In developed and stable nations, individuals’ lifespans are likely influenced not only by environmental factors and lifestyle choices but also by the genetic variations inherited from their parents. This conclusion arises from a recent analysis of data from a Danish-Swedish twin study.
For those residing in such countries, it’s not surprising to learn that genetics may account for half of the variation in lifespan, while environmental factors comprise the other half. However, earlier twin studies conducted decades ago suggested that genes explained only about 25% of the variation in human lifespans.
“The proportion shifts slightly, with genetics playing a more significant role while the environmental impact reduces a bit,” stated Joris Dieren from Leiden University Medical Center, Netherlands. “Nonetheless, environmental factors still constitute a crucial element, accounting for at least 50%.”
Heritability measures the extent to which variations in a specific trait arise from genetic influences as opposed to environmental factors. The research team emphasizes that the heritability of any trait isn’t a constant value applicable universally; rather, it pertains to specific populations in distinct environments.
Height in wheat serves as a classic illustration. If seeds are planted in a flat, consistent field, nearly all height variations will be a result of genetics. Conversely, in a more diverse terrain, most height variation will stem from factors like soil, light, and water conditions. The heritability of height varies significantly in these two contexts.
To estimate human trait heritability, geneticists often compare twins raised in the same environment to those raised apart. In this study, Dieren and his colleagues primarily referenced twins born in Sweden or Denmark between 1870 and 1935.
Excluding accidental deaths and infections, the heritability of longevity spiked to approximately 50%, compared to age-related diseases like heart conditions.
This aligns more with our existing knowledge about aging in animals, as Dieren noted. “I believe the figure is more realistically closer to 50% than 25%.”
“This paper evaluates the heritability of maximum lifespan under optimal conditions, assuming only age-related processes are at play. This is a much narrower focus than overall lifespan,” emphasized Peter Ellis from the University of Kent, UK. It’s unsurprising that this more specific question has a higher heritability rate, he pointed out.
Joao Pedro de Magalhães, a professor at the University of Birmingham, UK, concurs: “The findings are entirely expected.”
This research indicates the potential presence of multiple genetic mutations influencing variations in human lifespans, with the identification of such mutations possibly aiding in the development of longevity-enhancing drugs. Yet, few have been discovered to date.
“The mystery remains as to why so few genes related to human longevity have been identified,” stated de Magalhães.
A significant challenge exists due to the nature of studies like the UK Biobank; many participants are still alive, resulting in insufficient numbers for reliable statistical analysis. Dieren also believes this complexity lies within the genetic factors themselves.
For instance, Ellis pointed out that there could be trade-offs, where a genetic variant that reduces autoimmune disease risk might also impair infection-fighting abilities. This suggests that the researchers’ assumption linking infection-related deaths to lifespan may not be entirely accurate.
De Magalhães added that the role of genetics appears significantly different when contrasting species rather than individual differences within a single species. “Even with the mouse genome, you wouldn’t expect a lifespan beyond three or four years,” he noted. “In stark contrast, the bowhead whale genome can result in lifespans exceeding two centuries.”
Recent microwave measurements from NASA’s Juno spacecraft indicate that Europa’s icy shell could extend nearly 29 kilometers (18 miles) deep, significantly altering planetary scientists’ understanding of how this intriguing moon facilitates the exchange of vital chemicals between its hidden ocean and surface.
Artist’s concept showing a cross-section of Europa’s icy shell. Image credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech / SwRI / Koji Kuramura / Gerald Eichstädt.
Europa has captivated planetary scientists for over 40 years.
The question of whether Jupiter’s icy moons can support life has sparked extensive debate among researchers.
Interest in Europa’s potential habitability surged when NASA’s Galileo spacecraft revealed an ocean of saline water beneath its icy crust, complemented by surface cracks.
On September 29, 2022, NASA’s Juno spacecraft flew by Europa at an altitude of 360 km (220 miles).
During this flyby, Juno’s Microwave Radiometer (MWR), which is primarily designed to analyze Jupiter’s atmosphere, gathered brightness temperature data at various depths within Europa’s icy crust.
Juno project scientist Steve Levin and his team utilized this MWR data to conclude that the icy shell averages approximately 29 kilometers in thickness.
“The estimated thickness of 29 km pertains to the cold, dense, electrically conductive outer layer of Europa’s water ice shell,” Dr. Levin stated.
“If a slightly warmer convective layer exists beneath, the total thickness could be even greater.”
“Conversely, if the ice shell contains a moderate amount of dissolved salts, as some models suggest, the thickness could decrease by around 5 km (3 miles).”
“A thicker shell implies that oxygen and nutrients have longer distances to travel to connect Europa’s surface with its subsurface ocean, as indicated by the MWR data.”
Understanding this exchange process is crucial for future studies on Europa’s habitability.
Furthermore, MWR data shed light on the composition of Europa’s subsurface ice.
This technology uncovered “scatterers,” irregularities such as cracks, pores, and voids that scatter microwaves reflected off the ice.
These scatterers, estimated to be only a few inches in diameter, are believed to extend hundreds of feet below the surface.
The small size and shallow depth of these features suggest they are unlikely to serve as significant pathways for transporting oxygen and nutrients from the surface to the salty ocean beneath.
“The thickness of the ice shell, along with the presence of cracks and pores, adds complexity to our understanding of Europa’s potential for habitability,” remarked Scott Bolton, Ph.D., Juno’s principal investigator at the Southwest Research Institute.
“These findings provide essential context for NASA’s Europa Clipper and ESA’s Juice missions, both en route to the Jupiter system.”
“The Europa Clipper is expected to arrive in 2030, followed by Juice the next year.”
The team’s new results were published in the Journal on December 17, 2025, in Nature Astronomy.
_____
S.M. Levin et al. 2026. Characterization of Europa’s ice thickness and subsurface structure using the Juno microwave radiometer. Nat Astron 10, 84-91; doi: 10.1038/s41550-025-02718-0
New Research Reveals Japanese and Australian Geologists Uncover Evidence Linking Oceanic Igneous Provinces to Low-Order Extinction Events During the Triassic Period
Early Earth. Image credit: Peter Sawyer/Smithsonian Institution.
“Mass extinctions represent profoundly catastrophic events in the history of Earth,” stated Dr. Jiang Jun Huang along with a team of geologists from Jilin University and Curtin University.
“While numerous mass extinctions have shaped Earth’s evolutionary timeline, five major events are particularly notable.”
“These pivotal extinctions radically altered the trajectory of life on our planet.”
“Besides the five major mass extinction events, numerous sub-extinctions frequently occur, such as the Norian-Rhaetian extinction of the Triassic period.”
“Although the causes of five major extinction events are well documented, the triggers of smaller, lower-order extinctions remain largely speculative.”
In this groundbreaking study, the researchers investigated remnants of oceanic islands, seamounts, and plateaus on the Tibetan Plateau, mapping the evolution of the Meso-Tethyan and Neo-Tethyan oceans.
Throughout the Triassic, three significant episodes of oceanic large igneous provinces (LIPs) materialized between 250 and 248 million years ago, 233 and 231 million years ago, and 210 and 208 million years ago.
By synthesizing the geological records of these LIP episodes with extensive Triassic geological datasets, the team established a link between marine LIPs and at least four extinctions in marine life, which were spurred by subsequent anoxic-oxic events.
“Marine LIPs account for half of the identifiable geologically induced extinctions during the Triassic,” the scientists reported.
“This suggests that oceanic LIPs were the primary initiators of the Triassic extinction events.”
“Although eruptions related to oceanic LIPs are frequent, evidence for ancient occurrences may significantly diminish due to subduction processes during the closure of ocean basins.”
“This destruction complicates the identification of such records, and even when identified, interpreting and dating them accurately poses challenges.”
“Orogenic belts, remnants of long-extinct oceanic basins, may harbor many unidentified ‘ghost’ ocean LIPs, whose eruptions likely played a critical role in other Phanerozoic extinctions, which remain under-recognized in current Earth system models.”
The team’s study is published in the journal Geology.
_____
Jian Jun Fan et al., “Large Oceanic Igneous Provinces: A Major Driver of Repeated Triassic Extinctions,” Geology, published online on January 20, 2026. doi: 10.1130/G53406.1
Researchers Monitor Polar Bears’ Body Condition in Svalbard
John Earls, Norsk Arctic Institute
In the Svalbard archipelago of Norway, a region known for its climatic extremes, polar bears are surprisingly gaining weight despite the alarming reduction of sea ice. However, scientists warn this trend may not be sustainable.
