Researchers at Guangzhou Medical University conducted a comprehensive study tracking approximately 88,000 individuals over eight years, revealing a significant correlation between daytime light exposure and reduced rates of dementia.
Zheng et al. displayed findings that link higher daytime light exposure to a decreased risk of dementia. Image credit: Zheng et al., doi: 10.1002/gps3.70039.
“Dementia is recognized as the leading neurodegenerative disease globally, characterized by a progressive decline in cognitive function and deterioration in daily living activities,” stated co-senior author Dr. Hongliang Feng and colleagues.
“With the aging global population, the incidence of dementia is rising swiftly, and effective treatments remain scarce, creating significant health and socio-economic challenges.”
“Thus, there is a pressing need to identify protective factors and create effective prevention strategies.”
“The natural light-dark cycle, highlighted by darkness during the night and brightness throughout the day, is a crucial environmental signal that governs endogenous circadian rhythms.”
“This circadian regulation influences various aspects of physiology, behavior, and cognitive functions.”
“Conversely, disturbances in circadian rhythm are prevalent among individuals with dementia and are linked to an elevated risk of developing dementia in the general population.”
In this pivotal study, the authors monitored 87,577 adults from the UK Biobank during a median follow-up period of 8.1 years.
Findings indicated that participants exposed to light levels of 1,000 lux or higher (approximately equivalent to the brightness of indirect outdoor light) had a roughly 16% lower risk of developing dementia compared to those in dimly lit settings.
Notably, the benefits escalated with increased light intensity. Individuals who spent at least 42 minutes daily in environments with 5,000 lux or higher experienced an approximate 17% reduction in their dementia risk.
It’s crucial to note that light exposure was measured using a wrist-worn sensor continuously for seven days in real-world conditions, rather than relying on self-reported data.
“Our findings position daytime light exposure as a novel, robust, and quantifiable indicator of dementia risk,” the researchers concluded.
When evaluated alongside 15 known dementia predictors using a machine learning model, inadequate daytime light was found to be more predictive than factors such as obesity, alcohol consumption, air pollution, and traumatic brain injury.
Conservation groups illustrated the strongest links, particularly among individuals with chronic nighttime light exposure, known as night owls, and those carrying the ApoE ε4 genetic mutation, which is the most significant known genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease.
In these vulnerable populations, dementia risk reduction reached as high as 41%.
The researchers propose that daytime light may contribute to stabilizing the body’s circadian rhythms and preserving certain brain structures.
Conversely, exposure to light at night displayed no notable association with dementia risk.
“The insights from this study could shape future research and public health guidelines, advocating for light-based interventions that promote increased daytime light exposure as an economical strategy to enhance brain health, particularly in at-risk groups,” the scientists concluded.
Read their paper published in the journal General Psychiatry.
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Nana Jen et al. 2026. Association between daytime and nighttime light exposure as measured by wearable devices and dementia risk: a prospective cohort study. General Psychiatry 39 (3): e70039; doi: 10.1002/gps3.70039
Two newly discovered exoplanets, TOI-791b and TOI-791c, resemble Jupiter in size but are remarkably less dense than cotton candy. This discovery offers astronomers a unique opportunity to understand the formation and evolution of gas giant planets.
Diagram showing TOI-791b and TOI-791c alongside their parent stars. Image credit: NASA/Daniel Rutter.
TOI-791b matches Jupiter’s size but contains only 3% of its mass, while TOI-791c is even larger and holds just 5.9% of Jupiter’s mass.
Both exoplanets orbit a sun-like star called TOI-791, located approximately 1,113 light-years away in the constellation Taurus.
“The primary reason these planets intrigue us is that their existence defies expectations,” said Dr. John Jenkins of NASA’s Ames Research Center.
“They present a key puzzle in understanding the formation of giant planets like Jupiter and their evolution,” he added.
NASA’s TESS mission identified these exoplanets through the observation of periodic dips in the luminosity of the star, indicating planetary transits.
Due to their lengthy orbital periods (139 days for TOI-791b and 232 days for TOI-791c), TESS compiled 1,122 days of observations over seven years to confirm their characteristics.
“This system serves as a distinctive laboratory for exploring the formation and evolution of superpuff planets,” stated Professor Amaury Tryode from the University of Birmingham.
“We aim to utilize NASA/ESA/CSA’s James Webb Space Telescope for space-based observations to determine whether the inflated atmospheres contain molecules of carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen, providing new insights into their formation,” he added.
Comparison of TOI-791b and TOI-791c to some planets in our solar system. Image credit: NASA/Daniel Rutter.
TOI-791b and TOI-791c are gravitationally locked in an orbital dance, subtly influencing the timing of their transits.
Astronomers measured these timing variations to accurately calculate the planets’ masses, revealing their unusually low densities.
“Only a few super-bulky planets like these exist, and finding two within the same system is extremely rare,” emphasized Dr. George Dunsfield from the University of Oxford.
“Their low densities make them fascinating subjects for understanding the formation and evolution of planetary systems,” he continued.
“Further investigations into these Jupiter-sized yet less massive planets are invaluable, as the emergence of large planets is believed to significantly impact the evolution of planetary systems,” noted Steve Howell, a researcher at NASA’s Ames Research Center.
Professor Tristan Guillot from the University of the Cote d’Azur stated, “These multiplanetary systems experience complex gravitational interactions, evolving over decades.”
This significant finding is detailed in a recent article: paper published in Royal Astronomical Society Monthly Notices.
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Georgina Dransfield et al. 2026. ASTEP identified a pair of long-period, Jupiter-sized planets with extremely low density orbiting TOI-791. MNRAS 549 (4): stag864;doi: 10.1093/mnras/stag864
Recent studies have successfully sequenced genetic data from 27 Neanderthals residing in Belgium and France, dating back approximately 52,500 years. This groundbreaking research unveils unexpected insights into the lives of our closest human relatives before their extinction.
Neanderthals thrived in Europe and western Asia from at least 430,000 years ago until about 40,000 years ago.
The analysis of high-quality nuclear genomes from four Neanderthals presents significant insights into their diversity, population history, and interactions with early modern humans.
Comparative studies of more recent Neanderthals from Croatia (45,000 years ago) indicate greater genetic diversity and less evidence of inbreeding, in contrast to older specimens from Denisova and Chagyrskaya caves (dating back 120,000 years, around 110,000 years, and about 60,000 years), located at the eastern extent of the Neanderthal range.
Moreover, the genomic data suggests a striking genetic similarity among late Neanderthals, indicating potential long-distance connections between individuals from geographically remote regions such as Mezmaiskaya in the Caucasus and Les Côtés in France.
“Previously, we had only four high-quality Neanderthal genomes and a limited number of less informative genomes, making it challenging to address various questions about Neanderthal regional diversity,” explains Alba Bossams-Mesa, a postdoctoral researcher at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology.
“By generating genetic data from multiple individuals in present-day Belgium and France, we can now explore late Neanderthal populations with greater detail.”
This research study involved recovering genetic material from 26 Neanderthals located in Belgium and France.
Researchers also sequenced a high-quality genome from a 45,000-year-old Neanderthal man uncovered in Belgium’s Goyet Cave, marking it as the fifth detailed Neanderthal genome ever produced.
In contrast to previously studied Neanderthals from the Altai region of Siberia, which displayed signs of interbreeding among close relatives, the Belgian Neanderthals showed no such genetic traits.
The findings reveal that most Neanderthals in Belgium and France shared closer genetic ties to one another than to their contemporaneous counterparts in other European regions, while also indicating the presence of distinct regional populations that maintained broader connections across the continent.
Dr. Benjamin Peter, also affiliated with the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, stated, “Our findings suggest that the circumstances observed in one area cannot be applied universally to all Neanderthals.”
“Late Neanderthals from northwestern Europe appear to have been part of a connected regional population rather than isolated groups interbreeding frequently.”
Despite modern humans having arrived in the region around 47,000 years ago, the Neanderthal genome revealed no traces of recent human DNA.
“These findings amplifiy the notable imbalance,” Bossams-Mesa noted.
“While early modern humans appear to carry Neanderthal ancestry, to date we have found no clear signs of modern human ancestry in late Neanderthals.”
Researchers also evaluated the hypothesis that Neanderthals gradually weakened due to accumulating genetic defects. By comparing early and late Neanderthals, they found no significant increase in harmful mutations over time, challenging the notion that genetic decline contributed to Neanderthal extinction.
The ultimate cause of Neanderthal extinction remains uncertain.
Nonetheless, this study illustrates that, at least in northwestern Europe, the last millennia were not characterized by biological decline.
Dr. Janet Kelso from the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology remarked, “This study underscores the capability of ancient DNA to reveal finer variations within Neanderthals than previously achievable.”
“Instead of perceiving Late Neanderthals as a homogeneous declining population, we are beginning to appreciate a more intricate landscape of regional diversity, connectivity, and population history.”
For more insights, refer to the findings published in this week’s issue of Nature.
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A. Bossams Mesa et al. Genetic diversity of late Neanderthals in northwest Europe. Nature, published online June 24, 2026. doi: 10.1038/s41586-026-10625-1
A second powerful earthquake shook Venezuela on Wednesday, striking just 39 seconds after the first quake subsided. The two earthquakes registered magnitudes of 7.1 and 7.5, causing significant concern among residents and seismologists alike.
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According to the U.S. Geological Survey, these two earthquakes are classified as a doublet array, which refers to the occurrence of two earthquakes with similar magnitudes that strike the same geographic area almost simultaneously.
Harold Tobin, director of the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network and a professor at the University of Washington, stated, “The first seismic wave had not yet dissipated when the second quake occurred.”
Follow our live coverage here.
Severely damaged apartment complex in Catia la Mar, Venezuela, observed on Thursday.Juan Barreto/AFP via Getty Images
It’s not unusual for two earthquakes to occur in rapid succession; however, this particular sequence of tremors led to extensive damage, with reports indicating at least 188 fatalities, over 1,520 injuries, and more than 150 individuals still unaccounted for.
According to Tobin, “The first quake likely compromised the structural integrity of several buildings. If they survived the initial earthquake, the subsequent quake could lead to their collapse.”
The Richter scale is logarithmic, indicating that a 7.5 magnitude earthquake releases approximately three times the energy of a 7.1 magnitude earthquake. Each integer on the scale represents a tenfold increase in amplitude.
This doublet earthquake pattern occurred in a complex fault system near San Felipe, Venezuela. The intricacies of this zone will likely prolong the researchers’ efforts to fully comprehend which faults were involved.
Maria Beatriz Magnani, a seismology professor at Southern Methodist University who studied Venezuela’s fault lines in the early 2000s, noted that the rupture transpired along the boundary of the South American and Caribbean tectonic plates, which are moving laterally past each other. The USGS estimates this eastward movement occurs at roughly 20 millimeters (approximately three-quarters of an inch) annually, compounded by compression forces as the plates interact.
Early assessments suggest that both earthquakes were of the strike-slip variety, characterized by one plate shifting past another. However, further data is still needed to clarify the mechanisms of these seismic events.
Magnani remarked, “It will take time to fully decipher the history of this fault. This is an exceedingly intricate plate boundary.”
Rescue teams searching through the debris of a collapsed house in Catia la Mar, Venezuela, on Thursday.Federico Parra/AFP via Getty Images
Tobin indicated that the first earthquake likely instigated the second.
He stated, “This region is characterized by a complex arrangement of faults and fractures rather than a singular fault line, adding to the complexity of this earthquake sequence.”
A 1999 study in the Bulletin of Atmospheric Sciences reviewed 70 earthquakes over a year, finding that 22% of earthquakes greater than magnitude 7.5 were part of doublets. Venezuela had also experienced doublet earthquakes of magnitudes 6.2 and 6.3 in 2025, but they occurred southwest of Wednesday’s quake, resulting in one death and over 110 injuries according to the USGS.
In 2023, a pair of earthquakes measuring 7.8 and 7.5 struck southern Turkey and Syria, leading to over 3,000 fatalities.
In North America, two magnitude 6.2 earthquakes near the British Columbia-Alaska border were recorded within a two-hour window in May 2017, while a double earthquake in Klamath Falls, Oregon, featured a magnitude 5.9 tremor followed by a magnitude 6.0 event two hours later in September 1993.
Tobin noted that experts are still evaluating whether the events on Wednesday should be classified as a doublet, although the USGS currently characterizes them as such.
The classification remains a topic of debate among seismologists, creating discussions about whether this represents two separate earthquakes or one event with multiple stages.
A woman walking past an earthquake-damaged building in La Guaira, Venezuela, on June 25, 2026.Pedro Mattei/AP
Venezuela has recorded five earthquakes of magnitude 7.0 or greater since 1900, but none occurred along the fault line where Wednesday’s events transpired. This indicates that stress may have been building in this region for over 200 years.
Tobin added that no earthquake measuring 7.0 or higher has occurred along the fault since around 1812.
According to Magnani, the recent twin earthquakes will offer invaluable data for researchers aimed at uncovering fault structures concealed beneath the Earth’s surface.
“This event provides new insights into how the fault behaves and aids in comprehending the complexities of this region,” Magnani concluded. “Each earthquake and aftershock enriches our understanding of this intricate geological area.”
Feedback is New Scientist — a popular outlet for readers keen on keeping up with the latest in science and technology. Share your thoughts at feedback@newscientist.com.
Exploring the Science of Onions
Feedback doesn’t require professional chef skills to understand that cutting onions can lead to tears. While the kitchen can be a high-pressure environment, the many chefs who cry at the sight of onions aren’t alone.
The tears you experience while chopping onions come from a chemical called sympropanethyl-S-oxide, released into the air. This compound activates the trigeminal nerve and causes your tear ducts to react, which is why onion slicing often ends in a watery-eyed struggle.
This raises intriguing questions: Is sensitivity to onions universal, or does it differ between individuals? Furthermore, do those who react more strongly to onions also possess heightened sensitivity to other chemicals, like scents? The answers remain unclear.
As Thomas Hummel and his team noted in their preliminary study published on May 25th in the Journal of Laryngoscope Investigation Otorhinolaryngology, there is surprisingly little research on this topic.
Hummel’s study involved 1,001 participants, who rated their olfactory abilities and their propensity to cry while cutting onions. Testing also included identifying scents using specially infused sticks.
Interestingly, those who reported more tears while cutting onions claimed to have a better sense of smell, but psychophysical tests painted a different picture. In fact, individuals who said they were affected by onions performed worse on smell tests.
These findings suggest that self-evaluation of one’s sense of smell is often inaccurate, much like people’s tendency to overestimate their abilities in driving or interpreting complex information.
Luckily, Feedback doesn’t suffer from such misconceptions. With a nose like ours, it was clear when a dead mouse, hidden by one of our cats behind the sideboard, finally wafted its distinct odor into the air.
Organizing the Digital Library: A New Gaming Trend
Feedback acknowledges that video games have shifted from epic battles to more mundane tasks. Titles like Animal Crossing revolve around everyday life activities such as village upkeep.
Enter Librarian: Organize the Arcane Library, launched on April 30th. Players are tasked with restoring order to a chaotic library filled with mischief caused by whimsical fairies, needing to systematically shelve 3,072 books.
This game is priced at £5.29, and while Feedback has yet to play it, the aesthetics of organizing chaos seem appealing, much like solving a Sudoku puzzle.
Player reception is positive, with nearly 15,000 reviews logged as of June 16th, 94% of which praise the game. There appears to be a surprising joy in tidying up havoc in the digital world, a stark contrast to real-life messes where odds and ends are often neglected.
