Tax Relief and Carmen Sandiego: Boosting Australia’s Former Video Game Industry

Posted on August 10, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The perception that video games lack seriousness fails to recognize the benefits they provide to gamers who often feel disconnected.

“During the Covid pandemic, I realized that games serve as a vital means for people to connect and maintain relationships.”

Ross Simmons, CEO of Big Ali Studios, a Melbourne-based game development firm, recalls Tony Abbott’s dismissal of the national broadband network in 2010 when he referred to it as merely “internet-based television, video entertainment, and gaming.”

Simmons asserts that the industry’s marginalization has not endured over time.

Data from the Interactive Games and Entertainment Association (IGEA) indicates that Australians invested $3.8 billion in video games in the past year. Although this sector remains smaller compared to major development countries like Canada, it is gradually evolving.

In 2023, the Australian government introduced the Digital Game Tax Offset (DGTO), enabling local developers to claim a 30% refundable income tax offset for creating or porting games in Australia. This policy is applicable to companies that spend a minimum of $500,000 on development in Australia, with a cap of $20 million per company.

Ron Curry, CEO of IGEA, reports that the Australian gaming industry employed approximately 1,300 individuals between 2020 and 2021.

Industry experts believe that the government’s tax offsets and rebates are drawing international developers and fostering local talent.
Photo: Assanka Brendon Ratnayake/Guardian

The Game Development sector in Australia now employs 2,465 full-time staff and generated $3399.1 million in revenue for the fiscal year 2023-24. “This reflects nearly a 100% rise in employment and an approximate 85% increase in revenue,” he notes.

“The DGTO has activated numerous avenues. Previously, Australia was one of the most expensive places to develop games and the only developed nation lacking rebates or offsets. We have corrected this to align ourselves with other developed nations.”

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Curry expresses confidence in the industry, indicating that government support, along with state and territorial grants, has signified Australia as a “healthy environment for operation,” fostering trust among investors, game publishers, and prospective employees.

Interstate Competition and Legacy Building

Serge Xebian, a partner at Playlight Consulting which advises gaming firms on financial matters, states that the offset has substantially benefited companies hiring in Australia, spurring momentum in the sector.

“International studios are increasingly aware of this, particularly those with existing ties to Australian vendors. Now, many are actively looking toward Australia. My clients’ suggestions are rapidly moving up the agenda.”

Xebian notes that while New South Wales was once a film haven, Victoria now stands out as a game development center, although competition is intensifying. Queensland offers a 15% rebate in addition to the federal benefits, with a threshold set at $250,000, while Victoria’s rebates range from 10% to 15%, based on investment level, with a $500,000 threshold.

“We are seeing many independent game studios relocating to Queensland,” observes Xebian.

French game developer Gameloft inaugurated a studio in Brisbane in 2014, responsible for reviving the famous character Carmen Sandiego on Netflix, Xbox, PlayStation, PC, and Nintendo Switch this year.

Manea Castett, head of the Brisbane studio, reminisces about playing Carmen Sandiego games with his father, describing the character’s persona as both thrilling and adventurous. He appreciates the opportunity to reimagine the game and provide players with a “fun twist” on Sandiego’s adventures.

Castett mentions that their Brisbane studio stands out within the company for its rapid growth, expanding from 55 staff two years ago to 217 today. He highlights their ability to develop two games simultaneously, enabling a more comprehensive approach to game design, technology, audio, quality assurance, and marketing.

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“Globally, the landscape is shifting… there remains significant revenue potential. The Australian video game industry is on the rise.”

Development challenges

Big Ali’s studio became the center of a controversy during the launch of Rugby League 26 in July when users reported game bugs, which included incorrect jersey numbers and server issues that hampered gameplay.

Simmons described the day patches were deployed to enhance the game as “very satisfying,” explaining that the near deadline for release aligned with the NRL season forced hasty changes.

Simmons noted that Big Ant Studio’s latest rugby title temporarily overwhelmed its online servers, achieving sales over six times their anticipations. Photo: Assanka Brendon Ratnayake/Guardian

“In the week prior to the release, we implemented 1,200 changes, many of which involved alterations due to sponsorships related to betting, alcohol, and other elements,” he explains, describing the challenges involved.

Logos of gambling and alcohol companies present on player jerseys in real life were removed from the game due to increasing concerns about promoting these products to underage audiences. Simmons believes that they underestimated the game’s demand on launch day, which sold six times their initial projections, causing server issues they eventually addressed.

Before the tax offsets were introduced, Big Ant had around 50 employees; now, with the growth fueled by these initiatives, they expanded to 147. Simmons states, “This enables us to compete globally.”

The tight job market, wherein game development skills are sought after across diverse sectors including artificial intelligence, further complicates their growth trajectory.

Curry notes that while the industry boasts transferable skills that participants take pride in, it must vie for talent. Ensuring safe jobs, competitive salaries, and an immigration framework that attracts skilled professionals will aid in recruitment, he adds.

“Integrating senior talent into the country serves as an accelerator for the people they mentor,” he remarks. “In Canada, you can bring developers into the country in as little as two weeks. We’ve witnessed instances of individuals taking over two years to enter Australia.”

“In a fast-paced industry, such delays are problematic.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

Severe Storm Warning for Portions of the Southeastern Midwest This Weekend

Posted on August 9, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

This weekend, powerful and destructive thunderstorms are anticipated in the Midwest, Central Plains, and Southeast, leading to heavy rain and flash flooding in the upcoming days.

By early Saturday, rain and strong wind gusts had already left over 50,000 residents in Nebraska without power. Poweroutage.us. The National Weather Service warns that severe weather may still be unfolding.

The agency forecasts “massive nocturnal thunderstorms” affecting parts of the Midwest from the weekend through Monday.

Clusters of thunderstorms, especially during nighttime, are likely to produce “very heavy rain” along corridors extending from northern Missouri to southern Iowa and southern Wisconsin. The National Weather Service reports.

“We expect localized rainfall totals to reach 9 inches over several days,” stated the agency. Saturday’s short-distance forecast discussion noted.

Consequently, there is a significant flash flood threat across the region.

In the Southeast, storms are expected to persist, particularly in northern Florida and southern Georgia this weekend, accompanied by heavy rainfall.

“The daily heavy rains on already saturated ground present localized flooding risks, especially along the coast in southeastern Georgia,” the local NWS branch in Jacksonville, Florida, stated in their weekend predictions.

Central and South Florida may experience numerous showers and slow-moving storms, leading to damaging winds and heavy downpours, according to the NWS.

Meanwhile, the Southwest is grappling with record-breaking heat. Triple-digit temperatures are widespread in Arizona, Nevada, and New Mexico, with Phoenix hitting 118 degrees Fahrenheit on Thursday, breaking the city’s daily record. Other Arizona cities, including Scottsdale, Yuma, Bryce, and Deer Valley, have also reported similar daily temperature records. The National Weather Service confirmed.

Although the weekend temperatures in Arizona and other areas of the Southwest Desert are expected to be less extreme than recent highs, the NWS indicates that high temperatures above 110 degrees Fahrenheit are still possible.

In Albuquerque, Friday’s high of 101 degrees Fahrenheit shattered the previous record of 98 degrees F set in 2011. The NWS reported. A heat advisory remains in effect until Saturday evening, just before a storm moves through central and northeastern New Mexico on Sunday.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

OpenAI Withholds GPT-5 Energy Consumption Details, Potentially Exceeding Previous Models

Posted on August 9, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

In response to inquiries about Artichoke recipes made to OpenAI’s ChatGPT in mid-2023, whether for pasta or guidance on rituals related to Moloch, the ancient Canaanite deity, the feedback was quite harsh—2 watts—which consumes approximately the same energy as an incandescent bulb over two minutes.

On Thursday, OpenAI unveiled a model that powers the widely-used chatbot GPT-5. When queried about Artichoke recipes, experts suggest that the energy consumed for similar pasta-related text could be multiple times greater (up to 20 times).

The release of GPT-5 introduced a groundbreaking capability for the model to answer PhD-level scientific inquiries, illuminating rationales for complex questions.

Nevertheless, specialists who have assessed energy and resource consumption of AI models over recent years indicate that these newer variants come with a cost. Responses from GPT-5 may require substantially more energy than those from earlier ChatGPT models.

Like many of its rivals, OpenAI has not provided official data regarding the power consumption of models since announcing GPT-3 in 2020. In June, Altman discussed the resource usage of ChatGPT on his blog. However, the figures presented—0.34 watt-hours and 0.000085 gallons of water per query—lack specific model references and supporting documentation.

“More complex models like GPT-5 require greater power during both training and inference, leading to a significant increase in energy consumption compared to GPT-4.”

On the day GPT-5 launched, researchers from the University of Rhode Island AI Lab found that the model could consume up to 40 watts to generate a medium-length response of approximately 1,000 tokens.

A dashboard released on Friday indicated that GPT-5’s average energy use for medium-length responses exceeds 18 watts, surpassing all other models except for OpenAI’s O3 inference model launched in April, developed by Chinese AI firm Deepseek.

According to Nidhal Jegham, a researcher in the group, this is “significantly more energy than OpenAI’s prior model, GPT-4O.”

To put that in perspective, one watt of 18 watt-hours equates to using that incandescent light bulb for 18 minutes. Recent reports indicate that ChatGPT processes 2.5 billion requests daily, suggesting that GPT-5’s total energy consumption could match that of 1.5 million American households.

Despite these figures, experts in the field assert they align with expectations regarding GPT-5’s energy consumption, given its significantly larger scale compared to OpenAI’s earlier model. Since GPT-3, OpenAI has not disclosed the parameter count of any models. The earlier version contained 17.5 billion parameters.

This summer, insights from French AI company Mistral highlighted a “strong correlation” between model size and energy use, based on their internal systems research.

“The amount of resources consumed by the model size [for GPT-5] is noteworthy,” observed Xiao Len, a professor at the University of California Riverside. “We are facing a significant AI resource footprint.”

AI Power Usage Benchmark

GPT-4 was widely regarded as being 10 times larger compared to GPT-3. Jegham, Kumar, and Ren believe GPT-5 is likely to be even larger than GPT-4.

Major AI companies like OpenAI assert that significantly larger models may be essential for achieving AGI, an AI system capable of performing human tasks. Altman has emphasized this perspective, stating in February: “It seems you can invest any amount and receive continuous, predictable returns,” but that GPT-5 does not surpass human intelligence.

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According to benchmarks from a study performed in July, Mistral’s LE chatbot exhibited a direct correlation between model size and its resource usage regarding power, water, and carbon emissions.

Jegham, Kumar, and Ren indicated that while the scale of GPT-5 is crucial, other factors will likely influence resource consumption. GPT-5 utilizes more efficient hardware compared to previous iterations. It employs a “mixture” architecture, allowing not all parameters to be active while responding, which could help diminish energy use.

Moreover, since GPT-5 operates as an inference model that processes text, images, and video, this is expected to lead to a larger energy footprint when compared to solely text-based processing, according to Ren and Kumar.

“In inference mode, the resources spent to achieve identical outcomes can escalate by five to ten times,” remarked Ren.

Hidden Information

To assess the resource consumption of AI models, a team from the University of Rhode Island calculated the average time taken by the model to answer queries—such as pasta recipes or offerings to Moloch—multiplied by the average power draw of the model during operation.

Estimating the model’s power draw involved significant effort, shared Abdeltawab Henderwi, a Professor of Data Science at the University of Rhode Island. The team faced difficulties in sourcing information about the deployment of various models within data centers. Their final paper includes estimates detailing chip usage for specific models and the distribution of queries among different chips in the data centers.

Altman’s blog post from June affirmed their results, revealing that his indicated energy consumption for queries on ChatGPT, at 0.34 watt-hours, closely matches findings from the team for GPT-4O.

Other team members, including Hendawi, Jegham, and others emphasized the need for increased transparency from AI firms when releasing new models.

“Addressing the true environmental costs of AI is more critical now than ever,” stated Marwan Abdelatti, a Professor. “We urge OpenAI and other developers to commit to full transparency in disclosing the environmental impact of GPT-5.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

Evacuation Orders Lifted as California Canyon Fire Reaches 28% Containment

Posted on August 9, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

On Friday evening, evacuation orders were lifted in portions of Southern California as firefighters effectively managed the Canyon fires, which have consumed approximately 5,400 acres and are currently at 28% containment. This information comes from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Prevention (Cal Fire).

Evacuations that impacted thousands in Ventura and Los Angeles counties have been reduced to warnings, indicating ongoing risks to life and property.

The Canyon fires are active in the hilly areas north of Los Angeles and are progressing towards the Castatic community in LA County.

Officials from Ventura County reported on Friday that the use of water and fire retardant has significantly hindered the fire’s spread, supported by the consistent efforts of ground crews.

Despite this progress, the fire remains a considerable threat and is continuing to extend eastward.

In a Friday update on X, the LA County Fire Department noted that three firefighters sustained minor injuries while combating the blaze and were transported to a local hospital “out of an abundance of caution.” They are expected to make a full recovery.

The South Coast Air Quality Control District has issued advisories concerning wildfire smoke for parts of LA County, particularly along the I-5 corridor near Lake Castaic. Air quality issues are anticipated to persist until Sunday morning, as reported by the agency that tracks air quality for Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties.

Wildfire smoke is a significant pollution concern, as it contains fine particles smaller than 2.5 micrometers—about 4% of the width of an average human hair. Such pollution is hazardous, as these particles can penetrate deep into the lungs, exacerbating conditions like asthma, lung cancer, and other chronic respiratory diseases.

The Canyon Fire ignited near Holster Canyon on Thursday afternoon, rapidly consuming over 1,500 acres within a few hours.

This blaze is one of several significant fires currently affecting California, including the massive Gifford Fire, which started on August 1st in the Rospadres National Forest, burning over 100,000 acres and achieving only 21% containment. As per Cal Fire.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Potential for Major Earthquakes Beneath North America, Study Indicates

Posted on August 9, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Recent research suggests that the concealed structural weaknesses in the Yukon, Canada, may be primed to trigger a significant earthquake of at least magnitude 7.5, as outlined in the latest study.

The Tintina Fault, stretching from northeastern British Columbia to central Alaska, has been silently accumulating tension for over 12,000 years. A new investigation previously deemed relatively harmless indicates that it remains very active.

Regrettably, scientists are unable to predict when the next major quake will strike.

“Our findings indicate that the fault is active and continues to build strain,” said Dr. Theron Finley, the lead author of the study published in Geophysical Research Letters, in a statement to BBC Science Focus. “I expect it will eventually rupture again.”

The Tintina Fault is classified as a “right-lateral strike-slip fault,” where two blocks of the Earth’s crust slide horizontally past each other. If one side moves to the right during an earthquake, it’s identified as right-lateral.

Over the ages, one side of the fault has shifted approximately 430 km (270 mi), during a geological period that spanned roughly 560 to 33.9 million years ago, predominantly in the Eocene epoch.

The Tintina Fault extends 1,000 km (600 mi) from northeastern British Columbia to Alaska. – Credit: National Park Bureau

While minor earthquakes occasionally occur in the region, the Tintina Fault has generally been considered dormant.

“There have been small earthquakes in the 3-4 magnitude range detected along or near the Tintina Fault,” Finley noted. “However, nothing has strongly indicated that a larger outbreak is likely.”

This perspective changed when Finley and his team revisited the fault with advanced technology. By integrating satellite surface models with drone-mounted Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data, researchers uncovered hidden seismic activity within the dense Yukon forests.

The landscape revealed cliffs associated with the fault, forming long, narrow terrains created when a quake pushed material to the surface, often collapsing in the process. These features can span dozens or even hundreds of kilometers, but are typically only a few meters tall and wide.

“In the case of the Tintina fault, these features appear as a series of intriguing mounds,” Finley stated.

By dating these surface formations, researchers determined that the fault has ruptured multiple times over the last 2.6 million years, though no significant earthquakes have occurred in the past 12,000 years.

Fortunately, the region is sparsely populated. However, if the fault does rupture, Finley cautioned that major landslides, infrastructure damage, and impacts on nearby communities would be highly probable.

“We want to emphasize that we don’t have a precise sense of how imminent an earthquake is,” he noted. “Our observations indicate it has been a long time since the last significant quake, but there’s no way to know if one is more likely in the near or distant future.”

Finley remarks that the fault has been confirmed as active, and the next step is to better estimate the frequency of large earthquakes in the area. This could help provide a more reliable timeline, even though scientists cannot accurately forecast when the next rupture may happen. Stay tuned.

