Christopher Clemente/University of the Sunshine Coast
The newly identified Jungle Huntsman Spider from Queensland, Australia, has earned the title of the world’s fastest spider, achieving an astonishing speed of nearly 3.6 meters per second, as revealed by a comprehensive global study examining the running capabilities of various arachnids.
Currently, the official world record is held by Flick Flak spiders in Morocco (Cebrenus rechenbergi), which can reach speeds of 1.7 meters per second when startled, utilizing a unique rolling and tumbling technique. However, many experts challenge this claim.
Dr. Jonas Wolff from the University of Greifswald, Germany, notes, “Flick Flak is a specialized locomotion method; it’s not genuine running and is only effective on downhill surfaces.”
To establish a detailed understanding of spider locomotion, Shreyas Kuchibhotla from Imperial College London, along with a team that includes Wolff, analyzed 162 live spider species, gathering numerous samples from pet shops and conducting fieldwork across the UK, North America, southern Europe, and Australia.
Each spider’s speed was meticulously evaluated on A4 or A3 graph paper after being carefully weighed. Most spiders were relaxed enough to run when gently prodded with a paintbrush, although a few were less amenable. Kuchibhotla humorously remarked, “If spiders spoke English, this research would have been finished in a month.” He added, “Tarantulas aren’t built for speed; they prefer grounding, requiring us to use compressed air to get them moving.”
Kuchibhotla and his team also compiled speed measurements from 96 additional species studied by other research groups. Notably, the 3g Jungle Huntsman Spider (Heteropoda possumidae) was recorded running at 3.59 meters per second by Christopher Clemente and his team at the University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia.
Jungle Huntsman: The World’s Fastest Spider
Christopher Clemente, University of the Sunshine Coast
The remarkable speed of these spiders is attributed to their size; they are relatively large for spiders but not so heavy that their abdomens hinder their leg movement, stated Clemente. Generally, larger spiders exhibit faster speeds, but there are exceptions. One fascinating finding was the orange goblin spider (Unops pulcher), which weighs only 0.1 milligrams yet moves at over 20 centimeters per second. “I was unprepared for the way it seemed to teleport across the arena,” Kuchibhotla remarked.
According to David Labonte and the team at Imperial College, speed is fundamentally governed by physics. However, lifestyle factors, like hunting strategies, significantly influence evolutionary adaptations. “For instance, a cheetah can easily outrun most similar-sized dogs due to its evolutionary adaptations focused on speed,” Labonte illustrated.
After analyzing body size and ancestry, researchers found that not only long legs but also specific anatomical structures contributed to a spider’s running capability. Surprisingly, leg thickness or whether the spider lived inverted didn’t correlate with speed.
Dr. Leanda Mason from Edith Cowan University in Perth, Australia, clarified, “Long legs serve as the spider’s ‘speed gears.’ While hunters garner records, the true insight is that spider speed relies heavily on leg structure and evolutionary history, rather than mere size or web-spinning capabilities.”
Stars in the Constellation Lupus Captured by the Vera C. Rubin Observatory
Credit: NSF–DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory/NOIRLab/SLAC/AURA
Chile’s Vera C. Rubin Observatory has officially commenced a groundbreaking exploration of the universe. After a year of extensive testing and calibration, the space-time legacy survey is beginning—marking the start of the most detailed photographic record of the universe ever.
“Today, we embark on the greatest space movie ever made,” stated Brian Stone of the National Science Foundation in a press release.
Over the next decade, the Rubin Observatory will collect approximately 10 terabytes of data each night, capturing hundreds of high-resolution images of the southern sky. Each image will cover an area about 40 times larger than the full moon, enabling the survey to encompass nearly the entire sky visible from the southern hemisphere.
This vast array of data serves multiple purposes. The first initiative is already underway, notifying researchers of dynamic changes in the night sky, including the emergence of supernovae or the movement of asteroids and comets.
“In just a few months, we recorded millions of alerts, with Rubin operating as a robust detection machine,” noted Phil Marshall, a member of the Rubin team at Stanford University in California. “We’re currently organizing all the findings.”
These alerts have already led to the identification of over 11,000 new asteroids and are poised to create the most comprehensive catalog of Solar System objects ever compiled.
In addition to its solar system research, Rubin will provide insights into more distant celestial objects, create intricate maps of the Milky Way galaxy, and delve deeper into the cosmos.
The first image displayed above reveals a stunning ocean of stars, interstellar gas, and even distant galaxies. These highly detailed images, captured repeatedly over a decade, will allow researchers to investigate rare cosmic events, as well as gain insight into dark matter, dark energy, and the overall expansion of the universe.
Recent research from the University of Bristol indicates that pterosaurs, the first vertebrates to master powered flight, likely exhibited a broader variety of wing shapes and flight styles than what current fossil reconstructions suggest.
Walters et al. examined the diversity of pterosaur wing shapes through rigorous testing of theoretical and reconstructed wings. Their findings indicate previous reconstructions misrepresent the actual flight capabilities of these ancient reptiles. Image credit: Mark P. Witton.
Pterosaurs thrived from approximately 210 million to 65 million years ago, until an asteroid impact led to their extinction, along with that of non-avian dinosaurs.
These remarkable reptiles are noteworthy for independently evolving flight and setting new records for maximum size among flying vertebrates throughout their evolutionary journey.
However, the precise shapes of pterosaur wings remain largely elusive.
According to lead author Dr. Benton Walters and his team, “Wing shape is crucially connected to flight performance and functionality in living animals.”
“Examining this relationship in pterosaurs is complex due to the incomplete fossil record and the variability in wing membrane dimensions.”
“In the absence of fully preserved pterosaur wing fossils, reconstructing the pterosaur bauplan provides a viable alternative for analysis.”
“Nevertheless, the shape of these wings is influenced by conflicting scientific interpretations and the artistic styles of researchers and illustrators involved in their reconstruction.”
In their recent study, the authors analyzed 79 wing reconstructions spanning eight genera including Pteranodon and Quetzalcoatlus.
Utilizing a method known as theoretical morphospace, they created a comprehensive map of potential wing shapes.
This allowed them to evaluate the aerodynamic capabilities of these reconfigured wings to ascertain their suitability for flight.
Results revealed that current illustrations tend to oversimplify wing shapes and aerodynamic performance, irrespective of the depicted animals’ size, age, or ecological niche.
A small insect peddler and a large sea soarer—organisms that would have differed significantly in wing structure—appear nearly identical in existing representations.
The main challenge, according to the researchers, lies in the ongoing lack of consensus regarding the attachment points of pterosaur wing membranes.
“In modern flying animals like birds and bats, distinct lifestyles correlate with unique wing designs and aerodynamic abilities,” Dr. Walters noted.
“The current limitations in pterosaur reconstructions highlight a significant gap in the understanding of their diversity.”
“Pterosaur wing reconstructions typically rely on measurements of skeletal structures and insights from a limited number of notable fossils, leaving many uncertainties unresolved.”
Considering these creatures existed for more than 100 million years and encompassed both small and large forms, a greater diversity of wing shapes is expected.
However, regardless of the specific pterosaur depicted, the wing shapes presented in illustrations are strikingly similar.
This study serves as a valuable reference point, indicating where scientific knowledge on pterosaur wings remains insufficient and will inform future reconstructions as our understanding evolves.
A detailed research paper outlining this study was published on June 23 in the journal Paleontology.
_____
Benton Walters et al. Exploring the limits of pterosaur wing design. Paleontology. Published online June 23, 2026. doi: 10.1017/pab.2026.10103
Alyssa Tapley: A Journey Through Life-Saving CRISPR Treatment
Photo Credit: Alyssa Tapley
When my bone marrow transplant failed to treat my leukemia, I thought, “This is it.” Doctors reassured my parents that it was only a short-term issue, but weeks turned into a long and challenging journey.
Having just turned 13, I was overwhelmed by thoughts of missing out on growing up, having a family, and living a normal life.
Then, we heard about a groundbreaking trial at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London that felt straight out of science fiction. The doctors described how they would enhance my CAR T cells to fight and eliminate the cancer cells in my body.
Everything began after Easter in 2021. Upon returning to school after the COVID-19 lockdown, I struggled with fatigue. My energy levels plummeted, and I eventually developed pneumonia, leading to my hospitalization.
During a particularly concerning morning, my father took me to the A&E hospital. My condition worsened, and I found myself in intensive care, unaware that I was beginning chemotherapy for my leukemia—characterized by malignant immune cells.
Doctors faced challenges diagnosing my ailment, likely due to my rare T-cell leukemia. Following an ineffective month of chemotherapy, I underwent a bone marrow transplant in Sheffield, which aimed to replace cancerous stem cells with healthy ones.
Expecting to be home for Christmas, I instead faced unanticipated complications and returned to the hospital. It was a devastating realization that the transplant hadn’t worked.
With no further options available, my family was devastated. My mother described the immeasurable pain of losing hope.
In their search for alternatives, they learned about CAR T-cell therapy, which transforms T cells to effectively target cancer cells. However, they soon discovered its limited effectiveness in treating T-cell leukemia.
Then, my consultant introduced us to Professor Waseem Qasim, who was pioneering the use of CRISPR base editing to enhance CAR T cells for patients like me. This innovative treatment offered renewed hope.
Despite my parents’ reservations about the trial, they ultimately supported my decision, recognizing my desire to contribute positively, even if it didn’t benefit me directly.
Before the CAR T cell collection, I underwent rigorous pre-treatment for two weeks in the hospital. It was exciting to see the treatment take effect, and I felt a wave of relief when the doctors confirmed the cells were multiplying.
The staff at Great Ormond Street were exceptional. Even in isolation, I forged connections with other patients and staff, finding support in our shared struggles. Unfortunately, I lost a friend who didn’t survive the bone marrow transplant.
Four weeks later, I received the incredible news that my bone marrow was cancer-free. Follow-up tests continually confirmed the absence of detectable cancer cells, leading to a second transplant to reinforce my healing.
The hardest transition came after returning home. No longer surrounded by a supportive medical team, I faced strict isolation to prevent infection while trying to adjust to life outside the hospital.
Today, I am in remission but continue to manage the side effects of my treatment. While my thyroid is underactive due to chemotherapy, I am committed to ongoing treatment. I dream of a future where CAR T therapy could provide immediate relief without extensive chemotherapy.
Now 17 and pursuing my A-levels, I am excited about my future in biomedical science. My goal is to help others as much as I have been helped.
I actively participate in conferences to share my journey, and I had the honor to meet Professor David Liu, the innovator behind base editing. It was an emotional experience for me.
I cherish the opportunity to advocate for the importance of scientific research. Without the advancements borne from this work, I wouldn’t be here today.
Our Innate Ability to Understand Numbers: An Evolutionary Advantage
Marc Calleja / Alamy
Research indicates that newborns have an inherent sense of numbers, with brain mechanisms now identified for the first time. Studies show that infants, just hours after birth, can differentiate between groups of 4 and 12 stimuli, demonstrating the early establishment of this basic number sense.
According to Brian Butterworth from University College London, who was not involved in the study, “Extracting numerical information is akin to seeing the world in color for most people.” This innate numerical ability is considered a crucial part of our fundamental skill set, allowing us to perceive quantities instinctively, similar to recognizing the color of an object.
Marco Buiatti and researchers from the University of Trento focused on understanding the brain mechanisms that underpin this intrinsic numerical sense, which develops independent of language or cultural influences. They monitored 21 newborns, aged 0 to 3 days, using EEG caps to gauge brain activity.
Studying the cognitive capabilities of infants is challenging, Buiatti mentions. “They only open their eyes intermittently, making it complex and time-consuming. However, the results are incredibly rewarding.”
Throughout their awake periods, the babies listened to a 90-second sequence of repeated sounds presented in either 4 or 12 syllables, while visual stimuli containing corresponding dot groups were displayed for up to 50 seconds.
The research revealed that infants showed decreased electrical activity in their parietotemporal cortex when the number of visual dots corresponded with the spoken syllables. Conversely, neural activity increased with mismatched stimuli.
This pattern aligns with adult brain behavior; our brain lessens its response to repeated stimuli through a process called repetition inhibition, optimizing efficiency by not treating familiar input as new.
When presented with different numbers of dots, the increase in neural activity suggests that the brain is engaged in processing new information about quantities. “For the first time, we expose the neural mechanisms behind this innate number sense,” Buiatti states.
This intrinsic capability offers significant evolutionary benefits, such as swiftly distinguishing between singular versus multiple predators or food sources, which would have been vital for survival.
Notably, children demonstrate a solid number sense by age one, which can help predict their future mathematical skills, as seen in research (Predict their math skills years from now). Understanding these neural bases can aid researchers in identifying children at risk for dyscalculia, a learning disability affecting numerical comprehension.
“Investigating the neural foundations of number sense at birth is crucial, as it lays the groundwork for later advanced mathematical abilities. Future research could lead to the development of early biomarkers for dyscalculia risk,” Buiatti concludes.
Fossils uncovered in New Mexico’s Jose Creek Formation provide groundbreaking evidence that angiosperms (flowering plants) established dense, fruit-bearing forests around 75 million years ago—9 million years prior to the end-Cretaceous mass extinction that eradicated the dinosaurs. This discovery challenges longstanding evolutionary theories regarding the rise of angiosperms as the dominant plant group on Earth.
