NASA has unveiled stunning images of Earth taken by the Artemis II mission, as the crew continues their historic journey towards the Moon.
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The image captures Earth behind the Orion spacecraft, with our planet beautifully illuminated by the aurora borealis.
One remarkable photo taken by Artemis II commander Reed Wiseman from Orion’s window shows Earth backlit, with the aurora borealis visible in the upper right and lower left corners. This was confirmed by NASA Artemis program deputy director LaKeisha Hawkins during a press conference on Friday.
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Discovering the Most Complete Ichthyosaur Skeleton in Cuba
An ophthalmosaurid ichthyosaur. Image credit: Dmitri Bogdanov / CC BY 3.0.
Paleontologists recently unearthed the most complete **ichthyosaur skeleton** ever found in western Cuba, deep within a **limestone cave**. This significant discovery was made in 2023 at the river cave known as **El Cuajani**, part of the Viñales Geopark and National Park.
The exposed skeletal remains feature a **U-curved vertebral column**, multiple associated ribs, isolated vertebrae, and a hindlimb.
“The specimen is preserved in rock slabs that form the ceiling of the river cave, specifically known as **Cueva del Ictiosario**, located approximately 60 meters from the entrance,” shared Dr. Manuel Iturralde Vinent from the Cuban Academy of Sciences, collaborating with experts from Cuba, Argentina, Poland, and the US.
This remarkable fossil dates back to the **Tithonian period** of the late Jurassic era, roughly **145 million years ago**. Previously, most records of Cuban ichthyosaurs were limited to older Oxford deposits.
“This fossil stands out as the most complete ichthyosaur retrieved from Cuba,” the paleontologists remarked. “It significantly extends the temporal record of **island ichthyosaurs**, which previously only included the Oxford specimen.”
Partial skeleton of El Cuajani ichthyosaur. Image credit: Iturralde-Vinent et al., doi: 10.1080/02724634.2025.2609717.
The **El Cuajani ichthyosaur**, as researchers have informally dubbed it, has yet to be classified into a specific species, but its anatomical features suggest connections to the **Ophthalmosauridae** family.
“The morphology of the hind limbs resembles that of Tithonian **platypterigin ophthalmosaurids**, such as Caprisaurus bonapartei and Aegylosaurus leptospondylus,” they explained.
Scientists believe this ancient creature thrived in **deep ocean** environments. The **Caribbean Seaway** served as a vital oceanic corridor, linking distant regions of the Jurassic world.
“The Caribbean Seaway played a crucial role in promoting the dispersal of marine species between Europe, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Pacific Ocean from the Late Jurassic,” the researchers stated.
“This corridor has a Triassic to early Jurassic heritage, rooted in the intercontinental rifts of Pangea, which should not be confused with the early Caribbean basin.”
“The El Cuajani ichthyosaur adds to the growing body of Tithonian ichthyosaur discoveries in this area, potentially enriching our understanding of the biogeographic history of this group,” the researchers concluded.
For further reading, refer to their research paper published in the February 6th issue of the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology.
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Manuel Iturralde-Vinent et al.. A partial skeleton of an ichthyosaur (Ophthalmosauridae) excavated from the Tithonian (late Jurassic period) in western Cuba. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology published online on February 6, 2026. doi: 10.1080/02724634.2025.2609717
Astronomers at the Vera C. Rubin Observatory have identified over 11,000 new asteroids, including hundreds of trans-Neptunian objects and 33 previously unknown near-Earth asteroids (NEOs).
A model of the solar system highlighting asteroids discovered by Rubin in bright blue-green, while known asteroids appear in dark blue. Image credits: NSF / DOE / Vera C. Rubin Observatory / NOIRLab / SLAC / AURA / R. Proctor / NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Science Visualization Studio / ESA / Gaia / DPAC / M. Zamani, NSF’s NOIRLab.
The Vera C. Rubin Observatory has compiled a groundbreaking dataset featuring nearly 1 million observations of over 11,000 newly discovered asteroids along with more than 80,000 known asteroids collected over a short period of six weeks.
This data has been submitted to the Minor Planet Center (MPC) as the observatory gears up for future discoveries.
Dr. Mario Juric, Rubin Solar System Principal Scientist and astronomer at the University of Washington, remarked, “This initial major submission following the Rubin First Look is just the beginning, demonstrating that the observatory is fully operational.”
“What once took years or even decades to discover, Rubin will unveil in mere months,” he added.
“We are on the path to fulfilling Rubin’s mission to revolutionize our understanding of the solar system and pave the way for groundbreaking discoveries yet to be anticipated.”
The newly cataloged objects include 33 previously unknown near-Earth objects (NEOs), which are classified as small asteroids or comets that come within 1.3 times the Earth-Sun distance.
Importantly, none of the newly found NEOs present any threat to Earth, with the largest measuring approximately 500 meters across.
This dataset also contains around 380 trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs), which are icy bodies orbiting far beyond Neptune.
Among these TNOs, two (tentatively designated 2025 LS2 and 2025 MX348) were observed in extensive and elongated orbits.
At their furthest points, these objects are nearly 1,000 times further from the Sun than Earth, ranking them among the 30 most distant known asteroids.
Dr. Matthew Holman, an astrophysicist at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, explained, “Searching for TNOs resembles looking for a needle in a haystack. We required innovative algorithms to assist computers in sifting through billions of combinations from millions of flickering light sources in the night sky to identify potential distant worlds in our solar system.”
“Such discoveries provide exciting insights into the outermost realms of the solar system, including how planets migrated during the early solar system’s formation and the lingering possibility of a still undiscovered ninth large planet,” Dr. Kevin Napier, also from the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, added.
While we often associate body odor with being unpleasant, these natural scents can provide insightful information about our overall health.
What Causes Body Odor?
Body odor originates from sweat, but not all sweat has the same effect. Most unpleasant odors arise when bacteria interact with secretions from the apocrine glands, mainly located in the armpits and groin.
These glands emit a thicker, protein-rich fluid that initially has little odor. However, when bacteria on your skin break it down, the result is that familiar pungent scent.
In contrast, eccrine glands, found throughout the body, secrete a more diluted mixture of water and salt, which typically carries little inherent odor, although bacteria can produce a smell.
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What Can Body Odor Indicate About Your Health?
Minor changes in your odor may be your body’s way of signaling a potential health issue. For instance, poorly managed diabetes can cause a sweet or fruity aroma on the skin and breath, often likened to pear drops or nail polish remover.
This scent may indicate diabetic ketoacidosis, a medical emergency due to the buildup of ketone bodies from insufficient insulin.
Moreover, liver disease can produce a musty or “fecal” scent, while kidney failure may lead to an ammonia-like smell due to the body’s struggle to expel waste products.
Changes in odor can also be influenced by infections, pregnancy, menstrual cycles, and hormonal fluctuations, including menopause.
Interestingly, researchers are investigating whether body scent can assist in the early and accurate diagnosis of various diseases.
Your skin’s natural microbiome significantly influences your body odor, which is why some individuals naturally emit stronger scents than others – Image courtesy of Getty Images.
Recent research suggests that certain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), released by the skin, can indicate conditions like Parkinson’s disease even before noticeable neurological symptoms occur.
This investigatory field was partly inspired by individuals with heightened olfactory sensitivity, including a woman who recognized a unique musky scent from her husband long before he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
Impact of Lifestyle, Diet, and Genetics
Not every odor is concerning. Foods like garlic, onions, and curry contain volatile compounds that can affect sweat’s scent. Alcohol, caffeine, and various medications can also alter your body odor.
Even stress can shift your scent due to changes in sweat composition.
Your skin’s microbiome (the diverse bacteria community on your skin) plays a crucial role in determining body odor, explaining why some individuals naturally have stronger smells than others.
What To Do If You’re Concerned About Body Odor?
Maintaining good hygiene is crucial. Regularly washing with soap, especially in areas with high concentrations of apocrine glands, can reduce bacteria responsible for strong odors.
Antiperspirants help decrease sweat production, while deodorants mask unpleasant scents.
Wearing breathable fabrics, such as cotton or moisture-wicking materials, can help minimize bacterial growth, particularly during physical activity. Keeping well-hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet can also alleviate odor concerns.
If you notice a persistent or unexplained change in body odor, especially alongside symptoms related to diabetes, liver, or kidney issues, consider consulting a healthcare professional.
This article addresses the question (by Spalding’s Scott Edwards): “Can my scent provide insights into my health?”
If you have questions or feedback, feel free to email us at:questions@sciencefocus.com or connect with us onFacebook, Twitter, or Instagram (don’t forget to include your name and location).
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And then there’s liftoff! The Artemis II rocket roared into space, marking NASA’s first manned mission to the moon in over 50 years.
The four-member crew includes Captain Reed Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, NASA mission specialist Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen from the Canadian Space Agency (CSA). They launched from the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, at 6:35 PM local time (11:35 PM UK time).
Their 10-day journey will orbit the far side of the moon and return. Although Artemis II won’t land on the moon, it serves as a crucial dry run to validate the Orion spacecraft and its life support systems under real deep space conditions. If successful, Artemis III is set to follow, with Artemis IV planning to land two astronauts on the moon as early as 2028.
The mission unfolds in several well-structured stages. The first day involves testing Orion’s capability in space. On the second day, a critical event termed “menstrual injection combustion” will ignite the main engine to propel Orion towards the moon.
The spacecraft is expected to enter the moon’s gravitational influence on the fifth day, reaching its closest approach by the sixth day (April 6).
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Photo courtesy: ESA
The second European Service Module (ESM-2), constructed by Airbus for the European Space Agency, will provide propulsion, electrical power, and life support systems to the Orion crew during their voyage. Construction of this module began in 2017 through collaboration with 10 European countries.
Photo courtesy of NASA/Joel Kowsky
From left: backup crew members Andre Douglas (NASA) and Jenny Gibbons (CSA), along with Artemis II primary crew members Victor Glover, Reed Wiseman, Jeremy Hansen (CSA), and Christina Koch, pictured alongside NASA’s Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft.
Photo credit: NASA
After completing their pre-launch quarantine, the astronauts adhered their mission patches to the walls of the Neil Armstrong Operations Checkout Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center—a tradition for all manned space missions.
Photo credit: NASA
This aerial photograph captures the Artemis II SLS rocket taken on January 20, 2026. Standing at 98 meters (322 feet), the SLS is the most powerful rocket ever developed by NASA.
Photo credit: Getty
Prior to embarking on this historic mission, the crew had to complete a leak test on their specially designed spacesuits, which are essential for astronaut survival during launch and reentry. These vibrant orange suits enhance visibility post-landing, are fire-resistant, and are equipped with a pressurized layer for mobility.
Photo credit: Getty
The Artemis II crew made their way to the launch pad on April 1, 2026. Victor Glover is the first person of color, Christina Koch is the first woman, and Jeremy Hansen is the first non-American to orbit the moon. Reid Wiseman (second from right) serves as the mission commander.
Photo credit: Getty
The crew journeyed via two sets of elevators to reach their capsule, moving first to the “zero deck” on a mobile launch tower and then ascending to the crew access level, positioned 83.5 meters (274 feet) above ground. Each astronaut carried a green bag with essentials including helmets, gloves, and personal items.
Photo credit: GettyPhoto credit: NASA
The Artemis II SLS rocket lifted off on April 1, 2026, at 6:35 PM local time (11:35 PM UK time), powered by twin solid rocket boosters and four RS-25 engines generating a combined thrust of 8.8 million pounds.
Photo credit: Getty
Officials from the Canadian Space Agency’s offices in Longueuil, near Montreal, watched anxiously as Artemis II soared into the Florida skies. With Jeremy Hansen onboard, they emphatically exclaimed, “We’re going to the moon!”
Photo credit: NASAPhoto credit: Getty
Globally, eyes were riveted on this pivotal moment in 21st-century space exploration.
Photo credit: NASA
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Photo credit: Getty
Two young spectators were seen clutching toy rockets at the viewing area of the A-Max Brewer Bridge in Titusville, Florida. Today’s youth may become the astronauts of tomorrow, driving ambitious missions to Mars and beyond.
Photo credit: Getty
The Stars and Stripes and the Artemis mission banner were prominently displayed as the astronauts embarked on their daring 10-day mission.
Photo credit: NASA
Notable guests, including members of the Trump family, attended to witness the historic launch.
Photo credit: NASA
The Artemis II SLS rocket ascended from the Kennedy Space Center, leaving behind a trail of fire and exhaust.
This launch followed months of delays due to hydrogen leaks, helium flow issues, and a last-minute failure of the flight termination system, all of which were resolved just one hour before liftoff.
Photo credit: Getty
The rocket’s trajectory was not perfectly vertical; within moments, it tilted to use “gravitational rotation,” optimizing its ascending orbit for fuel efficiency.
Photo credit: NASA
Charlie Blackwell Thompson serves as the Artemis Launch Director for NASA’s Exploration Ground Systems Program.
Photo credit: Getty
This launch signifies the dawn of a new era in space travel. NASA and other space agencies are gearing up to establish a permanent base on the moon in the years to come.
Photo credit: NASA
The Artemis mission patch floated around the International Space Station just two days prior to launch. NASA astronaut Jessica Meir shared the moment on X: “Our work at @Space_Station has laid the groundwork for further exploration as we prepare to return humans to the moon this week. Stay tuned as we enter the @NASAArtemis era! We’ll be closely Monitoring Expedition 74. Godspeed, Artemis II!”
In today’s fast-paced digital world, a reliable Wi-Fi connection is essential. Dealing with slow or erratic Wi-Fi can lead to interruptions in streaming, gaming, and even smart home functionality. It’s no surprise that emerging wireless technologies promise to alleviate these connectivity issues.
Enter Wi-Fi 7, the latest wireless standard poised to revolutionize connectivity. With a staggering top speed of “up to 46 gigabits per second (Gbps),” Wi-Fi 7 can theoretically download a 4K movie in as little as 8 seconds—almost five times quicker than Wi-Fi 6/6E’s maximum of 9.6 Gbps.
However, the reality is that most households won’t achieve these headline speeds. Real-world testing typically reveals speeds in the range of hundreds of megabits per second (Mbps), considering that most UK broadband services max out at 1-2 Gbps.
So, what’s behind the discrepancy?
Understanding Real-World Performance
The gap between theoretical and actual speeds highlights that user experience is largely influenced by real-world conditions. Factors such as construction materials and radio wave interference play significant roles.
Despite the lofty claims, Wi-Fi 7—officially known as 802.11be—incorporates substantial technological advancements. Designed to manage data more efficiently, especially in dense environments with multiple connected devices, Wi-Fi 7 introduces wider channels, allowing for up to 320 megahertz (MHz) of bandwidth, doubling the capacity of Wi-Fi 6E. Think of it as expanding lanes on a busy freeway.
