Researchers have raised concerns about a novel type of acid rain that is becoming increasingly prevalent, complicating efforts to mitigate its impact; I did it poses a hazard to all forms of life on Earth.
Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) — a type of persistent “forever chemical” — is now found in rain and snow globally, in concentrations significantly higher than in past decades.
While the exact implications of TFA for human health and the environment remain unclear, some scientists are suggesting that these chemicals I did it may present an existential risk.
“Recent findings indicate that TFA can interfere with critical Earth system processes, such as mammalian embryo development and diminished soil respiration,” stated Professor Hans Peter Alp, a chemist at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, in BBC Science Focus.
Professor Alp’s latest research categorized TFA as a planetary threat comparable to global warming and ozone depletion.
“We are uncertain about the long-term consequences,” he continued. “Due to the global accumulation of TFA, any long-term effects may manifest on a worldwide scale.”
“Moreover, when TFA impacts the environment, it does not break down naturally, making intervention too late. Existing technologies for TFA removal are prohibitively expensive and only applicable in limited scenarios.”
The ARP paper emphasized the necessity of taking proactive measures to curb the rapid buildup of TFA before it is officially deemed an emergency threat.
“In the heating and cooling sectors, this means we must avoid gases that lead to TFA formation,” Alp added.
“Another necessary step is to phase out pesticides and pharmaceuticals that produce TFA during degradation.”
Some nations have already begun taking action. Denmark is leading the charge, having banned 23 pesticide products in July 2025 due to their association with TFA contamination.
TFA is merely one of countless forever chemicals. Other PFAs are linked to health issues such as reproductive problems, fetal deformities, and various cancers – Credit: Chris Macrolin via Getty
TFA belongs to a category of “Forever Chemicals,” more formally known as polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAs), which are notably resistant to degradation.
Among these persistent chemicals, TFA is one of the smallest. It can infiltrate the environment from sources such as refrigerants, aerosols, pesticides, air conditioning units, landfills, and sewage systems. When larger PFAs degrade, they often convert into TFA.
Because of its small size, TFA readily dissolves in water. This property contributes to its prevalence as a persistent chemical, as it is rapidly increasing not only in rain but also in rivers, lakes, groundwater, oceans, vegetation, food, and urine.
The ARP indicated that finding TFA in “previously untouched water resources” could be alarming. This is particularly troubling as TFA is considered nearly impossible to remove from drinking water.
Some scientists suggest that TFA may not pose significant risks to humans because it does not linger or accumulate in our bodies but is quickly excreted through urine.
However, the ARP maintains that new evidence shows an increasing presence of TFA in humans, animals, and ecosystems.
“We observe that TFA can penetrate cells, becoming integral components of lipids, proteins, and cellular structures. This may explain noticed alterations in microbial activity within soil,” stated ARP.
Researchers, including Alp, are exploring methods to eliminate TFA from the environment, such as cultivating crops that can absorb TFA.
Nonetheless, Alp emphasizes that further research is essential to assess the true level of threat posed by TFA. In the meantime, he urges that “the foremost priority is to curtail emissions before irreversible global consequences unfold.”
Read more:
About our experts
Professor Hans Peter Alp is a chemist at the Norwegian Geotechnical Institute and a professor at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. His research focuses on how pollutants behave in environments that include microplastics, everlasting chemicals, metals, and more.
Carbon exists in various forms known as homologues, each with distinct properties including differences in color and shape. For instance, in diamond, every carbon atom is connected to four neighboring carbons, while in graphite, each carbon atom is bound to three others. The newly created molecule, Cyclo[48]Carbon, features 48 carbon atoms arranged in alternating single and triple bond patterns, exhibiting sufficient stability for spectroscopic characterization at room temperature in solution.
Chemical structure of cyclo[48]carbon [4]Catenan. Image credit: Harry Anderson.
Dr. Yuz Gao and his research team from Oxford University integrated cyclo.[48]Carbon molecules, creating a C48 ring that threads through three additional macrocycles.
These threaded macrocycles enhance the stability of the C48 by restricting access to the protected cyclocarbons.
Previously, molecular rings made entirely of carbon atoms have only been investigated in gas phase or at extremely low temperatures (4-10 K).
The researchers assert that Cyclo[48]Carbon maintains stability in a solution at 293 K (20 degrees Celsius).
This stability was achieved by utilizing threaded macrocycles, choosing larger cyclocarbons with low strain, and developing gentle reaction conditions for the non-masked step of the synthesis (where precursor molecules transform into the final product).
“Establishing stable cyclocarbons in vials under ambient conditions is a critical milestone,” stated Dr. Gao.
“This facilitates the examination of reactivity and characteristics under standard laboratory conditions.”
The team characterized the cyclocarbon catenene using a range of techniques including mass spectrometry, NMR, UV-visible, and Raman spectroscopy.
An intense observation of 13C NMR resonance for all 48 SP1 carbon atoms suggests that each carbon resides in a similar environment, strongly supporting the cyclocarbon catenene structure.
“The findings mark the pinnacle of our extensive efforts to synthesize cyclocarbon catenanes, based on the expectation that they may be stable enough for studies at room temperature,” remarked Professor Andersen.
The team’s research was published in the journal Science.
____
Yuze Gao et al. 2025. Solution phase stabilization of cyclocarbons by catenene layers. Science 389 (6761): 708-710; doi: 10.1126/science.ady6054
In a recent study, Professor Jonathan Tan, an astrophysicist from the University of Virginia and Chalmers Institute of Technology, suggests that the population III.1 supermassive star is the precursor to the ultra-high-massive black holes observed in the early universe. The intense high-energy photons emitted by the star ionized the surrounding hydrogen gas, creating a natural intergalactic medium that extended over millions of light-years. This process led to the formation of ultra-high massive black holes that caused a flash ionization, effectively ending the “dark age” of the universe.
An artist’s impression of the star field from population III that would have been visible hundreds of millions of years post-Big Bang. Image credits: noirlab/nsf/aura/J. da silva/SpaceEngine.
These black holes, residing at the centers of most large galaxies, including our Milky Way, typically possess masses millions or even billions of times greater than that of the Sun.
Their formation has sparked considerable debate, particularly with the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope uncovering numerous such black holes located far away that date back to the universe’s early days.
Professor Tan’s theory, referred to as “Pop III.1,” posits that all supermassive black holes originate from the first stars, termed debris Population III.1 stars, which grow to enormous sizes due to energy from a dark matter annihilation process. This theory aligns with many of Webb’s latest discoveries.
In his publication, Tan presents another prediction that may illuminate our understanding of the universe’s origins.
“Our model indicates that the ultra-large star progenitors of black holes ionize the surrounding hydrogen gas extremely quickly, signaling their emergence with a bright flash that permeates all space,” stated Professor Tan.
“Notably, this additional stage of ionization occurs at a significantly faster rate than seen in typical galaxies, potentially addressing recent challenges and discrepancies in cosmology.”
“This was an unexpected connection we identified during the development of the POP III.1 model, but it could have substantial significance.”
“Professor Tan has crafted a sophisticated model that elucidates the two-stage process of star formation and ionization in the early universe,” commented Professor Richard Ellis, a distinguished observational cosmologist from the University of London.
“The initial star, created from a brief, brilliant flash of light, may have since vanished. Thus, what we observed with Webb could represent a subsequent phase. The universe continues to amaze us with its surprises.”
A resident of Missouri has been admitted to the hospital following a potential water skiing incident at a local lake, which health officials have characterized as a fatal “brain-eating infection.”
The Missouri Department of Health’s Senior Services Office released a statement on Wednesday indicating that the unidentified patients seem to have been exposed to Naegleria fowleri.
The agency described Naegleria fowleri as “a microscopic single-celled free-living ameba capable of causing a rare and lethal brain infection known as primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), commonly referred to as the ‘brain-eating’ infection.”
Health officials noted that early investigations imply the patients may have been engaged in water skiing at the Ozarks lake, a reservoir situated in central Missouri, prior to falling ill.
According to the agency, Naegleria fowleri typically resides in freshwater, although PAM is “extremely rare.” The ameba usually enters the body through the nose and makes its way to the brain, inflicting damage on brain tissue.
“Individuals who engage in water recreation should operate under the assumption that Naegleria fowleri could be found in warm freshwater across the United States, although infections remain highly uncommon,” the agency stated.
The health department reported only 167 cases of infection in the United States from 1962 to 2024.
In a separate incident last month, 12-year-old Jasen Kerr tragically passed away after swimming at Lake Murray in South Carolina, subsequently diagnosed with PAM, according to a statement from the law firm representing Kerr’s family, shared on Facebook.
“We support this family not only in seeking the truth but to ensure that no other families have to endure such losses,” stated Bailey Law Office.
The CDC warns that most individuals with PAM will succumb within 1 to 18 days after symptoms manifest, leading to coma and death within 5 days.
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services advised residents to “steer clear of water-related activities in warm freshwater during elevated water temperatures, utilize nose clamps, and refrain from submerging their heads in the water.”
They also recommended avoiding the disturbance of wet sediments, as “Naegleria fowleri amebas are likely to inhabit sediments at lakes, ponds, and riverbeds.”
Stromatolites are rock-like structures formed by bacteria in shallow water
Lkonya/Shutterstock
Microorganisms in the remote bays of Western Australia are interconnected through tiny tubes, suggesting early stages of complex life evolution.
In Shark Bay, known by the Indigenous name Gathaagudu, microbes create slimy, multi-layered assemblages called microbial mats. This challenging environment, buffeted by tidal shifts and temperature fluctuations, has fostered bacterial communities alongside another single-celled organism known as Archaea, which have thrived here for tens of thousands of years. These microorganisms often coexist symbiotically, forming layered sedimentary structures known as stromatolites.
“The mats develop under hypersaline conditions with elevated UV levels. It withstands cyclones. Despite facing numerous threats, they persist,” comments Brendan Burns from the University of New South Wales in Sydney.
He posits that these contemporary microbial communities may resemble those that existed billions of years ago when complex life first emerged. This evolution might have been driven by a mutual dependence between bacteria and Archaea, leading to the formation of more complex cells known as eukaryotes.
Burns and his team returned some of these microbial mat communities to the lab to cultivate the organisms in high-salinity, low-oxygen conditions.
They successfully cultured only one type of bacterium, stromatodesulfovibrio nilemahensis, and a newly identified archaeon named Nearachaeum marumarumayae, a member of the Asgard Archaea group. These archaeal bacteria, named after the gods’ abode in Norse mythology, are regarded as the closest relatives to the eukaryotic cells that comprise the bodies of animals, plants, and humans.
According to team members, “These organisms seem to directly interact and share nutrients,” states Iain Duggin of the Sydney Institute of Technology. Although there is no direct evidence yet, the complete genomic sequence obtained allows for speculation regarding the metabolic processes of both organisms.
The genomic analysis indicated that bacteria synthesize amino acids and vitamins, while the Archaea produce hydrogen and various compounds, such as acetic and sulfuric acids. Both sets of products are unique, indicating a dependency on each other.
The researchers also observed indications of direct interaction between the two species. “We have observed what we refer to as nanotubes,” notes Duggin. “These microscopic tubes, seemingly produced by bacteria, establish direct connections to the surface of the Asgard cells.”
3D reconstruction based on electron microscope images showing cell membranes of Archaeon (blue) and bacteria (green), with nanotubes (pink) between them
Dr. Matthew D. Johnson, Bindusmita Paul, Durin C. Shepherd et al.
In addition to their interactions, the Archaeon cells generate vesicle chains that resemble SAC-like structures utilized for transporting molecules along extracellular fibers. Duggin notes that these nano-sized vesicles appear to engage with the nanotubes formed by the bacteria.
“While nanotubes may be too slender for conduits, they facilitate a type of multicellular binding that enhances resource sharing,” asserts Duggin.
The researchers identified a protein similar to human muscle proteins, a genomic sequence coding for a previously unknown protein, and a protein consisting of about 5,500 amino acids, which is substantial for ancient species. “While I can’t claim it’s directly connected to human muscle proteins, it suggests that their evolutionary origins may trace back much further,” says team member Kate Mischey from the University of New South Wales.
“What fascinates me most are the direct connections formed by nanotubes between bacteria and archaea,” comments purilópez-garcía from Parisa Clay University, France. “Such interactions have not been documented in prior cultures.”
However, discerning the exact behaviors of bacteria and Archaea is challenging, remarks Buzz Baum from the MRC Institute of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK. “It’s a complex relationship of conflict and cooperation,” he notes. “They interact, share, and sometimes clash, demonstrating a nuanced understanding of each other’s presence.”
Duggin believes the prevalent dynamic is more cooperative than combative. “These organisms coexisted in our culture for over four years, suggesting a level of harmony rather than contention,” he adds.
Burns and his colleagues propose that their findings may reflect an early stage in the evolution of eukaryotic cells within microbial mats. Roland Hatzenpichler at Montana State University aligns with this perspective.
“The study’s outcomes indicate that the newly identified Asgard Archaea engage directly with sulfate-reducing bacteria,” he remarks.
However, Lopez Garcia cautions that these interactions may not date back beyond 2 billion years. “While these archaeal and bacterial forms are modern, the microbial environments they inhabit may provide insights into ancient ecosystems,” he explains.
According to Hatzenpichler, we may be on the verge of better understanding the similarities between recent microorganisms and the cells they collaborate with to form primitive nucleated cells. “We’re now in an advantageous position to uncover deeper truths,” he concludes.
Distributing quantum information akin to traditional broadcasting may not be feasible, even with mathematical models designed to work around quantum mechanics’ inherent limitations.
It is a well-established fact that quantum copy machines cannot exist due to the no-cloning theorem, which is a fundamental principle of quantum physics that prevents the duplication of quantum states. However, physicists have explored the possibility of transmitting or broadcasting copies of quantum information to multiple recipients without breaching this law.
To achieve this, researchers must permit the quantum copies to differ slightly and integrate additional information processing steps for the receivers. Recently, Zhenhuan Liu from Tsinghua University in China and his team demonstrated that these methods might be impractically complex.
“There’s no ‘Ctrl+C’ in the quantum realm,” Liu states. “If you aim to send quantum information to several receivers, there are no quick fixes. You must generate sufficient copies and transmit each one individually.”
The researchers honed in on the previously discussed “virtual quantum broadcast” protocol. In this model, information is adjusted so that various states maintain correlations with each other, although not with identical physical replicas. The messages received are not precise duplicates but share enough characteristics to be valuable. This is analogous to a television network broadcasting slightly different episodes of a serialized drama to each household while generally maintaining the narrative flow. While this protocol is certainly functional, team member Xiangjing Liu at the National University of Singapore questioned its efficiency.
The team analyzed the effort required by recipients to ensure that the information they received, despite not being identical, remained useful. Their mathematical assessment indicated that viable quantum broadcasts may not be realistic.
Counterintuitively, even this optimized approach to quantum broadcasting demands more resources compared to methods like drafting individual letters for each recipient, akin to how group texts send messages to everyone simultaneously, according to team member Yunlong Xiao from Singapore’s scientific research institutions.