Reflections on Youth and Technology
Feedback has observed that emerging trends like booing speakers advocating for generative AI among university graduates are becoming more common. Figures like Eric Schmidt and Scott Borchetta have felt this backlash.
As we ponder the underlying reasons behind the youth’s disdain for technology—often associated with deepfakes, job displacement, and electrical consumption—let’s keep in mind the wisdom of Principal Seymour Skinner: “Am I really that out of touch? No, it’s the children who are wrong.”
Got a story for Feedback?
Reach out via email at feedback@newscientist.com, including your location. Explore this week’s feedback and previous editions on our website.
Understanding Embryo Development to Enhance IVF Success Rates
Philip Prairie/Science Photo Library
Recent research has unveiled crucial master genes, specifically Nanog, that govern human fetal development. This discovery was achieved through targeted modifications of fertilized egg DNA utilizing advanced CRISPR base editing technology.
This breakthrough has the potential to significantly elevate success rates in in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments. As noted by Kathy Niakan from Cambridge University, understanding the early stages of human development is essential not just for enhancing IVF but also for propelling stem cell biology forward. “Greater insights will have far-reaching benefits for regenerative medicine and stem cell research,” she adds.
While the involvement of Nanog in embryonic development has been established through animal studies, it is essential to note that its role differs significantly in humans compared to other species like mice. Once fertilization occurs, cells differentiate into three primary types: those that will become the placenta, the yolk sac, or the embryo itself. Disabling the Nanog gene in mouse fertilized eggs using base editing resulted in zero cells developing into yolk sac progenitors. Base editing is a nuanced version of CRISPR that modifies one DNA base at a time, reducing the risk of unintended genetic mutations compared to earlier CRISPR methods, clarifies Niakan.
Conversely, inactivity of the Nanog gene in human eggs donated from IVF patients led to no cells maturing into embryo-forming cells, underscoring its critical role in initiating human developmental processes.
Despite appearing normal under microscopic examination, embryos lacking Nanog fail to implant successfully. Niakan states, “Approximately half of the embryos that appear viable based solely on their shape still cannot implant.” Identifying vital markers or genes, such as Nanog, could potentially enhance IVF success rates, she notes.
Niakan’s research represents one of the pioneering studies utilizing base editing on human embryos. The initial endeavors began as early as 2017. However, previous studies focused on embryos discarded due to abnormalities, thereby limiting applicability to healthy embryos. Recently, Dieter Egli presented findings at Columbia University, detailing base editing in two-cell embryos in a preprint study.
Niakan clarifies, “Our goals were fundamentally distinct. We aimed to decipher the functions of critical genes in human embryos, setting a new precedent for this type of research.” In contrast, Egli’s work primarily seeks to correct mutations associated with diseases.
Yet, Egli expressed skepticism regarding Niakan’s findings, asserting that there is no substantial evidence of Nanog‘s functional importance in human embryogenesis. Niakan, however, argues that her team conducted further research to support their conclusions.
All three studies converge on the understanding that CRISPR-based editing techniques pose significantly fewer risks than traditional CRISPR methods previously employed. However, according to Mary Herbert, a collaborator with Niakan’s team, we remain distant from the ethical application of CRISPR base editing for creating genetically edited children due to current technological limitations. “The technology isn’t ready for that yet,” she emphasizes.
A significant challenge remains the phenomenon of mosaicism, where gene edits are inconsistently successful across various cells in an embryo. This implicates that even corrected mutations may not prevent potential diseases in the resulting child. For instance, Egli’s team faced an 80% mosaic rate in their embryos. Niakan’s team, by implementing edits earlier in the fertilization process, encountered a lower but still concerning mosaic rate of 50%.
Niakan morally cautions against attempts for child gene edits at this stage but remains open to future possibilities: “I advocate for more basic research that is accessible for public discussion.”
Home batteries can be charged when power prices are low and sell power back to the grid during peak times.
Misha Kaiser/Westend61/Getty Images
If you’re considering climate-friendly practices for your home, rooftop solar panels may come to mind. However, compact home batteries offer a cost-effective alternative to save both money and the environment.
While solar energy continues to grow, battery storage is rapidly emerging as the fastest-growing power technology globally. The International Energy Agency reports that home batteries not only power homes but also allow homeowners to sell excess energy back to the grid. Although many homeowners combine these batteries with rooftop solar, increasing energy prices are prompting a rise in the standalone battery market.
In numerous countries, new home batteries can be used by simply plugging them into an electrical outlet—eliminating the need for professional installation.
“This could be a game changer,” says Ian Staffell from Imperial College London. “Low-cost, plug-and-play batteries could rival rooftop solar.”
Last year, over 40,000 homes and small businesses in the UK installed battery storage systems, with and without solar, nearly doubling the previous year’s record. After energy supply disruptions caused by the Iran war, installations by Octopus Energy surged from February to March, remaining stable above pre-war levels despite a national cap on energy prices imposed by the UK’s energy regulator.
In the United States, despite a slowdown in rooftop solar growth, home battery installations are projected to reach 75% by 2025. The technology is also expanding rapidly in China, Australia, and Germany, where one in six homeowners owns a battery, totaling over 2 million units.
Variable tariffs allow homeowners to charge batteries during low-cost hours, such as in the early afternoon or overnight, at rates as low as 5 pence per kilowatt-hour in the UK. During peak demand hours from 4 PM to 7 PM, the cost can jump to 40 pence or higher, especially during heatwaves when energy consumption rises.
The average UK homeowner spends around £9,400 on battery systems, but Octopus plans to introduce a plug-in option costing less than £300. This compact unit, roughly shoebox-sized, can store 2 kilowatt-hours—enough to keep a refrigerator running for a day or two. If approved for consumer use by 2027, renters can also benefit from this technology.
“You can expect a return on investment within two to three years,” says Phil Steele of Octopus. “It’s straightforward.”
Home batteries contribute to reduced greenhouse gas emissions by decreasing peak energy demand, which in turn reduces the need for utilities to depend on gas-fueled energy sources. On windy or sunny days with low demand, the UK’s electricity grid can temporarily run on nearly 100% carbon-free resources. Storing energy in home batteries can mitigate the environmental impact more effectively than wasting excess energy generated by home solar panels.
Last year in England, £379 million were spent to shut down wind farms when the electricity grid couldn’t accommodate the generated energy; however, this surplus could have been stored in batteries. If half of the UK’s homes had 5kWh of battery storage, the government’s 2030 target for energy capacity expansion could be achieved, as outlined in the battery storage framework.
As solar and wind power increasingly contribute to the energy mix, home battery storage will play a crucial role in balancing the grid and enhancing climate benefits, according to Staffel.
“Currently, solar power might be preferable, but in five years, batteries will play a much larger role,” he adds.
Nonetheless, the manufacturing of batteries may offset some climate benefits. Aritra Ghosh from the University of Exeter points out that there is currently no infrastructure in place to recycle millions of end-of-life home batteries, which Octopus estimates will take a minimum of 12 years to establish.
A recent study indicates that producing lithium-ion batteries results in approximately 150 to 200 kilograms of carbon dioxide emissions per kilowatt-hour of capacity—similar to driving a gasoline vehicle for a kilometer. Decarbonizing heavy industry in regions like China could significantly lower this impact, but as Ghosh emphasizes, “we’re not close to achieving that yet.”
Transmission Electron Micrograph of E. coli Infected with Phage (Green Dots)
M. Mader/Department of Microbiology, Biozentrum/Science Photo Library
A groundbreaking study reveals that bacteriophages, viruses that target bacteria, can help in eliminating cancer cells by reorienting the immune response established through vaccination. In experiments involving mice vaccinated against malaria, a harmless phage was utilized to target and eradicate tumors, achieving success in nearly 44% of the subjects.
Immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer treatments, yet many patients do not reap its benefits due to the challenge of getting the immune system to identify tumors as threats. To address this, Amin Hajitou and his team from Imperial College London investigated phages that specifically infect Escherichia coli. These phages attach to bacteria, inject their genetic material, and replicate, thereby destroying the bacterial cells.
The research team engineered the phages to specifically target proteins known as αvβ3 and αvβ5 integrins, which are prevalent in tumor cells but scarce in healthy cells. Additionally, they customized the phages to produce malaria-specific antigens—signals that prompt the immune system to recognize them as foreign invaders. “Phages function as targeted delivery vehicles,” explains Hajitou.
The efficacy of this approach was tested on 60 mice with subcutaneous tumors. Among them, 15 mice received a malaria vaccine followed by injections of engineered phages at two-week intervals. The control group consisted of 15 mice each receiving no treatment, the malaria vaccine only, or the engineered phage exclusively.
The results revealed that tumors disappeared in 44% of the treated mice, with no recurrence observed a year post-study. Although the treated mice exhibited longer lifespans compared to controls, a survival advantage was not significantly noted.
According to David Withers at Oxford University, “These engineered viruses can target and infect tumor cells systemically.” This strategy marks a significant advancement over current methods of manipulating tumors, such as oncolytic viruses, which necessitate direct injections at cancer sites—an impractical method especially for metastatic diseases.
By fine-tuning the phage’s antigen-producing capabilities, this innovative approach could also extend its effectiveness to individuals vaccinated against other infectious diseases like seasonal influenza and COVID-19, showcasing the versatility of this method. Hajitou asserts, “More potent vaccines than malaria are likely to yield even greater results.” The aim is to leverage existing immune memory without being limited to malaria-specific responses.
The research team is currently engaging with the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to explore the possibility of commencing early-stage human trials next year.
A red heat warning has been issued for parts of the UK, including London, this week.
Brooke Mitchell/Getty Images
The current European heat wave poses serious threats. With record-breaking high temperatures and uncomfortable night conditions, it raises alarming questions about our future climate. If extreme weather is this intense now, what will it look like in 10, 20, or 30 years?
The prognosis is dire: the UK Met Office predicts that by 2056, temperatures could exceed 40°C (104°F) for nine consecutive days and potentially reach 45°C (113°F) in some areas. Articles pondering whether “This is the New Normal” illustrate the urgency; once these patterns establish themselves, we may never revert to past climate norms.
While surviving extreme heat waves may be feasible with proper infrastructure, the UK remains critically unprepared. For instance, New Scientist‘s offices struggle with inadequate air conditioning, leading many to bear the brunt of the heat. Recently, an event aiming to discuss adaptation strategies was canceled due to extreme heat during London Climate Action Week.
Climate scientists continue to emphasize the urgency of preparing for increased heat waves, severe droughts, flooding, and rising sea levels. Despite heightened media coverage during heat waves, public attention wanes as temperatures drop, and action stagnates.
This isn’t merely anecdotal; the UK Climate Change Committee’s official judgment concludes that adaptation efforts are “too slow, stagnant, or heading in the wrong direction.” You can read their report from last year. Many seem to think that the UK will remain its green and pleasant self, but the reality is that we are careening towards disaster without noticing.
Even these figures may understate the situation, as oceans heat up slower than land, masking the true extent of temperature rises. What truly impacts us are extreme weather phenomena rather than average fluctuations. Future projections for extreme conditions are alarming, as heat waves in certain areas are already beating expectations. This is partly due to climate models not accurately predicting how jet streams will shift with rising temperatures and neglecting regional effects like reductions in air pollution that mask sunlight.
The subsequent ripple effects from these extreme weather trends are challenging to predict due to the interconnectivity of complex systems, yet evidence suggests we might be underestimating their toll.
As heat waves intensify, we could face mass mortality, notably among young populations. Food security, a cornerstone of civilization, is already threatened by climate change; evidence indicates it is negatively impacting agricultural output, inflating prices, and prompting further deforestation as farmers strive to adapt.
Simultaneous extreme weather events will exacerbate global economic challenges. A 2024 study cautions that this could precipitate history’s worst financial crisis.
Don’t forget additional variables, such as the Amazon’s potential depletion or the deceleration of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation. One expert I interviewed at a recent conference theorizes that the slowdown of this crucial ocean current around 12,000 years ago led to dramatic seasonal oscillations in Britain, with scorching summers followed by harsh winters.
The truth is, the world is changing rapidly, and we must reshape every facet of our lives—homes, offices, factories, schools, transportation, agriculture—yet meaningful action is lacking. Ultimately, if the current heat wave does not incite concern, it certainly should.
On August 12, 2024, a breathtaking total solar eclipse will sweep across parts of Europe and the Atlantic Ocean, as the moon perfectly aligns between the Earth and the sun, blocking sunlight. A partial solar eclipse will also be observable in various regions, including parts of the United States, Africa, the UK, and much of Canada. Don’t miss this celestial event!
Where to Experience the Solar Eclipse
Totality occurs when the moon completely obscures the sun’s disk, starting in Russia around noon and moving eastward over the Arctic Ocean. It will pass just south of the North Pole, making landfall in northeastern Greenland shortly after 4 PM local time.
The moon’s shadow will travel along Greenland’s east coast at over 3,400 kilometers per hour, with totality lasting around 2 minutes and 18 seconds. The eclipse will become visible from more populated areas as it crosses into Iceland, where Reykjavik will experience totality for just over a minute at 5:48 PM local time. This marks Iceland’s first total solar eclipse since 1954, and the next one won’t occur until 2196!
After grazing the west coast of Iceland, the solar eclipse will cross the ocean again, reaching northern Spain just before 8:30 PM local time. It will then graze northeastern Portugal and pass over the Balearic Islands before sunset.
Image Credit: European Space Agency (ESA)
What to Expect During a Total Solar Eclipse
During totality, as the moon entirely obscures the sun, expect a sudden drop in temperature and a transition from day to twilight. Stars become visible, as does the sun’s corona—the outer layer that is normally hidden in the sun’s brightness. Eager solar scientists will seize this rare chance to study the corona and its many mysteries, including why it appears hotter than the sun’s surface.
While total solar eclipses are brief and only seen in select areas, partial solar eclipses—where the moon partially obscures the sun—can last for over an hour. Many locations throughout northern America, Canada, much of Europe, and northwestern Africa will witness this. Though less dramatic, it’s crucial to wear eye protection at all times, whether viewing a total or partial eclipse.
Those without adequate eye protection can still safely view the eclipse using alternatives such as pinhole cameras or by observing natural shadows to see the sun’s shape during the event.
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Veteran author Michael Pollan dives deep into the elusive topic of consciousness in his latest work. After five years of exploration, he presents an expansive, nuanced, and introspective narrative. Pollan candidly shares his evolving understanding of consciousness, leaving readers with more questions than answers.
In her optimistic exploration, neuroscientist Hannah Critchlow addresses the adaptability of human creativity amidst the challenges posed by modern technology. She offers practical advice to harness our mental capabilities and include diverse perspectives to thrive.
In a concise yet profound narrative, physicist Sara Alam Malik encapsulates the origins and the future of the universe, presenting a thorough guide to the cosmos in under 250 pages.
After decades of environmental journalism, Fred Pearce provides a cautious yet essential perspective on climate change, emphasizing humanity’s resilience and capacity for change.
This book highlights the transformative power of the arts on mental health, drawing on scientific research presented in a beautiful and engaging narrative.
Darby Saxbe explores the neurobiological changes that occur in fathers, backed by large-scale research revealing the profound effects of fatherhood on men’s mental health and happiness.
In this reflective work, journalist Padavich Callahan connects personal experiences with quantum physics, underscoring the implications of scientific concepts in everyday life.
Paleontologist Steve Brusatte reveals how modern birds are indeed the descendants of dinosaurs and explores their evolutionary journey through stunning narratives.
Chanda blends astrophysics with poetic insights, exploring dark matter and the universe’s mysteries while incorporating social considerations into scientific discourse.
