expressions when experiencing fear, irritation, relaxation, or pain. They often display certain behaviors when scared, and lick their noses and hiss when annoyed. However, it’s unclear whether cats in colonies and multi-cat households use imitation of facial signals.
Researchers in Israel and the United States have recently developed a new automated approach to determine if domestic cats utilize facial mimicry. Historically, researchers have compared animal facial expressions by manually recording specific movements based on standardized facial action coding systems.FACS. Other scientists tracked changes in facial shape by observing particular reference points.Landmarks on the faces of animals. Since both methods are time-intensive and subjective, the research team suggested machine learning could expedite the process and reduce bias.
The team analyzed 186 videos of 53 adult short-haired cats.Catcafe Lounge in Los Angeles, California, recorded between August 2021 and June 2022. Related to social interaction, they classified neutral or antagonistic interactions such as staring and hissing as non-intimate interactions. The hypothesis was that cats would mirror each other’s faces more frequently during interactions compared to those who are not acquainted, similar to other mammals that use facial mimicry to bond.
Initially, researchers tested whether machine learning models could accurately classify cat interactions in the videos. They utilized a model known as a tree-based pipeline optimization tool.TPOT, previously used for sorting genetic data. Starting from a manually assembledCATFACS dataset, they tracked 48 different movements involving the lips, ears, and eyes in the videos. They trained TPOT on 147 videos using the CATFACS dataset and tested its accuracy on another 37. The model successfully identified interactions based on the leaders’ facial movements in 74% of the videos.
Following that, the researchers examined how well TPOT characterized cat interactions based on facial landmarks, including 48 reference points covering the eyes, ears, nose, and mouth. They began with anautomatic landmark system that quantified cat facial signals from the video footage. The benefit of automating this approach is that it can capture rapid, subtle movements that humans might overlook. They trained TPOT with over 87,000 video frames using the automated landmark data and tested it on 22,000 frames. They found that TPOT’s ability to classify landmark-based facial signals was not more accurate than that of CATFACS-based signals, suggesting that fully automated landmarks could actually be more prone to error than manual tracking.
Finally, the researchers analyzed the comprehensive CATFACS dataset using TPOT to determine when one cat mimics some or all of another cat’s facial expressions. Supporting their hypothesis, they discovered that cats statistically mimicked each other more during social interactions than during unrelated ones. They also found that cats commonly mimic each other’s ear movements. Their results affirm previous claims that cats use their ears for communication, but they acknowledged that cats might also respond to external sounds instead of each other.
The team concluded that, much like other mammals, cats utilize rapid facial mimics to communicate. They suggested that these facial cues help cats within colonies navigate their intricate social environments and coexist peacefully. However, they also recognized that improving automated landmark-based facial tracking could involve using more cameras or conducting tests in controlled environments to minimize external influences. Regardless, they proposed that automated tracking of cat facial signals could someday enhance the success of living arrangements in shelters and among veterinarians.
This article forms part of the museum’s special feature on how artists and institutions are evolving in response to a changing world.
“Super/Natural”—an immersive, dome-shaped stained glass artwork by Judith Schaechter—truly comes to life from within.
Entering through the small portal, one is enveloped by vibrant glows of birds, stars, insects, and fantastical plants and roots in optimal lighting. Earlier this year, I had the chance to experience it firsthand in Schaechter’s home studio, and I felt a unique blend of serenity and admiration.
This evokes a thoughtful design. Such illumination profoundly affects human emotions, a truth acknowledged by medieval architects and glass artisans centuries ago.
“I’m not particularly religious, but it’s hard not to feel a sense of reverence and awe when stepping into the dome,” noted Chief Curator Laura Turner Igo. The James A. Michener Museum in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, currently features nine glass panels and two related drawings that delve into the eight-foot-tall artwork and our connection to the universe. The exhibition, Super/Natural, opened on April 12th and extends through September 14th.
“You’re enveloped by a riot of plants, insects, and birds,” Igo explained. “Skeletons and bones are present, representing both the splendor of life and the interconnectedness of death and decay. It’s beautiful yet slightly unnerving.”
Schaechter created this exquisite piece during her recent tenure as an artist-in-residence at the Penn Neurotherapy Center in Philadelphia, situated about 40 miles from Michener. The center was on her radar due to her interest in literature regarding the science of consciousness and beauty, often referred to as the “aesthetic brain.” I will oversee the center’s various activities.
When Schaechter reached out a few years back, she found that the center frequently hosts artists, and the timing coincided with the end of the current residents’ term. Excitedly, she volunteered for the next opportunity.
Upon arrival, she aimed to create an immersive experience that positions humans at the center of a “three-layer cosmos,” as she described in a video interview. The resulting structure serves as a serene and enigmatic sanctuary.
Dr. Chatterjee remarked that he wasn’t surprised by the emotional impact of Schaechter’s work. “Usually, feelings of reverence arise in the presence of vastness, making individuals feel small and connected to something greater,” he mentioned in an email interview. “The brain’s network that triggers contemplation and rewards likely gets activated. This can lead to the release of endogenous endorphins related to transcendence, as well as the pleasant emotions of oxytocin associated with connection.”
Schaechter began her BFA at the Rhode Island School of Design in 1983 and was recently honored with the 2024 Smithsonian Visionary Award. She is represented by the Claire Oliver Gallery, and her works are part of collections at both the Philadelphia Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
“No one works in glass quite like Judith,” Igo said. She recounted her recent visit to the Met, where she viewed “Garden Landscape,” a three-part stained glass window crafted by Agnes Northrop at Louis Comfort Tiffany’s studio. “Such artworks likely share the immersive quality and technique of ‘Super/Natural,'” she noted, referencing Maxfield Parrish’s “Dream Garden.”
“Of course, Northrop’s work was produced by a larger studio, while Judith meticulously crafted every piece for ‘Super/Natural,'” she added.
Last month, Schaechter discussed her work in a video interview from a beautifully restored 19th-century row house in Philadelphia. The conversation was edited for clarity and brevity.
What artistic goals did you set during your residency at the Penn Neuroaesthetics Center?
They focus on three core themes: beauty and morality, the built environment and wellness, and the relationship with art.
I aimed to undertake a project that confronted issues of beauty and morality, yet I yearned for artistic inspiration. At the onset of my residency, I delved into natural history illustrations, particularly those created by women, which had been one of the few acceptable art forms for women in the 17th and 18th centuries. I found Maria Sibilla Merian’s work particularly inspiring. These artists aimed to render nature objectively, yet their work often appeared more artistic than scientific. I sought to explore this intersection.
What is your experience like at the center?
The atmosphere is fascinating, accommodating around 15 individuals at any time. There are undergraduate students, many of whom are pursuing dual majors in artistic disciplines like architecture and fine art. There is also a medical student focused on plastic surgery who is keen on aesthetics for evident reasons. Weekly lab meetings gather everyone to share project updates, including both Dr. Chatterjee and myself.
Reflecting on my experience in “Super/Natural,” why do you believe glass, particularly the way it interacts with light, evokes such a sense of awe?
I think it has a biological basis. We have an inherent physical response to light, particularly when it’s refracted through glass. Colored light holds a certain magic; it isn’t simply perceived as absence. Most artworks are intended to be appreciated in reflected light since, as humans, we aren’t designed to gaze directly at the sun. Thus, the role of stained glass artists is to modulate that light, rendering it visible.
It’s as though you can reach out and touch the light; glass lets you momentarily grasp something ethereal.
Indeed, people are captivated by radiant light. Just think of how someone might place an empty vodka bottle in a kitchen window to catch the light. It doesn’t always have to be extravagant to be appreciated. There lies an extraordinary resonance in that experience.
What do you hope visitors take away from their experience with your work?
I aim to spark inspiration in others. Everything crafted within the dome emanates from my imagination.
I am immensely grateful for advancing technology, which allows me to explore the craft field within the dome without negating the human touch. However, I feel that many become enamored by technology and overlook the extraordinary power of our own hands and intellect. So while working on the dome, I relied on few reference materials; at 64, my mental repository is rich with experiences and knowledge.
The Trump administration has dismissed numerous scientists and experts who were working on the federal government’s key report regarding the impacts of global warming on the nation.
This decision, which is obligatory in Congress, poses significant risks to the future of the National Climate Assessment, according to experts.
Since 2000, the federal government has released an in-depth report every few years detailing how rising temperatures influence human health, agriculture, fisheries, water resources, transportation, energy generation, and various aspects of the U.S. economy. The latest climate assessment was published in 2023. This report is utilized not only by state and local authorities but also by private enterprises, assisting in preparations for extreme weather events, floods, droughts, and other climate-related challenges.
On Monday, researchers nationwide began the preparation for the sixth National Climate Assessment, scheduled for early 2028, only to receive an email indicating that the report’s scope is “currently under review” and all contributors have been dismissed.
“We are now liberating all existing assessment contributors from their roles,” the email stated. “As the evaluation plan progresses, there may be future chances for contribution or involvement. Thank you for your service.”
For some authors, this felt like a devastating setback for the next report.
“This could signal the end of the assessment,” remarked Jesse Keenan, a professor at Tulane University specializing in climate adaptation and a co-author of the previous climate assessment. “If we eliminate all involved, there will be no advancement.”
The White House has not yet responded to requests for comments.
Climate assessments are generally compiled by volunteer scientists and expert contributors from across the nation. The process involves multiple reviews by 14 federal agencies and a public comment period. Oversight is provided by the Global Change Research Program, a federal entity established by Congress in 1990, with support from NASA.
During the Trump administration, this process faced significant upheaval. Recently, NASA terminated its major partnership with ICF International, a consulting firm that supplied much of the technical support and staffing for the Global Change Research Program, which coordinates the contributions from numerous sources.
President Trump has consistently downplayed the risks associated with global warming. Russell Vert, the current head of the Office of Management and Budget, noted in a pre-election document that the next president should “reorganize” the global change research program, as scientific reports on climate change were often utilized in environmental litigation that restricted federal actions.
Vought advocated for the separation of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the agency responsible for the government’s largest climate research unit, termed the “climate warning.”
During Trump’s first term, the administration made efforts to undermine the national climate assessment. When the 2018 report was released, which found that global warming posed an imminent and catastrophic threat, the administration published it the day after Thanksgiving to lessen its impact.
In February, scientists submitted a comprehensive summary of the upcoming assessment to the White House for initial review; however, that review has been halted, and the agency’s comment period has been delayed.
It remains uncertain what will happen next with the assessment, which is still mandated by Congress. Some scientists worry that the administration may attempt to draft an entirely new report from scratch, potentially downplaying the dangers of rising temperatures and contradicting established climate science.
“These are the most effective strategies to assist us,” said Mead Crosby, a senior scientist in the Climate Impact Group at the University of Washington, who has contributed to the assessment. “The real question is whether it accurately reflects reliable science and has a tangible impact on our community in preparing for climate change.”
Scientists previously involved in climate assessments assert that the report is crucial for understanding the effects of climate change on daily life in the United States.
Catherine Hayho, a climate scientist at Texas Tech, stated this month, “we are considering that global issue and making it more relevant to us.” “If you care about food, water, transportation, insurance, or health, this is what climate change signifies for residents in the Southwest or the Great Plains. That’s the importance.”
Numerous state and local policymakers, along with private companies, depend on these assessments to comprehend how climate change impacts various regions of the United States and how they can adapt accordingly.
While the scientific understanding of climate change and its repercussions has not dramatically shifted since the last assessment in 2023, Dr. Keenan from Tulane noted that research is continuously advancing regarding what communities can do to mitigate rising sea levels and other issues exacerbated by increasing temperatures.
Scientists indicated that decision-makers responsible for the final assessment would likely rely on outdated information regarding effective adaptations and mitigation measures.
“We risk losing our fundamental report, which is intended to communicate the dangers of climate change and propose advancements,” stated Dustin Mulbany, an environmental studies professor and author at San Jose State University. “That would be quite devastating.”
On Monday, the House passed a strongly bipartisan law aimed at criminalizing the non-consensual sharing of sexually explicit photos and videos that include AI-generated imagery, commonly referred to as “deepfakes.”
The legislation, which cleared with a vote of 409 to 2, is expected to be signed by President Trump soon.
Known as the Take It Down Act, this law is designed to combat what is termed “Revenge Porn.” Under its provisions, social media companies and online platforms must remove such images within two days of receiving notification.
The bill saw bipartisan support, uniting conservatives and other parties alike, and it passed the Senate unanimously in February. Trump’s endorsement, highlighted in his joint address to Congress last month, appears to have facilitated its passage.
co-sponsored by Sen. Ted Cruz, a Republican from Texas, and Democrat Amy Klobuchar from Minnesota, it marks the first significant Internet Content Act to pass Congress since 2018, following prior legislation aimed at combating online sex trafficking. While concentrating on revenge porn and deepfakes, this bill indicates a crucial step towards holding internet companies accountable, which have largely evaded governmental oversight for years.
The strong backing for the Take It Down Act underscores the growing frustration among legislators regarding social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X.
Revenge porn and deepfakes affect individuals of all ages, particularly impacting teenage girls, as the proliferation of “nudification” apps allows boys to secretly create and distribute sexually explicit images of female classmates.
Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar, a Republican from Florida, introduced a parallel bill in the House and stated on Monday that this legislation aims to prevent the rampant abuse and harassment faced by young girls online.
“Using the likenesses, voices, and images of young, susceptible women to manipulate, coerce, and publicly humiliate them for amusement or revenge is utterly reprehensible,” said Salazar.
Such legislation has been frequently attempted in various states across the nation, and although South Carolina lacks specific laws against revenge porn, at least 20 other states have enacted measures addressing sexually explicit deepfakes.
The measures passed on Monday are part of ongoing bipartisan efforts by lawmakers to tackle deepfake pornography. Cruz and Klobuchar first introduced the bill last year, but it did not advance in a Republican-led House. Reintroduced this year, it gained traction after receiving endorsement from first lady Melania Trump.
Last year, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a younger Democratic congresswoman from New York, proposed legislation enabling individuals depicted in sexually explicit deepfakes to sue creators and distributors of such content. This bill has not been reintroduced this year.
Legislators have recently focused on several bills aimed at safeguarding children from online sexual exploitation, bullying, and harmful algorithms. In January 2024, executives from Meta, TikTok, and other tech firms faced tough questions from lawmakers as they defended their platforms.
During these hearings, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg was compelled to apologize to parents who had lost children to online dangers.
However, some advocates for free speech caution that such measures could stifle legitimate expression, arguing that similar laws might inadvertently lead to the removal of both lawful and unlawful content.
“Despite the good intentions, the potentially harmful effects of the bill on constitutional rights to free speech and privacy online cannot be overlooked,” stated Becca Branham, assistant director of the Free Expression Project at the Center for Democracy Technology, a research organization.