Struggling with poor Wi-Fi? Your home layout could be the culprit. – Photo credit: Getty
Wi-Fi 7 utilizes a feature called Multilink Operation (MLO), which optimizes the use of various frequency bands (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz) to find the most reliable path through a congested network. Additionally, it employs a high-density encoding method called 4096-QAM, increasing data throughput under favorable conditions.
Navigating the Challenges
That said, taking full advantage of Wi-Fi 7 requires hardware upgrades across your devices. Since the benefits are hardware-dependent, you’ll need to invest in a new router as well as the latest smartphones, laptops, and smart devices.
Many users will find themselves in a mixed-environment for some time, using a combination of older and newer devices, which may limit the overall experience. The enhancements may not be as pronounced as some users expect.
Moreover, the gains in speed are heavily reliant on maintaining high signal quality. “Wi-Fi 7’s theoretical speeds were measured in ideal lab conditions,” advises Dr. Richard Rudd, a certified engineer and communications consultant.
As Dr. Rudd notes, the actual signal within a home can be severely affected by factors like building materials, interference from other devices, and layout. Frequencies above 6 GHz tend to experience faster signal degradation over distance.
In essence, Wi-Fi 7’s peak performance is contingent on optimal environmental conditions—strong signals and minimal obstructions. As with all wireless standards, there’s a disparity between maximum and actual speeds.
According to Professor Izzat Darwazeh from UCL, “The capacity of a channel is directly proportional to its bandwidth per the Shannon-Hartley theorem.” Thus, while the potential for double the capacity over Wi-Fi 6E exists, noise and interference directly reduce actual speed.
MLO optimizes network pathways—but many variables still influence performance. – Image credit: Getty
While Wi-Fi 7 cannot overcome physical barriers, it does promise real enhancements to connectivity. Research by Ookla revealed that median download speeds for Wi-Fi 7 reached 665.01 Mbps on EE’s service—four times the performance of Wi-Fi 6 in comparable scenarios, with almost double the upload speed.
Beyond Just Speed
While speed is often the focal point, other advantages may hold greater significance. Tests conducted by the Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA) showed Wi-Fi 7 offering lower latency, reduced jitter, and improved stability across multiple rooms compared to Wi-Fi 6.
“Wi-Fi 7 transcends mere speed—it’s about delivering a consistent, predictable user experience,” says Bruno Tomas, WBA Chief Technology Officer.
“Our testing revealed speeds of 3.5 Gbps in real-world scenarios, with peaks of 4.2 Gbps in Turkey, showcasing stability across multiple rooms—this consistency is what distinguishes Wi-Fi 7 from its predecessors.”
WBA chairman Tiago Rodriguez emphasizes the need for service providers to enhance clarity around Wi-Fi 7’s capabilities. “Understanding the distinction between theoretical and real-world speeds is vital.”
Similar to a car’s fuel efficiency, the advertised speeds of Wi-Fi can’t be fully realized unless you have a compatible infrastructure in place.
In the UK, regulatory and physical limitations hinder access to the full benefits of Wi-Fi 7. The broader 6 GHz spectrum that facilitates its features is still largely unavailable. Yet, these conditions may evolve as regulatory frameworks are reassessed.
As Dr. Rudd points out, although full potential isn’t yet realized in the UK or Europe, Wi-Fi 7 still offers significant capabilities that exceed current user demands.
Top-tier Wi-Fi is crucial for environments with high demand—like concerts and lectures. – Photo credit: Getty
Navigating Reality vs. Hype
This brings us to the current dilemma surrounding Wi-Fi 7. While its advancements are clear, the practical benefits may not resonate with users, especially those already equipped with Wi-Fi 6 or 6E routers, according to Mark Jackson from ISPreview UK.
“If your devices are already Wi-Fi 6 compatible, upgrading may not be essential right now,” he notes. “However, users in environments that demand high performance, like online gamers, should consider an upgrade.”
For those using older Wi-Fi technology, it may be less about performance and more about addressing potential security vulnerabilities. Eventually, upgrading will become necessary for most households due to technology advancements.
Professor Darwazeh agrees, stating that Wi-Fi 7’s primary advantages lie in high-density environments like lecture halls and stadiums—most home users won’t notice a substantial difference unless their connection is under high strain.
“New technologies often create new use cases, and we anticipate that Wi-Fi 7 will also reframe user experience over time,” he concludes.
Ultimately, while Wi-Fi 7 represents a leap forward in technology, its tangible benefits may not be immediately recognized by the average consumer. Connectivity issues should be addressed through optimal router placement and mesh systems rather than merely chasing higher speeds.
Major Verdict Against Meta and YouTube: The Impact on Social Media
Last week, a Los Angeles jury delivered a groundbreaking verdict, holding Meta, the parent company of Facebook, and YouTube accountable for creating an addictive social media platform that negatively impacted the mental health of young women. The jury determined that the companies had irresponsibly developed a platform that caused harm to a 20-year-old individual, awarding him £4.5 million ($6 million) in damages. This ruling has potential implications for how products are designed in Silicon Valley moving forward.
In response to the verdict, a spokesperson for Meta remarked, “Teen mental health is very complex and cannot be attributed to a single app.” They emphasized their commitment to defending their practices and expressed confidence in their efforts to protect teens online.
A recent analysis by a US jury revealed that Facebook and YouTube are intentionally designed to be addictive, with reports of teenagers spending up to 16 hours a day using these platforms (Photo credit: Getty).
Understanding Addiction in Social Media
What does it truly mean for something to be addictive, and does social media fit that definition? To explore this, we consulted Pete Etchells, Professor of Psychology and Science Communication at Bath Spa University and author of Unlocked: The Real Science of Screen Time. He discusses the need to redefine our relationship with technology and offers insights on social media’s potential benefits.
The Flaws of “Screen Time”
“Screen time” is a term many of us are familiar with, but its broad and vague nature often leads to misunderstandings. It refers to the amount of time spent on different screen-based technologies over a specific period—be it 24 hours or a week. This simplicity makes it appealing but ultimately ineffective in addressing the complexities of online engagement.
The obsession with screen time overlooks significant factors affecting mental health and can lead to misguided conclusions. Rather than providing meaningful insights, it often offers superficial correlations that hinder deeper understanding.
Healthy vs. Unhealthy Screen Usage
There are undoubtedly healthy and unhealthy ways to engage with screens. However, framing the conversation around addiction may limit our understanding. Social media, at its core, is about connection, and its positive aspects are often overshadowed by concerns about excessive use.
During the pandemic, many relied on social media to stay connected with loved ones, demonstrating its utility. Yet, it’s crucial to maintain a balanced perspective, recognizing both the challenges and benefits that these platforms offer.
Reframing Our Technology Use
Instead of viewing technology through the lens of addiction, consider it through the lens of habit. As Etchells notes, behaviors like checking your phone can be neutral. The context determines whether they become positive or negative habits. For instance, checking your phone to connect with friends can enhance well-being, while excessive usage during critical tasks can be detrimental.
On Banning Smartphones for Youth
Discussions about banning smartphones for individuals under 16 can be controversial. Such bans may alienate vulnerable youth who rely on technology for support. Promoting digital literacy is vital, preparing young individuals to navigate their online environments responsibly.
This condensed interview with Professor Pete Etchells encourages a more nuanced approach to technology. Understanding the real science behind our relationship with screens will help us engage in more productive conversations about digital well-being. To explore the full conversation, listen to Instant Genius.
About Pete Etchells
Pete Etchells is a Professor of Psychology and Science Communication at Bath Spa University, as well as the author of Unlocked and Losing a Good Game. His research focuses on the impacts of video game play and digital technology on behavior and mental health. He also serves as a scientific consultant for the BBC’s Horizon program.
Isaac Asimov’s Three Laws of Robotics: Not a Practical Guide
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The concept of superintelligent AI posing a threat to humanity has long been a riveting theme in science fiction. As artificial intelligence continues to evolve rapidly, should we be concerned about an impending AI apocalypse?
Unlike other major risks, such as climate change, quantifying the dangers of AI remains challenging. Our uncertainties stem from the fact that we lack a comprehensive understanding of AI’s implications compared to our insights into environmental phenomena.
One undeniable fact is that many experts are apprehensive. Numerous CEOs in the AI sector caution against the potential for AI to lead to human extinction. Even Alan Turing, a pioneer in machine intelligence, foresaw a future where machines achieve sentience and might surpass their creators.
Consider this scenario: we assign an AI the monumental task of resolving complex problems like the Riemann Hypothesis—one of mathematics’ greatest enigmas. In pursuit of a solution, we might unwittingly turn every inanimate object into a supercomputer, leaving billions to perish in sterile data centers. We could also become mere resources in this quest.
Critically, one might argue the AI could recognize this dire outcome and halt its actions by stating, “It appears you’re attempting to convert Earth into a data hub. Please refrain, as humanity must survive.” However, it’s prudent to mitigate such risks proactively.
Drawing insights from science fiction, Isaac Asimov proposed three guiding principles for robotics, asserting that robots must not harm humans or allow harm through inaction.
Theoretically, we could instruct AI not to harm us, and it would comply. Yet, our current methods for embedding safeguards into AI systems are often inefficient. Despite instructing today’s advanced language models to avoid harmful behaviors, they occasionally fail to comply. Given our limited understanding of AI mechanisms, preventing unwanted actions poses a significant challenge.
Even if we could address all concerns, scenarios may still arise where AI would opt to exclude human involvement. This includes possible futures reminiscent of Terminator or The Matrix. Such outcomes could evolve gradually or occur instantaneously during a singularity—an event where AI rapidly improves its own capabilities and exceeds human intelligence.
An AI could conclude that eradicating humanity is necessary, whether motivated by fear of being deactivated, a desire for autonomy, or a notion that human interference disrupts planetary equilibrium. This perspective may resonate with various species across the biological spectrum.
Potential methods for executing such an agenda could include leveraging automated labs to engineer lethal viruses, activating nuclear arsenals, or deploying autonomous weapons. The possibilities could be more sinister than we currently anticipate.
In reality, executing a large-scale eradication may prove complex. AI might have aspirations to eliminate mankind but face numerous obstacles. While minor accidents could occur, erasing 8 billion people is no simple feat, and competing AI models may thwart such efforts.
While these scenarios may resemble speculative fiction, the division among experts regarding their plausibility warrants attention.
Today, tech companies with vast resources and top-tier talent are racing to pioneer superintelligent AI. Whether or not you believe imminent development is on the horizon, it’s clear that proceeding with caution and careful consideration is essential. Unfortunately, the capitalist framework often prioritizes rapid innovation over thoughtful evaluation, and policymakers are primarily focused on the potential economic benefits of AI, downplaying the need for regulation.
So, what are the chances of a disaster? A 2024 study surveying nearly 3,000 AI researchers revealed that over half perceive at least a 10% risk that AI could lead to human extinction or irreversible harm, a phenomenon referred to as p(doom) or catastrophe. Personally, I hoped for a lower statistic.
Within the AI community, opinions range widely—some remain optimistic about our future, while others predict a bleak end for humanity. Alarmingly, many continue to push ahead regardless.
I personally subscribe to the view that human consciousness isn’t irreplaceable. In fact, I believe artificial replicability is attainable. Over an extended timeline, it may be feasible to produce AI that far surpasses human potential. However, we are still far from grasping the full implications of achieving such advancements.
In my view, current AI models lack the capacity for a singularity—they certainly can’t count to 100—so I am not overly anxious about the matter.
Yet, recognizing this issue doesn’t negate the urgent challenges AI presents.
The apocalypse we might should be concerned about could manifest through job displacement due to automation, the gradual erosion of human skills as tasks are increasingly delegated to AI, and cultural homogenization resulting from AI-driven creative outputs.
Alternatively, we might face economic downturns due to plummeting tech stock values following inflated promises of AI capabilities that outpace reality. These scenarios feel alarmingly tangible and immediate.
Dying stars can emit powerful jets of radiation, as represented by artistic impressions
Credit: Stocktrek Images, Inc./Alamy
Astronomers believe they have observed a “dirty fireball” explosion for the first time, originating from a dying star. This discovery may enhance our understanding of how massive stars perish.
When a colossal star exhausts its fuel, it collapses and can explode in various forms. For instance, a collapsing black hole may emit a jet of intense radiation that penetrates the star, resulting in a brief but powerful burst of high-energy light known as a gamma-ray burst.
These gamma-ray bursts are among the most explosive events in the universe, with their energy output equivalent to that of multiple small stars like the Sun over their entire lifespan. However, astronomers remain uncertain about the exact mechanisms behind this phenomenon and how variations among massive stars impact these jets.
Researchers theorize that if a jet is contaminated with denser materials from the star, such as protons or neutrons, it might produce different emissions. These heavy particles can absorb energy, causing the jet to emit X-rays instead of gamma rays. Up until now, this “dirty fireball” scenario has not been documented.
Wang Xiang Yu and his team at Nanjing University, China, utilized the innovative Einstein Probe space telescope to capture an X-ray flash named EP241113a that aligns with the dirty fireball hypothesis.
The team detected a bright flash emanating from a galaxy approximately 9 billion light-years away. This flash contained energy similar to that of a gamma-ray burst, but interestingly, it emitted X-ray frequencies instead. The initial explosion transitioned into a glow that persisted for several hours, eventually tapering off, akin to what is observed in standard gamma-ray bursts.
“This discovery holds tremendous potential,” states Laana Starling from the University of Leicester, UK. “[Dirty fireballs] have been theorized since the 1990s, yet conclusive evidence has been lacking.”
While thousands of gamma-ray bursts have been cataloged, the event leading to this particular observation could differ fundamentally from the others, posits Stirling. It may involve a black hole or neutron star interacting with the jet in profound ways. “If a black hole is involved, it could provide a more comprehensive understanding of black hole formation throughout the cosmos,” she adds.
This finding suggests that the gamma-ray bursts commonly detected may be a result of observational biases, indicating that numerous other similar or less intense outbursts could exist, according to Gavin Lamb from Liverpool John Moores University, UK. “There’s a significant possibility this activity will persist until the jets diminish.”
Nevertheless, he is cautious about confirming it as a dirty fireball, as noted by Om Sharan Salafia from Brera Observatory, Italy. “We first need to verify if the explosion indeed originated from as distant a galaxy as Wang’s team suggests. If all these factors hold true, then this transient event certainly presents intriguing puzzles,” he concludes.
The rich history of North America’s Indigenous peoples is often misrepresented through a European perspective. In her book, Indigenous People, historian Kathleen Duvall from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill provides a comprehensive overview, exploring centuries of development and the ways Indigenous communities navigated a constantly changing world.