“If your sole objective is to simply relay quantum states across various locations, it’s questionable whether exploring virtual quantum broadcasts is a viable method,” says Seok Hyun Lee at Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology in Korea. He believes this protocol has never been considered a practical guideline for quantum communication but rather an investigation into the fundamental limits of quantum information theory.
Paolo Perinotti from Pavia University in Italy acknowledges the mathematical significance of the team’s efforts but also suggests it is unlikely to provide immediate benefits to quantum technology.
Looking forward, researchers are keen to explore the theoretical implications of this current analysis. It helps us comprehend the correlations permissible when manipulating quantum states, regardless of whether they are distributed over space or transmitted sequentially in time. Xiangjing Liu notes that this work could form the basis of a new framework for understanding quantum processes, emphasizing a clearer distinction between time and space compared to traditional methods.
(Oxford University Press, by Albert Folch, now available)
What do rainbows, inkjet printers, human skin, pregnancy tests, and fish gills have in common?
To explore this, you must delve into what Albert Folch, a bioengineering professor at the University of Washington, terms the “liliptian fluid world.” Here, we encounter the fascinating realm of microfluidics, which manages liquids at a miniature scale—from tiny veins in the human body to microchannels etched into lab chips.
Folch’s new book, How the World Flows: Microfluids from Raindrops to COVID Tests, is an astonishing journey through the numerous ways microfluidics influence our world. He credits his neurobiologist wife in the acknowledgments for encouraging him to write about not just microfluidic chips, which have become crucial in chemistry, biology, and medical research, but also about the “device” of microfluidics found in nature.
This allows the book to paint broader pictures, examining both current technologies and historical examples, from handheld DNA sequencing devices to how the tallest trees draw nutrients from the soil. Folch also explains phenomena like capillarity in paper—enabling writing—and discusses the fundamental mechanics of a candle and the workings of an automobile engine.
Each of the 18 chapters is brief and introductory, starting with a personal story about a historical figure, such as inventors, athletes, and chefs, making the material more relatable.
Physics concepts in How the World Flows, like viscosity, surface tension, and gravity, are presented without complex equations but instead through straightforward explanations rooted in real-world contexts.
At times, I’ve yearned for deeper detail regarding the devices and processes Folch discusses. Additionally, the coverage of recent innovations, including chip-sized devices that replicate entire organs, feels somewhat limited compared to the wealth of historical context.
Nevertheless, as I read, I felt I was absorbing a wealth of knowledge about everyday phenomena. Microfluids have become essential in understanding our bipedalism due to sweat, why lakes don’t drain into the Earth, and how all vertebrates can perceive each other’s calls. There’s even a section on the complex engineering found in a mosquito’s proboscis!
Folch’s writing exudes enthusiasm and warmth, though he occasionally slips into the realm of popular science writing that can obscure the overall tone of the book. For instance, many scientific contributions are intertwined with childhood anecdotes, which can shift from relatable to hagiography.
I also found it remarkable that a book could make microfluidics accessible to those without rigorous educational backgrounds.
Despite this, the strength of How the World Flows lies in its diverse cast of characters and its emphasis on the significance of microfluidics in shaping our world.
Above all, this book has the potential to inspire young readers to consider a future in engineering. It also serves as a reminder of the intricate complexity and wonder of any object under a microscope, fueling our curiosity.
Back in 2005, there was nothing quite as satisfying as closing a clamshell flip phone to end a call.
Now, two decades later, these devices are making a comeback, with rumors suggesting that Apple is developing its first flip phone.
Details remain scarce regarding its design, but it may take inspiration from Samsung’s flip models reminiscent of 2000s clamshell phones.
According to a JPMorgan report, the initial foldable iPhone is set to launch at a price point of $1,999 (£1,474) in September 2026, indicating a likely expansion in the foldable phone market, projected to hit 109 million units by 2025.
For the past 15 years, rectangular tablets have dominated phone design, raising the question: could Apple’s foray into flip phones signify a shift in direction?
Tech analysts suggest that the introduction of a new product reflects consumer demand for devices that offer extensive internet access on mobile phones rather than laptops or tablets. However, the premium pricing indicates these will remain luxury items.
“Apple and its competitors are constrained by a smartphone market that has lost its innovative edge. While essential for daily life, consumers are less excited about the next breakthrough,” remarked an industry expert.
This might explain why Apple is exploring fresh design concepts, such as the ultra-thin iPhone expected to debut in September.
Wood believes Apple’s entry into the foldable segment comes after competitors conducted their own experiments. Samsung’s initial Galaxy folding design faced screen issues, yet the upcoming Galaxy Flip and Fold 7 release boasts a sleeker design and enhanced display, aiming to represent the “next generation” of folding devices, especially following sales stagnation anticipated in 2024.
“Apple typically approaches developments carefully, focusing on refinement and reliability rather than rushing to market,” Wood noted.
He added that Samsung’s flip phone has garnered greater popularity than its fold model, owing to its affordability and unique attributes.
However, he believes Apple’s foray into foldable mini tablets may have a significant impact by enabling users to easily watch videos, view photos, and utilize larger display areas for document viewing while working remotely.
Margarita Panaioto, a high-tech researcher at the University of Manchester, pointed out that research indicates a preference for larger screens among users for gaming and viewing, combined with the trend of younger individuals using smartphones to go online. This suggests that foldable designs could serve as ideal compromises for future consumers.
Professor Ben Carter, who examines the societal impact of smartphones at King’s College London, concurred that foldable phones excel in video consumption, especially as video increasingly dominates content consumption. They provide larger screens, thereby enhancing the viewing experience.
He posited that a design reminiscent of a “mini laptop that can fold” could yield mental health benefits. His research shows that minimizing notifications effectively combats screen time and smartphone dependency.
If the screen is closed, the “Variable Reward Scheme” associated with notifications is also shut down. This similarly applies to gambling addiction, which thrives on uncertainty. “If we can reduce distractions like a laptop, that could help,” he stated, though he acknowledged the absence of evidence showing foldable phones are being used that way.
Such an approach might be particularly advantageous for children, who typically receive over 200 notifications daily. Nevertheless, due to the high costs of foldable phones, it’s unlikely many will be accessible to them until parents transition to the indirect model a few years after launch.
Professor David Ellis, chair of Behavioral Sciences at the University of Bath, added that additional benefits include improved screen protection and compact fit in pockets, alongside the “nostalgia associated with flip phones.”
However, he cautioned that it may not be the transformative product many anticipate, noting that Apple does not have a “100% success rate” — citing the Vision Pro headset as a notable failure.
A magnetar, a type of neutron star, can be the source of fast radio bursts
Science Photo Library/Alamy
A peculiar burst of light from the early universe aids astronomers in mapping elusive gases found between galaxies, much like flashlights in dark spaces.
The Fast Radio Burst (FRB) is an extremely brief yet potent burst of radio frequency emissions that has puzzled astronomers since its discovery in 2007. Currently, we know of only a few thousand instances in the universe, leaving much still to be understood about them, especially as most originate from galaxies neighboring the Milky Way.
Now, Manisha Kaleb from the University of Sydney, Australia, along with her research team, has identified a remarkably distant FRB, tracing back to a galaxy that existed merely 3 billion years post-Big Bang.
Kaleb and her collaborators first detected a burst designated 20240304B using the South African Meerkat Radio Telescope in March 2024, corroborating their findings with observations from the James Webb Space Telescope. They determined that the burst originated from a small, faint galaxy that appeared relatively youthful, characterized by rapid star formation.
“This discovery is extraordinarily distant,” stated Jason Hessel from the University of Amsterdam, Netherlands. The FRB 20240304B is from an epoch in the universe’s timeline known as the ‘midday’ of the universe, a period when the rate of new star formation peaks. This hints that during the galaxy’s formative years, this FRB—and possibly others—may have stemmed from a young star that underwent a supernova and collapsed into a magnetar, according to Hessel.
A key reason astronomers focus on FRBs lies in their ability to shine a light on ionized gases and lost electrons from radiation emitted by stars, which constitute most of the universe’s matter. Understanding its distribution is crucial for unraveling how larger structures—such as stars and galaxies—form. However, like the FRB, this gas remains largely invisible unless illuminated by a light source.
“This luminous flash reveals all the ionized material between us and the origin of the flash, allowing us to map both the gas and the magnetic fields amidst the stars and galaxies,” Hessel added.
The discovery of FRB 20240304B implies that the universe’s first stars were actively ionizing their surroundings, which can help establish a timeline of when these stars first ignited, according to Anastasia Fialkov from Cambridge University. The insights gleaned will only enhance with the detection of even more distant FRBs.
World Capital of Astronomy: Chile
Discover the astronomical wonders of Chile. Visit some of the most technologically advanced observatories while gazing at a sky that boasts some of the clearest visibility on Earth.
wReflecting on childhood in the 1990s stirs up feelings of nostalgia. We roamed far and wide without supervision, rode our bikes, crafted burrows, and swam in streams. Post-school hours were spent crafting and playing board games; while the internet existed, my parents encouraged me to use a landline phone. Media was tangible—cassettes, CDs, VHS tapes—and often enjoyed together as a family. The memory of going to the video store to select a movie still thrills me.
These feelings are common, especially when you have a child of your own, and social media algorithms tap into this nostalgia. Three years post the birth of my son and starting a parenting column for The Guardian, I noticed my interest in “parenting in the 90s.” This phenomenon seems to have gained traction this year, with former 90s kids pondering how to raise their own children. It appears that significant technological advancements have resulted in valuable losses. But is it feasible to reclaim what was lost? And how have we adapted parenting since then?
“Absolutely, it’s a total pause,” states Justin Fromm, a father and content creator based in Las Vegas. We’ve created a very successful replica video store in one of the rooms in his house for his daughter. “The whole family would pile into the car, head to the video store, and wander the aisles, deciding what to watch,” he reminisces about his childhood. “It was exhilarating and filled with possibilities. Scrolling online doesn’t compare.” There’s something special about physically going somewhere to select a movie together, the long-awaited anticipation of finally watching it. It felt like a true event. “Everyone remembers the ritual of choosing a movie together in a blue and yellow themed store, the carpet, the excitement.”
Although not everyone has the space or budget like Justin, the motivations behind his choices resonate widely. “As a parent, I consistently shield my kids from content I don’t deem healthy for their minds,” he explains. “We lean towards older films and shows, primarily due to their healthier pacing. They are not overly mixed or stimulating.” His daughters adore classic films like *Harriet the Spy* and *Dennis the Menace*, with *George of the Jungle* being the current favorite. Likewise, I found myself gravitating toward 90s media thanks to my son, with *The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh* capturing my attention. The contrast between the narrative pace of 1997’s *Teletubbies* and modern programming is striking.
Justin’s acclaimed video room represents a conscious effort to define screen time, aligning with the 90s parenting ethos. “Back then, people criticized TV for damaging brains, but it had its place in the living room,” he notes. “Now, media pursues us relentlessly, everywhere. In my household, media consumption happens at specific times and places.”
Composite: Getty Images
As concerns mount regarding the impact of screen time, alongside various campaigns advocating for childhoods free from smartphones, it’s understandable that many of us are reflecting on the era just before everything changed. Some parents, such as schools, have introduced landlines for children, while a parent group in South Portland, USA, allows kids to call each other, thereby forming a “retro bubble” against screens. Browsing through 90s parenting-themed reels on Instagram (ironic, I know), I stumbled upon a video depicting adults and children participating in a backyard water battle, all organized via landlines, of course, as they left their smartphones in bowls atop a high cupboard. Back when we weren’t glued to screens, our summers were often spent engaged in extensive neighborhood water fights, with mothers signaling the action when they appeared with buckets or garden hoses.
Jess Russell strongly values the importance of play. A former primary educator and special needs coordinator, Jess stays at home with her two children, aged one and three, and actively promotes learning through play on her Instagram account @playideasforlittles. “I grew up in a rural setting, always outdoors. My mother was a stay-at-home parent, and we engaged in numerous arts and crafts,” she shares, striving to replicate this experience for her children. They spend ample time playing in the garden, engage in board games like *Hungry Hungry Hippos*, and watch TV as a family.
Part of Jess’s motivation for her current lifestyle stems from her disillusionment with educational directions that steer away from play and towards outcome-oriented systems. She feels fortunate to be at home with her children, a choice more attainable in the 90s when single incomes could usually support housing expenses. I share similar sentiments about working part-time. The nostalgia for the 90s reflects the struggles modern parents face trying to balance work and family time, all while fostering a playful environment.
It boils down to more than just screens; it encompasses connections, family moments, and shared time. “Parenting in the 90s exemplified ‘slow’ parenting,” Jess observes, explaining that days weren’t packed with scheduled activities. Boredom, as emphasized by Melanie Murphy, a mother of two from Dublin, is vital. Instagram: “Your Nostalgic Millennial Mom’s Friend”. “Those extended, unstructured periods were a surprise gift. I desire that for my children. I don’t want an overly scheduled life for them.”
Composite: Getty Images
When her two- and four-year-olds experience boredom, their imaginations are activated, Melanie recounts. “They construct forts, turn floors into lava, and convert tables into dragon nests. We don old clothes and delve into dirt in search of bugs. They prepare meals and tidy the house… We groove to music and have dance parties. We watch my childhood DVDs on the projector. Sure, structured activities and adult-led plans create chaos, but as long as the kids are content, I’m fine with it.”
Certainly, kids from the 90s would chuckle at this. One humorous video highlights the absurdities of 90s childhood, featuring a kid dashing after his mother in a changing room and giving himself a haircut in the kitchen. When I ask a friend if her parenting style resembles that of the 90s or if she knows someone whose does, she ponders: “Hmm, like sleep training, lots of TV, and burnt pancakes.”
She’s spot on. Yet, each advocate of 90s parenting I encounter acknowledges the allure of rose-colored glasses. I ask Melanie what elements of the 90s she’d prefer to leave behind. “Physical discipline. You were taught to ‘toughen up’ emotionally rather than to process feelings holistically,” she says, pointing to practices like sleep training and the “naughty step.” The negatives included “secondhand smoke everywhere, mental health neglect… The gender stereotypes were overwhelming, alongside diet culture and ultra-processed food norms.” Her mother counted calories with Weight Watchers, and even back then, Melanie found herself counteracting with junk food. Best left in the past. She also emphasizes that not every family enjoys movie nights together; for some, media consumption lacks supervision, and children might encounter highly inappropriate or traumatic content.
At times, the carefree approach of 90s parenting can veer towards negligence. Yet, I cherish how “free-range” my childhood was. Justin shares similar sentiments. “My parents weren’t always aware of my whereabouts, and that was okay,” he recounts. “I got hurt sometimes; my kids occasionally break their bones. We learned to avoid the actions leading to those breaks.” (Indeed, I broke my bones too.)
Composite: Getty Images
“That type of risk-taking is crucial; it’s how kids learn to assess situations. We’ve been scrutinizing our childhoods so much lately that we need to reclaim those teachings,” he remarks. He believes there’s been an overcorrection, and people “hunger for something freer, something resembling non-fear-driven parenting.”
