Can you envision the impression a 4D hexagon might create as it travels through a 3D kitchen table? It might seem implausible, yet some individuals can perceive it.
One such individual was mathematician Alicia Bourstott, daughter of logician George Bourg. In the early 20th century, she devised models of shapes while moving through three-dimensional objects. Years later, when mathematicians could verify her work with computer programs, they found that Stott had an uncanny ability to accurately depict these shapes.
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For many of us, geometry recalls images of pencils, rulers, triangles, and circles. It evokes the complex questions posed in school involving parallel lines and angles. However, as Boole Stott’s experience illustrates, scholars have been expanding the scope of geometry for some time.
Geometry can transcend the conventional realm of 2D and 3D shapes. A prime example is Albert Einstein’s theory of gravity, known as general relativity, which intertwines with time to form a four-dimensional stage where the universe unfolds.
Moreover, geometry can also explore dimensions that defy physical reality. Take meteorology, for example. Atmospheric data encompasses multiple “dimensions” such as latitude, longitude, temperature, pressure, wind speed, and more.
Researchers visualize these dimensions as shapes extending into higher dimensions, aiding in understanding atmospheric behavior. “From this, we can implement mathematical models to explain what occurs. [those properties] In numerous dimensions,” states mathematician Snezana Lawrence of Middlesex University in London.
For theoretical physicists, extra dimensions appear to be essential for a complete understanding of the universe, with some suggesting that our reality might be a “projection” from a higher dimension. While this idea might sound peculiar, under certain simplified assumptions, physicists can perform calculations related to fundamental particles and black holes.
Some physicists have even proposed the concept of “all theories,” a curious geometric idea that may lead to a unified explanation of the universe and everything within it. One of these concepts is the “amplituhedron,” introduced by Jaroslav Trnka from the University of California, Davis, and Nima Arkani Hamed at the Institute for Advanced Study in New Jersey. Imagine it as an abstract, multidimensional crystal that offers an alternative perspective on the fundamentals of particle physics.
Another concept is “causal dynamic triangulation,” developed by Renate Roll at Radboud University in the Netherlands. This approach stitches together various geometric shapes to craft an explanation of space-time that seems to embody characteristics of both quantum mechanics and general relativity—two concepts that are traditionally seen as incompatible. She asserts that it serves as a testable reflection of both abstract geometric theories and true properties of the universe, as observed in the cosmic microwave background radiation.
Neither of these ideas has yet been universally accepted in all theories. However, some believe that a fresh perspective on physics is essential for progress. There is a growing consensus that this perspective may be expressed through the language of geometry. While the truth of this notion remains to be seen, it is evident that geometry encompasses far more than just hexagons.
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In the initial two billion years of Earth’s existence, our planet was dominated by a combination of bacteria and their relatives, the Archaea. This period can be described as “slimeball Earth,” marked by a critical merger that shaped the future of life on our planet.
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One of these ancient cells engulfed a bacterial cell, and remarkably, the bacterium survived. Together, they replicated, leading the engulfed bacteria to evolve into mitochondria, which serve as the energy source for these early cells.
Nick Lane from University College London discovered that mitochondria enabled these cells to express an extraordinary 200,000 times more genes, fostering growth and the emergence of varied life forms. This new combination eventually evolved into complex eukaryotic cells, resulting in nearly every organism observable without a microscope, including humans.
Coexistence is fundamental to our existence, a factor that continues to sustain us today. Over 80% of terrestrial plant species engage in symbiotic relationships with mycorrhizal fungi, which provide essential nutrients while plants supply the fungi with carbohydrates. Without this interaction, oxygen as we know it would be nonexistent. The soil itself is a product of symbiosis among fungi, bacteria, and plants—an ecological partnership that took root when life transitioned from sea to land roughly 500 million years ago.
When many think of “symbiosis,” they often envision entities coexisting peacefully, like the clownfish and anemone or the vibrant ecosystems of coral reefs. Lichens, too, symbolize the intimate connections among distinct life kingdoms. Generally, we perceive symbiosis as a benevolent arrangement characterized by mutual benefit.
However, experts suggest viewing symbiotic relationships on a spectrum, ranging from parasitism to mutualism. Katie Field from the University of Sheffield, UK, points out that reciprocity isn’t always altruistic; partners often give in hopes of future benefits.
To illustrate this spectrum, consider the diverse strategies employed by orchids. Their minuscule seeds contain very few resources and must parasitize mycorrhizal fungi to access the sugars and nutrients needed for germination. As they develop leaves, some species begin to establish a more reciprocal relationship with the fungus, shifting from parasitism to mutual benefit.
Conversely, older orchids might provide sustenance for younger ones, while certain species may remain parasitic indefinitely, never developing photosynthetic leaves. “There’s a whole cycle of different stages of symbiotic interactions,” Field remarks.
Another significant perspective on symbiosis is its potential as a key to a sustainable future. Leguminous plants such as pulses, beans, and lentils utilize symbiotic bacteria to convert atmospheric nitrogen into fertilizer. Recent studies indicate that these plants have adapted mechanisms from existing cellular structures for this purpose.
This revelation could pave the way for other crops, notably grains like wheat and corn—staples that account for half of human caloric intake—to produce their fertilizers. Giles Oldroyd from the Crop Science Center at Cambridge University is exploring this avenue, with hopes of significantly reducing the reliance on chemical fertilizers in agriculture.
Oldroyd is conducting field trials using modified crops to harness the power of symbiosis, with a clear mission to minimize the use of chemical fertilizers. “I’m committed to this goal,” he states.
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Traditionally, we envision particles as tangible objects—tiny, point-like entities with specific properties like position and velocity. In reality, however, particles are energetic fluctuations within an underlying field that fills the universe, and they cannot be directly observed. This concept can be quite perplexing.
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Furthermore, there exists a layer of complexity due to quasiparticles, which arise from intricate interactions among the “fundamental” particles found in solids, liquids, and plasma. These quasiparticles possess fascinating properties of proximity, suggesting the potential for exotic new materials and techniques, challenging our established notions of particles.
“When discussing what particles are, the topic can become quite convoluted,” states Douglas Natelson from Rice University in Houston, Texas. He describes quasiparticles as “excitations in a material that exhibit many characteristics associated with particles.” They can have relatively well-defined positions and velocities and can carry charge and energy. So why aren’t they considered actual particles?
The answer lies in their existence. Natelson likens this to fans performing “waves” in a stadium. “We can observe the waves and think, ‘Look! There’s a wave, it’s of a certain size, moving at a specific speed.’ But those waves are essentially a collective phenomenon, resulting from the actions of all the fans present.”
To create a quasiparticle, physicists often manipulate materials like metal substrates subjecting them to extreme temperatures, pressures, or magnetic fields. Subsequently, they study the collective behavior of the intrinsic particles.
One intriguing phenomenon recognized in the 1940s involved a “hole,” which describes a lack of negative electrons that should normally be present. By analyzing these holes as if they were independent entities, researchers were able to develop semiconductors that power modern laptops and smartphones.
“Essentially, modern electronics hinge on both electrons and holes,” remarks Leon Balents from the University of California, Santa Barbara. “We continuously utilize these quasiparticles.”
Over the years, we have uncovered an entire spectrum of exotic quasiparticles. Magnons emerge from spin waves, a fundamental quantum property related to magnetism. Cooper pairs, present at low temperatures, can transmit charge without resistance in superconductors. The list expands, continually growing as physicists predict and observe peculiar new types with strange names, such as pi tons, fractures, and even wrinkles.
Among the more thrilling discoveries is the non-Abelian anyon. Unlike typical particles, these quasiparticles possess the ability to retain memory of how they were altered.
The practicality of these quasiparticles remains uncertain, according to Balents. Nonetheless, major companies like Microsoft have heavily invested in research involving quasiparticles.
The ongoing investigation raises fundamental questions about particle nature itself. If quasiparticles exhibit particle-like characteristics, one must consider whether the “fundamental” particles (e.g., electrons, photons, quarks) might emerge from a more profound underlying framework.
“Are what we classify as fundamental particles truly elementary, or could they be quasiparticles arising from more basic fundamental theories?” ponders Natelson. “An eternally looming question.”
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Killer whales demonstrate strong social interactions
Shutterstock/Tory Kallman
Orcas off the coast of North America have been observed engaging in a unique behavior, grooming each other with kelp—showcasing an intriguing instance of marine mammals utilizing tools.
For several years now, scientists have closely monitored a population of 80 endangered killer whales in the Pacific region between British Columbia and Washington. Researchers employed drones to capture a bird’s-eye view of these whales’ activities.
Since analyzing the footage from summer 2024, they have noted Orcas manipulating kelp chains in a peculiar manner. “It’s quite strange,” states Rachel John from the Whale Research Center in Washington, “but whales are known for their quirky behaviors.”
The footage reveals Orcas snapping off kelp stems at the seabed by using their teeth and rocking back and forth on their heads. The segments they break off are approximately the length of their beak-like snout. Remarkably, the Orcas consistently target specific parts of the kelp rather than randomly selecting pieces.
After breaking the kelp, the whales rub it between their heads and the sides of their pod mates, taking turns to groom each other for extended periods—sometimes lasting up to 12 minutes.
“What’s fascinating is that they lack appendages like hands, so they accomplish this using deliberate body movements,” adds John.
Known as “kelping,” this behavior, observed among Orcas, could be a social variation of existing grooming habits. “The social bonds in this group are exceptionally strong, and physical contact is a known way to reinforce these ties,” explains John.
This behavior was observed across all ages and genders within the pod, with the data suggesting that whales of similar ages were more likely to engage in this “kelping” behavior together. Importantly, it may serve as a form of hygiene, says John. The team found that Orcas were more inclined to scrub each other with kelp if they had any skin issues.
While it’s premature to ascertain any health benefits from this behavior, Olaf Meynecke from Griffith University in Australia expresses interest in having researchers compare the skin bacteria of Orcas with kelp properties to identify any correlations.
“It makes perfect sense that they would explore what resources the oceans provide to mitigate skin infections,” comments Meynecke. He believes this behavior may be prevalent among other Orca pods as well as various whale species.
The killer whale populations in the southern regions are critically endangered and are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Currently, their population averages around 73 years. These creatures are highly social, forming close-knit family groups led by their mothers and grandmothers.
Each whale receives a tracking number from the Whale Research Center and is meticulously monitored by researchers, photographers, and whale watchers.
According to Giles, “I would argue that this is the most studied whale population globally, regardless of species, due to the extensive research conducted over the last 50 years.”
What led to this remarkable behavior going unnoticed by researchers for decades?
The issue lay in their perspective.
Weiss remarked, “This behavior is truly inexplicable. It’s predominantly underwater, with approximately two feet of kelp wedged between the two animals.”
Recently, researchers have begun utilizing drones to observe whales from the sky. As drone technology has advanced, so too has the quality of the data gathered.
“A major breakthrough during the 2024 field season was our acquisition of a new drone,” Weiss revealed.
He mentioned that researchers first noticed a whale nudging another whale’s horn in April, followed by about 15 minutes of them rubbing against each other.
Once this unusual behavior was recognized, its occurrence began to increase significantly.
“We started observing it frequently. At least one whale exhibits this behavior every day when we fly the drone,” Weiss said.
Researchers believe this behavior may have been ongoing all along.
Giles noted, “We simply lacked the appropriate perspective. This behavior may have existed since ancient times. We’ve only scratched the surface of understanding these animals.”
For years, Southern resident whales have been at the forefront of conservation efforts. The Marine Mammals Commission reports that these whales face numerous threats, such as decreased prey availability, toxic pollution, and disturbances from ship noise. Studies indicate that without urgent intervention, Southern resident killer whales could face extinction.
Weiss emphasized that these new insights highlight the necessity of protecting the species.
“Through these discoveries, I’ve realized that the later stages of our study present even more to uncover, and we must ensure their survival to learn it,” he stated. “This isn’t just a group of 73 whales; it’s a distinct culture and society. These whales possess a rich array of traditions that trace back thousands of years.”
Illustration of TRAPPIST-1, a red dwarf star with at least seven orbiting planets
Mark Garlick/Alamy
Investigating the atmosphere surrounding the TRAPPIST-1 star system, one of the most promising locations in the galaxy, may prove even more challenging for astronomers than previously anticipated due to sporadic radiation bursts emitted by the stars.
First identified in 2016, TRAPPIST-1 is a diminutive red star located about 40 light years from Earth and is known to orbit at least seven planets. Several of these planets are situated within habitable zones that could support liquid water, making them prime candidates for astronomers searching for signs of extraterrestrial life.
For life to be sustainable, these planets must retain an atmosphere. Up to now, extensive observations from the James Webb Space Telescope have shown no signs of atmospheres on any of the planets.
Now, Julien DeWitt from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and his team have detected minor bursts emanating from TRAPPIST-1 for several minutes each hour. These radiation surges seem to complicate the planets’ capacity to capture light filtering through their atmospheres — if they exist — which is essential for determining the chemical makeup of any atmosphere.
Using the Hubble Space Telescope, DeWitt and his team searched for specific ultraviolet wavelengths from TRAPPIST-1 that would be absorbed by hydrogen. If a planet detected this light more than anticipated while transiting in front of the star, it could suggest that hydrogen was escaping from its atmosphere.
Although they found no definitive evidence, significant variabilities in different observations hint that extra light is being emitted at certain times. Hubble data can be divided into 5-minute increments, showing that this additional light is fleeting. DeWitt and his team deduce that these must be microflares — akin to solar flares from our sun, but occurring more frequently.
TRAPPIST-1 is quite faint, requiring astronomers to observe for extended periods to gather enough light. “Furthermore, there’s this flaring activity, which coincides with the timing of the transiting planets,” DeWitt states. “It’s particularly difficult to draw any conclusive insights regarding the existence of [atmospheres on the exoplanets],” he adds.
DeWitt and his colleagues also assessed whether these flares could impede a planet’s ability to retain its atmosphere. They found that one planet, TRAPPIST-1b, which the James Webb Space Telescope had already failed to detect atmospheric evidence for, could lose an equivalent of 1,000 times the hydrogen found in Earth’s oceans every million years. However, it’s often challenging to pinpoint which of these flares actually impact the planet. DeWitt suggests many uncertainties and various scenarios still need exploration.
Such stars can exhibit varying activity levels, but TRAPPIST-1 appears to be experiencing a more active phase, states Ekaterina Ilin from the Dutch Institute of Radio Astronomy. “This outcome isn’t completely unexpected or otherworldly; it’s just unfortunate. It’s more active than we had hoped,” she remarks. “In a way, it adds new layers to interpreting these flares, especially if you consider them.”
Geologists have identified rocks that originated in the deep sea during the early Jurassic era, around 180 million years ago, indicating a deficiency of oxygen in the ocean. These rocks were enriched with carbon atoms, specifically Carbon 12 compared to heavier carbon atoms, known as Carbon-13. Carbon-13 is denser than Carbon-12 due to having an additional neutron. Atoms belonging to the same element but with varying neutron counts are referred to as Isotopes, and the decrease in the ratio of carbon-13 to carbon-12 in rock samples is termed Negative carbon isotope distal.
Previous studies have demonstrated that during the early Jurassic, the release of photocarbon 12 into the atmosphere led to a doubling of carbon dioxide levels and an increase in ocean temperatures by 5°C, equivalent to about 9°F. This warming event is known as the Toarcian Marine Anoxia Event.
Sadly, the specific triggers for this carbon 12 release remain unclear, as there is no defined timeline for the Toarcian events. Previous estimates suggested that rock sections exhibiting low carbon isotopic ratios spanned between 300,000 to 1.5 million years. This uncertainty complicates comparisons between Toarcian warming events and more contemporary warming occurrences. Consequently, an international research team recently employed a high-precision dating technique to ascertain the exact duration of these events.
The team analyzed the Sakuradani tick section in the Tab Basin, Japan. During the early Jurassic, this region was accumulating sediment, including mud, sand, and organic matter near the coastline. The section, approximately 90 meters thick (or about 300 feet), contained layers with negative carbonate isotopic distals. Within the slope, these layers extend from around 33 meters deep to 45 meters deep.
