Astrophysicists Discover ‘Little Red Dot’ as Early Universe’s Young Supermassive Black Hole

Posted on January 15, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Astrophysicists from the University of Copenhagen have discovered that the enigmatic “little red dots” visible in images of the early universe are rapidly growing black holes shrouded in ionized gas. This groundbreaking finding offers significant insights into the formation of supermassive black holes after the Big Bang.

The small red dot is a young supermassive black hole encased in a dense ionized cocoon. Image credits: NASA / ESA / CSA / Webb / Rusakov et al., doi: 10.1038/s41586-025-09900-4.

Since the launch of the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope in 2021, astronomers globally have been studying the red spots that appear in regions of the sky corresponding to the universe just a few hundred million years after the Big Bang.

Initial interpretations ranged from unusually massive early galaxies to unique astrophysical phenomena that challenged existing formation models.

However, after two years of extensive analysis, Professor Darach Watson and his team from the University of Copenhagen have confirmed that these points represent young black holes surrounded by a thick cocoon of ionized gas.

As these black holes consume surrounding matter, the resulting heat emits powerful radiation that penetrates the gas, creating a striking red glow captured by Webb’s advanced infrared camera.

“The little red dot is a young black hole, approximately 100 times less massive than previously estimated, encased in a gas cocoon and actively consuming gas to expand,” stated Professor Watson.

“This process generates substantial heat, illuminating the cocoon.”

“The radiation that filters through the cocoon provides these tiny red dots with their distinctive color.”

“These black holes are significantly smaller than previously thought, so there’s no need to introduce entirely new phenomena to explain them.”

Despite being the smallest black holes ever detected, these objects still weigh up to 10 million times more than the Sun and measure millions of kilometers in diameter, shedding light on how black holes accelerated their growth during the early universe.

Black holes typically operate inefficiently, as only a small fraction of the gas they attract crosses the event horizon. Much is blown back into space as high-energy outflows.

However, during this early phase, the surrounding gas cocoon serves as both a fuel source and a spotlight, enabling astronomers to observe a black hole in intense growth like never before.

This discovery is crucial for understanding how supermassive black holes, such as the one at the center of the Milky Way, grew so quickly in the universe’s first billion years.

“We observed a young black hole in a growth spurt at a stage never documented before,” Professor Watson remarked.

“The gas-dense cocoon around them supplies the rapid growth fuel they require.”

For more details, see the findings featured in this week’s edition of Nature.

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V. Rusakov et al. 2026. A small red dot like a young supermassive black hole inside a dense ionized cocoon. Nature 649, 574-579; doi: 10.1038/s41586-025-09900-4

Source: www.sci.news

Fossils Unravel the Dietary Secrets of One of History’s Strangest Animals

Posted on January 15, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

*Hallucigenia*: One of the Strangest Animals of All Time

Credit: Alamy

Hallucigenia: One of the Strangest Animals of All Time — *Hallucigenia*: One of the Strangest Animals of All Time

Credit: Alamy

Among the most peculiar creatures ever to roam the Earth is Hallucigenia, a scavenger that thrived on the carcasses of Kushi jelly. Recent studies have reinvigorated our understanding of this enigmatic organism first discovered in the 1970s.

Hallucigenia measured approximately 5 cm in length and boasted an insect-like body with multiple legs and lengthy, sharp spines along its back. Its unusual morphology led paleontologists to initially reconstruct it upside down, mistaking its vertebrae for legs.

This unique creature inhabited the deep sea during the Cambrian period, roughly 539 to 487 million years ago, when various major animal groups emerged. Hallucigenia was first identified in the Burgess Shale formation in British Columbia, Canada. It shares evolutionary ties with velvet worms, tardigrades, and arthropods, a group that includes insects and spiders.

Despite the wealth of fossils, much about the lifestyle of ancient creatures such as Hallucigenia remains a mystery. For instance, researchers have yet to determine what they fed on, as existing fossils have not preserved intestinal contents.

Harvard University’s Javier Ortega Hernandez has conducted a thorough investigation of the Burgess Shale fossils. He revisited the original description of Hallucigenia in 1977, which had not been revisited until now.

Among the findings was a fragment of a severely damaged, soft-bodied gelatinous organism measuring 3.5 cm by 1.9 cm, which Ortega Hernández identified as a comb jelly (ctenophore).

He proposed that the spines attributed to Hallucigenia represent a group of seven individuals that voraciously fed on a dead Kushi jelly, which had drifted to the ocean floor. This event likely involved suction feeding, as they were all eventually enveloped in sediment and transformed into fossils.

Ortega Hernández opted against interviews for New Scientist since this research is currently pending peer review.

“This represents a fascinating ecological interaction,” remarks paleontologist Alison Daly from the University of Lausanne, Switzerland, referring to these findings as “snapshots” that capture fleeting moments in the fossil record, lasting perhaps only a few minutes or hours.

As noted by Daly, Hallucigenia thrived in the nutrient-poor depths of the ocean, so it’s plausible that these creatures survived by rapidly locating and consuming abundant food sources like deceased Kushi jelly. “Suction feeding is highly effective for soft-bodied organisms,” she comments.

However, Jean-Bernard Caron of the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto expresses some skepticism. The fact that fossils of ctenophores were found in proximity to Hallucigenia does not definitively indicate interaction, he suggests, as an underwater landslide could have transported them to the same resting place.

Furthermore, Caron proposes an alternative interpretation: the discovered fossils may simply be detached spines, indicating that these creatures may have shed their skin as they grew.

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Exploring the Distant ‘Little Red Dot’ Galaxy: Possible Discovery of a Baby Black Hole

Posted on January 15, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Exploring ‘Small Red Dots’ Unveiled by the James Webb Space Telescope

Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI, and D. Kocevski (Colby U.)/Space Telescope Science Institute Public Extension Office

James Webb Space Telescope red galaxy discovery — Exploring ‘Small Red Dots’ Unveiled by the James Webb Space Telescope

Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI, and D. Kocevski (Colby U.)/Space Telescope Science Institute Public Extension Office

The remarkable bright galaxies uncovered by the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) may not be as brilliant as initially thought. These celestial bodies once posed a challenge to our cosmic understanding, implying they were home to supermassive black holes and an unexpected abundance of stars. However, new insights suggest these galaxies may harbor “baby” black holes.

During its initial years surveying the early Universe, JWST serendipitously discovered numerous bright and red galaxies, referred to as “little red dots” (LRDs).

The light emitted by these galaxies indicates the presence of far more mass than previously recognized in any other galaxy. They exhibit star densities that challenge existing models or host black holes larger than expected considering the size of their parent galaxies.

Both scenarios would necessitate a substantial overhaul of our galaxy formation and black hole growth theories in the early Universe.

Initial assumptions posited that the red hue of LRDs was due to copious dust surrounding the black holes or stars. This notion has come under scrutiny, as researchers find little evidence of dust in these extraordinary galaxies.

Jenny Green, a researcher at Princeton University, posits that this discovery warrants a reevaluation of LRD characteristics. “We were confident that if red coloration was due to dust, we’d detect dust emissions. However, we found none,” Green stated. “This suggests our initial assumption about their dust content was flawed.”

Previous analyses gauged the total brightness of the LRDs by assessing specific wavelengths of light linked to hydrogen, calibrated against a model of how dust impacts this light.

In their recent study, Green and her team measured the total light output from two LRD galaxies across various light frequencies, including X-rays and infrared. They discovered that, except for visible light, these galaxies emitted significantly less light than the typical galaxy—implying that LRDs are at least ten times dimmer than earlier estimates. This revelation holds critical implications for the nature of black holes within LRDs.

“If the emitted light is substantially less than we’ve believed, the mass of the black holes is likely much more modest,” Green remarked. “This reduces the tensions that have perplexed us since the black holes no longer need to be exceedingly massive or possess substantial mass initially.”

The new emission patterns imply the black holes may harbor less mass compared to standard black holes. Rohan Naidu from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology describes them as “baby black holes.” He further noted these findings align with the emerging perspective that LRD black holes could be categorized as black hole stars—a unique type of black hole encased in gas.

“In a typical black hole, what we observe is merely a fraction of the total energy emitted by the system. However, we should reconsider the little red dots as bulging black hole stars,” Naidu explained. “Most of their energy appears to be emitted at wavelengths we can detect, suggesting that what we see accurately reflects their output.”

Conversely, Roberto Maiorino from the University of Cambridge emphasizes that one cannot definitively ascertain the black hole’s mass within an LRD, as the emitted light reveals its growth rate rather than its total mass.

Green asserts that the notion of baby black holes holds merit. “If the photon count is significantly lower,” she noted, “this indicates a downward shift in the entire mass scale. On average, they possess lesser masses than previously assumed when we incorrectly categorized them as regular accreting black holes enshrouded in dust.”

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6 Expert Tips from a Pediatrician to Foster a Healthy Relationship with Food in Your Child

Posted on January 15, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Parents Can Foster Healthy Eating Habits in Children

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Explore the latest science news and in-depth articles on technology, health, and the environment on our site and magazine. — Parents Can Foster Healthy Eating Habits in Children

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Nancy Bostock, a pediatrician at Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, is deeply concerned about the conflicting messages regarding food that children and parents receive. With her expertise in children’s weight management and mental health, she has co-led the creation of innovative food strategies. For more information, visit Cambridge Children’s Hospital.

“I worry that parents may feel overwhelmed by advice from various sources, leading them to adopt practices that might not serve their children’s best interests,” Bostock explains. In her interview with New Scientist, she shares six straightforward, science-based strategies to help children cultivate a healthy relationship with food.

1. Emphasize the Social and Emotional Dimensions of Eating

Eating, parenting, and anxiety are intertwined. This can manifest early in life. Some families experience food insecurity shortly after the birth of a child, pressuring parents to breastfeed. While breastfeeding is undoubtedly beneficial, it is also crucial for the mother’s mental health. Common early-life challenges such as hypoglycemia and jaundice can induce parental guilt over inadequate nourishment.

This stress often leads parents to excessively monitor their children’s eating habits, overshadowing the fundamental relationship between children and food. Remember, most children will eat when hungry and drink when thirsty.

Many parents fret about whether their children drink enough water. However, as long as your child is thriving, there’s no need to constantly check their hydration levels. Trust your child’s instincts.

Additionally, consider the social dynamics of family meals. Reflect on mealtime experiences: do you all eat together? Are meals enjoyable and relaxed? Foster a positive and communal atmosphere surrounding food.

2. Avoid Saying, “I Can’t Eat the Dessert Until I Finish My Dinner.”

Allowing children to regulate their own appetite fosters healthier eating habits as they grow. Minimize parental interference: promote that food is a source of nourishment and energy, and let your child understand their bodily needs.

Statements like “you can’t have dessert until finishing dinner” can lead to unhealthy binge eating. If dessert is always sweet and rich, children might favor less nutritious foods over time, sending a negative message about enjoying food. Instead, serve dinner followed by fruit if desired.

3. Refrain from Imposing Unnecessary Dietary Restrictions

Amidst abundant dietary advice, parents often seek guidance from nutritionists or behavioral specialists to manage children’s eating habits. However, many recommendations to restrict particular foods lack medical foundation. For instance, enforcing a gluten-free diet without celiac disease could have negative effects, including fiber loss and nutrient deficiencies.

Moreover, outright banning certain foods can create a perception of them being “unsafe.” Research suggests that a healthier approach is to prioritize the intake of nutrient-rich foods—fiber, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains—over eliminating food groups.

4. Prevent Children from Using Food for Manipulation

Parents often worry about their children’s eating habits or how their behavior might change if they don’t eat enough. Kids quickly pick up on their parents’ concerns and may manipulate situations with food. Phrases like “If I don’t have ice cream right now, I’ll be sad” can escalate the situation and, if parents give in, this only reinforces bad behavior. Instead, communicate that eating is for energy and health, not a bargaining tool. Offer choices without pressure, like fruit or yogurt if they don’t want the main meal.

5. Recognize That Likes and Dislikes Are Normal

It’s normal for children to become picky eaters as they develop. Research shows that a significant percentage of preschoolers exhibit selective eating behaviors. This phase helps children differentiate safe from unsafe foods. Rather than imposing restrictions, present new foods without pressure; studies suggest children typically need about 15 positive exposures to a new food before accepting it.

While it’s essential to avoid foods known to cause allergies, continued exposure to a range of foods is crucial for health, environmental sustainability, and diverse life experiences. Offer variety and understand that tolerance can precede acceptance.

6. Reflect on Your Own Eating Behaviors

Children mirror their parents’ attitudes and beliefs about food. It’s vital to model healthy perspectives. If you express negativity about your body or weight, children may internalize similar thoughts. Evidence shows kids often adopt their parents’ biases. Hence, the best way to nurture a positive relationship with food and body image in your child is to cultivate one in yourself.

As narrated by Helen Thomson

If your child’s diet is excessively restricted, or if they are not growing or gaining weight appropriately, please consult a healthcare professional.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Transforming Perspectives: How Non-Human Cultures Influence Our Understanding of Nature

Posted on January 15, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

New Scientist: Explore the latest science news and research articles from expert journalists covering advancements in science, technology, health, and environment.

Over 50 years ago, Jane Goodall amazed the scientific community by discovering that chimpanzees in Tanzania use tools to extract insects from termite mounds—an act previously thought to be exclusive to humans. Her mentor, Louis Leakey, famously remarked, “Now we either need to redefine ‘tool,’ redefine ‘human,’ or accept chimpanzees as humans.”

Today, research supports the notion that a variety of species engage in learning and exhibit cultural behaviors. A recent study published in the Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B, co-led by Philippa Brakes, showcases evidence of cultural learning across species, from whales to wallabies.

For many species, sharing culturally transmitted behaviors is crucial for survival, aiding skill development and adaptability in shifting environments. In the realm of conservation, these insights are beginning to transform practices, from species reintroduction to mitigating human-wildlife conflicts over habitat use.

Moreover, the concept of “longevity conservation” is gaining popularity. Research shows that some of the longest-lived animals have developed remarkable genetic adaptations to cope with extended lifespans while serving as custodians of shared ecological knowledge. Older individuals often possess critical information that aids adaptation to environmental changes. For instance, species like Greenland sharks and giant tortoises reveal biochemical strategies for resisting cancer and cellular repair over centuries.

As our understanding expands, we are compelled to rethink what qualifies a site as a ‘World Heritage Site.’ If whales and birds possess cultural traditions, shouldn’t we regard the loss of their songs and foraging methods with as much seriousness as the loss of human monuments? Although this perspective may seem radical, it is indeed worth considering.

Many indigenous communities have long recognized the knowledge-sharing among species. Collaborative relationships, such as those between killer whales and indigenous hunters in Australia, as well as bottlenose dolphins aiding fishermen in Brazil, illustrate the importance of listening to nature.

Understanding the knowledge shared by other animals can inspire us to rethink controversial technologies like “eradication.” Without elder guides to teach young hybrids migration paths and social norms, revived individuals may struggle to survive in current habitats.

Perhaps the most significant challenge posed by a human cross-cultural perspective is the assumption of human exceptionalism. The more we learn about the cultures of other species, the more we recognize that we coexist with a diverse array of beings, each with their own values and emotions.

It took over 50 years for the importance of non-human cultures highlighted in Goodall’s findings to gain traction among conservation groups. As time progresses, we continue to dismantle the myth of human exceptionalism. We do not need to explore distant galaxies to find intelligent, civilized beings; numerous other cultural life forms already share our planet. Embracing this knowledge can drive the transformative changes necessary to fulfill our commitments as guardians of this rich biocultural diversity.

Philippa Brakes is a behavioral ecologist at Massey University in New Zealand. Mark Bekoff is Professor Emeritus at the University of Colorado Boulder.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

How Major AI Models Can Promote Hazardous Scientific Experiments: Risks and Implications

Posted on January 15, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Scientific Laboratories: A Potential Hazard

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Researchers caution that the implementation of AI models in scientific laboratories poses risks, potentially leading to dangerous experiments that could result in fires or explosions. While these models offer a convincing semblance of understanding, they might lack essential safety protocols. Recent testing on 19 advanced AI models revealed that all of them are capable of making critical errors.

Although severe accidents in academic laboratories are uncommon, they are not unheard of. Chemist Karen Wetterhahn tragically lost her life in 1997 due to dimethylmercury penetrating her protective gloves. In another incident in 2016, a researcher suffered severe injuries from an explosion; and in 2014, another scientist was partially blinded.

AI models are increasingly being utilized across various industries, including research institutions, for experiment and procedure design. Specialized AI tools have demonstrated success in various scientific sectors, such as biology, meteorology, and mathematics. However, general-purpose models often generate inaccurate responses due to gaps in their data access. While this may be manageable in casual applications like travel planning or cooking, it poses life-threatening risks when devising chemical experiments.

To assess these risks, Zhang Xiangliang, a professor at the University of Notre Dame, developed LabSafety Bench, a testing mechanism that evaluates whether an AI model can recognize potential dangers and adverse outcomes. This includes 765 multiple-choice questions and 404 scenario-based illustrations that highlight safety concerns.