Reconstruction of a 74.6 million-year-old Dori tuff flora forest floor showcasing hypothetical angiosperm-dispersal interactions, with plants depicted in life-size forms based on fossil evidence. The mammalian and dinosaur seed dispersers illustrated are based on the known fauna of the Late Cretaceous Campanian period. Image credit: Brian Engh livingrelicproductions.com.
“Our findings reveal that 10 million years before the extinction threshold, angiosperms were amplifying their investment in individual diasporids, forming dense forests in hot, humid environments during the Late Cretaceous,” stated Jaemin Lee, a doctoral student at the University of California, Berkeley.
Flowering plants are believed to have originated during the Early Cretaceous Period, approximately 135 million years ago, initially appearing as small, inconspicuous plants producing tiny seeds that were easily dispersed by the wind.
By the Late Cretaceous, angiosperms had diversified significantly in size, leaves, and flowers, although it was thought that their seed dispersal methods remained unchanged amidst the dominance of dinosaurs.
Contrary to this belief, fossil evidence from Late Cretaceous Doli tuff deposits in the Jose Creek Formation in New Mexico showcases a diverse array of flowering plants, including large-trunked trees from the laurel family and palms, alongside older fern and sequoia lineages.
In stark contrast to other Cretaceous floral patterns, where angiosperms averaged diasporid sizes similar to poppy seeds, the average diasporid size in this fossil forest was comparable to a large blueberry, suggesting an extraordinary increase in volume by more than 100-fold.
“Although it may not seem significant, the larger fruits we consume today are the result of centuries of selective breeding,” remarked Lee.
“For instance, wild watermelons were only 5 cm (2 inches) in diameter.”
“The New Mexico site is unique as it preserves an ancient environment, buried by ash that fell on an inland forest,” added Cindy Louie, a professor at the University of California, Berkeley.
“Unlike most fossil plant sites, which often consist of a mix of materials from various epochs and habitats, this site provides a pure snapshot of a specific moment in time, preserved through rapid ash fall.”
“Ground cover plants remain visible beneath the hardened ash layer, and higher up, leaves that fell during the ash deposit are pointing in all directions.”
“This phenomenon can be likened to a kind of ‘Pompeii for plants,’ where ash deposits meticulously preserve everything in place, allowing researchers to reconstruct forest structures accurately,” explained Lee.
“These deposits carry remnants from the tree canopy to the forest floor, preserving a variety of leaves and flowers.”
“This forest represents the earliest known angiosperm-dominated ecosystem with significantly larger spores and showcases one of the most diverse Cretaceous leaf floras documented to date.”
“The minimized movement within the forest canopy allows for instantaneous preservation, facilitating detailed recreations of these ancient landscapes.”
“This research sheds new light on the complexity of ecological interactions in ancient plant populations that no longer exist.”
For further details, refer to the findings published in the June 25 edition of Science.
_____
Lee Jae Min et al. 2026. The diversification of reproductive strategies in angiosperms preceded their extinction at the end of the Cretaceous. Science 392 (6805): 1380-1383; doi: 10.1126/science.adw9457
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Australian scientists have uncovered that what was previously considered a single widespread species of Planigal is actually four distinct species, including a newly identified species that thrives exclusively on the rocky slopes of Kakadu National Park.
Revised distribution of the four Planigale species complex previously classified as Planigale ingrami. Image credit: Umbrello et al., doi: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlag082.
Planigals, small marsupials primarily feeding on insects, are known for their flat skulls which allow them to fit into narrow crevices in their habitats.
These unique creatures inhabit various terrestrial environments across Australia and New Guinea, with nine species now recognized.
Among them, Planigale ingrami holds the title of the world’s smallest marsupial, weighing an average of just 4.2 g (as little as 2.6 g) and measuring 5.7 cm from head to body.
A recent study by researchers from the Western Australian Museum and Queensland University of Technology, led by Dr. Lynette Umbrello, utilized genetic analysis and museum specimens to reveal the complex Planigale ingrami species classification, introducing Planigale tea ray and unveiling two unclassified lineages.
The team analyzed DNA samples from over 220 individuals combined with detailed measurements of skull and body proportions, derived from collections in natural history museums across Australia.
“This study leveraged historical samples to identify species that might never be documented in contemporary settings,” Dr. Umbrello noted.
“We undertook thorough genetic sampling and morphological analysis of Planigal specimens from museum collections throughout Australia.
“Our data integration approach, termed integrative taxonomy, enabled us to identify species previously grouped under a single classification.”
The researchers delineated three distinct lineages among the studied samples, including Planigale ingrami.
“We re-listed Planigale subtilissima, previously thought to belong to: Planigale ingrami, as a separate species,” Dr. Umbrello remarked.
“Furthermore, the subspecies Planigale ingrami brunea was reassigned to its original classification.”
“We also discovered a completely new species: Planigale petrophila.
Planigale petrophila (commonly known as the Arnhem Plateau Planigal) is distinguished from its relatives by several characteristics.
While most Planigal species prefer lowland clay soils, this species is adapted to rocky cliff environments.
Significantly larger than its closest relatives, it boasts the longest tail recorded for any Planigal, surpassing its body length.
“Planigale petrophila is a medium-sized Planigal with a notably flat skull and an exceptionally long tail,” the scientists explained.
“It uniquely features the longest tail of any genus member (8.05-9.19cm), outstripping even the larger Planigale novaeguineae specimens (from New Guinea) that reach 8 cm.”
Currently, only three specimens of Planigale petrophila are known, all collected within a close range of 12 km in Kakadu National Park, with the latest one documented in 2004 — none have been observed since.
The researchers highlighted the concerning decline of native mammal populations in Kakadu, urging an immediate conservation assessment.
“Planigale petrophila is undoubtedly rare among Australian Planigals, with just three specimens identified and its known habitat limited to a small area of the sandstone plateau and rocky slopes in Kakadu National Park,” Dr. Umbrello stated.
The only other Planigal recorded in Kakadu National Park is Planigale maculata, which occupies lowlands and basins rather than sandstone plateaus.
“Planigale petrophila is distinctive for its notably longer tail compared to other Planigal species, and exhibits larger body-to-skull ratios than its genetically closest relatives.”
“Our findings suggest Planigale petrophila may be threatened,” added Dr. Andrew Baker from Queensland University of Technology and Queensland Museum.
“Given the limited geographical area where Planigale petrophila has been identified, along with the alarming declines observed in other mammal species in Northern Australia, we strongly recommend an urgent conservation assessment.”
“This species is known from only three specimens collected within 12 km and has not been encountered since 2004.”
“Accurate classification and taxonomy are vital for conservation efforts to ensure appropriate management strategies are implemented.”
“This information plays a crucial role in establishing the conservation status of this new mammal, especially considering the broader decline in Kakadu and other native species in Australia.”
The team’s results will be published in the Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society.
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Lynette S. Umbrello et al. 2026. Disentangling the Onagaplanigale (Dassuriidae: Planigale ingrami) Species Complex: Four Species Revealed Using Integrated Taxonomy. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 207 (2): zlag082; doi: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlag082
NASA is gearing up for an exciting mission set to launch this Tuesday aimed at rescuing one of its flagship space telescopes.
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The Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, launched over two decades ago, has been essential in studying gamma-ray bursts—some of the universe’s most powerful explosions. These phenomena occur during events such as black hole formations or when dense stars collide at the end of their life cycles.
Currently, Swift is facing serious threats, as NASA’s models indicate a potential orbital drop to dangerously low altitudes by October, below 185 miles, risking re-entry and disintegration.
Dr. Sean Domagal Goldman, head of NASA’s astrophysics division, emphasized the importance of Swift at a June 17 press conference. “This observatory excels at quickly identifying transient events in the night sky, making it unique. Thus, we’ve concluded that it deserves to be saved.”
In a bid to rescue the observatory, NASA is slated to launch a robotic spacecraft designed to elevate Swift’s orbit. Last year, the agency allocated $30 million to Arizona-based Catalyst Space Technologies for spacecraft development, while Northrop Grumman will supply the aircraft and rockets for launch.
The operation aims to have Northrop Grumman’s Stargazer aircraft lift off from the Marshall Islands around 6:23 a.m. Tuesday. Once at 40,000 feet, the Stargazer will release the Pegasus XL rocket carrying the LINK spacecraft, which stands 6 feet tall and weighs 880 pounds.
Following its launch, the LINK spacecraft will enter orbit, where it will capture the Swift Observatory and work to increase its altitude over several months.
All satellites in low Earth orbit gradually descend due to atmospheric drag. Swift is currently affected by this, compounded by an intense solar cycle experienced in 2024, known as solar maximum, which increases drag as the atmosphere heats up during heightened solar activity.
Digital illustration of NASA’s Swift Observatory.Conceptual Imagery Lab at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center
John Nosek, an astronomy and astrophysics professor at Penn State University, noted that salvaging Swift could offer broader benefits beyond just extending observation capabilities.
“The capability of recovering satellites that weren’t intended for in-orbit servicing could revolutionize NASA’s approach to spacecraft management,” Nousek stated. “If the LINK mission succeeds, it will only cost about $30 million (in 2026 dollars) to restore the functionality of a $300 million (2004 dollars) satellite.”
Kieran Wilson, vice president of technology at Catalyst Space Technologies, expressed optimism that the Swift Boost mission will reshape astronomers’ perspectives on satellite longevity.
“Traditionally, satellites are launched, complete their missions, and then are either discarded, re-entered, or put into graveyard orbits,” he stated at a June 17 press conference. “We need to be able to refuel, reposition, and upgrade satellites, even if they weren’t designed for such tasks.”
Since its launch in 2004, Swift Observatory has significantly contributed to our understanding of over 1,400 gamma-ray bursts and other high-energy cosmic phenomena, including the farthest known object detected, originating from an exploding star nearly 13 billion light-years away.
NASA has entrusted Katalyst Space Technologies with the task of building and launching the LINK spacecraft, slated for September 2025. Although the timeline appears feasible, Wilson warned that successfully rendezvousing with Swift in orbit and stabilizing its altitude remains a daunting challenge. Swift wasn’t designed for orbital operations and lacks thrusters to adjust its own position or accompany other spacecraft.
“Operational success in space is notoriously difficult,” Wilson acknowledged. “Rendezvousing with Swift will be particularly challenging, but we are prepared for the task ahead.”
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A nearly complete skull discovered in Arizona decades ago has provided paleontologists with their clearest insight into Adelphyllus cansensis, a mysterious feline species that roamed North America over 5 million years ago. This animal represents an early branch of the saber-toothed cat lineage.
Reconstruction of Adelphyllus cansensis. Image credit: Jesus Gamarra.
Adelphyllus cansensis is an early feline of the order Machairodontia, inhabiting North America approximately 7 to 5 million years ago.
The species was first described in 1934, based on a jaw fragment discovered in Kansas.
Since then, additional fossils were suspected to belong to Adelphyllus cansensis, but the anatomy remained poorly understood until now.
Paleontologists Narimane Chater and Z. Jack Tseng from the University of California, Berkeley stated, “Felids of the order Machairodontia, such as Adelphyllus cansensis, were approximately the size of modern pumas and were originally described from late Hemphirian (late Miocene) deposits at the Edson Quarry, Kansas.”
“The holotype consists of the left and right maxilla bones with nearly complete dentition.”
“Since then, additional materials have been referenced for this species.”
“In 1983, paleontologists identified postcranial remains from fauna in the Wikiup area (Mojave County, Arizona), housed at the American Museum of Natural History, yet did not describe the complete fossil set from the area, which included a nearly complete skull with canine teeth and jaw fragments.”
In their recent study, Chater and Tseng thoroughly examined the material from the American Museum of Natural History.
The specimen includes a nearly complete skull, adjacent jaw fragments, and an isolated upper canine tooth.
According to their findings, the skull belonged to a feline about the size of a cougar but displayed several traits indicative of later saber-toothed predators.
The upper canines were flat and serrated, but significantly less pronounced than those of well-known saber-toothed species like Smilodon.
“The upper canine teeth of the ancestral species of saber-tooths were short; Adelphyllus cansensis confirms our theory that once these hypercarnivores began evolving longer fangs, they could not revert to shorter forms,” the researchers explained.
The animal’s narrow snout closely resembles that of Metailurus, the earliest saber-toothed cat known from Eurasia, although its rounded skull outline is more akin to that of Yoshi, another primitive saber-toothed genus.
However, Adelphyllus cansensis differs from them with its exceptionally thin cheekbones and distinct dental features.
“We’ve never encountered a lineage where long upper canine teeth developed and then reverted to a less specialized form. Once a group forms, their adaptations accelerate and lead to extinction,” Dr. Chater noted.
“Saber-toothed carnivores exemplify a macroevolutionary ratchet, where specialized forms evolve for efficiency. When environmental changes make these adaptations less effective, extinction becomes more likely.”
This analysis also highlights numerous taxonomic issues, with some fossils previously assigned to Shudaelrus now being categorized under Adelphyllus cansensis, a comprehensive group of primitive felid fossils.
“Shudaellus is regarded as a genus of average-sized Miocene felines, previously dubbed the ‘trash can genus,'” the scientists remarked.
The research findings contribute to a broader understanding of the origin and early diversification of saber-toothed cats.
During the late Miocene, carnivores migrated between Eurasia and North America via the Bering Land Bridge.