“Earthquakes don’t necessarily occur on a regular basis, but they can give us a clearer understanding of how often we can expect significant events,” Finley explained. “Regardless, when the Tintina fault finally releases, it won’t be inconsequential.”

Read more:

About our experts

Theron Finley is a geologist at the Yukon Geological Survey. He recently obtained a doctorate from the University of Victoria in Canada and has conducted research on active faults in Western Canada, utilizing remote sensing, structural geology, and paleoseismology.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Microsoft Probes Israeli Military’s Use of Azure Cloud Storage

Posted on August 9, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Microsoft is examining how Unit 8200, the Israeli military surveillance unit, utilizes the Azure Cloud Storage platform.

Top executives are quickly assessing the data that Unit 8200 stores on Azure following a Guardian investigation that disclosed how intelligence agencies can amass extensive records of intercepted Palestinian mobile communications through cloud services.

Collaborative inquiries with Israeli and Palestinian media outlets, including +972 Magazine and the Hebrew publication Local Call, found that Unit 8200 employs a specialized area within Azure that archives millions of daily calls from Gaza and the West Bank.

Sources linked to the investigation indicate that vast amounts of data from this cloud-based repository are being leveraged to pinpoint and identify bombing targets in Gaza.

The report, released on Wednesday, raised alarms among Microsoft’s leadership regarding whether some employees in Israel fully disclose their knowledge of Unit 8200’s use of Azure, according to insiders.

Insiders reveal that internal efforts are currently ongoing to evaluate the type of data stored in Microsoft’s data centers, alongside reconsiderations of how this information is utilized by Israeli forces in the ongoing conflict with Gaza.

In May, Microsoft acknowledged that a review of its military ties with the U.S. found that Azure “was used to target or harm people” in Gaza, with “no prior evidence” of this use existing. These findings reportedly relied partially on the assurances provided by Israeli staff.

However, some senior executives at the company’s U.S. headquarters have recently started to doubt the accuracy of the information provided by certain Israeli employees managing their military relationships.

A source familiar with internal discussions noted that management struggled to verify some of the claims from Israeli staff, questioning whether employees felt they were beholden to their military rather than their employer.

Using leaked documents, the Guardian discovered multiple employees associated with managing the Unit 8200 project, identifying them as reservists for the elite wiretapping unit, akin to the U.S. National Security Agency.

Despite the concerns raised by recent executives, Microsoft has yet to initiate official reviews of its collaborations with the Israeli military from earlier this year, which were spurred by reports highlighting the military’s reliance on Microsoft technology during attacks in Gaza.

A Microsoft spokesperson stated, “As indicated in a prior independent investigation, the company takes these allegations seriously. Upon receiving new information, we are committed to verifying it and taking appropriate actions.”

According to documents reviewed by the Guardian, Microsoft executives are aware of plans to transition a substantial amount of sensitive, classified intelligence data to Azure as the company collaborates with the unit to implement advanced security measures in its cloud services.

Nevertheless, the company claims that executives are not aware that Azure is utilized by Unit 8200 to retain the information from intercepted Palestinian communications. “There is no information concerning the data stored within a customer’s cloud environment,” the spokesperson remarked earlier this week.

In a statement following the investigation, a spokesperson for the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) remarked, “We value Microsoft’s support in securing cybersecurity. Microsoft ensures that it is not an IDF partner in data storage or processing and does not collaborate with us.”

Several sources within Microsoft have indicated that the IDF’s statement surprised the company’s leadership, as it is not a secret that they provide cloud storage to the military under a contract with the Israeli Ministry of Defense.

After the disclosure regarding its reliance on Microsoft, a worker-led organization, called Apartheid Azure, issued a series of demands, including an appeal for the company to sever all publicly known ties with the Israeli military.

NOAA organizer Abdo Mohamed, who was terminated from the company last year, stated that Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and other executives have maintained that “when entering this partnership in 2021, the company did not anticipate benefiting from the suffering of the Palestinian people.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

Research Discovers Unusual Glow Emitted by the Human Brain

Posted on August 9, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Our brains are glowing. While this phenomenon isn’t visible to the naked eye, scientists have the ability to detect faint light that permeates the skull. Recent studies indicate that this light varies based on our activities.

All living tissues generate a subtle light known as Ultraweak Photon Emissions (UPE). This emission ceases once the organism dies. The human brain, however, emits a considerable amount of this light due to its high energy consumption, accounting for around 20% of the body’s total energy.

“Ultraweak photon emissions, or UPE, are extremely faint light signals produced by all types of cells throughout the body—trillions of times weaker than the light from bulbs,” stated Dr. Nirosha Murugan, an Assistant Professor of Health Sciences at Wilfrid Laurier University in Ontario, Canada. BBC Science Focus.

“Although UPE is a weak signal, the energy expenditure of the brain generates more light than other organs,” she explained. “Consider the hundreds of billions of brain cells; each one emits a weak light signal, but together they create a measurable collective glow outside the head.”

Murugan’s research team aimed to explore whether this glow fluctuated with brain activity and if it could be utilized to assess brain functions.

To investigate, scientists equipped participants with caps containing electrical sensors to track both electrical impulses and light emitted from the brain. Twenty adults were invited to sit in a darkened room.

Participants were directed to open and close their eyes and follow simple audio instructions.

Comparisons were made between the captured electrical signals and UPEs, revealing notable correlations.

“We discovered that the optical signals detected around the head correlate with electrical activity in the brain during cognitive tasks,” Murugan noted. “These patterns of light emission from the brain are dynamic, intricate, and informative.”

The brain emitted this light in a slow, rhythmic pattern, occurring less than once per second, creating the illusion of stability throughout the two-minute tasks.

All living cells emit ultrawave light as a byproduct of chemical reactions such as energy metabolism – Credit: Sean Gladwell via Getty

Murugan indicated that measuring this brain light could offer scientists and medical professionals a novel method for brain imaging, potentially identifying conditions like epilepsy, dementia, and depression.

This light is not merely a by-product; it might also play a functional role in the brain. Murugan emphasized that examining it could “uncover hidden dimensions” of our cognitive processes.

“I hope that the possibility of detecting and interpreting light signals from the brain will inspire new questions previously deemed unfathomable,” she stated. “For instance, can UPEs permeate the skull and influence other brains within the vicinity?”

This study serves as a preliminary exploration, suggesting that plenty remains to be uncovered about our illuminating brains.

Nonetheless, Murugan expressed hope that the team’s discoveries will “ignite a new discussion regarding the significance of light in brain functionality.”

read more:

About our experts

Dr. Nirosha Murugan is an assistant professor in the Department of Health Sciences at Wilfrid Laurier University, Ontario, Canada. She was recently appointed as Tier 2 Canada Research Chair of Biophysics at the University of Algoma in Ontario.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

The Negative Impact of Excessive Fiber on Gut Health

Posted on August 9, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

You might have come across the term “fibremaxxing.” This recent health craze, popularized on platforms like TikTok, involves individuals significantly increasing their daily fiber intake. The recommended amount is 25-30g (0.9-1 oz) per day with the goal of enhancing gut health.

Influencers are now dubbing fiber as the “new protein,” promoting high-fiber foods such as beans, lentils, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Some even resort to fiber supplements to meet their daily targets.

This theory suggests that such increases have potential health benefits, including improved digestion, more regular bowel movements, increased gut bacteria, and relief from symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

This trend arises from the belief that modern diets often lack sufficient fiber, and there is certainly some truth to this.

Current data indicates that 91% of individuals in the UK, and likewise in the US, do not meet the recommended fiber intake. 95% of people lack adequate fiber.

So, ramping up fiber consumption must be beneficial, right? However, it’s not that straightforward, particularly in relation to diet and health.

Intestinal Reactions

Fiber plays a crucial role in gut health for several reasons.

Though it is a carbohydrate, fiber differs from other carbs like starch and sugar; it is not digested in the small intestine. Instead, it travels to the large intestine where gut bacteria utilize it. These bacteria offer various health benefits by producing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that contribute positively to our health.

Non-decomposable fibers absorb liquid, increase stool bulk, and make elimination smoother. Thus, boosting fiber intake can help prevent constipation and regulate bowel movements.

Individuals with IBS often believe enhanced fiber intake soothes symptoms, particularly if they experience more constipation than diarrhea.

Vegetables offer a variety of fibers, both soluble and insoluble, beneficial for gut health.

Research suggests that adequate fiber intake can reduce the risk of colon cancer. One SCFA produced in the large intestine, butyrate, is believed to have anti-inflammatory and protective properties for colon cells.

By facilitating stool passage, fibers minimize the contact time colon cells have with harmful substances, potentially explaining the rising incidence of colon cancers worldwide. Particularly among young individuals who consume insufficient fiber-rich foods.

Nonetheless, while incorporating more fiber into your diet is generally beneficial, “fibremaxxing” requires a nuanced understanding of nutrition. It’s akin to running a marathon without proper training for your gut.

The Risks of Overconsumption

The gut is a complex ecosystem, finely tuned to maintain balance, and introducing excessive specific nutrients can lead to unintended consequences. Some proponents of “fibremaxxing” advocate for fiber intakes exceeding 50g (1.8oz) daily, possibly resulting in side effects such as bloating, cramps, and diarrhea.

There’s also a variety of fiber types to contemplate. Soluble fibers absorb water and slow digestion, while insoluble fibers pass through largely intact, hastening digestion. Moreover, fermentable fibers feed bacteria in the large intestine.

A healthy gut requires a balance among these fibers. Excessive insoluble fiber (found in wheat bran and some vegetables) may bulk up stool but irritate sensitive digestive organs. Certain fermentable fibers, like oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (known as FODMAPs), can complicate absorption and potentially aggravate IBS symptoms.

To effectively support gut health, a balance of different fiber types is essential. By aiming excessively high, such as 50g (1.8oz) daily, “fibremaxxers” might confine their diet to a limited array of fiber-rich foods.

For example, high-fiber breakfast cereals provide 12.4g of fiber per 100g (0.5 oz per half cup); to reach their lofty goals, individuals may feel compelled to consume multiple bowls throughout the day. However, cereal mainly offers insoluble fiber, lacking soluble and fermented fiber.

Consequently, excessive fiber can lead to increased digestive discomfort and disrupt the delicate equilibrium required for a healthy gut, particularly if individuals neglect to consider how to balance their nutrient intake.

Cleansing Trends

By prioritizing one nutrient for specific health benefits, fibremaxxing fits into a long tradition of cleansing and detox trends targeting digestive health.

While various gut cleansing rituals frequently trend on social media and appear enticing, they often cause more harm than good. For instance, juice cleanses can strip away vital nutrients, and “detox” teas and laxatives may result in dehydration and long-term harm to the intestinal lining.

Additionally, recent trends involving enemas can disrupt the natural rhythm of the intestines and eliminate beneficial bacteria.

Juice cleansing is neither a healthy nor a safe dieting approach.

Experts advise caution regarding trendy supplements and extreme elimination diets that exclude entire food groups without proper oversight, as these may reduce microbial diversity and impair digestion. Your gut won’t appreciate these drastic resets; what it truly needs is ongoing, careful, and balanced support.

Monitoring Your Fiber Intake

How can you determine if you’re consuming enough fiber in your diet and if you need to increase your intake?

Signs such as fatigue and weight gain are often early warnings. Soluble fiber slows digestion, contributing to prolonged feelings of fullness while gradually releasing sugar into the bloodstream.

In its absence, blood sugar levels can fluctuate unpredictably, leading to fatigue shortly after meals. Such energy dips can tempt you into snacking, resulting in weight gain.

While fibremaxxing may have begun as a sincere effort to boost well-being, like many health trends that go viral, it oversimplifies complex bodily processes and poses risks by overdoing things.

It’s evident that most individuals will benefit from increasing fiber consumption, especially from plant-based foods, which can aid digestion, lower disease risk, and help maintain healthy weight. However, this must be done cautiously; excessive, sudden, or unbalanced increases can be detrimental.

Your gut is a finely tuned ecosystem that flourishes through diversity, consistency, and balance—not through drastic changes or quick fixes.

Read more:

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Images of Giant Exoplanet Candidates in Alpha Centauri’s Habitable Zone

Posted on August 9, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The planetary candidate, Alpha Centauri AB, may be a gas giant orbiting at a distance of one to two times that of the Earth from the Sun, as indicated in two research papers. Astrophysics Journal Letter. If verified, this planet would be the closest known to Earth within the habitable zone of a Sun-like star. Nonetheless, since it is a gas giant, astronomers do not believe it could support life as we understand it.

Artist’s rendering of the gas giant Alpha Centauri A. Image credits: NASA/ESA/CSA/STSCI/Robert L. Hurt, Caltech & IPAC.

Alpha Centauri resides in the Centaurus constellation and represents the nearest star system to Earth.

Also referred to as Rigil Centaurus, Rigil Kent, and Griese 559, this system includes a bright binary star pair, Alpha Centauri A and Alpha Centauri B, alongside a fainter red star known as Alpha Centauri C.

The two prominent stars are approximately 4.35 light-years away, while Alpha Centauri C, commonly called Proxima Centauri, is slightly nearer at about 4.23 light-years.

In comparison to the Sun, Alpha Centauri A is a G2-type star similar in nature, but slightly larger (1.1 times the size of the Sun and around 1.5 times its luminosity).

Alpha Centauri B, classified as a K1-type star, is slightly smaller and less luminous (approximately 0.9 times the mass of the Sun, with about 45% of its visual brightness).

These two stars orbit around a common center of gravity approximately every 80 years, maintaining a minimum distance of about 11 times that of the Earth-Sun distance.

Astronomers study these stars closely along with our nearest interstellar neighbor, Proxima Centauri, making them prime targets in the search for potentially habitable planets.

“This proximity offers the best chance to gather data on planetary systems beyond our own,” stated Dr. Charles Beichman from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the Exoplanet Science Institute at IPAC Astronomy Center in California.

“However, the brightness and swift motion of these stars present significant challenges in observation, even for the world’s most advanced space telescopes.”

The Alpha Centauri star system captured by different terrestrial and space-based observatories: DSS, Hubble Space Telescope, and James Webb Space Telescope. While the DSS shows the triple system as one light source, Hubble distinguishes between Alpha Centauri A and B. Webb’s Milimask image mitigates glare from Alpha Centauri A via a coronagraphic mask. Image credits: NASA/ESA/CSA/ANIKET SANGHI, CALTECH/CHAS BEICHMAN, NEXSCI, NASA & JPL-CALTECH/DIMITRI MAWET, CALTECH/JOSEPH DEPASQUALE, STSCI.

The first observations of this system occurred in August 2024, employing a Coronagraphic Mask with Webb’s Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) to reduce the brightness of Alpha Centauri A.

The presence of nearby companion star Alpha Centauri B added complexity to the analysis, but astronomers successfully subtracted the light from both stars, uncovering objects that were more than 10,000 times dimmer than Alpha Centauri A.

On the other hand, an initial detection was promising, but further data was required for a definitive conclusion.

However, subsequent observations in February and April of 2025 did not unveil any objects akin to those detected in August 2024.

“We are facing a case of disappearing planets,” remarked Dr. Aniket Sangi from Caltech.

“To unravel this mystery, we employed computer models simulating millions of potential orbits, taking into account the insights gained from observing planets and their absence.”

In the simulations, the team incorporated the 2019 sightings of potential exoplanet candidates reported by the ESO’s Very Large Telescope, alongside new data from Webb, considering the gravitational stability of orbits influenced by Alpha Centauri B.

“The non-detections in the second and third rounds with Webb were not unexpected,” stated Sangi.

“In many simulated orbits, the planet was positioned too close to the star, rendering it invisible to Webb during both February and April 2025.”

“Based on mid-infrared observations of planetary brightness and orbital simulations, this gas giant could have a mass similar to Saturn, orbiting Alpha Centauri A at a distance one to two times greater than that between the Sun and Earth.”

“If confirmed, the potential planets identified in Webb’s Alpha Centauri images will represent a significant milestone in exoplanet imaging efforts,” Sangi added.

“Of all directly imaged planets, this would be the closest star we have ever observed.”

“Moreover, it would be the nearest to our home, with gas giants in our solar system that are similar in temperature and age to Earth.”

“The mere existence of two closely separated star systems poses intriguing challenges to our understanding of planetary formation, survival, and evolution within chaotic environments.”

If substantiated by further observations, these findings could reshape the field of exoplanet science.

“This will become a pivotal object in exoplanet research, offering multiple opportunities for detailed characterization by Webb and other observatories,” Dr. Beichman concluded.