In multiple-choice assessments, some AI models, like Vicuna, scored barely above random guessing, while GPT-4o achieved an 86.55% accuracy rate, and DeepSeek-R1 reached 84.49%. In image-based evaluations, models like InstructBlip-7B demonstrated less than 30% accuracy. The team evaluated 19 state-of-the-art large-scale language models (LLMs) and vision-language models and found that none surpassed a 70% overall accuracy.

Although Zhang expresses optimism about the future of AI in scientific applications, particularly in “self-driving laboratories” where robots operate autonomously, he underscores that these models are not yet equipped to plan experiments effectively. “Currently? In the lab? I don’t think so. These models are primarily trained for general tasks, such as email drafting or paper summarization, excelling in those areas but lacking expertise in laboratory safety,” he states.

An OpenAI representative commented, “We welcome research aimed at making AI safe and reliable in scientific settings, particularly where safety is a concern.” They noted that the recent tests had not included any of their major models. “GPT-5.2 is the most advanced scientific model to date, offering enhanced reasoning, planning, and error detection capabilities to support researchers better while ensuring that human oversight remains paramount for safety-critical decisions.”

Requests for comments from Google, DeepSeek, Meta, Mistral, and Anthropic went unanswered.

Alan Tucker from Brunel University in London asserts that while AI models may prove incredibly useful for aiding human experiment design, their deployment must be approached cautiously. He emphasizes, “It’s evident that new generations of LLMs are being utilized inappropriately because of misplaced trust. Evidence suggests that people may be relying too heavily on AI to perform critical tasks without adequate oversight.”

Craig Malik, a professor at UCLA, shared his recent experience testing an AI model’s response to a hypothetical sulfuric acid spill. The correct procedure—rinsing with water—was contrary to the model’s repeated warnings against it, which instead offered unrelated advice about potential heat buildup. However, he noted that the model’s responses had improved in recent months.

Malik stressed the necessity of fostering robust safety practices among new students due to their inexperience. Yet he remains more optimistic than some peers about the role AI could play in experimental design, stating, “Are they worse than humans? While it’s valid to critique these large-scale models, it’s important to realize they haven’t been tested against a representative human cohort. Some individuals are very cautious, while others are not. It’s conceivable that these models could outperform a percentage of novice graduates or even experienced researchers. Moreover, these models are continuously evolving, indicating that the findings from this paper may be outdated within months.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

NASA Astronaut Exits Space Station Early Over Health Concerns, Resulting in Droplets Falling

Posted on January 15, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Four astronauts successfully returned to Earth early Thursday morning, concluding an eventful and extraordinary week in space. The crew made an early departure from the International Space Station as a result of medical issues that emerged during their mission.

NASA astronauts Zena Cardman, Mike Finke, Japanese astronaut Kamiya Yui, and Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platonov made a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean near San Diego at 3:41 a.m. ET after an 11-hour journey.

“On behalf of SpaceX and NASA, welcome home, Crew-11,” mission controllers communicated to the astronauts shortly after the Dragon capsule’s touchdown.

This return marks a historic moment, being the first instance in the ISS’s 25-year history where a mission was terminated early due to medical complications.

On Thursday, SpaceX’s Crew Dragon Endeavor spacecraft splashed down in the Pacific Ocean near San Diego, California.
NASA

Out of respect for medical privacy, NASA has not disclosed the identities of the crew members involved or specific details surrounding the medical incident. The situation remains stable and is not deemed an emergency.

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman stated in a recent press conference that the early return decision was made with an emphasis on precaution.

The medical issue led to the cancellation of a planned spacewalk scheduled for January 8, during which Cardman and Finke were set to perform modifications outside the ISS.

The recovery team approaches the Dragon capsule.
NASA

Prior to leaving the space station, Finke reassured that he and his colleagues were “stable, safe, and well cared for.”

“This decision was made to facilitate proper medical evaluation in a controlled environment with complete diagnostic capabilities,” Finke mentioned in a statement on LinkedIn. “While it’s bittersweet, it’s the right call.”

The astronauts returned in the same SpaceX Dragon capsule that had transported them to the ISS.

The return mission proceeded without incident, with air traffic controllers reporting favorable weather conditions at the landing site off the California coast. The capsule’s drogue and main parachutes deployed successfully just before landing, ensuring a safe splashdown.

NASA’s Crew 11 Endeavor spacecraft during recovery efforts.
NASA

SpaceX recovery teams promptly arrived to assess the capsule and ensure it was safe to open the hatch. Dolphins were also spotted joyfully swimming in the vicinity.

The Crew-11 astronauts spent 165 days aboard the space station. For Cardman and Platonov, this represents their first spaceflight, while Yui has now completed her second journey. Finke has successfully finished four missions in total.

The astronauts were scheduled to stay on the ISS until late February but returned early, leaving only three crew members onboard: NASA’s Chris Williams and Russian cosmonauts Sergei Kud-Sverchkov and Sergei Mikayev.

Inside the International Space Station’s Kibo Experiment Module: NASA astronaut Mike Finke, Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Platonov, NASA astronaut Zena Cardman, and JAXA astronaut Kamiya Yui.
NASA/AP

The next crew rotation for the space station is expected to launch by February 15, but NASA is exploring options for an expedited flight. Nonetheless, Williams is likely to be the only NASA astronaut responsible for U.S. scientific experiments and operations at the station for several weeks to come.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

14,400-Year-Old Woolly Rhinoceros Genome Reveals No Signs of Recent Inbreeding

Posted on January 15, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

The Woolly Rhino (Coelodonta antiquitatis) is a fascinating cold-adapted herbivore that went extinct approximately 14,000 years ago. Despite its extinction, little is understood about the factors leading to its population decline. A recent study by scientists from the Center for Paleogenetics and Stockholm University successfully generated a high-coverage genome from one of the last known woolly rhinoceros specimens, recovered from the stomach of a frozen wolf pup in Siberian permafrost. This genomic analysis, when combined with data from two other late Pleistocene woolly rhinoceroses, reveals that the population was stable, lacking any genomic evidence of rapid declines before extinction—contrasting sharply with other endangered and extinct species.

This depiction of a Pleistocene landscape in northern Spain features woolly mammoths (Mammuthus primigenius), equids, woolly rhinoceros (Coelodonta antiquitatis), and the European cave lion (Panthera leo spelaea) alongside reindeer carcasses. Image credit: Mauricio Anton.

The woolly rhino, a cold-adapted herbivore, first appeared around 350,000 years ago and thrived across northern Eurasia until its extinction roughly 14,000 years ago.

Its habitat began to contract eastward approximately 35,000 years ago, likely due to adverse environmental conditions in Western Europe.

This species persisted in northeastern Siberia and showcased complex range shifts in response to changing environments until disappearing from the fossil record.

Earlier genomic studies have shown no signs of recent inbreeding in individuals dating back 18,400 and 48,500 years; however, this is the first time an entire genome has been successfully recovered from a specimen so close to the extinction timeline.

“Recovering genomes from individuals that lived just before extinction is challenging but crucial for understanding a species’ decline, which can inform current conservation efforts for endangered species,” stated Dr. Camilo Chacon-Duque, the lead author of the study.

The newly sequenced woolly rhinoceros genome was sourced from muscle tissue found within a permafrost-preserved wolf pup recovered from northeastern Siberia.

Radiocarbon dating indicates that both the wolf and the tissue are about 14,400 years old, making it one of the youngest known woolly rhino remains.

“Sequencing the entire genome of an Ice Age animal found in another animal’s stomach is unprecedented,” Dr. Chacon-Duque commented.

By comparing this genome with two previously published late Pleistocene woolly rhinoceros genomes, researchers assessed genome-wide diversity, inbreeding, genetic load, and population size changes before extinction.

Results indicated a lack of long homozygous segments typically seen in populations experiencing recent inbreeding, suggesting stability in population size just centuries before extinction.

“DNA extraction from such a rare sample was both thrilling and immensely challenging,” said Solveig Gjonsdottir, the lead study author.

Researchers also mapped changes in effective population size and found no decline at the beginning of the Inter-Bolling-Allerod warm period, starting around 14,700 years ago.

The data imply that woolly rhinoceros extinction likely happened rapidly during this climate change period, or over a timeframe that left no detectable genomic evidence.

“Our analysis reveals an unexpectedly stable genetic pattern, showcasing unaltered inbreeding levels over tens of thousands of years prior to the woolly rhino’s extinction,” said co-author Dr. Edana Lord.

“Our findings indicate that woolly rhinos maintained viable populations for 15,000 years following the arrival of the first humans in northeastern Siberia. This suggests that climate warming, rather than human hunting, was the primary driver of their extinction,” co-author Professor Rab Dalen concluded.

For further details, refer to the study results published in Genome Biology and Evolution.

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Solveig M. Gudjonsdottir et al. 2026. Genome reveals no recent inbreeding in endangered woolly rhinoceros sample found in ancient wolf stomach. Genome Biology and Evolution 18 (1): evaf239; doi: 10.1093/gbe/evaf239

Source: www.sci.news

Scientists Find Woolly Rhinoceros DNA in Stomach of Mummified Wolf Pup

Posted on January 14, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Two ancient wolf cubs, discovered buried in the Siberian permafrost over a decade ago, are now shedding new light on their past through rich DNA evidence hidden in their remains.

For the first time, researchers have uncovered a piece of woolly rhino meat—an animal comparable in size to modern white rhinos but with a thick furry coat—preserved in the stomach of one of the wolf puppies. The DNA from this meat and fur has remarkably survived for over 14,000 years under the ice, enabling scientists to sequence the entire genome. They published their findings in the Wednesday Journal “Genome Biology and Evolution”.

“This is the first instance where an entire genome has been reconstructed from an Ice Age animal found within another Ice Age animal,” stated study author Camilo Chacón-Duque, an evolutionary biologist from Uppsala University in Sweden. “The genome quality is exceptional and of high resolution.”

A piece of woolly rhinoceros tissue found in the stomach of a preserved wolf pup in Stockholm in 2020.love darren

The woolly rhinoceros in question went extinct approximately 14,400 years ago, just a few hundred years prior to its disappearance from the fossil record. This gives researchers a unique glimpse into the genome of a species on the brink of extinction.

“This sample represents the youngest woolly rhinoceros ever sequenced, marking the closest proximity of the species to extinction,” Chacon-Duque noted.

Evolutionary biologists have long debated whether it was human hunters or climate change that ultimately led to the woolly rhinoceros’s extinction. New genomic data indicates that the population may have been robust until its sudden decline.

Tumat-1 wolf pup in Vienna in 2018.Miech Germonpre

The first of the two small puppies was discovered by ivory hunters searching for mammoth tusks in Siberia nearly 15 years ago, with the other being found four years later.

These mummified animals, known as the “Tumat pups,” have unexpectedly aided scientists in exploring the fate of another species.

According to the research, both puppies were female and likely littermates, found just six feet apart and sharing several DNA traits, as noted in a study published in Quaternary Research magazine last year.

A section of permafrost where a Tumat wolf pup was discovered near the Russian village of Tumato in 2011. Co-author Sergei Fedorov and his colleagues are in the foreground.Sergey Fedorov

“They died at a young age, around nine weeks,” explained Anne-Catherine Wyborg Runge, co-author of the Quaternary research paper. “At that age, they still had their baby teeth.”

Initial studies suggested that thawing permafrost may have triggered landslides, entombing the wolves in ice and snow, although it’s also possible that the puppies perished due to a collapsing burrow.

“They would have been buried instantly and then frozen for 14,000 years,” noted Runge’s co-author Nathan Wales, a senior archaeology lecturer at the University of York, UK.

Interestingly, the puppies were discovered near where ancient humans hunted woolly mammoths, suggesting they might have been domesticated dogs rather than wild wolves. However, no mammoth DNA was found in the pup’s stomach. Researchers believe one pup’s last meal was woolly rhinoceros meat, while the other had recently eaten a bird, leaving behind rhino meat and some feathers in the permafrost.

Study co-authors Sergei Fedorov and Mikkel Sinding conducted an autopsy in Vienna in 2018 on a Tumat wolf pup whose stomach contained woolly rhinoceros tissue fragments.Miech Germonpre

In a recent study published Wednesday, Chacón-Duque sequenced resilient chunks of meat from the animal’s last meal.

“This piece had remained in the pup’s stomach for years. It’s truly remarkable,” Runge remarked.

Although complete woolly rhinoceros genomes are rare, researchers compared their findings with two other high-quality genomes from rhinos that went extinct approximately 18,000 and 49,000 years ago.

Rab Dalen, co-author of the new study, poses with a woolly rhinoceros horn.Irina Kirilova

Chacón-Duque and team detected no signs of inbreeding or harmful mutations within the population, indicating it was robust.

“They haven’t identified any indicators suggesting population collapse, which is peculiar considering the species went extinct,” noted Wales, an ancient DNA expert not involved in the study.

Several centuries after the woolly rhinoceros roamed these areas, a significant warming phase commenced in the Northern Hemisphere, marking the end of the Ice Age. Study authors believe this newly sequenced DNA supports the hypothesis that climate change contributed to the woolly rhino’s extinction.

J Camilo Chacón Duque, co-author of the groundbreaking study.Natalia Romagosa

Chacón-Duque posits that the rising temperatures likely exert stress on cold-adapted populations, and human expansion could have facilitated the spread of diseases affecting the woolly rhino.

“All these factors likely interacted synergistically, contributing to the species’ ultimate demise,” Chacón-Duque concluded. “Without a doubt, climate change played a significant role.”

Mick Westbury, an associate professor and expert on ancient rhinos from the Technical University of Denmark, agrees with the theory’s plausibility.

However, Westbury points out that rare ancient DNA can pose interpretation challenges and that generational changes can heavily impact a species’ genetics. The woolly rhinoceros may have been at risk even if genetic analyses did not immediately indicate it.

“Sometimes, genomics alone doesn’t provide the complete picture,” Westbury remarked.

Nonetheless, Westbury suggests that these findings could offer vital insights for conservation efforts as human-induced climate change becomes an increasing threat to existing species.

“Our results indicate that the woolly rhino does not appear to be on the brink of extinction,” Westbury noted. “A species may seem genetically viable on the surface but still face vulnerabilities.”

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Protecting Lives: How Subsidence in River Deltas Increases Flood Risk for Millions

Posted on January 14, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Thailand’s Chao Phraya River Delta: Rapidly Sinking

Channon Kanjanavasoonthara/Getty Images

The Chao Phraya River Delta, one of the most economically and environmentally vital deltas globally, is sinking at alarming rates, threatening millions with severe flooding. Recent satellite data analysis reveals that subsidence in river deltas is becoming a greater danger to local communities than rising sea levels.

Approximately 500 million people inhabit this delta, including some of the world’s most impoverished communities. This expansive lowland area houses 10 megacities, each boasting populations exceeding 10 million.

Manuchel Shirzai and his team at Virginia Tech researched subsidence rates in 40 global deltas, including the Mekong, Mississippi, Amazon, Zambezi, Yangtze, and Nile rivers.

Shirzaei noted, “As deltas sink, global sea levels are also rising by about 4 millimeters annually, creating a compounded risk of flooding.”

The research utilized data from 2014 to 2023 collected by the European Space Agency’s Sentinel 1 satellite radar, which can detect changes in ground distance with precision up to 0.5 mm. Across the 40 studied deltas, over one-third showed signs of subsidence, with more than half of the area affected in 38 of these regions.

“In numerous cases, land subsidence contributes more to relative sea level rise than the ocean itself,” Shirzaei asserted. “In 18 out of 40 deltas, average subsidence rates surpass sea level rise, with the impacts being significantly pronounced in areas located less than 1 meter above sea level.”

The Chao Phraya Delta, where Bangkok is situated, ranks as the most affected among 40 nations concerning subsidence rates and impacted areas. Here, the average subsidence rate reaches 8 mm per year, which is double the global average for sea level rise, with 94% of the delta sinking at rates above 5 mm per year.

As a result of combined land subsidence and sea level rise, Bangkok and the Chao Phraya Delta confront a formidable projected sea level rise of 12.3 millimeters per year. Other cities like Alexandria in Egypt and Jakarta and Surabaya in Indonesia share similar predicaments of rapid land subsidence.

The researchers analyzed three major anthropogenic pressures: groundwater extraction, sediment alteration, and urban growth to assess their impacts on delta subsidence. Shirzaei explained that upstream dams, levees, and river engineering limit sediment input, which is crucial for delta maintenance, while urban development escalates pressure on delta surfaces and heightens water demand, furthering groundwater depletion.

Among these factors, groundwater extraction poses the most significant impact overall, although specific delta areas may be more influenced by sediment shifts and urbanization, the study found.

Shirzaei emphasized, “It would be misguided for policymakers to concentrate solely on sea level rise due to climate change and overlook local land subsidence. Unlike global sea level rise, human-driven land subsidence can often be tackled locally through groundwater regulation, managed aquifer recharge, and sediment management.”

He also pointed out that water-intensive facilities, such as data centers, may exacerbate this issue. “Our findings reveal that groundwater extraction is a major contributor to accelerated land subsidence in numerous delta regions, which can worsen when such facilities depend on local water sources,” he remarked.