Researchers also identified three layers of rock formed from volcanic ash both above and below the layer containing distal carbon isotopes. The upper ash layer is located about 16 meters within the rock section, while the lower ash layer can be found at approximately 49 and 51 meters. The researchers utilized volcanic ash minerals to accurately date the crystallization age of the layers. They reported that the volcanic ash layers are approximately 182.3 million, 182.5 million, and 182.9 million years old, from youngest to oldest.
These observations indicate that 62 meters (approximately 200 feet) of rock between the ash layers accumulated over a span of 400,000 years. Considering the sediment volume deposited during this time, the researchers concluded that the rock sections with distal carbon isotopes required more than 300,000 years to develop. They estimated that the duration of the Toarcian marine anoxic events was significantly shorter than earlier assumptions, lasting less than 417,000 years, with a minimum duration of 169,000 years.
With this information, the team sought to connect the Toarcian warming event and the associated carbon isotope distal to its source. They hypothesized that the event was at least partially related to volcanic activity during the early Jurassic period, which altered the composition of the surface rocks. This surge of magma to the surface could have caused the rocks to emit carbon dioxide and methane, leading to a rise in global temperatures and releasing 12 photocarbons.
The researchers concluded that volcanic activity was likely responsible for the marine anoxia events during the Toarcian period. They noted that earlier scientists had proposed volcanic mechanisms for other warming events of a similar nature. They recommend that future studies explore the direct impacts of the marine anaerobic events during the Toarcian and quantify the extent of carbon release that occurred.
Even if you haven’t experienced smartphone theft personally, you likely know someone who has. Last year alone, 80,000 mobile phones were reported stolen in London. For those affected, losing a costly device can feel devastating, and navigating the tedious process of replacing it, which holds all your vital information, can be frustrating. So, what can be done to prevent phone theft and better safeguard your personal data?
The explanation involves various factors, including how criminals exploit stolen phones, alongside the failure of tech companies focused on user-friendly designs over security measures, and the lack of coordinated international strategies. In short, it’s a multifaceted issue.
Some victims have expressed frustration with the police for their perceived lack of action against phone thieves. NAV Dugmore, who hails from Wolverhampton, England, had her iPhone snatched just moments after she exited Euston Station in London. “Honestly, it hurt me,” she recalls. “We need better systems to deter them from using stolen phones. I think the police could do more.”
The Metropolitan Police informed her that other thefts had occurred in the same vicinity recently, admitting that the chances of recovery were “nonexistent.” Although Dugmore activated face recognition on her phone, it was unlocked when the thief grabbed it, allowing them to quickly spend £300 at various London stores. The most painful loss for her was a photo of her three young children that wasn’t backed up.
When a phone like Dugmore’s is stolen, it enters a grim cycle with multiple potential fates. The simplest scenario for thieves is to sell the phone, frequently exporting it to other countries. Some may also sell the devices for parts at non-official repair shops. According to Daniel Green, a police inspector in London, the thief was connected to a gang that ships the stolen devices out of the country.
More elaborate crimes can occur as well, such as removing SIM cards to disguise the phone’s identity and using another mobile to access text messages, emails, and websites that require two-factor authentication. This can be somewhat mitigated by setting up a PIN on the SIM card, yet this requires action before theft occurs.
Thieves mainly target unsecured phones, but even safeguarding your device with a PIN isn’t foolproof, warns James O’Sullivan, who runs an app called Nuke, designed to assist those whose phones have been stolen. Thieves might simply observe you enter your PIN or employ clever tactics to outsmart your security measures. For instance, if you trigger and then cancel the emergency SOS feature on an iPhone, access via face or fingerprint recognition is temporarily disabled, necessitating a PIN entry the next time. A skilled thief could document you while you unwittingly do this, preparing to capture the input after reclaiming the phone.
Unlocked devices expand the criminals’ possibilities. Thieves can access online banking apps and cryptocurrency wallets, even scamming the victim’s friends and family for emergency funds. They can also share fraudulent links through social media, fishing for further login information and private data.
What measures can we take? At least the UK government acknowledges the issue. In the latter half of last year, they initiated a crackdown aimed at pressuring smartphone manufacturers to permanently disable stolen devices. They also pledged to conduct research aimed at understanding the dynamics of phone theft and devising solutions.
In theory, technology exists to render stolen phones useless. Each device carries a unique IMEI code, allowing reported stolen codes to be blocked on mobile networks. However, blocked phones can still access the internet through Wi-Fi. For years, the Met Police has urged tech firms to enhance protocols to restrict access to cloud services on stolen phones, making them less desirable to thieves. So far, both Apple and Google have not complied.
This also becomes problematic when trying to enforce restrictions across countries, similar to IMEI blocks. Green hopes that manufacturers will create permanent kill switches to effectively eliminate the incentive for phone theft altogether. “I don’t know if that’s a problem for them,” he remarks. “We need to push more. We’re trying to pick up the pieces on the sidelines, which is a tall order.”
Jordan Hare, a former digital forensics expert with law enforcement now working for private security firm S-RM, states that many phones already possess security features capable of thwarting the most determined criminals. For instance, certain devices will lock automatically if they detect sudden movements, such as being grabbed by a thief.
The issue arises because many of these protective measures are disabled by default. Hare emphasizes that companies design for user convenience, often at the expense of security awareness. “Opting in for these features doesn’t benefit the average consumer, who may not even know they exist,” he explains. “An opt-out approach where users are informed that certain settings are enabled and why they should remain on would be far more effective.”
Meanwhile, other admirable security features, like locating your phone via a web browser, fall short in practicality. If the phone is tracked far from its original location, there’s little a police officer can do without extensive paperwork for search warrants.
Dugmore experienced this firsthand with her stolen iPhone. “The last known location was about ten miles from where my phone was taken,” she recounts. “The police indicated that they wouldn’t be able to retrieve it.” When approached for comment, the Metropolitan Police told New Scientist: “Unfortunately, the investigation couldn’t progress due to the lack of CCTV in the area. We’re aware of the victim’s concerns.”
Most prominent smartphone manufacturers, including New Scientist Samsung, Xiaomi, and Google, did not respond. However, Apple did provide a statement.
“For more than a decade, we’ve been actively addressing this issue through hardware, software, and customer support,” an Apple representative stated. “We are committed to investing in industry-leading tools and features designed to empower users against theft,” although they did not clarify why some security features aren’t activated by default.
Ultimately, preventing smartphone theft hinges on ensuring manufacturers remove any appeal that criminals might find in stolen devices. They possess the capability to control hardware and software, developing features that could entirely secure your phone, its applications, and components against misuse or resale. However, O’Sullivan asserts that it doesn’t appear to be a priority. “To be candid, stolen phones generate considerable profit for those selling new devices.”
wIs the hat on a path to oblivion? This is a question that often crosses my mind while experiencing the second installment of Kojima Hideo’s hypnotic, enigmatic, and patiently paced cargo management simulator series. It’s due, in part, to the lengthy, tranquil treks that transcend the surreal landscape of Mexico and Australia, granting ample time for reflection on that small yet significant detail and to ponder the intricacies of what you just witnessed. Additionally, such questions often illuminate deeper truths.
The ability to engage in prolonged contemplation is a hallmark of the artistry embedded in this game. No one is scribbling notes to uncover Doom. The Middle Ages scrutinizes the cutscenes of Marvel’s counterparts for insights. It’s uncommon for any game to invite this level of examination. However, Death Stranding 2 diverges from convention, excelling in both atmosphere and narrative delivery, while maintaining a tactile storytelling quality that enriches its extensive gameplay system. The tension between these elements renders it compelling. Initially, each aspect demands courage, but over time, you’ll savor both experiences.
For those who missed the inaugural Stranding, yes, this is indeed the sequel in a series that revolves around transporting cargo between waypoints, whether on foot or via vehicles. Like a post-apocalyptic Amazon delivery driver, it provides essentials, technology, and luxurious packages. The first game introduced a mystical shift that allowed the deceased to return as spectral entities known as Beach Things (BTS). When a BT claims a human life, it results in a tragic event termed a “void-out.”
Screenshot from Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
With humanity divided and isolated in subterranean bunkers, the protagonist, Sam Porter Bridges (Norman Reedus), is tasked with connecting the remaining enclaves of American civilization to a global technological network known as the “chiral network,” thereby restoring hope for a brighter future. He accomplishes this by traveling across the continent with Lou, a supernatural infant carried in an artificial womb. At the start of this sequel, he enjoys a secluded existence in Mexico with Lou, who has now grown into a toddler.
And believe me, these are significant cliff notes. Death Stranding 2 opens with an impressive six-minute cutscene aimed at immersing players in the peculiar sci-fi universe and poetic metaphors crafted by the Isle. Unraveling this mystery constitutes half the enjoyment (the other half is cargo shifting), but even if you’re not fully invested in the world, it operates on a dreamlike logic that feels intuitive. It’s uncertain whether this environment resembles something we recognize or if it has always been a blend of Icelandic tundra, snow-capped mountains, and colorful deserts, or perhaps it once resembled the Australian landscapes of Death Stranding 2. The crucial point is that it feels coherent throughout.
While it is contemplative, this is not a game about watching Sam retire for 50 hours and revel in fatherhood. He is inevitably drawn back into action, reconnecting Mexican and Australian populations to the Chiral Network for a venture named Ngubridge, a logistics company backed by an enigmatic benefactor and featuring returning character vulnerabilities (Rare Saidoo). If that sounds rather dull, consider it a quirky scenario with fragile Greta Garbo gloves around her neck!
Elle Fanning in Death Stranding 2. Photo: Sony Interactive Entertainment
A colorful cast surrounds DHV Magellan, a ship featuring more A-listers than the Cannes red carpet, aiding Sam in his missions. Seydoux, George Miller, Guillermo Del Toro, Nicolas Winding Refn, Elle Fanning, and Shioli Kutsuna deliver equally stellar performances alongside veteran voice actor Troy Baker as Chief Villain Higgs. The principal characters function mainly as poetic devices and unique metaphors. Rain (Kutsuna) is an optimistic outcast who summons rain each time he steps outdoors. Tarman (Miller) sacrificed his hand to supernatural tar and now guides the boat through its mysterious waters. Hartman (Darren Jacobs) faces death and rebirth every few minutes. Though they ought to be too peculiar to elicit sympathy, rare moments link their stories with human emotions in a poignant manner. If you don’t feel a lump in your throat watching Rain and Tomorrow (Fanning) sing together, then it’s not only Deadman who’s lost their humanity.
Interestingly, package delivery is showcased at the pinnacle of gameplay standards. It may sound mundane, but the intricate workings of these detailed systems easily draw you in. In the previous installment, combat felt secondary, but this time, missions clash not only with BTS but also other humans, benefitting from a fluid mechanic that fires hand-held bullets and executes neck snaps. You can craft ladders, climbing ropes, and other gear when the risk of attack is heightened. The joy resonates as much in preparation as in action. It feels rewarding to impose order on a chaotic world that might otherwise seem disordered. It’s likely why many of us baked countless loaves of banana bread during the lockdown.
The Isle originally drafted a story for Death Stranding 2 before the Covid-19 crisis but restructured it entirely after enduring lockdown alongside the rest of the world. The effects are evident. We promise to shield you from the profound loneliness embodied in Sam’s role as a porter who traverses desolate landscapes.
Effectively, you can interact with other players, albeit at a distance, sharing equipment, constructing structures, and leaving holographic signs and commendations for others in your game. This feature serves as a satirical commentary on entrapment. Over time, the world becomes cluttered with flickering icons and increasing structures, leading to a constant bombardment of “like” symbols. It feels akin to the attention spans dulled by social media, but it’s likely no coincidence.
The first game presented a surprising advantage. The two sequels do not. Many of the thrilling and tedious elements that defined the first are also present here, yet they have been refined, rendering the gameplay mechanically rich and meaningful. Combat feels more impactful, the world maps exhibit greater craftsmanship, and the missions offer enhanced variety. Tasking them with recreating the same gameplay in an entirely new narrative could feel like a jest, but it presents layers of mechanical depth that are anything but trivial.
Among the many themes Death Stranding 2 seeks to convey, the most prominent is that you are never truly alone. Global calamities, vast technologies, and even the specter of death may abstract the ways we connect, yet they can never fully sever our bonds. Not bad for a game centered on delivering packages.
OpenAI has taken down online content regarding Jony Ive’s recent partnership with the hardware startup IO following a trademark dispute.
The AI firm has retracted promotional content, which comprised a video featuring Ive, the former Apple designer of the iPhone, talking with OpenAI’s CEO Sam Altman about the $6.4 billion (£4.8 billion) agreement. Nonetheless, you can still watch the 9-minute video on YouTube.
OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, was compelled to respond after receiving a legal notice from IYO, a startup specializing in AI-powered earphones.
OpenAI stated it had removed the page from the website announcing the acquisition of IO. This deal involves Ive’s company which will lend creative and design expertise across the organization. OpenAI emphasized that the dispute does not impact the transaction itself.
Promotional videos featuring Jony Ive and Sam Altman. Photo: YouTube
“This page is temporarily down after a court order resulting from a trademark lawsuit filed by IYO regarding the use of the name ‘io.’ We disagree with these claims and are exploring our options,” remarked a spokesperson for OpenAI.
Ive departed from Apple in 2019 after a 27-year tenure as one of the company’s prominent product designers.
The IO promotional video detailed Ive and Altman’s ambitious visions for the partnership revealed last month. Originally from the UK, Ive expressed, “I feel a growing sense that everything I’ve learned over the past 30 years has led me to this moment.”
In the video, Altman mentioned that he had tested prototype devices from Ive, stating, “I believe this is the most exciting technology the world has ever seen.”
The outcomes of the Ive-OpenAI collaboration are not anticipated until next year. Reports indicate that these AI-integrated devices will be “seamless” and will offer comprehensive insights into users’ environments and lives. According to the Wall Street Journal, they will be designed to sit on a user’s desk alongside the MacBook Pro and iPhone.
Ive has shared his concerns about the “unintended” adverse effects of smartphones, although Altman has clarified that this new initiative isn’t aimed at phasing out the iPhone.
“I don’t think the goal is to replace the phone, just like smartphones didn’t replace laptops. It’s an entirely new category,” Altman stated in a Bloomberg interview in May.
Trifid (top right) and Lagoon (center) nebula view from Vera C. Rubin Observatory
NSF-DOEVERA C. Rubin Observatory
The stunning pink and blue regions of this stellar nursery, along with dense clusters of surrounding galaxies, mark the initial insights from the Vera C. Rubin Observatory.
These images were crafted from about 10 hours of observations atop Chile’s Celopachen Mountain, serving as tests to illustrate the types of captures Rubin can produce. The telescope’s extensive mission to monitor the night sky, recognized as a legacy study of space and time, is set to commence later this year.
The initial image (above) showcases the Trifid Nebula, a striking pink and blue formation located in the upper right corner, where numerous young stars emerge from a star-forming region. At the image’s center lies the Lagoon Nebula, a large expanse of interstellar gas and dust. To create this visual, astronomers amalgamated 678 individual photographs taken by Rubin over a span of seven hours.
A close-up of the full Virgo cluster as seen from Vera C. Rubin Observatory
NSF-DOEVERA C. Rubin Observatory
The subsequent image focuses on the Virgo cluster, a composition of thousands of galaxies recognized by astronomers for ages. While the brightest members are visible through a basic telescope, Rubin’s detailed capture presents the entire cluster and its surrounding galaxies. For a more comprehensive view, check out the full zoom-out image showcased in the video below, which reveals around 10 million galaxies.
These represent only 0.5% of the 20 billion galaxies that Rubin will observe throughout its lifespan, assisting in unraveling the enigmas of dark matter and exploring the potential for a mysterious ninth planet within our solar system.
Observatory photos will be unveiled during the live stream today at 4 PM (11 AM EDT).