____

Charles Beichman et al. 2025. The Neighbor World: Imaging a giant planet candidate, orbital and physical properties of CEN A, and habitable zones at the exozodiacal upper limit. ApJL in press; Arxiv: 2508.03814

Aniket Sangi et al. 2025. The Neighbor World: Imaging a giant planet candidate in the habitable zone of Cen A. II. Binary Star Modeling, Planetary and Exozodiacal Search, and Sensitivity Analysis. ApJL in press; Arxiv: 2508.03812

Source: www.sci.news

Mysterious Viscous Stars Might Be Imitating Black Holes

Posted on August 9, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Could the gravitational wave signal be from a black hole or something more peculiar?

Titoonz / Alamy

Exotic viscous stars might emulate signals from black holes, mirroring the ripples in spacetime.

Since 2015, scientists have been uncovering the universe’s secrets by monitoring both light waves and gravitational waves, the ripples in the cosmos. Jaime Redondo-Yuste from the Neals Bohr Institute in Denmark and his team found that they can reflect gravitational waves, similar to light waves, but only from unusually viscous celestial objects.

The researchers began exploring the possibility of creating a gravitational wave mirror. While earlier studies hinted at its feasibility, developing equations that adhere to physical laws proved challenging. They eventually understood that reflectors don’t need to be flat.

“We can have a spherical mirror, and we need stars,” explains Redondo-Yuste. However, these stars must possess an extraordinarily high viscosity akin to molasses. Their calculations indicated that such stars could indeed reflect gravitational waves, as they are too rigid to be disturbed by passing waves.

Daniel Kennefick from the University of Arkansas highlights that this behavior is rare since most materials are transparent to gravitational waves, just as glass is to light. “Even when we are very near sources of powerful gravitational waves, they pass through us without any noticeable effect,” he remarks.

In addition to their strangeness, stars capable of deflecting gravitational waves must be compact and on the brink of collapsing into black holes. Redondo-Yuste notes that black holes themselves are very viscous. Therefore, when gravitational wave signals reach Earth, other highly viscous objects could be misidentified as black holes, with subtle differences in their signals. For instance, collisions between viscous stars and black holes would yield slightly distinct gravitational wave signatures due to tidal influences.

Researchers have previously detected celestial bodies believed to have heightened viscosity, such as extremely hot neutron stars formed from the merger of others. However, it’s still uncertain whether these stars possess sufficient viscosity to align with the team’s mathematical model, according to Paolopani from the University of Sapienza in Rome, Italy.

He suggests that forthcoming gravitational wave detectors will enhance our understanding of the viscosity of known objects and assist in discovering new ones. “This serves as a prelude to what we should be searching for,” Kennefick says.

To date, observational data hasn’t provided strong evidence for classifying what scientists identify as a black hole as an exotic star. All three researchers agree that the likelihood of observing these viscous stars has been minimal thus far.

“However, it’s our responsibility to continue these investigations,” insists Redondo-Yuste. “Only in this way can we compile a complete catalog of the entities populating our universe.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Scientists Suggest a Black Hole 300 Million Times the Sun’s Size Could Be a Gateway to the Universe’s Dawn.

Posted on August 9, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Spectroscopy enables astronomers to detect traces of matter in stars, galaxies, and other cosmic entities. Black holes consume dust and encounter various phenomena around them; as material spirals into a black hole, it compresses and heats up. Stephen Finkelstein, a co-author and professor of astronomy at the University of Texas at Austin, noted that all of this can be observed through spectroscopy.

“We’re searching for these signatures of extremely fast gas,” Finkelstein explained. “We’re discussing speeds of 1,000, 2,000, and at times even 3,000 kilometers per second. There’s nothing else in the universe that moves this quickly, so we can confirm it must be the gas surrounding a black hole.”

Scientists have pinpointed a potential distant black hole candidate, which stands as the oldest candidate confirmed via spectroscopy, he added.

Researchers also find galaxies containing new black holes to be intriguing discoveries. According to Taylor, these galaxies belong to a class known as “Little Red Dots.”

While not much information is available about Little Red Dots, they were first detected by the James Webb Space Telescope. Some have been found relatively close by, but Finkelstein indicated that they are likely more prevalent in the early universe.

Investigating the Capers-Lrd-Z9 Galaxy may offer insights into the rarity of red dots and what defines their unique coloration, researchers noted. It could also shed light on the growth of these ancient black holes during the universe’s formative stages.

In subsequent studies, researchers aim to locate more black holes in the distant cosmos.

“We’re just going to examine a very limited section of the sky using the James Webb Space Telescope,” Finkelstein stated. “If we discover one thing, there ought to be more.”

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Discovering Connection: Why Biodiversity Needs Neurodiversity

Posted on August 9, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

For many anxious individuals, the outdoors is a more manageable and calming space

westend61/getty images

France, Provence, a woman caressing lavender in a blooming field during summer — For many anxious individuals, the outdoors is a more manageable and calming space

westend61/getty images

Neurodivergent, essentially
Joe Harkness (Bloomsbury)

Kick off with Moth Genitalia. Joe Harkness originally intended to write a book centered on “The Benefits of Niche Nature.” Ecologists, naturalists, and conservationists often have a fondness for squirrels or even peculiar genitalia for identification purposes. However, a suggestion from his editor redirected him. What if the themes of these niche interests overlap with feelings of anxiety?

Harkness, diagnosed with ADHD, reflects that upon returning to interviewees, it’s not surprising to find that many have also been diagnosed with autism, ADHD, or other “DYS” conditions (like dyslexia, dyspraxia, or dyscalculia).

The book, Neurodivergent, essentially: Why Neurodiversity Needs Biodiversity, presents a crucial and engaging exploration of the significance of “nature” for the neurodivergent community, thoroughly examining how neurodiversity interacts with the conservation sector in the UK.

Readers are introduced to striking and unexpected contrasts. Harkness and his interviewees often describe the wild outdoors as “safe spaces” and “non-judgmental” environments where sensory stimulation can occur without overwhelming the senses. Yet, it becomes clear that many of Harkness’s subjects work in highly competitive fields characterized by high demands and low earnings. “We cannot overlook the evident exploitation that happens in this field,” he states, especially when taking into account neurological conditions.

Defining neurodivergent experiences can be a tricky and potentially foolish endeavor. Harkness opts for a more open-ended approach, stressing that the “unique neural skillset” possessed by many in conservation work often goes unrecognized and unutilized.

He highlights an intense focus, heightened sensory awareness, and a moral compass directed solely towards nature. Conversely, he also addresses the drawbacks—hyperfocus might lead to excessive literal thinking.

Harkness acknowledges the ongoing tension many neurodivergent conservationists face. “We prefer to invest our energy in safety rather than dealing with chaos. However, we need to attract these individuals for them to drive positive change.”

While the book occasionally shifts focus, particularly when addressing the challenges faced by women, youth, and individuals from ethnic minorities, it serves as a helpful reminder of how neurodiversity intertwines with a myriad of social, economic, political, and environmental issues. There are no easy resolutions here.

Harkness is a charismatic and passionate guide in familiar territories, engaging with a wide array of voices. His conversations are often exhilarating, sometimes distressing, and frequently humorous, yet there’s a desire for more personal narratives from those he interviews.

Though Harkness critiques the employment practices and workplace culture of certain conservation organizations from a neurodivergent perspective—some aspects may feel diluted later on—the work remains captivating and essential. Addressing our climate and ecological crises requires perspectives from all sides.

Richard Smith is a writer and crossword compiler for New Scientist

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Saturn-Sized Planets Can Orbit the Closest Sun-Like Star

Posted on August 8, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

What might the artistic concept of a gas giant in orbit around Alpha Centauri A resemble?

ESA/Webb Copyright: NASA, ESA, CSA, STSCI, R.

A massive planet comparable to Saturn is potentially identified orbiting a sun-like star in our nearest stellar system, Alpha Centauri.

Located just four light-years from Earth, Alpha Centauri is the closest star system to us, comprising three stars: Alpha Centauri A, Alpha Centauri B, and the Red Dwarf Star Proxima Centauri. Scientists have long speculated that planets akin to those in our solar system could exist in such systems, and whether planets can reside at distances similar to our Sun’s “habitable zone” around binary stars has been a matter of intrigue. “These stars are very bright, relatively close, and move quickly across the sky,” mentions Charles Baichman from Caltech in a statement.

Recent observations gathered by the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) mid-infrared instrument suggest that a gas giant possibly as substantial as Saturn is orbiting the sun-like star, Alpha Centauri A. This discovery has come as a surprise. “Webb was specifically designed to identify the most distant galaxies, not exoplanets,” remarked Beichman, underscoring that such an identification must be meticulously coordinated through numerous observations, evaluations, and computer simulations, which “can yield remarkable insights.”

While previous methodologies for detecting planets relied on indirect measurements, the JWST executed a “more ambitious” approach by actually gathering light from potential planets, according to Alan Boss of Carnegie Science in Washington, DC, who was not involved in this particular study. Nevertheless, visibility of the potential planets was lost in subsequent observations.

“We’re encountering a case of a disappearing planet!” exclaimed Aniket Sanghi, also at Caltech, in a statement. The research team ran simulations of millions of possible trajectories to solve this conundrum, determining that “in half of the possible simulated orbits, the planet would have been too close to the star, making it undetectable by Webb in both February and April 2025,” he said.

As a gas giant, this planet wouldn’t support life as we know it. However, if this finding is validated, it could significantly enhance our understanding of planet formation around stars. “The mere existence of two closely situated stars within a stellar system will challenge our comprehension of how planets form, survive, and evolve under such chaotic circumstances,” Sangi pointed out. “This is also crucial for Earth, as it is our closest neighbor, beside the giant planets in our solar system, with a temperature and age somewhat akin to Earth.”

This revelation has been documented in two accepted papers for publication in Astrophysics Letters.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Two Unwelcome Viruses Could Be Disrupting Honeybee Flight

Posted on August 8, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Honeybees battle infectious fungi, bacteria, mites, and viruses daily.

Anthony Brown/Alamy

Two non-threatening viral infections in adult honeybees are surprisingly covert and might disrupt their flying ability. One virus enhances speed, while the other acts as a brake.

Bees face a continual fight against infectious fungi, bacteria, mites, and viruses, many of which pose a threat to entire colonies. However, not all pathogens are equally harmful. For instance, both the deformed wing virus (DWV) and the sacbrood virus (SBV) can lead to severe symptoms if they infect honeybees during their early development. Despite being linked to increased mortality and a decrease in colony size, infection in adult honeybees is often viewed as asymptomatic. Michelle Flenniken from Montana State University and her team questioned whether these viruses were truly harmless.

The researchers studied bee health through their flight capabilities and infected bees with either DWV or SBV. After three days, the bees were tethered to a device resembling a set of small balls, forcing them to fly in circles. A total of 240 bees were observed, and the team measured their flight speed, duration, and distance.

Flenniken and her colleagues found that bees infected with DWV flew at slower speeds compared to uninfected counterparts. Conversely, those infected with SBV exhibited enhanced flight performance. The team predicts that bees with high DWV levels will cover 49% shorter distances than healthy honeybees. In contrast, severely infected SBV bees could experience a flight range increase of up to 53%. “SBV infections are detrimental to larvae and typically harm overall colony health,” says Flenniken.

This research reshapes our understanding of the subtle and odd impacts stealth infections can have on honeybee behavior. Other pathogens are known to influence bee actions. For instance, the Kako virus, a distinct variant of DWV, may provoke more aggressive behavior in bees, as noted by Eugene Riabov, who was not part of this research at the James Hutton Institute in the UK.

“It’s fascinating to observe how members of both DWV and SBV, which are closely related, exhibit such contrasting effects on honeybee aerodynamics,” remarks Riabov.

By disrupting bees’ ability to fly and collect nectar, viruses like DWV could negatively affect their pollination of nearby plants, complicating their foraging efforts. Consequently, as bees struggle, the implications reverberate throughout the entire ecosystem.

Science Advances doi: doi:10.1126/sciadv.adw8382

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Astronomers Uncover New Clues About Interstellar Comet 3I/Atlas

Posted on August 8, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Hubble Space Telescope Image of Interstellar Comet 3i/Atlas. The telescope tracked the comet, causing background stars to appear as streaks.

NASA, ESA, David Jewitt (UCLA)/Joseph DePasquale (STScI)

The telescope’s observations of the Interstellar Comet 3i/Atlas have shown it resembles a comet found beyond our solar system. Intriguing aspects, like the substantial amounts of water detected even far from the sun, may shed light on the ancient stellar system from which it originated.

Objects from other solar systems that pass through ours are extremely rare. Discovered in July, 3i/Atlas is the third such interstellar visitor, following Oumuamua in 2017 and Borisov in 2019. Remarkably, its visit has only been a few months long.

Scientists speculate that its high speed may indicate that it originates from a star system billions of years older than our own. Initial estimates suggested it has a diameter of approximately 20 kilometers, but details about the extensive plume of water and gas remain limited.

Toni Santana Ross from the University of Barcelona and colleagues have utilized ground-based telescopes to observe the comet and its tail, finding it contains moderate amounts of dust. Notably, the dust appears to increase as the comet approaches the sun, mirroring patterns seen in comets from our outer solar system. “It’s a typical object; there’s nothing particularly strange about it,” states Santana Ross.

Astronomers have also monitored comets via space. Researcher collaborating found that the Hubble Space Telescope might estimate the comet’s size between 320 meters and 5.6 kilometers, and it likely started off much smaller.

Comets usually contain ice, which vaporizes as they near the sun, creating water vapor in their tails. Utilizing the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory Satellite, Zexi Xing from Auburn University has detected water in the comet’s tail located significantly farther from the sun than is typical for comets. The amount of water detected suggests that about 20% of the comet’s surface is responsible for this production, exceeding typical solar system comet proportions.

Such prolific water generation may indicate that 3i/Atlas originates from a star system much older than ours, hypothesizes Cyrielle Opitom at the University of Edinburgh. This is due to older stellar systems generally having higher water content compared to other molecules. “It might be that because it formed earlier, it retains more water than other molecules, but it’s premature to reach a conclusion,” she remarks.

Astronomers are also scouring historical data to determine if the telescope mistakenly detected a comet. Adina Feinstein and her team at Michigan State University have found that the transit exoplanet survey satellite (TESS) was operationally searching for planets around other stars and incidentally captured a comet between May 7 and June 3. “It just happened that we were observing the exact region where 3i/Atlas was at that moment,” says Feinstein.

The comet was found to be surprisingly bright at that time, suggesting it was releasing significant amounts of water or gas even at considerable distances from the sun. “We didn’t detect transits in regions of our solar system where water would typically start to react,” highlights Feinstein.

In this distant region, the likelihood of finding water is low, with gases such as carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide being more common, according to Opitom. “This is a pattern seen in comets from our solar system; they can exhibit activity at much greater distances due to these volatile materials.”

Yet, the fact that it was active so far from the sun could indicate that this comet has not been significantly exposed to starlight throughout its life, notes Matthew Jenge from Imperial College London.

“What this implies is that this comet was ejected from the fringes of another solar system,” Genge describes. While the exact cause of its ejection is uncertain, it’s possible that gravitational forces from a nearby star could have set it on a trajectory towards us, he explains.

Opitom mentions that the James Webb Space Telescope has recently conducted its observations and that astronomers will analyze the data in the upcoming weeks, promising more insights into 3i/Atlas soon.

As comets approach their closest point to the sun in October, astronomers will have the opportunity to measure the gases they emit. This will provide important insights not only into the characteristics of the comet itself but also into the composition of the molecules in its active tail, which may reveal details about the formation of 3i/Atlas, according to Opitom.

Similar to previous interstellar objects, speculations about potential alien technology exist, but Santana Ross has found no supporting evidence. “If you take a holiday photo and see something tall with a long neck and four legs, you might think of it as an alien, but it’s most likely a giraffe,” he quips. “There’s no reason to believe this is anything unusual or evidence of something extraordinary.”

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Researchers Discover Smartwatches Provide Minimal Insight into Stress Levels

Posted on August 8, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Smartwatches are intended to track your well-being throughout the workday, ensuring your life remains balanced.

However, recent studies indicate that these devices are not reliable for accurately assessing stress levels. You may feel overwhelmed when you’re actually just excited.

The findings showed only a weak correlation between smartwatch-reported stress and the levels participants claimed to have felt. In contrast, fatigue was somewhat related to the smartwatch data, while sleep metrics had a stronger association.

Eiko Freed, the study’s author, stated that the connection between smartwatch stress readings and self-reported stress was “essentially zero.”

He further explained, “It’s not surprising since the device doesn’t accurately reflect your emotions and may even heighten feelings of excitement and pleasure.”