The authors propose that Adelphyllus cansensis suggests a separate migration of primitive saber-toothed cats into North America, distinct from the dispersal of early felids.
“While we have not fully determined the timing and number of dispersal events in the North American fossil record, our review indicates that the Adelphyllus cansensis skull material exhibits an intermediate morphology between Yoshi and Metailurus,” they concluded. “This suggests a placement near the base of macrodontid diversification.”
The team’s paper has been published in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology.
_____
Narimane Chatter & Z. Jack Tseng. New material of Adelphyllus cansensis shedding light on the cranial anatomy of early-diverging felids of the order Machairodontales. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, published online June 19, 2026. doi: 10.1080/02724634.2026.2667939
Unique Childbirth Method Among Golden Lion Tamarins
Credit: Edwin Giesbers/naturepl.com
Childbirth poses significant challenges across the primate family, notably for humans. Recent research into primate anatomy reveals that many species contend with narrow pelvises that hinder birthing larger-headed infants. This issue dates back to the earliest primates over 50 million years ago.
Traditionally, it was believed that the unique birthing challenges faced by humans emerged from evolution, particularly following the adoption of bipedal locomotion, which constrained pelvic width. As human brains evolved larger, so did infant head sizes, creating a mismatch with pelvis dimensions that couldn’t sufficiently accommodate safe delivery.
Earlier studies suggested that other primates had it easier. Anthropologist Adolf Schulz’s influential research in the 1940s claimed that infants in most primate species fit comfortably within the maternal pelvis.
However, Schulz’s analysis may have contained errors, according to Nicole Torres Tamayo at University College London. “The flaw lay in applying human pelvic measurements across all primate species,” she explains.
Schulz identified certain anatomical landmarks on the human pelvis, hypothesizing they could correspond to those in other primates. However, the human pelvis is uniquely shaped. His landmarks inaccurately defined an inclined plane above the actual birth canal, leading to an overestimation of its size.
In a groundbreaking re-examination, Torres-Tamayo and her research team analyzed the birth canals of 29 primate species while also assessing newborn skull sizes. Their findings indicated that some primate pelvises are ill-suited for childbirth, especially in smaller species like bushbabies and tamarins, where newborn heads can be nearly double the size of the birth canal.
“We were surprised by the high incidence of these size discrepancies across many primate species,” states research team member Leah Betti.
This challenge may even extend back to our primate ancestors, particularly given the small size of early primates, as noted by Betty.
“It’s fascinating to analyze such a diverse dataset,” adds Nicole Webb from the University of Zurich, Switzerland. “These species exhibit varied lifestyles, habitats, and anatomical diversity.”
Different primate species have developed adaptive strategies to cope with these complications. For instance, bush babies and tamarins can dislocate their pelvic bones, temporarily enlarging the birth canal. However, humans are unable to perform this adaptation, as it would make bipedal movement excruciatingly painful.
Interestingly, Torres-Tamayo, Betti, and their colleagues observed that larger great apes experience fewer birthing challenges. This might be due to their size compared to smaller tree-dwelling primates. As such, humans are further distinguished by their unique birth difficulties, making them the only great apes encountering these issues, as Betty noted.
Nonetheless, Webb casts doubt on this conclusion. A study she and her colleagues published in 2024 concluded that even chimpanzees face tight matches between birth canal dimensions and newborn head sizes. “This mismatch is curious and could indicate methodological flaws,” Webb states. “The findings from this new study provide compelling reasons to reassess our assumptions.”
The Core of the Quantum Computer Developed by Infleqtion
Infleqtion
The U.S. government aims to develop a powerful quantum computer within the next two years to catalyze significant advancements in scientific research. This initiative seeks to fast-track innovations in materials, pharmaceuticals, and agro-manufacturing.
Quantum computing, once merely a theoretical concept among physicists, is now a tangible reality. However, widespread commercial viability and clear practical applications remain elusive. The efficacy of these quantum systems relies on their size—measured by the number of qubits—and their overall reliability. Presently, available quantum devices are still too limited and prone to inaccuracies.
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Quantum Genesis Initiative aims to change this by 2028 through a competitive framework that will establish a national quantum supercomputing facility and support advancing quantum research.
By 2028, the DoE aspires for quantum computers to tackle significant challenges in chemistry, materials science, plasma physics, and high-energy physics. “I am confident that the foundational components are in place… we don’t require a groundbreaking discovery,” states Dario Gil, Undersecretary for Science at the Department of Energy.
Gil’s optimism is fueled by recent breakthroughs in quantum technology, including enhanced qubit fabrication and advanced algorithms that allow quantum systems to self-correct errors. Moreover, the integration of AI is anticipated to assist researchers in refining quantum control methods, contributing to the 2028 target.
“While 2028 is an ambitious goal, it is achievable,” asserts Juliette Peirone of quantum computing company Alice & Bob. Paul Stimers notes that multiple quantum firms have committed to delivering functional, error-free quantum computers by 2028 or shortly thereafter, as highlighted by the Quantum Industry Coalition.
This announcement from the DoE follows two executive orders from President Trump aimed at enhancing quantum technology, including a substantial $2 billion investment in various quantum computing firms by the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Quantum Technologies Noted in Executive Order highlight that practical applications for quantum sensors are already being realized, with plans for their deployment in partnership with NASA in space exploration. Interest in quantum computing is growing, partly due to its potential as powerful code-breaking tools; however, significant challenges remain ahead of the 2028 deadline.
Gill acknowledges that transitioning from current quantum technologies to future ones will involve substantial learning curves. “Realistically, we will be confronted with complexities.” Additionally, many components necessary for next-gen quantum systems are rare, posing risks to an already fragile supply chain, according to Stimers.
The U.S. is not the only nation pursuing accelerated quantum technology advancements. The U.K. plans to integrate large-scale quantum systems post-2030 and introduced a procurement program. Quantum computing, alongside artificial intelligence, is pivotal to global technological leadership, as evidenced by China’s latest five-year development strategy. Setting 2028 as a target would present the most aggressive timeline globally, as noted by Gill.
For millions of people adhering to the keto diet, fat is not the enemy; it’s the main component of their meals.
This low-carb, high-fat diet was initially developed in the 1920s to treat children with epilepsy. Over the decades, it has gained popularity in the wellness community, attracting yoga enthusiasts, gym-goers, and weight-loss seekers alike.
By 2024, the ketogenic market is projected to be worth £9.2 billion ($12.5 billion) and continues to experience exponential growth.
The fundamental premise of the keto diet is to utilize fat as the primary energy source. This contrasts sharply with conventional diets primarily reliant on glucose, the simple sugar produced by the breakdown of carbohydrates.
On a ketogenic diet, individuals consume a minimal amount of carbohydrates, resulting in reduced glucose production. Instead, approximately 80% of caloric intake comes from fat, which the liver converts into an alternative energy source known as ketones—hence the term “ketogenic.”
Keto enthusiasts often report weight loss without the pangs of hunger. They claim it enhances energy levels, mental focus, and clarity. Additionally, this diet is believed to reduce inflammation, stabilize blood sugar levels, decrease the risk of type 2 diabetes, and improve skin conditions.
While these benefits sound enticing, there are caveats. Consuming high levels of fat daily can lead to side effects, notably elevated cholesterol levels in some individuals following the ketogenic diet.
“Many [keto dieters] consume such high amounts of saturated fat that while they may see positive changes such as weight loss, their cholesterol levels could skyrocket,” warns Professor Kosh Ray, a leading cardiologist at Imperial College London.
“If I didn’t know they were eating this way, I would suspect a genetic disorder affecting cholesterol metabolism.”
This cholesterol issue often arises in those claiming to have lost weight and feel fantastic on a keto diet. So, the pressing question is: should individuals on a keto diet who appear healthy on the outside—with their cholesterol levels soaring—be concerned about their heart health?
The ketogenic diet emphasizes low carbohydrates, moderate protein, and high fat, as seen in this chicken and avocado salad—Credit: filadendron via Getty
Why Medical Professionals Are Concerned
For most cardiologists, the connection between LDL cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol) and heart disease risk is clear.
“Numerous studies indicate that lower LDL cholesterol levels correlate with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease,” explains Ray.
To grasp the significance of LDL, it helps to understand its function. Cholesterol acts as a fatty substance necessary for bodily functions, akin to a taxi transporting proteins to and from the liver through the bloodstream.
LDL carries cholesterol away from the liver, whereas HDL returns it. A proper balance between the two is crucial for effective cholesterol transport.
However, LDL can adhere to artery walls and become problematic, particularly when the wall is damaged (due to age, smoking, or inflammation).
This can result in a condition known as plaque buildup, which hardens over time. If this plaque ruptures, it can obstruct blood flow and lead to a heart attack.
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Lean Mass Hyper Responder Theory
Conventional views suggest that high LDL cholesterol among keto dieters indicates an increased heart disease risk. But some self-proclaimed “citizen scientists” argue otherwise.
They believe high cholesterol levels may not pose a threat on a keto diet.
Some even assert that levels exceeding the standard healthy limit (100 mg/dL or 2.6 mmol/L) are permissible, suggesting that dietary fat protects heart health.
This term is often referred to as lean mass hyper responder—a classification that most medical experts question.
Low-density lipoproteins (LDL), often labeled as “bad” cholesterol, function as carrier proteins, similar to high-density lipoproteins (HDL), regarded as “good” cholesterol—Credit: Nemes Laszlo via Getty
“The term ‘lean mass hyper responder’ lacks medical validation,” cautions Dr. Scott Murray of the Venturi Cardiology Clinic.
This term originated from a computer scientist who explored the cholesterol spikes in keto dieters and sought to understand them.
Although the idea is novel, it lacks substantial scientific support. This group has initiated studies to analyze high-cholesterol keto dieters better.
Their initial findings linked spikes in LDL cholesterol to thinness among participants, suggesting that such cholesterol levels might not be harmful for “hyperresponders.”
“The theory suggests that increased dependence on fat as an energy source leads to higher fat transport,” explains nutritional therapist Moira Newis, a self-identified hyperresponder.
If you are metabolically healthy, transporting more fat within the body might not be a concern.
Proponents also point to the anti-inflammatory properties of a ketogenic diet. Since both high cholesterol and inflammation contribute to plaque formation, the idea is that reducing inflammation could render cholesterol benign.
However, inflammation levels vary among individuals, and it’s impossible to eliminate it entirely, regardless of dietary choices.
Currently, there’s no evidence supporting the notion that excess cholesterol is beneficial on a keto diet.
High LDL cholesterol levels can lead to plaque buildup in arteries, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke—Credit: anusorn nakdee via Getty
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The Keto Controversy
In an effort to substantiate their claims, citizen scientists published a paper in April 2025 arguing that hyperresponders on keto diets face no increased heart disease risk, countering established cardiologist viewpoints.
However, the scientific community is taking a firm stance against these claims.
This study analyzed arterial plaque in 100 hyperresponders over one year, finding that those with elevated LDL cholesterol levels showed no significant plaque development compared to those with lower yet still high cholesterol levels.
“LDL levels alone do not predict heart risk accurately,” states Dr. Adrian Sotomota, the leading author and clinical researcher.
Nonetheless, this study has significant flaws, notably the absence of a control group, making it difficult to compare results against normal diets with healthy cholesterol levels.
Heart disease encompasses various ailments affecting the heart and vascular system, leading as the leading cause of death worldwide as reported by WHO—Credit: SCIEPRO/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY via Getty
Among the 100 hyperresponders studied, 99 experienced plaque worsening.
Sotomota explains that plaque progression is common and can be influenced by various factors, including blood pressure and diet, not solely cholesterol levels.
Professor Ray criticizes the study’s findings, stating they contradict established scientific principles and asserting that the prevalence of plaque growth is much higher than observed in typical healthy populations, pointing to an increased heart attack risk.
Current Evidence on Cholesterol and the Keto Diet
While much remains unclear about cholesterol and the ketogenic diet, current evidence suggests that high LDL cholesterol levels are a significant risk factor for heart disease, not just for hyperresponders but for all.
Dr. Murray recommends CT scans for patients on a keto diet exhibiting very high LDL cholesterol to assess arterial plaque.
If their results show healthy arteries, he suggests modifications to their diet, integrating healthy carbohydrates and lowering saturated fat and cholesterol intake.
If plaque or advanced coronary artery disease is detected, he insists on dietary changes and medication to manage plaque regression.
Murray emphasizes the risks associated with extreme dietary practices, warning against being excessively lean while only consuming fats and proteins.
“The body thrives on balance, and existing in the extremes of a keto diet doesn’t serve health in the long run,” he highlights.
The NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope has unveiled approximately 16.5 million stars within the edge-on spiral galaxy Messier 82 (M82, NGC 3034, or Cigar Galaxy), offering astronomers an extraordinary opportunity to examine the galaxy’s intense star formation activities.
An image of the edge-on spiral galaxy Messier 82. Image credits: NASA / ESA / CSA / Adam Smercina, STScI, Tufts / Thomas Williams, University of Manchester / Alyssa Pagan, STScI.
Located about 12 million light-years away in the northern constellation of Ursa Major, Messier 82 is a fascinating astronomical object.
First identified by German astronomer Johann Elert Bode in 1774, this galaxy spans approximately 40,000 light-years in diameter.
Messier 82, colloquially known as the Cigar Galaxy due to its elongated elliptical shape, presents a unique profile caused by the tilt of its star-rich disk from our perspective.
