In the heart of the Milky Way, the stars appear younger than expected.
NASA, Caltech, Susan Stolovy (SSC, Caltech)
Stars in the core of our galaxy may indeed be nearly immortal, harnessing dark matter for energy.
Over two decades ago, astronomers observed oddities among the stars at the Milky Way’s center. Their emitted light suggests they are younger than their mass would indicate; this phenomenon is termed the “Youth Paradox.” Furthermore, there’s a surprising scarcity of older stars in this region, referred to as the “aging difficulty problem.”
Currently, Isabelle John from the University of Stockholm and her team employed computer simulations to propose that dark matter might hold the key to resolving both issues.
It’s established that the centers of galaxies possess high densities of dark matter. The researchers simulated the interactions of dark matter particles with stars and found that upon collision with a star’s atomic nucleus, a particle loses energy and can become trapped there. If other dark matter particles are also present at the same site, they can annihilate each other, generating bursts of energy that illuminate the stars.
Stars typically age due to a lack of fusion fuel, but dark matter could serve as an extra energy source, extending their longevity. Given the substantial amount of dark matter surrounding the galactic center, this mechanism may effectively grant stars a form of immortality, according to John.
She notes that the team’s simulations are based on broad assumptions regarding dark matter and align qualitatively with historical observations. However, further empirical data could enhance our understanding, prompting additional telescope observations to gather fresh insights on dark matter and verify if the stars at the Milky Way’s core can indeed achieve eternal life, as their nature remains poorly understood.
Mark Pinne from Ohio State University emphasizes the importance of interpreting simulations of stars situated away from the galaxy’s center. He points out that since there exists comprehensive observational data on stars near Earth, the anticipated impacts of dark matter should be cross-verified with this information.
Serene Lee/Sopa Images/Lightrocket via Getty Images
The emergence of AI chatbots introduces a significant turning point, suggesting that online content is increasingly unreliable in terms of human creation. How do people reflect on this transformation? Some are urgently striving to preserve “pure” data from the pre-AI period, while others advocate for documenting AI’s own contributions, enabling future historians to analyze the evolution of chatbots.
Rajiv Pant, an entrepreneur and former chief technology officer, notes in the New York Times and Wall Street Journal that he views AI as a potential risk to information integrity, particularly concerning news articles that constitute historical records. “Since the launch of ChatGPT, we’ve been grappling with this issue of ‘digital archaeology’, which is becoming increasingly pressing,” Pant remarks. “Currently, there’s no dependable way to differentiate between human-created content and that generated by large AI systems. This is a concern that extends beyond academia; it affects journalism, legal clarity, and scientific discovery.”
For John Graham-Cumming of cybersecurity company CloudFlare, data generated post-ChatGPT is akin to low-background steel, prized for its application in sensitive scientific and medical devices, devoid of residual radioactive contamination from the Atomic Age that disrupts measurements.
Graham-Cumming has established a website, Lowbackgroundsteel.ai, which has already demonstrated that Wikipedia reflects the impacts of AI contributions, aiming to archive data sources lacking AI contamination, such as the complete Wikipedia archive from August 2022.
“There were times we handled everything manually, but eventually, this process became significantly augmented by chat systems,” he explains. “You can view this as a type of pollution, or positively, as a way for humanity to advance with assistance.”
Mark Graham, who operates the Wayback Machine on the Internet Archive—an initiative that has been documenting the public Internet since 1996—expresses skepticism regarding the effectiveness of new data archiving initiatives, especially since the Internet Archive captures up to 160 terabytes of new information daily.
Graham aspires to develop a repository of AI outputs for researchers and historians in the future. He plans to pose 1,000 local questions each day and record the chatbot’s responses, even leveraging AI for this extensive task. This method helps document the evolving outputs of AI for future human inquiry.
“You ask a specific question, receive an answer, and the next day, you can re-ask the same question to receive a potentially different response,” Graham comments.
Graham-Cumming emphasizes he is not against AI; instead, he believes preserving human-generated content can actually enhance AI models. This is crucial since subpar AI outputs may harm the training of new models, leading to “model collapse.” Preventing this occurrence is a worthy endeavor, he asserts.
“At some point, one of these AIs is bound to contemplate concepts that humans haven’t considered. It will prove a mathematical theorem or innovate something entirely new.”
A
as the saying goes, “On the Internet, Nobody knows you’re a dog.” Yet in Australia, various platforms—from search engines to social media and app stores—may require confirmation of your age.
The Albanese government proudly announced the introduction of a law that prohibits under-16s from using social media, set to take effect in December. However, the new industry code created in collaboration with high-tech experts and eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant may significantly influence how Australians navigate online.
Online services are implementing measures such as reviewing your account history, utilizing facial recognition age verification, and verifying age via bank cards. Identification documents, including driver licenses, will also be used to ensure compliance with the industry code effective since late June, and applicable to search engine logins starting in December.
The code mandates search engines to guarantee the age of all users. If an account holder is identified as under 18, the secure search function will activate, blocking access to adult content and other unsuitable material in search results.
Additionally, six more draft codes under consideration by the eSafety Commissioner will enforce similar age verification measures across various services regularly used by Australians.
Platforms that host or facilitate access to content like pornography, self-harming material, simulated violence, or any highly inappropriate content for minors must implement restrictions to prevent child access.
Last month, Inman Grant addressed the National Press Club, emphasizing the necessity for regulations to ensure child safety in all online spaces.
“It is vital to adopt a layered safety strategy that assigns responsibility and accountability to key chokepoints within the technology stack, such as app stores and device levels.”
The eSafety Commissioner previously announced intent behind the code during its development stage. Recent news coverage has renewed focus on its critical elements.
Some individuals welcome these changes. Recent reports indicate that Elon Musk’s AI Grok has integrated pornographic chat features. While Apple’s App Store is rated for ages 12 and up, advocates urge child safety organizations to reevaluate Apple’s ratings and enhance protective measures within its platform.
Both Apple and Google have begun implementing age verification at the device level, and apps may also be utilized to assess user age.
The app store has a “giant interference” to remove porn for profit.
Justin Warren, founder of Pivotnine, a tech analysis firm, commented that the code represents a significant shift in communication regulations among Australians.
“It seems like a considerable overreaction following years of policy stagnation regarding the influence of major foreign tech companies,” he stated.
“It’s darkly amusing that more authority over Australians’ online experiences will be handed to those same foreign tech giants.”
Digi, an industry organization collaborating with eSafety Commissioners to establish the code, has opposed the idea of diminishing online anonymity, clarifying that the code targets specific platforms that handle or grant access to certain content.
“The Code introduces proportionate safeguards for accessing pornography and materials considered inappropriate for users under 18, such as highly violent content,” remarked Dr. Jenny Duxbury, Director of Digital Policy at Digi.
“These codes offer protective measures for specific circumstances rather than blanket identity verification requirements across the Internet.”
Duxbury noted that companies could utilize inference methods like account history and usage patterns to approximate users’ ages.
“Some services might opt for reasoning methods since they are effective and unobtrusive.”
However, those who attempt to implement such changes may be caught off guard, cautioned John Payne, chairman of Australia’s Electronic Frontier.
“It seems that many Australians are aware of the discussions around social media, but that’s not the case for the average person, especially when they’ll need to authenticate to access content rated for those over 18.”
Failure to adhere to the code could result in hefty penalties, including fines up to $49.5 million or social media bans. Further consequences may entail delisting from search results for non-compliant websites.
Payne advocates for introducing AI regulations that would prompt the federal government to reform privacy laws and enforce risk assessments for certain AI functions deemed as unacceptable risks.
He stresses the importance of legislating user care obligations for all digital service platforms.
“We believe this strategy would be more effective than relying solely on regulatory mandates,” he asserted.
Warren expressed skepticism, emphasizing that age verification technologies are effective, and highlighting that search engine codes were raised prior to the outcomes of the recent government review.
“Ultimately, theoretical applications must align with practical implementations.”
In response to a recent media report concerning the code, the eSafety Commissioner’s Office defended the age verification requirements for search engines.
“The sector’s code represents a critical opportunity to establish important safeguards, as search engines are key gateways for children to potentially harmful content,” stated the office.
As treatment options for Alzheimer’s disease remain limited, researchers are exploring the repurposing of cancer medications to address cognitive decline.
The incidence of Alzheimer’s is on the rise due to an aging global population, yet no cure currently exists. Efforts to discover new therapies that can halt the progression of the disease instead of merely managing symptoms have often been unsuccessful.
At present, only two medications, Leqembi and Kisunla, have received FDA approval to slow the progression of early Alzheimer’s disease, and the extent of their effectiveness is considered limited.
Several pharmaceutical firms have either shelved or discontinued their Alzheimer’s drug development initiatives after encountering trial failures. Others are investigating the potential of established medications, including popular weight loss drugs in combating the disease.
In this context, researchers at the University of California, San Francisco, conducted extensive screenings of existing drugs that could be repurposed for Alzheimer’s treatment, aiming to shorten the time required for patient access to these drugs. They analyzed a database of over 1,300 different medications, spanning various drug classes such as antipsychotics, antibiotics, antifungals, and chemotherapeutics, and assessed their impact on gene expression.
Their recent study, published in the journal Cell, pinpointed two cancer drugs as the leading candidates to potentially mitigate the risk of Alzheimer’s in patients. When used in combination, these drugs demonstrated the ability to slow or even reverse Alzheimer’s symptoms in mouse models. One of the medications is typically used for breast cancer treatment, while the other targets colon and lung cancers.
Significant alterations in gene expression in the brain are characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease, leading to the increased synthesis of certain proteins and decreased production of others. These disruptions can impair brain functionality and result in symptoms such as memory loss.
According to the researchers, the two drugs, identified from a database of nearly 90, were able to reverse the expression of genes associated with Alzheimer’s in human brain cells. Furthermore, based on electronic medical records, five specific drugs appeared to lower Alzheimer’s risk among actual patients, ultimately leading the authors to select two FDA-approved cancer treatments for animal testing.
“We were not anticipating that cancer medications would emerge as strong contenders,” remarked Marina Sirota, interim director of the UCSF Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute.
The authors noted that letrozole, a breast cancer treatment, seems to modify gene expression within neurons, while irinotecan, a colon cancer medication, appears to influence gene expression in glial cells that support the nervous system. Alzheimer’s disease leads to nerve cell destruction, excess glial cell proliferation, and brain inflammation.
A 2020 study indicated that breast cancer patients treated with letrozole had a lower incidence of Alzheimer’s disease compared to those who did not receive the drug. Similarly, colorectal cancer survivors who were administered irinotecan exhibited a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease, as noted in research from 2021.
After evaluating the drugs in mice, the study authors discovered that the combination of the two medications reversed cognitive decline and enhanced memory in mice displaying traits of Alzheimer’s disease as they aged.
Given that results observed in mice do not always have a direct correlation with human outcomes, researchers aim to conduct clinical trials with Alzheimer’s patients.
“The development of new medications typically incurs costs in the millions, often billions, and can span over a decade. In contrast, repurposed medications may require only two to three years and carry significantly lower costs to reach clinical trial stages,” Sirota explained.
“Currently, we are not producing highly effective treatments that can significantly decelerate cognitive decline,” she added.
The challenge in developing Alzheimer’s treatments lies in the intricate nature of the disease, with its exact causes remaining largely elusive.
At this point, the authors admit that the precise mechanisms by which cancer drugs may be effective against Alzheimer’s are uncertain. One hypothesis suggests that breast cancer medications inhibit estrogen production—a hormone that regulates the expression of numerous genes. Colon cancer drugs might mitigate brain inflammation by preventing glial cell proliferation, yet Huang notes that there could be additional explanations.
Dr. Melanie McReynolds, a biochemistry assistant professor at Penn State University who was not involved in the research, offered another perspective.
She suggested that the study indicates various cancer drugs may prove beneficial in treating Alzheimer’s by modulating glucose metabolism, the process by which cells generate energy. McReynolds emphasized that this process is vital for communication among different brain cells.
“Aging, stress, and illness can disrupt that communication,” she stated.
McReynolds expressed that the drug combinations evaluated in the current research have the potential to reverse metabolic declines.
However, it is crucial to understand how Alzheimer’s patients will respond to these cancer drug combinations. Letrozole can induce hot flashes, while irinotecan is known for causing severe diarrhea. Both treatments may also lead to nausea and vomiting.
“These medications come with significant side effects, so it’s essential to weigh these risks carefully and determine whether such side effects are manageable for individuals with Alzheimer’s,” stated Sirota. “It’s not a straightforward solution.”
“Technological advancements occur because they can,” states OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. I mentioned how the 2019 New York Times rephrased Robert Oppenheimer, the creator of the atomic bomb.
Altman encapsulates the ethos of Silicon Valley. The march of technology is relentless.
Another prevailing technical belief is that the emergence of artificial general intelligence (AGI) will result in one of two potential futures: a technotopia or the end of humanity.
In numerous instances, the arrival of humans has led to decisive change. We were faster, stronger, and more adaptable. Extinctions have often been unintended consequences of our ambitions. Genuine AGI could be akin to creating new species that may outsmart or outnumber us.
Altman and leaders of prominent AI labs are perceived as facilitators of a potential extinction event. This is a genuine concern echoed by numerous AI researchers and notable figures.
Given this backdrop, one naturally wonders: should we pursue technologies that could jeopardize our existence?
A common retort is that AGI is inevitable; it’s simply too appealing not to create. After all, AGI is viewed as the pinnacle of technology, as described by Alan Turing’s contemporaries, the last invention humanity will ever need. Moreover, if you don’t, someone else will. Responsibility looms overhead.
A burgeoning ideology in Silicon Valley, Effective Accelerationism (e/acc), argues that AGI’s inevitability is rooted in the second law of thermodynamics, and it is driven by “technological capital.” The e/acc manifesto asserts: “You cannot halt this machine. Progress is a one-way street. Returning is not an option.”
For Altman, e/acc is imbued with a mystical quality. The trajectory of inventions is perceived as an immutable law of nature. Yet, that perspective overlooks the reality that technology emerges from intentional human actions influenced by myriad powerful forces.
Despite the allure of AGI, the notion of technology being inevitable deserves scrutiny.
Historically, advancements in technology have prompted resistance, with society often restraining its utilization.
Concerns regarding new technologies have led to regulations. Pioneering biologists effectively prohibited recombinant DNA experiments in the 1970s.
Humans have yet to be successfully replicated through cloning, even though the possibility has existed for over a decade; only one scientist attempting to gene-edit humans found himself imprisoned.
Nuclear energy provides steady, carbon-free power, yet fears of disaster have inhibited its progress extensively.
If Altman was more aware of the history of the Manhattan Project, he might understand that the creation of nuclear weapons was a series of unpredictable and unintended outcomes, sparked by misconceptions regarding nations’ technological advancements.
It is now hard to conceive a world devoid of nuclear arms. Yet, in lesser-known history, President Ronald Reagan nearly reached an agreement with Mikhail Gorbachev to dismantle all nuclear arms, which was thwarted by the Star Wars satellite defense system. Currently, nuclear arsenals run at less than 20% of their 1986 peak.
These choices weren’t made in isolation. Reagan, previously a staunch opponent of disarmament, was ultimately swayed by the global movements advocating for nuclear freeze during the late 1980s.
While there are significant economic incentives to continue utilizing fossil fuels, climate activism has transformed the discourse surrounding decarbonization.
In April 2019, the youth-led climate movement Extinction Rebellion brought London to a standstill, pushing for net-zero carbon emissions by 2025.