IIf you wandered onto the set of M3GAN 2.0 last year, you might have stumbled upon M3GAN, an eerie humanoid doll. Alison Williams shares with a nervous chuckle, “The challenge is whether to turn her around to face the wall or send her back to her room. Neither option feels right.”
In the sequel to the sci-fi horror film, Williams reprises her role as Gemma, a robotics expert-turned-advocate against the reckless development of AI after creating M3GAN for orphans. (She is also a producer on the sequel.)
Discussing M3GAN’s challenging role via a video call from her New York hotel room, Williams noted that the character was sometimes portrayed by a 15-year-old dancer named Amie Donald, but often by a robotic doll operated by a small team. “After a while, her eyelids get sticky,” Williams explains. “The handler uses a brush to apply lubricant to her eyes, and if you catch yourself thinking she’s alive, that’s a problem.”
Williams is best known for her breakout role as Marnie in Lena Dunham’s landmark series, Girls. Her first significant film project post-Girls was the Oscar-winning dark comedy, Get Out. Both IT and M3GAN were relatively low-budget films that became cultural phenomena. M3GAN particularly tackles racial politics and the perils of AI, highlighting M3GAN’s own disarray.
Williams has long been intrigued by AI. She knows Sam Altman, co-founder and CEO of OpenAI, who developed ChatGPT, and engaged with robotics experts while preparing for her role as Gemma. The film raises ethical questions about AI, exploring not only the threats posed by AI gone rogue but also the “rights” of our devices. “It’s easy to anthropomorphize something like our little robot vacuum at home,” she remarks.
Is she apprehensive about AI taking over jobs in the near future? She chuckles, “If you pose a question that begins with ‘me,’ the answer is always yes. I have an endless capacity to worry about things.”
Yet she suggests that whether it’s human acting or other work, “We will all be replaced eventually. But so far, especially in art, I haven’t witnessed anything that replicates human output in a way that truly feels human.” She smiles, adding, “But it’s not that it doesn’t concern me.”
M3GAN poses questions about the technology we give to children. “You wouldn’t give your child cocaine,” Gemma asserts in M3GAN 2.0. “So why hand them a smartphone?” With three sons of her own, Williams is cautious about this. “He asks such profound questions; it’s incredible. Often, I don’t have answers.” Recently, she shared an explanation about rocket launches using ChatGPT. “Watching his reaction reminded me of Gemma observing a child interacting with M3GAN. It struck me how I had to note to take him to the library to get a book next time. It’s hard to justify logically,” she adds. “It felt like an instinctive decision.”
A cultural phenomenon… I’m dating Daniel Kaluuya. Photo: Justin Rubin/PA
Parenting is the focal point of a new podcast that Williams launched this month alongside two friends, early childhood educator Hope Klemer and therapist Jamie Oppenheim. It originated from a group chat delving into motherhood, aging, and life’s complexities. Upcoming episodes will touch upon the guilt many mothers grapple with, a theme echoed in M3GAN 2.0. Do our expectations of mothers evolve? “I certainly hope so,” Williams responds. “Guilt thrives in the absence of a community where you can express those feelings.”
She expresses frustration regarding the prevalent “mama content” on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, often portraying an idealized version of motherhood. “Many times, it just makes people feel bad. The emotional toll can be immense,” she shares with a laugh, addressing the unrealistic portrayals of influencer-packed lunches filled with nutritious options. “Without our nanny, I would be a mess, especially while my husband is working in London. I’m so grateful for her support. It’s unrealistic to expect anyone to handle everything alone. What about the help?”
“We were easy targets”…(From left) Lena Dunham, Zosia Mamet, Jemima Kirke, and Williams in Girls. Photo: PR’s Distribution Material
In another podcast episode, she tackles societal standards regarding aging and the unrealistic expectations of beauty. With a chuckle, she remarks, “But there’s not much that can be done about my forehead now. Yet, someone could glance at me and think, ‘I should be able to have a wrinkle-free forehead.’ No, my lack of wrinkles doesn’t make me better than you.”
Williams reflects on the perception that once celebrities achieve fame and fortune, maintaining genuine friendships can become challenging. “I don’t walk the world feeling like a celebrity,” she notes. “I experienced that during my twenties while shooting in New York, but now, dropping my son off at kindergarten makes me feel like a regular person among others. My job might be public and unique, but I’m still just a person.”
Recently, she realized that her son is at the same age she was when she began considering acting as a possible career (his father, Alexander Dreymon, is also an actor). They met while filming the 2020 thriller Horizon. Williams recalls how movies like Mary Poppins shaped her perception of acting, “Julie Andrews was like a goddess to me.”
Her parents, former NBC News anchor Brian Williams and producer Jane Stoddard Williams, encouraged her education (Yale) over entering the acting world as a child. “I’m thankful they didn’t push me into this industry too early. It was tough enough starting my career at 23 when Girls premiered.”
Williams’ experience is rather atypical. Growing up in a household with famous parents meant her father, Brian Williams, reached millions before the media landscape shifted dramatically. In 2015, his reputation was called into question when it was revealed he embellished a story about being shot at while covering the Iraq War, leading to a six-month suspension and eventual departure from NBC.
What was it like to navigate such circumstances as a family? “When you feel the weight of public scrutiny and chatter, it can be daunting,” Williams admits. “It’s a harsh side of the media; they often turn on their own.”
In discussing the criticism surrounding “nepotism babies,” Williams approaches the topic positively, recognizing her advantages. “One of the privileges is the ability to pursue acting without the stress of providing for myself. Growing up around people who were doing what I aspired to do—like the Hanks family—made it feel attainable. By high school, I was already working as a production assistant for Robert Altman on Horizon, landing a spot in a star-studded ensemble alongside Meryl Streep. That experience surely gave me a head start.”
Gratitude is a recurring theme in Williams’ life. She feels fortunate not to be starting her career now. There was a considerable buzz surrounding Girls during its six-year run ending in 2017, but she can’t fathom what it would be like navigating social media scrutiny today. (Williams left Instagram in 2020, feeling the platform became increasingly toxic and cynical.) “We treated each episode as if it mattered significantly,” she reflects.
“When she’s been working for a while, her eyelids can get sticky”… with Gemma (Alison Williams), Cady (Violet McGraw), and M3GAN in the original film. Photo: Geoffrey Short/Universal Pictures
While some criticisms were valid—like the predominantly white setting of the show—several were driven by misogyny, undermining constructive critique. Williams laughs, recalling how some reviews failed to refer to the characters by name, instead labeling them as “daughters of famous parents.” “We were easy targets, and I acknowledge that,” she admits.
For a while, Williams struggled with people conflating her identity with her character, Marnie, who grapples with sociopathy. “I wanted to create distance because I thought it was important for people to respect the act of acting. Our characters were heard and seen, but we chose not to reveal that. It felt odd for people not to recognize the characters as distinct from us.”
Despite the challenges, she emphasizes that the experience was overwhelmingly positive. Is there a chance for a reunion? “I would love that,” Williams responds. “I know Zosia [Mamet, who played Shoshanna] is promoting spin-offs. I’m eager to find my own path to elbow into that. I want us all back together; working on that show was a blast and marked the start of my career, a time I now recognize as exceptionally special.”
For fans of Girls, a reunion would be an ideal scenario: four dynamic women against the backdrop of an unsettling AI doll.
Juan Salvo (Ricardo Darín) Faces the Deadly Snowfall in Buenos Aires
Mariano Landette/Netflix
Forever Netflix
Creating impactful art comes down to specificity. While this notion might undermine broader statements, it’s a guiding principle for me. The focus isn’t on appealing to the lowest common denominator; rather, it’s about the unique elements of artists that resonate and captivate audiences.
Perhaps that explains the surge of TV apocalypse narratives. Forever offers a refreshing perspective. This new Netflix series is inspired by a beloved comic book series from 1957, crafted by the renowned Argentinian writer Hector German Oesterheld.
The show draws upon themes from Oesterheld’s 1969 story reboot, echoing his growing anti-imperialist sentiments. This narrative, intertwined with the realities of violence linked to the Argentine military dictatorship, deserves greater recognition globally.
On a summer evening in Buenos Aires, Juan Salvo (Ricardo Darín) and his friends congregate in a basement for a game of Traco. Amidst laughter and whiskey, they experience an unusual phenomenon: the snow that has only fallen thrice in Buenos Aires’s recorded history turns lethal, killing anyone who touches it almost immediately.
Trapped indoors, Juan is uncertain about the fate of his ex-wife Elena (Carla Peterson) and daughter Clara (Mora Fiss). Dressed in a waterproof suit and gas mask, he braves the treacherous streets as panic rises in the community, igniting debates on resource sharing among survivors.
This narrative is rooted in genuine violence and delusions, yet it deserves greater fame.
Though I haven’t read the original comics due to limited availability in the UK, the modern adaptations seem effective. A notable update involves the protagonist’s backstory as a soldier from the 1982 Falklands War, enriching his role as a leader among survivors while his unresolved trauma contributes to the haunting visions he faces.
The storyline of Forever echoes that of many apocalyptic dramas, albeit with distinct nuances that elevate it within the genre. The Spanish series maintains authenticity by preserving its Argentine context rather than setting the drama in the typically overused NYC or London backdrop, making room for unique elements ranging from architecture to societal issues.
Before watching, I was unaware of Argentina’s history and how Oesterheld and his four daughters (two of whom were pregnant) vanished during the 1977 military dictatorship. The significance of this new series sheds light on the families affected during that tragic time. An Updated Search suggests that he may have been connected to other families due to his missing grandchildren’s plight. This tragic backdrop imbues the adaptation with depth, far surpassing its peers.
Some weaknesses in Forever do exist: the pacing of the initial three episodes feels sluggish and the treatment of female characters is somewhat lacking. Nonetheless, it remains a deeply engaging survival drama, with the narrative complexity increasing in the latter half. Plus, here’s a pleasant surprise—the series has been renewed for a second season following its sleeper success on Netflix.
I Also Recommend:
The Mist Directed by Frank Darabont When a mysterious fog envelops the town of Bridgeton, residents are forced to either stay indoors or confront a deadly threat. This Stephen King adaptation offers a surprising twist with a new ending.
I’m Still Here Directed by Walter Salles Elsa Sanchez, the widow of comic book writer Hector German Oesterheld, seeks justice against the Argentine military regime. Her journey parallels Eunice Paiva’s story, captured in this remarkable film about her husband’s assassination under a Brazilian dictatorship.
Bethan Ackerley is a sub-editor at New Scientist. She has a passion for science fiction, sitcoms, and all things eerie. Follow her at @inkerley
The Art and Science of Crafting Science Fiction
Engage in science fiction writing this weekend, focusing on the creation of new worlds and innovative artworks.
Being located in the Northern Hemisphere, my recommendations for observing the night sky are often limited by this perspective. Thus, in this edition, we shift our focus to the stunning views offered by the Southern Hemisphere, particularly the Milky Way during this time.
Every visible star belongs to our galaxy; when I gaze at the night sky, I’m encountering the Milky Way. Stargazers refer to the Milky Way as the luminous bands of stars and cosmic dust found toward the core of our spiral galaxy. This plane is tilted approximately 60 degrees relative to the solar system, enabling us to see the inner edge of the spiral arm that faces away from our location. Viewed in three dimensions, it resembles a curved arc across the sky.
This view is significantly enhanced in the Southern Hemisphere due to the Earth’s tilt. Stargazers in the southern part of the globe have the advantage of looking toward the galaxy’s center, while those in the north gaze away from it into a star-bereft region. This positioning allows for a clearer view of numerous constellations near the galactic core, including Centaurus and Sagittarius.
Regardless of your location on Earth, we share the same sunlit side, making this the optimum time for celestial observation. However, the Southern Hemisphere offers year-round visibility of the Milky Way—a perk of our planet’s tilt plus the benefits of darker nights during this season.
A decade-old study indicates that one-third of the global population is unable to see the Milky Way, a figure likely increasing due to growing light pollution. I encourage you to seek a remote location on a moonlit night; a new moon, around June 25th, would be ideal. It typically takes your eyes about 40 minutes to adjust to darkness, so if you’re in the Northern Hemisphere, you might need to wait until after midnight for optimal conditions.
Some of my most unforgettable nights under the stars occurred in the Southern Hemisphere. The first was at Mount Cook, New Zealand, in early June, and the second was at Warrumbungle National Park, Australia, in April. On both occasions, I was utterly amazed by the sight of the Milky Way, as captured in the image of Uluru, Australia.
If you’re stargazing in the Southern Hemisphere, make sure to look for the Milky Way. You might even spot two of our neighboring galaxies: the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds. Neither of these is visible from the Northern Hemisphere but can be located near the southern celestial pole.
Abigail Beall is the editor of New Scientist and author of Art of Urban Astronomy. Follow her @abbybeall
For additional projects, visit newscientist.com/maker
Strategies to Prevent Nightmares, Such as Avoiding Scary Movies
Andrii Lysenko/Getty Images
Experiencing nightmares weekly may accelerate aging and significantly increase the chances of early death.
“Individuals with more frequent nightmares experience faster aging and a higher risk of premature death,” states Abidemi Otaiku from Imperial College London.
In collaboration with his team, Otaiku examined data from over 183,000 adults aged between 26 to 86 who participated in several studies, initially self-reporting their nightmare frequency over a span of 1.5 to 19 years.
The findings revealed that individuals reporting weekly nightmares are over three times more likely to die before reaching 70 compared to those who do not experience nightmares.
Moreover, the researchers noted that the frequency of nightmares is a more potent predictor of preterm birth than factors such as smoking, obesity, poor diet, or inadequate physical activity. Otaiku presented these findings at the European Neurological Society Conference 2025 held in Helsinki, Finland, on June 23rd.
The team additionally assessed participants’ biological ages by measuring telomere lengths, small DNA sequences at the ends of chromosomes that shorten with each cell division; short telomeres linked to premature aging. This segment of the study also included approximately 2,400 children aged 8 to 10, while adults contributed further biological age data using epigenetic clocks.
According to Otaiku, their research established a consistent connection between frequent nightmares and accelerated aging across various ages, genders, and ethnic backgrounds. “Even in childhood, those with frequent nightmares exhibit shorter telomeres, indicating faster cellular aging,” he remarked. In adults, this accelerated biological aging accounts for roughly 40% of their heightened risk of death.
Regarding the reasoning behind this association, Otaiku suggests two main factors. The first is the elevated levels of the stress hormone cortisol triggered by nightmares. These levels are linked to faster cellular aging. “Nightmares elicit a more intense stress response than what is typically experienced upon waking, often rousing us with pounding hearts,” he explained.
The second factor involves sleep disruption, which hinders the body’s overnight cellular repair processes. Poor sleep quality is associated with an increased risk of various health issues, including heart disease.
For those wishing to reduce their occurrence of nightmares, Otaiku suggests straightforward strategies, such as avoiding scary movies and addressing mental health issues like anxiety.
“This is a fascinating finding with a number of biological underpinnings,” said Guy Restiner from the NHS Foundation Trust at Guy and St. Thomas. However, he emphasized that further research is necessary to identify causal relationships, noting that nightmares can be associated with various medical conditions and medications that may impact the findings as individuals age.
RAchel Reeves and her fellow government officials are eager to promote stock market investments among more Britons. She recently stated, “When you invested in stocks and stock markets, you could achieve better returns and had a substantial amount in your cash savings account.”
The encouraging news is that the emergence of DIY tools and mobile applications has made investing simpler than ever. However, the extensive range of options can make it challenging to determine where to begin.
For novice investors lacking the time or confidence to manage their portfolios, a “robo-advisor” is a wise choice. These may seem like concepts from sci-fi films, but they are essentially online platforms that utilize technology to automate processes. Most are app-based and typically provide pre-designed investment portfolios customized to individual preferences.
Generally, you complete a brief questionnaire to identify your objectives and determine the level of investment time and risk you’re comfortable with.
In most cases, the longer your investment horizon, the more risk you can afford to take. However, it’s crucial to assess your personal approach to risk. Historically, stocks have generated more significant returns than savings accounts, but they also carry the potential for losses and fluctuations.