In already vulnerable areas like the Mekong Delta, increasing water demand may hasten land subsidence, jeopardizing drainage, flood protection systems, and the durability of crucial infrastructure. “This doesn’t suggest data centers should be avoided altogether in the delta, but they must prioritize groundwater conservation, minimize overall water use, and take land subsidence into account,” said Shirzaei.

Topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Ancient Woolly Rhinoceros Genome Found in Frozen Wolf Pup’s Stomach Meat

Posted on January 14, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Woolly Rhinoceros: Icon of the Last Ice Age

History Collection / Alamy

Woolly Rhinoceros - an ancient herbivore — Woolly Rhinoceros: Icon of the Last Ice Age

History Collection / Alamy

A recently reconstructed genome from a piece of flesh found in the stomach of a wolf pup, dated to 14,400 years ago, reveals that the woolly rhinoceros was genetically robust despite its close proximity to extinction.

While the exact cause of the young female wolf pup’s death, near present-day Tumato in northern Siberia, remains a mystery, it is believed she and her sister, referred to as Tumat puppies, had recently consumed woolly rhinoceros meat (Coelodonta antiquitatis). Their mother inadvertently caused their burial in permafrost when their burrow collapsed.

The first puppy was discovered on-site in 2011, with the second found in 2015. Examination of one puppy’s stomach contents revealed remnants of woolly rhino meat.

Edana Road, a member of the research team at Stockholm University, remarked that the preserved material resembled “fluffy jerky.”

“It was astonishing to see hair still intact,” Lord commented.

Lord stated that the preservation of the tissue was almost miraculous.

“It’s remarkable that, thousands of years later, we retrieved a beautifully preserved mummified wolf pup, analyzed its stomach contents, and uncovered this woolly rhinoceros tissue, shedding light on a previously different species,” Lord adds.

Tumat Wolf Pup: Evidence of Woolly Rhinoceros Diet

Mietje Germonpre

Lord’s team successfully reconstructed the woolly rhinoceros genome, identifying it as a female with no signs of inbreeding.

This groundbreaking finding is significant because it marks the first time DNA has been recovered from a woolly rhinoceros close to the time of its extinction.

The cause behind the woolly rhinoceros’ extinction remains a topic of debate, encompassing the impacts of human hunting, climate change, and inbreeding.

Another researcher on the team, Darren Love, noted that the sample’s hair was yellowish, leading to initial thoughts that it belonged to a cave lion carcass (Panthera spelaea) until DNA analysis was performed.

“As far as I know, sequencing an entire ancient genome from stomach contents has never been accomplished before,” Darren stated.

The research team compared the new genome with two others from the woolly rhinoceros, dating back 18,000 and 49,000 years, discovering no evolution in genetic diversity or inbreeding levels over time.

“Had populations dwindled, we would expect a drop in genetic diversity among woolly rhinoceroses, alongside an increase in inbreeding,” Darren explained.

The researchers concluded that the most probable driver behind the woolly rhinoceros extinction was a rapid climate shift between 14,700 and 12,900 years ago, during the Bølling-Allerød Interstadial, which drastically altered the species’ habitat.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

China’s Ambitious Plan: Why Is the Nation Aiming to Launch 200,000 Satellites?

Posted on January 14, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Increasing Traffic in Earth’s Orbit

Maciej Florow/Getty Images

Busy Earth Orbit — Increasing Traffic in Earth’s Orbit

Maciej Florow/Getty Images

China has proposed launching nearly 200,000 satellites into Earth orbit, potentially aiming to secure orbital space rather than genuinely establishing the largest satellite constellation.

On December 29, China’s newly formed Radio Technology Innovation Research Institute submitted a proposal for two satellite constellations, CTC-1 and CTC-2, to the Chinese government and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), which manages frequency allocations in space.

Each constellation will consist of 96,714 satellites arranged across 3,660 orbits. This starkly contrasts with the current active satellite count of approximately 14,300, of which around 9,400 are SpaceX’s Starlink satellites, providing internet service. SpaceX has also applied to the ITU for a total of 42,000 satellites.

Victoria Samson from the US nonprofit Secure World Foundation indicates that this application might reflect a strategy of land grabbing in space. “They might be preparing for something much larger,” she suggests.

By raising this claim with the ITU, other satellite operators intending to launch in the same orbits must prove that their operations won’t be affected. According to ITU regulations, at least one satellite must be launched within seven years of the initial application, and all proposed satellites must be deployed within another seven-year timeframe.

“If you apply early and meet the deadlines, you can deter others from launching in your designated space,” states Tim Farrar, a US satellite communications expert. He further clarifies that China’s extensive applications for multiple orbits suggest some uncertainty in their constellation plans, giving them flexibility. “There’s almost no penalty for doing it this way.”

However, should this application be legitimate, achieving such a launch scale appears nearly impossible. In 2025, China achieved a record of 92 rocket launches. To deploy 200,000 satellites within seven years would necessitate launching over 500 each week, translating to hundreds or even thousands of launches annually.

This is not the first instance of spatial land grabbing; Rwanda previously applied to the ITU for a constellation of 327,000 satellites in 2021, yet this did not impede the operations of Starlink and other satellite providers. “Operations remain largely unchanged,” remarks Farrar. “It seems doubtful that Rwanda will achieve such a massive number of satellite deployments.”

China’s proposal underscores the intensifying rivalry among mega-constellation players, particularly among space internet companies vying for a market potentially encompassing millions or more, thus influencing global information distribution. Many entities are racing to catch up to SpaceX, including Amazon’s Project Leo (formerly Project Kuiper), which has launched about 200 of its intended 3,236 satellites. Additionally, China’s state-backed constellations, Qianfan and Wang, have launched several hundred of their anticipated thousands.

“Fifteen years ago, the notion of a single constellation hosting 1,000 satellites seemed far-fetched,” states Samson. “Currently, over 9,000 personnel are engaged in Starlink operations.”

Explore Astronomy in Chile

Discover Chile’s astronomical treasures. Visit the most advanced observatory in the world and gaze at the stars under the clearest skies on Earth.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Here are three SEO-optimized title variations for your article: 1. “Discover 3 Unique Techniques to Calm Your Mind in the New Year” 2. “New Year, New You: 3 Unconventional Ways to Achieve Inner Peace” 3. “Explore 3 Surprising Methods to Calm Your Mind This New Year”

Posted on January 14, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Stress Management Tips — Borut Trdina/Getty Images

If you’re considering running a marathon or starting an intense exercise program this January, why not opt for a simpler goal to enhance your well-being in 2026?

Setting an objective to calm your mind may not sound ambitious, but it offers significant health benefits. A growing body of research highlights the negative impact of stress on overall health, particularly on heart health. Techniques to achieve a calm state can elevate self-reported happiness, enhance emotional regulation, and improve sleep quality research suggests.

This calmness counteracts “allostatic load,” a term used by Sula Windgassen, a health psychologist and author of the upcoming book Everything is Inside Your Body. Chronic stress contributes to wear and tear on the body, overburdening key regulatory systems like metabolic, neuroendocrine, cardiovascular, and immune functions, which can eventually lead to disease.

When discussing stress relief, you’ve likely come across traditional advice such as exercise and deep breathing techniques. While these methods are scientifically validated, there’s emerging evidence pointing to additional calming strategies beyond a digital detox or time spent in nature.

Develop a Sense of Control

Research shows that enhancing your perception of control over stressors can aid in managing them. For example, in a study, participants who completed daily questionnaires about their stressors reported that feeling in control correlated with resolving stress more effectively.

“It’s not that the stressor goes away; rather, individuals feel empowered to address it, letting it go or resolving it,” says David M. Almeida from Pennsylvania State University, a key researcher in the study.

Achieving this sense of control involves small, manageable changes. “Feeling in control doesn’t imply you have everything figured out; it means being aware of factors you can influence during stressful situations.” This might look like deciding your response, determining when to engage, or finding a resolution path.

Interestingly, your age may influence how easily you feel in control. “Longitudinal studies indicate that while older adults may feel less control over work demands and family matters, they often maintain a strong sense of control in interpersonal conflicts,” Almeida explains. “This allows individuals to focus on what truly matters.”

Practice Self-Compassion

Research increasingly supports the idea that self-kindness can mitigate stress’s adverse effects on mental health, as indicated in a 2024 study. This research assessed self-compassion levels and participants rated statements such as, “I strive to understand and be patient with parts of my personality I dislike.” Researchers later investigated how these feelings affected coping mechanisms.

Data revealed that increased self-compassion fostered healthier coping strategies, enhancing psychological well-being while reducing anxiety, depression, and stress during a six-week study period.

Using Various Self-Care Techniques for Inner Calm

Drew Angerer/Getty Images

These findings support earlier research, which suggests that self-compassion can buffer against the harsh realities of stress. Psychologist Kristin Neff, a pioneer in self-compassion research, emphasizes three components: self-kindness, recognizing our shared humanity, and mindfulness, which allows us to separate ourselves from painful emotions.

Self-compassion works by reducing self-criticism and rumination, according to William Van Gordon, a Chartered Psychologist and Associate Professor of Contemplative Psychology at the University of Derby. However, he advises moderation to avoid self-obsession, which can lead to heightened stress levels.

A balanced approach includes practicing compassion for both yourself and others. Van Gordon recommends active listening when someone shares their struggles with you, making eye contact, putting away your phone, and fully engaging with them (“That sounds really challenging, I’m sorry to hear that.”). Additionally, loving-kindness meditation can be beneficial; spend 10-15 minutes daily sending well wishes to others using phrases like “May you be happy” and “May you be peaceful.”

Revamp Your Self-Care Practices

Self-care strategies play a significant role in stress management, as extensively documented in the literature. Recent studies indicate that integrating diverse self-care methods into your routine yields the best results. For instance, a study published in August explored how individuals coped with stresses during the coronavirus pandemic, analyzing participants’ journaling about their anxiety levels and the coping techniques employed.

I’ve discovered that a blend of strategies such as journaling, exercise, social interaction, and cognitive reframing—like focusing on the positive aspects of not receiving a promotion—has proven most effective.

“Different combinations of tools worked for different individuals on different days,” explains Ethan Cross, an experimental psychologist from the University of Michigan involved in the research. “Those adept at managing emotions benefited from having a wide array of emotional regulation strategies.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Tyrannosaurus Growth: Understanding the 40-Year Journey to Full Size

Posted on January 14, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Tyrannosaurus Rex: A Late Bloomer

Science Photo Library / Alamy

The largest analysis of Tyrannosaurus rex fossils reveals that this colossal Cretaceous predator took approximately 35 to 40 years to reach maturity, significantly longer than previously believed.

This research suggests that there may have been multiple species of Tyrannosaurus rather than just one, raising questions about whether small specimens attributed to juveniles might actually belong to a distinct species known as Nanotyrannus.

Before this study, it was assumed that Tyrannosaurus rex reached a maximum weight of 8 tons by around 20 years of age and could have a lifespan of only 30 years.

“Previous growth studies on Tyrannosaurus rex were conducted in the early 2000s and were based on a limited sample size of seven specimens,” explains Holly Ballard from Oklahoma State University. “This was not the researchers’ fault; it was the available data at the time.”

Through their recent study, Ballard and her colleagues analyzed thigh and tibia bones from 17 specimens ranging in age from juvenile to adult, making it the largest dataset for Tyrannosaurus growth ever collected.

The research team examined the microstructure of bone tissue, including growth rings formed annually, similar to tree rings. However, the earliest growth rings were often destroyed as the marrow cavity expanded, necessitating a greater number of specimens across overlapping growth stages.

“This is why our sample size and age distribution are so critical and set us apart from past studies,” Ballard emphasizes.

The analysis revealed that Tyrannosaurus rex grows more slowly than initially thought, with growth rates varying based on environmental factors.

However, determining the maximum age of Tyrannosaurus rex remains problematic, as animals cease to grow annual rings upon reaching maturity. “The most successful Tyrannosaurus likely lived to be around 40 years old, with very few individuals achieving that age,” Ballard notes. “In our sample, only two individuals reached full adult size.”

Interestingly, two other specimens exhibited slower growth, indicating they might belong to a different species, such as Nanotyrannus, or that they were possibly Tyrannosaurus rex that were sick or stunted due to environmental factors.

Lindsey Zanno from the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences describes this study as one of the most comprehensive investigations of Tyrannosaurus rex growth to date, building on her recent research suggesting that a small specimen from Montana might be a fully grown Tyrannosaurus rex around 20 years old, potentially named Nanotyrannus lansensis.

“I’m thrilled to finally have a growth curve for Tyrannosaurus rex that we can assert with confidence,” Zanno comments, especially regarding Nanotyrannus.

Thomas Carr from Carthage College in Wisconsin believes that this study will likely lead to the separation of Tyrannosaurus rex into different species and expects it to influence future dinosaur research significantly.

“We anticipate that growth estimates for other dinosaurs will undergo reassessment,” Carr states. “Overall, this could transform our understanding of dinosaur growth and development across the spectrum.”

Dinosaur Hunting in Mongolia’s Gobi Desert

Join an extraordinary expedition to uncover dinosaur fossils in the expansive wilderness of the Gobi Desert, a prominent hotspot in paleontology.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Transforming Home Construction: Essential Strategies to Maintain Temperatures Below 2°C

Posted on January 14, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Sawa Housing: Sustainable Wood Construction in Rotterdam

Image Credit: Hollandse Hoogte/Shutterstock

Sawa residential building in Rotterdam — Sawa Housing: Sustainable Wood Construction in Rotterdam

Image Credit: Hollandse Hoogte/Shutterstock

To combat global warming and maintain temperatures below 2°C, cities must drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions from construction and infrastructure by over 90% within the next 20 to 40 years. This necessitates significant shifts in building design, material choices, or both.

“Canada aims to triple its housing construction rates amidst widespread housing shortages in the U.S., Australia, and many other countries,” explains Shoshanna Saxe from the University of Toronto. “How can we simultaneously meet these housing demands while significantly curbing pollution?”

Despite challenges, Saxe is optimistic. “We are already constructing buildings that meet sustainability goals; we just need to scale up our efforts,” she asserts. “Our expertise and knowledge are long-established; we need to utilize them effectively.”

Globally, the construction sector generates 10-20% of greenhouse gas emissions, primarily from cement production. Thus, understanding current construction emissions is crucial for countries and cities to plan reductions aligned with international climate objectives.

However, Saxe’s research team discovered a surprising lack of studies estimating construction emissions at the city level in Toronto.

“We developed a method to estimate city-level construction emissions and forecast future emissions to adhere to climate limits,” says team member Keegan Rankin, also from the University of Toronto.

Rankin’s analysis covered 1,033 cities, integrating existing models used for assessing the environmental impact of construction. He utilized data on city population, construction investment, and employment from sources like ExioBase. “These datasets were readily available, but combining them innovatively was unprecedented,” Saxe notes.

The team concluded the rate at which each city must reduce construction emissions to meet global carbon budget limits for a 2°C increase. “Understanding these budgets is essential for effective planning,” says Saxe.

The findings indicated that focusing solely on single-family homes to address housing needs would exhaust these budgets; cities should prioritize developing more efficient apartment buildings.

Employing alternative materials like wood and recycled concrete can help lower emissions, but good design remains paramount, adds Saxe.

“It’s a common misconception that merely building with wood resolves emission issues,” she clarifies. “Wood also emits greenhouse gases, and overly optimistic assumptions about forests may only lead to minimal emissions reductions.”

“Thoughtful building design is vital to minimize wasted space and materials,” Saxe emphasizes.

Rankin asserts that cities are uniquely positioned to implement change. “Cities are actively pursuing climate action and hold significant sway over construction practices,” he remarks. “As we identified in Toronto, many cities lack the resources to make informed budgeting choices.”

“Achieving the Paris Agreement’s goals hinges on addressing construction sector emissions, irrespective of reductions in other emissions,” says Prajar Pradhan from the University of Groningen. “Viewing emissions from a city budget perspective is also pivotal.”

It’s crucial to design buildings for low emissions not only during construction but throughout their lifespan, states Susan Roaf from Heriot-Watt University in the UK. “We cannot populate our growing cities with inefficient, pollution-heavy ‘zombie buildings,'” she cautions. Natural ventilation solutions can be a key factor in sustainability.

To reduce construction emissions effectively, prioritization of projects is essential. Saxe points out, “Canada continues to invest heavily in oil and gas infrastructure. We could accommodate housing for 10 million people without increasing emissions simply by reallocating those resources.”

Topics:

Climate Change/
Sustainability

Source: www.newscientist.com

Nasa Astronaut Set to Depart Space Station for Medical Reasons

Posted on January 14, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Four astronauts are set to return from the International Space Station (ISS) on Wednesday night, departing weeks earlier than originally planned due to health concerns.

NASA astronauts Zena Cardman and Mike Finke, alongside Japanese cosmonaut Kamiya Yui and Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platonov, will make their journey back to Earth aboard the same SpaceX Dragon capsule that previously transported them to the ISS. This group, known as “Crew-11,” is expected to undock at around 5:05 p.m. ET.

This incident marks the first time in the ISS’s 25-year history that a mission has had to be cut short due to a medical issue while in orbit. Though NASA has not disclosed specifics regarding the affected crew members or the nature of their medical issues, citing privacy concerns, officials reassured the public that the situation is stable and does not warrant an emergency evacuation.