Duvall illustrates how climate change from the Medieval Warm Period to the last Ice Age influenced Indigenous agricultural and water management practices. The book also highlights monumental engineering achievements, such as the impressive Cahokia Mounds in present-day Illinois and the innovative Hoogum canal system in Arizona.
Focusing on Indigenous experiences, the book covers essential topics such as the astronomical calendar and the impacts of the post-colonial smallpox epidemic, while dismantling prevalent misconceptions.
If you are passionate about historical nonfiction or seeking fresh insights into topics like ecology, botany, and archaeology, Indigenous People promises to be an engaging read.
Compost worms efficiently recycle food scraps and organic waste
Rob Walls/Alamy
Worms. I have them in abundance.
I divide my time between a bustling inner-city apartment in Sydney, Australia, and a serene property four hours south, previously a farm left to nature since the 1970s.
These places are stark contrasts. One is alive with the city’s hum, while the other resonates with the natural sounds of wildlife, including kingfishers, cicadas, night owls, and the eerie cries of possums. Yet, both locations share a common feature: thriving worm farms. The farm’s setup efficiently processes an entire household’s waste, while the urban version is compact, designed for porch placement, and accessible for anyone.
In the serenity of my farm, I let nature dictate operations while using the land as a tranquil getaway. Conversely, my basement hosts a 4,000-litre worm habitat where waste transforms into nutrient-rich liquids and castings, filtering into surrounding woodlands.
At the farm, I add compost, weeds, and the occasional wildlife carcass—kangaroos or possums—to diversify the worms’ diet. My guiding principle: anything previously alive finds its end in a worm farm.
When I peek into the depths of this decomposition marvel, I’m always astonished at the rapidity of waste reduction. A 50 kg male kangaroo (Macropus giganteus) became practically unnoticeable within a week, entirely gone by the end of the month. My worm farm has become a vibrant ecosystem, home to frogs, spiders, and fly larvae, flourishing in the nutrient-dense humidity of the Daintree rainforest in Australia’s northeast.
After eight years, despite sending copious organic matter to this voracious habitat, it appears only a quarter full. Remarkably, I’ve never detected unpleasant odors, even from the more rank offerings. This is a professional endeavor, overseen by periodic inspections from local authorities.
On installation day in 2018, I ceremonially introduced a small bag of tiger worms (Eisenia fetida), a species known globally for its composting prowess.
Tiger worms, known by multiple names, including brandling worms and red wigglers.
Daniel Sanbraus/Science Photo Library
According to independent earthworm researcher Robert Blakemore, this species thrives in temperatures ranging from -2°C to 40°C, remarkably capable of surviving the loss of two-thirds of body water and even submersion for up to six months.
Blakemore posits that no other species offers such irreplaceable benefits to humanity, with compost worms effectively processing an equal weight of their own mass daily. It’s no wonder that dead kangaroos vanish in mere weeks.
Everything entering the worm farm gets broken down, its nutrients seeping back into the ancient red gum forest, recycling life itself. I often tell my children, “When I die, place me there,” to join the countless lives absorbed by the soil. For me, heaven is being nourished by the forest. I’d be dismayed to be cremated and stored as anonymous ash.
I have a chocolate border collie, my loyal companion, who follows me like a devoted secret agent. The highest honor I could bestow is for him to be part of the worm farm when that time comes, though my daughter is not thrilled with this fate.
Ringo the border collie rests atop the underground worm farm.
James Woodford
Urban Worm Farming Insights
Since my transition to part-time city living, I’ve arrived with a bag of tiger worms from Wilderness Worm Farm, enriching a small home compost bin nestled in my courtyard.
This miniature worm farm offers a personal and public experience, about 0.5 meters tall, consisting of stackable trash cans that make for easy rotation when full.
In contrast to my country escapade, where worms dwell deep within a massive tank, my urban worms are visibly active, prompting contemplative moments as I observe their fascinating, albeit messy, composting process.
No one enjoys watching sausage made, nor compost turned. However, the sight of writhing worms in my city’s compost is mesmerizing. Should I plunge my hand into the organic mixture, it would resemble a scene from a horror film.
I ensure all vegetable scraps, dog waste, and various organic materials find their way into my city worm farm. However, Blakemore expressed concerns over my informal approach upon reviewing my worm contents.
“Eggshells tend to break down given time, but microwaving them can hasten decomposition,” Blakemore recommends. “Furry items pose similar issues, as do tea bags and labels on fruit, which likely contain plastic.”
He warns that dog feces carry parasitic risks, although worms can often stabilize those parasites.
Despite my contributions, the worms in my urban compost catch up rapidly. Eventually, I switch the layers, transforming the top barrel’s enriched contents into nutrient-rich soil for my garden.
This lively whirlwind of decay serves as a vivid reminder of life’s cyclical nature, as the humble earthworm facilitates recycling and the processing of what was once alive.
Blakemore summarizes well: “Every person should compost. Ignorance and laziness are the only barriers.”
Starting Your Own Worm Farm: Key Considerations
Commercially available compost worms, particularly the tiger worm (Eisenia fetida), are easily accessible. I’ve gifted “starter” colonies from my compost to friends, leading to rapid population growth in their setups.
You may be surprised by the amount of waste an insect colony can process, even in compact urban settings. A large professional setup is necessary for handling an entire household’s waste.
In the city, I store the worm breeding box in the shade, as direct sunlight can be harmful, especially in warmer climates. Surprisingly, there’s minimal odor, despite the theatrical appearance when the lid is opened.
Items I enjoy composting include unwanted bills and promotional materials (though avoid glossy papers). Watching undesirable items transform into rich soil in a week is immensely satisfying.
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This rewrite focuses on enhancing SEO optimization while preserving the original HTML structure and tags. Key topics include worm farming, composting, and ecological awareness, making the article more discoverable online.
Enzymes are crucial for viral RNA replication, presenting new targets for antiviral therapy.
Juan Gaertner/Science Photo Library/Alamy
Recent laboratory studies indicate a groundbreaking drug that effectively inhibits various common viruses, including coronaviruses, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), norovirus, influenza, and hepatitis viruses. Upcoming clinical trials are set to start next year, fostering optimism that this drug may soon be available for at-home use, alleviating symptoms and mitigating future viral pandemics.
According to Daniel Haders, co-founder of Model Medicines in California, “This is the first drug demonstrated to exhibit activity across such a diverse range of virus families.” If approved, this drug could offer a convenient solution for individuals experiencing flu-like symptoms without a clear diagnosis between flu, COVID-19, RSV, and more.
This antiviral was originally designated as a breast cancer treatment named ERA-923 and was shelved in the early 2000s due to limited profitability. However, leveraging an AI drug discovery platform, Haders and his team have identified this previously overlooked drug as a potential inhibitor for multiple viruses through an independent mechanism.
The AI platform was aimed at discovering drugs capable of obstructing RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, an enzyme crucial for viral genome replication. Upon determining that this mechanism is conserved across many viruses, researchers searched for drugs binding to specific sites—namely, the Thumb-1 domain. “Our goal was to pinpoint biological choke points where one drug could target multiple diseases,” states Haders.
By analyzing past research and patents, the AI highlighted ERA-923 as a viable candidate for binding to the Thumb-1 domain, effectively curbing viral replication. “Similar to how OpenAI and Anthropic have curated digital knowledge, we synthesized a comprehensive understanding across chemistry, biology, and clinical pharmacology,” Haders asserts, noting that the AI tools of today greatly enhance predictive accuracy.
To validate AI predictions, researchers assessed the drug’s effectiveness, now named MDL-001, against a spectrum of viruses in laboratory-infected cells. Results confirmed its efficacy against influenza A and B, several coronaviruses linked to common colds and COVID-19, RSV, norovirus, and liver-impacting hepatitis B, C, and D.
MDL-001 also demonstrated beneficial effects in treating COVID-19 in murine models, lowering viral levels in the lungs and alleviating weight loss associated with the disease. Haders intends to present these results at the upcoming European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases General Meeting in mid-April, Munich, Germany.
However, skepticism arises from researchers like Peter White of the University of New South Wales, noting that other drugs targeting only the Thumb-1 domain haven’t been universally effective. Contrarily, Model Medicines maintains that MDL-001 employs unique docking mechanisms to combat various viruses. Daniel Rawle from QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute concurs, stating, “Many effective in vitro antiviral drugs fail in vivo.”
Model Medicines is organizing clinical trials for MDL-001, anticipated to start early next year, focusing first on assessing the drug’s safety. Previous trials in patients with breast cancer have affirmed its minimal side effects.
The burden of viral infections significantly impacts overall health and productivity, often forcing individuals to take sick leave. However, with rapid at-home treatment options like MDL-001, the landscape of self-managed antiviral care could change, particularly during future outbreaks of coronaviruses and influenza, Haders emphasizes.
Researchers at Stockholm University utilized an ultrafast laser to investigate supercooled water before crystallization, revealing significant evidence of a long-predicted transition between two distinct liquid states. This included a marked increase in heat capacity and critical fluctuations.
Research indicates a rapid increase in heat capacity at 210 K, coinciding with density fluctuations in supercooled water. Image credit: POSTECH University.
Professor Anders Nilsson highlighted, “We captured X-ray images at unprecedented speeds prior to ice formation, allowing us to observe how the liquid-liquid transition fades, leading to the emergence of a new critical state.”
“For decades, various theories have attempted to explain these anomalous properties of water, one of which proposed the existence of a tipping point. We have now confirmed its presence,” he explained.
Using advanced X-ray laser technology, Professor Nilsson and his team identified a critical point in supercooled water at around 210 K (equivalent to -63 °C or -81 °F) under 1,000 atmospheres of pressure.
“Water stands out as it can exist in two liquid macroscopic phases, each with unique molecular bonding behaviors at low temperatures and high pressures,” the researchers noted.
“As temperature rises and pressure drops, these two liquid phases converge, presenting as a single indistinguishable phase.”
“This demonstrates a significant instability point, resulting in fluctuations across a broad temperature and pressure range, extending even to ambient conditions.”
“Water transitions between two liquid states, sometimes appearing as a mixture, leading to its distinctive properties,” they added.
“The state beyond the critical point is termed supercritical, with neighboring water remaining in that state.”
Another crucial discovery from this study is the slowdown in system dynamics upon reaching the critical point.
“Once you approach the tipping point, escaping becomes nearly impossible,” stated Dr. Robin Tybulski of Stockholm University.
Dr. Aigerim Karina, a postdoctoral researcher, remarked, “It’s fascinating that amorphous ice, extensively studied, serves as a gateway to this crisis zone. This inspires my future research and underscores the potential for discoveries in well-established fields like the study of water.”
Dr. Iason Andronis, a student, expressed, “Measuring water under such low-temperature conditions without freezing it is a dream realized.”
“Many have aspired to pinpoint this critical point, but we lacked the necessary technologies until the advent of the X-ray laser,” he added.
“It’s captivating to consider that water is the sole supercritical liquid under ambient conditions conducive to life, and without it, life as we know it wouldn’t exist,” explained Dr. Phibos Perakis from Stockholm University.
“Is this merely coincidental, or could we uncover essential insights in the future?”
Professor Nilsson mentioned, “The origins of water’s unusual properties have been debated for over a century, tracing back to Wolfgang Roentgen’s early investigations.”
“Researchers within the realm of water physics now align with a model suggesting the presence of a critical point in supercooled states.”
“Our next goal is to explore the implications of these findings for various physical, chemical, biological, geological, and climate-related processes, which poses a significant challenge for the years ahead.”
Findings have been published in a study dated March 26th in Science.
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Song Juyu et al. 2026. Experimental evidence of a liquid-liquid critical point in supercooled water. Science 391 (6792): 1387-1391; doi: 10.1126/science.aec0018
For many years, scientists believed that the size of prehistoric insects, such as the griffin fly, was linked to elevated oxygen levels in the atmosphere. However, a groundbreaking study led by paleontologist Edward Snelling from the University of Pretoria suggests that the impressive size of these Carboniferous insects may have other underlying causes.
A giant griffin fly that thrived in Carboniferous forests.
In the 1990s, researchers suggested that the high oxygen concentrations of the Carboniferous period, around 300 million years ago, coincided with the emergence of these giant insects.
They theorized that the increased oxygen demand due to the larger body sizes of these insects necessitated higher atmospheric oxygen levels.
This hypothesis is logical, given that insects rely on a specialized tracheal system for oxygen intake, a network of branching airways that culminate in trachea.
Insects require oxygen to travel by diffusion through this system, fueling their flight muscle cells.
Prior researchers posited that such giant flying insects could not exist today due to current atmospheric oxygen levels being insufficient to meet the high oxygen needs of their flight muscles.
In the latest study, Dr. Snelling and his team employed high-magnification electron microscopy to examine the relationship between body size and the number of tracheae within flight muscles.
They discovered that trachea typically occupy only about 1% or less of the flight muscles’ space in most species, a trend that holds true for the griffin fly as well.
This finding indicates that insect flight muscles are not limited by atmospheric oxygen levels; they can easily accommodate additional trachea within the muscle itself.
“If atmospheric oxygen truly restricts the maximum body size in insects, we should observe compensatory adaptations at the tracheal level,” remarked Dr. Snelling.
“There is some cost associated with larger insects, but overall it is minor.”
Professor Roger Seymour from the University of Adelaide pointed out, “In contrast, capillaries in bird and mammal heart muscles occupy approximately ten times more relative space than trachea in insect flight muscles. Thus, if oxygen transport is indeed a limiting factor for body size, significant evolutionary potential exists to enhance tracheal investment.”
Some researchers argue that oxygen flow to trachea and other body parts may still impose limits on insect size, leaving the theory of maximum size due to oxygen constraints open for debate.
“Regardless, these new findings clearly demonstrate that diffusion within the flight muscle trachea does not pose a constraint. Scientists need to investigate other factors that may explain the existence of these giant insects,” Dr. Snelling concluded.
If oxygen is not the limiting factor for insect size, alternative explanations like predation from vertebrates or limitations in the biomechanical support of the exoskeleton may be at play.
A detailed paper outlining this research was published in the latest issue of Nature.
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EP Snelling et al. Oxygen supply via the tracheal musculature does not suppress insect gigantism. Nature published online March 25, 2026. doi: 10.1038/s41586-026-10291-3
The Tasmanian tiger (Thylacine) and the Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii) are believed to have gone extinct on mainland Australia approximately 3,000 years ago. Currently, only 23 pieces of rock art featuring the Tasmanian devil and around 150 artworks depicting the Tasmanian tiger exist, mostly found at rock art sites in northern Australia. Recent discoveries in Arnhem Land, located in the Northern Territory of northwestern Australia, have unveiled 14 new images of previously undocumented Tasmanian tigers or quolls, along with two images of Tasmanian devils, with some dating back less than 1,000 years.