The northern Barents Sea, located between Svalbard and Russia’s Novaya Zemlya, is warming disproportionately—seven times faster than the global average. Over the past two decades, sea ice around Svalbard has diminished, disappearing two months earlier each year. Currently, polar bears must swim over 200 kilometers between their hunting grounds and birthing caves.
<p>Despite this challenging environment, the overall size and weight of Svalbard’s polar bears has increased since 2000, presenting a puzzling contradiction. <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Jon-Aars-2">Jon Aars</a>, who led the research at the Norwegian Polar Institute, claims it's positive news for Svalbard. However, he cautions that areas most affected by climate change show severe decline in polar bear populations.</p>
<p>This widely dispersed solitary predator counts among its many challenges the difficulty of accurate population estimates. The numbers <a href="https://www.iucn-pbsg.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/PBSG-Status-Criteria-and-Report_Final_2024Oct7.pdf">are declining</a> in some regions while stable or even increasing in parts of Alaska, Canada, and Greenland; for nine populations, data remains insufficient.</p>
<section></section>
<span class="js-content-prompt-opportunity"/>
<p>Estimations suggest the Barents Sea bear population ranges from 1,900 to 3,600 individuals, and appears stable or potentially increasing. From 1995 onward, researchers used tranquilizers via helicopter to study 770 bears, measuring their body length and thorax circumference to approximate weight.</p>
<p>Analysis of trends demonstrated a decline in body condition until 2000, followed by a gradual increase leading up to the last assessments in 2019.</p>
<p xmlns:default="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg">
<figure class="ArticleImage">
<div class="Image__Wrapper">
<img class="Image"
alt="Polar bears rely on sea ice"
width="1350"
height="900"
src="https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/29134243/SEI_282476095.jpg"
srcset="https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/29134243/SEI_282476095.jpg?width=300 300w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/29134243/SEI_282476095.jpg?width=400 400w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/29134243/SEI_282476095.jpg?width=500 500w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/29134243/SEI_282476095.jpg?width=600 600w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/29134243/SEI_282476095.jpg?width=700 700w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/29134243/SEI_282476095.jpg?width=800 800w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/29134243/SEI_282476095.jpg?width=837 837w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/29134243/SEI_282476095.jpg?width=900 900w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/29134243/SEI_282476095.jpg?width=1003 1003w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/29134243/SEI_282476095.jpg?width=1100 1100w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/29134243/SEI_282476095.jpg?width=1200 1200w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/29134243/SEI_282476095.jpg?width=1300 1300w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/29134243/SEI_282476095.jpg?width=1400 1400w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/29134243/SEI_282476095.jpg?width=1500 1500w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/29134243/SEI_282476095.jpg?width=1600 1600w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/29134243/SEI_282476095.jpg?width=1674 1674w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/29134243/SEI_282476095.jpg?width=1700 1700w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/29134243/SEI_282476095.jpg?width=1800 1800w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/29134243/SEI_282476095.jpg?width=1900 1900w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/29134243/SEI_282476095.jpg?width=2006 2006w"
sizes="(min-width: 1288px) 837px, (min-width: 1024px) calc(57.5vw + 55px), (min-width: 415px) calc(100vw - 40px), calc(70vw + 74px)"
loading="lazy"
data-image-context="Article"
data-image-id="2513715"
data-caption="Polar bears depend on sea ice for many aspects of their lives"
data-credit="Trine Lise Sviggum Helgerud, Norsk Polarinstitutt"/>
</div>
<figcaption class="ArticleImageCaption">
<div class="ArticleImageCaption__CaptionWrapper">
<p class="ArticleImageCaption__Title">Crucial Role of Sea Ice in Polar Bear Survival</p>
<p class="ArticleImageCaption__Credit">Trine Lise Sviggum Helgerud, Norsk Arctic Institute</p>
</div>
</figcaption>
</figure>
</p>
<p>In spring, the birth of seal pups on sea ice provides a vital food source for polar bears, allowing them to build fat reserves for the warmer months. Researchers like Earls speculate that diminishing ice may actually assist bears in hunting seals more easily.</p>
<p>With the retreating ice, bears are adapting by exploring new food sources. The approximately 250 bears remaining on Svalbard may increasingly hunt bearded and harbor seals along the coast, while thriving walrus populations might offer additional sustenance.</p>
<p>These adaptable "local bears" are now raiding nesting colonies for bird eggs and chasing reindeer, showcasing a remarkable resilience. According to researchers, such flexibility may be delaying their extinction, says <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Jouke-Prop">Jouke Prop</a> of the University of Groningen.</p>
<p>"This is a desperate tribe. They're doing unique things," he notes. "While this adaptability may not apply universally, it could suffice for a while in Svalbard."</p>
<p>Although polar bears have not yet reached Svalbard's ecological limits, thanks to the prohibition of hunting since 1973, warming temperatures threaten to disrupt the delicate food chain that begins with algae on sea ice, according to Prop.</p>
<p>"Should the sea ice vanish, sustaining a significant number of polar bears will become incredibly challenging," he warns.</p>
<p>"There exists a threshold beyond which continuous sea ice loss will negatively impact polar bears in Svalbard," Aars adds.</p>
<p>
<section class="SpecialArticleUnit">
<picture class="SpecialArticleUnit__ImageWrapper">
<img class="Image SpecialArticleUnit__Image"
alt="Explore Northern Norway"
width="2119"
height="1414"
src="https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/17151005/istock-1130795690.jpg"
srcset="https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/17151005/istock-1130795690.jpg?width=300 300w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/17151005/istock-1130795690.jpg?width=375 375w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/17151005/istock-1130795690.jpg?width=500 500w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/17151005/istock-1130795690.jpg?width=600 600w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/17151005/istock-1130795690.jpg?width=700 700w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/17151005/istock-1130795690.jpg?width=750 750w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/17151005/istock-1130795690.jpg?width=800 800w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/17151005/istock-1130795690.jpg?width=900 900w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/17151005/istock-1130795690.jpg?width=1003 1003w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/17151005/istock-1130795690.jpg?width=1100 1100w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/17151005/istock-1130795690.jpg?width=1200 1200w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/17151005/istock-1130795690.jpg?width=1300 1300w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/17151005/istock-1130795690.jpg?width=1400 1400w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/17151005/istock-1130795690.jpg?width=1500 1500w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/17151005/istock-1130795690.jpg?width=1600 1600w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/17151005/istock-1130795690.jpg?width=1700 1700w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/17151005/istock-1130795690.jpg?width=1800 1800w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/17151005/istock-1130795690.jpg?width=1900 1900w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/17151005/istock-1130795690.jpg?width=2006 2006w"
sizes="(min-width: 1277px) 375px, (min-width: 1040px) 26.36vw, 99.44vw"
loading="lazy"
data-image-context="Special Article Unit"
data-caption="Stunning view of the Northern Lights over Norway"
data-credit="Getty Images/iStockphoto"/>
</picture>
<div class="SpecialArticleUnit__CopyWrapper">
<h3 class="SpecialArticleUnit__Heading">Uncover the Beauty of Svalbard and Tromsø</h3>
<div class="SpecialArticleUnit__Copy">
<p>Embark on an adventurous journey to Norway's Arctic region. Discover the scientific marvels behind the Northern Lights, the unique Arctic ecosystem, and how humans adapt to the challenges of the Far North.</p>
</div>
</div>
</section>
</p>
<section class="ArticleTopics" data-component-name="article-topics">
<p class="ArticleTopics__Heading">Topics:</p>
</section>
Key Optimization Techniques Used:
Keyword Inclusion: Strategic use of relevant keywords like “polar bears,” “Svalbard,” and “climate change” in titles, captions, and throughout the text.
Descriptive Alt Text: Improved alt attributes for images to enhance accessibility and SEO.
Clear Headings: Organized content with headers that summarize the topics adequately for better readability and search engine indexing.
External Links: Retained high-quality external links to credible sources, both for enhancing authority and providing users with further reading options.
Adaptive Language: Used active language to engage readers while remaining informative, suitable for an audience interested in environmental issues.
Money has always influenced healthcare, from pharmaceutical advertising to research agendas. However, the pace and scale of this influence have intensified. A new wave of players is reshaping our health choices, filling the gaps left by overstretched healthcare systems, and commodifying our well-being.
Traditionally, doctors held a monopoly on medical expertise, but this is rapidly changing. A parallel healthcare system is emerging, led by consumer health companies. These entities—including health tech startups, apps, diagnostic services, and influencers—are vying for authority and monetizing their influence.