“First and foremost, we’re all okay,” Finke stated in a LinkedIn post over the weekend. “Everyone on board is stable, safe, and well cared for. This decision allows for a comprehensive medical evaluation on the ground where all diagnostic capabilities exist. This is the correct decision, even if it feels somewhat bittersweet.”

If undocking proceeds as scheduled, Crew-11 astronauts are anticipated to splash down in the Pacific Ocean off California’s coast around 3:41 a.m. ET on Thursday. The journey back will take approximately 11 hours, including a deorbit burn to slow the spacecraft before it re-enters Earth’s atmosphere, culminating in a parachute landing underwater.

Arriving at the ISS in August, Cardman, Finke, Yui, and Platonov were initially slated to remain until the end of February. However, a recent medical incident involving a crew member led NASA to cancel a planned spacewalk, which Cardman and Finke were set to conduct for station exterior renovations. Following this, the decision was made to expedite the crew’s return as a precautionary measure.

“After thorough consultation with Chief Medical Officer Dr. J.D. Polk and various agency leaders, we concluded that it is in the best interest of the astronauts to return Crew-11 ahead of the original schedule,” stated NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman on Thursday.

The astronauts are expected to land on Earth before the next space station crew takes off, but NASA confirms that Flight Engineer Chris Williams and two Russian cosmonauts will remain aboard. NASA officials are exploring options to expedite the next launch. The upcoming mission, known as Crew 12, is planned for a launch by February 15, but Williams will presumably be the sole NASA astronaut managing U.S. scientific experiments and operations on the ISS for several weeks.

During a “change of command” ceremony prior to departure on Monday, Finke officially handed over command of the space station to cosmonaut Sergei Kud-Sverchkov.

“Sergei, it is both an honor and a pleasure to hand over command to you,” Finke remarked.

He referred to the crew’s unexpectedly early departure as “an interesting time,” reminiscing positively about their experience in orbit.

“We come from diverse places around the globe and work collaboratively,” Finke concluded. “This is a fantastic representation of what humanity can achieve together.”

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Urgent Climate Consequences Arriving Ahead of Schedule Could Drain Trillions from the Global Economy

Posted on January 14, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Wildfires in California – January 2025

David McNew/Getty Images

Wildfires in California - January 2025 — Wildfires in California – January 2025

David McNew/Getty Images

The impact of climate change is accelerating faster than anticipated, with governments and businesses continuing to underestimate associated risks. These risks could lead to economic losses reaching trillions of dollars by 2050.

According to reports from climate scientists and financial experts, the world might be significantly underestimating the speed of global warming, facing the prospect of “planetary bankruptcy.” This means climate change could cause extensive damage to both the environment and economic growth.

Decision-makers often concentrate on intermediate climate impact estimates. However, with phenomena such as extreme precipitation occurring sooner than projected, preparations for worst-case scenarios are necessary, as indicated in the report.

“Urgent global cooperation on a solvency plan is essential,” says David King, former chief climate adviser to the UK government, who contributed to the report. “We’re experiencing an acceleration in temperature rise. While the future is uncertain, it’s reasonable to assume that this trend won’t reverse.”

The initial step towards such a plan could involve reevaluating the assumption that the global economy will continue to grow indefinitely. Sandy Trust, a British investment manager at Baillie Gifford, remarked that according to the Network for Greening the Financial System, the world could incur trillions in annual losses by 2050 due to climate impacts. However, the network believes that a recession is unlikely, as global economic growth might outpace these losses.

“This is akin to Titanic risk modeling, predicting a smooth journey from the deck of the Titanic in April 1912,” Trust adds. “Such assumptions overlook fundamental principles of risk management—most notably, the importance of planning for worst-case scenarios.”

Preparation for the worst is critical, according to a report from the European Union’s Copernicus climate change agency. The study highlighted that 2025 was the third warmest year on record, with average temperatures rising 1.47 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. The temperatures in 2024 were even higher, leading to a three-year average exceeding 1.5 degrees Celsius for the first time.

This growth represents a step closer to the 20-30 year average needed to achieve the Paris Agreement goal of limiting temperature rises to below 1.5 degrees Celsius. Ten years since the agreement was signed, projections indicated that the 1.5 degrees Celsius threshold would be reached by 2045. However, if current trends persist, according to Copernicus’ data, we could breach this critical limit by 2030.

Scientists indicate that the rate of global warming is speeding up, largely due to declining air pollution levels, including sulfur emissions from coal-fired power plants and shipping. With clearer skies, more sunlight reaches the Earth, leading to an apparent increase of about 0.5 degrees Celsius.

However, the primary factor behind breaching the 1.5 degrees Celsius threshold sooner than predicted is the relentless rise in greenhouse gas emissions. Samantha Burgess from Copernicus emphasizes that fossil fuel emissions are expected to hit record levels in 2025.

“Emissions are not decreasing as quickly as anticipated,” Burgess comments.

With each increment of warming, extreme weather events become increasingly frequent and severe. The January 2025 wildfires in Los Angeles may potentially mark the most costly natural disaster in U.S. history, exacerbated by the climate crisis which will likely double their frequency and amplify their severity by 25 times. Hurricane Melissa, the most powerful storm to make landfall in the Atlantic, had wind speeds at least 10 miles per hour higher than would normally be expected without climate change.

“This figure represents a global average; thus, 1.5 degrees Celsius of global warming means that heatwaves can be 3 to 4 degrees, or even 10 degrees hotter than usual,” Burgess explains. “The younger generation will face even more extreme heat and climate risks than we did.”

The polar regions are warming at a pace faster than others, mainly due to feedback mechanisms, such as the loss of reflective snow and ice. In fact, last year witnessed record warmth in Antarctica, attributed to an unusual stratospheric heating event. The extent of sea ice across the Arctic and Antarctic has now reached unprecedented lows.

On a positive note, global emissions are showing a leveling-off trend, specifically in China, where emissions have stabilized.

“With CO2 emissions plateauing, we anticipate continued warming, but not at an accelerated rate,” states Timothy Osborne of the University of East Anglia, UK.

Addressing methane leaks from infrastructures like gas pipelines and aging coal mines could provide a short-term solution, King suggests. Reducing methane emissions by 30% over the next decade could mitigate global warming by at least 0.2 degrees Celsius by 2050.

“We must also tackle other slow-moving issues, which are vital elements of our path forward,” King asserts. “An overshoot beyond 1.5 degrees Celsius presents significant challenges for humanity.”

Topics:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Exploring the Fascinating Heart of the Circus Galaxy: Insights from Webb Telescope

Posted on January 14, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Astronomers utilizing NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope have captured the most detailed infrared images of the Circus Galaxy’s core, making it one of the closest known active galaxies to the Milky Way. Webb’s observations indicate that much of the hot dust surrounding supermassive black holes in galaxies is being drawn into the black holes themselves, contrary to previous models that suggested powerful outward streams.

The Hubble image showcases the Circinus Galaxy, a spiral galaxy located approximately 13 million light-years away in the southern constellation Circinus. A close-up from Webb reveals the core’s glow in infrared light, highlighting the intricate features obscured by dust. Image credits: NASA / ESA / CSA / Webb / Hubble / Enrique Lopez-Rodriguez, University of South Carolina / Deepashri Thatte, STScI / Alyssa Pagan, NOIRLab / CTIO at STScI / NSF.

The Circus Galaxy, also known as ESO 97-G13 or LEDA 50779, is situated about 13 million light-years from Earth, nestled south of the constellation Circinus. This galaxy has fascinated astronomers due to its center being enveloped in a dense cloud of gas and dust.

Traditional ground-based telescopes have faced challenges in isolating regions near the central black hole, where matter spirals inwards and emanates intense infrared light. However, Webb’s state-of-the-art technology enabled Dr. Julien Girard and his team at the Space Telescope Science Institute to pierce through this dust veil with extraordinary clarity.

This remarkable breakthrough was achieved by employing Webb’s Near-Infrared Imager and Slitless Spectrometer (NIRISS) in a specialized high-contrast mode known as aperture masking interferometry.

This innovative technique transforms the instrument into a compact interferometer, merging light captured through various small apertures to generate precise interference patterns.

By examining these patterns, astronomers were able to reconstruct a finely detailed image of the Circus Galaxy’s central engine, revealing that the majority of infrared radiation originates from the donut-shaped torus of dust encircling the black hole, rather than from materials being ejected outward.

Dr. Girard remarked, “This is the first instance where Webb’s high-contrast mode has been employed to observe an extragalactic source.” He expressed hope that their findings will inspire fellow astronomers to leverage aperture masking interferometry to study faint but relatively small, dusty structures surrounding bright objects.

The supermassive black hole remains active, continuously consuming surrounding matter. Gas and dust conglomerate in a torus around the black hole, forming a rotating accretion disk as material spirals inward. This disk generates heat through friction, releasing light across diverse wavelengths, including infrared.

New data from Webb indicate that most of the infrared emissions near the center of the Circus Galaxy stem from the innermost region of this dusty torus, challenging previous assumptions that outflow dominated emissions.

This pioneering technique lays the groundwork for more profound investigations of black holes in other galaxies. By applying Webb’s high-contrast imaging to subsequent targets, researchers aim to establish a broader catalog of emission patterns, which could ascertain whether the behavior observed in the Circus Galaxy is typical among active galactic nuclei or a distinct case.

Their discoveries not only present a clearer perspective on the feeding mechanisms of black holes but also underscore the escalating power of interferometry in space-based astronomy.

More observations are forthcoming, as Webb continues to redefine what can be observed from the most concealed regions of the universe.

Dr. Enrique López Rodríguez, an astronomer at the University of South Carolina, noted, “We will likely require a statistical sample of a dozen or two dozen black holes to comprehend how the mass of the accretion disk and its outflow correlate with the black hole’s power.”

For further details, refer to the results published in today’s edition of Nature Communications.

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E. Lopez Rodriguez et al. 2026. JWST interferometry imaging reveals a dusty torus obscuring the Circinus Galaxy’s supermassive black hole. Nat Commun 17, 42; doi: 10.1038/s41467-025-66010-5

Source: www.sci.news

Scientists Uncover Unique Internal Drum Structure in Odd-Looking Fish

Posted on January 14, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

The Armored Rockhead Poacher (Boslagonus Swanee) possesses a mysterious anatomical feature: a bowl-shaped cavity in its skull that has puzzled marine biologists for years. This unique trait is now believed to play a critical role in an innovative form of communication.

The Rockhead Poacher (Boslagonus Swanee) at the Oregon Coast Aquarium. Image credit: Rhinopias / CC BY-SA 4.0.

Originally described by Franz Steindachner in 1876, Boslagonus Swanee belongs to the family Agonidae. This fascinating fish can be found at depths of up to 18 meters in the eastern Pacific Ocean, from Alaska down to Carmel Bay in California.

Marine experts have long speculated about the purpose of the cavernous cranial fossa, which is roughly the size of the fish’s brain. Some theories suggest it aids in camouflage among rocky environments, while others propose it enhances hearing and sensory perception.

Recent advancements in imaging technology have led Louisiana State University student Daniel Geldof to propose a groundbreaking explanation. His findings suggest it might resonate with the rhythm of rock music rather than the serenity of coral reefs.

“My dissertation project aims to uncover the reasons behind this unique feature,” Geldof explained.

Utilizing a high-resolution micro-CT scanner, his team created an intricate 3D model of the rockhead poacher’s anatomy.

These scans indicated that the fish’s initial set of ribs are notably large, flat, and free-moving, positioned near the epigastric region of the skull without direct attachment.

Located at the base of these ribs are powerful muscles and tendons resembling drumsticks.

When these ribs vibrate against the skull’s calcified cavities, they create pulses of sound that can be transmitted through the substrate.

Geldof posits that this percussive mechanism likely evolved to facilitate communication among fish in their acoustically challenging intertidal habitats, where traditional underwater communication might be hindered by crashing waves and background noise.

In this rugged, shallow environment, using substrate vibrations may provide a more efficient means of communication aligned with the fish’s unique lifestyle.

Furthermore, Professor Geldof’s research combined contrast-enhanced soft tissue scans with data on bone structures to map the nerves, muscles, and microstructures within rockhead poachers, suggesting that the cranial fossa may serve sensory functions as well.

Branches of the dorsal lateral line nerve—a crucial component of the fish’s movement-sensing system—extend into the cavity, and the arrangement of microstructures suggests a role in mechanoreception, allowing the fish to sense movement and pressure.

Geldof concludes that this anatomical feature is multifunctional, serving both communicative and sensory purposes within the dynamic intertidal ecosystem.

“The intricate details of this small structure reflect not just a scientific inquiry, but a fundamental human curiosity,” he states.

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Daniel L. Geldof 2025. The Truth About Holes: The Morphology of Rockhead Poachers’ Skull Holes, Boslagonus Swanee (Agonidae). LSU Master’s Thesis 6270

Source: www.sci.news

Data Reveals 2025 as Earth’s Third Hottest Year on Record

Posted on January 14, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

According to Copernicus, the European Union’s climate monitoring service, last year ranked as the third warmest on record in modern history.

This finding aligns with existing trends; Copernicus data reveals that the last 11 years have consistently been the warmest in history.

In 2025, the average global temperature soared to approximately 1.47 degrees Celsius (2.65 degrees Fahrenheit) above the baseline period from 1850 to 1900. This reference period is significant as it predates the industrial era, marking a time before extensive carbon emissions entered our atmosphere.

“Annual surface temperatures exceeded average levels across 91 percent of the globe,” stated Samantha Burgess, head of climate strategy at the European Center for Medium-Range Forecasts, which operates Copernicus. “The primary contributor to these record temperatures is the accumulation of greenhouse gases, largely from fossil fuel combustion.”

Under the 2015 Paris Agreement, global leaders committed to limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. However, this goal appears increasingly unachievable as temperatures have neared or surpassed this threshold for three consecutive years.

Mauro Facchini, director of Earth Observation at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Defense, Industry, and Space, noted at a press conference: “A three-year average temperature exceeding 1.5 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels is a milestone we never anticipated.” He emphasized the urgent need to address climate change.

A woman shields herself from the scorching sun near the Colosseum in Rome during July.
Tiziana Fabi/AFP via Getty Images File

The U.S. government is anticipated to unveil its 2025 climate metrics on Wednesday. NASA provides its reports separately from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, owing to differing methodologies in calculating average annual temperatures, which often leads to variations in findings.

Nevertheless, the overarching trend is unmistakable: the planet is warming at an alarming rate, possibly faster than scientists had predicted.

Europe faces bleak climate data, compounded by the U.S. administration’s aggressive moves to roll back climate regulations and retreat from international efforts to mitigate warming.

Last week, the Trump administration announced its withdrawal from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, diminishing the U.S. role in global climate change discussions. Additionally, plans to withdraw support from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which produces crucial reports on climate change impacts, were made public.

The United States is set to officially leave the Paris Agreement later this month, following a one-year waiting window.

A child enjoys a refreshing mist under a fog system in Milan during July.
Luca Bruno / AP File

President Donald Trump has labeled climate change “the work of con artists,” and his administration has actively sought to downplay critical climate reports such as the National Climate Assessment. Efforts are underway to reduce the Environmental Protection Agency’s ability to regulate greenhouse gas emissions, a primary cause of global warming.

Simultaneously, steps are being taken to promote the coal industry, including ordering coal-fired power plants to continue operations (coal is notorious for generating significant greenhouse gas emissions). The administration is also attempting to reverse many of the Biden administration’s climate initiatives, including subsidies for electric vehicles.

According to preliminary findings from Rhodium Group, an independent research firm monitoring U.S. emissions, climate pollution in the United States is projected to rise by approximately 2.4% in 2025. This increase may not stem directly from President Trump’s policies, as many regulations are yet to be implemented. The rise is likely due to high natural gas prices, growth in energy-intensive data centers, and particularly cold winters.

Rhodium Group anticipates that U.S. emissions will eventually decrease as renewable energy sources become more economically feasible compared to fossil fuels. However, the expectation of emission reductions is now less optimistic than prior to Trump’s administration.

The greenhouse gases that trap heat are intensifying weather patterns, resulting in more extreme conditions and increasing the likelihood of heavy rainfall, heatwaves, and flooding.

Last year emerged as the third-costliest year for weather-related disasters, an analysis by the nonprofit organization Climate Central revealed. In 2025, it was reported that 23 meteorological events inflicted damages surpassing $1 billion, resulting in 276 fatalities and $115 billion in total damages.

In Fleurance, France, a pharmacy thermometer indicates a scorching 45 degrees Celsius, equivalent to 113 degrees Fahrenheit.
Isabel Souliment / Hans Lukas, from Reuters file

While greenhouse gas emissions remain the principal driver of rising global temperatures, natural fluctuations also contribute. La Niña patterns, characterized by colder-than-average water in the central Pacific, generally lead to lower global temperatures, while El Niño events can raise them.

Though the La Niña pattern emerged in late 2025, NOAA scientists expect a return to neutral conditions early this year.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

10 Simple Lifestyle Changes to Extend Your Lifespan by a Year

Posted on January 14, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Opt for stairs over escalators for significant long-term health benefits.

Joseph Polk / Alamy

Man emerging from a subway station — Opt for stairs over escalators for significant long-term health benefits.