A pre-assembled portfolio usually invests in a range of exchange-traded funds (ETFs). These low-cost funds track the performance of specific indices, such as the UK or US stock markets, government bonds (like UK gilt or US Treasury bills), or commodities such as gold.
The app consolidates these fund selections to formulate a balanced portfolio that distributes funds across diverse assets.
So, which app (if any) is the right fit for you? We’ve explored some of the most popular options and compared their offerings.
Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) track selected indices, such as the UK and US stock markets or government bonds. Photo: Hannah McKay/Reuters
Nutmeg
Who? Nutmeg, one of the pioneers in the robo-advisor market, launched in 2012 and was acquired by investment firm JPMorgan Chase in 2021. The UK platform boasts over 200,000 users and has seen more than £4.5 billion invested through the app.
Minimum investment: ISAs and pensions start at £500, while lifetime ISAs and junior ISAs require £100.
Investment Choice: Nutmeg offers various service tiers that influence costs. With fully managed options, investors can select from 1 to 10 risk levels, and the team actively monitors and adjusts the portfolio. The fixed allocation option features five risk levels, with the portfolio determined by the investment team annually.
Fee: For the fully managed option, Nutmeg charges a total fee of 0.98%. If investing £3,000, the annual fee would be about £29.40. The fee for fixed allocations is 0.65%, roughly £19.60 in the same scenario.
We like: Nutmeg’s transparency regarding performance allows users to see how a fully managed portfolio has performed over the past decade. For instance, a 6/10 risk portfolio yielded 43.4% over ten years, significantly exceeding the average return of 36.7% with similar funds. The 5/10 risk portfolio grew by 31.9% during the same timeframe, against a comparison of 36.7% with its peers.
Any other? Those seeking additional assistance can access complimentary guidance for general inquiries or receive full financial advice starting from £900.
MoneyBox
MoneyBox reportedly has over 1.5 million customers. Photo: Mundishima/Arami
Who? Founded in 2016, MoneyBox focuses on savings and investment, boasting over 1.5 million users and overseeing assets exceeding £10 billion.
Minimum investment: You can initiate an account with just £1.
Investment Choice: MoneyBox provides three primary options: cautious, balanced, and adventurous. The cautious option minimizes risk with a portfolio comprising only 15% company stock, 40% bonds, and 40% cash, whereas the adventurous option allocates 80% to stocks, 15% to cash, and 5% to bonds.
Fee: A single monthly subscription fee encompasses transaction costs. Subsequently, in addition to a platform fee of 0.45%, there’s an actual investment cost of 0.17% for core funds. Thus, anyone investing £3,000 in a balanced fund will incur approximately 0.85% in total costs, around £25.60 annually.
We like: The Roundup function. By linking your bank account or credit card to the app, you can round up your spending to the nearest pound, automatically investing the difference. For instance, if you spend £1.87, 13p will be rounded up to £2 and invested. This is a convenient method to enhance your contributions.
Any other? Confident investors may opt to select their own ETFs to invest in rather than choosing a pre-made portfolio. Alternatively, those interested in picking specific companies have limited options, as only US stocks are currently available.
Doddle
Who? DODL, a newcomer that debuted in 2022, is operated by wealth management powerhouse AJ Bell, established in 1995. DODL simplifies the process with lower minimum investment amounts than its parent firm, although it offers limited investment choices.
Minimum investment: Direct debits can start from £100 or £25 per month.
Fee: The annual fee includes 0.15% for management, £1 monthly, and 0.31% for core investments, totaling around £19.30 yearly for those investing £3,000.
Investment Choice: DODL offers a selection of off-the-shelf funds categorized by risk, from cautious to global growth. You can also pick individual stocks, browsing by region (UK or US) and sector (financial, health, technology, etc.).
We like: The variety of themed investment options. This enables access to relevant ETFs based on emerging trends. For example, the “Above the World” theme invests in the HSBC FTSE All-World index, comprising multiple large companies globally, with a fee of 0.13%. Other themes include the “home team” for UK-centric investments and the “robo revolution” for funds focused on robotics companies.
Any other? Enjoy competitive interest rates of 4.25% (variable) on uninvested cash.
DODL’s “Robo Revolution” fund invests in robotics companies. Photo: costfoto/nurphoto/rex/shutterstock
Wealthify
Who? Established in 2014 and currently owned by insurance leader Aviva, Wealthify serves around 100,000 users with a strong emphasis on simplicity and avoiding jargon.
Minimum investment: Currently, ISAs start at £1, and pensions require £50, but from June 25th, junior ISAs will also start at £1 while stocks and shares ISAs and pensions will begin at £500.
Investment Choice: Wealthify has five risk levels: cautious, tentative, confident, ambitious, and adventurous. The cautious portfolio contains 85% government debt assets and just 5% company stock. In contrast, the adventurous options comprise 74% stocks and 14% government bonds, including investments in real estate and infrastructure.
Fee: A platform fee of 0.6% covers portfolio management costs. The investment cost can be 0.16% for typical portfolios and 0.7% for ethical options. This results in an annual fee of £22.80 for a £3,000 investment in a standard portfolio or £39 for ethical options. There’s no minimum fee.
We like: The Outlook page provides a concise overview of investment regions and assets, offering a convenient way for investors to gain insights without extensive research.
Any other? Wealthify showcases numerous customer service awards on its site—a reminder to consider factors beyond fees and investment variety. Always conduct your own research and review independent evaluations before choosing a provider.
MoneyFarm
Who? Originating in Italy, MoneyFarm expanded to the UK market in 2016. It currently supports around 160,000 active users and manages over £5 billion in assets, backed by major investment firms including M&G and Allianz.
Minimum investment: £500.
Investment Choice: Managed funds feature seven risk levels, regularly revised by their investment teams. For example, the 6/7 risk option includes 72% developed market company assets and 10% from emerging markets, while the 2/7 risk option primarily invests in bonds.
Fee: Those investing £3,000 in a proactively managed option incur a 0.3% fee in addition to a 0.75% management fee, totaling approximately £31.56 a year. For fixed allocation options adjusted annually, the management fee ranges from 0.17% to 0.45%, resulting in a total of around 0.62% or about £18.60 annually.
We like: The platform provides a clear breakdown of each portfolio, detailing investments by asset type, region, and sector, along with concise explanations.
Any other? Similar to many of these apps, MoneyFarm allows you to apply environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria to your investments, which can lead to tailored options excluding industries like heavy polluters and companies with poor human rights records. However, opting for this may increase costs.
Some ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds) track the prices of products, such as gold. Photo: LeonhardFöger/Reuters
You need to know
Before opting for a robo-advice app or service, ensure that the firm is regulated by the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
Make sure the provider is a member of the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSC), which safeguards up to £85,000 in funds should the provider collapse.
Most platforms have various account types available, but ISA stocks and shares typically offer the best returns. You can contribute up to £20,000 per year into an ISA, allowing all interest and growth to be exempt from HMRC, keeping all your earnings intact.
Regarding fees, expect a percentage of your investment to be charged. For instance, investing £1,000 with a 1% fee would incur a £10 annual charge. However, be sure to verify the exact fees, as minimum charges may apply.
Deep within the shadowy oceans, a variety of curious and enigmatic creatures inhabit the depths, such as the frilled shark (Chlamydoselachus anguineus), which has been known for over a century, yet much of its lifestyle remains elusive.
We gain insight into their appearance through the occasional specimens caught in deep-sea fishing nets across the globe.
These sharks typically measure about 2 meters (6.5 feet) in length, with smooth, tube-like brown or gray bodies and dorsal fins positioned lower on their backs, close to the tail of their elongated form.
The most peculiar characteristic is found at the front end. The frilled shark possesses six prominent gill slits, exceeding the number found in most other sharks.
Indeed, there are five other known species in the frilled shark taxonomic order, Hexanchiformes, which include the Sixgill and Seven Gill sharks.
The name “frilled shark” derives from the unique ruffled edges of its gill slits, with the extended tips of the gill filaments visible.
The first pair of gill slits connects beneath the throat, resembling a lacy collar.
Moreover, their mouths are larger, akin to those of lizards, compared to typical sharks. Inside, they feature a series of three-pronged teeth resembling tiny tridents.
Studies of the stomach contents from rare specimens reveal that frilled sharks employ their three-pronged teeth to capture soft-bodied squid.
They are also reported to occasionally consume fish and other shark species. Unlike many sharks, pregnant female frilled sharks do not lay eggs; rather, the eggs hatch internally.
The newborn sharks begin life as embryos, attached to egg yolks, which serve as a nutritional source during their development.
Photos of the frilled shark (Chlamydoselachus anguineus) were taken in collaboration with the University of the Zoological Museum in Hamburg. – Photo credit: Aramie
One mystery that remains unsolved is the duration of their pregnancy. If other deep-sea sharks are indicative, it could take several years before a frilled shark pup emerges into the ocean.
Often mischaracterized as “living fossils,” frilled sharks garnered significant attention in 2022 after a viral video showcased rare footage of live frilled sharks in Japan, prompting news outlets worldwide to clarify misconceptions.
These creatures likely exist for decades.
However, it is indeed true that the oldest known fossils of frilled sharks date back to the late Cretaceous period, approximately 80 million years ago, displaying surprisingly little change through time.
The fossils indicate that the ancestors of frilled sharks exhibited similar deep-sea swimming behaviors.
This suggests that these unusual-looking sharks have been gracefully navigating the oceans with their snake-like bodies for millions of years, and although their young are rarely observed, they continue to thrive today.
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I received invitations to experience the homes of an architect in Buenos Aires, a Vogue designer in Hong Kong, a community organizer in Sydney, and a writer in Paris.
In reality, I spend my time watching episodes of “Never Too Small” on YouTube. Never Too Small is a media company that produces magazines and online documentaries focused on “designing and living with small footprints.” For me, “Never Too Small” equals “the source of my favorite TV shows.” I enjoy watching while snacking on toast.
New episodes are released every week, totaling over 100. Their duration, usually under 10 minutes, is just right. The calming visuals of historic architecture and busy urban streets exude charm. The gentle background music envelops you like a warm bath. As you dive into these videos, you realize you can’t have just one; suddenly, over 100 episodes feel like just a handful. It’s reminiscent of that moment when you first taste chocolate and are told it’s simply an “occasional” treat.
At its core, this series aims to illustrate that one doesn’t need a grand cathedral to feel comfortable as a human being. This appeals to the Australian mindset, often suggesting that without property—taking up a day and a half of each day—we might as well be dead. (Just blame Banjo Patterson or McLeod’s Daughters.) Even a participant in “Grand Designs” hinted that his fixation on grand Aussie homes was somewhat rebellious! He might not have used those exact words, but you get the drift. Rarely do we see people worldwide transforming tiny townhouses and pint-sized apartments into remarkably cozy homes—more so than the dreams spun by the girls from McLeod’s.
Now, I’ve come to love the concept of “too small.” I adore compact spaces. I dream of curling up to the 16th, slipping into an envelope, and surrendering myself to a petite mail slot belonging to a small beret-wearing rabbit. That said, I must admit: some of these dwellings don’t feel small at all!
“Is this small?” I sometimes ask my partner while enjoying toast. “Is this truly small?” he returns, as we both get lost in the ambiguity. Which one is “smaller”? Is it simply a trick of perception? These spaces even feature courtyards!
The viewing area—so crucial at the start of each episode—is undeniably charming. “I live in a tiny house, and I don’t complain about it,” you might think, but do you have a Wes Anderson-inspired décor? Or perhaps a community library with great ventilation? What about a cabin where you can sleep under the stars (while still in bed; after all, you’re not a caveman)? If not, then these diminutive homes are uniquely special.
It’s intriguing how these spaces evolve. (It’s disheartening when an owner describes their previous space as “monotonous,” as it resembles their current apartment closely.) The bus is often the first to go, and I find myself in the way. If they enjoy dining out, the oven might also be sacrificed. Occasionally, there’s neither a bathtub nor an oven, but rather a climbing wall instead.
The hosts are always impeccably dressed, stylish sneakers on their feet, engaging in fascinating activities. Even their pets seem to have a deeper understanding of life (you can just tell by the raised eyebrows). “When hosting dinner parties, we pull out this custom bench seat to accommodate 8-10 guests,” they boast. Can you imagine being someone who hosts a dinner party? Picture knowing 8-10 people!
The renowned writer, scientist, and sage Johann Wolfgang von Goethe once mused about life’s complexities. Yet, I find tranquility in observing others’ clever homes via video. We’re all just a recycled wooden dining table or a small piano away from pure bliss. Let’s not shy away; embrace the beauty of being too small.
You might have come across videos online featuring Donald Trump and Elon Musk. These clips recreate iconic scenes from shows like Breaking Bad. Additionally, you may have seen footage of them dancing to the classic hit “YMCA” at the Great Year Day Party.
The catch is that while one of these scenarios actually took place, the other is a fabrication created using artificial intelligence (AI). You may recall both events, but can you tell which one is *?
In psychological terms, the “source monitoring framework” illustrates how we identify the origins of our memories.
This framework treats the source of a memory as a cohesive unit of information, encoded alongside other elements of our experiences.
However, the “tags” that denote the origins of a memory can easily fade, leaving other aspects intact.
As a result, AI-generated clips may blur in our minds with actual events, which is a growing concern as the quality of AI videos continues to improve.
Many of us hold fragmented memories but often struggle to distinguish what’s real from imagined scenarios – Credit: Gary Yowell via Getty
This dissociation between memory content and its origin is a common occurrence. You may recognize the actor on screen, yet find yourself unable to recall any other films or shows he has appeared in.
Her research indicates that when certain ideas are suggested to us, we may foster them in our own minds but later forget their original source, leading us to confuse them with genuine experiences.
According to Loftus’s findings, AI can easily plant numerous false memories in our minds, particularly when we consume artificial content in environments similar to those where we consume authentic news.
This raises critical questions about how to label AI-generated content and how to help people remember that it is fictional.
*For clarification, the dance at the New Year’s Eve party was indeed real.
This article responds to the inquiry (posed by Christopher Wiley of Birmingham): “Does artificial intelligence give us false memories?”
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IThis April, Daisy Elicek stumbled upon something peculiar while browsing TikTok. She discovered videos featuring her 84-year-old father, George Tsaftarides, who operates a small tailoring business in Ohio. However, the video she encountered did not originate from Tsaftarides’ official page, but rather from an account claiming to be a “sad old man” at risk of losing his cat sanctuary, boasting nearly 41,000 followers.
The video text expressed, “I poured my love into my life because I couldn’t bear to close the cat shelter,” suggesting that the sanctuary would sell slippers to raise extra funds. This plea resonated with many viewers, leading to comments from millions and tens of thousands of users. One commenter wrote, “I just ordered two! Sending love to these kittens.” Another added, “Thank you for everything you do for these babies.” Others inquired about a GoFundMe link to donate directly to the cat shelters.
Yelichek and her father were taken aback. Tsaftarides does not operate any shelters. The accounts promoting these funding requests appear to be part of scams aimed at selling mass-produced slippers. Some followers who actually ordered the slippers received fuzzy footwear labeled “Made in China,” indicating they were not handmade by an elderly man running a struggling cat sanctuary.
“These individuals are using my identity for profit, but I can’t understand why,” Tsaftarides stated. “It’s theft, it’s dishonest, and it’s wrong.”
Tsaftarides isn’t the only TikTok user to have their likeness misappropriated. Charles Ray, an 85-year-old retiree from Michigan, has also been targeted by accounts using doctored video clips of his portrait. He began his own TikTok account in January to share jokes with his followers.
“At the start of the year, my pastor made a joke about a frog, and I thought, ‘This should make people smile,’ so I found a way to create an account and made a joke, and it took off from there,” he recounted.
