Australia Faces Historic Diphtheria Outbreak: The Largest in Recent Memory

Posted on May 22, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Preparation for Diphtheria and Tetanus Vaccination

Simanjuntaku/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

Medical workers preparing diphtheria and tetanus vaccines — Preparation for Diphtheria and Tetanus Vaccination

Simanjuntaku/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

Diphtheria cases are rising in Australia, marking a concerning trend for the first time since the advent of widespread vaccination in the 1930s.

The nation has reported 230 cases
of this dangerous bacterial infection along with 1 related adult death this year. The surge is attributed to increasing case numbers, primarily affecting remote Indigenous communities in the Northern Territory and Western Australia, and smaller incidences in Queensland and South Australia. Historically, the annual infection rate hovered around zero.

According to Paul Burgess, the Chief Health Officer of the Northern Territory, the latest outbreak stems from an incident dating back to 2022 in Queensland, originally contracted overseas. This highly contagious disease has since spread to Indigenous communities across the Northern Territory and neighboring states, driven by vaccination gaps, high mobility between communities, and crowded living conditions.

Vaccination coverage for diphtheria among five-year-olds in the Northern Territory stands at approximately 92%, but only around 67% of 13-year-olds receive necessary booster shots available through school-based programs. Raina McIntyre from the University of New South Wales noted, “The effectiveness of the vaccine is waning, and booster immunizations are urgently needed.”

This trend partly explains why adolescents and young adults are increasingly falling ill with diphtheria.

Challenges in achieving optimal vaccination rates stem from “increased vaccine misinformation and backlash following the COVID-19 pandemic,” as McIntyre observed. The shortage of healthcare professionals in remote areas further complicates matters.

The diphtheria infection is caused by the Diphtheria bacterium, which affects the skin and respiratory system, producing a toxin that leads to severe complications. Symptoms include painful throat ulcers or a thick gray film in the throat that can obstruct breathing. When toxins enter the bloodstream, severe outcomes, including heart failure and paralysis, may occur.

This bacterium can be transmitted through contact with sores of an infected person or through respiratory droplets.

While treatment can include antibiotics and antitoxins that neutralize the diphtheria toxin, mortality can still occur despite medical intervention.

Before the diphtheria vaccine was introduced, the disease was a leading cause of child mortality worldwide. In Australia, over 4,000 deaths were attributed to diphtheria between the late 1920s and early 1930s.

The Australian government recently announced a funding package of A$7.2 million (£3.8 million) to combat the outbreak, deploying additional healthcare professionals to affected regions for increased vaccination efforts and treatment administration.

Burgess emphasized to the ABC: “We are encouraged by the strong community demand for vaccination in response to this outbreak.”

Globally, the largest diphtheria outbreak since routine immunization began occurred in countries of the former Soviet Union post-1991, with an alarming rate of 140,000 infections and 5,000 deaths resulting from a collapse in vaccination coverage, underscoring that “vaccine program disruptions can lead to outbreaks,” stated McIntyre.

Topics:

vaccine /
infectious disease

Source: www.newscientist.com

How Earth’s Aging Process Mirrors the Effects of Space Travel

Posted on May 22, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

NASA astronaut Scott Kelly spent 340 days in space on one mission.

NASA

NASA astronaut Scott Kelly spent 340 days in space on one mission.

NASA

The twin paradox is a classic thought experiment in physics first proposed by Albert Einstein in 1905. This fascinating scenario imagines astronauts journeying through space at nearly the speed of light while their twin remains on Earth. Upon their return, the space traveler discovers their twin has aged significantly more. This discrepancy in aging relates to the relative passage of time experienced by travelers moving at such extreme speeds compared to those stationary on Earth. This concept serves as a reflection on aging in our universe.

While traveling at light-speed remains theoretical, surprising evidence indicates that space travelers actually age more rapidly. Research shows that astronauts spending six months aboard the International Space Station (ISS) age 40 times faster than their Earthbound siblings, according to certain measurements.

As we continue our journey into understanding aging, it’s critical to recognize that many factors exacerbating accelerated aging are becoming increasingly prevalent here on Earth. The encouraging news is that insights gained from protecting astronauts can lead to solutions beneficial for everyone.

To date, about 781 individuals have ventured into space, with varying lengths of stay. While many were briefly aboard, nearly 300 astronauts have completed missions on the ISS, where they typically remain for over six months.

NASA has been vigilant regarding the health impacts of prolonged space missions and is actively researching these effects as we prepare for future Mars expeditions and beyond.

One notable study is the NASA Twin Study. Initiated in 1996, this groundbreaking research involved twin astronauts Scott and Mark Kelly. Both have taken part in shuttle missions, with Scott spending time on the ISS. Following his selection for a year-long ISS mission in 2015, NASA seized the chance to conduct a twin study—a method that assesses the interplay of genetic and environmental factors on health. Although the sample size was limited, significant findings emerged.

Researchers documented changes, particularly in inflammatory markers. Following a year in space, Scott exhibited heightened levels of inflammation and reduced levels of anti-inflammatory cells. These changes are aligned with the characteristics of aging, pinpointing that long-duration space living correlates with accelerated aging markers. Subsequent investigations into other astronauts have confirmed that extended stays in space evoke at least four aging characteristics, including chronic inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction.

Astronauts also face rapid physiological aging symptoms, including declines in cardiovascular health, muscle and bone loss, cognitive impairments, and immune dysfunction. Notably, one cardiovascular measure indicates that astronauts may experience internal aging equivalent to two decades in just six months.

According to research from Daniel Weiner at the Buck Institute on Aging, four space-related factors play significant roles in accelerating aging: the absence of gravity induces muscle and bone atrophy; compressed light-dark cycles disrupt circadian rhythms; exposure to high levels of ionizing radiation; and social isolation, all of which are aging factors.

The negative effects of living in space are comparable to stressors on Earth.

Carly Photography/Getty Images

You may wonder about the relevance of this research to Earthbound individuals. Interestingly, many conditions faced by astronauts share similarities with challenges encountered daily by people. While we may not experience microgravity, a sedentary lifestyle impacts muscles and bones similarly. Moreover, disrupted circadian rhythms and social isolation affect countless individuals, while high levels of ionizing radiation can stem from naturally-occurring radon gas.

Although the mechanisms of aging remain complex, studies involving long-duration astronauts may illuminate these processes. According to Weiner, astronauts serve as exceptional model organisms for aging research; their experiences in space mimic an intense, acute version of chronic stressors contributing to age-related declines in terrestrial populations.

Research efforts focus on discovering anti-aging interventions, benefiting not only astronauts but the broader public as well. NASA remains committed to the health of its personnel and is collaborating with Weiner’s team to uncover molecules that could offset the aging effects of spaceflight. Over the last 70 years, NASA has contributed to various medical advancements, emphasizing the potential societal benefits of their ongoing research endeavors.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Over 1 Billion Birds Die Annually in the U.S. Due to Building Collisions: Here’s Why

Posted on May 22, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Birds often struggle to distinguish between the outdoors and reflective glass surfaces, leading to collisions with buildings when they mistake reflections of the sky and surrounding vegetation for the natural environment.

Moreover, urban lighting attracts migratory birds at night, increasing the risk of these dangerous encounters.

According to a 2024 study, over 1 billion birds are estimated to perish each year in the United States due to collisions with buildings.

This alarming number exceeds previous estimates, as it includes not only those found deceased at the crash site but also birds that succumbed to injuries while receiving care post-collision.

Researchers are advocating for the construction of bird-friendly buildings, suggesting the addition of visual markers on windows to help reduce these incidents.

This article addresses the question: “How many birds fly into buildings?” (asked by Barry Megan via email).

For any inquiries, feel free to reach out via email at: questions@sciencefocus.com or contact us through Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram (please include your name and location).

Explore our ultimate fun facts for more amazing science insights.

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80 Million Years Ago: How T. rex and Mosasaurs Dominated the Oceans

Posted on May 21, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Paleontologists have unveiled a colossal new species of Mosasaurus, measuring an impressive 13.2 meters (43 feet) in length, and equipped with serrated teeth, leading to its intriguing name: Tylosaurus rex.

Reconstruction of Tylosaurus rex in the Cretaceous Western North American Interior Seaway. Image credit: Alderon Games / Path of Titans.

Mosasaurs, ancient giant marine reptiles, thrived during the Late Cretaceous Period, approximately 100 to 66 million years ago.

Often likened to dinosaurs, these creatures are actually more closely related to contemporary monitor lizards and snakes.

The family Mosasaurs is categorized into four main subfamilies: Mosasauridae, Plioplatecarpinidae, Tylosauridae, and Halisauridae, each showcasing unique adaptations like flippers, streamlined bodies, and significant size variations.

Among them, Tylosaurid mosasaurs are characterized by a toothless snout, elongated tail, and minimally ossified limbs, adaptations that facilitated their life in open waters.

These ancient reptiles were among the first to achieve true gigantic sizes, surpassing 8 meters (26 feet) in length.

Tylosaurid fossils have been discovered across Europe, Asia, New Zealand, Africa, and Antarctica, with a remarkable abundance along the Western Interior Seaway of North America.

“Everything seems to be bigger in Texas, including mosasaurs,” stated study lead author Dr. Amelia Zietlow, a paleontologist from the American Museum of Natural History.

Dr. Zietlow’s research journey began as a doctoral student, when she identified what seemed to be a misclassified mosasaur fossil from the museum’s collection, previously labeled as Tylosaurus proliger.

Upon comparing her specimen with the holotype Tylosaurus proliger, she and her team concluded that their find, along with over a dozen similar fossils from various institutions, belonged to an entirely different mosasaur family.

This distinction was significant; the fossils of Tylosaurus proliger displayed finely serrated teeth, a rarity among mosasaurs.

While the typical Tylosaurus proliger specimen was found in present-day Kansas and dated to around 84 million years ago, the newly discovered fossils, primarily from Texas, are roughly 4 million years younger.

“The holotype for the newly categorized Tylosaurus rex is an impressive specimen displayed at the Perot Museum, first located in 1979 near Dallas,” remarked paleontologists.

Beyond its massive size, the newly identified Tylosaurus rex showcased a range of adaptations that contributed to its formidable jaw and neck muscles, indicating it was a powerful predator.

“Being approximately twice the length of the largest great white shark, Tylosaurus rex appears to have been a much more aggressive creature compared to other mosasaurs,” explained co-author Dr. Ron Tycosky, curator of vertebrate paleontology at the Perot Museum.

“Studies of well-preserved fossils gathered from across North Texas revealed unprecedented levels of internal conflict within this species, unlike any other Tylosaurus fossils previously documented.”

“Evidence of this aggressive behavior includes the “Black Knight,” a specimen housed in the Perot Museum that is missing the tip of its nose and has a fractured jaw, injuries likely caused by its own kind.”

“Other notable mosasaurus specimens previously known as Tylosaurus proliger, now reclassified as Tylosaurus rex, include the remarkable specimen ‘Bunker’ discovered in 1911 and exhibited at the University of Kansas, as well as ‘Sophie’ at Yale University’s Peabody Museum.”

The research team’s published paper appears in today’s Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History.

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Amelia R. Zietlow et al.. 2026. A new giant species of Tylosaurus from Texas (Mosasauridae), and an updated character list for phylogenetic analysis of Mosasauridae. Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History 482; doi: 10.1206/0003-0090.482.1.1

Source: www.sci.news

Why Big Dreams Can Lead to Exhaustion and Suffering: Understanding the Hidden Costs

Posted on May 21, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Imagine waking up drained instead of refreshed, not because of a lack of sleep, but due to being trapped in relentless, vivid dreams. For many experiencing these “grand dreams,” the repercussions can greatly disrupt daily life.

“These intense experiences linger in my mind, exhausting me and causing constant fatigue,” shares Madame R, a 38-year-old grand dreamer.

Madame R is one of four grand dreamers studied across two centers in France. Despite the scientific explanations for her condition, the phenomenon has been observed for over 20 years. Researchers advocate for recognizing these sleep disturbances as distinct disorders, as supported by detailed case studies from Pierre Geoffroy from the University of Paris.

In her analysis, Madame R noted she has always had extraordinary dreams, a condition that intensified after the birth of her second child. Other subjects included Monsieur W, a 74-year-old whose dreams blur the line between reality and imagination.

Another participant, Monsieur D, 58, reported experiencing excessive dreaming twice weekly for four years. Madame W, 40, stated she cannot recall a moment without dreams, expressing, “It feels like my brain never shuts down at night.”

Dreams can manifest during any sleep stage; however, Geoffroy asserts that due to the narrative-driven nature of these dreams, they likely occur predominantly during the rapid eye movement (REM) stage.

Excessive dreaming could signify extended REM sleep. Polysomnography tests conducted on three of the four dreamers revealed typical REM stages, or slightly reduced sleep duration.

Geoffroy remarked that the polysomnography findings were “not particularly remarkable.” Yet, results indicated increased REM density and microarousals—frequent disruptions that fragment REM sleep. These micro-awakenings could enhance dream recall, leading individuals to feel as if they’ve been dreaming all night.

If a person’s brain consistently remembers their dreams as vivid experiences, they may awaken feeling unrefreshed, despite seemingly adequate sleep data. Ivana Rosenzweig at King’s College London stated, “This doesn’t imply dreaming occurs every second; rather, it questions why the sleep brain fails to let dreams fade, blending them into waking life.”

Researchers also explored if grand dreams correlate with poor mental health, which could contribute to sleep issues. While all participants completed psychiatric assessments, three exhibited signs of depression or anxiety, yet managing these conditions did not alleviate excessive dreaming. Jeffrey pointed out that grand dreams may represent a separate disorder.

Dr. Rosenzweig emphasized that the study “highlights a clinically significant phenomenon that many sleep specialists recognize but is inadequately represented in current diagnostic frameworks.” However, she noted that more extensive research is essential before classifying grand dreams as a unique sleep disorder.

Francesca Siclari from the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience also advocates for further investigation, highlighting, “One major challenge is to determine if excessive dreaming stems from a singular mechanism or represents symptomatic elements across various sleep and psychiatric disorders.”

Rosenzweig and her team anticipate that upcoming research may clarify why some grand dreamers struggle to differentiate between real-life occurrences and dream scenarios. Their ongoing investigations suggest that grand dreams extend beyond atypical sleep disorders, posing fundamental questions regarding the brain’s perception of reality.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

How AI Has Transformed Mathematics: The Biggest Breakthrough in Math History

Posted on May 21, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

The Plane Unit Distance Problem explores the maximum number of equally sized lines connecting points on an infinite paper.

Noga Alon et al. 2026, OpenAI

An 80-year-old mathematical conjecture, known as the plane unit distance problem, has been solved by OpenAI’s advanced artificial intelligence model. This breakthrough is igniting discussion around the immense mathematical capabilities of AI.

“This is a problem I never expected to see solved in my lifetime,” states Mischa Rudnev from the University of Bristol, UK. “It’s a groundbreaking achievement.”

Tim Gowers commented that the solution represents a “significant milestone in AI mathematics.” He noted in a paper that had it been submitted by a human, it would be accepted without hesitation, highlighting that such groundbreaking evidence of AI-generated solutions is rare.

The plane unit distance problem was deemed by the 20th-century mathematician Paul Erdős as his “most important contribution” to geometry. The challenge lies in determining the maximum number of lines of equal length that can connect numerous dots placed on an infinite paper.