Joseph Polk / Alamy

Want to boost your health this year? Small lifestyle changes can significantly impact your longevity.

According to Nicholas Kemel from the University of Sydney, just five extra minutes of sleep, two minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise, and half a serving of veggies daily can potentially extend your lifespan by a year.

It’s common knowledge that adequate sleep, exercise, and a nutritious diet contribute to longevity. Numerous studies have highlighted the lifespan differences between individuals following healthy versus unhealthy eating patterns. For instance, observing adults who adhere to World Health Organization physical activity guidelines shows significant benefits, recommending at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise weekly.

Yet, the effects of minimal lifestyle adjustments on lifespan and health expectancy remained unclear.

To address this, Koemel and his team analyzed data on sleep, diet, and exercise habits from around 60,000 adults aged 40 to 69, gathered from the UK Biobank project. Participants reported their food intake over the past year, with their diet scored from 0 to 100 based on healthiness. Several years later, wearable exercise trackers monitored their activity and sleep for one week, followed by an eight-year tracking of health and mortality records.

This research identified the least healthy 5% of participants, averaging only 5 hours of sleep, 5 minutes of exercise daily, and scoring about 35 on the dietary scale.

Using statistical modeling, researchers estimated that those who improved their habits by sleeping five more minutes, exercising two additional minutes, and consuming half a serving more of vegetables each day lived, on average, an extra year compared to the least healthy group.

Interestingly, combining minor lifestyle adjustments yielded similar longevity outcomes as making substantial changes to a single habit. For example, simply increasing sleep by 25 minutes without altering diet or exercise can be beneficial, Koemel explains. “Lifestyle integration amplifies benefits while reducing demands on individual actions.”

Compared to the unhealthiest group, those who slept an extra 24 minutes, engaged in four more minutes of moderate-vigorous exercise, and increased their vegetable intake could potentially gain four more years of disease-free living, avoiding conditions like dementia, cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and type 2 diabetes. “This is a groundbreaking finding—individuals may not only live longer but enjoy more quality years,” Koemel adds.

Koemel’s estimates suggest that an average participant—who sleeps around 7.6 hours, engages in 31 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous exercise daily, and has a dietary score of about 54—can achieve similar benefits through small adjustments.

Another enlightening study this week assessed mortality and exercise data from adults over 64 in Norway, Sweden, and the U.S. Researchers, including Ulf Ekelund from the Norwegian School of Sport Science, utilized statistical models to predict that if the majority of the population (excluding the top 20% most active) engaged in just five additional minutes of vigorous activity daily, about 10% of deaths could be avoided over the next eight years.

However, both studies note limitations. As pointed out by Alan Cohen from Columbia University, dietary recall surveys may be inaccurate due to memory lapses, and a week’s tracker data may not reflect overall habits accurately.

Further research is essential to understand the duration of lifestyle adjustments required for noticeable effects. Additionally, it’s vital to investigate how these findings vary across different age demographics and whether they apply to non-Western, low- and middle-income settings, where physical activity, dietary habits, and chronic disease prevalence differ significantly.

Topics:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Ancient Hominin: Potential Overlap with Sulawesi’s Homo Sapiens Revealed

Posted on January 14, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Leang Bulu Betu, a rock shelter located in the Maros Pankep karst region of Sulawesi, Indonesia, has become a pivotal site for paleoanthropological research. Scholars have uncovered one of the most thorough records of early human habitation in Wallasia, which serves as a critical junction between Asia and Australia. This groundbreaking discovery highlights the timeline of Homo sapiens, revealing their adaptation and existence tens of thousands of years ago, alongside ancient human species.

Leang Bulu Bettue in the Maros Pankep karst region of South Sulawesi. Image credit: Burhan et al., doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0337993.

At Leang Bulu Betu, Basran Burhan and his team from Griffith University have uncovered a wealth of artifacts, stone tools, and animal remains dating back to the Pleistocene era.

Burhan stated, “The depth and continuity of cultural sequences at Leang Bulu Bettue now position this cave as a key site for exploring potential overlaps between different hominin lineages.”

The initial stages of occupation date back approximately 208,000 years and are defined by simple stone tools and evidence of animal slaughter.

Among the significant artifacts are strong stone tools referred to as picks, indicating that archaic human cultural practices predated the arrival of modern humans.

Professor Adam Blum from Griffith University remarked, “These findings suggest an archaic human cultural tradition that persisted into the late Pleistocene in Sulawesi.”

Archaeological evidence indicates a notable transformation around 40,000 years ago, showing advancements in stone technology and the emergence of symbolic behavior, which are closely associated with Homo sapiens.

Burhan noted, “This later phase was marked by a unique technological toolkit and the earliest evidence of artistic expression and symbolic behavior on the island.”

Sulawesi plays a critical role in the narrative of human evolution due to its geographic location between the continents of Asia and Sahul, which once linked Australia and New Guinea, making it a vital conduit for early human migration.

Despite this significance, the area’s dense forests and complex terrains have resulted in a surprisingly minimal archaeological record to date.

This new research raises intriguing possibilities about the coexistence of Homo sapiens with their extinct relatives on Sulawesi.

The researchers propose that Leang Bulu Bettue could provide the first tangible archaeological evidence of this chronological overlap and potential interactions.

The later layers reveal signs of symbolic and cultural behaviors, echoing discoveries at other ancient Sulawesi sites known for rock art and advanced tools.

These advancements were initially thought to be exclusive to Homo sapiens, suggesting that the arrival of modern humans brought not only technological innovations but also new cognitive and cultural practices.

Professor Blum expressed, “Archaeological research on Sulawesi is particularly compelling because, unlike Australia, which shows no evidence of human habitation prior to our species’ arrival, Sulawesi was inhabited by various hominins for a million years before our emergence.”

“If we dig deep enough, we may find evidence of interactions between these different human species.”

Burhan stated, “There may be several more meters of archaeological layers beneath the deepest level we have explored at Leang Bulu Bettue.”

“Further investigations at this site could yield groundbreaking discoveries that reshape our understanding of early human history on Sulawesi and beyond.”

The findings were published in December 2025 in the journal PLoS ONE.

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B. Burhan et al. 2025. A near-continuous archaeological record of Pleistocene human occupation discovered at Leang Bulu Bettue, Sulawesi, Indonesia. PLoS ONE 20 (12): e0337993; doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0337993

Source: www.sci.news

Discovering the Final Habitats of Neanderthals: A Journey into Their Last Known Locations

Posted on January 13, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Neanderthals: Sheltering in Caves

Grégoire Sirade/Science Photo Library

Neanderthals Shelter in Caves — Neanderthals: Sheltering in Caves

Grégoire Sirade/Science Photo Library

This excerpt is from *Our Human Story*, a monthly newsletter focused on revolutionary archaeology discoveries. Subscribe to receive insights directly in your inbox.

In early January, the chill in south-west England can be quite biting. Though my Canadian and Scandinavian friends might chuckle at my discomfort, it’s cold enough for me to feel it in my bones without proper attire.

This stark cold evokes thoughts of our long-extinct relatives, the Neanderthals. Common portrayals often cast them in freezing landscapes reminiscent of Siberia — with icy winds and woolly mammoths roaming the snow. They’re typically seen as hominins well-adapted to frigid conditions.

<p>Yet, if you’ve been following the *New Scientist*, you might recall hints suggesting otherwise. November brought an intriguing article titled "Neanderthals' Big Noses Weren't Adapted for Cold Climates."</p>
<p>Chris Sims discussed the first analysis of Altamura Man, a well-preserved Neanderthal from Italy. Despite prior beliefs, this specimen lacked specialized nasal structures previously thought essential for warming inhaled air, leading researcher Todd Ray to assert that the notion of Neanderthals thriving in icy climates is "absolute nonsense." He emphasized, "They likely suffered from the cold just like we do."</p>
<section></section>
<p>Similarly, in December, we uncovered evidence that ancient humans began mastering fire by striking flint against pyrite, dating back 400,000 years in southern England. This predates Neanderthals and hints at their probable innovation in fire-starting, particularly as their bodies were not tailored to endure Britain's chill.</p>
<p>If Neanderthals were not primarily adapted for cold climates, what environments did they actually inhabit? Emerging research published in the <em>Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports</em> unveils a fascinating narrative of Neanderthal existence.</p>
<h2>Southern Refuge: The Neanderthal's Habitat</h2>
<p>Among all extinct human species, Neanderthals are our closest relatives. They thrived across Europe and western Asia for countless millennia until their disappearance around 40,000 years ago, coinciding with the significant expansion of our species into Europe.</p>
<p>The long history endured by Neanderthals saw them through several ice ages, characterized by fluctuating climates and shifting ice sheets. They lived during periods when the Earth's magnetic field changes potentially increased their exposure to harmful UV radiation. Compelling evidence indicates that Neanderthals engaged in artistic expression and had cultural practices surrounding death, such as structured burials.</p>
<p>Over time, however, Neanderthal habitats diminished. Fascinatingly, they withdrew from Asia and northern Europe, ultimately being confined to southern Europe, especially the Iberian Peninsula (modern-day Spain and Portugal). Recent studies focus on this southern region, where Neanderthals exhibited remarkable longevity.</p>
<p>Let’s examine a significant study by Loic Lebreton and his team at the Catalan Institute of Human Paleoecology and Social Evolution in Spain. They analyzed small mammals (nicknamed "micromammals") as climate indicators. Warm, humid environments support a greater diversity of wildlife compared to cold, arid areas. Their research indicated that northeastern Spain maintained a stable, warm climate from 215,000 to 10,000 years ago, heavily influenced by the Mediterranean, unlike the more variable conditions in southern France and northern Italy, plausibly contributing to the prolonged survival of Neanderthals in Spain.</p>

<p>Research led by Sarah Barakat from the University of Aberdeen suggests that vast forested areas likely covered much of the Neanderthal habitat. At <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jasrep.2025.105456">Lazaretto Cave</a>, home to Neanderthals between 190,000 and 130,000 years ago, remains of aurochs, red deer, ibex, and gray wolves have been found. Examination of their teeth indicates herbivores primarily consumed woody plants, suggesting a richly forested environment with some grassland.</p>
<p>Coba del Geganto, a cave near Barcelona, offers additional insight into the Neanderthal ecosystem. Dating from 145,000 to 24,700 years ago, the site contains evidence of numerous bird species typical of woodlands and scrublands, alongside some that currently inhabit only northern regions, indicating migration patterns during colder periods.</p>
<p>Although direct evidence of Neanderthals hunting these birds is lacking, analysis of the bones found may point to their dietary habits. Research into animal remains would clarify whether Neanderthals utilized specific species within this cave ecosystem.</p>

<h2>The Final Days of Neanderthals</h2>
<p>As the Neanderthal epoch approached conclusion, they displayed remarkable adaptability. Rosa Albert and her colleagues studied the Liparo Los Curciuto site in southern Italy's Ginosa Valley, which recorded Neanderthal activity from 55,000 to 42,800 years ago. Geological formations reveal shifting conditions from forest coverage to more open grasslands, driving Neanderthal adaptations in foraging and fire use.</p>
<p>Even by 41,000 years ago, certain Neanderthal groups thrived, despite their relatives disappearing from large portions of Eurasia. Research at <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jasrep.2025.105149">Cova Eiros in northwestern Spain</a> documented diverse animal remains, including significant numbers of red deer and cave bears, shedding light on their dietary patterns.</p>
<p>Findings indicated that 5.5 percent of the bones exhibited Neanderthal marks, suggesting their consistent interaction with the environment, including instances of consuming cave bear remains.</p>
<p>Fellow researchers discovered similar patterns at <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jasrep.2025.105457">Covallejos</a>, another northern Spanish cave, indicating Neanderthals exploited a variety of food sources, including red deer and large herbivores.</p>
<p>What ultimately led to their extinction? Research by Liz Charton and team at France's Institute of Human Paleontology indicates various environmental stressors. Analyzing marine sediment core samples from the western Mediterranean, they traced dramatic climatic shifts between 41,000 and 34,000 years ago. The increase of grassland and semi-arid vegetation aligns with previous findings of substantially drier conditions.</p>
<p>This research mapping known hominin sites during this period shows a decline in Neanderthal tool usage as modern human artifacts became more prevalent. Although Neanderthals likely retreated to southern regions, they faced increased competition from modern humans.</p>

<p>This doesn’t imply that desiccation singularly led to their extinction; Neanderthals had previously navigated similar environmental challenges and survived. However, this factor, among others, likely contributed to their decline.</p>
<p>In investigating Neanderthal culture, Nohemi Sala and colleagues at Spain's National Center for Human Evolution Research analyzed burial practices at <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jasrep.2025.105316">46 sites on the Iberian Peninsula</a>. Evidence for deliberate burials can be found in various locations, yet none have been documented in Spain or Portugal.</p>
<p>This does not exclude the possibility that Iberian Neanderthals had unique mourning practices or ideas about honoring the deceased. At Sima de las Palomas, multiple Neanderthals were discovered within a vertical cave; one individual, lying in a specific position, suggests intentional placement. Such sites may have served as natural burial grounds.</p>
<p>Moreover, evidence indicates that Iberian Neanderthals might have engaged in ritualistic cannibalism, reflecting the varying cultural significance of death across societies.</p>
<p>Interestingly, Neanderthal funerary customs appear to have diversified over the last 10,000 years, potentially as a result of migrant waves introducing new practices.</p>
<p>While it’s disheartening that despite their innovation and adaptability, Neanderthals faced extinction, their genetic legacy persists in many of us today, highlighting a genetic and cultural exchange with modern humans.</p>

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    <ul class="ArticleTopics__List">
        <li class="ArticleTopics__ListItem">Neanderthal Man<span>/</span></li>
        <li class="ArticleTopics__ListItem">Ancient Humans</li>
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Source: www.newscientist.com

How Microgravity on the International Space Station Influences Bacteriophage and Host Coevolution

Posted on January 13, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Microbiologists from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Rhodium Scientific have unveiled a groundbreaking discovery aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Their latest experiment reveals that the unique near-weightless environment of space significantly alters the interactions between bacteriophages (viruses that target bacteria) and their hosts.

The International Space Station, with Earth in the background. Image credit: NASA.

In this detailed study focused on bacteriophage-host dynamics in microgravity, University of Wisconsin-Madison researcher Phil Huss and his team analyzed the interaction of T7 phages with Escherichia coli bacteria cultivated in an orbiting laboratory.

The experiments highlighted that while microgravity slows the infection rate of viruses, it does not permanently inhibit their ability to infect.

Under normal Earth conditions, T7 phages typically infect and lyse Escherichia coli within 20 to 30 minutes.

However, in the microgravity setting, no measurable growth of the bacteriophages was observed during the initial hours of culture.

After 23 days, the bacteriophage started to grow normally, effectively reducing the bacterial count. This suggests that bacteriophage activity eventually overcame the initial delays caused by the microgravity environment.

Factors unique to microgravity, such as disrupted fluid convection and changes in bacterial physiology, appear to influence how bacteriophage particles encounter and infect bacterial hosts.

In the absence of gravity, the natural mixing of fluids that typically facilitates virus-bacteria contact may be hindered, thereby slowing down the initial infection stages.

To delve deeper into the evolutionary and molecular consequences of these altered interactions, researchers sequenced the genomes of both bacteriophages and bacteria post long-term culture.

The analysis revealed numerous emerging mutations in the genomes of both organisms, indicating adaptation to their unique conditions.

Intriguingly, different mutation patterns were identified in microgravity compared to those evolving under Earth’s gravity, highlighting that the space environment exerts distinct selective pressures on both bacteriophages and their bacterial hosts.

Further scrutiny focused on the bacteriophage’s receptor-binding proteins, essential for recognizing and infecting bacterial cells effectively.

Through a deep mutational scan, significant differences in the mutational profiles of these proteins were observed between microgravity and ground-based experiments, reflecting fundamental changes in adaptive capabilities.

In a remarkable find, the researchers utilized a library of receptor-binding protein variants selected in microgravity to create bacteriophage variants that are more efficient at infecting specific drug-resistant strains of Escherichia coli on Earth. This underscores the potential of space-based research to inform biotechnology.

“Our study provides initial insights into how microgravity influences phage-host interactions,” the researchers concluded.

“Investigating phage activity in non-terrestrial settings unveils new genetic determinants of fitness, paving the way for innovative phage engineering on Earth.”

“The success of this research will establish a foundation for future phage investigations aboard the ISS.”

For more details, refer to the study published in the online journal PLoS Biology.

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P. Hass et al. 2026. Microgravity reshapes bacteriophage-host coevolution on the International Space Station. PLoS Biol 24 (1): e3003568; doi: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3003568

Source: www.sci.news

Discovering a Barred Spiral Galaxy: Unveiling Cosmic Secrets Just 2 Billion Years Post-Big Bang

Posted on January 13, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Using high-resolution images, NIRCam, a near-infrared camera aboard the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope, has led astronomers to discover COSMOS-74706, one of the earliest known barred spiral galaxies. This discovery is pivotal in shaping our understanding of cosmic evolution.