In essence, we are in pursuit of balance. “We are more informed now—about emotions, neurodiversity, health, and nutrition—which undeniably has its merits,” adds Melanie. “It’s not a time machine I yearn for, but a beautiful fusion of the relaxed spirit of 90s parenting blended with today’s emotional intelligence.”
I thought it would be insightful to converse with someone who actually parented in the 90s, so Jess connected me with her mother, Lynn. “I savored those moments with my children, cherishing every hour spent outdoors or with friends,” she reminisces about the long days. She emphasizes that stores closed on Sundays, a simple joy allowing family time. “Many parents today yearn for that simplicity in family bonding.”
Composite: Getty Images
“We lived in a modest two-bedroom home and managed just fine… Now, it seems people must meet a certain living standard. That pressure is something I truly regret for them.” When I ask Lynn if there’s anything she admires about today’s parenting, she struggles to pinpoint anything specific. “I genuinely respect the balance modern moms seem to achieve. I never had that. It was undeniably straightforward.”
Initially hesitant about the concept of 90s parenting, Jessica admits it felt somewhat sentimental and was likely fueled by millennial nostalgia on social media. Yet, if that’s true, why write this? Is it sadness stemming from the fatigue of juggling work and parenting (especially with her son’s struggles to sleep)? Even reminiscing about the 1996 classic *Space Jam* evokes deep emotions tied to selecting a VHS at the local store. I can’t shake this longing for simpler times, perhaps indicating a need for more fun in my life. I’m thinking it might be time for a water fight. Who’s ready?
Parent-Child Relations: Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett’s Baby Raising Published by September Publishing (£18.99). Get support from The Guardian and reserve your copy Guardianbookshop.com . Shipping charges may apply.
Rapid detection of individual electrons proves challenging
agsandrew/shutterstock
Now, detecting a solitary electron with a resolution of a trillion can be achieved in a mere second. This breakthrough could be crucial for advancing new generations of quantum electronic devices.
While conventional electronic circuits are packed with numerous electrons, their interactions often diminish their efficiency and performance. Is it possible to effectively manage a single electron to create a speedy and efficient circuit that operates with one electron at a time? Masaya Kataoka from the UK’s National Institute of Physics (NPL) and his team have advanced this objective by developing highly precise techniques for electron detection.
They introduced two electrons at different locations within a thin layer of the semiconductor gallium halide arsenide. The charged particles moved rapidly toward each other. When their paths drew near, the force between the electrons caused them to diverge, altering their trajectories. The researchers tracked one of the electrons and leveraged this deflection to identify the other electrons. They managed to detect it within 6 trillion interactions, which is roughly 100 times quicker than previous methods.
“Our experiments can be regarded as electrons acting as the world’s smallest sensors, detecting the world’s smallest object,” remarks Kataoka.
Team member John Fletcher at NPL explains that interactions among electrons can occur over trillion-second intervals. With this timescale now achievable, researchers are beginning to explore what two electrons do within a device and leverage this knowledge to design new electronic innovations.
Vyacheslavs Kashcheyevs from the University of Latvia believes this work could mark a pivotal point in the creation of a new generation of electronic devices reliant on high-speed single electrons. He elaborates that a single electron is inherently a quantum entity, which means future devices may harness their quantum characteristics directly, similar to their current applications in quantum computing and communication.
Researchers envision that a single-electron device could accomplish tasks akin to those performed by quantum devices that utilize a single photon, yet it would be significantly smaller. Such electron-based devices could even be integrated onto chips for convenience, says Christian Flindt from Aalto University in Finland. He emphasizes that this detection method will serve as the foundational building blocks for these potential applications.
The findings are also expected to enhance the understanding of electrical currents. Rolf Haug from Hannover University of Leibniz, Germany, notes that the current standards used for measuring current could be refined by implementing the “electron pump” utilized by the team to inject electrons in their experiments, he states.
Herpes Virus Assists in Treating Severe Skin Cancer
Science Photo Library/Alamy
The virus exhibits significant promise in treating various cancer types, yet immune responses limit its use primarily to tumors located near the skin’s surface. Current research demonstrates that employing genetically modified bacteria to envelop these viruses may mitigate this issue, effectively slowing the advancement of aggressive tumors in mouse models.
Several treatments utilizing oncolytic viruses have received global approval for targeting cancers of the skin, brain, and head and neck. These methods often involve injecting engineered viruses directly into tumors, which then disperse and destroy cancer cells.
However, targeting deeper tumors necessitates injecting the virus into the bloodstream, where the immune system swiftly eradicates it before it can reach the desired site.
To circumvent this challenge, Zachary Singer and his team at Columbia University, New York, are using genetically modified Salmonella Typhimurium bacteria that do not elicit a strong immune response. These bacteria have been engineered to harbor the genome of Seneca virus A, a virus shown to effectively eliminate human cancer cells in laboratory and animal studies.
“We are adopting a Trojan horse strategy where bacteria conceal the virus [from the immune system],” remarks Singer. These bacteria are designed to infiltrate cancer cells and release copies of the viral genome upon entry.
To test their hypothesis, researchers induced neurotumors on mice’s backs. A week later, they administered the bacteria carrying the virus. This was referred to as a capsid, which entered about half the mouse’s blood. The other group received Seneca virus A without the bacteria.
Within a day, they noted that fluorescent-tagged capsids had concentrated within the tumor, a reaction that typically dampens the immune response. In contrast, capsids remaining in the bloodstream or reaching healthy tissue were swiftly eliminated by the immune system, according to Singer.
On average, tumors in the Seneca virus A-only group reached their maximum size in 11 days, necessitating euthanasia for ethical reasons. Conversely, tumors in the capsid group took 21 days to reach the same size, with no mice experiencing notable side effects.
“The data appears truly remarkable,” states Guy Simpson from the University of Surrey, UK. The findings have shown effectiveness against rapidly growing tumors, particularly those arising from neurons, but he suggests it may be even more beneficial for slower-growing tumors.
In a separate aspect of the experiment, the researchers discovered that the capsid entirely eradicated human lung tumors implanted on mouse backs, yet they did not include controls that received Seneca virus A on its own.
Before human trials, additional studies on mice and non-human primates should assess its efficacy against a broader spectrum of tumors, including pancreatic cancer, which has notoriously low survival rates, advises Simpson.
Research indicates that individuals are more inclined to forge friendships if their brains react similarly to movie clips, implying that neural responses can forecast relationships.
Humans typically gravitate toward others with similar mindsets, a phenomenon that helps to explain why prior studies have identified neural parallels among friends. However, the question remained whether these similarities emerged because friends experienced similar upbringings or were attracted to those with comparable thought processes.
Carolyn Parkinson and her team at UCLA gathered brain scans from 41 students before they entered a graduate program. During the scan, participants viewed 14 diverse film clips, ranging from documentaries to comedies, covering topics like food, sports, and science. The researchers then assessed neural activity across 214 regions of each participant’s brain.
Two months later, participants completed a survey along with an additional 246 students in the program. The findings showed that those who were closer to Mark in terms of friendship tended to display more similar neural responses than those further removed in the social network, particularly in areas of the left preorbital cortex associated with subjective value processing. This correlation held true even after accounting for personal tastes based on individual enjoyment and interest in the clips.
After two months, the neural similarity between friends remained consistent, suggesting that initial friendships may form based on proximity before evolving into closer relationships over time. This was further supported when the researchers analyzed changes in friendships over the interim. Participants approaching this phase exhibited notable neural similarities compared to those whose activity drifted among 42 brain regions. These connections remained significant even after considering variables such as age, gender, and hometown. “The sociodemographic factors seem to account for some variations observed, at least in terms of measurable factors,” stated Parkinson.
Many of these brain regions are part of networks that facilitate understanding narratives, which may explain the similarity in how individuals perceive the world around them. “Individuals with like-minded thought processes find it easier to connect,” noted Robin Dunbar from Oxford University. “When they communicate, they intuitively grasp what others are thinking because it’s aligned with their own thought patterns.”
Dunbar, who did not participate in the study, expressed that these results resonate with long-held assumptions. “It’s akin to random groups of people unintentionally forming bonds based on compatibility; they are inherently attracted to one another,” he explained. “In essence, close friendships are not merely coincidental; they are composed and cultivated.”
oIn time, this industry reached a standstill in a game of this nature. The single-player story-centric action experience intertwines weekend choreographic sequences with expansive worlds brimming with an enticing array of collectibles.
Indeed, the old country lacks fresh concepts for the cover shooter genre. Hangar 13 already released a remake of the original Mafia: The City of Lost Heaven in 2020, yet in this installment, it often feels as though the studio has recycled it in a new setting. Both the narrative and the framework of individual missions seem to honor Fedora, reminiscent of its 2002 classic.
You can see where this is going… Mafia: Old Country. Photo: 2K Game
A classic scenario: Mission trope “Win the race to impress your don.” This chapter was notorious in the original Mafia, as racing vehicles from the 1930s were notoriously tricky to manage and racing itself was rather uninviting. However, it presented a sophisticated multi-tiered mission filled with obstacles, thefts, and unexpected betrayals. In Mafia: Old Country, you’re merely cruising through a town prepping for the race, with the don needing a replacement rider, which offers a serene ride along a route filled with real challenges. While such experiences might have faced criticism a decade back, the scarcity of games like this today leads us to overlook basic mission design and rather appreciate its storytelling and the setting it represents.
It is the year 1904, and you embody Enzo Faraba, a young man down on his luck without family, working alongside peers in a sulphur mine, dressed in a yellow-dyed rag and sporting a shaved head. While the working conditions in the mine are dismal and perilous, Enzo contends with cruel employers, earning the ire of the local ‘businessman,’ Don Laggero Spadaro, who owns the mine. Fear not—after a narrow escape, he finds refuge with Don Trici, a rival of Spadaro who values the courage and diligence of the young man. You can see where this is leading.
A vibrant setting… Mafia: An Old Country. Photo: 2K Game
Next, you experience the typical quest for dominance within the criminal underworld, expressed through knife fights and vintage-style shooting with reloadable firearms. Local businesses are noncompliant. Workers are striking. Thieves and rival families threaten your reputation. You navigate environments where waist-high cover positions are conveniently placed, allowing for tactically advantageous standoffs.
Credit where it’s due: Enzo and his comrades’ missions aren’t solely about violence. Occasionally, you’ll employ stealth, tossing coins and bottles to divert guards away from your path. There is ample horseback riding and car driving, accompanied by rich dialogues that enhance the context surrounding your actions. While these non-combat mechanics may not be particularly thrilling, this is a mafia-themed game—not designed to be a grand, systemic experience, but rather to narrate the tale of a gangster.
Despite the odds, it manages to succeed in its endeavors. However, it accomplishes this through storytelling rather than intricate plots. The rhythm is predictable. Memorable moments neither stem from witty dialogue nor dramatic turns of fate, nor are they rooted in evocative historical specifics. There are scenes of peasants raiding the pantry and heaps of citrus fruits piled in the fields. Workers stamping grapes in the Torrisi Vineyard. Authentic recipes for Spezzatino di Maiale resting on the kitchen counter. The Sicilian dialect makes fleeting appearances in every conversation (it’s highly advisable to use English subtitles to enhance understanding amidst Sicilian audio). This game demonstrates thorough research, successfully portraying cultural and historic contexts rarely explored in previous titles. It earns its title as a mafia game—it embodies this well: a tribute to the old country.
Knife fights and gunplay do operate effectively, yet I find the missions a bit too simplistic compared to a franchise once celebrated for its dynamic pacing. Nonetheless, despite these caveats, it’s worth engaging with for the allure of its setting and the undeniable passion it holds for its bleak subject matter.
The recent findings in Sulawesi, Indonesia, have revised the timeline for early human sea crossings, adding complexity to the puzzle of their creators.
Archaeologists have unearthed stone tools at a location in South Sulawesi, called Cario, dating back at least 104 million years. Given that Sulawesi is encircled by swift and deep waters, anyone who created these tools would have had to navigate the open ocean.
“This represents the earliest known evidence of early human presence in Sulawesi,” says Professor Adam Brumm from the Australian Center for Human Evolution Research at Griffith University, which co-directed the research. BBC Science Focus.
“It now seems evident that early hominins managed to cross the Wallace Line, leading to isolated populations on distant islands.”
The Wallace Line serves as a critical biogeographical boundary between mainland Asia and Wallacea Island. “For land mammals that don’t fly, such as those in Sulawesi, crossing from the edge of mainland Asia to the nearest Wallacea island would have been nearly impossible due to the vast distances and swift currents,” Brumm explained.
Earlier discoveries indicated that hominins arrived at nearby Flores Island approximately 102 million years ago, evolving into species like Homo floresiensis (nicknamed “The Hobbit” due to its stature) and Homo luzonensis.
However, as of now, no fossils have been discovered in Sulawesi, leaving the identity of the tool’s maker an enigma.
“We suspect it was an early Asian human species, possibly Homo erectus,” Brumm remarked. “I doubt they used boats for this journey. The colonization of the island likely occurred accidentally as they might have clung to logs or natural vegetation ‘rafts’ that were formed during tsunamis.”
These stone tools, excavated from Cario in Sulawesi, have been dated to over 104 million years ago. The scale bar is 10 mm. – Credit: MW Moore/University of New England
If Homo erectus made it to Sulawesi more than a million years ago, they may have been carving out their own evolutionary niche.
“In Flores and Luzon, fossil discoveries indicate that hominins on these islands underwent evolutionary changes, leading to unique new species that are small and distinct,” noted Brumm. “Though we have yet to find human fossils in Sulawesi, the possibility of similar events occurring on the island cannot be ruled out.”
What’s next for Brumm and the team? “We’re continuing our excavations,” he stated. “Human fossils are incredibly rare, but millions of hominins have existed and perished over the last million years, so there might be preserved remains of these toolmakers out there.”
“We hope to discover a fossil—or two—with persistence (and a bit of luck), as finding one would be an extraordinary breakthrough, perhaps even a game changer.”
Adam Brumm is a professor of archaeology at Griffith University. His work has accumulated over 21 years of funding for research in Indonesia. His published studies include many in Nature, spanning topics from the discovery of new human fossils in Wallacea (the island region between Asia and Australia) to recent insights into human evolution.
The rapper 50 Cent (born Curtis Jackson) became a household name in 2005. British classrooms were filled with teenagers sporting Jackson’s G-Unit attire, while his catchy tracks dominated the airwaves. His remarkable journey—from surviving being shot nine times to becoming one of the world’s biggest hip-hop stars—is the stuff of legends.
That year, 50 Cent sold over a million copies of his sophomore studio album, *The Massacre*, in just one week. To capitalize on this superstar’s success, his label Interscope Records devised a dual strategy: a Hollywood biopic (*Get Rich or Die Tryin’*) and a licensed video game, *50 Cent: Bulletproof*, both set for release by November 2005. “It feels like an action movie,” he remarked.
The game, developed by a British company previously known for the *Fight Club* tie-in, aimed to create a thrilling escape through the 128-bit era. Unfortunately, the project only lasted 11 months. “I remember arriving at the office at 7am and not leaving until around 11pm,” recalls game artist Hanlandawa. “We all lived on a KFC diet. 50 Cent became my obsession. I even read a doctor’s report of his shooting.”