Currently, there seems to be a solution for every discomfort. Fitness trackers monitor our activity, while meditation apps come with subscription fees. Our biology is increasingly quantifiable, yet these marketable indicators may not always lead to improved health outcomes. We’ll observe whether changes in biomarkers yield positive results. While genetic testing and personalized nutrition promise a “better you,” the supporting evidence often falls short.
In this landscape, our symptoms, treatments, and even the distinctions between genuine illness and everyday discomfort are commodified. This trend is evident in podcasts promoting treatments without disclosing conflicts of interest, influencers profiting from diagnoses, and clinicians presenting themselves as heroes while selling various solutions.
Much of this transformation occurs online, where health complaints and advertising lack proper regulation. Social media platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram are becoming key sources of health advice, blending entertainment with information.
The conglomerate of pharmaceutical, technology, diagnostic, and supplement brands is referred to as the Wellness Industrial Complex, fueling the rise of the “commodified self.”
This issue is not just about personal choice. Social platforms shape our discussions about disease, influencing clinical expectations and redefining what healthcare should provide. We’re essentially participating in a global public health experiment.
However, this phenomenon also reflects real-world deficits. Alternative health options thrive because people seek acknowledgment, control, and connection, especially when public health support feels insufficient. Critiquing misinformation alone won’t halt its spread and could exacerbate marginalization.
When timely testing is inaccessible, private diagnostics can offer clarity and control. Optimization culture flourishes when traditional medicine is perceived as overly cautious or reactive.
The critical question for health systems is not whether to adapt but how. They must remain evidence-based, safe, and equitable while also being attuned to real-world experiences. Failure to do so risks losing market share and moral authority—the ability to define the essence of care.
To navigate health today, one must understand the commercial mechanisms influencing it. The content we consume is curated by an industry with unprecedented access to our bodies, data, and resources, amplifying its potential to impact our self-perception.
Victor de Schwanberg/Science Photo Library/Getty Images
From the perspective of quantum physics, the universe may be fundamentally agnostic in some respects.
In quantum physics, every object, such as an electron, corresponds to a mathematical entity known as a wave function. This wave function encodes all details regarding an object’s quantum state. By combining the wave function with other equations, physicists can effectively predict the behavior of objects in experiments.
If we accept that the entire universe operates on quantum principles, then even larger entities, including the cosmos itself, must possess a wave function. This perspective has been supported by iconic physicists like Stephen Hawking.
However, researchers like Eddie Kemin Chen from the University of California, San Diego and Roderich Tumulka from the University of Tübingen in Germany, have demonstrated that complete knowledge of the universal wave function may be fundamentally unattainable.
“The cosmic wave function is like a cosmic secret that physics itself conspires to protect. We can predict a lot about how the universe behaves, yet we remain fundamentally unsure of its precise quantum state,” states Chen.
Previous studies assumed specific forms for the universal wave function based on theoretical models of the universe, overlooking the implications of experimental observations. Chen and Tumulka began with a more practical inquiry: Can observations help in identifying the correct wave function among those that reasonably describe our universe?
The researchers utilized mathematical outcomes from quantum statistical mechanics, which examines the properties of collections of quantum states. A significant factor in their calculations was the realization that the universal wave function depends on numerous parameters and exists in a high-dimensional abstract state.
Remarkably, upon completing their calculations, they found that universal quantum states are essentially agnostic.
“The measurements permissible by the rules of quantum mechanics provide very limited insight into the universe’s wave function. Determining the wave function of the universe with significant precision is impossible,” explains Tumulka.
Professor JB Manchak from the University of California, Irvine states that this research enhances our understanding of the limits of our best empirical methods, noting that we essentially have an equivalent to general relativity within the framework of quantum physics. He adds that this should not come as a surprise since quantum theory was not originally designed as a comprehensive theory of the universe.
“The wave function of a small system or the entire universe is a highly theoretical construct. Wave functions are meaningful not because they are observable, but because we employ them,” remarks Sheldon Goldstein from Rutgers University. He further explains that the inability to pinpoint a unique, accurate universal wave function from a limited range of candidates may not be problematic, as any of these functions could yield similar effects in future calculations.
Chen expresses hope to connect his and Tumulka’s research with the exploration of large-scale systems smaller than the universe itself, especially through techniques like shadow tomography, which aim to determine the quantum state of such systems. However, the philosophical consequences of their work are equally crucial. Tumulka emphasizes the need for caution against over-relying on positivist views that deem non-experimental statements as meaningless or unscientific. “Some truths are real, but cannot be measured,” he asserts.
This rationale might influence ongoing debates regarding the interpretation of quantum mechanics. According to Emily Adlam from Chapman University in California, the new findings advocate for incorporating more components into the interpretation of quantum equations, such as wave functions, emphasizing the relationship between quantum objects and individual observer perspectives, moving away from the assumption of a singular objective reality dictated by a single mathematical construct.
Topic:
This revised content is SEO-optimized with relevant keywords and better formatting for improved readability and search engine visibility.
Harnessing Gut Bacteria: A Novel Approach in Cancer Treatment
Lewis Houghton/Science Photo Library
For individuals unresponsive to conventional cancer therapies, fecal transplants from patients who have successfully undergone treatment could significantly enhance recovery odds. Modifying the gut microbiome impacts the immune response and has shown potential in stabilizing tumors during initial studies involving kidney cancer patients.
Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is a safe procedure where a stool sample from one individual is transferred into another’s intestine to improve microbiome diversity. Initially approved to tackle recurring antibiotic-resistant Clostridioides difficile infections, FMT is on the rise in both the UK and US, and it has shown promise in conditions like irritable bowel syndrome.
While immunotherapy drugs, such as checkpoint inhibitors, enhance immune system functions to combat cancer cells, they may not be universally effective. Previous studies suggest that FMT from responding individuals could provide benefits for non-responders. “The microbiome significantly influences host immunity; thus, modifying it may enhance immune responses and facilitate cancer cell destruction,” states Gianluca Ianilo from the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in Rome, Italy.
Prior research predominantly examined melanoma, a specific skin cancer, without comparing FMT effects to a placebo. To mitigate these gaps, Ianilo and colleagues enlisted 45 adults with kidney cancer who had commenced dual therapy with the checkpoint inhibitor pembrolizumab and axitinib—a medication obstructing tumor blood supply—within the last two months.
Participants were randomly split into two groups: one receiving FMT from a male donor whose cancer remitted post-checkpoint inhibitors, and the other receiving saline, both administered through a small tube rectally.
Following the initial transplant, most participants were given two additional doses (FMT or saline) three and six months later, but this time in oral pill form.
In the FMT cohort, participants maintained stable cancer status for an average of two years following the first transplant, contrasting with just nine months in the placebo group. Moreover, over half of those in the FMT group experienced tumor reduction, compared to approximately one-third in the placebo group.
“This provides robust evidence indicating that gut microbiome manipulation can significantly affect immunotherapy outcomes,” claims Hassan Zaroor from the University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
While the exact mechanism of FMT’s efficacy remains unclear, stool sample analyses taken before and after FMT indicate that FMT may introduce beneficial gut bacteria like Blautia wechslerae, which produce short-chain fatty acids that promote anti-cancer immune responses.
Additionally, FMT appeared to adjust the bacterial composition in recipients’ guts. For instance, it diminished levels of harmful strains like Escherichia coli, which trigger inflammation, while boosting beneficial bacteria like Ruminococcus bromii, known for enhancing growth of other beneficial bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids.
This finding aligns with another recent study indicating that FMT can significantly enhance the effectiveness of checkpoint inhibitors in patients with non-small cell lung cancer compared to immunotherapy alone.
These trials suggest that FMT may also prove effective against additional tumor types responsive to checkpoint inhibitors, including those affecting the bladder and head and neck, although larger randomized controlled trials are necessary to validate these findings, according to Elkrief.
Future research must determine which specific bacterial strains confer benefits, potentially enabling the development of synthetic microbial preparations for widespread cancer treatments, Ianilo emphasizes.
Awareness is increasing about the rare but serious side effects associated with high doses of vitamin B6, a nutrient commonly found in various dietary supplements, electrolyte drinks, and fortified foods.
Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, plays a crucial role in multiple bodily functions, such as nerve health, protein metabolism, and blood sugar regulation. This nutrient is vital for brain development, making it especially important during pregnancy and infancy. It is often marketed for its energy-boosting and stress-reducing properties.