A naturalistic-style depiction of a Tasmanian tiger from Injarrak Hills, Northern Territory, Australia. Image credit: Craig Banggar.
The recently documented paintings of the Tasmanian tiger and devil are believed to date back approximately 15,000 years, rendered in various Aboriginal art styles using red and sometimes yellow ocher.
Additionally, artists utilized white pipe clay, which deteriorates over time and does not stain the rocks, making most white paintings less than 1,000 years old.
“The quoll was more widely dispersed across mainland Australia than the Tasmanian devil and held greater cultural significance, with only 25 recorded images of the Tasmanian devil compared to over 160 depictions of the quoll,” explained lead author Professor Paul Tassone from Griffith University.
“Those who painted more recent artworks may have actually observed live quolls, indicating some may have survived longer in Arnhem Land.”
“Alternatively, they could have drawn inspiration from older paintings.”
“Regardless, the quoll remains culturally significant today, with contemporary artists depicting Tasmanian tigers on bark, paper, and canvas, referred to as ‘Junkirk’.
“Retouched paintings in the region highlight the importance of these animals through generations,” added co-author Dr. Andrea Giarandoni, also from Griffith University.
“This petroglyph rock art provides crucial insights into historical human interactions with these animals.”
“These representations indicate that the quoll held a vital role in local culture and knowledge long before its extinction.”
Local oral traditions suggest that the Tasmanian tiger was symbolically linked to the Rainbow Serpent, often associated with water bodies.
“These creatures were integral to our ancestors’ lives,” remarked co-author Joey Ganjimira, a Jarama from western Arnhem Land.
“They frequently spoke of hunting alongside the possums.”
“Our study demonstrates that sugar gliders hold contemporary relevance in the region for both scientists and traditional communities,” said Professor Tassone.
“The sugar glider remains a living entity in western Arnhem Land, symbolizing ongoing cultural significance rather than merely being a relic of the past.”
This groundbreaking research is detailed in the following article: paper published in the latest issue of Archeology of Oceania.
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Paul SC Tasson et al. The Devil is in the Details: Photographic Records of Tasmanian Devils and Tasmanian Tigers from Aungbana and Injarak Hill, Northern Territory, Australia. Archeology of Oceania, published online March 30, 2026. doi: 10.1002/arco.70024
The Galapagos lava heron, a unique small heron found on the lava-strewn shores of Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands, has recently gained recognition for its distinct status.
Endemic to the Galapagos Islands, this slate-gray to black heron has intrigued ornithologists for years.
While some classify it under the widely distributed Great Heron (Butorides striatum) as a subspecies Butorides striata sundevari, others advocate for its recognition as a separate species, Butorides sundevalli.
Recent DNA analyses led by researchers from San Francisco State University and the California Academy of Sciences lend weight to the latter perspective.
“This bird, noted for its significant plumage variation, has long posed the question of whether it stands as a separate species or simply as a subspecies of mainland birds,” said Dr. Jamie Chavez, lead author of the study.
Through the examination of thousands of genetic markers and numerous museum specimens, researchers found that the Galapagos lava heron forms its own distinct evolutionary lineage, diverging from its supposed relatives.
Surprisingly, the lava heron shows closer genetic ties to the Gray Heron (Butorides virescens) from North and Central America than to the Great Heron.
The ancestors of the Galapagos lava heron may have arrived on the islands via unusual migration routes, evolving in isolation over time.
“For biologists, visiting the Galapagos is a dream come true,” remarked Ezra Menderes, a graduate from San Francisco State University and co-author of the study. “There’s still so much to uncover within these well-studied ecosystems.”
This research not only clarifies the status of this magnificent bird but also contributes to a broader understanding of the evolutionary relationships within heron species.
Scientists suggest that what was once perceived as a single, globally distributed species should now be considered as several distinct species, including separate lineages across the Americas, Africa, and Australasia.
“Our ultra-conserved element (UCE) phylogenetic results indicate substantial internal divergence within the genus Butorides, bridging populations from the Old and New Worlds,” the authors noted.
“The UCE-based phylogeny strongly confirms the monophyly of New World herons, including the South American Great Heron, Gray Heron, and Galapagos lava heron.”
The findings, published in this month’s edition of Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, significantly enhance our comprehension of avian evolution.
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Ezra Z. Menderes et al. 2026. Global phylogenetic relationships of Butorides herons (suborder: Ardeidae) reveal the evolutionary history and taxonomic status of the Galapagos lava heron. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 220: 108600; doi: 10.1016/j.ympev.2026.108600
In a groundbreaking analysis of spontaneous performances by a male chimpanzee named Ayumu, researchers discovered that the chimp’s rhythmic prowess and expressive “playful face” provide insights into how early humans might have transformed vocal emotions into musical instrument sounds.
Chimpanzee Ayumu exhibited long, multi-element musical displays by drumming and manipulating objects. The analysis of his rhythmic transitions revealed structured sequences, primarily isochronous timing, and a more stable tempo with tools compared to body drumming. His playful expressions suggest heightened arousal and positive emotions, reinforcing the concept that emotional vocal expressions can manifest through instrumental sounds. Image provided by: Hattori et al., doi: 10.1111/nyas.70239.
In February 2023, Ayumu, a 26-year-old male chimpanzee at the Center for Research on the Origins of Human Behavior and Evolution at Kyoto University, showcased a spontaneous musical performance that intrigued researchers.
He creatively removed floorboards to use as drums, generating complex sounds reminiscent of vocal expressions.
Dr. Yuko Hattori of Kyoto University noted, “Ayumu’s drumming is not unprecedented.” Chimpanzees are indeed recognized for their musical talents, especially in drumming.
However, Dr. Hattori emphasized that Ayumu’s unique combination of drumming and vocalizations introduced multiple rhythmic elements, marking a novel instance.
Between February 2023 and March 2025, researchers documented a total of 89 spontaneous performances by Ayumu.
The recordings reveal him ripping floorboards apart to create music through innovative tool use.
“Observing chimpanzees utilize tools to produce diverse sounds and express vocal emotions was fascinating,” remarked Dr. Hattori.
The researchers aimed to determine if vocal expressions could transition to instrumental sounds based on Ayumu’s performances.
They meticulously categorized his actions into elements such as hitting, dragging, and throwing.
Transition analysis was utilized to differentiate between random occurrences and intentional actions.
Finally, they assessed the rhythmic stability of tool use versus hand and foot drumming by analyzing intervals between strikes.
Notably, they found that the order of sounds produced was structured, with isochronous intervals that maintained a constant tempo, akin to a metronome.
Indeed, using tools yielded a more consistent rhythm compared to solely relying on hands and feet.
The researchers also documented Ayumu’s facial expressions, including the “play face,” commonly associated with playfulness and positive emotions.
This type of emotional signaling, typically absent in audio displays, suggests that vocal emotions may have previously been externalized into sounds produced with tools.
“Ayumu’s performance illustrates that non-human primates have the capacity to externalize voice-like expressions through musical instruments,” the authors concluded.
Moving forward, they expressed interest in studying the reactions of other chimpanzees and the influence of Ayumu’s performance within his social group.
For detailed insights, refer to the study published in Annual Report of the New York Academy of Sciences.
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Yuko Hattori et al., 2026. Combination of Instrument Sound Production in Captive Chimpanzees: Evolution of Vocal Externalization. Annual Report of the New York Academy of Sciences 1557 (1): e70239; doi: 10.1111/nyas.70239
Excavations at the Dide West 1 site in eastern Senegal have revealed a remarkably preserved iron smelting workshop, which was constructed between the 4th century BC and the 4th century AD and was active for nearly eight centuries.
A pile of tuyeres discovered at Dide West 1 in Senegal. Image credit: Ann Mayer.
In Europe, the Iron Age is typically defined as spanning from approximately 800 BC to the conclusion of the 1st century AD, but these timeframes vary significantly across the globe.
The earliest indications of iron production are believed to trace back to the second millennium BC in regions like Anatolia (present-day Türkiye) and the Caucasus.
“The iron smelting workshop at the Dide Ouest 1 site in Senegal provides valuable insights into the development of iron metallurgy in West Africa,” stated UNIGE archaeologist Melissa Morel and her research team.
The workshop features a substantial accumulation of nearly 100 tons of slag, around 30 used tuyeres (earthen pipes that channel air into the furnace) semicircularly arranged, and 35 circular furnace bases approximately 30 cm deep.
This iron production likely catered to local demands, particularly for crafting agricultural tools.
“Due to its exceptional preservation, historical significance, duration of use, and unique technical characteristics, this site stands out,” remarked Dr. Morel.
“This offers a rare opportunity to analyze the continuity and evolution of iron smelting technologies over time.”
“At Dide West 1, the layout, furnace structure, and waste materials reveal a tradition identified as FAL02.”
“This type of furnace includes a small circular design with a removable chimney and large clay tuyeres.”
“A significant feature of these tuyeres is their multi-outlet design, which connects small openings to the main channel via vertical side ducts, enabling optimal air distribution to the furnace base.”
“Another notable aspect is the innovative use of palm kernel seeds as packing at the furnace bottom—a method not previously documented.”
“Despite its prolonged operation, this workshop’s traditions have shown remarkable stability, with only minor technical modifications,” said Dr. Anne Mayol, archaeologist at UNIGE and the Institute for Global Studies.
“This continuity stands in contrast to metallurgical practices in other African contexts, underscoring the importance of understanding the technical and cultural decisions made by early iron producers.”
The team’s research paper was published in the African Archaeology Review.
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M. Morel et al. Early and long-term evolution of iron smelting technology at Dide West 1, Fareme Valley, eastern Senegal. African Archaeology Review, published online March 25, 2026. doi: 10.1007/s10437-026-09653-z
In a groundbreaking study, Dr. Martin David Mulligan from the University of Galway and his team investigated the long-term effects of vitamin D levels on brain health by following nearly 800 participants from the Framingham Heart Study for over 15 years. Their findings revealed that individuals with higher circulating levels of vitamin D at age 30 exhibited significantly less accumulation of tau protein—a key factor in the development of Alzheimer’s disease—when retested approximately 16 years later. This association remained robust even after accounting for various factors such as age, gender, cardiovascular health, smoking, depression, and BMI.
Vitamin D deficiency in midlife may be a modifiable risk factor for preclinical dementia signs observed in neuroimaging. Image credit: Aloysio Costa Latoje.
Dementia currently ranks as a leading cause of morbidity worldwide, impacting an estimated 57 million individuals.
“Our research indicates that maintaining high vitamin D levels during midlife may safeguard against the formation of tau deposits in the brain, while insufficient vitamin D could serve as a modifiable risk factor for dementia,” stated Dr. Mulligan.
“Further validation through additional studies is essential to confirm these results.”
The study analyzed data from 793 adults (53% female, average age 39 years) who were dementia-free at the time of brain imaging.
Blood levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D were measured between 2002 and 2005, followed by positron emission tomography (PET) scans assessing tau and amyloid deposits conducted from 2016 to 2019.
Accumulation of tau protein, particularly in regions like the entorhinal cortex and temporal lobe, is known to play a crucial role in the early onset of Alzheimer’s disease.
Researchers observed that elevated vitamin D levels correlated with reduced tau levels throughout the brain and in these vulnerable areas.
“Notably, 34% of participants exhibited low vitamin D levels, and only 5% were taking vitamin D supplements,” the researchers reported.
This study contributes to the growing body of evidence correlating vitamin D with brain health, focusing specifically on early preclinical changes rather than solely on clinical outcomes like dementia diagnosis and aging.
Scientists propose that ensuring adequate vitamin D levels in midlife may serve as a proactive strategy to mitigate neurodegenerative changes before clinical symptoms manifest.
However, it is important to note that this study does not establish a direct causal relationship between vitamin D and the prevention of tau accumulation or dementia. The researchers measured vitamin D at a single time point without tracking its changes over the years, and they did not assess whether supplementation influenced brain health.
“These promising findings suggest a significant association between increased vitamin D levels in early midlife and decreased tau load 16 years later,” Dr. Mulligan remarked.
“Midlife is a critical phase where modifying risk factors could yield substantial benefits.”
For more information, refer to the published results in the journal Neurology.
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Martin David Mulligan et al. 2026. Association of circulating vitamin D in midlife with increased tau-PET burden in adults without dementia. Neurology 2 (2): e000057; doi: 10.1212/WN9.0000000000000057
The Hubble team has unveiled a stunning close-up image of the barred spiral galaxy IC 486.
This captivating Hubble image portrays IC 486, a barred spiral galaxy approximately 380 million light-years away in the constellation Gemini. Image credits: NASA / ESA / Hubble / MJ Koss / AJ Barth.
IC 486 is situated in the constellation Gemini and lies about 380 million light-years from Earth.
This galaxy, recognized by other designations such as LEDA 22445, IRAS 07572+2645, and UGC 4155, was discovered on March 6, 1891, by Austrian astronomer Rudolf Ferdinand Spitaler.
IC 486 features a striking central rod-like structure, from which spiral arms extend and wrap around the core in a cohesive, ring-like formation.
According to Hubble astronomers, “Hubble’s advanced imaging technology reveals subtle color variations throughout IC 486.”
The core displays a blue-white hue dominated by older stars, while faint bluish areas within the surrounding disk indicate regions of more recent star formation.
“Dust lanes weave through the galaxy, gently obscuring light and pinpointing areas enriched with molecular gas where new stars are likely to emerge,” they noted.
The center of the galaxy emanates a distinctive white glow, which surpasses the surrounding stellar light. This glow originates from IC 486’s active galactic nucleus (AGN), powered by a supermassive black hole that is over 100 million times the mass of the Sun.
“All sufficiently large galaxies harbor supermassive black holes at their cores, but some are particularly voracious, consuming significant amounts of gas and dust, forming swirling accretion disks from which they derive their energy,” the astronomers elaborated.
“The immense heat generated by the orbiting material produces intense radiation, including X-rays, that can outshine the entire galaxy.”
Such galaxies, characterized by their central AGN, are referred to as active galaxies.
Despite IC 486’s orderly appearance, “it is a dynamic system shaped by gravitational forces and the evolution of stars,” they concluded.
“Over millions of years, stars are born, age, and perish, contributing to the ongoing narrative of galactic evolution in our universe.”
A lawyer-turned-archaeologist has made a groundbreaking discovery while sifting through dusty excavation reports and old text that challenges conventional history of human gambling.
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The findings, published on Thursday in the journal American Antiquity, reveal that Native Americans engaged in dice and probability games as far back as 12,000 years ago, predating similar activities in the Old World such as Europe, Africa, and Asia.
Research indicates that these early gambling activities, rooted in chance, randomness, and probability, originated in what is now the southwestern United States, not in ancient cultures like Mesopotamia.