The UK declared a climate emergency and Labor adopted a 2030 target for decarbonizing electricity production.
Sierra Club’s Beyond Coal campaign, while not widely recognized, has been incredibly effective, shuttering over a third of U.S. coal plants within five years.
In many respects, the regulation of AGIs could present an easier challenge than decarbonization, given that 82% of global energy production still relies on fossil fuels. Society does not depend on hypothetical AGIs to avert disaster.
Moreover, guiding the future of technological development does not necessitate halting current systems or creating specialized AIs to address pressing challenges in medicine and climate.
It’s evident why many capitalists are drawn to AI; they envision a future where they can eliminate manual labor (and reduce costs).
However, governments are not merely focused on maximizing profits. While economic growth is crucial, they also prioritize employment, social stability, market concentration, and occasionally democracy.
The overall impact of AGI on these areas remains uncertain. The government is not equipped for a scenario in which widespread technical unemployment occurs.
Historically, capitalists have often gotten what they desire, particularly in recent decades. However, their relentless chase for profit can hinder regulatory attempts to slow AI’s progression.
In a San Francisco bar in February, veteran OpenAI safety team members stated that E/ACC proponents should fear the likes of AOC and Senator Josh Hawley more than “extreme” AI safety advocates, as they possess the power to truly disrupt.
While humanity may seem stuck in its ways, it’s uncertain whether AGI will ultimately be created; however, proponents often assert that its arrival is imminent, and that resistance is futile.
Yet, whether AGI emerges in 5, 20, or 100 years is crucially significant. The timeline is more within our control than advocates are likely to admit. Deep down, many of them likely recognize this, rendering attempts to persuade others as futile. Furthermore, if they believe AGI is inevitable, why seek to convince anyone?
We already possessed the computational power to train GPT-2 a decade before OpenAI actually undertook it, as uncertainty loomed about its value.
Yet now, top AI labs fail to implement requisite precautions, even those that their safety teams advocate for. A recent OpenAI employee resigned over a loss of faith in responsible actions towards AGI due to competitive pressures.
The “safety tax” is a cost that labs are unwilling to incur if they wish to stay competitive, pushing for faster product releases at the expense of safety.
In contrast, governments do not face the same financial burdens.
Recently, certain tech entrepreneurs claimed that regulating AI development is impossible “unless you control every line of code.” While this might hold true for an AGI created on a personal laptop, cutting-edge AI requires extensive arrays of supercomputers with chips produced by an extraordinarily exclusive industry.
Thus, many AI safety advocates have proposed that computational governance could be a viable solution. Governments could collaborate with cloud computing providers to prevent unregulated training of next-gen systems. Instead of instituting draconian oversight, thresholds could be established to target only major players capable of significant expenditures; training models like GPT-4 reportedly cost over $100 million per run.
Governments must consider the implications of global competition and the risk of unilateral disarmament. However, international treaties can facilitate the equitable sharing of benefits derived from advanced AI systems while ensuring that comprehensive scaling does not proceed blindly.
Despite the competitive climate, collaboration among nations has occurred in surprising ways.
In the 1960s and 1970s, many analysts feared that all states capable of developing nuclear arms would do so. However, around three dozen nuclear programs have since been abandoned globally, not merely through coercion but via intentional actions bolstered by the norms established in the 1968 Non-Proliferation Treaty.
When polled on whether Americans favor superhuman AI, a significant majority indicated “no.” Opposition to AI has grown as technology becomes more prevalent. Advocates declaring AGI’s inevitability often dismiss public sentiment, perceiving the populace as unaware of their own best interests, which contributes to the appeal of inevitability as it bypasses meaningful debate.
The potential risks of AGI are severe, with implications that could jeopardize civilization itself. This necessitates a collective effort to impose effective regulations.
Ultimately, technology progresses because people choose to make it happen. The option to decide remains.
Reports suggest that pressure from Washington is compelling the UK government to insist that Apple give UK law enforcement backdoor access to encrypted customer data.
In January, the UK’s Home Office formally requested that Apple grant law enforcement access to the heavily encrypted data stored on behalf of its customers. Nevertheless, the US company has resisted offering advanced data protection services in the UK and subsequently withdrew them, asserting that privacy is one of their “core values.”
According to the Financial Times, sources within the UK government believe that pressure from Washington, including from US Vice President JD Vance, is creating significant challenges for the Home Office.
Vance has previously criticized the concept of “creating a backdoor in our own technology network,” labeling it “crazy” because such vulnerabilities could be exploited by adversaries, even if intended for domestic security.
The FT, citing Whitehall sources, reported that “the Home Office will essentially have to back down.”
JD Vance criticizes the creation of backdoors to access encrypted data. Photo: Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images
The Home Office has not commented immediately.
The Ministry of Home Affairs issued a “Technical Capability Notice” to Apple under the Investigatory Powers Act. However, in February, Apple responded by withdrawing its advanced data protection (ADP) services from the UK, stating, “We’ve never built a backdoor or a master key to either our products or services, and we never will.”
ADP is available globally, providing end-to-end encryption for iCloud drives, backups, notes, wallet passes, reminders, and other services.
Apple has initiated a legal challenge in the Investigatory Powers Court regarding the Home Office’s authority to request backdoor access. Although the Home Office requested confidentiality, the judge ordered that case details be disclosed.
The government aims to position the UK as an attractive destination for investment from US tech companies.
Some ministers contend that encryption technology hinders law enforcement’s ability to address crimes, such as child exploitation. However, there are concerns that demanding backdoors could jeopardize a technological agreement with the US, which is a critical aspect of the trade strategy.
The threat of hurricanes in Florida is increasing, driven by anthropogenic climate change that warms our atmosphere and elevates sea surface temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico. Warmer conditions retain moisture, enhance hurricane intensity, and create more powerful storms, making Florida more susceptible to storm-related damage. During Hurricane Helen, extreme rainfall surged by 10%, with some regions in Florida receiving up to 26.95 inches of rainfall.
Jeremy Porter, a climate risk expert at the First Street Foundation, points out that soaring insurance costs reflect the significant effects of climate change in West Florida, where areas like Fort Myers Beach are grappling with recurring losses and expensive recovery efforts.
“In recent decades, we’ve been catching up with the reality of climate risks that weren’t adequately reflected in risk modeling. Now, as we reassess, premium costs are rising rapidly, impacting people’s household budgets,” Porter noted.
Due to a scarcity of home insurance options, residents are increasingly opting for coverage through Citizens Insurance Property Corp., a state-supported non-profit insurer in Florida.
Porter anticipates that by 2055, home insurance premiums in the Tampa Metro region could soar by 213% because of hurricane risks. Climate-related threats are similarly disrupting insurance markets in other states; for instance, Sacramento, California, may see a 137% rise due to heightened wildfire risks.
Porter also mentioned that declining home prices in Florida could influence insurance costs and accessibility. If property values fall below a certain threshold, insurers exposed to hurricane risks may view this as a warning sign, leading to increased scrutiny and potential hikes in premiums during the underwriting process.
Zillow data indicates that the value of homes in Fort Myers Beach has decreased by approximately $200,000 from pre-pandemic levels, with around 86% of last year’s sales reflecting this price drop.
Before Hurricane Ian, the average home value on Sanibel Island, a favored destination in Lee County, stood at nearly $1.3 million. Today, it has plummeted to $868,000, with 93% of homes having sold at reduced prices.
Joan Krempner, a part-time resident of Fort Myers Beach since 2016, stated that selling her home is not financially feasible after substantial rebuilding costs following Hurricane Ian. With few alternatives but to remain in Fort Myers Beach, Krempner expresses concern about the long-term implications of climate change on the community’s future.
“We must face that this is a long-term issue. The critical question is whether people want to keep investing in Fort Myers Beach,” Krempner remarked. “If there hasn’t been a hurricane in 30 years, the risk seems worthwhile for living in paradise. But if three major hurricanes strike within 18 months, doubt creeps in.”
Jacki Liszak, president and CEO of the Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce, asserts that Fort Myers Beach remains an attractive place to live and visit, highlighting community efforts toward resilient architecture and the construction of homes above flood levels.
“Homes must be built strong and elevated,” Liszak emphasized. “This is beneficial. People are already here, and they’ll continue to come. They cherish this lifestyle—it’s truly a beautiful part of the world.”
Meta serves ads on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads from pro-Israel organizations soliciting funds for military assets, including drones and tactical gear for Israeli Defense Forces battalions.
“We are Sheikh’s sniper team stationed in Gaza. We require a tripod to fulfill our mission at Jabaria,” states one Facebook ad that was first posted on June 11 and remains active as of July 17.
These sponsored advertisements were initially uncovered and reported to Meta by Ekō, a global consumer watchdog. They have identified at least 117 ads beginning in March 2025 that specifically requested donations for IDF military equipment. This marks the second instance an organization has highlighted an ad by the same publisher to Meta. In a prior assessment from December 2024, Ekō flagged 98 ads, urging the tech giant to take action against many of them. Nonetheless, the company has largely permitted publishers to initiate new campaigns with similar ads since then. The IDF itself has not made any public appeals for funding.
“This proves that Meta essentially accepts funding from anyone,” remarked Maen Hamad, a campaigner with Goku. “There appears to be minimal balance in the oversight that platforms are supposed to provide. If that’s the case, those measures are only implemented post-factum.”
In response, Ryan Daniels, a spokesperson for the social media company, stated that Meta has reviewed and eliminated ads violating company policy after receiving inquiries. Any advertisement related tosocial issues, elections, or politics must undergo an approval process and contain a disclaimer disclosing advertising payments, according to the company. These particular ads, however, did not meet that criterion.
These ads garnered at least 76,000 impressions, a metric indicating the number of times an ad is shown to users solely within the EU and the UK. The group was unable to ascertain the number of impressions in the US.
At least 97 recent advertisements are soliciting donations for specific models of private drones, many of which remain operational. A new investigation by +972 Magazine reveals that these drones are utilized by Israeli combat units to drop explosives on Palestinians. Although these quadcopters can be found on Amazon, IDF units often modify civilian drones sourced via Facebook groups, primarily produced by a Chinese company called Autel, at a fraction of the cost of military-grade drones. Several IDF soldiers spoke to +972 anonymously.
“Most of our drones are damaged and in disrepair. We have no replacements.” Another ad states. “Donate now. Every second counts and every drone can save lives.”
It remains unclear if these combat units leverage the funds received from these specific ads to purchase drones, but soldiers informed +972 that they have received donations, fundraisers, and inexpensive drones sourced through Facebook groups, manufactured by Autel.
Funding advertisements from Vaad Hatzedaka, one of the publishers flagged by Ekō, link to a donation webpage detailing the equipment being funded, which includes two Autel drones. Vaad Hatzedaka, a nonprofit organization, has set a fundraising target of $300,000 and has already secured over $250,000 for these drones and other assistance for various IDF units, according to the donation page. The second publisher, Mayer Malik, is an Israel-based singer-songwriter who has run ads directing to a landing page offering sponsorship avenues for various tactical gear, raising more than $2.2 million in total donations for the IDF.
Meta’s advertising policy strictly prohibits the promotion of donation requests for “firearms, firearm parts, ammunition, explosives, or lethal enhancements,” with limited exceptions. Meta has removed some recent ads and associated funding requests for military resources that were flagged earlier, primarily due to the absence of necessary disclaimers accompanying the ads. Social issues, elections, or political ads are subject to disclose requirements as stated in Meta’s Advertising Library.
According to Ekō, these advertisements may also breach certain provisions of the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA). Under the DSA, platforms like Meta are required to eliminate content that contravenes national or EU legislation. In France and the UK, the laws restrict how charities can fund and the means by which they can support foreign military entities. For instance, in January 2025, the Charity Commissioner in the UK issued an official warning to a London charity that raised funds for IDF soldiers, stating that it was “neither legal nor acceptable.”
Many of us enjoy finding new ways to categorize individuals in our lives, and recently, there’s been a noticeable surge in discussions surrounding “dark empathy.” “They appear sensitive and caring, but their true intent is manipulation.” Guardian I previously shared how TikTok influencers often label it as “the most dangerous personality type.”
This month, I’ve received requests from readers seeking clarification on the science behind these trendy terms. What defines dark empathy? And how can one identify such individuals?
This notion emerged from research investigating the so-called dark triad of personality traits: psychopathy (cold, antisocial behavior), narcissism (excessive self-focus), and Machiavellianism (manipulative tendencies). Historically, the Dark Triad was associated with a lack of empathy for others.
However, this perspective shifted with a groundbreaking 2021 study by Najah Heim, a researcher at Nottingham Trent University in England. Analyzing nearly 1,000 participants, the study confirmed that many individuals with dark triad traits lacked the capacity for empathy. However, a significant subset of around 175 participants exhibited high levels of psychopathy, narcissism, and Machiavellianism while also scoring well on standard empathy measures. They noted, for instance, that they were sensitive to others’ discomfort and claimed that people’s emotions significantly affected their own moods.
Heim and her colleagues coined the term “dark empathy” to describe this group. Further studies indicated that these individuals were generally less aggressive and more extroverted than their less empathetic counterparts, yet they displayed more hostility than the average individual. The researchers concluded that, behind a seemingly genial facade, there lies a “partially hostile core.”
This discovery prompts several questions. Psychologist Distinguish distinguishes between cognitive empathy (the visceral response to witnessing others’ emotions) and emotional empathy (the ability to understand others’ perspectives). It’s still unclear if dark empathy signifies a distinct phenomenon. Researchers also remain uncertain about how the behavior of these individuals varies depending on the context.
I am eager to find answers to these inquiries, but the current literature offers little on how to effectively interact with these individuals. For now, I will remain vigilant for classical red flags of toxic behavior, such as attempts to wield emotional manipulation through flattery or threats, and work to establish clear boundaries. While terms like “Dark Empath” may sound intriguing, their behaviors can be as distressing as those exhibited by traditional bullies in your life.
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zOhran Mamdani received an unofficial boost last month as a candidate for mayor of New York. It was revealed that he met his wife, Rama Duwazi, through a dating app. “There’s still hope for these dating apps,” he shared on the Bluwork Podcast just a week before his surprising win in the Democratic primary. This news quickly circulated on social media, strengthening his position among fellow millennials in the 33-year-old democratic socialist demographic. Cosmopolitan later headlined: “Zohran Mamdani has made history as the first NYC mayor who met his wife on Hinge.”
Hinge representatives declined to comment, but many hopeful New Yorkers have taken action amidst dating fatigue, with some re-downloading the app to celebrate Mamdani’s success. “Now I’m treating it like a full-time job,” remarked one user in a TikTok post. “If he found love on that app, I might be able to as well,” they noted in the caption.
However, users may face ideological challenges while creating their profiles. In addition to basic questions like “Do you smoke, drink, or use drugs? Did you attend college?” Hinge asks singles to specify their political affiliation: liberal, conservative, moderate, political, or the more esoteric “other.”
Some on the left argue that the term “liberal” does not accurately capture socialist ideologies, associating it with figures like Joe Biden, Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, and former governor Andrew Cuomo, a competitor to Mamdani. Many liberals are viewed as too radical compared to the progressive proposals from their peers (e.g., freezing rent, taxing the super-rich, promoting public transport). Socialists want to distance themselves from mainstream liberalism while also addressing criticisms from hedge fund manager Daniel Roeb, who cautioned his fellow billionaires.