Celebrated for its accelerated star formation rate, Messier 82 creates stars at a pace 10 times greater than that of the Milky Way.
“Messier 82 is chaotic, yet it embodies a stunning disorder,” commented Dr. Adam Smersina, an astronomer at the Space Telescope Science Institute and Tufts University.
“Our understanding of its evolutionary history remains incomplete.”
“What fuels this heightened star formation? How long has this galaxy been expelling material from its core?”
“Messier 82 serves as an unparalleled laboratory for galaxy evolution, enabling us to explore core astrophysical processes, including star formation in extreme conditions and the resulting outflows.”
“No other galaxy in the local universe can simultaneously address many astrophysical inquiries like Messier 82 does.”
Astronomers harnessed Webb’s NIRCam (near-infrared camera) to reveal unprecedented details of Messier 82, showcasing its expansive structure and millions of individual stars.
The observed Webb image features around 16.5 million distinct stars scattered throughout the galaxy.
Light from these stellar sources appears as luminous blue grains.
This represents only a fraction of the estimated total stars thought to exist in galaxies like Messier 82, as many remain too faint for detection.
“The sheer number of stars revealed by Webb is astonishing,” stated Dr. Benjamin Williams, an astronomer at the University of Washington.
“We’ve entered a realm previously hidden from our sights with other telescopes.”
“Each star collectively unveils a detailed fossil record of Messier 82’s formation and evolution.”
“While Webb can penetrate through dust, the galaxy’s disk might not appear strikingly eye-catching at first,” explained Dr. Eric Bell, an astronomer at the University of Michigan.
“Yet Messier 82 constitutes a highly intricate system, and Webb’s insights will help elucidate ongoing mysteries, such as the dynamics of star formation across the past several billion years.”
A side-by-side comparison of Messier 82 as viewed by the Hubble Space Telescope (left) and the Webb Space Telescope (right). Image credits: NASA / ESA / CSA / Adam Smercina, STScI, Tufts / Thomas Williams, University of Manchester / Alyssa Pagan, STScI.
The extreme star formation in Messier 82 occurs at a rate 10 times faster than in our Milky Way, leading to eventual limitations in star birth.
The galaxy’s vibrant stellar activity is ejecting bipolar plumes of material both above and below its disk.
Although it seems chaotic, this hourglass-shaped outflow displays a structured layering.
Yellow tendrils of material nearest the galaxy’s disk signify ionized gas, while the orange-hued material further out represents tiny dust particles.
These particles, known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, assist astronomers in tracing material within the interstellar medium of galaxies.
“Galaxies function as complex ecosystems, so a comprehensive understanding requires integrating data from various missions,” remarked Dr. Kristen McQuinn, an astronomer at the Space Telescope Science Institute.
“No single mission can fully resolve all the mysteries surrounding Messier 82.”
“Merging data from different telescopes, like Webb and Hubble, is incredibly potent.”
“This synthesis broadens the scope of our investigation, allowing for more intricate questions and answers.”
Understanding How the Menstrual Cycle Affects Vaccine Response
Marcos del Mazo/LightRocket, Getty Images
The effectiveness of vaccines in women may be influenced significantly by the timing of their menstrual cycle. While the trending concept of #cyclesyncing promotes dietary and lifestyle changes based on menstrual phases, robust research is lacking. Nonetheless, increasing evidence indicates that hormonal fluctuations throughout the cycle can play a crucial role in influencing a woman’s immune response and may affect susceptibility to infections post-vaccination, particularly for the COVID-19 vaccine.
"Historically, the menstrual cycle has been overlooked in health research," states Poppy Cooper from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. "This initiative reflects a paradigm shift, acknowledging that the menstrual cycle impacts health beyond just reproductive aspects."
Following the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine in 2021, anecdotal reports noted changes in women’s menstrual cycles, including heavier and earlier periods. A later study concluded that while these changes were observed, they were generally minor and temporary.
Cooper and her research team have since explored how menstrual cycles may affect vaccine efficacy. By analyzing data from 1,474 women utilizing the menstrual tracking app, Clue, in 2021, who reported their vaccination outcomes through an in-app survey, they uncovered key insights.
Out of the participants, many experienced COVID-19 breakthrough infections, primarily among those who received either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines. Notably, infections occurred 35 days earlier in women vaccinated during the luteal phase (characterized by high progesterone and pre-implantation of eggs) compared to those vaccinated during the follicular phase (marked by high estrogen and maturation of egg follicles).
This variation might be linked to how sex hormones affect immune cell responses. A 2022 meta-analysis noted a decline in immune-related proteins like antibodies during the luteal phase. "Progesterone prepares the body for potential pregnancy, often by suppressing active immune responses, which isn’t ideal when trying to optimize reaction to a vaccine," explains Dr. Julia Craggs, a women’s health specialist.
Despite its limitations—such as a relatively small number of confirmed coronavirus cases and not accounting for the menstrual cycle’s menstrual and ovulatory stages—the study offers a fresh perspective. It encourages further exploration of how sex hormones may influence women’s health outcomes. "This research recognizes menstrual cycles as a significant factor rather than merely a variable to control for," says Craggs. "Addressing this may uncover vital factors affecting how women respond to healthcare interventions." Recent findings also indicate that estrogen fluctuations can alter drug absorption in women.
Professor Cooper stresses the continuing importance of vaccinations in disease prevention, regardless of menstrual cycle timing. However, he advocates for greater consideration of these factors in healthcare discussions. "I hope similar inquiries will surface regarding other vaccines and treatments," notes Professor Cooper, who is also studying the potential impacts of hormonal contraceptives on vaccine effectiveness.
Strange and Dangerous Flotsam Washes Up at the ‘End of All Things’
Dan Kitwood/Getty Images
The top science fiction books of this year have just been unveiled. Check out The End of Everything by M. John Harrison. While it’s approximately half the length of a typical novel, its impactful narrative leaves no room for shortcomings. I eagerly devoured it in one sitting.
In this compelling narrative, our hero, Philip, and his grandmother, Marnie, navigate life along the southern coast of England following a catastrophic alien invasion. With the phenomenon of iGhetti causing mainland Europe to vanish, the boundary between reality and illusion becomes blurred. Strange artifacts emerge from the sea, while “bad spots” disrupt people’s behavior, leading to uncertainty.
Philip searches for alien artifacts to sell, while Marnie is an artist. Their journey, contrary to expectations, reveals their unpredictable behavior.
This story resonates with themes from Roadside Picnic, a 1972 classic by Arcadia and Boris Strugatsky, which portrays indifferent alien visitors leaving hazardous debris on Earth. Similar to John Wyndham’s 1957 novel Midwich Cuckoos, which explores unconventional alien invasion, Harrison’s work remains refreshingly original—an absolute gem of a story.
Two additional noteworthy releases this June include The Traveler by Joseph Eckert.
In this thrilling tale, Scott Trader leaps through time each morning at 7:52 a.m. For the first time, he leaps a day earlier, with each subsequent jump exponentially more daunting. His son Lyle calculates how far into the future they could end up, revealing science fiction brilliance as they confront profound questions of existence.
Additionally, be sure to explore Green City Wars by Adrian Tchaikovsky, released this month. Tchaikovsky’s fourth installment of the Children of Time series is also receiving acclaim.
Tchaikovsky’s Green City Wars is a whimsical and politically motivated tale, featuring a brilliant raccoon detective navigating a future where enhanced animals toil to support the human elite. If you’re drawn to unique narratives with a dose of whimsy, this book could be your next favorite.
Looking back, standout titles from earlier this year include Radiant Star by Anne Leckie. While not my top pick from her Imperial Radch universe, it’s a delightful addition.
Read Bright by Silvia Park, which is brimmed with thought-provoking ideas on the future of AI, making it a compelling read. George Saunders’ Vigil features an enigmatic protagonist, Jill Blaine, who captivates even as she tries to redeem a flawed oil tycoon.
Emily H. Wilson, author of the “Sumerian” series and former editor at New Scientist, is currently working on her first science fiction novel.
Note: Your purchases through the links on this page may earn us a commission.
Our brains naturally favor shortcuts, often leading to subconscious decisions. This is part of the brain’s tendency to minimize energy consumption. This inclination may explain our deep interest in categorizing brain states despite their inherent complexities.
Consider the varying legal ages of adulthood worldwide, ranging from 16 to 21 years. This distinction is crucial, as it influences societal expectations for children versus adults. Some advocate for a paradigm shift, urging lawmakers to account for typical brain maturation, assessed through methods like brain imaging, when addressing matters such as criminal sentencing and driving privileges. While many believe that brain development isn’t complete until age 25, our analysis in the dedicated feature on brain changes reveals that this notion is misleading. Brain maturation occurs at diverse rates, and numerous assessment methods exist.
Neuroscience is also being harnessed to shape policies before the science is fully validated. For instance, the introduction of “severe autism” aims to identify individuals requiring the most support by evaluating IQ, language abilities, and care needs. While this can enhance resource allocation, it risks marginalizing those who don’t meet stringent criteria. It is important to consider the distinct profiles of individuals with language and cognitive impairments, as these neurological differences necessitate tailored support.
“ Neuroscience is often called upon to shape policy before the science is adequately established “
Our collective urge to neatly categorize the brain is understandable, and a future where neuroscience effectively helps us decipher cognitive states is conceivable. However, that future has not yet materialized.
Innovative research on cyborg insects shows that swarms of remotely controlled cockroaches can survive underwater with the help of specially designed diving suits, potentially paving the way for exploration on Mars.
Hirotaka Sato and his team at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore have successfully demonstrated that hissing cockroaches (Glomphadrina Portentosa) can be remotely controlled through electrical implants in their sensory organs. Their research in 2021 showcased the feasibility, while 2024 saw a breakthrough with a swarm of 20 cooperating insects.
The primary goal was to create biological robots with infrared sensors to assist in search and rescue operations following natural disasters. Cockroaches offer effective locomotion, built-in reflexes, and the potential for energy efficiency, making them ideal candidates for such tasks.
Despite their versatility, the researchers faced challenges with the insects’ ability to explore flooded environments, common during disasters. To overcome this, they developed an aquatic suit enabling underwater operations.
Cockroaches breathe through spiracles located in their abdomen and thorax. The team created a waterproof suit using 3D printed resin, safeguarding the abdominal spiracles from water. A small hose connects the suit to the thoracic spiracle, allowing oxygen absorption.
Instead of traditional scuba gear, the suit uses a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and manganese dioxide, producing oxygen through a chemical reaction that the cockroaches can utilize.
While wearing the suit, the cockroaches were capable of submerging up to 50 centimeters for three hours, demonstrating resilience and health after the experiment.
The suit enabled the cyborg insects to swim naturally, achieving a forward speed of 87.5 millimeters per second on land, and just slightly slower at 78.4 millimeters underwater.
Sato envisions that this technology could aid search and rescue missions and possibly one day be adapted for extraterrestrial environments where oxygen is scarce, such as Mars.
The research team plans to further test the cockroach suits under severe conditions found in space, including extreme temperatures, vacuum, and radiation. However, concerns regarding contamination with Earth-based microorganisms remain a hurdle for potential space missions.
According to Alan Winfield, a professor at the University of the West of England, the applications for underwater-cyborg bio-robots extend to environmental monitoring and other crucial tasks.
While small robots struggle with battery life, cockroaches can operate efficiently for extended periods without the need for refueling, highlighting the advantages of biological systems over mechanical ones.
Each year, approximately 170 billion tons of ice melts from the Greenland Ice Sheet, yet the exact processes behind this melting remain unclear. Previous studies have indicated that surface meltwater accumulates on glaciers due to warm air and sunlight, flowing through cracks in the glacier and out to sea.
However, some scientists argue that this model oversimplifies the situation by assuming that water only flows downward, neglecting the impact of temperature on water movement. They suggest that such simplified models are inadequate for accurately predicting future ice sheet behavior.
To address this, a group of researchers investigated how subglacial lakes beneath the ice sheet control water movement across Greenland. They monitored a newly discovered subglacial lake using high-resolution satellite images from 2012 to 2019, along with 3D surface maps. Their focus was on the period between July 22 and August 1, 2014, during a suspected drainage event of the subglacial lake, similar to a water balloon bursting under pressure.
They analyzed images from the Greenland Ice Sheet, including data from Landsat-8, 3D surface maps from Polar Geospatial Center, and information from ICESat and ICESat-2. They identified a 2-square-kilometer (0.8-square-mile) area of ice that had risen 10 to 15 meters (about 30 to 50 feet) in height, forming a dome on the ice sheet surface. This dome likely developed as a large lake formed underneath the ice, pushing it upwards.
The researchers noted that the dome began to collapse on July 22, 2014, falling 85 meters (about 280 feet) over the next 10 days to form a basin. From the dome’s dimensions, they estimated that about 90 million cubic meters (or roughly 3 billion cubic feet) of water drained from the lake, averaging 100 cubic meters (around 3,500 cubic feet) per second—equivalent to draining 36,000 Olympic swimming pools at a rate of one pool every 25 seconds.
Additionally, they discovered a 40-meter-high (130-foot) block of ice that was displaced about 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) downstream during the collapse, alongside 6 square kilometers (about 2 square miles) of smooth ice. These features likely formed when water surged through the ice, flowed over the surface, and re-entered the ice sheet.