Game designer Haydn Dalton added, “It’s amusing because this game revolves around guys from the hood, yet here I am—a white guy from northwest England—writing the in-game dialogue.”
Take a photo first and ask questions later… Photo: THQ
As of November 20th, this year, 50 Cent finds himself embroiled in a shadowy underworld filled with dangerous terrorists, vicious biker gangs, and mobsters. He navigates the cityscape—shooting first and asking questions later—tracking down the individuals who shot him and aiding his G-Unit crew (including Tony Yayo, Young Buck, and Lloyd Banks).
Similar to the *A-Team*, each G-Unit member provides unique skills (Yayo as the explosives expert, Banks as the lock-pick). The script, penned by *Sopranos* writer Terrence Winter, features cinematic cutscenes where 50 Cent interacts with the corrupt Detective McVicar, adding to the game’s intensity.
He voices a corrupt cop, spurred on by Madcap Eminem, who constantly demands cash to fund his children’s expensive karate lessons. Accompanying the troubled McVicar is Dr. Dre, providing the voice for a hardened arms dealer, who cryptically remarks “it’s serious shit” every time 50 Cent purchases a rocket launcher. The game is further enhanced by a soundtrack filled with licensed 50 Cent tracks, pushing players to immerse themselves in the action while songs like *Wanksta* play in the background.
“We were fortunate because 50 Cent felt like more than just a rapper—he felt like a superhero,” explains game director David Broadhurst. “The goal was to make him the Black James Bond.” However, Broadhurst acknowledges that the UK development team missed out on some of the glamour and sheen of the project. “Vivendi kept us somewhat distanced from both 50 Cent and G-Unit. All audio was sent to us. I remember how invested 50 was in vitamin water, which meant I had to include drinks in the game as purchasable items.”
50 Cent concept art: Bulletproof. Photo: Vivendi Universal Games
Randhawa recalls unique requests too, such as G-Unit member Tony Yayo, who constantly sought revisions to perfect his character’s appearance. “I knew I did a good job on Yayo,” laughs Randhawa. “The executive producer even remarked that other G-Unit members thought I completely captured Yayo’s distinct look!”
According to Dalton, the initial vision for *50 Cent: Bulletproof* leaned toward an open-world format similar to *Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas*. Early iterations allowed 50 to navigate the subway system to traverse New York City, but tight deadlines necessitated a more straightforward experience. Dalton elaborated, “One of our concepts was to have 50 managing street-level employees, raising drug funds for him.”
Unlike other rap-themed games such as the *Def Jam Fighting* series, which often portrayed rappers as adversaries, *Bulletproof* presented 50 Cent in a hero’s role. “It was refreshing to see a project where rappers were depicted as complete heroes instead of anti-heroes,” commented Sha Money XL, a former executive producer at G-Unit Records.
“If I filmed a G-Unit in 2005, we were ready to roll.” Photo: Vivendi Universal Games
Sha Money XL led the soundtrack for *50 Cent: Bulletproof*, acknowledging that the game’s title could easily be perceived as inciting violence by some of 50 Cent’s adversaries. “Perhaps some wanted to test whether 50 Cent was genuinely bulletproof. But if they were filming G-Unit in 2005, we were prepared to shoot.”
This polarizing aspect likely explains the mixed critical reception of *50 Cent: Bulletproof*. The game garnered a mere 52% score on Metacritic, with reviewers pointing to its cumbersome aiming system. Broadhurst believes there was an underlying bias against productions led by black heroes.
“It was evident that many reviewers didn’t fully engage with *Bulletproof*,” Broadhurst remarked. “Maybe they had issues with the black hero who was associated with licensed games or had ties to the drug trade. I’m still surprised that when people picked it up, they found it surprisingly enjoyable.”
Plans for a direct sequel to *Bulletproof*, focused on urban conflict and G-Unit’s survival in America amidst a Civil War backdrop, were scrapped. However, *50 Cent: Bulletproof* paved the way for the 2009 sequel, *50 Cent: Blood on the Sand*, which has since gained a reputation as an underrated title.
These two titles featuring 50 Cent did not spark a wave of hip-hop video games. Dalton reflects, “50 Cent was truly the last global mainstream rap superstar. Despite our game generating significant revenue, the genre hasn’t produced a clear successor in terms of rap games.”
A complicated licensing agreement makes a remaster of 50 Cent unlikely. However, for those looking to relive 2005, securing an original copy on eBay is a must.
Dalton concludes, “Yes, our game was sprung together quickly, but I have no regrets. If you check Reddit, you’ll find a nostalgic community reminiscing about what we created. I doubt a Drake game would ever reach the same popularity, especially if it lacked the grit of earlier titles.”
Intel’s shares increased by 7.4% following reports that the Trump administration is contemplating acquiring stock in a faltering US chip manufacturer.
According to Bloomberg, any potential government investment will be directed towards the development of Intel’s factory hubs in Ohio. This move aims to bolster the financial stability of chipmakers during a period when Intel is implementing job cuts as part of broader cost-reduction measures.
Discussions about this possible investment emerged from a meeting earlier this week between US President Donald Trump and Intel CEO Rip Bu Tang, which took place just days after Trump accused Tan of having connections with the Chinese Communist Party before resigning. Bloomberg indicated that Tan is likely to lead the chipmaker going forward.
In response to the Bloomberg article, White House spokesperson Kush Desai stated, “The dialogue regarding virtual transactions should be viewed as speculation unless formally announced by the administration.”
Despite this, the news triggered excitement among investors, with shares climbing by 7.4% on Thursday to $23.86 (£17.60), elevating the company’s market capitalization to $104 billion.
This move regarding Intel reflects the Trump administration’s ongoing efforts to intervene in significant private sectors. The President has consistently threatened to impose tariffs of up to 100% on imported semiconductors and chips.
Earlier this week, the US government also unveiled a deal involving advanced microdevices with chip manufacturer Nvidia, which commits to paying 15% of revenues derived from AI chip sales to China to the US government. Last month, the Department of Defense revealed that rare earth producer MP Materials would need $400 million in preferred stock.
However, investing in Intel represents a notable shift from Trump’s recent critical comments on the company’s leadership.
Trump expressed his thoughts on the True Social Media Platform last Thursday, stating, “The Intel CEO is exceedingly contradictory and must resign immediately. There’s no alternative to this problem. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
His remarks came shortly after U.S. Republican Senator Tom Cotton sent a letter to Intel Chairman Frank Yearly regarding Tan’s investment and its connections to semiconductor companies linked with the CCP and its military faction, the People’s Liberation Army.
In April, Reuters disclosed that Tan had invested in numerous Chinese high-tech firms, with at least eight connections to the People’s Liberation Army.
Cotton questioned Intel’s board regarding whether Tan divested these investments, raising concerns over Tan’s previous role at Cadence Design Systems, which was found to have sold products to China’s National University of Defense Technology, in breach of US export controls.
At that time, Intel remarked that both the board and CEO are “deeply dedicated to advancing US domestic and economic security priorities, making significant investments in line with the President’s agenda to prioritize America.” Intel has been manufacturing within the US for 56 years and expressed eagerness to maintain collaboration with the administration.
However, this group has a fragmented fossil record that starts in the Australian mainland during the late Miocene epoch.
To date, two additional species of fossil forest wallabies have been described: Dorcopsoides buloloensis from the early Pliocene in southeastern Australia and Docopseudofossil from the late Miocene Alcuta Formation on the continent.
The new species, Dorcopsoides cowpatensis, is smaller than its relatives and exhibits varying combinations of dental characteristics and skeletal conditions.
“New Guinea forest wallabies are not well-known scientifically, and there is limited fundamental information regarding their diet and habitat,” noted Professor Gavin Prideaux of Flinders University.
“The existing forest wallabies are adorable and unique, featuring a slightly melancholic, whippet-like visage.”
“Their robust, curved tails function similarly to those of grey kangaroos, aiding in slow movements, almost acting as a fifth limb.”
The fossil of Dorcopsoides cowpatensis was unearthed at Kaupat Hill in the Alkuta Station of the Northern Territory.
“Forest wallabies likely migrated from Australia to New Guinea around 12 million years ago, disappearing from Australia for reasons still unclear over the past five million years,” remarked Dr. Isaac Kerr of Flinders University.
“During this time, low sea levels regularly connected the islands of New Guinea and mainland Australia, rather than being separated by the currently flooded Torres Straits.”
“Thus, early Australian mammals ventured into New Guinea’s rainforests.”
“However, once the Torres Strait was submerged again, these animal populations became isolated from their Australian counterparts, which did not endure the severe aridity characteristic of most of Australia.”
“Although Dorcopsoides cowpatensis shares many traits with contemporary forest wallabies, it inhabited remarkably different ecosystems.”
“Its environment comprised dry, scrubby bushes surrounded by thick forests, extensive marshes, and ephemeral streams and lakes.”
“These species are believed to have made quick, albeit brief, transitions from dense foliage to more open regions, foraging on leaves, fruits, and fungi.”
Research results were published in Alcheringa, the Australian Journal of Palaeontology.
____
Isaac Kerr & Gavin J. Prideaux. New fossil kangaroo species of the genus Docopseud (Macropodina, Macropodinae) from the Onyeba Regional Fauna in the Late Miocene, Central Australia. Alcheringa published online on July 30th, 2025. doi:10.1080/03115518.2025.2521772
Researchers from the University of Tübingen and Würzburg have found that components of our everyday diet, including caffeine, can influence bacterial resistance to antibiotics. They observed that E. coli bacteria adjust complex modulation cascades to respond to chemical signals from their immediate environment, potentially impacting the effectiveness of antibiotics.
This diagram illustrates a 3D computer-generated image of a group of E. coli. Image credits: James Archer, CDC.
In a systematic screening, Professor Ana Rita Brochado and her team examined the effects of 94 different substances, including antibiotics, prescription medications, and dietary components, on the expression of critical gene regulators and transport proteins in E. coli bacteria.
Transport proteins function as pores and pumps within bacterial membranes, regulating the movement of substances in and out of cells.
A precisely adjusted balance of these mechanisms is crucial for bacterial survival.
“Our data reveals that certain substances can exert subtle yet systematic influences on gene regulation in bacteria,” explained doctoral student Christoph Vincefeld.
“These findings indicate that even everyday substances, which lack direct antibacterial properties, like caffeinated beverages, can impact specific gene regulators that modulate transport proteins, thereby modifying bacterial import and composition.”
“Caffeine initiates a cascade of events starting with the lob gene regulator, resulting in alterations in several transport proteins in E. coli. This effect reduces the uptake of antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin,” Professor Rita Brochado added.
“Consequently, this diminishes the antibiotic’s effectiveness.”
The researchers characterize this effect as an “antagonistic interaction.”
The diminishing efficacy of certain antibiotics also applies to salmonella enterica, a close relative of E. coli.
This suggests that even similar bacterial species can react differently to identical environmental cues, likely due to variations in transport pathways and how they contribute to antibiotic absorption.
“This foundational study on the effects of commonly consumed substances highlights the significant role of science in addressing and resolving real-world challenges,” stated Professor (Doshisha) Karla Pollmann.
“This research contributes meaningfully to the understanding of what is termed ‘low-level’ antibiotic resistance, which does not result from classical resistance genes but rather through regulation and environmental adaptation.”
“These insights could influence future treatment strategies involving drug or dietary component modifications.”
The results will be published online in PLOS Biology.
____
C. Vincefeld et al. 2025. Systematic screens reveal regulatory contributions to chemical cues in E. coli. Plos Biol 23(7): E3003260; doi: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3003260
Small, toothed mammals represent the most unusual of all whales. If they were still around today, they would be as symbolically Australian as kangaroos. A new paper published this week in The Linnaean Society’s Journal of Zoology details a recently identified species named Janjucetus lullardi, derived from a 25 million-year-old specimen unearthed in Victoria, Australia.
Janjucetus lullardi — 25 million years ago, a calf and its mother swam in the shallow waters off the coast of Victoria. Image credit: Ruairidh Duncan.
“Currently, some of the most iconic species of whales, including blue and humpback whales, are whale veil.” I noted, said LeAilid Duncan, a paleontologist from Monash University.
“These marine giants utilize a hairy filter in their mouths called Baleen to sift through plankton.
“In contrast, these mammals had bodies measuring less than 3 meters, with large eyes and short jaws filled with teeth.”
“Despite this description, we know that mammalian whales lacked Baleen.”
“They appeared to be derived from the major evolutionary lines leading to today’s toothless giants.”
All known mammalian species thrived during the late Oligocene epoch, approximately 27 to 23 million years ago.
Interestingly, three of the four identified species were found along the Victoria Surf Coast, southeast of Melbourne.
“The first mammal was uncovered in 1932 and was named in 1939 Mammalian Coraliber,” the paleontologist remarked.
“It featured a blunt jaw bone with a rich supply of blood and nerves for its facial and lip muscles.”
“Notably, the teeth show signs of wear on the gums, indicating they foraged for abrasive prey (along with gritty substances) from the seafloor.”
“In 2006, a local naturalist discovered the first fossil of a species named after him, Janjucetus hunderi.
“This whale had a sturdy triangular snout with sharp teeth and strong muscles to close its powerful jaw.”
“However, the exact differences in the lifestyle of Mammalian Coraliber and Janjucetus hunderi compared to other whales remain largely unclear, hinting at a diverse range of behaviors.”
The fossilized remains of Janjucetus lullardi, dating back 25 million years, were found in 2019 by school principal Ross Dallard along the coast of Yang JUC in Victoria.
“Janjucetus lullardi measured about 2 meters in length. It’s compact enough to fit in a standard single bed,” the researcher noted.
“This may be the first fossilized whale discovered in Australia, and potentially the first fossils of a juvenile whale found in this region.”
____
Ruairidh J. Duncan et al. 2025. Insights into the mystiology of immature teeth from the Australian Oligocene and mammals (Cetacea: Mysticeti) morphology, phylogenetics, and ontogeny. The Linnaean Society’s Journal of Zoology 204 (4): ZLAF090; doi: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlaf090
Invasive mites are increasingly spreading to various regions of the country, as rising temperatures can aggravate serious symptoms and facilitate the transmission of lesser-known infections that may occasionally lead to death.
In May, researchers from the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station in New Haven made a significant finding: ticks with elongated holes have become carriers of bacteria responsible for Ehrlichia infection. The rise in cases has raised substantial alarm.
“I hesitate to say it’s a brewing storm,” remarked Goudarz Molaei, director of the lab’s mite testing program. “Climate change will ultimately eliminate winters in our region, allowing these mites, among others, to remain active year-round.”
Milder temperatures, which have already resulted in shorter winters, heighten the risk of long-hole mites and other varieties awakening early from hibernation and biting.
The longhorn ticks, originally from East Asia, have now been identified in at least 21 states, including Michigan, where the first sighting was reported at the end of June. Researchers are uncertain how the tick entered the U.S., but it likely arrived via imported livestock or other animals.