Abby Beauregard, chair of the Finance Committee for Democratic Socialists in New York, commented, “Leftists now have a real appetite.” She noted that Mamdani’s victory has invigorated the dating scene in the city. “Finding explicit leftist dating spaces is quite challenging. Most apps cater to liberals, with no options for more left-leaning views (e.g., far-right or communist).”
Therefore, leftist singles seek more transparent ways to express their politics in like-minded romantic matches, be it on Hinge or other platforms.
“The app now allows people to express pride in their communist and leftist beliefs,” says Caroline, 38, a Queens resident. Photo: Oatawa/Getty Images/Istockphoto
I transformed my dating profile into a minimal manifesto, articulating my entire belief system in response to the app’s prompts. It’s common for users to employ watermelon emojis as symbols of solidarity with the Palestinian cause. Some warn TERFs (an exclusive radical feminist acronym), police officers, or Donald Trump supporters to swipe left.
“Seeing those symbols matters to me,” stated Caroline, a 38-year-old florist from Queens. (She remains anonymous for privacy reasons.) “There’s a certain charm in apps where individuals openly identify as communists and leftists.”
However, she is cautious about those who excessively display their leftist views. “Too much leftism can come off as trying too hard,” she observed. “It feels performative if you’re centrist just looking to attract alt-girls or those from Bushwick.”
Unlike Hinge, Tinder and OK Cupid enable users to personalize their bios and decide whether to disclose their political affiliations. Ahead of the 2024 election, Tinder has even introduced profile “stickers” that allow users to express strong political beliefs, such as support for “reproductive rights.”
Caroline, who uses Feeld, framed her profile cautiously as “left-leaning,” saying that’s sufficient for her. “I say, ‘I love the vaccine!’ and follow it up with ‘Free Palestine!’ or ‘Screw Trump!’ It’s all implied.”
Dennis Murbena identifies as “very left-leaning” but previously categorized himself as a liberal, keeping his political affiliation concealed on Hinge.
“In light of Trump’s resurgence over the past two years, addressing political views is crucial,” said Murbena, 30, who is in customer service for an automotive company. “Many gay individuals in Brooklyn are left-leaning, but I’ve also dated someone who was a member of a young Republican club in college.” That experience shifted his assumption that all shared political views.
According to NBC News, the partisan divide among Gen Z women who identify as Democrats is at its widest compared to any previous generation. Increasingly, the political beliefs of men influence their desirability as partners. While earlier generations may have shrugged off political differences in romantic pairings, a striking 60% of 18-24-year-olds consider it essential to date or marry someone who shares their political beliefs.
“Politics has become a new religion,” remarked Dr. Jess Calbino, a former sociologist at Bumble and Tinder who researches dating apps. “It’s a lens through which people understand the world and their values.”
Lily, a recently unemployed 23-year-old socialist, is hesitant about matching with someone who identifies on Hinge as “not political.” “That raises immediate concerns for me,” they stated. “As someone who is deeply affected by the ongoing issues in this country, I need assurance that a partner cares about people and their communities.”
New York has seen a surge in voters aged 25 to 34. The recent elections highlight the vibrancy of leftist politics among this demographic, outpacing other age groups in the Democratic primary. Lately, Lily has observed young people state on Hinge that they only want to date those who supported Mamdani or who are not fans of Cuomo. They’ve seen many respond to Hinge prompts about “the last time you cried?” with “when Zohran won.” (They consider those tears happy.)
However, New York isn’t a utopia for young socialists. Conservative individuals in the city are also actively seeking partners. Some have left mainstream dating apps, creating alternatives of their own. “Our dating apps are awakened,” states the description for Date Right Stuff, a platform supported by Peter Thiel. “Connect with people who aren’t upset about everything.”
In March, Date Right Stuff hosted the “Make America Hot Again” singles event at Trump Tower in New York, catering to Republicans who prefer urban life to what the app’s former chief marketing officer, Raquel Debono, referred to as “urban conservatives,” or those seeking small-town vibes.
They aren’t the only ones departing the mainstream dating scene. The impact of leftist movements on dating in New York is evident beyond just Hinge.
In early July, young individuals gathered for a “Sexy Socialist Singles” event hosted by the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) in New York. Attendees seeking casual connections—or as the host described, “if you want to be as fast and free as a Zohran bus”—were directed to one area of the bar, while those looking for “slow, rich-taxing relationships” were guided to another. At one point, the organizers even had the polyamorous attendees interact in a designated space upstairs.
Sven, a 25-year-old economics master’s student in Bushwick, noted that many young people view DSA as as much a social club as a platform for leftist candidates. “I saw a Reddit post stating that all of Zohran’s supporters are attractive. There are soccer leagues and book clubs; it’s an excellent opportunity to make friends.”
Meanwhile, Lauren, a video editor living in Astoria (whom Mamdani represents in the Queens district as a member of the New York assembly), was at the Monogamy Building hopeful for a flirtatious connection. “Wearing a Zohran T-shirt definitely gives off a vibe,” she said. “People do a double take, calling from across the street, expressing enthusiasm for him. It’s such a great conversation starter!”
The NYC DSA continues its “Sexy Socialist Mixer” series across neighborhoods like the Upper West Side, Bushwick, and Williamsburg, catering to both young singles and those over 30—all while singles navigate their political identities on dating apps.
The latest nature documentary from Apple TV+, Wild Ones, offers an insider’s perspective, showcasing three expert efforts in a series that truly deserves attention.
The opening narration reminds us that nature faces dire threats, with around 150 species disappearing daily. The mission of the film is to “find, document, and protect” six of the most endangered species, aiming not only to raise awareness but also to prompt action from local officials to prevent extinction.
Camera Trap Specialists Declan Burley, Wildlife Cameraman Vianet Djenguet, and Expedition Leader Aldo Kane embark on a global journey to capture footage of the world’s rarest wildlife.
The first episode leads them into the Malaysian jungle, searching for a rare tiger. Subsequent episodes will take viewers to the Gobi Desert in Mongolia to find Gobi Bears, and onto tracking the Javan rhinos, the Gabon gorilla, and Caucasian leopards, in addition to marine life such as the North Atlantic right whale Eubalaena glacialis.
This series employs advanced technology like drones and thermal imaging to produce breathtaking visuals of the animals and their environments. The untouched rainforests of Malaysia—often further from human contact than places visited by astronauts—are just part of the previously unseen natural world that Wild Ones uncovers.
However, the success of the documentary hinges on Burley, Djenguet, and Kane’s emotional engagement, which keeps viewers invested in the animals’ fates. Their reactions, whether witnessing an elusive leopard or the plight of whales caught in nets, leave an indelible mark on the audience.
Seeing three on-screen experts doing their job will hook stubborn fans of the genre
In a poignant moment deep within Taman Negara National Park, Burley reviews footage from a hidden camera, initially excited about capturing a rare Malayan tiger, only to discover that the creature has been maimed by a poacher’s trap.
Burley shares the footage with Djenguet and Kane, his connection to the animals rendering him visibly emotional. Local experts point out that such striking images are vital, sparking action from viewers worldwide. The trio understands their role, but the distress it causes them is undeniable.
While the emotional weight is palpable, the episodes’ lengths and scripted interactions sometimes disrupt the flow. Occasional forced humor and dramatic elements can dilute the impact, making the experience feel less authentic.
Nonetheless, as the series progresses, Burley, Djenguet, and Kane become more at ease on camera, captivating dedicated fans with their expertise and drawing in audiences eager for authenticity.
This series stands out in the realm of nature documentaries, providing an intimate look at the emotional turmoil, physical challenges, and the enduring patience required to produce such content. With dozens of cameras stationed in perilous locations, team members must meticulously return for footage, sometimes after months.
Ultimately, capturing footage of these endangered animals in Wild Ones is not just a visual feast; it’s a compelling call to action aimed at preserving these species for future generations.
Gregory Wakeman is a Los Angeles-based author.
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Between mid-May and late June, Icechip Storm Chasers explore the Front Range of the Rockies and the Central Plains, often in vehicles fortified against falling ice. Equipped with drones, balloons, and mobile Doppler radars, they enhance methodologies previously perfected by Tornado Chasers.
While one team strategically positions mobile Doppler radars to monitor storms at close proximity, other researchers focus on deploying balloons and utilizing sensors to assess the size and velocity of hail strikes.
Amid various storms, researchers have embarked on the Tempest Path to observe the life cycle of hailstones, utilizing hundreds of ping-pong ball-like devices known as Heilsondos that melt and freeze.
Convection thunderstorms with substantial internal updrafts generate hail by circulating a mix of water and ice crystals into the freezing layer above. Hail typically forms at altitudes between 20,000 to 50,000 feet, where temperatures range from -22 to 14 degrees Fahrenheit. The same updrafts can obliterate ailsond at any hail-generating region of the storm.
This is situated on the roads of Oklahoma. Ice plants/farm
“By tracking that sensor over time, we can understand the precise path and trajectory that hail follows, at least for some storms,” stated Victor Gensini, a meteorology professor at Northern Illinois University and lead researcher at ICECHIP.
“We anticipate increased instability,” Gensini remarked, with researchers believing this could foster stronger updrafts.
Such powerful updrafts can sustain larger hail for extended periods, allowing ice balls or discs to gain mass before gravity pulls them down.
“If you use a hair dryer and direct it towards the edge, it’s easy to balance a ping pong ball with that airstream,” Jensee described. “But how do you balance a softball? A stronger updraft is necessary.”
Storm modeling indicates that more potent updrafts could increase the likelihood of large hail in the future, even though they may lower the overall chance of hail. Researchers predict smaller hail will diminish, as it possesses less mass and often dissolves before reaching the ground.
“There’s a sort of dichotomy. Yes, there are fewer people around, but warmer atmospheres with very strong updrafts yield even more significant hail,” Jensee explained.
Throughout their field campaign, researchers collected over 10,000 hailstones in dry ice chests to evaluate their computer models against observed growth dynamics.
Measuring the hail. Ice plants/farm
“The hail data is somewhat concerning,” Jensini remarked about previous records, noting an increase in reports of 2-inch, 3-inch, and 4-inch hail. However, it’s unclear whether this is due to more people chasing storms and discovering larger hail or if the atmosphere is genuinely producing larger hailstones.
Gensini conveyed that the new measurements will enable researchers to correlate airborne conditions with ground findings, leading to enhanced forecasts and reduced economic impacts.
In many regions where Icechip operates, agriculture is prevalent, according to Karen Kosiba, an atmospheric scientist with flexible radar teams at the University of Illinois.
“It influences their crops and machinery, prompting them to seek shelter,” she stated. “Weather holds numerous economic implications.”
A US stealth bomber glides through the darkened skies en route to Iran. In Tehran, a solitary woman tends to a stray cat amidst the remains of a recent Israeli airstrike.
For novice viewers, this could easily be mistaken for a cinematic representation of the geopolitical turmoil that has unfolded recently.
Yet, despite its high-quality production, the scene was not filmed in any real location, and the woman feeding the cat is not an actress—she is a fictional character.
Midnight Drop, an AI film about the bombing of US Israel in Iran
The captivating visuals originate from “Rough Cut,” a 12-minute short film showcasing a US attack on Iranian nuclear sites last month, crafted entirely by directors Samir Malal and Bukha Kazumi using artificial intelligence.
This clip is rooted in the details gathered from news reports surrounding the US bombings. The woman seen traversing the empty streets of Tehran is the same one feeding the stray cat. Armed with pertinent information, the creators produced sequences resembling those directed by Hollywood’s finest.
The remarkable speed at which this film has emerged, along with the comfort it brings to some, does not go unnoticed by broadcasting experts.
Recently, television producer and bestselling author Richard Osman remarked that a new era is dawning in the entertainment industry, signaling the close of one chapter and the beginning of another.
Still from Midnight Drop showing a woman feeding a stray cat in Tehran at night. Photo: Oneday Studios
“I saw this and thought, ‘This marks the conclusion of the beginning of something new,'” he stated during the rest of the entertainment podcast.
Osman continued:
For Mallal, a London-based documentary filmmaker known for creating advertisements for Samsung and Coca-Cola, AI has ushered in a novel genre of “Cinematic News.”
The Tehran-based film, titled Midnight Drop, serves as a sequel to Sky in the Sky, a recreation of Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian bombers from June.
In a matter of weeks, Mallal, who also directed Spiders in the Sky, managed to create a film depicting the Ukrainian attack—a project that would typically take millions and at least two years to develop.
“It should be feasible to utilize AI to create something unprecedented,” he remarked. “I’ve never encountered a news-reel film produced in a fortnight, nor a thriller based on current events completed in two weeks.”
Spiders in the Sky primarily utilized VEO3, a video generation model developed by Google alongside various other AI tools. ChatGPT assisted Mallal in streamlining the lengthy interview with the drone operator, which became the backbone of the film’s narrative; however, the voiceover, script, and music were not AI-generated.
Filmmakers recreate Ukrainian drone attacks against Russia using AI in Spiders in the Sky
Google’s filmmaking tools, flow, are equipped with VEO3, enabling users to generate audio, sound effects, and background noise. Since its debut in May, the impact of these tools on YouTube and social media has been remarked upon. As Ottoman’s podcast partner Marina Hyde mentioned last week, “The expansion is astonishing.”
Mallal and Kazumi aspire to finalize a film depicting stealth bomber missions and thwarting the Iranian narrative, aiming for a runtime six times longer than Spiders in the Sky by August, leveraging models like VEO3, OpenAI’s Sora, and Midjourney.
“I seek to demonstrate a key point,” states Malal. “It shows that you can produce high-quality content rapidly, maintaining pace with cultural developments, especially since Hollywood operates at a notably slower rate.”
Spiders in the Sky, an AI film directed by Samir Mallal, tells the story of a Ukrainian drone attack on a Russian airfield. Photo: Oneday Studios
He adds: “The creative journey often involves generating poor ideas to eventually unearth the good ones. With AI, we can now expedite this process, allowing for a greater volume of ‘bad ideas.’
Recently, Mallal and Kazumi produced Atlas, Interrupted, a short film centered around the 3i/Atlas Comet, a recent news event featured on the BBC.
David Jones, CEO of BrandTech Group, an advertising startup utilizing generative AI (a term encompassing tools like chatbots and video generators) for marketing campaigns, remarks:
“Currently, less than 1% of branded content is generated with generative AI; however, 100% is created either fully or partially using generative AI,” he explains.
Last week, Netflix disclosed its initial use of AI on one of its television productions.
The Ukrainian drone is located at the target of the spider in the sky. Photo: Oneday Studios
However, this surge in AI-driven creativity raises concerns about copyright. In the UK, the creative sector is outraged by the government’s proposal to train AI models on copyrighted material without the owners’ consent, unless they explicitly opt out.
Mallal advocates for “an easily accessible and user-friendly program that ensures artists are compensated for their creations.”
Beevan Kidron, a crossbench peer and prominent supporter against the government’s proposal, acknowledges AI’s filmmaking tools as “remarkable,” but questions the extent of reliance on creators’ works. She emphasizes: “Creators require fairness in this new system, or invaluable assets will be lost.”
YouTube has established terms allowing Google to utilize creators’ works for training AI models, while denying the use of the entire YouTube catalog for this purpose.
Mallal advocates using AI as a tool for “promptocraft,” a term for employing prompts to innovate AI systems. He reveals that during the production of the Ukrainian films, he was astonished by how swiftly he could adjust camera angles and lighting with a few keystrokes.
“I’ve deeply engaged with AI, learning how to collaborate with engineers, and how to translate my directorial skills into prompts. Yet, I had never produced any creative outcome until VEO3 emerged.”