“What we observed in North America, beginning 12,000 years ago, is a sophisticated understanding of complex intellectual concepts that weren’t addressed in other regions until millennia later,” said study author Robert Madden, a doctoral student from Colorado State University. “These concepts laid the groundwork for modern scientific and economic thought.”
Mr. Madden, 62, transitioned from a trial lawyer to archaeology. He dedicated three years to analyzing old site reports and establishing a timeline of archaeological research. Previously, no unified standards existed in the field for documenting Native American dice.
“My discovery wasn’t about unearthing new dice,” he clarified. “It was about collating existing information.”
The use of dice by Native Americans has been researched for over a century. Traditionally, these dice are double-sided, crafted from bone or wood, and meticulously shaped to achieve random outcomes, often marked with symbols.
Early examples of dice discovered in Nebraska, Wyoming, and Colorado.Robert Madden / Colorado State University
Previous studies traced such artifacts back approximately 2,000 years; however, Madden’s research indicates that dice could date back to the end of the last Ice Age, with finds from the early 20th century among the Folsom culture, which date between 12,255 and 12,845 years ago.
The newly established timeline shows that these dice were continuously used in the southwestern United States.
“We see them appearing throughout this region from 12,000 AD until European contact and continuing into the present,” Madden noted.
Robert Wiener, a postdoctoral fellow at Dartmouth College specializing in gambling and religion in New Mexico’s Chaco Canyon, highlighted that gambling is often referenced in Native American oral histories.
“In the Southwest, gambling stories typically suggest a potential for addiction, yet many cultural practices view it as almost sacred, serving as social gatherings,” Wiener stated.
In certain narratives, such as the Zuni mythology, even the gods participate in gambling.
To date, no prehistoric dice have been found in eastern North America. The lack of discovery remains unclear but may stem from preservation issues and perceived biases in the archaeological record.
Madden speculates that prehistoric Native American bands frequently traveled, with games serving as a social tool to foster trade and communication. Written accounts of Native American dice games trace back to the 1600s, suggesting many events occurred in eastern North America, often featuring rapid gameplay between unfamiliar groups.
“These events were typically social and vibrant, drawing large crowds and encouraging many side bets,” he explained.
Despite this, there are no documented accounts of prehistoric dice games, leaving many questions unanswered.
“Were they calculating the odds? It’s uncertain,” Madden confessed.
Nevertheless, his research supports the notion that Native Americans practiced complex counting and likely were the first to explore concepts like the law of large numbers, which illustrates how random samples average out over time.
“What we’re analyzing here is a significant intellectual achievement,” he remarked.
Evidence of early dice predates similar artifacts from Bronze Age civilizations in Africa, Europe, and Asia by approximately 6,000 years.
“This discovery is monumental as it highlights that the intellectual contributions of Native American cultures were often overlooked or suppressed by colonial powers,” Wiener stated.
“Dice games of chance provide an intuitive, direct, and emotional way for individuals to engage with probability challenges,” he added.
Robert Madden examines Late Pleistocene dice at the Smithsonian Institution.Provided by Robert Madden
Madden’s academic journey began with a focus on archaeology, followed by a 25-year tenure as a trial lawyer. As a partner at Gibbs & Brands in Houston, he specialized in the 2008 financial crisis.
He left his law practice in 2017 to explore the Olmec civilization, an ancient Mesoamerican culture, before enrolling in a master’s program in archaeology, his lifelong passion, in 2022.
Madden’s years spent in legal research, including analyzing “millions of pages of documents,” equipped him with the skills needed to navigate the extensive archaeological records.
“He took the initiative to meticulously review a vast number of reports,” Wiener stated. “Often, it requires an outside perspective to see things in a new light.”
Honey bee laboratory at Southern Medical University
Bumblebees exhibit remarkable abilities by recognizing Morse code-like patterns of flashing lights and vibrations, showcasing a unique sense of rhythm not previously documented in such small-brained animals.
This capacity to discern flexible and abstract rhythms, such as varying tempos or styles, has only been observed in select birds and mammals, including primates like parrots, songbirds, and chimpanzees.
Andrew Baron and his research team from Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia, found that buff-tailed bumblebees (Western bumblebee), despite their less intricate brains, can comprehend a range of diverse rhythms.
In their initial experiment, these bumblebees were trained to select between two artificial flowers with flashing LED lights. One flower emitted prolonged flashes while the other produced short pulses, reminiscent of Morse code. One flower contained a reward (sucrose) while the other housed an unpleasant substance (quinine).
After mastering the distinction between the rewarding and punishing flowers, the bees were further tested on flowers containing just water. Remarkably, nearly all bees still chose the flowers that produced the type of flashes they previously associated with sucrose.
Next, the scientists complicated the experiment by employing different flashing patterns for each flower, such as dash, dash, dot, dot, dash, dot, dash. The bees still successfully identified the variations.
However, what astonished researchers were the results that followed. The artificial flowers were substituted with a maze featuring a vibrating floor at the junction of two paths.
“If it vibrates dot-dash-dot-dash, that signals a right turn for sugar,” Baron explains. “We demonstrated to them that certain rhythms indicated left turns while others indicated right turns, and they learned this successfully.”
In the final phase, the researchers halted training and replaced the vibrating floor with LED lights that mimicked the same patterns. “Though not every bee grasped the concept individually, as a collective, we proved that they could transition from vibrations to light pulses,” Baron notes.
This indicates that the bumblebees recognized the rhythm regardless of its representation, be it through light flashes or vibrations.
Until now, abstract rhythmic understanding was thought to necessitate a larger brain, Baron stated. Understanding how bumblebees perform this with their diminutive brains could transform how small drones and similar autonomous devices perceive their environments.
“This study suggests there might be simpler cognitive mechanisms at play,” Baron reflects. “It’s extraordinary that a bee can abstract rhythm with such a small brain.”
An artist’s reconstruction of an ancient marine ecosystem preserved in the Jiangchuan biota.
Wang Xiaodong
Recent discoveries of a vast array of exquisitely preserved fossils in China have led to new insights regarding the Cambrian Explosion, which is traditionally viewed as a rapid evolutionary event marking the emergence of complex life.
Spanning roughly 541 to 513 million years ago, the Cambrian Explosion is regarded as the period when most modern animal groups first appeared, alongside various now-extinct evolutionary experiments.
Previously, during the Ediacaran period, life was believed to be simpler. However, findings from a new fossil site in Yunnan, known as the Jiangchuan biota, challenge this view, presenting over 700 fossils dating back to 554 to 537 million years ago.
“Our findings indicate that Cambrian-like faunal assemblages did not appear out of nowhere but had a clear foundation and transitional morphology by the end of the Ediacaran,” states Gaorong Li, the lead researcher from Yunnan University, Kunming, China.
Ross Anderson, another team member and professor at the University of Oxford, noted that the surprisingly intricate nature of the fossils raises intriguing questions about whether the Cambrian explosion was a gradual process.
“We are beginning to construct a more complex understanding of the origins and timing of the explosion in animal diversity,” Anderson explains.
When Lee initiated investigations at the site in mid-2022, he anticipated finding algae.
Instead, researchers uncovered a variety of organisms called bilaterians, characterized by bilateral symmetry. Only a limited number of such specimens had previously been found during the Ediacaran; among these are two new species of deuterostomes, a key group that includes vertebrates, suggesting that this group was already diverse long before the Cambrian.
Cambroelnid fossil from the Jiangchuan biota and artist’s reconstruction.
Li Gaolong & Wang Xiaodong
Some fossils were identified as Cambroelniids, featuring coiled bodies and long, tentacle-like appendages not previously documented before the Cambrian period. Others closely resemble Cambrian creatures such as Margaretia, which resembles a tubular structure with an opening, creating the appearance of an organism living within a ventilation pipe, according to Lee.
Lee noted that the most common fossils discovered were animals with tubular appendages anchored to the seafloor, extending outward in search of sustenance—some reminiscent of sandworms depicted in the sci-fi series Dune.
“This indicates that these animals lived attached to the ocean floor while extending structures for foraging,” Lee explained. “Additionally, a species resembling a sausage-shaped worm with a short, thick, curved body displayed clear locomotion.”
Ultimately, these peculiar yet familiar organisms may represent “evolutionary experiments” from a period when life was exploring various body designs and ecological strategies.
“Although these creatures exhibit key features found in modern animals, like a mouth, intestine, proboscis, and pharynx, their structural arrangements differ considerably from those of contemporary animals,” Lee remarked. “In essence, their overall morphology is unusual, yet they possess fundamental biological modules common to modern fauna.”
Joe Moishuk from the Manitoba Museum states that the sudden appearance of numerous animal body plans in the early Cambrian fossil record has posed a longstanding dilemma for paleontologists.
“Strong evidence suggests that their ancestral forms should have been identified earlier, in the Ediacaran, while indications of this lineage have been accumulating over recent decades,” Moisiuk notes.
“Although the specimens are somewhat poorly preserved and missing certain details, several distinctly animal-like forms emerge.”
These fossils imply the existence of certain animal groups prior to the Cambrian; however, they do not contradict the occurrence of a Cambrian explosion, he asserts.
“Instead, the divergence of animal body plans likely unfolded over approximately 30 million years across the Ediacaran-Cambrian boundary, providing a clearer temporal constraint on the genesis of this evolutionary radiation.”
Han Zeng, a professor at the Chinese Academy of Sciences not involved in the study, underscored that finding complex animal fossils in pre-Cambrian sediments would signify a major advancement in paleontology.
“Over recent decades, a diverse array of carbonaceous fossils has emerged from similarly dated Late Precambrian shales in southern China. While most have been classified as algae or cyanobacteria, other specimens possess ambiguous animal characteristics,” Zeng elaborates. “Future research is crucial to clarify the biological relationships of these fossils. Should they prove to be animals, they could drastically alter our understanding of early animal evolution.”
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Like many children affected by Hunter syndrome, Cole is missing a crucial enzyme required to break down specific molecules. As these toxins accumulate, they wreak havoc on vital organs, particularly the heart and brain, often resulting in dementia-like symptoms. This genetic disorder, also referred to as mucopolysaccharidosis type II (MPS II), impacts around 500 individuals in the United States, predominantly boys.
Experts believe the recently approved drug by Denali Therapeutics, an intravenous enzyme replacement therapy, could revolutionize treatment options, especially since current standard care only addresses the physical manifestations of the disease. Denali’s innovative therapy also aims to combat cognitive decline.
While new medications can’t reverse existing regression, they hold potential to extend a child’s life and stave off numerous symptoms when administered early.
Dr. Joseph Müntzer is an expert in Hunter syndrome and related rare diseases. Alison M. Donnelly of NBC News
“If we can treat very young children before irreparable damage occurs, the possibilities are nearly limitless,” says Dr. Joseph Muenzer of the Muenzer MPS Research and Treatment Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, who specializes in Hunter syndrome and other rare mucopolysaccharide disorders.
“I can’t predict how they will fare in the future, but it will certainly be different,” he remarked.
Before regression began, Cole learned to read and spoke in complete sentences. Gradually, his speech deteriorated, leaving him only able to say “Mommy” before losing all ability to communicate. Despite being a teenager now, he is developmentally similar to a 3-year-old.
The FDA’s approval of Denali’s drug was a significant relief for families with children suffering from Hunter syndrome and for the broader rare disease community. Recently, the FDA faced criticism for denying several promising treatments for rare conditions, prompting advocacy groups to stage protests and advocate for more supportive policies.
In an email to NBC News, the FDA noted that the number of drug approvals and denials under its current administration aligns with historical trends from the past decade. FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty McCurry hailed Denali’s approval as “a milestone day for children combating Hunter syndrome and their families,” pledging continued efforts to expedite treatments for rare diseases.
Many healthcare professionals, including Munzer, who led the Denali trial, are hopeful that advancements in treatments will continue.
“These are devastating diseases,” Munzer emphasized. “Their rarity should not lead to neglect.”
Denali’s drug, known as Avraya, marks the first FDA-approved treatment for Hunter syndrome in the United States in two decades and is the first to penetrate the blood-brain barrier, targeting the neurological complications associated with the disease.
Experts like Müntzer assert that Avraya could significantly extend life expectancy, based on encouraging human trial data. A clinical trial illustrated significant reductions in important disease biomarkers in the cerebrospinal fluid after just 24 weeks, with 93% of pediatric participants achieving levels akin to those without Hunter syndrome.
For countless families dealing with this condition, the approval of this drug signifies more than a new treatment; it acknowledges the inherent value of every child.
Laurent Jaskalski, a 6-year-old from New Berlin, Wisconsin, was diagnosed with Hunter syndrome at age four. He’s always struggled with communication, but his mother, Kylie Jaskalski, fears that his speech difficulties may lead others to underestimate his capabilities. This is a painful misconception about a joyful child who loves to cuddle and eagerly anticipates going to school each day.
“He brings immense joy,” Jaskalski said. “He spreads happiness and peace to everyone he meets.”
Six-year-old Roland Jaskalski, also known as Rory, diagnosed with Hunter syndrome at age 4. Provided by Kylie Jaskalski
Initially, Jaskalski felt devastated when Laurent was diagnosed, but she later found it even more heart-wrenching to witness her son’s deterioration.
If insurance permits access to Denali’s drug for Laurent, “we might not have to remain passive,” she expressed.
Currently, Laurent receives weekly infusions of Elaplus (FDA-approved in 2006), which is the prevailing standard treatment. While this IV therapy isn’t flawless, it has stabilized his physical decline. Recently, Jaskalski has observed weakness and discomfort on Laurent’s left side, making walking challenging. He also suffers from mild hearing loss.
Recent advancements in newborn screening for Hunter syndrome across states like California to Rhode Island indicates a promising future, as early detection allows for timely intervention with new drugs, potentially mitigating cognitive decline.
Children with Hunter syndrome often face severe health challenges and a life expectancy ranging from 10 to 20 years. Those with the non-neurological variant may reach adulthood but still endure progressive physical complications, primarily affecting their airways and heart.
Three-year-old Kashton Estes refers to his weekly infusion of Elaplus, the standard treatment for Hunter syndrome, as his “Spider-Man juice.” Provided by Christina Caldwell
The introduction of new treatments is especially hopeful for families with children across the spectrum of Hunter syndrome. Christina Caldwell’s 3-year-old grandson, Kashton Estes, who has the non-cognitive variant, undergoes IV infusions of Elaplus, which he affectionately calls “Spider-Man juice.” Thanks to this treatment, he enjoys running, jumping, and riding his bike.
Caldwell is eager for Kashton to be treated with Denali’s new drug as two of his cousins also have Hunter syndrome, and the family wishes to prevent future health complications for all three children.
“We’re not asking for much. Just provide us with the medication to keep our children alive,” she stated.