Goudarz Molaei, an entomologist at the Connecticut Agricultural Experimental Bureau, discovered Ehrlichia Chaffeensis in longhorned mites. This pathogen can lead to a potentially fatal tick-borne disease known as ehrlichiosis. Nidhi Sharma / NBC News
In 2017, the first longhorned mites were identified in New Jersey, although the species may have been present in the U.S. as early as 2010.
“These are prevalent research findings,” noted Dana Price, an associate research professor of entomology at Rutgers University.
Modeling indicates that regions from southern Canada down through the U.S. are suitable environments for longhorned mites.
In summary, there are dual threats. As the geographic range of longhorned ticks expands, the duration of their activity and the potential for disease transmission also increase, scientists warn.
Ehrlichiosis is already so common that the affected region is informally labeled the “ehrlichiosis belt,” which stretches north to Connecticut and New York, including parts of Arkansas.
Both the lone star and black-legged ticks have long carried Ehrlichia Chaffeensis. The infection sends about 60% of patients to the hospital and results in mortality in 1 in 100 cases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Individuals who contract the infection typically experience fever, chills, muscle pain, headaches, and fatigue within 1-2 weeks post-bite. If left untreated, the infection can lead to serious complications, including brain and nervous system damage, respiratory failure, uncontrolled bleeding, and organ failure.
Since 2000, the number of reported cases of ehrlichiosis has steadily increased, with the CDC documenting 200 cases in 2000 compared to 2,093 in 2019. Research suggests that annual ehrlichiosis cases are likely severely underreported; according to a study from Rutgers University, 99% of cases go undetected.
Researchers are capturing long-horned ticks for testing for Ehrlichia Chaffeensis. Nidhi Sharma / NBC News
This month, the CDC reported that emergency room visits related to tick bites in July were more frequent than in the previous eight Julys. Early in July, officials closed Pleasure Beach, a popular swimming location in Bridgeport, Connecticut, due to the discovery of multiple ticks, including longhorn ticks this summer.
Manisha Jutani, a commissioner for the Connecticut Department of Public Health, stated that as climate change makes the “tick season” more predictable, residents should take precautions such as wearing long pants and inspecting themselves and their pets for ticks after spending time outdoors.
“The reality is that with the changes we see in the climate, outdoor exposure poses infection risks, and we may encounter pathogens more frequently,” Jutani remarked.
While longhorn ticks generally prefer livestock blood over human blood, entomologists note that their unique reproductive biology poses a significant public health threat. Like bees, they can reproduce without a mate, enabling a single female to generate a population of thousands.
Moreover, feeding on the same host can allow them to ingest pathogens carried by other ticks. This co-feeding transmission method is commonplace among many tick species.
Molaei expressed concern over the recent identification of bacteria that cause ehrlichiosis in longhorned ticks, raising alarms about other pathogens that ticks might acquire and transmit to humans. Longhorned and lone star ticks, the original carriers of Ehrlichia, typically feed on similar hosts, like white-tailed deer.
Jennifer Pratt contracted ehrlichiosis in 2011 and underwent several months of antibiotic treatment. Courtesy Jennifer Pratt
“We share this world with numerous important mites and must learn to coexist with them,” Molaei stated. “The essential factor is to protect yourself.”
The World Health Organization indicates that over 17% of global infectious diseases are spread by vectors carrying viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens among animals. Tick-borne diseases in the U.S. make up 77% of reported vector-borne diseases, with CDC data showing that cases have more than doubled in the last 13 years.
Jennifer Pratt was bitten by a tick during this surge. She contracted ehrlichiosis from a tick bite in North Carolina in the summer of 2011.
When she struggled to lift her 2-year-old son, a nurse friend urged her to seek immediate medical attention, suspecting a tick-borne infection.
After being diagnosed, Pratt was on antibiotics for several months due to her illness. The infection caused her shoulder to lock—a rare but serious complication of tick-borne diseases—forcing her to undergo physical therapy and take three months off work.
Full recovery from the lingering effects of the infection took over a year.
“The best way I could describe it,” she recalled, “was that I felt like death.”
A few years later, as she started to recover, she was also diagnosed with Lyme disease and Babesiosis, both resulting from the same tick bite.
Pratt co-founded a nonprofit advocacy organization, Tick-Borne Conditions United, to raise awareness about the dangers of tick-borne diseases, especially lesser-known infections like ehrlichiosis.
“My mission in life is to help people recognize and confront the realities of tick-borne diseases,” Pratt said. “It’s vital that we raise awareness about this growing threat.”
Glacial explosions, which occur when natural ice and sediment dams collapse, sending floods downstream, have emerged as an issue in Europe, Central Asia, and South America.
According to a report in Global, glacial explosion floods have claimed over 12,000 lives worldwide. The majority of these fatalities were concentrated in two events: the Huaraz flood in Peru in 1941 and the 2013 Kedarnath flood in India.
A 2023 survey published in Nature Communications revealed that approximately 90 million people across 30 countries reside in areas with glacial lakes, with around 15 million potentially affected by glacial explosions, particularly in India, China, and Pakistan.
Research conducted in 2023 identified over 120 glacial lakes in Alaska, with 106 having drained since 1985, many situated in remote locations, according to recent findings.
To address this year’s risks, Juneau has installed extensive barriers along the river to prevent widespread flooding in vulnerable areas. The funding for these barriers was partially sourced from Juneau residents living in flood-prone zones.
“We are still evaluating the barriers, but we believe they have significantly reduced property damage compared to the 2024 incident,” stated Nahak McFadden, spokesperson for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
How Do Glacial Explosions Occur?
Glaciers, often referred to as slow-moving rivers of ice, descend the mountains’ slopes. During colder seasons, these ice masses accumulate as snow compresses into ice. In the summer, meltwater either escapes or the glaciers destabilize, leading to ice loss.
Initially, water flowing from the glacier enters rivers and eventually reaches the ocean.
Sometimes, the flow of meltwater is obstructed by glacial ice plugs, causing water to pool and form tunnels beneath the glacier, destabilizing these ice plugs.
“If sufficient water builds behind an ice plug, it can float the ice and move beneath it. The warm water initiates a cycle of positive feedback, thermally eroding the ice,” a researcher noted.
“Once triggered, they can unleash catastrophic flooding that surpasses even the most significant floods caused by rainfall or thaw,” he added.
Glacial explosions typically occur in Alaska during August when the meltwater reaches its peak, though they can happen at any time.
After drainage, glaciers may slowly move downhill, causing ice to crumble and restart the buildup cycle. Capps indicated a pattern where one explosion occurs annually.
Alaska is home to numerous lakes surrounded by glaciers capable of causing explosive floods. However, most of these locations are remote, minimizing risks to communities and infrastructure.
“In such a critical area like Suicide Basin upstream of Juneau, challenges arise primarily due to the infrastructure located downstream,” he pointed out.
Explosions can also occur if water overflows natural dams, known as moraines, composed of rocks and debris.
“Most often, but not exclusively, failures occur in moraine-formed lakes, leading to sediment being washed away,” Capps explained.
What Role Does Climate Change Play?
Globally, glaciers are retreating. While some glaciers may grow during seasons of heavy snowfall and cooler temperatures, many diminish under the sun or during periods of low snowfall. Overall, there’s a longstanding decline in global glacial mass.
The World Glacier Monitoring Service tracks data from 60 “reference” glaciers, each with mass balance assessments spanning over 30 years.
“The declines are significant and consistent globally,” mentioned Pelt, who monitors glacial mass changes in Washington’s North Cascade range. “2023 marked the first year where all 60 glaciers recorded a loss in mass balance concurrently, a trend that continued into 2024.”
As glaciers recede, some flood-prone areas may cease to function.
“I believe the danger will lessen for residents in Alaska,” Pelt stated. “The glaciers are thinning and retracting, reducing the likelihood of robust ice dams forming.”
However, researchers are wary that glacial dams at higher altitudes and in colder regions might become unstable as global temperatures rise, potentially leading to newly formed lakes and explosion-prone areas.
In Juneau, the barriers successfully held after implementation following last year’s disaster. The Startz family had a minor pond in their yard along with a thin layer of glacial silt on their grass.
Homeowners in flood-risk zones contribute over $600 annually for protective measures.
“If these barriers prove effective, then I’m more than willing to pay that extra fee,” remarked Stars on Tuesday. “We can’t repair a glacier.”
“Each tree on Earth houses a multitude of microorganisms, many of which remain unrecognized by science.”
ShutterStock/Emvat Mosakovskis
A few years back, I enjoyed an enlightening afternoon in an ancient forest near London, discovering the crucial link between aging trees and biodiversity. My guide, Lynn Bodhis, a mycologist from Cardiff University, explained that as trees age over centuries, the inner trunk begins to decompose due to fungal activity. This phenomenon, known as “heart rot,” is a natural aspect of a tree’s life cycle, creating invaluable habitats for various species of insects, birds, and mammals. Unfortunately, as older trees diminish, the heart rot phenomenon is also waning, lacking the necessary old trees to continue its role. Bodhy and her colleagues are dedicated to preserving this essential process by promoting the early aging of younger trees.
While it didn’t strike me at the moment, heart rot is part of the tree microbiome, akin to a diverse mix of bacteria, archaea, fungi, protists, and viruses. The concept of microbiomes wasn’t commonly discussed then, but groundbreaking research published in Nature has revealed that trees possess microbiota as varied and remarkable as our own.
We’ve known for some time that the surfaces of trees (trunks, roots, leaves, etc.) harbor diverse microbiota. However, recent studies indicate that their interiors are similarly diverse. Each tree on our planet contains myriad microorganisms, many of which are unfamiliar to the scientific community.
This discovery is both significant and enlightening. It’s intuitive to consider diversity in trees, given that microbiota thrive in various natural settings, including smaller plants. Yet, this research unveils microbial ecosystems that were previously overlooked, shedding new light on trees—not merely as individual organisms but as holobionts, integral components of Earth’s ecology.
Essentially, like humans, trees are composite entities, consisting of both hosts and their associated microorganisms. If the microbiota of trees proves as vital to their biology as human microbiota are to us, these communities could play a pivotal role in efforts to sustain biodiversity and combat climate change.
The researchers involved in this study examined wood samples from the trunks, branches, and roots of 150 living trees spanning 16 species in forests in northeastern United States. They conducted what is referred to as the Microorganism Census, discovering that the interior wood of trees is teeming with microorganisms, including not just bacteria associated with heart rot but also a variety of other bacteria, fungi, and archaea. Additionally, each tree species is home to its unique microbiota.
If the tree microbiota is essential to biology, it could aid in the fight to preserve biodiversity.
The interior of tree trunks consists of two types of wood: outer sapwood and inner heartwood. The sapwood is alive and primarily responsible for transporting water from the roots to the leaves, while heartwood is non-living and serves mainly structural purposes (which eventually deteriorate due to heart rot). Researchers have established that the microbial communities in these two wood types differ significantly.
While only a limited number of species were sampled, it is plausible that all trees harbor similar microbiota across various wood types. The studied 16 species represent 11 genera, all of which have a global presence.
What roles do these microorganisms fulfill? It’s still largely unknown, but researchers suggest they likely contribute to tree health and the overall health of forests. They are possibly involved in the essential ecosystem services trees provide, such as offering habitats for numerous plants and animals, producing clean water, and acting as carbon sinks. Globally, wood holds approximately 60 years’ worth of current emissions according to studies over the past six decades. Trees could absorb more, helping to cap global warming to less than 2°C above pre-industrial levels, necessitating healthy, expanding forests. A deeper understanding of tree microbiota may facilitate this goal, according to researchers.
This concept of mutualism is gaining traction. While microorganisms are often viewed as adversaries of biodiversity, they are foundational to the world’s ecosystems. As primary agents of organic matter decomposition, they drive vital biogeochemical cycles that supply the biosphere with essential elements like carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, and sulfur. Moreover, they coexist with most plant species and are integral to what many refer to as Earth’s “life support system.” However, alarming trends suggest that the overall microbiota on Earth is declining.
It’s premature to conclude whether this trend extends to tree microbiota, but now that we are aware of their existence, we must ensure they are conserved.
What I’m reading
I’ll be diving into this as I plan my visit to Romania’s Carpathian Mountains next month.
What I’m watching
It resembles a storybook. I’m a huge fan of Mark Gattis, and his new drama is fantastic.
What I’m working on
For upcoming articles, we’re closely monitoring food intake again, including urine pH measurements.
Feedback is your go-to source for the latest in science and technology news from new scientists. Share your intriguing finds with us at Feedback@newscientist.com for potential inclusion.
And inhaling…
To achieve success in science, having good ideas and conducting effective experiments is beneficial. However, mastering the art of crafting a catchy acronym is essential. If you can distill a description of your project into an acronym, you’ll be onto something great.
A hat tip to Raif Sheeben, Yoel Zimmerman, and their team for a July survey in NPJ Food Science. They developed a “chemical language model for predicting molecular taste,” a machine learning model capable of forecasting the flavor of chemicals based on their molecular structure. Trained on over 15,000 compounds, the researchers successfully categorized tastes into four distinct groups.
Remarkably, this model achieved over 91% accuracy and can assist in flavor creation. Naturally, the team dubbed it a flavour analysis and recognition transformer, or ‘fart’ for short.
Food engineer Andy Clayton flagged this, humorously pointing out that “regardless of its value, one can’t read it without laughing.”
We encourage readers to share their stories about the most ridiculous acronyms and cringe-worthy attempts they’ve encountered in their pursuits.
No surprises here
Feedback called upon readers for “Shit, Sherlock”: an illustration of scientific endeavors that invest extensive time and effort to demonstrate something rather obvious. Your responses have been coming in since.
Maggie Jacobs highlighted an article from Discover about The psychological benefits of loneliness, referencing a 2023 study. This research examined whether individuals reap benefits from maintaining a balance between solitude and social interactions, concluding there was no evidence of an ‘optimal balance.’ It found no negative consequences, especially when people consciously chose to spend time alone. As Maggie aptly states, “When people choose their activities, they tend to be happier.”
For extra context, the study’s authors utilized the outdated term “selective” to suggest individuals are intentionally engaging in activities rather than opting for a more contemporary term like “intentional.”
Meanwhile, Ernest Ager pointed out the obvious title of a The Conversation article: “Can you spot a ‘fake’ accent? It depends on where you’re from.” While it seems straightforward, the findings were even clearer: people from the US, Canada, and Australia are less adept at identifying fake versions of various UK accents than those native to the UK.
Farewell to Tom
We were saddened to hear of Tom Lehrer’s passing on July 26th. He was a brilliant satirical singer-songwriter renowned for his clever takes on mathematics. His song element has undoubtedly become his most recognizable tune. Thanks to countless devoted chemistry educators, Feedback appreciates his satirical take on nuclear warfare in songs like When we go, we all go together and his delightfully dark love songs such as Masochistic Tango.
In 2022, Lehrer made all of his music available under copyright, so you can access it freely at Tomlehrersongs.com. We highly recommend checking out the site for a treasure trove of lesser-known tracks that weren’t part of his popular albums.