Branham also remarked that the Take It Down Act serves as “a potentially weaponized enforcement tool that endangers meaningful progress in the battle against image-based sexual abuse.”
The Trump administration has announced an increase in initiatives aimed at addressing PFA pollution, yet it remains vague regarding its support for Biden-era regulations that demand utilities to eliminate “forever chemicals” from the drinking water of millions of Americans.
“We are excited to engage in this process of exploring the world,” stated Lee Zeldin, Environmental Protection Agency administrator. “This marks the beginning of the efforts by Americans at PFA to ensure they enjoy the cleanest air, land, and water.”
PFA, or polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of chemicals linked to cancer and other health issues, commonly found in products like waterproof clothing and paper straws. These persistent chemicals are contaminating drinking water across the nation. According to the latest EPA data, up to 158 million Americans are impacted by PFA in their water.
Last year, President Joseph R. Biden Jr. implemented the first PFA limits on drinking water, effectively mandating local government water systems to eliminate specific types of PFA.
However, the Water and Chemical Industry Group has initiated a lawsuit claiming that drinking water standards impose excessive costs. The Trump administration is set to determine in court whether to maintain these standards ahead of the May 12 deadline.
On Monday, the EPA unveiled measures to combat PFA contamination, including designating officials to lead the agency’s chemical efforts, crafting guidelines on permissible PFA discharge from plants, engaging Congress, and developing mechanisms to hold contaminators responsible.
The EPA further indicated it would establish a plan to manage PFAS contamination in fertilizers derived from sewage sludge. There is heightened concern regarding the extensive contamination of U.S. farmland due to biosolid fertilizers containing harmful PFA levels.
Environmental groups expressed that the EPA’s proposal lacked clarity, particularly regarding the commitment to uphold Biden-era drinking water standards. Among the few indicators of the Trump administration’s approach was a reference to the need to address “compliance challenges.”
The Trump administration also faces a court deadline next month concerning its defense of two types of PFA classifications that require polluters to clean under the nation’s Superfund Act.
“What we really want is a clear answer; they are completely dodging this issue,” commented Eric D. Olson, senior strategist for drinking water and health at the Natural Resources Defense Council, an environmental advocacy group.
Olson noted that while the EPA claims to base its actions on scientific evidence, he pointed out that the agency plans to reduce its scientific research division and cut its overall budget by 65%. “On one hand, the EPA announces new initiatives, yet on the other, it aims to reduce budgets and eliminate the scientists responsible for these efforts,” he stated. “I fail to see how this reconciles.”
EPA spokesperson Dominique Joseph stated that the agency’s new leadership is currently reviewing the Biden administration’s drinking water standards. She did not provide insights on how the EPA plans to move forward with its Superfund policy.
Industry groups, including the American Water Works Association and the National Association of Manufacturers, that are suing the EPA over PFAs did not respond immediately.
James L. Ferraro, an environmental attorney representing several water operators, remarked that the EPA announcement “shows that agencies are aware of the financial strain that PFAS regulations impose on public water systems and the industry.” However, he noted that the new measures seemed “very preliminary.” “We’ll see how this develops.”
The EPA’s announcement on addressing PFA comes as the administration pursues broader efforts to roll back national climate and environmental regulations. Yet, polling consistently reveals that Americans prioritize clean water protection over climate change policies. This remains popular across political lines.
Even the White House has pushed back against the use of paper straws, citing that “scientists and regulators have raised significant concerns about PFAS chemicals for decades.”
The competition in space between billionaires Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk is poised to expand into satellite internet.
Originally launched as an online bookstore three decades ago, Amazon has evolved into a merchandising powerhouse, owning the James Bond franchise and retailing electronics like the Echo smart speaker, along with being a leading provider of cloud computing services.
Thus, it’s no surprise that Amazon is rolling out the first batch of thousands of satellites under Project Kuiper, designed to provide connectivity in our modern world. The high-speed internet market from space is largely dominated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, which offers a similar service. Starlink boasts a vast fleet of satellites and regularly conducts launches, serving millions globally.
The initial attempt to launch a satellite on April 9 was postponed due to unfavorable weather conditions at the launch site. The company is set to make another attempt this coming Monday.
When will it be launched and how can I watch it?
The first 27 Project Kuiper satellites are scheduled for launch on Monday from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, between 7 PM and 9 PM Eastern Time. They will be lifted aboard the Atlas V rocket, developed by the United Launch Alliance—a collaboration between Boeing and Lockheed Martin.
ULA plans to provide live coverage starting at 6:35 PM; the company reports a 70% chance of an on-time launch.
The rocket will place the Kuiper satellites into a circular orbit approximately 280 miles above Earth. The satellites’ propulsion systems will gradually elevate them to an orbit of 393 miles.
What is Project Kuiper?
Project Kuiper comprises a network of internet satellites designed to deliver high-speed data connections to nearly every location on Earth. To achieve this, thousands of satellites are necessary, with Amazon aiming to deploy over 3,200 within the next few years.
The project competes with SpaceX’s Starlink, which primarily caters to residential customers.
Kuiper aims to target remote areas while also integrating with Amazon Web Services, the cloud computing solution that is highly valued by large enterprises and governments worldwide. This could make it particularly appealing for businesses needing satellite imagery and weather forecasts to carry out data processing, alongside the capacity to transfer large volumes of data over the internet.
Ground stations will link the Kuiper satellites to the service infrastructure, allowing businesses to interact with their own remote devices. For instance, Amazon indicates that energy firms could leverage Kuiper to monitor and manage remote wind farms and offshore drilling operations.
In October 2023, two prototype Kuiper satellites were launched for technology testing. Amazon stated that the tests were successful, but these prototypes were not intended for long-term operational constellations; after seven months, they re-entered the atmosphere. The company noted that they have since refined the design of all systems and subsystems.
“There’s a significant difference between launching two satellites and launching 3,000 satellites,” remarked Rajeev Badyal, an Amazon executive overseeing Kuiper, in a promotional video ahead of the launch.
When will Amazon provide internet services from space?
Amazon informed the Federal Communications Commission in 2020 that the service would commence after the deployment of the initial 578 satellites. The company anticipates that customers will be able to access the internet later this year.
While a fully operational constellation requires thousands of satellites, it is feasible for the company to serve certain areas with fewer satellites initially, expanding to broader global coverage later.
The FCC’s approval for the constellation stipulates that at least half of the satellites must be launched by July 30, 2026. Industry experts suggest that if significant progress is shown by that deadline, the company could be granted an extension.
Launching a satellite also relies on the timely availability of rockets, which can present challenges if there aren’t enough launches lined up. Additionally, Amazon must construct numerous ground stations to relay signals to users.
As an earthquake ruptures along the Cascadia subduction zone fault, much of the US West Coast will experience intense shaking for five minutes, with tsunamis potentially generating waves up to 100 feet crashing towards the shore. However, this is only the onset of anticipated devastation.
Even if coastal communities in Northern California, Oregon, and Washington withstand the initial earthquake, recent research indicates that flooding could inundate many of these susceptible regions. This is due to an expected drop of 6½ feet in the entire coastal land when the earthquake strikes, according to a new study published Monday in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNA).
Researchers examined earthquake and flood models to provide some of the most comprehensive predictions about how Cascadia earthquakes can lower or subside coastal land, potentially affecting over twice as many people, structures, and roadways as currently established. The exacerbating effects of climate change are projected to raise sea levels, compounding the issue over time.
“The repercussions of these hazards will linger for decades or even centuries following the earthquake,” stated Tina Dura, the study’s lead author. “Tsunamis will strike and have a considerable impact. Don’t misunderstand me; however, a lasting change in flood frequency… that is a critical concern.”
The team will operate the Vibracore Rig in Silets Bay, Oregon, collecting deep sediment cores in 2022 for tsunami deposits and paleoseismic analysis. Tina Dura
Dura explained that geological fossil evidence suggests that previous Cascadia earthquakes resulted in a significant drop in land level, transforming once dry areas into tidal mud flats along the Pacific Northwest’s estuaries.
An assistant professor of geoscience at Virginia Tech, Dura noted: “This is how we have a harbor…and where we’ve established towns, yet that land will plummet by a maximum of two meters.”
The Cascadia subduction zone fault offshore of North America presents an imminent threat, capable of generating magnitude 9.0 earthquakes. Such events are expected to occur on average every 450-500 years, with the last major quake dating back to 1700.
The national seismic hazard model indicates a 15% chance of an earthquake measuring 8.0 or higher occurring along the zone within the next 50 years.
When the fault ruptures, experts assert that it could lead to the most catastrophic natural disaster in the nation’s history. Simulations from 2022 predict that the Cascadia earthquake could damage around 620,000 buildings in the Pacific Northwest, including 100 hospitals and 2,000 schools, resulting in over 100,000 injuries and approximately 14,000 fatalities.
Recent findings emphasize that coastal planners must seriously consider not only the immediate threats of strong shaking and tsunami waves but also the long-term impacts of land reshaping and rapid subsidence of the coastline itself.
“There will be the flooding itself, as well as enduring changes in land elevation along the coast, greatly affecting community planning,” remarked Harold Tobin, director of the Pacific Coast Earthquake Network and professor at the University of Washington. “Where will schools and hospitals be built? Where will transportation networks be established? A long-term perspective is vital.”
Following the earthquake, Dura’s research predicts that towns along the Pacific Northwest coastline, such as Seaside, Oregon, Westport, Washington, and Aberdeen, Washington, will likely experience frequent flooding, at least once every century.
The study also highlights that climate change-induced sea level rise will accelerate, aggravating the consequences of post-earthquake flooding in the future.
A field team across the mouth of the Salmon River in Oregon will transport coring and surveying equipment to the next sampling site in 2023. Mike Pridy
Global average sea levels have risen by approximately 8-9 inches since 1880, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Dramatic acceleration in sea level rise is anticipated in the coming decades due to global warming, with NOAA estimating an increase of 10-12 inches.
The impact of sea level rise varies depending on location and can significantly affect the coastline.
In places like Chesapeake Bay, Virginia, land is gradually sinking, a process termed subsidence, while portions of the Pacific Northwest are experiencing uplift due to continental movements. This uplift can offset some of the sea level rise.
The uplift is attributed to the stress build-up within the plates forming the Cascadia subduction zone. In this zone, the Juan de Fuca plate is forced beneath the North American plates, causing a slight upward movement of land.
Currently, the subduction zone faults remain inactive, accumulating stress. When the fault eventually ruptures, the released plate bow leads to rapid land-level subsidence, effectively negating the uplift for centuries.
“It all transpires in a matter of minutes, resulting in meter-level drops,” stated Dura. “The land continues to shift, and as I mentioned, this has ramifications that will last for decades and centuries. Consequently, the critical areas of the floodplain are significantly impacted.”
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<img class="Image" alt="A new scientist. Science News and Long read from expert journalists covering science, technology, health, and environmental developments." width="1350" height="900" src="https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/25114701/SEI_248764888.jpg" sizes="(min-width: 1288px) 837px, (min-width: 1024px) calc(57.5vw + 55px), (min-width: 415px) calc(100vw - 40px), calc(70vw + 74px)" srcset="https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/25114701/SEI_248764888.jpg?width=300 300w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/25114701/SEI_248764888.jpg?width=400 400w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/25114701/SEI_248764888.jpg?width=500 500w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/25114701/SEI_248764888.jpg?width=600 600w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/25114701/SEI_248764888.jpg?width=700 700w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/25114701/SEI_248764888.jpg?width=800 800w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/25114701/SEI_248764888.jpg?width=837 837w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/25114701/SEI_248764888.jpg?width=900 900w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/25114701/SEI_248764888.jpg?width=1003 1003w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/25114701/SEI_248764888.jpg?width=1100 1100w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/25114701/SEI_248764888.jpg?width=1200 1200w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/25114701/SEI_248764888.jpg?width=1300 1300w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/25114701/SEI_248764888.jpg?width=1400 1400w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/25114701/SEI_248764888.jpg?width=1500 1500w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/25114701/SEI_248764888.jpg?width=1600 1600w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/25114701/SEI_248764888.jpg?width=1674 1674w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/25114701/SEI_248764888.jpg?width=1700 1700w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/25114701/SEI_248764888.jpg?width=1800 1800w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/25114701/SEI_248764888.jpg?width=1900 1900w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/25114701/SEI_248764888.jpg?width=2006 2006w" loading="eager" fetchpriority="high" data-image-context="Article" data-image-id="2478096" data-caption="" data-credit="Adobe Stock"/>
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<p>For over a decade, floating cranes have been lowering unusual cargo to depths of around 3,000 meters in the Mediterranean. These objects resemble something from a different realm: large, shiny spheres filled with electronic devices. In reality, they are detectors for a project called <a href="https://www.km3net.org/">KM3Net</a>, which aims to explore one of the most enigmatic fundamental particles.</p>
<p>The facility has been in operation for only a few years. In 2023, <a href="https://www.cppm.in2p3.fr/web/en/pratical_info/directory/Y295bGVAY3BwbS5pbjJwMy5mcg==.html">Paschal Coyle</a> was astonished to discover a significant signal in the preliminary data. While it turned out to be a neutrino, it was unlike anything previously observed. "My program crashed when I first encountered this event," recalls Coyle, a physicist from the Centre for Particle Physics in Marseille, France.</p>
<p>KM3Net detected neutrinos with roughly 35 times the energy of any previously recorded instances. These neutrinos were thousands of times more energetic than those produced by our best particle accelerators. Neutrinos are notoriously difficult to study as they interact very weakly with matter, making their detection elusive. This challenge was a key factor in placing the detectors on the ocean floor, a decision that seemed almost improbable.</p>
<p>Now, the scientific community is racing to understand what could have generated this phenomenon in space. Astronomers are exploring two primary theories, both of which delve into some of the universe's most profound mysteries. Unraveling the origin of this particle will enhance our understanding of neutrinos and...</p>
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Keir Starmer, the British Prime Minister, aims to establish the UK as a leader in artificial intelligence.
PA Images/Alamy
Numerous civil servants within the UK government are utilizing their own AI chatbots to assist with their duties, including those supporting Prime Minister Keir Starmer, as revealed by New Scientist. Officials have not accurately recorded how the Prime Minister is receiving AI-generated advice, whether civil servants are addressing the risks of inaccurate or biased AI outputs, or how the Prime Minister utilizes these tools. Experts express concerns over this lack of transparency and its implications for the reliability of governmental information.
Following the acquisition of the world’s first ChatGPT logs under the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, New Scientist has reached out to 20 government departments to document their interactions with Redbox. Redbox is a generative AI tool being trialed among UK government employees, enabling users to analyze government documents and generate initial drafts for briefings. According to one of the developers involved, early tests reported that a civil servant managed to consolidate 50 documents in mere seconds, a task that typically would take a day.