David Haskell examines the profound impact of flowers on ecosystems, highlighting their evolutionary significance since their emergence during the age of dinosaurs.
Emma Chapman uncovers the fascinating role of radio waves in astrophysics, explaining how they provide insight into the universe and may help in the search for extraterrestrial life.
Meet the Authors Live Join us for engaging discussions with these authors at New Scientist Live, happening on October 10 and 11, 2026. Visit newscientist.com/nslmag for more information.
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Rediscovered Carbonized Scroll from Herculaneum Utilizing Advanced Imaging Technology
Paolo Verzone/National Geographic
A remarkable ancient philosophical manuscript has resurfaced from a papyrus scroll, previously deemed unreadable due to the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. For the first time, researchers have harnessed AI to extract the entire remaining text from an ultra-high-resolution 3D scan of the scroll without the need for physical unrolling.
The scrolls were excavated from the library at Herculaneum, buried alongside Pompeii approximately 2,000 years ago. Since the library’s discovery in 1752, scholars have endeavored to read these charred relics resembling lumps of charcoal. However, attempting to physically open them poses a risk of irreversible damage, and the ink is nearly indistinguishable from the charred papyrus to the naked eye.
Beginning in 2023, the Vesuvius Challenge employed a particle accelerator to scan multiple scrolls, sharing the results with a collaborative online community. This collective effort culminated in AI software capable of digitally opening the scroll and detecting remnants of ink, facilitating easier reading of titles, authors, and excerpts.
This time, the research team unveiled a 1.5-meter-long text inscribed in 22 columns on a 2-centimeter-wide core, with its outer layer having been meticulously removed over centuries for reading.
“I found a record that I attempted to open multiple times but could not decipher,” states Federica Nicolaardi from Federico II University of Naples, Italy. “Some fragments remain from earlier attempts to physically open it, revealing only a few visible letters. Yet through virtual opening, we are reshaping the historical narrative surrounding this papyrus.”
Scrolls co-founders of the Vesuvius Challenge, such as Brent Shields from the University of Kentucky, refer to this scroll as the “Impossible Scroll.” This scroll represents just one among hundreds of texts that withstood early papyrus scholars’ simplifications.
Shields explains that the combination of high-resolution imaging, reaching down to 2 micrometers, and extensive scanning data enables the discovery of lengthy passages within scrolls that were once thought unreadable.
Currently, the AI models adapt to specific scrolls based on variations like ink composition. Shields expresses optimism that with enough exposure, the AI will eventually uncover ink within these ancient texts. “We are leveraging large-scale language models for this task,” he adds, “yet we have not fully transitioned this technology for scroll analysis.”
The uncovered texts delve into themes of ethics, art, and humanity, with numerous references to Stoic doctrines. This aligns with second-century B.C. literature and suggests that Chrysippus, the Greek Stoic philosopher, is likely the author, as noted by Nicolaardi.
Chrysippus is regarded as a foundational figure in Stoicism, yet nearly all of his works have been lost to time. According to classical scholars like Thomas Coward from the University of Bristol, we mainly recognize him through others’ often critical works.
“Accessing the original text, rather than fragments or interpretations by others, is pivotal,” he states, comparing this breakthrough to the rediscovery of lost works by luminaries like Isaac Newton or Albert Einstein that only exist through references from other scientists.
Text from the philosopher Philodemus Found Within the Herculaneum Scrolls
Vesuvius Challenge
Among Chrysippus’ critics was Philodemus, a lesser-known Epicurean philosopher of the first century, whose work resides within the Library of Herculaneum, financed by its presumed owner, Lucius Calpurnius Piso Caesoninus, Julius Caesar’s father-in-law.
Another scroll deciphered through scanning has been recognized as About God, Volume 8, an expanded version of Philodemus’s previously known work, About God, Volume 1, which is part of a series of eight texts.
This extraordinary discovery signifies a major leap forward in computational techniques related to image processing and digital unwrapping. Nicholas Freer, a professor at Newcastle University, UK, believes this technology holds the potential to “transform our understanding” of the ancient world.
“These advancements are crucial because hundreds of scrolls remain unopened,” he emphasizes. “What we’re witnessing is not merely a single groundbreaking moment, but the onset of a long-term recovery process that could span decades.”
For Shields, who has devoted decades to developing digital unwrapping technology, this discovery marks a pivotal transition from focusing solely on the technology’s efficacy to emphasizing the scrolls’ content and historical significance.
“What the public will care about now are the names that emerge, the scrolls’ ages, and their philosophical insights,” he remarks. “While we aim to automate tasks, our ultimate goal is to resurrect the voices of the past.”
If Shields has any regrets, it’s that numerous scrolls were lost before he could access them. “What was excavated in 1752, particularly the original scrolls, I believe we will soon be reading,” he states, “as they were among the easiest to decipher.”
Transmission Electron Micrograph Reveals E. coli Cells Infected by Phage (Green Dots)
M. Mader/Department of Microbiology, Biozentrum/Science Photo Library
A groundbreaking study reveals that a bacteria-killing virus can selectively destroy cancer cells in mice. By harnessing the immunity generated from vaccination, researchers redirected the immune response to effectively target and eradicate tumors. In trials, nearly 50% of vaccinated mice infected with a harmless phage demonstrated tumor disappearance.
Immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer treatment, but many still struggle to benefit due to challenges in immune system recognition of tumors. The latest research aims to enhance this recognition.
Researchers led by Amin Hajitou at Imperial College London investigated phages that infect Escherichia coli. Upon infecting the bacteria, these phages inject genetic material, reprogramming the bacterial machinery to generate numerous new phages that effectively eradicate these pathogens.
To improve targeting, the team genetically engineered the phages to recognize proteins called αvβ3 and αvβ5 integrins, which are prevalent in many tumor cells but are scarce in healthy tissues. Additionally, they modified the phage’s genetic payload to include malaria-specific antigens to stimulate a robust immune response. “Phages serve as precision delivery vehicles for our interventions,” states Hajitou.
The researchers conducted tests on 60 mice with tumors positioned under the skin. A subset received a malaria vaccine, followed by phage injections in the tail over two weeks. Control groups included those receiving no treatment, only the vaccine, or only the engineered phage.
Results showed that tumors vanished in 44% of treated mice, and notably, these tumors did not recur a year post-study. Additionally, treated mice exhibited increased lifespans compared to their untreated counterparts, though no significant survival advantage was observed.
“This innovative approach allows engineered viruses to systematically target tumor cells,” remarks David Withers from Oxford University. “This capability markedly enhances current strategies for manipulating tumors, such as using oncolytic viruses, which are limited by the need for direct administration into cancer sites.”
With further adjustments to the phage’s antigen-producing capabilities, the technique may also apply to humans vaccinated against diseases like seasonal influenza and COVID-19. “Utilizing more effective vaccines than malaria could amplify our results,” Hajitou explains. “This strategy leverages pre-existing immune memory and is not confined to malaria alone.”
The research team is currently in discussions with the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to initiate early-stage human trials as soon as next year.
A groundbreaking achievement has been marked in the realm of micro-computer technology with IBM’s innovative prototype chip. This compact chip, roughly the size of a fingernail, utilizes advanced 3D architecture to house about 100 billion transistors—almost double the transistor count of previously leading-edge chips.
IBM’s 10mm x 15mm chip is touted to be 70% more energy efficient and 50% more powerful than the current top-performing chips, with commercial applications expected within the next decade.
Traditionally, chip manufacturing process names have reflected the size of transistors in nanometers (e.g., 10nm or 5nm), with smaller sizes being advantageous for faster computations and lower energy consumption.
However, industry dynamics have evolved. According to IBM’s Fu Eimei, the nomenclature is now increasingly disconnected from actual physical dimensions and has become a marketing tool.
Although IBM refers to this new technology as “0.7 nanometers,” there is no assertion that individual transistors are that size. The true innovation—developed over 15 years—lies in the technique of stacking two silicon layers and creating electrical connections without overheating, all while ensuring mass manufacturability.
“Our industry has been scaling transistors along the X and Y axes for more than 60 years. This marks the first instance of enabling scaling in the Z direction,” Bu emphasizes.
While IBM has refrained from detailing the exact dimensions of this new technology, indications suggest it might involve two layers from its previously announced 2nm chip technology from 2021, which is already in production across renowned chip foundries worldwide. This advancement is expected to impact devices like the next Apple iPhone.
Given the immense complexity and expenses tied to chip design and production, the industry is collaborating on a technology roadmap led by a non-profit organization, aiming for coordinated advancements and market introductions by relevant stakeholders, including the Interuniversity Microelectronics Center. Although IBM’s 0.7nm technology remains untested in commercial environments, it is a crucial step forward in global chip manufacturing, likely prompting others to follow suit.
Bu foresees that the 0.7nm chips will find their way into consumer electronics within a decade, yet emphasizes that challenges related to quantum effects, current leakage, and additional issues arising at such diminutive scales will need to be addressed going forward. Some modern chips are now only 15 silicon atoms thick.
Owen Guy, a researcher from Swansea University, mentions that other chip manufacturers also claim similar high transistor densities, relying on multiple silicon layers separated by thick substrates. However, this method deviates from true 3D design, leading to complications in inter-layer connectivity and coolant distribution. “There’s considerable misunderstanding in the industry currently,” he notes.
The focus on downsizing transistors has reached a point where further reductions do not necessarily translate to smaller laptops or smartphones. The impetus to miniaturize components is primarily aimed at enhancing energy efficiency and cooling, extending battery life in mobile devices while decreasing power usage in data centers.
A significant hurdle now lies in integrating IBM’s new chip technology into global supply chains and consumer devices. Chips are produced in large quantities on 300mm silicon wafers, each containing trillions of transistors that are ultimately cut into individual components. These intricate machines conduct thousands of processes on the wafer, building layers of circuits, insulators, and various chemicals that are mere nanometers in thickness. Implementing unproven features, like IBM’s dual-layer system, poses considerable challenges.
Some manufacturers are striving to achieve even smaller 0.2nm technology, where circuit elements could be just one atom wide. “The ultimate boundary is one electron and one atom,” suggests Guy. “By around 2050, quantum technology may be essential for the next significant leap in chip innovation.”
Volcanologists dedicate their efforts to monitoring volcanoes, striving to predict potential eruptions accurately. The primary challenge lies in determining both the likelihood and exact timing of an eruption.
To tackle this issue, a team of researchers created an innovative early detection system designed to issue timely warnings about volcanic eruptions. Their key motivation was to improve upon previous warning systems, which often missed critical underground volcanic activities occurring just before an eruption.
Between 2014 and 2023, researchers carried out extensive tests to effectively identify transient low-frequency oscillations using a seismograph. The focus on these transient signals is crucial since they stem from earthquakes and other surface-related phenomena, which scientists utilize to predict volcanic eruptions. These include ground tilting caused by magma movement and volcanic gases. Scientists refer to these as “jerk” signals due to the sudden movements they represent.
The team conducted their experiments at Piton de la Fournaise, located on La Réunion Island off the southeast coast of Madagascar. They identified the jerk signal by analyzing short-term signals in existing experimental seismic data. During a live experiment, they detected a significant signal 8 kilometers (about 5 miles) from the volcano at the Rivière de l’Est seismic observatory. These signals indicated height changes on the surface as magma migrated, often appearing mere minutes to hours before an eruption.
Researchers measured the jerk signals in Newton meters per second, which reveals the velocity of physical changes occurring in or around the volcano. Alongside real-time experiments, they analyzed historical data to verify the accuracy of jerk signals and determine their occurrence just before eruptions.
To avoid false alarms, the research team distinguished between ocean tidal signals and transient jerk signals using advanced computational software. This step was necessary as ground-recording instruments are also sensitive to tidal movements.
The Jerk system issued its first automated warning in June 2014, alerting authorities an hour before the initial volcanic tremor, signaling that magma was nearing the surface. The last signal recorded in their study occurred on July 2, 2023, just 40 minutes prior to an eruption at a slow rate of 1.5 Newton meters per second. Throughout 2014 to 2023, jerk detections occurred anywhere from minutes to eight hours before an eruption.
To measure the reliability of the jerk signal, the team reviewed historical eruption records at Piton de la Fournaise. They established that for 24 eruptions between 1998 and 2010, jerk alarms would have activated 83% of the time. From 48 eruptions between 1998 and 2023, including those during real-time testing, approximately 42 jerk warnings would have been issued. Real-time analysis also revealed that the jerk signal’s accuracy has improved compared to eruptions from two decades ago.
While the research team successfully identified pre-eruption signals, they noted that data processing requires at least 10-15 minutes, sometimes leading to delayed alarms. They reported two instances of late warnings: one on June 11, 2019, and another on February 10, 2020. After a decade of monitoring jerk signals, the team evaluated alarm success rates for 22 out of 24 eruptions, achieving a positivity rate of 92%.
Prior to the introduction of jerk signals, many volcanologists struggled to predict the exact moment of an eruption. The research team concluded that, alongside traditional methods of detecting pre-eruption earthquakes, scientists can now effectively use jerk signals to alert authorities, thereby improving safety for communities living near volcanoes worldwide.
Recent animal research published in Cell Metabolism reveals that incorporating specific amounts of single amino acids into a low-protein, plant-based diet significantly decreases frailty and fat in mice. A comprehensive analysis of epidemiological data involving over 200,000 participants indicates similar health benefits.
A predominantly plant-based, low-amino acid diet optimizes healthspan, necessitating moderate methionine intake to minimize frailty. Image credit: Fanti et al., doi: 10.1016/j.cmet.2026.05.015.
“The combined findings from both mouse and human studies indicate that a ‘longevity diet,’ primarily vegan or vegetarian with moderate fish intake, may offer the best health outcomes,” stated Valter Longo and his research team from the University of Southern California.
“The Mediterranean diet supplies adequate, albeit small, levels of methionine and other essential amino acids.” Research shows that Mediterranean nations enjoy some of the highest life expectancies, despite exhibiting notable frailty levels.
Given that plant-based foods contain lower essential amino acid levels compared to animal foods, Dr. Longo’s team developed a longevity diet enriched with small amounts of methionine to test its effects on frailty risk.
In this study, groups of 20-month-old mice were provided with one of four distinct diets: a high-fat, high-sugar Western diet, a low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet, or a low-protein longevity diet supplemented with methionine (LDMM).
Mice on the LDMM diet exhibited significantly improved outcomes, such as extended healthy lifespans (the percentage of life spent in good health), reduced fat mass, and decreased frailty.
“While we anticipated varying results from different diets, the dramatic metabolic shifts achieved by merely adjusting the methionine levels in the longevity diet were astonishing,” explained Maura Fanti, a researcher at USC.
“This suggests that not just the total protein contribution, but also the specific amino acid composition, could serve as a targeted approach for metabolic intervention.”
“Moreover, the study identified several biomarkers that indicate improved cardiometabolic health in LDMM mice, including elevated levels of signaling molecules that regulate metabolism and aging, such as GLP-1.”
“Although mice and humans have differing regulatory pathways, witnessing such synchronized changes in multiple metabolic hormones is promising, and we eagerly anticipate similar effects in human studies.”
Notably, mice administered the LDMM diet consumed more food than those in any other group and managed to maintain similar caloric intake while losing fat without sacrificing lean body mass—provided that methionine levels were kept low enough.
Additionally, human data highlighted that participants consuming the highest amounts of animal protein—marked by elevated methionine and essential amino acid intakes—exhibited greater obesity prevalence and double the diabetes incidence compared to those with minimal or no animal protein intake.