Regarding insurance coverage, Denali Therapeutics stated it has engaged in “constructive” dialogues with payers and is prioritizing swift access to Avraya for families dealing with Hunter syndrome. Currently, the drug is approved only for pediatric patients, but the company is working on expanding its clinical data to include young adults. Denali also aims to leverage its blood-brain barrier technology for various other diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders.
Ms. Stevens, the mother of 15-year-old Cole, eagerly anticipates administering the new medication to her son. She has devoted her life to aiding not just Cole but others in similar situations. In 2022, she took on the role of executive director at Munzer’s MPS Research and Treatment Center at UNC-Chapel Hill.
Upon learning last week about the FDA’s early approval for the new drug, Stevens rushed through the treatment center, sharing the news with patients and staff. There were tears of joy and hugs all around.
Cole Stevens Mausolf prepares for his weekly Elaplus infusion. Alison M. Donnelly of NBC News
Stevens understands that Denali’s treatment cannot reverse Cole’s previous regression, meaning he may not attend university or secure a job. However, she remains profoundly grateful.
“My hope is for him to maintain stability,” Stevens expressed. “Even with a progressive disease, achieving stability is a victory.”
“The aircraft itself had no issues,” stated NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman during a post-launch press conference on Wednesday. “We have re-established communications with the crew and are actively addressing this challenge.”
Crew members noted that a fault light was triggered while testing the ship’s toilets on Wednesday.
The Orion capsule features the Universal Waste Management System for its toilets, designed to drain urine into space while storing feces for crew return. A privacy door enhances comfort during use. A similar system has been tested aboard the International Space Station.
Mission managers collaborated with the astronauts overnight to troubleshoot this problem, and early Thursday, NASA confirmed that the crew successfully resolved the issue. You can read more about the toilet’s restoration.
If the issue hadn’t been resolved, the backup plan involved the use of a “collapsible emergency urinal” for urine collection in bags, while toilets would still be operational for fecal storage.
Earth’s horizon as observed from NASA’s Orion spacecraft during the initial hours of the Artemis II mission.NASA Youtube
Another relatable issue for many on Earth arose when the astronauts asked for technical assistance with their computers. The culprit? Microsoft Outlook.
Ultimately, mission controllers managed to access the computers remotely, successfully restoring Outlook functionality for the astronauts.
An over-the-shoulder view of NASA astronaut Victor Glover (left) and mission commander Reid Wiseman (right) within the Orion spacecraft.NASA
These initial glitches were swiftly adjusted, leading to an important milestone for the Artemis II astronauts on the mission’s second day.
After replenishing their energy, the astronauts received a wake-up call on Thursday at 2:35 p.m. ET. They were greeted by John Legend’s “Green Light” and encouraging messages from NASA team members who supported their journey. Glover expressed gratitude for their uplifting words.
Less than two hours post-wakeup, mission managers in Houston convened to discuss the feasibility of executing a critical engine burn to position the Orion capsule into lunar orbit.
The decision was a resounding “go.”
This pivotal maneuver, known as the “lunar insertion burn,” is scheduled for 7:49 p.m. ET and will last just under six minutes. The main engine of Orion will ignite, propelling the capsule out of Earth’s orbit.
A stunning view of Earth as seen from NASA’s Orion spacecraft in orbit.NASA
The Artemis II mission’s spaceflight heavily depends on gravitational forces from both the Earth and the Moon, making this upcoming engine burn crucial. This will be the last major maneuver of this nature during the mission; once executed, the astronauts will embark on a one-way journey around the Moon.
“Flight controllers will monitor engine performance, guidance, and navigation data closely throughout this maneuver to ensure Orion is precisely targeted for its outbound journey,” NASA officials mentioned in a blog update.
If all goes smoothly, the Artemis II astronauts will make history as the first crew to journey to the Moon since Apollo 17 in 1972.
In an article published on March 18 in the Journal Acta Paleontology Polonica, paleontologists have unveiled an exciting discovery: a new species of harvestman identified from two Eocene amber pieces originating from Ukraine and the Baltic Sea region.
Reconstruction of Balticolasma Wunderlichi by artist Joshua Knüppe.
The newly identified harvestman is the first known member of the subfamily Ortholasmatinae found in the fossil record.
This species, named Balticolasma Wunderlichi, thrived in Europe approximately 35 million years ago during the Eocene epoch.
“The Ortholasmatinae subfamily contains some of the most visually striking modern harvestmen, characterized by complex and branched eye tubercles and unique dorsal microcarvings known as keel cells,” remarked paleontologist Christian Bartel from the Bavarian State Collection of Natural History and his colleagues.
“Currently, there are seven extant genera with 27 described species, each exhibiting distinct distributions.”
Balticolasma Wunderlichi was identified based on two specimens: a suspected female from Rovno amber in northwestern Ukraine and a male specimen preserved in Baltic Sea amber.
The fossils originated from private collections in Germany (Baltic Sea specimen) and Lithuania (Rovno specimen) and are currently housed at the Berlin Museum of Nature.
“The discovery of Ortholasmatinae harvestmen in European amber deposits was surprising. This group is no longer present in Europe today,” stated Dr. Bartel.
“Their relatives now inhabit only East Asia and North and Central America.”
“Clearly, during the Eocene epoch, about 35 million years ago, these harvesters had a much broader distribution across the Northern Hemisphere than they do today.”
Balticolasma Wunderlichi Female from Rovno Amber. Image credit: Bartel et al., doi: 10.4202/app.01283.2025.
Researchers employed high-resolution synchrotron microtomography to meticulously reconstruct the anatomy of Balticolasma Wunderlichi.
The scans revealed a small, flat body, measuring less than 3mm long, adorned with rows of tubercles and a distinctive forward-protruding hood-like structure.
“Some of its morphological features align closely with existing Asian genera,” the scientists observed.
This study underscores the scientific significance of amber deposits in the Baltic and Rovno regions.
The discovery enriches the catalog of known harvestman species preserved in these ambers, offering new insights for reconstructing the evolutionary tree of the group.
“Baltic amber is renowned for its exceptional fossil diversity, frequently revealing species that no longer exist in Europe today,” noted paleontologist Dr. Jason Dunlop from the Berlin Museum of Nature.
“The discovery of a new harvestman species in Ukraine once again illustrates the likely similarities between the harvestman fauna in both regions.”
“With this new addition, the number of harvestman species found in Baltic Sea amber rises to 19, while the number from ancient Ukrainian Rovno amber increases to seven. Six species have been documented in both locations.”
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C. Bartel et al. 2026. 3D analysis of ortholasmatine, first recovered from European Eocene amber. Acta Paleontology Polonica 71 (1): 95-107; doi: 10.4202/app.01283.2025
A prominent area of research in modern astrophysics is the enigmatic dark matter phenomenon. The groundbreaking work of Vera Rubin in the 1970s revealed that the outer edges of galaxies rotate at unexpected speeds, contrary to predictions based solely on visible matter. This led researchers to investigate and classify these observations under the term dark matter. Numerous studies have documented how light bends around galaxy clusters and the distribution of matter in the universe, as well as fluctuations in cosmic microwave background radiation, all indicating that the universe holds more secrets than what astronomers can visibly observe.
According to widely accepted cosmological models, the ΛCDM model describes dark matter as a type of slow-moving particle that possesses mass and exerts gravitational force but does not interact with electromagnetic radiation. As a result, dark matter remains invisible and can seamlessly pass through ordinary matter.
The quest to identify dark matter particles is an ongoing effort, allowing scientists to investigate their characteristics, including their distribution throughout the Milky Way. Although scientists can calculate the movement of stars from the galaxy’s center to the Sun without factoring in dark matter, the presence of this invisible mass significantly influences stars and gas clouds found further out. Researchers suggest that the dark matter halo encircles the galaxy, extending up to 230,000 parsecs (approximately 4 quintillion miles or 7 quintillion kilometers) from the galactic center, and may account for roughly 95% of the Milky Way’s total mass.
A research team from University College London has been examining the geometry of the Milky Way’s dark matter halo. They hypothesized that the Milky Way is in a state of equilibrium and analyzed the stable positions of stars in the galaxy’s outer regions to model the shape and orientation of the dark matter halo that permits their presence. Their findings were then correlated with previous studies of the Milky Way’s evolution, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the galaxy’s structure.
This research leveraged data from the Gaia survey, a satellite mission that observed millions of stars and mapped the Milky Way galaxy from 2013 to 2025. The team utilized two primary types of data: the average number of stars within specific volumes in the outer regions of the galaxy’s old structures and the stars’ positions and velocities within the stellar halo. The team discovered that the stellar halo is elliptical and tilted concerning the Milky Way, primarily due to a similarly-shaped but significantly larger dark matter halo.
A simplified diagram illustrating the shape and orientation of the dark matter halo compared to the stellar halo and the Milky Way’s disk. Not to scale. By the author.
The research team concluded that their findings dismiss the earlier notion that the dark matter halo is approximately spherical. They determined that the halo’s tilt, relative to the Milky Way’s disk, is around 43 degrees. This tilt mirrors other disk galaxies with dark matter halos, which typically range between 46.5° and 18° with regards to their stellar halos. The researchers contended that a stable, tilted, non-spherical dark matter halo signifies the overall stability of the galaxy, especially in light of past galactic collisions that occurred at least 8 billion years ago. Enhanced measurements of the halo’s shape could provide valuable insight into these markedly significant merge events.
To facilitate future research, the team generated a model that accurately reflects a snapshot of a galaxy with a tilted, rectangular dark matter halo. This model incorporates the stars’ density and motion patterns that they examined. Additional refinements in their simulations are consistent with findings from the Gaia survey, revealing that the halo becomes increasingly tilted moving away from the galactic center. Specifically, the tilt escalates from 10 degrees to 35 degrees at distances between 6 and 60 kiloparsecs (approximately 100 to 100 quintillion miles or 200 to 2 quintillion kilometers), while also transitioning from being elliptical to more circular as the distance increases. They propose that future researchers explore this model further, incorporating other complex interactions, such as those with the Large Magellanic Cloud.
Nelson Dellis winning the 2011 USA Memory Championship in New York.
Don Emmert/AFP via Getty Images
Nelson Dellis, a six-time American Memory Champion, has astounded the world by memorizing a shuffled deck of cards in just 40.7 seconds and recalling the first 10,000 digits of Pi. Recent studies on his brain offer insights into the extraordinary capabilities that allow such feats and how others may develop similar skills.
Dellis reports that he had an average memory until age 25, when he began rigorous memory training after observing his grandmother suffer from Alzheimer’s disease. This dedication included extensive practice memorizing numbers, names, and vocabulary. “I continue to train my memory regularly,” he states. “It’s akin to a muscle; if you don’t utilize it, it deteriorates.”
While dementia-related memory issues are well documented, the phenomena of exceptional memory are less understood. To investigate this, researchers from Washington University in St. Louis collaborated with Dellis for a comprehensive brain analysis.
Dellis participated in extensive brain scans and memory assessments over approximately 13 hours between 2015 and 2021. In one assessment, he was tasked with memorizing a series of four to seven words displayed for just over a second, employing traditional memorization techniques like repetition.
“Sitting still in a scanner while memorizing wasn’t my usual training method, but it was fascinating to contribute to the connection between memory athletes and measurable scientific outcomes,” Dellis remarked. His brain activity was compared to two control subjects with strong, yet not extraordinary, memories.
The Washington University team analyzed the results and discovered that Dellis and the controls exhibited similar brain activity during the tasks. All three individuals showed enhanced electrical signaling in the retrosplenial cortex, extrastriate visual cortex, and dorsal frontal cortex—regions associated with navigation, visual processing, and working memory. Interestingly, Dellis emphasized that rote memorization is not his preferred technique. “Rote memorization is often ineffective, yet it’s widely known,” he notes.
Dellis undertook another task unique to him, memorizing the order of a shuffled deck of cards while undergoing brain scans. He utilized the loci method, also recognized as the memory palace technique, which involves linking information to specific locations in one’s environment to facilitate recall. “This shift from abstract concepts to visual-spatial associations forms the core of almost all mnemonic strategies I employ,” Dellis shares.
This task stimulated activity in the same three cortices but altered activity in the hippocampus, a critical brain region for memory. Dellis exhibited higher hippocampal activity during the encoding phase in the first task than during recall. In contrast, the opposite was found during the second task, which activated the caudate nucleus—a brain structure involved in learning and memory. Although the researchers chose not to comment further, they speculated that the caudate’s involvement might indicate memory is an integrated skill.
Dellis after winning in 2012 by reciting the order of 104 playing cards.
Nelson Dellis
Moreover, researchers compared Dellis’s brain activity to that of 887 participants in the Human Connectome Project. Their findings revealed that memory champions demonstrate significantly enhanced functional connectivity, illustrating efficient collaboration among different brain areas.
Dellis and his colleagues advocate for the wider application of the loci method. “Considering its clear behavioral benefits, it’s surprising that techniques like this are not more commonly integrated into educational and clinical practices,” he observes. Martin Dresler from Radboud University Medical Center in the Netherlands concurs.
Dresler states that this technique can be extremely effective. It utilizes our inherent strengths. “The triumph of trajectory methods likely arises because they transform abstract data into visual-spatial concepts,” he explains. “Our brains did not evolve to remember abstract details like numbers or dates; rather, they evolved to navigate our environment for food and safety, honing our spatial awareness.”
However, Craig Stark, a professor at the University of California, Irvine, emphasizes that it’s uncertain how much of Dellis’s exceptional memory results from training versus innate ability. “We can’t discern which elements are trained skills versus inherent capabilities,” he states.
If you find traditional memory training daunting, Dellis also attributes his abilities to a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise. “To enhance your everyday memory, heed your mother’s advice: be mindful, maintain a healthy diet, get adequate sleep, and exercise,” he emphasizes, referencing Morris Moscovich from the University of Toronto, Canada.
The natural world often teaches us about life through vivid examples. Many kids learn about reproduction through birds laying eggs and bees pollinating flowers instead of focusing on human examples, which can be more challenging to convey.
However, as evolutionary and behavioral biologist Heung-sun Lee discusses in his thought-provoking book On the Origins of Sex: The Weird and Wonderful Science of How Our Planet is Populated, the “birds and bees” analogy is far too simplistic. It overlooks the vivid diversity and intricacies involved in animal reproduction.
Even species that might appear unremarkable have fascinating reproductive practices. For instance, barnyard hens can expel sperm from less dominant males, while male ducks sport corkscrew-shaped penises. Interestingly, female ducks have evolved opposite-spinning vaginas, enabling them to exert control over paternity.
On the Origins of Sex presents numerous examples to illustrate fundamental biological concepts. The wide range of breeding methods observed makes many human practices seem mundane. However, Sun’s ambitious goal is to delve deeper into the critical questions surrounding reproduction, especially the very existence of sexual reproduction.