All contacted departments stated they do not use Redbox or declined to provide a record of interactions, which New Scientist deemed “troubling.” This is a formal term used in responses to FOI requests, as defined by the Office of Information Commissioner, which describes it as likely to cause undue distress, confusion, or irritation.
However, two departments divulged information regarding Redbox’s usage. The Cabinet Office, which assists the Prime Minister, reported that 3,000 individuals engaged in 30,000 chats with Redbox. After reviewing these exchanges, they noted that redacting sensitive information requires more than a year before any content can be released under FOI regulations. The Trade Bureau acknowledged retaining “over 13,000 prompts and responses” while also requiring review before release.
Both departments were contacted for additional inquiries about Redbox use. The Department of Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), which oversees these tools, declined to respond to specific questions about whether the Prime Minister or other ministers received AI-generated advice.
A DSIT representative informed New Scientist that “time should not be wasted on AI which operates faster and faster.” They added that Redbox is integrated into Whitehall to help civil servants utilize AI safely and effectively, simplifying document summarization and agenda drafting.
Nonetheless, some experts raise concerns regarding the use of generative AI tools. Large language models are known to have significant challenges related to bias and accuracy, making it hard to ensure Redbox delivers trustworthy information. DSIT did not clarify how Redbox users could mitigate those risks.
“My concern is that the government exists to serve the public, and part of its mandate is providing transparency regarding decision-making processes,” asserts Catherine Flick from Staffordshire University.
Due to the “black box” nature of generative AI tools, Flick emphasizes the difficulty of evaluating or understanding how a specific output is produced, especially if certain aspects of a document are emphasized over others. When governments withhold such information, they diminish transparency further, she argues.
This lack of transparency also extends to the Treasury, the third government department. The Ministry of Finance stated, in response to the FOI request, that New Scientist staff members cannot access Redbox, indicating that “GPT tools are available within HM [His Majesty’s] Treasury without maintaining a log of interactions.” The specific GPT tool referenced remains unidentified. While ChatGPT is well-known, other large language models also bear the GPT label, suggesting that the Treasury employs AI tools but lacks a comprehensive record of their usage, as New Scientist sought clarification on.
“If prompts aren’t documented, it’s challenging to replicate the decision-making process,” Flick adds.
John Baines from Mishcon De Reya remarked that it’s unusual for a UK law firm to forego recording such information. “It’s surprising that the government claims it cannot retrieve the prompts used in the internal GPT system.” While courts have ruled that public agencies aren’t required to maintain records before archiving, “good data governance implies that retaining records is crucial, particularly when they may influence policy development or communication,” he explains.
However, data protection specialist Tim Turner believes the Treasury is justified in not retaining AI prompts under the FOI Act. “This is permissible unless specific legal or employee regulations determine otherwise,” he states.
Since January, Spotify has disbursed over $100 million to podcast creators and publishers, as reported by the New York Times’ Dealbook.
These payments stem from a program launched in 2025, which opens up new revenue opportunities for eligible hosts. This initiative also aims to draw more creators (and their audiences) to Spotify, especially as video podcasting has gained traction on YouTube.
Video content now leads the podcasting landscape. According to Edison’s survey, more than half of Americans aged 12 and older have watched video podcasts — primarily on YouTube. Report As of January, Spotify claims to have attracted 1 billion podcast listeners each month, positioning itself as the leading platform for podcasts. Meanwhile, Media King continues to surpass Spotify and Apple Podcasts, with its original video podcasting efforts that began in 2019.
In contrast to YouTube, Spotify has become somewhat vulnerable in the podcasting space, attracting 170 million podcast listeners per month from a broader audience of 675 million. For context, YouTube invested over $70 billion into creators and media entities from 2021 to 2024.
On Tuesday, the company announced its financial results, projecting approximately 540 million euros in pre-tax revenue within a total of 4.2 billion euros, as per S&P Capital IQ.
Although Spotify is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, it is headquartered in Stockholm. The company maintains a stronghold in the sector due to its impressive roster of talent, including the distribution of advertisements for the widely popular Joe Rogan Experience podcast. It achieved its first profitable year in 2024, with Rogan’s podcast also available on YouTube.
The new partner program is designed to mitigate YouTube’s advantages. Like YouTube, Spotify historically compensated creators solely through ad revenue sharing, but it now provides further incentives for video uploads. Eligible creators can earn additional revenue depending on the engagement levels of their premium subscribers.
Spotify is actively working to attract additional viewers. In November, they unveiled their partnership program, stating that paid subscribers in specific regions would not encounter dynamic ads on video podcasts. As a result, video consumption has surged by over 40% since January, according to Spotify.
The pressing question is whether Spotify can persuade creators to shift their priorities.
David Coles, host of the horror fiction podcast “Just Creepy: Scary Stories,” mentioned that he is reevaluating his “home platform” after Spotify’s revenue recently outpaced YouTube’s. In the last quarter, Coles reported earnings of about $45,500 from Spotify. Since joining the new partner program, his Spotify revenue increased to around $81,600.
For larger shows and podcast companies like YMH Studios, which boasts 2.1 million YouTube subscribers and produces popular podcasts such as “2 Bears, 1 Cave,” the revenue boost has been even more pronounced. YMH Studios reported that its quarterly earnings from Spotify have more than tripled after enrolling in the partner program, although it chose not to disclose specific figures.
Creators have pointed out that this is still early in the program, but Alan Abin, head of advertising revenue at YMH Studios, referred to the new payment framework as a “game changer” and a “pleasant surprise.”
One of the most immense singular formations observed in the cosmos, these expansive hydrogen gas clouds, have been found surprisingly close to Earth.
Naming it EOS, after the Greek goddess of dawn, the cloud was discovered through the faint ultraviolet light emitted by hydrogen molecules.
Referred to as molecular clouds, these colossal structures of gas and dust serve as nurseries for new stars.
Historically, astronomers have depended on radio and infrared telescopes to locate these clouds, detecting the carbon monoxide signature. However, scientists took a distinct approach to uncover EOS.
“This marks the first molecular cloud identified through the direct search for distant ultraviolet emissions of molecular hydrogen,” stated Professor Blakesley Burkhart, the leading researcher on the project.
“The data revealed glowing hydrogen molecules detected through fluorescence in distant ultraviolet rays. This cloud truly shines in the dark.”
https://c02.purpledshub.com/uploads/sites/41/2025/04/eos.mp4Scientists have identified potential star-forming clouds, designated EO. It ranks among the largest single structures in the sky and is one of the nearest formations to the sun and earth ever observed.
Situated just 300 light years from Earth at the confines of a gas-rich area known as the local bubble, EOS spans a region of sky comparable to a full moon width of 40 and possesses approximately 3,400 times the sun’s mass.
Despite its size and proximity, it remained concealed due to being “co-dark,” which indicates a deficiency of carbon monoxide that traditional detection methods rely on.
“The discovery of EOS is thrilling because it allows us to directly observe the formation and dissociation of molecular clouds and how galaxies transform interstellar gases and dust into stars and planets,” Burkhart commented.
Dr. Thavisha Dharmawardena noted, “During my graduate studies, I was informed that observing molecular hydrogen wasn’t straightforward.”
The data was acquired using a Faltraviolet spectrometer installed on the Korean satellite STSAT-1. Published in 2023, Burkhart quickly unearthed a concealed structure.
“The story of the cosmos is one of billions of years of atomic transformation,” Burkhart explained.
“The hydrogen found in the EOS cloud dates back to the Big Bang and eventually fell into our galaxy, merging near the sun. Thus, these hydrogen atoms have traveled a remarkable 13.6 billion-year journey.”
The “nudifice” app utilizing artificial intelligence to generate explicit sexual images of children is raising alarms, echoing concerns from English children’s commissioners amidst rising fears for potential victims.
Girls have reported refraining from sharing images of themselves on social media due to fears that generative AI tools could alter or sexualize their clothing. Although creating or disseminating sexually explicit images of children is illegal, the underlying technology remains legal, according to the report.
“Children express fear at the mere existence of this technology. They worry strangers, classmates, or even friends might exploit smartphones to manipulate them, using these specialized apps to create nude images,” a spokesperson stated.
“While the online landscape is innovative and continuously evolving, there’s no justifiable reason for these specific applications to exist. They have no rightful place in our society, and tools that enable the creation of naked images of children using deepfake technology should be illegal.”
De Souza has proposed an AI bill mandating that developers of generative AI tools address product functionalities, and has urged the government to implement an effective system for eliminating explicit deepfake images of children. This initiative should be supported by policy measures recognizing deep sexual abuse as a form of violence against women and girls.
Meanwhile, the report calls on Ofcom to ensure diligent age verification of nudification apps, and for social media platforms to restrict access to sexually explicit deepfake tools targeted at children, in accordance with online safety laws.
The findings revealed that 26% of respondents aged 13 to 18 had encountered deep, sexually explicit images of celebrities, friends, teachers, or themselves.
Many AI tools reportedly focus solely on female bodies, thereby contributing to an escalating culture of misogyny, the report cautions.
An 18-year-old girl conveyed to the commissioner:
The report highlighted cases like that of Mia Janin, who tragically died by suicide in March 2021, illustrating connections between deepfake abuse, suicidal thoughts, and PTSD.
In her report, De Souza stated that new technologies confront children with concepts they struggle to comprehend, evolving at a pace that overwhelms their ability to recognize the associated hazards.
The lawyer explained to the Guardian that this reflects a lack of understanding regarding the repercussions of actions taken by young individuals arrested for sexual offenses, particularly concerning deepfake experimentation.
Daniel Reese Greenhalgh, a partner at Cokerbinning law firm, noted that the existing legal framework poses significant challenges for law enforcement agencies in identifying and protecting abuse victims.
She indicated that banning such apps might ignite debates over internet freedom and could disproportionately impact young men experimenting with AI software without comprehension of the consequences.
Reece-Greenhalgh remarked that while the criminal justice system strives to treat adolescent offenses with understanding, previous efforts to mitigate criminality among youth have faced challenges when offenses occur in private settings, leading to unintended consequences within schools and communities.
Matt Hardcastle, a partner at Kingsley Napley, emphasized the “online youth minefield” surrounding access to illegal sexual and violent content, noting that many parents are unaware of how easily their children can encounter situations that lead to harmful experiences.
“Parents often view these situations from their children’s perspectives, unaware that their actions can be both illegal and detrimental to themselves or others,” he stated. “Children’s brains are still developing, leading them to approach risk-taking very differently.”
Marcus Johnston, a criminal lawyer focusing on sex crimes, reported working with an increasingly youthful demographic involved in such crimes, often without parental awareness of the issues at play. “Typically, these offenders are young men, seldom young women, ensnared indoors, while parents mistakenly perceive their activities as mere games,” he explained. “These offenses have emerged largely due to the internet, with most sexual crimes now taking place online, spearheaded by forums designed to cultivate criminal behavior in children.”
A government spokesperson stated:
“It is appallingly illegal to create, possess, or distribute child sexual abuse material, including AI-generated images. Platforms of all sizes must remove this content or face significant fines as per online safety laws. The UK is pioneering the introduction of AI-specific child sexual abuse offenses, making it illegal to own, create, or distribute tools crafted for generating abhorrent child sexual abuse material.”
In the UK, the NSPCC offers support to children at 0800 1111 and adults concerned about children can reach out at 0808 800 5000. The National Association of People Abused in Childhood (NAPAC) supports adult survivors at 0808 801 0331. In Australia, children, young adults, parents, and educators can contact the 1800 55 1800 helpline for children, or Braveheart at 1800 272 831. Adult survivors may reach the Blue Knot Foundation at 1300 657 380.
dOnaldo Trump’s re-entry into the White House has triggered a swift increase in defense spending as European leaders distance themselves from the US, marking a “turning point” in continental security. The new push for European independence could resonate further across the globe.
The aspiration for greater autonomy in Europe also translates into a greater demand for advancements in space technology, states Josef Aschbacher, director of the European Space Agency (ESA), which oversees space exploration initiatives among European nations, including those in the EU and much of the UK.
“There are numerous areas in space where Europe seeks to enhance its autonomy, particularly in an increasingly unstable geopolitical climate,” Aschbacher mentioned in an interview with the Guardian in London. “The landscape has shifted dramatically.”
Human interest in space is at an all-time high. We are currently witnessing a Second Space Race, with governments and private entities leveraging significant advancements in satellites, sensors, and, crucially, rockets. Analysts predict a growth trajectory for the industry to reach $100 million, akin to today’s airline industry, with expected surges in global observation, communication, and potentially space tourism. Increased military expenditure under Trump may further accelerate the push for advanced surveillance technologies.
However, Aschbacher emphasizes the importance of continued investment in scientific endeavors that forward humanity’s interests, which include projects like laser-based wind speed measurements, climate monitoring satellites, and the Euclidean telescope aimed at unraveling the enigma of dark matter.
For decades, collaboration with the US has been pivotal for European space science. ESA partners with American agencies, contributing to everything from astronaut missions on the International Space Station to the James Webb Telescope exploring the universe’s early radiation, as well as the Artemis program, which aims to revisit the Moon. Aschbacher oversees a budget of €7.7 billion (£6.4 billion) this year but is dwarfed by NASA’s budget of $25.4 billion (£19.6 billion).
Trump’s return raises uncertainties around the continuity of this cooperation, particularly if the US implements abrupt funding cuts to NASA.
Elon Musk adds further complexity. His SpaceX could become the primary driver in significantly reducing launch costs, thanks to its reusable Falcon 9 rocket. However, Musk’s controversial approach under Trump raises concerns regarding potential conflicts of interest as a primary NASA contractor. Trump’s decision to forgo billionaire Jared Isaacman, who was a fully paid SpaceX-supported NASA leader, has led Musk to criticize Artemis in favor of his vision to send humans to Mars.
European nations are also striving to reduce their reliance on SpaceX’s Starlink, a network of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. Starlink has established a massive LEO constellation, providing reliable internet in remote regions and has become crucial for military communications in Ukraine since Russia’s invasion in 2022.
Elon Musk’s SpaceX will launch Bandwagon-3 in April. Photo: Joe Marino/Upi/Rex/Shutterstock
When questioned about Musk’s influence, Aschbacher refrained from discussing “the internal politics of the United States and how these decisions might be affected.”
ESA is committed to its planned projects, including the construction of Orion capsules for astronaut transport, asserting, “We are optimistic that the collaboration with the US on the Artemis program will continue.”
“If changes occur, and if a US partner alters its plans, of course, we have a Plan B ready,” Aschbacher stated. “We are certainly enhancing our autonomy and capabilities. However, now is not the moment to discuss Plan B, as Plan A remains active.”
Nevertheless, ESA is also exploring partnerships with other nations that could support “Plan B.” Aschbacher pointed to Australia, the United Arab Emirates, and India as potential collaborators.
SpaceX asserted its dominance last month when the Dragon Capsule safely returned four individuals. Two had been stranded at the International Space Station due to technical problems with Boeing’s Starliner craft.