Improving the quality of the air we breathe is a significant achievement for public health, but paradoxically, it also accelerates global warming. This is highlighted in a recent study published in Communication Earth and the Environment, which connects the recent efforts to clean up air pollution in East Asia to the intensified climate crisis.
In the last 15 years, global warming has surged dramatically, and until now, the reasons behind this surge were unclear to scientists.
Co-author Dr. Robert Allen, a professor of climate studies at the University of California, Riverside, stated:
To address this, a large team of international scientists examined simulations from eight major climate models.
The majority of the accelerated warming seen since 2010 is believed to stem from efforts to reduce air pollution in East Asia.
During this same period, China was implementing a significant air quality policy that led to a reduction of sulfur dioxide emissions by approximately 75%.
Dr. Bjørn Samset, the lead author of the research and a senior researcher at Norway’s International Climate Environmental Studies Centre, explained to BBC Science Focus that pollution has historically been effective in cooling the planet.
“Think back to a day when the air was polluted or hazy,” he mentioned. “Particles in the air block some sunlight from reaching the ground, effectively providing a cooling shade.
“For decades, air pollution has been helping to mitigate some of the warming caused by greenhouse gases.”
Samset elaborated that by eliminating air pollution, as China has done, some of that cooling effect has been lost.
However, simply allowing pollution to persist is not the answer. Allen noted that 2 and methane must both be addressed together.
Before China’s 2010 air quality policy, pollution was a leading cause of premature deaths in the country – Credit: Jack-Enjo Photography via Getty
In addition to cutting greenhouse gases, some scientists have proposed unconventional measures to slow the climate crisis, such as reintroducing artificial pollution into the atmosphere.
Samset explained that this approach “involves releasing particles into the stratosphere or clouds, which can mirror the cooling effects of air pollution without the harmful health impacts.”
To do this, planes could disperse gas from altitudes of 20 km—significantly higher than typical passenger flights.
However, co-author Professor Laura Wilcox, a meteorologist at the University of Reading, advised in BBC Science Focus that such solutions do not resolve the core issues.
“Similar to air pollution, these methods merely mask atmospheric problems without addressing the root causes,” she stated.
“Another viable strategy is to actively remove CO.2,” she added. “This process, known as carbon capture, is already underway but on a limited scale.”
Possible solutions include planting trees and seaweed, developing mechanical trees, and directly capturing CO2 from the air for storage in rock formations.
Nevertheless, the key solution remains to “reduce greenhouse gas emissions primarily by transitioning away from fossil fuels,” said Samset.
read more:
About our experts
Dr. Bjørn Samset is a senior researcher at the Norwegian Centre for International Climate Research. A physicist and science communicator, he possesses extensive expertise in atmospheric science and global climate modeling, focusing on the impacts of air pollution on climate change through climate modeling.
Professor Laura Wilcox is a professor specializing in aerosol climate interactions at the University of Reading, UK. Her research interests encompass the effects of air pollution on climate and the impacts of aviation on the climate.
With three meteor showers occurring simultaneously this month, skywatchers have ample opportunities to spend their summer nights searching for shooting stars.
The annual Alpha Capriconids, South Delta Aquarids, and Perseid Meteor Showers are currently in action, each expected to last until mid-August.
Here’s what you need to know about these meteor showers and tips for spotting shooting stars.
Alpha Capriconid
The Alpha Capriconids and South Delta Aquarids will be visible overnight from July 29th to 30th, while the Perseids, often regarded as the most consistent shooting star display, will peak next month.
Skywatchers can expect favorable conditions for observing meteor showers this July, as noted by the American Meteor Society.
Typically, the Alpha Capricornids Meteor Shower doesn’t deliver a powerful show but can yield several bright fireballs while active, generating approximately 5 shooting stars per hour. Observations under dark skies enhance the experience, according to the American Meteor Society.
This shower derives its name from the constellation Capricornus, from which the meteors appear to radiate. This year’s peak features a moon phase of only 27%, giving both hemispheres an opportunity to observe the display.
The Alpha Capriconid meteor shower occurs when Earth traverses dust and debris from the comet 169p/Neat, which orbits the Sun approximately every 4.2 years. Fragments entering the atmosphere create bright streaks of light as they vaporize.
South Delta Aquarid
The Southern Delta Aquarids, as suggested by its name, is most clearly observed from the Southern Hemisphere. Under ideal conditions, this meteor shower can produce about 25 meteors per hour, though many tend to be faint.
According to NASA, the South Delta Aquarid shower is challenging to spot, but early morning hours provide the best chance for viewing.
This meteor shower is linked to Comet 96p/Machorz, which completes an orbit around the Sun approximately every two years.
Perseid
Lastly, the Perseid meteor shower is currently active and expected to peak overnight from August 12th to 13th. This event is highly anticipated as Perseids typically occur during the warm summer months in the Northern Hemisphere, often generating a high rate of shooting stars. Under optimal conditions, this shower can yield up to 100 meteors per hour.
However, this year, the moon will be approximately 84% illuminated, which may diminish visibility for meteors. “This will significantly impact the shower’s activity during its peak,” states the American Meteor Society.
“These conditions could reduce visible activity by at least 75%, leaving only the brighter meteors visible,” the society mentioned in its forecast.
The Perseid shower occurs as Earth passes through debris and dust left by the comet 109p/Swift-Tuttle.
This year, four individuals in Florida have succumbed to a bacterial infection that can lead to “carnivorous” wounds, as reported by the State Health Department this month.
The culprit is the bacterium Vibrio vulnificus, which flourishes in warm seawater. The fatalities occurred in counties along the Gulf Coast, stretching from Bay County to Hillsboro County, encompassing much of Florida’s coastline.
According to the state health department, Florida has recorded 11 instances of Vibrio vulnificus this year. The bacteria can infiltrate the body through open skin wounds, leading to tissue death, as noted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Additionally, consumption of contaminated food, especially raw oysters, can also result in infection. The exact means of infection for those affected in Florida remain unclear.
The CDC indicates that approximately one in five individuals infected with Vibrio vulnificus will die.
Antacarit Jutra, an engineering professor at the University of Florida, is investigating Vibrio bacteria and mentions that while infections are relatively uncommon, instances tend to rise following hurricanes. Last year, Florida reported a total of 82 cases, likely exacerbated by a “very active” hurricane season.
What is Vibrio vulnificus?
Rita Colwell, a microbiology professor at the University of Maryland, states that Vibrio vulnificus is among over 200 species of Vibrio bacteria.
Most Vibrio infections do not pose a threat to humans, Jutra notes. Some may only affect other animals.
Vibrio bacteria result in roughly 80,000 infections annually, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Most cases are gastrointestinal, with only 100-200 attributed to Vibrio vulnificus. Other Vibrio species, like Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio alginolyticus, usually cause gastrointestinal diseases, while Vibrio cholerae is responsible for cholera-related diarrhea.
Vibrio bacteria typically inhabit the southeastern coast of the United States where warm waters are prevalent, but they are also found along the west coast. As ocean temperatures rise, more cases have emerged further north in recent years, including areas like New York, Connecticut, and parts of Maryland, according to Jutla.
Who is at risk?
Dr. Norman Beatty, an infectious disease physician at the University of Florida Health, points out that Vibrio bacteria can enter through open wounds after exposure to salty or brackish water. While most cases he has encountered are linked to prolonged exposure, even short bouts can be sufficient.
Symptoms of infection may appear within just a few hours, including redness, swelling, and “bull” blisters at the site, which can be quite painful. If left untreated, the infection may spread into the bloodstream and lead to sepsis, which can be fatal. Symptoms of sepsis encompass fever, chills, and severe hypotension, as per the CDC.
Individuals with cirrhosis, weakened immune systems, and those over 65 years old are at the highest risk of infection, according to Jutla.
Antibiotics can effectively treat Vibrio vulnificus infections.
How to prevent vibrio infection
Beatty advises covering any open wounds before entering the ocean, noting that even waterproof band-aids can be effective.
If anyone suspects they have an infection, they should seek medical attention immediately, as delays can lead to severe complications.
“Late presentations to healthcare are often the reason some individuals experience more serious consequences than others,” he explains. “Those who present early with signs and symptoms of infection and receive antibiotics on the same day tend to fare better and avoid severe complications.”
There may be genetic explanations for why some women consistently give birth to boys or girls. This is the reasoning behind it.
According to a new study, women who have multiple children of the same sex are more likely to have another child of the same sex.
Factors such as maternal age and genetics can create bias in the “coin toss” of gender determination, rather than following a pure 50/50 chance for each child.
The gender of a child at conception hinges on the sperm’s X or Y chromosomes, suggesting that the metaphorical coin flip for determining a child’s gender isn’t entirely random.
However, doctoral researcher Xiwen Wang from Harvard pointed out that this might not be the complete picture.
“The project started from a casual chat among co-authors and friends about a family with only boys or only girls,” Wang noted in an interview with BBC Science Focus.
“It happened so frequently that we began to wonder: Is that really a possibility?
Wang and her team analyzed data from over 58,007 women who had more than two children.
They found that if a couple has three boys, they have a 61% chance of having another boy. Likewise, after three girls, there’s a 58% chance of having another girl.
This research identified various factors that might tip the scales towards families of exclusively girls or boys.
“Women who have their first child after the age of 28 are about 10% more likely to have only boys or only girls than those who start before 23,” Wang explained. “While this isn’t a huge difference, it is statistically significant.”
Though the study did not delve into the reasons for this association, Wang offered some theories.
“As women age, they go through physiological changes like a shorter follicular phase and lower vaginal pH,” she elaborated.
The follicular phase is the initial stage of the menstrual cycle, which generally favors Y chromosome sperm, while a lower vaginal pH is conducive to X chromosome sperm.
“These effects can vary among individuals; thus, depending on their specific biology, aging might shift the balance toward one gender,” Wang said.
Families with only daughters or only sons are more common than random chance alone would suggest – Credit: Getty Images/Pixdeluxe
Wang also proposed another potential connection.
“The age of pregnant mothers often correlates with that of older fathers. Unfortunately, we lacked father data for this study,” Wang mentioned.
Researchers also explored genetic markers for the 7,530 women involved in the study, discovering two SNPs: NSUN6 associated with all-female offspring and TSHZ1 correlated with all-male offspring.
The study examined whether behavioral factors, such as couples continuing to have children until a daughter is born following a series of sons, could account for patterns of same-sex offspring.
“We conducted an analysis that excluded the last child for each family, which is likely influenced by parents stopping once they have both genders. Even after this adjustment, we still observed a strong clustering of same-sex siblings,” Wang stated.
About our experts
Siwen Wang is a doctoral student specializing in nutritional epidemiology at Harvard University School of Public Health. Her research investigates how nutrition, lifestyle, and psychosocial elements affect the health of mothers and children.
Recent studies published in the journal reveal that Uranus emits approximately 15% more energy than it receives from the Sun, as documented in Monthly Notices from the Royal Astronomical Society and Geophysical Research Book.
Composite image of Uranus. Image credit: Marcos Van Dam/Wm Keck Observatory.
Uranus distinguishes itself from other planets in our solar system by rotating on its side, causing each pole to face the Sun for 42 consecutive years during its “summer.”
This planet also rotates in a direction opposite to all other planets except Venus.
Data from the 1986 Voyager 2 flyby mission showed that Uranus has an unusually cold interior, prompting scientists to reconsider how the planet formed and its evolution within the solar system.
“Since the Voyager 2 flyby, there’s been an assumption that Uranus lacks internal heat,” said Dr. Amy Simon, a planetary scientist and co-author from NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. First paper.
“However, explaining this has been challenging, particularly when compared to other giant planets.”
“The data regarding Uranus’s heat emissions originated from a single measurement made during the Voyager 2 mission,” Dr. Simon noted. “This reliance on one data point created a significant challenge.”
Through advanced computer modeling and analysis of decades of data, Dr. Simon and her colleagues discovered that Uranus does, in fact, generate internal heat.
To understand a planet’s internal heat, scientists compare the energy it receives from the Sun to the energy it radiates back into space as reflected light and emitted heat.
Other giant planets like Saturn, Jupiter, and Neptune emit more heat than they receive, suggesting that the excess heat originates from within.
The rate at which a planet releases heat can indicate its age; a planet that emits less heat than it absorbs is generally considered older.
Because Uranus was believed to emit an equal amount of heat to what it received, it was initially thought to lack internal heat.
This discrepancy puzzled scientists, leading them to speculate that Uranus might be significantly older than its neighbors, having completely cooled over time.
Some hypotheses suggested that a massive impact (possibly the same event that tilted the planet) may have stripped Uranus of its internal heat.
However, these theories did not satisfy researchers, motivating them to investigate what they termed the “Uranus cold case.”
“Did we mistakenly believe that Uranus has no internal heat?” asked Professor Patrick Irwin from Oxford University, the lead author of the first paper.
“We conducted extensive calculations to evaluate how much sunlight is reflected by Uranus, only to realize that it is actually more reflective than previously estimated.”
Researchers aimed to assess Uranus’s overall energy budget, exploring the total energy received from the Sun, the light reflected, and the heat emitted.
This required calculating the total light reflected from the planet from various angles.
“We need to consider light scattered across the planet’s surface instead of just direct reflections,” Dr. Simon explained.
To provide the most accurate energy budget estimate for Uranus, scientists created a computer model incorporating all available data on Uranus’s atmosphere from decades of ground- and space-based observations, including data from the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope and NASA’s infrared telescope in Hawaii.
This model accounts for factors like haze, cloud cover, and seasonal changes that influence how sunlight is reflected and heat escapes.
The findings reveal that Uranus emits about 15% more energy than it receives from the Sun, as reported in a second study.
These investigations suggest that Uranus possesses its own internal heat but emits more than twice the energy it receives, although still less than its neighbor, Neptune.
“Now we need to delve deeper into what the additional heat on Uranus signifies and improve our measurement techniques,” Dr. Simon concluded.
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Patrick GJ Irwin et al. 2025. Uranus’ bolometric binding albedo and energy balance. mnras 540(2): 1719-1729; doi: 10.1093/mnras/staf800
XINYUE WANG et al. 2025. Uranus’ internal heat flux and energy imbalance. Geophysical Research Book 52 (14): E2025GL115660; doi: 10.1029/2025GL115660
Nematode worms can learn to favor plastic-contaminated prey over cleaner food
Heiti Paves/Alamy
Predators can learn to prefer prey that is contaminated with microplastics, even when cleaner options are available. This behavior can impact the dietary habits and health of the entire ecosystem, including humans.
Researchers identified this preference for plastic by studying the dietary choices of small roundworms known as nematodes (caenorhabditis elegans) over multiple generations. Initially, first-generation nematodes opted for a cleaner diet when offered the usual bacteria and the same microorganisms tainted with microplastics. However, after repeated exposure to plastic-laden food across generations, their preferences shifted.
“They start to prefer contaminated foods,” notes Song Lin Chua from Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
Why did the worms develop a taste for plastic? As creatures without vision, nematodes depend on other senses to locate food, such as olfactory cues. “Plastics may influence those odors,” explains Chua. After enduring prolonged exposure, they might start to perceive microplastics as “food-like” and subsequently choose to consume them. He theorizes that other small species which rely heavily on scent for locating prey may also be similarly perplexed.
Chua emphasizes that this behavior could potentially be reversed since it “mirrors a learned response” rather than being a genetic alteration. “It’s akin to a taste preference,” he states. In theory, this could be undone in future generations, though further research is necessary.
