Are you a proud cat owner? If you’re browsing on a laptop, you might be inadvertently blocking this page, causing frustration for both you and your feline friend.
But why do cats seem so fascinated with our computer screens and keyboards?
While no extensive scientific studies have been conducted on this quirky behavior, cat behavior experts have fascinating theories on why our furry companions are drawn to our laptops.
Why is my cat sitting on my laptop?
Contrary to popular belief, your cat isn’t imitating you while you type. Recent studies suggest that cats possess the ability to mimic certain human actions, but typing isn’t one of them.
According to Dr. David Sands, a seasoned expert in animal psychology, it’s likely not about imitation. Cats are more focused on the appeal of your scent on the keyboard rather than the warmth of the laptop itself. “While laptops do generate heat, they tend to prefer areas that carry their humans’ scents,” says Sands.
“Cats have an incredible sense of smell,” Sands explains. “Their world revolves around scents, and they rely on their olfactory senses for exploration and social interaction.” While they might enjoy the warmth, the primary draw to laptops is likely tied to their instinct to mark their territory.
When your cat perches on your laptop, it’s likely asserting ownership by leaving its scent behind, effectively marking you and your belongings as ‘theirs.’
While dogs have been selectively bred for companionship, cats remain independent creatures, primarily bred for pest control. They often showcase behavior that prioritizes their own interests over social interactions.
“Remember, cats have a cunning nature. Their behavior might remind you of a character in a spy movie; they thrive on their autonomy,” adds Sands.
Is it unhealthy for your cat to sit on your laptop?
While a lounging cat can cause minor headaches—like accidentally closing your work or sending garbled messages—Dr. Sands notes that it’s generally harmless for your pet.
“As long as your feline isn’t exhibiting signs of anxiety—like meowing excessively or closely tailing you around the house—there’s minimal risk involved with their laptop lounging,” he says.
So if your cat enjoys spreading out across your keyboard, there’s no reason to fuss. They’ve claimed you—and your laptop—as their territory.
About our expert Dr. David Sands
Dr. David Sands holds a PhD in animal behavior from the University of Liverpool and boasts over 25 years of experience in animal behavior clinics. He is a Fellow of the Dog and Cat Behavior Association (CFBA) and the Society for the Study of Animal Behavior (ASAB). Sands has authored several insightful books, including Cats: 500 Questions Answered.
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On Saturday afternoon, a high-speed meteor impacted Massachusetts, causing a significant ground shaking and a powerful shockwave that was felt across the state.
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According to NASA, the bright meteor fireball streaked over Massachusetts at a staggering speed of 75,000 mph at precisely 2:06 p.m., unleashing energy equivalent to around 300 tons of TNT as it disintegrated.
NASA indicated that the debris was first detected at an altitude of 40 miles over northeastern Massachusetts and southeast New Hampshire, as stated in their public report.
NASA also confirmed that the fireball event was unrelated to any ongoing meteor shower, clarifying it as “a natural object” rather than the re-entry of space debris or satellite material.
The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency reported that public safety officials received numerous accounts of “thuds” and ground vibrations in the eastern region. However, they confirmed there were no emergency calls to police or fire services regarding the incident.
According to the United States Geological Survey, this event was identified as a “widely felt sonic boom from a suspected fireball.”
The research report clarified, “In contrast to earthquakes, which are localized events, sonic boom phenomena traverse a straight path through the atmosphere.”
The USGS determined there were no seismic activities or related disturbances affecting the ground during this event.
It’s easy to overlook the ideal approach to bathroom visits. No mess, no fuss—just a smooth experience. However, the simple act of defecating can sometimes lead to complications.
From stomach cramps to “runner’s trots,” diarrhea, constipation, and straining, the list of uncomfortable poops can be daunting. These are the bowel experiences we dread.
But fear not! By implementing gut-healthy strategies, you can prepare for these moments and avoid potential disasters. Your gut will be grateful.
Here are some of the most troublesome poop scenarios that many people may face (we’ve saved the worst for last).
1. Stress-Induced Poop
Chances are you’ve experienced unpleasant bowel habits due to our complex human emotions.
We all know this feeling: waiting for a job interview or a first date, when suddenly your stomach starts rumbling and you rush to the nearest restroom.
Stressful moments, such as a job interview, can trigger sudden bathroom urges – Credit: Getty
This connection occurs because digestion is closely linked to our emotional state, known as the gut-brain connection.
As gastroenterologist Dr. Trisha Pasricha from Harvard University explains, “Digestion starts in the brain.”
Stress triggers the release of corticotropin-releasing hormone, affecting intestinal function and leading to discomfort.
The result? Stomach cramps, bloating, and diarrhea. Although managing stress is often easier said than done, prioritizing gut health with fiber, fermented foods, and gentle exercise can benefit mental wellness and improve digestion.
Known as runner’s trots, these symptoms arise from mechanical vibrations within the body and blood being redirected to muscles.
As Dr. Pasricha explains, “Running at an intensity beyond your body’s capacity diverts blood away from the intestines, causing inflammation that can lead to diarrhea.”
To maintain gut health while exercising, monitor your heart rate and hydrate adequately—both essential for optimal digestion.
3. Vacation Bowel Troubles
Even during leisurely vacations, your gut can react negatively.
“Travel disrupts your gut’s circadian rhythms, leading to potential constipation and bloating,” warns Dr. Pasricha.
Fluctuating sleep patterns and dietary changes often lead to alterations in your digestive routine while on holiday.
Vacations should be about relaxation, but lack of fiber can lead to constipation – Credit: Getty
Dr. Pasricha suggests “actively seeking extra fiber” through salads and veggies to support digestion during your trip.
4. Menstrual Poop
Hormonal fluctuations during menstruation can wreak havoc on your digestive system.
Dr. Pasricha notes, “Up to 50% of women experience menstrual-related intestinal issues, including constipation and painful bloating.”
Increased levels of progesterone can slow intestinal activity, leading to discomfort. Menstruation can trigger a sudden release of stool, making many women experience unexpected bathroom visits.
Some individuals find that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or changes in birth control can alleviate these bowel challenges during their period.
5. Hangover Bowel Blues
Hangovers can be brutal, and the aftermath often includes digestive woes.
Dr. Pasricha explains that “alcohol inflames intestinal linings and disrupts sleep cycles, which negatively impacts digestion.”
This can lead to a range of bowel irritations, including both diarrhea and constipation.
Her advice? Stay hydrated post-drinking and ease back into eating to allow your gut to recover.
6. Postpartum Poop
Among all digestive challenges, the notorious postpartum poop can be the most daunting.
During pregnancy, high progesterone levels can lead to constipation, and after childbirth, women often face additional challenges due to hormonal shifts.
The first postpartum poop can be challenging, but fiber and hydration can provide relief – Credit: Getty
Dr. Pasricha recommends a diet rich in fiber and hydration to ease the first bowel movements post-birth.
Following her tips—such as elevating your feet and relaxing—can make this experience more manageable.
NASA’s Artemis II mission, launching in April 2026, is bringing the Moon back into the global spotlight. This successful mission featured four astronauts orbiting the Moon and safely returning to Earth, marking a pivotal step toward NASA’s ambitious objective of establishing a permanent lunar base.
For those who recall the Apollo missions of the 1960s and ’70s, a critical question arises: why are we sending humans back to the Moon?
The Vision for a First Moon Base
There are numerous scientific reasons for a lunar return, including the collection of samples that help us understand the formation of our solar system. By placing telescopes on the Moon, we can observe celestial bodies with clearer images, free from Earth’s atmospheric distortions. However, in recent years, geopolitical factors have overshadowed these scientific interests.
The U.S. decision to send humans back to the Moon is largely a strategic response to rising tensions with China, which has openly expressed its aim to develop a scientific research base on the lunar surface, accelerating its robotic and manned lunar exploration initiatives over the past two decades.
Initiated in 2017, the Artemis program is a clear reaction to these geopolitical dynamics. The United States strives to establish a permanent Moon base ahead of China, with U.S. Senator Ted Cruz characterizing this effort as the “space race of the 21st century.”
Images and footage from the Artemis II mission are captivating, yet the underlying motivations often remain unaddressed.
This geopolitical backdrop is not new, according to Dr. Priyanka Dopade, a researcher in sustainable space engineering at the University of Auckland.
“Space and geopolitics have always been intertwined,” she remarks. “What’s new is the push for a sustained human presence on the Moon, supported by companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin.”
Upper stage of NASA’s Artemis III Space Launch System rocket – Credit: NASA/MSFC
“The scientific rationale is less compelling compared to robotic exploration or projects like the Lunar Gateway, which has significant European contributions,” she adds. “However, it could facilitate scientific advancements compared to a manned moon base.”
“Funding for U.S. science missions may face cuts, and there’s potential for the complete cancellation of the Gateway program. This indicates that geopolitical and economic factors are taking precedence over scientific curiosity.”
While NASA promotes the Artemis program for its scientific merits, the driving forces behind it are territorial claims and the pursuit of lunar resources like water ice.
Dr. Becky Smethurst, an astrophysicist from Oxford University, recently acknowledged the varying motivations for the Artemis mission, highlighting captivating images of Earth from Artemis II.
“These visuals are stunning, yet they lean more towards art than scientific documentation,” she explains. “The mission’s driving force has been political and economic rather than scientific. We are, once again, engaged in a space race, with the U.S. eager to outpace China in lunar exploration.”
Chris Lee, a former chief scientist at the British Space Agency, characterized the Artemis program as “an iron geopolitical hand in a velvet glove.”
Even renowned astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, a vocal proponent of U.S. space initiatives, acknowledged in a recent CBC interview that the primary focus of this mission is to outdo China in lunar endeavors.
While he underscored the significance of Artemis II’s achievements, including sending astronauts further into space than ever before, he emphasized the unseen global challenges at play.
“Geopolitical forces are motivating these developments,” he notes. “This aspect is often overlooked.”
Chinese astronaut Wang Haoze returns to Earth after a six-month stay at the Tiangong Space Station in 2024-2025 – Credit: Getty
Ownership and the Moon’s Future
Funding the space program relies on sustained public interest, and the Artemis II mission has undoubtedly garnered this support. Yet, it has also masked ongoing debates about lunar ownership and usage rights.
According to the Outer Space Treaty, no nation can claim sovereignty over the Moon or build military bases there. Nevertheless, the U.S. recently spearheaded an agreement—signed by over 60 nations—the Artemis Accords, which is a non-binding agreement related to lunar exploration.
This accords pledges commitment to the peaceful use of the Moon and the sharing of scientific data, while also permitting resource extraction and the establishment of “safe zones” around operational areas, effectively allowing nations to exert control over certain lunar regions.
Resource extraction permissions are particularly contentious. The discovery of accessible water ice on the Moon is crucial for sustaining human life and establishing long-term bases, as this resource is essential for both drinking and fuel production.
While many would support the use of water ice by astronauts, the question of how other resources will be extracted and regulated remains unanswered.
The Moon is known to contain rare earth elements, including helium-3, useful as fuel, but the exact quantities and availability of these resources remain uncertain. There are currently no restrictions preventing private firms from mining lunar resources and returning them to Earth for profit.
The only barrier is the significant technical challenges involved in lunar landings, as seen in the limited successes of private companies like Intuitive Machines, ispace, and SpaceIL.
“There’s nothing to stop NASA, the Chinese space agency, or any commercial entity from landing on the Moon and claiming mining rights,” states Smethurst.
Besides the resources available, the Moon also holds strategic significance, serving as an ideal base for future deep space exploration, including Mars missions or Earth observation tasks. Furthermore, the far side of the Moon presents an opportunity to develop technologies shielded from surveillance.
The Moon’s potential monetary value will remain speculative until more detailed information about its resources and strategic applications is gathered. The ongoing race to the Moon currently centers around asserting rights over potentially valuable assets.
“The real question is who stands to gain from all this? Historically, government-led space exploration, even when politically driven, has yielded benefits for society through innovations like GPS during the Cold War,” notes Dopade. “However, as profit-driven commercial entities increase their involvement, concerns emerge regarding whether such innovations will serve the broader public good or merely widen existing inequalities.”
For years, Jeff Bezos’ rocket company, Blue Origin, has operated under the radar, overshadowed by the achievements of Elon Musk’s SpaceX. Recently, however, momentum has surged, with the giant rocket New Glenn approaching a crucial launch date that promises to enhance the space industry’s capacity to deploy satellites and essential equipment into orbit.
In a significant move, NASA recently endorsed New Glenn for a larger role in the Artemis moon return program. Additionally, Amazon is set to launch 48 of its satellites into orbit, entering into direct competition with SpaceX’s Starlink internet service.
On Thursday evening, however, a test of New Glenn led to a dramatic blaze on the launch pad, raising concerns throughout the industry.
“This is a major collective setback,” stated Chad Anderson, a startup investor at Space Capital.
The explosion has derailed Blue Origin and its partners, including Amazon and NASA, just as SpaceX prepares for a highly anticipated initial public offering, potentially valuing the company at over $1.25 trillion.
Had the rocket exploded in mid-air, it might have been viewed as a common failure. However, the significant launch pad damage has raised serious questions regarding the complex hydraulic and fuel systems surrounding the aging concrete structure.
Blue Origin has yet to respond to inquiries. A government social media post labeled the incident an “extraordinary situation,” assuring that all personnel were safe. Amazon hasn’t provided immediate commentary.
Only one launch pad exists for New Glenn at Launch Complex 36, located at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. Blue Origin has invested over $1 billion to refurbish this 1960s-era facility.
Consequently, Blue Origin faces the dual challenge of identifying the cause of the explosion and repairing its launch infrastructure, which may lead to significant delays in ongoing New Glenn testing.
According to Carissa Christensen, CEO of the aerospace analysis firm Blytech, this delay will affect Blue Origin’s upward trajectory. “While this setback is disappointing, I don’t see it as the end of the line,” she commented.
Industry experts believe that Bezos will remain committed to his ambitions, as he values Blue Origin as a key component of his legacy, with a net worth exceeding $290 billion. The company’s resources are limited only by his willingness to invest.
“It’s a challenging day, but we will rebuild everything essential and return to flight,” he stated on social media. “It’s worth the effort.”
Delays at Blue Origin could impede Amazon’s plans for its Amazon Leo satellite constellation, which is set to compete directly with Starlink.
Amazon’s launch strategy heavily depends on next-gen rockets capable of deploying multiple satellites simultaneously. Notably, New Glenn can carry up to 48 Amazon satellites, while other rockets have capacities ranging from 24 to 32 satellites.
As highlighted by research firm Quilty Space, Amazon is encountering a crisis in launch capacity exacerbated by the New Glenn explosion.
“The space economy is interlinked, so if one rocket fails, everyone feels the consequences,” stated Kim Burke, Director of Government Affairs at Quilty Space.
Roughly one-third of the 3,500 satellites Amazon plans to launch were slated to ride aboard New Glenn, as per Quilty Space’s analysis. The upcoming Vulcan Centaur rocket, a collaboration between Boeing and Lockheed Martin, is also in development, but faces its own set of challenges.
If the issues lie with Blue Origin’s engines, the Vulcan Centaur, which uses the same technology, might also be at risk.
Amazon Leo aimed to catch up with Starlink, which has successfully launched over 300 satellites in just a year, compared to Starlink’s fleet of over 10,000, according to tracker data from astrophysicist Jonathan McDowell.
Amazon’s satellites have been deployed using small rockets from SpaceX, United Launch Alliance, and the French company Arianespace. The company has also secured deals with prominent clients, including Delta Air Lines and Apple, for satellite services for its devices.
“Our commercial service will embody the cutting-edge technology available today,” said Amazon CEO Andy Jassy last month.