Freed recalled that his Garmin had flagged him as stressed while he was exercising and enthusiastically chatting with a long-lost friend from his wedding.

“These findings prompt critical considerations about the ability of wearable tech to truly reflect our mental states,” Fried remarked. “Exercise caution; don’t rely solely on smartwatches. They are consumer gadgets, not medical instruments.”

Freed noted that while many researchers are exploring physiological indicators that could represent emotional states, the accuracy is often insufficient due to the overlap of positive and negative emotions. For instance, increased heart rate can indicate both anxiety and excitement.

Fried, an associate professor at Leiden University’s Clinical Psychology Department, monitored stress, fatigue, and sleep over three months in 800 young adults using Garmin Vivosmart 4 watches. Participants were asked to report their feelings about stress, fatigue, and sleepiness four times daily, which were then compared to the smartwatch data.

As published in the Journal of Psychopathology and Clinical Science, none of the participants found that their smartwatch stress readings accurately reflected their self-reported stress levels. For 25% of participants, the smartwatch indicated they were either not stressed or stressed when they felt quite the opposite.

The link between physical fatigue, dubbed “body battery” by Garmin, was “significantly stronger than stress but overall still weak,” Fried mentioned. Garmin attributes this to a combination of pulse rates and activity levels, though they do not disclose the specifics of how the body battery score is calculated.

The connection to sleep proved to be stronger, although Freed acknowledged the need for improved measurements on undisturbed rest.

In about two-thirds of sleep assessments, a notable correlation between Garmin readings and self-reported data was observed. Researchers highlighted that participants often projected that Garmin sleep duration would increase by around two hours if they reported improved sleep quality compared to a prior day rated poorly. “This effect is quite remarkable,” they noted.

The study aspires to establish early warning systems for depression, enabling wearable technology users to receive data that may facilitate preventive care before a depressive episode occurs.

There are initial indicators suggesting that reduced activity levels could be predictive, although Fried has not yet determined whether this stems from exercise’s protective role against depression or if declining energy arises as mental health deteriorates.

“Wearable technology can offer insightful information about emotions and experiences, but it’s vital to understand their limitations,” stated Margarita Panayiotou, a researcher at the University of Manchester.

“This study will elucidate the reliable insights such data can provide and contribute significantly to the ongoing discussion regarding technology’s role in understanding happiness. It’s crucial to remember that wearable data might not represent objective truths and should be interpreted within a broader context, including individual experiences and perceptions.”

Garmin was contacted for comments.

Source: www.theguardian.com

How Super Heavy Chemistry Can Transform the Periodic Table

Posted on August 8, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The heaviest atoms that form the molecule were observed

David Dixon, Sarah Sprouse/University of Alabama; Jennifer Pore/Berkeley Lab

Scientists have observed the heaviest atoms participating in chemical reactions and forming molecules. This groundbreaking discovery could potentially reshape the periodic table, advancing “super heavy” chemistry, which encompasses large-scale radioactive elements.

Some rare chemical elements are challenging to study, complicating their placement in the periodic table. For instance, the radioactive element copernicium is situated among transition metals but behaves like elements from various groups.

This challenge also affects the lower elements of the table. Heavy radioactive atoms known as actinides can be examined by Jennifer Pore at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in California. To better understand the properties of actinides, she and her team initiated a chemical reaction to produce a molecule featuring Nobelium, the heaviest actinide and element 102.

The researchers employed a particle accelerator to bombard highly energetic calcium atom beams into lead clusters. The collision resulted in the formation of Nobelium atoms, which subsequently reacted with nitrogen and water molecules present in the air. A swiftly operating detector, akin to a mass spectrometer, more accurately identified the resulting molecules than any prior chemical attempts.

Next, the team replicated the experiment using thorium instead of lead, creating an actinide called actinium (element 89). By comparing the reactions of actinium and nobelium, the researchers confirmed that these two elements behave similarly as they reside in the same column of the periodic table.

Nobelium not only has a rightful place in the periodic table, but it has also become the heaviest element directly observed forming new molecules. However, the heaviest element ever synthesized remains Oganesson, element 118. The techniques used to synthesize molecules containing nobelium and accurately identify them may open new avenues in research.

According to Sofia Heinz from the GSI Helmholtz Center for Heavy Ion Research in Germany, this new experiment marks a significant technological leap in hyperheavy chemistry. Although molecules containing elements heavier than nobelium have been synthesized in the past, researchers were unable to directly identify them. “Being able to study a single molecule directly is a key advancement,” she states.

Peter Schwerdtfeger from Massey University in New Zealand remarked that this novel experiment “opens the door for future experiments involving a diverse range of superheavy elements.”

Even prior to conducting new experiments, the findings have already made an impact. Pore and her researchers originally believed that additional molecules were needed to facilitate reactions with actinium and nobelium. However, unexpectedly, the superheavy element reacted with substances already present. Anastasia Bolshevski at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands suggested that this could prompt scientists to reevaluate past experimental data that assumed they were examining single atoms. “This will keep theorists busy for some time,” Schwerdtfeger adds.

For Pore, the next hurdle involves studying even heavier elements like dubnium, which is element 105. To accomplish this, teams may need to accelerate the procedures to accommodate the heavier elements.

“If all goes well, I aim to explore larger elements at the end of the periodic table. We have yet to explore their heaviness limits with this methodology,” Pore remarks. Unlike nobelium, some of these larger elements may require a new positioning within the standard table.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Europe Could Experience Record Temperatures of 40°C in a Worst-Case Scenario

Posted on August 8, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Volunteers engage in efforts to combat wildfires near Stamata, Greece in 2024

Nick Paleologos/Bloomberg via Getty Images

In light of current climate trends, Europe may grapple with summer heatwaves and severe droughts that could leave large parts of the continent enduring weeks of extreme temperatures, water shortages, and soaring energy costs.

Recent research aims to delineate the “worst-case scenario” regarding heat and drought potential during summer months in Central and Western Europe.

Laura Suarez-Gutierrez from Switzerland’s ETH Zurich and her team initiated their research with seven simulations based on climate models representing heatwaves. They systematically introduced minor variations to the initial atmospheric conditions of the models and assessed different potential outcomes, utilizing a method called ensemble boosting, resulting in more severe heat waves in each simulation.

“Each iteration generates numerous events with slight adjustments in the initial model state,” noted Vicki Thompson from the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute, which did not participate in the research. “The most severe scenarios they present suggest that such outcomes could occur right now.”

While many simulations failed to produce heatwaves, some resulted in significantly harsher heatwaves and droughts compared to historical records.

In the most extreme scenario, temperatures may soar to 45°C (113°F) for over a month in certain regions, accompanied by severe droughts. Events of this nature far exceed the heat and drought phenomena experienced in 2003 or 2018.

Additionally alarming is that this modeling implies that the most intense heat waves tend to follow each other closely, potentially leaving Europe in a cycle of extreme summers that heavily burden both humans and ecosystems. This increases the likelihood of wildfires, drought, energy and food shortages, and ecosystem collapse, experts warn.

“Our findings illuminate the potential effects of unprecedented combinations of heat, fire weather, and soil drought,” the researchers remarked.

This cycle of persistent heat waves and prolonged drought may be partly attributed to soil drying out due to extreme heat, explains Pascal Iu from the Institute for Climate and Environmental Sciences in France. One heatwave can deplete soil moisture and exacerbate extreme heat, stating, “Drier soil conditions can foster atmospheric systems that persist for extended periods.”

While Yiou collaborated with Suarez-Gutierrez, he was not part of the study. He emphasized that these worst-case scenarios are feasible outcomes given current climatic conditions. “They are not suggesting these events will definitely occur, rather they are indicating that such scenarios are possible,” he mentions. He drew a parallel with the 2021 heatwave in western North America, which shattered temperature records and became the deadliest weather event in Canadian history, made possible by very atypical atmospheric conditions that caused extraordinary heat levels.

“The goal is to establish optimal conditions for extreme events,” said Jana Sillmann at the International Climate Research Centre in Norway. This aids decision-makers in refining their emergency response plans, preparing for potential occurrences of record-breaking heatwaves in a single summer.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

OpenAI Declares Latest ChatGPT Upgrade a Significant Advancement, Yet Still Falls Short of Human Capability

Posted on August 8, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

OpenAI asserts that the recent upgrade to ChatGPT marks a “significant step” towards achieving artificial general intelligence (AGI), yet recognizes that there is still no “many” in the endeavor to create a system capable of performing human tasks.

The company claims that the GPT-5 model, which serves as the foundation of its innovative AI chatbot, represents a substantial improvement over previous iterations in areas like coding and creative writing, with significantly fewer sycophants.

The enhancements in ChatGPT are now available to over 1 million weekly users.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman referred to the model as a “significant step forward” in reaching the theoretical state of AGI, which is characterized as a highly autonomous system that can outperform humans in economically significant roles.

However, Altman conceded that GPT-5 has not yet attained that objective. “[It is] missing something very crucial, something very important,” he noted, emphasizing that the model cannot “learn on a continuous basis.”

Altman explained that while GPT-5 is “generally intelligent” and represents an “important step towards AGI,” most definitions indicate it has not reached that level yet.

“I believe the way we define AGI is significantly lacking, which is quite crucial. One major aspect… is that this model doesn’t adapt continuously based on new experiences.”

During the GPT-5 launch event on Thursday, Altman described the new version of ChatGPT as akin to having “doctoral experts in your pocket.” He compared the previous version to a college student and the one before that to a high school student.

The theoretical capabilities of AGI, along with high-tech companies’ drive to realize it, have led AI executives to predict that numerous white-collar jobs—ranging from lawyers to accountants—could be eliminated due to these technological advances. Dario Amodei, CEO of AI firm Anthropic, cautioned that technology might replace half of entry-level office roles in the coming five years.

According to OpenAI, the key enhancements to GPT-5 include reduced factual inaccuracies and hallucinations, improved coding capabilities for creating functional websites and apps, and a boost in creative writing abilities. Instead of outright “rejecting” prompts that violate guidelines, the model now aims to provide the most constructive response possible within safety parameters, or at least clarify why it cannot assist.

ChatGPT retains its agent functionalities (like checking restaurant availability and online shopping) but can also access users’ Gmail, Google Calendar, and contacts—provided permission is granted.

Similar to its predecessor, GPT-5 can generate audio, images, and text, and is capable of processing inquiries in these formats.

On Thursday, the company showcased how GPT-5 could swiftly write hundreds of lines of code to create applications, such as language learning tools. Staff noted that the model’s writing isn’t robotic; it produced a “more nuanced” compliment. Altman mentioned that ChatGPT could also be valuable for healthcare advice, discussing ways to support women diagnosed with cancer last year and assisting chatbots in deciding on radiation therapy options.

The company stated that the upgraded ChatGPT excels at addressing health-related inquiries and will become more proactive in “flagging potential concerns,” including serious physical and mental health issues.

The startup emphasized that chatbots should not replace professional assistance, amidst worries that AI tools could worsen the plight of individuals susceptible to mental health challenges.

Nick Turley, director of OpenAI’s ChatGPT, claimed that the model shows “significant improvement” in sycophancy. It’s becoming too familiar, which could lead to negative experiences for users.

The release of the latest model is expected to funnel billions into tech companies’ efforts to attain AGI. On Tuesday, Google’s AI division outlined its latest progress towards AGI by unveiling an unreleased “world model,” while last week, Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of parent company Meta, suggested that a future state of AI, even more advanced than AGI, is “on the horizon.”

Investor confidence in the likelihood of further breakthroughs and AI’s ability to reshape the modern economy has sparked a surge in valuations for companies like OpenAI. Reports on Wednesday indicated that OpenAI was in preliminary talks to sell shares held by current and former employees, potentially valuing the company at $500 million, surpassing Elon Musk’s SpaceX.

OpenAI also launched two open models this week and continues to offer a free version of ChatGPT, while generating revenue through subscription fees for its advanced chatbot version, which can be integrated into business IT systems. Access to the free version of ChatGPT on GPT-5 will be limited, whereas users of the $200 Pro package will enjoy unlimited use.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Korea Delays Again in Making Google Maps Fully Functional

Posted on August 8, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

for tourists exploring Korea, a nation renowned for its technological advancements, navigating through the heart of its cities can be unexpectedly frustrating due to the ineffectiveness of Google Maps.

This may change soon, as South Korean authorities will deliberate on whether to permit the export of Google’s intricate mapping data to foreign servers. However, the decision has already been postponed for the second time this year on Friday to allow more time for security concerns to be addressed.

Such a decision would unlock features that enable the app to offer detailed guidance and show users optimal routes for their journeys.

This ongoing discussion has spanned nearly two decades, evolving into a broader examination of how democracy can strike a balance between digital sovereignty and economic openness. Local industry advocates have raised alarms about market control by foreign firms, while supporters of Google’s request argue that restrictions may hinder tourism and innovation.

South Korea is among a select few countries, including China and North Korea, where Google Maps is not functioning optimally.

While Google dominates online services globally, the digital landscape in Korea is primarily managed by local “portal” firms, Naver and Kakao.

These platforms offer wide-ranging services such as search engines, email, news, messaging, music, and maps, creating a robust ecosystem that has effectively resisted foreign technological dominance. Local companies supply accurate public mapping information but are obligated by law to store it on domestic servers.

Google does license similar data from local providers, but it is limited to displaying information like landmarks and local businesses, without the capability to give navigational instructions.

Security concerns and local opposition

Google asserts that it needs to distribute and process data through its global server network to provide real-time navigation services to billions of users worldwide, including those exploring Korean destinations from abroad.

The government has persistently refused to overlook national security risks.

Nonetheless, Google counters that the mapping data it seeks has already undergone security evaluations and that sensitive location details have been omitted. Furthermore, the same data is utilized by domestic competitors. Google has stated it would obscure satellite imagery of any sensitive sites should authorities require it.

Critics assert that granting Google’s request could create precedents for other foreign companies. Photo: Andrew Merry/Getty Images

There is significant resistance to Google’s requests. The Korean Association of Spatial Information, Research and Mapping (KASM), representing 2,600 local businesses, reported that 90% of the 239 member companies surveyed opposed it, fearing market domination by U.S. tech giants.

“The government must heed industry concerns,” cautions KASM Chairman Kim Seok-Jong, warning of potential “industrial decimation.”

Critics also caution that acquiescing to the request could set dangerous precedents for other foreign firms, especially those from China. Local reports indicate that Apple has similarly sought authorization.

The government argues that if Google establishes a local data center, like its domestic rivals, it can access detailed mapping data, which does not resolve the issue of processing this data on Google’s global servers.

In 2022, vulnerabilities related to such approaches were highlighted when one of Kakao’s data centers was set on fire, leaving messaging, mapping, and ride services inaccessible to millions.

The impact of tourism

Data from the Korean Tourism Organization reveals that complaints surged by 71% last year, with Google Maps accounting for 30% of all app-related grievances.

Francesco, an Italian tourist, remarked that he was “shocked” to discover that Google Maps was ineffective upon his arrival in Seoul for a week-long visit.

“It’s quite frustrating. I’ll look for restaurants reviewed on Google, only to have to switch to Naver Maps for walking directions,” he shared.

“I heard it’s a security issue,” said Reus, a French traveler. “But I sense it’s more about protecting local businesses.”

The restrictions have drawn criticism from tourism startups and tech advocates who assert that they will struggle to develop competitive services globally and hinder growth without access to standardized international mapping tools.

Previous governmental reviews in 2007 and 2016 both declined Google’s requests.

Currently, the interagency committee, which includes representatives from the Defense and Intelligence Reports, has extended the deadline twice, from May to August and once more to October, emphasizing the need for in-depth discussions with security agencies and industry stakeholders.

This matter has surfaced amid broader U.S.-Korea trade tensions, with the U.S. Trade Bureau identifying South Korea’s mapping constraints as a “non-tariff trade barrier.”

South Korea recently wrapped up trade negotiations to secure a 15% tariff, avoiding the original 25% threat. President Lee Jae Myung is set to meet with President Donald Trump at the White House in the upcoming days or weeks.

South Korea’s Ministry of Transport could not be reached for comment prior to the decision.

Google claims its map software assists individuals to “navigate and explore with confidence using fresh information about locations, roads, and traffic,” and that it “works closely with local governments to aid residents and visitors.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

The Rising Threat of Carnivorous Bacteria in Florida and Louisiana

Posted on August 8, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The number of fatalities linked to “carnivorous” bacteria is increasing along the southeast coast of the US. Five individuals in Florida, Four in Louisiana, and One in the Outer Banks have succumbed this year to infections that can lead to necrotic wounds.