As one of the most prevalent animal types globally, the dietary choices of nematodes could have far-reaching implications for ecosystem health. “The interactions of organisms consuming one another are crucial for the recycling and transformation of various forms of matter and energy,” asserts Lee Demi from Allegheny University in Pennsylvania, who describes this finding as a source of “anxiety.”
“This could move up the food chain,” Chua warns. “Ultimately, we might be affected too,” he concludes.
Solnhofen Archipelago refers to a collection of islands that thrived during the late Jurassic era in present-day Bavaria, Germany.
Life expressions of Sphenodraco scandentis in the ancient environment of the Solnhofen Archipelago. Image credit: Gabriel Ugueto.
The newly identified species Sphenodraco scandentis belongs to the earliest known clade of its sister group (lizards, snakes, and worm lizards), namely Rhynchocephalia.
Currently, this group is epitomized by a solitary extant species, the Tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus), although Rhynchocephalians were once as prevalent as modern lizards.
The fossil specimen of Sphenodraco scandentis is separated into two main slabs, as documented in literature, with previous assignments to Homoeosaurus maximiliani, along with a counterslab containing the majority of its skeletal remains.
These two segments were sold individually to museums in Frankfurt and London nearly a century ago.
“The breakthrough occurred while I was examining fossil reptiles at the Museum of Natural History in London,” remarked PhD candidate Victor Beccali from the Paleontology Museum in Munich.
“I observed a striking resemblance between the fossils in the museum’s collection and those I studied at the Senckenberg Museum of Natural History in Frankfurt.”
“It was revealed that they were not merely similar; they were two halves of the same fossil, likely split in the 1930s for a greater profit.”
Holotype of Sphenodraco scandentis. Left: Main slab featuring bone fragments and skeletal traces. Right: Counterslab showcasing most remains of the skeleton. Image credit: Beccali et al. , doi: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlaf073.
According to Beccari and colleagues, comparisons with modern lizards, including the Tuatara, indicate that Sphenodraco scandentis shared elongated limbs, toes, and compact bodies, suggesting these creatures may have inhabited the treetops of Jurassic forests.
“The deeper I delve into the historical study of these animals, the more I realize that species definitions are not always straightforward,” stated Beccali.
“Today’s islands host hundreds of reptilian species, so it’s plausible that ancient islands did too.”
“This research highlights the vital role that museum collections play in enhancing our understanding of ancient biodiversity.”
“Many of these fossils were unearthed nearly two centuries ago, yet they still hold significant insights to offer.”
“The Solnhofen region provides pristine, complete skeletons for many Rhynchocephalians, though their skulls may be crushed or some skeletons remain embedded in rock,” explained Dr. Mark Jones, curator of Fossil Reptiles and Amphibians at the Museum of Natural History in London.
“Until recently, this meant that Solnhofen’s specimens weren’t contributing to our understanding as much as they should have.”
“Utilizing micro-X-ray CT, and in this case, UV imaging, has helped clarify anatomical features.”
“This recent study underscores the necessity of investigating all available samples.”
The study was published on July 2, 2025, in The Linnean Society’s Journal of Zoology.
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Victor Beccali et al. 2025. The importance of the appendix skeleton for tumors in the tree-bark thoracic cube and scaly pidosaurs from the late Jurassic in Germany. The Linnean Society’s Journal of Zoology 204 (3): ZLAF073; doi: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlaf073
A woman’s age may influence whether she has only sons or daughters
Marko Pekic/Getty Images
Many people might think that the likelihood of women having sons versus daughters is split evenly, akin to a coin toss. However, it appears that some women tend to have children of only one gender.
“Based on my personal observations, I have friends who only have girls or boys,” states Xiwen Wang from Harvard University. “This prompts the question of whether it’s all mere chance or if there are underlying biological factors at play.”
At a broader population level, the ratio of boys to girls at birth is close to 50:50. This is largely due to the fact that male sperm have an approximately equal probability of carrying either X or Y chromosomes that ultimately determine the child’s sex.
Nonetheless, Wang and her colleagues were curious about whether mothers might also have an influence. To investigate, they reviewed data from over 58,000 mothers in the U.S. who were part of two distinct studies focusing on contraception and maternal health. Among these mothers, 61% had two children, 30% had three, 8% had four, and the rest had more than five children.
The researchers examined the gender of female offspring in relation to eight maternal traits: height, weight, race, hair color, blood type, chronotype (time of day they feel most alert), age of first menstruation, and the age at which they had their first child between the ages of 13 and 48.
The findings revealed that women who were over 28 at the time of their first birth had a 43% greater likelihood of having only children of the same sex compared to a 34% chance observed in mothers under 23.
“Our research indicates that the age at which a woman has her first child is correlated with [an increased chance of] her having only sons or daughters,” Wang explains. No other characteristics were found to be associated with the sex of the children.
However, these findings might also stem from behavioral elements. Joshua Wild from Oxford University suggests that older women may be more inclined to plan their family size. As a result, even if they desire children of both sexes, they may choose to stop after having two boys or two girls, whereas younger women might be less concerned with family size and therefore more likely to have children of different sexes.
Further investigations are necessary to explore how behavioral, environmental, and biological factors influence the sex of newborns, Wild notes.
Did the cosmos originate from a massive bounce from a different universe?
Vadim Sadovski/Shutterstock
Is it possible that our universe will continuously expand, then contract back into a small point, repeating the Big Bang? According to recent mathematical analyses, the laws of physics suggest that such cyclical behavior is unlikely.
A pivotal element in the concept of a cyclical universe is the “big bounce,” which reimagines the beginning of our known universe as an event following this bounce rather than the traditional Big Bang. The Big Bang is characterized by incomprehensibly dense concentrations of matter and energy where gravity becomes intense enough to alter physical laws, leading to an infinite outward expansion. Conversely, a universe beginning with a big bounce allows us to explore realities beyond what we perceive as the inception, potentially emerging from another universe that undergoes contraction into an extremely dense state, but not necessarily a singularity.
Thus, the essential inquiry about whether time began with a singularity becomes crucial for understanding our universe’s past and future. If the big bounce indeed marks the inception of our universe, it may also inform its prospective trajectory. The initial idea proposed by Oxford’s Roger Penrose in 1965 revolved around the inevitability of collapse under general relativity, the prevailing framework for understanding gravity, particularly related to black holes, which also represent scenarios where gravity can disrupt the fabric of space-time. Penrose concluded that if gravity intensifies sufficiently, singularities cannot be evaded.
Currently, Raphael Bousso of the University of California, Berkeley, has introduced critical insights enhancing these findings by elucidating the quantum properties of the universe.
While Penrose’s arguments didn’t incorporate quantum theory, Bousso indicates that prior explorations by Aron Wall from Cambridge University considered scenarios of very minimal gravity. However, Bousso’s analysis does not limit gravity’s intensity and asserts that it “decisively excludes” the possibility of a circular universe, reinforcing the singularity associated with the Big Bang as an unavoidable outcome.
Onkar Parrikar from the Tata Basic Research Institute in India asserts, “This represents a significant generalization of Penrose’s original theorem, further extended by Wall.”
Chris Akers from the University of Colorado, Boulder points out that this marks substantial progress, as it is “far more effective in quantum physics” compared to earlier studies. He suggests that this new research will impose stricter constraints on larger bounce models.
Bousso’s computations hinge upon a generalized second law of thermodynamics, expanding the conventional second law to address entropy behavior around black holes. This advanced perspective has yet to be rigorously validated, according to Surjeet Rajendran at Johns Hopkins University in Maryland.
In 2018, Rajendran and his team crafted a mathematical representation of the bouncing universe that circumvented constraints imposed by Bousso’s theorems. However, their model included more dimensions of space-time than have currently been observed, leaving some uncertainties unaddressed.
Akers emphasizes, “Understanding our universe’s history is undeniably one of the most crucial scientific endeavors, and alternative models like big bounces should be thoroughly evaluated.”
Jackson Fris from the University of Cambridge mentions that in bouncing scenarios, quantum effects might bolster the universe’s rebound from its dense states. Investigating these scenarios can further our understanding of how quantum gravity theory, which melds general relativity and quantum mechanics, may reshape our conception of the universe. “If quantum gravity is indeed essential for a comprehensive explanation of a black hole’s interior or a big bang,” he notes.
According to Rajendran, one of the most vital methods to ascertain whether our universe experienced a spatial bounce is through gravitational wave observations. These space-time ripples could carry identifiable signatures of the bounce but currently exist in frequencies outside the detection capabilities of existing gravitational wave observatories. Future generations of detectors may capture these frequencies, although the realization of several planned upgrades to U.S. detectors may be uncertain due to proposed budget cuts from the previous administration.
“It is a matter of whether there exists a universe capable of generating a signal strong enough for detection, and if our current world permits scientists to perform those experimental constructions,” Rajendran states.
Intensive erosion driven by human activities like livestock grazing and farming has nearly completely removed the soil that formed in the Alps since the glaciers receded. This soil, shaped over millennia by plants, microorganisms, and the elements, established the carbon-rich foundation for the mountains’ ecosystems.
“We’ve depleted it at a rate four to ten times greater than its natural regrowth,” states William Lupook from the French National Center for Science and Research.
He and his team investigated lithium isotopes in sediment collected from Lake Burgette in the French Alps to trace soil erosion patterns in the area over the last 10,000 years. The presence of specific lithium isotopes indicates the formation of clays and other minerals from the original rock, facilitating the determination of whether soil is accumulating or being lost, according to Rapuc.
The sediment erosion patterns were analyzed alongside records of local climate variations and human influence. In the first thousand years post-glacier retreat, climate change could explain soil loss. However, around 3,800 years ago, a notable shift occurred. “What climate factors cannot explain must be attributed to human impacts,” Rapuc notes.
The researchers pinpointed three distinct periods of increased soil loss, each linked to various human activities. From 3,800 to 3,000 years ago, the surge was associated with high-intensity grazing. The next surge, seen between 2,800 and 1,600 years ago, was driven by agriculture at lower elevations, while the most recent increase—from 1,600 years ago to the present—corresponds to more advanced agricultural practices, including plowing. This ongoing soil loss in the Alps exacerbates erosion caused by wind and water, decreasing the area’s capacity to support vegetation and crops.
Researchers assert that this transition marks the advent of the “Soil Anthropocene” era, a time when human impact on soil became prevalent 3,800 years ago. However, according to Rapuc, the past consequences on soil pale in comparison to our current capabilities for disruption.
For instance, in the United States, where the effects of the Soil Anthropocene began centuries ago, soil is being lost at a startling rate—1,000 times faster than prior to the last ice age, explains Daniel Lass from the Natural Resources Defense Council, an environmental advocacy organization. “We are fundamentally altering the natural processes of soil formation and development due to agricultural practices.”
Feedback is your go-to source for the latest science and technology news from New Scientist. If you have intriguing stories for our readers, please reach out to us at Feedback@newscientist.com.
Sundown Showdown
Feedback has been aware for a while that there are numerous AI-generated music platforms, such as Spotify. I’ll admit, our familiarity was somewhat limited, as we still have a fondness for CDs.
However, we were surprised when New Scientist introduced us to Timothy Rebel, an indie rock band known as Velvet Sunset. Their track sounds like a blend of Coldplay and the Eagles, and their music appears to be generated by algorithms. The Instagram photos seem reminiscent of discarded concept art for Daisy Jones & Six.
Initially, the band denied any claims of being AI-generated. Their X Account discredited the theory that they are “generated,” insisting that their music was created during a long, sweat-filled night in a California bungalow.
Yet, there are no videos and none of the members have an online presence. Eventually, Rolling Stone interviewed Andrew Freron, identified as the band’s “creator.” He confessed it was all a form of “art hoax,” but then Frelon claimed this was also untrue, and the “band” released a statement distancing themselves from him. By now, Feedback has grown weary of this convoluted drama and simply wishes to express our confusion.
On that note, if you’re planning to create an AI band, consider Tim’s advice: “fully embrace the concept.” And if you decide to use a name reminiscent of Lou Reed, think twice. Tim suggests clever names like Rage I’m A Machine, The Bitles, TL (LM)c. Feedback adds playful ideas like pink floppy disks, Lanadel Array, Capchatonia, Alanis Microsoft, and Velvet.
Finally, the new generation of artists could certainly benefit from satirical acts, like a performer named Ai Yankovic.
Sodom Bomb
Science can be slow-paced, but occasionally, it leads to significant discoveries. Since September 2021, Scientific Report revealed some intriguing research claiming archaeological evidence of events influencing the biblical tales of Sodom and Gomorrah’s destruction.
According to the narrative, these cities were destroyed by divine intervention for their sins. In contrast, this study suggested a “. Tunguska-sized airburst,” akin to the 1908 explosion in Siberia, was responsible for the devastation.
This event purportedly occurred around 3600 years ago, annihilating the Bronze Age city of Elhammaum in present-day Jordan. Evidence included “a thick, carbon-rich destructive layer” across the city, alongside signs of “soot” and “melted metals like platinum, iridium, nickel, gold, silver, zircon, chromite, and quartz.”
However, on April 24th, the journal retracted this paper due to “methodological errors” and “misinterpretations.” Over four years, it faced considerable criticism and multiple revisions, as reported by Retraction Watch. Numerous images were manipulated in “inappropriate” ways, and it was noted that the burned and melted materials could have originated from smelting activities rather than explosions.
We found the comments on Pubpeer particularly amusing, with one commenter stating: “The north arrows and shadows in Figure 44C indicate that the sun is almost north-northeast, which is impossible in the Dead Sea.” This type of expert pedantry resonates with us.
In summary, someone produced a paper regarding two notorious cities, manipulated images contravening guidelines, and failed to properly assess alternate hypotheses. That’s quite the transgression.
Avocadon’t
Feedback receives numerous press releases, but we end up ignoring over 90%—mainly due to their irrelevance, like when we got inundated with wedding dress promotions. The primary issue is that most releases are rather dull.
However, one press release caught our attention on July 2nd with the subject line “Avocado is not an enemy.” This announcement was linked to the Wimbledon Tennis Tournament and addressed the decision to discontinue avocado services. The message contended, “It perpetuates myths unsupported by current data. In fact, avocados are among the most nutritious and environmentally friendly fruits available today.”
The release elaborated that avocados have a minimal water footprint and support small farms in places like Peru and South Africa, being rich in heart-healthy fats, fiber, and essential nutrients.
We found this proclamation rather impressive, and noticed the strong praise avocados receive from the World Avocado Organization.
As M. Rice-Davies once said in 1963, we can only add:
Have you spoken about feedback?
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We might finally grasp why weight loss methods, such as exercise, often don’t succeed for all individuals with obesity
Science Photo Library/Alamy
Understanding obesity is proving to be more complex than previously recognized, with various types potentially stemming from different biological mechanisms.
“It transcends just body mass index and physical appearance; it delves into the biology driving it and its connection to health risks,” says Akl Fahed from the Broad Institute in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
The World Health Organization defines obesity as accumulating fat that poses a health threat. Determining if someone is obese involves calculating their Body Mass Index (BMI), which compares weight to height.
Since not all individuals with obesity experience health issues, some researchers have recently suggested introducing a “preclinical” obesity category. This approach separates individuals with medical complications related to excess fat, such as breathing difficulties or heart conditions, from those who currently show no symptoms but may develop them in the future. Yet, according to research by Fahed and his team, these classifications are still evolving.
The scientists executed genome-wide association studies involving over 2 million obese individuals, seeking connections between genetics and metrics such as BMI, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratios, and hip circumference across diverse ancestry. They identified 743 genetic regions linked to obesity, with 86 of them being novel discoveries.