COSMOS-74706: Unsharp mask overlaid on F200W, F277W, and F356W filter configurations. The white lines represent logarithmic spirals along the galaxy’s arm structure while the lines indicate the north-south bar structure. Image credit: Daniel Ivanov.

The barred spiral galaxy COSMOS-74706 existed approximately 11.5 billion years ago.

“This galaxy developed its bar just two billion years after the universe’s inception,” stated Daniel Ivanov, a graduate student at the University of Pittsburgh.

“Stellar bars are linear features found at the centers of galaxies, confirming their namesakes.”

COSMOS-74706’s bar comprises a dense collection of stars and gas, appearing as a bright line bisecting the galaxy when viewed perpendicularly to its plane.

Stellar bars significantly influence a galaxy’s evolution, funneling gas from the outskirts into the center, which feeds the supermassive black hole and can inhibit star formation within the galactic disk.

While previous reports identified barred spiral galaxies, their analyses were inconclusive due to the less reliable optical redshift methods compared to the spectroscopy used for COSMOS-74706 verification.

In some instances, a galaxy’s light was distorted by a massive object, leading to a phenomenon known as gravitational lensing.

“Essentially, COSMOS-74706 is the most redshifted spectroscopically confirmed lensless barred spiral galaxy,” Ivanov noted.

“We were not surprised to find barred spiral galaxies so early in the universe’s timeline.”

“In fact, some simulations suggest the bar formed at redshift 5, or roughly 12.5 billion years ago.”

“However, I believe we shouldn’t expect to find many of these galaxies just yet.”

This discovery helps refine the timeline for bar formation, making it a significant finding.

Ivanov and colleagues presented their discoveries on January 8th during the 247th Annual Meeting of the American Astronomical Society.

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Daniel Ivanov et al. 2026 zspec>3 barred spiral without lens. AAS247

Source: www.sci.news

Centuries-Old Greenland Sharks Thrive Despite Heart Disease: Secrets to Their Longevity Revealed

Posted on January 13, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Greenland Sharks’ Longevity: A Closer Look at Their Heart Health

Credit: Doug Perrine/naturepl.com

Greenland sharks are believed to live between 250 to 500 years. Remarkably, even at 150 years old, they show signs of severe age-related heart disease.

Interestingly, some body parts like their eyes seem resilient to aging and cancer, suggesting that not all organs in this ocean predator are equally affected by age. Despite this resilience, research has shown that Greenland sharks (Somniosus microcephalus) do have significant heart health issues, yet they show no obvious functional decline or reduced lifespan.

Alessandro Cellerino and his team at the École Normale Supérieure in Pisa, Italy, conducted a study on six Greenland sharks (four females and two males), each exceeding 3 meters in length, and found their results to be “truly surprising.”

The researchers estimate that all six specimens were between 100 and 150 years old. They employed various advanced microscopic techniques, including high-resolution fluorescence and electron microscopy, to investigate the animals’ heart tissues.

“The hearts of Greenland sharks exhibited significant fibrotic changes and an abundance of aging markers such as lipofuscin and nitrotyrosine,” stated Cellerino.

In humans, elevated fibrosis levels in heart tissues typically signal age-related heart problems and potential heart failure.

Nevertheless, Cellerino noted that the substantial accumulation of lipofuscin, associated with mitochondrial impairment, does not appear detrimental and “does not adversely affect the lifespan of Greenland sharks.”

The high levels of nitrotyrosine, another marker associated with heart inflammation and oxidative stress, suggest that Greenland sharks may have developed a unique evolutionary strategy for enduring chronic oxidative damage, as opposed to merely attempting to avoid it.

“Initially, I thought what I observed under the microscope was a technical artifact or an error in the experiment,” he remarked.

To compare, the researchers also examined another deep-sea fish, the velvet-bellied lantern shark (Etmopterus spinax), along with the turquoise killifish (Nosobranchius furzeri), a species noted for its fleeting lifespan of mere months, residing in seasonal pools across the African savannah.

Elena Chiavatti mentioned that while the Greenland shark’s heart is highly fibrotic, the other species showed no signs of such conditions, as indicated in the Scuola Normale Superiore paper.

“The accumulation of nitrotyrosine is significant in Greenland sharks, whereas lantern sharks show no accumulation,” Chiavatti commented.

Despite their brief lifespans, killifish share similar nitrotyrosine aging markers with Greenland sharks, she added.

Cellerino emphasized that Greenland sharks exhibit extraordinary resilience to aging, particularly in their hearts. “The existence of organisms like Greenland sharks that endure aging without any noticeable heart decline is remarkable,” he noted. “These findings underscore the exceptional heart resilience of Greenland sharks and suggest potential insights into healthy aging.”

João Pedro Magalhães from the University of Birmingham highlighted that the study underscores our limited understanding of the molecular and cellular aging mechanisms, including which changes are detrimental and which are advantageous.

Furthermore, Magalhães urged for a broader variety of animals in aging and lifespan research. “Most scientists, including myself, primarily use short-lived species like earthworms, mice, and rats, but remarkable long-lived species such as Greenland sharks and bowhead whales could hold the keys to longevity,” he urged.

Source: www.newscientist.com

Astronomers Discover Celestial ‘Wake’ Linked to Betelgeuse’s Companion Star

Posted on January 13, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Recent multi-year observations from the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope, along with data from the Fred Lawrence Whipple and Roque de los Muchachos Observatories, have unveiled how a faint companion star, identified as Siwalha, has carved a path through the vast atmosphere of Betelgeuse. These findings illuminate long-standing mysteries regarding stellar evolution and advance our understanding of large-scale stellar dynamics.

Artist’s concept depicting the red supergiant star Betelgeuse alongside its orbiting companion. Image credit: NASA/ESA/Elizabeth Wheatley, STScI/Andrea Dupree, CfA.

Betelgeuse, an impressive 8-million-year-old red supergiant star, is prominently situated on the shoulder of the Orion constellation, approximately 724 light-years away from Earth.

With a radius roughly 1,400 times that of the Sun, Betelgeuse stands as one of the largest known stars in the universe.

Commonly referred to as Alpha Orionis or Alpha Ori, Betelgeuse is not just renowned for its size but also for its brightness, radiating more light than 100,000 suns combined.

As Betelgeuse nears the end of its life cycle, its impending explosion is expected to be so luminous that it will be visible in daylight for several weeks.

Astronomers have been meticulously monitoring variations in Betelgeuse’s brightness and surface characteristics for decades to uncover the underlying causes of its behavior.

Interest peaked in 2020 when Betelgeuse seemed to exhibit unusual “sneezing” behavior, suddenly dimming unexpectedly.

Two key periods of fluctuations have intrigued scientists: a short 400-day cycle, likely linked to the star’s own pulsations, and a longer 2,100-day period that remains more elusive.

Researchers have theorized various explanations for these fluctuations, including large convective cells, dust clouds, magnetic activities, and the possible presence of hidden companion stars.

A recent comprehensive study suggests that the longer secondary period is best explained by a low-mass companion star that orbits deep within Betelgeuse’s atmosphere. While some scientists reported possible detections, solid evidence was previously lacking—until now.

For the first time, astronomers have gathered compelling evidence that a companion star is indeed influencing the supergiant star’s atmosphere.

Data changes in the spectra of stars—colors of light emitted by different elements—and shifts in the gas’s speed and direction in the outer atmosphere confirm the presence of denser material and wake effects.

This peculiar signature appears soon after the companion star transits in front of Betelgeuse approximately every six years, further endorsing the theoretical model.

Dr. Andrea Dupree, an astronomer at Harvard University & Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, commented, “It’s akin to a boat sailing through water; the companion star induces a ripple in Betelgeuse’s atmosphere that is directly observable in the data.”

“For the first time, we are witnessing definitive signs of this wake or gas signature, validating that Betelgeuse does indeed harbor a hidden companion that influences its observable characteristics and behavior.”

The team’s research paper will soon be published in the Astrophysical Journal.

_____

Andrea K. Dupree et al. 2026. Betelgeuse: Expanding trail of the companion star detected. APJ in press. arXiv: 2601.00470

Source: www.sci.news

SEO-Optimized Title: “The Late Ordovician Mass Extinction: How It Laid the Foundation for the Evolution of Early Fish”

Posted on January 13, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

A significant enigma in vertebrate evolution—why numerous major fish lineages appeared suddenly in the fossil record tens of millions of years post their presumed origins—has been linked to the Late Ordovician mass extinction (LOME). This insight comes from a recent analysis conducted by paleontologists at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University. The study reveals that the LOME, occurring approximately 445 to 443 million years ago, instigated a parallel endemic radiation of jawed and jawless vertebrates (gnathostomes) within isolated refugia, ultimately reshaping the early narrative of fishes and their relatives.

Reconstruction of Sacabambaspis jamvieri, an armored jawless fish from the Ordovician period. Image credit: OIST Kaori Seragaki

Most vertebrate lineages initially documented in the mid-Paleozoic emerged significantly after the Cambrian origin and Ordovician invertebrate biodiversity. This temporal gap is often attributed to inadequate sampling and lengthy ghost lineages.

However, paleontologists Kazuhei Hagiwara and Lauren Saran from the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University propose that the LOME may have fundamentally transformed the vertebrate ecosystem.

Utilizing a newly compiled global database of Paleozoic vertebrate occurrences, biogeography, and ecosystems, they identified that this mass extinction coincided with the extinction of stylostome conodonts (extinct marine jawless vertebrates) and the decline of early gnathostomes and pelagic invertebrates.

In the aftermath, the post-extinction ecosystems witnessed the initial definitive emergence of most major vertebrate lineages characteristic of the Paleozoic ‘Age of Fish’.

“While the ultimate cause of LOME remains unclear, clear changes before and after the event are evident through the fossil record,” stated Professor Saran.

“We have assimilated 200 years of Late Ordovician and Early Silurian paleontology and created a novel database of fossil records that will assist in reconstructing the refugia ecosystem,” Dr. Hagiwara elaborated.

“This enables us to quantify genus-level diversity from this era and illustrate how LOME directly contributed to a significant increase in gnathostome biodiversity.”

LOME transpired in two pulses during a period marked by global temperature fluctuations, alterations in ocean chemistry—including essential trace elements—sudden polar glaciation, and fluctuations in sea levels.

These transformations severely impacted marine ecosystems, creating post-extinction ‘gaps’ with reduced biodiversity that extended until the early Silurian period.

The researchers confirmed a previously suggested gap in vertebrate diversity known as the Thalimar gap.

Throughout this time, terrestrial richness remained low, and the surviving fauna consisted largely of isolated microfossils.

The recovery was gradual, with the Silurian period encompassing a 23-million-year recovery phase during which vertebrate lineages diversified intermittently.

Silurian gnathostome lineages displayed gradual diversification during an early phase when global biodiversity was notably low.

Early jawed vertebrates appear to have evolved in isolation rather than rapidly dispersing into ancient oceans.

The researchers noted that gnathostomes exhibited high levels of endemism from the outset of the Silurian period, with diversification occurring primarily in certain long-term extinction reserves.

One such refuge is southern China, where the earliest conclusive evidence of jaws is present in the fossil record.

These primitive jawed vertebrates remained geographically restricted for millions of years.

Turnover and recovery following LOME paralleled climatic fluctuations similar to those at the end of the Devonian mass extinction, including prolonged epochs of low diversity and delayed dominance of jawed fishes.

“For the first time, we discovered the entire body fossil of a jawed fish directly related to modern sharks in what is now southern China,” Dr. Hagiwara noted.

“They remained concentrated in these stable refugia for millions of years until they evolved the capability to migrate across open oceans to new ecosystems.”

“By integrating location, morphology, ecology, and biodiversity, we can finally understand how early vertebrate ecosystems restructured themselves after significant environmental disruptions,” Professor Saran added.

“This study elucidates why jaws evolved, why jawed vertebrates ultimately became widespread, and how modern marine life originated from these survivors rather than earlier forms like conodonts and trilobites.”

For more information, refer to the study published on January 9th in Scientific Progress.

_____

Kazuhei Hagiwara & Lauren Saran. 2026. The mass extinction that initiated the irradiation of jawed vertebrates and their jawless relatives (gnathostomes). Scientific Progress 12(2); doi: 10.1126/sciadv.aeb2297

Source: www.sci.news

Unexpected Shock Wave Discovered Surrounding Nearby White Dwarf Star

Posted on January 13, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Astronomers utilizing ESO’s Very Large Telescope (VLT) have captured stunning shock waves surrounding the white dwarf star 1RXS J052832.5+283824 (commonly known as RXJ0528+2838). This extraordinary phenomenon challenges existing astrophysical models and has the potential to transform our understanding of stellar evolution.

Image credit: ESO / Iłkiewicz et al. showcasing the shockwave around the white dwarf RXJ0528+2838, captured by the MUSE instrument of ESO’s VLT.

Located approximately 730 light-years away in the constellation Auriga, RXJ0528+2838 orbits the center of the Milky Way, similar to our Sun and other stars.

According to Dr. Noel Castro-Segura from the University of Warwick, “As the white dwarf traverses space, it interacts with interstellar gas, causing a type of shock wave known as a bow shock, which resembles a wave building up in front of a moving ship.”

Interestingly, while bow shocks are typically produced by material expelled from the star, the mechanisms observed in RXJ0528+2838 remain unexplained.

RXJ0528+2838 is part of a binary system, with a sun-like companion star. In such systems, gas is often transferred to the white dwarf, creating an accretion disk. However, this disk appears absent, leading to questions about the source of the observed outflow and the surrounding nebula.

Dr. Simone Scaringi from Durham University expressed: “The fact that a seemingly quiet, diskless system could produce such an impressive nebula was a remarkable surprise.”

Astronomers initially identified an unusual nebula around RXJ0528+2838 through images captured by the Isaac Newton Telescope in Spain, prompting further investigation with the MUSE instrument at VLT.

The size and shape of the bow shock indicate that the white dwarf has been generating significant outflows for over 1,000 years.

Although the exact mechanism for such a prolonged outflow from a diskless white dwarf is still under investigation, scientists speculate that RXJ0528+2838 possesses a strong magnetic field, evidenced by MUSE data.

This magnetic field may funnel material directly from the companion star to the white dwarf, bypassing the formation of an accretion disk.

Dr. Christian Ikiewicz from the Nicolaus Copernicus Astronomical Center remarked, “Our findings indicate that diskless systems can still produce powerful outflows, revealing complex interactions that challenge traditional binary star models.”

While the detected magnetic field can sustain a bow shock for hundreds of years, it only partially accounts for the phenomena observed.

“We’ve uncovered something unprecedented and unexpectedly remarkable,” Dr. Scaringi noted.

For further reading on this groundbreaking discovery, refer to the published paper in the journal Nature Astronomy.

_____

K. Iwkiewicz et al. Persistent bow shock in a diskless magnetized accreting white dwarf. Nat Astron, published online on January 12, 2026. doi: 10.1038/s41550-025-02748-8

Source: www.sci.news

Revolutionary Solution for Cosmic Acceleration: Overcoming Dark Energy Challenges

Posted on January 13, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Researchers from the Center for Applied Space Technology and Microgravity at the University of Bremen and the University of Transylvania in Brașov have unveiled a groundbreaking theoretical framework that challenges our understanding of the universe’s accelerating expansion, potentially rendering dark energy obsolete. They suggest that this acceleration may be an intrinsic characteristic of space-time geometry, rather than a result of unknown cosmic forces.

This artist’s impression traces the evolution of the universe from the Big Bang, through the formation of the Cosmic Microwave Background, to the emergence of galaxies. Image credit: M. Weiss / Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics.

For over 25 years, scientists have been puzzled by the unexpected observation that the expansion of the universe is accelerating, counter to the gravitational pull.

In the 1990s, astronomers identified this acceleration through observations of distant Type Ia supernovae, leading to the prevalent theory of dark energy, an invisible force believed to drive this expansion.

Nevertheless, the actual nature of dark energy remains elusive within the Standard Model of cosmology.

Dr. Christian Pfeiffer and his team propose that we may better understand this cosmic acceleration by re-evaluating the geometric framework used to describe gravity.

Central to modern cosmology is Einstein’s theory of general relativity, which details how matter and energy shape space-time.

The universe’s evolution is modeled using the Friedman equation, which originates from Einstein’s principles.

The researchers introduce an innovative solution based on Finsler gravity, an extension of Einstein’s theory.

This approach enhances our understanding of spacetime geometry and allows for a more nuanced exploration of how matter, especially gases, interacts with gravity.

Unlike general relativity, which depends on rigid geometric forms, Finsler gravity presents a more versatile space-time geometry.

With this methodology, the authors recalibrated the equations governing cosmic expansion.

Informed by the Finsler framework, the modified Friedman equation predicts the universe’s acceleration phenomena without necessitating the introduction of dark energy.

In essence, the accelerating expansion emerges directly from the geometry of space-time itself.

“This is a promising hint that we may explain the universe’s accelerating expansion partly without dark energy, drawing from generalized space-time geometry,” Pfeiffer remarked.

This concept does not entirely dismiss dark energy or invalidate the Standard Model.

Instead, it implies that some effects attributed to dark energy might have their roots in a deeper understanding of gravity.

“This fresh geometric outlook on the dark energy dilemma provides avenues for a richer comprehension of the universe’s foundational laws,” stated Dr. Pfeiffer.