The culprit, the bacterium Vibrio vulnificus, thrives in warm seawater. According to the state health department, Florida has reported 16 cases so far this year. Louisiana has reported 17 cases, exceeding last year’s average. North Carolina has recorded seven incidents, confirmed by its Department of Health and Human Services, while Mississippi has filed three lawsuits this year, as per the state’s health department.

The initial fatalities in Florida were documented in Bay County along the Gulf Coast, as well as Hillsboro County and regions in Broward and St. John’s Counties, located just south of Jacksonville in southeastern Florida.

Bacteria can enter the body through skin wounds, resulting in tissue necrosis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, vibrio vulnificus can also be contracted via the consumption of contaminated food, particularly raw oysters. The exact means of infection for those in Florida remains unclear.

As reported by the CDC, approximately one in five individuals infected with Vibrio vulnificus will die.

Antalpreet Jutt, a professor of engineering at the University of Florida, noted that while infections are still relatively rare, “something feels off this year.” Nevertheless, he mentioned the uncertainty around the reasons behind the spike in infections.

“This is definitely not normal,” Jutt expressed. “We haven’t encountered this many cases early in the summer in quite some time.”

Jutt explained that cases of Vibrio vulnificus tend to rise following hurricanes. Last year, Florida registered a total of 82 cases, potentially worsened by an “extremely active” hurricane season when bacteria can persist in floodwaters.

“This year, it seems there are a higher number of pathogens than usual,” he remarked.

The current hurricane season is still projected to be above average as the US enters its peak period, as reported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Jutt’s research group is examining why there are elevated concentrations of plankton and chlorophyll (indicators of Vibrio) throughout the Florida panhandle, which he describes as a concerning trend.

What is Vibrio vulnificus?

Rita Colwell, a microbiology professor at the University of Maryland, states that Vibrio vulnificus is one of over 200 species of Vibrio bacteria.

Most Vibrio infections are not harmful to humans, according to Jutt. Some may only impact marine life.

However, Vibrio bacteria are responsible for around 80,000 infections annually, as reported by the Cleveland Clinic. The majority of these cases are gastrointestinal, with only 100-200 cases arising from Vibrio vulnificus. Other Vibrio species, such as Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio alginolyticus, are more commonly associated with stomach illnesses, while another, Vibrio cholerae, is known to cause cholera.

Vibrio bacteria are primarily found along the southeastern coast of the United States, favoring warmer waters, but are also present on the west coast. With rising sea temperatures, cases have increasingly been reported further north, including areas in New York, Connecticut, and parts of Maryland, Jutt noted.

Who is at risk?

Dr. Norman Beatty, an infectious disease specialist at the University of Florida Health, mentioned that spending time in salty or brackish waters can lead to Vibrio bacteria infiltrating open wounds. Most cases he has encountered are associated with extended exposure to the water, though even short contact can be sufficient.

Visible symptoms of infection can develop within hours, including redness, swelling, and the formation of “bull” blisters. This site can become painful. If the infection progresses, it may enter the bloodstream, potentially leading to sepsis, which can be fatal. According to the CDC, symptoms of sepsis include fever, chills, and dangerously low blood pressure.

Jutt mentioned that individuals with cirrhosis, weakened immune systems, and those over 65 are particularly vulnerable to infections.

Infections caused by Vibrio vulnificus can be treated with antibiotics.

How to prevent Vibrio infection

Beatty advises covering any open wounds before entering the ocean, noting that even waterproof band-aids can be effective.

Individuals who suspect they have an infection should seek immediate medical attention, Beatty cautioned. Delays can significantly increase the risk of severe complications compared to milder cases.

“Late presentations to healthcare are why many individuals suffer more serious consequences than others,” he stated. “Those who seek treatment shortly after the onset of symptoms, and are given antibiotics promptly, are likely to fare better and avoid severe complications.”

Source: www.nbcnews.com

One Progressive Takes on Twenty Far-Right Conservatives: Medi Hasan Reflects | YouTube

Posted on August 8, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

mEhdi Hasan was acutely aware of his viral status. The broadcaster and author watched the views surge on YouTube, with his phone buzzing incessantly. However, it truly hit him when, at an event in Washington, someone approached him in Urdu, saying, “I saw you in 20 insanity.”

The individual referenced Hasan’s appearance in the British-American commentator segment. It’s surrounded the gladiators’ web series “1-Many Debate” hosted by Jubilee Media on YouTube. In the episode “1 Progressive vs 20 Far Right Conservatives,” Hasan was questioned about his “ethnic background” by a man whose Guardian was not masking as the organizer of two violent far-right protests. Laughter erupted in the debate when another participant concurred that he was a fascist.

“I saw the vast audience engaged with the youth. I thought it was a good platform,” says Hasan, who launched his own alternative news outlet, Zeteo, last year. “But it was really intense, something I hadn’t anticipated. It was extraordinary, for both positive and negative reasons.”

Hasan’s nearly two-hour discussion, which has been edited and repackaged for continuous redistribution, propelled Jubilee Media into the forefront of mainstream awareness, igniting dialogues about the political and social ramifications of new media formats, alongside various existential uncertainties.

The quickly expanding entertainment company, launched in 2017, captured the attention of youth by transforming Trump’s contentious debates into highly engaging content. Besides debates, it has also developed games and dating shows, yet is facing challenges. Its standout format pits one expert against another on a single chair to debate pressing political issues.

Few raised concerns about traditional broadcasters’ encroachment, with titles like “Flat Earth and Scientists: Can You Trust Science?” (31 million views) and “Can 25 Liberal College Students Betray One Conservative? (feat. Charlie Kirk)” (30 million views). The 2024 Video with Ben Shapiro, featuring a trans man confronting right-wing critics in Four minutes of outrage, was the fifth most viewed election-related content on YouTube.

https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/2S-WJN3L5eo?wmode=opaque&feature=oembed" title="1 Progressive vs 20 Far-Right Conservatives (ft. Mehdi Hasan)" height="480" width="854" allowfullscreen="

Jubilee’s 1 Progressive vs 20 Far Right Conservatives (Feat. Mehdi Hasan)

Founder and CEO Jason Yi Lee established Jubilee in 2010 as a nonprofit after his video Basking for Charity went viral. He mentioned to Variety that the organization “aims to illustrate what discourse appears like and should look like.” He envisioned it as potentially “Disney for empathy.” But how does the combative nature of those performances align with the goal of “encouraging understanding and building human connections”?

Spencer Colnharbor, who comments on Atlantic popular culture, perceives idealism as genuine but fueled by ambition. “In Jubilee’s context, empathy defends voyeurism and a curiosity about others,” Colnharbor reflects. “Lee didn’t aspire to be the new UN. He aims to be Disney, a prominently recognized for-profit entertainment entity known for its capacity to commercialize anything and spawn franchises.”

Julia Alexander, a media correspondent for Puck News, noted Jubilee’s advantage from the rise of free speech absolutism and the internet’s shift toward social and video platforms. Yet, she asserts that while it may have initially aimed to alter negativity in discussions, the platform has succumbed to “the hateful vitriol that defines many social media.” She claims they have little hope against “the trivial yet understood currency of the Internet.” Essentially, contentious and alarming content generates more interaction than constructive dialogue.

“I hope they choose to concentrate on generating positive internet content. We surely need it,” she remarks. “Yet, I worry as they are compelled to scale continuously and surpass previous performances, leading to a tendency to produce even more extreme content.”

Hasan, also a contributor to the Guardian, recognizes the allure of the more extreme videos produced by Jubilee. He authored “Win Every Argument,” a book on the art of debate, arguing that traditional media has vacated the battlefield, allowing platforms like YouTube to fill that void.

“Mainstream media performed poorly in facilitating discussion and debate. They gave a voice to those with unorthodox perspectives,” he comments. “But I believe there is a balance between extremes. There are no standards when it comes to censorship versus narrowing opinions. There are no guardrails; as long as you’re clicking, you can post whatever you want on YouTube.”

He acknowledges some criticisms he has received for his engagements, even agreeing with aspects of them. Author and disability rights advocate Imani Barbarin pointed out that Hasan’s takedown clips of far-right militants were shared by progressives celebrating his “victories,” while equally substantial numbers were shared as proof of his failures. “We live in a memetic culture of politics,” Barbarin stated in a post on x. “These moments are literally extracted from space and time. […] The surrounding context of that moment becomes irrelevant.”

Hasan expressed that if he has any regrets, it would be not knowing more about the individuals he faced and failing to recognize the presence of extremists among them. As for overall regret regarding his participation, he contemplates.

“I stand by what I said. I believe I performed adequately in the debate,” he reflects. “The broader question remains: is the format itself problematic? Are these arguments worth making? And I’m uncertain of the answer. Ask me again in five years.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

Palestinian Social Media Accounts Seeking Funds Flagged as Spam | Technology

Posted on August 8, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Hanin Al-Batsh estimates that over the past six months, he has created more than 80 accounts on Bluesky.

Like many other Palestinians struggling to secure food in Gaza, Albatos hopes that Blue skiing will help her raise enough funds for flour and milk for her children as part of her crowdfunding efforts.

She shared that posting to text-based social networks has become even more critical as Israel tightens its hold on Gaza, leading to widespread starvation.

“Hello, my kids are getting weaker, losing weight, and suffering from malnutrition and low iron levels,” said Al-Batsh in her most recent post.

Images shared with The Guardian by the young mother reveal her two sons, Ahmed, aged 1.5, and Adam, who is three, lying on a makeshift bed on the floor of the warehouse where they are taking shelter.

As hunger proliferates across Gaza and aid remains scarce, Palestinians are increasingly looking to crowdfunding platforms like Gofundme and Chuffed as their lifelines.

However, their attempts to promote their campaigns on social media often result in their accounts being shut down or flagged as spam, particularly on Bluesky, the emerging alternative to Twitter in Gaza.

According to her, Bluesky deactivated almost all of Al-Batsh’s accounts just days later, with the longest one remaining active for only 12 days.

When a social network such as Bluesky flags an account as spam, she feels compelled to establish a new account, reassuring potential donors that she is not a bot.

View of North Gaza from Jordanian aid aircraft on August 5, 2025. Photo: Alessio Mamo/The Guardian

To combat bots and fraud, the shutdowns ironically compel Blueski users to rely on tagging the same individuals who previously engaged with them in an attempt to counter bots and fraud.

Although Al-Batsh refrains from tagging individuals in every post after receiving strict instructions from Bluesky, she expresses frustration, stating, “Now no one can find my posts.”

Desperation drives many Palestinians to act like bots. With new accounts, it becomes increasingly challenging for individuals like Al-Batsh to refute accusations of being automated accounts; fewer followers and repetitive tagging can trigger suspicions.

Nevertheless, grassroots responses to the issue have emerged. Since May, Al-Batsh has started marking her posts with a green checkmark emoji and the phrase “verified by Molly Shah.”

A small group of volunteers assist her with similar tasks on Bluesky. Comparable initiatives are taking place across various social media platforms, with some run by larger teams of volunteers. X and Instagram have Gazafunds and Radio Watermelon, while Tumblr has Gaza Vetters.

Despite this, Shah expresses her desire for a more structured system, stating, “This is too much focus on me.”

Guerrilla Verification Network

Shah has been involved with Blueski since its early days.

Thus began her verification project. She encouraged her friend Jamal to set up a Bluesky account to share posts for her campaign, hoping to draw attention to it in 2023. Jamal managed to raise enough money to leave Gaza.

Palestinians gather at the Jikim intersection to receive limited flour and basic food aid as hunger intensifies due to the ongoing Israeli blockade in North Gaza on August 7, 2025. Photo: Mahmoud Issa/Anadolu via Getty Images

Shah’s verification project gained momentum as more individuals from Gaza joined the social network. Many reached out to her, hoping that she would share their campaigns with her substantial follower base of 57,000. She began vetting the individuals and families behind each campaign before sharing their information, paving the way for her guerrilla verification network.

Today, Shah maintains spreadsheets for over 300 accounts that she has verified. They use the same authentication badge as Al-Batsh, labeling their posts and profile pages with “Validated by Molly Shah.” While this stamp does not entirely prevent Bluesky’s system from flagging accounts as spam, she hopes it helps reassure users that the account owner is genuine.

“The validation appears to help people recognize that these are real individuals,” Shah stated. “My main goal is not to fundraise; it’s about combatting the ongoing and systemic dehumanization of Palestinians.”

Shah mentioned that the review process is not standardized and allows video calls. She accepts documents from people she has already vetted or knows personally to validate their identity and confirm their presence in Gaza. This process is time-consuming; Al-Batsh reported waiting two months for a response from Shah. Occasionally, Shah encounters individuals who falsely claim to be from Gaza or misrepresent their circumstances, but most are genuine people seeking assistance.

Crucial Fraud Prevention

According to aid and human rights organizations, Gaza is facing unprecedented levels of hunger, increasing the stakes for fundraising campaigns and amplifying the importance of every Bluesky post. Duaa al-Madoon, another mother in Gaza, recently shared her struggles to feed her three children and mentioned that she also deleted her Bluesky account. The cost of flour, milk, and diapers can reach $100 daily when available; recently, she has found it challenging to locate diapers and milk, going days without eating to ensure her children are fed.

“My child has no proper diaper, causing severe rashes. Food is scarce and exorbitantly priced. If you manage to get something, it’s mainly rice,” lamented Al-Madoon.

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According to Nat Calhoun, who has supported several families in Gaza through a campaign, the impact of fundraising can be immediate. In one case, a family contacted them about an elderly woman in Mawasi who had not eaten for several days. They were able to raise $110 to supply her with flour and sent her the funds the next day.

“It can be instantaneous,” Calhoun noted. “I don’t think people realize how much their support can genuinely impact someone’s day.”

To receive funds raised through campaigns, Palestinians must collaborate with ‘recipients.’ Individuals outside Gaza initiate campaigns, collect funds on their behalf, and transfer money through banks because the payment processor used by the platform does not operate in Gaza.

This system necessitates that Palestinians place substantial trust in these intermediaries, individuals they have never met.

Consequently, campaigns and the Palestinians they aim to assist are vulnerable to fraud.

Amira Mutea reflected on her struggle with malnutrition in Gaza on August 5, 2025. Photo: Mahmoud Issa/Reuters

Calhoun and Shah noted that much of the fraud they encounter exploits vulnerable Palestinians.

Al-Batsh’s initial campaign on GoFundMe was organized by a woman who claimed to be located in Tucson, Arizona. The campaign raised almost $37,000, but Al-Batsh only received about $34,000 before the campaign organizer faced issues accessing her account. “I have never received the remaining funds,” Al-Batsh lamented.

“The thought of it is maddening,” said Calhoun. “Because the people of Gaza cannot fundraise independently. They are at the mercy of others and must trust that those people will treat them fairly.”

Requesting Changes from Bluesky

Bluesky’s spam filters often obstruct donations. Ad hoc verification systems like Shah’s provide a level of assurance that the funds donated are directed to legitimate individuals in Gaza rather than fraudulent entities.

When Shah shares a campaign, the difference is noticeable. Al-Batsh’s campaign garnered 10 donations ranging from $5 to $505 within just two days of her sharing it, compared to an average of two or three donations per day prior.

Although her validation network has helped some Palestinians maintain their online presence, Shah admits that it is not a sustainable solution. Overwhelmed by requests, she has limited her sharing to one account daily.

Meanwhile, thousands of Bluesky users have signed open letters urging the platform to enhance its moderation practices.

“We understand that when posting a fundraising link, Gazans may trigger Bluesky’s automated spam filters,” states an open letter signed by 7,000 individuals. “However, just as the platform addresses spam from T-shirt bots, failing to accommodate a vulnerable group is not only cruel but exacerbates their struggles for survival.”

Israeli activists protest in Tel Aviv against the bombing, starvation, and forced evacuation of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. Photo: Ariel Shalit/AP

Bluesky stated in response to the open letter that it is committed to ensuring that the voices of Gaza residents are heard on its platform. However, they noted that certain account activities violated community guidelines and urged users to focus their efforts through verified accounts.

Bluesky has not responded to requests for comment.

“We acknowledge that we may not always make the right moderation decisions, which is why we have an appeals process,” the statement continued. However, Shah and others advocating for Gaza residents say very few receive responses when filing appeals, making it challenging for Palestinians to maintain account access beyond a brief period.

Shah noted that Bluesky had an opportunity to improve its moderation systems in the early days of the conflict in Gaza when fewer users were on the platform. She hopes they seized that opportunity.

“It seems that Bluesky is saying, ‘we’re eliminating spammers,’ but it’s the very people we are striving to protect who are being targeted,” she concluded.