Erdős believed that the optimal arrangement for maximum connections would be a grid layout, suggesting that the number of lines would surpass the number of points only marginally. Persistent efforts to prove his assertion or to discover alternative patterns yielded minimal advances, with the most recent improvements occurring over 40 years ago.

OpenAI’s model revealed that Erdős’s hypothesis was significantly underestimated, demonstrating that a more irregular arrangement of points can yield far more connections.

“Initially, I could hardly believe the results,” remarks Will Sawin from Princeton University. “It convinced me that this achievement is the most remarkable in the realm of AI mathematics so far.”

Details on how the OpenAI model diverges from publicly available AI technology and its training methods remain undisclosed. However, researchers have mentioned that the model is “general purpose” and was not specifically trained for mathematical applications.

AI employed strategies from algebraic number theory to establish extensive lattices in dimensions far exceeding two-dimensional configurations. By creating these more sophisticated shapes, AI translates them into two dimensions to generate representations of the higher dimensions.

“The counterexamples produced by AI are intricate, and while the foundational ideas exist in existing literature, the synthesis to achieve them required ingenuity,” explains Kevin Buzzard from Imperial College London.

While the magnitude of this result is undeniable, it underscores a gap in mathematicians’ consideration of Erdős’s original predictions. Samuel Mansfield from the University of Manchester, England, notes that the complexity of executing an experiment to challenge the conjecture would have eluded many geometry experts lacking advanced number theory knowledge. “This highlights a necessity for interdisciplinary expertise,” he adds. “In hindsight, AI’s adaptability in this area may not be surprising.”

Rudnev emphasized that the problem’s allure lies in its “pure intellectual challenge,” and although it may not directly influence other unresolved questions, it has inspired further research. Sawin, after examining the proof, utilized the techniques unearthed by AI to advance the number of connectable points.

“Similar to many other AI milestones, it didn’t take long for human researchers to internalize, comprehend, and extend upon the AI-derived arguments,” commented Buzzard. “This contrasts sharply with human discoveries that often require extensive validation periods.

Topics:

Artificial Intelligence/
Mathematics

Source: www.newscientist.com

Man Arrested for Rape and Murder of 40-Year-Old: Breakthrough from Forensic Genealogy Investigation

Posted on May 21, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

A man was arrested in Connecticut this week following new evidence provided by Virginia authorities, linking him to the 1986 murder and rape of a woman in Virginia Beach.

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Roberta Walls, aged 22, was tragically raped and murdered in Virginia Beach on May 15, 1986, as confirmed by local police. Initial investigations indicated that she was sexually assaulted and stabbed multiple times.

For years, police have diligently pursued clues to apprehend Walls’ killer but faced numerous dead ends.

This changed on Wednesday when authorities announced the arrest of Charles Randell Berry in connection with this cold case.

The break in the case emerged from forensic genealogy research enabled by a grant from the Virginia Sexual Assault Kit Initiative. The investigation utilized a DNA profile established in 2001 by the Virginia Department of Forensic Sciences.

Detectives obtained Berry’s DNA through a search warrant.

“The cold case team continued to investigate Berry’s involvement and submitted the case to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for potential charges,” reported Lt. Michelle Wyatt.

Prior to identifying Berry, police eliminated more than 30 suspects through DNA testing.

Virginia Beach Police held a press conference regarding the arrest.
Virginia Beach Police Department

At the time of Walls’ murder, Berry was serving in the Navy and stationed in Virginia Beach, though he had no known connection to her. His military personnel records are not available, as the U.S. Navy stated they do not maintain records prior to 1990.

Berry faces charges of rape and capital murder in Virginia related to the May 1986 incident. He was arrested in Connecticut and is awaiting extradition.

Berry’s attorney, Robert Racobel, stated he has not yet received a warrant or affidavit detailing the allegations. He met Berry during a request for an interview by Virginia investigators approximately two years ago but could not disclose further information.

“At this point, we have no knowledge regarding these events,” Racobel remarked.

If Connecticut grants the extradition, Berry will be transported to Virginia to commence trial for murder and rape charges, where he will enter a plea of guilty or not guilty.

According to Virginia Beach Police Chief Paul Neudigate, Berry currently does not appear to be linked to additional crimes.

“This is a concern for the community, and we all want to know how a person capable of such brutality is not linked to multiple incidents. However, there is no evidence suggesting he was involved in other crimes,” Neudigate stated.

Deputy Police Chief Jeffrey Wilkerson remarked that the arrest symbolizes the department’s commitment to honoring Walls’ memory.

“Roberta ‘Bobbie’ Walls was a cherished daughter, sister, and friend to many. We are thankful to the professionals who have tirelessly worked on this case over the years,” Wilkerson added.

Wyatt informed reporters that Walls’ family has requested privacy as they navigate these deeply emotional and traumatic events.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Clay Minerals Reveal Evidence of Mars’ Warm and Wet History – Sciworthy

Posted on May 21, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

While many envision Mars as a desolate red dust ball, recent research indicates the presence of mineral deposits suggesting a warm and wet history for the planet. A dedicated team utilized the Compact Reconnaissance Imaging Spectrometer aboard NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter to analyze specific wavelengths of visible and near-infrared light from Martian minerals, allowing for detailed assessments of the planet’s chemical composition from afar.

Previous studies have revealed layered silicate minerals, notably clay, scattered across Mars’ surface. This clay formation occurs when water interacts with rock, documenting the amount and chemical composition of the water involved. Water’s interaction with Martian rocks led to the mobilization of elements like magnesium and iron, transporting them to deeper soil layers, while more stable elements like aluminum remained in place. This natural process, known as leaching, resulted in the creation of two distinct clay layers within Martian geology.

Scientists have proposed two primary hypotheses regarding the formation of these layered clays on Mars. The first suggests that clay was formed through underwater seepage in ancient lakes. The second hypothesis posits that a humid surface environment facilitated the leaching process across the Martian landscape.

To investigate these hypotheses, a team from Purdue University estimated the “true” thickness of Mars’ clay layers using terrestrial methods. Since clay-containing rock layers can appear distorted, they can misrepresent thickness. The team conducted a high-resolution imaging science experiment (HiRISE) to generate detailed elevation maps of the Martian surface, utilizing tools from the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. These elevation maps were combined with surface composition data from the Compact Reconnaissance Imaging Spectrometer to create intricate 3D composition maps.

Using these 3D compositional maps, the researchers tracked the exposure of each clay layer and monitored it underground to estimate slope angles. They applied trigonometry to calculate the actual thickness of each clay layer, studying 46 locations on Mars. Astonishingly, they found that the total thickness of the combined clay layers ranges from approximately 20 to 680 feet (6 to 200 meters), averaging about 190 feet (60 meters), equivalent to the height of a 60-story building.

The researchers then explored the extent of clay deposits in a significant ancient Martian valley known as the Great Valley of Mars, specifically the Mawrth Vallis region. This region was chosen for its significant elevation variations and previously collected high-resolution chemical composition and elevation data.

The study determined that if the clay layers were confined to the valley’s bottom where water existed, along with varying thicknesses and boundaries, this would strongly support the “aquatic seepage” hypothesis. Conversely, consistent thickness and widespread layer boundaries would lean towards the “surface seepage” hypothesis, indicating a moist surface environment.

The findings revealed that the clay layer extended beyond the valley’s lowest points, maintaining consistent boundaries over an elevation difference of more than half a mile (approximately 1 kilometer). Consequently, the researchers concluded that the clay layers most likely formed through surface leaching in a moist environment.

These groundbreaking discoveries challenge earlier Martian climate models, which suggested that surface conditions rarely exceeded freezing temperatures. The research team hypothesized that these deposits may have formed gradually over extended periods, despite a generally frigid climate. If Mars’ surface remained frozen most of the time with occasional warmth, this could reconcile their findings with existing climate models.

The researchers noted limitations within their study, especially regarding sparsely sampled locations. Despite their strong evidence for widespread wet environments on early Mars, further detailed research in areas like Mawrth Vallis could refine our understanding of the specific surface conditions under which these clays developed, potentially aligning more closely with Martian climate models.

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Source: sciworthy.com

Carbon Sequestration: Transforming CO2 into Rocks and Harnessing Hydrogen for a Sustainable Future

Posted on May 21, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Carbfix Facility in Iceland

Oksana Valiukevicien/Alamy

The demand for clean hydrogen is escalating as it is crucial for processes that cannot solely rely on renewable electricity. Innovative methods are emerging to generate substantial amounts of hydrogen from underground rocks while effectively sequestering carbon dioxide.

Researchers from the University of Texas at Austin have validated this hydrogen production process using common rock types in laboratory settings. They are actively seeking partnerships with industry players to launch demonstration experiments.

“Our goal is to prove that hydrogen can be produced economically while simultaneously capturing CO2,” states Orsolya Gerensel. She also mentions the potential for concurrent geothermal energy generation.

Hydrogen combustion results in only water vapor, making it a clean energy source that can significantly contribute to achieving net-zero emissions. It is particularly valuable for decarbonizing industrial processes like fertilizer and steel production.

However, the current majorities of hydrogen production stem from fossil fuels, which release considerable CO2. Transitioning to renewable methods, like using wind or solar power to split water, can mitigate these emissions.

Although the use of renewable energy for hydrogen production is gaining traction, current costs remain high, and large-scale production requires massive amounts of green energy, limiting its availability for other critical areas like phasing out coal plants.

This has sparked renewed interest in natural hydrogen from geological sources. Various processes can generate hydrogen in sedimentary rocks, and under optimal conditions, it can be extracted similarly to natural gas. While some researchers are optimistic about abundant natural hydrogen reserves, others, including Gerensel, express caution about its potential limitations.

Presently, the village of Bourakebugou in Mali is the only known location extracting nearly pure natural hydrogen, albeit on a small scale.

“This is a unique situation,” Gerensel explains. Due to typically low hydrogen production rates and the challenge of accumulating it beneath impermeable rocks, large-scale natural deposits are rare.

To overcome this, many teams worldwide are researching ways to artificially stimulate hydrogen production from rocks. This method is termed stimulated hydrogen generation, and various trial techniques are already in progress.

One approach involves pumping groundwater. When water interacts with specific rock types, it produces hydrogen through a process known as serpentinization, offering a substantial hydrogen source. Increasing water flow can further accelerate this process.

Gerensel and her research team found that adding CO2 to the water could enhance the reaction with rocks, sequestering the carbon in the form of carbonates. A firm named Carbfix is already mineralizing CO2 in Iceland by injecting it into water at geothermal plants.

In their lab tests using iron-rich volcanic rock, the team replicated deep subsurface conditions by heating rock samples to 90 degrees Celsius under pressure, supplementing with water containing CO2 or an inert gas. The results indicated that CO2-rich water released more hydrogen, likely due to the formation of carbonic acid that promotes rock dissolution, thus enhancing the hydrogen production reaction. Furthermore, the addition of nickel chloride as a catalyst significantly boosted production, Gerensel shared at a recent European Geosciences Union meeting in Vienna.

Theoretically, they could release about 0.5 percent hydrogen from the water-rock reaction, though achieving 1% efficiency is necessary for economic viability. One strategy to improve this is by drilling deeper into high-temperature areas to foster serpentinization, even if it raises costs. The potential exists to utilize higher temperatures for geothermal power generation.

Vast deposits of iron-rich rocks exist globally, and even achieving just 1% efficiency could yield significantly more hydrogen than the current annual global production of 100 million tons.

“Good work” praises Barbara Sherwood Lollar from the University of Toronto.

“Interest is clearly rising in strategies that link stimulated geological hydrogen production with CO2 mineralization,” comments Aliaksey Patnia from the University of Oxford, UK. “Numerous groups and startups are probing various adaptations of this concept.”

If firms can sequester CO2 effectively, as Carbfix does, they can enhance project viability and attract investors through potential revenue streams. Nonetheless, the practical feasibility of either method remains to be evaluated.

Sherwood Lollar argues for a deeper exploration of stimulated hydrogen production techniques beyond relying solely on known natural reserves. Her team discovered that a mine in Timmins, Ontario, emits about 140 tons of hydrogen annually, presenting local exploitation opportunities.

“There isn’t a single answer,” she asserts. “Multiple potential strategies must be explored and expedited.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Boosting Memory in Women: A Key to Delaying Alzheimer’s Disease Diagnosis by Years

Posted on May 21, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Exploring Gender Differences in Alzheimer’s Disease Symptoms

Mascot/Alamy

Research on Alzheimer's disease in men and women — Exploring Gender Differences in Alzheimer’s Disease Symptoms

Mascot/Alamy

New research highlights that women often exhibit stronger verbal memory compared to men, which can obscure early indications of Alzheimer’s disease. A recent study raises concerns that existing memory assessments may fail to identify symptoms in women, potentially hindering timely diagnosis and treatment.

“Recognizing gender discrepancies in Alzheimer’s disease is critical,” says Ralph Martins, director at Edith Cowan University in Perth, Australia, who was not directly involved in the study.

Researchers, including Sasha Novozilova from McGill University in Montreal, examined data from extensive, long-term studies of older adults in the U.S. and Canada. Participants, some diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, underwent regular cognitive evaluations and brain imaging.

Their cognitive skills were tested by having participants learn a list of 15 words, recalling them immediately after distractions and later on. This form of verbal memory testing is a staple in Alzheimer’s research and clinical settings.

Findings revealed that many female participants continued to achieve “normal” test scores even after severe Alzheimer’s-related brain changes occurred. On average, women maintained their cognitive function for an additional 2.7 years compared to similarly affected men.

This disparity may be linked to women having a higher baseline of verbal memory throughout their lives, providing them with a “cognitive reserve” to tap into as the disease progresses. “Women generally exhibit superior brain connectivity,” Novozilova explains. “Therefore, if one brain region deteriorates, other areas can sometimes compensate.”

However, once this cognitive reserve diminishes, mental decline can accelerate, often too late to intervene effectively, researchers warn. Lewis Collins, also at McGill University, notes that new medications like lecanemab and donanemab can moderately slow Alzheimer’s progression, but require early intervention for maximum efficacy. This timing discrepancy might explain why women’s responses to these drugs are less optimal, as they are frequently diagnosed at later stages in clinical trials.

Another recommendation includes annual blood tests for women of a certain age to detect early Alzheimer’s signs before cognitive issues arise, suggests Martins. Non-pharmaceutical interventions, such as cognitive training, physical exercise, and adherence to a mind diet, may also help mitigate disease progression.

Interestingly, while men typically excel in spatial memory, women, on average, are more proficient in verbal tasks – possibly rooted in evolutionary behaviors. Historically, while men hunted, women may have developed language skills essential for community communication and child-rearing. Today, careers in writing, nursing, teaching, and administration further enhance women’s verbal memory, Novozilova remarks.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

SpaceX Unveils Larger Starship Prototype: A New Era in Space Exploration

Posted on May 21, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

SpaceX is gearing up for the launch of a groundbreaking prototype of its Starship mega-rocket, which has the potential to support NASA’s lunar landing missions. The significant test flight is scheduled for Thursday.

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This upcoming test marks Starship’s 12th flight and introduces the third-generation Starship, V3, which is larger, more powerful, and closer to complete reusability.

The rocket is scheduled to launch from a new pad at SpaceX’s Starbase in southern Texas, within a window opening at 6:30 p.m. ET. Currently, weather conditions are deemed 55% favorable for the flight.