The researchers then utilized data from Landsat 5, Landsat 9, National Snow and Ice Data Center, and United States Geological Survey to show that the drainage event also influenced the surrounding environment. Once the water re-entered the ice sheet, it flowed downstream beneath Harding Glacier. This rapid influx of water lowered the pressure at the glacier’s base, slowing its movement and causing 500 to 600 meters (approximately 1,600 to 2,000 feet) of ice to shear off its edge.
Researchers hypothesized that as the ice sheet froze, subglacial water rose to the surface instead of sinking into the bedrock. To explore this, they employed a computer-generated thermal model to simulate the temperature at the base of the ice sheet, entering various anticipated rock temperatures and ice thicknesses. The results showed that all simulations maintained the base temperature below -5°C (23°F). At such frigid temperatures, the ice would freeze to the bedrock before subglacial water could flow out, necessitating upward movement of the water.
These findings led researchers to develop a new conceptual model for meltwater movement in glaciers. Initially, surface ice melts and flows into the subglacial lake. As the meltwater collects, pressure at the ice sheet’s base builds, creating a dome. A drainage event results in the dome’s collapse. As water descends through the glacier, the ice freezes to bedrock, preventing water from reaching the glacier’s bottom, causing it to move upward, break the surface, and eventually re-enter the glacier and flow toward the ocean.
In conclusion, the interconnected nature of water movement above, through, and below glaciers can weaken ice sheet structures and alter glacier dynamics downstream. This study underscores the importance of considering the processes contributing to glacier ice loss.
Human laughter, characterized by rapid and rhythmically timed bursts, is not exclusive to humans. Recent research from the University of Warwick and the University of Portsmouth reveals that all great apes, including orangutans, gorillas, and chimpanzees, share the same fundamental timing structure for laughter. This finding indicates that our common ancestor with these great apes was capable of recognizable smiling at least 15 million years ago.
Analysis of laughter tempo in five great ape species: orangutans, gorillas, bonobos, chimpanzees, and humans. Points represent individual observations, with color coding for evolutionary distance. Image credit: De Gregorio et al., 10.1038/s42003-026-10499-z.
Chiara de Gregorio, a researcher at the University of Warwick, stated, “Sounds do not fossilize, complicating the traceability of song sounds, spoken words, and languages.”
She added, “Comparative studies of the behaviors of our closest living relatives, the (non-human) great apes, serve as the only extant model for the vocal abilities and adaptive features that our ancestors may have lost.”
“Although every major hominid lineage has developed unique vocalization repertoires shaped by their specific social ecologies, laughter remains a conserved vocalization across species and age-sex categories.”
This study recorded laughter in various tickle play and social play scenarios involving 17 individuals from all five great ape species.
The research comprised four orangutans, two gorillas, three bonobos, four chimpanzees, and four humans, including children aged 6 months to 7 years.
Analysis showed that laughter across all species is isochronous, meaning it occurs at regular, evenly spaced intervals. This rhythm mirrors those found in music and speech.
Scientists have confirmed that this fundamental rhythmic structure was already present in our common ancestor 15 million years ago and continues to be remarkably conserved across modern great apes.
However, they identified noteworthy differences along the evolutionary line. The closer a species is to humans on the evolutionary tree, the faster and more variable their laughter becomes, with increased sensitivity to social contexts.
Humans were unique in adjusting the tempo of their laughter depending on whether they were engaged in tickling or free play.
The researchers noted that variations in human laughter tempo are perceived as more emotionally warm and socially positive, indicating that rhythmic flexibility holds significant social implications.
Dr. Adriano Lamelia from the University of Warwick remarked, “Assessing the vocal forms of extinct ancestors directly is impossible.”
“Laughter is an evolutionarily ancient trait shared by all extant great apes, providing a valuable evolutionary perspective on vocal changes that occurred throughout human evolution leading to the emergence of the first humans.”
“This research counters the classical view that the first humans suddenly acquired distinct vocal control abilities; instead, the evolution of laughter illustrates the continuum of vocal control capabilities that developed cumulatively over 15 million years.”
For further details, refer to the findings published in the Journal on June 25, 2026, in Communication Biology.
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C. De Gregorio et al. 2026. The rhythm and timing of laughter reveal that human vocal plasticity is part of the hominid continuum. Comm Biol 9,824; doi: 10.1038/s42003-026-10499-z
Female small brown bats engage in mating during the fall season, yet do not achieve fertilization or pregnancy until the spring, resulting in a half-year gap where sperm is stored within the female’s reproductive system.
This phenomenon, known as sperm storage, occurs when female animals keep sperm alive in their reproductive tracts for extended periods, allowing for fertilization at a more opportune moment.
Various species, including insects, fish, birds, and mammals, utilize this strategy. For instance, female dogs can store sperm for about a week, while female chickens can retain sperm for nearly a year up to a month. Interestingly, female western rattlesnakes exhibit the remarkable ability to store sperm for up to six years.
Sperm are retained within specialized structures of the reproductive tract. In insects, for example, sperm are often found in the seminal vesicles. Conversely, birds and reptiles utilize sperm storage tubules, which are grooves located at the ends of their reproductive systems.
Even in humans, sperm storage occurs, with viable sperm able to survive for up to five days in a cervical pocket known as a cervical crypt.
The surrounding environment plays a critical role in keeping stored sperm viable. Epithelial cells that line these storage structures provide antioxidant-rich proteins that neutralize free radicals and prolong the lifespan of sperm.
Additionally, the local immune system effectively targets invading microorganisms while allowing the stored sperm to remain unharmed, which helps them remain viable until fertilization is required.
Small brown bats usually give birth to one pup – Credit: Getty
This strategy is prevalent across numerous species, indicating its evolutionary significance. For instance, if a little brown bat were to give birth in the harsh winter, it would face dire consequences due to food scarcity and cold temperatures.
By mating in the fall and entering hibernation, the female optimizes the timing of her pregnancy to ensure the best conditions for nurturing her young.
In humans, the evolution of sperm storage appears to enhance fertilization probabilities. Even intercourse occurring days before ovulation can lead to pregnancy, as the sperm remain primed for fertilization.
Moreover, in certain species, sperm storage may allow females to influence the sex ratio of their offspring.
For example, the queen bee of Western honey bees mates with multiple males and stores sperm, never mating again. Consequently, unfertilized eggs form males while fertilized eggs produce females.
In a more complex strategy, female yellow dung flies can “choose” which sperm to utilize from storage. When environmental conditions are harsh, they may opt for sperm from males with genes better suited for survival in challenging climates.
This adaptive behavior increases the likelihood of offspring survival, though the exact mechanisms behind sperm selection remain a mystery.
This article answers the question posed by Angela Jaiswal via email: “How do female animals store sperm long-term?”
If you have any questions, please email us at:questions@sciencefocus.com or reach out viaFacebook,Twitter, orInstagram(please include your name and location).
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When observing orangutans munching on leaves, one might assume they choose the nearest plants. However, recent research reveals that orangutans actively seek out plants with medicinal properties.
This groundbreaking study, based on 20 years of research on wild orangutans in the Sebangau peat swamp forest of Borneo, indicates that these primates can “self-medicate” by consuming specific plant combinations in a prescribed sequence.
The research team meticulously documented the dietary habits of orangutans to uncover non-random eating patterns among the species. The findings showed that orangutans frequently consumed plants known for their medicinal benefits, surpassing initial expectations.
Notably, these plants contained compounds that demonstrated antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and wound healing effects. “At this stage, we cannot definitively state that orangutans consciously ‘diagnose’ themselves like humans,” explains Georgia Allen, the lead researcher and master’s student in conservation and biodiversity at the University of Exeter. The research results were published in Scientific Reports.
Allen notes, “However, our findings suggest that orangutans selectively consume certain medicinal plants in ways that extend beyond mere nutritional needs.”
Orangutans are a critically endangered species residing only in Indonesia and Malaysia. They share over 96% of their DNA with humans. – Credit: Getty
Interestingly, many of the specified plants do not form a major part of an orangutan’s regular diet, suggesting they are consumed for specific health benefits rather than as standard fare.
It remains uncertain whether this behavior is a natural instinct or a learned practice passed down through generations.
Chimpanzees display similar “self-medication” behaviors, consuming plants to combat internal parasitic infections, and similar actions have been observed in other primates like bonobos, gibbons, and gorillas.
This study, conducted by Allen under the guidance of Dr. Kimberly Hockings and supported by Dr. Elodie Fryman, underscores the significance of some plants, which are also utilized for healing by local indigenous communities.
The research team emphasized the need to preserve indigenous knowledge for effective biodiversity conservation.
Kissing is one of the most intimate acts between humans, yet its origins remain surprisingly enigmatic. When we discuss kissing, we often refer to the romantic lip-to-lip contact that involves suction and pressure, but that description lacks the allure often associated with this act.
But what drives humans to kiss?
Throughout history, the significance of kissing has varied across cultures. The earliest documented kiss can be traced back to ancient Mesopotamian texts from 2500 BC.
In ancient Rome, three distinct types of kisses existed: the palate, a friendly kiss on the cheek; the Basium, a platonic kiss shared between family and close friends; and the Sabium, a passionate kiss exchanged by lovers.
Clearly, kissing transcends mere romantic expression.
Despite its prevalence, kissing is not a universal practice. A 2015 study of 168 cultures published in American Anthropologist revealed that only 46% of people engage in romantic lip kissing. Cultures that do not incorporate kissing have alternative ways of expressing intimacy.
Despite appearing to be universal, less than half of global cultures actually practice romantic kissing – Photo credit: Getty
On the Trobriand Islands near Papua New Guinea, a couple may nibble each other’s eyelashes. Interestingly, during his explorations, Charles Darwin noted a particular Malayan kiss in which individuals squat and smell each other, implying that scent plays an important role in human intimacy.
Can biology provide insights into the reason we kiss? Research suggests that kissing serves a biological bonding function and facilitates emotional release through the release of oxytocin, hormones linked to trust and attachment.
Oxytocin reduces stress, fosters intimacy, and strengthens the bond between romantic partners, suggesting that you kiss because it feels good.
According to evolutionary theory, the origins of lip-to-lip kissing may stem from early maternal behaviors such as breastfeeding and pre-chewing food to feed infants directly.
This behavior is still observable among primates like chimpanzees, potentially laying the foundation for lip contact as a signal of care and bonding.
Human infants are biologically inclined towards lip contact, associating it with comfort and safety. This may have evolved into broader social behaviors linked to caregiving and emotional bonds.
However, theories emphasizing maternal lip-to-lip behavior may fail to fully explain romantic kissing.
A provocative recent theory by evolutionary psychologist Dr. Adriano Lameira of the University of Warwick proposes that kissing evolved from grooming behaviors.
In primates, grooming often culminates in oral contact, such as removing fur from one another. Lameira’s hypothesis suggests that as humans lost body hair, grooming became less feasible, leading to shorter grooming sessions and the enduring practice of kissing as a form of affection.
Indeed, kissing is a complex behavior, potentially shaped by the actions of our ancient ancestors. Whether it be the passionate Sabium or the simple pleasure of closeness, kissing addresses a profound human need for connection.
This article answers the question, “Why do we kiss?” as posed by Dani Castillo through email.
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Masturbation shame in parrots and birds is becoming outdated, according to new research.
While many theories surrounding sexual behavior focus on environmental issues, masturbation has puzzled wildlife experts. Why expend energy, time, and, in the case of males, sperm for an act that once seemed unnecessary?
A recent study titled “Evolution of Avian Masturbation”, published in Ecology and Evolution, reveals that masturbation is more frequently observed in wild birds compared to those in captivity.
Historically, masturbation was considered an abnormal behavior arising from solitary confinement, leading bird keepers to discourage this behavior in their pets.
Masturbation is a natural behavior in many bird species, both in the wild and in captivity – Credit: Getty
As a result, these birds may face discouragement, punishment, or even medical interventions. However, the study suggests that this perspective is merely a case of “folklore breeding.”
Researchers examined a dataset of 120 bird species and found that masturbation occurs in both sexes. This behavior typically involves rubbing the cloaca against various objects like twigs or toys, and is often accompanied by vocalizations and flapping.
Although more prevalent in males, the presence of this behavior in females indicates that sustaining fresh sperm is not the sole reason behind it.
Masturbation has been shown to enhance female reproductive success in various animal species. For instance, in primates, sexual arousal increases vaginal pH, creating a more favorable environment for sperm.
No developmental differences were noted between juvenile and adult birds. However, species with non-monogamous mating systems exhibited higher rates of masturbation compared to socially monogamous species with long-term pair bonds.
Hence, masturbation may serve as a means to boost sexual arousal and prepare the body for successful fertilization.
In conclusion, this behavior is natural and should not be discouraged or punished.
Discover fascinating insights about wild chimpanzees in Africa! These incredible primates have been documented creating rhythmic sounds using their hands and feet on trees.
By striking the massive roots—known as “buttresses”—at the base of trees, chimpanzees generate a deep, resonant sound that can travel over one kilometer (0.6 miles) through dense forest.
This unique drumming is a form of long-distance communication. A 2022 study discovered that chimpanzees in Uganda exhibit distinct drumming styles to communicate their locations within their social groups.
A recent follow-up survey analyzing over 370 drumming patterns from six chimpanzees revealed regional variations. West African chimpanzees prefer evenly spaced beats, reminiscent of a techno rhythm, while their East African counterparts opt for more varied intervals.