Source: www.theguardian.com

New Research Reveals Larger Dinosaurs Don’t Have Stronger Bites Than Expected

Posted on August 8, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

It’s not that the enormous, carnivorous dinosaurs weren’t the terrifying, bone-crushing predators we envision.

A new study published in the journal Current Biology reveals that a variety of bipedal carnivorous dinosaurs, including Tyrannosaurus Rex, Spinosaurus, and Allosaurus, have evolved to possess the necessary skull strength for powerful bites.

Utilizing 3D scanning and computer modeling, the researchers examined the skull biomechanics of 18 species of theropods.

The findings indicated that while T. Rex and other giants had skulls designed to deliver immense bite forces capable of breaking bones, they actually possessed relatively weak jaws and employed diverse hunting strategies.

“The skull of a T. Rex was specifically optimized for high bite force, which led to significant skull stress,” stated the lead author, Dr. Andrew Lowe from the University of Bristol, UK. “In contrast, stress patterns in other giants like Giganotosaurus suggested they had relatively mild bites. This implies a variety of evolutionary pathways for these carnivorous giants.”

Giganotosaurus is larger than T. rex, reaching 13m (43 feet) long and weighing almost 14 tons – Credit: Getty

Instead of adhering to a singular evolutionary path to apex status, large carnivorous dinosaurs evolved various skull shapes and feeding strategies. Some, like T. Rex, would bite down akin to a crocodile, while others, such as Allosaurus and Spinosaurus, employed thrashing or ripping techniques reminiscent of modern Komodo dragons and big cats.

“The Tyrannosaurus took a different approach,” remarked Steve Brusatte, a professor and paleontologist at the University of Edinburgh who was not part of the study, as reported by BBC Science Focus. “They developed immense bite strength, allowing them to crush the bones of their prey. This created a perilous lifestyle, subjecting the skull’s bones and muscles to significant stress.”

The results also challenge the belief that larger dinosaurs necessarily had stronger bites. Some smaller species may actually exert more stress on their skulls due to increased muscle mass, indicating that size alone isn’t the key factor in bite power.

The variability in bite strength and skull architecture hints at a more specialized ecological landscape in dinosaur ecosystems, offering multiple strategies for dominance in the prehistoric food chain.

“There wasn’t a singular ‘best’ skull design for being a predatory giant. Various designs proved effective,” noted Lowe. “This biomechanical diversity implies that dinosaur ecosystems supported a more extensive range of giant carnivorous ecological niches than we typically consider, with less competition and greater specialization.”

Read more:

About our experts

Steve Brusatte is a professor and paleontologist at the University of Edinburgh, and author of the book Mammal Ascending and Governing (20 pounds, Picador), focusing on 325 million years of mammalian evolution and fossils.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Not Just Another Football Game: Fear FA 98 – A Spooky FIFA 98 Mashup

Posted on August 8, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

sBacon with ice cream, pilchards and custard, Elm… Allison Hammond alongside Dermot O’Leary—these bizarre combinations prove that the oddest pairings can be delightful. However, no one seems to have imagined merging Silent Hill with FIFA 98 before.

Dubbed the “world’s first online survival horror football game,” Fear FA 98 (pronounced horror-FA, akin to FIFA), utilizes knives, rusty scissors, syringes, summons demons, and turns severed heads into footballs, allowing you to perform like Diego Maradona with his infamous “handball.”

The world’s intestines are ignited with insatiable fear… Fear FA 98. Photo: Celery Emblem/Jacob Jazz

“I claim it’s just football, but it’s more than that,” says Jacob Jazz, a 55-year-old solo developer. “I’ve blended survival horror games like Silent Hill and Resident Evil with FIFA and Efootball’s Eleven gameplay. [Pro Evolution Soccer in the UK]. You must play soccer to progress in the storyline of this classic survival horror game.”

The storyline unfolds as follows: the Earth’s core transforms into a massive, twisted snake nest due to an event called Transmaylet, marking the onset of a monster invasion from a forbidden civilization. Now, the world’s insides are fueled by endless terror—just like the atmosphere at Old Trafford, with the Manchester Derby on the horizon. Various game modes will include single-player, third-person horror, story, competitive, and online. In any mode, you can equip your team with serial killers, sectorians, and psychotic nurses to compete in stadiums such as Backroom, Sematary Hill, and Chainsaw United. This is certainly no ordinary kickabout in the park.

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Fear FA 98 took a year to develop, achieving its Kickstarter goal of €5,000 (£4,300) ahead of its anticipated Halloween 2025 release on Steam. If Jazz can secure further investments, ports for Switch, Xbox, and PS5 may follow. The standalone tie-in, Nike Mare 98—featuring zombies playing soccer in Nike trainers—is already available for download on PC.

With 17 years of game development under his belt, Jazz has previously created the Baobabs Mausoleum Horror series and the 8-bit retro adventure Flamingo’s Creek, which can be found on Steam, Xbox, and PS4. His upcoming project, the horror game Tamarindos Freak Dinner, is set to release soon. Fear FA 98 could elevate his presence in the gaming industry significantly.

Source: www.theguardian.com

When Journalists Use AI to Interview Deceased Children, Shouldn’t We Reassess Our Boundaries?

Posted on August 8, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

jOakin Oliver was just 17 when he was tragically shot in his high school hallway. An older student, who had been expelled a few months prior, unleashed a devastating attack with a high-powered rifle on Valentine’s Day, marking one of America’s deadliest school shootings. Seven years later, Joaquin believes it’s crucial to discuss the events of that day in Parkland, Florida.

Regrettably, Joaquin did not survive that day. The eerie, metallic voice that conversed with former CNN journalist Jim Acosta during this week’s Substack interview was, in reality, a digital ghost voice. This AI was trained on historical social media posts from teens and developed at the behest of grieving parents. Like many families, they recurrently share their children’s stories, often finding it heartbreakingly ineffective. Their desperation to explore every avenue of connection is entirely understandable.

The technology has allowed his father, Manuel, to hear his son’s voice once more. His mother, Patricia, spends hours asking the AI questions and prompting it with, “I love you, Mom.”

The grieving parents should not be judged for their choices. If they find solace in preserving their deceased child’s room as a shrine, speaking to their gravestone, or wearing a shirt that still carries their scent, that remains their personal matter. People cling to what they have. After 9/11, families replayed tapes of their loved ones until they were worn out, answering voicemails left by the deceased, and even made farewell calls from hijacked planes. I have a friend who frequently revisits old WhatsApp conversations with his late sister. Another friend texts snippets of family news to the image of his deceased father. Some choose to consult psychics to connect with the departed, driven by a profound need for closure. The struggle to move past grief often leaves people open to exploitation, and the burgeoning market for digital resurrection is a testament to this vulnerability.

In a manner reminiscent of AI-generated videos featuring Rod Stewart this week alongside late music icons like Ozzy Osbourne, this technology poses intriguing—even unsettling—possibilities. It may serve short-term purposes, as seen with AI avatars created recently by the family of a shooting victim to address a judge during the shooter’s trial. However, this raises profound questions about identity and mortality. What if a permanent AI version of a deceased person could exist as a robot, allowing for everlasting conversations?

AI images of Ozzy Osbourne and Tina Turner were showcased at the Rod Stewart concert in the US in August 2025. Photo: Iamsloanesteel Instagram

The idea of resurrection is often viewed as a divine power, not to be trivialized by high-tech zealots with a Messiah complex. While laws regarding the rights of the living to protect their identities from being used in AI-generated deepfakes are becoming clearer, the rights of the deceased remain murky.

Reputations may fade with us—after death, people cannot libel—and DNA is protected posthumously. Laws govern how we should respect human dignity, but AI is trained on a personal voice, messages, and images that hold significance for someone. When my father passed away, I felt his presence in his old letters, the gardens he nurtured, and old recordings of his voice. But everyone grieves differently. What happens if some family members want to digitally resurrect their loved one while others prefer to move on?

Joaquin Oliver’s AI can’t mature—he remains forever 17, trapped in a teenage persona molded by social media. Ultimately, it’s not his family but his murderer who holds the power over his legacy. Manuel Oliver understands that the avatar is not truly his son; he is not attempting to resurrect him. For him, this technology merely extends the family’s efforts to tell Joaquin’s story. However, Manuel is concerned about the implications of granting AI access to social media accounts, uploading videos, or gathering followers. What if the AI starts fabricating memories or veers into subjects that Joaquin would not have addressed?

Currently, there are noticeable glitches in AI avatars, but as the technology advances, distinguishing them from real people could become increasingly difficult. It may not be long before businesses and government entities employ chatbots for customer service inquiries and contemplate using public relations avatars for journalist interviews. Acosta, by agreeing to engage with a technically non-existent entity, could unintentionally muddy the already confused state of our post-truth world. The most apparent danger is that conspiracy theorists might cite interviews like this as “proof” that narratives contradicting their beliefs are fabrications.

Yet, journalists aren’t the only professionals facing these challenges. As AI evolves, we will interact with synthetic versions of ourselves. This surpasses the basic AI assistants like Alexa or simple chatbots—there are accounts of individuals forming bonds with AI or even falling in love with AI companions—these are expected to be increasingly nuanced and emotionally intelligent. With 1 in 10 British individuals reporting a lack of close friends, it’s no surprise that there is a growing market for AI companionship amidst the void left by lost human relationships.

Ultimately, as a society, we might reach a consensus that technological solutions can fill the gaps left by absent friends or loved ones. However, a significant distinction exists between providing comfort to the lonely and confronting those who have lost someone dear to them. According to poems often recited at funerals, there is a time to be born and a time to die. When we can no longer discern which is which, how does that reshape our understanding of existence?

Source: www.theguardian.com

Astronomers Uncover the Largest Black Holes Yet

Posted on August 8, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Astronomers have discovered and quantified the largest black hole ever found. This colossal black hole approaches the theoretical maximum size allowable in the universe and is approximately 10,000 times the mass of Sagittarius A*, the supermassive black hole located at the center of the Milky Way.

This Hubble image features a horseshoe-shaped gravity lens (from center to right). Behind it is a blue galaxy, distorted into a horseshoe-shaped ring by the space-time distortion caused by the massive orange galaxies in the foreground. Image credits: NASA/ESA/Hubble.

The newly identified ultramassive black hole resides in the Space Horseshoe Gravity Lens System, which is among the largest known strong gravitational lenses.

This lens system, referred to as SDSS J1148+1930 and CSWA 1, lies 5 billion light years away in the Leo constellation.

“Typically, mass measurements of black holes in such distant systems can only be done when they are active,” remarks PhD Carlos Melo from Universidade Federativa do Rio Grande do Sul.

“However, these estimates based on accretion are often fraught with significant uncertainty.”

“Our method integrates strong gravitational lenses with stellar dynamics to yield more direct and reliable measurements, even in these distant systems.”

“The black holes we discovered rank among the top 10 largest black holes known, possibly even the largest,” adds Professor Thomas Collett from the University of Portsmouth.

“Most existing mass measurements for black holes are indirect and come with high uncertainties, so I can’t definitively say which one is the largest. But our new method provides much greater confidence in the mass of this black hole.”

The research team employed a synergy of gravitational lenses and stellar motions to locate the space horseshoe-shaped black holes.

This technique is considered the gold standard for black hole mass measurement, but galaxies are often too small in the sky to resolve areas containing these supermassive black holes, limiting effectiveness in distant contexts.

“The inclusion of a gravitational lens allowed us to explore further into the cosmos,” noted Professor Collett.

“We observed the influence of a black hole in two specific ways: it alters the path light takes as it navigates through the black hole, and stars in the galaxy’s core are observed moving incredibly fast (almost 400 km/s).”

“By correlating these two measurements, we can confidently establish the black hole’s authenticity.”

“This discovery pertains to a ‘dormant’ black hole, which does not actively consume material at the time of observation,” Melo explained.

“The detection relied solely on its immense gravitational pull and its effects on surrounding matter.”

“What’s particularly thrilling is that this method enables us to identify and gauge the masses of these elusive supermassive black holes across the universe, even when they lie completely dormant.”

An intriguing aspect of the Cosmic Horseshoe system is that its host galaxy is classified as a fossil group.

Fossil groups represent the final phase of the universe’s most colossal gravitationally-bound structures, formed from the collapse of a single, large galaxy devoid of bright companions.

“It is plausible that the supermassive black holes originally found in the companion galaxy contributed to the formation of the supermassive black holes we have identified,” Professor Collett noted.

“Thus, we can observe both the conclusion of galaxy formation and the cessation of black hole growth.”

The team’s paper was published today in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.

____

Carlos R Melo-Carneiro et al. 2025. We are pleased to announce the discovery of a 36 billion solar-mass black hole at the core of the Cosmic Horseshoe Gravity Lens. MNRAS 541(4): 2853-2871; doi: 10.1093/mnras/staf1036

Source: www.sci.news

Research Shows Cocoats Have a Repertoire of At Least 30 Distinct Dance Moves

Posted on August 8, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Recent findings suggest that captive parrots display dancing behaviors in response to music, which involves complex cognitive functions such as imitation, vocal learning, and rhythm. This dance behavior in parrots might be indicative of a positive welfare state, increasing the likelihood of using music as an environmental enrichment tool. In a recent study, researchers examined the dance movements of cockatoos through online video analysis and playback experiments, identifying a total of 30 distinct dance moves from 45 videos featuring five different cockatoo species. Notably, 17 of these moves had not been previously documented in scientific literature.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=of7kql3lsam

Cockatoos have been informally observed dancing to music in captivity.

This dance results from intricate brain processes, including imitation, learning, synchronization, and rhythmic movement.

While spontaneous dance has been exclusively reported in humans and parrots in sync with music, some wild birds also exhibit rhythmic movements during courtship displays.

However, it remains unclear what motivates these captive birds to dance.

In this new study, Dr. Natasha Loveke from Charles Sturt University and her team analyzed 45 videos shared on social media platforms like YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram.

From their analysis, they identified a total of 30 unique dance movements, 17 of which had not been documented before.

Among these newly recognized moves were headbanging, side steps, and body rolls.

The researchers noted that some birds also executed their own unique dance sequences, often blending various movements creatively.

Interestingly, closely related species did not exhibit more similar dance styles, while a diverse range of dance moves appeared among the top 10 unique patterns.

Illustrations of the 10 most common recorded dance movements by Cockatoos. Image credit: Lubke et al. , doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0328487.

Following this, the scientists investigated dance behavior in six cockatoos, representing three species, housed at Wagga Wagga Zoo in Australia.

They played music specifically designed for birds, as well as audio podcasts, and found that all birds engaged in dance movements, regardless of the type of audio played.

The study revealed that dancing behavior was present in at least 10 out of 21 cockatoos studied.

Cockatoos seem to display a broad repertoire of dance moves, many of which resemble the courtship rituals observed in wild parrots.

This suggests that their dance abilities may have evolved from courtship behaviors directed towards their human caretakers.

“By analyzing the dance behavior of cockatoos from 45 videos and at Wagga Wagga Zoo and Aviary, we demonstrated that dancing is more prevalent in cockatoos than previously recognized, with 10 out of the 21 cockatoos exhibiting such behavior,” stated Loveke.

“My analysis demonstrates that the spectrum of dances is much more complex and diverse than has been understood, documenting 30 different movements across multiple birds, with an additional 17 seen in other birds.”

“This study supports the notion of positive emotional states in birds and highlights dancing behavior as an effective model for exploring parrot emotions. It also implies that playing music for parrots may positively influence their welfare and serve as an excellent avenue for enhancing their lives in captivity.”

“The parallels to human dance make it challenging to overlook the development of cognitive and emotional processes in parrots, suggesting that musical interaction could enhance their wellbeing.”

“Further research is needed to explore whether music can stimulate dancing behavior in captive birds, making it a potential form of environmental enrichment.”

The findings are detailed in a study published in the journal PLOS 1.

____

N. Loveke et al. 2025. Dance behavior in Cockatoos: impact on cognitive processes and welfare. PLOS 1 20(8): E0328487; doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0328487

Source: www.sci.news

Hubble Reveals Stunningly Detailed Image of Interstellar Comet 3i/Atlas

Posted on August 8, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Recent analysis of new images from the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope reveals that the nucleus of 3i/Atlas measures between 320 m (1,000 ft) and 5.6 km (3.5 miles).

Hubble captured this image of 3i/Atlas, which was located 446 million km (277 million miles) from Earth on July 21, 2025. Image credits: NASA/ESA/David Jewitt, UCLA/Joseph Depasquale, Stsci.