Europe has depended on SpaceX to launch segments of its Galileo satellite navigation system following the retirement of the Ariane 5 rocket. Both systems are operated by Arianespace, and the Vega C grounding is co-owned by Airbus and Safran. This led to a “crisis launch,” which was finally resolved with the inaugural flight of the Ariane 6 rocket last year.
ESA is now focused on encouraging more launch competitors for the upcoming generation, emphasizing reusable rockets to replicate SpaceX’s cost-effectiveness. According to Aschbacher, one ESA-led initiative, the Prometheus Engine, is projected to launch in “a handful” of years. Other European private firms are also entering the race, including Augsburg, a German startup rocket manufacturer.
Once everything is on track, launches could also take place from the UK, reducing ESA’s dependence on space facilities in French Guiana, South America. Aschbacher mentioned that developing British spacecraft, especially in Shetland, is another positive development. The ESA, funded by 23 member states but not affiliated with the EU, shows that Brexit has not hindered the UK’s commitment, although the Copernicus Climate Satellite program has faced disruptions.
While ESA’s primary mission is to peacefully explore space, its potential military applications may facilitate increased funding from member states in November to cover gaps left by the US.
Nevertheless, Aschbacher is a scientist at heart. He studied natural sciences at Innsbruck University and joined ESA in 1990, eventually leading the Earth Observation Department. He acknowledged that space technology is integral to enabling numerous security needs for European countries but emphasized the importance of ongoing investment in science.
The astronauts inaugurated a new Luna facility at the European Astronaut Center in Cologne, Germany, founded by Thomas Pesquet of France and Matthias Maurer of Germany. Photo: Martin Meissner/AP
He likened investment in space to fundamental research that enabled scientists to develop COVID vaccines at remarkable speed during the pandemic.
“European investments in space must rise to ensure that the quality of life and living standards for Europeans are sustained,” he remarked. “Science is Europe’s strength. This is why economic progress and development can indeed accelerate.”
While the exact reason remains uncertain, that “fast stomach” sensation you feel on a roller coaster, during a sudden drop on a lift, or when hitting a large bump in a car highlights how your body reacts to rapid shifts in movement and gravity.
Your organs are generally anchored by a network of tissues and muscles, with gravity constantly pulling everything downward. However, when you encounter a dip or bump, the sudden changes in speed and direction—especially a quick descent—can create a distinct experience.
In that instant, your organs do not descend at the same rate as the rest of your body, resulting in a brief moment of weightlessness akin to what astronauts experience in space.
The sharp turns and swift drops of a roller coaster can induce a bit of dizziness. – Illustration credits: James Clapham
Your stomach and intestines are relatively mobile, which is why these areas are more prone to the sensation. Since they are loosely suspended, they lag slightly behind when your body moves downward rapidly.
Nerves surrounding these organs react to their displacement, sending signals to your brain that create those peculiar, stomach-flipping feelings. This sensation is enhanced by the vestibular system in your inner ear.
The vestibular system struggles to adapt to the unexpected drops and shifts in direction, intensifying that disorienting feeling of “falling.” This explains why the quick curves and steep descents of roller coasters can also leave you feeling a bit dizzy.
So, the next time you experience that exhilarating rush, take a moment to appreciate the physics at play: gravity, acceleration, and the intricate balance of your internal organs contributing to the thrill.
This article answers a question sent to Lori Schafer: “Why does my stomach drop on a roller coaster or when I hit a bump?”
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When individuals develop solid tumors in the stomach, esophagus, or rectum, oncologists have established treatment strategies. Yet, these treatments can significantly affect quality of life, leading to outcomes such as stomach and bladder removal, permanent colostomy bags, radiation exposure, infertility from chemotherapy, and lasting bodily harm.
In response, a research team at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center utilized drugs from GSK to explore a novel approach.
They initiated the study with 103 participants, who represent a small fraction (2-3%) of cancer patients with tumors ideally suited for immunotherapy—drugs designed to bypass obstacles that prevent the immune system from attacking cancer cells.
Notably, clinical trials do not generally expect immunotherapy to replace standard treatments. Researchers, led by Dr. Lewis A. Diaz Jr. and Andrea Cerseck, opted to administer dostarlimab, an immunotherapeutic agent.
The outcomes were unexpected and offered hope for a select group of patients faced with these cancers.
In 49 patients with rectal cancer, tumors vanished and did not return after five years. Among 54 patients with other cancers—including esophageal, liver, endometrial, urinary tract, and prostate cancers—35 experienced total tumor disappearance.
Out of the 103 patients, only five experienced a recurrence of cancer. Three were given three doses of immunotherapy, while one was discontinued after the tumor reappeared in the lymph nodes. Currently, the four patients show no signs of disease, while the fifth received further immunotherapy to reduce the tumor size.
On Sunday, investigators presented their findings at the American Cancer Research Association’s Annual Meeting, with a paper featured in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Dr. Bert Vogelstein, an oncologist at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, termed the results “groundbreaking.”
The drug development’s early stages were conducted in his lab, where he expressed surprise at the advancements.
“The concept of treating large tumors from various organs without surgery seemed like science fiction 20 or 30 years ago,” he noted. However, he emphasized that these discoveries stemmed from decades of foundational research.
The reason immunotherapy succeeded for these significant tumors lies in their gene incompatible repair mutations, which obstruct the correction of DNA damage. This leads to tumors accumulating abnormal proteins that signal the immune system for destruction. Nevertheless, the tumors deploy a shield to fend off immune attacks, which immunotherapy can stimulate, enabling the immune system to target the tumors effectively.
For patients like those in this study, Dr. Michael Oberman, a gastrointestinal cancer specialist at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, suggests the results point towards immunotherapy as an option free of chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery.
However, obstacles remain. The drug is priced around $11,000 per dose, requiring patients to undergo nine infusions over six months. To qualify for insurance coverage, it needs inclusion in clinical guidelines established by professional organizations.
The drug is approved for treating uterine cancer with mismatch repair mutations and is also listed in clinical guidelines for rectal cancer, based on previous small-scale studies. Yet, Dr. Diaz indicated that other cancer patients may face challenges in taking the medication. Nonetheless, Memorial Sloan Kettering continues to recruit participants for clinical trials, meaning those with eligible tumors can access the drug at no cost.
For some individuals, immunotherapy is life-transforming. Side effects can occur, with the study noting fatigue, rashes, and itching as the most common. Rare side effects included pulmonary infections and encephalitis.
Maureen Sidris, a 71-year-old from Amenia, New York, discovered she had cancer after struggling to eat a burger.
“It wouldn’t go down,” she recounted, realizing there was some blockage. Ultimately, it was identified as a tumor at the junction of her stomach and esophagus.
In 2019, she visited Sloan Kettering, where her surgeon advised that surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation were mandatory and that surgery would be complex.
However, due to her tumor’s mismatch repair mutation, she was able to join a clinical trial. Her first injection occurred on October 14 of that year, and by January, her tumor had disappeared. While Sidris experienced one side effect from the treatment requiring medication to support her kidney function, she considers it worthwhile to avoid the challenging treatments initially suggested.
“It was indeed a journey,” she remarked. However, she reasoned that she had everything to gain and nothing to lose by trying immunotherapy.
“If it didn’t succeed, I still had surgery as a backup,” she concluded.
Meta is now facing a second lawsuit in Africa related to the psychological trauma endured by content moderators tasked with filtering out disturbing material on social media, including depictions of murder, extreme violence, and child sexual abuse.
A lawyer is preparing to take legal action against a contractor of Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, following discussions with moderators at a facility in Ghana that reportedly employs around 150 individuals.
Moderators at Magilal in Accra report suffering from depression, anxiety, insomnia, and substance abuse directly linked to their responsibilities of reviewing extreme content.
The troubling conditions faced by Ghanaian workers have come to light through a collaborative investigation by the Guardian and the Bureau of Investigative Journalism.
This issue arose after over 140 Facebook content moderators in Kenya were diagnosed with severe post-traumatic stress disorder due to their exposure to traumatic social media content.
The Kenyan workers were employed by Samasource, an outsourcing company that recruits personnel from across Africa for content moderation tasks for Meta. The Magilal facility, central to the allegations in Ghana, is owned by the French multinational Teleperformance.
One individual, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, disclosed that he attempted suicide due to his work. His contract has since expired, and he claims to have returned to his home country.
Facebook and similar large social media platforms often employ numerous content moderators in some of the world’s most impoverished regions, tasked with removing posts that violate community standards and aiding in training AI systems for the same purpose.
Content moderators are required to review distressing and often brutal images and videos to determine if they should be taken down from Meta’s platform. According to reports from Ghanaian workers, they have witnessed videos including extreme violence, such as people being skinned alive or women being decapitated.
Moderators have claimed that the mental health support provided by the company is inadequate, lacking professional oversight, and there are concerns that personal disclosures regarding the impact of their work are being circulated among management. Teleperformance contested this claim, asserting that they employed a licensed mental health professional, duly registered with a local regulatory body, who possesses a master’s degree in psychology, counseling, or a related mental health field.
The legal action is initiated by the UK-based nonprofit Foxglove. This marks the second lawsuit filed by an African content moderator, following the lawsuit from Kenya’s Samasource workers in December.
Foxglove has stated they will “immediately investigate these alarming reports of worker mistreatment,” with the goal of employing “all available methods, including potential legal action,” to enhance working conditions.
They are collaborating with Agency Seven Seven, a Ghanaian firm, to prepare two potential cases. One could involve claims of unfair dismissal, including a group of moderators who allege psychological harm, along with an East African moderator whose contract ended following a suicide attempt.
Martha Dark, co-executive director at Foxglove, remarked:
“In Ghana, Meta seems to completely disregard the humanity of the crucial safety personnel that all interests rely on—content moderators.
Dark noted that the base wages for content moderators in Accra fall below the living wage, with pressures to work overtime. Moderators reportedly face pay deductions for not meeting performance targets, she indicated.
Contracts obtained by the Guardian show that starting wages are around 1,300 Ghanaian Cedis per month. This base pay is supplemented by a performance-related bonus system, with the highest earnings reaching approximately 4,900 Cedis (£243) per month, significantly less than what is needed for a decent living, according to living costs in Accra.
A spokesperson for Teleperformance stated that content moderators receive “a competitive salary and benefits,” including a monthly income approximately 10 times the national minimum wage for local moderators, and 16 times the minimum wage from other countries, along with project allowances and other benefits, all automatically provided and not contingent on performance.
Foxglove researcher Michaela Chen observed that some moderators are crammed into tight living spaces: “Five individuals were packed into a single room.” She mentioned the existence of a secretive culture of surveillance from managers that monitors workers even during breaks.
This surveillance extends to the work of Meta moderators. She stated: “Workers dedicate all day to the Meta platform, adhering to Meta’s standards and utilizing its systems, yet they are constantly reminded, ‘You’re not working for Meta,’ and are prohibited from disclosing anything to anyone.”
Teleperformance asserted that the moderators are housed in one of Accra’s most luxurious and well-known residential and commercial zones.
The spokesperson described the accommodation as “secure and offering high levels of safety,” complete with recreational facilities such as air conditioning, a gym, and a pool.
Agency Seven Seven partner Carla Olympio believes personal injury claims could succeed in Ghanaian courts, stating they would set a legal precedent that acknowledges employee protections extend to psychological and physical harm.
“[There exists] a gap in our laws as they do not adequately address advancements in technology and virtual work,” she expressed.
Rosa Curling, co-director at Foxglove, has called upon the court to “mandate immediate reforms in the work environment for content moderators,” ensuring proper protective measures and mental health care.
A Teleperformance spokesperson stated: “We are committed to addressing content moderation in Ghana. We fully disclose the type of content moderators may encounter throughout the hiring process, employee contracts, training sessions, and resilience assessments, while actively maintaining a supportive atmosphere for our content moderators.”
Meta commented that the companies it partners with are “contractually obligated to ensure that employees engaged in content reviews on Facebook and Instagram receive adequate support that meets or exceeds industry standards.”
The tech giant further stated it “places great importance on the support provided to content reviewers,” detailing expectations for counseling, training, and other resources when engaging with outsourced companies.
All content moderators indicated they had signed a non-disclosure agreement due to the sensitivity of user information they handle for their safety; however, they are permitted to discuss their experiences with medical professionals and counselors.
I doubt many are mourning the demise of Skype. The Sky Blue platform once transformed video calling, yet the landscape of long-distance communication felt stagnant for nearly a decade until Microsoft declared its impending closure. My clumsy, chaotic experience with Skype’s video, audio, and chat peaked in 2011, coinciding with Microsoft’s acquisition for a staggering $8.5 billion. By 2014, video calls had migrated to more integrated applications like FaceTime, rendering Skype outdated, especially as my university schedule didn’t accommodate glitchy catch-ups. Snapchat became the more efficient alternative.
Like many, I barely used Skype since the mid-2010s. The announcement of its shutdown on May 4th prompted me to log in for the first time in five years. My once-active Skype life was now reduced to a chat begging, “Pleaseeeeeeee Call Me Backhhhh (:” alongside a spam crypto inquiry and a phishing link from an old favorite who had long departed the platform.
Nonetheless, I found myself reminiscing about those late-night Skype sessions in 2011. I recall conversations with an unofficial boyfriend, feeling desperate even as he shared hints with me, catching up with an old friend who ventured out of town for college, or connecting with others from university visits.
Skype represented a space of intimacy that transcended mere texting; it wove our emotional lives together in a manner that was challenging to express. It was a lifeline to people beyond my immediate world. Older friends, who seemed cooler and more socially engaged, shared experiences through Skype video calls, even as fleeting as they were. Our vague romantic connection allowed for shared intimacy through homework sessions and glimpses of two-dimensional versions of our lives, where physical meetings were often impossible.
Yet, as time passed, these digital ties faded amidst other platforms. These relationships felt foreign and exceptional, rather than woven into everyday life. Discussions surrounding Skype likely evoke reflections on its earlier days, capturing the unique intimacy and intense reconnections during video calls. For the release of the 2023 film, I wrote about how writer-director Cerin Song could incorporate the classic Skype theme music—that ear-piercing sonar that took me straight back to 2011. The song encapsulated the bittersweet rush of long-distance intimacy, a nostalgic reminder of evenings spent curled in bed, battling time zones and technology.
For me, the primary sentiment tied to my Skype experience is longing—for broader horizons, for genuine attention, and for connections that felt beyond reach. It captures the emotional turmoil wrapped up in “skyping,” clinging to hope that those long video calls could eventually translate into real-life connections. Nostalgia complicates this longing, marked by diminished attention spans and fewer profound connections. As we navigate faded relationships, the once-revolutionary tech interface now feels cumbersome and awkward.