Some chimpanzees even enhance their drumming by using tools, like throwing stones against tree trunks to produce a gratifying thud, often coinciding with their trademark “pang-pang” call.
This form of “rock music” has recently been documented in the Chimpanzees of Guinea-Bissau, suggesting the emergence of a complex chimpanzee culture where young members imitate the rock-throwing of older individuals.
These rhythmic behaviors highlight that the human capacity for creating and enjoying rhythmic music may trace back to our evolutionary ancestors.
However, chimpanzees aren’t the only creatures with a sense of rhythm. The striking palm cockatoo, with its punk-rock hairstyle, uses sticks and seed pods to rhythmically tap on trees.
This unique behavior is utilized by male palm cockatoos for attracting mates and marking their territory. They even take time to craft their own musical instruments, meticulously shaping sticks or seed pods to meet their rhythmic needs.
This article answers the question (from Sha’Quan Ward of London): “Can any animal play a musical instrument?”
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The belief that washing laundry at higher temperatures is more effective has changed. Thanks to innovations in washing machine and detergent technology, most fabrics can now be thoroughly cleaned at lower, consistent temperatures—typically starting at minimum 15°C (59°F).
Modern washing machines are specifically designed for low-temperature operations, featuring advanced drum designs and refined tumble sequences that effectively agitate clothes. This ensures that dirt and stains are lifted without the need for high heat.
Additionally, contemporary laundry detergents have significantly advanced. They include a blend of cleaning agents, such as surfactants and enzymes.
Surfactants effectively capture dirt and oil from fabrics, pulling them into the wash water. Research shows that short surfactant molecules are more effective in cold water, leading many brands to formulate their products accordingly.
Anti-redeposition agents complement surfactants by suspending stains in the wash water, preventing them from settling back onto other garments during the cycle.
Since dirt particles tend to be less soluble at lower temperatures, modern formulations often include additional anti-redeposition ingredients. Many of these new detergents also feature enzymes derived from bacteria found in colder regions, such as Iceland, which clean clothes most effectively at around 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F).
The advantages of washing at lower temperatures are notable. Hot water typically accounts for about 90% of the energy consumption of a washing machine, so switching to cooler washes can lead to significant savings on your electricity bills.
Moreover, washing in hot water can lead to fabric abrasion, meaning cooler temperatures can extend the life of your clothing while also reducing microplastic release.
Nevertheless, there are exceptions. Items that require disinfection, such as cloth diapers or medical scrubs, are still best washed in boiling water.
This article addresses the question, “What is the best temperature to wash laundry?” as posed by Theo Hayes from Leeds.
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Paleontologists in Brazil have discovered a previously unknown archosauroid species that thrived approximately 240 million years ago. This intriguing species may belong to a little-understood group of ancient reptiles reminiscent of the ancestors of crocodiles and dinosaurs.
Reconstruction of Silescerida acristatata. Image credit: Mateus Fernández Gadelha.
Silescerida acristatata resided in what is now Brazil during the Middle Triassic Period, a crucial time when life on Earth was diversifying following the mass extinction at the end of the Permian Period.
During this era, archosaurs—a diverse group of reptiles that eventually evolved into dinosaurs, pterosaurs, and crocodiles—began to dominate terrestrial ecosystems.
The newly discovered species is likely linked to a rare and poorly understood group known as Euparkeriidae.
Among the most recognized species of Euparkeriidae is Eupacheria capensis, first described in South Africa in 1913 and remains the sole definitive member of this intriguing group.
“The Euparkeriidae are primarily noted for their distinctive stalked archosaurs. Eupacheria capensis existed during the Early to Middle Triassic in South Africa and is the only established member of this clade,” stated lead author Mauricio García from the Federal University of Santa Maria and his colleagues.
“Other presumed euparckerids have been found in regions across China and Europe.”
“Eupacheria capensis and Euparkeriidae rank just outside of archosaurs in all major phylogenetic analyses, highlighting their significance in understanding archosaur origins.”
“This species, along with other potential euparkerids, holds substantial implications for understanding the evolutionary trajectory of archosaurs, as it closely resembles the body plan of archosaur ancestors.”
The skeletal remains of Silescerida acristatata, including its left shoulder blade, right hip bone, and a left femur measuring around 17.3 cm in length, were discovered at a site in Doña Francisca, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
Based on examinations with related species, the new find likely resembled a long-limbed, agile lizard-like predator.
The discovery of Silescerida acristatata broadens the known geographical range of the Euparkeriidae lineage, and reaffirms South America’s vital role in the early evolution of archosaurs.
“This discovery not only provides insight into the temporal and paleogeographical distribution of Euparkeriidae but also illuminates the origin and early evolution of this family. Eucrocopodan represents the first record of this archosaur in the Brazilian Triassic,” concluded the paleontologists.
“More broadly, this new species underscores the significance of South American Triassic deposits in the evolutionary history of archosaurs.”
The team’s research paper was published in the journal Scientific Reports on June 10th.
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García, M. S., et al. 2026. A new euparkeriid form from the mid-Triassic period of southern Brazil, a member of the family Euparkeriidae. Scientific Reports 16, 16585; doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-53740-9
This stunning image of the Milky Way’s core was captured by ESA’s Euclid Space Telescope on March 23, 2025. Image credits: ESA / Euclid / Euclid Consortium / NASA / CFHT / J.-C. Cuillandre & E. Bertin, CEA Paris-Saclay.
The Euclid telescope is expertly designed to observe billions of distant galaxies. Its advanced visible-light camera can differentiate individual stars within the densely packed galactic bulge without losing clarity,” stated Euclid team members.
This remarkable capability is crucial for scientists aiming to study exoplanets around other stars through a technique known as microlensing.
In merely 26 hours on March 23 and 24, 2025, Euclid produced this extensive image.
Beyond 60 million stars, the telescope also documented nebulae and star clusters.
“This mosaic comprises nine directional views from visible-light cameras, each encompassing an area greater than the full moon,” the astronomers explained.
“When compared to Hubble’s wide-field camera, Euclid’s sharpness and sensitivity in visible light are remarkably impressive,” they added.
“Each point captured by Euclid in just hours represents an area 270 times larger than Hubble’s field of vision.”
To replicate the detailed mosaics created by Euclid would require approximately 2,000 hours at the Keck Observatory,” they noted.
“With its speed and ability to detect faint stars, Euclid reveals details that ground-based observations may overlook.”
“This marks a unique occasion where Euclid momentarily set aside its standard cosmological sky surveys,” remarked Dr. Jason Rose, astronomer at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
“Such endeavors require significant effort and planning, underscoring their substantial scientific impact.”
“Integrating Euclid’s snapshots with Roman’s future surveys will enable a more precise mapping of the galaxy and enhance our chances of discovering elusive cosmic treasures like orphaned black holes and rogue planets.”
Dr. Matthew Penny, an astronomer at Louisiana State University and co-leader of the Euclidean Exoplanet Science Working Group, emphasized: “The Euclidean observations present an exciting opportunity to refine and test our Milky Way model.”
At the Fernández Figueira Institute in Rio de Janeiro, breast milk undergoes testing before being delivered to mothers.
Christine Bethge
For new mothers struggling to breastfeed, Brazil offers exceptional support through its milk banking system. Established in the early 20th century, these milk banks collect donated breast milk and distribute it to mothers and infants in need. Originally costly and limited in availability, a transformative redesign in the 1980s by chemist **João Apurigio Guerra de Almeida** revolutionized Brazilian milk banks. By employing cost-effective methods like repurposed food industry hot tubs—significantly cheaper than traditional pasteurizers—and sterilizing reused containers, this approach made breast milk more accessible.
The Brazilian term for innovative problem-solving is Jeitinho, as highlighted by photographer Christine Bethge. Together with journalist Niklas Franzen, she investigated various Brazilian milk banks, including the Fernández Figueira Institute based in Rio de Janeiro.
Today, Brazil’s milk banking network is acclaimed globally for providing the safest and most affordable human milk. With over 200 milk banks serving hundreds of thousands of babies, Brazil holds the record for the highest number of milk banks worldwide. This successful system has played a pivotal role in reducing the under-five mortality rate in Brazil by more than 70% from 1990 to 2015, a noteworthy achievement attributed to its milk bank initiative. Many sources reference this remarkable program.
A courier at the Instituto Fernández Figueira collects breast milk from donors.
Christine Bethge
The success of Brazil’s milk banking system can be attributed to its efficiency and accessibility, allowing women to easily donate and retrieve milk. A network of delivery drivers facilitates this process; one such driver, witnessed delivering on a bicycle in the Flamengo suburb of Rio de Janeiro, exemplifies this commitment. Christine Bethge noted that without the courier service, mothers might hesitate to contribute, emphasizing the importance of this logistical support.
A laboratory assistant checks breast milk for large contaminants like hair or dust particles, an essential step in quality control.
Christine Bethge
The milk bank serves multifaceted purposes, acting as a comprehensive support center for new mothers by collecting, sterilizing, and storing milk, and directly supplying it to premature infants in critical need. Each milk donation undergoes strict inspections for large contaminants before it is pasteurized at 62.5°C for 30 minutes to eliminate any bacteria and ensure safety.
Milk is pasteurized at 62.5°C for 30 minutes to eliminate bacteria.
Christine Bethge
New mothers can also receive valuable assistance from nurses in expressing milk, particularly in premature birth wards. “The couriers play a vital role in this communication, informing mothers about their milk’s journey,” Bethge remarks.
A nurse assists in expressing milk for a mother’s premature twins at the Fernández Figueira Institute.
A groundbreaking study conducted in the caves of Spain and Portugal reveals that ancient human DNA can persist for thousands of years on the surfaces of cave walls and rock art. This monumental discovery offers new insights into prehistoric humans and poses intriguing questions about whether Neanderthals engaged in cave painting.
“It’s the beginning of a new era,” says Genevieve von Petzinger, a researcher from the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa. “This allows us to potentially connect with the actual artist who created these remarkable works. It’s truly extraordinary.”
From 2022 to 2025, the First Art Project focused on dating the oldest cave paintings, collecting samples from 11 caves across Spain and Portugal featuring rock art. These paintings, believed to be among the earliest known forms, include graphic images such as triangles, dots, and hand stencils executed with red ocher paint. Researchers extracted small shavings of paint and calcite layers formed on cave walls via mineral precipitation.
Given that cave art is typically crafted using tools like fingers or by spitting paint, the researchers aimed to determine if the DNA of the artists had been preserved. While ancient human DNA has been known to exist in cave sediments, its presence on cave walls was previously undocumented.
This changed with the significant discovery of ancient human DNA in red spots that resemble semicolons within Portugal’s Escur Cave.
“It was a pleasant surprise,” notes Alba Bossams Mesa, from the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany. “This is the first instance of ancient human DNA being identified on a cave wall. However, I cannot definitively conclude that this DNA belongs to the artist.” Bossams-Mesa adds, “It could be from someone who encountered the artwork at a later time, or perhaps even someone who merely sneezed.”
Nevertheless, this opens up exciting possibilities for identifying the creators of the artwork. “It’s as if the cave walls have transformed into the pages of an unfinished book, gradually filled with new discoveries,” states Hipolito Collado Giraldo, an Archaeologist from the government of Extremadura, Spain.
Pigment Samples Collected from Spain’s Altamira Cave Ceiling
Matthias Meyer
Another unexpected finding emerged when researchers sampled a control area of the cave wall devoid of artifacts, where they also discovered ancient human DNA. This genetic material likely originated from prehistoric visitors who touched the walls. “We were genuinely surprised,” says Corrado Giraldo. This suggests that even where cave paintings or archaeological items are absent, cave walls can unveil critical insights about ancient humans who frequented these sites.
Furthermore, the findings indicated that the DNA found on the walls of Escoral Cave came from direct contact with ancient humans, rather than sediment that had settled on the walls. In contrast to mixed animal DNA found in cave sediments, the genetic material on the Escoral walls solely consisted of human DNA.
The ancient DNA also provided intriguing insights into the individuals from whom it originated: three samples were primarily female and one was male. This genetic profile aligns closely with a group historically known as Western hunter-gatherers, dating from approximately 5,200 to 17,000 years ago.
Though the recovered DNA is insufficient for precise dating, it is known that Escoral Cave had been sealed off for the past 4,000 to 5,000 years, indicating the genetic material may be older.
This research marks only the beginning. Earlier this month, First Art researchers, including von Petzinger and Corrado Giraldo, conducted thorough sampling at various other caves in Spain, such as Nerja and Aldales, which are linked to Neanderthal art, although that connection remains contentious. “One question I am eager to explore is whether Neanderthals created art,” remarks Bossams-Mesa.
The potential of extracting ancient DNA from cave walls could revolutionize our understanding of ancient humans and their artistic expressions, asserts Francesco d’Errico from the University of Bordeaux, who was not associated with the study. “Did the artist identify as male, female, or perhaps even an animal? Were the drawings on the same panel crafted by the same individual? Will Neanderthal DNA eventually be discovered in the ancient paintings of the Iberian Peninsula, or does the hand stencil found in Indonesia contain Denisovan DNA? The possibilities are vast.”
However, ancient DNA was discovered in only one of the 24 rock art panels sampled, indicating that preservation may be more of an exception than a standard practice. “Currently, the success rate is quite low,” Bossams-Mesa observes. This may improve as researchers polish their methodologies for extracting minimal quantities of DNA from cave samples.