“This trend persisted despite higher animal protein consumers having lower caloric intakes and generally healthier diets,” Dr. Longo noted.
“This challenges the traditional belief that calorie reduction is essential for weight loss while emphasizing the need for clearer insights into the underlying mechanisms.”
“Insufficient methionine levels can lead to weakness, while excess methionine may counteract the diet’s benefits, which is inspired by the dietary patterns of traditional long-lived populations like those in Italy and Okinawa.”
“The results indicate that overall protein consumption may be less critical than the intake of specific amino acids.”
“The next phase for the research team involves conducting a controlled clinical trial of the LDMM approach in humans.”
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Maura Fanti et al. A longevity diet supplemented with methionine increases growth hormone, GLP-1, and FGF21. It reduces frailty and promotes a healthy lifespan. Cell Metabolism published online June 23, 2026. doi: 10.1016/j.cmet.2026.05.015
Every 26 seconds, the Earth’s crust resonates softly, akin to the rhythmic beating of a heart or the steady ticking of a clock.
These faint seismic events, termed “microearthquakes,” are imperceptible to the human senses, yet they are captured by the sensitive instruments used by seismologists.
Although scientists identified this consistent pulse decades ago, a definitive cause remains elusive.
Microearthquakes occur more frequently than one might think, arising from natural events on Earth, such as ocean waves crashing against shorelines or sports enthusiasts rhythmically stomping their feet.
They contribute to a sort of seismic background noise. Yet, this particular microearthquake is distinctive due to its persistent and rhythmic quality.
Dr. Jack Oliver, a geologist from Columbia University, played a key role in recognizing this global storm of microearthquakes, noting that the source was located in the southern Atlantic Ocean.
Now, over fifty years later, advancements in technology have allowed scientists to more precisely locate its origin.
These studies reveal that the pulse originates from Bonny Bay, situated in the Gulf of Guinea off the west coast of Africa.
Bonny Bay is located in the Gulf of Guinea off the west coast of Africa, near Nigeria, Cameroon, and Equatorial Guinea – Credit: Getty
Researchers have narrowed down the cause to two primary theories: ocean waves or volcanic activity.
Intense waves reflecting off the coast of Africa might converge at a specific location near Bioko Island.
When these waves strike the continental shelf, their energy can slightly bend the Earth’s crust, resulting in regular seismic waves.
Significantly, the strength of the 26-second pulse appears to correlate with storm intensity in the southern Atlantic, meaning that as storms escalate, so do the waves and the resulting seismic energy.
Mount Aso, a volcano in Japan’s Aso-Kuju National Park, generates seismic pulses thought to be caused by the movement of underground gas and magma – Credit: Getty
Conversely, Chinese researchers suggest that a volcano on Sao Tome Island may be responsible for these seismic pulses. Previous studies have linked volcanoes to microseismic activity as well.
For instance, Mount Aso in Japan is known to cause tremors believed to result from gas and magma movement underground.
Additional research has uncovered a second source of periodic microseismic activity from the same region, oscillating at a slightly different frequency of every 28 seconds.
This pulse seemingly originates near Pico Cao Grande, another volcano on Sao Tome Island.
This implies that the 28-second pulse could be volcanic in nature, while the 26-second pulse might stem from another undiscovered volcano.
Despite these intriguing findings, the exact cause of Earth’s seismic pulse continues to remain a mystery.
While this pulse’s consistency is fascinating, it doesn’t pose any danger, making it a relatively low-priority area for further seismological research.
It’s my hope that we uncover answers soon.
This article addresses the question posed by Patrick Hawkins via email: “Does the Earth have a heartbeat?”
If you have any questions, feel free to email us at:questions@sciencefocus.com or send a message viaFacebook,Twitter, orInstagram(please remember to include your name and location).
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Warning for Pest Control: Common rodent poisons are becoming less effective, according to recent scientific research. Studies indicate that both mice and rats are evolving resistance to these widely used poisons.
Data from new research reveals a startling number of house mice carrying genetic mutations linked to rodenticide resistance, leading to higher survival rates against common pest control methods.
In the northeastern United States, nearly 70% of house mice sampled were found to possess a known genetic mutation that enhances their survival against standard rodenticides. Furthermore, about 35% of Norway rats, commonly referred to as brown or sewer rats, exhibited similar mutations.
House mice adapt to rodent poisons faster than rats – Credit: Getty
A team at Rutgers University initiated this study after pest control professionals reported an increasingly resistant rodent population.
Pest management expert Jin Jia Yu noted that, “Despite the effectiveness of rodenticides, controlling rodent populations has become increasingly challenging in various regions.”
The researchers analyzed DNA from 147 house mice and 143 Norway rats collected across northeastern states, including New York and Washington, D.C.
Findings revealed a significant proportion of rodents carrying mutations in a gene called Vkorc1, which is connected to resistance against anticoagulant rodenticides—one of the most common types employed in the U.S.
“Mouse resistance is more widespread than previously understood,” stated Professor Yu. “Although Norwegian rats also exhibit genetic mutations, it remains unclear how these mutations affect their sensitivity to rodenticides.”
As emphasized by study co-author Changlu Wang, rodents pose more than just a nuisance; they represent a tangible public health risk.
“As rodent populations evolve, it becomes crucial to implement science-based management strategies that safeguard public health and the environment,” he added.
“Research like this sheds light on how rodent populations are changing, necessitating adaptations in management strategies,” concluded Professor Wang.
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Producing solar power on demand is precisely what a US startup, Reflect Orbital, aims to achieve. They intend to utilize mirrors in orbit to redirect excess sunlight back to Earth.
The goal isn’t to make the entire planet sunnier; rather, it’s to extend the hours during which solar power plants can generate electricity each day.
The initial plan involves launching two satellites in 2026 to serve as a proof of concept. These satellites will be equipped with deployable mirrors measuring 18 m x 18 m (59 x 59 ft) and will orbit at a low Earth altitude of about 600 km (373 miles).
Each satellite can illuminate a 6 km (3.73 mile) diameter patch of the Earth’s surface, almost as bright as a full moon.
This illumination level may not be sufficient for solar power generation, but the plan is to deploy numerous satellites all oriented in the same direction, stacking their beams to achieve a total of 5,000 by 2030 and over 50,000 by 2035.
US startup Reflect Orbital proposes using mirrors in orbit to reflect excess sunlight back to Earth – Image credit: Robin Boyden
Under optimal conditions regarding mirror reflectance and precision, certain areas on the ground could experience brightness approaching that of dusk.
However, this isn’t a constant illumination; the mirrors travel at a speed of 7.5 km/s (4.66 mi/s), meaning they can only light up the same area for a few minutes at a time. This technology is mainly beneficial for solar power plants operating just after sunset or just before dawn, as dusk does not provide sufficient brightness.
In contrast, areas receiving adequate natural light will not require enhancement since the satellites may also be in darkness.
This indicates that the economics of this venture might be less viable compared to simply expanding solar power capacity and storage on the ground.
This article addresses the question by Samantha Barker of the University of Oxford: “Can we create sunlight on demand?”
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A surprising recipe for wildfires is developing across drought-affected western states, and it involves an incoming cold front.
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Forecasters predict a significant cold front will develop over the Pacific Northwest on Thursday, moving southeast into the mountainous West, potentially producing dry lightning along its leading edge. Such lightning can initiate fires, and strong winds throughout the weekend may exacerbate both new and existing wildfires.
“There is a heightened risk of lightning for southern and eastern regions today and tomorrow, followed by strong winds for several days,” stated Basil Neumelzycki, a forecaster at the Great Basin Coordination Center. He made these remarks during an online conference on Wednesday. This center coordinates firefighting resources for the Intermountain West, an area that encompasses parts of Arizona, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming.
“Currently, fire danger levels have ranged from very high to extreme since Friday into the weekend. Some fires are exhibiting extreme fire behavior,” he added.
Forecasters anticipate strong storm developments across Utah, Colorado, Arizona, Nevada, and New Mexico beginning Friday.
“During this period, large portions of the West will be highly combustible due to minimal moisture in vegetation, extremely dry fuels, and persistently dry winds,” said Daniel Swain, a climate scientist from the University of California, Los Angeles, and the National Center for Atmospheric Research. He expressed these concerns at a press conference on Monday. “I’m genuinely worried.”
Swain indicated that the storm may persist into Sunday across various locations.
“This will be widespread, long-lasting, and occurring at an unusual time of year, amid extended wind events during summer fire season, coupled with significant drought conditions,” Swain added.
The front is anticipated to bring substantial rain to areas along the coasts of Oregon and Washington and west of the Cascade Mountains.
However, Utah is expected to experience widespread wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph, according to Glenn Merrill, a meteorologist and hydrologist with the Salt Lake City-based National Weather Service. He noted that the local vegetation is dry and susceptible to fires.
“This culminates in perilous fire weather conditions conducive to swift fire spread,” Merrill commented.
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Wildfires Force Evacuations in Central Utah
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Currently, two significant wildfires are raging in Utah, and intensifying winds could worsen the situation. The Iron Fire, which ignited on Friday, has burned over 37,000 acres and nearly devastated the town of Eureka, which remains under evacuation.
“The fire advanced to the town’s edge,” Merrill reported.
The Cottonwood Fire, near Beaver, started on Monday and has already consumed approximately 60,000 acres, doubling in size daily.
“The rapid growth of these fires is evident owing to the dry vegetation, the combustible fuels, and prevailing weather conditions,” Merrill noted.
This year, Utah has recorded its lowest snowfall on record and is amid a severe drought. In March, an early spring heatwave caused temperatures to soar roughly 30 degrees above average, leading to early runoff.
“Currently, we are relying on reservoir water, and several areas have been doing so for over a month,” Merrill mentioned.
He highlighted that the location of the Cottonwood Fire is at an elevation exceeding 10,000 feet, typically where fires don’t ignite early in the year due to moist soil from melting snow.
“Regions currently burning are usually just emerging from snowmelt,” Merrill explained. “In 2023, there was still snow in those areas.”
Indications suggest a prolonged and challenging fire season in western states. According to the National Interagency Fire Center, approximately 2.8 million acres have already burned this year, which is about 800,000 acres more than the ten-year average for this time.
The center is developing predictive maps to estimate fire likelihood through September. The outlook map displays expansive areas with higher-than-average fire potential, while those below average are not featured.
Unraveling Neanderthal Social Structure through Ancient DNA
Mauricio Anton/Science Photo Library
Recent findings indicate that the last surviving Neanderthals in northwestern Europe lived in genetically diverse and tightly-knit groups. This challenges the long-held belief that inbreeding was the primary driver behind their extinction approximately 40,000 years ago.
Despite the limitations in studying Neanderthal genetics (Homo neanderthalensis), due to the scarcity of well-preserved specimens, recent genomic analyses highlight that these ancient humans experienced periods of decreased diversity. However, the latest data suggests that inbreeding was not the foremost factor contributing to their decline.
Research led by Alba Bossams Mesa and his team at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, sequenced DNA from 27 Neanderthal remains sourced from diverse locations in Belgium and France, dating back as far as 52,500 to 40,000 years ago. Significantly, one genome revealed that a woman from Belgium’s Goyet Cave was cannibalized around 45,000 years ago.
“These newly analyzed genomes are crucial as they represent some of the youngest known Neanderthals, offering new perspectives on their genetic diversity during their extinction period,” explained Chris Stringer from the Natural History Museum, London.
Bossoms Mesa and his colleagues established that these 27 specimens belonged to at least 11 distinct Neanderthals. While overall diversity in Neanderthals was lower than that of modern humans, this group showed no substantial increase in detrimental genetic mutations or significant decreases in diversity.
In contrast to other Neanderthal populations, such as those in the Altai region of Siberia, which displayed evidence of inbreeding, Bossams-Mesa pointed out that these northwestern Neanderthals were closer to extinction yet displayed greater genetic diversity than their eastern counterparts.
The genetic findings also revealed that these Neanderthals were more closely related to each other than to late Neanderthal groups found further east in Croatia and southern Russia, splitting from a common ancestor approximately 54,000 years ago.
Neanderthal Excavations in Spy Cave, Belgium
P. Semal, Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, CC-BY 4.0
The broader implication suggests that the Altai Neanderthals may not accurately represent the entire species. Instead, the neanderthals from northwestern Europe belonged to a broader, interconnected population rather than a mere isolated group, says Bossams-Mesa. Different regional populations likely experienced varied life histories amid significant ecological and demographic shifts.
Modern humans made their entrance into Europe around 47,000 years ago, coexisting with this Neanderthal population for multiple generations. However, genomic evidence from these European Neanderthals reveals no interbreeding with modern humans, despite widespread indications of hybrids found elsewhere.
“This discrepancy raises intriguing questions about the interactions and power dynamics between Neanderthals and modern humans, which remain poorly understood,” noted Tarshika Vimala from UC Berkeley.
Bossoms Mesa posits various scenarios for this finding. Among them is the possibility that interbreeding predominantly occurred in different regions, such as the Levant, or that social dynamics or incompatibility with hybrids might have led to their nurturing primarily within human communities.
Stringer contemplates that the patterns of genetic exchanges into modern human populations reinforce the notion that late Neanderthals were losing reproductive capabilities, contributing to their eventual decline.
Perhaps it’s essential to rethink their status. “Even if remnants of their DNA exist in our genomes, Neanderthals haven’t truly vanished,” asserts Bossoms-Mesa.
NASA’s Perseverance Mars rover stands beside a rock with markings resembling microbial features.
NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS
NASA’s Perseverance rover has made a groundbreaking discovery of complex carbon compounds within a Martian crater, a site previously indicated as potentially harboring ancient life. On Earth, these compounds are often associated with biological remnants; however, scientists caution against jumping to conclusions, as such compounds can also emerge from non-living environments like meteorites.
In 2024, Perseverance explored a rocky outcrop named Bright Angel, located near what seems to be an ancient riverbed that once nourished a lake in Jezero Crater. Distinct mottling patterns observed on some rocks, dubbed “leopard spots” or “poppy seeds” by NASA scientists, comprise dark circular blotches measuring up to 1 millimeter in size. These patterns closely mimic those associated with ancient microbial activity on Earth.
While the possibility of abiotic origins remains, these signatures present some of the most compelling evidence for ancient life on Mars. However, comprehensive data regarding the chemical makeup and distribution of these patterns within the Bright Angel Formation was still lacking.
Equipped with advanced measurement tools, Perseverance is capable of providing crucial chemical insights about the rocks it examines, including the SHERLOC instrument. This tool uses ultraviolet laser reflections to identify elements and compounds present in rock samples.
According to Ashley Murphy, researchers at the Planetary Science Institute in Tucson, Arizona, utilized SHERLOC to detect large, complex carbon-containing molecules, known as polymeric carbon, on the surfaces of marked rocks within the Bright Angel Formation.
“On Earth, polymeric carbon is typically found in ancient rocks and can serve as a key indicator of past microbial life,” Murphy explains. “Identifying these organic macromolecules on Mars and other celestial bodies can enhance our understanding of the conditions that may once supported life.”
However, the finding of these carbon compounds does not automatically imply a biological origin, as they are also frequently discovered in meteorites, notes Lewis Dartnell from the University of Westminster, London. Murphy’s team also found that these compounds are linked to essential life-supporting minerals: carbonates and sulfates, which typically form in water-rich environments. “This context provides valuable insights into the geological environments where these organic materials exist,” Dartnell adds.
Jezero Crater is believed to have harbored abundant water at some point, making the presence of carbon compounds here consistent with expectations, according to team members like Kyle Uckert at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California. However, it is noteworthy that polymeric carbon has never been documented on the surfaces of such rocks before, raising questions about its resilience and distinctive nature compared to other carbon compounds found on Mars.