The trajectory of long-distance connections has evolved significantly, intertwining more seamlessly with daily life. Today, we can effortlessly video chat, text, and track real-time locations of people through various digital interfaces (Instagram Stories, Letterbox logs, Strava training) all at once. Video quality has vastly improved. As I’ve aged, managing long-distance connections has morphed into a complex puzzle, requiring optimization and leaving little room for escapism. In contrast, Skype has become one of our most fleeting digital relics, lacking the substantial archives found in text messages, photos, or social media timelines, contrasting with the enduring memories of videos.
Ultimately, I remember Skype as a fleeting repository of moments and emotions. It may not have represented real life, but it was enough—those cheerful sounds, the grainy quality, and the unfiltered eagerness of the times. Rest in peace.
When Solomon* entered the gleaming Octagon Tower in Accra, Ghana, he was embarking on his journey as a meta content moderator. Tasked with removing harmful content from social media, he faced a challenging yet rewarding role.
However, just two weeks into his training, he encountered a much darker side of the job than he had anticipated.
“I initially didn’t encounter graphic content, but eventually, it escalated to images of beheadings, child abuse, bestiality, and more. The first time I saw that content, I was completely taken aback.”
Octagon Building in Accra. Photo: foxglove
“Eventually, I became desensitized and began to normalize what I was seeing. It was disturbing to find myself watching beheadings and child abuse.”
“I’ll never forget that day,” Solomon recounted, having arrived from East Africa in late 2023. “The system doesn’t allow you to skip. You must view it for a minimum of 15 seconds.”
In one particular video, a woman from his homeland cried for help as several assailants attacked her.
He noted that this exposure was increasingly unsettling. One day there were no graphic videos, but as a trend emerged, suddenly around 70-80% of the content became graphic. He gradually felt “disconnected from humanity.”
In the evenings, he returned to shared accommodations provided by his employer, the outsourcing firm Telepelforming, where he faced issues related to privacy, water, and electricity.
When Solomon learned of his childhood friend’s death, it shattered his already fragile mental state. He was Broken, feeling trapped in his thoughts, and turned to Telepelforming for a temporary escape until he could regain his composure.
Isolating himself for two weeks, he admitted, “I began to spiral into depression. I stopped eating and sleeping, smoking day in and day out. I was never this way before.”
Solomon tried to take his own life and was hospitalized, where he was diagnosed with major depressive disorder and suicidal ideation. He was discharged eight days later, towards the end of 2024.
Telepelforming offered him a lower-paying position, but he feared it would not suffice to live in Accra. He sought compensation for his distress and long-term psychological care, but instead, Telepelforming sent him back to his hometown amid unrest.
“I feel used and discarded. They treated me like a disposable water bottle,” Solomon expressed after his termination.
He reflected on his past professional life in his home country, saying, “I was content and at peace before coming here.”
Another moderator, Abel*, defended Solomon and shared how he ended his contract in solidarity with fellow employees.
He confronted Telepelforming: “You’re not treating him fairly.”
“They isolated him at home. He felt unsafe being alone, which caused him severe stress, prompting him to return to work.”
Abel also faced mental health struggles stemming from the content. “I was unaware of the nature of the job and the reality of viewing explicit material for work… The first time I encountered blood, I was left numbed.”
He mentioned that colleagues often gathered to sip coffee and discuss disturbing material, even sharing their discomfort.
He hesitated to discuss these issues with wellbeing coaches due to a fear of how his concerns would be perceived by his team leader. He faced challenges when he declined to utilize a wellness service he believed was merely for “research purposes.”
A spokesman for Telepelforming stated: Recognizing his depression following his friend’s death, we conducted a psychological evaluation and found he was unfit to continue in a moderation role.
“We offered a different non-moderating position, which he declined, expressing a desire to remain in his current role. With that not being a viable option, his employment ended, and he was provided compensation per our contractual agreement.
“Throughout his tenure and afterward, we ensured ongoing psychological support. He consistently declined assistance. At the suggestion of his family, help was arranged for him, and upon medical approval, arrangements for a flight to Ethiopia were made.
“We have maintained support for him in Ethiopia, but he has avoided it, instead attempting to pressure Telepelforming for monetary compensation under the threat of public exposure.”
*The name has been changed to protect their identity
Menopause marks a significant transition in a woman’s life when the ovaries cease hormone production, but the journey leading up to this milestone can span several years. This extended phase is known as perimenopause.
On average, menopause occurs around age 51, meaning many women begin noticing symptoms of perimenopause in their mid-40s. These symptoms can vary greatly from one individual to another. While hot flashes and irregular heavy periods are commonly cited, not everyone experiences them.
Additionally, even within the same person, symptoms can differ in type, frequency, and intensity.
More than 75% of women report experiencing a range of symptoms, with about 25% indicating that these symptoms significantly impact their quality of life. Common issues include sleep disturbances, anxiety, and weight gain.
Unfortunately, these symptoms are often overlooked or dismissed by professionals as resulting from other medical conditions.
Symptoms and Treatment
Insomnia is often one of the earliest symptoms, potentially starting in one’s late 30s or early 40s. Research shows up to 60% of women over 40 are affected by sleep problems.
Changes in mood are also common, with women experiencing feelings of anger, irritability, sadness, and depression.
Other possible symptoms include brain fog, memory lapses, difficulty concentrating, joint and muscle pain, vaginal dryness, decreased libido, and discomfort.
Many women hesitate to seek medical help due to embarrassment or a desire to avoid making a fuss. While consulting a healthcare provider is crucial, currently, there are no official menopause or perimenopause tests for women older than 45.
This highlights the importance of tracking symptoms and noting when they occur. By discussing these experiences with your doctor, women can collaboratively determine the best treatment options.
For instance, there is robust evidence supporting the benefits of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) as endorsed by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, particularly for alleviating hot flashes and night sweats.
HRT has also been shown to help some women achieve better sleep and may alleviate negative cognitive symptoms. Additionally, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can assist with management and stabilize mood and sleep patterns.
However, prescribing clonidine and antidepressants as first-line treatments is considered outdated.
Other studies indicate that HRT may also help maintain bone mineral density and reduce the risk of osteoporotic fractures later in life.
HRT encompasses various medications, including estrogen, combinations of estrogen and progestogen (another female hormone), and testosterone. These can be administered through patches or gels.
The type and dosage of HRT depend on the specific condition being managed, individual risks, and personal preferences. There is no definitive cutoff for starting HRT; the benefits must outweigh perceived risks.
New Research
Women undergoing HRT also experience a reduced risk of colorectal cancer and type 2 diabetes. Studies have indicated that starting estrogens as part of HRT early in the perimenopausal phase may further lower the risk of coronary heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease.
Specifically, the cardiovascular disease prevention benefits are notable for women who begin HRT in their 50s as compared to those who start after age 60.
However, initiating HRT solely for the prevention of cardiovascular disease or dementia is not recommended. There are known risks associated with certain types of HRT, including an elevated risk of uterine cancer when estrogen-only HRT is used without progestogens, as well as an increased risk of blood clots.
Osteoporosis generally affects older adults and postmenopausal women. HRT can help treat it. – Image credits: Science Photo Library
The primary concern remains breast cancer. This area is complex due to variable risks linked to historical clinical trial data, along with personal and family health histories, and lifestyle factors such as alcohol intake and obesity.
This variability can impact the clinical significance of the data for each individual.
Current evidence suggests that estrogen-only HRTs have little to no correlation with breast cancer risk, while combined HRTs may increase the risk by 3-4 cases per 1,000 women.
Alternative Treatment
Local estrogen HRT, applied topically, has proven very effective for managing vulvar and vaginal pain and dryness, as well as recurrent urinary tract infections.
Moreover, testosterone treatments paired with estrogens may benefit some women with low sexual desire.
Unfortunately, HRT isn’t a panacea. A review of current clinical trials shows no significant improvements in cognitive function, bone density, body composition, strength, or psychological health for women undergoing treatment.
Many women may opt against HRT, particularly those with a history of breast cancer.
Previously, alternative treatments were limited, primarily focusing on antidepressants and clonidine. These options have shown limited effectiveness and significant side effects. Recently, the new non-hormonal medication Fezolinetant has received approval for managing blood flow issues.
Natural Relief
In addition to medication, lifestyle and behavioral modifications—like improving sleep, increasing physical activity, and adopting better nutrition—carry no associated risks and can yield significant benefits.
Starting with sleep is often beneficial. When well-rested, focusing on enhancing activity and diet becomes more manageable.
Implementing good sleep hygiene practices, avoiding screens before bedtime, maintaining a consistent sleep routine, and utilizing CBT have all been shown to mitigate insomnia and other sleep disorders in women undergoing menopause.
Increasing activity levels can also be incredibly beneficial. Strength training exercises help build and maintain muscle and bone density, which helps prevent osteoporosis, enhances flexibility, and reduces insulin resistance.
Aerobic activities such as running, swimming, and cycling can improve long-term heart and brain health. Maintaining a balanced diet rich in fresh foods while limiting ultra-processed items is advantageous at any life stage.
Although menopause can be challenging, various proven interventions can assist in making this transition smoother.
For decades, insulin, cardiac treatments, and antibiotics have crossed numerous borders without restrictions. Customs duty exemptions have helped make medications affordable. However, this could soon change.
President Trump has been voicing plans for high tariffs on pharmaceuticals as part of a strategy to revamp the global trading landscape and stimulate domestic manufacturing. This month, he mentioned drug tariffs could be expected “in the near future.”
If implemented, this decision could lead to significant and unpredictable repercussions for medicines produced in the European Union.
Pharmaceuticals and chemicals are the top export to the US. This includes various profitable products such as popular weight-loss drugs, cancer therapies, cardiovascular treatments, and flu vaccines.
“These are vital items that ensure lives,” remarked Léa Auffret, head of international affairs at Beuc, a European consumer organization. “It’s alarming to potentially involve them in a trade conflict.”
European firms may respond to Trump’s tariffs in several ways. Some pharmaceutical companies, eager to avoid tariffs, have already announced plans to boost production in the US, aligning with Trump’s vision. Others might consider shifting their production there later.
Alternatively, some firms may choose to remain but increase prices to offset the tariffs, consequently raising patient costs. Rising prices could impact both European and American patients. Certain companies have begun arguing that Europe must create more business-friendly terms by easing regulations that keep drug prices low.
There might also be a middle ground where companies adjust their financial interests to the US for accounting reasons to dodge import fees.
Auffret’s organization has cautioned European officials against retaliating with tariffs on American medicines in response.
Navigating the pharmaceutical sector is intricate. Insurance contracts and government regulations can complicate abrupt pricing adjustments for branded drugs, making long-term commitments challenging. Consequently, no one can predict outcomes with confidence.
“We haven’t encountered tariffs on medicines for quite some time,” noted Brad W. Sesser, an economist with the Council on Foreign Relations, who has researched the tax regulations encouraging overseas production.
Even if Trump postpones the so-called “mutual” tariffs for a full 10% rate during the transition, he has indicated that specific industry tariffs are forthcoming, revealing that computer chips and pharmaceuticals are next in line. Recently, the US initiated an investigation into both sectors, marking the initial step toward imposing tariffs.
Many industry analysts predict that new tariffs could reach 25%, similar to those already imposed on steel, aluminum, and automobiles.
Potential tariffs are particularly concerning for the pharmaceutical industry in Europe, especially in Ireland, where pharmaceuticals account for 80% of exports to the US.
Many pharmaceutical firms relocated to Ireland due to its low corporate tax rates. However, they also benefit from a robust workforce skilled in pharmaceutical development.
The sector has grown swiftly in recent years, with over 90 pharmaceutical companies currently operating there, as reported by the Foreign Direct Investment Agency. Many major US drug manufacturers also have a significant presence in the country. Last year, the Irish pharmaceutical sector exported 58 billion euros, or about $66 billion, worth of drugs and chemicals to the US.
“The Irish population is intelligent,” Trump remarked during a March visit from Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin to the White House. “You trained at our pharmaceutical companies and other firms,” he continued, referencing “this beautiful island of 5 million people, where the entire US pharmaceutical industry keeps an eye.”
Currently, tariffs could diminish the manufacturing advantages in Ireland, aligning with Trump’s intentions.
“In the US, we no longer produce our own medications,” Trump stated from the Oval Office last week. “Pharmaceutical companies are based in Ireland,” he added.
Companies are already expanding their operations. Firms are hurrying to export medications from Ireland to the US before potential barriers arise, as statistics indicate.
Ireland stands out as the only unaffected nation, while Germany, Belgium, Denmark, and Slovenia serve as key exporters.
“This poses a significant issue for Europe,” observed Penny Nurse, who directed the competitiveness program at the German Marshall Fund think tank and has extensive experience in European public policy and corporate relations.
European leaders are reaching out to both American officials and industry members. Following his visit with the Irish Prime Minister, the Irish Foreign Minister also traveled to Washington to confer with the Secretary of Commerce.
Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, convened in Brussels with the European Pharmaceutical Industry Association, the lobbying group representing Europe’s largest pharmaceutical firms.
The industry is seizing opportunities to advocate for reduced regulatory burdens.
European pharmaceutical lobbyists conveyed to von der Leyen that companies might relocate production or investment to the US in response to Trump’s tariffs, particularly if they encounter expedited approvals and improved access to capital.
At least 18 members of this group, including Bayer, Pfizer, and Merck, plan to invest nearly 165 billion euros in the European Union over the next five years, with half of that potentially relocating to the United States. However, this forecast may not encompass all potential shifts.
“Pharmaceutical companies require more favorable conditions to produce in Europe,” stated Dorothy Blackman, head of Pharma Germany, the country’s largest pharmaceutical association.
Such warnings appear to carry weight as companies begin to strategize increased spending in the US. Recently, Roche announced a $50 billion investment plan, marking the latest in a series of similar announcements.
In a recent commentary, the CEOs of Novartis and Sanofi suggested that reduced regulations alone won’t suffice to prevent the current downturn. They asserted that “European price control and austerity measures will diminish market appeal,” and urged the bloc to pave the way for higher pricing.
Executives in the industry are also cautioning that tariffs could disrupt supply chains, impair patient access, and weaken research and development efforts.
“There’s a reason” drug tariffs remain at zero, stated Joaquin Duatto, CEO of Johnson & Johnson. During a recent earnings call, he added, “Tariffs create disruption in the supply chain and lead to shortages.”
Von der Leyen emphasized similar worries, noting that tariffs on the pharmaceutical sector could impact “globally interconnected supply chains and the availability of medications for both European and American patients.”
Pharmaceutical tariffs also threaten the European Union with another risk.
Many generics are typically manufactured in Asia, where efforts are underway to bolster the production of essential but less profitable medications.
Yet, if US tariffs prompt Chinese and Indian generic manufacturers to seek non-US markets, this could inundate Europe with cheaper drugs.