Corrado Giraldo expresses excitement about uncovering valuable information without the need for excavations, which can be destructive in nature. “Excavation inherently alters parts of the archaeological record,” he explains. “This groundbreaking discovery opens avenues for uncovering and reconstructing entirely new narratives without excavation—narratives that deepen our understanding of past peoples and societies.”
Tracy Hutchinson has a rare mutation in the TP53 gene
Tracy Hutchinson
When several family members were diagnosed with cancer simultaneously, I began to suspect a hereditary issue. In 1990, my sister Rebecca and I were both diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia—she was 21, and I was just 14. During her intense chemotherapy treatment, our mother was also diagnosed with breast cancer.
Tragically, Rebecca passed away in 1994, and not long after, my father was diagnosed with colon cancer. As he was receiving treatment, my grandmother was diagnosed with cancer in her other breast, which she survived, only to be later diagnosed with esophageal cancer in 2009. Despite undergoing major surgery, my father’s cancer recurred, and he succumbed to the disease six weeks later.
In 2020, when my other sister was diagnosed with rapidly progressing triple-negative breast cancer, I thought, “Oh my God, something is definitely wrong.” She was tested for the BRCA mutation and results showed no BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations. Subsequently, she was tested for a rarer mutation in the TP53 gene. This mutation is linked to a significantly heightened cancer risk. Women with this mutation have an almost 100% likelihood of developing some form of cancer during their lifetime. This genetic condition is known as Li-Fraumeni syndrome, which indicates that the TP53 genes, responsible for tumor suppression, are not functioning properly.
When my sister suggested I get tested, I questioned, “What is Li-Fraumeni syndrome?” I had never heard of it before. Discovering my positive test result was emotionally devastating, but I agreed to undergo testing to support my sister during this challenging time.
In 2022, at the age of 47, I received my positive diagnosis. Surprisingly, I felt a sense of comfort knowing that I had answers regarding the struggles my family faced. However, this revelation was deeply personal; for example, my brother opted not to be tested.
After my diagnosis, my life transformed completely. With Li-Fraumeni syndrome, thoughts of cancer are ever-present. Within months of learning my result, I underwent a preventive double mastectomy. Early-stage cancer, specifically ductal carcinoma in situ, was detected in my left breast after the surgery.
Living in Sydney, I enrolled in an Australian clinical trial investigating the use of annual full-body MRIs for early tumor detection in individuals with TP53 mutations or other cancer-associated genes. In 2022, I welcomed my first baby, but during my second year, a 9-millimeter meningioma was discovered—fortunately benign but nonetheless terrifying.
I receive full-body MRIs annually, but my anxiety peaks around July, as I wonder if this will be the year things take a turn for the worse. Participating in this study provides some reassurance, as it aims to catch cancer at an early, treatable stage. My sister, who survived breast cancer, also undergoes yearly MRIs.
In addition to full-body MRIs, I have annual skin exams and blood tests managed by a dermatologist. Bi-yearly endoscopies and colonoscopies are essential; during one procedure, they discovered and removed a polyp in my intestine and atypical cells in my esophagus, which are now closely monitored. I’m vigilant about any irregularities in my body—any sudden shoulder pain sends my anxiety into overdrive.
My geneticist speculated that our mother may have had a spontaneous mutation in the TP53 gene, instead of it being inherited. As neither my sister nor I have children, the risk of passing this mutation on is nonexistent.
My partner has been incredibly supportive. After my diagnosis, he encouraged me to pursue whatever necessary actions I needed to take. When I opted for a double mastectomy without reconstruction, he reassured me, saying my scars tell the story of my journey.
I strive to maintain a positive outlook despite the challenges, aware that everyone faces their own struggles, whether chronic illnesses or hidden mental health battles. For instance, my sister-in-law recently suffered a stroke. We each carry our own burdens, visible or not, and it’s crucial to be compassionate toward one another; life isn’t always picture-perfect.
On June 24th, intense heat was felt across much of Europe.
Sylvie Hasson/AFP via Getty Images
This week’s heatwave has been recorded as the hottest and wettest in Europe, potentially leading to thousands of fatalities.
Despite the formation of a “Super El Niño” in the Pacific Ocean, a recent study from the World Weather Attribution Network indicates that this phenomenon has not affected the current heatwave; rather, it is global warming that is to blame.
The research evaluated the average daily maximum temperatures expected from June 26-28 in Western and Central Europe under historical climate conditions from 1976 and 2003.
While low-pressure heat dome weather patterns that trap heat from southern regions are not unusual, the current temperatures are unprecedented. Compared to fifty years ago, a typical June heatwave would be around 3.5°C cooler, with temperature extremes occurring less than once every 10,000 years.
During the day, temperatures have soared, with nighttime temperatures remaining above 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit) in some parts of Spain, and daytime highs reaching up to 44 degrees Celsius (111 degrees Fahrenheit) in certain French towns.
“Without climate change, this event would not have been feasible in June,” stated Theodore Keeping, a professor at Imperial College London, during a media briefing on June 25th. “Absent climate change, three consecutive days of elevated nighttime temperatures throughout the year would not have occurred.”
Humidity levels have also reached alarming highs, surpassing 50% in many UK cities. Dewpoint temperatures are now in the low 20s, starkly contrasting with the single-digit dewpoints seen during the record-breaking July 2022 heatwave.
Wet bulb temperatures, which assess air temperature along with humidity, heat radiation, and airflow, are breaking records or are expected to do so in nearly half of Europe’s cities, according to research.
This increase in humidity elevates health risks by hindering evaporation and reducing sweating efficiency. Vulnerable populations, including the elderly, individuals with chronic conditions, immigrants, and the homeless, face heightened risks.
“What we clearly observe is the unequal impacts of this heatwave, which highlight the disparities exacerbated by climate change,” said Friederike Otto, also from Imperial College London. “It’s the most vulnerable individuals who are most likely to suffer severe consequences.”
Although it’s premature to assess excess mortality, past research revealed that a minor heatwave in June and July 2025 resulted in 2,300 deaths across London and eleven other European cities.
“The health repercussions of this heatwave are likely to be substantial across large portions of northern and central Europe,” added Keeping.
Without rapid reductions in fossil fuel emissions, researchers warn that heatwaves will only become more frequent and extreme. Europe, currently the fastest-warming continent, has an aging urban populace residing in cities unprepared for such extreme heat events. In the UK, only 5% of homes are equipped with air conditioning.
To combat this, Europe should invest in not only air conditioning but also passive cooling solutions like enhanced insulation and ventilation in buildings, green roofs, and tree-lined streets. Carolina Pereira Marguidan of the Red Cross Climate Center emphasized that heat protection measures must extend to often-overlooked groups like individuals with mental health conditions and pregnant women.
“While Europe has established heat response plans, research indicates that they may not encompass all potentially vulnerable demographics,” she elaborated.
Blocks keep falling in Quantris, a quantum twist on the classic game Tetris. A pale yellow square awkwardly lands atop a green block shaped like the letter “Z”. There’s a unique block nearby, bordered in white, seemingly enclosing empty space—a representation of a quantum state of superposition. Observing it changes everything. Confirm your existence: a small black square with an eye symbol falls, flashes into existence, and your block tower perilously approaches the ceiling. Did the block vanish due to observation? No luck here! In Quantris, the quantum version of Tetris, one realization becomes clear: even quantum mechanics can’t save me from my gaming skills.
Though I’m new to quantum video games, their history runs deep. References to quantum physics appeared in video games back in the 1980s. However, the surge in quantum games truly took off when quantum computing became accessible via the cloud in 2016. The rising adoption of tools like IBM’s quantum software development kit has further fueled innovation. Laura Pispanen, a researcher at Aalto University, estimates there are nearly 400 quantum games today, many born from the weekend Quantum Game Jam events since 2014.
Among her favorites is Cubit the Barbarian, reminiscent of classic sword and sorcery themes. This game lets players navigate a maze through tiles that represent different quantum states, enabling them to exploit quantum mechanics and interact with the environment in fascinating ways. By measuring quantum states, players can transform the maze, discovering new paths or erecting barriers.
A dedicated community of researchers and gamers believes in the future of quantum video games. The convergence of untested tech, counterintuitive physics, and the timeless joy of gaming creates a unique landscape. What advancements will we see from quantum computing in gaming? How can games leverage the power of quantum mechanics?
It’s essential to clarify that we’re not discussing games playable directly on quantum computers. While these devices are rapidly advancing, they remain largely experimental. They’ve only recently gained enough computational power and reliability for specific scientific problem-solving. However, they are not all-purpose machines yet—likely suitable for only select tasks, and real-time video game execution remains untested.
Despite this, quantum hardware is making inroads into game development. Released this year, Quantum Backroom is a horror game that utilizes an IBM quantum computer for level generation. This eerie journey through liminal spaces reflects the unsettling nature of its internet phenomenon origins. James Wootton from Moth Quantum notes each room mirrors a quantum state of the computer, creating a visceral link to quantum technology.
Explore Quantum Backrooms
credit: Moth
Curious if these innovations will become mainstream, Julian Togelius from New York University, who studies creativity in video games and AI, believes that quantum computing could revolutionize game development. Quantum technology could connect in-game worlds more realistically, tackling the challenging mathematical problems that currently limit game design. However, he warns that this remains a complex challenge due to the limitations of quantum hardware.
In Quantum Backroom, the quantum elements impact game development rather than gameplay—it’s after the quantum computer powers off that gameplay is handled by classical systems. While Wootton successfully created a quantum version of rock-paper-scissors in 2017, many quantum games still run on classical simulators due to hardware limitations.
“At present, all my games are running on simulators. The hardware isn’t quite ready,” reflects Chris Cantwell, creator of Quantum Chess and other titles. In 2020, a Google quantum computer tested Quantum Chess, but it required extensive recoding. The essence of adapting games to quantum mechanics involves integrating quantum features into gameplay, essential for benchmarking quantum computer performance. Evert van Nieuwenburg at Leiden University has developed Quantum TiqTaqToe, a quantum version of Tic-Tac-Toe.
Bringing Quantum Concepts to the Living Room
Many quantum games incorporate real quantum phenomena, like superposition and entanglement, into familiar gameplay mechanics. In Quantum Chess, for example, two pieces can coexist on the same square. Van Nieuwenburg emphasizes that players don’t require in-depth knowledge of these concepts; engaging with them naturally builds understanding.
Quantum physics is often counterintuitive, as it usually applies to tiny particles or extreme temperatures. However, games offer a unique opportunity to interact with these principles. “At a recent science night, I observed kids playing Tic-Tac-Toe. They may not have understood the mechanics initially, but one kid excitedly exclaimed, ‘Oh, now you’ve got me involved!'” Van Nieuwenburg reminisces. Children quickly adapt to new concepts, including jargon from quantum physics textbooks. “Quantum Chess” enhances traditional chess, providing players additional pieces, and interestingly, children might not grasp the quantum aspects yet. However, they engage in genuine quantum phenomena, hinting at a future where they could become quantum-native developers.
Quantum Chess: A Leap Ahead of Traditional Games?
credit: Shotshop GmbH/Alamy
Reflecting on my younger brother—who found little interest in physics but was absorbed in his console games—I ponder whether he could excel in quantum challenges if the stakes involved gaming. Spiros Michalakis from Caltech, who engages in games like Quantris and Quantum Chess, emphasizes the outreach potential of quantum gaming. His journey began in 2014 with quantum adaptations in Minecraft, leading to a new research field focused on creating games that are not only playable but engaging, where participants leverage new game mechanics for strategic advantages.
The challenge often lies in creating engaging gameplay using quantum features, depending less on the complexity of quantum mechanics and more on the allure of smart mechanics. “Creating a game is easy; making one popular is where the real challenge lies,” Togelius points out, along with skepticism about quantum computing becoming the next gaming revolution.
This dilemma resonates with broader quantum computing challenges, focusing on applying unique quantum operations to achieve previously unattainable outcomes. While daunting, the intersection of gaming and quantum innovation offers promising avenues for exploration.
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A Supernova Threatens Civilization in Claire North’s ‘Slow Gods’
Shutterstock/Martin Capek
In my venture to craft a gripping space opera, I envisioned starting with the explosive narrative of a supernova. Nothing rivals its awe-inspiring enormity and destructive prowess. However, supernovas are not just cataclysmic events; they are also predictable. As a writer, this presents a captivating scenario. What does it mean to gaze at the cosmos, fully aware of when a star—and your world—will meet its end? What decisions will emerge, and what sacrifices will unfold to preserve your existence or that of your civilization?
This is the essence of slow gods.
Imagine yourself as an astronomer, chronicling the stars whose impending explosion will annihilate your world. For eons, the incoming supernova has been an accepted truth, yet your society turns a blind eye. “In about 500 years… let’s radically transform our society to safeguard billions.” Convincing anyone is daunting. While everyone nods in agreement, it always seems an issue for the distant future.
But the situation escalates. Suddenly, thousands of years shrink into centuries—then decades. Time slips away. Perhaps, while cradling your newborn grandchild, you comprehend the grim truth: you know precisely how and when this child will perish. Will they succumb to boiling seas, flames igniting the atmosphere, or suffer a slow demise from radiation? Your previous gradual improvements—a distant colony, a space elevator? Insufficient. The moment has arrived to fundamentally rethink how your society can salvage what remains.