Amazon plans to conduct three upcoming small rocket launches, including one on Friday night. Amazon Leo aims for a commercial launch this fall, with the goal of recouping the substantial investment made to develop the network.
However, the delay of New Glenn could hinder its progress.
Ian Watson, a renowned British science fiction novelist with over 20 published works, sadly passed away in April 2023. Although less known today, his groundbreaking debut novel, The Embedding, was widely praised upon its release in 1973; audience described it as “the most spectacular thing since stellar science fiction.” Watson’s subsequent creations spanned both science fiction and fantasy genres, including contributions to the Warhammer 40,000 universe and work on Stanley Kubrick’s AI: Artificial Intelligence.
Admittedly, as a science fiction critic, I was unaware of Watson’s work until his recent passing. I decided to explore his most recognized novel first.
The Embedding explores first contact through the lens of linguistics. The protagonist, Chris, experiments on children at a UK research institute to study the effects of growing up with a constructed language influenced by the poet Raymond Roussel. Chris’s hypothesis posits that language fundamentally shapes our perception of reality, potentially unlocking novel insights into the universe. Simultaneously, in the Amazon rainforest, Chris’s former friend Pierre investigates the Zemahoa people.
“
Aliens are in search of living human brains to aid in uncovering language that might open new dimensions of understanding. “
The Zemahoa possess two distinct languages: A and B, with the latter requiring local medicinal aid for articulation and comprehension. This aligns with several concepts of the “embedded” language Chris is studying in the UK. Unfortunately, U.S. contractors are threatening to encroach upon the tribes’ ancestral lands.
Amid this backdrop, aliens arrive on Earth searching for living human brains to contribute to their research on languages that could unveil new realities. Naturally, they are intrigued by Chris and Pierre’s endeavors.
If you enjoy science fiction that delves into profound philosophical themes, The Embedding may be a perfect fit. However, for those who prefer cozy sci-fi, a heads-up: the characters are notably flawed.
Chris conducts harsh experiments on children while Pierre engages in morally dubious relationships in the Amazon. The Zemahoa react to the environmental threat by confining pregnant women and using significant amounts of local drugs, leading to dire consequences. The aliens’ quest for human brains is echoed by indifferent government officials. Essentially, the protagonists may seem absent in their own story, but this narrative choice serves a purpose.
It’s crucial to note that this book reflects its era. Language and attitudes that might have been deemed acceptable in early 1970s Britain can now come off as blatantly racist.
Additionally, much of the literature from that time, including this novel, predominantly centers on male perspectives, often reducing women and girls to mere plot devices.
Nevertheless, The Embedding emerges as a thought-provoking work. I am eager to explore some of Watson’s later fantasy writing. Highly recommended!
This exceptional short story collection, including the tale that inspired the acclaimed film Arrival, was originally published as Stories of Your Life and Others. Chiang’s exploration of alien perspectives on time and language resonates with some themes found in The Embedding.
Emily H. Wilson is the author of the Sumerians series (Inanna, Gilgamesh, and Ninshbar, all published by Titan) and is currently crafting her first science fiction novel. A former editor at New Scientist, you can follow her on Instagram @emilyhwilson1.
The New Scientist Book Club explored Luminous by Sylvia Park this May.
In May, the New Scientist Book Club shifted gears from Kim Stanley Robinson’s Space Wilderness to focus on Sylvia Park’s intriguing novel, bright. This fresh narrative brings a unique perspective to the science fiction genre, delving into a closer future that is both thought-provoking and imaginative.
Similar to Sierra Greer’s Anniebot, which envisions an integrated society, bright examines complex themes on various levels—emotionally, spiritually, and socially. Set in a unified Korea, the novel intertwines three captivating storylines. The first is a police procedural featuring Detective Jun on a quest to locate a missing robot girl. The second follows a group of adventurous kids, including Louisier and his friends, who discover an abandoned robot boy in a scrapyard. The third story unfolds within a dysfunctional family, highlighting Jun and his estranged sister Morgan, who grapple with the disappearance of their robot brother during their childhood.
I found bright to be a refreshing and contemplative read. Park’s narrative elegantly explores the depths of love and loss, showcasing their journey from a children’s book concept to a much darker, mature storyline. Their writing style is captivating, and I eagerly anticipate their next project, which might include themes ranging from robot consciousness to Peter Pan, as discussed in our video chat.
Our book club members expressed varied opinions about bright. TheGosia was particularly impressed by Park’s depiction of disability, stating, “I love it! The characters are compelling and relatable. The positive portrayal of bionic modifications resonated with me.” Join our thriving community on Discord. “If given the chance, I’d exchange much of my flawed human body for a bionic suit. Often, these themes are presented from a loss perspective.”
Exoi also shared his enthusiasm: “This book is filled with thought-provoking themes regarding robotics and human value. It has more depth and complexity than many authors achieve in a lifetime, and it’s both intelligent and nuanced. I’m thoroughly enjoying it so far.”
Karen Warren added, “While this is just one possible future, it made me reflect on our current societal trends. Humans have always anthropomorphized inanimate objects—naming cars, playing with teddy bears—indicating a deep desire for connection.” She quoted the author: “‘How do we define what is real? Most of us spend our lives unconscious, dreaming, or trapped in a world on a small screen. How can we say we are truly living?’ That encapsulates the essence of the book.”
Alan_P found it challenging to engage with the novel. “I just finished bright—maybe I wasn’t paying proper attention, but I’d appreciate some clarification on the ending,” he mentioned on Discord. “It’s beautifully crafted, yet I struggle to understand why the children were eager to relinquish that broken robot or why the siblings never resolved their familial issues after years of therapy.”
Matthew expressed a lukewarm reaction: “The book felt slow at times, only picking up pace two-thirds of the way in. The events felt disorganized rather than cohesive. I was surprised to discover the true identity of the robot. In comparison to Ian M. Banks’s insightful take on artificial intelligence in my December book club, bright brings up interesting anxieties that reflect in our current literature.”
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In Joseph Eckhart’s novel, a father mysteriously travels back in time. Traveler
Mikhail Rudenko / Alamy
As Britain experiences a historic May heatwave, it’s clear why many science fiction writers envision bleak, overheated futures where characters struggle to survive. I’m curious about what sci-fi icon M. John Harrison will offer in his next dystopian narrative. For those who prefer lighter tales, there’s a time travel adventure titled Traveler by Joseph Eckert to dive into this month. Next, we’ll explore Isabel J. Kim’s thought-provoking works on immigration, including her upcoming release Sublimation. Also featuring, Adrian Tchaikovsky’s delightful stories such as Green City Wars for a moment of relaxation.
<p>M. John Harrison's latest novel is a personal journey. Set in a near-future plagued by an unknown 'crisis,' the story introduces Philip, a collector of bizarre objects washed ashore, who encounters ever-evolving sea creatures, capturing the essence of environmental change.</p>
<p>Over the weekend, I began reading Joseph Eckert's <em>Traveler</em> and found its compelling narrative captivating. Centered on the profound bond between a father and son, the plot chronicles Scott Trader, who unexpectedly "slips" through time on his commute. One moment he’s in his car; the next, he’s lost on the road without it. This phenomenon starts every morning, doubling in duration, leaving Scott racing to maintain a connection with his son Lyle, who simply wishes to reunite with his father.</p>
<p>Isabel J. Kim's stories piqued my interest with their unique premise of emigration—where leaving home means leaving a part of yourself behind. Her protagonist, Soyeon Rose Kang, returns to Korea after her grandfather's death, facing the ghosts of her past.</p>
<p>Adrian Tchaikovsky's new book, <em>Children of Conflict</em>, offers a fun glimpse into a solar-powered utopia maintained by genetically enhanced animals. The story follows Scotch, a freelance raccoon investigator on a mission to uncover an escaped rat scientist while adhering to the rules set by the city's mechanical residents.</p>
<p>Another intriguing narrative weaves a post-apocalyptic tale with romance in a dystopian version of Canada’s Pacific Northwest. Kayla makes an urgent decision to marry ambitious politician Sid to secure medical care for her ailing sister, leading to unexpected emotions in their arranged union.</p>
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<p class="ArticleImageCaption__Title">Salt Spring Island – Emily Paxman’s post-apocalyptic landscape</p>
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<p>In an imaginative twist, Philip K. Dick Award-winning author Meg Ellison explores a future where billionaires create clones of America's Founding Fathers, hoping to revive the nation’s lost glory. However, "Ben," perhaps Franklin, finds a smartphone on a secluded island, prompting him and his peers to question their controlled existence.</p>
<p>Amidst a crumbling future, South Korean youth escape grim realities through virtual reality. Spoo, a high school outcast, aspires to connect with K-Pop sensation Yi Chae, who is filming nearby.</p>
<p>Young-ah, a disenchanted teacher, steps out of societal norms after completing an emotional regulation program, embracing her newfound voice with passion.</p>
<p>In a feminist commune facing mysterious calamities, Mila must navigate the challenges of motherhood while upholding the community's ideals as strange events unfold.</p>
<h2><em><a href="https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Valet/J-P-Lacrampe/9781668216439">Valet</a></em> by JP LaCramp</h2>
<p>In this quirky narrative, Rhino the helper robot is less than thrilled with his assignment to aid Grayson, who’s in a slump. Upon discovering a plot to sell his family's company to a tech giant, Grayson concocts his own plan for a takeover, promising a humorous homage to Wodehouse's beloved characters.</p>
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<p class="ArticleImageCaption__Title">Mitch is confined to a moon base in <em>The Disco at the End of the World</em></p>
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<p>In 1977, after World War II, the U.S. launched its ambitious space program. Joining the U.S. Space Guard to connect with his estranged girlfriend Flynn, Mitch finds himself trapped on a desolate moon base, only to return home with a duty to accept an important emissary from an alien civilization.</p>
<p>This story also serves as a sequel to Hamilton's <em>EXODUS: Archimedes' Engine</em>, exploring a dystopian future where humanity has been reduced to se servitude under the Celestials. Will Finn and his friends escape this fate?</p>
<h2><em><a href="https://bancroftpress.com/defrosted-a-medical-political-thriller/">Unzipped</a></em> by Christina Leport</h2>
<p>In this thought-provoking medical thriller, Peter and Monica awaken from cryopreservation in a dystopian future where a devastating weapon, the "Might Gun," poses a global threat.</p>
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In Greek mythology, cutting off one head of Lerna’s Hydra only leads to two more growing in its place. A similar paradox occurs in the quantum world with photons: attempting to “cut” a particle of light generates an infinite number of new light particles.
Some particles are classified as elementary, meaning they cannot be divided into smaller constituents. For example, although a proton can be split into three quarks, each quark remains indivisible. But what occurs when one attempts to divide elementary particles?
Johannes Skaar, a professor at the University of Oslo, Norway, examines the phenomenon of a photon interacting with a mirror capable of this type of cutting.
Light, fundamentally a quantum entity, consists of photons or can be viewed as an electromagnetic wave. Thus, photons aren’t entirely localized like solid objects; they have extensions, or “tails,” across space. In this scenario, if the mirror moves rapidly enough, it can reflect some photons, effectively “trimming” the photon’s tail.
Leveraging quantum equations governing electromagnetic fields, researchers concluded that this truncation results in a unique quantum light state—one that is a superposition of infinitely many photons. In the quantum realm, empty space is teeming with fluctuating quantum fields, such as electromagnetic fields. By manipulating these fields, mirrors can excite these fluctuations, permitting the emergence of new particles.
“Rapidly altering mirrors or shutters disturbs the vacuum, conjuring photons from the void,” explains Samuel Brownstein from the University of York, UK. However, local observations reveal that this superposition state appears indistinguishable from a single photon on one side of the mirror and a vacuum on the other. This demonstrates how the concept of observation varies drastically in the quantum realm compared to our daily experiences, illustrating that “a highly complex object can seem utterly simple” in quantum theory.
Wolf Leonhardt from the Weizmann Institute of Science, Israel, has conducted experiments confirming that utilizing a sufficiently fast shutter in vacuum does indeed generate photons. However, practical experimentation of this new concept may pose challenges. Although advancements in ultrafast light manipulation are emerging, the shutters described in the study exceed current laboratory capabilities. Leonhardt emphasizes the necessity for further exploration into quantum vacuum phenomena, which could refine or alter the existing quantum field theory of electromagnetism.
Alongside addressing the locality issues in quantum theory, which relate to broader inquiries regarding causality in quantum particle experiments, Skaar and his team aim to expand their focus to include multiple photons and electrons simultaneously.
In November 2015, a live goat was introduced into a tiger enclosure at a safari park in Russia’s Far East. To everyone’s surprise, an unexpected friendship emerged.
The goat, named Timur, formed a unique bond with a tiger named Amur.
For over a year, they shared their lives, eating and sleeping together until one day, Timur playfully headbutted Amur. In response, Amur grabbed the goat by the neck and tossed him down the hill.
After this incident, they were separated for safety, as the saying goes, “a tiger can’t change its stripes.”
This article answers John Riggs’ email query: “Do tigers ever establish friendships with their prey?”
If you have any inquiries, please reach out to us at:questions@sciencefocus.com or contact us via:Facebook,Twitter, or Instagram(make sure to include your name and location).
Explore our ultimatefun facts and discover more amazing science topics.
Two experts have raised concerns about the understaffing of the Risk Management Program (RMP). Rick Engler, a former member of the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board until his retirement in 2020, stated that there are insufficient EPA staff to efficiently oversee the approximately 11,500 facilities included in the program.
He noted, “We have a regulatory framework with a completely inadequate testing force,” highlighting an issue that has persisted across multiple presidential administrations.
In its 2027 budget proposal, the Trump administration intends to eliminate funding for Engler’s former chemical safety board. The request is to zero out your funds.
Moreover, the administration plans to rescind a set of updates to the RMP regulations, many of which are set to become effective next year.
The Biden administration’s finalized rule changes require companies to enhance their preparedness for chemical incidents caused by natural disasters like hurricanes and introduce programs for employees to report issues anonymously. Facilities will also be tasked with assessing the feasibility of implementing safer technologies and processes, among other amendments.
An EPA spokesperson commented, “It’s challenging to determine whether compliance with the RMP rule could have prevented these incidents until we have an investigation report identifying the root cause.”
They added that the U.S. has made significant progress in reducing chemical accidents “without the excessive regulatory burden imposed by the Biden EPA’s 2024 rule,” noting “few studies show a direct correlation between the RMP rule and accident reductions.”
The Biden EPA also unveiled an online platform for the public to seek information about potentially hazardous locations under the RMP program, a resource that the Trump administration subsequently withdrew.
“In 2024, for the first time, the EPA developed a tool for the public to better understand the risks associated with local chemicals,” said Emma Cheese, senior attorney at Earthjustice, a nonprofit environmental law advocacy organization. “However, in early 2025, the EPA took this tool offline without any notice.”
Environmental advocates argue that this removal leaves communities unaware of the hazards posed by local chemicals. Nonetheless, the Trump administration claims the tool posed a national security threat.
“The Biden EPA disregarded warnings from national security experts about how the 2024 rule would heighten vulnerabilities of chemical facilities and other sensitive sites to potential attacks,” stated an EPA spokesperson.
The EPA proposed to restore tools using more limited data, but shutters remain closed for now.
Investigation into Washington Bombings Faces Defunding
The Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board is currently probing a tragic paper mill explosion in Washington state that resulted in 11 fatalities. A 900,000-gallon tank of white liquor used in paper production exploded, leaving seven individuals hospitalized.
A spokesperson from Nippon Dynawave stated the company is focused on recovery efforts while mourning the loss of lives.
“We are quickly assisting first responders in their search for our missing colleague,” the spokesperson remarked. “We are collaborating with our emergency response teams and unions and will provide more information soon.”