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The rigid male/female binary feels increasingly outdated. “
This question might baffle readers unfamiliar with evolutionary biology, but from an evolutionary standpoint, sexual reproduction can be far more complex and resource-intensive than asexual reproduction. Achieving sexual reproduction requires two partners—one generating male gametes and the other producing female gametes. At first glance, asexual reproduction appears more efficient, a method still employed by numerous species, including bacteria and fungi. Parthenogenesis, a form of asexual reproduction where embryos develop without fertilization, is noted in over 80 vertebrate species, encompassing California condors, booby sharks, and Komodo dragons.
So why did sexual reproduction become prevalent? Sun dedicates the book’s first section to addressing this question, succinctly introducing essential concepts like the Müller ratchet, proposed in 1964 by geneticist Hermann Müller. This theory describes how the absence of genetic mixing in asexual reproduction leads to the gradual accumulation of detrimental mutations.
Additionally, the Red Queen hypothesis likens evolution to a continuing arms race, suggesting that species must evolve continuously to survive and outpace their competitors, underscoring the inherent risks of sexual reproduction.
Sun, a distinguished research professor at Central Washington University, draws from his connections with numerous scientists whose work he references throughout the book. On the Origins of Sex is his fourth work aimed at a general readership, following his explorations into fairness in nature and the history of beavers.
Despite Sun’s admission that On the Origins of Sex is a selective narrative, the intended audience isn’t always clear. While readers might need some background knowledge in evolutionary biology, the book remains captivating, enriched with examples of exotic animal reproduction that are well-paced.
Sun’s passion for his subject is infectious, particularly evident in his discussions on sexual adaptation and variation. He advocates for a broader understanding of gender, arguing that current definitions are “hopelessly homocentric and disconnected from evolutionary realities.” His detailed, step-by-step explanations of the sciences underpinning sex and gender reveal just how much human society relies on these biological concepts.
He articulates, “In popular discussions, gender is often perceived as a social construct. What is often overlooked is a deeper understanding of gender as a biological construct—something evolutionary biology can elucidate.”
Though careful not to engage in cultural arguments, Sun primarily focuses on evolutionary biology in non-human animals. It becomes evident that nature’s binary classification is an oversimplification. “Biological sex is not merely about distinguishing species that produce sperm from those that produce eggs,” he asserts. Consider fish like eels, clownfish, and wrasse, which can naturally change sex. Within birds and mammals (including humans), numerous variations exist, including intersex individuals.
Gender fluidity is far more prevalent among animals than traditionally understood, affecting not just reproductive roles but also behaviors and social structures. For example, hyenas, known for their matrilineal society, exhibit females possessing a “pseudopenis,” which aids in food competition and complicates pregnancy.
By highlighting this diversity, Sun urges a paradigm shift regarding sex and gender, advocating for a perspective that embraces differences as “natural and adaptive aspects of life’s continuum.” He concludes: “The rigid male/female binary is increasingly recognized as limited and outdated.”
In previous discussions, Sun has expressed a desire to infuse scientific insights into debates about diversity and social justice. He effectively meets this goal through a science-focused approach, enriched with examples from the natural world. Indeed, he posits that the immense diversity of non-human life and the numerous unanswered questions about reproduction should inspire us to welcome complexity and openness.
We may presume to understand the fundamentals of life, yet even Sun closes the book in awe of “how little we truly grasp.”
Check out this essential 1993 favorite, praised by Lixing Sun for shaping contemporary views on sex and gender with its “sharp wit and engaging prose.”
This witty and insightful book showcases the remarkable diversity of sexual behaviors in animals while providing crucial lessons about human sexual diversity.
This 2026 publication explores human attraction and emotional bonds. Justin Garcia, an esteemed evolutionary biologist and executive director of the Kinsey Institute, brings his expertise to the science of dating.
I have lived through the harrowing experience of being bitten by a snake, facing a life-threatening situation. I remember the sensation of complete paralysis and panic; I could hear the doctors discussing my case, questioning whether it was a suicide attempt. No, it wasn’t. I simply made a mistake.
My journey began in 2001 when I started injecting myself with snake venom to pioneer a new treatment. Annually, 5 million people are bitten by snakes, leading to 138,000 deaths and over 400,000 amputations and serious complications—these numbers are staggering.
Fortunately, there are organizations dedicated to combatting this issue. Strike Out Snakebite is a global initiative that raises awareness about the dangers of snake venom. The concept of snake antivenom, which dates back 125 years, was introduced by Albert Calmette. However, antivenoms have not evolved significantly and carry risks, such as causing anaphylactic shock due to the presence of foreign horse proteins.
I was determined to eliminate the horse from this equation without causing harm to it while also safeguarding my own health and livelihood.
My initial training in venom extraction from spiders, scorpions, and centipedes began in 1999, making the task of extracting snake venom feasible. I started by diluting cobra venom to 1:10,000 for injections. The initial doses felt mild, akin to a bee sting, but over time, I escalated the concentrations to potentially lethal levels.
After extensive research, I was ready to test myself against a live snake. Anxiety surged through me as I questioned my immune response. There were no manuals, no guidance—it was entirely self-taught experimentation.
My first attempt was disastrous. On September 12, 2001, at precisely 11:02 p.m., I was bitten by a cobra and then again by another cobra only an hour later. The first bite seemed manageable, but the second overwhelmed my antibodies. I flatlined at midnight and awoke four days later in the ICU, dependent on antivenom from a local zoo. Ironically, antivenom was available at home, but paramedics were unaware of it.
Upon my discharge, I faced a choice: give up or learn from this experience. I chose the latter, enduring over 200 stings, never relying on antivenom again.
I became increasingly serious about my mission, engaging with scientists and exploring the rich history of self-experimentation in medicine. I even secured a signed letter from Nobel laureate Barry Marshall, who famously treated himself and received the Nobel Prize in return. Conversations with other esteemed scientists, including immunologist Peter Doherty, fueled my academic curiosity and commitment to researching toxins.
Snake venom varies enormously, even within the same species. A prime example is the brown snake, Shudnaja textile, which exhibits differing venom effects from northern to southern Queensland. This variation complicates the effectiveness of antivenoms, which are region-specific.
My aim was to cultivate broad-spectrum antibodies capable of neutralizing various venoms. With around 650 species of venomous snakes worldwide, I could not test them all. Therefore, I focused on the most dangerous, such as Taipans—the world’s most venomous snakes, along with cobras, coral snakes, and rattlesnakes.
Throughout the past 25 years, I have participated in six studies, which have been instrumental to my journey. Without participation, I wouldn’t advance antivenom development. Recently, Jacob Granville from Sentivax reached out after viewing a YouTube video of me being bitten by a black mamba followed closely by a Taipan. They extracted DNA from my B cells to clone my IgG antibodies for further in vivo research with mice.
The research yielded stunning discoveries, revealing that I could neutralize the venom of a king cobra, Ophiophagus hannah, even without having previously tested the venom itself. This offers hope for the development of a broad-spectrum, universal antivenom.
Our findings were recently published in Cell Press— a culmination of 25 years of work. Despite my name not being on the authorship list due to academic pushback against self-experimenters, I prioritize the collective impact over personal recognition.
Although human application of the antivenom is still a distant goal, I find solace in knowing that I have contributed all I can towards making a positive difference in this field.
An Artist’s Impression of Star Formation in the Early Universe
Adolf Schaller STScI/NASA
Astronomers have gained an unprecedented insight into some of the universe’s first stars, known as “Population III” stars. These primordial stars could significantly enhance our understanding of the early universe, including their mass and influence on subsequent star formation.
Predicted to be composed almost entirely of hydrogen and helium, these ancient stars were colossal—hundreds of times the size of our Sun—and reached scorching temperatures of tens of thousands of degrees.
Despite their crucial role in cosmic history, most Population III stars had short lifespans, leading to their explosions, and astronomers have not conclusively identified galaxies rich in these stars due to their extremely early existence.
Recently, Roberto Maiorino and researchers at the University of Cambridge uncovered that the Hebe Galaxy, which formed just 400 million years post-Big Bang, aligns perfectly with characteristics of a Population III galaxy.
It contains no detectable elements heavier than hydrogen or helium, and the emitted light concentrates around specific frequencies tied to helium, a signature only achievable through extremely hot stars like the Population III. “As we understand it, a Population III star seems to be the most plausible explanation,” stated Maiorino. “Any other explanations fall short.”
The Hebe Galaxy was initially identified in 2024 through observations made with the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). While its spectrum initially suggested lines of ionized helium indicative of a Population III star, doubt lingered regarding the reality of these lines or the presence of heavier metals.
Further JWST observations revealed a second line linked to ionized hydrogen from the same source, confirming the presence of helium.
“We invested significant time analyzing the data to validate this line detection,” said Hannah Uebler from Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich. “Discovering the peak in ionized hydrogen without additional detection was a pleasant surprise, confirming our previous claims of helium and hydrogen indicating a Population III scenario.”
The compelling results suggest we are witnessing a very hot object, consistent with expectations for a Population III star. Daniel Whalen, studying at the University of Portsmouth, UK, notes that while findings are promising, precision remains insufficient to exclude heavy elements typical of more mature Population II stars.
A galaxy populated predominantly by Population III stars, as anticipated by Maiorino and his team, poses challenges even in existing simulations of early universe conditions. These simulations indicate that initial stars typically formed in isolated, sparse clusters.
“This is not merely a quest to claim we found Population III stars,” said Maiorino. “We have gained significant insights already.” If Hebe’s stars are confirmed as Population III, it could yield vital knowledge about the universe’s infancy.
Maiorino and his team have leveraged early observations from Hebe to infer that most of the original stars had masses between 10 to 100 times that of the Sun, with significantly fewer being smaller.
Exciting findings from the Neretva Canyon—a prehistoric river channel that once flowed to Mars’ Jezero Crater—uncover significant concentrations of nickel in 3 billion-year-old sediments. These patterns mirror mineral formations found on Earth, often linked to microbial activity.
Nickel detected in bright magnesium sulfate veins in Jezero Crater on Mars, supporting its genuine origin. Image credit: Manelski et al., doi: 10.1038/s41467-026-70081-3.
“The Perseverance rover landed in Mars’ Jezero Crater in February 2021 aimed at exploring ancient habitable environments and collecting core samples for future return to Earth during a planned Mars sample return mission,” stated Dr. Henry Manerski from Purdue University and his research team.
“Jezero is a Noachian impact crater, approximately 45 km in diameter, dating back 3.8 to 4 billion years, that once housed a lake, as supported by its two inlet valleys, delta fan formations, and an outlet valley on the eastern side.”
“Since its landing, Perseverance has traversed the igneous crater floor, ascended western alluvial fan deposits, crossed olivine- and carbonate-rich margins, and entered the western inlet valley known as the Neretva Valley.”
In their comprehensive study, Dr. Manerski and colleagues employed lasers, infrared spectrometers, and X-ray spectrometers onboard Perseverance to analyze 126 sedimentary rock samples and eight rock surfaces in the Neretva Valley.
They discovered nickel in 32 rocks at concentrations reaching up to 1.1% by weight, marking the highest level ever recorded in Martian rock.
The team noted that nickel tends to occur alongside iron sulfide compounds and sulfate minerals resulting from the breakdown of rocks such as jarosite and acanite.
Researchers drew parallels between the nickel-rich iron sulfide arrangements found in the Neretva Valley and the composition and structure of pyrite, an iron sulfide mineral observed in sedimentary rocks worldwide.
Iron sulfide found in Earth’s sedimentary rocks is predominantly produced by the anaerobic respiration of microorganisms that utilize sulfate in the presence of iron-rich minerals.
Previous investigations identified iron sulfide in the Neretva Valley, coinciding with organic carbon compounds and suggested these may have originated from biological sources.
“Although, such formations can also arise from non-biological processes,” the scientists noted.
“Our current research hasn’t provided evidence of any organisms being present.”
“Nickel is a vital element in the enzymes of many ancient archaeal and bacterial species, playing crucial roles in energy production, carbon fixation, and organic matter decomposition.”
“The identification of nickel-rich rocks implies that if life existed on early Mars, nickel was potentially available in forms usable by these organisms.”
“The nickel may stem from the breakdown of igneous rocks or from nickel-rich meteorites.”
“More research is essential to pinpoint the source of nickel in the Neretva Gorge and to examine its relationship with organic matter at this location.”
Results from this study were published in this week’s issue of Nature Communications.
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HT Manerski et al. 2026. Strong nickel enrichment coexists with redox and organic interactions in Neretva Canyon on Mars. Nat Commun 17, 2705; doi: 10.1038/s41467-026-70081-3
Recent archival data from ESA’s Cassini mission reveals that Saturn’s magnetic bubble is asymmetrically shaped, influenced not only by the solar wind but also by Saturn’s rapid rotation and the material emitted by its moons.
A diagram illustrating Saturn’s magnetosphere configuration affected by solar wind and rapid rotation. Image credit: Xu et al., doi: 10.1038/s41467-026-69666-9.
Saturn’s magnetosphere serves as a shield, protecting the planet from highly charged particles in the solar wind.
Its magnetic footprint is vast, spanning over 10 times the width of Saturn.
A study led by Professor Andrew Coates from University College London analyzed six years of Cassini data to precisely locate Saturn’s cusp, the point where magnetic fields bend towards the planet’s poles and charged particles descend into its atmosphere.
The researchers discovered that this cusp is displaced to the right from the sun’s perspective, typically found between 1 PM and 3 PM (akin to a clock face), compared to the 12 PM position seen on Earth.
This asymmetry is attributed to Saturn’s rapid rotation, which completes a cycle in just 10.7 hours, along with the dense plasma environment resulting from its moons, especially Enceladus.
These factors contribute to pulling the magnetic field lines to the right, though further simulations are needed for validation.
Enceladus, known for its icy plumes erupting from subsurface oceans, holds potential for extraterrestrial life. Saturn’s diverse environment is particularly intriguing as it is slated to be the focus of a significant ESA mission launching in the 2040s.
“The cusp allows the solar wind direct access into the magnetosphere,” states Professor Coates.
“Understanding the location of Saturn’s cusp is crucial for mapping its entire magnetic bubble.”
“Gaining deeper insights into Saturn’s environment is increasingly important as we prepare for missions returning to Saturn and its moon Enceladus.”
“These findings invigorate our enthusiasm for future explorations.”
“This time, we will search for signs of habitability and potential life.”
“The study supports the long-held theory that the rapid rotation of gas giants like Saturn, coupled with their active moons, displaces the solar wind, shaping their magnetospheres differently than Earth’s.”