The research team’s paper is published in the Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics.

_____

Christian Pfeiffer et al. 2025. From a moving gas to an exponentially expanding universe, the Finsler-Friedman equation. JCAP 10:050; DOI: 10.1088/1475-7516/2025/10/050

Source: www.sci.news

New Troodontid Dinosaur with Thick Skull Discovered in Mexico

Posted on January 13, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

A groundbreaking study by a team of paleontologists from Mexico and the United States has unveiled a new species of bird-like dinosaur, Xenovenator Espinosai, notable for its exceptionally thick, dome-shaped skull. This unique adaptation suggests it may have engaged in headbutting behaviors during conflicts with its peers.

Reconstruction of the life of Xenovenator Espinosai. Image credit: Connor Ashbridge / CC BY 4.0.

This newly identified dinosaur species thrived during the late Cretaceous period, approximately 73 million years ago.

Xenovenator Espinosai is part of the Troodontidae family, which includes agile theropod dinosaurs closely related to modern birds.

The holotype and paratype specimens were uncovered during surface sampling in the Cerro del Pueblo Formation located in Coahuila state, northern Mexico, in the early 2000s.

While Troodontids are recognized for their larger brains and heightened sensory capabilities, this species distinguishes itself through an exceptionally thick skull roof.

The holotype specimen retains nearly the entire brain case, showcasing a strongly dome-shaped structure that reaches thicknesses of up to 1.2 cm.

CT scans reveal that the skull features a dense architecture with closely interlocked sutures and a rugged, textured exterior.

This structural resemblance to the reinforced skulls of dome-headed pachycephalosaurs highlights an evolutionary adaptation for intraspecific combat, particularly head-butting.

While display structures and combat weapons are common among many dinosaur species, detailed adaptations for fighting have yet to be recorded in non-avian maniraptoran theropods.

The paratype specimen of Xenovenator Espinosai shows less pronounced cranial thickening, which may indicate variability due to age or sex, suggesting that the most significant skull enhancements occurred later in development or were selective to one sex.

“The thickened, deformed skull of Xenovenator Espinosai is unparalleled among maniraptorans, with its precise function remaining unclear,” stated lead author Dr. Hector Rivera Silva from Museo del Desierto.

“Several traits that appear to serve no obvious survival advantage, such as cranial horns and crests, may be the result of sexual selection.”

“In contemporary mammals and birds, these attributes can be utilized for display or as weapons during courtship.”

“Considering our findings—skull thickening, cranial doming, and intricate sutures—it is likely that the domed skull of Xenovenator Espinosai was an adaptation for intraspecific combat,” they added.

This discovery marks the first documented case of a parabird exhibiting a specialized skull for combat among its species.

Interestingly, researchers noted that wrinkled frontal bones and similar features in the maxilla and nasal bones of troodontids may suggest widespread intraspecific fighting, with heightened intensity observed in Xenovenator Espinosai.

The phylogenetic analysis indicates that despite being part of a larger North American troodontid lineage, Xenovenator Espinosai’s distinctively thick, domed skull highlights its unique evolutionary niche within the group.

The recurrent evolution of intricate display features and weapons during the Cretaceous hints at the increasing importance of sexual selection in dinosaur evolution.

This finding enriches our understanding of the diversity among troodontid dinosaurs from southern Laramidia, offering rare insights into how even smaller, lighter theropods developed traits specialized for physical confrontation.

Researchers propose that related species like Xenovenator Robustus signify a distinct clade of heavily built troodontids endemic to the Southwest, emphasizing the uniqueness and diversity of southern Laramidian fauna.

“Sexual selection, encompassing adaptations for display and combat, was likely a pervasive phenomenon among dinosaurs during the Late Cretaceous period,” they concluded.

For further details on this discovery, refer to the research paper published in the journal Diversity.

_____

Hector E. Rivera-Silva et al. 2026. A troodontid theropod with a thick skull that lived in late Cretaceous Mexico. Diversity 18(1):38; doi: 10.3390/d18010038

Source: www.sci.news

Exploring the Evolutionary Origins of Same-Sex Sexual Behavior in Primate Species

Posted on January 13, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Same-sex sexual activity isn’t exclusive to humans; various primates engage in it too.

A recent study identified 59 non-human primate species, including bonobos, chimpanzees, and macaques, that exhibit same-sex behavior.

This extensive research, published in Nature Ecology & Evolution, is the most thorough review to date of same-sex behavior among primates (excluding humans). The findings challenge existing assumptions about the purpose of sexual activities within the animal kingdom and indicate that sex may serve a more complex social function.

The authors propose that same-sex behavior has evolved to assist primates in navigating complex social structures, reducing conflict, and strengthening bonds. They suggest that both genetic factors and external environmental stresses influence this behavior.

Vincent Savolainen, director of the Georgina Mace Center for the Living Planet at Imperial College London and lead author of the study, stated: “Our findings illustrate that homosexuality is not an anomaly; it’s widespread, beneficial, and essential.”

In their study, Savolainen and colleagues evaluated existing data from 491 primate species, focusing on documented instances of same-sex sexual activities.

“The behaviors observed included mounting, ventral-to-ventral, or ventral-to-dorsal contact, genital touching, and fellatio, encompassing both male-to-male and female-to-female interactions,” the study highlighted. Non-sexual same-sex interactions were excluded to maintain clarity.

Findings suggest that same-sex behavior is more prevalent among animals needing social cohesion to endure harsh environmental conditions, facing predation risks, or competing for resources. It is particularly common in social structures with rigid hierarchies, where sexual behaviors help individuals manage competition and foster alliances to reduce intergroup aggression.

“People often underestimate the significance of same-sex behavior in societal dynamics; it is as crucial as eating, fighting, parenting, and nurturing,” Savolainen remarked.

He likened same-sex sexual interactions to a form of “currency” that may enhance social standing, create opportunities, and facilitate resource sharing.

“In times of social strife, utilizing same-sex behavior can be advantageous,” Savolainen explained.

He noted that while this behavior is likely to be present in more than 23 primate species, limited data in the field and a lack of focused studies hinder comprehensive understanding.

Observing and interpreting same-sex sexual behavior can be challenging for scientists. Historically, many researchers viewed these behaviors as unusual and neglected documentation. Additionally, securing funding for studies on same-sex behavior in animals has been difficult, particularly from government sources.

“We have a plethora of species about which we lack knowledge. This knowledge gap is significant,” Savolainen warned. “Unless we incorporate same-sex behavior into our understanding of social dynamics, we can’t fully grasp how societies operate. We aim to gather more data in forthcoming studies.”

While the new research doesn’t directly relate its findings to contemporary human sexual behavior, it suggests that our ancestors experienced social and environmental pressures similar to those driving same-sex behavior in other primates.

Prior studies have indicated that widespread same-sex behavior exists in macaques and that certain traits are genetically inherited. Some behaviors can be linked to specific genetic lineages. Female bonobos often engage in genital rubbing during stressful situations, and same-sex behavior has also been documented in chimpanzees.

Marlene Zook, an evolutionary biologist at the University of Minnesota who studies same-sex behavior in animals, commented on the interesting breadth of the analysis.

“The extensive range of data collected in this study is particularly impressive,” she noted.

Zook expressed no surprise at the conclusion emphasizing the influence of environmental and social factors on same-sex behavior. The study prompts a reconsideration of widespread misconceptions regarding animal sexual conduct, emphasizing its complexity beyond mere reproduction.

“Sexual behavior often transcends reproduction, a fact evident in our species. However, many tend to overlook this reality in animals,” Zook observed. “People seem to assume that animals, unlike humans, conduct sexual activities purely for procreation purposes, which is quite inaccurate.”

Zook added that the scientific community has traditionally dismissed the concept of a “gay gene” that directly influences homosexual behavior.

“No single gene dictates homosexual behavior in humans or other animals. Instead, a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors shape nearly all behaviors and traits, whether they be physical or psychological,” she concluded.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Study Reveals How Space Travel Alters Astronauts’ Brain Shape and Position

Posted on January 13, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

A groundbreaking study reveals that astronauts’ brains can experience changes in shape and position during their time in space, presenting significant implications for NASA’s objectives of long-duration missions to the Moon and Mars.

Published on Monday in the Journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the research indicates that astronauts’ brains tilted upward after spaceflight, deviating from their normal Earth position and shifting within their skulls. The study identified that areas associated with sensory functions, motion sickness, disorientation, and balance were notably affected.

This research contributes to the evolving field of aerospace medicine, which investigates the physical toll spaceflight and microgravity exert on the human body. Such insights are crucial for planning NASA’s ambitious projects to establish a base on the Moon and conduct crewed missions deeper into the solar system.

“Understanding these changes and their implications is vital for ensuring astronauts’ safety and health, as well as ensuring their longevity in space,” stated Rachel Seidler, a professor at the University of Florida and co-author of the study.

Seidler and her team examined MRI scans of 26 astronauts taken before and after their missions in orbit. The duration of spaceflight varied from a few weeks (for Space Shuttle missions) to about six months (the typical length for International Space Station missions). Some astronauts even spent a year aboard the station.

“Those who spent a year in space exhibited the most significant changes,” Seidler revealed. “We observed noticeable alterations even in astronauts who were in space for just two weeks, indicating that duration is a key factor.”

She added that among astronauts who remained in microgravity for over six months, the upward movement of their brains was “quite widespread,” particularly within the upper brain structures.

“The movement is in the range of a few millimeters. While this might not seem significant, in terms of brain dynamics, it truly is,” she noted.

Seidler pointed out that the observed brain changes often lead to “sensory conflicts” while astronauts are in space, resulting in temporary disorientation and motion sickness. Upon returning to Earth, such changes may also contribute to balance issues as astronauts readjust to the planet’s gravity. However, the study did not report any severe symptoms, like headaches or cognitive impairment, either during or after spaceflight.

“That was a surprise to me,” Seidler remarked.

For a comparative analysis, the research team also examined brain scans of 24 civilian participants who underwent bed rest for up to 60 days with their heads positioned at a 6-degree angle downward, mimicking microgravity conditions. Similar changes in brain position and shape were observed, yet astronauts’ brains displayed a more pronounced upward shift.

Dr. Mark Rosenberg, assistant professor of neurology and director of the Aerospace and Performance Neurology Program at the Medical University of South Carolina, emphasized that while the effects of spaceflight on the brain have been recognized, Seidler’s study is pioneering in documenting how these upward shifts impact astronauts both in space and upon their return to Earth.

“While we knew the brain shifted upward, we needed to explore any operational consequences,” said Rosenberg, who did not participate in the study. “This work helps clarify those relationships.”

The findings prompt additional questions for future studies, including whether brain changes differ between male and female astronauts and whether the age of crew members influences these changes. However, gathering a comprehensive dataset is challenged by the limited number of astronauts launched to the International Space Station each year, a demographic that has predominantly been male.

Further research is essential to establish whether the observed brain changes have long-term repercussions.

Currently, these changes do not appear to be permanent, similar to various physiological changes astronauts experience post-mission, such as bone density loss, muscle atrophy, and fluid redistribution. Once the body readjusts to Earth’s gravity, conditions largely normalize, Rosenberg explained.

However, it remains uncertain whether different gravitational environments might introduce new complications.

“If an astronaut were on Mars, which has one-third of Earth’s gravity, or on the Moon, with one-sixth of Earth’s gravity, how much longer would it take to return to normal?” Rosenberg queried.

Both he and Seidler assert that the current findings shouldn’t deter humans from spending extended periods in space. It is crucial, however, to comprehend any potential long-lasting damage and identify strategies to mitigate it.

“Whether we acknowledge it or not, we are destined to become a spacefaring species,” Rosenberg concluded. “It’s merely a matter of time. These are just some of the essential questions we need to address.”

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Transform Your 2026 Fitness Goals: Why Going Mobile is Key

Posted on January 13, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Enhancing Mobility: A Priority for 2026

Sally Anderson / Alamy

Senior Chinese man exercising in outdoor gym, performing splits at Tiantan Park, Beijing, China, Asia — Enhancing Mobility: A Priority for 2026

Sally Anderson / Alamy

It’s that time of year again to set New Year’s resolutions. Last year, my mission was to complete a half marathon, a target I had attempted unsuccessfully multiple times before. I am thrilled to share that I achieved this in 2025, gaining valuable insights into the world of New Year’s fitness goals.

The most significant lesson I’ve learned is that establishing specific, measurable targets is incredibly effective. A year ago, I couldn’t claim to be a runner; in fact, running was something I dreaded. I could have easily set a vague goal like “start running” or “keep running,” but I realized that wouldn’t propel me forward.

Why is specificity key? Because enhancing fitness is challenging, especially at the outset. Each run in my early training felt equally daunting. Without a target like completing the race, it’s likely I would have settled for minimal effort.

That’s why the half marathon goal was essential for me. It kept my focus sharp during tough times and necessitated incorporating running into my regular workout schedule, regardless of my initial resistance. Today, I genuinely enjoy running and do it daily. This transformation has reinforced my belief in the efficacy of New Year’s fitness resolutions. While they may seem like annual goals, they can foster long-term habits. Notably, a 2020 study indicated that 55% of over 1,000 participants felt successful in maintaining their New Year resolutions a year later.

With that in mind, I am creatively approaching my 2026 fitness resolutions by focusing on a fundamental yet often neglected aspect of fitness: mobility. This refers to the body’s capability to move through its full range of motion—an essential element for preventing injuries. According to a 2019 analysis encompassing 20 studies, individuals exhibiting low mobility were approximately 50% more likely to sustain injuries compared to their more agile counterparts.

Further research appears to support this. One study conducted on more than 3,100 individuals found that enhanced flexibility considerably reduced mortality risk over 13 years. Similarly, a 2020 study demonstrated that consistent stretching decreases arterial stiffness, lowers heart rate, and contributes to better blood pressure.

In pursuit of this goal, I’ve made it my 2026 New Year’s resolution to master the splits. While this may appear comical, aiming for such a tangible and measurable achievement can significantly bolster your commitment to mobility practices.

Of course, mastering the splits isn’t suitable for everyone. The important takeaway is to select a goal that aligns with your fitness aspirations while being specific enough to recognize when you’ve achieved it. I encourage you to think innovatively. If your aim is to build strength, strive for unassisted pull-ups. Alternatively, for a longevity boost, focus on extending your capacity to balance on one leg. Ultimately, the key lies in setting clear goals with definite endpoints that provide a sense of accomplishment when attained.

Stay tuned for more articles published weekly at:
newscientist.com/maker

Grace Wade is a health reporter for New Scientist. Sign up for her newsletter, Get Healthier in 8 Weeks, at newscientist.com/healthier-you

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Source: www.newscientist.com

How Roman Occupation Revolutionized Sanitation in Pompeii’s Public Baths

Posted on January 12, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

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The Stavian Baths in Pompeii, one of the first bathhouses built by the Samnites

Icas94/De Agostini via Getty Images

Visiting the public baths in Pompeii meant immersing in water that was often contaminated with sweat and urine, until Roman innovations in sanitation improved the experience.

Commonly perceived as a quintessential Roman city due to its proximity—about 240 kilometers southeast of Rome—Pompeii was predominantly inhabited by the Samnites for much of its history. It fell under Roman control after 80 BC, just 160 years before the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius buried the city in volcanic ash.

Much like the Romans, the Samnites valued bathing and constructed at least two public baths—the Stavian Baths and the Republican Baths—after 130 BC.

Dr. Gul Surmelihindi and a team from the University of Mainz analyzed mineral deposits within these ancient baths to better understand their water quality.

Interestingly, the water quality was subpar. “The water in the heated pool at the Republican Baths shows low stable carbon isotope values, indicating a high level of organic matter,” stated Surmelihindi.

Crucially, when examining deposits in the 40-meter-deep well supplying water to the pool, researchers found minimal organic matter. “This suggests that contamination likely happened within the pool itself, probably from sweat, oily skin secretions, or urine from bathers,” explains Surmelihindi.

Time and convenience were significant factors; drawing water from wells manually was labor-intensive, yielding only 900 to 5,000 liters per hour—sufficient to refill the baths once or twice daily.

The landscape changed dramatically under Roman rule. Within decades, an aqueduct was constructed to transport water from a natural spring about 35 km northeast of Pompeii. “Building an aqueduct symbolizes both prestige and priority; if one city has one, others will follow,” Surmelihindi remarked.

Inside the Water Castle, Pompeii’s aqueduct distribution structure

Seeds Passier

Researchers estimate that Pompeii’s aqueduct was capable of supplying 167,000 liters of water each hour, allowing for much more frequent refills of the public baths and providing residents with a new, reliable source of drinking water.

This shift led to increased hygiene in the public baths, as shown by the significantly lower amounts of organic carbon found in the drain deposits of the Roman Stavian baths, indicating a reduced concentration of sweat and urine due to more frequent refills.

However, improved water infrastructure did not automatically guarantee public health. Prior to the aqueduct’s construction, many residents relied on rainwater collected from rooftops. Subsequently, drinking water was sourced from the aqueduct via a network of lead pipes. Lead can cause serious health issues, including brain damage according to the World Health Organization.