Washington National Guard soldiers and airmen aiding first responders after an implosion at the Nippon Dynawave Paper and Pulp Mill in Longview, Washington. Via Washington National Guard
The Chemical Safety Board functions similarly to the National Transportation Safety Board, which investigates accidents involving aircraft and trains. Rather than a regulatory body, its purpose is to ascertain the facts surrounding chemical release incidents.
The Trump administration’s 2027 budget proposal represents a second attempt to reduce funding for the Chemical Safety Board, having made a similar attempt in 2026, which Congress countered by allocating $14 million to the board.
Officials have argued that the safety board’s functions overlap with the roles of the EPA and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
“The CSB performs unannounced inspections of the chemical industry and proposes policies it lacks the authority to develop or enforce,” the budget justification states. “Such functions should remain under the jurisdiction of a government agency that can issue regulations.”
It remains uncertain whether the board will investigate the recent California incident, which concluded without injuries or fatalities. A spokesperson did not respond to queries regarding investigation plans or concerning the White House’s funding proposals for the board.
Regarding the Trump administration’s effort to repeal Biden-era reforms to the EPA risk management program, officials claim rescinding these reforms will yield benefits. The industry generates approximately $240 million annually without significantly altering risks.
The Trump EPA’s proposed risk management program aims to uphold all essential accident prevention measures while eliminating duplicative, contradictory, or unproven requirements that inflate costs and create confusion without enhancing safety outcomes, according to an EPA spokesperson.
In public comments, the American Petroleum Institute asserted that the rollback would erase “onerous” provisions that would escalate compliance costs.
The current program mandates that companies submit a comprehensive safety plan to the EPA, detailing safety measures, hazard assessments in case of accidental releases, and emergency response procedures.
The proposed changes seek to enhance communication regarding chemical risks to nearby communities, improve worker involvement in safety management programs, and incentivize the adoption of safer alternatives.
Stephanie Herron, organizing director of the Environmental Justice Health Alliance for Chemical Policy Reform, characterized these changes as “common sense baseline protections.”
These regulations also expanded the list of chemicals covered by the program.
The rollback proposed by the Trump administration is not final. Public comments regarding the proposed rules to rescind reforms were accepted until May 11, meaning the EPA must still consider feedback and address significant concerns.
During Trump’s first term, similar reform efforts initiated by the Obama administration were rescinded after a fertilizer explosion in Texas killed 15 people and injured more than 200. The chemical responsible for the explosion, ammonium nitrate, is not regulated under the RMP.
Engler noted, “There was a ping-pong effect of change,” referring to the continual back-and-forth shifts between Republican and Democratic administrations.
History of Violations at Southern California Plant
Methyl methacrylate (MMA), the chemical that posed an explosion risk at the GKN Aerospace plant in California last week, is not as widely used today and has been removed from the EPA’s risk management program. Inhalation of volatile organic compounds can lead to eye and skin irritation, coughing, wheezing, headaches, and shortness of breath.
Evacuees gathering for food in Garden Grove on Sunday after a chemical leak from a large storage tank threatened local residents. Blake Fagan/AFP via Getty Images
When a 7,000-gallon tank of chemicals began overheating on May 21, there were fears that chemicals would escape into nearby neighborhoods. Fortunately, with the situation stabilized, the last 16,000 evacuated residents returned home on Tuesday.
Though the California facility is not part of the RMP, it has faced a history of enforcement actions from both local and state regulators, including violations related to above-ground petroleum storage and local water quality regulations.
Additionally, the company has settled approximately $910,000 with local air quality regulators over alleged violations.
About 300 million years ago, prior to the age of dinosaurs, our planet resonated with the sounds of enormous insect life.
The most iconic of these species was the griffin fly, a predatory dragonfly-like creature boasting a wingspan of up to 70 cm (28 inches) and formidable jaws for hunting prey. In comparison, even today’s creepiest crawlies seem rather charming.
While many are relieved that we no longer share the Earth with these giants, curiosity remains about their disappearance and the possibility of their return.
For decades, scientists believed they had the answer: the atmosphere once contained about 35 percent oxygen, while today it holds only 21 percent. This high oxygen level allowed flying insects to grow larger as they could efficiently breathe enough to sustain their enormous bodies.
However, as oxygen levels fell, these massive creatures shrank, as it became energetically challenging to keep them airborne.
Recent groundbreaking research published in Nature questions this long-held belief, revealing that oxygen may not be the true limiting factor for insect size.
With this obstacle removed, what’s stopping giant insects from making a comeback?
How Insects Breathe
Insects have a unique respiratory system that differs significantly from ours. Lacking lungs, they do not transport oxygen through blood cells.
Instead, they utilize a complex network of air-filled tubes. Air enters through spiracles (valves on the sides of their bodies) and flows through progressively smaller tubes. The tiniest of these, called tracheae, penetrate deep into tissues, delivering oxygen directly to cells.
Initially, scientists believed this system relied largely on diffusion, the passive movement of oxygen from regions of high concentration to those of low.
However, diffusion is inefficient over long distances. When more oxygen is needed, it becomes increasingly difficult to supply oxygen to cells. Hence, if insects relied solely on diffusion, their growth would be severely restricted.
Ancient Earth’s high oxygen levels allowed for the growth of massive insects. “Back then, giant insects roamed the earth,” says Edward Snelling, a professor of veterinary medicine at the University of Pretoria and lead author of the Nature study.
300 million years ago, extensive swamps and vegetation created an ideal habitat for griffin flies. – Photo credit: Getty
“Previously, it was thought that the tracheal system operated mainly through diffusion,” Snelling explains. However, recent discoveries show that ventilation also plays a crucial role in insect respiration.
“In addition to tracheae, insects possess large air sacs that function as bellows, enhancing the ventilation of the tracheal system,” Professor Snelling adds. “This ventilation significantly boosts diffusion, mitigating its limitations.”
This insight led Snelling to ponder if the absence of a diffusion limit could imply that oxygen isn’t the reason giant carnivorous dragonflies don’t invade our picnics.
Research Findings
To determine if oxygen constraints limit the size of modern insects, Snelling set out to capture various specimens.
“I ran around campus with a net, looking like a mad scientist,” he recalls. “I gathered insects across a wide range of sizes and analyzed their flight muscles under a microscope to assess tracheal density.”
The underlying theory was straightforward: if oxygen limits the size of winged insects, one would expect a high tracheal density within flight muscles. Flight demands energy, and if muscles struggle to remain airborne, more tracheae would be needed to supply sufficient oxygen.
“If the oxygen limitation hypothesis held true, tracheae would likely occupy over 10 percent of the relative space,” Snelling states.
However, their findings revealed that tracheae occupy less than 1 percent of the space in an insect’s flight muscle. Despite body sizes varying over 10,000 times from tiny insects to giant beetles, the increase in occupied space across 44 species was only 1.8 times.
This implies that even at griffin fly size, the demand for oxygen does not require a significant amount of space.
“Even in the largest insects, the increase was minimal, casting significant doubt on the tracheal system’s potential limitations on insect body size,” Snelling concluded.
Fossil evidence indicates that these dragonflies had nearly identical body structures, only on a significantly larger scale. – Photo credit: Alexandre Albore/Wikimedia Commons
What Happened to Them? (Will They Ever Return?)
Dr. Snelling’s research provides compelling evidence against oxygen being a limiting factor but reveals little about other reasons for insects shrinking in size.
A notable alternative reason proposed by Snelling is environmental pressure.
“300 million years ago, there were no birds or bats, which are proficient at catching flying insects. Larger insects might have been easier prey for these warm-blooded animals,” he speculates.
This complexity makes sense; small flies are notoriously tricky to catch by hand, while larger beetles and moths are generally easier targets for both predators and humans. However, this remains a theory, as the reasons behind the extinction of giant insects and their potential return are still largely unknown.
“Historically, gigantism tends to emerge under stable environmental conditions,” Snelling notes, suggesting another reason for the unlikely resurgence of the griffin fly and its kin.
“Large animals typically struggle to adapt to shifting environments. With human activities dramatically altering ecosystems, it may take humanity’s absence before giant insects can re-evolve,” he adds.
“However, if we can stabilize our environment, it’s conceivable that insects could return to sizes last seen 300 million years ago. Contrary to popular belief, high-oxygen atmospheres may not be a necessity for this re-emergence.”
Paleontologists in Argentina have discovered an unprecedented species of non-enraged dinosaur, canku australis, that lived in freshwater wetlands during the Late Cretaceous period. This discovery reinforces the notion that certain dinosaurs had evolved specialized adaptations for catching fish.
Reconstructing the life of canku australis. Image credit: Gabriel Díaz Yanten.
The newly characterized species, canku australis, thrived approximately 70 million years ago during the Late Cretaceous period.
This ancient reptile inhabited environments adorned with meandering rivers, seasonal ponds, and aquatic flora like water lilies, alongside a diverse fauna including fish, insects, and various mollusks.
canku australis grew to an estimated length of about 2.5 to 3 meters (8.2 to 9.8 feet).
This dinosaur was part of the Urticidae family, a group of feathered, bird-like theropods closely related to famous dinosaurs like Velociraptor, known to inhabit regions such as South America, Antarctica, Australia, and Madagascar.
Dr. Matias Motta from the Bernardino Rivadavia Museum of Natural Sciences and his team stated, “The paraavian family Urticidae is documented through fossils from various Cretaceous basins across South America, Madagascar, Australia, and Antarctica, but the Northern Patagonia region, particularly the Neuquén Basin, yields the most notable species.”
“This includes at least eight species, primarily from the Cenomanian-Santonian Formation, with the exception of the Maastrichtian, including Austroraptor kabazai,” he added.
“The evolutionary lineage and biodiversity of the Urticidae in South America remains understudied.”
“The discovery of canku australis helps bridge gaps in the Late Cretaceous fossil record of southern Patagonia and links existing records from northern Patagonia and Antarctica, highlighting the dispersal of this family across varying latitudes in South America.”
Fossil remains of canku australis—which include teeth, vertebrae, and toe bones—were discovered in the Chorrillo Formation at La Anita farm near El Calafate, Santa Cruz, Patagonia, Argentina.
Dr. Motta noted, “Excavations at this site have been ongoing since 2018, revealing a broad range of plant and animal fossils.”
The first remains of canku australis were identified in 2018, although initial findings were too fragmentary to classify it as a new species.
Subsequent expeditions yielded additional materials, culminating in the discovery of cervical vertebrae in 2024, which played a crucial role in recognizing this new Unenragine dinosaur.
These fossils suggest valuable insights into the lifestyle and behaviors of canku australis.
Dr. Motta explains, “The cervical vertebrae of canku australis feature unique structures for muscle attachment and the protection of blood vessels in the neck, a vital characteristic seen in modern birds like herons with complex neck movements.”
This evidence implies that canku australis might have been an adept fisherman, contrasting with the traditional perspective of raptors such as Velociraptor as primarily terrestrial predators.
“Like its relatives, canku australis possessed a prominent raptor claw on its second toe, yet it distinguished itself with teeth characterized by sharp, pronounced longitudinal ridges and notably pneumatic cervical vertebrae containing internal air chambers.”
This species is also smaller and more agile compared to other non-enragid dinosaurs from the Late Cretaceous, such as Austroraptor kabazai.
The findings contribute further evidence supporting the idea that the Urticidae were fish-eaters.
Dr. Motta remarked, “Their elongated snouts, numerous teeth, and long, flexible necks suggest adaptations for fishing, akin to modern herons.” Remarkably, fossils of canku australis were found alongside fish remains, reinforcing this hypothesis.
Nevertheless, it’s plausible that canku australis also preyed on other inhabitants of its environment, such as frogs, lizards, turtles, and even mammals like Patagorrhinx pasquali, a semi-aquatic monotreme related to modern echidnas and platypuses.
During its time, canku australis coexisted with formidable carnivores like Maipu’s giant chest, a daunting megaraptorid dinosaur over 10 meters (33 feet) in length, possibly posing a threat.
The complete findings were published this week in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology.
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Matthias J. Motta et al. A new Unenragid from the Chorrillo Formation (Late Cretaceous, Maastrichtian), southwestern Patagonia, Argentina. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, published online on May 28, 2026. doi: 10.1080/02724634.2026.2656456
Recent discoveries by paleontologists have unveiled fossilized remains of three hyaenodont species, including one previously unknown to science, from Miocene deposits in Pakistan.
Metapterodon anari. Image credit: Steven Jasinski / SergeyAtrox1.
“Hyaenodontids, ancestral to modern cats and dogs, once dominated carnivore niches before evolving into larger species,” explained Professor Stephen Jasinski from Harrisburg University of Science and Technology.
This study focused on fossils of three distinct hyaenodont species that thrived from 14 million to 9.5 million years ago.
Fossils were sourced from the Chinji and Nagri Formations near the Siwalik River in Pakistan.
One notable species, tentatively identified as Megistotherium or High Nairo Ross, potentially weighed up to 500 kg, comparable to a polar bear.
The fossils included juvenile teeth, complicating precise identification.
Additional fossilized teeth were identified as belonging to the genus Hyaenodon, known from various northern continents, marking the first specimens uncovered in this region.
These fossil remains also represent the most recent known occurrences of this genus, possibly indicating a new species, pending further analysis.
Estimated to weigh around 30 kg, they were roughly the size of a small gray wolf or leopard.
Researchers also discovered teeth belonging to a lesser-known hyaenodont genus, Metapterodon.
This genus was previously documented only from African fossils, confirming its emergence from Africa during the Miocene.
The newly identified species, Metapterodon anari, may represent one of the latest hyaenodont fossils recorded.
“Metapterodon anari is significant for both its classification and its evolutionary timeline,” stated Professor Jasinski.
“This discovery offers insights into a period when hyaenodontids likely faced competition from emerging carnivorous mammals.”
Metapterodon anari reached approximately 15 kg in length, similar in size to a large red fox or coyote.
“The relevance of these fossils extends beyond taxonomy, illuminating geographical historical connections,” the researchers noted.
“These findings underline the link between Africa and Europe during the Miocene, suggesting potential migrations of hyaenodonts from northeastern regions like China.”
“The Miocene hyaenodonts from Pakistan are particularly compelling as they coexisted with carnivores, providing valuable data on their competition dynamics.”
All exhibited carnivorous traits, with a diet primarily consisting of meat, which may have led to their eventual displacement by other predators.
This research will enhance our understanding of Miocene-era ecosystems in South Asia, a period marked by global cooling and significant shifts in animal communities that laid the groundwork for current ecosystems.
“Fossils are more than tales of ancient species; they reveal important changes and adaptations over time,” emphasized Professor Jasinski.
“Studying these specimens also offers clues to future ecological shifts and strategies for adaptation.”
The team’s findings are detailed in the journal Pals.
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K. Mahmoud et al. A brief description of Hyenodonta from mid to late Miocene deposits in Pakistan and the Indian subcontinent. Pals published online on April 16, 2026. doi: 10.1007/s12542-025-00766-5
The significant explosion of the Blue Origin rocket on Thursday night signifies a major setback for Jeff Bezos’s space venture and NASA, potentially delaying astronaut landings on the moon and hindering lunar base construction efforts.
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Blue Origin now faces the repercussions of losing one of its few operational New Glenn rockets, alongside the destruction of its sole functional launch pad. Prolonged investigations and repairs could delay its return to flight for months or even years.
NASA too is confronted with significant uncertainties. Blue Origin was slated to play a crucial role in NASA’s lunar return initiative, competing with SpaceX to develop a lunar lander designed to ferry astronauts from Earth orbit to the moon. Testing for these commercially developed landers was anticipated during the upcoming Artemis III mission.