Subsequently, researchers investigated which tissues showed obesity-related effects from genetic alterations in these regions, focusing on processes like insulin production, the hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. They found that these genes fall into 11 distinct clusters, each linked to a unique biological pathway.
The pathways include: metabolically unhealthy obesity, metabolically healthy obesity, and six types associated with insulin secretion, immune system regulation, appetite control, body weight management, and lipid metabolism.
The team designates these clusters as “endotypes” rather than “subtypes” to highlight that while subtypes are typically mutually exclusive, endotypes reflect identifiable biological mechanisms that can coexist in individuals with varying impacts.
Using data from over 48,000 individuals, the researchers validated their endotypes through the Mass General Brigham Biobank.
“Clearly, there are numerous forms of obesity,” states Frank Greenway of Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. Some obese individuals may not lose weight even with GLP-1 medications like Ozempic or Wegovy.
Gaining a deeper understanding of obesity and its various forms might refine our approach to treatment. “Recognizing the diverse types of obesity may lead to more targeted interventions and personalized care,” says Laura Gray from the University of Sheffield, UK.
Six of the 11 endotypes relate to insulin regulation, suggesting that some interventions might be effective across multiple clusters, according to team member Min Seo Kim at the Broad Institute.
Gray suggests that there may exist more than 11 endotypes. This figure was constrained by the genetic regions currently known to affect obesity, she notes. Kim shares this sentiment, expressing the likelihood of discovering additional endotypes as genetic research progresses.
Conversely, Henriet Kirchner from the University of Lübeck in Germany believes there could be fewer than 11 endotypes. She emphasizes the need for further replication of these findings in the scientific community to enhance understanding. “The concept of obesity clusters is appealing, but it must be refined in the future to be beneficial in clinical settings,” she states.
As global temperatures continue to rise, the frequency and severity of wildfires are projected to increase.
Costas Metaxakis/AFP via Getty Images
When you tell a child to “stay far from the cliff’s edge,” how close can they get before you call them back? This dilemma is currently perplexing climate scientists: the risk of exceeding our global commitment to keep warming below 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels is increasing. Once we step into the danger zone, what consequences will follow?
“The government is aiming for a 1.5°C target, but understanding what this means in a world that’s already above that threshold is not straightforward,” says Robin Lambor from Imperial College London. “It would be beneficial if discussions became more defined and specific regarding the actual objectives we seek.”
These national objectives stem from the International Paris Agreement signed in 2015, which serves as a vague starting point for defining climate actions. The agreement officially commits to “pursuing efforts” to limit warming to 1.5°C, while also striving to keep increases “well below” 2°C. Yet, how do we define “below”?
“The wording of the long-term temperature goal in the Paris Agreement is both a solution and a challenge,” notes Jori Rogelgi from Imperial College London. “It provided common ground for nations to agree upon, but it also allows for considerable interpretation.”
Rogelj worries that if the phrase “down sufficiently” regarding the 2°C limit isn’t clarified soon, there’s a risk that it might be accepted as a new benchmark. Many scenarios projecting 2°C provide only a 50% chance of success, meaning that by targeting this limit, we could potentially overestimate our safety.
To address this uncertainty, Rogelj and Lamboll emphasize that international consensus is crucial for interpreting these terms accurately. They argue that if the Paris Agreement pledges to keep temperatures below 2°C, most people don’t foresee a significant chance of overshooting that promise.
Currently, one model predicts a 66% likelihood of staying below 2°C, while another claims a 90% chance. “People struggle with probabilities,” explains Lambor. “The difference between a 66% and a 90% chance is significant.”
This variation arises from differing assumptions within various scenarios; stricter emission control measures are more likely to remain under the 2°C threshold. The authors argue that identifying peak temperatures—expected to be the highest before mitigation measures cool the atmosphere—better captures the variations among scenarios and helps establish clearer climate goals.
In ongoing research, Rogelj and Lamboll explored four 2°C climate model scenarios and calculated the median peak temperatures necessary to remain below 2°C with 66%, 83%, and 90% probabilities, respectively. For instance, one scenario suggests that to maintain a 66% chance of staying under the limit, the temperature should peak at approximately 1.83°C, while a 90% success rate necessitates a peak of 1.54°C.
When examining all models, the authors argue that it’s essential to promise a temperature significantly below 2°C to achieve an 83% chance of remaining under that threshold.
Other researchers echo this conclusion. Gottfried Kirchengast and Moritz Pichler from Graz University in Austria recently suggested a limit of 1.7°C, aligning with predictions from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and offering an 83% chance of staying below 2°C—indicating that 1.7°C is the peak temperature cap for “well below 2°C.”
“A 1.5°C threshold serves as a clear guide. Determining 1.7°C will serve as another vital boundary well below 2°C,” observes Kirchengast. This newly established warming threshold will aid policymakers in calculating remaining emission budgets and planning their transition strategies accordingly.
How daunting is this goal? Given current policies, limiting warming to 1.7°C is indeed very ambitious when tracking global warming projected to reach 2.6°C by the century’s end; however, it’s not entirely out of reach. The most optimistic scenarios suggest a stabilization at 1.9°C if all nations fully meet their climate commitments, according to recent UN evaluations. To meet a 1.7°C goal, exceeding existing promises is essential.
Yet, even as some scientists propose that “well below” 2°C translates to a peak temperature around 1.7°C, many oppose formalizing targets beyond 1.5°C.
There’s still much we don’t understand about the climate system. Carl-Friedrich Schleussner from the Berlin Institute for Climate Science warns of considerable uncertainty regarding the Earth’s sensitivity to greenhouse gas emissions, indicating that the planet might warm more rapidly than anticipated. “We should be cautious not to overestimate our knowledge,” he warns. Setting a specific temperature target “could imply we have a clear trajectory, but that’s not the reality,” he adds.
Instead, Schleussner urges governments to take accountability for failing to meet the 1.5°C target by calculating their “carbon debt” accrued since surpassing that threshold. “Unless we establish accountability for not limiting warming to 1.5°C, the Paris Agreement isn’t achieving its objectives,” he says.
Vulnerable countries, especially small island nations, have fought to cement the 1.5°C target within the Paris Agreement and may resist any attempts to recalibrate global climate ambitions. Ilana Seid, the UN Ambassador for Palau and chair of the Small Island Developing States (AOSIS), states that rising sea levels and threatened coral reefs due to warming beyond 1.5°C pose existential threats to her country.
“For AOSIS, the standard is 1.5°C. That’s our unyielding position,” says Seid. “There’s a critical reason we stand firm at 1.5°C…everything else is just noise.”
Natalie Unterstell, a former UN climate negotiator in Brazil now with the climate policy think tank Thalanoa, asserts that shifting towards a global target of warming below 1.7°C “signals to governments and markets that failure is permissible.”
“If you change your goals mid-game, only lobbyists and special interests will benefit. This risks diluting political will, muddling public messaging, and normalizing climate degradation,” she explains. “Presently, new temperature targets create the cognitive dissonance that fossil fuel interests thrive on.”
“The 1.5°C limit isn’t merely symbolic; it represents billions of lives at stake,” states Unterstell. “If anything, this moment demands an escalation of our actions, not a relaxation of our targets.”
Beyond the ethical implications of adopting new global targets, she notes that concretizing 1.7°C will be exceptionally challenging under the UN climate framework, which relies on a rulebook governing the Paris Agreement requiring unanimous support from all over 200 member states—a feat unlikely to be achieved at the upcoming COP30 Summit in Belem, Brazil. However, the Brazilian presidency will face pressure to extract robust climate commitments from polluting nations and address the “ambition gap” between 1.5°C and current warming projections.
But should this discussion be framed as a competition between 1.5°C and a newly proposed, slightly more lenient goal? For Rogelj, the aim of limiting warming to 1.5°C remains a fundamental global target, despite the possible introduction of new temperature thresholds. “The target of 1.5°C continues to exist,” he affirms. “This is because the objective to ‘pursue efforts’ to limit warming to 1.5°C is still intact, even above that level.”
At the conception of the Paris Agreement in 2015, a limit of 1.5°C was seen as ambitious yet attainable. Most climate models have since eroded to the point where they no longer represent a viable path to this goal without “overshooting.” Temperatures have been above 1.5°C for decades, yet technologies such as carbon capture are posited to bring us back below this threshold by century’s end. Clarifying the exact meaning of being “well below 2°C” doesn’t negate the target of 1.5°C but rather establishes a higher bar for warming in a world that overshoots and aims to ultimately revert to that level, according to Rogelj.
Now, the policymakers must ask themselves: if 1.5°C serves as our safety line and 2°C marks the cliff’s edge, just how close should we dare to approach?
The Royal Society suggested to Elon Musk that he might consider resigning from his fellowship if he believed it wouldn’t assist in addressing an attack on research from the Trump administration, according to the Guardian.
The owner of X, who is also the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, was elected as a member in 2018 due to the UK’s National Academy of Sciences’ contributions to the space and electric vehicle sectors.
However, in the past year, fellows and other scientists have informed the Royal Society that they feel the Academy has breached its code of conduct, leading some to resign, and the return of awards has become a point of contention amid protests against the Academy’s perceived inaction.
Among the various factors behind the protests was Musk’s position as the head of the U.S. Government Efficiency Office (DOGE), an agency criticized for reducing research funding and enforcing censorship within academia.
In March, the Guardian reported that the Royal Society decided that Musk would not be subject to an investigation regarding alleged violations of the Code. It was noted that Sir Paul Nurse, who is currently running for the presidency of the association, had advised Musk in May to think about resigning from his fellowship.
In an email sent to the Fellowship, Sir Adrian Smith, the current president of the Royal Society, disclosed that on March 19, he first communicated with Nurse about the “wide range of damages” inflicted on American science by the Trump administration and urged for “action to reverse this tragedy.”
Smith promptly responded, “highlighting his strong commitment to science and requesting further information regarding Paul’s concerns.”
Sir Paul Nurse, president of the Royal Society, expressed his concerns to Musk regarding American science. Photo: Paul Nurse
Nurse followed up with another letter on March 27, suggesting that Musk speak with U.S. public sector scientists to discuss the impact of the administration’s policies.
“Paul did not receive any responses to this communication or the follow-up reminders,” Smith stated.
On May 20, the nurse sent a letter outlining concerns shared with him by U.S. scientists, noting that “some of the proposed budget cuts seemed pointless.”
Smith mentioned: “In his letter of distress, Paul suggested, ‘If you feel you can’t help, you should consider whether you truly wish to remain a Fellow of the Royal Society.’
Nevertheless, Musk only replied after Smith and Nurse indicated that the contents of their correspondence would be shared with the fellowship.
A spokesperson for the Academy confirmed that Musk has not made any comments regarding proposals to consider resigning from his fellowship, stating, “Elon Musk remains a Fellow of the Royal Society.”
In an email to Smith’s fellowship, it was noted: “The society’s officers and council determined that pursuing disciplinary action against Musk does not align with the Royal Society’s interests.” Although significant disagreements were expressed during previous fellowship meetings, Smith acknowledged that defending science globally remains the society’s foremost objective.
Not all peers advocate for condemning Musk, with some expressing concerns about potentially questioning the views of others who have shared controversial opinions. However, one fellow familiar with Smith’s email described the situation as “a significant issue.”
Another fellow noted that the leadership approach seems to prioritize pragmatism over ethical considerations. “If a new party emerges around Musk, it could lead to significant repercussions, including potential repercussions for Royal Society archives from that period,” they commented.
Stephen Curry, a professor emeritus of structural biology at Imperial College London and a previous organizer of open letters, supported the correspondence but stressed that the academy should take a more resolute and explicit stance.
“They haven’t received any indications from Elon Musk that he aligns with the Royal Society’s declared values, so it should be made clear to him that without this commitment, his fellowship must end,” he stated.
“I am increasingly concerned that the Royal Society is unable to uphold its own code of conduct.”
A representative for Musk was requested for comment.
The International Space Station (ISS) glides across the sun, with spectacular close-ups of comets and exotic trees amidst rotating stars all selected as contenders for this year’s ZWO Astronomical Photographer of the Year Contest.
The image above is from Zhang Yanguang titled Meet Within 1 Second: It features a series of silhouetted shots of the ISS as it passes directly between Earth and the Sun. The expansive solar panels on the spacecraft, collecting energy from the very same star, are vividly visible. The photographer utilized dual optical filters to isolate specific wavelengths, showcasing the sharp details of the sun’s surface.
The image above showcases a close-up of comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-atlas) captured by Gerald Leman and Michael Jäger in Namibia. The comet displays two distinct tails of dust and gas, which appear to be nearly overlapping due to solar wind effects.
The last image presented is titled Dragon Tree Trail, taken by Benjamin Barakat in the Famihin forest on Socotra Island, Yemen. The iconic Dragon’s Blood Tree (Dracaena Cinnabari) stands prominently, framed by a stellar background crafted from 300 individual exposures.
This year’s competition saw more than 5,500 submissions from 69 nations. The top entries in nine categories, alongside two special awards and the overall victor, will be revealed on September 11th and displayed in an exhibition at London’s National Maritime Museum starting September 12th.
Users of ChatGPT can now secure restaurant reservations via AI agents, shop, and even compile lists of candidates for job openings. Starting Thursday, chatbots will function as personal assistants.
As stated by a US company, OpenAI has launched ChatGPT agents in regions beyond the EU. These agents merge AI research capabilities with functionalities that enable users to control various software like web browsers, document files, spreadsheets, and presentations.
This follows the introduction of similar “agents” by Google and other companies, which autonomously handle tasks such as creating travel itineraries and performing workplace research as interest grows in AI models adept at managing computer-based tasks by evaluating which software to use for switching between systems.
Niamh Burns, a senior media analyst at Enders Analytics, commented:
However, OpenAI recognizes that granting AI agents control over computer systems entails “greater risks in this model compared to the prior model.”
The goal is to assist users with daily tasks, but the potential risks prompted OpenAI to implement measures ensuring agents do not lead to biological threats.
“There is no definitive evidence that this model could significantly contribute to serious biological threats for beginners,” the company stated.
The system is designed to seek user approval before executing any harmful or irreversible actions. According to their blog: “You maintain control at all times. ChatGPT requests permission before undertaking any impactful actions.”
The rollout of this agent has raised questions about whether tech companies could monetize the service by guiding users to retail checkout. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has suggested there may be a 2% fee on sales driven by the “Deep Research” software.
“These agents are independent of us,” Burns explained. Is there a commercial relationship where a brand is compensated for being highlighted by an assistant, or does it offer a unique product that sets it apart from the competition?
“As AI firms press for monetization of their products, we anticipate that certain advertising and sponsorship placements will become unavoidable.”
OpenAI clarified that the agent does not provide recommendations for sponsored products and has no intention of altering this policy.
In a recent software demo, users were prompted to check their Google Calendar and select an available weekday evening from 6 PM to 9 PM, then locate tables at Italian, sushi, or Korean restaurants with a minimum rating of 4.3 stars and offer them some options.
The task required 10 to 15 minutes, and like human assistants, users could intervene and redirect the AI agent’s focus. Likewise, agents can solicit clear instructions from users.
Another noteworthy risk involves agents potentially falling prey to malicious prompts hidden within the websites they explore, potentially passing a portion of user data to an agent.
OpenAI stated it has conducted numerous safety checks and trained its agents to reject specific suspicious requests, inclusive of bank transfer requests. The system will first be accessible to users subscribing to the “Pro,” “Plus,” and “Teams” versions of the model.