Vitamin B6 is naturally present in many foods and is frequently added to instant products, particularly cereals. As indicated by the Office of Dietary Supplements, most multivitamins are formulated with B6.
Jamie Allan, an associate professor of pharmacology and toxicology at Michigan State University, noted that some energy drinks utilize B6 as a caffeine substitute.
“People may be surprised at how prevalent B vitamins are in their diets,” she explains.
This widespread availability contributes to the issue.
Dr. Norman Latoff, a neurologist and director of the Peripheral Neuropathy Clinical Research Center at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York, cautioned that excessive B6 can accumulate in body tissues and lead to nerve damage.
In November, concerns about vitamin B6 poisoning led the Australian Government to impose restrictions on supplements with high levels of this nutrient. By mid-2027, over-the-counter products will be limited to a daily dose of 50 milligrams, with anything above 200mg requiring a prescription.
Despite growing concerns, the popularity of vitamin B6 continues to rise. According to research firm IndustrieArk, the market for this vitamin is projected to surpass $712 million globally by 2030, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 5.8% from 2024 to 2030.
While cases of poisoning remain rare, the number is on the rise. In 2024 alone, 439 cases of vitamin B6 exposure were reported, compared to 369 in 2023, according to the National Toxic Substance Data System.
Joanne Slavin, a registered dietitian and professor of food science and nutrition at the University of Minnesota, expressed that many individuals assume water-soluble vitamins like B6 to be harmless. Unlike fat-soluble vitamins, which are stored in the liver and fatty tissues, water-soluble vitamins are released through urine and need to be consumed regularly.
“It’s essential to understand that vitamins are not inert; they are chemicals,” explains Slavin. “There’s no need to overload your system.”
B6 toxicity might go underreported since symptoms develop gradually, with many consumers unaware of their excessive intake. “It sneaks up on you,” said Latoff, who estimates that 5% to 10% of neuropathy patients at Weill Cornell Center present with elevated B6 levels.
Early symptoms can include occasional numbness in the toes, which might be dismissed, followed by sensations of heat, cold, stinging, or tingling that begin in the feet and may extend upward.
Additional symptoms of B6 toxicity include nerve pain, numbness, imbalance, muscle weakness, fluctuations in blood pressure, fatigue, heartburn, and nausea.
A simple blood test can confirm if your B6 levels exceed safe limits.
“B6 has a wide margin of safety, allowing for significant amounts above the recommended dose,” remarked Allan. “However, excessive consumption of even water can lead to adverse effects.”
Colorado Woman Shares Her ‘Horrifying’ Vitamin B6 Poisoning Experience
Blair Huddy relocated to Colorado from California in 2024 and began using electrolyte drink mixes on advice from others to combat altitude sickness.
Hadi, now 36, took the drink daily, following the instructions to mix one sachet with 16 ounces of water. Each packet contained 1.93 mg of vitamin B6, which is about 110% of the recommended daily value.
She soon began experiencing bewildering symptoms like dizziness, heart palpitations, and adrenaline rushes while continuing her electrolyte routine, clueless about the correlation. By January 2025, she also suffered from allergy-like symptoms and sleep disturbances. It wasn’t until March, after consuming chicken liver for the first time (which is rich in vitamin B6), that she was hospitalized with anaphylaxis and suspected heart complications.
Without prior allergic reactions, the situation baffled doctors.
“It was terrifying. I didn’t understand what was happening to me,” she recounted. “I continued taking the drink mix thinking I was just staying hydrated.”
Following her hospital discharge, Hadi developed peripheral neuropathy and tinnitus.
“I visited the doctor repeatedly, convinced something was seriously wrong,” Hadi explained, expressing feelings of exhaustion and anxiety triggered by these health issues. “I lost jobs and faced challenges at work.”
In May, she urged her doctor to conduct a blood test.
The clinic nurse informed her, “Your vitamin B6 levels are over twice the upper limit. You need to stop all B6 intake immediately.”
What is a Safe Amount of Vitamin B6?
The recommended daily intake for vitamin B6 is 1.3 mg for young adults, 1.5 mg for women over 50, and 1.7 mg for older men.
Foods rich in vitamin B6 include poultry, fish, beef liver, starchy vegetables, and non-citrus fruits. Most individuals receive sufficient B6 from their diet.
In the U.S., the established upper limit for adults is 100 mg. In contrast, the European Food Safety Authority caps it at 12 mg, while Australia sets the limit at 50 mg.
The Council for Responsible Nutrition, which represents supplement manufacturers, regards 100 mg per day as a safe limit for the average healthy individual. However, specific health conditions may necessitate adjusted intake levels.
“The individual’s metabolism and ability to process vitamins influences their needs,” says Wong. “Various other factors can also contribute to the effects you’re experiencing.”
A 2020 study published in Pharmaceutical Nutrition noted that factors such as diet, genetics, and medication use can affect vitamin B6 toxicity, even at recommended levels.
Vitamin B6 may appear on labels as pyridoxine, pyridoxal, or pyridoxamine, indicating its various chemical forms.
“Be sure to monitor the cumulative intake from all sources to ensure you meet your personal needs,” advises Wong.
Vitamin B6 remains in the body for 30 to 40 days. Latoff noted that symptoms should improve once B6 intake ceases, though complete nerve regeneration may not be possible based on the extent of damage.
Hadi attributes her symptoms to the electrolyte drink mix she consumed daily for six months, suspecting her diet also contributed, as she did not take other supplements.
While she is recovering, Hadi still experiences some ringing in her ears and is undergoing physical therapy. She has resumed work and is providing support for individuals dealing with vitamin B6 toxicity.
“I wish I had someone to share that suffering with, and now I can support others experiencing it,” Hadi expressed.
In 2009, the World Swimming governing body prohibited specific swimsuits from international competitions, citing unfair advantages. High-tech equipment from NASA was instrumental in designing these swimsuits, which featured ultrasonically welded seams instead of traditional stitching.
Swimmers donning these suits shattered 23 of the 25 world records during the 2008 Beijing Olympics. What made this swimwear so revolutionary? The answer lies in its remarkable ability to minimize friction between the swimmer and the water, enhancing speed and performance.
This instance illustrates the critical influence of friction in our world, a theme thoroughly investigated by Jennifer R. Vail in her book, Friction: Biography.
Bale is a tribologist, focusing on friction, wear, and lubrication as materials interact. She emphasizes, “The forces that resist movement drive us forward.” This concept forms the foundation of her work, which, while technical, delves into friction’s impact on science, technology, and civilization—a necessity as we confront future technological hurdles.
“We study friction because it is omnipresent,” Vail remarks. How did ancient Egyptians transport heavy materials for monumental projects? How do anoles and geckos scale vertical surfaces? Why was Teflon included in the Manhattan Project? What aerodynamic principles govern airplane wings? These queries all converge on friction.
From desert sands controlled by hair-like structures on animal legs to synthetic substances optimizing fluid interactions, friction plays a pivotal role, shaping everything from quantum activities to cosmic phenomena. Bale provides a detailed, passionate narrative on friction’s ubiquitous presence, showcasing its significance.
“
Friction has been central to civilization ever since humans began rubbing objects together to create fire. “
While discussing friction, Bale emphasizes the potential risks associated with harnessing this force. Our ability to manipulate friction has been integral to civilization, from the earliest fire-starting methods to modern innovations in engines, turbines, and contact lenses.
However, it is Bale’s outlook on the future that captivates readers. Alarmingly, friction consumes approximately 40% of energy in manufacturing processes, impacting both production and friction mitigation efforts. A study highlighted that an average car’s fuel consumption was over a third burnt solely to counteract friction. In a world increasingly challenged by energy conservation, optimizing friction is vital for sustainable practices.
Vail noted that innovations in tribology could potentially save energy equivalent to 34 million barrels of gasoline annually—180 times the daily gasoline consumption in the U.S. Bale’s urgent call for more tribologists in energy certification and greater emphasis on this field in educational curriculums is vital for our energy future.
This book is essential reading. Yet, despite Bale’s engaging tone and clear enthusiasm, the complexity may overwhelm some casual readers. Nevertheless, the effort is rewarding; gaining insight into friction enriches our understanding of the world, highlighting how countless interactions shape our experiences.
Feedback on New Scientist is welcomed! If you have insights or articles that would interest our readers, please contact us at feedback@newscientist.com.