For instance, we hadn’t encountered his piece Love Song by a Physical Anthropologist before. It humorously critiques that “every traditional love song that addresses the physical attributes of a beloved individual limits its praise to features like hair, eyes, and lips, whereas physical anthropologists can utilize an extensive array of descriptive adjectives” and hence, “I love you / she is beautiful, she is enchanting / it is traumatic, vascular, riffipilous, laryngeal production / my gal of metriocephaly.”
We were curious to discover, via Opalescentopal on Bluesky, some of the clever antics Lehrer pulled while serving in the US military. Notably, he worked for the NSA, and one of his papers is now publicly available at his discretion, titled “Defeating the gambler with his heartfelt enemies.” It delves into enduring mathematical challenges.
At the conclusion of the 1957 paper, there are six references, one of which is humorously attributed to “Lobachevsky,” relating to analytical and algebraic topology, claiming it discusses a topology of infinitely differentiable Lemanian local Euclidean metrics. [sic] This is actually a joke, referencing Lehrer’s own “Lobachevsky” rather than a legitimate mathematical paper.
This is how people play the long game. A very long game, indeed, Tom.
Have you shared your feedback with us?
You can send your stories to feedback@newscientist.com. Please include your home address. Current and past feedback is also available on our website.
Growing up, it was a tradition for my peers to join scouts when they turned 9 or 10. My parents gifted me a scout uniform accompanied by a matching scarf and a leather toggle to secure it at the collar.
We sat in a circle on the ground, each perched on small stools, as our leader spoke to us seriously. After discussing the essence of being a junior scout, he instructed us to pay close attention as he recited the scouting pledge, which we solemnly repeated.
It was the first moment I realized I was different; as I articulated those words, the others appeared captivated by this rite of passage. Yet, unlike them, I felt no emotional connection to the sacred bonds forged with fellow inductees or those who had come before us—just the emptiness of mere words.
Most people find it challenging to envision a state where one doesn’t feel a deep-seated affinity or loyalty to any group. This experience is rare; some consider such psychological tendencies as disorders to be addressed. However, over my 40 years as a clinical psychiatrist, I’ve come to understand that many of my patients (and I) being indifferent to group memberships isn’t necessarily a psychological issue.
Otroverts is a term embraced by individuals who don’t feel bound to merge their identities with others. We all begin life as otroverts until childhood cultural influences solidify our attachments to various identities and groups.
The struggle to identify with a group can lead to social implications in cultures structured around participation. However, being outside these groups can have its advantages: free from implicit rules and influences of belonging, unoften brings originality and emotional autonomy.
By being on the outside, you’re free to think and create unfettered. GroupThink loses its hold, allowing you to discern your thoughts from the collective’s gravitational pull, enabling you to explore ideas without the fear of undermining the group’s notion of what constitutes a “good” idea.
Since you can’t be expelled from a group you aren’t part of, fears of social rejection diminish. There’s no need for external validation or relying on others for emotional support; you don’t feel compelled to prove your worth to anyone.
Our society often blurs the line between connection and belonging. Yet it’s essential to recognize that those who find it challenging to connect may struggle to foster a sense of belonging, but that doesn’t mean they lack connection entirely. In reality, free from the distractions of pop culture, cliques, family disputes, and political factions (all of which relate to otroverts), one can truly bond with those who resonate on a deeper level.
History showcases many independent thinkers who maintain emotional detachment from any group, allowing them to recognize the fanaticism of groupthink long before deviating into it. Orwell is a notable example.
Sadly, it appears that individuals often need to rise from the ashes of destructive group dynamics before they can grasp their rightful path as independent thinkers.
We might learn from the otrovert perspective that while community has its merits, we must remain acutely aware of its darker tribal undercurrents.
One of the more challenging perspectives on aging is the prospect of enduring poor health later in life. A common narrative is that although life expectancy has increased, the health span has not kept pace.
This perspective is shifting towards a new measurement of our later years, emphasizing “essential ability”—how well individuals can engage in the activities they value rather than solely focusing on chronic disease diagnoses. Viewed this way, those born in affluent nations during the 1950s appear poised to experience the longest and healthiest lifespans compared to any previous generation.
Nonetheless, it remains uncertain whether future generations will benefit similarly, as rising rates of obesity, pollution, and increasingly sedentary lifestyles could negate past advantages.
As of 2023, over three-quarters of the US population is living with at least one chronic condition, with more than half of middle-aged adults experiencing two or more. However, when considering health in terms of intrinsic competence, a diagnosis does not necessarily herald the end of well-being, as effective management can allow individuals to maintain their health.
People born in the 1950s in a rich country are set to lead the longest and healthiest life ever
Unfortunately, the narrative of a chronic disease epidemic has been fueled by certain figures, such as Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who recently reduced funding for research into mRNA vaccine technologies. This funding could critically assist in prolonging lives and mitigating disease impacts.
Nevertheless, there is cause for hope. For instance, GLP-1 medications present a groundbreaking method for managing obesity, and preliminary findings from recent studies indicate promising new avenues for alleviating Alzheimer’s disease.
Such innovations should serve as a reminder to policymakers that if our aim is to extend healthy living, investing in biomedical research is an essential ally, not a detractor.
Shanghai endured prolonged extreme heat and humidity in 2024
Reuters/Nicoco Chan
The planet faced an unprecedented number of perilous hot and humid days in 2024, as climate change heightened global humidity levels to new extremes.
The worldwide average of humid heat days exceeded the 1991-2020 baseline, reaching 35.6 days last year—a rise of over 9.5 days compared to the previous high recorded in 2023. Climate Report 2024 Status as published by the American Weather Society.
During hot and humid weather, cooling becomes challenging as moist air hinders the body’s ability to cool itself through sweating. This makes such conditions exceptionally hazardous for human health. Kate Willett, who contributed to the report at the UK Met Office, states, “Your body starts to really struggle to offload the heat, so it’s really dangerous.”
Meteorologists track “wet bulb temperature” to assess heat and humidity. This involves utilizing a wet cloth on a thermometer bulb to illustrate the cooling effect of evaporation. High humidity diminishes the evaporation’s cooling effect, causing wet bulb temperatures to approach those of dry air.
As global temperatures rise, the atmosphere can retain more moisture, leading to not only stronger rainfall and storms but also heightened humidity levels. Willett notes that 2024 is “exceptionally” humid and ranks just behind 2023 in moisture content.
Certain regions, including the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and East China, have experienced extreme temperatures of 31°C (88°F) over short periods, with wet bulb temperatures surpassing 84°F multiple times, as indicated in the report. At such levels, prolonged exposure is deemed extremely hazardous and potentially fatal to human health.
Historically, scientists have considered a wet bulb temperature of 35°C as the survival threshold, beyond which individuals cannot endure outdoor conditions for more than a few hours without dire consequences. However, recent research published in 2022 suggests that the actual limit may be significantly lower, around 31°C. “Over 30°C is where your body really struggles,” Willett explains.
Researchers have stabilized ring-shaped carbon molecules by adding “bumpers” to protect the atoms.
Harry Anderson
An innovative variety of whole carbon molecules is currently under investigation at standard room temperature. This marks only the second instance of such research since the synthesis of the spherical buckyball 35 years ago. These advancements may lead to the development of materials that offer substantial efficiencies for emerging electronic and quantum technologies.
Carbon molecules composed of circulating rings can display unique chemical characteristics and, similar to buckyballs and carbon nanotubes, can conduct electricity in unexpected ways. Nonetheless, these rings are fragile and often disintegrate before researchers can analyze them.
“Cyclic carbons are fascinating molecules that we’ve been endeavoring to create for quite some time,” said Harry Anderson from Oxford University. Traditionally, it was essential to maintain a sufficient length for studying the molecules, but Anderson and his team have discovered a method to stabilize cyclic carbon at room temperature.
This process involves modifying the cyclic carbon structure. The researchers have achieved this with unprecedented molecular constructs—specifically, rings consisting of 48 carbon atoms known as cyclo[48]Carbon, or c48. They augmented the c48 by incorporating a “bumper” that prevents the 48 atoms from colliding with one another or with additional molecules.
“There are no unnecessary embellishments,” remarked Max Fonderius from Ulm University, Germany. “Simplicity possesses an exquisite elegance.”
A new configuration called Cyclo[48]carbon [4]Catenan remains stable for approximately two days, allowing researchers to investigate c48 for the first time. Interestingly, the molecule’s 48 carbons behaved as if they were arranged in infinite chains, a formation that enables charge transfer between atoms indefinitely.
This remarkable conduction ability suggests that cyclic carbon could be utilized in a variety of next-generation technologies, including transistors, solar cells, semiconductors, and quantum devices. Nonetheless, further inquiry is necessary to validate this potential.
Innovative techniques for stabilizing cyclic carbon may also inspire other scientists to explore exotic carbon molecules. “I believe there is likely a competitive race happening right now,” said von Delius. “Consider this elongated ring as a stepping stone toward the creation of an infinite chain.”
Von Delius further explained that a solitary chain of carbon molecules could prove to be even superior conductors than the rings like C48. “It’s truly remarkable, and it represents the next significant advancement,” he stated.
Individuals with paralysis utilizing a brain-computer interface. The text above serves as a prompt, while the text below is decoded in real-time as she envisions speaking the phrase.
Emory BrainGate Team
A person with paralysis can convert their thoughts into speech just by imagining what they want to say.
The brain-computer interface can already interpret the neural activity of a paralyzed individual when attempting to speak physically, but this requires significant effort. Therefore, Benyamin Meschede-Krasa from Stanford University and his team explored a less effort-intensive method.
“We aimed to determine if there was a similar pattern when individuals imagined speaking internally,” he notes. “Our findings suggest this could be a more comfortable method for people with paralysis to use the system to regain their ability to communicate.”
Meschede-Krasa and his colleagues enlisted four participants with severe paralysis due to either amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or brainstem stroke. All had previously had microelectrodes implanted in motor areas linked to speech for research purposes.
Researchers instructed participants to list words and sentences and to visualize themselves saying them. They discovered that the brain activity mirrored that of actual speech; however, the activation signal was typically weaker during the imagined speech.
The team trained AI models to interpret and decode these signals utilizing a vocabulary database containing up to 125,000 words. To uphold the privacy of individuals’ thoughts, the models were programmed to activate only when a specific password, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, was detected with 98% accuracy.
Through various experiments, the researchers found that the models could decode what was intended to be communicated correctly up to 74% of the time when spoken as a single word.
This demonstrates a promising application of the approach, though it is currently less reliable than systems that decode overt speech attempts, according to Frank Willett at Stanford. Ongoing enhancements to both the sensors and AI over the coming years may lead to greater accuracy, he suggests.
Participants reported a strong preference for this system, describing it as faster and less cumbersome compared to traditional speech-attempt based systems, as stated by Meschede-Krasa.
This notion presents an “interesting direction” for future brain-computer interfaces, remarks Maris Cavan Stencel in Utrecht, Netherlands. However, she points out the need for a distinction between genuine speech and the thoughts individuals may not necessarily wish to share. “I have doubts about whether anyone can truly differentiate between these types of mental speech and attempted speech,” she adds.
She further mentions that the mechanism requires activation and deactivation to ascertain if the user intends to articulate their thoughts. “It is crucial to ensure that brain-computer interface-generated communications are conscious expressions individuals wish to convey, rather than internal thoughts they wish to keep private,” she states.
Benjamin Alderson Day from Durham University in the UK argues that there’s no reason to label the system as a mind reader. “It effectively addresses very basic language constructs,” he explains. “Though it may seem alarming if thoughts are confined to single terms like ‘tree’ or ‘bird,’ we are still a long way from capturing the full range of individuals’ thoughts and their most intimate ideas.”
Willett underscores that all brain-computer interfaces are governed by federal regulations, ensuring adherence to the “highest standards of medical ethics.”
Repeated energization of vast collections of atoms should result in the disruption of their established structures, yet quantum effects appear to resist these changes.
The expected outcome for a physical system is “thermalization,” where everything becomes hot and eventually turns into a puddle of water. Intuitively, one might think that continuously throwing rocks at a sculpture would accelerate this process. Hanns-Christoph Negerl and his team at the University of Innsbruck in Germany conducted experiments that mimic this notion using some of the coldest atoms on Earth, but they observed no heating.
“We anticipated witnessing the opposite,” Negerl shares. The researchers utilized roughly 100,000 cesium atoms, cooling them down to billionths of absolute zero through laser and electromagnetic pulses. At this chilling temperature, atomic behavior becomes entirely quantum. They arranged the atoms in numerous single-layer tubes and employed additional laser pulses to “kick” them repeatedly.
These kicks were intended to provide the atoms with extra energy, which should have resulted in heating and varying speeds. However, team member Yanliang Guo reported that they observed no such changes, regardless of the kick intensity or the adjustments made to the interactions between atoms. The atoms continued to display remarkably similar speeds, behaving as if they were “frozen” within a singular quantum state.
The concept of quantum particles generating heat isn’t new, tracing back to the 1950s. The timing of such occurrences has long been a topic of debate among physicists. Team member Manuele Landini noted that while previous experiments revealed mechanisms for heating atoms, this current investigation may have unveiled novel physics by exploring an alternate range of parameters.
The mathematical framework explaining these phenomena is complex and often contradictory. Adam Ranson from the University of Lille in France commented that calculating whether interacting atoms will heat up is quite challenging, often resulting in researchers simplifying equations to two or three atoms. There exists a theory suggesting that the quantum states of highly interactive atoms can align in a manner that prevents energy absorption, but Ranson believes this picture remains incomplete.
Experiments like those conducted recently act as quantum simulators capable of deeper insights, although Rançon emphasized that further exploration of kick strengths and interactions is still needed.
Robert Connick at Brookhaven National Laboratory in New York has been developing mathematical models relevant to such experiments that project the unusual behavior of atoms. He posits that discovering systems resistant to energy absorption could inspire new developments in quantum technologies, offering a stable quantum state for long-term reliable detection or data storage. “Thermalization poses a significant threat to maintaining quantum effects,” he explains.
Researchers are already planning follow-up experiments to align atoms in thicker tubes, manipulate different tubes, and investigate the possibility of “freezing” their speeds.
Classical type 1 diabetes may not be the most prevalent diabetes subtype in sub-Saharan Africa
Milomei/Aramie
Recent studies suggest that some individuals in sub-Saharan Africa diagnosed with type 1 diabetes may actually have a newly identified, non-autoimmune variant, necessitating a reassessment of current treatment approaches.
Diabetes affects every individual’s ability to produce or utilize insulin, a hormone essential for regulating blood sugar levels. However, the underlying causes differ. In classic type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune reaction destroys insulin-secreting beta cells within the pancreas, aided by “autoantibodies.”
Research led by Jean Claude Nyabou Cut from the University of Exeter reveals that approximately two-thirds of young sub-Saharan Africans diagnosed with type 1 diabetes lack these autoantibodies. This indicates that their insulin shortage might not be immune-related. Additionally, these individuals exhibit a lower predisposition to type 1 diabetes, suggesting an entirely new diabetes variant.
Studies have indicated autoantibodies are less prevalent among sub-Saharan Africans compared to their counterparts in affluent regions such as Europe. The reasons behind this discrepancy remain unclear, primarily due to the scarcity of comprehensive data regarding type 1 diabetes in Africa.