Just three days prior, Blue Origin secured a substantial contract with NASA to deliver two robotic landers to the moon in a mission scheduled for later this year.
“This is a significant setback for Blue Origin,” stated Kathleen Curley, a research analyst at Georgetown University’s Center for Security and Emerging Technologies.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman expressed this sentiment in a post on X on Thursday, commenting that “Spaceflight is unforgiving, and developing new heavy-lift launch capabilities is extremely difficult.”
In response to media inquiries, the station directed NBC News to Isaacman’s statement.
The catastrophic event transpired around 9 p.m. ET during an engine test at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida. In a static fire test, the rocket is fueled and its engines ignited to verify onboard systems, with the booster remaining attached to the launch pad, preventing any lift-off. Officials confirmed that all personnel were accounted for, with no reported injuries.
The explosion generated a considerable fireball, engulfing Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket and devastating much of the launch pad.
The extensive damage caused to the pad was particularly shocking, stated Casey Dreier, director of space policy at the Planetary Society, a nonprofit advancing space exploration through research and advocacy.
“While rocket companies often experience explosions, incidents involving launch pads are rare,” he remarked. “Such occurrences are detrimental as they result in the destruction of both the rocket and the associated infrastructure essential for launching.” This situation poses considerable challenges.
The affected launch pad serves as the sole launch facility for Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket. Consequently, even if technical issues are promptly resolved, the absence of a functional launch pad poses further complications.
“Reconstructing the infrastructure is complex and will require substantial time,” Dreier added. “There are limitations to how quickly operations can be resumed.”
Blue Origin is currently preparing for a second launch pad at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, though this project remains in preliminary stages.
Dreier anticipates that the New Glenn rocket may not see a launch for “between six months to two years” as Blue Origin conducts a comprehensive investigation. NASA announced intentions to collaborate with Blue Origin to examine the anomaly and evaluate the impact on forthcoming missions.
A newly discovered species of Corcoranidae arthropod, identified as Magnicornaspis garwoodi, lived during the Furonian period, approximately 497 to 487 million years ago. This well-preserved specimen was unearthed near Quebec, Canada, and provides significant evidence that the Frondian gap—the evolutionary interval between the Cambrian explosion and the Ordovician Great Biodiversity Event—may reflect sampling bias rather than a genuine decline in biodiversity.
Reconstruction of Magnicornaspis garwoodi. Image credit: Thomas Turner.
Dr. Russell Bicknell from Flinders University noted, “Paleontologists suggest this notable biodiversity decline might be tied to changes in ocean chemistry, a cooling climate, or environmental instability.” He emphasized that “perhaps we’ve overlooked the right sedimentary rocks or fossil-bearing deposits to fully understand the types of mollusks and early forms of life that existed during this period.”
The newly identified Magnicornaspis garwoodi arthropod is distinguished by its broad head shield, segmented body, and defensive spines, and is classified within the Corcoraceae group.
This remarkable specimen was found in the Rivière du Loup Formation near Quebec, Canada, making it one of the few known fossils from the Cambrian and Ordovician periods.
Magnicornaspis garwoodi. Image credit: Bicknell et al., doi: 10.1186/s12915-026-02617-4.
“Fossils play a crucial role in bridging gaps in our understanding of evolutionary history,” Bicknell and his colleagues stated.
“An increasing number of Furonian sites challenge the notion of a barren Late Cambrian world.” They highlighted that “with each new Furonian fossil find, the estimated gap narrows, revealing a more sophisticated ecosystem that thrived during the Late Cambrian.”
“These discoveries hint that Furonian ecosystems were both diverse and ecologically complex,” they added.
Importantly, these specimens come from a geological environment previously unrecognized for its exceptional preservation quality.
The discovery of Magnicornaspis garwoodi fits into a broader pattern of findings over the last two decades.
Dr. Julian Kimmig from Karlsruhe University of Technology and the Karlsruhe National Museum of Nature remarked, “The Frondian gap may not indicate a true biodiversity collapse, but rather a result of where scientific focus has been and the types of rocks studied.”
The discovery of Magnicornaspis garwoodi is detailed in a research paper published in BMC Biology.
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RDC Bicknell et al. 2026. A new, well-preserved arthropod discovered in the Furonian of Canada. BMC Biology 24, 119; doi: 10.1186/s12915-026-02617-4
A scene from “Mirror” by Alexander Whitley Dance Company
Credit: Oskein
While traditional ballet featuring tutus and pointe shoes remains my favorite theater experience, I recently attended an engaging contemporary production at Sadler’s Wells East in London.
The performance, Mirror,
presented by the acclaimed Alexander Whitley Dance Company, is scheduled for another showing at the Royal Opera House on June 4. This innovative work draws inspiration from the thought-provoking book AI Mirror by Professor Shannon Valler, who explores the complex ethics surrounding data and artificial intelligence. Valler emphasizes the importance of finding a balance between viewing AI as a replacement for human agency and recognizing its potential existential threats.
As a science journalist, I appreciate the nuanced approach Valler takes in her writing; however, I found the same balance lacking in the choreography. The production’s captivating and slightly unsettling choreography and direction powerfully illustrate how our increasing interactions with AI and technology are shaping and distorting human relationships. I encourage you to experience it for yourself and form your own opinion.
Microbes Engineered in the Lab Utilize Mirror Images of Natural Molecules
THOM LEACH/Science Photo Library/Alamy
Modeling studies indicate that microorganisms based on mirror images of natural molecules face significant survival challenges outside controlled laboratory environments. This raises questions about developed methods for “mirror feeding” or other innovative sustenance solutions.
However, the study has drawn criticism from experts in the field, who caution that it may overlook substantial risks associated with these so-called mirror organisms.
Many crucial biomolecules, like DNA and proteins, exhibit chirality, allowing them to exist as either left-handed or right-handed forms. Similar to the left and right hands, they are mirror images and cannot be superimposed. Presently, all known life on Earth utilizes right-handed DNA and left-handed proteins, enabling compatible interaction within cellular mechanisms.
While not technically feasible at this time, producing organisms with reversed chirality may one day become possible. In 2024, a collaboration of 38 scientists published research, calling for a halt on studies aimed at creating mirror life due to potential threats these organisms could pose—such as immune systems failing to recognize mirror bacteria.
Research led by Ricard Sole and his team at the Santa Fe Institute explored the implications of introducing a small population of mirror organisms into Earth’s biosphere. They employed computer models to analyze the constraints mirror life forms would encounter in diverse ecological scenarios.
According to Sole, for mirror life to pose a threat, it must first be capable of existing autonomously. The primary obstacle for mirror organisms is their exclusive ability to digest food comprised of molecules matching their chirality.
“Envisioning the engineering of dedicated ‘mirror food’ to nourish mirror organisms complicates rather than resolves the issue,” states Sole. “The development of a distinct ‘mirror biosphere’ would necessitate a continuous industrial system to produce vast quantities of mirror chiral biomolecules, including mirror sugars, mirror amino acids, and mirror lipids, alongside isolated nutrients.”
The research model emphasized whether mirror organisms could autonomously colonize actual ecological settings rather than survive temporarily in laboratory conditions equipped with artificial feeding systems.
“We believe that mirror life will encounter formidable barriers across a range of ecological conditions, presenting challenges to successful establishment,” Sole elaborates. “Nonetheless, critical unanswered questions remain that warrant further exploration, including long-term evolutionary dynamics and more realistic models detailing immune interactions with mirror organisms.”
This study is currently available on a preprint server pending peer review. A group of scientists focused on mirror life has issued a statement urging revisions of the paper.
Bone Cooper, a co-author of the statement from the University of Pittsburgh, noted to New Scientist that although mirror microorganisms initially grow more slowly than their native counterparts due to nutrient mismatches, they can thrive on numerous achiral nutrients. “Moreover, the mirror cell population may quickly adapt, essentially generating a second tree of life,” Cooper asserts.
The study suggests that Earth’s existing biodiversity could function as a “firewall” against mirror organisms, as natural life forms are optimized for their environments, thus outcompeting mirror forms. In the case of mirror bacteria, Sole and his colleagues contend that the immune system may still identify them as foreign invaders.
Yet, Cooper remains skeptical. “Numerous examples from invasion biology highlight the susceptibility of biodiverse ecosystems to invaders that lack natural predators,” he remarks.
Kate Adamala, one of the 2024 authors from the University of Minnesota, supports Solé’s hypothesis regarding the scarcity of food rich in identical chiral molecules as a critical limitation for mirror organisms. “This intrinsic disadvantage is a universal hurdle for mirror life forms in any natural ecosystem,” she notes.
However, she adds that these organisms might utilize photosynthesis for self-sustenance or leverage naturally occurring chiral molecules. “Although creating such an organism would be incredibly challenging, it’s not entirely implausible,” Adamala explains. “At the time, it wasn’t clear why the broader scientific community stood firmly against labeling this possibility as ‘very unlikely.’”
Solé affirms that his team has contemplated the potential for mirror organisms to exploit non-chiral nutrients or photosynthesis but maintains that they would still confront significant ecological hurdles.
“The crucial inquiry is not merely whether some nutrients are available, but whether there is enough access to facilitate sustainable growth while contending with the established biosphere,” he emphasizes. “Even if mirror organisms could subsist on a limited selection of achiral compounds, they would still face severe ecological constraints, including resource quality, dilution, competition, and the inability to efficiently metabolize the majority of naturally available chiral biomolecules.”
Philippa Lentzos, a Professor at King’s College London, posits that while mirror life is a legitimate future concern, it should not detract from pressing immediate biological risks. “The appropriate response is not to panic or dismiss these findings but to advocate for prudent governance, clear protocols regarding hazardous work, and a comprehensive research agenda that does not neglect pressing biosafety and biosecurity priorities,” she states.
“The evidence presented in this study regarding ecological constraints does not negate the necessity for governance; instead, it underscores the importance of an evidence-based adaptive approach. We must discern the assumptions influencing risks, identify the uncertainties, and ascertain which types of work will significantly alter the situation,” Lentzos concludes.
Falling head over heels in love may be a thing of the past, according to science
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Recent findings suggest that individualism, which emphasizes personal goals over communal ones, is increasingly shaping our views on romantic relationships. One of the largest studies of love indicates that this trend may not necessarily be detrimental.
“Being entirely in love and dependent” can hinder your productivity and focus on important tasks, according to Yaroslava Valira Valentova, a professor at the University of São Paulo in Brazil, who was not a participant in the study. Interestingly, she notes, shifting attention from a romantic partner could enable more time and energy for other relationships and personal interests.
Prior research highlights that individualism is rising globally. “In my observation, the newest generation is becoming increasingly self-centered and individualistic compared to earlier generations,” states Julie Aitken Shermer from Western University in Ontario, Canada, who also did not engage in the study.
This shift towards individualism may be influenced by modern phenomena such as globalization and the proliferation of social media. However, research on its impact on romantic love yields mixed results; studies show this is possibly due to past research focusing on limited geographical areas. Marta Kowal presented this new research at a recent conference at the University of Wrocław in Poland on the subject of love in its various facets.
Her team surveyed over 61,000 adults, aged between 18 to 90, from 81 countries who had been in romantic relationships varying from weeks to years.
Participants completed an online survey evaluating the intensity of their love for their partner by ranking statements such as “I feel a deep emotional bond with this person” on a scale of 1 to 5, alongside additional queries about the importance of group versus individual success on a scale from 1 to 7.
Collectively, these findings revealed a connection: participants exhibiting a more individualistic mindset reported experiencing less romantic love, even when controlling for variables like gender, age, and socio-economic status. The researchers duplicated this outcome with over 6,000 additional adult partners from 50 countries.
The researchers found that as individualism impacted our ability to connect, our romantic feelings often diminished. Thomas Curran from the London School of Economics and Political Science observes, “If you concentrate solely on your individuality, you become more competitive, perceiving everyone as rivals for limited resources. Consequently, when interacting with others, the focus becomes, ‘How can I portray my best self?'”
This attitude may hinder emotional vulnerability, which Curran notes is essential for deep love. “Revealing your true self to others can be challenging,” he mentions.
If you believe that individualism is undermining your romantic relationships, solutions exist. Shermer suggests that promoting a communal mindset—possibly through therapy—can be beneficial.
Kowal’s team plans to track around 2,000 couples in Poland over a year to explore how the depth of romantic love influences overall happiness.
There’s a popular saying: “If you shoot for the moon, even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.” However, mathematicians suggest that aiming directly at the stars may yield even better results.
In life, individuals often exhibit a balance of ambition while pursuing their goals, be it a better job, finding a compatible partner, or reaching political aspirations.
Although the dynamics of this balance have not been extensively examined, many studies show that people often display a tendency to stop pursuing their goals prematurely. Researcher Thomas Hills from the University of Warwick elaborates on this phenomenon.
By utilizing a mathematical model, Matt Burgess and his colleagues at the University of Wyoming discovered that optimal outcomes in uncertain situations typically involve setting high yet realistic goals. “We can demonstrate that optimal ambition is both above average and finite: aiming high, but not to the extent of unrealistic hopes,” states Burgess.
Initially, Burgess and his team developed a statistical model to examine how individuals evaluate various outcomes based on their willingness to compromise on ambition. This led to a formula that predicts overall compensation based on individual satisfaction criteria.
The model was tested with random potential outcomes, altering factors such as the number of choices available, the ratio of bad to good outcomes, and the time and effort required to select a specific outcome. Through thousands of simulations, the researchers compared their results against real-world data sets, including college admissions and U.S. election polls.
Findings revealed that optimal results are achieved when people aim for compensation that exceeds average compensation yet falls short of maximum compensation.
While this aligned with traditional wisdom, Burgess expressed surprise at how the results shifted when scenarios were skewed towards extreme outcomes, either good or bad.
Generally, most outcomes are mediocre; however, during a significant downturn, such as a rare recession, it’s prudent to exercise caution. Surprisingly, Burgess’s team found that during such times, it’s better to be slightly more ambitious. “In scenarios like these, being a bit more ambitious than average is advisable,” he notes, as you want to avoid being discouraged by a rare bad outcome skewing your average negatively.
In similar reasoning, if a startup has one particularly lucrative outcome, such as earning $1 billion compared to zero, the approach should also be slightly more ambitious than average. Burgess shared, “Initially, the findings were so unexpected that when my colleagues first presented them, I assumed there had been a mistake.”
Hills, who was not part of the research, remarked that individuals may possess varying perspectives regarding risk versus reward. “For instance, some may prefer a stable income over a potentially ‘optimal’ but risky one,” he explains. “Additionally, certain sectors operate in a winner-take-all framework where social comparisons significantly influence the appropriateness of risk-seeking ambition.”
Experience the terror of being ensnared in a quantum computer with Quantum Backrooms
Credit: Moth
Quantum computers are being harnessed for innovative horror video games like Quantum Backrooms, available online.
The oddities of quantum objects have captivated philosophers, artists, and now game developers. James Wootton from Moth Quantum, along with his team, is creating a horror game, Quantum Backrooms, featuring labyrinthine levels generated by real quantum technology.
This game draws inspiration from the “Backroom” horror legend, originally conceived on an internet forum, where players navigate endless rooms. In Wootton’s creation, each room reflects a quantum state linked to a qubit in a quantum computer, and the pathways between qubits mirror the connections among rooms.
Wootton explains that Quantum Backrooms evokes the sensation of being confined within a quantum computer. As players focus their gaze, what remains out of sight continuously shifts, illustrating the principle that the state of a quantum object alters upon observation.