Online Psychic Insights
When exploring pseudoscience, providing feedback on press releases can be tricky. It’s advisable to approach this with care, especially since those engaged in pseudoscience often lack self-awareness about their practices. This ongoing conversation inevitably leads to fascinating insights.
We are thrilled to present groundbreaking research on telepathy. If you haven’t encountered the concept of telepathy, this “crowd-scale ESP test” aims to showcase extrasensory perception globally.
According to TrueESP.com, “This innovative study utilizes the free True ESP app to synchronize participants’ brainwaves worldwide through multisensory stimulation during interactive telepathy tests.” Once the app is downloaded, you can participate in a 4-minute telepathy challenge.
Participants will alternately transmit and receive images from a selection of nine cards. “A new test initiates every 10 minutes, allowing users to engage repeatedly,” the website reports, brimming with enthusiasm.
Previous research by Joseph Rhine in the 20th century laid the foundation for telepathy studies using Zener cards, which featured five unique images for transmission. Mr. Rhine proposed that results often surpass random chance, though continued testing frequently reverts to randomness. The latest global telepathy research effectively replicates Rhine’s experiment using a modern application.
The study is led by Mark Freeman, an advertising innovator, along with a team of scientists, including Dean Radin, who was part of the CIA’s covert Stargate program, training para-spy operatives in the 1980s and 1990s. It’s important to note that the Stargate project did indeed exist, as recently revealed by Popular Mechanics.
For those curious about the role of “quantum” in this context, fret not. A section on the website discusses quantum psychic research, stating that “Recent experiments suggest brain neurons generate consciousness through quantum entanglement.”
We will keep you updated on this research until there is a decisive conclusion or until Freeman determines it’s time to cease communications—whichever comes first.
Political Health Insights
Reader Peter Slessenger recently encountered an article discussing President Donald Trump’s health on HuffPost: You can read it here.
CNN health analyst Jonathan Reiner noted that President Trump has frequently dozed off during important meetings and has requested a medical reassessment.
To affirm Mr. Reiner’s credentials, the article referenced his past role as the cardiologist for the late Vice President Cheney. It appears that referring to “Dick” has become taboo in some circles.
Interestingly, HuffPost didn’t shy away from using the name “Dick Cheney,” suggesting that Yahoo News may avoid it for reasons unknown.
Honorary Recognition in Academia
Universities seem to hand out honorary degrees to almost anyone with notable acclaim on social media. Recently, feedback noted a truly surprising announcement from Griffith University, Australia: “Griffith University is thrilled to offer a professorship to Dr. Bandit Healer, a renowned archaeologist and 2019 Father of the Year.”
This announcement surprised many since Bandit is a fictional animated dog from children’s TV show Bluey. The university described him as “a Brisbane-based blue heeler of international renown,” citing numerous fictional achievements, including groundbreaking anthropological discoveries. This raises questions about how a cartoon dog can garner such acclaim while engaging in child’s play with Bluey and Bingo.
Digging further reveals that a genuine honorary doctorate was conferred. Bluey‘s parent, Joe Blum, happens to be a university paleoanthropologist. This oversight leaves us wondering if we’re doing enough in our family.
Trends in Cultured Meat
Recently, several cultured meat companies have folded, including Believer Meats.
Reader Hugh White speculated that the CEO’s decisions may have contributed to Believer Meats’ downfall. “They should have seen the signs in his name, Gustavo Berger,” Hugh suggested, highlighting the significance of management in startups.
Do you have a story for Feedback?
Send your articles to Feedback at feedback@newscientist.com. Make sure to include your home address. You can find this week’s and past feedback on our website.
The content has been rewritten to improve SEO while maintaining the original HTML structure. The titles, keywords, and phrases were enhanced for better search visibility.
According to Peter Goble, the assistant state climatologist, Colorado is experiencing its lowest snowfall amounts on record for this time of year. “All of our mountain ranges are well below normal,” he reported.
Utah is facing a similar predicament.
“We’re in uncharted territory right now, heading toward our lowest snowfall ever by February 1,” stated Kevin Perry, an atmospheric scientist at the University of Utah.
Scientists are increasingly alarmed about the implications for water supplies and wildfire risks later this year. Mountain snowpack in Western states serves as a crucial water source in spring and summer, directly impacting agricultural irrigation, wildfire dangers, and hydroelectric power generation.
Western snowpack data is sourced from the National Resource Conservation Service, which monitors more than 800 high-elevation monitoring stations across several mountain basins. Their measurements show that nearly all basins in the continental U.S. West are trending below average.
Only a few basins in the western United States are near average snow levels. Natural Resource Conservation Services
While it’s not uncommon for some basins to fall below historical averages, it’s rare for nearly all Western regions to be facing snowfall deficits.
In Washington state, a recent climb to Mount St. Helens in mid-January revealed conditions resembling June rather than mid-winter, exposing large areas of volcanic rock near the crater’s rim.
The causes of the snow drought differ by region; however, unusually warm winter temperatures have resulted in more precipitation falling as rain rather than snow. Such was the case during a December atmospheric river storm in the Pacific Northwest.
“Washington, Oregon, California, and many Western states recorded their warmest December on record, leading to torrential rains and flooding not limited to mountainous areas,” mentioned Philip Mort, a professor at Oregon State University’s College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences.
Currently, moisture flow has significantly diminished in the northwest.
In Utah, early seasonal rains during November and December melted lower-elevation snow, leaving the Wasatch Mountains looking heavily peak-laden, Perry noted.
“The high-elevation snowpack is relatively good,” said Perry, “but there’s a significant lack of low and mid-elevation snow.”
Colorado continues to experience hot and dry conditions.
“December 2025 was 9 degrees warmer than the statewide average and the warmest recorded since 1895,” Goble noted.
California’s snowpack, known for its boom-bust cycles, is looking better, especially in the southern Sierra Nevada, where several basins report above-average snowpack levels.
December 29th at Lake Tahoe in Glenbrook, Nevada. Al Drago/Getty Images
However, immediate relief for the remaining areas thirsting for snow is unlikely.
Mort suggests that regions west of the Cascade Mountains might recover with a few significant storms later this winter or spring.
However, in most parts of eastern Washington and Idaho, “the story seems already written, making change unlikely,” he explains.
Scientists are grappling with measuring climate change impacts on snowpack, as rising temperatures alter precipitation patterns. Snowfall trends are also swayed by natural fluctuations. A 2024 study in *Nature* indicated that climate change is responsible for the snowpack decline across the Northern Hemisphere.
“The narrative becomes clearer and more somber,” he stated.
If low snow conditions persist, it will exacerbate already tense negotiations among seven Western states over the distribution of the Colorado River’s water, crucial for 40 million residents. River flows are diminishing due to prolonged drought and the fact that users are allowed to withdraw more water annually than is available.
Earlier this month, the Bureau of Reclamation released draft water management strategies supporting 5.5 million acres of agricultural and hydropower operations across California, Arizona, Nevada, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming.
States are actively negotiating long-term strategies for managing the river’s water to prevent Lake Mead and Lake Powell dams from experiencing “dead pool” conditions that would halt downstream river flows. However, reports indicate that these negotiations have stalled.
“In the short term, a low snow year could heighten the urgency to finalize these agreements,” said Goble.
If you’re looking to quit smoking, you’ve likely heard that transitioning to electronic cigarettes (vaping) can be a healthier alternative.
According to a study by researchers at University College London, over 50,000 individuals successfully quit smoking in 2017 thanks to e-cigarette use.
While most harmful compounds associated with smoking-related illnesses are absent in e-cigarettes (as they do not burn tobacco like heated tobacco products), it is essential to highlight that e-cigarettes are not recommended for non-smokers.
<
The e-liquids in vaping usually consist of a blend of propylene glycol and glycerin.
Both of these compounds are deemed safe for ingestion, but their inhalation safety has not been definitively proven. A 2020 Clinical Research Review indicated minimal impact on lung function with no significant inflammatory effects.
Synthetic flavors are added to create a variety of options, and regulations require these additives to be safe for food use, although their inhalation safety isn’t guaranteed.
Many e-cigarettes also contain nicotine, which can help users quit smoking by alleviating withdrawal symptoms, but it can also pose addictive risks for newcomers and has been linked to lung cancer in animal studies.
Exploring vape shops reveals hundreds, if not thousands, of flavors—from traditional tobacco and menthol to delightful fruity and baked goods options.
However, research shows that some fruit flavors may be damaging to health. A 2016 study linked strawberry flavor to increased cytotoxicity, indicating potential cell harm.