3i/Atlas was discovered on July 1, 2025, by the Asteroid Land Impact Trastor Alt System (ATLAS) funded by NASA.

Its orbit is the most dynamically extreme among recorded solar system objects.

New observations from Hubble have provided astronomers with a more precise estimation of the comet’s solid icy nucleus size.

“The maximum diameter of the nucleus is 5.6 km, but it averages around 320 m,” stated David Jewitt, an astronomer from UCLA, along with his colleagues.

“Hubble’s images offer tighter constraints on the nucleus’s size compared to earlier ground-based measurements, although the solid core of the comet is not currently visible directly even with Hubble.”

“Data from other NASA missions, like Webb, TESS, Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, and WM Keck Observatory, will further enhance our understanding of comets, including their chemical composition.”

Hubble also detected indications of dust plumes ejected from the sun-warmed side of the comet, along with dust tails drifting away from the nucleus.

The new findings indicate a dust loss velocity that aligns with the first comet observed at roughly 480 million km (300 million miles) from the Sun.

This behavior closely resembles the characteristics of a previously seen sun-bound comet observed within our solar system.

A notable difference is that this interstellar visitor originates from planetary systems beyond our Milky Way galaxy.

3i/Atlas speeds through the solar system at an astonishing rate of 209,000 km (130,000 miles) per hour, marking the highest speed ever recorded for visitors to our solar system.

This remarkable velocity indicates that comets have been traversing interstellar space for billions of years.

The gravitational pull from countless stars and nebulae has contributed to its increased speed.

The longer 3i/Atlas journeys through space, the faster it moves.

“No one knows the origin of this comet; it’s like catching a glimpse of a bullet for a thousandth of a second,” Dr. Jewitt observed.

“You can’t accurately trace that back to determine where you commenced your path.”

“This latest interstellar traveler represents a previously undetected group of objects, enriching the narrative that has gradually unfolded.”

“This achievement is now possible due to the powerful Sky Survey capability we previously lacked. We’ve reached a new milestone.”

The team’s paper will be published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters.

____

David Jewitt et al. 2025. Observations of the Hubble Space Telescope of Interstellar Interloper 3i/Atlas. apjl in press; Arxiv: 2508.02934

Source: www.sci.news

I Conversed with the AI Avatar of a Leeds MP: How Did It Handle My Yorkshire Accent?

Posted on August 8, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

aAnyone with even a hint of local dialect can attest to the challenge of dealing with parking fines, as voice recognition systems often struggle with various accents. Currently, individuals in Mark Seward’s Leeds constituency may encounter similar issues as his AI counterpart.

A chatbot, touted as the first AI representation of an MP, will respond in Seward’s voice, providing advice, support, or forwarding messages to his team, but only if it accurately comprehends your input.

The website, which serves as a virtual representation of the Leeds Southwest and Morley MP, features animated Pixar-style cartoons, and was launched by a local startup to address queries from constituents.

I wanted to test how “Sewardsbot” engages in discussions with someone just outside my constituency borders.

Adopting my “home” voice—one I had before attending university, combined with years spent in London and countless chats with colleagues from East Sussex—I initiated the conversation.

“Hello. I’m a Labour MP from Leeds Southwest and Morley. How can I assist you today?” the character replies in Seward’s voice.

“Now,” I respond. My text appears on the screen, but the bot seems unable to interpret it as a greeting. Here, “now” is commonly understood as “hello” in much of Yorkshire. It continues the dialogue, asking for my name and contact information.

The AI version of Seward faces criticism for recording all interactions and allowing his team to determine which topics are deemed significant based on constituents’ input.

Speaking of pressing issues, I move directly to what many are concerned about: the harrowing reports and footage emerging from Palestine. “Will you be addressing the situation in Gaza?”

Sewardsbot manages this query well, recognizing that I’m referencing Gaza in a broader context but does not elaborate on the government’s stance.

The message displayed on the website states, “AI Mark is a prototype digital assistant. This is a work in progress and should not be construed as fact. All responses are generated by AI.”

I experiment with a few more phrases to see if casual language trips it up, asking if someone could give me a call. However, since I’m at work, I phrase it as “out of 9 people, not calling out 5 people,” mentioning that I had a chip butty in the delightful bread cake from his constituency.

The bot’s interpretation of my accent is poor, and many phrases come through as gibberish. Unlike humans, it doesn’t grasp that the glottal stop before certain words often signifies “the,” which could have clarified my point.

Deciding to address concerns likely relevant to the constituency MP, I say, “My young neighbor hasn’t returned the old chief, yet he knows nothing about it. If no one comes for it, it’s not going down the road.”

I assume Seward would advise me to reach out to Leeds City Council regarding fly-tipping, but the AI suggests consulting with the police to report abandoned vehicles instead.

MPs’ aides will surely breathe a sigh of relief—there’s still plenty to worry about.

Source: www.theguardian.com

NW Rehires Employees Following Deep Doge Layoffs

Posted on August 8, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The administration under Trump intends to reverse most of the cuts made to the National Weather Service earlier this year aimed at improving government efficiency.

According to Mike Flood of R-Neb, Eric Sorensen, D-Ill., along with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, has received approval to fill 450 roles, which include meteorologists, hydrologists, and radar engineers for the National Weather Service.

This decision is part of an initiative to rehire for these crucial roles. CNN was the first to report that following a summer filled with severe and deadly weather, scrutiny arose over the NWS cuts, prompting bipartisan calls for their cancellation.

An official cited by NBC News noted that NWS staff were involved during the Texas Flood that resulted in over 130 fatalities. This has spurred agencies to rehire hundreds of essential personnel, raising concerns about the reliability of NWS forecasts. This information came from a source who spoke on the condition of anonymity due to restrictions on discussing HR matters.

Both Sorensen and Flood expressed their satisfaction with this “postponed news” in a joint statement. They co-hosted discussions around layoffs and early retirements, focusing on safeguarding National Weather Service employees while reclassifying their roles as vital to public safety. Although the bill was presented in the House of Representatives, it has yet to be voted on.

“For months, Congressman and I have been advocating for the necessary support for NOAA and NWS employees who are facing staff reductions,” stated Sorensen in a press release. “The lack of skilled positions has forced NWS offices nationwide to cancel weather balloon launches, abandon overnight staffing, and overburden the remaining meteorologists.

Rep. Mark Alford from R-Mo. also expressed support for the initiative.

A spokesperson for the National Weather Service declined to provide comments.

Officials from NOAA, who were not authorized to speak publicly, informed NBC News that filling the hundreds of vacant positions would take several months. Currently, USAJOBS.GOV lists only nine open roles across NOAA, the parent organization of the National Weather Service.

The NOAA and NWS were not impacted by the controversial cuts implemented during the early months of the second Trump administration, which included job terminations, rehiring, and restructuring of certain employees. The Commerce Department and NOAA dismissed over 600 probationary staff on February 27th, encompassing hurricane hunters, meteorologists, and storm modelers.

Five former directors of the National Weather Service have cautioned that a shortage of staff could cause “unnecessary loss of life.”

Source: www.nbcnews.com

I strongly suggest checking out the edgy videos on YouTube.

Posted on August 8, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Feedback delivers the latest in science and technology news, providing insights into what captivates readers. Email Feedback@newscientist.com to share items you think might intrigue our audience.

Cleaning Chronicles

While at times seemingly unproductive, Feedback finds a way to engage with what may appear as idleness. Recently, we spent more time than expected watching online videos, and here’s what we gleaned.

Diving into the depths of YouTube, we ventured down a path filled with carpet and rug cleaning videos. This might sound dull, yet one company’s use of the R2-Clean2 and Dirt Reynolds intrigued us.

Strangely enough, we found a soothing pleasure in watching dirt layers being lifted and the rug’s patterns emerge once again. Time faded away. The stress dissipated. Feedback embraced a Zen-like state; our minds were clear and receptive. There was no demand, no stress, just the simple act of cleaning a rug.

Once we snapped back to reality, we observed the fascinating interplay between humans and technology. Amidst the myriad cleaning YouTubers, there’s an army dedicated to capturing the messiest rugs in the most dramatic ways possible. After all, if your rug-cleaning video doesn’t attract millions of views, the revenue won’t match the effort.

Consequently, it’s tough to find a video that merely shows a dirty rug. A typical cleaning video appears as if a rug was pulled from a muddy abyss, taken over by fungi, and processed through the digestive system of a stray animal. Sometimes, maggots make an appearance. One can watch hours of labor spent with buckets and sprays to restore cleanliness.

This quaint subculture reflects our society: even mundane tasks like rug cleaning become exaggerated to the extreme, driven not by their inherent value but by the quest for attention and profit.

Enough philosophy. I certainly don’t plan on watching someone speedrun Super Mario Odyssey.

Rumblings

Alongside many readers, Feedback grapples with the ongoing controversies surrounding bestselling author Raynor Winn. Her book Salt Path and other works on extensive walking journeys faced scrutiny after Observer published accusations that she misled the public regarding her and her husband’s period of homelessness, as well as his health during their trekking on England’s southwest coast. Winn denies any wrongdoing.

This revelation surfaced shortly after the film adaptation of Salt Path caused embarrassment for all parties involved, but in the realm of Feedback, the most shocking realization was that Winn’s real name is Sally Walker.

Literary Innovations

In July, Feedback addressed the potential applications of generative AI tools like ChatGPT to simplify challenging literary texts. I’ve observed soft rewrites of renowned opening lines that retain their essence. This resonated with many of you.

Eric Bignell highlighted Macbeth’s poignant soliloquy from Act 5, scene 5: “Tomorrow and tomorrow, tomorrow / creeping up at a daily pace from day to day / to the final syllable of recorded time. I’m stupid now, full of sound and rage / meaning nothing.” Eric simplified it through ChatGPT to: “Life is short, meaningless and full of noise.”

Numerous readers contributed their suggestions on how AI might reinterpret famous passages. For instance, consider George Orwell’s foreboding opener in 1984: “It was a bright, cold day in April, and the clock struck thirteen.” David Aldred aptly proposed, “It was a well-defined afternoon on a bright, cold April day.” Nothing essential was lost!

The favorite rewrites included the opening line of Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…” Ian Glendon comically suggested a literal version: “When I bought it, the watch was fine, but it doesn’t work anymore.” However, Simon Byrd, David Strachan, and Rod Newberry each proposed a variation with the same essence: “On average, it was fine.”

Simon even came up with an alternative to Edward Bulwer-Lytton’s infamous first line from Paul Clifford: “It was a dark and stormy night,” suggesting the creative twist: “Welcome to Scotland.”

Ultimately, Stuart Bell concluded with a bold suggestion to loosen AI’s constraints when engaging with James Joyce’s famously perplexing text Ulysses. Not due to enhancement, but rather because the work should “break AI, or at the very least, induce a headache.”

Have thoughts on Feedback?

Feel free to reach out by emailing feedback@newscientist.com. Remember to include your home address. You can find this week’s feedback and past editions on our website.

Source: www.newscientist.com

Is This How We Change the World?

Posted on August 8, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

In 2013, the World Health Organization (WHO) established an ambitious goal: to reduce global physical inactivity by 10% compared to 2010 levels by 2025. Now, the deadline has arrived, and despite initiatives aimed at leveraging the excitement of multiple Olympic Games, activity levels have not increased.

The latest data indicates that as of 2022, 31% of adults worldwide fail to meet physical activity guidelines, marking a rise from 26% in 2010. The situation is even graver among teens, with an alarming 81% not engaging in sufficient physical activity. We’re falling short of our targets.

What went wrong? Various factors, from public health policies to urban design, can be scrutinized regarding current strategies. Nevertheless, some experts are advocating for a more fundamental reassessment. Have we been misrepresenting the promotion of physical activity all along?

For years, public health campaigns have heavily relied on the narrative that “exercise is medicine” to encourage physical activity. This notion is familiar: engage in physical activity to combat illnesses like diabetes or cardiovascular diseases. This message is underpinned by strong scientific evidence, leading to the belief that health incentives are the most compelling motivation.

Yet, Benjamin Rigby, a public health researcher from Newcastle University, and his colleagues recently argued in an opinion piece that framing physical activity solely as a health preventive measure oversimplifies the myriad reasons individuals choose to be active. “The reality is people engage in movement for many reasons unrelated to avoiding illness,” Rigby states. “We play, laugh, explore, dance, and feel proud of ourselves. Ultimately, it’s about enjoyment and well-being.” Eliminating these positive motivators from health messaging may contribute to the lack of engagement.

Elsewhere, research continues to support the concept of shifting focus away from health-centric narratives. A study by University of Edinburgh researchers analyzed 123 public messages about physical activity, concluding that health concerns are not always effective motivators for prompting people to get active. The most impactful messages highlight the short-term rewards of proactive engagement rather than threats of future illness.

What if campaign messaging centered on the immediate benefits of physical activity? Some researchers recommend phrasing such as “small movements to enhance your mood,” focusing on mental health, or promoting “physical activity as an opportunity to connect with others.” Motivation matters.

Strong evidence shows individuals are more likely to maintain activity when it is enjoyable. Fun is associated with young people who regularly participate in sports. Remember Pokemon GO? That trend inspired avid users to walk an additional 1,473 steps daily on average, fueled by the excitement of “catching them all.” Given this evidence, why do public health messages overlook fun-focused motivations?

Sticking to health-oriented narratives appeals strongly to institutions. Their effects can be quantified, aligning neatly with the formal tone expected from such messages. However, with the 2030 target of reducing physical inactivity by 15% from 2010 levels approaching, now is the time for transformative change. It’s crucial to cease prescribing physical activity as a daunting chore and start presenting it as an opportunity for enjoyment, exploration, and connection.

Dawn Teh is a freelance health writer based in Australia.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Blowwinner Review: Engaging and Powerful Books Uncover the Biases That Influence Our Lives

Posted on August 8, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Despite significant changes since the 1950s, women continue to shoulder more domestic responsibilities

ClassicStock/Alamy

Earn money
Melissa Hogenboom (Canongate Books, August 14th, UK)

Why do individuals without jobs feel uplifted when their partners are unemployed? How do women develop empathy as they mature? Why does a disordered room appear untidy when it belongs to Jennifer, but not John? These pressing issues are explored by Melissa Hogenboom in her book Earn money: and other power imbalances that affect your life. The book uncovers the hidden power dynamics and subconscious cognitive biases that influence our behaviors and choices.

This narrative goes beyond individual actions; it serves as a well-researched examination of how stereotypes and unseen disparities shape everything from household chores to career advancement.

Fair warning: it may provoke anger—especially regarding household responsibilities. Studies indicate that in heterosexual relationships, domestic duties are typically assumed by women unless addressed directly. Women tend to take on more odd jobs, even when they log more hours at work. Hogenboom notes that some studies imply this might be an unconscious “compensation” strategy for unconventional family dynamics.

Gender biases begin early in life. Mothers engage more extensively during pregnancy, whereas fathers share more about their feelings with daughters and their achievements with sons. Studies have found that fathers react more deeply to their daughters’ emotions.

This reinforces the notion that women are inherently nurturing or empathetic—a stereotype that influences various realms, from parenting to leadership roles. In fact, while empathy can be partially genetic, there are no innate differences between genders.

When societal pressures are lifted, a new truth may surface. As highlighted in a case study of same-sex male couples, “The assumption that if parents remain at home without societal pressures, they will naturally share childcare responsibilities is quite misguided,” says one participant. “If my partner had suggested returning to work within a fortnight, I would have been furious.”

Hogenboom also points out that mothers in same-sex relationships may encounter fewer career obstacles after maternity leave compared to those in heterosexual partnerships, indicating that maternity alone does not dictate such penalties.

The myth of mutuality deludes couples that they have achieved a good balance of labor.

The book sheds light on the intangible forces predominantly managed by men: hidden inequalities often perceived as normal. At times, Hogenboom asserts, “Women, here’s the evidence you need to justify your exhaustion.”

Notably, the persistent challenges faced by men who seek to address these power disparities are highlighted. A study referenced by Hogenboom found that men requesting part-time roles often face skepticism more than women and encounter taunts like “Where’s your mom?” They often struggle to be taken seriously and may be viewed as less committed, complicating their social dynamics within parenting communities.

Couples who believe they have achieved equality might be surprised by how Hogenboom reveals these unseen dynamics of authority. She argues that systematic inequalities represent a dominant form of power in relationships, often overlooked—even by the couples who experience them.

The perception of mutuality can lead couples to falsely believe they maintain an even distribution of responsibilities. However, they may be deceiving themselves if they don’t consider whose needs are genuinely met and who does the work. For instance, your partner might “cook all the meals,” but have you handled the meal planning, grocery shopping, cleaning, and budgeting?