Screenshot from the video game “Quantum Backrooms”
Credit: Moth
No access to quantum computers is needed by players, as they are solely utilized in the game’s development. Wootton hopes that Quantum Backrooms will resonate with horror enthusiasts seeking a unique blend of spookiness driven by qubits. “A player could engage with this link without realizing it’s powered by a quantum computer,” he explains. You can play it here.
Laura Pispanen from Aalto University in Finland states there are hundreds of quantum games available, including titles like Quantum Backrooms that feature content generated on quantum hardware, as well as those simulating quantum states on classical systems. Despite the current limited availability of quantum hardware, interest in quantum gaming continues to rise.
While Quantum Backrooms may not revolutionize quantum computing, it could represent the most advanced and accessible iteration of a quantum game thus far, according to Michael Cook of King’s College London. Game developers often lead the charge in leveraging new computing technologies, making access to quantum hardware transformative even if impractical for the general public. “Their unique requests and ideas can drive genuine advancements in research,” remarks Cook.
Moth Quantum aims for Quantum Backrooms to pave the way for integrating quantum technology into everyday consumer products. “Just as AI recently transitioned from niche research to a mainstream consumer product, I believe quantum computing will follow a similar trajectory,” states Wootton.
In the stunning arid landscape of Kenya’s Tsavo East National Park, the intricate patterns of animal footprints resemble the roots of the legendary “Tree of Life.” This remarkable sight emphasizes the fragile yet vital connection between life and water.
A diverse array of creatures seeks refuge under this majestic solitary tree. The significance of water is profound; life reacts dynamically to it. Trees take root, canopies expand, animals converge, and the landscape transforms.
This breathtaking image was captured by Yann Arthus Bertrand, acclaimed author of the best-selling photo book Earth Seen from Above (1999). It features prominently in his latest book, Freshwater, co-authored with biologist Bill Francois, which explores the world through the lens of freshwater ecosystems. The book is set for release on June 11th.
Francois describes this photo of the tree as “an iconic representation of Yann’s work.” He notes that “a tree can transpire 400 liters of fresh water a day into its environment,” creating a crucial microclimate. “Under its canopy, temperatures can drop by 5 degrees Celsius, acting as a living well of water that sustains life.”
In Freshwater, examine the precious nature of water, a resource that may appear limitless yet is fundamentally scarce. The authors illustrate that while we inhabit a water-rich planet, freshwater constitutes merely a fragile layer on an arid world.
“Imagine if all the water on Earth was gathered in a single droplet,” the authors suggest. This unique droplet would measure 1,385 kilometers in diameter, encompassing more than 1 million cubic kilometers of water. Though this seems vast, it’s smaller than the distance between major cities like Paris and Rome.
This astonishing perspective of a single water droplet is showcased in Freshwater, demonstrating a humbling global scale. Even more striking is that the fresh surface water on Earth, represented in another context, fits within a wine glass if the planet were the size of a hot air balloon.
“From tropical forests to vast civilizations, numerous species depend on these water droplets, which collectively constitute less than one-thousandth of Earth’s total water,” the authors affirm.
Below is another stunning capture from Freshwater, featuring a white pelican in the Jouji National Bird Reserve, Senegal.
This vital mangrove ecosystem serves as an essential habitat for various species, particularly juvenile saltwater fish. “Two-thirds of global marine fish catch comes from estuaries,” says Francois.
“Unfortunately, this estuary suffers from threats due to human activities,” he adds. “Dams and agricultural drainage have allowed invasive aquatic plants to proliferate, disrupting the ecosystem and introducing nuisances like mosquitoes and snails.”
Shown above is another breathtaking river captured by Arthus Bertrand, located at Auyan Tepui in Venezuela, followed by a photo of a stunning waterfall on Blasfellbreen Glacier, Nordausstrande in Norway.
Waterfall on Blasfellbreen Glacier, Svalbard, Norway
The enchanting beauty of freshwater results from its intricate molecular interactions with its environment. It dissolves minerals and gases, enabling diverse lifeforms to thrive amid its flow. Rivers, stunning lakes, glaciers, polar ice, and atmospheric phenomena have inspired poets and artists through the ages.
However, the essence of freshwater is fleeting, continually shaping landscapes in moments and over eons. “A water droplet lingers in the atmosphere for approximately 10 days, while it can remain in the ocean for centuries,” the authors note. “Rarely does a water droplet ascend to the sky, with occurrences averaging every 2,737 years.”
Intelligent life on Earth achieves maturity by uncovering the reasons for its existence. If advanced extraterrestrial beings were to visit our planet, they might ask, “Have they discovered evolution?” Life has thrived on Earth for over 300 million years, yet the understanding of its purpose remained elusive until the insights of Charles Darwin. While others had glimpses of the truth, Darwin offered the first coherent explanation of our existence. Thanks to his pioneering work, we can answer profound questions about life’s meaning without relying on superstitions. As eminent zoologist GG Simpson stated: “Attempts to answer these questions before 1859 are largely worthless.”
Today, the theory of evolution parallels our understanding of the heliocentric model of the solar system; however, its full implications are still not widely acknowledged. Zoology, despite its significance, remains underrepresented in academic institutions. Even students pursuing zoology often lack awareness of its profound philosophical implications. While this book does not serve as a wholesale defense of Darwinism, it aims to explore the far-reaching impact of evolutionary theory on our understanding of egoism and altruism.
This subject holds substantial importance for humanity, influencing aspects of social behavior, love, conflict, cooperation, theft, and generosity. The cases presented by Lorenz and Eibl Eibesfeldt often misinterpret evolution by focusing on species survival instead of individual genetic benefit. Ashley Montague critiques Lorenz for his alignment with the 19th-century notion of “nature red in tooth and claw.” I acknowledge Lorenz’s perspective but argue that “Nature red in tooth and claw” accurately reflects our modern understanding of natural selection.
Before diving into my argument, it’s essential to clarify its nature. If one considers a man thriving in Chicago’s gangster world, we would expect traits like toughness and loyalty based on the environment in which he succeeded. This book posits that all animals, including humans, are genetically designed machines. Throughout evolutionary competition, genes that have succeeded over millions of years tend to exhibit ruthless selfishness. This genetic inclination often translates to selfish behaviors in individuals. However, under specific circumstances, genes can foster limited forms of altruism at the individual level. “Special” and “limited” are crucial terms here, as concepts like universal love lack evolutionary justification.
Importantly, this book does not advocate a morality grounded in evolution; it emphasizes evolution as a biological reality rather than a moral directive. I believe that a society based merely on genetic selfishness would be undesirable. While observing our innate selfishness can be unsettling, it is a crucial recognition for societal improvement. The goal is to foster an environment where teaching generosity and altruism can thrive, understanding our genetic predispositions.
It is a common misconception that genetically inherited traits are immutable. Although genetics may guide us toward selfishness, individuals are not bound to follow these inclinations. Altruistic behaviors might simply be more challenging to cultivate than selfish ones. Humans uniquely navigate cultural influences, making it critical to understand both nature and nurture in shaping our behaviors. This book does not take a definitive stance on the nature versus nurture debate but instead seeks to investigate the rules that govern both genetic and cultural developments.
A distinguishing feature of this book is its focus on the behavior of humans and specific animal species, using factual details merely as illustrative examples. I argue that if both humans and baboons have evolved through natural selection, we should expect selfish behaviors across the board. If we observe altruism in human behavior, it poses intriguing questions that require explanation.
My initial encounter with Bitcoin was quite modest. Back in the early 2010s, I heard about Bitcoin from student discussions in university math lectures and occasional news about its use on black markets like the notorious Silk Road. While some peers were enchanted by Bitcoin’s allure, my focus was solely on theoretical physics—Slater determinants, Raman scattering, and Cooper pairs were my true passions. Concepts like “cryptocurrency mining” felt alien to my ambitions. However, as Bitcoin and its security implications started intersecting with my role as a physics journalist, I began to realize how naive my previous attitude had been.
This change in my understanding emerged months ago when a collaboration involving researchers from Google, the Ethereum Foundation, and several universities published a pivotal 57-page paper discussing quantum computers’ threats to cryptocurrency security. I stumbled upon this paper while enjoying breakfast in Queens, NYC. Only an hour and a half after arriving at my office, I comprehended that my life was about to pivot dramatically.
Following that, a second study by Oratomic, a quantum computing startup, sparked a media storm. This document not only highlighted the imminent risks that quantum computers pose but also provided a more aggressive timeline for their potential to disrupt current systems. A critical point in both papers was the estimated number of qubits required to compromise a common encryption standard. Google’s team suggested it could be around 500,000 qubits, while Oratomic estimated a startlingly lower figure of 10,000—close to today’s largest qubit array of 6,100.
Although these qubits are not being used for computation yet, it is beginning to feel like a cryptographic crisis, referred to as “Q-day,” is on the horizon. This crisis would render most existing encryptions that secure our digital transactions and communications obsolete. Consequently, Google urges all stakeholders to transition to post-quantum cryptography (PQC) to avert Q-Day by 2029.
Are quantum computers likely to disrupt cryptocurrency security soon? I reached out to numerous experts to gauge this threat level—focusing not only on Bitcoin but on broader cryptographic concerns. Researchers frequently highlighted Bitcoin as a primary example.
Bitcoin’s encryption relies on the Elliptic Curve Discrete Logarithm Problem (ECDLP), a mathematical challenge that functions as a robust defense against traditional computing attacks. This makes ECDLP widely popular for securing numerous internet transactions, including banking communications and leading cryptocurrencies.
However, researchers have known for almost three decades that sufficiently advanced quantum computers could obliterate this security. They even possess a mathematical formula, Shor’s Algorithm, outlining how to achieve this.
Yet, converting Shor into a functional program for a real quantum machine has proven tricky. Large-scale, error-free quantum computers were non-existent in the ’90s, 2000s, and remain elusive today. Nevertheless, the size estimates for quantum computers necessary to crack ECDLP encryption have been consistently declining. Researchers previously estimated tens of millions of qubits, but as per Oratomic, now it’s just 10,000 qubits.
Google researchers indicate that quantum computers are on the verge of demonstrating their capabilities as potent decryption tools, with implications for blockchain technology—the backbone of cryptocurrencies. They have pinpointed a method for executing an “on-spend” attack, stealing assets transferred during a Bitcoin transaction, which generally takes around 10 minutes.
The underlying message in these studies seemed designed to incite urgency among Bitcoin users, advocating for more serious consideration of PQC. Given Bitcoin’s decentralized structure, protocol modifications require wide-ranging agreement among users.
“I am very concerned but wholeheartedly agree with Google’s findings,” stated crypto pioneer Eli Ben Sasson from StarkWare. A few weeks later, he expressed frustration at the inflexibility of Bitcoin’s development. Similarly, cryptographer JP Ohmason, who contributed to key PQC algorithms, voiced skepticism about the Bitcoin community’s readiness for a post-quantum transition, despite recognizing the potential urgency.
The realms of technology, finance, and information security are all contemplating a shift toward quantum-resistant algorithms and protocols by the end of the 2010s. While Ormason anticipates this transition may extend to 2036 instead of 2029, he stresses that Bitcoin users must act swiftly. “Examining the decision-making speed of the Bitcoin community,” he notes, “it’s clear that urgency is warranted.”
A particularly alarming aspect of the threats against Bitcoin is that its security, like any currency, is as much about perception as it is about technology. “Simply raising awareness that Bitcoin is vulnerable could provoke a market panic,” Ormason cautioned, predicting enormous economic repercussions.
While several proposals exist for enhancing Bitcoin’s security via software updates, implementing them necessitates consensus within the fragmented Bitcoin community. Nearly five years have passed since Bitcoin last attempted such a restructure, and Ben Sasson remarks that discussions around altering Bitcoin’s infrastructure have become contentious. “We find ourselves in a troubling situation where everyone understands what’s needed and acknowledges it isn’t overly complex, yet there’s a pervasive fear in discussing it due to the unpredictable reactions from the sometimes hostile crypto community,” he explained.
Abif Levi, a colleague of Ben-Sasson at StarkWare, has recently developed a method to make Bitcoin quantum-secure without necessitating software updates. However, the computational power needed for each secure transaction would skyrocket business costs by over 200 times.
It’s Everybody’s Concern
Could Bitcoin’s Threat Affect Broader Financial Markets?
Michael Nagle/Bloomberg via Getty Images
The current predicament is a complex web of emerging technologies, advanced mathematics, and human folly. After nearly a decade of filtering out Bitcoin’s commotion, I started questioning whether I should be concerned about these developments. More alarmingly, I found that choosing to avoid blockchain technology won’t shield me from the repercussions of a collision between Bitcoin’s security and quantum computing.
This realization stemmed from my retirement savings. In June 2025, New York Times financial columnist Jeff Sommer reported the unexpected appearance of Bitcoin in his retirement account. It surfaced because his account linked to an index fund that included shares of a company known for holding significant Bitcoin assets. By May 2026, a website called Bitcoin Treasuries ranked this company as the top publicly traded entity owning Bitcoin. Sommer’s findings revealed that major investment firms like Fidelity, Vanguard, BlackRock, and Morgan Stanley included this stock in their funds.
Given that my retirement accounts are managed by Fidelity, any drastic Bitcoin price shifts, driven by quantum fears, could reverberate through the stock of this company, to Fidelity, ultimately affecting my retirement security. In several U.S. states such as California, North Carolina, Texas, and Louisiana, public retirement funds hold stakes in this Bitcoin-related company, emphasizing the wider impact. Additionally, discussions around integrating cryptocurrencies directly into retirement accounts have gained traction, with regulatory changes lurking in the future.
The path forward seems unclear, but fostering collaboration among participants invested in Bitcoin’s future appears crucial. Our society’s progress hinges on such cooperation, and we must acknowledge that future technologies like quantum computing and blockchain need not cloud the importance of consensus. Ben Sasson, a co-author on cryptocurrency literature, advocates for educating users about the implications. Government action—through regulation, penalties, and public awareness—could also facilitate progress.
The current U.S. administration’s stance on cryptocurrency regulation is rather passive, but electoral changes might shift this landscape. Although it’s notoriously tricky for journalists to speculate on future developments, I remain apprehensive about my retirement prospects.
Scanning Electron Micrograph of Pancreatic Cancer Cells
Anne Weston, EM STP, Francis Crick Institute/Science Photo Library
In a groundbreaking clinical trial in the United States, researchers have found that a novel viral treatment halted the progression of pancreatic cancer in three patients. While further assessments in larger trials are necessary, these early results are promising, particularly given that only minimal quantities of the virus were administered during initial safety tests.
According to Masato Yamamoto, who spearheaded the research at the University of Minnesota, “The efficacy exceeded our expectations, particularly considering we injected merely one-tenth of the targeted dose for pancreatic cancer.”
Pancreatic cancer is notoriously known as one of the deadliest cancers. This is due in part to the fact that symptoms often emerge late, when the cancer has typically advanced beyond the point of surgical removal. For patients diagnosed with this illness, the prognosis is grim: they usually survive for only about 3 to 6 months.
The stiffness of pancreatic tumors presents another significant challenge, inhibiting chemotherapy drugs from penetrating effectively. As Dr. Yamamoto aptly notes, “Pancreatic tumors are as hard as a hockey puck.” Additionally, these tumors can evade detection by the immune system, rendering immunotherapy treatments that boost immune activity against cancer cells largely ineffective.
One of the trial participants had a pancreatic tumor measuring 7 centimeters in diameter and underwent treatment about a year ago, with the other two patients treated subsequently. Fortunately, their tumors have not grown since treatment began. “They are all alive and exhibit clinically stable disease,” Dr. Yamamoto shared at the Annual Meeting of the American Society for Gene and Cell Therapy held earlier this month in Boston, Massachusetts. An additional 15 patients are now set to receive higher doses to determine the optimal treatment level.