Moreover, a 2019 study associated fruit flavors with compounds like acrylonitrile and acrolein, known for their carcinogenic potential and ability to induce lung inflammation.
Study findings link strawberry flavoring to high cytotoxicity – Image credit: Robin Boyden
A study published in 2024 discovered that inhaling berry-flavored e-cigarette vapor can severely impair lung immune cells in mice. These mice faced difficulties in combating infections when exposed to harmful bacteria.
Compared to healthy controls, mice exposed to e-cigarettes showed lower survival rates, and those that survived took longer to recover from bacterial infections.
That said, non-fruit flavors are not completely safe, either.
E-liquid chemicals can be unstable; when heated in an e-cigarette to create vapor, they may react and form new harmful compounds.
For instance, aldehydes, commonly used as flavoring in vanilla, cherry, and cinnamon e-liquids, can produce acetals, known respiratory irritants.
Additionally, there may be unidentified chemical interactions between various flavors. Research in this area is still emerging, especially when compared to the extensive knowledge available regarding traditional smoking.
Therefore, while e-cigarettes can assist with smoking cessation, vaping entails specific risks. One thing remains clear: our understanding of vaping’s impact on health is still evolving.
This article addresses the question posed by Huey Robbins via email: “Which e-cig flavor is the worst for you?”
If you have any questions, please reach out to us at:questions@sciencefocus.com or connect with us onFacebook,Twitter, or Instagram(please include your name and location).
Explore our ultimatefun facts and discover more fascinating science content.
Artist’s Impression of the Huayuan Biota Ecosystem
Dinghua Yang
A remarkable fossil find has emerged in southern China, unveiling an ecosystem that dates back 512 million years, immediately postdating Earth’s first mass extinction event.
The fossils belong to the Cambrian period, initiated 541 million years ago, a time characterized by a significant increase in animal diversity which led to the emergence of most major animal groups.
This evolutionary flourishing faced a dramatic setback with the Shinsk event around 513.5 million years ago, when oceanic oxygen levels plummeted, resulting in the extinction of various animal groups.
Han Zeng and his team at China’s Nanjing Institute of Geology and Paleontology began unearthing these fossils in 2021 at a quarry in Huayuan County, Hunan Province.
So far, researchers have documented 8,681 fossils from 153 distinct species, approximately 60 percent of which are previously unknown to science. This ancient ecosystem has been dubbed the “Flower Garden Biota,” potentially surpassing Canada’s renowned Burgess Shale in significance.
This ecosystem comprises 16 major animal groups believed to have thrived in deep-sea environments, largely unaffected by the Shinsk event.
“Our understanding of the Shinsk extinction event was limited to skeletal fossils of certain animals, such as archaeal sponge reefs, trilobites, and small shelled fossils,” Zeng explains.
The Flower Garden Biota also includes various mollusks. Zeng noted, “The extinction predominantly affected shallow-sea habitats, while the deep-sea environments, where the Huazono biota thrived, remained largely stable.”
Arthropods of the Hanazono Biota Family
Han Zeng
The majority of fossils unearthed belong to arthropods akin to modern-day insects, spiders, and crustaceans. Other fossil types include mollusks, brachiopods, and cnidarians, relatives of jellyfish.
One notable specimen is Guangshancharis Kunmingensis, an 80 cm long arthropod recognized as the largest animal discovered at the site, likely a predatory species within the Huayuan ecosystem.
Another arthropod, Hermetia, was previously known only from Canada’s Burgess Shale but is now found in the Flower Garden Biota, indicating that these early animals were capable of long-distance dispersal via ocean currents, according to Zeng.
Zeng emphasized that the exceptional preservation of the fossils is due to rapid burial under fine sediment, capturing intricate details of soft anatomy including limbs, antennae, tentacles, gills, and even nervous tissues.
Aronia: A Cambrian Sea Creature Similar to Sponges
Han Zeng
Joe Moishuk from Canada’s Manitoba Museum reflects that the site ranks among top Cambrian fossil locations, celebrated for its biodiversity and preservation quality.
While some groups like sponges and trilobites are known to have declined significantly during the mid-Cambrian Shinsk event, many animal groups’ fates remain unclear.
“Findings like the Hanazono biota offer invaluable insights into the biodiversity of this period, helping to illuminate gaps in our understanding of Earth’s history,” notes Moisiuk.
Tetsuto Miyashita of the Canadian Museum of Nature mentions that two key Cambrian fossil sites are the 520-million-year-old Chengjiang Biota in China and the 508-million-year-old Burgess Shale in Canada.
“Comparing these sites is akin to contrasting Bach’s ensemble with The Beatles; understanding the variances is crucial before grasping the overarching narrative of these ecosystems,” Miyashita states. “New biota discoveries assist paleontologists in unraveling the influence of geographical features, mass extinctions, and oceanic conditions.”
A conspicuous absence in the Flower Garden Biota is any evidence of fish. “Where are the fish?” queries Miyashita. “Are they scarce, which is globally uncommon, or are other ecological factors at play?”
Zeng mentions that not all fossils have been thoroughly scrutinized yet, suggesting the possibility of undiscovered species, including fish, as further exploration continues.
Epstein-Barr Virus: A Common Infection with Serious Implications
Science History Images/Alamy
Approximately 10% of individuals carry genetic mutations that heighten their susceptibility to the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a common pathogen linked to diseases like multiple sclerosis and lupus. Insights from a study involving over 700,000 participants may clarify why EBV results in severe illness for some, yet remains relatively harmless for the majority.
“Nearly everyone has encountered EBV,” explains Chris Whincup from King’s College London, who did not partake in the research. “How is it that, despite widespread exposure, only a fraction of the population develops autoimmune conditions?” This research offers plausible answers.
The Epstein-Barr virus was initially identified in 1964 when scientists detected its particles in Burkitt’s lymphoma, a type of cancer. Today, over 90% of the population has been infected with EBV, evidenced by the presence of antibodies against the virus.
Initially, EBV is responsible for infectious mononucleosis, often referred to as monofever or glandular fever, which typically resolves in a few weeks. However, it is also linked to chronic autoimmune disorders, as evidenced by a 2022 study demonstrating its role in the onset of multiple sclerosis, leading to nerve damage.
“Why do individuals exhibit such varied responses to the same viral infection?” questions Caleb Lareau at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
To investigate, Lareau and her research team analyzed health data from over 735,000 individuals participating in the British Biobank study and a U.S. cohort called All of Us. Their genomes were sequenced using blood samples. “When EBV infects certain cells, it leaves behind copies in the blood,” shares Lareau, indicating that the human genome in their sample includes EBV genome copies.
The research highlights substantial variability in EBV DNA levels among subjects. Of the participants, 47,452 (9.7%) exhibited over 1.2 complete EBV genomes per 10,000 cells, indicating that while many cleared the virus post-infection, this subset did not.
To comprehend the heightened vulnerability of these individuals, the research team sought specific genomic differences that correlated with high EBV levels. As noted by Ryan Dhindsa from Baylor College of Medicine, they identified 22 genomic regions linked to elevated EBV levels, many of which are previously associated with immune-mediated diseases.
The strongest correlation was found in genes related to the major histocompatibility complex, essential immune proteins in distinguishing between self and foreign cells. “Certain individuals possess mutations in their major histocompatibility complex,” Dhindsa explains. Further studies indicated that these variants may impede the immune system’s capacity to detect EBV infections.
“This virus profoundly impacts our immune system, having lasting effects on certain individuals,” comments Ruth Dobson at Queen Mary University of London. Persistent EBV DNA can subtly stimulate the immune system, potentially leading to autoimmune attacks on the body.
Moreover, the genetic variants linked to high EBV levels were associated with various traits and symptoms, notably an elevated risk for autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, reinforcing the hypothesis of the virus’s involvement in these conditions.
The research team also identified a connection between these mutations and chronic fatigue, intriguing given that some studies have posited EBV as a contributing factor to myalgic encephalomyelitis, commonly known as chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Due to the large sample size, “we can assert that this signal exists,” Dhindsa remarked, although the precise relationship remains unclear.
For Wincup, the primary takeaway is the identification of immune system components damaged by continuous EBV presence. Targeting these components could lead to more effective treatments for EBV-related conditions.
Additionally, vaccination against EBV is a potential avenue. Currently, only experimental vaccines exist. Wincup emphasizes that developing a vaccine would be a significant advancement, arguing that despite its common perception as benign, EBV causes considerable suffering for many. “How benign is it really?”