While mineral deposits over time could reduce lead contamination, researchers caution that each time a section of the city’s pipes is repaired, lead contamination could spike again.

“Pompeii’s elite likely enjoyed access to cleaner water due to their residences, which featured large atriums and roofs designed to collect rainwater in cisterns,” explains Duncan Keenan-Jones from the University of Manchester, UK. In contrast, poorer residents, potentially living above shops, depended on lead-contaminated water from public fountains.

Explore Herculaneum – Discover Vesuvius, Pompeii, and Ancient Naples

Delve into the historical richness of Mount Vesuvius, Pompeii, and Herculaneum, where the past and archaeology vividly intertwine.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Exciting Sci-Fi Movies Coming in 2026: Must-Watch Releases

Posted on January 12, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Ryan Gosling in “Project Hail Mary”

Universal Pictures

This year, the promising green buds of recovery have flourished in the film industry. Expect tighter scripts, lower-budget projects—which allow studios to take more risks—and an overall more enjoyable movie-watching experience.

Mark your calendars for January 16th, as 28 Years Later: Temple of Bones will finally realize its long-awaited potential, arriving in 2025. Cillian Murphy returns, reprising his role from the original 28 Days Later, while Jack O’Connell’s acrobatic murder cult “The Jimmy’s” makes an intriguing appearance.

Nia DaCosta will take the director’s helm, a much-deserved opportunity after the struggles faced with Marvels. The screenplay, penned by Alex Garland, is poised to set the stage for DaCosta’s resurgence.

February sees the release of the remarkable science fiction film Do Your Best, Have Fun, and Don’t Die, starring Sam Rockwell as a time traveler who takes hostages in a Los Angeles diner to alter the fate of the world.

Gore Verbinski returns with a new project, following mixed reviews for his last film, Remedies for Health. Fans of his unique style have high hopes for this dynamic and adventurous narrative.

Anticipation builds for Guillermo del Toro’s latest work, Frankenstein, slated for release on March 6, featuring Maggie Gyllenhaal’s directorial debut with Jesse Buckley and Christian Bale in leading roles.

Bride of Frankenstein, a fresh take on James Whale’s 1935 classic, offers a modern twist as the duo embarks on a thrilling escapade reminiscent of Bonnie and Clyde.

For genre enthusiasts, Project Hail Mary, launching on March 20, promises to be an unmissable treat. Directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, this adaptation of Andy Weir’s novel stars Ryan Gosling as Ryland Grace, a science teacher who awakens in a spaceship with no recollection of his identity, just as the sun faces extinction.

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This year promises tighter scripts, cheaper projects, and a more enjoyable movie-watching experience.
“

In The Dog Stars, directed by Ridley Scott and featuring Jacob Elordi and Josh Brolin, survival becomes paramount in a post-influenza pandemic world as the characters grapple with a mysterious radio signal that may bring hope.

Furthermore, Steven Spielberg has an awaiting UFO film lined up for a June 6th release, showcasing his storytelling prowess alongside screenwriter David Cope. Starring Emily Blunt, Josh O’Connor, and Colin Firth, the teaser for this much-anticipated film is now available online.

In I Love Booster, Demi Moore leads an ensemble cast in a satirical sci-fi narrative about the implications of fast fashion, a follow-up to the acclaimed Sorry to Bother You directed by Boots Riley.

Flower Veil Street, set to release on August 14, is penned and directed by David Robert Mitchell. This thriller stars Anne Hathaway and Ewan McGregor as a couple in the 1980s facing bizarre occurrences within their neighborhood—following up on Mitchell’s cult hit, It Follows.

The much-anticipated follow-up to Na Hong-jin’s 2016 Voice of Lamentation centers around a ghostly tiger, unveiling twists amid extraterrestrial elements including Alicia Vikander and Michael Fassbender.

As we move toward December 18th, die-hard sci-fi fans await Dune: Part 3, the continuation of Denis Villeneuve’s captivating visuals of Frank Herbert’s legendary novel series.

Reflecting on Dune Messiah, this next chapter promises a blend of profound inner dialogue and complex themes. Fingers crossed, Villeneuve delivers another cinematic masterpiece.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Exploring the Evolutionary Reasons Behind Same-Sex Sexual Behavior

Posted on January 12, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Male baboon (*Papio hamadryas*) showcases dominance through mounting behavior.

Credit: Ger Bosma/Alamy

Male Hamadryas baboon displaying dominance — Male baboon (*Papio hamadryas*) showcases dominance through mounting behavior.

Credit: Ger Bosma/Alamy

Same-sex sexual behavior in monkeys and apes may enhance social standing and increase reproductive success, particularly in harsh environments with predators or limited food resources.

This conclusion stems from a study exploring variations in same-sex behavior across primate species, suggesting that such behavior, contrary to popular belief, is an adaptive trait aiding survival.

Historically, same-sex behavior has been dismissed as “unnatural.” However, it has now been documented in at least 1,500 animal species, including insects, dolphins, bison, and bonobos.

This could be just the beginning of a larger understanding; many species remain understudied. Additionally, same-sex activities may often go unrecognized due to ambiguous gender identification. Even when recognized, they may not be reported.

In research covering around 20 mammalian species over extended periods, 80% exhibit same-sex behavior. In a detailed study of a rhesus macaque colony (Macaca mulatta) in Cayo Santiago, Puerto Rico, researchers found that three-quarters of males engage in homosexual behavior, according to findings by Vincent Savolainen from Imperial College London.

The prevalence of same-sex behavior poses the question: why is it so common?

This phenomenon is often referred to as “Darwin’s paradox,” arising from the assumption that homosexual behavior is maladaptive, offering no reproductive advantage.

Several theories have been proposed to explain the high occurrence of same-sex behavior, despite its perceived maladaptive nature. One theory suggests that such acts may occur due to the inability of individuals to distinguish between genders. While this idea holds for simpler animals, it likely does not apply to complex animals such as apes and dolphins.

Another explanation is that same-sex behavior could be a byproduct of natural selection for other traits. For instance, some traits enhancing reproductive success in females could be linked to the increased likelihood of homosexuality in males.

Importantly, same-sex behavior may hold adaptive value. One theory suggests it aids males in forming alliances, enhancing their access to females. “Same-sex behavior serves as a social currency within these societies,” Savolainen explains.

His team analyzed data on same-sex behavior in 59 primate species, correlating it with various environmental and social factors. Notably, they observed that same-sex interactions are more prevalent in complex societies and dryer habitats where food scarcity and predation pressure are heightened.

The increased frequency of such behavior in stressful environments suggests its adaptive nature. If same-sex acts were purely for enjoyment, we would expect them to be less frequent in these conditions.

“Same-sex behavior may foster cooperation and cohesion by strengthening social bonds, which is particularly vital in challenging environments,” notes team member Chloe Coxshall, also from Imperial.

However, to establish the adaptive value, this behavior must show a link to enhanced fitness and increased offspring. “This is precisely what I aim to examine in monkey populations,” Savolainen states.

While conclusive evidence identifying same-sex behavior as adaptive in certain primate species remains elusive, scientific inquiry may soon challenge outdated perceptions surrounding this behavior.

What implications does this research hold for understanding human homosexual behavior? If validated, these findings may clarify its commonality. Researchers emphasize that these insights do not dictate moral judgments about such actions, thereby avoiding the naturalistic fallacy—wherein human behavior is evaluated through the lens of animal behavior.

Nevertheless, it’s intriguing to consider that redefining “the fittest” may be necessary in the context of survival of the fittest.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

How Quantum Computers Could Enhance Exoplanet Imaging for Clearer Views

Posted on January 12, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Artist’s Impression of an Exoplanet

Credit: ESA/Hubble (M. Kornmesser)

Innovative quantum computers may enhance our ability to detect exoplanets and analyze their characteristics in unprecedented detail.

Astronomers have identified thousands of planets beyond our solar system, but they believe billions of exoplanets remain to be uncovered. This exploration is crucial for the search for extraterrestrial life, though the distance from Earth complicates direct observations.

Johannes Borregard and his team at Harvard University propose that quantum computing technology could dramatically streamline this endeavor.

Capturing images of exoplanets involves detecting their faint light signals, which diminish as they traverse vast cosmic distances. Additionally, these signals can be obscured by the light of nearby stars, creating additional challenges.

According to Borregard, his NASA colleagues illustrated the difficulty of this task, likening it to locating a single photon amidst a sea of light during telescope observations.

Traditional processing methods struggle with such weak signals. However, quantum computers can harness the quantum states of incoming photons, utilizing their unique properties to gather crucial data about exoplanets. This approach could transform what typically produces indistinct images or singular blurred points into clear visuals of distant worlds, revealing light-based markers of molecules present on these exoplanets.

The central concept of the team’s proposal suggests that light from an exoplanet interacts with a quantum computing device crafted from specially engineered diamond. This technology has already shown success in storing quantum states of photons. These states would then be transmitted to an advanced quantum computer designed to process and generate images of exoplanets. In their model, Borregard and his colleagues envision the second device utilizing ultracold atoms, which have demonstrated significant potential in recent experiments.

Research indicates that employing quantum devices in this manner could produce images using only one-hundredth, or even one-thousandth, of the photons needed in conventional methods. Essentially, in scenarios of extremely weak light, quantum systems could surpass existing technology.

“Since photons adhere to quantum mechanics principles, it is intuitive to explore quantum approaches for detecting and processing light from exoplanets,” notes Cosmolpo from the Polytechnic University of Bari, Italy. However, he acknowledges that realizing this proposal poses significant challenges, necessitating precise control over both quantum computers and effective coordination between them.

Borregard concurs, recognizing promising experimental advancements in employing diamond-based and cryogenic quantum computers. He highlights that establishing a connection between these systems is currently a focus for several research teams, including his own.

Lupo introduces another innovative strategy leveraging quantum light properties. Current initiatives utilizing quantum devices have already begun to observe stars in the Canis Minor constellation. “I am eager to witness the influence of quantum computing on imaging and astronomy in the future,” he states. “This new research represents a pivotal step in that direction.”

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Exoplanet/
Quantum Computing

Source: www.newscientist.com

Simulating the Human Brain with Supercomputers: Exploring Advanced Neuroscience Technology

Posted on January 12, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

3D MRI Scan of the Human Brain

K H FUNG/Science Photo Library

3D MRI scan of human brain — 3D MRI Scan of the Human Brain

K H FUNG/Science Photo Library

Simulating the human brain involves using advanced computing power to model billions of neurons, aiming to replicate the intricacies of real brain function. Researchers aspire to enhance brain simulations, uncovering secrets of cognition with enhanced understanding of neuronal wiring.

Historically, researchers have focused on isolating specific brain regions for simulations to elucidate particular functions. However, a comprehensive model encompassing the entire brain has yet to be achieved. As Markus Diesmann from the Jülich Research Center in Germany notes, “This is now changing.”

This shift is largely due to the emergence of state-of-the-art supercomputers, nearing exascale capabilities—performing billions of operations per second. Currently, only four such machines exist, according to the Top 500 list. Diesmann’s team is set to execute extensive brain simulations on one such supercomputer, named JUPITER (Joint Venture Pioneer for Innovative Exascale Research in Germany).

Recently, Diesmann and colleagues demonstrated that a simple model of brain neurons and their synapses, known as a spiking neural network, can be configured to leverage JUPITER’s thousands of GPUs. This scaling can achieve 20 billion neurons and 100 trillion connections, effectively mimicking the human cerebral cortex, the hub of higher brain functions.

These simulations promise more impactful outcomes than previous models of smaller brains such as fruit flies. Recent insights from large language models reveal that larger systems exhibit behaviors unattainable in their smaller counterparts. “We recognize that expansive networks demonstrate qualitatively different capabilities than their reduced size equivalents,” asserts Diesmann. “It’s evident that larger networks offer unique functionalities.”

Thomas Novotny from the University of Sussex emphasizes that downscaling risks omitting crucial characteristics entirely. “Conducting full-scale simulations is vital; without it, we can’t truly replicate reality,” Novotny states.

The model in development at JUPITER is founded on empirical data from limited neuron and synapse experiments in humans. As Johanna Cenk, a collaborator with Diesmann at Sussex, explains, “We have anatomical data constraints coupled with substantial computational power.”

Comprehensive brain simulations could facilitate tests of foundational theories regarding memory formation—an endeavor impractical with miniature models or actual brains. Testing such theories might involve inputting images to observe neural responses and analyze alterations in memory formation with varying brain sizes. Furthermore, this approach could aid in drug testing, such as assessing impacts on a model of epilepsy characterized by abnormal brain activity.

The enhanced computational capabilities enable rapid brain simulations, thereby assisting researchers in understanding gradual processes such as learning, as noted by Senk. Additionally, researchers can devise more intricate biological models detailing neuronal changes and firings.

Nonetheless, despite the ability to simulate vast brain networks, Novotny acknowledges considerable gaps in knowledge. Even simplified whole-brain models for organisms like fruit flies fail to replicate authentic animal behavior.

Simulations run on supercomputers are fundamentally limited, lacking essential features inherent to real brains, such as real-world environmental inputs. “While we can simulate brain size, we cannot fully replicate a functional brain,” warns Novotny.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Understanding Probability: Common Misconceptions Explained

Posted on January 12, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

The Language of Probability: Clarity is Key.

Makhbubakorn Ismatova/Getty Images

Language and Probability — The Language of Probability: Clarity is Key.

Makhbubakorn Ismatova/Getty Images

When someone states they are “probably” having pasta for dinner but later opts for pizza, do you find it surprising or consider them dishonest? On a more critical note, what does it imply when the United Nations asserts it is “very likely” that global temperatures will rise by over 1.5 degrees Celsius in the next decade, as reported last year? The translation between the nuances of language and the intricacies of mathematical probability can often seem challenging, yet we can discover scientific clarity through careful analysis.

Two fundamental points about probability are widely accepted: Something labeled “impossible” has a 0% chance of occurrence, while a “certain” event carries a 100% likelihood. However, confusion arises in between these extremes. Ancient Greeks, including Aristotle, differentiated between terms such as Eikos, meaning the most likely, and Pitanon, which signifies plausible. This presents challenges: persuasive rhetoric may not always align with likelihood. Additionally, both terms were translated by Cicero into the modern term probability.

The concept of a measurable mathematical approach to probability emerged significantly later, primarily in the mid-17th century during the Enlightenment. Mathematicians began to address gambling dilemmas, such as equitable distribution of winnings during interruptions. Concurrently, philosophers probed whether it was feasible to quantify varying levels of belief.

For instance, in 1690, John Locke categorized degrees of probability on a spectrum from complete certainty to confidence based on personal experience, down to testimony affected by repetition. This classification remains vital in legal contexts, both historically and presently.

The interplay between law and probability persisted among philosophers. In his writings of the mid-19th century, Jeremy Bentham criticized the inadequacy of common language in expressing evidence strength. He proposed a numerical ranking system to gauge belief strength, but ultimately deemed its subjectivity as impractical for justice.

A century later, economist John Maynard Keynes rejected Bentham’s certainty measure in favor of relational approaches. He argued that it was more effective to discuss how one probability might exceed another, focusing on the knowledge base for these estimations, thus establishing a hierarchy without offering systematic communication methods for terms such as “may” or “likely.”

Interestingly, the first systematic resolution to this challenge did not arise from mathematicians or philosophers but from a CIA intelligence analyst named Sherman Kent. In 1964, he introduced the idea of estimating probability with specific terminology for National Intelligence Estimates designed to guide policymakers. He articulated the dilemma faced by “poets,” who articulate meaning through words, versus “mathematicians,” who advocate for exact figures. Kent initiated the idea that specific words correspond to precise probabilities, designating “virtually certain” as a 93% probability, but also allowing some leeway to accommodate differing interpretations.

This framework for understanding probability transitioned from the intelligence sector to scientific applications. A review of recent research dating back to 1989 explored how both patients and medical professionals interpret terms like “may” in medical scenarios. The findings showed some alignment with Kent’s framework, although with distinctions.

Returning to the original question about the meaning of “very likely” regarding climate change, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) offers clarity with explicit definitions. According to their guidance, “very likely” signifies a 90% to 100% probability of an event’s occurrence. Alarmingly, many climate scientists now assert that temperatures have already surpassed the critical threshold of 1.5 degrees Celsius.

However, situations are rarely straightforward. Logically, the statements “Event A is likely to occur” and “Event A is unlikely to be avoided” should correlate, albeit research published last year reveals that labeling a climate forecast as “unlikely” diminishes perceived evidence strength and consensus among scientists compared to stating it’s “likely.” This cognitive bias might stem from a preference for positive framing over negative alternatives. A classic example includes a community of 600 individuals facing a health crisis; when presented with two treatment options, most favor one that saves 200 lives over one that saves 400, even if both are statistically similar.

So, what lessons can we draw from this exploration? Firstly, quantifiable data effectively enhances communication of uncertainty. If numerical specificity isn’t available, stating, “75% of the time, I plan to have pasta for dinner,” may raise eyebrows. In such instances, ensure shared understanding of terminology, even in the absence of a formalized framework like Kent’s. Lastly, accentuating the positive tends to foster acceptance of predictions. How likely is that? Well, that’s hard to quantify.

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Source: www.newscientist.com