J1025+1402, one of three small red dot galaxies up to 2.5 billion light years apart
Digital Legacy Survey/d. Lang (Permieter Institute)
A new analysis shows that peculiar galaxies, once only identified in early cosmic formations, have surfaced more recently, raising intriguing questions about their origins.
Recent observations made by astronomers utilizing the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) have revealed compact red entities from the universe’s first billion years, dubbed Little Red Dots (LRD). These were initially believed to be associated with phenomena in the early universe, like the formation of supermassive black holes at the cores of galaxies, including our own.
Xiaojing Lin from China’s Tsinghua University, along with her research team, has discovered LRD in a much younger universe, about 12 billion years post-Big Bang. “This finding demonstrates that the conditions fostering small red dots are not solely confined to the early universe,” states Lin.
The researchers employed a telescope based in New Mexico to analyze images captured during the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. They pinpointed three objects that appeared as LRD, but significantly, they were merely 2.5 billion light years apart.
“They meet all criteria for classification as small red dots,” remarks Xiaohui Fan from the University of Arizona. “I believe there’s no doubt regarding their similarity.”
Each LRD is estimated to be approximately one million times the mass of the Sun, with dimensions comparable to the solar system. One of these LRDs is nicknamed the “egg” due to its elongated structure. The team also identified a few other potential LRD candidates awaiting confirmation.
These findings are exhilarating, says Anthony Taylor from the University of Texas at Austin, as they provide unique insights into the characteristics of LRDs. These objects are faint enough that telescopes like the JWST and Hubble can analyze them significantly easier than their early universe counterparts, potentially unveiling their true nature.
“They’re much closer to us, making them appear much brighter,” adds Taylor.
A schematic diagram showing what the local small red dots might be, depicting a black hole at the center, encircled by a significant gas envelope (yellow), streams of gas, clouds, and dust.
Xiaojing Lin with Cass Fan
A potential explanation for LRDs is that they signify the nascent phases of extraordinarily massive black holes maturing within the galaxy, possibly marking their initiation as they begin consuming matter voraciously.
It’s currently unclear whether local LRDs are dormant galaxies that have recently awakened or if they have just formed and are starting to consume significant amounts of material. “At this point, it is premature to discuss that aspect,” Taylor points out.
The team is eager to utilize Hubble and JWST to delve deeper into these local LRDs. “I have a proposal for Hubble pending approval,” Fan comments.
LRDs have the potential to exist not just in contemporary and ancient universes but throughout cosmic history. “They may have been lurking, camouflaged, amidst the cosmos,” Fan remarks. “People haven’t known what to look for.”
Netflix has pioneered the use of artificial intelligence in its television programming. The head of the streaming service has successfully made productions both more affordable and of higher quality.
According to Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos, the Argentine science fiction series El Eternauta (The Eternaut) was the first to utilize AI-generated footage.
“I believe AI offers a remarkable opportunity to assist creators in enhancing the quality of films and series, rather than merely reducing costs,” he shared with analysts following Netflix’s second-quarter report on Thursday.
He explained that the series, which depicts survivors facing a rapid and disastrous toxic snowfall, showcased collaboration between Netflix and Visual Effects (VFX) artists who employed AI to illustrate the downfall of Buenos Aires.
“Utilizing AI-enhanced tools enabled them to achieve remarkable outcomes at unprecedented speeds. In fact, the VFX sequences were finalized ten times faster than with traditional VFX methods,” he noted.
Sarandos pointed out that the integration of AI tools allows Netflix to finance the show at considerably lower costs compared to conventional large productions.
“The expenses for [special effects without AI] would have been unfeasible for that budget,” Sarandos mentioned.
Concerns around job security have emerged within the entertainment sector due to the introduction of generative AI, particularly affecting production and special effects roles.
In 2023, AI was a significant point of contention during a dual strike involving Hollywood actors and writers, leading to agreements that ensured emerging technologies are harnessed for the benefit of workers rather than to eliminate jobs.
Sarandos emphasized, “These tools are for real people doing real work with enhanced resources. Our creators have begun to experience the advantages of production via pre-visualization, shot planning, and definitely visual effects. I believe these tools will empower creators to broaden their storytelling horizons on screen.”
His remarks followed the announcement of Netflix achieving $11 billion in revenue for the quarter ending in June, reflecting a 16% year-over-year increase.
The company noted that better-than-expected results were driven by the popularity of the third and final season of the Korean thriller Squid Game.
Netflix anticipates that its small yet rapidly expanding advertising division will “almost double” this year.
“The quarter’s performance that surpassed expectations can be attributed to excellent content, increased pricing, and the momentum of ads all coming together,” remarked Mike Proulx, Vice President of Research at Forrester. “There is still more work required to enhance advertising capabilities, but the toughest challenges are behind Netflix with the comprehensive launch of its own ad tech platform.”
The Caves of Amdo and Kebara in northern Israel date back to the central Paleolithic period, approximately 70,000-50,000 years ago. Both are situated in the Southern Levant’s Mediterranean region. The Neanderthals occupying these sites left behind a wealth of stone tools, evidence of fire usage, and a variety of animal and human fossils. A recent study from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem indicates that despite their proximity and the use of similar resources and tools, Neanderthals at these sites employed markedly different methods for processing their food.
Jaron et al. Despite comparable occupational strengths, similar stone tool techniques, and access to similar food resources, we propose a unique slaughter strategy among Neanderthal populations in the caves of Amdo and Kebara.
“The distinct variations in cut mark patterns between Amdo and Kebara might reflect local customs in animal processing,” stated Anal Jaron, a doctoral candidate at Hebrew University in Jerusalem.
“Though the Neanderthals at both sites experienced similar environments and challenges, they seem to have developed a distinct butchering strategy potentially passed on through cultural learning and social traditions.”
“These two sites present an extraordinary opportunity to investigate whether Neanderthal slaughter methods were standardized.”
“If butchering techniques differ between sites or over time, it could suggest that factors like cultural practices, dietary preferences, or social structures have influenced self-sufficiency activities, including slaughter.”
The Neanderthals resided in the caves of Amdo and Kebara during the winters between 70,000 and 50,000 years ago.
Both groups utilized the same flint tools and primarily preyed on gazelles and fallow deer.
However, it appears that the Kebara Neanderthals hunted larger game compared to their counterparts in Amdo and opted to perform the slaughter in caves rather than at the kill sites.
In Amdo, 40% of the animal bones show signs of burning, with most being fragmented, possibly resulting from intentional cooking or accidental damage afterward.
Conversely, in Kebara, only 9% of the bones are burned, suggesting they were cooked with less fragmentation.
Amdo’s bones seem less impacted by carnivores than those found in Kebara.
To compare food preparation techniques at Kebara and Amdo, researchers selected bone samples from corresponding layers at both sites.
These samples were analyzed macroscopically and microscopically to assess various cut mark characteristics. Similar patterns might suggest consistent slaughter practices, while differing patterns may highlight distinct cultural customs.
The cut marks were notably clear and intact, with minimal alteration from carnivorous activity or later damage from desiccated bones.
The profiles, angles, and widths of these cuts were akin across both groups and their toolkits.
Nonetheless, the cut marks at Amdo were found to be more densely packed than those at Kebara, and exhibited a less linear shape.
Scientists have proposed several potential reasons for this observation. It could be due to differing demands in processing various prey species and types of bones—most of the bones found in Amdo are short, yet similar distinctions appeared when examining small, straight bone fragments present in both sites.
Experimental archaeology indicates that this pattern cannot be solely attributed to the skills of butchers or heightened slaughtering efforts to maximize food yield.
Instead, the varying cut mark patterns likely reflect intentional butchering choices made by each group.
One hypothesis is that Neanderthals in Amdo treated meat differently prior to slaughter—perhaps opting to dry it or allow it to decay.
We posit that managing decomposing meat poses challenges, which may explain the strong cut marks and less linear characteristics observed.
The second possibility is that the organization of the groups (e.g., the number of butchers involved in a particular kill) contributed to the variance in practices between these two Neanderthal communities.
However, further research is needed to explore these theories.
“There are some limitations to consider,” Jaron noted.
“Bone fragments can be too small to provide a complete understanding of the butcher marks present on the remains.”
“We have made efforts to mitigate biases caused by fragmentation, but this may limit our ability to fully interpret the findings.”
“Future research involving more experimental work and comparative studies will be vital to address these uncertainties. Eventually, we might be able to reconstruct Neanderthal recipes.”
Survey results published in the journal Frontiers of Environmental Archaeology.
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Anal Jaron et al. 2025. Comparing Neanderthal Treatment of Faunal Resources in the Amdo and Kebara Caves (Israel) Through Cut Mark Analysis. Front. Environ. Archaeol 4; doi:10.3389/fearc.2025.1575572
Identified during a significant survey of a large sloping object (lido) and classified as 2020 VN40, this TransNeptunian entity is the first confirmed object that completes one orbit around the Sun for every ten orbits of Neptune. This discovery, detailed in a paper published in the Journal of Planetary Science, aids researchers in comprehending the behavior of distant objects in the outer solar system and their formation. It lends support to the theory that various remote objects are momentarily “captured” by the gravitational pull of Neptune as they traverse space.
Artist’s impressions of the Transneptunian object. Image credits: NASA/ESA/G. Bacon, stsci.
“This marks a major advancement in our understanding of the outer solar system,” remarked Dr. Rosemary Pike, an astronomer at the Harvard & Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics.
“It demonstrates that even the most remote areas influenced by Neptune can harbor objects, offering fresh insights into the evolution of the solar system.”
“This is merely the beginning,” commented Dr. Katherine Bolk, an astronomer at the Institute of Planetary Science.
“We are opening new windows into the history of the solar system.”
The discovery of 2020 VN40 was facilitated by the Lido Survey, which focused on identifying unusual objects in the outer solar system.
This research utilized the Canadian French Hawaii Telescope for primary observations, with supplemental observations conducted by the Gemini Observatory and Magellan Bird.
The study aimed to locate remnants with orbits extending well above and below the plane of Earth’s orbit around the Sun—an area of the outer solar system that has not been thoroughly examined.
“We’ve witnessed considerable effort and extensive results,” stated Dr. Samantha Lawler, an astronomer at the University of Regina and a member of the Lido team.
The average distance of VN40 in 2020 is approximately 139.5 times that of Earth’s distance from the Sun, following a notably tilted trajectory around the solar system.
The object becomes even more intriguing when considering its relationship with Neptune.
Unlike most objects that, based on their orbital duration ratios, are nearest to the Sun when Neptune is distant, the 2020 VN40 reaches its closest point to the Sun when Neptune is relatively nearby, based on its positional perspective above the solar system.
The inclination of the object’s orbit indicates that it is not positioned closely, as the 2020 VN40 is significantly lower than the general level of the solar system.
All other known resonant TransNeptunian objects have orbits that prevent such alignment when approaching the Sun, even from a flat perspective.
“This new discovery is like uncovering hidden rhythms in familiar songs,” expressed Dr. Ruth Murray Clay, an astronomer at the University of California, Santa Cruz.
“It has the potential to alter our understanding of the movement of distant objects.”
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Rosemary E. Pike et al. 2025. Lido: Discovery of a 10:1 resonator with a new, obsolete state. Planet. SCI. J 6, 156; doi:10.3847/psj/addd22
This summer has been notably impacted by intense rainfall and flooding. States including Texas, New Mexico, North Carolina, Illinois, New York, and New Jersey have faced significant flood events recently. Earlier this month, the nation experienced at least four rainfall events classified as 1,000-year storms within a single week.
In June, flash floods claimed at least nine lives in West Virginia after 2.5 to 4 inches of rain fell in parts of Ohio County in just half an hour.
In early July, over 120 people lost their lives in Central Texas’s Hill Country when heavy rains caused the Guadalupe River to surge near Carville in just 90 minutes.
A few days later, a devastating flash flood in a remote village in Ruidoso, New Mexico, resulted in at least three fatalities.
Earlier this week, Central Park in New York City recorded more than two inches of rain within an hour, marking the second-highest hourly rainfall in the city’s history, according to New York City’s emergency management.
Las Schumacher, the director of Colorado State University and the Colorado Climate Center for State Climate Scientist, noted that the recent flash floods can partly be attributed to the summer months being the peak time for storms.
“From June to October, we often see significant rainfall in various parts of the country,” he mentioned, highlighting that the Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1st to November 30th.
However, studies indicate that climate change is likely to exacerbate storm frequency and severity, increasing the chances of heavy rains and flooding.
“A warmer atmosphere holds a greater amount of water vapor, which contributes to rainfall,” Schumacher explained. “The evidence supporting this is very compelling.”
Despite this, the surge in warnings today compared to the past can be attributed to advancements in the ability to detect and track weather systems.
Over the past four decades, radar technology and meteorological models have seen substantial improvements, leading to an increase in the number of warnings issued during extreme weather situations.
“The systems we had in the ’80s are not comparable to those we use today,” he remarked. “With enhanced radar and a broad array of data sources, it’s expected that we’ll see more warnings simply because our technology is evolving.”
These warnings are vital not only for saving lives but also for safeguarding infrastructure like susceptible dams, levees, and drainage systems during flood events, Aghakouchak stated.
“It serves as a reminder that such events can lead to catastrophe,” he said. “The floods in Texas were a significant disaster, and we must always be prepared.”
If a picture can convey a thousand words, what role does an emoji play in our evolving vocabulary? In Face with Tears of Joy: The Natural History of Emojis, Keith Houston delves into the intriguing tales behind these peculiar symbols and explores how they have become a staple in our everyday conversations.
An understanding of their origins and dominance in our communication is essential. Houston navigates through the early days, uncovering insights that trace their lineage back a decade earlier than the commonly accepted timeline.
It’s an astute investigation. By extending the emoji lineage to specifics of niche Japanese tech from the 1980s, Houston offers new perspectives, suggesting a timeline closer to the millennium than previously recognized.
Clearly, the work is well-researched, evident from Houston’s review of the intricacies during various subcommittees of the Unicode Consortium.
What makes emojis such a significant cultural phenomenon? While Houston lays out a timeline of these images, he grapples with larger philosophical questions about how countless interpretations of commonly used images converge into a shared societal and cultural understanding.
One notable section shares how Facebook users reacted to a video of the 2017 terrorist attacks on London’s Westminster Bridge. When users sought to respond, the platform defaulted to just one of six emojis, none of which seemed particularly appropriate. Houston’s observations here are profoundly insightful.
Typewriter artists crafted images using keystrokes—the forerunners of the emojis we know today.
Unfortunately, throughout the book, Houston veers away from delving into such enriching insights and experiments. He also fails to delve deeply into a Unicode meeting discussion over the merits of adding emojis like tacos and other popular items to countless smartphones globally. Instead, we get a list-style overview of events as they occurred.
This chronological format holds significance, but it’s also replicated in a roughly twelve-page timeline at the book’s conclusion. I found myself reading the bullet points and questioning if I could’ve learned just as much about the emojis and their history without perusing the preceding 180 pages.
That’s unfortunate. Houston contends that emojis warrant thorough and thoughtful exploration, and their cultural ramifications should be taken seriously. It’s unclear why specific details are highlighted while others are overlooked. For instance, he mentions presenting users with images of reality TV stars displaying various emotions related to Kim Kardashian’s 2015 Kimoji app in media reports but cites a staggering figure of 9,000 downloads per millisecond at its peak, countering reality with 9,000 downloads per second. What relevance does this bear beyond mere anecdote?
Nevertheless, there are engaging pieces and illuminating insights about this relatively new mode of communication. Houston reveals stories about early typewriter artists who ingeniously transformed keystrokes into beautiful representations, setting the stage for contemporary emojis.