SpaceX plans to broadcast this event live, starting around 5:45 p.m. ET.

Thursday’s flight will be closely monitored, as NASA intends to utilize Starship for its lunar missions. Under the Artemis program, both SpaceX and Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin are developing lunar landers for NASA’s 2028 moon landing mission, with plans for tests with the Artemis III mission next year.

Furthermore, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk announced intentions to take the company public, potentially leading to the largest IPO in history. Post-IPO, Musk is projected to retain 85% of the company’s voting rights while continuing as CEO, chairman, and chief technology officer, which could make him a trillionaire.

The last test flight of Starship occurred seven months ago; in that time, both the Super Heavy booster and the upper stage, known as the ship, have undergone significant redesigns.

Standing at 408 feet tall when stacked, Starship V3 is taller than its predecessor. The redesign includes new engines for both the Super Heavy and the Ship, collectively generating approximately 18 million pounds of thrust.

Upgrades also include a reduction in booster grid fins, crucial for first-stage return, and an increase in Starship’s propellant tank capacity.

“Together, these enhancements aim to significantly elevate Starship’s capabilities, facilitating full and rapid reuse, propellant transfer in space, deployment of Starlink satellites, orbital data centers, and transport of personnel and cargo to the Moon and Mars,” stated SpaceX on its website.

During Thursday’s suborbital test, Starship will attempt to deploy 22 mock Starlink satellites and reignite one of the upper stage’s six Raptor engines—essential for the deorbit burn upon its eventual return to Earth.

This test flight will last about 65 minutes, with the upper stage expected to splash down in the Indian Ocean at mission’s end. SpaceX is focused on making the ship reusable, employing a mechanical arm to “catch” the spacecraft on a launch tower at the South Texas facility.

SpaceX previously demonstrated a catch maneuver with the Starship’s Super Heavy booster; this time, the booster is set to land offshore in the Gulf of Mexico rather than returning to the Texas launch site. According to SpaceX.

Facing a challenging development timeline, Starship made its debut flight in 2023 but experienced multiple failures last year, including an uncontrolled atmospheric re-entry and two mid-flight explosions. SpaceX aims to have Starship ready for the Artemis III mission next year, coordinating with NASA’s Orion capsule for lunar orbit entry.

If successful, SpaceX aims to position NASA’s Starship for potential astronaut missions to the moon by 2028.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Shiver Me Timbers: Are Space Pirates Really a Threat?

Posted on May 21, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Feedback is New Scientist. A well-respected platform delivering the latest in science and technology updates. If you have insights to share, please send your feedback to feedback@newscientist.com.

Exploring the Lunar Economy

The moon captivates our imagination and stimulates forward-thinking discussions. Enthusiasts are optimistic about the prospects of our natural satellite, yet it raises questions about potential distractions.

In a recent letter dated March 21, we highlighted the ambitions of accounting giant PwC to assess the future of the lunar economy. Their projections suggest a market worth billions, despite current lunar operations totaling nearly $0.00.

Further insights from SpaceNews reveal significant developments involving the U.S. Space Force—a new military branch focusing on the cislunar space. Their Coordination Bureau aims to evaluate the strategic importance of the lunar region for national security and military operations.

Consider a hypothetical situation where the U.S. establishes a lunar base. How will such an asset be protected to ensure safe resupply missions? This may require the Space Force to exercise operational control over lunar environments.

As discussions about potential lunar conflicts emerge, we discovered a book released in 2025: Space Piracy: Preparing for a Criminal Crisis in Orbit by Mark Feldman and Hugh Taylor. The authors propose that space piracy could be executed by criminal enterprises or rogue nations seeking profit in outer space, raising concerns about cybersecurity and resource blockades.

Feldman and Taylor have established the Center for the Study of Space Crime, Piracy, and Governance to explore these possibilities further.

In light of our feedback, we’ve questioned whether we are overly critical of technological advancements. Historically, skeptics doubted the feasibility of powered flight and the significance of computers. While the Moon isn’t a current epicenter for profit or conflict, this could change in the future.

For a counterpoint, we referenced an academic review by retired U.S. Air Force officer Mark T. Peters II. Peters expresses skepticism about the practicality of space piracy scenarios, aside from known cyber threats, suggesting the book lacks a feasible approach.

From our engagement, it remains unclear whether this policy is an innovative approach or merely an excuse for workshops that detract from core objectives. While the theory may not be valid, the discourse is enticing, and participation would be exciting.

The Math Doesn’t Add Up

Feedback aims to provide clarity, not obfuscation. This segment underwent revisions when we misrepresented certain statistics.

The matter in question involves comments from U.S. Secretary of Health Robert F. Kennedy Jr. He claimed that raising a drug price from $100 to $600 represents a 600% increase, while a drop to $100 suggests a similar savings.

It has been highlighted that the reduction from $600 to $100 does not translate to a 600% decrease—a drop of 100% leads to $0.00. However, we also miscalculated the original increase.

Our sincere thanks to Chris Smart, who pointed out, “An increase from $100 to $600 is $500, equating to a 500% increase.” Therefore, both the premise and conclusion are inaccurate, rendering them insignificant.

Tom Brock clarifies the confusion surrounding percentage increases and base values, highlighting that an increase from $100 to $600 is indeed a 500% rise, not 600% as claimed.

Journalists are often advised to avoid discussing percentages due to the potential for misunderstanding, sticking instead to whole numbers for better clarity—although our audience seemed completely aware of the inaccuracies in this instance.

This is humbling, but thankfully, both Feedback and RFK Jr. occupy low-stakes roles.

The Book Lover’s Dilemma

Recommendation algorithms are evolving to better align with user preferences. Discovering content that resonates with our interests is one thing, but receiving curated stories on a platter is another. Our podcast app has recently identified our interest in the off the shelf podcast, which delves into books and publishing.

The host’s name, Morgan Book, aptly reflects the podcast’s focus, leading to humorous yet genuine brand recognition in her promotional materials.

Do you have a story to share with Feedback?

Feel free to send your article to Feedback via email at feedback@newscientist.com, ensuring to include your home address. Check our website for this week’s and previous editions of Feedback.

Source: www.newscientist.com

Bitter Honey Review: New Scientist’s Eye-Opening Report on the Impact of Bee Farming

Posted on May 21, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Bees transport pollen balls in corbicula on their hind legs.

Jenny Durant

Bitter Honey
Jenny Durant

Princeton University Press (US, May 26; UK, July 28)

Industrial farming often invokes grim scenarios of livestock crammed in warehouse-like settings, recipient of antibiotics, and suffering neglect. However, the plight of bees has now risen to similar levels of concern.

In Bitter Honey: Big Ag’s Threat to Honeybees and the Fight to Save Them, environmental writer and social scientist Jenny Durant uncovers the industrialization of honeybee colonies in the U.S., revealing their harsh realities—such as being stored in cold storage and fed sugar syrup and protein bars. Each year, around 3 million bee colonies travel the country on rented trucks for crop pollination, many teetering on the brink of collapse and necessitating frequent replacements. This alarming trend poses significant risks to our food systems, but Durant emphasizes that there is still hope.

Humans have managed honeybees for over 8,000 years. Ancient Spanish cave paintings depict the act of honey collection, while Indigenous peoples noted that honeybees often preceded settlers, referring to them as “white man’s flies.”

Presently, honeybees in the U.S. are emerging as competitors to native bee species, potentially increasing their populations fiftyfold without the competition for nectar and pollen.

Beekeepers prepare honeybees to be transported across the U.S. as key pollinators.

Jenny Durant

With the advent of artificial hives in the 19th century, bees have been transformed into domesticated creatures. Yet, a combination of excessive pesticide use, monocrop farming, and various pathogens has led to the loss of over a third of U.S. honeybee colonies since the mid-2000s. Instead of addressing these core issues, beekeepers became “pesticide springboards,” as Durant describes, further exacerbating the plight of these colonies.

Durant contends that beekeepers should not shoulder all the blame. The influx of cheap and adulterated honey from abroad during the 1990s forced many beekeepers to pivot toward offering pollination services for survival. Drawing from her extensive fieldwork with commercial beekeepers, Durant provides a unique insight into their lives and the challenges they face.

Many of these families have operated in this field for generations, demonstrating a deep care for the bees. For instance, one beekeeper would traverse miles searching for lost hives and could discern the health of a hive just by the sounds its inhabitants make. It was heartbreaking to learn of one individual who lost half his hive to a toxic pesticide application conducted by his farm’s pest management advisor.

The principal challenge facing the honeybee population, according to Durant, originates from the almond farming sector. With honey prices becoming unviable, beekeepers shifted their focus to California’s lucrative almond industry, which boasts a staggering annual export value of $4 billion. Each February, approximately 99% of U.S. honeybees are transported to California to pollinate almond trees. Yet, like previous industrialized crops, this monoculture system prioritizes yield and profit over biodiversity and ecological health.

Moreover, the fossil fuels powering the global food system further strain bee populations. Strategies like storing bees in massive refrigeration units are merely temporary fixes to counter unpredictable weather patterns and seasonal variations.

While Durant presents a rather grim outlook, she also provides potential solutions in the latter portion of her book. These include innovative tree planting initiatives, regenerative agricultural practices, and rewilding efforts. There exists space for wildflower growth beneath long stretches of almond trees or solar panels, and employing managed burns grounded in Native American land management traditions can help restore grasslands. Such measures could significantly bolster the chances for bees and their native counterparts.

Nevertheless, the successful implementation of these strategies relies heavily on government investment and overcoming the economic constraints faced by farmers. At times, Durant delves into intricate state-level environmental policies, providing insight into the complex and frustrating nature of reforming harmful practices.

Numerous environmental issues, such as climate change and water scarcity, possess straightforward remedies. Yet, these solutions often struggle to gain traction due to outdated economic systems. Many share in this predicament, much like how I currently have a pack of cheap almonds—grown in the U.S., processed in Germany, and sold in the UK—on my desk. Durant advocates for a reconnection with nature among gardeners and farmers, yet does not appear intent on vehemently challenging the status quo.

One “rebel gardener,” introduced by Durant, transformed a barren lawn into a thriving ecosystem. This anecdote illustrates that individual efforts can contribute to biodiversity, even in the face of opposition from neighbors adhering strictly to monoculture. Such personal spaces foster new relationships with living organisms, revealing their shared existence with humans.

Observing how bees choose which flowers to visit and pass on crucial knowledge to fellow hive members accentuates their intrinsic value—not merely as pollinators, but as living beings. This kinship fosters a stronger motivation for action than the distressing statistics of bee die-offs that often go unheeded. When combined with Durant’s inquiries about the ideal future of our landscapes and food systems, the need for change becomes undeniable.

She states, “Let’s plant flowers. Let’s minimize pesticides. Let’s share the land.” “Let’s nurture relationships with living beings,” she adds.

3 More Must-Read Books on Nature and Conservation

The Mind of a Bee
By Lars Chitka

Are bees intelligent and capable of basic emotions and consciousness? Whether you agree or disagree with Chitka’s findings, he prompts readers to reconsider how bees perceive their reality and the remarkable complexity of hive life.

Staying with the Trouble
Written by Donna J. Haraway

Donna Haraway presents a balanced view of our environmental challenges, urging readers not to succumb to despair or blind optimism. Instead, she advocates for nurturing complex relationships with all life forms.

The Book of Wilding
Written by Isabella Tree and Charlie Burrell

The inspiring narrative of how the Knepp Estate in southern England transformed from barren land to a vibrant ecosystem provides valuable insights. While not everyone has vast land holdings, this book is rich in practical advice.

Topics:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Understanding the Mystery of Rising Women’s Body Temperature from Ages 18 to 42

Posted on May 21, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Although hot flashes are linked to menopause, studies indicate women experience a gradual increase in body temperature from early adulthood through midlife.

Dmitry Marchenko/Alamy

Understanding Women's Body Temperature Changes — Although hot flashes are linked to menopause, studies indicate women experience a gradual increase in body temperature from early adulthood through midlife.

Dmitry Marchenko/Alamy

A woman’s resting body temperature gradually increases year-by-year from age 18 to 42, though the exact reasons remain uncertain. This finding suggests potential applications for temperature-sensing wearables to monitor aging, peri-menopause, and related health conditions.

“Temperature signals may hold critical insights about health,” says Marie Gombert-Labedens from SRI International, a California-based research institute. “Our aim is to stimulate further studies to uncover new health markers that could provide unexplored health insights.”

In their 1990s study, researchers investigated over 750 women aged 18 to 42 who recorded their oral or rectal temperature daily upon waking.

The results revealed that participants typically had lower body temperatures during the first half of their menstrual cycle and higher temperatures in the second half around ovulation. Many fertility tracking apps capitalize on this temperature spike to help identify a user’s fertile window.

The research team further analyzed the data to assess the impact of age on body temperature across different menstrual phases. They discovered an average yearly temperature rise from ages 18 to 42. Consequently, women over 35 recorded temperatures approximately 0.05°C higher than their younger peers throughout both halves of their cycles.

This suggests that the skin temperature monitored by smart rings indicates women aged 42 to 55 are generally warmer than those between 18 and 35.

Although more studies are necessary to clarify the reasons behind this temperature increase, Gombert-Labedens suggests it may be linked to hormonal shifts as women approach their reproductive twilight years. As perimenopause starts, body temperature may surge, causing hot flashes and night sweats, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.

The initial study only included women not on hormonal contraception and without hormonal disorders like PMOS (previously termed PCOS), leaving unknown factors that could influence body temperature changes over time.

Previous research indicates that post-menopause, women’s body temperatures often rise, although they tend to return to more stable levels similar to men’s. Enduring lower temperature levels and alignment with male averages.

Gombert-Labedens noted that the midlife increase in temperature may account for why some women report feeling warmer than their younger selves. “We hypothesize that higher body temperatures in middle-aged women could alter their thermal perception and reactions to the environment,” she adds.

With the rise of smart rings and temperature-sensing devices, identifying individual temperature variations could help predict approaching menopause, assess biological aging rates, and uncover early signs of ovarian cancer among other conditions, says Gombert-Labedens.

Topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Understanding Why Women’s Body Temperature Increases from Ages 18 to 42

Posted on May 21, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Although hot flashes are associated with menopause, women actually become progressively hotter from early adulthood through middle age.

Dmitry Marchenko/Alamy

Women's Body Temperature Changes — Although hot flashes are associated with menopause, women actually become progressively hotter from early adulthood through middle age.

Dmitry Marchenko/Alamy

A woman’s resting body temperature gradually increases from age 18 to 42, though the cause remains unclear. This significant finding suggests that temperature-sensing wearables might be utilized for tracking aging, identifying perimenopause, and detecting possible health issues.

“We believe that temperature signals hold valuable health information,” states Marie Gombert-Labedens from SRI International, a California-based research institute. “We aspire to inspire research that identifies new health markers, using this data as a previously untapped resource.”

In 1990s research, Gombert-Labedens and her team studied over 750 women aged 18 to 42 who measured their oral or rectal temperature daily upon waking.

The analysis revealed that participants had lower body temperatures during the initial half of their menstrual cycle and higher temperatures during the latter half when ovulation occurred. This temperature increase is commonly used by many fertility tracking apps to predict the fertile window.

Upon further examination of age-related body temperature fluctuations during various menstrual stages, the researchers discovered that on average, participants’ temperatures increased slightly each year from ages 18 to 42. Notably, women over 35 recorded temperatures approximately 0.05°C higher than younger counterparts across both phases of the menstrual cycle.