Revitalizing Brain Organoids: A Breakthrough in Vascular Integration
Imago/Alamy
A pioneering advancement has been made in growing a miniaturized version of the developing cerebral cortex, crucial for cognitive functions like thinking, memory, and problem-solving, complete with a realistic vascular system. This advancement in brain organoids offers unprecedented insights into brain biology and pathology.
Brain organoids, often referred to as “mini-brains,” are produced by exposing stem cells to specific biochemical signals in a laboratory setting, encouraging them to form self-organizing cellular spheres. Since their inception in 2013, these organoids have significantly contributed to research on conditions such as autism, schizophrenia, and dementia.
However, these organoids have a significant limitation: they typically start to deteriorate after only a few months. This degradation occurs because a full-sized brain has an intricate network of blood vessels that supply essential oxygen and nutrients, while organoids can only absorb these elements from their growth medium, leading to nutrient deprivation for the innermost cells. “This is a critical issue,” remarks Lois Kistemaker from Utrecht University Medical Center in the Netherlands.
To mitigate this issue, Ethan Winkler and researchers at the University of California, San Francisco, devised a method to cultivate human stem cells for two months, resulting in “cortical organoids” that closely resemble the developing cerebral cortex. They then introduced organoids composed of vascular cells, strategically placing them at either end of each cortical organoid, facilitating the formation of a vascular network throughout the mini-brain.
Crucially, imaging studies revealed that the blood vessels in these mini-brains possess hollow centers, or lumens, akin to those found in natural blood vessels. “The establishment of a vascular network featuring lumens similar to authentic blood vessels is impressive,” states Madeline Lancaster, a pioneer in organoid research at the University of Cambridge. “This represents a significant progression.”
Past attempts to incorporate blood vessels within brain organoids have failed to achieve this crucial detail; previous studies typically resulted in unevenly distributed vessels throughout the organoids. In contrast, the blood vessels formed in this new experiment exhibit properties and genetic activities more closely aligned with those in actual developing brains, thereby establishing a more effective “blood-brain barrier.” This barrier protects the brain from harmful pathogens while permitting the passage of nutrients and waste, according to Kistemaker.
The implications of these findings indicate that blood vessels are crucial for delivering nutrient-rich fluids necessary for sustaining organoids. Professor Lancaster emphasizes, “To function properly, blood vessels, similar to the heart, require a mechanism for continuous blood flow, ensuring that deoxygenated blood is replaced with fresh, oxygen-rich blood or a suitable substitute.”
IBM Quantum System Two: The Machine Behind the New Time Crystal Discovery
Credit: IBM Research
Recent advancements in quantum computing have led to the creation of a highly complex time crystal, marking a significant breakthrough in the field. This innovative discovery demonstrates that quantum computers excel in facilitating scientific exploration and novel discoveries.
Unlike conventional crystals, which feature atoms arranged in repeating spatial patterns, time crystals possess configurations that repeat over time. These unique structures maintain their cyclic behavior indefinitely, barring any environmental influences.
Initially perceived as a challenge to established physics, time crystals have been successfully synthesized in laboratory settings over the past decade. Recently, Nicholas Lorente and his team from the Donostia International Physics Center in Spain utilized an IBM superconducting quantum computer to fabricate a time crystal exhibiting unprecedented complexity.
While previous work predominantly focused on one-dimensional time crystals, this research aimed to develop a two-dimensional variant. The team employed 144 superconducting qubits configured in an interlocking, honeycomb-like arrangement, enabling precise control over qubit interactions.
By manipulating these interactions over time, the researchers not only created complex time crystals but also programmed the interactions to exhibit advanced intensity patterns, surpassing the complexity of prior quantum computing experiments.
This new level of complexity allowed the researchers to map the entire qubit system, resulting in the creation of its “state diagram,” analogous to a phase diagram for water that indicates whether it exists as a liquid, solid, or gas at varying temperatures and pressures.
According to Jamie Garcia from IBM, which did not participate in the study, this experiment could pave the way for future quantum computers capable of designing new materials based on a holistic understanding of quantum system properties, including extraordinary phenomena like time crystals.
The model emulated in this research represents such complexity that traditional computers can only simulate it with approximations. Since all current quantum computers are vulnerable to errors, researchers will need to alternate between classical estimation methods and precise quantum techniques to enhance their understanding of complex quantum models. Garcia emphasizes that “large-scale quantum simulations, involving more than 100 qubits, will be crucial for future inquiries, given the practical challenges of simulating two-dimensional systems.”
Biao Huang from the University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences notes that this research signifies an exciting advancement across multiple quantum materials fields, potentially connecting time crystals, which can be simulated with quantum computers, with other states achievable through certain quantum sensors.
Utilizing the ultra-sharp images from the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope, astronomers have successfully crafted a highly detailed, wide-area mass map of the Universe. This groundbreaking map reveals the intricate interweaving of dark matter and ordinary matter, stretching from the filaments of galaxies to the dense clusters. Developed as part of the COSMOS-Web survey, this new map boasts more than double the resolution of previous efforts and delves deeper into the early universe’s evolution.
This web image shows about 800,000 galaxies, overlaid with a dark matter map in blue. Image credit: NASA / STScI / J. DePasquale / A. Pagan.
Dark matter constitutes roughly 85% of the universe’s total matter, yet it’s challenging to detect since it neither emits nor absorbs light, rendering it invisible to standard telescopes.
However, its gravitational influence alters the trajectory of light from far-off galaxies.
By examining subtle distortions in the shapes of numerous distant galaxies, scientists can ascertain how this unseen mass is distributed, irrespective of its nature.
When compared with known luminous structures, researchers can pinpoint the locations of dark matter.
Previous mass maps generated using the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope and other observatories suffered from limited resolution, sensitivity, and area coverage, restricting their views to only the largest cosmic structures.
Dr. Diana Scognamiglio from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and her team harnessed Webb’s imaging capabilities to analyze the shapes of approximately 250,000 galaxies, reconstructing the most detailed mass map of a contiguous universe region to date.
“This is the most extensive dark matter map produced in conjunction with Webb, boasting clarity unmatched by any prior dark matter maps from other observatories,” stated Dr. Scognamiglio.
“Previously, we only glimpsed blurred images of dark matter.”
“With Webb’s extraordinary resolution, we can now observe the universe’s invisible framework in unprecedented detail.”
This new map uncovers substantial galaxy clusters along with intricate networks of dark filamentary bridges and low-mass galaxies, too faint or too distant to be spotted by conventional telescopes.
These formations align with major cosmological models, suggesting that galaxies emerge at dense points between the dark matter filaments spreading throughout the universe.
Dr. Gavin Leroy, an astronomer at Durham University, remarked: “By illustrating dark matter with unparalleled precision, our map demonstrates how the unseen elements of the universe shaped visible matter, facilitating the creation of galaxies, stars, and ultimately, life itself.”
“This map highlights the crucial role of dark matter, the universe’s true architect, which gradually organizes the structures we observe through our telescopes.”
Professor Richard Massey of Durham University added, “Wherever normal matter exists in the universe today, dark matter is also present.”
“Every second, billions of dark matter particles pass through your body. They are harmless and continue on their paths unnoticed.”
“However, the entire cloud of dark matter surrounding the Milky Way possesses enough gravity to keep our galaxy intact. Without dark matter, the Milky Way would disintegrate.”
For more information, refer to the published results in this week’s edition of Nature Astronomy.
_____
D. Scognamiglio et al. Ultra-high resolution map of (dark) matter. Nat Astron published online on January 26, 2026. doi: 10.1038/s41550-025-02763-9
Archaeologists have made a groundbreaking discovery, unearthing the “oldest known hand-held wooden tool” at a Middle Pleistocene site in Marathusa 1, Greece.
Impression of a Marathusa 1 female artist crafting a digging stick using small stone tools from an alder trunk. Image credit: G. Prieto / K. Harvati.
According to Professor Katerina Herberty from the University of Tübingen, “The Middle Pleistocene was crucial for human evolution, marking a period when complex behaviors emerged.”
“This era also showcases the earliest reliable evidence of the targeted use of plants for technological purposes.”
The 430,000-year-old wooden tools discovered at the Marathusa 1 site, led by Professor Harbati and his team, consist of worked alder trunks and small willow/poplar artifacts.
The primary tool is made from alder wood (Alnus sp.) and features engraving marks along with associated stop and chop marks, indicating intentional shaping.