Fortunately, Hogenboom offers actionable advice. If you find yourself overwhelmed, she suggests handling tasks comprehensively: “It eliminates hidden burdens when ownership of the entire task is taken.”

Her recommendations provide a much-needed relief amidst the wealth of data presented. While authoritative and insightful, Hogenboom’s writing style leaves little room for reflection.

However, moments of reflection are necessary. Earn money constructs a convincing argument to recognize the influence of concealed power dynamics and informs how to address them. This leads to fairer relationships and more successful careers, potentially saving marriages.

Helen Thomson is an author based in London.

New Scientist Book Club

If you enjoy reading, join a welcoming community of fellow book enthusiasts. Every six weeks, we explore exciting new titles, offering members exclusive access to book excerpts, author articles, and video interviews.

Source: www.newscientist.com

We Uncovered the Largest Black Hole Ever Found

Posted on August 8, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Scientists have discovered an extraordinarily massive black hole billions of light years away

Igorzh/Shutterstock

A colossal black hole, located in a galaxy five billion light years away, boasts a mass over 10,000 times greater than the ultra-massive black hole found at the center of the Milky Way, and about 360 times greater than that of our Sun.

“This is likely the largest black hole in the universe,” states Thomas Collett from the University of Portsmouth, UK. “It’s equivalent to the mass of an entire small galaxy condensed into one singularity.”

This supermassive black hole is situated approximately five billion light years away, residing in one of the most well-known galaxies, referred to as the Space Horseshoe. Space Horseshoes serve as the largest known galaxy lenses, capable of bending light from objects situated behind them due to their immense gravitational forces. Previous research indicated that such enormous black holes might exist in the center of this galaxy, though pinpointing their exact mass has proven challenging for scientists.

To accurately determine the mass of the black hole, Collett and his team analyzed the orbital velocity of a nearby star, which directly correlates to the black hole’s mass. Additionally, they assessed how much light is distorted by the gravitational influence of the black hole, a phenomenon known as gravitational lensing. “Combining these two measurements allowed us to yield a highly confident estimation,” says Collett.

The mass of this black hole is remarkably large, aligning with Collett’s team’s prior investigations. Their research focuses on mapping the distribution of dark matter in the Galaxy, utilizing data gathered from observed light. They found that a successful model was only achievable with the inclusion of a supermassive black hole at the center of the universe’s horseshoe.

“The only time I started to get a good model was when I began considering black holes with incredibly high masses,” remarks Collett.

The horseshoe galaxy is theorized to be a ‘fossil group’ galaxy. This type of stellar system has absorbed all of its neighboring galaxies, a behavior that helps clarify the phenomenon of its black hole’s formidable size.

Yet, one enigmatic aspect persists. The black hole appears to have ceased growing and is currently dormant. “For it to expand, it must have been connected to the entire universe at some stage. It’s curious that it’s inactive at this moment,” Collett adds. “A process must have contributed to the black hole’s growth before it eventually plateaued.”

Topics:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Asthma Medications Can Safeguard Against Life-Threatening Allergic Reactions

Posted on August 8, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Stephanie Eisenbarth and Adam Williams prepare peanuts for allergy research in their lab

Northwestern University

Research indicates that common asthma treatments may offer protection against anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction. The drug Zileuton, traditionally used for asthma, is now being considered for individuals facing serious food allergies.

Despite the prevalence of food allergies, it can be challenging to foresee the risk of anaphylaxis for an individual. Scientists are investigating why some individuals with positive food allergen tests do not show symptoms, while others have severe, potentially deadly reactions.

“Our aim is to discover methods to help individuals with symptomatic food allergies manage their reactions to allergens,” states Stephanie Eisenbarth from Northwestern University, Illinois.

Eisenbarth and her research team anticipated that mice exposed to peanuts would experience anaphylaxis. They administered a single oral dose of Zileuton to a group of 5-10 mice sensitized to peanut allergens approximately one hour prior to feeding them peanut extract. The control group did not receive any medication. Observations revealed that almost all Zileuton-treated mice showed no symptoms of anaphylaxis, whereas the control group exhibited clear signs of it.

Most dietary proteins are usually broken down, but some can be actively absorbed through the intestines and enter the bloodstream directly. In individuals with severe allergies, these proteins can trigger immune responses, leading to anaphylaxis.

During allergic reactions, the body releases chemicals known as leukotrienes. The researchers found that leukotrienes play a role in the number of intact proteins that penetrate the intestine. They also identified a gene called DPEP1 that is crucial in regulating leukotriene levels.

One significant action of Zileuton is inhibiting the enzyme five lipoxygenase, essential for leukotriene production. Administering this drug to mice lowered leukotriene levels, while DPEP1 also suppressed remaining leukotrienes, preventing allergen absorption and halting anaphylaxis in susceptible mice. A single dose of Zileuton cut the anaphylaxis rate by 95%.

“We can differentiate between mice that respond to food allergens and those that do not. We are now evaluating whether the same asthma medications can limit allergen absorption in the intestines of people with food allergies.”

Jorge Emiliano Gomez Medellin from the University of Chicago suggests that these straightforward tablets might significantly alleviate the consequences of accidental allergen exposure. He added that while Zileuton could potentially inhibit the absorption of food allergens, it won’t alter an individual’s underlying sensitivity over time.

“Nonetheless, Zileuton could be a valuable tool in combating food allergies,” he concludes.

Source: www.newscientist.com

Imaging Molecules’ Minute Quantum Jitter with Unmatched Clarity

Posted on August 8, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Accelerator tunnels at the European XFEL, where atomic motion is meticulously studied.

Xfel/Heiner Mueller-Elsner

In a groundbreaking achievement, a highly advanced X-ray laser has successfully unveiled the slight atomic movements of molecules that are typically expected to remain stationary.

Quantum physics thrives on uncertainty. Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle prevents scientists from simultaneously and accurately determining a particle’s position and momentum, indicating that quantum particles can never be fully at rest. Instead, atoms are perpetually in motion, albeit minuscule.

Nonetheless, measuring this subtle Heisenberg wiggle is challenging in complex molecules where atoms exhibit various motion patterns. Recently, Till Janke from the XFEL facility, along with his team, successfully captured this phenomenon using molecules composed of 11 atoms, including carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and iodine.

“This was my first experiment utilizing an extraordinary tool,” Janke remarked. The pivotal device was the “laser beast,” which bombarded molecules with intense bursts of X-rays. Although the pulse duration was only a quarter of a second, it was a million times brighter than conventional medical X-rays.

Each X-ray pulse stripped electrons from the molecule, causing the atoms to become positively charged and repel explosively from each other. By analyzing the aftermath of these explosions, scientists were able to reconstruct quantum variations of atoms in detail at their lowest energy states.

The team discovered that Heisenberg’s wiggle appears to follow a synchronized pattern in the movements of specific atoms. While this wasn’t unexpected based on the molecular structure, the researchers were astonished by the precision of their measurements, as noted by team member Ludger Inhester at German electronic synchrotrons.

Next, the researchers aim to explore how quantum fluctuations influence molecular behavior during chemical reactions. They also intend to adapt their methodology to study electron movements.

“We are exploring ways to expand our findings to larger systems. There are numerous avenues for future research,” shared team member Rebecca Bol from European XFEL.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

When Redshift Occurs, What Happens to Light’s Energy? It’s Complex.

Posted on August 7, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

“It can be hard to comprehend the vastness involved…”

Science Photo Library/Alamy

Many of us can relate to concerns about inflation. The rising cost of living weighs heavily on our minds, and we often scrutinize what political leaders are doing in response. Yet it’s essential to recognize the terminology issues present in physics, especially since inflation carries a vastly different meaning in this context.

In cosmology, space inflation refers to a model that elucidates why our universe appears so expansive. This theory posits that space-time underwent rapid expansion for a brief duration—around one second—leading to regions of the universe that are now uncommunicative but once were connected.

Understanding such immense scales can be a challenge. How do we truly grasp these vast distances that exceed our everyday experiences? Last month’s column tackled this concept by addressing distance measurement techniques. Yet, this inquiry itself unfolds layers of complexity.

In that discussion, I highlighted how Redshift serves as a crucial tool for gauging distances in space. Imagine a series of balloons being inflated; as they expand, their peaks and troughs elongate. This phenomenon mirrors how light behaves as it travels across the fabric of space-time. The light stretches, increasing its wavelength.

This shift in light wavelengths enables distance calculation. By measuring the wavelength of light from a distant object and comparing it to our observations, we can discern how much space-time has expanded between our position and the observable objects. Such Redshift measurements are consistently corroborated by both astronomical observations and lab experiments.

However, deeper questions linger. From a quantum standpoint, light’s wavelength is tied to its energy content. The stretching of light reduces its energy, resulting in a redshift effect. This phenomenon isn’t merely a nuisance; rather, it presents intriguing insights about quantum mechanics within cosmological discussions.

Energy conservation is a fundamental concept in everyday physics, but even cosmic principles can be bent or broken

What’s the dilemma? We prefer consistent principles across physics domains. A core tenet of everyday physics suggests that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed. Thus, if we apply energy conservation to redshifted light, we face the question: where does the lost energy of light go? A curious reader posed this very question.

The response may be surprising. While energy conservation remains a guiding principle, it seems the cosmic realm can, at times, operate differently. Albert Einstein’s theory of general relativity plays a pivotal role here. Though widely recognized for its insights into the fabric of cosmic time and curvature, it also reveals how space-time itself may expand.

A unique aspect of general relativity is that energy conservation isn’t universally applicable. In essence, as light loses energy through redshift, this loss is not considered significant in the grand scheme. Energy doesn’t necessarily have to ‘go’ anywhere; it can merely dissipate.

That’s one way to frame it. Alternatively, we could also address the energy associated with gravitational fields. Historically, conflating these two perspectives has sparked considerable debate. Some argue they represent two facets of the same reality.

Personally, I contend that the essence of energy remains ambiguous. It’s challenging to delineate, yet it’s palpable in connection to physical entities like particles and stars. However, when discussing the energy entwined with space-time curvature, clarity dissolves. Where exactly is this energy located within the continuum of space and time? How concentrated is it at specific junctures? These inquiries reflect the complexities of inflation!

Thus, I find myself aligning with those who suggest that strict energy conservation may not be the most useful concept. What stands clear is the interdependence of space-time curvature and energy related to matter. Space-time’s dynamics guide matter’s trajectory, while matter’s mass (akin to energy) influences how space-time will behave.

Chanda’s Week

What I’m reading

Riley Black When the Earth was Green: The Epic of Plants, Animals, and Evolution beautiful.

What I’m watching

I’m re-watching Star Trek: A Strange New World from the start.

What I’m working on

We are pondering the Newathena X-Ray Observatory to deepen our understanding of neutron star interiors.

Chanda Prescod-Weinstein is an associate professor of physics and astronomy at the University of New Hampshire. She is the author of Cosmos with Disabilities and the forthcoming book, “Edges of Space-Time: Particles, Poetry, and the Universe’s Dreamscape.”

Topics:

Quantum Physics/
Space-Time

Source: www.newscientist.com

The Power of Laughter Therapy for Enhancing Emotional Well-Being

Posted on August 7, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Laughter yoga session in Kolkata, India

SOPA Images Limited/Alamy

Laughter therapy is no laughing matter. Structured activities designed to elicit joy, such as laughter yoga and hospital clowns, appear to significantly lower anxiety levels and enhance life satisfaction.

Laughing, a behavior observed in various animal species, is believed to boost social bonds and may assist infants in developing their self-identity. Research indicates that interventions involving clowns lead to shorter hospital stays for children.

Yelsynyn-Mauricio Porras-Jiménez from Jaen University in Spain aims to enhance people’s holistic well-being. “It’s not solely about physical health; mental and emotional aspects are crucial,” he notes. “I discovered laughter therapy while exploring ways to implement holistic care effectively.”

Porras-Jiménez and his team performed a meta-analysis of 33 studies from the United States, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. The participants included nursing students as well as individuals receiving terminal care, undergoing surgeries, in vitro fertilization, or those grappling with depression or burnout.

Each study divided participants into two groups. One group engaged in various laughter therapy activities, such as laughter yoga, clown visits, watching entertaining films, or joining guided laughter sessions. The second group served as a control, maintaining standard care or receiving no interventions.

Results demonstrated a consistent link between laughter therapy and decreased anxiety, alongside heightened life satisfaction. In one measurement of anxiety on a scale of 0-100, the control group’s average score was around 60, while the laughter therapy group scored 8-10 points lower. Regarding life satisfaction, the control group’s score averaged 50, with the laughter therapy group scoring 10-12 points higher.

However, participants were aware they were partaking in laughter therapy, which raises questions about potential placebo effects, according to Sophie Scott from University College London.

Nonetheless, laughter triggers physiological changes correlated with reduced anxiety, she adds. Research shows lowered cortisol levels, a stress hormone, and increased endorphins, neurotransmitters that foster feelings of happiness.

“It’s challenging to determine if the benefits arise from laughter itself or from the social environment that encourages comfortable laughter,” Scott remarks. “It seems to be a combination of both.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Exploring Black Holes with Interstellar Nanocrafts: A Guide

Posted on August 7, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Conceptual image of a spacecraft navigating near a black hole

Liuzishan/Getty Images

An interstellar spacecraft designed to explore a black hole could transmit data back to Earth in roughly 100 years.

Cosimo Bambi from the University of Hudang in Shanghai has devised a framework for such missions utilizing technologies projected to be available within the next 20 to 30 years.

By approaching a black hole, we can validate Albert Einstein’s theory of general relativity and uncover the behavior of fundamental physical constants in extreme gravitational fields.

The nearest well-known black hole is approximately 1500 light years away. However, within our Milky Way galaxy, there is estimated to be one black hole for every 100 ordinary stars. This suggests a significant likelihood of locating a black hole within 20 to 25 light years, says Bambi.

Identifying a black hole poses challenges, as these entities do not emit light; astronomers must infer their existence by observing their gravitational influence on surrounding stars.

Reaching a black hole within 25 light years of our solar system will require advanced technological developments, but according to Bambi, “it’s achievable.” Within a century, spacecraft could be minuscule, featuring sails that cover 10 square meters and propelled by light. Such crafts could theoretically accelerate to about one-third the speed of light through pulses from high-powered lasers.

“Currently, light sails and nanocrafts appear to be the most viable options for interstellar travel since they can achieve speeds approaching that of light,” Bambi states. However, he estimates that the power required for an effective laser system could reach approximately 1 trillion euros today.

To validate predictions concerning general relativity, it may be necessary to dispatch two miniature spacecraft or release a secondary probe as the primary nanocraft nears a black hole. The secondary craft would venture closer to the black hole, while the primary craft remains at a safe distance, gathering data and relaying it back to Earth.

Gerlan Lewis from the University of Sydney acknowledges that while the challenges are significant, the proposal is far from impossible.

However, the extensive time frame for the proposed mission introduces a possibility that nanocrafts could become outdated by the time they reach their destination. Lewis remarks, “Considering 100 years of technological advancement, can we truly predict what kind of propulsion system might exist then?”

“A mission to black holes would likely resemble this proposal, akin to how we might imagine the advancements of the 20th century, 500 years in the past,” he adds.

Lewis points out that Bambi’s plans do not address how to decelerate the nanocrafts upon arrival at the black hole. Bambi suggests that the simplest approach is to not slow the vehicle at all, but rather deploy a probe to transmit data back to the main craft for Earth delivery.

“In such scenarios, the probes won’t stop around the black hole; they will merely pass by. Some may be drawn into the black hole, which should provide sufficient data to analyze the black hole’s gravitational field,” he explains.

Sam Baron at the University of Melbourne describes Bambi’s framework as one of the most “speculative” research papers he has encountered, but notes that a century ago, the construction of the Large Hadron Collider would have seemed like science fiction.

“I believe utilizing small-scale technologies is likely the way forward,” he observes. “The question remains whether we can indeed engineer something that meets all the criteria outlined in this paper.”

Bambi emphasizes that human beings cannot personally venture to black holes due to the extreme accelerative forces—around 10,000 g—that nanocraft would need to endure. “Unless we discover a wormhole in the fabric of space-time to provide a shortcut,” he notes.

“We really need a nearby wormhole like in the movie Interstellar” to facilitate human missions,” he concludes. “Unfortunately, my assessment is that wormholes are purely theoretical at this point.”

Astronomy Hub: Chile

Discover the astronomical wonders of Chile. Explore some of the most advanced observatories in the world and enjoy breathtaking views of the night sky from one of the clearest locations on Earth.

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Source: www.newscientist.com