Subsequently, the finger skin temperature continuously recorded by smart rings indicates that women aged 42 to 55 exhibit higher temperatures compared to those aged 18 to 35.

Further research is essential to clarify the reasons behind this increase in body temperature, with Gombert-Labedens suggesting it could be linked to hormonal changes, particularly as reproductive years close. During perimenopause, rapid body temperature rises can lead to hot flashes and night sweats; however, the exact mechanisms remain uncertain.

The study only included women not using hormonal contraception and those without hormonal disorders like PMOS (previously known as PCOS), leaving the impact of these variables on long-term body temperature yet to be determined.

Additional studies suggest that post-menopause, women’s body temperatures tend to normalize to levels similar to men.

Gombert-Labedens mentions that this midlife temperature increase may explain why many women in this age group report feeling less cold than they did earlier in life. “We hypothesize that the elevated body temperatures of middle-aged women may affect their environmental temperature perception,” she elaborates.

As smart rings and other temperature-sensing wearables gain popularity, it’s possible to pinpoint patterns and deviations in temperature trends that signal impending menopause, assess biological aging rates, and identify early signs of ovarian cancer and other conditions, according to Gombert-Labedens.

Topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

How Your Handwriting Can Indicate Your Risk of Dementia

Posted on May 21, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

The speed and complexity of handwriting may serve as indicators of brain health, according to findings from recent research by a leading research institute.

This revelation emerged when scientists observed a group of older adults completing a variety of writing tasks with differing levels of difficulty.

In the most intricate task—writing from dictation—scientists found a significant correlation between handwriting speed and style and the presence of cognitive impairment.

“Writing transcends mere motor skill; it acts as a window into cognitive processes,” states Dr. Ana Rita Mathias, an Assistant Professor at the University of Évora, Portugal.

“Our research revealed that older adults with cognitive impairments exhibited distinct patterns in the timing and organization of their handwriting movements.”

Handwriting encompasses various cognitive functions, such as motor control, sensory interpretation—whether auditory or visual—and spatial organization on paper.

Given its cognitive demands, experts like Mathias propose that handwriting may serve as a valuable marker for age-related cognitive decline.

Handwriting may act as a crucial window into brain health, potentially enabling early detection of cognitive decline – Credit: Getty

“The timing and structure of handwriting strokes are closely tied to brain functions like action planning and execution, which depend on working memory and executive control,” added Mathias.

“As these cognitive abilities decline, handwriting tends to become slower, more fragmented, and less coordinated.”

The study included 58 care home residents aged between 62 and 92, with 38 participants diagnosed with some degree of cognitive impairment.

Participants performed two distinct tasks using a digital pen and tablet: a simple pen control task involving 20 seconds to draw ten horizontal lines or dots, which revealed minimal correlation with cognitive impairment due to their simplistic nature.

However, a noticeable difference emerged during tasks that required copying sentences and writing more complex sentences dictated to them.

In the analysis, three key factors stood out: the vertical size of the letters, the initiation of writing, and the time taken to complete the tasks.

“Dictation tasks are particularly intricate as they require simultaneous cognitive functions like listening, language processing, converting speech into text, and coordinating movements,” explained Mathias.

Additionally, the complexity of what participants were writing mattered. Mathias noted, “Long, unpredictable, or linguistically demanding sentences impose greater strain on cognitive resources.”

The research team aspires for these writing tasks to become a practical, economical, and non-invasive approach for detecting cognitive decline.

Nonetheless, further studies are necessary, especially long-term investigations involving larger, diverse populations, before implementation in clinical practice.

Read more:

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

How a Violent Collision May Have Annihilated the Milky Way’s First Stellar Disk

Posted on May 21, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Groundbreaking simulation reveals that a cataclysmic collision 11 billion years ago transformed our galaxy and sparked an explosion of star formation.

The Gemini North telescope captured this stunning image of interacting spiral galaxies, NGC 4568 (bottom) and NGC 4567 (top). Image credits: International Gemini Observatory / NOIRLab / NSF / AURA / TA Chancellor, University of Alaska Anchorage and NSF’s NOIRLab / J. Miller, Gemini Observatory and NSF’s NOIRLab / M. Zamani, NSF’s NOIRLab / D. de Martin, NSF’s NOIRLab.

The Milky Way’s disk is an extensive, rotating structure shaped like a cosmic pancake, featuring luminous spiral arms extending outward from its core.

Most stars in our galaxy, including our Sun, reside within this disk, which rotates at speeds exceeding 220 kilometers per second.

For decades, astronomers have sought to pinpoint the origins of this immense rotating structure.

“Key insights lie in the motion and age of the stars. At some stage in the galaxy’s early history, stars began moving in a consistent rotational pattern, which scientists term the galaxy’s ‘spin-up’ time,” explained Dr. Matthew Orkney from the University of Barcelona and Catalunya Space Institute, along with Dr. Chervin Laporte from CNRS.

“However, the Milky Way did not form in isolation.”

“For years, researchers have theorized that violent collisions with smaller galaxies significantly contributed to the formation of our present-day Milky Way.”

This hypothesis gained traction in 2018, when data from ESA’s Gaia mission unveiled a substantial population of stars whose unusual motions could only be attributed to a gigantic merger approximately 10 billion years ago.”

“This event is now referred to as the Gaia Sausage Enceladus (GSE) merger.”

To better understand how rotating galactic disks develop and evolve, Orkney and Laporte conducted simulations of galaxies akin to the Milky Way under various cosmic scenarios.

Their model allowed them to examine how galaxies like ours would react to ancient collisions with smaller companion galaxies.

They discovered that the rotating stellar disk may have formed much earlier in the galaxy’s timeline than previously believed.

However, the simulations also indicated that large-scale galactic collisions could significantly disrupt, or completely annihilate, these disks.

This suggests that the transition of the Milky Way’s disk into a stable rotation may not mark the moment of its birth but rather a phase of rebuilding following a catastrophic merger.

From their simulations, the researchers posited that the collision between the Milky Way and the GSE galaxy likely occurred around 11 billion years ago, earlier than many earlier estimates.

This proposed timeframe aligns with a remarkable surge in star cluster formation within the Milky Way.

These bursts of star birth are a natural aftermath of galactic collisions, compressing vast clouds of gas and igniting monumental waves of star formation.

“GSE merger models indicate that galactic fireworks were expected post-collision, enhancing star formation, and promoting the emergence of globular clusters. This is the first instance of this connection being demonstrated,” said Dr. Laporte.

“This research underscores critical relationships between galactic structure and ancient collisions, which must be considered holistically to grasp the history of galaxies,” added Dr. Orkney.

For more details on these findings, refer to the Royal Astronomical Society Monthly Notices.

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Matthew DA Orkney & Chervin FP Laporte. 2026. Disk formation and survival: From numerical models of galaxy formation to the Milky Way. MNRAS 548 (4): staf2154; doi: 10.1093/mnras/staf2154

Source: www.sci.news

Fermi Uncovers Hidden Engine Driving Superluminous Supernovae

Posted on May 21, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Recent gamma-ray observations from NASA’s Fermi Space Telescope indicate that supermagnetic neutron stars, known as magnetars, could be responsible for superluminous supernovae—rare stellar explosions that shine with a peak luminosity 10 to 100 times greater than conventional nuclear collapse supernovae.

The superluminous supernova SN 2017egm was identified by ESA’s Gaia mission on May 23, 2017. It erupted within the giant barred spiral galaxy NGC 3191. The image on the right, captured on July 1, 2017, shows the supernova illuminating the entire galaxy. Image credit: SDSS / PS1 / NOT+ALFSOC / Bose et al.

A nuclear collapse supernova occurs when the energy-producing core of a massive star runs out of fuel, collapses under its own gravity, and subsequently explodes.

During this collapse, city-sized neutron stars and potentially smaller black holes may form.

The resulting blast wave ejects the remaining star material, expanding rapidly as a cloud of hot, ionized gas.

Over the past few decades, nearly 400 remarkable nuclear collapse supernovae have been cataloged.

These events, termed hyperluminous supernovae, emit over ten times the visible light typically observed from standard supernovae.

A 2026 research paper suggests that Fermi’s large-area telescope has detected gamma rays from the superluminous supernova SN 2017egm.

This phenomenon occurred in the barred spiral galaxy NGC 3191, located approximately 440 million light-years away in the constellation Ursa Major.

Dr. Guillem Martí Debesa, a researcher at the Institute of Space Sciences in Barcelona, Spain, commented, “We searched for gamma rays from the six nearest superluminous supernovae observed during the first 16 years of Fermi’s mission.” He added, “Only SN 2017egm exhibits gamma-ray evidence, reinforcing earlier indications that certain supernovae can be as luminous in gamma rays as they are in visible light.”

This discovery unlocks new avenues for studying these fascinating astrophysical events.

The explosive energy sources driving these powerful explosions have been a matter of theoretical debate.

The formation of magnetars—neutron stars with unparalleled magnetic fields, 1,000 times stronger than typical neutron stars—is a leading candidate.

Astronomers conducted an in-depth analysis of the optical and gamma-ray characteristics of SN 2017egm, comparing different theoretical models to evaluate their accuracy.

Their model tracked how light and particles produced by the nascent magnetar interacted with the expanding supernova debris.

They anticipate that the newly formed magnetar will rotate hundreds of times per second, producing a powerful outflow of antimatter equivalents of electrons and positrons, thereby creating a substantial cloud of energetic particles.

This cloud, referred to as the magnetar wind nebula, drives various interactions responsible for both gamma-ray production and absorption.

For instance, an electron and a positron may annihilate, producing a pair of gamma-ray photons, or two gamma rays may collide, resulting in particle formation.

Through these mechanisms, gamma rays interact with the remnants of the supernova, becoming reprocessed into lower-energy visible light, thereby enhancing the supernova’s brightness.

Dr. Fabio Acero from the University of Paris-Saclay and CNRS stated, “Around three months after the collapse, as the supernova debris expands and cools, gamma rays may start to escape.” He went on to say, “This magnetar model most accurately models the supernova’s brightness and gamma-ray arrival timings during the initial months, but we believe there is potential for refinement in the later phases when visible light fades erratically.”

“Additional mechanisms may have had an impact during the prolonged decay phase of SN 2017egm,” he added.

Factors such as debris interaction with the magnetar and blast waves emitted over centuries could contribute to these observations.

The study team’s research paper is published in the latest issue of Astronomy and Astrophysics.

_____

F. Acero et al. 2026. Gamma-ray signatures of ultraluminous supernovae: Fermi-LAT GeV detection of SN 2017egm and evidence for a central engine. A&A 709, A229; doi: 10.1051/0004-6361/202558547

Source: www.sci.news

How Ancient Crater Lakes Fostered Ideal Conditions for Earth’s Earliest Oxygen-Breathing Life

Posted on May 21, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Groundbreaking research has unveiled the presence of stromatolites—layered structures created by microbial communities—within a 42,000-year-old asteroid crater in South Korea. This significant finding suggests that an ancient post-impact lake acted as an “oxygen oasis,” providing a vital habitat for early life.

A detailed analysis of stromatolites and lake sediments at the Hapcheon impact crater indicates that these formations may represent the oldest fossilized evidence of oxygen-producing microbial life on early Earth. Image credit: Lim et al., doi: 10.1038/s43247-026-03206-7.

“Stromatolites, which are layered organic sedimentary structures, have been identified as some of the earliest evidence of life on Earth, dating back approximately 3.5 billion years to the early Archean era,” stated lead author Dr. Jaesoo Lim and colleagues from the Korea Institute of Earth Science and Mineral Resources.

These layered structures form through the trapping and binding of sediment particles by microbial activity or through mineral precipitation triggered by microbial metabolic processes.

In the northwestern section of Hapcheon Crater, the research team discovered numerous stromatolites, each measuring between 10 to 20 centimeters in diameter.

“Geochemical analysis of the stromatolites unveiled crucial features, including traces of extraterrestrial materials and surrounding rock, as well as indications of alteration due to hydrothermal activity,” the researchers explained.

The inner layer exhibits a stronger hydrothermal signal, suggesting formation during an earlier, hotter phase.

“These findings collectively support the idea that stromatolites evolved in hydrothermal lakes that gradually decreased in temperature after the impact event,” they added.

Analysis indicates that the Hapcheon collision occurred roughly 42,300 years ago.

This discovery sheds light on the Great Oxidation Event, a significant period around 2.4 billion years ago when Earth’s atmospheric oxygen levels surged,” the scientists noted.

The impact-induced hydrothermal lake likely provided a unique habitat for oxygen-producing microorganisms to flourish.

Such environments have been referred to by the research team as “oxygen oases.”

The study also raises the prospect of similar habitats existing on early Mars.

Since Mars is believed to have had water-filled impact craters in its early history, these cratered environments could serve as promising sites in the search for signs of past life.

“This research presents the first comprehensive evidence that stromatolites can form in hydrothermal lakes generated by asteroid impacts,” Lim remarked.

“Such conditions may have favored the development of early microbial ecosystems.”

For more details, refer to the study published in the Journal, Communication Earth and Environment, on April 16, 2026.

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J. Lim et al. 2026. Discovery of stromatolite formation in post-impact hydrothermal lake environments and its significance for early Earth. Communication Earth and Environment 7, 334; doi: 10.1038/s43247-026-03206-7

Source: www.sci.news

Impact of Wildfires on Lead Contamination in Los Angeles Soil: Current Debates and Findings

Posted on May 21, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) assures residents that most properties cleared by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers show no dangerous levels of lead. This conclusion comes after soil testing was conducted on approximately 1% of homes affected by the Eaton Fire. However, skepticism remains from an independent scientist.

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The Eaton Fire of January 2025 resulted in significant destruction, impacting approximately 9,400 homes in the Altadena area and releasing harmful substances like lead, arsenic, and asbestos into the air. Lead exposure is particularly concerning due to its neurotoxic effects and potential developmental risks for children.

Post-inspection of 100 randomly selected residences by the EPA revealed that only five homes exceeded established lead safety standards. However, 17 parcels reported levels above California’s stricter regulations. The EPA report indicated that the median lead concentrations across all assessed sites remained well below both state and federal safety thresholds. The EPA news release was issued Tuesday.

This data should instill confidence in residents regarding the remediation efforts by the Corps to manage fire-related contaminants, especially lead, noted Michael Montgomery, director of EPA’s Region 9 Superfund and Emergency Management Division. “The Corps effectively removed ash, debris, and the contaminated soil beneath these materials,” he added.

Montgomery expressed belief that the findings are representative of the entire affected burn zone.

“I am 95% confident that the areas addressed in Altadena and Pasadena are below both California and federal lead inspection thresholds,” he affirmed.

The trauma of contamination fears loomed large over Altadena, where many lots were blanketed in soot and ash from the Eaton Fire, particularly concerning given the older homes — many constructed before lead was eliminated from building materials. While the Army Corps removed about two-thirds of the debris from affected sites, soil testing was not conducted as part of the cleanup effort, raising concerns among residents about lingering contamination risks.

Since soil testing was not mandated during cleanup efforts, academic scientists from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health have initiated their own testing in the area, resulting in concerns due to mixed results.

Andrew Welton, a professor specializing in civil, environmental, and ecological engineering at Purdue University, has critiqued the EPA’s assessment as inconclusive. He noted that the methodology employed was aimed at measuring average risks, not pinpointing higher-risk areas.