To address this gap, Kat and his colleagues conducted the first multicountry investigation of the condition across sub-Saharan Africa. They assessed three diabetic autoantibodies and the associated genetic factors in 894 Black Africans from Uganda, Cameroon, and South Africa, all of whom were diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and receiving insulin treatment.
The findings revealed that 35% of participants possessed autoantibodies, low insulin levels, and an elevated risk of type 1 diabetes. Conversely, the remaining 65% exhibited no autoantibody production, slightly higher insulin levels, and a median genetic risk score that was 18% lower. Despite this, they still experience insulin deficiency and a higher risk of type 1 diabetes compared to non-diabetic individuals. Notably, features typical of type 2 or malnutrition-related diabetes were absent.
Researchers including Silvana Obici from Stony Brook Medicine in New York contend that the predominant form of diabetes in sub-Saharan Africa is fundamentally different from classic type 1 diabetes.
The research team additionally compared their findings with data from over 3,000 participants in the US from the Search for diabetes in youth study. Autoantibody-negative type 1 diabetes was identified in only 15% of Black American participants and 9% of White American participants. Intriguingly, among Black Americans without autoantibodies, the genetic risk for type 1 diabetes was similarly low as that observed in the African cohort. This indicates that among White individuals, autoantibody absence does not equate to a non-autoimmune form of diabetes.
The presence of this new non-autoimmune diabetes subtype among both Black Africans and Black Americans highlights the potential influence of both genetic and environmental factors. Some hypotheses suggest it could be linked to an unidentified gene that induces “beta cell vulnerability,” as noted by Soumya Adhikari from Texas Children’s Health. Other possibilities include chronic infections, childhood malnutrition, environmental toxins disrupting beta cells, or the existence of atypical autoantibodies.
This emerging diabetes subtype may necessitate tailored treatment protocols, emphasizing the need for further research, according to Dana Douberry at the Colorado School of Public Health.
“Currently, insulin remains the primary treatment for this new diabetes subtype due to insulin insufficiency,” Katt acknowledges. However, identifying the fundamental causes of these subtypes is critical for improved management, asserts Daverea.
Shanghai endured extreme heat and humidity for days in 2024
Reuters/Nicoco Chan
The Earth recorded an unprecedented number of hazardous hot and humid days in 2024, as climate change escalates global humidity to alarming levels.
The worldwide average of humid heat days on land surpassed the 1991-2020 average, reaching 35.6 days last year, an increase of over 9.5 days from the previous record in 2023. Climate Report 2024 Status published by the American Weather Society.
Under hot and humid conditions, it is challenging for individuals to cool down, as moist air diminishes the evaporative cooling impact of sweating. Such weather poses serious risks to human health. Kate Willett from the UK Met Office, who contributed to the report, states, “Your body starts to struggle to shed heat, making it very dangerous.”
Meteorologists measure heat and humidity using “wet bulb temperature.” This is typically done by wrapping a wet cloth around a thermometer bulb, demonstrating the cooling effect of evaporated water. The readings indicate temperatures lower than in a dry bulb, as high humidity limits the cooling effect of evaporation and brings the wet bulb temperature closer to that of dry air.
As the globe heats up, the atmosphere can retain more moisture, leading to increased heavy rainfall, storms, and higher humidity levels. Willett describes 2024 as “exceptionally” humid, second only to 2023 due to higher moisture levels.
Specific regions, including the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and East China, have reached 31°C (88°F) within a short time span, with wet bulb temperatures exceeding 84°F multiple times, according to the report. At these levels, extended exposure outdoors is deemed extremely perilous and potentially lethal.
Traditionally, scientists consider a wet bulb temperature of 35°C the threshold for human survival, as people cannot withstand outdoor conditions for more than a few hours before succumbing. However, research published in 2022 suggests that the actual limit may be lower, around 31°C. “Over 30°C, your body really struggles,” Willett explains.
If you were to poll a thousand physicists, you’d find no consensus. This assertion applies to a multitude of subjects, including the nature of the universe, the composition of dark matter, and the quest for perfectly efficient wiring. Recently, the team at Nature raised inquiries that sharply delineated the field’s divisions. They conducted a survey of 1,100 physicists regarding their preferred interpretations of quantum mechanics. The outcome? They exhibited “significant disagreement.”
This does not surprise me. In my reporting, I frequently encounter physicists who interpret the results of quantum experiments in varied ways. They might all analyze the same equation or experimental outcome but arrive at different narratives about reality.
So, how significant is this discord, and what does the quest for interpretation really entail? To begin with, it’s peculiar how things unfold within quantum mechanics, a discipline we’ve explored for over a century amid a plethora of unfortunate tests. There’s no denying the robust success of quantum mechanics, a remarkable framework governing the actions of the extremely small or the extremely cold. This theory not only passes all evaluations with distinction but also leads to technological innovations like transistors that power electronic devices and fiber optics for the internet. “Quantum mechanics is remarkably successful, both theoretically and practically,” asserts Peter Lewis from Dartmouth College in New Hampshire.
However, while physicists can articulate equations and construct devices, if I may put it bluntly, they don’t always agree on what these equations signify. They fail to reach consensus on how quantum mechanics describes the observable realities of our world. Research published in Nature indicates that the Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics discourages contemplation on the nature of quantum entities, prompting physicists to focus merely on calculations. Others endorse the many-worlds interpretation, which necessitates belief in an infinitely expansive universe or a hyper-deterministic theory. Notably, only 24% of physicists expressed complete confidence in their chosen interpretations.
Discrepancies also surfaced regarding fundamental aspects of quantum theory, such as wave functions, the enigmatic link between particles referred to as quantum entanglements, and the iconic double-slit experiment that confirmed all matter possesses hidden wave-like attributes. “Moreover, some scientists, even those in similar camps, exhibit varied understandings of their chosen interpretations,” Elizabeth Gibney highlighted in her analysis of the research.
Lewis observes that this scenario—a blend of extraordinary technical advancement and complete philosophical bewilderment—is unparalleled in the annals of science. Navigating this situation remains a challenge. Some physicists perceive it as a discredit to the field, while others argue it’s a positive aspect of scientific diversity. I found myself wrestling with the term “interpretation” to discern which viewpoint I align with the most. What does this term actually imply, and what criteria make an interpretation viable or competitive? Ultimately, I returned to the source material.
“For me, interpreting quantum mechanics transcends mere physics; it veers into philosophy or perhaps psychology,” noted Jeffrey Harvey from the University of Chicago. I recall his class as being a mathematical challenge, and I vividly remember the excitement of discovering that the waves in the abstract Hilbert space “exist.” However, I struggle to remember any clear arguments surrounding the interpretations of the complex mathematical outcomes we examined. Harvey expresses hesitance in teaching various interpretations, citing competition from established “mental models” over experimentally discernible frameworks. When two interpretations stem from the same equation and yield identical experimental predictions, why favor one over the other? “This reflects an agnostic stance. I’d prefer to keep an open mind rather than feel compelled to choose,” Harvey explained.
Jontae Hans, located at the University of Newcastle in the UK, contends that the term interpretation is often utilized too broadly. Some interpretations effectively extend quantum mechanics by adding or modifying core equations. “The challenge lies in the fact that interpretations are viewed differently, as well as the specific issues faced by quantum mechanics,” Lewis states. The Nature survey revealed respondents’ insights across eight interpretations, some of which augment the foundational quantum mechanics rules, while others simplify them, leaving the question of their necessity open for debate, as seen in the Copenhagen interpretation.
To grasp this distinction, consider the famous Schrödinger equation. This is the equation physicists employ to predict outcomes related to quantum objects. Several interpretations of quantum mechanics (e.g., the many-worlds interpretation) rely on the original Schrödinger equation as it was initially formulated. Conversely, a theory termed “decoherence” seeks to uncover why quantum effects are infrequently observed in our macroscopic world, incorporating additional symbols and numbers into the Schrödinger equation that signify new physical processes. Hans asserts that this technically renders the latter an extension rather than merely an interpretation. In such cases, experimental tests could potentially reveal whether our reality necessitates modification of the Schrödinger equation.
This could provide evidence compelling researchers like Harvey to abandon agnosticism. Hans suggests that a successful extension of quantum mechanics could explain numerous experiments whose predictions are already highly accurate, while also insisting that different interpretations can yield clearly distinct and testable predictions.
At the same time, all three researchers acknowledged that many physicists manage to perform their daily tasks without delving into the complexities of quantum mechanics interpretations. This partly explains why my class with Harvey didn’t cover quantum mechanical interpretations; I was primarily taught how to apply the theory. “I don’t perceive it as a problem in terms of innovation and applications in most areas of quantum mechanics. [Interpretation] is mainly a philosophical concern,” Lewis remarks.
Nonetheless, it doesn’t mean that interpretations lack merit, even when competing interpretations don’t yield differing experimental predictions. “While physicists may find interpretations less integral to physics, they can significantly influence how innovative ideas emerge. In that regard, I believe the diversity of mental models fosters exploration of new concepts arising from quantum mechanics,” says Harvey.
Moreover, even philosophical perspectives hold weight, especially regarding the growth of quantum mechanics. For Lewis, this historically unprecedented divide between utility and meaning in quantum mechanics might offer insights into the limitations of science and the philosophical boundaries regarding what can or cannot be understood. The fact that quantum mechanics, a mathematical model explaining the world exceptionally well, still lacks consensus on its significance is telling.
Hans similarly argues that assigning meaning is a fundamental aspect of physics. When discussing this, they often reference social media posts from people like Elon Musk. While I may not have seen them, I’m struck by the tremendous simplifications in their claims. “For me… it’s all about developing equations; it’s about engineering. While some are inclined to pursue engineering careers, I haven’t followed that path. This doesn’t imply engineers lack curiosity; rather, I feel some tension stemming from existential concerns. It’s a question that has kept physicists awake for centuries, and it will likely persist into the future.
Mark Berman (Vermillion, UK; S&S/Simon Element, USA)
Mark Berman is on the verge of initiating a transformation, and I consider myself already aligned with his vision. You might have encountered his insights in New Scientist regarding the remarkable advantages of nature walks, the therapeutic impact of plants, and the enchantment of urban greenery.
If this sounds familiar, you may presume that Berman’s Research couldn’t offer anything new. However, you would be mistaken. Nature and the Heart caters to everyone, regardless of prior knowledge. It’s designed not only to inform and entertain but also to motivate action.
This narrative outlines how a once troubled boy forged a groundbreaking field in environmental neuroscience by transitioning from law studies pursued under his mother’s nursing influence and his father’s legal career to engineering as an undergraduate student.
Central to this is a fortuitous encounter between psychologists Steve and Rachel Kaplan from the University of Michigan, who introduced attentional restoration theory (ART). This concept posits that engaging with nature can help regain our focus, and by the time Berman met them as a graduate student, Kaplan had already amassed substantial evidence to support this theory.
Berman’s audacious plan involved quantifying these effects by analyzing people, their environments, and their interactions through methods including brain imaging, behavioral testing, computational neuroscience, and statistical analyses.
In his book, Berman reflects on his initial experimental proposal, met with skepticism from John Jonides, a cognitive neuroscientist at the University of Michigan, who said, “It’s crazy. It won’t work.”
The author champions a revolution to ‘naturize’ our homes, schools, offices, and cities.
Yet, Berman persevered, uncovering astonishing findings. A mere 50-minute walk in a park significantly improved individuals’ working memory and attention by 20%, irrespective of their enjoyment of the experience or the weather conditions. Remarkably, it was unnecessary for them to actually walk.
This improvement is notable, but why is attention restoration necessary? As Berman highlights, attention is a crucial resource for many cognitive and emotional functions, and our attention is often drained by an overstimulating environment. By restoring this resource, nature acts as a superpower, enhancing intelligence, happiness, reducing stress, increasing productivity, and fostering compassion.
Some of Berman’s discoveries are breathtaking. For instance, individuals suffering from clinical depression gained fivefold benefits from a walk in the park compared to participants in the original study. Moreover, having ten additional trees on a block in Toronto increased residents’ perception of well-being by 1%.
His research also leads to delightful and innovative findings. In one study, his team employed the JPEG standard in digital image compression to analyze how the human brain processes information regarding natural landscapes versus urban settings. This research demonstrated that urban and natural images with similar complexity levels taxed the brain differently, with nature being less taxing. They even created an app to provide “repair scores” for nearby walking routes.
Berman’s research addresses significant inquiries. How does nature capture attention? What scene elements encourage recovery? How can architecture leverage these effects? It also tackles intriguing questions, such as the allure of galley-style fonts (inspired by the curves of serif typefaces) and the appeal of Jackson Pollock’s abstract paintings (which reflect fractals).
Above all, he is driven by a desire to effect positive change. His work serves as a call to action, urging the implementation of a “natural revolution.” “We should fundamentally reevaluate the design of all constructed spaces,” he advocates. “The natural revolution necessitates a serious commitment from people on a grand scale.”
Research reveals obesity rates among children in Colombia’s hilly capital, Bogotá
Guillermo Legaria/Getty Images
A study involving over 4 million children in Colombia suggests that living at high altitudes may help in preventing obesity.
This outcome is consistent with existing research. Higher altitudes are thought to reduce obesity, potentially due to increased energy expenditure at lower oxygen levels. Most studies, however, have focused primarily on adults.
To explore the effect on children, Fernando Lizcano Rosada from Lhasavanna University in Chia, Colombia, along with his team analyzed data concerning 4.16 million children from municipalities up to age 5, sourced from the Colombian Institute of Family Welfare.
The participants were categorized into four groups based on the altitudes where they resided.
In two low-altitude areas, about 80 out of every 10,000 children were classified as obese. In contrast, at altitudes of 3,000 meters or higher since 2001, this rate dropped to 40 per 10,000.
However, at elevations above 3,000 meters, the prevalence rose again, reaching 86 out of 10,000. The researchers caution that this might be a statistical anomaly since it is based on data from only seven municipalities and 11,498 individuals, substantially fewer than the data for the other altitude groups.
“That’s a valid observation,” states David Stencel from Loughborough University, UK. He notes that a dose-response relationship would have strengthened the findings.
Stencel also underscores that the study is observational, meaning it does not definitively prove that high altitudes reduce obesity risk. “The research takes into account various confounding factors,” he explains, including measures of poverty. Yet, he adds, “we cannot account for everything.”
Nevertheless, he sees this research as a promising commencement. “It establishes a relationship that calls for more tailored studies to verify the hypothesis independently.”
Lizcano Rosada posits that metabolism may be heightened at higher altitudes, leading to increased energy expenditure.
This claim is plausible, Stencel agrees. “Some studies indicate that resting metabolic rates may be elevated at high altitudes,” he notes. For instance, a 1984 study found that climbers tended to lose more weight at high altitudes partly because fat from food was burned or expelled before being stored as tissue.
More recent studies suggest that lower oxygen levels may lead to accelerated metabolism and increased levels of leptin, the hormone related to satiety, while levels of ghrelin, often associated with hunger, are reduced.