Dr. Kai Brown, a pancreatic surgeon at the Royal North Shore Hospital in Sydney, cautioned, “While this shows intriguing early promise, we must maintain a cautious optimism. The history of oncology is riddled with initially encouraging signals that have vanished by the time rigorous phase III [late-stage] testing was completed. Thus, these initial results ought to be viewed as hypothesis-generating.” Notably, the trial currently lacks a control group, making it difficult to ascertain if the cancer-killing virus is more effective than existing treatments.
The virus being tested is a genetically modified adenovirus designed to proliferate specifically within tumors while avoiding healthy tissues. Its replication is activated by cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), an enzyme found in much higher levels in cancer cells than in normal cells. Upon infecting cancer cells, the virus can rupture and lead to their death, thereby releasing more virus to infect adjacent cancer cells.
During this trial, the virus was injected directly into the tumor via a thin tube guided down the patient’s throat, reaching the pancreas. An ultrasound probe at the tube’s end assisted in visualizing the tumor’s location.
Dr. Yamamoto speculated that the tumor’s growth has halted without regression likely due to the low treatment dosage. He believes that as the virus replicates, the number of infected tumor cells may diminish over time.
As tumor cells begin to break apart, the immune system may identify the cancer and initiate its attack. “The patient’s immune system may recognize that something is wrong and start targeting the tumor,” he explained. If successful, this treatment could potentially combat metastatic pancreatic cancer as well.
To enhance this innate immune response, Yamamoto and his team plan to combine viral therapies with immunotherapies, including checkpoint inhibitors—drugs that block proteins preventing the immune system from attacking cancer cells—in future clinical studies.
Historically, adenoviruses have caused cold and flu-like symptoms in their unmodified form, but they have shown promise as cancer treatments. In the 1950s, for example, women with cervical cancer were treated with unmodified adenovirus, witnessing some success in clinical trials. However, safety and efficacy issues highlighted the need for genetic engineering to tailor adenoviruses to specifically target cancer cells.
The only FDA-approved cancer-killing virus, T-VEC, is a genetically modified herpes simplex virus injected directly into melanoma tumors, inducing cell rupture and death.
Kongur Shan Mountains: A Part of the Pamir Plateau, China
Mark Andrews/Alamy
Recent research has unveiled alarming ice loss in Asia’s Pamir Mountains, raising concerns about the stability of one of the world’s last remaining glacier regions amid global warming.
Historically, glaciers worldwide have experienced retreat due to rising temperatures. However, the “roof of the world” in Central Asia has shown resilience. From the 1970s to the early 21st century, glaciers in the Western Kunlun, Karakoram, and Eastern Pamir Mountains remained stable or slightly expanded.
Fan Yu and researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences have closely monitored the three-kilometre-long Kangxiyan Glacier in China’s Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region, located at an altitude of 5,350 meters within the eastern Pamir Plateau.
Prior to 2022, the glacier exhibited minor fluctuations but maintained a stable pattern of moderate ice mass loss, sometimes even slightly increasing in volume.
However, a notable shift occurred post-2022, with researchers recording an unprecedented ice loss of 1.5 meters in 2025 alone, representing over four times the average loss from 2011 to 2024.
This record melt at Kangxiyan has been mirrored across other glaciers in the Pamir Plateau, primarily driven by extreme heat. Unlike previous years where high temperatures were limited to short periods, 2025 saw prolonged heat enduring throughout the entire snowmelt season.
The findings suggest that the glaciers in the Pamir-Karakorum region are no longer exceptions to global melting trends. Researchers predict that extreme weather events will likely exacerbate glacier melt in this crucial region.
Sean Eaves and researchers from Victoria University in Wellington, New Zealand, assert that these results correlate with predictions indicating that human-induced climate change heightens the likelihood of severe warming events that contribute to glacier melting. However, they caution against definitive conclusions about future trends at this early stage.
Since the ice mass of the Kangxihe Glacier was only first measured in 2011, the events of 2025 are not extreme when viewed within a broader historical context.
Astronomers utilizing NASA/ESA/CSA’s James Webb Space Telescope have made a groundbreaking discovery of a massive black hole in the early universe, which intriguingly appears to be older than its host galaxy. This revelation raises significant questions about the formation of the universe’s first supermassive black holes.
This Webb/NIRCam image captures the small red dot Abell2744-QSO1, magnified and triple-imaged by the galaxy cluster Abell 2744. Image credits: NASA / ESA / CSA / Lukas Furtak, Ben-Gurion University / Alyssa Pagan, STScI.
Abel 2744-QSO1 (commonly referred to as QSO1) is a typical “little red dot” existing just 700 million years post-Big Bang.
Though QSO1 spans only 1,300 light-years and its light has traveled over 13 billion years, it offers a more accessible study compared to other small red dots due to its gravitational lensing by the galaxy cluster Abel 2744.
QSO1 is uniquely magnified and appears in three locations in the sky, thanks to this lensing effect.
Dr. Roberto Maiorino from the University of Cambridge stated, “This is a remarkable discovery that represents a paradigm shift in understanding black hole formation and growth.”
Initial studies suggest QSO1 may consist of a cloud of glowing hydrogen and helium gas orbiting a supermassive black hole approximately 40 million times the mass of our Sun.
However, uncertainty lingered regarding the true scale of this black hole, similar to other early black holes discovered by Webb.
Dr. Francesco Deugenio of the University of Cambridge remarked, “Until now, measurements of black hole masses in the early universe have been indirect, based on established knowledge of local black holes.”
Researchers have employed the Integral Field Unit (IFU) of Webb’s NIRSpec instrument to effectively map the movement of hydrogen gas around this black hole.
They observed that gas exhibited Keplerian motion, indicating it orbits a central point much like planets orbit the Sun in our solar system.
Ignas Giouojuvaris, a graduate student at the University of Cambridge, added, “This finding indicates that most of QSO1’s mass is concentrated in the central black hole.” If the mass were dispersed like many stars, the gas wouldn’t exhibit such precise Keplerian rotation.
Using these gravity-driven Keplerian motions, researchers could directly calculate the black hole’s mass through gas velocity measurements, a feat previously unattainable.
The black hole was found to be around 50 million solar masses, astonishingly accounting for two-thirds of QSO1’s total mass—thousands of times larger than proportions found in nearby galaxies, where supermassive black holes typically comprise only a small fraction of their host galaxies.
The IFU configuration map supported these observations, revealing that QSO1’s gas is primarily hydrogen and helium, with minimal heavy elements like oxygen, expected in a star-rich galaxy.
With less than 0.5% of the Sun’s metallicity, QSO1 stands as one of the most pristine galactic environments ever analyzed.
Dr. Cosimo Marconcini, an astronomer at the University of Florence, proclaimed, “This is an extraordinary result—marking the first direct measurement of a black hole’s mass within the first billion years post-Big Bang, aligning with prior indirect measurements.”
The extraordinary mass of QSO1 relative to its host galaxy implies it could not have formed gradually through the merging and feeding of smaller stellar-mass black holes.
Giouojuvaris noted, “We might be witnessing a black hole that lacks a substantial host galaxy and predates stellar processes.” This offers compelling evidence for the existence of primordial black holes and direct collapse black holes, concepts previously theorized but not substantiated.
Whether the black hole in QSO1 originated as a massive seed shortly after the Big Bang or emerged later from the collapse of a giant gas cloud, it likely formed large and may be in the initial stages of cultivating a galaxy around it.
I. Juojubaris et al. 2026. Direct measurements of black hole masses in small red dots at high redshifts. Nature 653, 1017-1021; doi: 10.1038/s41586-026-10579-4
Roberto Maiorino et al. 2026. A black hole in a nearly primordial galaxy 700 million years post-Big Bang. MNRAS 548 (1): staf2109;doi: 10.1093/mnras/staf2109
Hoarding is a fascinating and common behavior observed in many animal species. Various creatures store food in preparation for potential food shortages.
While you might already know that squirrels hide nuts and wall mice stash seeds, fire ants exhibit a unique hoarding strategy by storing excess food in the warmest areas of their nests to create what is sometimes referred to as “insect jerky.” This behavior is present in many animals, including humans.
Several other animals hoard materials for their homes. For example, decorator crabs gather seaweed, sea anemones, and sponges to adorn and camouflage their shells. Meanwhile, bonehouse hornets accumulate dead ants to fortify the entrances of their nests.
However, these examples pale in comparison to the impressive hoarding abilities of the bearded vulture (Gyphaetus barbatus).
With a wingspan reaching up to 3 meters (10 feet), bearded vultures rank among the largest birds of prey in Europe. These majestic raptors typically form lifelong pair bonds and return to the same cliffside nesting site annually.
During each breeding season, bearded vultures add new materials to their nests, creating layered structures. Often, these sites are reused across generations, transforming them into natural time capsules.
In 2025, a remarkable study revealed what scientists discovered when they examined 12 ancient, abandoned bearded vulture nests in southern Spain.
Alongside traditional nesting materials like sticks and feathers, researchers uncovered a staggering 2,483 “rich and well-preserved” artifacts. Most of these items were undigested remnants of prey, including hooves and eggshells, but about 10% were human-made objects.
Image credit: Ann-Sophie De Steur
Among the artifacts were 72 pieces of leather, 129 pieces of cloth, an unusual basket, a crossbow bolt, and parts of a slingshot.
Notably, one completed sandal and two unfinished examples known as Agovias were found. These sandals were traditionally woven from fibrous esparto grass and required regular maintenance.
Many of these artifacts, including sandals, date back to the Middle Ages, a period that spanned from the 5th to the late 15th century.
The precise reason for the bearded vultures’ collection of objects remains uncertain. One theory suggests they might be selecting materials to enhance their nests, while another posits an interest in preserving local history, potentially for their chicks.
Historically, the bearded vulture was prevalent in southern Spain; however, its population drastically declined in the 19th and 20th centuries due to severe persecution. Fortunately, conservation efforts have led to some recovery, and the species is now classified as near-threatened.
Thanks to the strategic locations of these ancient nests, the artifacts have been remarkably preserved over time.
A study detailing these findings noted: “The structural integrity of western Mediterranean bearded vulture nests, located in protected areas like caves and rock shelters, has allowed them to function as natural museums.”
Therefore, the bearded vulture not only stands out as one of nature’s most intriguing animals but also serves as a custodian of an extraordinary array of historical artifacts.
This article addresses the question (by Jackie Bryce from Chichester): “Are there any animals that hoard treasures?”
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at:questions@sciencefocus.com or reach out on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram (don’t forget to include your name and location).
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In an astonishing development, just a week after an AI system disproved a long-standing mathematical conjecture, another enduring conjecture—one that is over fifty years old—has also fallen, this time due to entirely human effort.
Recently, OpenAI’s advanced model refuted the significant unit distance problem, originally posed by Hungarian mathematician Paul Erdős. This problem, regarded by Erdős as his “most important contribution to geometry,” explores the maximum number of equal-distance connections that can be drawn between points in a plane.
Erdős proposed a maximum limit for this value, which many scholars believed to be accurate. However, AI’s findings suggested that this figure could be significantly higher. By employing intricate methods from algebraic number theory, mathematicians could devise high-dimensional structures that differ from previous human designs, resulting in unprecedented surprises within the mathematical community.
Less than a week later, Professor Thomas Bloom and his team at the University of Manchester leveraged a similar approach to invalidate the well-known sum-product conjecture, first introduced by Erdős in 1976.
“I was amazed because I had been pondering this issue for a while,” Bloom stated. His team recognized the algebraic techniques employed by OpenAI’s AI and applied them to the sum-product conjecture. “Once you see a possibility, it drives you to make it happen,” he explained.
Erdős’s Wasumi conjecture posits that when summing or multiplying a set of numbers, at least one of the resulting sets must vastly exceed the original in size, while simultaneously, both cannot be minimized equally. For example, the multiplication of numbers from 1 to 5 yields a larger set than their sum due to overlaps like 2 + 3 and 1 + 4. If we analyze a set like 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, etc., the summed set is larger since the product simply yields different powers of 2.
Erdős established a standard for the minimal size of the larger set generated from summation and multiplication, which he believed would hold true for all numerical sets. However, Bloom and his team adapted the high-dimensional method to find instances where both the summation and multiplication were smaller than Erdős anticipated. Rather than using a geometric progression, such as powers of 2, they discovered that various dimensional progressions could yield startling results with fewer unique totals than previously thought.
“What astonished me was how straightforward it was,” Bloom remarked. “The underlying structure is simple, yet now I better grasp the underlying reasons.” He believes [Erdős’s conjecture] has indeed failed, but also sees potential implications for multiple related mathematical issues.
“Mathematics is competitive,” said Mischa Rudnev from the University of Bristol. “As soon as a fresh idea materializes, many rush to find further applications, and these enthusiasts are typically brilliant and swift.”
Rudnev noted that Erdős’ initial belief was that this conjecture mainly applies to integers, a notion that still holds as the new sets Bloom’s team created utilized increasingly complex number systems. Bloom concurs that while it remains valid for integers, “significant work is yet to come, and the intricacies are not fully understood.”
Bloom highlights the key takeaway from this proof: problems traditionally viewed as geometric, such as powers of two, can be approached with number theory tools. “This opens these problems to a new audience. The algebraic number theorists hadn’t shown much interest in these issues previously.”
Microbiologists at Johns Hopkins University have determined that the asteroid impact that led to the extinction of the dinosaurs triggered a significant global fungal takeover. This conclusion stems from the analysis of 66-million-year-old rock samples from Colorado’s Denver Basin, revealing a second, previously unrecognized ecological crisis.
The end-Cretaceous mass extinction was characterized by both the Chicxulub asteroid impact and the ongoing eruption of the Deccan Traps volcanoes.
“The surge in fungal growth observed in geological samples indicates significant disruptions to ecosystems,” said Johns Hopkins researchers Rosanna Baker and Arturo Casadevall.
“While global spikes in fungal proliferation have been documented during the Permian-Triassic extinction, previous findings for the end-Cretaceous extinction were limited to New Zealand,” they added.
“Our study reevaluated whether fungi proliferated globally post the end-Cretaceous mass extinction event, using samples from North America,” the researchers explained.
Focusing on rock samples collected from various paleontological sites in Colorado’s Denver Basin and North Dakota’s Williston Basin, the team processed and analyzed the material to quantify fungal microfossils, differentiating them from pollen and other plant-derived microfossils.
The results from Colorado indicated a noticeable increase in fungal microfossils compared to plant-based ones in geological layers associated with asteroid impacts.
This marks the first direct confirmation of findings from New Zealand, reinforcing the idea that the Cretaceous period concluded not just with a catastrophic explosion, but also with a global surge in fungi.
Interestingly, the samples revealed signs of fungal uplift spanning roughly 30,000 to 10,000 years before the asteroid impact.
This fluctuation coincided with a notable period of relatively low temperatures at this site, following intense volcanic activity in what is now western India.
“Fossil records indicate that some species became extinct during this timeframe,” Baker noted.
She continued, “The volcanic activity in Asia may have stressed ecosystems worldwide, effectively setting the stage for the impending asteroid impact.”
According to the analysis, early Paleocene samples (about 10,000 years post-asteroid impact) demonstrated that fungi of unknown origins thrived for approximately 2,000 years.
“Fungi are organisms that often exploit environmental hazards to flourish,” Professor Casadevall stated.
Although the North Dakota sample did not exhibit fungal overgrowth at the time of the asteroid impact, researchers suggest that this may result from differences in geological composition compared to the Colorado sample.
Their examination of North Dakota samples reaffirmed previous findings concerning late Cretaceous epochs and early Paleocene epochs, tens of thousands of years before, and roughly 10,000 years after the asteroid event.