Welton emphasized, “The results they obtained are not representative of the Eaton fire area,” adding that the sample collection methods were not aligned with existing data that Californians and businesses expect regarding property safety.

Critics have raised alarms about the debris removal process, where the Army Corps was reported to have inconsistently and hastily removed debris, with whistleblowers suggesting the quantity of leftover debris was higher compared to past wildfire responses. Concerns remain regarding the ongoing risk of contamination for residents.

“It’s so incomplete,” one whistleblower remarked.

Montgomery shared that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requested the EPA to perform testing in light of the concerns voiced by residents and officials, a protocol not typically followed in past wildfire incidents.

The EPA’s study aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of contamination levels throughout the Eaton burn area. Properties were selected randomly, and inspections were conducted at accessible locations with resident consent.

For each site, soil samples were collected from two distinct depths at 30 specified locations within the “ash footprint” designated for debris removal.

These samples were then pooled to form two composite samples—one at ground level and another six inches below.

The findings revealed that median lead concentrations in surface soils measured at 31 milligrams per kilogram, significantly below the California threshold of 80 mg/kg and the EPA’s level of 200 mg/kg. The below-surface concentration averaged 43 mg/kg.

EPA findings indicated that five surface samples surpassed the federal testing standards, with one sample showing a lead concentration of 705 mg/kg.

Welton expressed concerns that the EPA’s approach of pooling samples could obscure contamination hotspots at specific locations within the impacted area.

Based on prior evidence in California, “hotspots” often occur post-debris removal, where contractors may have left ash and debris intact. Even properties that pass this average test might still harbor lead levels that exceed state guidelines.

Welton also noted that the EPA’s testing was limited to the volcanic ash footprint and did not account for unassessed areas of the property.

He pointed out that the most contaminated sites, averaging 705 mg/kg of lead, raise significant concerns, as levels above 1,000 mg/kg are classified as hazardous and necessitate disposal in specialized landfills.

“That means the entire property is warmer,” Welton concluded. “There could be areas with even higher contamination levels.”

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Generating Hydrogen from Rocks: A Sustainable Solution for CO2 Storage

Posted on May 20, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Carbfix Facility in Iceland

Oksana Valiukevicien/Alamy

To tackle climate change, the demand for clean hydrogen is rising, especially for sectors that renewable electricity cannot power. Innovative methods may enable us to extract substantial hydrogen from deep underground rocks while simultaneously capturing carbon dioxide.

Researchers from the University of Texas at Austin have demonstrated the viability of this process with common rock types in controlled lab settings and are seeking partnerships for practical demonstration projects.

“Our goal is to provide evidence that hydrogen can be produced economically alongside CO2 sequestration,” explains Orsolya Gerensel. Additionally, this approach could generate geothermal energy.

Burning hydrogen solely emits water vapor, eliminating contributions to global warming. Thus, hydrogen has the potential to significantly help achieve net-zero targets by decarbonizing critical industrial processes, such as fertilizer manufacturing and steel production.

Currently, hydrogen is predominantly derived from fossil fuels, which release substantial CO2 emissions during production. A sustainable method involves using renewable energy sources, like wind and solar, to electrolyze water, yielding hydrogen and oxygen.

While this practice is emerging, hydrogen produced via these methods remains costlier and requires significant renewable energy resources—often limiting alternatives for shifting away from coal power.

This increasing need for natural or geological hydrogen has led to renewed interest. Several processes allow for hydrogen production within rocks, and under optimal conditions, the gas can be harnessed similarly to natural gas. This could be a cleaner and cheaper source, although the extent of accessible natural hydrogen remains uncertain. While some experts predict vast reserves, others, including Gerensel, caution that natural hydrogen resources may be finite.

Currently, nearly pure natural hydrogen is extracted in the small village of Bourakebugou in Mali. However, it is produced on a minimal scale.

“This is a unique scenario,” Gerensel states. Due to the typically low hydrogen production rates and the small size of its molecules, suitable overlying rock formations rarely hold hydrogen effectively, she adds.

Hence, numerous teams worldwide are investigating ways to facilitate hydrogen production from rocks directly, a method known as stimulated hydrogen generation, with various trials already in progress.

One approach involves pumping groundwater to react with certain rock types, initiating serpentinization to produce hydrogen—potentially a substantial natural hydrogen source. More water can accelerate this reaction.

Gerensel and her team posited that introducing carbon dioxide into the water will react with rocks, mineralizing into carbonates. The company Carbfix is pioneering this concept in Iceland, where they mineralize CO2 by injecting it into water pumped underground near geothermal energy plants.

Through laboratory tests using iron-rich volcanic rock, Gerensel’s team simulated deep conditions, heating samples and assessing reactions with either CO2-enriched water or inert argon. Results indicated that CO2-laden water produced significantly more hydrogen, likely due to carbonic acid formation which aids rock dissolution and enhances water interaction. The presence of nickel chloride as a catalyst may further boost hydrogen production, as shared at a recent European Geosciences Union meeting in Vienna.

Theoretically, the reaction between water and rock could release approximately 0.5% of the hydrogen. Achieving a 1% efficiency threshold is crucial for practicality, and exploring deeper areas with higher temperatures may facilitate this, albeit at increased costs. However, these higher temperatures could also benefit geothermal energy generation.

There are vast amounts of iron-rich rock globally, and even at a 1% efficiency, the potential hydrogen yield could far surpass the current global production of 100 million tons.

Barbara Sherwood Lollar from the University of Toronto remarks on the growing interest in these innovative methods. “A collaborative approach that combines stimulated geological hydrogen production with CO2 mineralization shows great promise,” notes Aliaksey Patnia from the University of Oxford. “Numerous startups and research groups are exploring variations of this concept.”

If projects can successfully trap CO2, like Carbfix does, additional revenue could decrease risks, enhancing attractiveness to investors, Patonia explains. However, the viability of these strategies remains to be determined.

Sherwood Lollar urges an exploration of stimulated hydrogen production beyond the limited known natural hydrogen sources. Her team’s findings indicate that a mine in Timmins, Ontario, emits around 140 tons of hydrogen annually, presenting opportunities for local exploitation.

“There isn’t a single solution,” she emphasizes. “All these promising approaches can and should play a role, and we must address them promptly.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

The Surprising Reasons Women Experience Increased Attraction from Ages 18 to 42

Posted on May 20, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Although hot flashes are linked to menopause, research indicates that women gradually experience a rise in body temperature from early adulthood through middle age.

Dmitry Marchenko/Alamy

A fascinating study reveals that a woman’s resting body temperature incrementally increases each year from age 18 to 42. The underlying reasons for this phenomenon remain largely unexplored, paving the way for innovative solutions like temperature-sensing wearables to monitor aging and detect perimenopause alongside other health issues.

According to Marie Gombert-Labedens from SRI International, a renowned research institute in California, “We believe temperature signals provide substantial insights into health.” She hopes this research will uncover new health markers that could serve as invaluable tools for maintaining our well-being.

In studies from the 1990s, over 750 women aged 18 to 42 tracked their oral or rectal temperatures daily upon waking. Findings indicated that women generally recorded lower body temperatures during the first half of their menstrual cycle, rising during ovulation. This temperature shift is frequently utilized by fertility tracking applications to determine fertile phases.

Upon further analyzing this data, Gombert-Labedens and her team discovered a slight annual increase in body temperature correlated with age, noting that women over 35 had temperatures about 0.05°C higher than their younger counterparts during both phases of the menstrual cycle.

This data suggests that continuous finger skin temperature monitoring via smart rings shows women aged 42 to 55 are, on average, warmer than those aged 18 to 35.

While more research is needed to elucidate this temperature increase, it may be linked to hormonal changes, particularly leading into the later reproductive years. The onset of perimenopause accompanies a rapid rise in body temperature, commonly resulting in hot flashes and night sweats, although the exact mechanisms still require clarification.

The study focused on women who were not utilizing hormonal contraception and did not have hormonal disorders, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), leaving questions about how these elements might influence long-term body temperature changes.

Further investigation has shown that after menopause, women’s body temperatures generally return to lower levels, similar to men’s. This shift can normalize temperature dynamics among genders.

Gombert-Labedens posits that the increase in body temperature around midlife may offer insights into why some women report feeling warmer as they age. “We speculate that the elevated body temperatures in middle-aged women could alter their sensitivity and reactions to environmental temperatures,” she states.

As advanced temperature-sensing devices and smart rings become integral in health monitoring, they could potentially reveal crucial patterns and anomalies in individual temperature trends, signaling the approach of menopause, estimating biological aging rates, and even detecting early signs of conditions like ovarian cancer, according to Gombert-Labedens.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Rodent-Like Mammals Thrived in the Ancient Arctic Before Dinosaur Extinction

Posted on May 20, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Paleontologists have identified three new species of multituberculate mammals: Camurodon, Kayaku Gluk Peregrinus, and Crab Cosmodon Polaris. These fascinating creatures thrived in the polar forests around 73 million years ago. Notably, Kayaku Gluk Peregrinus shows a strong connection to Mongolian species, providing the earliest direct evidence of polytuberculates migrating from Asia to North America. This discovery challenges the long-held belief that the Arctic was evolutionarily isolated.

Reconstruction of the Late Cretaceous paleoenvironment of Alaska. Image credit: James Havens.

These species ranged in size between a mouse and a rat. Multituberculates are notable for being the longest-surviving group of mammals in Earth’s history, existing for over 100 million years from the Jurassic period until the end of the Eocene epoch, about 35 million years ago.

Remarkably, they survived the Chicxulub impact that led to the extinction of non-avian dinosaurs 66 million years ago.

Scientists have been intrigued by the longevity of multituberculates, and the discovery of these three new Arctic species may hold vital clues.

Dr. Sarah Shelley, a paleontologist at the University of Lincoln, stated, “Although polar regions lack the biodiversity of tropical areas, they have been vibrant habitats where life has thrived for eons.”

Fossil teeth from Camurodon, Kayaku Gluk Peregrinus, and Crab Cosmodon Polaris were found in a deposit dating back 73 million years in the Prince Creek Formation, located in the Arctic Circle.

These ancient creatures thrived even in a harsh environment marked by long winters, freezing temperatures, and potential food shortages.

“These three new mammal species bolster evidence that this ancient Arctic region was a habitat for unique polar-adapted species,” noted Dr. Patrick Druckenmiller, a paleontologist at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

The research revealed significant variations in tooth shape among the three species, implying that they likely had diverse diets.

Camurodon exhibited herbivorous teeth, while Kayaku Gluk Peregrinus displayed characteristics of an omnivore, likely consuming both insects and plants.

Crab Cosmodon Polaris also seems to have been omnivorous, with a possible diet primarily consisting of plants.

In environments with limited food sources, the ability to adapt and diversify diets may have been key to the coexistence of various multituberculate species.

“Such adaptability may have also enabled them to survive the asteroid impact,” Dr. Shelley observed.

Researchers found that Kayaku Gluk Peregrinus is closely related to species native to modern-day Mongolia, indicating that these ancestors migrated from Asia to North America.

This migration is estimated to have occurred around 92 million years ago, marking one of the earliest known instances of mammals crossing continents.

“This finding implies that there was a land route between Asia and North America that facilitated movement for these small mammals,” said Professor Jerin Eberle, curator at the University of Colorado Museum of Natural History.

“This land bridge was already active around 90 million years ago.”

This discovery adds to the understanding of how species have migrated across continents, reshaping ecosystems throughout history.

“This challenges our perspective on native species,” Dr. Shelley remarked.

“Deep moments like these remind us that a place isn’t merely a dot on a map, but a tapestry of overlapping histories related to its landscape and inhabitants.”

The findings are detailed in a recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

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Sarah L. Sherry et al. 2026. Arctic ecosystems influenced the dispersal and diversification of mammals prior to the Cretaceous-Paleogene mass extinction. PNAS 123 (22): e2601794123; doi: 10.1073/pnas.2601794123

Source: www.sci.news

Exploring Oliver Sacks’s ‘The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat’: Insights After Recent Revelations

Posted on May 20, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Exploring the Revelations Surrounding Oliver Sacks’ The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat

Often, popular science books become dated as new research debunks their key theories or presents outdated concepts. Sometimes, however, explosive revelations transform the narrative entirely.

In the case of Oliver Sacks, it’s the latter with The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat. This groundbreaking work has influenced countless psychology students and researchers, including myself. Yet, its reputation has been shaken by startling disclosures about Sacks’ commitment to factual accuracy. Is there anything redeemable amidst the wreckage?

I first read The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat—referred to as hat here—around 25 years ago as an undergraduate psychology student. It’s a collection of case studies featuring individuals with neuropsychiatric conditions, primarily drawn from Sacks’ own patients. He immerses readers into the lives of those battling memory loss, neurosyphilis, Tourette syndrome, and more, examining not just their challenges in daily life but the neurological foundations of their conditions and their implications for understanding the human mind.

On a recent reread, I noticed some elements that raise concerns. Originally published in 1985, the book includes language that is no longer acceptable, particularly concerning individuals with developmental delays. Moreover, Sacks occasionally reflects on the profound meanings his patients derive from their cognitive challenges.

Yet overall, revisiting it reminded me of the compelling storytelling that captivated me initially. Sacks is often viewed as the empathetic “grandpa” of psychology, which explains why this book resonates with so many.

In Chapter 3, “The Disembodied Woman,” Sacks recounts the story of “Christina,” a woman who suffered severe neurological damage and lost her sense of proprioception—the awareness of one’s body in space. For Christina, even actions as simple as riding the bus became Herculean tasks, as her awkward movements led others to mistakenly assume she was intoxicated.

By sharing these narratives, Sacks advocates for greater societal acceptance of individuals who have experienced brain injuries or who possess atypical neurological wiring. Although he never employs the contemporary term “neurodiversity,” the idea is very much present in hat.

The central issue with this book lies in its veracity; one cannot ascertain the authenticity of many accounts. Investigative journalist Rachel Aviv gained access to Sacks’ correspondence and personal diary through the Oliver Sacks Foundation, revealing Sacks’ “guilt” over “my lies” and “falsifications.” hat.

Aviv has uncovered that several stories within the book may be at least partially fabricated. For instance, Sacks narrates a patient named Rebecca, depicted as unable to “confidently open a door with a key,” yet flourishing in a theater company, a transformation unsupported by evidence in Sacks’ records. Similarly, he describes identical twins with severe disabilities allegedly capable of identifying six-digit prime numbers, an extraordinary claim unverified by any other source.

In conclusion, it remains ambiguous how much of hat can be trusted. Most case studies go unpublished in scientific journals, leaving no room for independent validation. What we have are the words of Oliver Sacks; however, his diary confesses to deception. While I hesitate to endorse remarkable claims like the twins’ prime number identification, many narratives—such as that of Christina—align better with verified accounts.

Aviv’s investigation highlights that Sacks grappled with his internal struggles. He didn’t publicly embrace his identity as a gay man until later in life and lived with feelings of guilt and self-loathing due to societal homophobia, a struggle that deeply impacted both his personal life and professional work. This narrative is profoundly tragic and underscores the intersections of identity and mental health.