This influx might complicate the EU’s efforts to establish a domestic base for generics, even as it entices the US to produce well-known brand-name medications.
“We anticipate this may result in increased investment in the US,” indicated Diederik Stadig, a sector economist at ING. “The European Commission must act urgently.”
Archaeologists have unveiled the first tangible evidence that Roman gladiators confronted lions, following the identification of bite marks on skeletons unearthed in York, England, attributed to a large feline.
The remains discovered on Driffield Terrace, one of the best-preserved gladiator burial sites in Rome, date back around 1,800 years and belong to a man who likely faced a gruesome death at the jaws of a lion.
A recent analysis of the skeleton, excavated over two decades ago, indicates that he probably succumbed to a lion’s attack. The research team compared three-dimensional scans of bite marks on the warrior’s hip bones with lion bite samples from a zoo, confirming a match.
The puncture on the gladiator’s bones provides the first direct evidence of Roman battles involving lions. -Thompson et al
“This is a very exciting discovery,” said Marine Horst, a lecturer in osteophytes at York University and managing director of York Bone Artisans.
“We can now start to paint a clearer picture of what these gladiators experienced in life. We also observe that in urban arenas like York, the existence of big cats and possibly other exotic animals posed a threat they had to defend against.”
The skeletons belonged to men aged between 26 and 35, buried alongside two others and covered with horse bones, indicating a burial practice.
In life, he likely faced malnutrition as a child and exhibited signs of spinal injury, inflammation, and physical stress.
Unhealed lion bites are believed to be the cause of death, after which he seems to have been beheaded—a practice noted in Roman burials, although its significance remains unclear.
Driffield Terrace has long drawn interest, with excavations that began in 2004 revealing over 80 young, robust male skeletons.
While depictions of gladiators battling lions are common, concrete evidence of such encounters is rare. – Councillor of the British Museum
Dental enamel analysis confirmed that these individuals originated from the Roman Empire, and many experienced atypical funerals.
The latest findings bolster the theory that these men were gladiators, referred to as Bestiarius: a class of fighters who faced wild animals often stemming from enslaved backgrounds.
“For years, our comprehension of Roman gladiator combat and animal spectacles relied heavily on historical texts and artistic illustrations,” remarked Professor Tim Thompson from Maynooth University, Ireland.
“This discovery offers the first direct physical evidence proving such events took place during that era, reshaping our understanding of the entertainment culture in the region during Roman times.”
Though no amphitheater has yet been found in York, historical documentation suggests the city hosted arena events from the fourth century onward.
During this period, York served as a pivotal center of the empire, home to prominent Roman generals, including Constantine the Great, who was declared emperor in 306 AD.
David Jennings, CEO of York Archaeology commented on the gladiators: “You may never know that this man fought in an arena for the entertainment of others, but it’s noteworthy that the first osteological evidence of this type of gladiator combat has emerged far from the Colosseum in Rome.”
The study documenting these findings is published in the journal PLOS 1.
A recent study brings hope for adults living with severe peanut allergies, revealing that they can develop tolerance in just a few weeks.
Researchers gradually introduced 21 adults with severe allergies to peanut products.
By the conclusion of the trial, 14 participants could safely consume a handful of peanuts without experiencing any allergic reactions.
This method, known as oral immunotherapy, has shown success in previous studies involving children and infants, marking the first instance it has been tested in adults.
Chief Investigator Professor Stephen Till, a leading adult allergy expert from King’s College London, expressed satisfaction with the results, stating he was “very pleased.”
“The constant fear of potentially life-threatening reactions places a significant burden on individuals with peanut allergies,” he commented. “Currently, the only management strategy for these allergies is strict avoidance and the treatment of reactions, including the use of adrenaline.”
Peanut allergies affect around 2% of the population in Western countries. According to a 2021 survey, this condition appears to be on the rise.
The trial indicated “preliminary evidence” that adults with severe allergies could achieve desensitization, thereby enhancing their quality of life.
Participants in the study were aged 18 to 40 and diagnosed with severe peanut allergies through the Guy and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust.
They began with small amounts of peanut flour mixed into food, monitored closely. The initial dose was 0.8 mg, equivalent to less than 0.3% of a peanut.
If tolerated, the participants moved on to 1.5 mg after 30 minutes, and then 3 mg after another 30 minutes, representing 1% of a peanut.
Those who could handle 1.5 or 3 mg continued consuming that amount daily for two weeks before returning to the clinic for supervision while attempting higher doses.
Participants prepared peanut flour each day, gradually increasing the dosage until they could tolerate 50 mg to 1 g of peanut protein, which translates to 2-4 peanuts.
Once they reached this level, they transitioned to real peanuts, peanut butter, or other peanut products.
Participants in this study gradually increased their intake, under strict clinical supervision, from a small portion of peanut flour to full peanuts. – Credit: Helen Camacaro via Getty
Chris, a 28-year-old participant in the study, remarked: “My entire life was consumed by the fear associated with peanuts. I started with a little peanut flour in yogurt. By the end of the trial, I could sit down and eat four peanuts.”
Chris now includes four peanuts in his breakfast daily to maintain his immunity, stating: “Although minor mistakes can have grave consequences, I no longer fear collapsing or dying during takeout.”
Professor Adam Fox, chairman of the National Allergy Research Group and professor of pediatric allergy at King’s College London, called the study “important evidence of the principle,” which could be beneficial in treating adult allergies, although he was not involved in the research.
He cautioned, however: “This treatment must be conducted under careful medical supervision and should never be attempted independently.”
This study was published in the scientific journal Allergy.
A newly identified species of caterpillar has been found climbing the spider webs on Oahu, Hawaii, presenting an unprecedented sight for scientists.
This caterpillar not only thrives in a peculiar and precarious environment but also resides in tree hollows, rock crevices, and within the nets of curled logs. Interestingly, it is carnivorous and uses parts of its prey as camouflage after consuming them.
This unusual insect, recognized by researchers, is a rare outlier in the insect kingdom. Out of roughly 200,000 known species of moths and butterflies, only about 0.1% are carnivorous.
“Carthymen are extremely uncommon among caterpillars,” stated Professor Adam Hart, an ecologist, conservation scientist, and entomologist at the University of Gloucestershire who was not part of the study, as reported by BBC Science Focus. “In fact, it’s only found in Hawaiian species groups.”
Bone collector caterpillars share webs with spiders and consume their prey. -Rubinoff Lab, Entomology Section, University of Hawaii, Manoa
This newly discovered species is adept at scavenging. It consumes weak or deceased insects that become ensnared in spider webs and can even chew through silk to access its food source if needed.
Dragging a silk case (the protective outer layer before transforming into a moth), it accumulates adhesive threads, exoskeletons, and insect limbs, creating a creepy yet effective disguise.
Researchers uncovered body parts from over six different insect species attached to these caterpillars. This is not a random assortment but a carefully curated collection.
“Before caterpillars weave their collection, the body parts are meticulously sized,” explained the authors of the published study in Science.
The parts are arranged optimally, with oversized pieces being bitten down to size before being incorporated, resulting in a creepy yet intentional suit of armor fashioned from the remains of their prey.
“Many caterpillars possess incredible camouflage, typically integrated into their form and behavior,” Hart noted. “It’s rare for them to utilize their environment as camouflage in this manner, but it’s not unheard of in moths; for instance, bagworms use environmental materials to construct their cases.”
To further explore this species, researchers raised some caterpillars in captivity, where they soon observed another unsettling behavior: cannibalism. The solitary nature of these caterpillars in the wild may explain their isolation, as only one is found per web.
Large bone collector caterpillars share smaller specimens in captivity.
The researchers also tested whether bone collectors would use other types of debris for decoration, finding they only decorated with insect remnants.
Despite its peculiar lifestyle, this species has existed for a lengthy period, potentially six million years, which is more than twice the age of Oahu itself.
However, its current range is limited to just 15km² (5.8 square miles) and is at significant risk of extinction. Without immediate conservation efforts, researchers warn that “the last living representative of this lineage of carnivorous, body-adorned caterpillars will vanish, adapted to the precarious existence within spider webs.”
“There are countless extraordinary invertebrates out there, with much more yet to be discovered,” Hart remarked. “Moth caterpillars disguised as the remains of insect prey, living predatory lives on spider webs, is certainly one of the strangest and most fascinating things I’ve heard in quite a while.”
About our experts
Adam Hart is an entomologist and professor of science communication at the University of Gloucestershire. Besides his research and educational efforts, he frequently appears on BBC Radio 4 and BBC World Service, participating in documentaries on various topics from trophy hunting to tree diseases. He also hosts a weekly science program, Science Behaviour for BBC World Services. On television, Adam has co-presented several documentary series, including BBC Four’s Planet Ant and BBC Two’s Living Hive.
Concerns are escalating among actors and experts after video evidence obtained by BBC Science Focus revealed that a New York City poultry market is neglecting essential safety measures to protect both staff and the public amid rising bird flu cases in the state.
The footage showcases employees at various locations in Queens handling birds without the minimal recommended personal protective equipment (PPE).
This revelation comes shortly after city officials ordered a temporary closure of over 80 poultry markets following the identification of avian flu cases in February.
Despite efforts by the New York State Department of Agricultural Markets to test birds for the virus before entering the live markets, conditions have raised alarms among advocates, as not adhering to biosecurity protocols could lead to further spread.
Taken from a video at the entrance to the live poultry market in Queens, New York, on April 13, 2025, this shows workers without masks and insufficient PPE. They are seen wearing only one glove, and possibly touching their faces with uncovered hands. – Crystal Heath
Doctor Crystal Heath, the veterinarian who filmed the footage, indicated that “These live poultry markets do not adhere to basic biosecurity protocols.” He emphasized the role of official negligence in allowing these sites to compromise public health.
Edita Birnkrant, executive director of Animal Rights New Yorker, a nonprofit organization, has inspected numerous markets, declaring that conditions within them pose risks to both workers and customers.
“Anyone walking by could be exposed to pathogens,” she noted in an interview with BBC Science Focus.
Both Heath and Birnkrant have urged public health officials to take decisive actions to mitigate the risk of avian flu in New York’s poultry markets, warning that locations in densely populated areas pose significant public health threats.
Heath explained that these markets bring together multiple bird species, creating an optimal setting for the virus to interact with other strains of influenza, potentially leading to new variants that could spread between humans.
Footage captured by Heath highlights clear violations of biosecurity recommendations. The New York Ministry of Agriculture Markets indicated to BBC Science Focus on April 15 that best practices for live poultry markets should include:
Discouraging unnecessary visitors
Utilizing biosecurity signs to prevent unauthorized entry
Ensuring footwear is covered and disinfected for visitors
Screening visitors for recent bird contact
Reporting any abnormal, sick, or deceased birds to authorities.
Captured from a video taken outside another live poultry market in Queens, New York, on April 13, 2025, this shows individuals leaving the market without any protective gear. The facility’s doors are wide open, allowing public access. – Crystal Heath
In response to inquiries from BBC Science Focus, New York State Health Department Director Dr. James MacDonald stated there is “no immediate threat to public health” and that no confirmed cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) have been reported among humans in New York. However, he advised those regularly in contact with livestock and wild birds to exercise caution by wearing PPE.
Despite these warnings, the Health Department has confirmed that there are currently no plans to mandate PPE use in New York’s live poultry markets.
While no human cases have been documented in New York thus far, over 70 infections have occurred nationwide, with some leading to fatalities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) maintains that there is no confirmed human-to-human transmission, asserting that the general public remains at low risk.
Nonetheless, experts caution that each time a virus successfully infects a person, it presents potential for evolution. Research indicates that single mutations in the H5N1 strain responsible for ongoing outbreaks could facilitate easier human transmission.
Professor Jarra Jagne, a poultry expert and veterinarian affiliated with the US Department of Agriculture’s Livebird Market Working Group, stated that while PPE usage is highly encouraged, there are currently no legal mandates for its use.
This was taken from a video captured at the third live poultry market in Queens, New York, on April 13, 2025, showing individuals without masks or other PPE. The entrance to this market was also open to the public. – Crystal Heath
“We advise that these viruses can infect humans, and we recommend wearing masks and changing clothes when visiting the market,” she stated. “Ultimately, it’s a personal choice.”
Jagne emphasized the concern of irregular PPE use, but noted that New York’s live bird markets are better regulated than they were in the past. Regulations now dictate bird sourcing, handling, and testing procedures.
“Conditions used to be dire,” she remarked. “New York has more markets than any other state, and we had to lead the charge. For many years, flu cases in these markets have been minimal.”
Currently, flocks must be tested 72 hours prior to their market entry, with additional testing conducted upon arrival. However, Jagne pointed out that even rigorous testing cannot eliminate the wide array of risks, particularly as wild birds continue to circulate the virus across the nation.
The presence of unprotected customers in these markets poses a significant vulnerability. “Perhaps markets should provide masks at the entrance, similar to what we did during Covid,” Jagne suggested.
The poultry market featured in Heath’s video has not responded to requests for comment from BBC Science Focus.
About our experts
Crystal Heath: A veterinarian specializing in shelter medicine and high-quality castration neutrality (HQHVSN), and co-founder of Our Honor, a nonprofit organization focused on animal rights.
Edita Birnkrant: Executive director of Animal Rights New Yorker, a nonprofit established in 2008 with a mission to advocate for animal rights, including saving NYC carriage horses and promoting the Animal Rights Act.
James MacDonald MD, MPH: A health committee member of the New York State Department of Health. Before joining the department in July 2022, MacDonald worked with the Rhode Island Department of Health since 2012.
Jarra Jagne: A Practical Professor in the Public and Ecosystem Health Department at Cornell University’s Veterinary Medicine Department, with research published in journals like International Journal of Infectious Diseases, Avian Diseases, and Avian Pathology.
Editor’s Notes
This article is based on footage and information gathered during an independent investigation into live poultry market practices. All content is sourced legally and reviewed to adhere to editorial standards. To protect privacy, identifying details have been removed or obscured. The footage was filmed in a public setting; individuals or businesses depicted are not meant to be misrepresented, and every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and fairness.
Intermittent fasting has emerged as a popular approach to enhance health and boost metabolism. However, recent research indicates that its advantages may be diminished by body fat due to inconspicuous disruptions in the liver’s hunger adaptation.
In a study, researchers assessed liver modifications in both healthy and obese mice that lacked leptin, the hormone responsible for regulating appetite, during food deprivation periods. Intermittent fasting entails extended calorie restriction followed by a regular eating window.
Both mouse groups exhibited similar metabolic networks, comprising liver molecules that collaboratively manage energy; however, significant differences in timing were observed.
“In a healthy liver, energy-centric molecules such as adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and adenosine monophosphate (AMP) quickly respond to starvation and modulate various metabolic reactions,” stated Professor Shinya Kuroda in BBC Science Focus.
“This mechanism appears to be deficient and confused in obese individuals.”