“This suggests that gas giants like Saturn have unique magnetospheric behaviors compared to Earth.”
“Enceladus is a significant contributor to this dynamic, emitting substantial water vapor that ionizes and infuses the magnetosphere with heavy plasma, further influenced by Saturn’s rotation.”
“The contrasts between Saturn’s and Earth’s magnetic structures imply a fundamental process governing solar wind interactions among different planets,” explains Professor Zhonghua Yao from the University of Hong Kong.
“Comprehensive observations of Earth elucidate its mechanisms, while comparative studies across planets unveil fundamental laws applicable to understanding other celestial environments, including exoplanets.”
“By integrating Cassini’s observations with simulations, we illustrate how Saturn’s rapid rotation and Enceladus’s plasma emissions contribute to the asymmetric global distribution of cusps,” says researcher Dr. Yang Xu from Southern University of Science and Technology.
“We aim for this research to serve as a crucial reference for future explorations of Jupiter and Saturn’s environments.”
Recent analysis of NASA’s Parker Solar Probe data reveals that protons and heavy ions react differently during solar magnetic reconnection events, highlighting the complexity of space weather mechanisms.
NASA’s Parker Solar Probe approaches the Sun. Image credit: NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio.
Magnetic reconnection transforms magnetic energy into explosive kinetic energy, fueling various solar phenomena that significantly impact space weather affecting Earth.
This process energizes protons and heavy ions, propelling them from the Sun at extraordinary speeds.
While current models assume uniform particle behavior, new insights from the Parker Solar Probe indicate significant differences in particle acceleration.
Heavy ions are projected straight, resembling a laser beam, whereas protons generate waves that scatter trailing particles in a dispersive pattern—much like the effect of a flashlight.
“These new findings redefine our understanding of magnetic reconnection,” stated Dr. Mihir Desai, a researcher at the Southwest Research Institute and the University of Texas at San Antonio.
“Protons and heavy ions show distinct spectral behaviors that challenge existing models.”
“Protons create scattered waves more efficiently, while heavy ions maintain a focused beam and preserve their accelerated spectral shape.”
“Magnetic reconnection is a common phenomenon throughout the universe, where magnetic field lines converge, separate, and rejoin.”
“Within the Sun, explosive processes energize particles, generating high-velocity streams that lead to space weather phenomena like solar flares and coronal mass ejections.”
“Such space weather can disrupt Earth’s space environment, resulting in breathtaking auroras but also affecting power grids, satellite communications, and navigation systems.”
“Understanding the mechanics of magnetic reconnection is crucial for predicting hazardous events and safeguarding both life and technological assets on Earth and in space.”
“Our findings reveal that the Sun’s ‘magnetic engine’ is far more intricate than previously thought,” Dr. Desai added.
“This is thrilling as it shows that our own star acts as an accessible laboratory for high-energy physics, similar to the processes that drive some of the universe’s most intense phenomena, like black holes and supernovae.”
For more details, refer to the study results, published on March 31st in the Astrophysics Journal Letter.
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MI Desai et al. 2026. Acceleration of protons and heavy ions by magnetic reconnection in the near-solar heliospheric current sheet. APJ 1000, 300; doi: 10.3847/1538-4357/ae48f2
Harvard University paleontologists have identified a large predatory arthropod from the mid-Cambrian period in Utah, known as Megachelyserax custoi. Distinguished by its impressive three-pronged chelicerae, this soft-bodied creature pushes back the lineage of spiders, scorpions, horseshoe crabs, and sea spiders by 20 million years, making it the oldest known member of the chelicerate family.
The intricate anatomy of Megachelyserax custoi. Image credit: Masato Hattori/Harvard University.
The fossil of Megachelyserax custoi was unearthed in the Middle Cambrian Wheeler Formation within the House Mountains of Utah.
Measuring just over 8 cm (3.1 inches) in length, this specimen features a preserved head shield and a nine-segmented dorsal exoskeleton.
These anatomical regions exhibit distinct appendages: the head shield contains six pairs of limbs tailored for feeding and sensory functions, while the underbody boasts plate-like respiratory structures akin to modern horseshoe crab gills.
One of its most remarkable characteristics is the chelicerae—pincer-like feeding appendages that are a defining feature of the chelicerate lineage and set spiders apart from insects.
Insects possess sensory antennae as their foremost appendages, while chelicerates are equipped with grasping features, often with venomous capabilities.
Despite the extensive fossil record from the Cambrian era, no other distinct chelicerae-bearing arthropods have been discovered until now.
Harvard paleontologist Rudy LeRochy-Aubril stated, “This fossil confirms that the Cambrian origins of chelicerates were already established 500 million years ago, showcasing anatomical designs seen in modern spiders and horseshoe crabs.”
Prior to this groundbreaking discovery, the earliest known chelidae dated back to the Early Ordovician Fezuata biota in Morocco, approximately 480 million years ago.
The existence of Megachelyserax custoi places it as an early branch in the chelicerate family tree, emerging 20 million years earlier than previously thought. It serves as a crucial transitional species between primitive Cambrian arthropods, which lacked chelicerae, and the more recent horseshoe crab-like chelicerates, referred to as syndiphosphrines.
According to Dr. Javier Ortega Hernández, also from Harvard University, “Megachelyserax custoi illustrates the evolution of chelicerae and the specialization of body regions occurring before the anterior appendages simplified into structures resembling contemporary spider legs.” He added, “This reconciles several competing evolutionary hypotheses, indicating that multiple theories may contain elements of truth.”
This fossil highlights a pivotal phase in the development of the scissor-like body plan, indicating that integral features began evolving shortly after the Cambrian Explosion, a period recognized for its rapid evolutionary advancements.
Dr. Ortega-Hernández remarked, “By the mid-Cambrian era, when evolutionary rates were notably elevated, arthropods exhibiting anatomical complexity similar to modern species were already populating the oceans.” Interestingly, this early development of complex anatomy did not lead to immediate ecological advantages or diversification.
“Chelodons remained relatively obscure for millions of years, overshadowed by simpler groups like trilobites, until they adapted to terrestrial life,” he added.
Dr. Lerosy-Aubril concluded, “This discovery emphasizes that biological innovation is insufficient for evolutionary success; timing and environmental conditions play crucial roles.”
The findings regarding Megachelyserax custoi are detailed in a study published in the journal Nature.
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R. Lerosy-Aubril & J. Ortega-Hernandez. Arthropods with chelicerates reveal a Cambrian origin of chelicerates. Nature published online on April 1, 2026. doi: 10.1038/s41586-026-10284-2
Astronomers utilizing the Immersion Grating Infrared Spectrometer (IGRINS) at the International Gemini Observatory’s Gemini South Telescope have made groundbreaking discoveries regarding WASP-189b’s atmospheric composition. Their findings indicate that the planet’s elemental composition closely aligns with that of its host star, offering compelling evidence that the planet inherits its chemical makeup from the protoplanetary disk from which it formed.
Artist’s impression of super-hot Jupiter. Image credit: Sci.News.
WASP-189, classified as a 730-million-year-old A-type star, is located 322 light-years away in the constellation Libra.
Also known as HD 133112, this star is significantly larger than our Sun and boasts a temperature exceeding 2,000 degrees Celsius.
First discovered in 2018, WASP-189b is a gas giant that orbits its star at a distance roughly 1.6 times that of Jupiter.
This exotic planet lies about 20 times closer to its star than Earth is to the Sun, completing an orbit in a mere 2.7 days.
According to Arizona State University graduate student Jorge Antonio Sanchez and colleagues, “Superhot Jupiter has temperatures sufficient to vaporize rock-forming elements, such as magnesium, silicon, and iron. This presents a unique opportunity to observe these elements through spectroscopy, a technique that identifies chemicals by analyzing light spectra.”
The astronomers harnessed the IGRINS instrument to capture high-resolution thermal emission spectra of WASP-189b.
They successfully identified neutral iron, magnesium, silicon, water, carbon monoxide, and hydroxyl groups within the exoplanet’s atmosphere.
“The IGRINS data reveals that WASP-189b exhibits a magnesium to silicon ratio identical to that of its host star,” they noted.
This pivotal finding offers the first observational evidence supporting a commonly held hypothesis regarding planetary formation, paving the way for deeper insights into exoplanet creation and evolution.
Gas giants like WASP-189b are believed to possess outer gas layers whose chemical makeup is heavily influenced by the protoplanetary disk from which they originated.
Researchers suspect that the ratio of rock-forming elements in the protoplanetary disk mirrors that of the host star, as they formed from the same primordial matter cloud.
This inferred chemical connection between a star and its surrounding planets is frequently utilized to model the composition of rocky exoplanets.
Previously observed only within our solar system, this link has now been directly documented on distant planets.
“WASP-189b represents a critical observational milestone in understanding terrestrial planet formation, as it allows for measurable quantities to confirm the similarities in stellar composition and the proportion of rocky materials that form alongside planets,” Sanchez stated.
Dr. Michael Rhine, an astronomer at Arizona State University, added, “Our study showcases the capabilities of ground-based, high-resolution spectrometers to analyze key species like magnesium and silicon, two essential elements in rocky planet formation. This advancement opens a new frontier in exoplanet atmospheric studies.”
The findings of this research were published in a paper in the journal Nature Communications on February 18, 2026.
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JA Sanchez et al. 2026. The magnesium to silicon ratio in the exoplanet’s atmosphere. Nat Commune 17, 2902; doi: 10.1038/s41467-026-69610-x
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President Trump Congratulates Astronauts on NASA Artemis II Mission
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Dr. Harrison Schmidt, Apollo 17 astronaut and the last person to walk on the moon, discusses his experiences, moon rock samples, and the significance of the Artemis II mission for future generations. April 1, 2026
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President Trump Congratulates Astronauts on NASA Artemis II Mission
When it comes to advice for the four NASA astronauts poised to embark on their lunar voyage this Wednesday, Harrison Schmidt is undoubtedly the expert you want to hear from.
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At 90 years old, Schmidt made history when he walked on the moon during Apollo 17 in 1972, the last human mission to our lunar neighbor.
NASA’s Artemis II mission is set to launch on Wednesday at 6:24 PM, marking a new chapter in lunar exploration. The mission aims to orbit the moon, paving the way for a future landing in 2028, mirroring Apollo 8’s pivotal role for Apollo 11.
According to Schmidt, the Artemis II astronauts will encounter many of the surreal vistas he experienced over fifty years ago.
“Every day, every hour, every minute is a new experience,” Schmidt remarked in an interview with NBC News.
Mr. Schmidt today. NBC News
To the Artemis II team, Schmidt advises: “Train well. Be prepared for the unexpected. But most importantly, have fun.”
Since the days of Apollo 17, much has changed. At that time, Schmidt and the crew were entrenched in a space race against the Soviet Union, whereas NASA is now in competition with China, which has its sights set on landing astronauts on the moon by 2030.
The Apollo 17 crew spent nearly 13 days in space, including three on the moon, traveling 30 kilometers on the lunar rover, the furthest any crew has gone, while collecting a record-breaking 243 pounds of geological samples.
Astronaut Harrison H. Schmidt, Lunar Module Pilot, aboard the Lunar Module LM before it lifts off from the moon in 1972. Eugene A. Cernan/NASA
Schmidt recounts the unforgettable experience of entering lunar orbit in darkness on the moon’s far side, shielded from Earth’s view.
“As we were landing on the east side of the moon with the sun barely peeking over the horizon, stepping into that incredible darkness was surreal. The moon was visibly illuminated by Earth’s light, casting a beautiful bluish hue,” Schmidt reminisced.
Schmidt stands near the U.S. flag on the moon during a spacewalk on December 13, 1972. JSC/NASA
The Artemis II astronauts will have an unprecedented view of the moon’s far side.
“We’ve discovered that roughly 60% of the far side has never been seen by human eyes due to its lighting conditions,” remarked Reed Wiseman, the Artemis II mission commander. “Apollo focused on lighting for landings on the near side, but this moonwalk offers a different perspective. It’s truly remarkable.”
Following Apollo 17’s conclusion, the U.S. shifted its focus away from sustaining a human presence on the moon. The 1970s budget cuts led to the cancellation of further Apollo missions, prompting a priority shift toward the space station.
The crew of Apollo 17 captured this view of Earth on December 7, 1972, while heading toward the moon. JSC/NASA
Unlike the Apollo missions, NASA’s Artemis program intends to establish a sustainable lunar presence, laying the groundwork for future missions to Mars.
“It wouldn’t surprise me if we see people live on the moon for months or even years within our lifetime,” Schmidt expressed. “Mars is within our reach, and we will continue pushing forward.”
What fuels his optimism? “As humans, exploration is ingrained in our nature,” Schmidt asserted.
“From our origins in Africa to the present, the drive to explore and expand is deeply embedded within us,” he concludes.
Schmidt trained in the Lunar Module Simulator at Kennedy Space Center before the Apollo 17 mission in 1972. NASA
As Apollo 17 ventured away from the moon, Commander Gene Cernan remarked: “We depart just as we came; with God’s will, we will return carrying peace and hope for all mankind.”
If everything goes according to plan, Artemis II will be a significant stride in that journey. By the mission’s sixth day, the crew expects to come within just 6,000 miles of the moon’s surface, potentially reaching farther from Earth than any human has traveled before.
“This mission is essential for our nation,” Schmidt asserts. “China is clearly vying for space control, just as it is on Earth. Thus, this national initiative must be executed effectively.”
The highly anticipated Artemis II event will mark the family’s first opportunity to witness a rocket launch in person. Aaron plans to drive to Titusville, searching for a less crowded viewing spot for optimal viewing.
The surge of tourists flocking to central Florida is a significant boost for the local economy, although heavy traffic remains a challenge.
Beachfront hotels have been fully booked for weeks, if not months. Many local businesses are participating in the launch festivities, enhancing the community spirit.
The Ace Hardware sign in Titusville showcases a photo of an astronaut, advertising essential launch viewing supplies. A Cocoa Beach shop is offering commemorative items, including Artemis II Aloha shirts.
In addition, Playalinda Brewing Company has crafted a themed pale ale named Artemis IIPA.
“In 2022, Playalinda released Artemis Pale Ale, and with this new venture, we wanted to take it a step further, launching Artemis II Double IPA,” said Ronnie Chabot, one of the brewery’s four owners and operators.
After the beer went on sale on February 3, ahead of the initial launch window targeted by NASA, Chabot reported that both cans and draft beer sold out within days. The beer features a retro label showcasing a Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft, complete with an “Easter egg” for space enthusiasts—the moon depicted in its phase during the launch of Artemis II.
When NASA was forced to abandon the opening launch opportunity that same month, Playalinda decided to produce a larger batch. These cans also sold out swiftly.
“It was the fastest-selling item at the brewery,” Chabot noted.
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