The most significant concern is that hat Sacks presented this work as nonfiction, yet its most remarkable achievement lies within the realm of fiction: transporting readers into the minds of those whose experiences and perceptions diverge dramatically from the norm. While it may not serve as a reliable source of neuropsychiatric facts, approaching it with this understanding reveals enduring truths.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

The Mystery Behind Tyrannosaurus Rex’s Tiny Arms: New Insights Revealed

Posted on May 20, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Paleontologists from University College London and the University of Cambridge have unveiled that the small arms of large predatory dinosaurs evolved in tandem with their massive heads and powerful bone-crushing jaws. This evolutionary shift indicates that ancient predators increasingly relied on biting rather than grasping their prey.

Reconstruction of Tyrannosaurus macraiensis. Image credit: Sergey Krasovskiy.

“While everyone recognizes Tyrannosaurus rex, other giant theropod dinosaurs also featured small arms, indicating a trend towards reduced forelimb size,” stated Charlie Roger Scherer, a PhD student at University College London.

“For instance, Carnotaurus showcases surprisingly small arms, even in comparison to Tyrannosaurus rex.”

“We aimed to understand the driving factors behind this evolution and discovered a strong correlation between shorter arms and the development of larger, more robust heads.”

In their comprehensive study, Scherer and colleagues analyzed data from 82 species of carnivorous theropod dinosaurs.

They determined that reductions in forelimb size occurred across five key lineages: abelisaurids, carcharodontosaurids, ceratosaurids, megalosaurids, and tyrannosaurids.

The evidence suggests that smaller arms are directly linked to the evolution of a larger, more powerful skull and jaw, rather than simply being a consequence of overall body size increases.

Torbosaurus gurneyi. Image credit: © Sergey Krasovskiy.

The researchers propose that the increased size of prey, including giant sauropods and other large herbivores, may have driven theropods to rely more on their jaws and heads instead of their claws for hunting.

This shift in attack strategy highlights the evolutionary principle of “use it or lose it,” as the arms gradually became less useful and diminished in size.

“While our study illustrates a correlation, we cannot definitively establish causation; however, it strongly suggests that theropods developed more solidly built skulls in conjunction with shorter forelimbs,” Scherer explained.

“It is unlikely that these predators would have abandoned their effective methods of attack without developing alternatives.”

Ecosystem reconstruction of the Late Jurassic Dry Mesa dinosaur quarry, roughly 150 million years ago in Colorado, USA. Image credit: Sergey Krasovskiy / Pedro Salas.

For their research, the paleontologists developed a novel method to quantify skull robustness, evaluating factors such as bone connectivity, skull dimensions (with compact shapes being superior in strength), and bite force.

Among the species studied, Tyrannosaurus rex achieved the highest score for skull robustness, followed closely by Tyrannotitan, another significant theropod that existed in present-day Argentina over 30 million years ago during the Early Cretaceous period.

“The enormous size of prey may have instigated an evolutionary arms race, prompting theropods to evolve more powerful skulls and jaws to subdue increasingly gigantic prey,” the researchers concluded.

Read their full paper, published today in Proceedings of the Royal Society B.

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Charlie Roger Scherer et al. 2026. Driving forces and mechanisms of convergent forelimb reduction in non-avian theropod dinosaurs. Proc Biol Sci 293 (2071): 20260528;doi: 10.1098/rspb.2026.0528

Source: www.sci.news

Discover the Secrets: Inside the Black Hole – A Must-Read New Book

Posted on May 20, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Giant Firestorm: The Escalating Crisis

Climate change is driving unprecedented wildfires, threatening our safety and ecosystems. The situation is expected to worsen if immediate action isn’t taken.

The Need for Human Connection

Recent studies highlight the vital role of physical touch in maintaining health and well-being, revealing interesting implications for pet owners and their bonds.

Dangers of Ultra-Processed Foods

It’s not merely your willpower—“Big Food” leverages ultra-processed foods (UPFs) to create cravings that are hard to resist, posing significant health risks.

Making Better Choices: A Mindful Approach

Have you examined your thought processes? Understanding how you think can enhance decision-making abilities. This isn’t procrastination; it’s growth.

Plus

World Cup Fever: Will the innovative aerodynamic properties of this year’s soccer ball influence the championship outcome?
America Underwater: New revelations indicate that coastal disasters could strike the U.S. shores sooner than anticipated.
Q&A: This month, we’re tackling your queries about narcissistic behaviors, what constitutes pee, why insects flock to light, the ideal laundry temperature, histamine reactions, and even why your cat acts wild during a full moon. Plus, should you reconsider your hot dog consumption?

Issue No. 433 Releases on May 20, 2026

Don’t forget, BBC Science Focus is accessible on all major digital platforms. Download the magazine on Android, Kindle Fire, and iOS for an all-device experience.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

BBC Science Focus Crossword #433 Answers and Solutions

Posted on May 20, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Holly is a dedicated staff writer for BBC Science Focus, where she expertly manages the highly engaging Q&A section. She possesses a prestigious MSc (Special Award) in Earth Sciences (Space and Climate Physics) from UCL, with a specialization in Astronomy and Earth Sciences. Prior to her role at Our Media, Holly gained valuable experience as a geo-environmental consultant and engineer, dedicating her free time to the exciting search for exoplanets while providing critical information on ground risk and remediation in northern England.

In addition to her writing, she has served as a regional editor for a well-known theater website for nine years, showcasing her ability to curate and develop compelling content for the digital realm. Holly is also a talented artist and illustrator, frequently contributing to the craft website Gathered. Her impressive portfolio includes collaborations with renowned brands such as RSPB, English Heritage, Disney, Pilot, Brother, as well as publications like BBC Good Food Magazine, Home Style Magazine, and Papercraft Inspiration Magazine. Alongside her creative endeavors, she enjoys photography and has a keen interest in antiques.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

New Jurassic Pterosaur Species Discovered in Germany: Insights into Ancient Flying Reptiles

Posted on May 20, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

A new genus and species of early monophenestratan pterosaur has been identified by paleontologists, based on a nearly complete and exceptionally preserved fossil skeleton found in Bavaria, Germany.

Holotype specimen of Laueropterus vitriolus viewed under natural light. Image credit: DWE Hone, doi: 10.7717/peerj.21204.

Pterosaurs were the first vertebrates to achieve powered flight, appearing roughly 210 million years ago and evolving from small birds to colossal creatures with wingspans comparable to small airplanes.

The newly described species, named Laueropterus vitriolus, belongs to a group of early pterosaurs known as monophenestratans. With a wingspan measuring approximately 1 meter (3.3 feet), it ranks among the largest members of this migratory group ever found.

“Early monofenestratans represent a relatively recent discovery in pterosaur evolution, first identified in 2010,” stated study author Dr. David Horne, a zoology reader at Queen Mary University of London.

“Through various analyses, these taxa were classified as both a clade and grade existing between non-monophenestratans and pterodactyls.”

“Some of the most advanced taxa have been designated as pterodactyls, representing derived monofenestratan and pterodactyl clades.”

The fossilized skeleton of Laueropterus vitriolus was unearthed in the Schaudyberg quarry around 2007, from the Mornsheim Formation.

This fossil dates back 150 to 143 million years (late Jurassic period), and includes the skull, jaw, spinal column, and most of the wings.

“The specimen is preserved on a sizable limestone slab measuring approximately 60 cm x 45 cm (2 feet x 1.5 feet),” Dr. Horne explained.

“The slab is predominantly gray, featuring thick white bars arranged at right angles that intersect at various points.”

“Pterosaur fossils are often exceptionally well-preserved and undistorted, allowing for clear outlines of thin elements such as the sternal plate.”

Laueropterus vitriolus exhibits a combination of both primitive and advanced features, including a large skull with a single opening that integrates the nostril and antorbital fenestra, characteristic of monophenestratan pterosaurs, alongside relatively short wing bones typical of earlier forms.

“Laueropterus vitriolus marks the fourth non-pterodactyl monophenestratan pterosaur discovered in Mülheim, alongside Skifosora, macrodactylus, and Rhamphodactylus,” Dr. Horne noted.

“This discovery represents the only other record of this grade in the region, with Proterodactylus found in much older deposits, highlighting that non-pterodactyl monophenestratans are significantly more common here.”

“Hundreds of pterosaur fossils have been excavated from the renowned Solnhofen Formation, yet fewer than a dozen non-pterodactyl monophenestratans have been documented in Mülheim, making this find exceptionally notable.”

The research findings were published online on May 11th in PeerJ.

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DWE Horne. 2026. A new, early monophenestratan pterosaur discovered from the Mornsheim Formation in southern Germany. PeerJ 14: e21204; doi: 10.7717/peerj.21204

Source: www.sci.news

Taiwan’s Offshore Solar Power Plants Surpass Onshore Solar Energy Production

Posted on May 20, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Innovative Floating Solar Power Project by Chenya Energy

Getty Images/iStockphoto

The ocean presents a groundbreaking opportunity for the rapidly expanding solar energy sector. Recent studies reveal that floating solar farms off the coast of Taiwan outperform land-based solar farms in terms of electricity generation and profitability.

Taiwan, comparable in size to the Netherlands, has limited open land due to its mountainous terrain and a population of 5 million. To address this, Chenya Energy developed a 181 MW offshore floating photovoltaic (OFPV) project, utilizing 1.8 square kilometers of water in a protected bay within an industrial park.

A year earlier, Taiwan Power Company had established a 100-megawatt land-based solar photovoltaic (LPV) project on 1.4 square kilometers nearby, providing an excellent comparison for researchers, excluding the additional 81 megawatts from the floating solar farm.

According to the research, floating solar technology generates 12% more electricity compared to traditional land-based systems. Although operating and maintenance costs are somewhat elevated, the net returns stand at 11% for OFPV versus 8% for LPV.

Lead author Qingfeng Chen from the National Taipei University of Technology notes, “While installing solar systems at sea is more complex than on land, the carbon and emissions reductions from OFPV make it a superior choice compared to LPV.”

To date, over 1,100 floating solar setups have been launched, predominantly in lakes and reservoirs across China and other densely populated Asian countries. The primary benefit is that it does not compete with land that could be used for agriculture or development, while also achieving up to 20% more energy than land-based systems—though results can vary significantly by location.

This enhanced performance is attributed to the cooler temperatures—typically 2-3 °C lower on water than on land— which help mitigate efficiency losses in solar panels. The strong winds over large bodies of water further contribute to this cooling effect.

Chen states, “Heat is the main enemy.” Even in oceanic environments—which are cooler than lakes and reservoirs—floating solar generation continues to provide substantial electricity outputs. However, construction remains challenging, and only a limited number of projects have been implemented.

The largest such project is in China, comprising a 1-gigawatt system in shallow waters off Shandong province. Floating solar platforms are anchored to the seabed, and in Taiwan, cells are directly placed on the ocean floor during low tide.

Installation costs for floating systems can be approximately 30% higher than land-based setups, as they have to endure moisture, rust, salt, and wave action. Additional maintenance is required to mitigate salt and debris buildup, with employees needing to clean the solar panels and remove any debris.

Despite these challenges, the higher power output significantly offsets the initial investment over the project’s lifespan. Chen’s study did not factor in long-term wear from waves and storms, which may pose increased risks for offshore wind farms, which seek to integrate floating solar for energy production when wind currents weaken.

Research published last year indicated that adequately covering just 1% of ocean surfaces with wind and solar systems could satisfy nearly 30% of global electricity demands by 2050.

In recent years, German and Dutch companies have tested offshore solar projects around 12 kilometers from the Netherlands’ coastline. A pilot project survived waves reaching up to 10 meters since 2019. However, another floating solar installation near the Hollandse Kust Noord wind farm faced operational issues due to a faulty electrical connector, prompting immediate action from Shell and Eneko to remove it last year.

Another consideration is the ecological impact of floating PV systems, which can reduce oxygen and light in the water, potentially affecting aquatic organisms like phytoplankton and seaweed. Vincent Bax, a researcher at HZ University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands, cautions that while offshore deployment could face challenges from waves and weather, the proximity to shore may negatively impact biodiversity.

Nevertheless, he asserts that “Considering its lower impact on terrestrial ecosystems, this technology has significant potential.”

Given the technical difficulties involved in offshore solar energy production, Chen predicts a strong focus in growth toward sun-rich islands with limited offshore wind resources, including Taiwan, Japan, Indonesia, and nations in the Caribbean.

“Strategic location is pivotal,” he concludes.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Unraveling the Mystery: Why Tyrannosaurus and Other Dinosaurs Evolved Small Arms

Posted on May 20, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Tyrannosaurus Rex: The Predatory Dinosaur with Unique Arm Traits

Roger Harris/Getty Images/Science Photo Library

Who needs large arms when equipped with a formidable jaw? Recent research indicates that dinosaurs, including Tyrannosaurus rex, developed smaller forelimbs as their powerful heads evolved into the primary tool for capturing substantial prey. This evolutionary adaptation was observed in five separate lineages of large theropod dinosaurs.

Researchers have noted a trend among large predatory theropods towards increased size, featuring larger heads alongside smaller, shorter arms. However, the reasons behind this recurring pattern across various dinosaur families, which evolved millions of years apart, remained a mystery. According to Charlie Scherer from University College London, there was limited understanding of how the anatomical structure of their robust skulls changed in proportion to their smaller forelimbs.

“This paper addresses one of the major evolutionary questions in theropod dinosaurs,” stated Andre Rowe from the University of Bristol, who was not involved in the study.

Scherer and colleagues meticulously gathered data on forelimb-to-skull ratios and body weight measurements for 85 theropod species. This research facilitated a calculation of the skull-to-arm dimension ratios, quantifying the comparably small size of forelimbs relative to heads. They further compared these ratios with other body metrics and skull strength measurements based on parameters like bite force and skull rigidity.

The study revealed that enhanced skull durability correlates with reduced arm size, regardless of a species’ position on the theropod evolutionary tree. “If it’s a predatory theropod boasting a robust skull, its forelimbs are likely to be notably small,” Scherer noted.

Notably, the research uncovered that this head-to-arm evolution occurred independently across five theropod groups: tyrannosaurids, short-nosed abelisaurids, knife-toothed carcharodontosaurids, ceratosaurids, and megalosaurids. This study marks the first observation of such evolutionary patterns in the latter two groups. Fionn Weism Ma, a professor at The University of Hong Kong, emphasized how quantifying traits in this manner can unveil unseen evolutionary insights.

This discovery provides critical insights into the reasons behind the continual shrinking of dinosaur arms. The growth in skull strength and body size among these predators coincides with an increase in the mass of their prey. Theropods developed strong, robust skulls to effectively manage large, challenging prey. Their heads seem to undertake most of the work, which diminishes the necessity for substantial arm strength, according to Scherer.

“Nature prefers not to overload all features at once,” he emphasized. Maintaining a large, powerful head alongside strong forelimbs requires substantial energy.

This creates a functional trade-off between jaws and claws. While other theropods, such as megaraptors and spinosaurs, are also known as large predators, they adopted a different evolutionary path. Tyrannosaurus exhibits long arms paired with a narrow skull.

Lowe is particularly interested in understanding the mechanical function of the theropod arm, even in its reduced form. “Yes, Tyrannosaurus rex had small vestigial arms, but that doesn’t necessarily indicate they were entirely ineffective,” he noted.

He emphasized that the study underscores the evolutionary diversity within dinosaurs. “This serves as a reminder of why I became fascinated by dinosaurs in the first place—they represent some of the most innovative and successful creatures to ever exist.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

American Doctor Infected with Ebola Evacuates to Germany with Family; Under Surveillance in Congo

Posted on May 20, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

An American surgeon, Dr. Peter Stafford, contracted Ebola while working in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He was in critical condition and struggled to stand when flown to Germany for urgent medical care on Tuesday, according to leaders of the Christian missionary organization known as Serge.