“Its widespread presence in the Bright Angel mudstone was unexpected in relation to other observations throughout the crater,” Uckert said. The reasons for this anomaly remain unclear, but Dartnell suggests that it may be an encouraging signal for discovering additional evidence of ancient life. “This detection confirms the potential for complex organic materials like these polymeric deposits to endure over geological timescales.”
While the SHERLOC tool can identify polymeric carbon, it cannot ascertain the precise composition of a compound beyond indicating it is carbon-rich, according to Sean McMahon from the University of Edinburgh, UK. “To determine if the carbon in these rocks is biologically derived, we would need to return samples to Earth,” he states.
Astronaut Mark Watney’s journey to grow potatoes on Mars in the film Martian may be fiction, but real-world astrobotanists like Jessica Atkin are making strides in the field. As NASA gears up to establish a sustainable lunar base through the Artemis II mission, the need for skilled individuals who can cultivate crops off Earth is becoming paramount.
Establishing a self-sufficient moon base poses challenges, including the requirement for colonists to harvest water from lunar ice and contend with the inhospitable lunar regolith. Atkin’s groundbreaking research, undertaken at Texas A&M University, demonstrates that chickpeas can sprout when lunar regolith is treated with a blend of organic materials and particular fungi. Her work recently earned her a significant NASA grant to advance research on lunar agriculture.
Atkin discussed her aspirations for a lunar greenhouse, the importance of her work, and what future astronauts can expect to eat on the moon.
Robin George Andrews: What motivated your interest in astrobotany?
Jessica Atkin: My passion for plants began in my childhood, specifically in my grandmother’s strawberry fields. Growing up on a ranch, I spent evenings pondering the possibilities of cultivating plants in space. My belief is that microbes could help us in the process of colonizing not just Earth but the Moon as well.
How did your military service shape your academic career?
My time in the military was a stepping stone to obtaining my college education without financial dependence on my family. I served as a police officer and trained the Iraqi police, experiences that taught me resilience and adaptability—qualities I now bring to my research.
Why grow crops in lunar regolith instead of transporting soil from Earth?
Transporting 1 pound to the Moon can cost around $100,000, making it impractical for sustaining long-term food growth. Instead, we’ll focus on leveraging hydroponics and other innovative methods, much like the systems used on the International Space Station (ISS).
What challenges does lunar regolith present for agriculture?
The structure of lunar regolith is detrimental to plant growth; its sharp, small particles can harm both plants and astronauts alike. Moreover, the chemical composition, while containing necessary nutrients, poses risks due to potentially toxic elements that can inhibit plant health.
Chickpea roots growing in simulated lunar regolith
Michael Miller/Texas A&M AgriLife
What progress has been made in lunar agriculture?
Research teams, such as those from the University of Florida, have shown that plants like thale watercress can grow in actual lunar regolith samples collected during the Apollo missions. My initial research overlooked the vital role of microbes in plant growth, and I felt compelled to explore their significance further.
Your work emphasizes the importance of fungi in lunar agriculture.
Understanding that fungi can aid plants in establishing themselves on land here on Earth, I wanted to investigate if a similar symbiotic relationship could help plants thrive in lunar regolith.
Why did you choose chickpeas as a candidate for lunar cultivation?
Chickpeas are often overlooked as crops, yet they are rich in protein and serve as a vital food source. Unlike typical crops like lettuce and tomatoes, chickpeas are resilient and capable of thriving in harsh conditions, making them ideal for lunar agriculture.
Before your NASA grant, you pioneered research in your home.
My living room transformed into a botanical lab, as I knew that exploring these experiments was crucial when few others were doing so.
Were you able to utilize real lunar regolith in your studies?
Full samples of lunar regolith are scarce and heavily guarded at NASA’s Johnson Space Center; thus, I utilized lunar simulants created from terrestrial volcanic rock to replicate the lunar environment effectively.
Jessica Atkin with chickpeas in simulated moon dust
Michael Miller/Texas A&M AgriLife
What is the current state of your lunar agriculture research?
Atkin’s ongoing studies focus on combining fungi with compost to ascertain the optimal amount of organic material that will successfully nourish plants and microbes in lunar regolith. Remarkably, chickpeas have shown rapid germination, hinting at a potential agricultural revolution on the Moon.
What obstacles do you foresee for future lunar vegetable gardens?
The elevated radiation levels on the Moon and its gravitational differences can significantly alter plant growth, making effective lighting and optimal watering strategies crucial. This will necessitate specially designed, isolated greenhouses to protect both astronauts and plants from lunar dust.
What is your vision for the future of astronaut diets?
I believe the diet of astronauts will increasingly rely on shelf-stable and packaged foods, with legumes like chickpeas providing essential nutrients. The future could even see the introduction of lunar-grown foods like space hummus!
What culinary delights do you envision in a lunar greenhouse?
I have a soft spot for fruits, particularly strawberries, which are currently undergoing tests for growth in space. NASA is exploring various crops, including strawberries in space.
How do you feel about being dubbed the Botanist of the Moon?
While it’s a niche title, I embrace it as an opportunity in a burgeoning field, especially as NASA’s Artemis program progresses. There will be high demand for specialized roles in space agriculture.
If given the opportunity, would you establish a lunar greenhouse?
Absolutely; it’s the realization of a lifelong dream! Being part of lunar exploration and agricultural innovation is something I would cherish deeply.
Reflecting on your early inspirations, what would your grandmother think of your journey?
Even though she’s no longer with us, I know she’d be immensely proud of my achievements. Her support always motivated me, and I hope to honor her legacy through my work in astrobotany.
The Homo naledi discovery in a South African cave over thirteen years ago has revealed astonishing insights. Recent analyses of skeletal proteins suggest all samples examined were female, providing potentially the most compelling evidence of early human behavior yet.
Uncovered by a group of cavers in 2013 within the Rising Star cave system, approximately 40 kilometers northwest of Johannesburg, the fossils were situated in deep, hard-to-reach chambers. Since their discovery, researchers have tirelessly investigated how these remains came to rest in such a location.
Initial hypotheses emerged in 2015, proposing that H. naledi corpses were intentionally placed in the cave, as suggested by Lee Berger from the University of the Witwatersrand. Archaeological findings indicated potential grave digging within the cave and the use of torches to navigate the darkness, with claims of ancient rock paintings left behind in this burial space. However, these ideas have been met with skepticism.
The latest findings by Palesa Madupe at the University of Copenhagen involved extracting ancient proteins from H. naledi tooth enamel, enabling insights into the genetics of this long-extinct species, believed to have lived between 335,000 and 236,000 years ago.
Tooth enamel comprises around a dozen proteins, relatively understudied in evolutionary terms. However, certain proteins can reveal biological sex due to the presence of amelogenin proteins linked to X and Y chromosomes, with females typically containing only the X-linked (amelogenin A) allele.
Madupe and her team examined all 23 known H. naledi specimens and successfully identified amelogenin proteins in 20, all of which were female—a startling outcome. Madupe expressed initial concerns about potential errors in their analysis, yet repeated tests yielded the same result, leading researchers to ponder the absence of male specimens.
One explanation could be the rapid degradation of AMELY proteins, making some undetectable. However, Madupe suggests this is unlikely, especially considering that similar proteins dating back two million years were recently discovered in South African excavations.
Lee Berger at the Rising Star Cave Entrance
Luca Sola/AFP via Getty Images
Another theory suggests that H. naledi males might not express AMELY genes on their enamel. Examining existing literature, researchers note that such deletions can occur in current human populations, though infrequently. They calculated the likelihood of AMELY absence among a random sample of 20 individuals, positing that the odds would be exceedingly low at just 0.0000954 percent.
This points to one intriguing conclusion: all 20 fossilized remains could have belonged to females. Berger argues this indicates that the notion of a natural process leading to their arrival in the cave is untenable. Instead, he posits that the findings imply intentional placement of female corpses within the cave.
Many researchers support this conclusion. For instance, Emma Pomeroy from Cambridge University remarked, “This suggests either flawed analytical methods or intentional choices regarding H. naledi individuals.” Similarly, Bernard Wood from George Washington University hypothesizes there might be behavioral reasons behind why female remains were deposited in the cave.
Others remain more skeptical. Researcher Kimberly Fecke from George Mason University suggests cave access may have historically posed challenges for larger individuals, thus affecting the representation of males in the fossil record. Notably, the initial archaeologists who explored the cave were predominantly women.
In contrast, Michael Petraglia at Griffith University advocates the idea that social dynamics among H. naledi could have led to populations with higher female-to-male ratios for foraging activities.
However, other experts, like Eric Kruvezy from the University of Toulouse, express reservations about this theory, noting that in primate groups with uneven male-to-female ratios, one typically finds a balance of male and female infants. This discrepancy brings into question the potential for a largely female demographic in the cave.
Berger maintains that these findings bolster his hypothesis that H. naledi corpses were purposefully placed in the cave. Other researchers challenge this notion, with Wood asserting that simply placing a body in a rock crevice shouldn’t be equated with burial rituals, denying the existence of complex cultural beliefs in early hominins regarding mortality.
Finally, the pivotal question remains: what did H. naledi look like? Wood notes that while physiological traits can be surmised from female specimens, significant variation might be expected, especially considering other hominin species like Paranthropus boisei, where males displayed larger cranial features.
A fang-like lower jaw protrudes from the mouth of a screwworm larva.
Scott Camazine/Alamy
While the extinction of certain species might be deemed controversial, in some cases, it could be beneficial. For example, eliminating malaria-carrying mosquitoes might improve global health.
Advancements in genetic technology, notably through gene drives, enable the deliberate alteration of species populations. These gene drives can rapidly disseminate harmful traits within populations, yet, currently, the technology’s application against malaria-carrying mosquitoes is limited. Researchers like Kevin Esvelt at MIT have pioneered CRISPR-based gene drives to target pests such as the screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax).
As Esvelt notes, “I bet on the New World screwworm fly, an insect even more detested than mosquitoes.” Screwworm flies are notorious for laying eggs in the wounds of mammals, leading to severe injury and even death for the host. Livestock farmers face significant challenges due to screwworm infestations.
Historically, screwworms thrived across the Americas but were eradicated in North and Central America during the 1960s, though they still pose a threat in parts of South America.
The removal of screwworms in North America hinged on the sterile insect technique. Since female screwworms mate only once, introducing sterile males into the wild can effectively curb population growth. However, this method is costly and hasn’t been employed in South America—genetic modification through gene drives might present a feasible alternative.
Understanding Gene Drives
Gene drives refer to mechanisms that skew inheritance rates. Typically, offspring inherit DNA from both parents, which may reduce the prevalence of harmful traits over time. A genetic drive can ensure that more than half of the offspring inherit a specific trait, even if that trait proves disadvantageous.
Through natural mating processes, the gene drive replicates itself, resulting in the propagation of specific traits within a population, which could lead to substantial declines in numbers.
For example, gene drives can be engineered to disrupt essential reproductive genes, potentially rendering populations infertile over time. This is superior to traditional sterile insect techniques, which require mass releases of sterilized insects.
Addressing Controversies
Though the application of gene drives toward eradicating malaria-carrying mosquitoes would be revolutionary, public resistance rooted in concerns surrounding genetic modification limits such initiatives. For instance, a gene drive project in Burkina Faso was recently halted due to opposition, illustrating the challenges faced in promoting genetic modification.
The debate around genetic modification often reflects broader societal views. It’s vital to recognize that genetic modification is already embedded in agriculture, and the focus should be on the applications rather than the technology itself.
Gene drives, while appearing alarming, are part of natural processes. Resistance to unfavorable traits is expected, yet innovative solutions can be developed to enhance their effectiveness.
Efforts to eliminate screwworms through gene drives are already underway, with projects initiated by institutions like the National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INIA) in Uruguay and the Guardian Program by DARPA. While detailed information is scarce, the successful development of gene drives against mosquitoes indicates potential in targeting screwworms.
As Colossal Biosciences proposes to develop gene drives for screwworm eradication, their lack of experience raises concerns, emphasizing the significant knowledge and expertise needed in this field.
Critics often argue about the ecological consequences of eradicating certain species; however, with precedents in successful species removal, the potential benefits to human health should be carefully weighed against fears of ecological imbalance.
In summary, advancements in gene drive technology may pave the way for eradicating harmful pest populations and improving public health. The memory of screwworm infestations serves as a reminder of the urgent need for effective pest management strategies in the Americas.
Take a glance at the fascinating White Margin Stargazer (Uranoscopus sulphureus). With its large, intimidating teeth and upward-facing eyes, it’s perfectly equipped to deter any potential threats.
Their appearance can be likened to small, grotesque humans half-buried in sand, displaying a clear displeasure at their situation.
Stargazers excel at solitude; they are known as ambush predators, showcasing remarkable skills at catching prey.
These elusive creatures often bury their bodies in sandy ocean floors, using their broad pectoral fins to clear the substrate, leaving only their eyes exposed, poised to snatch any unsuspecting animal that wanders too close.
If the right prey doesn’t come along, they can ingeniously lure it in.
Equipped with feather-like skin projections around their mouths, they create the illusion of wriggling insects, enticing fish or crabs to investigate. Unfortunately, these curious creatures discover far more than they expected.
The stargazer can quickly draw in water with its wide mouth, generating a strong vacuum that captures prey in the blink of an eye.
Not only do these fish employ cunning hunting tactics, but they also come with natural defenses. White Margin Stargazers possess venomous spines capable of delivering a painful sting.
This species, reaching up to 45 cm (about 18 inches) in length, thrives in tropical waters across the Indian and Pacific Oceans, from the Red Sea to Fiji and Tonga.
Stargazers are named for their pronounced eyes, which seem to gaze upward at the stars – Credit: Getty
There are approximately 50 species of stargazers found worldwide, all of which are poisonous. Accidentally stepping on a stargazer can be excruciating, though rarely fatal.
Moreover, the White Margin Stargazer has another surprising capability: it can produce electric shocks from specialized cells located between its eyes.
This species, along with other electric fish, plays fast and loose with the old safety rule of avoiding water and electricity; water is a vastly more effective conductor than air.
In fact, at least six distinct fish groups have independently developed the ability to generate electric shocks for various purposes.
The most infamous is the electric eel, which, despite its name, is not a true eel, hailing from the Amazon basin and capable of delivering a stunning 200-volt zap to capture prey.
Similarly, elephant fish utilize mild electrical currents to navigate murky waters, akin to bats using echolocation.
White Margin Stargazers deploy electric shocks as a deterrent. Although these shocks aren’t strong enough to subdue prey, they effectively keep larger predators at bay.
Like other electric fish, stargazers adapt their muscle cells to manipulate charged ions across their membranes instead of contracting muscles, allowing them to gather electrical charge that can be swiftly released when necessary.
How they achieve this without electrocution remains a captivating mystery.
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For the first time, federal firefighters are being encouraged to wear respirators to safeguard themselves from the harmful effects of smoke during wildland firefighting operations.
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The U.S. Forest Service announced on Wednesday that firefighters are now permitted to use N95 respirators on fire scenes. This marks a significant policy shift, as protective gear had not been authorized for decades despite evidence highlighting the health risks linked to wildfire smoke.
“This change has been a long time coming,” stated George Broyles, a veteran USFS firefighter who has researched wildfire exposure risks. “It’s undeniable that first responders worldwide face increased risks of cancer and heart disease.”
For Broyles, this policy amendment signifies a long-overdue acknowledgment from the Forest Service of the toxic nature of wildfire smoke, prompting the agency to seek measures that mitigate risks for its personnel.