Overall, Face with Tears of Joy is an in-depth and often enlightening read. However, I frequently felt it was padded with content that could’ve been far more meaningfully enriched with analyses exploring the “why” and “what” behind emoji usage over the last two decades.
Ultimately, Houston’s work serves as a valuable starting point for dissecting the cultural significance of emojis. I look forward to future explorations on this topic.
Chris Stokell Walker is a technology writer based in Newcastle, UK
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Nearly two decades ago, New Scientist conducted a thought experiment titled “Imagine Earth Without People,” projecting how our planet would evolve over millennia in the absence of humanity. This intriguing exploration highlighted the environmental impacts of our species without relying on speculative dread. The takeaway was clear: while it would take considerable time, nature would eventually reclaim its landscapes, leaving scant evidence of our existence. “What’s humbling and paradoxical is that Earth forgets us so swiftly,” the piece concluded.
This reflection resurfaced when I encountered a recent research article in Geology, where researchers from the University of Glasgow unveiled a geological process indicating that the Earth may never truly forget us.
The team investigated the geology of Derwent Howe along the coast of Cumbria, England, a site that served as a major iron and steel hub for about 125 years from the 1850s. This location generated massive amounts of industrial waste known as slag, with approximately 27 million cubic meters deposited along a two-kilometer stretch of coastline. While the slag heaps persist, they are steadily eroded by oceanic forces.
During their fieldwork, researchers discovered outcrops comprised of unusual sedimentary rock types. Formerly sandy shores had their geology altered quite recently, clearly indicating detrital formations made of fragments from other rocks and minerals. A closer examination revealed that this material was derived from the slag heaps, suggesting a cycle where the slag erodes, enters the ocean, and rapidly solidifies into rocks onshore.
Remarkably, this process occurs much faster than typical rock formation, which usually spans thousands or millions of years. Here, however, it seems to transpire in mere decades.
Rock industrial waste on the Cambria coastline is turning into rocks in just a few decades, research reveals
University of Glasgow
Even more astonishingly, the researchers uncovered two artifacts embedded in this rapid rock formation. One was a penny minted in 1934, and the other was a pull tab from an aluminum beverage can, less than 36 years old. This suggests that calcification can happen in mere decades, leading the team to propose a new geological process termed the “anthropomorphized rock cycle.”
Researchers suggest that this is an entirely new geological process: anthropomorphized rock cycle.
“What’s remarkable is we’ve found that human-made materials can integrate into natural systems and dissolve over decades,” explained Amanda Owen, the team leader, to the University of Glasgow news team. “This challenges our understanding of rock formation and implies that the waste created during the modern era will have a lasting impact on our future.”
Much like with Derwent Howe, this phenomenon extends worldwide. A similar rock was discovered near Bilbao, Spain in 2022, though dating it proved challenging. David Brown, a team member, noted that slag waste presents a worldwide occurrence that will turn into rocks wherever it interacts with ocean waves.
At first glance, this might seem problematic. The environmental implications of such processes remain ambiguous. However, this discovery could indeed have a silver lining. If industrial waste solidifies into rock formations, that may offer a neat, albeit indirect, way to manage it. Rocks from Derwent Howe also revealed remnants of clothing, plastics, car tires, and fiberglass. Perhaps this process could serve as a rapid disposal method for our discarded remnants.
The study yields varied conclusions. For years, Earth scientists have debated the designation of a new geological epoch called the Anthropocene, to acknowledge that humanity has superseded natural processes as the primary influence on Earth’s systems. I’m a strong advocate for this designation, as it underscores the myriad perturbations in natural processes that have kept our planet habitable for millennia. Yet, last year, the International Geological Union opted not to endorse the Anthropocene due to controversy regarding its inception.
Now more than ever seems the right moment to reconsider that decision. Our impact on Earth’s surface marks the beginning of a new geological chapter that commenced roughly 175 years ago, observable by future civilizations. If this isn’t a new geological era, then what is?
Graham’s Week
What I’m reading
I’m listening to an anthology of comedic poems by Tim Key on audiobook.
What I’m watching
Wimbledon, the Women’s Euro, and later this month, the British and Irish Lions Rugby Test Series against Australia.
What I’m working on
I’m tending to my vegetable garden. As a beginner, I’m learning from my mistakes. How can you tell when beetroots are ready to be harvested?
Graham Lawton is a staff writer for New Scientist and the author of Must Not Grumble: The Surprising Science of Everyday Ailments. You can follow him @grahamlawton
Will it take flight? This question is increasingly raised by those mindful of the environment. Boarding a plane might seem like the only realistic choice, especially during hard times or when loved ones live far away.
We can certainly engage in some air travel as part of a sustainable future, but we must first dispel certain misconceptions and clearly outline feasible ways to lessen our global warming footprint.
The most common myth is that sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) can resolve our issues. This label is misleading, as SAFs often don’t live up to their name.
Here’s why: there are three primary categories of SAF. The first type is derived from waste, particularly used cooking oil. However, this only accounts for about 2-3% of global flights. The second type consists of synthetic SAFs produced from raw materials like captured carbon dioxide, using renewable energy. The efficiency of these processes is quite low (at least 2 kilowatt-hours of energy are needed to generate 1 kWh of fuel), which is a misguided use of limited renewable resources. The third type is made from crops, which puts immense pressure on farmland and the food system, posing major challenges. In reality, sustainable aviation fuel is not the revolutionary solution many hope for.
Another hopeful concept I often encounter is the idea that electrification or hydrogen fuel could decarbonize aviation. However, electrification is practical only for short-haul flights; battery weight makes it unfeasible for long distances. Hydrogen poses its own challenges due to its bulky storage requirements, even when compressed to 700 times atmospheric pressure.
On a brighter note, there are significant opportunities that haven’t garnered enough attention.
Potential solutions for greener aviation have been overlooked until recently. The high, wispy trails produced by aircraft exhaust – which account for over 60% of the climate impact of flights – carry even more weight when considering their short-term influence over the next two decades.
These contrails reflect Earth’s heat back into the atmosphere and function somewhat like a blanket. However, their overall impact is complex. They can not only trap heat but also reflect sunlight on clear days, creating a cooling effect that mainly occurs during the day, particularly over dark surfaces like oceans. Unfortunately, the warming effect tends to dominate during warm nights over dark surfaces.
By making small adjustments to flight paths, we can manage contrail formation. Changing an aircraft’s altitude or trajectory in specific weather conditions can be beneficial. Deliberate modifications while flying over sunny waters could yield positive results. A slight alteration in flight routes—just 1.7%—could potentially reduce contrail warming impacts by almost 60%. Real-time modeling is essential for integrating this into flight planning, similar to current practices for avoiding storms and managing air traffic.
This presents a relatively cost-effective solution that requires industry leadership. Once contrail management becomes established, the role of SAF might shift significantly, allowing it to contribute to cleaner burning and mitigate the worst impacts of contrails on more challenging flights.
Does this imply we can ignore the climate ramifications of flying? Unfortunately, no. Yet, understanding these factors provides a legitimate reason for optimism.
Mike Berners-Lee is the author of True Climate: Why We Need It and How to Get It
A 7-year-old boy receiving the MMR vaccine in Texas amid a significant measles outbreak
Jan Sonnenmair/Getty Images
This month, a British child succumbed to measles, and in June, a Canadian infant lost their life to the same disease. Additionally, two American children have died from measles this year. This situation is tragic considering measles is preventable, yet we are witnessing a regression in public health behavior. If we do not take appropriate action, we may see a resurgence of other vaccine-preventable diseases.
The United States is currently grappling with its largest measles outbreak since the disease was declared eliminated in 2000, with 1300 confirmed cases, marking the highest incidence in 33 years. Europe is not exempt; in 2024, it reported its worst outbreak in over 25 years, more than doubling the cases from the previous year. Last year alone, the UK recorded nearly 3000 confirmed cases, the highest since 2012. Meanwhile, Canada saw a rise in measles cases, reporting over 3,800 cases this year, a total not seen in the past 26 years.
This unprecedented situation mirrors a time when many countries experienced major outbreaks in the 1980s and 90s, largely due to a single-dose vaccination policy for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR). Implementing a two-dose program proved to be about 97% effective in preventing measles, leading to a significant decline in cases, and many nations had proclaimed the elimination of measles by the early 2000s.
This current crisis is astonishing. The resurgence of measles is not due to ignorance on how to prevent it but a lack of effort in vaccination campaigns. “We have never before seen measles spread this way, primarily driven by vaccine hesitancy,” says Tinatan from Northwestern University, Illinois. “This is particularly disheartening given the availability of a safe and effective vaccine.”
Herd immunity against measles occurs when over 95% of the population is vaccinated. This threshold was achieved in American kindergarteners with a two-dose regimen during the 2019-2020 school year, but by four years later, coverage dipped below 93%.
However, national averages can obscure the reality on the ground. Vaccination rates began to decline in many US counties prior to 2019. In fact, Peter Hotez from Baylor College of Medicine raised concerns about the declining vaccination rates in Gaines County, Texas—epicenter of the current outbreak—as early as 2016. Since then, coverage has deteriorated dramatically, from around 95% to under 77%. “We’ve been anticipating this situation for at least a decade,” Hotez states. “To understand the crisis, one must look at local vaccination rates, revealing pockets with alarmingly low coverage.”
Similar trends are evident globally. In Canada, vaccination rates for children aged two holding at least one MMR dose plummeted from nearly 90% in 2019 to below 83% in 2023. Alberta, a hotspot in the current outbreak, reported percentages dropping from over 83% in 2019 to approximately 80% in 2024, with some communities as low as 32%.
Meanwhile, the UK has seen less than 85% of five-year-old children receive both MMR doses between 2023 and 2024. Out of the 48 OECD member countries, the UK ranks 30th in measles vaccination rates with Canada at 39th, New Zealand at 32nd, and the US at 4th. Hungary leads with close to 100% coverage, while Romania lags behind at around 20%.
The rise in vaccine hesitancy significantly contributes to this decline, with prominent figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. leading the charge against vaccination, making unfounded claims that equate the risks of the MMR vaccine with measles, which can include encephalitis and blindness. The risks tied to measles infections remain significant—about 1 in 1000 individuals contracting measles develops encephalitis, compared to 1 in 1 million vaccinated children.
Despite his stance, Kennedy encourages vaccinations. During a Fox News interview in March, he mentioned that the US government is committed to ensuring vaccines are accessible.
However, this may be too little, too late. While measles incidents seem to be decreasing in the US, Hotez warns of a potential spike in cases when children return to school. The ongoing outbreak, now in its seventh month, risks jeopardizing the US’s measles elimination status. The UK has already faced similar challenges, losing its status two years after eradicating measles in 2016, before finally regaining it in 2023.
Hotez expresses concern that the current measles outbreak may be just the beginning and that increasing vaccine refusals could hinder progress against other preventable diseases, such as polio and pertussis. “I fear this won’t stop with measles,” he warns.
Even speculative AI energy consumption can raise electricity bills
Oscar Wong/Getty Images
The technological aspirations of high-tech firms are set to necessitate a substantial increase in power-hungry data centers. This rising demand poses a risk of higher electricity bills for everyone, even if some data centers remain unbuilt.
Utility companies in the U.S. are hastily constructing additional power plants, transmission lines, and gas pipelines to accommodate the swiftly increasing energy demands of data centers. U.S. housing costs have surged nearly 30% since 2021—outpacing inflation—according to a report by Powerlines, a nonprofit organization focused on utility regulations in the U.S. Over the past two years, electricity bills nationwide have increased by $10 billion each year.
A new report published by the Southern Environmental Law Center, a Virginia-based environmental nonprofit, highlights that it might overestimate the demand stemming from speculative data center projects. Developers frequently submit overlapping requests for electrical services across multiple regions for each project before settling on a single location.
“If the anticipated load from the data center isn’t fully realized—all indications and frankly, common sense at this point indicate that. Rate payers will ultimately bear the economic burden of unnecessary and underused gas and electricity infrastructures,” says Megan Gibson of the Southern Environmental Law Center.
Former executives from firms such as Google and Meta admit that the practice of securing redundant data center power is typical, as outlined in the report. “Tech executives are candidly voicing concerns,” Gibson mentions. New Scientist reached out to Amazon, Google, Meta, and Microsoft regarding their data center development plans, but received no additional comments.
Considering all U.S. data center projects announced between 2025 and 2030, the inflated estimates stand out even more. Collectively, they are projected to consume 90% of the global chip supply—despite the fact that the U.S. currently makes up less than 50% of global chip demand. “It’s uncommon for the entirety of the world’s chip supply to cater to this specific segment in the U.S.,” notes Marie Ng Fagan from London Economics International, a global consulting firm based in the U.S. and Canada.
To ease the burden on regular bill payers, “states should mandate utilities to forge contracts with potential data center customers that allocate this risk to the data center itself,” advises Ali Pescoe from Harvard Law School, a consultant for Powerlines.
Some state governments are already taking action. On July 9th, the Ohio Regulatory Authority issued an order that mandates large data center customers of Ohio’s largest utility company to pay at least 85% of their subscribed power load, even if their actual consumption falls short. Similarly, officials in Georgia are grappling with a rule designed to prevent data center growth from imposing burdens on other bill payers.
“The data center industry is dedicated to bearing the full costs of services for energy used, including transmission fees,” asserts Aaron Tingjum from the Data Centers Union, a Virginia-based trade association. “It’s crucial to guarantee fair electricity bills for all customers.”
Eight young children seem to be shielded from severe genetic disorders following their birth through a three-parent DNA technique. This method involved replacing defective maternal mitochondria with those from a female donor.
Approximately 1 in 5,000 individuals carry mitochondrial defects that provide energy to cells and are inherited solely from the mother. Such defects may result from genetic mutations leading to issues like blindness, seizures, and, in extreme cases, death. “Families find it incredibly challenging to cope with these diseases. They are heart-wrenching,” states Bobby McFarland from Newcastle University, UK.
In 2015, the UK first sanctioned a procedure called pronuclear transfer for women at high risk of passing on mitochondrial conditions, particularly those who cannot benefit from pre-implantation genetic testing.
This nuclear transfer technique utilizes eggs from both mothers and donors, which are fertilized with paternal sperm via IVF. After roughly 10 hours, the nuclei from both eggs are extracted, leaving behind the crucial genetic material that is separate from mitochondrial DNA.
The nucleus from the mother is subsequently inserted into the donor’s egg, yielding an embryo that primarily inherits DNA from its biological parent while acquiring mitochondria from the donor. Some mitochondrial DNA from the mother may still be unintentionally transmitted, according to Burt Smeet from Maastricht University in the Netherlands.
McFarland, who pioneered this method with her team, has applied the technique to 19 women harboring harmful mutations in over 80% of their mitochondria, typically the level that causes issues.
Seven of the women achieved pregnancy after the final embryo transfer, resulting in eight healthy births, including one pair of twins.
The researchers evaluated blood samples from the newborns, finding no harmful mitochondrial DNA mutations in five, and only trace levels in the remaining three. “The results have exceeded expectations,” says Mike Murphy from Cambridge University.
In the months or years following these nuclear transfers, all children have shown progress with developmental milestones. However, some may encounter complications that may or may not be linked to the procedure. For instance, one child developed high blood fat levels and an abnormal heartbeat, both of which were successfully addressed, while another experienced epilepsy at 7 months old, which resolved on its own.
The research team plans to monitor these children to assess the long-term consequences of the procedure.
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