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Dr. Scott Maile, the East and Central Africa regional director for Serge, discussed the scene as Dr. Stafford was transported.

“There were personnel donned in personal protective equipment (PPE), and he was barely able to walk, relying on them for support,” Maile recounted. “He appeared extremely fatigued and ill.”

Dr. Stafford was serving at Nyankunde Hospital in the epicenter of the Ebola outbreak in Ituri province. Maile noted that just days before the outbreak was confirmed by the African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Stafford had operated on a 33-year-old patient with severe abdominal pain, initially suspected to have a gallbladder infection.

“[Stafford] performed an abdominal procedure, confirming the gallbladder was normal, but unfortunately, the patient passed away the following day,” Maile explained.

Shortly after, it was discovered that the patient, who had been buried prior to testing, likely succumbed to Ebola. Stafford exhibited symptoms over the weekend and tested positive for the virus on Sunday, as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“He is an extremely diligent professional, always wearing sterile attire, gloves, a hat, and glasses during surgeries,” Maile remarked. “However, this alone does not suffice to prevent Ebola transmission.”

Rebecca Stafford, Dr. Stafford’s wife, is also a physician and has treated the same patients. Maile mentioned that she and their four young children are still in the Democratic Republic of Congo and are under monitoring. Another doctor, Dr. Patrick Larochelle, is also believed to be infected by the second patient and is currently being observed, although no one is showing symptoms.

“While childhood Ebola cases are rare, we remain hopeful that this will not be the case here,” Maile expressed.

Maile added that Stafford self-isolated as soon as he noticed symptoms, which included chills, fever, muscle aches, fatigue, and nausea.

For his flight to Germany, Stafford was placed on a cylindrical plastic bed resembling a coffin to prevent infection risks amongst the crew.

The World Health Organization states that the Ebola virus has an incubation period of up to 21 days, and its leaders have expressed grave concern over the outbreak’s scale and spread.

It is suspected that the virus had been circulating for several weeks before confirmation. The rising death toll has surpassed 131, with 531 confirmed infections reported across Central Africa.

This outbreak is fueled by a rarer variant known as Bundibugyo, which currently has no approved vaccine or treatment. Previously, Bundibugyo outbreaks have had fatality rates ranging from 30% to 50%, according to the WHO.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

MAVEN Discovers Unique Atmospheric Influences on Mars: Insights into the Red Planet’s Climate

Posted on May 19, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Exciting new findings from NASA’s Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) spacecraft indicate that the Zwan-Wolf effect—where charged particles are expelled through magnetic structures known as flux tubes—is also influencing Mars’ upper atmosphere. This phenomenon was previously believed to be exclusive to Earth’s magnetosphere.

An artistic rendering of the Zwan-Wolf effect on Mars observed by NASA’s MAVEN mission. Image credit: LASP/CU Boulder.

“While analyzing MAVEN data, we discovered a remarkable change,” said Dr. Christopher Fowler, a researcher at West Virginia University.

“We never anticipated this effect because it had not been documented in any planet’s atmosphere before.”

The Zwan-Wolf effect was first identified in 1976 and had only been recorded within planetary magnetospheres until now.

In contrast to Earth, Mars lacks a global magnetic field, which significantly impacts how it interacts with solar wind and space weather.

The MAVEN spacecraft detected the Zwan-Wolf effect within Mars’ ionosphere—less than 200 km above the surface—where a notable number of charged particles reside.

Mars has an induced magnetosphere, produced by solar wind interacting with its ionosphere, but this field’s size and form can vary dramatically due to large solar wind and space weather events.

This variability is what Dr. Fowler and his team observed in MAVEN data during a massive solar storm on Mars.

The team suspects that the Zwan-Wolf effect could be constantly occurring in Mars’ ionosphere but at levels undetectable by MAVEN’s instruments.

Currently, space weather phenomena appear to have intensified, allowing researchers to observe it in their findings.

Initially, the authors noticed intriguing fluctuations in the magnetic field as the spacecraft traversed the Martian atmosphere.

To clarify these observations, they conducted a more detailed analysis using multiple MAVEN instruments, including charged particle measurement capabilities in the ionosphere.

Further analysis revealed additional fascinating features within the data.

After eliminating other possibilities, they identified the Zwan-Wolf effect as the reason for the observations.

“No one anticipated this effect in the atmosphere,” Dr. Fowler remarked.

“This discovery is thrilling; it introduces complexities in physics that remain unexplored and sheds light on new ways solar and space weather can influence Mars’ atmospheric dynamics.”

“Understanding the Zwan-Wolf effect on Mars enhances our knowledge of space weather’s impact and offers fresh insights into similar phenomena on non-magnetic celestial bodies like Venus and Saturn’s moon Titan.”

“These observations underscore the need to comprehend how large-scale space weather fluctuations can lead to environmental changes on Mars, potentially affecting assets both on the planet and in its vicinity.”

“Understanding space weather’s interactions with Mars is vital,” stated Dr. Shannon Currie, a researcher at the University of Colorado Boulder’s Institute for Atmospheric and Space Physics and MAVEN’s principal investigator.

“The MAVEN team continues to analyze our dataset for new discoveries and connections between our Sun and Mars.”

For a detailed look at this research, see the study published in this week’s edition of Nature Communications.

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C.M. Fowler et al. 2026. The Zwan-Wolf effect is detected in the ionosphere of Mars. Nat Commun, 17, 4224; doi: 10.1038/s41467-026-72251-9

Source: www.sci.news

5 Daily Habits to Boost Long-Term Health and Wellness

Posted on May 19, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Living a long, fulfilling life isn’t solely about avoiding diseases or sticking to daily HIIT workouts. As technology advances, researchers are increasingly focused on how our bodies evolve over time. The emphasis has shifted from simply extending lifespan to enhancing healthy life expectancy: living longer and better.

Here are 5 insights extracted from millions of WHOOP wearables that highlight everyday factors influencing the aging process.

1. Fitness is closely linked to longevity

Physical fitness significantly impacts how our bodies age, particularly concerning cardiovascular health. Metrics such as VO₂ max, which measures how efficiently your body uses oxygen, are often linked to a healthier long-term health profile.

2. Sleep consistency matters more than you think

Data from WHOOP indicates that regular sleep duration and a consistent sleep schedule are vital for a healthy aging profile.

3. Strength training is key to healthy aging

Regular weight lifting can extend lifespan. Research indicates that 30 to 60 minutes of strength training weekly may reduce mortality risk by 10 to 30 percent.

4. Daily habits accumulate in meaningful ways

Regular training can significantly boost your health span. In 2025, WHOOP users logged a whopping 1.2 billion minutes in steady heart-rate zones like walking and daily activities, underscoring that consistent movement promotes longevity.

5. Stress and recovery impact your biological aging

WHOOP data reveals that even moderate drinking can have detrimental health effects, impacting your recovery score. Studies show that just one night of drinking can hinder recovery for up to four to five days. Research conducted among university athletes supports this. Over time, the combination of stress and inadequate recovery can accelerate the aging process, highlighting the need for restorative activities in long-term health.

The Big Picture

Collectively, these insights illustrate that consistent, small actions, rather than drastic lifestyle changes, can profoundly influence our health over time. Factors such as fitness, sleep, and strength training are crucial for a longer, healthier life. It’s essential to cultivate small, positive habits daily.

Curious if your aging process is on track?

Tools like WHOOP band help you better understand how your daily habits influence your long-term health.

Track the habits that shape your long-term health with WHOOP

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Unlocking the Mystery of the ‘Third Eye’: Scientists Discover Its Purpose Hidden in Our Skull

Posted on May 19, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

When observing a tuatara, a unique lizard-like creature native to New Zealand, you might be intrigued to discover a fascinating feature: a functioning third eye on the top of its head.

Like its prominent lateral eyes, the parietal eye contains a lens, retina, and neural connections to the brain. This sophisticated eye structure in vertebrates, closely related to us on the evolutionary tree, is surprising—but humans possess a similar feature.

The pineal gland, located deep within our brains, plays a crucial role in how we respond to light and darkness, even though it is shielded from direct sunlight.

A groundbreaking new hypothesis published in Current Biology explores the origins of this gland, suggesting that our third eye traces back to some of our earliest ancestors, potentially unlocking one of the deepest mysteries in the evolution of vision.

Vertebrate Eye Problems

Many animals, from flies to octopuses, follow a consistent evolutionary plan for eye structure. Their lateral eyes use an ancient family of striated photoreceptors, while a second group known as ciliary photoreceptors usually performs non-visual tasks in the brain, such as tracking light levels.

For vertebrates—which include fish, reptiles, birds, and humans—this model is more complex. Our eyes incorporate ciliary photoreceptors at the input end and neurons of striated origin at the output, a rare configuration in the animal kingdom.

Juvenile tuatara are born with a visible third eye, which becomes covered with scales in adulthood – Photo credit: Getty

Research shows that this complex eye structure demands an explanation: “What was the original solution to vision, and how have species adapted it?” questions Professor Thomas Baden, a neuroscientist at the University of Sussex and co-author of the study.

Ancestor of the Cyclops

To investigate these questions, Baden and his team examined the evolutionary history stretching back 575 million years. Our ancestors during this time were likely simple, maggot-like creatures with dual lateral eyes for navigation and a central eye for light tracking.

As these early vertebrates buried themselves in sediment, their navigation needs evolved. The lateral eyes—now energetically costly—became obsolete, leaving behind a central sensor for determining orientation, day and night.

Approximately 560 million years ago, our ancestors began burrowing, leading to the loss of lateral eyes – Photo credit: Thomas Baden

Baden notes that even after losing the side eyes, the central sensor remained vital. “You still need to track time and know your orientation,” he states.

One Eye Becomes Three

Eventually, some ancestors resurfaced, transitioning back into an aquatic environment where navigation re-emerged as a necessity. This led to a slow evolution of the central eye into a complex structure with a cup-shaped extension sensitive to incoming light direction.

As the eye evolved, it migrated to the side of the head, allowing for directional vision and improved navigation. Remarkably, the original central eye did not vanish; it persists as the pineal gland, found in virtually all vertebrates—from lions to lizards.

In tuataras and certain reptiles, this gland functions similarly to a complete eye, while in fish it remains a basic light sensor. In mammals, we’ve lost this direct light-detecting capability; instead, we interpret light via signals relayed from our eyes.

Some reptiles, such as the silkback bearded dragon shown here, have a pineal gland located on their head – Credit: Getty

Eyes in Front of Me

This evolutionary narrative has unexpected implications. For the retina—the sheet of light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye—a primitive version likely existed first in the median eye, influencing the development of our own eyes.

However, Baden adds, referring to the median eye as a “real eye” might be misleading. “What you see on your head is more accurately a collection of sensors, like a patch of photoreceptors,” he clarifies.

New research published in Nature suggests our ancestors may have initially possessed four eyes, all equipped with lenses and retinas. The complexity of reconstructing 500 million years of evolutionary history is no small feat, yet Baden is optimistic about uncovering more answers.

“With adequate funding and time, I believe we can test the core aspects of our proposal and possibly arrive at a definitive answer,” he affirms.

Ultimately, one fact remains clear: at the top of our skull, buried and shielded from light, lies a network of cells that once gazed toward the sky—a testament to our fascinating evolutionary journey.

Read more:

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Understanding Why Women Are 60% More Likely to Suffer Injuries in Car Accidents Compared to Men

Posted on May 19, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

According to recent research from Graz University of Technology (TU Graz) in Austria, women are more likely to sustain injuries in car accidents than men.

The study indicates that women involved in the same crash as men are 60% more likely to be injured.

“Our analysis shows that women are disproportionately injured, particularly in the chest, spine, arms, and legs,” stated project coordinator Dr. Corina Krug.

Dr. Klug and her team analyzed data from approximately 2,000 traffic accidents in Austria between 2012 and 2024.

Using advanced virtual human models and computer simulations, they reconstructed individual accidents to compare the effects on male and female bodies during crashes.

The findings revealed that women over 50 are at a heightened risk of injury.

Moreover, women are more than twice as likely as men to suffer serious injuries or fatal outcomes in low-speed accidents.

“In our study, women and men were involved in identical crashes and in the same vehicle, so the differences weren’t due to vehicle type, crash speed, or crash mode,” Klug stated in an interview with BBC Science Focus.

“While the presence of more female passengers contributes to the discrepancy, it does not entirely explain it.”

The increased risk seems to arise from differences in body proportions and weight distribution between genders, she noted.

This highlights a critical issue in vehicle safety design, which has historically favored male body types.

Manufacturers typically use crash test dummies modeled after average American males from the 1970s: 175 cm tall and 78 kg.

While some female models are used, they often represent smaller versions of male dummies, failing to adequately reflect the anatomy of most women.

“Women are not little men,” Klug emphasized. “Standard petite female models often cannot accurately replicate accident scenarios.”

As a result, although vehicle designs prioritize safety for male bodies, women continue to face significant risks.

Women seated in the passenger side of a car are at a higher risk of injury compared to the driver, especially in accidents – Credit: Getty

To address this issue, researchers recommend developing female crash test dummies that better reflect average female anatomy, including a wider pelvis and larger chest.

They also advocate for using virtual crash models to enhance vehicle safety assessments based on various body sizes and seating positions.

In the meantime, there are several ways car users can improve their safety. It all starts with proper seating positioning.

“We’ve all seen passenger seats pushed too far back or reclined,” Klug explains. “However, airbags and seat belts may not perform effectively in these non-standard positions.”

Research shows that passengers are at greater risk in a car compared to drivers, especially if the seat is inclined excessively.

Co-author Dr. Felix Lessi, also from Graz University of Technology, advises: “Adjust your seat belt properly. The lap belt should rest over your pelvis while the shoulder belt sits over your sternum and aligns with your collarbone center.”

Read more:

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

How a High-Sugar Diet Can Lead to Long-Term Memory Issues—Even After Dietary Changes

Posted on May 19, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

A comprehensive analysis of 27 animal studies reveals that adopting a healthier diet significantly enhances memory function, though the impact diminishes after consuming a sugary diet.

Lane et al. conducted an extensive review and meta-analysis of dietary reversal effects on cognition and behavior in rodent models. Image credit: Steve Buissinne.

Dr. Simone Lane from the University of Technology Sydney states, “Our research indicates that enhancing diet quality positively affects memory.”

“Nevertheless, the improvements remain partial; even after weeks on a healthy diet, memory levels failed to match those of animals that never consumed an unhealthy diet.”

Dr. Rehn and colleagues executed a systematic review and meta-analysis of 27 preclinical studies, uncovering consistent patterns across various experiments.

The research focused primarily on memory but also examined behaviors such as anxiety, depression, activity levels, and eating motivation.

Throughout the study, animals that transitioned to a healthy diet demonstrated superior performance on memory tasks compared to those that continued unhealthy eating habits.

However, the extent of memory recovery depended substantially on the dietary composition; while high-fat meal studies indicated recovery, those involving high-sugar or combined high-fat and high-carbohydrate diets did not yield similar results.

No significant enhancements were observed in anxiety, activity, or eating motivation, implying that the effects were limited to memory rather than overall behavior.