To put it differently, in healthy mice, energy-related molecules like ATP and AMP operate as primary hubs, swiftly adapting metabolic responses to conserve and redistribute energy. Conversely, in obese mice, these molecules did not exhibit a quick response, resulting in a sluggish and disoriented reaction to starvation.
A rapid response from ATP and AMP during periods of food scarcity enables the liver to utilize energy from stored reserves. This process is believed to facilitate several benefits of intermittent fasting, such as weight reduction and better glycemic control.
Through a combination of structural and temporal metabolic analyses, the research team elucidates how obesity induces metabolic “jet lag,” complicating not just the timing but also the manner in which crucial molecular events transpire.
“Our findings could have significant implications for enhancing the effectiveness of intermittent fasting in humans,” Kuroda remarked.
“Next, we aim to identify easily detectable blood-based biomarkers in humans,” Kuroda added. “Ultimately, clinical research is necessary to assess our findings. The journey is lengthy, but every thousand-mile journey begins with a single step.”
Shinya Kuroda is a professor at the Faculty of Science at the University of Tokyo, Japan, focusing on Systems Biology. His research includes publications in Cell, Journal of Biochemistry, and Natural Cell Biology.
As it emerged, it was yet another journey into the abyss, cloaked in darkness: mid-water, a delicate, ethereal shape transitioning into another realm.
A remotely operated vehicle, Subathian, recorded the first footage of a giant squid stable in its natural habitat in the southern ocean near Antarctica. The giant squid can grow up to 10 meters (33 feet) in length, making it the heaviest invertebrate on the planet, yet until now, it remained elusive.
This remarkable discovery occurred during a 35-day expedition to the Southern Sandwich Islands, a secluded volcanic arc in the Southern Ocean, aboard the Folcole (too).
The expedition aimed to expedite the discovery of deep-sea species, but nobody anticipated encountering one of the ocean’s most elusive giants.
“We were operating Subathian at a depth of about 2,000 meters that day for trench work,” stated Dr. Michelle Taylor, Chief Scientist of the Expedition and Senior Lecturer at Essex University, as reported by BBC Science Focus.
While Subathian navigated through the cerulean waters, we remained in the control room, surrounded by high-resolution cameras and screens displaying sensor data from the vehicle. A group of scientists observed intently as we monitored the water column.
On March 9th, at a depth of approximately 600 meters (nearly 2,000 feet), the pilot spotted something and began to hover.
“None of us aboard were squid specialists, but we quickly recognized it as a stunning glass squid,” Taylor recounted. “We documented it for about three minutes before resuming our mission to explore the ocean floor.”
The giant squid is among the planet’s most enigmatic creatures. Until now, they had only been seen as dead specimens—either accidentally caught by fishing boats or found in a whale’s stomach. Documenting a living specimen is akin to discovering a unicorn in marine biology.
Furthermore, the squid was not yet fully grown. “It was a juvenile,” Taylor explained. “It lacked some physical features of adult squid, but it was definitely not fully developed. Its size was quite modest for a giant squid.”
Remotely operated vehicle (ROV) Subathian is recovered by research vessel Folcole after another successful mission to explore the depths of the ocean – Alex Ingle/Schmidt Ocean Institute
The footage streamed live on YouTube during the dive was initially flagged by audience members.
Taylor consulted with Dr. Kat Bolstad, a cephalopod expert at Auckland Institute of Technology, along with other colleagues, who confirmed their identification with the aid of the 4K video footage captured during the dive.
Telltale clues included a distinctive hook along the squid’s arm.
“[Knowing it’s a colossal squid], I find it both beautiful and extraordinary,” Taylor remarked.
While the giant squid garnered headlines, it was not the singular highlight of the Folcole (too) expedition. About a month ago, researchers also captured the first in situ footage of a glacial glass squid.
Both sightings resulted from lengthy, meticulous dives conducted by Subathian, which can descend up to 4,500 meters (3 miles), enhancing the role of “telepresence” in scientific exploration.
This is the first confirmed footage of a glacier glass squid captured in January – Rov Subathian/Schmidt Ocean Institute
“It’s a new milestone, bringing the world into the deep sea in ways that were once impossible,” Taylor states. “Science enthusiasts and the general public can engage directly with our findings, often possessing extensive knowledge about what we observe.”
Taylor emphasizes that the mission’s deeper purpose transcends mere discovery; it aims to enhance the understanding and protection of deep-sea life.
“This is the last frontier,” she emphasizes. “It’s perplexing why we pursue other planets when we barely comprehend our own oceans.”
The Ocean Census seeks to expedite the discovery of new species, yet this process remains painstakingly slow. Often, it takes over a decade from specimen collection to formal recognition.
In its initial years, the project has already documented more than 800 new species, focusing on uncharted areas and fostering collaboration with a global network of taxonomists.
The sighting of the giant squid may have been serendipitous, but for Taylor, it marks merely the beginning.
“There is still much left to discover,” she asserts.
About our experts
Michelle Taylor is a senior lecturer in the Faculty of Life Sciences at the University of Essex. Her research focuses on the deep sea and its diverse habitats. As the lead investigator of the Ocean Census, she headed the Japan Foundation-Necton Marine Census team on the South Sandwich Islands expedition.
Menopause marks a pivotal moment in a woman’s life when the ovaries cease hormone production, but the transition leading up to this significant event can span several years, known as perimenopause.
On average, women experience menopause around age 51, resulting in most women starting to notice perimenopause symptoms in their mid-40s. These symptoms can differ greatly among women, with hot flashes and irregular heavy periods often recognized as indicators, although not everyone experiences the same symptoms.
Additionally, even within the same individual, symptoms can vary in type, frequency, and intensity.
Over 75% of women report experiencing a range of symptoms, with about 25% stating that their symptoms significantly impact their quality of life. Symptoms can include sleep disturbances, anxiety, and weight gain.
It’s worth noting that these symptoms have historically been overlooked and often attributed to other health conditions by experts.
Symptoms and Treatment
Insomnia is frequently one of the first symptoms, which can begin in a woman’s late 30s or early 40s. Research indicates that as many as 60% of women over 40 experience insomnia.
Other symptoms may encompass mood swings, with women often feeling persistent anger, irritability, sadness, and depression.
In addition, symptoms may include cognitive issues like brain fog, memory problems, difficulty concentrating, joint and muscle pain, vaginal dryness, decreased libido, gender dyscomfort, and pain.
Despite this, many women delay seeking medical attention due to feelings of embarrassment or a desire not to “make a fuss.” While it’s crucial to obtain medical guidance, there are currently no specific menopause tests for women over 45.
This underscores the importance of tracking and documenting symptoms to share with healthcare providers, aiding in the determination of the best treatment options.
For instance, there is substantial evidence supporting the benefits of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in accordance with the guidelines from the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence, particularly for alleviating hot flashes and night sweats.
HRT has also been shown to assist some women in achieving better sleep and can sometimes ease negative cognitive symptoms. Additionally, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may help manage blood flow issues, stabilizing mood and sleep patterns.
It is now considered outdated to use medications like clonidine and antidepressants as first-line treatments.
Other studies suggest that HRT can also be beneficial in maintaining bone mineral density and reducing the risk of osteoporotic fractures later in life.
HRT encompasses various types of medications, including estrogen, combinations of estrogen and progestogen, and testosterone, which can be administered through patches or gels.
The appropriate type and dosage of HRT depend on the specific condition being treated, individual risk factors, and personal preferences. There is no strict age cut-off for starting HRT; rather, it should be guided by the benefits outweighing perceived risks.
Read more:
New Research
Women undergoing HRT may also benefit from a decreased risk of colorectal cancer and type 2 diabetes. Research indicates that initiating estrogens as part of HRT early in the perimenopausal phase could further lower the risk of coronary heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease.
Notably, the cardiovascular disease prevention benefits are most pronounced among women who commence HRT in their 50s, compared to those who start after 60.
However, HRT is not recommended solely for the prevention of cardiovascular disease and dementia due to known risks associated with certain HRT treatments, including the possibility of uterine cancer when estrogen-only HRT is used without protective progestogens, which does not elevate blood clot risks.
Osteoporosis generally affects older adults and postmenopausal women. HRT can help treat it. – Image credits: Science Photo Library
The primary concern remains breast cancer prevalence, a complex issue influenced by varying risks outlined in clinical trial data, individual and family history, as well as lifestyle factors such as alcohol consumption and obesity.
This directly impacts the clinical relevance of the data for individual patients.
Current evidence suggests that estrogen-only HRTs have little to no association with increased breast cancer risk, while combined HRTs may correlate with an increased risk of 3-4 additional cases per 1,000 women.
Alternative Treatments
Topical local estrogen HRT has proven highly effective in managing and preventing significant vulvar and vaginal pain and dryness, as well as recurrent urinary tract infections.
Moreover, testosterone treatments alongside estrogens may assist women experiencing low sexual desire.
Nonetheless, HRT cannot serve as a one-size-fits-all solution. A review of current clinical trials reveals no significant enhancements in cognitive function, bone density, body composition, strength, or psychological health among women undergoing treatment.
Additionally, many women may prefer to avoid HRT, particularly those with a history of breast cancer.
Previously, alternative treatments were sparse, primarily revolving around antidepressants and clonidine, both of which have demonstrated limited effectiveness and notable side effects. However, a new non-hormonal medication, Fezolinetant, has recently been approved to manage blood flow issues.
Natural Relief
In addition to medication, lifestyle and behavioral modifications—such as sleep, physical activity, and nutrition—carry no associated risks and can yield significant benefits.
Improving sleep is often an excellent starting point, as restorative sleep makes it easier to enhance activity levels and diet.
Establishing good sleep hygiene, avoiding screens before bedtime, maintaining a consistent sleep routine, and practicing CBT have been shown effective in addressing insomnia and other sleep disorders affecting women in the menopause transition.
Elevating physical activity levels can also be tremendously beneficial. Engaging in strength training exercises helps build and maintain muscle and bone density, aiding in the prevention of osteoporosis, while promoting flexibility and reducing insulin resistance.
Aerobic exercises such as running, swimming, and cycling can further enhance heart and brain health. At any stage in life, adhering to a balanced diet rich in fresh foods while limiting ultra-processed products is advantageous.
Although menopause can be challenging, a range of effective interventions can ease this transitional period.
A research team from Penn State has developed a novel hybrid device that integrates distinct sensors with a flexible wireless power supply and an emotional recognition transmission module.
Wearable patches can accurately track multiple emotional signals at the same time. Image credit: Yangbo Yuan/Penn State.
“This represents a new and enhanced method for understanding our emotions by observing various body signals simultaneously,” stated Dr. Hua New Larry’Chen of Pennsylvania.
“Relying solely on facial expressions for emotional understanding can often be misleading.”
“Many people do not always express how they truly feel, so combining analyses of expression with other significant physiological signals can ultimately enhance mental health monitoring and support.”
The sticker-like patches monitor various physiological responses, including skin temperature, humidity, heart rate, and blood oxygen levels linked to emotional states.
Crucially, the device’s sensors are designed to function independently, reducing interference among different measurements.
The system integrates the analysis of physiological signals with facial data to better differentiate between authentic and behavioral emotions.
It wirelessly transmits real-time measurement data to your mobile device and cloud, where it could potentially assist clinicians in effectively evaluating patients.
The device does not store personal data; it only records signals, ensuring privacy is safeguarded through its design.
“This technology has the potential to aid individuals facing mental health challenges, especially when they may not be entirely forthcoming about their struggles,” remarked Yambo Yuan, a doctoral student in Pennsylvania.
“The collected data could also help bridge cultural or social divides, which can manifest as a disparity between stoic or expressive presentations to healthcare providers.”
“Tracking these signals could enable early detection of issues like anxiety and depression as they develop.”
Researchers have crafted a flexible device by folding a thin layer of materials such as platinum or gold into a wave-like shape that maintains its sensitivity, even when stretched or twisted.
A layer of material incorporated into a hollow tube made of carbon atoms adjusts current flow with temperature, absorbing moisture and monitoring humidity levels.
Multiple sensors have been designed and positioned on the device to avoid interference with each other’s readings.
For instance, scientists placed a rigid layer underneath the temperature and humidity sensors to protect it from the stretching experienced by the expression sensor.
A waterproof layer was also utilized to shield temperature and strain sensors from humidity.
Dr. Libo Gao, a researcher at Xiamen University, stated:
The authors subsequently trained artificial intelligence (AI) models to interpret and recognize the signs of human emotions exhibited.
They enlisted eight participants, a typical sample size for pilot studies, who expressed six fundamental emotions: happiness, surprise, fear, sadness, anger, and disgust.
Participants showcased each emotional expression 100 times while the device monitored movements.
The researchers then input the data into AI models, training them to link specific facial movements with distinct emotions.
Three additional participants were recruited to further evaluate the model’s effectiveness.
It categorized facial expressions with an impressive accuracy of 96.28%.
In testing the device’s capacity to monitor actual emotions, the scientists assessed how well it recorded the psychological responses of the same participants while viewing video clips designed to evoke emotions.
The device successfully identified emotions with an accuracy of 88.83%, confirming that the psychological responses corresponded with established links between emotions, such as rising skin temperatures and increased heart rates associated with surprise and anger.
“The capability to transmit data wirelessly allows healthcare professionals to remotely monitor individuals and offer timely emotional support through telehealth,” Dr. Chen emphasized.
“The sensor could play a vital role in enhancing access to care.”
“Given the increasing stress levels in contemporary society, monitoring emotions could provide early indicators of debilitating conditions and enable proactive support.”
The device’s development is documented in a paper published in the journal Nano Letters.
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Yanbo Yuan et al. 2025. Stretchable, rechargeable, multimodal hybrid electronics for isolated sensing for emotional detection. Nano Letters 25 (13): 5220-5230; doi: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.4c06392
The recently identified planet orbits a binary system comprising two equal brown dwarf stars positioned at a 90-degree angle from 2mass J15104786-2818174 (hereafter referred to as 2M1510).
This diagram illustrates exoplanets orbiting two brown dwarfs. Image credit: ESO/M. Kornmesser.
Cardiovascular planets represent the realm of diabetes found within a binary star system.
These planets generally have orbits aligned with the planes in which their host stars revolve around one another.
Previously, there were indications that planets might exist in vertical or polar orbits. Theoretically, these orbits were stable, and disc formations observed suggested potential planets around polar orbits of stars.
However, astronomers have now obtained clear evidence of the existence of these polar planets.
“We are thrilled to have played a role in finding robust evidence for this configuration,” stated PhD candidate Thomas Beycroft from the University of Birmingham.
The newly discovered exoplanet, 2M1510B, orbits a unique pair of young brown dwarfs.
These brown dwarfs undergo mutual solar eclipses as viewed from Earth, a characteristic that qualifies them within what astronomers refer to as a binary system.