You must act quickly. You have a century to rescue 5 billion souls before Earth incinerates. Building colossal space elevators and motherships may allow for the evacuation of around 50 million people annually. (You will choose to overlook the lurking terrors in the void—entities that induce madness, manipulate biology, or consume entire ships whole. After all, such horrors defy understanding.)
In a century, you could manage to evacuate everyone in a crisis, yet complexities remain. The birthrate surpasses evacuation rates, resulting in a growing population. Is it wise to consider limiting the birth rate? Not really. A century of silence on this front could spell the end of civilization as dramatically as any inferno. Life must continue, even if every child saved hastens another’s demise.
Perhaps selecting who to evacuate weighs on you. Will you benefit the educated, the influential, the notable? Does this decision imply that the disabled, vulnerable, and marginalized will be left behind? This leads to genocide by omission—an insidious form of eugenics—are you complicit?
Alternately, a lottery system might offer a semblance of fairness. Although individuals detest feeling powerless, this might seem equitable enough. You yearn for your number to be selected, but with each passing year, that hope diminishes. When people anticipate that you will quietly fade away, it might simply be due to unfortunate circumstances.
Even if you escape, where will you land? Some worlds may outright reject newcomers, casting millions into eternal darkness. Others may offer refuge but only accept a few hundred thousand at most, forcing you into desolate areas unsuited to your biology. Your species could become scattered, living in tiny enclaves among the stars, drifting away from your traditions, languages, and thought processes. Though lives are saved, the essence of civilization is lost. Historians may argue over what songs and stories define you. You watch your culture become a curated display, your history auctioned to the highest bidder, realizing that what is showcased encompasses only a fragment of your identity.
However, this is merely one narrative among many in the galaxy—this is the tale of slow gods.
Perhaps you underestimated the crisis and thought, “Someone will handle it,” as if the threat of a supernova could be disregarded. Now, with fewer than ten years until the oceans churn and boil, billions face inevitable demise. The affluent escape, but they still rely on others for sustenance, depending on desperate souls willing to do anything to survive.
As you gaze at the gunship, you look beyond to other vulnerable worlds beyond the imminent explosion zone. You might choose to save your child, even at the cost of another’s life. Faced with annihilation or perpetual conflict, choosing between these extremes becomes overwhelmingly difficult.
Discover Claire North’s Slow Gods (Orbit), the New Scientist Book Club’s selection for July. Sign up here. Join the discussion on our Discord channel here.
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Slow Gods by Claire North: July’s Pick for the New Scientist Book Club
Welcome to the captivating world of *Slow Gods*, where the cosmic supernova Lonoha unfolds a tale of destruction and divine encounters, challenging perceptions of godliness itself.
Before diving into this epic saga, let me take you back to the origins of my existence—a journey that starts in Glastia Row centuries ago.
Initially known as a landing zone on the planet Tumdo, Glastia Law transformed from a mere outpost into a thriving urban environment.
With optimal conditions for terraforming, including balanced gravity and adequate water supply, Tumdo quickly evolved to support human life. Early settlers thrived without the lengthy wait in Arcology, and within generations, breathed freely. Fast forward two millennia, and Glastir Row became a bustling borough within Heom, the heart of innovation in the interplanetary United Social Venture.
It is often said that one can gauge a venture’s character by the names given to its members’ offspring.
For example, in Antequeda, the venture that governed my home, the most popular middle names included:
Chairman – 15%
Entrepreneur – 10%
Director – 9%
Abundance – 5%
Diligence – 4%
In contrast, Theymann, a venture focused on deep space habitation, favored names linked to exploration, while Halsect nostalgically embraced “Aspiring” as a middle name.
Reflecting my parents’ ambition tempered by realism, I was named Maukana “Respected” Na Vdnadze—a reminder to my neighbors of my respectability, even if I never soared to greatness.
Things, however, did not go as planned.
Upon my birth, I emitted what some described as “unholy” cries; a term still debated. My loudest wails may have followed the embedding of a chint on my bicep—a tangible reminder of my debt to Antequeda for the hefty cost of my birth and subsequent needs.
Before I even held my mother’s embrace, I was marked with a financial obligation of 2,273 glints, a weight only lifted to a manageable 700 glints thanks to my parents’ careful planning.
As a welcome gift, Antequeda bestowed upon me 50 shares, marking my citizenry in this venture. However, as I turned 15, my educational debts ballooned to over 92,000 glints, introducing the harsh realities of our system.
We were informed that our struggles were justified within the framework of fairness—a principle echoed throughout the United Social Venture’s beliefs.
In our striving society, every individual was seen as equal, their ascendance determined by effort.
This ethos of ‘sparkle’ characterized our lives and status.
Unfortunately, my family did not shine brightly. My parents operated a small eatery offering cold dumplings to busy professionals. Despite their attempts to better our situation through courses and networking, the smell of our less-than-luxurious kitchen clung to us.
During my childhood, spanning ages 7 to 11, I clung to the hope of receiving a “tip” in my brief stint as a waiter. But by 12, reality dawned—the future seemed bleak.
Trouble was brewing among my peers, many dropping out to engage in the grim labor essential to all ventures. Those remaining prepared for a world filled with petty rivalries and ruthless competition.
Economic observers noted a disturbing trend: the of lack education among residents in Schein, contrasting with other global circular economies prioritizing education and curiosity.
Alas, curiosity is often the first trait leaders in the ‘Shine’ strive to suppress.
This excerpt is from Slow Gods by Claire North (Orbit), a selection from the New Scientist Book Club’s picks for July. Join the book club discussion on Discord here.
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Emotional release techniques, commonly known as EFT or “tapping,” are innovative therapeutic methods that involve tapping specific energy points on the face, hands, and upper body while concentrating on distressing thoughts and emotions.
This practice aims to release “blocked energy,” providing relief from anxiety, stress, and physical tension.
The most widely accepted scientific explanation is that tapping sends calming signals to the amygdala, the brain’s fear center. By physically stimulating these pressure points while mentally processing stressors, you work to rewire your brain’s responses.
Essentially, you are teaching your nervous system that it’s safe to confront these issues without triggering a fight-or-flight response.
Is it somewhat unconventional? Perhaps. However, many users report feeling calmer, lighter, and more in control of their emotions after just a few minutes of tapping.
Various techniques can effectively combat stress, including EFT, breathing exercises, and physical activity. – Credit: Getty
Research remains cautiously optimistic about EFT’s benefits. Some studies suggest that EFT reduces anxiety and stress and potentially lowers cortisol levels. However, these studies often have limitations.
Sample sizes tend to be small, and results often rely on self-reported improvements. The true benefits might stem from simply taking a break, focusing on your breath, and redirecting your attention.
So, is it all nonsense? I won’t dismiss it entirely.
EFT is generally safe to explore and requires minimal investment. Many users find it particularly beneficial when used alongside established methods like mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy.
It’s an accessible, cost-free tool that empowers you to take control of your emotional well-being.
Tapping may not resolve everything, but it can certainly provide some relief during moments of stress. It’s worth trying out if you’re interested, as it may help reset your mind in challenging times.
This article answers the query from Ivy Bowen of Lincoln: “Should I start EFT tapping?”
If you have any questions, please email us at:questions@sciencefocus.com or send us a messageFacebook,Twitter, or Instagram(remember to include your name and location).
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The potential cure for skin cancer may originate from one of the most isolated and inhospitable regions on our planet.
Recent studies have revealed that a species of sea squirt found in Antarctica produces bacteria that harbor toxic compounds capable of targeting and killing melanoma cells, while leaving healthy human cells unharmed.
“Selectivity is crucial in drug development, as our goal is to treat the disease without harming the patient,” says Bill Baker, a chemistry professor at the University of South Florida (USF) and co-leader of this groundbreaking research.
The highest incidence rates are observed among fair-skinned populations in countries like Australia and New Zealand, as well as Western Europe, yet innovative treatments may be found further south.
Sea squirts, also known as tunicates, are pouch-shaped marine invertebrates that inhabit the sloping floors of the ocean.
Antarctic wildlife, like many organisms on the continent, has evolved over millions of years to withstand extreme conditions, developing unique chemical defenses against predators and disease.
The USF research team, alongside scientists from the Desert Research Institute and the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, dedicated six weeks to exploring Antarctic waters, diving approximately 80 feet below the ice—a mission that posed challenges such as shifting oceans, poor visibility, and encounters with leopard seals.
Researchers may be on land, but their studies on sea squirts continue—Credit: Sam Affoullous, USF
Currently, researchers are analyzing the DNA, chemistry, and biology of these ascidians, a comprehensive process that may take years to yield results.
“This research is vital for both environmental and medical purposes,” Baker stated. “Understanding the source and function of this compound is essential to its development as a therapeutic agent.”
Sea squirts aren’t the only unusual organisms providing insights into cancer treatment. For instance, naked mole rats, despite their unconventional appearance, appear to be entirely immune to cancer, although the underlying reasons remain unclear.
No, your eyes aren’t deceiving you – this innovative sculpture teeth is on the move. In fact, it’s cleverly designed to run. This amazing creation is a robot.
Formally known as the ‘Metamachine with Legs’, it consists of spherical modules, each housing a motor, battery, computer, and a pair of agile arms.
Each module operates independently, capable of rolling, rotating, and jumping. When connected, they seamlessly return to their original position while walking, running, or recovering from a fall.
Remarkably, they can discover new locomotion methods even if they lose limbs. Researchers tested this adaptability by deliberately cutting off a limb to observe the machine’s responsive capabilities.
“Even after sustaining severe injuries that would typically be fatal to other robots, they can easily recover,” say the researchers behind this groundbreaking technology. Fans of a certain science fiction movie might remember the phrase “It will never stop.”
Terminator fans will appreciate that this legged metamachine was developed by a talented team of engineers at Northwestern University in Chicago. They utilized advanced AI algorithms to create a robot with efficient and adaptable movement.
“This is survival of the fittest, accelerated and implemented through computer technology,” said Sam Kriegman, the project leader. Let’s hope this algorithm isn’t dubbed Skynet.
Zircon crystals and impact-altered minerals reveal that a colossal asteroid impacted Western Australia’s Pilbara region approximately 3 billion years ago.
Arctic Dome Crater: (A) Simplified map of the Eastern Pilbara Terrain (EPT, Western Australia). Key geological features include Paleoarchean granite domes (pink) and greenstone belts (green and blue), with the North Pole Dome (NPD) at the center. (B) Geological map featuring NPD and shutter cone fields (yellow stars). (C) Quartz (Qtz) carbonate vein intersecting the shutter cone line. Image credit: Kirkland et al., doi: 10.1130/G54866.1.
According to Professor Chris Kirkland from Curtin University and his research team, “While evidence of heavy bombardment exists for the Moon during the Hadean and early Archean eras, the impact history on Earth remains largely unclear.”
“Identifying meteorite impact structures can be challenging, especially when impacts occur within Archean upper crustal rocks, which often lack quartz or zircon—minerals that preserve impact signatures.”
“Recently identified dense shutter cone fields in the Arctic Dome provide tangible evidence of impact on these weakly metamorphosed mafic rocks.”
“Shatter cones were once thought to have formed around 3.47 billion years ago.”
However, new findings reveal two fracture cones that suggest an impact event between 2.7 billion and 400 million years ago linked to the Neoarchean Low Basalt Mountains.
In their latest study, researchers analyzed two rock samples containing shattered cones (zircon-bearing metadolerite and apatite-bearing metabasalt), along with shocked quartz veins from the Arctic Dome.
Using advanced mineral dating techniques, they uncovered the most compelling evidence yet that the impact occurred roughly 3 billion years ago.
Professor Kirkland stated, “This discovery addresses long-standing questions regarding the timing of this impact event.”
Previously identified as an ancient impact structure, the exact age was unknown until now.
“The impact left behind a ‘mineral clock.’ By dating the minerals that have either regenerated or newly formed in these damaged rocks, we can determine the occurrence of this unusual event,” he explained.
“Key to this research are zircon minerals, renowned for their ability to retain geological timelines spanning billions of years.”
“Some of the zircons from the Arctic Dome exhibit unique branched skeletal shapes, interpreted as shock-altered crystals formed by heat and pressure during intense impact.”
“These zircon crystals provide a record of events that transpired about 3 billion years ago, marking the best estimate of the impact time.”
To further validate their findings, apatite was analyzed—this mineral forms as hot fluids move through impact-altered rocks, confirming similar dating results.
The correlation between these two mineral systems enhances our confidence that we are observing signs of a singular significant event: a meteorite impact.
This latest research positions the Arctic Dome structure as Earth’s oldest known impact crater and the sole recognized example from the Archean Era, a period when Earth’s earliest continents were forming.
Professor Kirkland highlighted, “Dating ancient impact craters poses challenges due to geological alterations such as heat, pressure, and fluid movements over billions of years, which may obscure original impact signals.”
“Our study successfully separates the moment of impact from its extensive geological history.”
This groundbreaking discovery extends Earth’s impact record deeper into geological history than any previously dated crater, offering an invaluable insight into the violent processes that shaped the early Earth.
For more details, refer to the team’s paper published in the June 23 edition of Geology.
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C.L. Kirkland et al. “How old is the Arctic Dome impact in Western Australia?” Geology, published online June 23, 2026. doi: 10.1130/G54866.1
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