Ray’s videos all follow a similar formula. Shot in selfie mode, he delivers a quick joke. He was disheartened to discover his content was used not only to “spread joy” but also to exploit and scam others. In one clip, he appears to be rubbing his eyes, while another repost suggests he is crying. One video uses a clip of a woman sobbing about an unrelated topic, while another includes a user in a hospital bed.
Since Yelichek first identified the misuse of her father’s image, she has cataloged over 100 accounts using unrelated videos to promote mass-produced items like slippers, headphone cases, and blankets. According to a list compiled by Yelichek and analyzed by the Guardian, around 20 accounts can be traced across Instagram and YouTube, employing similar tactics.
At one point, Yelichek reached out to the account, which had manipulated her father’s image, pleading for them to cease their actions. The individual behind the account claimed to be a struggling 17-year-old boy in Greece.
“I understand your situation, but I hope you can understand mine as well,” he responded.
This scam resembles a video trend on TikTok that has successfully promoted sales for small businesses through heartfelt messages about struggling local shops and eateries. A typical post imitates a community appeal for support.
In the case of Yelichek’s viral video, many commenters moved by the fabricated tale attempted to amplify it, mentioning the names of celebrities and generating further engagement that TikTok seems to prioritize. One comment noted, “Fun fact,” regarding another similar video claiming to support a diligent cow sanctuary. “If you engage, you’ll receive more replies! See other popular channels like Chapel Lawn and Taylor Swift to reach more people.” The video states that these accounts also recontextualize clips from genuine TikTok users to create misleading narratives before deleting them, which amassed 1.4 million likes and 26,000 comments.
Tsaftarides feels particularly frustrated, as his own content, which he intended to promote small businesses—including his own—has been co-opted to market mass-produced products.
“We aim to showcase our store and educate people about sewing,” he explained. “I won’t profit from my TikTok account.”
Yelichek mentioned that she and her father filed a police report with the Jackson Township police in Ohio. The local police have been actively working to liaise with social networks to address the issue of identity theft and remove the stolen content. While Yelichek noted that Instagram has removed several of the profiles she reported, TikTok—a platform grappling with a more significant issue—has been less responsive.
“When we comment on [these videos] and label them as spam, our comments are often swiftly deleted, leading TikTok to assert they’re not violating their community guidelines,” Yelichek shared, along with a screenshot of the message.
TikTok users who are wise to the scheme have taken to commenting on the videos to label them as scams. Like Yelichek, some users have noted that TikTok has responded to their reports by claiming the content doesn’t violate community guidelines.
In an official statement, TikTok emphasized that their community guidelines prohibit any accounts or content that infringe upon others’ intellectual property rights. Reports of copyright infringement may require proof of ownership, such as links to the original content or evidence of the infringing material. Meta echoed similar sentiments, stating the same Terms of use on Instagram prohibit posting content that violates intellectual property rights, including copyrights and trademarks, and such infractions can be reported on Instagram. For more information, please visit their Help Page.
Ray, the 85-year-old jokester, also attempted to report the fraudulent video but received a response indicating that the flagged content did not violate TikTok’s community standards. Like Yelichek, he has faced frequent removal of his comments cautioning followers against scams, lamenting that he “hasn’t received any assistance from TikTok” and is unsure how to communicate further with the platform.
In a statement, TikTok reiterated its commitment to combating copyright violations, noting that 94% of content removed for breaching community guidelines regarding fake engagement in the last quarter was removed in response to reports.
Meanwhile, some users are becoming increasingly aware of this specific type of emotional manipulation. In recent viral videos, warnings about fraudulent posts claiming to support cat shelters, cow farms, and other heartbreaking narratives are spreading like wildfire.
While awareness increases, misleading videos continue to circulate. Instead of being disheartened, Ray has opted to create a video, recalling that many of his 13,000 followers express anticipation for his daily posts.
“Everything going on today makes people need a reason to smile,” he stated. “If my followers can smile, even briefly forget their troubles, then that’s all I hope to achieve—making people smile. This isn’t going to stop me.”
Feel free to let me know if you’d like any further changes!
Groundbreaking research indicates that middle-aged individuals in the initial stages of Alzheimer’s disease may become more sociable.
Utilizing data from nearly half a million Britons over 40, the study revealed that those at a high genetic risk for Alzheimer’s are more likely to enjoy positive social lives, have happy family relationships, and experience less isolation.
“This finding was remarkable for us,” stated Dr. Scott Zimmerman, a senior researcher at Boston University. BBC Science Focus.
“We anticipated finding evidence of withdrawal from social networks, possibly due to changes in social activities and mood regulation. Instead, we encountered the opposite.”
Research published in American Journal of Epidemiology, concluded that individuals showing early signs of Alzheimer’s may engage more with family and friends, noting subtle changes in cognitive functions, and may receive additional support through daily interactions.
Dementia has often been linked to feelings of social isolation and loneliness. However, it remains unclear whether such loneliness is a risk factor for developing Alzheimer’s or if social withdrawal stems from the disease itself.
These findings imply that adults genetically predisposed to Alzheimer’s are unlikely to withdraw socially years prior to a formal diagnosis when significant symptoms emerge.
“Their social life may expand,” explained co-author Dr. Ashwin Kotwal, an associate professor of medicine at UCSF. He noted that this study does not contradict previous research on Alzheimer’s and social withdrawal but rather enhances the understanding of the relationship.
“This study suggests that the connection between social isolation and dementia risk, supported by other research, is not simply a result of early symptoms leading to withdrawal,” said co-researcher Dr. Louisia Chen, a postdoctoral researcher at Boston University. BBC Science Focus.
“This underscores the importance of maintaining social connections for better brain health.”
Adults in their 40s, 50s, and 60s with a genetic predisposition to dementia showed a greater tendency to thrive socially – Credit: Skynesher via Getty
In addition to genetic predispositions, various lifestyle factors can influence the development of dementia, including exercise habits, smoking, blood pressure, glucose levels, sleep patterns, mental health, and medication use.
These modifiable factors may explain around 30% of Alzheimer’s cases, with loneliness potentially being one of them.
“In an era marked by decreasing social engagement, we hope families, communities, and policymakers will explore ways to foster healthy social interactions throughout people’s lives,” remarked Dr. Jacqueline Torres, an associate professor of epidemiology and biostatistics. BBC Science Focus.
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About our experts
Dr. Scott Campbell Zimmerman is a senior researcher in epidemiology at Boston University’s Faculty of Public Health.
Dr. Ashwin Kotwal is an assistant professor of medicine in the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine’s Department of Geriatric Medicine. He co-leads UCSF’s social connection and aging lab, focusing on the health impacts of loneliness and social isolation among older populations.
Dr. Louisia Chen is a postdoctoral researcher in epidemiology at Boston University’s Faculty of Public Health. Her work focuses on how social determinants over the life course contribute to the risks and disparities related to dementia.
Dr. Jacqueline Torres is a social epidemiologist at the UCSF School of Medicine and an associate professor of epidemiology and biostatistics. Her current research examines how policies, families, and communities influence population health, particularly during middle and late stages of life.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are swiftly rising in popularity worldwide; in 2024, 22% of new car sales were electric, up from 18% in 2023. Research indicates that an increasing number of people perceive EVs as superior to traditional gasoline and diesel vehicles. Anecdotal experiences on feeling unwell in an electric vehicle’s passenger or rear seat have sparked social media discussions and raised questions among prospective buyers about motion sickness.
Nonetheless, several academic studies provide scientific explanations for why some individuals may experience more sickness in EVs.
“Increased illness in EVs can be attributed to a lack of prior experience, both as drivers and passengers. The brain depends on past experiences in other vehicle types, complicating the estimation of motor skills.”
While EVs are becoming increasingly accepted, conventional gasoline vehicles still hold a strong presence. Drivers have a long-established familiarity with gas cars, enabling them to adapt more readily to specific cues. For instance, a person who has predominantly driven combustion engine cars will anticipate acceleration after the engine revs, which signals a change in speed. In contrast, electric vehicles produce minimal engine noise.
Research has identified connections between certain features of electric vehicles and motion sickness. A study conducted in 2024 found a significant correlation between motion sickness severity and seat vibrations in EVs. Meanwhile, a separate 2020 study revealed that the absence of engine noise may play a critical role in exacerbating feelings of nausea.
“Those accustomed to driving conventional vehicles learn to perceive car movements through cues such as engine revs, vibrations, and torque. Therefore, experiencing an EV for the first time presents a unique movement environment that the brain needs to adapt to,” explains Emond.
Furthermore, regenerative braking technology in EVs, which enables the motor to convert kinetic energy into electricity while slowing down, results in smooth deceleration. This gradual slowing can lead to a higher likelihood of motion sickness.
A piece of 2024 research indicated that this phenomenon may serve as a key trigger for motion sickness in EVs. The authors noted: [“regenerative braking] might direct motion sickness.”
Motion sickness is believed to arise from inconsistencies among varied sensory inputs. The brain receives simultaneous signals from the body, particularly from the inner ear, which maintains balance, alongside visual information. When there’s a conflict between these signals, the brain interprets this “neurological mismatch” as a conflict situation.
“Improved understanding of self-movement is critical for predicting motor skills to mitigate motion sickness. When the estimations of motor skills by the brain vary from actual experiences, this conflict can reach a threshold that triggers symptoms resembling ‘motion sickness,'” states Emond. “If such a conflict continues, it can lead to physiological reactions often associated with motion sickness.”
Predicting vehicle movement is crucial for mitigating motion sickness, which means that drivers are generally less likely to experience such symptoms. They have the foresight of what to expect.
As these vehicles provide fewer cues about upcoming movements, the interaction between predicted and experienced motion may contribute to the heightened incidence of motion sickness in EVs.
“When navigating a new movement environment, the brain must form new habits, lacking any prior experience to guide it. This is akin to how most individuals feel nauseous in zero-gravity contexts,” remarks Emond.
As the adoption of EVs continues to increase, researchers are exploring potential solutions to combat car-related nausea. Various studies propose that motion sickness in autonomous electric vehicles might be alleviated using visual signals, such as interactive displays and ambient lighting, or through vibration cues that enable passengers’ brains to anticipate movement changes, thereby reducing sudden sensations during electric vehicle rides.
In 2019, the Australian radio telescope detected a fascinating signal emanating from the vicinity of Proxima Centauri, the nearest star to Earth.
This signal, designated as breakthrough listen candidate 1 (BLC1), exhibited all the characteristics of a “technosignature,” which may suggest the presence of intelligent life.
The signal comprised a single discernible narrowband wavelength and displayed a Doppler shift (indicating movement), was precisely localized in the sky, and persisted for several hours, capturing the attention of researchers.
These features imply that the signals are unlikely to be attributed to natural phenomena.
Nonetheless, some complications have surfaced regarding the extraterrestrial explanation. It was discovered that the signal was present in other observations of Proxima Centauri during the same timeframe, and notably, even when the telescope was not aimed at the star.
A subsequent observation the following year failed to detect the signal. An analysis of all the data collected by the Breakthrough Listening Project later identified similar signals from various other targets, including blank sky. This strongly indicates that the source of the signal was probably radio interference.
The BLC1 mirrors another narrowband radio signal detected in August 1977, famously referred to as “Wow!”
This potential “technosignature” lasted a full 72 seconds and could not be readily explained by natural occurrences.
However, the precise location of the signal in the sky was never identified, and follow-up searches of the area yielded no further signals.
There is ongoing debate regarding the origins of “Wow!”, but no clear evidence exists yet to confirm it as a product of extraterrestrial civilizations.
However, scientists are not solely focused on alien signals.
NASA describes Oumuamua as “the first confirmed object from another star to visit our solar system.” Its name means “the first messenger to arrive from afar” in Hawaiian – Illustration Credit: Science Photography Library
Discovered in 2017, ‘Oumuamua (depicted above) was identified as an elongated, reddish rocky object traveling through the solar system at extraordinary speed.
Its peculiar shape and trajectory led some astronomers to speculate that it might be a “solar sail” from a distant alien civilization.
However, this theory is considered improbable, as its unusual characteristics can also be explained without resorting to alien hypothesis.
Still, scientists have yet to intercept or discover anything that definitively indicates an exciting “alien” origin.
This article addresses the query posed by Lester to Daniel Howell: “Have we ever intercepted anything from an alien?”
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Spider-like organisms dwelling near methane seepage seem to infiltrate the seabed, consuming microbes within their bodies that oxidize energy-dense gas. This discovery broadens the understanding of entities that rely on symbiotic associations with microorganisms in these alien settings.
Shana Goffredi from Occidental College, California, along with her team, has investigated marine arthropods named for their resemblance to ahinides, which thrive near three distinct methane seeps in the Pacific Ocean. They previously identified three new species from the sea spider genus Celico Sura, noted to be plentiful exclusively near these gas seepages.
In contrast, other sea spider species, which do not inhabit methane seep regions, primarily feed on various invertebrates. However, researchers have found that these newly identified sea spiders primarily acquire nutrition by ingesting a specific range of bacterial species residing in their bodies. These bacteria are capable of converting methane and methanol from the seepage into energy, something the sea spiders alone would not access.
Scientists observed that bacteria remained confined to the spiders’ exoskeletons, resembling “microbial fur coats,” and formed clusters that Goffredi describes as “volcanic-like.” The bacterial layer exhibited patterns resembling marks from a lawnmower, indicative of feeding by the spider’s robust “lips” and three tiny teeth.
To confirm that ocean spiders were actually consuming the bacteria, researchers employed radioactive labeling techniques to monitor the assimilation of methane carbon by laboratory sea spiders. “I observed methane being absorbed into the microorganisms on the spider’s surface, and subsequently traced carbon molecules migrating into the spider’s tissues,” Goffredi explains.
Researchers believe that ocean spiders do not consume all microorganisms growing on their exoskeletons. The species inhabiting the exoskeleton differ from those typically found in their surroundings, indicating a selection process is at play, Goffredi remarks. “The spiders are clearly cultivating and nurturing a unique microbial community.”
Sea spiders are not the first to cultivate microorganisms for chemical energy. “With every observation of these ecosystems near methane seeps, this phenomenon becomes increasingly evident,” notes Eric Cordes from Temple University, Pennsylvania. He previously collaborated with Goffredi on related studies, revealing a similar symbiosis in tube worms. The rich biodiversity near methane seepage is sustained not by solar energy but rather through methane and other chemicals. “That’s truly remarkable,” he remarks.
Cordes emphasizes that bacteria might also be transported along the surface of sea spiders. Unlike livestock on a farm, they gain superior protection and access to pastures. For instance, if methane seepage shifts to another area of the seabed, sea spiders could transfer bacteria to new locales. “Sea spiders maintain these organisms in an ideal habitat,” he adds.
The discovery of Litoria Tylerantiqua indicates that Australian tree frogs (Perodrius) were already present in Australia when the continent was still attached to Antarctica and South America.
Artist Reconstruction of Litoria Tylerantiqua (right) alongside the previously described species Platyplectrum casca (left) from Margon in southeast Queensland. Image: Samantha Yabsley, https://www.instagram.com/shy_art.
Litoria Tylerantiqua lived in Australia during the early Eocene period, approximately 55 million years ago.
The fossilized frog bones were retrieved in the 1990s by paleontologists at the University of New South Wales while screenwashing clay samples from the Tingamara fossil frog site in Margon, Queensland.
“About 55 million years ago, Australia, Antarctica, and South America were connected as the last remnants of Gondwana,” stated Dr. Roy Furman and his colleagues at the University of New South Wales and the Australian National University.
“During this era, the global climate was warmer, facilitating forested corridors linking South America and Australia.”
“Previously, Australia’s oldest tree frogs were believed to have originated from the late Illuminocene (around 26 million years ago) and the early Miocene (approximately 23 million years ago).”
“Fossils from the late Illuminocene have been discovered in the Northern Territory’s kangaroo wells and the Etadunna formation in Lake Palancarina, South Australia. Furthermore, the Riversley World Heritage Area in Queensland unveiled an early Miocene tree frog.”
“This new species extends the fossil record of Perodrids by roughly 30 million years, bringing it closer to the timeframe when Australian tree frogs diverged from their South American counterparts,” they noted.