This configuration is exceptionally rare, marking only the second identified pair of brown dwarfs and the first solar system discovered at a right angle relative to the orbit of its two host stars.
Artist’s impression of the unusual trajectory of 2M1510B around the brown dwarf. Image credit: ESO/L. Calsada.
“The planet revolving around the binary brown dwarfs in a polar orbit is remarkably thrilling,” commented Amalie Triaudo, a professor at the University of Birmingham.
Astronomers discovered 2M1510B by refining the trajectories and physical characteristics of the two brown dwarfs using UV and Visual Echelle Spectroscopy (UVES) at ESO’s Very Large Telescope.
The researchers observed strange forces acting on the trajectory of the brown dwarf, leading to speculation about a unique formation with an unusual orbital angle.
“After considering all plausible scenarios, the only explanation consistent with our data is that the planet within this binary is in polar orbit,” Beycroft noted.
“This discovery was fortuitous, as our observations weren’t initially aimed at studying the composition or orbit of such a planet, making it an exciting surprise,” Professor Triaud explained.
“Overall, I believe this not only showcases our astronomers’ capabilities but also illuminates the possibilities within the intriguing universe we inhabit.”
This image depicts the triple system 2M1510. Image credits: Centre Donna Astromyk destrasbourg/Sinbad/Panstars.
This discovery was made possible due to innovative data analysis developed by Dr. Larita Sylum of Cambridge University.
“We can derive their physical and orbital parameters from the variation in speed between the two brown dwarfs, although these measurements were previously uncertain,” Dr. Sairam remarked.
“This improvement has revealed that the interactions between the two brown dwarfs are intricately influenced.”
Study published in the journal Advances in Science.
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Thomas A. Baicroft et al. 2025. Evidence of polar drainage bulges orbiting a pair of brown dwarfs. Advances in Science 11 (16); doi:10.1126/sciadv.adu0627
Electrically conductive cable bacteria are a group of multicellular prokaryotes enabling electron transfer across centimeter-scale distances in both marine and freshwater sediments. Biologists have successfully isolated and characterized new species of cable bacteria from the Mudflat at the intertidal estuary mouth in Yaquina Bay, Oregon, USA.
Microscopic investigation of cable bacteria Ca. Electrothrix yaqonensis, yb6 strain. Image credit: Hiral et al., doi: 10.1128/aem.02502-24.
“Cable bacteria are filamentous prokaryotes that engage in electrosulfide oxidation in the upper layers of aquatic sediments,” states Dr. Chen Lee, a postdoctoral researcher at Oregon State University, along with her team.
“Their electrogenetic metabolism features a unique division among cells in multicellular filaments, facilitating the migration of electrons from deeper sediment layers to the surface, where sulfide oxidation occurs.
“This long-range electron transport is enabled by a specialized network of conductive fibers, which run in parallel ridges from one end of the filament to the other.”
“These fibers connect through conductive contoured structures at the cell interfaces, ensuring redundancy within the electrical network.”
The new species is referred to as Ca. Electrothrix yaqonensis, isolated from the mudflat of Yaquina Bay, Oregon.
“This new species represents a bridge and appears to be an early branch of the Ca. Electrothrix clades, suggesting it offers new insights into the evolution and functionality of these bacteria across various environments,” remarks Dr. Li.
“It differentiates itself from other known cable bacterial species through its significant metabolic potential and distinctive structural traits, including surface ridges that are three times more pronounced than those in other species.
“These bacteria have the capacity to transport electrons for environmental cleanup, potentially aiding in the removal of harmful substances from sediments.”
“Moreover, the highly conductive nickel proteins they produce can lead to advancements in bioelectronics.”
Ca. Electrothrix yaqonensis derives its name from the Jacona people, whose ancestral lands span the Bay of Yaquina.
“Following the tribe’s recognition of its historical connection to the land, it has honored these ecologically significant bacteria and acknowledged their ongoing contributions to sustainability and ecological wisdom,” said Dr. Li.
The team’s study was published this week in the journal Applied and Environmental Microbiology.
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Anwar Hyalal et al. A new cable bacterial species with distinct morphology and genomic potential. Appl Environ Microbiol Published online on April 22, 2025. doi:10.1128/aem.02502-24
The treasure jewels discovered in Tetford Forest, East Anglia, indicate that Tetford maintained pagan practices until the 5th century A.D.
A ring from the Sitford storage on display at the British Museum. Image credit: Geni/CC by-sa 4.0.
The Thetford treasure was unearthed in 1979 by a metal detectorist trespassing at a construction site on Fison’s Way, Gallows Hill, Thetford.
This treasure comprised 81 items, including 22 gold rings, various gold gems, and 36 silver spoons or strainers.
Several gems were found alongside the shalebox, with additional objects nearby.
The retrieved items included coins, presenting researchers with dating challenges.
The collection is now part of the British Museum and is currently on display.
Professor Ellen Swift, an archaeologist from the University of Kent, remarked:
“The extensive evidence uncovered at this site substantiates the religious context previously indicated by inscriptions found among the spoons in the reservoir, suggesting that the dating of the Thetford reservoir extends into the fifth century.”
“The economic significance of the site—evidenced by the value and variety of its contents—indicates that it likely held considerable power and influence in the area.”
This revised chronology is bolstered by a thorough comparison of multiple artifacts (both spoons and jewelry), alongside discoveries of contextual dates from Continental Europe and objects from the 5th-century Hoxne Reservoir housed in the British Museum.
Professor Swift also found that England was less isolated than previously thought, and the treasured items were influenced by the Roman Empire.
“The Sitford gems display remarkable stylistic diversity, hinting at various artisans producing works from different regions,” Professor Swift explained.
“Some of the latest rings in the collection may have originated from Northern Italy or nearby regions, including necklaces adorned with conical beads from Balkan tribes in Europe.”
“Most of the jewelry reflects a ‘Rome of the Mediterranean’ aesthetic, suggesting a shared cultural heritage among elite circles across a broad geographic area.”
This research was published in the Journal of Roman Archaeology.
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Ellen Swift. 2024. Rethinking the dates and interpretations of Thetford treasures: the fifth c. A storage of gold jewels and silver spoons. Journal of Roman Archaeology 37(2): 409-448; doi: 10.1017/s104759424000278
Do we truly possess free will in our dietary choices? This perplexing question lies at the core of why so many struggle to adhere to their diets.
To explore this, neuroscientist Harvey J. Grill from the University of Pennsylvania turned to rats, investigating what would occur if all brains except the brainstem were removed. The brainstem regulates essential functions like heart rate and breathing, yet these animals lost their ability to smell, see, and remember.
Did they burn enough calories?
To assess this, Dr. Grill administered liquid food directly into their mouths.
“Once they reached a certain point, they allowed the food to flow out,” he explained.
Beginning decades ago, these studies laid the groundwork for ongoing research that continuously astonished scientists, challenging the notion that perfect animals are linked to consciousness. This is particularly relevant considering the GLP-1 drugs, such as Ozempic, which complicate our understanding of how weight-loss medications impact the brain’s feeding control system.
Emerging narratives do not clarify why some individuals become obese while others do not. Rather, they hint at when we begin eating and when we cease.
Obesity researcher Dr. Jeffrey Friedman from Rockefeller University in New York noted that although most studies involve rodents, it is a misconception to assume that humans are fundamentally different. We are shaped by billions of years of evolution, he stated.
As researchers delved into dietary control, they discovered that the brain receives consistent signals indicating that the body is adequately supplied with food. The body requires a specific calorie intake, and these signals ensure that it is fulfilled.
This process initiates even before an animal consumes its first bite. Light exposure from potential food prompts predictions regarding the caloric density of what is being offered. Neurons react more vigorously to high-calorie foods like peanut butter than to low-calorie options such as mouse chow.
Ultimately, as food enters the intestines, a new wave of signals reaches the brain, allowing neurons to reassess the calorie content.
Zachary Knight, a neuroscientist at the University of California, San Francisco, found that the gut’s evaluation revolves around calorie content.
He observed this phenomenon when three distinct foods were injected directly into a mouse’s stomach—one being fatty food, another carbohydrate, and the third protein—each infusion containing the same caloric value.
In all cases, the brain received a uniform message regarding calorie levels, indicating that neurons registered energy in calorie terms rather than by food source.
When the brain concludes that sufficient calories have been consumed, neurons relay signals to halt feeding.
Dr. Knight expressed his surprise at these findings, having previously believed that satiety signals emanated from a “gut-brain communication” process, reflecting fullness and a conscious decision to stop eating.
Based on this understanding, some diets suggest drinking a large glass of water before meals or focusing on low-calorie foods like celery.
Nonetheless, these strategies often fail for many since they don’t address how the brain governs dietary habits. Dr. Knight found that mice do not send satiety signals to the brain; they only receive water.
It remains true that individuals can choose to eat even when satiated or refrain from eating while trying to lose weight. Dr. Grill noted exerting control not only on the brainstem but also on other areas of the brain.
However, Dr. Friedman ultimately suggested that brain control often overrides a person’s conscious choice regarding their feelings of hunger or fullness. He likened this to holding one’s breath—possible, but only for a limited duration—or suppressing a cough until unavoidable.
Scott Sternson, a neuroscientist at the University of California, San Diego, echoed this sentiment.
“We’re eager to help people initiate change,” said Dr. Sternson, co-founder of Penguin Bio, a startup focused on developing obesity treatments. While individuals can choose whether or not to eat in given moments, maintaining that control demands considerable mental resources.
“Ultimately, other things often overshadow these conscious decisions,” he remarked.
Researchers continuously uncover surprising insights into the brain’s dietary control system.
They gained knowledge about the brain’s rapid reactions to food stimuli, for instance.
Neuroscientists unearthed thousands of neurons within the hypothalamus of mice that respond to hunger. Yet how are these neurons regulated? Previous work confirmed that fasting activated these hunger neurons while neuronal activity was diminished post-feeding.
Their hypothesis posited that neurons reacted to existing fat storage in the body. For instance, low fat storage, as seen during fasting—accompanied by decreased leptin levels, a hormone released from fat—would activate hunger neurons. The assumption was that fat replenishment during eating would raise leptin levels and quiet neuronal activity.
The entire system was expected to respond gradually based on the body’s energy reserves.
However, three research groups, led by Dr. Knight, Dr. Sternson, and Mark Anderman of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, investigated the immediate activity of hunger neurons.
Starting with hungry mice, they noted rapid firing of hunger neurons, signaling a need for food.
Surprisingly, when food was presented, those neurons ceased activation.
“Even before the first bite, those neurons powered down,” Dr. Knight observed. “Neurons were forecasting. Mice anticipate how many calories they would consume.”
The more calorie-dense the food presented, the more neurons silenced.
“All three laboratories were astonished,” recalled Dr. Bradford B. Lowell, who collaborated with Andermann at Beth Israel Deaconess. “It was remarkably unexpected.”
Dr. Lowell then investigated the outcome of intentionally deactivating hunger neurons, even when mice had limited food access. This was done using genetic modifications that allow for neuron activation and deactivation via drugs or blue light.
The mice refrained from eating for hours, despite the food present.
Dr. Lowell and Dr. Sternson independently executed opposite studies, activating neurons in mice post-meal, akin to a Thanksgiving feast. The animals were relaxed and satisfied.
However, Dr. Andermann, who replicated the experiment, noted “mice would rise and consume an additional 10-15% of their body weight” when their hunger neurons were activated, emphasizing that “these neurons compel focus on food.”
Researchers continue to be amazed by their findings. The complexities of brain control ensure meticulous regulation of dietary intake, leading to insights for developing new diet-controlling medications.
One notable discovery was made by Amber Aradeff, a neuroscientist at the Monell Chemical Senses Center and the University of Pennsylvania. She recently identified two distinct groups of neurons in the brainstem that respond to GLP-1 obesity medications.
One neuronal group indicated satiety, while the other triggered nausea in the rodents. Current obesity treatments target both neuronal groups, she notes. She proposes that drug development could focus on activating satiety neurons rather than those inducing nausea.
Columbia University’s Alexander Nectow made another surprising finding, identifying a distinct group of neurons in the brainstem that regulate meal volume based on bite size. “I am unsure how this functions,” he stated.
“I have spent over ten years studying this area of the brain,” Dr. Nectow shared.
He is currently exploring whether these neurons could become targets for a new class of weight loss drugs that may involve GLP-1.
Marks & Spencer has halted all orders via its website and app as retailers grapple with the aftermath of a cyberattack that began on Monday.
The company expressed regret to customers for “the inconvenience,” stating that the suspension of digital orders is “part of an aggressive management strategy for cyber incidents.”
“Our experienced team is collaborating with key cyber experts, and we are diligently working to restore online and app shopping,” he remarked.
Customers can still browse online and make purchases at physical stores using cash or credit cards.
The website’s shutdown follows several days of problems at retail locations, where contactless payments and online order collections were severely affected since Monday. Contactless payments resumed late Thursday.
Customers with existing online orders can collect them in-store once they receive confirmation, but placing new orders is not permitted. M&S clarified that customers do not need to take any action and assured that their details were not accessed.
The retailer’s shares have dropped by as much as 4%, following a 2.3% decline at Friday’s close, marking a significant fall within the FTSE 100.
Only about one-third of M&S’ clothing and home goods sales occur online, and the order suspension comes just before an anticipated heatwave, likely to increase demand for clothing and outdoor entertainment gear during busy weekends.
The cyber incident initiated on Monday impacted contactless payments and click-and-collect orders at stores throughout the UK. Notably, a separate technical issue affected only contactless payments during the busy Easter weekend.
M&S has enlisted cybersecurity specialists to aid in investigating and managing the situation, implementing measures to bolster network security and continue serving customers effectively.
Security experts cautioned shoppers to be vigilant against scammers exploiting high-profile cases.
Nicholas, head of commercial content at Retail Economics, stated, “The Marks & Spencer cyberattacks serve as a reminder that no retailer, regardless of its establishment or digital sophistication, is safe from the growing threat of cybercrime.”
“While M&S is bearing the impact of this specific attack, it’s important to note that this isn’t an isolated incident. Cyberattacks represent a systemic risk facing the retail sector as a whole.”
The cyber incidents targeting M&S have occurred alongside a series of similar events in recent years. Last September, Transport for London had to shut down several online services due to a cyber attack.
In 2023, Royal Mail was compelled to halt international parcel and letter dispatches after a cyber attack caused significant disruption to its services, while WH Smith suffered an attack that illegally accessed data, including personal information of current and former employees, occurring less than a year after a cyber incident on their Funky Pigeon website led to a week-long order suspension.
In 2022, the Guardian requested many staff members to work from home following a ransomware attack that compromised the personal data of UK employees.
According to a government report, in 2022, two out of five UK businesses reported experiencing cybersecurity breaches or attacks within the prior year.
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