“Our results align with the hypothesis that the growth of fungi since the Cretaceous period provided mammals with a significant advantage over reptiles, ultimately enabling them to dominate the planet,” concluded the scientists.
The detailed findings will be published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
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Rosanna P. Baker and Arturo Casadevall. 2026. Fungal proliferation before and after the Cretaceous-Paleogene mass extinction event in North America. PNAS 123 (20): e2536899123; doi: 10.1073/pnas.2536899123
Mathematicians from University College London and the University of California, Davis, have unveiled a groundbreaking mathematical proof demonstrating that the accelerating expansion of the universe can be explained without dark energy. This finding poses a significant challenge to the lambda cold dark matter model, the predominant cosmological framework that has prevailed for nearly three decades.
C. Alexander and collaborators provide proof that the inherent instability of the Einstein-Euler equation renders current expanding universe models infeasible. Image credit: M. Weiss / Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics.
Nearly 30 years ago, dark energy was proposed as the force driving the accelerating expansion of the universe.
This concept mirrors Albert Einstein’s 1915 gravity equation within his general relativity framework.
To create a static universe, Einstein initially introduced an antigravitational factor, known as the cosmological constant.
After Edwin Hubble’s discovery in 1929 of the universe’s expansion, Einstein famously deemed the cosmological constant his “greatest failure” as it was unnecessary for predicting the expansion.
However, in the 1990s, the cosmological constant concept was revived to explain the universe’s accelerating expansion linked to dark energy.
Blake Temple, a professor at the University of California, Davis, stated, “The Friedman family of spacetime has served as a cornerstone of contemporary cosmology since Lemaître and Hubble first articulated the theory of an expanding universe stemming from an early Big Bang singularity.”
This theory is grounded in a specific solution to Einstein’s field equations discovered by Alexander Friedman in the early 1920s.
Friedman initially sent his solution to Einstein in 1922, who dismissed it, believing the universe to be static. However, following Friedman’s appeal, the solution gained acceptance.
By 1931, Einstein recognized that static models were unstable, acknowledging Hubble’s 1929 findings of an expanding universe, and praising Lemaître’s cosmology based on Friedmann spacetime as the most elegant explanation of creation.
Temple and his co-authors propose a theorem suggesting that all Friedmann spacetimes are unstable to any form of radial perturbations.
“At first, we considered that the universe’s acceleration might be due to a shock wave, with the anomalous acceleration resulting from an expansion wave following that shock,” Professor Temple noted.
“Later, we realized that during the radiation epoch of the Big Bang, there existed self-similar solutions that could model an expanding wave.”
Self-similar equations depict phenomena that retain their structure regardless of scale.
In their paper, the mathematicians utilize a self-similar version of the Einstein equations, previously derived, to characterize the Standard Model of cosmology as the stationary point of their equations.
This establishes a comprehensive mathematical framework for assessing the stability of the Standard Model and, more broadly, the stability of all Friedmann spacetimes in the matter-dominated epoch of the Big Bang.
“We demonstrated that, akin to Einstein’s static model, all Friedmann spacetimes are unstable to radial perturbations on large scales,” Professor Temple affirmed.
“This finding largely discounts the lambda cold dark matter model, with or without dark energy, as a stable solution to Einstein’s equations of general relativity.”
“In essence, the Big Bang should resemble Friedmann spacetime near the center of symmetry, while we should observe an acceleration away from Friedmann further from the center.”
Recent research indicates that the accelerating universe expansion is a direct result of the Einstein-Euler equation, without requiring a cosmological constant or dark energy.
This mathematics raises questions about the Copernican principle, which posits that Earth’s position is not special within the universe.
“Both the lambda cold dark matter model and spherically symmetric spacetime demand that the model occupies a specific position to remain physically valid,” Professor Temple explained.
“If this principle excludes one model, it must also exclude the other.”
Visit the research paper published in this week’s Proceedings of the Royal Society A.
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C. Alexander et al. 2026. The instability of critical and crowded Friedmann spacetime in the Big Bang as an alternative to dark energy. Proceedings A 482 (2338): 20250912; doi: 10.1098/rspa.2025.0912
Plumadraco Bangkoolam, a newly identified enantiornithine bird species, inhabited what is now northeastern China during the Cretaceous period approximately 121 million years ago.
Plumadraco Bangkoolam is a novel enantiornithid bird distinguished by its very long legs. Image credit: Vir Shinkonen.
Plumadraco Bangkoolam belongs to the Enantiornithine clade, which represents the most diverse group of birds during the Cretaceous and is now extinct alongside non-avian dinosaurs.
While many enantiornithines are documented with elongated tail feathers, the proportions of this bird’s tail are unparalleled.
“Enantiornithines are the most specialized Mesozoic birds, with over 100 genera described so far, with specimens discovered on every continent except Antarctica,” stated lead author Dr. Alex Clarke, a candidate at the Field Museum and the University of Chicago.
“The extraordinary preservation of enantiornithine fossils from the Early Cretaceous Jehor biota (130 to 120 million years ago) in northeastern China typically includes soft tissue structures, predominantly feathers.”
“Contour feathers are the most abundant, followed by remiges, while tail feathers (rectrices) are relatively rare.”
Most enantiornithine specimens that preserve soft tissue lack tail feathers, only exhibiting contour feathers covering the tail—a condition not found in all extant neornithines.
Plumadraco Bangkoolam measures 14.9 cm (6 in) from beak to tail, yet its twin tail feathers extend to 29.3 cm (11.5 in).
In contrast, its closest rival, Oba junonis, achieves only about 1.6 times its body length.
“Plumadraco Bangkoolam is comparable in size to an American robin, but its tail feathers measure nearly a foot long, doubling its body length,” Clark added.
“It boasts some of the longest proportionate tail feathers among all discovered fossil birds.”
Holotype specimen of Plumadraco Bangkoolam. Image credit: Clark et al., doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0347641.
Paleontologists suggest that Plumadraco Bangkoolam is likely male, with its ornate plumage evolving due to female mate choice, a phenomenon well-observed in modern avian species.
The ground-nesting behavior characteristic of enantiornithines may have promoted the inconspicuous plumage of nurturing females, allowing males to develop more extravagant traits.
“While many modern birds exhibit long, elaborate plumage in both sexes, there seems to be a tipping point beyond which elongated plumage tends to be a male characteristic aimed at attracting females,” Clark noted.
“Additionally, fossils of other enantiornithines reveal remnants of musculature along the tail, and based on these features, the tail movements of Plumadraco Bangkoolam would have been significantly restricted.”
“However, they could move their tail feathers up and down, a behavior observed in modern birds during courtship displays directed at females.”
Researchers conducted a chemical analysis of Plumadraco Bangkoolam tail feathers using a handheld mass spectrometer.
The analysis revealed that the feathers were likely dark brown or black based on the detected chemical composition.
It’s also plausible that the tips of the tail feathers boasted eye-catching colors—potentially iridescent or blue-like hues—resulting from cellular structures rather than the chemical pigments analyzed in the study.
These findings regarding Plumadraco Bangkoolam offer insights into avian physiology and behavior, enhancing our understanding of contemporary birds.
“This fossil, perhaps more than any other bird fossil discovered to date, illustrates that birds have evolved intricate, elongated, specialized traits to attract mates over an extensive timespan,” Clark emphasized.
“These fossils indicate that female preference for adorned males has significantly influenced avian appearance and behavior for over 120 million years.”
The discovery of Plumadraco Bangkoolam is detailed in a paper published in the online journal PLoS ONE.
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AD Clark et al. 2026. Ultra-slender ornamental tail feathers of a new enantiornithine bird from the Early Cretaceous. PLoS ONE 21 (5): e0347641; doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0347641
Exploring Climate Fiction: Helen Phillips’ Award-Winning Novel “Hum”
“Hum”, set in an overheated futuristic metropolis, tells the compelling story of a mother’s struggle to protect her small family amidst relentless technological surveillance and climate change challenges. This year, Helen Phillips’ work won the prestigious Climate Fiction Award, a recognition supported by Climate Spring and valued at £10,000.
About the Award
The Climate Fiction Award, established to spotlight storytelling that engages with the realities of climate change, was previously awarded in 2025 to Abi Dalle for her novel And That’s Why I Roar. Phillips’ novel outshone other shortlisted titles, including Susanna Kwan’s tale of a flooded San Francisco in Wake Up in a Floating City and Maria Leva’s journey with a highly endangered snail in End Ring.
Judges’ Insights
Judge Friederike Otto, a professor of climate science at Imperial College London, praised “Hum” for addressing the core issues of privilege related to the climate crisis. Fellow judge and novelist Jesse Greengrass acknowledged the book’s exploration of existential anxiety, saying, “A book about how to deal with anxiety when nothing is right, or when every choice you make ends up making things worse.”
Story Overview
Set in a near-future city where super-intelligent robots known as Hams coexist with humans, the narrative centers around Mae, a mother fighting to keep her children away from addictive technology. Desperate for a natural escape, she embarks on a journey to a hidden oasis within the city, highlighting the struggles of parenthood in a technologically dominated environment.
Inspiration behind “Hum”
In a conversation with Alison Flood, Helen Phillips shared her inspirations, noting that every novel emerges from myriad small seeds. A personal incident involving targeted advertising sparked her contemplation of extreme algorithmic surveillance, subsequently shaping the central conflict faced by Mae.
Thematic Reflections
Phillips acknowledges her anxieties surrounding climate change, surveillance, and economic inequality as key influences in her writing process. A poignant quote from the book, delivered by a wise machine, states, “We know the world is damaged, but we don’t know what that means for our children’s lives.” This sentiment captures the collective fear many parents feel today.
Art Reflecting Reality
The themes in “Hum” are deeply rooted in current societal realities. Phillips reflects on Margaret Atwood’s famous quote from The Handmaid’s Tale, suggesting that many fictional narratives are extrapolations of real-life situations. This connection between reality and fiction serves to remind readers of the pressing issues at hand while allowing room for hope.
Looking Ahead
The emotional core of “Hum” resonates with the primary goal of nurturing connections—with family, the environment, and oneself. Phillips hopes that her work inspires readers to cherish what remains of nature, emphasizing the need to protect it for future generations.
The Impact of Storytelling
Phillips believes storytelling has the potential to spark meaningful discussions on climate change and human resilience. She asserts that while her writing stems from personal anxieties, it is not meant to provide direct solutions but rather to evoke curiosity and contemplation among readers.
A Commitment to Climate Fiction
Writing about climate issues has consistently been a priority for Phillips, evident even in her earlier works. Although she doesn’t set out to write a climate novel explicitly, themes of climate anxiety and environmental degradation remain central to her storytelling.
Hope for the Future
When asked about the future of her characters and humanity, Phillips emphasizes the necessity of connection, urging collective efforts to value and care for our planet. She believes that recognizing each other’s humanity is crucial in facing the climate crisis.
Revolutionizing Cancer Treatment: CAR-T Cell Therapy
Image Credit: Nemeth Laszlo/Shutterstock
CAR T-cell therapy represents a groundbreaking approach to cancer treatment by genetically engineering a patient’s immune cells to target and eliminate cancer cells. Despite its effectiveness, high costs have limited its availability worldwide. However, innovative techniques like 3D printing could enable the production of these engineered cells at a reduced cost and increased speed, enhancing accessibility to this vital treatment.
According to David Coe, who is affiliated with CoED Biosciences in Cardiff, England, “For critically ill patients, delays in receiving CAR T therapy can lead to deterioration in their condition during the long wait.”
The process of CAR T-cell therapy involves extracting T cells from a patient’s blood, genetically modifying them to recognize cancer antigens, and then expanding these cells in a lab environment. Traditionally, this involves activating the cells using beads and a harmless virus, which introduces the chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) gene into the T cells. Generally, 30 to 70 percent of T cells are successfully reprogrammed, with higher success rates linked to improved patient outcomes according to research.
This entire procedure takes about a month, and the costs can exceed £280,000 per treatment, making it primarily accessible to wealthier countries. Gillian Griffiths from the University of Cambridge, who was not involved in this recent study, highlights these concerns about availability and costs.
To overcome these challenges, Judith Guasch Camel and her team at the Barcelona Institute of Materials Science have developed a 3D printed gel that mimics the structure of human lymph nodes, where T cells are typically activated during immune responses. This model provides essential physical cues that support T cell activation and proliferation.
Historically, T cells have been activated on flat plastic surfaces, which lack the tactile feedback necessary for optimal interaction and proliferation. Guasch Camel presented these findings at the Biophysical Immunoengineering Conference hosted by the Royal Society in London.
In experiments, human T cells mixed with CAR-encoding virus and activation beads were placed into these lymph node-like structures. The results indicated that 75 percent of T cells proliferated successfully using this method, compared to only 50 percent with traditional approaches. This implies a reduction in the expensive materials required for CAR engineering, as noted by researcher Koh.
Furthermore, T cells in the new environment proliferated nearly twice as fast, potentially reducing labor costs and ensuring timely treatment for patients.
Such advancements signal progress toward democratizing access to CAR T-cell therapy globally, as Griffiths noted, “The goal is to develop immunotherapies that are accessible worldwide, even in low- and middle-income countries.” Comprehensive research is essential to assess the scalability and associated costs of this promising technique.
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OpenAI is one of the companies testing how well its technology performs on mathematical tests
Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images
In an unprecedented trend, mathematicians are becoming highly sought after by the world’s wealthiest individuals. Across universities globally, many academics observe colleagues leaving their positions for lucrative opportunities in private companies, ranging from renowned entities like OpenAI and Google to newly established startups looking to leverage mathematics as a key tool in enhancing artificial intelligence.
“Last May, I questioned my scientific identity,” says Ken Ono, who took a leave from his professorship at the University of Virginia in 2025 to join Axiom Math, a startup focusing on integrating mathematics with AI technology.
Ono was previously recruited by Epoch AI to develop challenging math problems to assess AI’s problem-solving prowess. However, testing these AIs revealed their unexpected capabilities. “I felt like peasants witnessing the advent of combustion engines, realizing the potential of these technologies,” Ono reflects.
This sentiment is shared by many, as Axiom Math is one of several startups formed in recent years aiming to create AI systems capable of performing mathematical tasks and validating their solutions. In April, I explored these companies in California’s Silicon Valley to uncover their confidence in mathematics as a guide towards a future dominated by AI.
Axiom Math’s offices are located in Palo Alto, near Stanford University. Its founder, Karina Hong, a former student of Mr. Ono, shares the space with another startup, Harmonic, which aims to develop a “mathematical superintelligence” delivering verifiable results. Though both startups operate from unremarkable buildings, they have attracted hundreds of millions in investments to achieve their ambitious objectives.
In this simple office, named after notable mathematicians like Carl Friedrich Gauss and Ada Lovelace, I asked Ono why startups like his are necessary amidst established giants like OpenAI and Google.
“ChatGPT functions as a librarian. It can’t provide information that hasn’t been inputted. Would you trust a librarian as a brain surgeon?” Ono states. He emphasized that despite the success of massive language models like ChatGPT, their accuracy requires human oversight, highlighting an opportunity for mathematical validation.
Mathematical verification is not a novel concept. Over the decades, mathematicians have developed robust systems for verifying that proofs are correct. One of the leading systems is the programming language Lean, which allows researchers to convert handwritten proofs into a format for instant digital verification, saving immense time in the research process.
The Challenge of Verification
Similar issues arise in the realm of computer programming. Large language models can generate extensive amounts of code, often riddled with subtle errors, causing human programmers to spend considerable time correcting AI outputs.