“Previous estimates based on molecular clock analyses suggest that Australian and South American frogs diverged approximately 33 million years ago.”
Litoria Tylerantiqua is the only other known frog from Margon, also identified as Platyplectrum casca (previously categorized as Lechriodus Casca), recognized as the oldest frog species in Australia.
Both have existing relatives in Australia and New Guinea, showcasing incredible resilience over time.
“Despite their fragile nature, these frogs have surprisingly thrived, surviving numerous major extinction events since their origin around 250 million years ago.”
“Current global extinction threats, fueled by human activities like rapid climate change and the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria, pose significant challenges for frogs. The fossil record reveals how certain frog groups have navigated past adversities, potentially by adapting to less-threatened habitats.”
“This insight might guide future conservation efforts, such as relocating endangered frogs to safer environments.”
“If fossil records show similarly structured frogs occupying very different habitats, today’s frogs could potentially benefit from reintroductions into comparable environments.”
The findings are detailed in a study published in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology.
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Roy M. Furman et al. New fossil discoveries for early Eocene perodrids from local faunas of Southeast Queensland, Margon, Tingamara, and frog molecular lineages. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology published online on May 14, 2025. doi:10.1080/02724634.2025.2477815
The primordial stars, known as group III, likely formed from the abundant gases present in the young universe. These stars were responsible for generating the first heavier elements, illuminating the universe, bringing an end to the cosmic dark ages, and ushering in the era of reionization. Due to the challenges of direct observation, the characteristics of these early stars are still largely unknown. Professor Anastasia Fialkov from Cambridge University and her team suggest that astronomers can infer the masses of these stars by analyzing the cosmological 21 cm signal produced by hydrogen atoms located between the regions where the stars formed.
Artist’s impression of a field of Population III stars that would have existed hundreds of millions of years post-Big Bang. Image credits: noirlab/nsf/aura/J. da silva/SpaceEngine.
“This presents a unique opportunity to understand how the universe’s first light emerged from darkness,” stated Professor Fialkov.
“We are beginning to unravel the narrative of the transition from a cold, dark cosmos to one filled with stars.”
Studies focused on the universe’s ancient stars rely on the faint 21 cm signal, an energy signature emanating from over 13 billion years ago.
This signal, influenced by the radiation from nascent stars and black holes, offers a rare glimpse into the universe’s formative years.
Professor Fialkov leads the Leach theory group dedicated to radio experiments analyzing space hydrogen.
“Leach is a radio antenna and one of two key projects designed to enhance our understanding of the dawn and reionization phases of the universe, when the first stars reactivated neutral hydrogen atoms,” explained the astronomer.
“While our abilities to capture radio signals are presently undergoing calibration, we remain dedicated to unveiling insights about the early universe.
“Conversely, the Square Kilometer Arrays (SKAs) chart variations in cosmic signals across extensive areas of the sky.”
“Both initiatives are crucial for probing the masses, brightness, and distribution of the universe’s earliest stars.”
In their current research, Professor Fialkov and co-authors formulated a model to predict the 21 cm signal for both REACH and SKA, discovering that the signal is sensitive to the mass of the first stars.
“We are the first group to accurately model how the 21 cm signal correlates with the mass of the first stars, factoring in ultraviolet starlight and x-ray emissions resulting from the demise of the first stars,” stated Professor Fialkov.
“Our findings stem from simulations integrating the primordial conditions of the universe, such as the hydrogen and helium composition formed during the Big Bang.”
In developing their theoretical framework, researchers examined how the 21 cm signal responds to the mass distribution of Population III stars.
They discovered that earlier studies underestimated this relationship as they failed to account for both the quantity and luminosity of x-ray binaries among Population III stars and their impact on the 21 cm signal.
While REACH and SKA cannot photograph individual stars, they do provide comprehensive data on stars, x-ray binary systems, and entire galactic populations.
“Connecting radio data to the narrative of the first stars requires some imagination, but its implications are profound,” remarked Professor Fialkov.
“The predictions we present hold significant value in enhancing our understanding of the universe’s earliest stars,” noted Dr. Eloi de Lera Acedo from Cambridge University.
“We offer insights into the masses of these early stars, suggesting that the light they emitted may have been drastically different from today’s stars.”
“Next-generation telescopes like REACH are set to unlock the secrets of the early universe. These predictions are vital for interpreting radio observations being conducted from Karu, South Africa.”
The research paper was published online today in the journal Nature Astronomy.
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T. Gessey-Jones et al. Determination of the mass distribution of the first stars from a 21 cm signal. Nature Astronomy Published online on June 20th, 2025. doi:10.1038/s41550-025-02575-x
Iran’s Arak Heavy Water Nuclear Facility was damaged by Israeli bombing
ShutterStockEdit
Israel’s assault regarding Iran’s nuclear activities has raised concerns about potential radioactive incidents, according to experts, including the director of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). New Scientist While there have been reports of radiological and chemical contamination at one nuclear enrichment facility, the overall risk remains low.
Peter Bryant from the University of Liverpool notes that the terms “nuclear” and “radiation” understandably provoke fear, but despite extensive bombings, there have been no reported external leaks as of now.
Iran’s nuclear ambitions trace back to the 1950s, including attempts to develop nuclear weapons. The country pledged to allow IAEA inspections to verify that its energy facilities are not being utilized for weapon production; however, the agency recently issued a report criticizing Iran for failing to comply with non-proliferation obligations. Evidence of uranium traces at certain plants suggests that a covert nuclear weapons program might still be in progress.
Following reports regarding Iranian facilities responsible for uranium enrichment, Israel launched its strikes. Naturally occurring uranium exists in a mixture of three isotopes, but the enriched variant has a greater proportion of uranium-235, which can be used for both electrical generation in reactors and for nuclear arms. Given this dual-purpose potential, Iran has committed to restricting enrichment under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.
Philip Bleak from the Middlebury International Institute in California points out that the IAEA reports indicate Iran has already accumulated over 400 kilograms of uranium concentrated to 60%. This quantity is adequate for multiple rudimentary nuclear weapons, and Israeli intelligence suggests that the actual figures may be underreported to the IAEA. Even uranium at 60% purity significantly exceeds the requirements for fueling a power plant, implying that Iran harbors intentions to develop nuclear capabilities.
Iran maintains two primary enrichment sites: the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant (FFEP) and the Natanz Nuclear Facility. Israel’s strikes on Natanz resulted in internal radiation leaks; however, according to the IAEA, there have been no signs of external contamination.
In contrast, the Fordow facility remains operational due to its underground location, making it susceptible to destruction only by powerful US munitions. Only a powerful US bomb could destroy it. Former President Donald Trump has indicated he might assess support for Israel in this matter.
The Arak Heavy Water Reactor has also been targeted in bombings; however, it was never commissioned and housed no radioactive substances. If operational, it could have enabled the conversion of uranium into plutonium, a material viable for nuclear weaponry. Additionally, the Isfahan Nuclear Technology Center and certain missile sites designed for nuclear weapons launch were also bombed.
Bleak asserts that fresh uranium poses “very modest” health risks irrespective of enrichment levels. “A significant amount must enter your body to have a meaningful impact, similar to what uranium miners experienced,” he explains.
This is why the enrichment facilities targeted in strikes represent minimal risk outside their immediate vicinity, according to Bryant. Moreover, since these plants are built deep underground for resistance against attacks, any radioactive emissions would be further contained. “Uranium fuel can be handled without issue,” states Bryant. “You would need to physically ingest it to face health problems.”
Nonetheless, should a working reactor be targeted and operational for months prior to an attack, it may accumulate “dangerous fission byproducts,” which represent a more significant radiological threat. Bleak warns that if such materials escape, scenarios akin to Chernobyl or Fukushima could arise.
Bryant expresses confidence that such leaks are exceedingly unlikely, attributing this to advancements in reactor design that can withstand heavy bombardments. Furthermore, civilian power plants are not core to Iran’s nuclear weapons program and are unlikely to be prioritized targets for Israel, he says. Bushehr, Iran’s only functioning nuclear power facility, has not been targeted thus far.
Despite assurances from scientific experts, New Scientist reports that IAEA Director Rafael Grossi cautioned earlier this week about the real risks of harm.
“I have consistently stated that we should never attack nuclear facilities, irrespective of the circumstances, as they can pose hazards to both humanity and the environment,” he asserted.
The Zombie Apocalypse might sound like an ideal chance to eliminate your debts and catch up on reading 28 Years Later, but surviving in undead-infested wastelands isn’t a walk in the park.
When the Danny Boyle film debuted, we spoke with survival experts and professional preppers about what to do—and what not to do—and gathered their tips on navigating an apocalypse scenario. After all, the zombie apocalypse feels less like fiction now than it did a few years ago.
Stay Safe at Home
John Rammy, founder of The Prevent, a Survivalist Company, advises against investing in a bunker. “Instead of focusing on bunkers,” he explains,
“we should concentrate on reinforcing our current homes and communities. It’s essential that your doors can withstand multiple kicks. Your home is your fortress, providing a secure space during emergencies.”
He encourages contemplating how long one could stay inside their home. “If I had to lock myself in right now, how long could I last?” he asks.
“The initial goal should be a two-week supply, covering most emergencies like natural disasters. Some go further and prepare to last for six months. Personally, I am prepared to survive indefinitely, as I can grow food, find water, and purify it.”
As frightening as it sounds, being unprepared means being vulnerable. According to Ramey, stocking up on essential gear is crucial. “Consider Maslow’s hierarchy of needs: food, water, health, and communication,” he notes.
“First aid supplies are essential. Have sanitary products available—can you clean yourself properly? Water storage is vital. Generally, aim for one gallon of water per day.
“In the long run, do you know how to collect and store water? Make sure you have purification systems like filters or UV purifiers to ensure you can drink safely from natural sources.”
It’s also crucial to have a “bugout bag,” a pack of essential supplies ready for quick evacuation. Cameron Carlson, a survival expert and member of the Zombie Research Association, suggests the following items:
“Waterproof matches, an emergency blanket, a sleeping bag, freeze-dried food, a flashlight, batteries, a solar radio, a water purifier, a camping stove, a knife, a firearm, and a medical kit.”
“A useful tip is to include steel wool and a 9-volt battery. Touching the battery to the steel wool can ignite it, and steel wool is compact and lightweight.”
Ramey also recommends bicycles. “The bicycle is the ultimate bug-out vehicle,” he states. “It’s the most efficient human-powered machine ever made.
“Whenever experts watch The Walking Dead, one common complaint is that after eight years, people are still relying on gasoline vehicles. Gasoline tends to expire in six months. Though additives can extend its life, finding usable gasoline within a year can be challenging.”
Essential Skills
Having supplies is of no use if you lack the skills to utilize them effectively.
“Core skills include first aid and understanding how to treat injuries,” Ramey explains.
“Consider characters like Daryl from The Walking Dead. If he suffered an injury from a crossbow bolt, would you know how to assist? Modern society is advanced, yet we’ve lost centuries of survival skills over just a single century.”
“Many of our grandparents possessed at least rudimentary knowledge of treating wounds. Even standard first aid courses typically assume you can call for help—there’s often an expectation for emergency services to arrive promptly.”
Outdoor survival skills are equally vital. “Additionally,” Ramey adds, “many people no longer know how to navigate without technology. There’s a phenomenon known as ‘death by GPS.’ So, do you know how to read a map? Can you start a fire? Can you build a shelter for winter?
“Less obvious yet essential skills include conflict resolution and situational awareness. Are you aware of your surroundings? Do you know how to defuse a tense situation without resorting to violence?”
There may come a time when you need to leave your home in search of safety. But where should you head?
If you’re in New York or London during a zombie apocalypse, you might want to head to the countryside, away from the crowds, Rammy suggests. “Yet even in such a scenario, isolation may become undesirable, as community becomes essential.”
“Community cooperation generally proves more beneficial than the stereotype of the lone wolf wandering off into the sunset with a shotgun slung over their shoulder.”
The prevailing belief that humanity will descend into chaos after an apocalyptic event is challenged by Michał Zalewski, author of A Practical Ending: A User’s Guide to the End of the World, who argues against this notion.
“Most individuals will likely suffer in silence rather than harming innocents,” he asserts. “The real danger during times of uncertainty is the tendency to react against ‘outgroups.’ However, in a zombie scenario, we have a defined enemy.
“And as we slow down, we are not machines. We need rest and recuperation. It’s impossible to master every necessary survival skill against every potential disaster.”
Dealing with Zombies
What about the zombies themselves? According to zombie aficionado Cameron Carlson, it all hinges on their nature—whether they’re fast and rabid (think 28 Days Later) or sluggish (like in The Walking Dead).
“If they are fast, there’s no outrunning them,” he admits. “Stealth becomes imperative, enabling you to maneuver away from their line of sight. If faced with fast-moving zombies, tactics are essential.”
“Against slower zombies, your main task is evasion.”
Carlson also suggests utilizing dogs for their acute sense of smell, which is superior to ours. “Dogs serve as excellent early warning systems. If your dog starts acting oddly—growling, showing teeth, or restlessly pacing—it’s a signal that something’s wrong.
Interestingly, a significant contrast exists between the UK’s and the US’s gun ownership cultures. How might this affect survival outcomes in a zombie apocalypse?
“It has its pros and cons,” Rammy states. “In cases where zombies are approaching, having a shotgun could be your last line of defense. In that sense, American gun culture provides certain advantages.
“However, it also means that in a society breaking down, many people will be armed. We’ve witnessed over the past two years that even during milder emergencies, a significant portion of the population can become erratic and difficult to manage. So, it’s a double-edged sword.”
Meet Our Experts
John Rammy is the founder of The Prevent, a Survivalist Company. He leverages his Silicon Valley background to advise the US government and Department of Defense on emergency preparedness technologies.
Cameron Carlson serves as a spokesperson for the Zombie Research Association. Currently active in the US Navy, he specializes in anti-piracy operations while studying disaster relief effectiveness and outdoor survival.
Michał Zalewski is a computer security expert and author of A Practical Ending: A User’s Guide to the End of the World.
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The peak of sunshine has officially arrived in the Northern Hemisphere with the Summer Solstice.
This Friday marks the longest day north of the equator, ushering in the joy of astronomical summer. In contrast, the Southern Hemisphere experiences its shortest day and the onset of winter.
The term “bliss” derives from the Latin “sol,” meaning sun, and “stitium,” which translates to “stop.” This term encapsulates the sun’s annual journey, tracing its longest and most radiant arc in the sky. Unfortunately for sun enthusiasts, the days will gradually shorten until late December as the sun begins its retreat.
The solstice has been celebrated for centuries, with various traditions and monuments, such as Stonehenge, built to align with the solar path during this event. But what exactly occurs in the heavens? Here’s what you need to understand about Earth’s orbit.
Bliss signifies the extremes of day and night
As the Earth orbits the Sun, it tilts at an angle, causing uneven distribution of sunlight and warmth between the northern and southern hemispheres throughout the year.
The solstice represents a time when this tilt is most pronounced, leading to the greatest disparity between day and night.
During the Northern Hemisphere’s summer solstice, the upper half tilts toward the sun, resulting in the longest day and the shortest nights of the year, occurring between June 20th and 22nd.
In contrast, during the winter solstice, which transpires between December 20th and 23rd, the Northern Hemisphere turns away from the sun.
The equinox: a balance of day and night
The equinox occurs when the Earth’s axis and orbit align, granting both hemispheres an equal amount of sunlight.
The word equinox is derived from Latin, meaning equal and night, as it denotes the time when day and night are nearly identical in duration.
Spring in the Northern Hemisphere, or Vernal Equinox, can occur between March 19th and 21st, while the Autumnal Equinox can fall between September 21st and 24th.
At the equator, the sun is directly overhead at noon during the equinox, which is the only time when both the Arctic and Antarctic receive sunlight simultaneously.
Differentiating between weather and astronomical seasons
These represent two distinct interpretations of the year.