The Forest Service has historically been slow to address the health impacts of wildfire smoke and to implement necessary protections for workers in challenging firefighting environments.
Inhalation of wildfire smoke exposes individuals to volatile gases and fine particulate matter, which can infiltrate the lungs and enter the bloodstream. Such exposure is linked to respiratory issues, lung cancer, and various chronic diseases, as well as adverse pregnancy outcomes across diverse U.S. demographics. Studies indicate that wildland firefighters experience heightened risks for lung cancer and cardiovascular conditions.
The Forest Service also revealed plans to initiate a cleanup program aimed at minimizing firefighters’ skin exposure to toxins in soot and ash. Personnel will be compensated for time spent washing uniforms, cleaning vehicles, and showering post-fire operations.
The agency clarified that this updated policy serves as a temporary step towards establishing a more robust protective program that aligns with Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards.
“We’re committed to developing a comprehensive respiratory protection program without delay. We believe N95 respirators can be effectively utilized to offer protection, while allowing for removal if individuals overheat,” commented Evan Birx, a U.S. Forest Service spokesperson. “While use is not mandatory, we strongly encourage it.”
The Forest Service stated that fire managers and firefighters intending to use respirators will be required to undergo a training program.
As wildfires escalate in frequency and severity, researchers are racing to comprehend the long-term consequences of smoke exposure. Wildland firefighters represent a demographic at high risk for chronic smoke-related ailments.
A 2019 survey indicated that, depending on their career duration and exposure days, wildland firefighters are estimated to face an 8% to 43% increased risk of lung cancer and a 16% to 30% elevated risk of cardiovascular issues. Further studies reveal that wildland firefighters are more likely to develop hypertension and arrhythmia.
“Access to N95s, decontamination protocols, and relevant training can significantly reduce exposure to harmful smoke and toxins,” stated Steve Gutierrez, union representative for the American Federation of Federal Employees. “It’s vital to build upon this momentum with a long-term respiratory protection strategy, cancer screenings, early disease detection, and improved facilities like washing machines for decontamination.”
While N95 masks offer some level of protection, they are not a panacea. Their design can cause discomfort and may increase the effort required for breathing during intense physical activity. Moreover, while they prevent particulates from entering the body, they do not guard against carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and other harmful gases emitted from fires.
According to Forest Service guidelines, these masks should not be used in steep terrains or environments where fire conditions are rapidly changing or where direct flame contact is possible.
“Currently, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution,” remarked Reba Duncan, president of Grassroots Wildland Firefighters, a nonprofit advocacy organization comprising current and former federal wildland firefighters. She characterized N95s as merely “an additional temporary measure.”
Nonetheless, developing a comprehensive ventilatory system in line with OSHA regulations could require “many years” to finalize, Broyles cautioned.
Both he and Gutierrez noted that many firefighters might opt not to wear N95 respirators.
“I believe it’s going to be a culture-changing process,” Gutierrez added.
This summer may be particularly challenging for wildland firefighters. As per the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) statistics, over 34,000 wildfires have ignited, scorching at least 2.7 million acres in 2023; both figures exceed the 10-year averages.
Numerous western states, including Utah and Colorado, have witnessed record spring snowfall yet are currently grappling with significant drought and heightened fire risks. Concurrently, a strong El Niño phenomenon is unfolding, leading to anticipated increases in global temperatures.
Efficacy of Intranasal Drug May Be Influenced by Estrogen
Sergei Babenko/Alamy
The experimental drug davunetide initially showed significant promise in combating degenerative brain diseases until a pivotal late-stage trial failed over a decade ago. Following this setback, Aron Therapeutics discontinued its development. However, recent analyses suggest that: this drug may be effective for women. Further investigation reveals that fluctuations in estrogen levels may affect the delivery of the drug to the brain, indicating that its efficacy—and that of similar treatments—could vary based on hormonal changes throughout the menstrual cycle.
“It is common for brain diseases to be influenced by steroid hormones, such as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone,” stated Jens Pahnke from the University of Oslo, who was not involved in the study.
Over 20 years ago, researchers at Tel Aviv University, including Ilana Gozes, derived davunetide from a naturally-occurring brain protein called activity-dependent neuroprotective protein (ADNP). This protein is now known to be regulated by sex hormones. Studies indicate that davunetide enhances microtubules, a crucial component of the brain’s transport system, which in turn helps prevent toxic protein accumulation such as tau, associated with Alzheimer’s disease. However, in 2014, an intranasal formulation was tested in late-stage trials for progressive supranuclear palsy, a rare neurological disorder, but yielded no significant effects.
This realization allowed Gozes, who participated in the clinical trial, to reflect on her previous research on gender differences in clinical outcomes. To assess whether these differences applied to davunetide, Gozes and her team analyzed gene activity in male and female mice with the ADNP mutation, resulting in an epiphany: the gene sets altered between the sexes were “very different.”
Additionally, upon reanalyzing the davunetide study with a gender-focused lens, findings indicated that in women with progressive supranuclear palsy, the drug seemed to slow disease progression, providing protection against brain damage symptoms, such as difficulties with swallowing and speech. “When we separated the data by gender, the outcomes diverged,” Gozes noted.
Recent experiments involving fluorescently labeled davunetide administered to male and female mice revealed that females exhibited higher drug absorption during peak estrogen levels. A study involving eight adult participants, six women and two men, found that women had higher peak concentrations of the drug in their plasma compared to men.
Hormones like estrogen serve as critical regulators of various brain functions and can modulate drug efficacy, as highlighted by Pahnke. He emphasized the significance of assessing not only the presence but also the concentration of each hormone in specific brain regions, stating, “Different areas may respond variably to hormonal changes.”
Professor Pahnke previously uncovered that the multiple sclerosis drug fingolimod demonstrates significantly greater efficacy in female mouse models of Huntington’s disease compared to males. Yet, he urges caution regarding Gozes’ findings, noting that the research, conducted primarily in mice and involving a small human sample, merits careful interpretation. “These [findings] can inform hypotheses regarding the sex-dependent bioavailability of intranasal davunetide, but conclusions should be approached with caution.”
Both researchers agree on a critical observation: Despite variations in clinical trials by gender, hormonal status is seldom accounted for, potentially neglecting significant biological diversity.
“What [the researchers] are illustrating is that neurodegenerative diseases manifest differently in males and females, and even with the same medication, hormonal factors modify therapeutic outcomes,” Gozes remarked.
Davunetide has received a development license through ExoNavis Therapeutics in Tel Aviv. “We are currently committed to advancing our gender-stratified clinical trials in individuals with ADNP syndrome, a neurodevelopmental disorder attributed to an ADNP mutation, and progressive supranuclear palsy,” stated Gozes, who holds the position of vice president of drug development at the company.
<p>The heart of our galaxy, revolving around the supermassive black hole Sagittarius A*, remains a captivating enigma. Recent research sheds light on the peculiar stars that orbit this cosmic giant. Astronomers have identified three distinct populations of stars, all sharing similar ages but varying characteristics. Remarkably, a new model offers a comprehensive explanation for their formations.</p>
<p>The closest star group to Sagittarius A* is known as the S star cluster. This collection comprises spherical stars with elongated orbits, bringing them perilously close to the black hole. Curious gaps in their distribution, termed avoidance zones, add to the intrigue. Beyond this cluster lies a group of clockwise disk stars, forming a regular disk outside the S star orbits. Finally, there's a dispersed set of extra-disk stars, with some seemingly orbiting in reverse.</p><span class="js-content-prompt-opportunity"/>
<p>Previously proposed theories failed to explain the unified nature of these star populations. However, <a href="https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7814-9185">Jen Xiaochen</a> and her team at Beijing Planetarium suggest a groundbreaking solution. They introduced an intermediate-mass black hole, estimated to be hundreds to a thousand times the Sun's mass, to their model. This object is hypothesized to have influenced the coalescence of stars within a disk of gas and dust, dictating the orbits we observe today.</p>
<p>Positioning this intermediate-mass object close to the galactic center, and angling its orbit relative to the disk, results in intricate gravitational interactions among the stars. This dynamic interaction predominantly affects the outer stars, altering their orbits and causing some of those beyond the disk to appear to orbit in reversed directions.</p>
<p>The clockwise disk stars experience a balance of gravitational forces between the intermediate-mass black hole and Sagittarius A*, leading to subtle orbital changes. The S stars, on the other hand, are primarily influenced by interactions among themselves, resulting in the formation of avoidance zones.</p>
<p>As Zheng posited, "Through three different gravitational dances, this cosmic companion separated families." This model elegantly accounts for the diverse star populations near the galactic core, avoiding the complexities of multiple independent formation scenarios.</p>
<p>Despite these advancements, the nature of the cosmic companion remains elusive. "Identifying this perturber is crucial, but locating intermediate-mass black holes is challenging," notes <a href="https://research.manchester.ac.uk/en/persons/albert.zijlstra/">Albert Zijlstra</a> from the University of Manchester, UK. Current efforts have yet to yield solid evidence in this mass range.</p>
<p>One promising candidate is the IRS-13E star cluster, located near the galaxy's center and potentially harboring a black hole. However, its classification as a genuine star cluster requires further investigation and long-term observation to unravel the mysteries surrounding galactic centers.</p>
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Have you heard the intriguing story of a monkey and Yorkshire puddings? In 2024, a macaque monkey made headlines by escaping from a wildlife park in the Scottish Highlands.
This adventurous monkey feasted on peanuts and stale Yorkshire puddings meant for birds, evading capture for five days until it was spotted in a local garden.
According to a recent analysis by the Washington Post, primates like Honshu are among the most likely animals to escape from captivity. Their study reviewed 130 years of news reports, revealing 134 escape incidents, with 17 involving monkeys and apes. Interestingly, in 2024 alone, 43 rhesus macaques escaped from a research facility in South Carolina, US.
These primates exhibit extraordinary intelligence and dexterity, facilitating their escapes not just from cages but from entire zoo and park grounds, similar to the wild on mainland Japan.
Other frequent escapees include felines (16 cases), bovids (15 cases, including cows and buffalo), and birds (14 cases). Birds, particularly, pose a challenge for recapturing. A 2015 analysis of Australian zoo records spanning from 1870 to 2010 revealed that nearly half of all vertebrate escapes involved birds, which also had the lowest recovery rates.
In the UK, government regulations mandate that zoos conduct escape drills four times a year – Image courtesy of Robin Boyden
The famous flamingo known as Pink Floyd serves as a remarkable avian escape artist. This flamingo flew the coop from the Sedgwick County Zoo in Kansas in 2005, adeptly adjusting to life in the wild. It was last observed in 2023 off the Texas coast, over 800 miles from its original home.
Zoo escapes often ignite the public’s imagination. The narrative of a daring animal seeking liberation mirrors an underdog tale, reminiscent of the classic film Shawshank Redemption.
These animal escapades, while amusing, can mask serious challenges. An escaped animal may experience distress or danger, especially if it’s a non-native species that threatens the local ecosystem.
While tranquilizer darts are often used to sedate escaped animals, those posing a threat in public areas can be shot.
Zoos are equipped with emergency protocols for such incidents. For instance, in the UK, government guidelines require zoos to perform at least four escape drills annually, including scenarios involving dangerous animals.
Fortuitously, Honshu was safely recaptured. He moved to Edinburgh Zoo for a fresh start and is reportedly establishing alpha male status among his troop. One can only hope his new home offers an endless supply of Yorkshire puddings.
This article explores the question, “Which animals are most likely to escape from zoos?” posed by Chloe Reynolds from Bath.
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Recent research spanning five continents, from the steppes of Mongolia to the rainforests of the Pacific, reveals that hunting dogs and their owners share a remarkable bond. This study suggests that their cooperative relationship dates back approximately 30,000 years, highlighting deep evolutionary ties.
Examples of hunting dogs and human interaction across four non-WEIRD societies: (a) pointing in Mongolia, (b) problem-solving in Vanuatu, (c) demonstration in Mongolia, and (d) scenarios from Madagascar and Peru. Image credit: Bräuer et al., doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-57657-1.
Over the last 25 years, domestic dogs have increasingly become a significant focus of scientific research.
Throughout domestication, dogs have developed human-like communication skills essential for thriving in human environments.
Specifically, dogs excel in social communication, responding adeptly to human gestures and language. Their selection as cooperative partners during domestication has played a vital role in this evolution.
Extensive studies have examined dogs’ communication proficiency, including their response to human pointing, social referencing, and problem-solving abilities.
However, most findings have predominantly emerged from studies involving dogs from “WEIRD” (Western, Educated, Industrialized, Wealthy, Democratic) societies.
Dr. Julian Breuer, a cognitive psychologist at the University of Jena, emphasized the focus of their field study on hunting dogs, which necessitate deep collaboration between humans and their furry companions.
“This cooperation might have been critical in the domestication of dogs, marking them as the first domesticated animals in history,” noted Dr. Breuer.
To explore whether the dog-human bond is universal or influenced by culture, Dr. Breuer and his team assessed 164 dog-human pairs across culturally rich regions: Germany, Madagascar, Mongolia, Peru, and Vanuatu.
Standardized behavioral tests were performed to evaluate communication and cooperation between dogs and humans.
Remarkably, the findings revealed a strikingly similar relationship worldwide, indicating its roots in shared evolutionary history rather than cultural differences.
Across all regions, dogs demonstrated an understanding of human gestures, communicated actively with their owners, and relied significantly on their owners’ guidance in challenging situations.
Additionally, dog owners consistently described their pets as trusted companions, valuing their presence beyond mere working animals.
“While we anticipated notable cultural differences, we found the human-dog relationship to be surprisingly universal,” stated Dr. Breuer.
Despite these similarities, variations emerged, primarily influenced by environmental conditions and hunting methodologies.
For instance, hunters in Vanuatu displayed superior skills in interpreting dog signals compared to their counterparts in other regions.
In the South Pacific islands, dogs play a crucial role in tracking wild boars through thick underbrush, necessitating high levels of human-animal coordination.
Conversely, in Germany, dogs appear to be more reliant on their owners, responding consistently to signals likely due to more focused training approaches.
“Despite significant cultural and environmental contrasts, the relationship between dogs and humans is notably similar,” concluded the researchers.
Residual differences may arise from variations in hunting techniques and distinctions between queer and non-queer societies.
The findings of this research were published in a paper in the journal Scientific Reports.
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J. Breuer et al. 2026. Global similarities in dog-human interactions. Scientific Reports 16, 18527; doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-57657-1
Exploring the Arctic Dome Crater Landscape in Western Australia
Credit: Curtin University
According to mineral dating techniques, a colossal crater in Western Australia was formed by an asteroid impact approximately 3 billion years ago. This discovery potentially marks the crater as the oldest impact site on Earth, although its age has been contested by some researchers.
Known as the Arctic Dome Crater or the Miralga Impact Structure, this feature was first documented by Chris Kirkland in 2025 at Curtin University in Perth. His team estimated the crater’s diameter could reach up to 100 kilometers.
Kirkland and his colleagues found a unique layer of rock featuring cone-shaped formations known as shatter cones, typically created by significant impacts like asteroid collisions. While their initial research did not directly date this rock layer, correlations with age-dated rocks in adjacent layers led them to propose an age of 3.47 billion years.
This proposed age surpasses the Yarrababa Crater’s age by over 1.2 billion years, establishing it as the oldest known impact site on Earth. Furthermore, it stands out as the only recognized impact structure from the Archean Era, a time when Earth predominantly existed as a vast ocean.