If it is indeed true that high altitude diminishes obesity risk, Stencel notes that the practical application of this knowledge in combating obesity remains ambiguous. Nonetheless, Lizcano Rosada asserts that personalized advice could be beneficial, acknowledging that diverse environmental factors contribute to obesity across various locales.
wI recently planned a trip to Florence, and all I can think about is re-watching Medici. This historical drama from 2016 chronicles the rise of the influential Florentine dynasty during the Renaissance. Until just a few years ago, accessing Netflix granted me a treasure trove of both acclaimed and obscure titles. Yet now, if you search for the show in 2025, Netflix links lead to empty pages. It won’t show up on HBO Max, Disney+, Apple TV+, or smaller platforms either. Amazon Prime requires a separate purchase for each of the three seasons or 24 episodes. These episodes are stored in a library that could be deleted overnight. For the first time in a decade, I find myself nostalgic for the days when I relied on the Swedish Torrent Index, a land of digital piracy, and I know I’m not alone.
During my teenage years in the 2000s, torrents were my go-to. Need the latest Coldplay album for your iPod? Pirate Bay. Looking for the 1968 adaptation of Romeo and Juliet? Pirate Bay. Everything I wanted was just a few clicks away. But as smartphones gained popularity, so did Spotify, the Swedish music streaming service. Interestingly, the same country that hosted illegal torrents also presented a solution.
“Spotify wouldn’t exist without the Pirate Bay,” remarked Sundin, the managing director of Universal Music Wedden at the time, reflecting in 2011. Yet, while I could legally enjoy the music, I once engaged with torrents. When Netflix arrived in Sweden in late 2012, conversations around torrenting films faded. A vast array of large shows and award-winning films was suddenly available for just 79 SEK (£6) per month. Meanwhile, the three founders of Pirate Bay faced arrest and imprisonment. To me, piracy seemed a thing of the past.
Fast forward ten and a half years since the Pirate Bay Trial, and the winds have shifted. On a surprisingly warm summer day, I found myself with fellow film critics in the Old Town Port—a location rich with smuggling lore—discussing the “enshitification” of streaming. This term describes how platforms deteriorate as they prioritize profits over service quality. Netflix’s monthly rate soared to over 199 SEK (£15), and accessing the same shows previously found in one place now often necessitates multiple subscriptions. Nowadays, many streaming services force users into ad-supported plans despite their fees. Local restrictions may even compel users to employ a VPN to unlock the full range of available content. On average, European households now spend nearly 700 euros (£600) annually on three or more VOD subscriptions—receiving less for more.
One film critic shared anonymously, “I never stopped pirating; if I’m unable to find what I’m looking for on DVD, my partner will too.” While some have never shied away from copyright infringement, others have admitted to recently returning to it. This time, the focus is on unofficial streaming platforms. One prevalent app is legal, yet users can access illegal streams through accompanying community add-ons. “Downloading is overly complicated; I wouldn’t even know where to begin,” remarked one viewer. “The shadowy streams might bombard me with ads, but at least I don’t have to worry about being hacked or caught.”
Navigating the vast seas… The Pirate Bay is a file-sharing site based in Sweden. Photo: FocusDigital/Alamy
Unlicensed streaming remains a significant source of copyright infringement in TV and film, as reported by Muso, a London-based copyright infringement company. In 2023, it accounted for 96%. Copyright infringement figures remained low in 2020, with 130 billion website visits but soared to 21.6 billion by 2024. In Sweden, 25% of respondents reported pirated content in 2024, a trend primarily observed among those aged 15 to 24. Copyright infringement has resurfaced, albeit under a new guise.
“Piracy isn’t merely about pricing,” stated Gabe Newell, co-founder of Valve, the driving force behind Steam, the largest PC gaming platform. He noted in 2011, “It’s fundamentally a service issue.” Nowadays, the streaming crisis underscores this reality. Content is fragmented, prices escalate, and bitrate restrictions vary by browser. It’s no surprise that viewers are once again gravitating towards more accessible options. Studios impose territorial limitations and impose tolls for access, resulting in an artificial scarcity in a digital age that promised abundance.
Rebellion or resignation may seem irrelevant. The sails can either be raised or lowered as streaming platforms fragment into isolated territories. Increasingly, viewers are journeying back to the digital high seas. Medici comprehended the value intrinsic to access. Clients traveled from as far as Rome to London, maintaining relationships through a system based on trust and integration. If current studios aspire to weather the storm, they must rediscover this vital truth.
Researchers have established a connection between being overweight or obese and various illnesses and health issues. Heart disease, some types of cancer, and additional conditions such as mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. Beyond specific diseases, obesity is also associated with an increased risk of premature death.
Health organizations in the US and around the world utilize the Body Mass Index, or BMI, to assess whether individuals are overweight or obese. For instance, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization both classify overweight as having a BMI over 25 and obesity as a BMI exceeding 30. In simple terms, a person who is 1.8 meters tall (approximately 5’11”) and weighs 90.7 kilograms (about 200 lbs) has a BMI of 28.
While doctors recognize that BMI can serve as a valuable metric in healthcare, some point out its limitations. Athletes with considerable muscle mass may be classified as overweight due to their muscle’s greater weight compared to fat. Additionally, body fat percentages can vary based on ethnicity and gender, suggesting that the standard BMI approach may not accurately reflect every individual’s health.
Recently, researchers from the University of Florida explored whether alternative body composition measurements provide a better prediction of mortality risk in young adults compared to BMI. They analyzed data from the National Health Nutrition Test Survey (NHANES), which was conducted in the US between 1999 and 2004 and connects to an index that indicates if participants had passed away by 2020. The study included data from 4,252 adults aged 20 to 49.
The researchers assessed whether high BMI, elevated body fat percentage, or increased waist circumference were more effective predictors of mortality within 15 years. They defined higher-risk body composition as (1) a BMI over 25, categorizing this as overweight or obese. Causes of mortality they investigated included deaths from any cause, referred to as all causes, heart disease, and cancer.
Findings revealed that body fat percentage is a stronger predictor of mortality in young adults than BMI. Specifically, there was no statistically significant link between overweight or obese BMI and cancer-related or all-cause mortality. In contrast, both high body fat percentage and large waist circumference were significantly related to deaths from all causes and heart disease. However, none of the three body composition measurements were found to be statistically related to cancer mortality.
Researchers acknowledged certain limitations in their study. First, the body fat percentage thresholds they applied were derived from another research and are not universally accepted metrics like BMI. Second, as they focused solely on mortality risk in young adults, BMI could still be a strong mortality predictor in older adults. Lastly, while they observed mortality rates, various diseases and health issues, such as cardiovascular disease, are still linked to higher BMI.
Nevertheless, the research team concluded that BMI may not provide a comprehensive view of body composition, suggesting that other measures, such as body fat percentage, could be more beneficial in healthcare settings. They proposed that future studies should investigate these findings in older populations and explore additional health outcomes, including cardiovascular disease.
This began as a project involving my daughter and her friend. Being part of the smartphone generation, they were both 14 at the time and eager to explore their relationship with mobile devices. According to Ofcom’s 2022 research, nine out of ten children owned a smartphone by age 11, and by age 12, 91% were using video platforms, messaging apps, and social media. I discussed the negative perceptions surrounding mobile phones, teenagers, and screens with them. They shared that social media can both enhance confidence and diminish it.
I asked if I could take a photo. I didn’t provide much direction; instead of capturing them in a typical portrait style, I simply observed their interactions. The energy was vibrant: they moved swiftly, danced to short music clips, filmed one another, laughed, scrolled, chatted, took selfies, and rehearsed TikTok dances. I struggled to keep pace with their excitement. This image, titled TikTok, emerged from our session. I quickly directed Lucy to glance at me, capturing the moment just before they transitioned to the next activity. As a portrait photographer, you develop an instinct for certain shots, and I felt this one was special.
While editing, I reflected on how girls utilize their phones for visual communication, as theorized by Nathan Jurgenson, who refers to it as “Social Photography.” This concept emphasizes that photos are more about social interaction than mere objects, moving away from traditional photography’s intent of documentation or archiving, focusing instead on sharing moments visually.
Spending time with the girls revealed the darker aspects of mobile usage. I showcased this project as a continuing exhibition in Oxford, working with focus groups of teenage girls who shared their experiences regarding online sexism and sexual harassment. Some of the stories I learned were quite shocking. The final work incorporates photographs alongside handwritten testimonials.
To deepen my research, I explored the writings of activists Laura Bates and Soma Sarah. Initially, the project title was inconsequential, but as it evolved, I changed it to a catchy phrase from a TikTok soundbite my daughter had shared with me. This shift evoked feelings of protectiveness and annoyance as a mother and a feminist. Although the title may be discomforting, it serves to capture attention and foster awareness.
This photo embodies multiple layers of meaning. It is beautiful and captivating, capturing a remarkable moment that celebrates the joy of girls in their generation, and reflects the essence of their world. These teenage years are fleeting, and the joy they share is essential to witness in a safe environment.
Additionally, the image invites viewers to notice the dynamic gaze between the three girls. Lucy not only looks directly at the camera but also interacts with the viewer through her expression and stance. As a mother and a photographer, my perspective evolves with ongoing research. The viewers’ perceptions may mirror their experiences as teenagers, which introduces a fascinating tension into the conversation surrounding this subject.
The girl in my mind is now 17 years old. Much has happened in the world since that photo was taken, including the rise of figures like Andrew Tate, who gained notoriety even as our children were already aware of him. Recently, themes addressed in Netflix series have sparked broader societal discussions.
Just this week, my mom reached out to discuss “short skirts.” The conflict between my role as a mother and a woman often feels intricate. As a protective instinct kicks in, I question why women shouldn’t wear what they choose. Sadly, young women today face risks merely by possessing a smartphone, in a world that remains unfamiliar to us parents.
Phillippa James’ Resume
Photo: Philippa James
Born: Bus, 1978 Trained: Kent (2000) in Art and Moving Image; Falmouth Photography MA (2023) Influences: “The inspiration from Rineke Dijkstra, Miranda July, Lynne Ramsay, Tracey Emin, Abigail Heyman, Cindy Sherman, Samantha Morton, Catherine McCormack, Robert Altman’s film Short Cuts, and Lisa Taddeo’s book.” Career Highlight: “Last year, I was honored to be selected for the Taylor Wessing Portrait Award and exhibited at the National Portrait Gallery, with funding from the Arts Council England to further develop my practice. I also received LensCulture’s Emerging Talent Award. Career Low Point: “In 2020, I faced public backlash for including trans women in my first personal project, 100 Women in Oxford, which led to protests against the exhibition. This experience taught me invaluable lessons about responsibility, expression, and the emotional impact of capturing real people.” Top Tip: “Stay committed to your work, reflect on your creations, and keep producing. Photography may seem easy, but it’s challenging; consistency is key.”
Since the implementation of stringent age verification measures last month, visits to popular adult websites in the UK have seen a significant decline, according to recent data.
Daily traffic to PornHub, the most frequented porn site in the UK, dropped by 47%, from 3.6 million on July 24 to 1.9 million on August 8.
Data from digital market intelligence firm Sircerweb indicates that the next popular platforms, Xvideos and Xhamster, also experienced declines of 47% and 39% during the same period.
As reported initially by the Financial Times, this downturn seems to reflect the enforcement of strict age verification rules commencing on July 25 under the Online Safety Act. However, social media platforms implementing similar age checks for age-restricted materials, like X and Reddit, did not experience similar traffic declines.
A representative from Pornhub remarked, “As we have observed in various regions globally, compliant sites often see a decrease in traffic, while non-compliant ones may see an increase.”
The Online Safety Act aims to shield children from harmful online content, mandating that any site or app providing pornographic material must prevent access by minors.
Ofcom, the overseeing body for this law in the UK, endorses age verification methods such as: verifying age via credit card providers, banks, or mobile network operators; matching photo ID with a live selfie; or using a “digital identity wallet” for age verification.
Additionally, the law requires platforms to block access to content that could be harmful to children, including materials that incite self-harm or promote dangerous behaviors, which has sparked tension over concerns of excessive regulation.
Ofcom contends that the law does not infringe upon freedom of expression, highlighting clauses intended to protect free speech. Non-compliance can lead to penalties ranging from formal warnings to fines amounting to 10% of global revenue, with serious violations potentially resulting in websites being blocked in the UK.
Nigel Farage’s Reform British Party has vowed to repeal the act following the age verification requirement, igniting a heated exchange where the technology secretary, Peter Kyle, was accused by Farage of making inappropriate comments.
The implementation of age checks has accordingly led to a surge in virtual private network (VPN) downloads, as users seek to circumvent national restrictions on certain websites. VPN applications frequently dominate the top five spots in Apple’s App Store.
If your teeth are facing damage, innovative toothpastes may soon appear on the market in the coming years. Some of their ingredients may surprise you.
Toothpaste derived from your own hair could offer an effective and eco-friendly method to safeguard and restore damaged tooth enamel during the initial stages of decay, according to new research from King’s College London.
The research team has found that keratin, a protein present in hair, skin, and nails, creates protective layers that emulate the structure and function of natural tooth enamel when interacting with saliva. In their experiments, scientists extracted keratin from animal wool, which is similar to human hair.
The Science Behind the Hair Toothpaste: Explainer (Credit: King’s College London)
Enamel loss and decay are ongoing issues for dental professionals. Factors such as acidic food and drinks, aging, and inadequate oral hygiene contribute to the gradual deterioration of the teeth’s protective layer.
This deterioration can result in tooth sensitivity, discomfort, and, ultimately, tooth loss. “Unlike bone and hair, enamel does not regenerate,” states Dr. Sherif Elshalkawi, Senior Author and Consultant of Prosthetics at King’s College London. “Once lost, it is gone forever.”
While fluoride toothpaste can help slow the process, this groundbreaking keratin-based solution has shown potential to stop it completely.
When combined with naturally occurring minerals in saliva, it forms a dense crystal-like layer that shields teeth, sealing off exposed nerve channels. As these nerves are responsible for sensitivity, this novel treatment not only aids in preventing enamel breakdown but also alleviates current symptoms.
This research has been published in Advanced Healthcare Materials, detailing how scientists extracted keratin from animal wool to form a structured scaffold on the teeth that continues to attract calcium and phosphate ions, ultimately creating a protective enamel-like coat.
This substance can be used daily in regular toothpaste or applied professionally as a gel, similar to nail polish, for targeted restorative treatment. El Sharkawi suggests that this affordable, sustainable method could be available to the public in the next two to three years.
“Keratin presents a revolutionary alternative to existing dental care practices,” comments Sara Gamea, a doctoral researcher at King’s College and lead author of the study.
“It not only draws on biological waste such as hair and skin for a continuous supply but also reduces reliance on conventional plastic resins often used in restorative dentistry, which are harmful and less durable.”
“Keratin also offers a more natural appearance than these alternatives, as it can better match the original tooth color.”
read more:
Top Image: Dr. Sherif Elshalkawi presents the animal wool utilized in this groundbreaking treatment (credit: King’s College London)
This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Strictly Necessary Cookies
Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.