This challenge is precisely what Axiom Math and Harmonic are targeting for revenue generation, especially as there is limited funding available for solving intricate math problems. Just like Lean allows verification of mathematical proofs, software can also be mathematically validated as accurate and free of bugs. “As AI increasingly writes code, the need for verification grows—humans become the bottleneck,” explains Harmonic CEO Tudor Achim.
While software verification stands as a primary revenue stream for these startups, they also possess AI tools adept at solving mathematical problems in active research areas. Axiom Math has successfully facilitated five papers, entirely crafted using its AI tools, published in mathematical journals. Although Ono refrained from discussing specific future projects, he expressed ambitions to produce dozens of papers by the following year, condensing years of labor into mere weeks.
Given the stiff competition, particularly from tech giants increasingly directing resources toward AI in mathematics, a sense of urgency exists within these startups. “Mathematics is ideal for developing AI due to its measurable nature,” states OpenAI’s lead scientist, Jakub Pachocchi. “Initially, language models struggled with quantifiable tasks, but they’ve significantly improved.”
Modern AI capabilities have progressed impressively since large-scale language models fought to tackle even simple mathematical challenges, culminating in significant achievements such as winning gold at the International Mathematics Olympiad and refuting an 80-year-old prediction that many believed would remain unchallenged in their lifetimes.
“Six months ago, we could easily identify weaknesses,” says Sebastian Bubeck from OpenAI. “Previously naive fields of mathematics now showcase improved AI competence.”
Unlike startups like Axiom Math and Harmonic that specifically hire mathematicians to guide AI’s mathematical proficiency, Bubeck emphasizes that OpenAI’s focus remains on developing general intelligence, indirectly benefiting mathematical capabilities. “We’re enhancing overall AI capacity, leading to unexpected advancements in mathematics,” says Bubeck.
Across the field, uncertainties loom. Mathematicians fear that the future may become monopolized by a select few well-funded tech corporations. This sudden surge of interest could dissipate as quickly as it rose.
“The current investment influx is exorbitant, and we’ll certainly miss it once it wanes,” says Rabbi Bakir from Stanford University. “AI models are evolving toward superior mathematical reasoning, but this will be a temporary phenomenon; challenges like the Riemann hypothesis won’t benefit much over time.”
Possible Futures in Mathematics
There is a looming concern that mathematics could become a paywalled realm, with access to solutions contingent on adequate funding or the appropriate AI models. Currently, many of Axiom Math’s resources are available for free, though the company has not dismissed the potential for future costs.
“Certain fields of math are already behind paywalls,” mentions Shubo Sengupta, discussing axiomatic mathematics. “[Hedge funds] leverage mathematical models that remain inaccessible to others due to proprietary concerns, as this is how they generate profit.”
Nonetheless, Sengupta insists, “We must remain committed to expanding the boundaries of mathematical knowledge.”
Achim of Harmonic echoes this sentiment. “While tools that aid mathematicians come at a cost, we remain dedicated to supporting mathematicians in meaningful ways. It’s imperative for us that mathematics is prioritized in the tech landscape.”
As predicting the future is fraught with difficulty—especially amidst AI’s rapid evolution—mathematicians will likely retain a central role in this journey. Upon my departure from Axiom, Ono drew a parallel to the emergence of math-driven AI systems akin to the arrival of Srinivasa Ramanujan, a self-educated mathematician whose intuitive insights revolutionized the mathematical landscape in the early 20th century.
Ono’s father, a Japanese mathematician inspired by Ramanujan, had passed away earlier this year. Ono reminisces about their final conversation: “Maybe we are witnessing a Ramanujan-like moment. People may not yet grasp its importance. But when you see a computer producing something extraordinary, it’s essential to embrace it, as it’s already happening around us.”
A disk of matter swirling around a supermassive black hole could give rise to many planets
NASA and M. Weiss/Chandra X-ray Center
The active centers of galaxies might be unique locales for planet formation, where millions of new worlds could potentially emerge.
Most galaxies, including the Milky Way, harbor supermassive black holes at their cores. Typically, these black holes remain dormant, awaiting the influx of dust and gas. However, they can become active galactic nuclei by consuming large amounts of material, particularly during galaxy mergers, and remain active for extended periods.
Barry McKernan and his research team from the City University of New York have modeled a dust and gas disk surrounding a typical active galactic nucleus, finding it to be an ideal environment for planet formation. Dust tends to aggregate into larger bodies, leading to the formation of unique planetary systems.
“This discovery unveils a surprising pathway to forming diverse planetary bodies,” says McKernan. “These planets could be unlike anything we’ve encountered before.”
Active galactic nuclei contain significantly more dust than the protoplanetary disks surrounding young stars that lead to systems like our solar system. This abundance of material could give rise to massive rocky planets comparable to or larger than Jupiter, which are otherwise unheard of in the universe and may exhibit lava-covered surfaces due to frequent collisions.
McKernan mentions that some of these planets could grow so massive they might initiate nuclear fusion in their cores, resulting in “very strange aliens” made of rock or perhaps absorb enough gas to collapse into intermediate-mass black holes.
The extensive dust disks surrounding active galactic nuclei can stretch over tens of light years, indicating that this planetary formation process operates on a grand scale. “There could potentially be millions of planets orbiting a supermassive black hole,” McKernan observes.
While it’s known that stars and planets can form around black holes, the prospect of such large-scale planet formation remained largely unexplored until now. Sean Raymond from the University of Bordeaux, France, comments that active supermassive black holes might be among the best sites in the universe for cultivating new planetary worlds.
“What other phenomena unfold in the presence of so much matter surrounding a supermassive black hole?” Raymond adds. “It seems almost inevitable.”
Many of these planets could interact significantly, leading either to their capture by the black hole or ejection into surrounding galaxies. The remnant planets may be detected by observing how their gravitational fields distort the light of distant stars, employing a technique known as microlensing.
Upcoming telescopes, like NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope launching in September, are poised to make such discoveries feasible. “We are stepping into an era where microlensing represents a crucial tool,” states Benne Holwerda from the University of Louisville, Kentucky.
McKernan also notes that many active galactic nuclei exhibit flickering, likely caused by “swarms of smaller objects passing in front of them,” potentially indicating the presence of these intriguing planets. “These formations should exist,” McKernan asserts. “So, the real question is: Can we observe them?”
A fascinating discovery has unveiled that a small frozen world in the outer solar system possesses an atmosphere, marking it as the second celestial body after Pluto—preceding Neptune—to exhibit such a feature.
This groundbreaking finding, detailed in Natural Astronomy, suggests that these mini-worlds might be more geologically active than previously assumed by planetary scientists.
The celestial body, designated as 2002 XV93, is classified as both an asteroid and a Trans-Neptunian Object (TNO). It orbits the Sun in the Kuiper Belt, a region beyond Neptune’s orbit.
Miniature Pluto: 2002 XV93
2002 XV93’s atmosphere, remarkably thin—about 5 to 10 million times lighter than Earth’s—renders it imperceptible to touch when standing on its surface.
Notably, Pluto is currently the only other TNO known to host an atmosphere, with a diameter of 2,377 km (1,480 miles), which is over five times greater than that of 2002 XV93.
The small size of 2002 XV93 translates to significantly weak gravity, allowing its surrounding atmosphere to easily escape into space. Research indicates this atmosphere could vanish completely within 100 to 1,000 years, implying a continual replenishment of gases.
Two primary theories are posited regarding this atmospheric replenishment:
The first involves frigid volcanic activity. Here, extremely low temperatures cause “volatile substances”—liquids or gases at room temperature, like water, methane, and ammonia—to mimic the behavior of rock or magma.
Ko Arimatsu from the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, leading the study, stated, “Volatile substances may leak out from beneath the ice surface, possibly due to activities such as polar volcanoes.” These gases can contribute to the formation of an atmosphere.
However, periodic polar volcanic activity has only been observed on larger celestial bodies until now.
The second possibility involves recent external influences. “A small icy object may have recently collided with 2002 XV93, releasing gas or exposing volatile materials,” Arimatsu explained.
“Such collisions are likely rare; thus, the chance of observing a transient atmosphere at the opportune moment is low, yet we cannot dismiss the collision theory.”
In essence, while it seems unlikely that the researchers timed their observations precisely, this angle remains an area of intrigue.
Observation During Solar Eclipse
The orbit of 2002 XV93 around the Sun takes approximately 247 years. Its distant position relative to Earth complicates direct observations.
Arimatsu’s team employed a technique called “occultation,” where a planetary body obscures a distant star as it passes in front.
“If a celestial body had no atmosphere, the starlight would vanish and then reappear distinctly,” says Arimatsu. “However, with an atmosphere present, the gases slightly bend the light, softening the transition.”
On January 10, 2024, three Japanese observatories successfully observed the occultation of 2002 XV93.
“Our findings, particularly from Japan’s Kiso Observatory, demonstrate that the star’s light fades gradually at the edge of the shadow, a phenomenon best explained by the bending of light by a very thin atmosphere surrounding 2002 XV93,” Arimatsu commented.
The research team plans to utilize the James Webb Space Telescope for further analysis of the atmosphere’s composition, but more occultation observations are crucial for definitive answers.
“These observations can reveal whether the atmosphere is dissipating, stable, or evolving over time,” notes Arimatsu.
The gradual decline of the atmosphere points towards it slowly escaping without replenishment, lending credence to the impact theory. In contrast, a more stable or fluctuating atmosphere could indicate a constant supply of gases stemming from the interior of 2002 XV93.
However, occultation requires precise alignments, and, according to Arimatsu, “Only about 10 observatories had the requisite geometry and data quality to investigate the very thin atmosphere surrounding an object of this scale.”
This reality may imply that it will take longer to ascertain the true nature of 2002 XV93’s atmosphere.
Paleontologists have unveiled a groundbreaking discovery: a new bipedal shubosaur archosaur, Rubble Jascus Expetatus, found in New Mexico. This finding enriches our understanding of the diverse prehistoric creatures that inhabited North America over 200 million years ago during the Triassic period.
Rubble Jascus Expetatus traversed its prehistoric environment on two legs, equipped with tiny arms and a beak-like structure devoid of teeth. Image credit: Jorge Gonzalez / NHMLAC Dinosaur Institute.
Rubble Jascus Expetatus belongs to the newly classified Shubosauridae family, which consists of ancient crocodilian relatives resembling bipedal theropod dinosaurs.
“Shubosauridae represents a unique group of Triassic poposauriforms found in western North America and Argentina,” explained Dr. Alan Turner of Stony Brook University and his team.
“These agile, bipedal, toothless creatures demonstrate a remarkable convergence with the ornithomimid theropod dinosaurs that thrived in the Cretaceous period.”
Currently, three recognized species of shubosaurs include Shubosaurus inexpectatus from the Cooper Canyon Formation in Texas, Ephigia ochiferae from the Coelophysis Quarry at the Chinle Formation in northern New Mexico, and Syrossuchus longiservicus found in the Lower Ischigualasto Formation of western Argentina.
Rubble Jascus Expetatus effectively bridges the fossil timeline between Shubosaurus inexpectatus and Ephigia ochiferae.
This fossil, estimated at around 212 million years old, was excavated from the Hayden Quarry in the Chinle Formation fossil forest of northern New Mexico, USA, yielding significant partial skeletons and other fossilized remains.
Paleontologists note that Rubble Jascus Expetatus exhibits minimal differences compared to its relatives, reinforcing a trend of remarkable skeletal conservatism within the Shubosauridae family.
“The anatomical similarities between the skeletal remains of these species suggest that this morphological consistency has persisted within the Shubosauridae of western North America for at least 10 million years,” the researchers stated.
“Rubble Jascus Expetatus aligns well with the hypothesis of morphological conservatism and fits within the known stratigraphic range of North American shubosaurs.”
This discovery further supports the hypothesis that shubosaurs were primarily endemic to western North America, suggesting a unique pattern distinguishing them from many other rare Triassic reptile groups.
“Our phylogenetic analysis positions this shubosaur within the same clade as two other North American shubosaurs, reinforcing the concept of an endemic group of small, bipedal, toothless forms in the southwestern United States,” the researchers concluded.
The findings are detailed in a paper published in the May 26th edition of the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology.
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Alan H. Turner et al. New Shubosaurid (Archosaur, Poposauridae) unearthed from the Late Triassic (Norian) Hayden Quarry in New Mexico, USA Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, Published online on May 26, 2026. doi: 10.1080/02724634.2026.2618182
The Pyramid of Khufu has stood majestically on the Giza Plateau for over 4,500 years, enduring countless earthquakes with minimal structural damage. A recent study from Egypt’s National Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics uncovers a quantitative explanation for this astonishing durability. The research reveals a significant discrepancy between the natural vibration frequency of the pyramid and that of the surrounding ground. This difference may have protected the monument from destructive resonance during seismic events.
Pyramid of Khufu. Image credit: Douwe C. van der Zee / CC BY-SA 4.0.
The Great Pyramid, commonly referred to as the Pyramid of Khufu, was commissioned by Pharaoh Khufu (also known as Cheops) over approximately 26 years around 2600 BC. It holds the title of the oldest among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Originally towering at about 147 meters, it was the tallest man-made structure for more than 3,800 years until surpassed by Lincoln Cathedral in England in 1311 AD.
Today, its height stands at approximately 137 meters, reflecting the loss of its original smooth limestone casing over the centuries.
Since its completion, the Pyramid of Khufu has withstood numerous earthquakes, including significant events with estimated magnitudes of 6.8 in 1847 and 5.8 in 1992, without suffering major damage.
However, evidence supporting theories on its structural resilience remains scarce.
According to lead author Dr. Asem Salama and fellow researchers from Egypt and Japan, “The Pyramid of Khufu is the oldest pyramid constructed during the Old Kingdom on the northwestern Giza Plateau in Cairo.”
“Originally, the pyramid reached a height of 146.59 meters, with a base length of approximately 230.33 meters on each side and an inclination angle of 51 degrees.”
“Current measurements reflect a height of about 137 meters, indicating the loss of its outer casing stone and pinnacle over time.”
The pyramid’s structure features a central core and a horizontal stone casing, interspersed with support blocks.
It is estimated to contain approximately 2.3 million stone blocks, each meticulously placed to achieve its monumental scale and stability.
Internally, the pyramid comprises eight main elements: the primary entrance with a descending passage, the entrance created by the workers of Caliph al-Ma’mun, the crypt, the grand gallery, the queen’s chamber, the king’s chamber, the aid chamber, and the shaft.
This intricate arrangement exemplifies the advanced engineering and architectural prowess characteristic of Old Kingdom pyramid construction.
In the recent study, researchers recorded seismic noise from 37 locations, including the king’s chamber, queen’s chamber, pressure relief chamber, construction blocks, and surrounding soil.
Most sections of the pyramid exhibited a surprisingly consistent fundamental frequency between 2 and 2.6 hertz, while the surrounding soil vibrated at roughly 0.6 hertz.
This frequency separation likely reduced the risk of earthquakes amplifying internal vibrations within the structure.
The researchers also observed that vibration amplification tends to increase with height inside the pyramid, but decreases in the pressure relief chamber above the King’s Chamber, indicating these spaces may help dissipate seismic stress.
However, researchers caution against overemphasizing these findings. While frequency mismatch may account for some of the pyramid’s durability, there is no direct evidence that ancient Egyptian builders intentionally designed their structures for earthquake resistance.
The team noted, “The suggestion of deliberate seismic optimization by ancient Egyptian architects remains speculative and cannot be substantiated by geophysical measurements alone.”
The study’s findings were published in the Journal on May 21, 2026, in a report by Scientific Reports.
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M. Elgabri et al. 2026. Architectural and geotechnical aspects affecting the earthquake resistance of the Pyramid of Khufu in ancient Egypt. Scientific Reports 16, 14032; doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-49962-6
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