However, a competing analysis from another research team led by Aaron Cavosie at Curtin University disputes this 3.47 billion-year timeline, claiming that their findings suggest the impact occurred around 2.77 billion years ago.
In a new development, Kirkland and his team assert that they have accurately dated recrystallized minerals, including detrital cones at the crater site. Kirkland states, “We’ve now examined the rock to identify minerals that directly correspond to impacts, rather than relying solely on correlations.”
Utilizing the decay rate of uranium to lead, the researchers dated zircon within the shatter cone formed by the asteroid’s impact. They also dated apatite minerals believed to have developed in hydrothermal systems activated by impact-induced heat.
Both the apatite and zircon dated at approximately 3.02 billion years, providing strong evidence of intense hydrothermal activity in the rock around 3 billion years ago. Kirkland notes, “This indicates that hot water infiltrated the rock long ago, showcasing an unusual heating and recrystallization process.”
Rocks Within the Arctic Dome Crater
Credit: Curtin University
Kirkland emphasized that other geological processes, such as mountain building or localized metamorphism, cannot adequately explain the mineral changes observed in the shocked rocks. He states, “The only process strongly correlated with these mineralogical transformations is an impact.” He concludes, “The current evidence strongly supports a 3 billion-year-old impact, potentially marking this as the oldest impact crater on Earth.”
Kavosie appreciates the new adjustments to the crater’s age, arguing, however, that Kirkland’s team continues to overstate its age. “We are grateful that they have revised their previous claim of a 3.5 billion-year impact, but believe they still lack a convincing case for the 3.02 billion-year hypothesis,” he adds, “This is how science progressively edges closer to the truth.”
Kavosie asserts that younger rocks, dating back only 2.77 billion years, exhibit shatter cones, indicating that the impact must have occurred after this point.
Alec Brenner, a Yale University professor and participant in the opposing study, concurs with Cavosie, stating the rocks must be younger than 2.77 billion years. “The new research disregards this finding based on the premise that these rocks are undated, yet they are directly linked to dated nearby rocks,” Brenner explains.
The key distinction, according to Kirkland, is that his team has calculated the ages of minerals within the impacted rock. “The argument for a younger age relies on a long-range correlation of undated rocks through satellite mapping, rather than on direct geochemical evidence or geochronology,” he states. “We now possess two mineral clocks of the same age sourced from the impact rock itself, emphasizing the importance of direct dating.”
A newly discovered genus and species of the four-winged Penaraptor dinosaur, which thrived during the Early Cretaceous period in northern China, offers fresh insights into the evolution of birds from their dinosaur ancestors, according to paleontologist Dr. Xin Shu from the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, Chinese Academy of Sciences.
Changzhou Saurus sinensis. Image credit: Connor Ashbridge / CC BY 4.0.
The recently identified dinosaur species existed in what is now China approximately 120 million years ago, during the Early Cretaceous period.
Scientifically named Changzhou Saurus sinensis, this remarkable creature measured about 34 cm (13 inches) in length, making it one of the smallest known non-avian theropods.
Despite its diminutive size, Changzhou Saurus sinensis displayed a combination of anatomical features found across various branches of the bird-like dinosaur family tree.
It is believed that Changzhou Saurus sinensis represents early members of the Deinonychosaurus lineage, a subset of pennaraptor dinosaurs that includes both dromaeosaurs and troodontids.
“The Penaraptoridae family comprises several recently discovered smaller clades (such as Unenlaginae, Microraptoridae, Scansoliopteridae, Anchiornitidae, and Halskaraptrinae) along with four established major groups (Oviraptorosauridae, Dromaeosauridae, Troodontidae, and Ornithidae),” Xu stated in the study.
“In the past three decades, significant fossil discoveries from newly recognized minor clades as well as well-established major pennalaptorian groups have effectively bridged the morphological gap among major pennalaptorian lineages, provided the oldest known fossil record of feathers, shown the earliest examples of theropod flight, revealed unexpected morphological and ecological adaptations, and demonstrated the rapid dispersal of pennaraptorans during the mid-Jurassic period.”
“Remarkably, these fossils significantly enhance our understanding of bird origins, indicating that plumed feathers, aerodynamic behavior, and other characteristics once thought exclusive to birds are also present in other pennaraptoran groups.”
“Nevertheless, many critical questions remain unanswered, particularly those pertaining to the reconstruction of phylogenetic relationships, behaviors, and ecological characteristics of penalaraptors, as well as the interpretation of individual morphological traits.”
Holotype specimen of Changzhou Saurus sinensis slabs and counterslabs. Image credit: Xing Xu, doi: 10.19615/j.cnki.2096-9899.260616.
The fossilized remains of Changzhou Saurus sinensis were unearthed in the Jiufodang Formation located in the fossil-rich western Liaoning Province.
This specimen, preserved in slabs and counterslabs, represents an almost complete skeleton, featuring extensive feathers across its body.
Changzhou Saurus sinensis boasted about 16 elongated tail feathers, approximately four times the length of its femur, akin to the ornamental tail feathers seen in peacocks.
This dinosaur also possessed unusually large wings, with primary flight feathers measuring around 12 cm (4.7 inches) in length, considerably exceeding those of other known non-avian penaraptornids.
This discovery implies that the development of feathered wing areas and arm lengths may not have occurred simultaneously, challenging previously held notions about the evolution of flight-related structures.
Notably, the legs featured large feathers, reinforcing evidence that some bird-like dinosaurs had a unique four-winged body plan.
“This finding underscores the intricate nature of early penaraptornian evolution and raises several theoretical and methodological questions in penalaptorian research,” Dr. Xu remarked in the study.
“These questions pertain to how to establish a robust Penaraptorian phylogeny, infer the aerial behavior and ecological habitats of early-diverging Penaraptornians, and accurately define plumage and birds.”
Shin Shu. 2026. A new feathered dinosaur from northern China dating back to the Early Cretaceous. This research highlights the complexities of early Penaraptornian evolution and discusses several related conceptual and methodological challenges. Spinal Paralysis in press. doi: 10.19615/j.cnki.2096-9899.260616
Pregnancy brings significant changes: hormonal surges, physical growth, and increased appetite are just the beginning. Previously, it was believed these changes resolved quickly postpartum, restoring the body and mind to pre-pregnancy states. Recent research has shown this is far from the truth.
Inside the skull, the brain experiences extensive remodeling during pregnancy, enhancing a mother’s caregiving abilities. Notably, many of these transformations can be long-lasting or even permanent. Fathers, too, undergo cognitive alterations as they embrace parenthood. According to Emily Jacobs, a neuroscience professor at the University of California, Santa Barbara, “Very few areas of the brain remain untouched.”
The prevailing understanding of the parental brain has evolved dramatically over the last decade. Once viewed merely as a state of disarray—“mother’s brain”—characterized by forgetfulness and sleep deprivation, it is now recognized as a complex network of adaptations that enhance everything from empathy to memory and even Alzheimer’s risk.
Beginning in early pregnancy, changes in gray matter—the brain’s neural connectivity fabric—start. Shrinking regions indicate a fine-tuning of brain functions rather than damage. Jacobs compares this to Michelangelo’s approach in sculpting: removing excess to reveal intrinsic beauty.
These neural changes profoundly affect how mothers connect with their infants, enhancing the ability to respond to child cues. The greater the brain’s adaptability, the stronger the maternal bond. “Instead of impairing function, the brain becomes more specialized,” explains Lauren Mahoney, a psychologist at the City University of New York. “It prioritizes information crucial for caregiving, threat detection, and emotional insights.” New mothers may misplace their keys but often become keenly aware of subtle changes in their baby’s demeanor.
Current studies by Jacobs and colleagues are evaluating the brains of both first-time and seasoned mothers, alongside fathers and those without prior pregnancy experience. Unpublished findings revealed that 97% of the observed 400 brain regions in first-time mothers underwent notable alterations, while second-time mothers exhibited fewer changes, only partially reverting postpartum.
These discoveries reshape how we comprehend motherhood. “The antiquated view of the ‘mommy brain’ as dysfunctional is debunked,” states Jacobs, illustrating that the maternal brain is adaptable and continuously evolving.
Furthermore, emerging evidence indicates that fathers also experience similar neurological shifts upon assuming parental roles. Like mothers, they show decreased gray matter volume post-birth, which correlates with more attentive caregiving behaviors characterized by sensitivity and nurturing touch. Interestingly, paternal brain activity becomes increasingly similar to that of mothers with hands-on childcare involvement.
The Impact of Parenting on Fathers’ Brains
GFC Collection/Alamy
Notably, most research so far has primarily involved heterosexual couples, leaving questions about the brain changes in same-sex couples and non-binary parents unanswered.
The permanence of these brain changes is also uncertain; however, evidence suggests longevity. A 2021 study indicated that pregnancy-related gray matter loss persists six years postpartum. Additionally, neuroscientist Edwina Orchard from the Ann S. Bowers Women’s Brain Health Initiative has found that certain brain structures transform during pregnancy and early parenting. Research shows that differences between parents and non-parents can still be observed in their 70s, indicating some changes may endure for a lifetime.
Importantly, parental brain transformations are linked to enhancements in cognitive function. Studies demonstrate that mothers exhibit superior attention and “executive function”—the brain’s ability to manage tasks—compared to childless women. Such capabilities are crucial for multitasking, whether cooking, managing children’s behaviors, or organizing the home environment.
Cognitive Resilience Against Aging
The challenges of parenting can foster a “cognitive reserve,” enhancing the brain’s resilience to injury and cognitive decline later on.
Raising children is inherently demanding, involving increased responsibilities, acquiring new skills, and juggling numerous priorities, all while coping with limited resources and sleep deprivation. This sustained cognitive engagement may create robust neural networks akin to learning a second language or mastering an instrument, potentially lowering dementia risk.
While demonstrating this connection in humans is complex—due to genetics, socioeconomic factors, and lifestyle choices—the evidence remains intriguing. For instance, Orchard’s study on maternal brain activity in later life revealed that women with more children exhibit brain activity patterns associated with youth. Orchard posits this signifies an ongoing benefit of motherhood contributing to lifetime cognitive reserve.
Parenting: Continuous Cognitive Training
plainpicture/LaSalle, Benedict
In a 2025 study involving nearly 28,000 participants, led by Orchard, both mothers and fathers displayed younger brain characteristics in middle and later life compared to their childless peers. This suggests that the impact of parenthood extends beyond pregnancy and may positively influence overall brain health.
However, certain nuances must be considered, including genetics, which might predispose individuals to reproduce and experience these brain changes. Interestingly, some research indicates a U-shaped relationship exists between the number of children and dementia risk, as stated by sociologist Mieke Thomeer from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. The greatest risks seem associated with childlessness or having many children (typically four or more), although conflicting findings exist.
This variance results from diverse definitions of cognitive decline and the types of populations studied, according to Thomeer. When her studies accounted for these variables, many connections vanished. She summarized, “Multiple childhood and developmental factors influence whether someone becomes a parent, how many children they have, and their cognitive health later in life.”
Trends may shift across generations. Recent findings presented at the Society for Cognitive Aging conference indicated that in newer birth cohorts, being childless correlates with improved cognitive health in later years.
Thomeer speculates this trend may reflect changing socioeconomic factors, as women without children today are often more educated than in previous generations, potentially indicating unique modern parenting stressors.
Biologically, parenting may also influence brain aging. Fetal cells cross the placenta and integrate into the mother’s body, including her brain—a phenomenon known as microchimerism. These cells may transform into neurons and immune cells, possibly aiding brain repair. A 2012 study suggested that women with Alzheimer’s exhibited fewer male cells, likely from their sons, in their brains, hinting at protective benefits.
The quest to decode the parental brain continues. While having children may not guarantee dementia prevention, and cognitive decline is a complex biological issue needing attention, becoming a parent enhances empathy, multitasking abilities, and quite possibly cognitive reserve. Ultimately, children leave lasting imprints not only on homes and routines but also on the brain itself.
The teeth of prominent Mayans were extracted and stored in caves well away from their burial sites. This act may have been a way to venerate ancestors or ensure their safe passage to the underworld.
During the Classic period (250-900 CE), Maya civilizations flourished across present-day southern Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, and northern Honduras. While they communicated in various languages, they shared a unified political and religious framework that emphasized lineage and ritual legitimacy. Consequently, the deceased held significant importance, with living family members often keeping the remains of ancestors within their homes, either beneath the floor or within the walls.
Esther Brielle and her team from Harvard University analyzed remains from various burial sites in Belize during the Classic period to trace familial connections among those interred. They successfully extracted genomic data from hundreds of samples and employed radiocarbon dating to ascertain the lifespan of each individual.
The investigation uncovered that 341 samples corresponded to 107 distinct individuals, while skeletal elements of 24 of those individuals were located in two separate locations. These sites included tombs situated in the plaza beneath the Mayan dwelling known as Mukrebal Tzul, and Batub Cave, located 26.5 kilometers away across the Maya Mountains.
Within the cave, a total of 226 teeth belonging to at least 24 individuals were discovered arranged near the remains of adult women. One particular individual had her head replaced by a vessel containing a jade bead. Fragments of a skull, possibly belonging to her, and a toothless mandible were found close to her pelvis alongside a large assortment of teeth and an inverted bowl containing five cocoa seeds. An ornate orange bowl adorned with mythical hummingbird and snake motifs sat nearby.
Genome analysis indicates this woman was an ancestor of individuals interred in elite tombs. Collections of grave goods suggest her association with the royal lineage, as noted by Brielle and her colleagues, who opted not to comment further.
The researchers suggest that other members of high society might have feigned ancestral connections to bolster their status. “They may have linked themselves biologically or ideologically to their ancestors to legitimize their power,” states Mirco de Tomassi from Ludwig-Maximilians-University in Munich, Germany.
Genomic evidence reveals that only elite members of Mukrebal society deposited teeth within the cave.
“Caves were considered sacred spaces as they served as entrances to the underworld, Xibalba,” asserts Angelina Locker from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. She speculates that elite individuals might have been the only ones permitted to enter this “mouth” of the underworld, a proposed site for spiritual communication and connection to the supernatural forces that the Maya believed animated their world.
Locker further posits that upper-class members may have visited the caves to honor their ancestors and confirm their safe arrival in Xibalba. Her research elaborates on how the Maya viewed the body as divided into four components, one of which exists in the mouth and symbolizes the soul’s breath.
Asta Land, a professor at Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Poland, remarked that teeth may have been selected due to their resilience, as they held significant cultural importance within Maya society. Dental modifications were common, and individuals would either repair or embed jewels in their teeth. “We believe a portion of the teeth may have come from burial sites, but it’s also feasible they were extracted during one’s lifetime,” she added.
Rocker concluded that the teeth hold symbolic significance related to corn kernels and the idea of rebirth. “This may have represented a way for the Maya to extract a tooth and plant it in Xibalba’s mouth to facilitate that person’s rebirth,” she said.
Regardless of the reasons behind the teeth’s deposition, it likely required several days of arduous travel through challenging terrain to reach the cave. De Tomassi likens this to Mayan pilgrimage practices, such as visiting sacred cenotes to leave offerings at Chichen Itza in Mexico.
As Europe battles a severe heat wave, keeping cool is critical for survival. Many individuals rely on fans instead of air conditioning, but it’s essential to recognize that at extreme temperatures, fans can transition from cooling to warming your body.
How hot is too hot? The British government cautions that fans may not prevent heat-related illnesses above 35°C (95°F), while the World Health Organization states that the shift from cooling to heating occurs at 40°C (104°F). Some studies suggest varying thresholds, but various factors complicate the situation.