Astronomical seasons are based on Earth’s orbit around the Sun, while weather seasons are categorized by prevailing weather conditions. The latter divides the year into three-month periods based on temperature cycles, leading to spring starting on March 1st, summer on June 1st, followed by autumn on September 1st and winter on December 1st.
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In her five-year writing journey, Agatha Christie masterfully introduced a range of poison-related narratives, showcasing varied lethal substances and toxins often derived from living creatures or administered through injections.
Chemist Kathryn Harkup previously explored similar themes in her 2015 work A is for Arsenic. The follow-up, V is for Venom, delves deeper into the chemicals that played significant roles in Christie’s narratives, reinforcing her status as the quintessential “Queen of Crime.”
Christie’s murder scenarios gain credibility thanks to her scientific background. Before her writing fame, she worked as a pharmacist and further honed her knowledge of toxicology while serving as a nurse during World War I. Harkup offers a thorough yet accessible exploration of the substances central to her stories, many of which were not simply labeled “dangerous.”
Spoiler alert: In 1939’s Murder is Easy, the perpetrator used contaminated bandages originally applied for cat ear infections, while the antagonist in Sparkling Cyanide employed carbon monoxide from gas. Harkup elucidates the science behind each murder, carefully avoiding significant spoilers, such as the potential for “poison darts concealed in a modified cigarette” or the implications of ingesting toxic hat paint (both plausible yet perilous).
Harkup also examines fictional poisons crafted by Christie, like Benvo, introduced in the 1970s in Passengers to Frankfurt, which causes the victim to become fatally benevolent: “clearly, this is not ideal.”
The author outlines antidotes and their implications—CPR might have saved the lives of guests unknowingly consuming opioids in 1962’s The Mirror Cracked from Side to Side. Meanwhile, real-life cases that likely inspired Christie’s plots are discussed.
Drug-laced beverages emerge as a recurring murder technique in several of Christie’s works. Harkup references a dishonorable Scottish chemist who, in the 1870s, worked in a San Francisco bar and was notorious for slipping “knockout drops” into customers’ drinks, inadvertently giving rise to the term “Mickey Finn.”
Harkup emphasizes that many substances from Christie’s narratives remain widely accessible today. Barbiturates, as featured in the 1933 novel Edgware Lord Dies, are currently prescribed for epilepsy, such as Secondal. However, she cautions against using Christie’s methods as inspiration for murder, noting that toxicology has evolved since Christie’s writing era; any current attempts to replicate her fictional crimes are likely to be swiftly uncovered or could result in disaster.
Harkup’s analyses are scientifically rich yet engaging, intertwining real murder accounts that may have inspired Christie’s imagination. Discover tales of a wealthy individual who perished in 2011 after consuming a cat meat stew laced with Gelsemium, the same plant featured in the 1927 work The Big Four. Harkup also dissects a 1936 hydrochloric acid murder from Murders in Mesopotamia, drawing parallels to today’s corrosive attacks.
Christie’s innovative murders secured her legacy as a timeless bestseller. It is fitting that one of her favored quotes is highlighted, as Harkup notes in the Pharmaceutical Journal: her debut novel, responding to the 1920s Mysterious Events of Style, was recognized for its remarkable authenticity.
George Bass is a writer based in Kent, UK.
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The UK’s grocery watchdog has initiated an investigation into Amazon amid claims that retail and tech firms have been remiss in timely payments to suppliers.
The Groceries Code Adjudicator (GCA) indicated that there was a “reasonable basis” for suspecting Amazon of breaching certain grocery supply codes.
This scrutiny comes nearly a year after the GCA urged online retailers to take “swift and inclusive actions.” to enhance adherence to industry regulations intended to safeguard suppliers.
The GCA oversees the relationship between the 14 largest grocery retailers in the UK and their direct suppliers, which includes major supermarkets like Tesco and Sainsbury’s.
This investigation into Amazon’s grocery sector marks the third since the GCA was established in 2013, following inquiries into Tesco and Co-op. The watchdog has the authority to impose fines of up to 1% of a company’s sales if it is found to have breached grocery codes.
Judge Mark White remarked: “Payment delays can severely damage suppliers. Such allegations could expose Amazon’s suppliers to undue risks and unforeseen costs, potentially hindering their capacity for investment and innovation.”
In the UK, Amazon retails food through its Fresh branded stores and online platforms, in addition to managing the Whole Foods chain, acquired in 2017 for $13.7 billion (£10.2 billion).
Following a warning to Amazon last July, the GCA stated it has been monitoring retailers’ conduct and has gathered detailed testimonies regarding suppliers’ experiences.
On Friday, the GCA noted it has grounds to believe that Amazon violated paragraph 5 of its grocery code between March 1, 2022, and June 20, 2025. However, it intends to concentrate its investigation on the period starting at the beginning of 2024 to gain clearer insights into Amazon’s present practices.
The watchdog is calling on suppliers to submit evidence by August 8th, assuring them that all submissions will remain confidential.
The GCA also stated it has received information about various other concerns related to Amazon, asserting it would “not hesitate” to initiate additional investigations as needed.
In a previous case, the GCA criticized Tesco for its treatment of suppliers after a year-long inquiry but found the Co-op unpunishable in 2015 due to the timing of the alleged misconduct relative to the enhanced powers given to the GCA by the government.
Amazon commented that it takes the groceries code of practice seriously and that it “works closely with the arbitrator.”
A spokesperson stated: “While we are disappointed by this decision, we welcome the chance to further demonstrate our continued compliance with this specific section of the Code.
“We have already made significant improvements to the experience of our grocery suppliers, particularly regarding payment practices.
“We will continue to listen and collaborate with grocery suppliers as we implement further changes.”
Yurok Tribal member and biologist working with engineers to set up a fish trap on a tributary of the Klamath River in California
Vivian Wan
The essence of this image lies in restoring the traditional way of life, captured by Vivienne Wang, whose work is part of the series that earned the New Scientist Editor’s Award at the Earth Photo 2025 Competition.
The photograph illustrates the Yurok community collaborating with biologists and engineers to install a rotary screw trap on the Trinity River, a key tributary of the Klamath River in Willow Creek, California. The team employs fish traps to assess the health of the salmon and examine their migration behaviors.
The Klamath Basin is central to Yurok existence, holding significant cultural and spiritual importance through its rich waters that support Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha). However, 19th-century colonization displaced the Yurok tribe and depleted local resources through mining, logging, and damming efforts.
Climate change and diverted river flows have severely affected salmon populations. A new irrigation policy in 2002 resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of Chinook salmon in the Klamath River, adding urgency to the decades-long initiative to remove river dams. Notably, the last dam on this river was demolished last year.
For Wang, the mission was to illuminate how Indigenous communities could lead the charge for environmental justice. “We aspire for viewers to gain respect for the resilience, culture, and ongoing struggle of the Yurok people as they work to safeguard the Klamath Basin,” she remarks.
In the image below, Yurok Fisheries technician Hunter Mattz examines monitors that reveal enlarged salmon scales, gathering valuable insights into mortality factors sourced from fishing and natural causes. This information is crucial for determining sustainable catch limits and spawning goals, as well as assessing run sizes, which indicate the number of salmon entering a river or stream within a specific timeframe.
Mattz, a third-year Yurok fishery technician, inspects a monitor showing a magnified salmon scale
Vivian Wan
In this scene, Mattz holds a slender tag on a needle, contributing critical data to the fish monitoring research program.
Mattz displays a small fish tag providing essential data to fish monitoring initiatives
Vivian Wan
Mattz also manages the Net Harvest Project, which entails traversing over 70km from the Pacific Ocean to the estuary’s mouth and into the heart of the Klamath Basin, including stretches beyond Blue Creeks in California. Collecting data on fish species caught by local residents through nets has been pivotal in securing funding for conservation efforts in the Klamath region.
Hunter Mattz’ portrait, who is also collecting data on fish species caught by local residents
Vivian Wan
All winners of the Earth Photography Competition were chosen by a panel including New Scientist photo editor Tim Bodhuis and David Stock, director of editorial videos. Before touring the UK, make sure to visit the Earth Photo 2025 exhibition at London’s Royal Geographical Society until August 20th.
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Taking refuge in the shade is a simple way to steer clear of harmful UV rays from the sun.
Paul Biggins/Alamy
Since ancient Egyptian times, individuals have sought ways to shield their skin from the sun, as over a century ago, we recognized the link between ultraviolet (UV) light and skin injuries, including burns and cancers. Yet, there remains some uncertainty regarding the most effective methods to evade sunburn, how to remedy it, and whether each occurrence escalates the chances of developing cancer. It’s beneficial to grasp the cellular dynamics of tanning.
“Sunburn is an inflammatory response,” explains Leslie Rhodes from the University of Manchester, UK. UV rays inflict damage to proteins, fats, and DNA in skin cells located in the epidermis, triggering a cascade of inflammatory reactions resulting in redness, swelling, pain, and peeling.
Though UVB radiation is chiefly responsible for this damage, UVA rays, which have longer wavelengths, penetrate the skin more deeply. “Typically, UVB is approximately 1,000 times more effective than UVA for sunburning,” states Antony Young from King’s College London.
In reaction to UV injury, skin cells emit inflammatory molecules that enlarge blood vessels in the dermis, the layer of skin beneath the epidermis. Within hours, this increased blood circulation facilitates the influx of immune cells from the bloodstream into the skin, heightening inflammation.
For individuals with lighter skin tones, this augmented blood flow may cause sun-damaged skin to appear pink or red, while those with darker skin might notice skin changes in various shades including red, gray, brown, and black. The enhanced blood supply also results in greater fluid leakage from blood vessels to the skin, leading to swelling. Both swelling and inflammatory molecules activate the nerves, rendering the tanned skin hot and painful.
In extreme cases, blisters may form if patches of epidermal cells become severely damaged and begin self-destructing. As these dead patches detach from the underlying layer, the resulting spaces fill with liquid, creating a foamy structure within the skin.
How does tanned skin heal?
According to Rhodes, “A mild tan will diminish more rapidly than a severe burn if the effects persist beyond 72 hours.”
Healing initiates when skin immune cells start generating anti-inflammatory molecules a few days post UV exposure. “It’s a self-resolving inflammation,” Rhodes notes. “The various molecules and cells transition over time from pro-inflammatory to anti-inflammatory states.” Consequently, blood vessels cease to dilate, and the redness, swelling, and pain gradually subside.
Stem cells situated at the base of the epidermis accelerate healing by producing new skin cells at an increased rate. These cells replace the damaged ones, often shedding or peeling off in large sheets to facilitate growth. “You always shed skin, but UV damage accelerates the conversion of those cells,” says Young.
Regrettably, there is insufficient evidence to suggest that applying after-sun or aloe vera gels can hasten healing of tanned skin, according to Rhodes. Most of these lotions aim to alleviate pain by providing a cooling sensation. Cold showers, cool compresses, and over-the-counter pain relievers like paracetamol (acetaminophen) and ibuprofen may also be beneficial.
What are the long-term effects?
The sunburn subsides as inflammation lessens and damaged surface cells slough off. However, DNA damage to deeper stem cells in the epidermis may leave a lasting legacy.
“DNA damage occurs, and while cells attempt to repair it, their efforts are not flawless,” notes Young. This leads to genetic mutations that accumulate over time in genes governing cell growth and division, resulting in uncontrolled skin cell proliferation, heightening cancer risks.
Numerous studies indicate that experiencing five sunburns within a decade more than doubles the risk of melanoma, a type of skin cancer. However, these findings often rely on individuals’ recollections of their sunburn occurrences, which may not be precise, complicating the accurate assessment of how a single sunburn contributes to skin cancer risk.
What is the best method to prevent sunburn?
The skin pigment melanin encircles skin cell DNA, offering some level of protection from UV damage. Consequently, individuals with darker skin tones face a significantly lower risk of skin cancer compared to those with lighter complexions, though they are not immune to sunburn or DNA damage.
To assess the risk of burning on any given day, monitor the UV index, which measures ultraviolet radiation levels. Rachel Abbott from the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, advises applying sunscreen if the index reaches 3 or higher. Typically, UV indexes seldom exceed 3 early in the morning, evening, or between October and March in the UK. Nonetheless, UV rays are more intense near the equator and may necessitate sunscreen application at any time. Fortunately, free apps provide local UV index information. “I use one daily,” Abbott shares.
Most individuals don’t apply sunscreen with the thickness utilized in testing—2 milligrams per square centimeter—making an SPF 50 sunscreen a wise default choice, according to Young.
Nevertheless, one of the most effective strategies to prevent sunburn is to avoid direct sunlight when it is highest in the sky. In the UK, this window is between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., while in the US, it generally extends from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. During this time, sunlight takes a shorter route through the atmosphere, allowing more UVB radiation to reach the skin. When outdoors, donning a hat and long-sleeved clothing can further diminish the risk.
Ensure your passwords feature a diverse mix of characters. Avoid using your pet’s name and, crucially, never recycle your passwords. While we’re all aware of the guidelines for keeping our digital credentials safe, it’s easy to forget them.
The trade of stolen personal data is booming on the dark web, lying beyond the regular internet and accessible only through specific software. Tor was initially developed by the US Intelligence Agency for confidential communications. Not everything there is sinister; for instance, BBC News maintains dark web platforms for individuals facing oppressive surveillance.
To delve deeper, I consulted Rory Hattin, an ethical hacker from a firm dedicated to legally infiltrating companies to test security measures. He expressed a “remarkably slim” chance that my personal data hasn’t been compromised. Having reported on technology for years, I understand how prevalent data breaches are, but realizing I could be affected was a sobering wake-up call.
Hattin introduced me to a website called Have I Been Pwned, which consolidates usernames and passwords that have been leaked across the dark web into a searchable database. Upon entering my email address, I was alarmed to discover that I had been involved in 29 data breaches.
The most recent breach occurred in 2024 during an attack on internet archives, where my email and password were exposed. My information was also part of 122 gigabytes of user data scraped from various Telegram channels, including a database known as NAZ.API originally shared on hacker forums. Other breaches involved sensitive information such as email addresses, job titles, phone numbers, IP addresses, password hints, and birthdates from major platforms like Adobe, Dropbox, and LinkedIn.
In theory, these leaks might seem limited in value. For instance, if LinkedIn is hacked, and your username and password are compromised, your Facebook account remains unaffected—unless, of course, you’re among the over 60% who reuse the same password repeatedly. In such cases, hackers can exploit your credentials across various sites. Hattin warns, “You’re in serious trouble.”
This includes online shopping accounts with saved payment methods, PayPal accounts, or cryptocurrency wallets. Gaining access to one account could allow intruders to infiltrate others, with email accounts acting as a treasure trove. Once they access an email account, they can reset passwords on multiple platforms, jeopardizing everything from your utility accounts to online banking. Additionally, hackers can misuse access to social media and email to launch scams against friends and family, presenting believable emergencies that require money transfers. The fact that these messages come from real accounts lends them an unsettling credibility, often leading to unfortunate outcomes.
Compounding the problem, businesses that experience data breaches are sometimes slow to inform customers, leaving them exposed for extended periods. Hattin noted that in his previous role with a client, he observed ransomware incidents being treated as mere inconveniences. Companies often encrypt victim data and demand ransom, viewing such attacks as merely part of doing business.
“These companies face breaches two or three times a year,” Hattin stated. “They set aside funds for when things go awry. They pay the ransom and carry on with their operations. This cycle persists globally.”
As I grappled with the exposure of my personal data, I was struck by its resemblance to the mechanically processed meat found in chicken nuggets. Hattin explained that premium personal data is acquired when sophisticated hackers breach a website and collect fresh data to sell. Once the initial buyers extract what they need, the data can be resold multiple times. The most valuable data gets distributed, while the remainder may be offered for free on hacker forums, Telegram groups, or other obscure parts of the internet.
Hattin introduced me to a paid service named Dehashed, illustrating how the data supply chain operates. This service is named after a common security measure that “hashes” passwords to obscure them; dehashing reverses this process. My worst fears were confirmed when I discovered that at least one of the passwords associated with my email address was current. In theory, nothing was preventing a hacker from accessing at least one of my online accounts.