“By replacing high-fat options with healthier foods, we observed more marked improvements in memory,” remarked Dr. Lane.

“However, evidence of recovery was minimal with sugar-laden diets that included meals high in both fat and sugar.”

“This suggests that sugar could be a key factor hindering memory recovery.”

The memory tasks assessed in the study reflect the hippocampus’s function, a crucial brain area for learning and memory, also linked to appetite regulation and food intake.

“Animal models have been vital for understanding the brain’s dietary impacts,” commented Dr. Mike Kendig, also from the University of Technology Sydney.

“In humans, dietary changes often coincide with adjustments in exercise, mood, and daily activities, making it challenging to isolate diet’s effects on brain function.”

“There’s a widespread belief that the adverse impacts of an unhealthy diet are easily reversible.”

“Our findings indicate that the reality is more nuanced, particularly concerning memory, especially with sugar-rich diets.”

“Improving diet quality holds value, but safeguarding brain health may also require limiting long-term exposure to unhealthy diets, rather than assuming all effects are easily reversible.”

For more information, refer to the review paper published in the Journal on May 17, 2026, in Nutritional Neuroscience.

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Simone Lane et al. Cognitive and behavioral effects of reversing high-fat, high-sugar diets: A systematic review and meta-analysis of animal studies. Nutritional Neuroscience, published online on May 17, 2026. doi: 10.1080/1028415X.2026.2664635

Source: www.sci.news

Wind-Assisted Cargo Ships: Slash Emissions by Over 50%

Posted on May 19, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

The Canopée: A Sail-Driven Cargo Ship

Jodi Amiette/AFP via Getty Images

Canopée Cargo Ship — The Canopée: A Sail-Driven Cargo Ship

Jodi Amiette/AFP via Getty Images

The shipping industry is responsible for approximately 3% of global carbon dioxide emissions, and these emissions are on the rise . However, by integrating high-tech sailing equipment into cargo ships and optimizing wind-friendly routes, we could reduce the number of cargo vessels needed by over 50%.

Shipping companies are increasingly exploring wind power as a viable solution to cut fuel costs. Various strategies are being implemented, with some companies constructing entirely new vessels equipped with traditional sails, while others are retrofitting existing ships with modern self-sailing technologies.

Innovative technologies being adopted include: hard sails that mimic the design of airplane wings, Flettner rotors made from rotating cylinders, and suction sails that enhance lift by drawing in air, alongside a giant kite similar to those used in kitesurfing.

According to Gavin Allwright from the International Windship Association, “There are many types of wind propulsion vessels, ranging from those utilizing minimal wind power to ships that derive over half of their energy solely from wind.”

Despite some wind-assisted ships still adhering to conventional operating methods—maintaining fixed speeds and direct routes—Torben Schwedt and colleagues at the German Aerospace Center are innovating by analyzing how altering the route and speed can enhance wind utilization without extending travel times. While it may seem feasible to sail purely on wind energy, he notes that most cargo must meet specific delivery schedules, with fewer trips potentially translating to reduced revenue for ship operators.

The research team envisions a future where ships can generate and store hydrogen. This emerging technology, currently implemented in a limited number of vessels, entails using excess energy from strong winds to produce hydrogen via onboard turbines. This hydrogen could then fuel the ship’s engine during times of low wind.

Utilizing restored historical weather data, the research modeled a yearlong Atlantic crossing via an optimal route, discovering that ships following these ideal paths consumed an average of 75% less energy compared to those on direct courses. Schwedt shared these findings at the recent European Geosciences Union conference in Vienna.

“The most significant savings occur when routes are completely optimized, allowing for substantial detours that may initially seem impractical,” Schwedt explains. “With this approach, we have achieved energy savings ranging from 50% to 100%.” The team aspires to demonstrate that this route optimization can also apply to predictive modeling.

Guillaume Le Grand from TOWT, a French organization specializing in sailing cargo vessels, believes in the validity of these expectations: “That’s precisely what TOWT’s sailing cargo ships have accomplished.”

Tristan Smith from University College London notes, “The notion of optimizing routes for enhancing the performance of wind-powered ships is not new and is indeed sensible.” He adds that yacht racers often select seemingly convoluted routes for this reason.

“Achieving 75-100% energy savings is theoretically feasible, but it greatly depends on the target average voyage speed, which is ultimately dictated by the economics of the vessel’s operation and its cargo,” Smith states. “In our experience, actual savings for most ocean-going vessels tend to be significantly lower.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Discovery of the Legendary ‘White Jaguar’: Lost Mayan City Found at Last!

Posted on May 19, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

A team of expert archaeologists has unearthed compelling evidence that a remote ruin in the Mexican jungle could be the long-lost Mayan city of Sac Balam. Historically, Sac Balam served as the last stronghold of the Maya following the Spanish conquest.

This significant discovery was unveiled at a recent conference, where the Society for American Archaeology’s team shared insights that might provide a remarkable glimpse into the decline of the Maya civilization.

Professor Yuko Shiratori, an archaeologist at Japan’s Rissho University and the study’s lead researcher, stated in an interview with BBC Science Focus: “Life in Sakkubaram was undoubtedly challenging.” According to historical documents, more than 100 houses were recorded in the year 1694.

The name Sac Balam, translating to “white jaguar” in the Mayan language, was established in 1586 by the Lacandon Chol people as a sanctuary following the Spanish destruction of the regional capital, Lakum Tun.

Mayan culture thrived in this region for over 100 years, ultimately succumbing to Spanish rule in 1695. By 1712, the city fell into abandonment.

One of the most convincing pieces of evidence affirming this as a lost settlement is a wall measuring 16 meters (52 feet) long and 1 meter (3 feet) high. This structure aligns with historical Spanish accounts describing significant communal buildings in Sakbaram that would have hosted public events and gatherings.

Stone walls at the Sol y Paraiso ruins in Chiapas, Mexico. Archaeologists believe these may be remnants of the lost Mayan city of Sac Balam – Photo credit: Yuko Shiratori

Additionally, the archaeological team discovered pottery shards and monkey figurines that date back to the era of Sak Balam.

However, uncertainties remain about the authenticity of this site as a lost refuge. “We need to ascertain whether the 16-meter wall can support the notion of a building’s foundation,” said Shiratori. “To achieve this, we seek to employ AMS carbon dating to identify associated artifacts such as ceramics and charcoal, with a focus on incense burners.”

Spanish historical records indicate that Sakbaram was torched during the conquest. Consequently, a layer of ash beneath the soil could potentially validate whether this is genuinely a lost city.

Read more:

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Experts Warn: Devastating Weather Event Predicted to Strike the U.S. in 2026

Posted on May 19, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Scientists are closely monitoring the Pacific Ocean as one of the most significant climate changes in recorded history rapidly unfolds beneath its surface.

Latest predictions from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) indicate a 61 percent chance of an El Niño event—the periodic warming of the tropical Pacific Ocean known for altering global weather patterns—developing by July.

While El Niño occurs every few years, this instance could be unprecedented. NOAA reports a 1 in 4 chance that it will reach “very strong” intensity, potentially categorizing it as a “super” El Niño. Such powerful events have historically led to droughts, floods, and extreme temperatures across various continents.

Furthermore, researchers warn that the combination of these phenomena with human-caused climate change might create impacts unlike anything previously experienced.

“Currently, I estimate a 50 percent chance that this event could be the strongest in history,” stated Paul Roundy, a professor of atmospheric science at the University at Albany. BBC Science Focus. “Just weeks ago, my estimate was closer to 20 percent.”

What is El Niño? Why is this Different?

El Niño describes a recurring climate cycle driven by the warming of the surface waters in the tropical Pacific Ocean.

Every few years, normal trade winds that typically push warm water westward weaken or reverse, allowing the heat to disperse eastward along the equator.

A Super El Niño is characterized by a rise in sea surface temperatures exceeding 2°C (3.6°F) above normal in central Pacific regions. Historically, only three such significant instances have occurred: in 1982/1983, 1997/98, and 2015/16.

In 1876, a Super El Niño caused a global famine and is believed to have resulted in the deaths of as many as 50 million people.

This satellite data reveals the development of the 2015 Super El Niño as warm water accumulated in the Pacific Ocean. This year could see similar strength, but under a warmer global climate – Photo credit: NASA Earth Observatory/Michala Garrison

Roundy explained that this year, a series of unusually robust westerly winds in the Pacific are pushing accumulated warm water eastward.

The phenomenon mirrors the early 1997 wind event that precipitated what is considered the strongest El Niño of the 20th century.

“Currently, the warm water east of the westerly winds is about half a degree warmer than during the same timeframe in 1997,” Roundy observed. “We have the momentum needed to increase the intensity of this event beyond what was achieved then.”

The ultimate outcome remains uncertain; future wind shifts may partially mitigate the ongoing phenomenon.

“Drawing from historical trade wind patterns, it would require significant surges in severe trade winds to prevent this El Niño from becoming extremely intense,” Roundy added.

In essence, a very strong El Niño is highly likely, but whether it will set new records is still uncertain.

What Does Super El Niño Actually Cause?

The impact of El Niño is felt globally, from declining fish stocks off the coast of Peru to reduced monsoons and rainfall in India, China, and much of Southeast Asia.

“Typically, wet regions dry up and wildfires ensue, while dry areas become saturated,” Roundy explained.

The United States may experience the effects of the ongoing El Niño this summer, with increased rainfall in the Midwest and West, while dry conditions could persist from the Gulf Coast to the East Coast.

As El Niño establishes itself during winter, a strengthened southern storm track will likely result in heavy rain from California to the East Coast.

Roundy recalled that both 1982 and 1997 were “notorious flood years” in the U.S., while the northern parts experienced warmer winters.

A potential advantage of a strong El Niño is its capacity to suppress the Atlantic hurricane season, as increased wind shear inhibits storm formation.

During El Niño winters, the Pacific jet stream is redirected, bringing increased moisture to the typically dry southern U.S. This could bolster reservoir levels but poses flooding risks – Photo credit: NOAA

Into Unknown Territory

Assessing this situation is not straightforward in any year, but 2026 is particularly complex. Global temperatures have already surged more than 1.4 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, and a strong El Niño integrated with this elevated baseline could push the climate system into uncharted territory for modern humanity.

“The world has never encountered a strong or very strong El Niño event coupled with such elevated baseline temperatures,” stated Dr. Daniel Swain from the University of California College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (UCANR). “Thus, unprecedented global impacts related to extreme flooding, droughts, and wildfires could emerge late in 2026 and extend into 2027.”

“There’s a significant likelihood that a new global temperature record will be established in either 2026, 2027, or potentially both years.”

With such elevated temperatures, the risk of wildfires looms large. A Super El Niño “could amplify the risk of extensive or unusually intense fires in humid regions where they typically do not occur, particularly given the rise in reference temperatures,” Swain specified, highlighting regions like the Amazon and Oceania, where peatlands “can smolder for months.”

A December 2025 study published in Nature Communications underscores these concerns. Analyzing prior Super El Niños alongside climate model predictions, it suggests that such significant events may markedly heighten the risk of “climate regime change,” causing abrupt and persistent shifts in temperature, sea level, and soil moisture for years or even decades following the El Niño.

This implies that the repercussions of Super El Niño in 2026 may not simply disappear even if Pacific temperatures return to normal; some alterations might become permanent.

However, Roundy cautioned against overestimating this conclusion. With only three Super El Niños historically documented, predicting future events remains precarious.

“Scientists should exercise caution when extrapolating future outcomes from a limited pool of past events,” Roundy cautioned.

Ultimately, the extraordinary scale and trajectory of developments in the Pacific are underway during a climate phase hotter than any in the post-industrial age.

“Ecosystems have adapted to El Niño dynamics for millions of years, and such extreme events play a crucial role in ecosystem rejuvenation,” Roundy noted. “However, they significantly impact human societies and life overall.”

What remains uncertain is the extent to which the effects will be severe, harmful, or long-lasting.

Read more:

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Unlocking the Secrets of Laos’ Ancient Giant Stone Jars: Recent Discoveries Revealed

Posted on May 19, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Stone jars in Laos — Laos Pot Plains

Alvov/Shutterstock

Recent discoveries at the Plain of Jars in Laos have challenged our understanding of this ancient site, where at least 37 bodies have been unearthed from gigantic stone jars.

Spanning the remote Xieng Khouang Plateau, these enormous stone pots, some reaching heights of 3 meters and weighing several tons, have long been suspected to be linked to ancient burial practices.

Historical legends suggest that these jars were created for giants who brewed rice wine, according to Nick Skopal from James Cook University, Australia.

Findings from the 1930s hinted at a connection to the Iron Age (circa 500 B.C. to 500 A.D.), proposing that the jars may have played a role in cremation or the disposal of human remains. More recent studies have uncovered glass beads, burial artifacts, and cremated remains.

Recently, Skopal and his team excavated a jar measuring over 1.3 meters high and 2 meters wide near the town of Phonsavan, revealing the bones of 19 individuals, with teeth belonging to 37 people.

Radiocarbon dating indicates the remains date from the 9th to the 12th century AD, suggesting multiple burial events.

The arrangement of the bones indicates careful packing, with larger bones organized at the ends and many smaller bones likely missing due to decomposition.

This breakthrough is a key finding, as noted by Nigel Chan, also from James Cook University, who was not involved in the study. “This is the first investigation showing a definitive link to mortuary practices over the past century,” he stated.

Close to the larger jar were several smaller pots containing glass beads, suggesting a two-step burial process: initial storage in smaller jars followed by a transfer to the larger jars post-decomposition.

“Could these stone pots be part of rituals to honor ancestors or release their souls?” Skopal inquires. “DNA testing on the remains will reveal familial connections among these individuals.”

While the samples indicate when the jars were used, they do not ascertain the age of the jars themselves.

“Evidence indicates a significant activity around this site during the latter half of the first millennium AD,” Chan adds, while speculating that the jars may actually date back over 2000 years.

Although determining the jars’ age is challenging, Skopal noted their artifact dating aligns with the remains, supporting the theory that the jars were used for multiple generations. “The shift from an Iron Age context to a medieval cultural practice is becoming evident,” he states.

Excavated Stone Jar with Human Remains

Dr. Nicholas Skopal

According to Skopal, this practice has deep roots in ancestor worship, passed down through generations. However, variations exist among Laotian stone jars, with different customs observed across regions, such as upright jars in some areas and flat ones in others.

“It’s likely these jars were utilized by various cultural groups over extended periods,” suggests Tiatoshi Jamil of Nagaland University, India.

The excavation team also uncovered iron tools, pottery, copper bells, and glass beads inside the jars, revealing trade connections as far as southern India and Mesopotamia.

This is not surprising, as around 1000 AD was a flourishing time in East and Southeast Asia, highlighted by the Song Dynasty, Khmer Empire, and the pagan kingdoms of present-day Myanmar.

Marco Mitri is investigating similar stone jars at North Eastern Hill University in India. Archaeological findings in Northeast India indicate diverse cultural practices that resonate with these traditions.

Mitri theorizes that various Austro-Asian communities have practiced these funerary rituals for centuries, with modern parallels seen in groups like the Khasis in India, who still use stone boxes called cysts for bone deposits following cremation.

Discovery Tour: Archaeology and Paleontology

New Scientist regularly highlights incredible archaeological sites worldwide that reshape our understanding of civilization’s early days. Explore these fascinating locations!

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Source: www.newscientist.com