Importantly, as you age, your ability to sweat diminishes, causing fans to become less effective at lower temperatures than they do for younger individuals. You can counteract this by spraying yourself with water or dampening your clothes.
In the shade, typical skin temperature ranges from 35°C to 37°C (99°F). When the air temperature is lower than this, heat is dissipated into the air, promoting cooling. Conversely, when the air temperature exceeds skin temperature, heat is absorbed from the air. Using a fan accelerates this heat transfer.
Historically, it was believed that 35°C was the temperature where fans ceased their cooling effects, according to George Havenith, Loughborough University. However, this figure overlooks the benefits of evaporative cooling.
When water evaporates, it efficiently removes heat from the skin, helping keep you cool even when the air temperature is higher than your skin temperature. However, in overly dry or humid conditions, a fan may not effectively cool your skin.
In dry heat, sweat evaporates quickly, and a fan’s airflow can actually transfer more heat to your skin. Research indicates that at 15% humidity and 45°C, turning on a fan may increase discomfort.
Conversely, elevated humidity can slow evaporation, which affects the cooling efficiency of a fan. When sweat drips, it indicates that it’s coming out faster than it can evaporate, making a fan useful in such conditions, up to around 60% humidity and 38°C.
As humidity levels rise further, evaporation slows down, diminishing the fan’s effectiveness.
“Humidity plays a significant role,” Hebnis explains. “That’s why we often analyze the climate in various regions.”
Your age remains a critical factor, too. Aging decreases both body and skin temperatures, leading to delayed sweating and diminished output. Thus, fans may begin to warm you at lower temperatures if you’re older.
Wearing damp clothing or using a spray can mitigate these challenges by promoting sweating without increasing dehydration risks.
Many variables, including clothing type and body acclimatization to heat, influence cooling. Ultimately, if you’re in a hot building during a heat wave, temperatures can surpass the threshold at which fans are helpful, even with water sprays.
“At that point, finding a cooler environment outside is likely your best option,” Hebnis warns. “Because situations like this can be dire.”
Domestic cats (Felis catus) exhibit brain atrophy and neurological decline patterns similar to those seen in aging humans, providing an excellent model for studying dementia and the aging process.
Januel et al. utilized 3,754 data points from age-related brain fluctuations and blood chemistry profiles to align human and cat ages throughout their lifespan. Image credits: Sci.News / Makieni777 / Rise-a-mui / Alexas_Fotos / Dorothe / Vaclav Zavada / Artem Makarov / Daga Roszkowska / Birgit / Pasi Mammela.
Cats have a relatively long lifespan, with evidence suggesting that their aging patterns may mirror those of humans.
According to AnAge, the maximum human lifespan (122.5 years) is nearly double that of great apes, such as chimpanzees (68 years).
Domestic cats can live up to a maximum of 30 years, significantly outliving their wild relatives, like the European wildcat (Felis silvestris), which averages around 19 years.
With an estimated 600 million cats globally, these findings emphasize the relevance of studying their aging processes.
“Given the longevity and abundance of domestic cats, we concentrated on interspecific age concordance between humans and cats, focusing on the aging process,” stated Christine Charbet and her team from Auburn University.
The research examined 3,754 data points derived from humans, cats, and other mammal species.
This data encompassed brain imaging, blood chemistry, disease markers, and behavioral milestones like eye opening and play initiation.
MRI scans revealed that cats and humans undergo comparable age-related changes in brain structure, including shrinkage and ventricular enlargement—changes typically associated with neurodegenerative conditions in both species.
“The similarities in age-related brain atrophy between cats and humans were surprising,” remarked PhD candidate Briar Rigby Dames from the University of Bath.
“These findings underscore the potential of companion animals to provide critical insights into the aging process.”
Instead of using basic age ratios, the researchers employed a complex biological model based on quantifiable age-related changes.
This method showed that aging in both species does not happen at a uniform rate; instead, it accelerates and decelerates at various life stages.
According to the model, late-life aging patterns align closely—80 years in humans equals approximately 15 years in cats. While not all animals reach old age equivalents in humans, domestic cats certainly do.
Dr. Ryan Gibson, a veterinary neurologist at Auburn University, added, “An increasing number of cat owners are seeking advanced brain imaging to identify illnesses in their pets, creating a unique avenue for studying aging animals alongside humans in real-world contexts.”
“This expanded clinical access opens valuable opportunities for translational research—bridging scientific knowledge with healthcare—to deepen our understanding of aging and neurological diseases that benefit both cats and humans.”
Rigby-Dames noted, “There is potential to establish extensive veterinary health databases for companion animals, akin to human health databases like the UK Biobank.”
“Such resources could significantly enhance our ability to investigate aging and diseases using real-world clinical and owner-reported data across species.”
These findings are published in the journal Biology Open.
_____
Capucine Januel et al. illustrate that cat brains age similarly to humans: Revealing that pet cats live long enough to serve as a natural model for human aging. Biology Open 15 (6): bio062604; doi: 10.1242/bio.062604
A renowned actor who experienced a stroke was treated by specialist Sander Nardai. The actor developed aphasia, which hindered their speech abilities. Nardai remarked, “It was likely the most tragic event for an actor.”
After three months, the actor could say a few words. Remarkably, a year later, he voiced a commercial and eventually returned to live theater. You can learn more about Nardai’s work at Semmelweis University, Hungary.
While there are inspiring recovery stories, many stroke survivors face significant challenges. A stroke can disrupt brain function, damaging cognitive and physical capabilities. Estimates suggest that only 35% of survivors achieve a full recovery, with the majority facing life-altering issues such as aphasia, paralysis, and cognitive changes. Stroke remains a primary cause of disability globally, impacting nearly 100 million people.
As illustrated in the actor’s recovery, the brain shows remarkable resilience and adaptability post-stroke. However, the extent of recovery varies among individuals. Ongoing research is uncovering the reasons behind this variability to improve treatments and support recovery for more patients.
Factors Influencing Brain Recovery After Stroke
A stroke occurs when blood supply to the brain is interrupted, either by a rupture or blockage. This deprives the brain of oxygen, leading to neuron death and impairing reasoning, movement, and communication. The body’s immune response can exacerbate the damage through inflammation.
Factors such as age, prior health, and stroke severity play significant roles in recovery. Neurologist Pankaj Sharma from Royal Holloway University notes that predicting recovery outcomes is complex due to numerous variables. Most individuals experience significant improvement within six months post-stroke, though some may deteriorate over time. Immediate treatment to dissolve blood clots can minimize long-term damage, while ongoing rehabilitation like speech and physical therapy may continue to yield benefits. Ultimately, the brain’s innate ability to heal remains a primary factor in recovery.
The recovery process is intricate, with surviving neurons capable of forming new connections. In the event of a stroke, “new pathways emerge, bypassing damage,” explains Sharma.
A theory suggests that different brain regions might take over functions lost due to damage, akin to colleagues covering for absent workers. Researcher Argye Hillis at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine comments on this concept. Yet, some studies, like a 2021 survey involving mice, found minimal evidence to support the “remapping” idea. Instead, rehabilitation might enhance the strength and capabilities of remaining neurons in the affected area.
Pre-stroke brain health significantly influences recovery, according to a recent study conducted by Celine Gillebert at the Brain Institute in Leuven, Belgium. The findings indicate that metrics such as brain volume can be strong predictors of post-stroke cognitive function, sometimes more so than the injury’s location.
Cognitively healthy individuals retain more intact brain function despite injury, while those with higher education levels may experience a more pronounced decline. A 2025 survey found that college-educated individuals exhibited greater declines in higher cognitive functions than non-degree holders .
Genetics also plays a crucial role. In a review, Sharma linked specific genetic variations, especially involving the APOE4 gene associated with Alzheimer’s onset, to poorer recovery outcomes after stroke. Yet, individuals with certain genetic profiles may demonstrate enhanced neural adaptability recovery, especially in specific populations.
Lack of blood flow to the brain significantly affects function.
Zephyr/Science Photo Library
Advancements in Stroke Treatment
Understanding the neural mechanisms in stroke survivors like the actor could pave the way for treatments that help level the recovery field. Nardai emphasizes the combination of a healthy brain pre-stroke, prompt treatment, and rehabilitation as critical factors in this actor’s successful recovery.
Researchers are investigating the significance of CCR5 mutations, which also seem to confer protection against HIV. Existing HIV treatments are being studied for their potential to replicate these natural advantages in stroke recovery. Early findings show promise.
Additionally, Naohiko Okabe and colleagues from UCLA recently identified a drug that appears to enhance outcomes in post-stroke rehabilitation in mice.
The research team observed that successful rehabilitation increased gamma oscillations, electrical signals aiding brain cell communication. They tested compounds that could replicate these benefits and found a gamma ray enhancer developed by researcher Istvan Mody could yield favorable post-stroke effects. The next step involves human trials, although Okabe cautions that success is not guaranteed. If effective, this drug could transform stroke treatment, particularly for patients lacking access to traditional rehabilitation services.
Another avenue of exploration includes enhancing the brain’s natural healing capabilities through the repurposing of commonly prescribed drugs. Antidepressants may enhance neurotransmitter availability, bolstering the brain’s adaptability. Anti-inflammatory medications are also being examined for their potential to mitigate stroke-related damage at the University of Manchester, UK.
Some innovative approaches are almost science fiction-like. Researchers from the University of Southern California and the University of Zurich recently published findings on stem cell injections for stroke treatment. Stem cells have shown potential in developing into mature neurons, repairing the blood-brain barrier, and reducing inflammation.
Brain-computer interfaces are gaining traction as well. In April, the German company CorTec received “Breakthrough Device Designation” for their brain-computer interface, designed to facilitate communication between the brain and external devices, enabling voluntary movement of paralyzed limbs. This technology not only aids functional recovery but also has the potential to promote brain rewiring through practice.
CorTec’s device helps patients regain movement in paralyzed limbs.
CorTec
Psychedelics are also a thrilling area of exploration. Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have begun human clinical trials with psilocybin, a compound in magic mushrooms, aiming to stimulate brain growth. Additionally, a recent study indicated that the psychedelic DMT might prevent cell death, promote brain rewiring, and fight inflammation post-stroke. Nardai envisions administering DMT en route to a hospital to mitigate damage, though further research is necessary.
While strokes can be devastating, the remarkable adaptability of the brain in certain recovery stories, like that of the actor, illustrates that hope remains. As we gain deeper insights into the mechanisms of recovery, the aspiration is to enable more individuals to reap the benefits of such advances.
SpaceX Falcon 9 Rocket and Starfall Capsule Launch
Credit: Jennifer Briggs/ZUMA Presswire/Shutterstock
SpaceX has successfully launched its secretive Starfall system demo capsule into low Earth orbit today. While details on upcoming launches and services remain scarce, SpaceX has shared that Starfall will revolutionize space cargo delivery, including pharmaceuticals and manufacturing materials like semiconductor alloys.
The Starfall capsule lifted off around 6:50 AM local time (11:52 BST) this morning aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida, and successfully landed on a floating platform in the Atlantic Ocean.
What Will Starfall Achieve?
Although SpaceX has not disclosed much about Starfall, a review by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) indicated its primary purpose is the “transportation and delivery of goods through space.” The mission aims to provide “routine access to microgravity environments for scientific research and space manufacturing.” The FAA report also confirmed approval for two additional re-entry vehicle landings associated with this demonstration mission.
Unlike SpaceX’s human-carrying spacecraft to the International Space Station, the Starfall capsule is designed exclusively for cargo. It features a blocky cylindrical design, approximately 3 meters in diameter and less than 1 meter tall, with a payload capacity of 1 ton. The capsule consists of two sections that separate after atmospheric re-entry: the upper section for the payload and a carbon fiber heat shield, which contains compressed gas for safe cargo transport to Earth.
Launch Updates
Following the Falcon 9 rocket’s lift-off, the booster successfully landed on a floating platform in the Atlantic. However, further updates on the Starfall capsule’s status in orbit are pending, including its duration in space before the planned splashdown in the Pacific Ocean, approximately 800 miles off the California coast.
Is SpaceX Unique in This Endeavor?
While SpaceX leads with Starfall, several smaller companies also aim to manufacture materials in low Earth orbit. For example, American firm Varda Space Industries (VSI) plans to produce medicines in orbit before transporting them back to Earth, and Welsh-based Space Forge targets semiconductor and alloy manufacturing.
However, these operations are much smaller compared to Starfall. VSI has launched six small containers, each about 1 meter wide and weighing 300 kilograms, whereas Starfall is three times larger.
Additionally, SpaceX holds a contract with the U.S. military, potentially integrating Starfall into its logistics. The Department of Defense is advancing a project named Rocket Cargo, utilizing SpaceX’s larger Starship rockets for rapid supply deliveries to remote locations. Starfall could serve as a crucial step for smaller cargo deliveries. The U.S. military also collaborates with other companies like Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin and New Zealand’s Rocket Lab to explore cargo transportation possibilities from space.
If you’ve ever noticed a sudden warmth accompanied by red patches on your face, neck, and chest after consuming wine or spicy curry, you are likely experiencing a histamine flush sensation.
While typically harmless, this reaction can sometimes serve as a crucial warning sign for underlying health issues.
Histamine flush occurs due to the dilation of small blood vessels (known as vasodilation) beneath the skin, a process mediated by histamine.
Histamine is a chemical stored in certain immune cells, released by the body in response to needs for attention, such as allergies, infections, or food ingestion.
When histamine binds to receptors on blood vessels, it causes the vessel walls to relax and expand, resulting in increased blood flow. This can lead to facial redness, lasting from a few minutes to several hours.
This process mirrors blushing due to embarrassment but is chemically induced, not emotionally triggered.
Common culprits of this flushing reaction include alcohol, spicy foods, heat, stress, exercise, and certain medications. Fermented and aged foods like aged cheese, sauerkraut, and cured meats often contain elevated histamine levels.
Alcohol is a dual trigger; red wine and some beers have histamine, while ethanol inhibits the enzyme responsible for breaking down histamine, causing it to remain in your system longer.
For many individuals, this flushing signifies that they have reached their daily histamine production threshold rather than an allergic reaction.
Blushing after a chilly walk or due to embarrassment doesn’t always indicate a serious issue. However, if it occurs alongside other symptoms, it could be a concern. – Credit: Getty
However, frequent flushing may indicate other conditions, such as:
Fluctuating estrogen levels can disrupt body temperature regulation, resulting in hot flashes akin to those caused by histamine.
3. Carcinoid syndrome
This rare condition is associated with temporary facial flushing, diarrhea, and wheezing, usually stemming from a hormone-secreting tumor.
4. Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS)
A rare condition where mast cells inappropriately release histamine, leading to symptoms like facial flushing, abdominal pain, dizziness, and fatigue.
5. Systemic Mastocytosis
This condition is characterized by an overproduction of mast cells, resulting in flushing, itching, abdominal pain, and sometimes severe allergic reactions.
6. Anaphylaxis
Flushing, accompanied by low blood pressure, airway swelling, wheezing, swollen lips or tongue, or widespread hives, is a medical emergency.
If you experience frequent flushing, discomfort, or any additional symptoms, it’s advisable to maintain a trigger diary and consult your healthcare provider.
In most cases, histamine flushing reflects normal physiological processes. The redness fades as swiftly as it appears, serving as a reminder of the body’s intelligent adaptability to its environment.
This article addresses the question posed by Fionn Doyle from Cardiff: “What is a histamine flush? And what does it suggest?”
If you have any queries, please contact us at:questions@sciencefocus.com or reach out viaFacebook,Twitter, orInstagram (please include your name and location).
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