Dehashed costs $219.99 per year and claims to cater to “law enforcement agencies and Fortune 500 firms.” I reached out to the company to inquire whether they were concerned that tools designed to match leaked data might also aid hackers and cybersecurity professionals, but received no response.
I felt compelled to explore the dark web further. I spoke with Anish Chauhan from Equilibrium Security Services, who showcased findings from his team’s tailored software. They identified 24 passwords connected to my online accounts.
“Users might think, ‘I have a 200-character password; no one will crack it,'” Chauhan explained. “But if they’re using it across multiple sites, it could eventually be exploited, making it irrelevant. Unfortunately, as humans, we often choose the path of least resistance.”
Chauhan suggested a straightforward solution you’ve likely heard before: use unique passwords for each account. Given how widely my information has been circulated, the importance of this advice is painfully clear.
Fortunately, numerous tools exist to simplify this process. Most modern devices and internet browsers include password managers that generate strong, random passwords and remember them for you. If you’re concerned about your passwords already being compromised, it may be worth checking services like Have I Been Pwned or investing in more comprehensive tools that monitor the darker regions of the internet for leaks.
In recent years, I’ve relied on a password manager to create robust passwords and keep them organized. However, I noticed that some long-standing accounts have been neglected, housing old and breached logins. In light of this revelation, I plan to update my credentials before this article goes live.
That said, changing passwords isn’t something I do frequently. It’s understandable why many take shortcuts, overwhelmed by constant demands to create new login information. I’m certainly not the only one.
“I’m quite tech-savvy, yet I hardly change my passwords,” Hattin disclosed. “For work, I do, but in my personal life, I tend to be a bit lazy.”
Illustration of NASA’s Relay 1 satellite, in front of Relay 2
NASA
A long-dormant satellite unexpectedly emitted a powerful radio pulse, momentarily surpassing all other celestial signals. Astronomers speculate that this flash may have resulted from a rare micrometeoroid impact or a spontaneous discharge.
NASA’s Relay 2 satellite was among the earliest operational satellites, launched as an experimental communications tool in 1964. Its use was discontinued the following year, and by 1967, the satellite’s electronic components had ceased functioning, leaving its metal frame orbiting indefinitely.
So Clancy James from Curtin University in Australia and his team were puzzled nearly 60 years later when they detected a burst of short, intense radio waves emanating from the satellite’s suspected location.
Utilizing the Australian Square Kilometer Array Pathfinder (ASKAP), an array of 36 telescopes in Western Australia, James and his colleagues were searching the sky for signs of a mysterious radiation pulse from other galaxies.
On June 13th, they received a signal that seemed to originate from within our galaxy. “If it’s in close proximity, studying it through an optical telescope becomes quite feasible, so I was thrilled at the prospect of discovering a new pulsar or some other object,” Clancy remarks.
However, upon closer examination, the signal appeared to be quite close to Earth, which meant that ASKAP couldn’t focus on everything simultaneously. This indicated the source was likely within 20,000 kilometers of our planet, according to Clancy. The signal was notably short-lived, lasting less than 30 nanoseconds. “It was an exceptionally potent radio pulse that briefly outshone everything else in the sky,” Clancy explains.
When they traced the signal back to its source and compared it to known satellite positions, they concluded the only plausible explanation was Relay 2. Since that satellite is inoperative, Clancy and his team suspect that the signals may result from external events such as electrostatic discharges or micrometeoroids striking the satellite, creating clouds of charged plasma.
“It’s quite challenging to differentiate between these two scenarios,” says Karen Aplin from the University of Bristol in the UK. This difficulty arises because the radio emissions from both phenomena appear comparable. Yet, monitoring future electrostatic discharges from satellites could prove beneficial, she adds. “In an environment filled with space debris and numerous smaller, cost-effective satellites that lack sufficient protection from electrostatic discharges, this radio detection could ultimately lead to innovative technologies for assessing such discharges in space,” she concludes.
I recently explored Footscray, located just outside central Melbourne, and last week, I perceived it in an entirely new way. As a surreal, nightmarish realm, it’s unlike any ordinary reality. The idea of rejuvenating areas through art isn’t new, yet it’s captured in the profound dimensions of the door in question, characterized by intense, sometimes precariously unstable augmented reality, and productions that merge XR, immersive theatre, escape rooms, virtual reality, and mixed reality.
Creator and director Troy Rainbow labeled the door an “immersive journey into mental illness,” drawing from both his own experiences and those of his mother, who dealt with schizophrenia.
At 37, Rainbow utilized a letter he had penned to his mother, reflecting “her style of thought and the mindset I found myself in,” which shaped the central challenge of “adapting a paranoid belief system into the narrative.” The storyline features four delusional characters, each convinced that a man named Anton met his demise in a unique manner.
The term “immersive” has been thrown around frequently, yet this doorway truly embodies it, crafting an all-encompassing experience that captivates every sense—sight, touch, and even smell.
The experience unfolds within and around Footscray’s largely vacant Metro West Shopping Centre. Photo: Lauren Maa
The journey kicks off in a small room at the Metro West Shopping Centre, which Rainbow describes as filled with “lost dreams.” After a short guided meditation, I donned a VR headset, stepping out of that room to virtually navigate through the transformed center, discovering unique objects that hadn’t existed before. Some will later revisit these in physical form, blurring the lines between reality and illusion, triggering an uncanny sense of déjà vu.
Exchanging my headset for headphones, I ventured outside where a mysterious woman narrated stories related to the various locations around me.
Participants traverse a series of surreal outdoor rooms filled with dilapidated and decaying elements. One area resembles a lab, featuring dental chairs, while another is a security room where one can converse with an AI that mimics their voice. An unkempt kitchen is scattered with broken and oddly arranged objects, and a disquieting children’s room is filled with beautiful snakes and makeshift board games strewn across the bed.
Participants navigate through a multitude of surreal rooms throughout their adventure. Photo: Lauren Maa
The experience unfolds with voices emerging from unexpected corners, some activated by directional speakers. “It genuinely sounds like the thoughts in my head,” remarks Rainbow. These voices deliver peculiar and at times frenzied rants—one man discusses our souls transitioning into data, while a child marvels at God’s miracles. As you navigate these settings, you encounter unusual photographs and written materials, including religious texts, handwritten notes on the walls, and documents tucked into folders. It feels reminiscent of stepping into horror films or video games.
The door in question (which debuted in 2021 and has undergone several iterations since) resonates powerfully due to its intimate format. Throughout the experience, participants find themselves alone—with the exception of actors offering guidance—and left with their inner thoughts (and all the wild ideas bouncing off the walls). This intimacy, coupled with the participant’s role as co-author, renders the experience profoundly personal.
This approach to storytelling diverges significantly from traditional media, such as films and live theatre, with their fixed representational frameworks. Beyond the stark differences in dialogue, this form of storytelling uses space to unveil information and facilitate interactions between narratives and locations.
Troy Rainbow’s creations draw from personal letters and writings of his mother, who faced schizophrenia. Photo: Lauren Maa
Tech plays a crucial role in this endeavor, with Rainbow asserting, “I see technology as more than just a tool; it’s a co-creator.”
Selecting the appropriate real-world setting is equally vital, as utilizing abandoned, deteriorating spaces allows Rainbow to explore the question, “What does this inform the experience?” He adds, “Imagine how thrilling it would be if a more artistic endeavor was embedded within dormant spaces.”
When TikTok declares it’s run out of bizarre ideas, enter the world of coffee enemas.
Indeed, people are brewing fresh coffee pots and introducing them into the colon via the rectum to stimulate bowel movements. This trend claims to “detox” the body, enhance energy levels, and improve digestion.
This isn’t a new phenomenon: coffee enemas have long been associated with the Gerson Therapy diet and energy-based cancer treatments since the 1950s.
Despite its TikTok resurgence, there’s scant credible evidence supporting its effectiveness, while reports of unpleasant and potentially harmful side effects abound.
Firstly, the rectum is not meant to handle coffee. Caffeine and acids can irritate delicate tissues, leading to inflammation, pain, and possible burns if the coffee is cold enough. Over time, frequent use can damage the mucosal lining, heightening the risk of chronic issues.
Although this trend touts “detoxification,” you don’t need to resort to such risky methods, as your liver and kidneys are already efficient at eliminating toxins.
Moreover, there are significant risks associated with DIY procedures. Engaging in invasive actions can result in injuries like infections and rectal tears. Severe infections can lead to sepsis, posing life-threatening consequences.
There is no credible evidence supporting the efficacy of coffee enemas – Illustration by Jessley
Thus, if you’re seeking to feel lighter or healthier, it’s best to rely on the basics: consume more fiber, stay hydrated, and stay active. If digestion troubles persist, consult a healthcare professional rather than an influencer.
Despite its newfound popularity, reliable evidence supporting the benefits of coffee enemas is lacking, and the associated risks are significant. “Bottom” line? Enjoy your coffee in a mug, not through a colon.
This article responds to the question (I emailed Sarasolomon) “Should I try a coffee enema?”
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A favorable perspective on life may safeguard against memory loss during middle age, as indicated by a recent 16-year study conducted by researchers from the UK, the US, and Spain.
Published in Aging and Mental Health, this study posits that a sense of happiness—which encompasses joy, confidence, purpose, and control over one’s life—is closely linked to improved memory recall.
Participants who rated their happiness levels higher tended to excel in memory assessments, regardless of whether they reported experiencing symptoms of depression.
“This study marks a vital advance in comprehending the relationship between happiness and memory over time,” stated the co-authors. Professor Joshua Stott, a Professor of Aging and Clinical Psychology at University College London, added, “It sheds new light on how self-reported happiness correlates with memory and vice versa.”
Researchers monitored 10,760 men and women over the age of 50 in the UK. Beginning in 2002, participants convened with the research team every two years to undergo memory evaluations.
During each session, they also completed a well-being survey, responding to prompts such as “I can do what I want to do” and “I feel that life is filled with opportunities.”
After 16 years, this data was examined by a team of 15 specialists to establish connections between cognition and memory.
“In light of an aging population, it’s vital to understand the factors that may protect and sustain healthy cognitive functions for the betterment of public health and policy development,” said Dr. Amber John, a lecturer in psychology at the University of Liverpool.
She noted that the study implies that overall well-being is more beneficial than merely better memory. If future research can demonstrate that improved health leads to Enhanced Memory, then prioritizing health could shield the brain from future deterioration.
Dementia and anxiety are commonly considered to accelerate cognitive decline in individuals with dementia. – Credit: J Studio via Getty
This study received partial funding from Alzheimer’s Disease Research UK. “We’ve observed significant financial support,” stated Emma Taylor, information services manager for the charity.
“It’s never too late to take measures to maintain our brain health throughout our lives and mitigate the devastating impacts of dementia.”
The authors of the study suggested that a decrease in psychological well-being could serve as an early indicator of potential cognitive decline, recommending strategies such as mindfulness as interventions to avert this trajectory.
Each time I interact with ChatGPT, I consume energy—what does that really mean? A new study has highlighted the environmental costs of using large-scale language models (LLMs) and provided insights on how users can minimize their carbon footprints.
German researchers evaluated 14 open-source LLMs, ranging from 14 to 72 billion parameters, administering 1,000 benchmark questions to assess the CO2 emissions generated in response to each.
They discovered that utilizing internal reasoning to formulate answers can result in emissions up to 50 times greater than those generated by a brief response.
Conversely, models with a higher number of parameters—typically more accurate—also emit more carbon.
Nonetheless, the model isn’t the only factor; user interaction plays a significant role as well.
“When people use friendly phrases like ‘please’ and ‘thank you,’ LLMs tend to generate longer answers,” explained Maximilian Dorner, a researcher from Hochschule München Applied Sciences University and the lead author of the study, to BBC Science Focus.
“This results in the production of more words, which leads to longer processing times for the model.
The extra words don’t enhance the utility of the answer, yet they significantly increase the environmental impact.
“Whether the model generates 10,000 words of highly useful content or 10,000 words of gibberish, the emissions remain the same,” said Dorner.
Being polite to an AI platform uses more power – Getty
This indicates that users can help reduce emissions by encouraging succinct responses from AI models, such as asking for bullet points instead of detailed paragraphs. Casual requests for images, jokes, or essays when unnecessary can also contribute to climate costs.
The study revealed that questions demanding more in-depth reasoning—like topics in philosophy or abstract algebra—yield significantly higher emissions compared to simpler subjects like history.
Researchers tested smaller models that could operate locally, yet Dorner noted that larger models like ChatGPT, which possess more than 10 times the parameters, likely exhibit even worse patterns of energy consumption.
“The primary difference between the models I evaluated and those powering Microsoft Copilot or ChatGPT is the parameter count,” Dorner stated. These commonly used models have nearly tenfold the parameters, which equates to a tenfold rise in CO2 emissions.
Dorner encourages not only individual users to be mindful but also highlights that organizations behind LLMs have a role to play. For instance, he suggests that they could mitigate unnecessary emissions by creating systems that select the smallest model necessary for accurately answering each question.
“I’m a big supporter of these tools,” he remarked. “I utilize them daily. The key is to engage with them concisely and understand the implications.”
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About our experts
Maximilian Dorner, PhD candidate at Hochschule München Applied Sciences University.
Every spring, billions of Bogong moths (Agrotis infusa) migrate from their breeding grounds in southeastern Australia, covering distances of up to 1,000 km to reach previously unvisited locations.
The Bogong Moth utilizes stellar cues and Earth’s magnetic fields to develop a precise navigation system for long-distance night travel. Image credits: Lucinda Gibson & Ken Walker, Museum Victoria / CC by 3.0.
“While we already knew that certain birds and humans can navigate by stars, this is the first evidence showing that insects can do the same,” noted Professor Eric Warrant from the Australian National University and the University of South Australia.
“Bogong moths are remarkably precise navigators. They use stellar patterns as compasses, adjusting their course according to seasonal changes and the time of night.”
“Each spring, billions of Bogong moths emerge from their breeding sites in southeastern Australia, traveling up to 1,000 km to specific caves and rocky outcrops in the Australian Alps.”
“The moths remain dormant in cool, dark shelters throughout the summer and then return in autumn to breed and die.”
Researchers utilized advanced flight simulators and recorded brain activity in a controlled, magnetically neutral environment to study the moths’ navigation under various conditions.
Even without the natural starry sky or magnetic fields, the moths consistently flew in the correct seasonal direction.
They reversed their flight path when the night sky was rotated by 180 degrees, but became disoriented when the stars were jumbled.
“This demonstrates they aren’t merely flying toward the brightest light or relying on simple visual indicators,” Professor Warrant remarked.
“They interpret specific patterns in the night sky to establish their geographical bearings, similar to migratory birds.”
Remarkably, when the stars were obscured by clouds, the moths relied solely on Earth’s magnetic field for navigation.
This dual navigational system guarantees reliable orientation in diverse conditions.
Professor Warrant and his team explored the neurological basis of this behavior and discovered specialized neurons in the moths’ brains that respond to star patterns.
These neurons, located in regions responsible for navigation and steering, are most active when the moth faces south.
“This directional tuning indicates that the Bogong moth’s brain encodes celestial information in an exceptionally sophisticated manner,” added Professor Warrant.
“This discovery exemplifies the complex navigational capabilities inherent in the brains of small insects.”
The findings could have implications for robotics, drone navigation, and conservation strategies for species threatened by habitat destruction or climate change.
Bogong moth populations have dramatically declined in recent years, prompting their listing as vulnerable.
This research underscores the necessity of protecting their migratory paths and the dark skies they depend on.
“This insight isn’t merely academic; it illustrates how animals perceive their surroundings,” Professor Warrant stated.
“The night sky has guided human explorers for millennia, and now we understand it also guides moths.”
This study was published this week in the journal Nature.
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D. Drayer et al. Bogong Moths utilize a star compass for long-distance navigation at night. Nature Published online on June 18th, 2025. doi:10.1038/s41586-025-09135-3
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