This approximately 81 cm long artifact displays signs of usage consistent with a multifunctional rod likely employed for paleolakeshore excavation.
The second tool, a small piece of willow/poplar (Salix sp./Populus sp.), measures 5.7 cm and exhibits signs of rounding.
This object shows two signs of potential processing, suggesting that growth rings have been removed from one end.
Researchers hypothesize that this small wooden tool’s function remains uncertain but may have been utilized for modifying stone tools.
Alongside these wooden tools, scientists uncovered butchered remains of an elephant with straight tusks (Paleoloxodon Antique), as well as stone artifacts and processed bones.
Dr. Annemieke Milks, a researcher at the University of Reading, states, “Unlike stone artifacts, wooden objects need special conditions to survive over long durations.”
“We meticulously examined all tree remains, analyzing the surfaces under a microscope.”
“Our findings revealed clear evidence of cutting and carving on these two objects, strongly indicating that early humans intentionally shaped them.”
A multifunctional digging stick (top) and small wooden tools (bottom) from the Marathusa 1 site in Greece. Image credit: D. Michailidis / N. Thompson / K. Harvati.
Additionally, researchers found a large fragment of an alder trunk exhibiting deep carved stripes, interpreted as fossilized claw marks from a large carnivore. This suggests potential competition between early humans and carnivores at this site.
Evidence of cuts and damage on the elephant remains indicate that early hominins had access to the carcass, while gnawing marks reveal subsequent carnivorous activity.
Dr. Milks added, “Previous discoveries of ancient wooden tools have occurred in countries such as Britain, Zambia, Germany, and China, comprising weapons, digging sticks, and tool handles.” However, she noted that these finds date newer than the Marathusa 1 artifacts.
“The only evidence of ancient wood used by humans, dating to around 476,000 years ago, comes from the Kalambo Falls site in Zambia, where the wood served as structural material rather than tools.”
“We have now identified the oldest known wooden tools and the first of their kind from southeastern Europe,” emphasized Professor Herberty.
“This discovery highlights the exceptional conservation conditions at the Marathusa 1 site.”
“The concurrent evidence of human activity and large carnivores in the vicinity of the butchered elephant indicates a competitive dynamic between them.”
Details of these findings are published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
_____
A. Chemilux et al. 2026. The earliest evidence of human use of wooden hand tools, discovered at Marathusa 1 (Greece). PNAS 123 (6): e2515479123; doi: 10.1073/pnas.25154791
Technological advancements in Africa and Western Europe during the late Middle Pleistocene highlight the intricate behaviors of hominin groups. Contrarily, East Asian human technology has long been perceived as lacking innovation. Recent archaeological findings at the Xigou site in Henan province, China, reveal remarkable evidence of technological innovations dating back between 160,000 and 72,000 years, illustrating over 90,000 years of sophisticated technological behavior through detailed technological, typological, and functional analyses.
Artist’s restoration of the Nishimizo utensil holder. Image credit: Hulk Yuan, IVPP.
“For decades, researchers have posited that, while Africa and Western Europe exhibited significant technological growth, East Asians relied on simpler and more traditional stone tool techniques,” noted Dr. Shisia Yang from the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology.
In recent findings, Dr. Yang and colleagues reveal that, during a time when numerous large-brained hominins coexisted in China, the hominins in this region displayed far greater inventiveness and adaptability than previously assumed, including species such as Homolonghi, Homo juruensis, and potentially Homo sapiens.
“The discovery at Xigou challenges the notion that early human populations in China were inherently conservative over time,” emphasized Professor Michael Petraglia from Griffith University.
“In-depth analyses indicate that the early inhabitants utilized advanced stone tool-making techniques to create small flakes and multifunctional tools,” he added.
Notably, the site revealed handled stone tools, marking the earliest known evidence of composite tools in East Asia.
These tools, which integrated stone components with handles and shafts, demonstrate exceptional planning, skilled craftsmanship, and knowledge of how to enhance tool functionality.
“Their existence underscores the behavioral flexibility and ingenuity of the Nishigou hominids,” Dr. Jiang Ping Yue, also affiliated with the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, remarked.
The geological formations at Xigou, spanning 90,000 years, align with accumulating evidence of increasing hominin diversity across China.
Findings from Xujiaba and Lingjing confirm the presence of a large-brained hominin, Homo juruensis, providing a biological foundation for the behavioral complexity observed in the Xigou population.
“The advanced technological strategies evidenced in the stone tools likely played a crucial role in aiding humans to adapt to the fluctuating environments typical of East Asia over 90,000 years,” stated Professor Petraglia.
The discoveries at Xigou have transformed our understanding of human evolution in East Asia, revealing that early populations possessed cognitive and technological competencies comparable to their African and European counterparts.
“Emerging evidence from Xigou and other archaeological sites indicates that early Chinese technology featured prepared core methods, innovative retouching techniques, and substantial cutting tools, suggesting a more intricate and advanced technological landscape than previously acknowledged,” Dr. Yang concluded.
The research team’s paper is published in the latest edition of Nature Communications.
_____
JP. Yue et al. 2026. Technological Innovation and Patterned Technology in Central China from Approximately 160,000 to 72,000 Years Ago. Nat Commun 17,615; doi: 10.1038/s41467-025-67601-y
On January 22, 2026, the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope captured stunning images of interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, showing it in near-perfect alignment with the Sun-Earth axis. This observation unveiled an unprecedented jet structure and an elongated tail.
This image of interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS was captured by Hubble’s WFC3 instrument on January 22, 2026, at 13:10 UTC. Image credit: NASA / ESA / Hubble / Man Tu Hui, Shanghai Observatory.
According to researchers Professor Abraham Loeb from Harvard University and Dr. Mauro Barbieri from the INAF Padua Observatory, interstellar objects like 3I/ATLAS provide a rare opportunity to study materials from distant star systems. They detailed their findings in recent papers published in American Astronomical Society Research Notes.
Previous interstellar visitors such as 1I/Oumuamua lacked evidence of gas or dust, while 2I/Borisov was only observed at angles greater than 16 degrees from the Sun-Earth alignment, missing the chance for detailed study.
On January 22, 2026, comet 3I/ATLAS was positioned at an astonishingly small angle of just 0.69 degrees relative to the Earth-Sun axis, allowing for an optimal view as our planet passed nearly directly between the Sun and the comet.
This rare alignment caused a significant brightness spike, influenced by the composition and structure of the particles emitted from the 3I/ATLAS jet, as noted by Professor Loeb in the statement.
This image of interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS was taken by Hubble’s WFC3 instrument on January 22, 2026, at 13:40 UTC. Image credit: NASA / ESA / Hubble / Man Tu Hui, Shanghai Observatory.
Astrophysicist Mang To Hui from the Shanghai Observatory utilized Hubble’s capabilities to observe 3I/ATLAS during conditions that may not occur again for decades.
The interstellar object images were gathered using Hubble’s Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3) instrument, providing valuable data for ongoing research.
Professor Loeb elaborated on the findings, stating, “When the Hubble images from the January 22, 2026, alignment were processed by my collaborator Toni Scarmato, they revealed a system of four jets, including a prominent tail directed toward the Sun and Earth, along with three smaller ‘minijets.’”
“These minijets are spaced evenly apart at 120-degree angles, with one possibly hidden from view due to its unfavorable orientation relative to Earth, rendering it dark.”
Wild blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium) is a perennial plant native to North America. This berry is rich in polyphenols, particularly flavonoids, which offer significant health benefits. A recent study published in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition provides a comprehensive review of the evidence and insights shared at an expert symposium regarding wild blueberries and their link to cardiometabolic health.
Vaccinium angustifolium. Image credit: Σ64 / CC BY 3.0.
Known for their high nutrient content, wild blueberries, or lowbush blueberries, are celebrated for their abundance of anthocyanins and other beneficial compounds.
These polyphenols, contributing to the berries’ vibrant blue hue, have been thoroughly researched for their powerful antioxidant properties.
“Wild blueberries have been valued for centuries,” noted University of Maine professor Dorothy Krimis Zakas, co-lead author of the recent review.
“Traditional wisdom recognizes their significance, and modern research continues to investigate how the unique constituents of wild blueberries contribute to health when part of a balanced diet.”
This review analyzed 12 human clinical trials conducted across four countries and numerous additional studies on the health effects of compounds found in wild blueberries.
The most consistent result from these studies was an improvement in vascular function, indicating better blood vessel responsiveness.
Some trials noted enhanced endothelial function just hours after consuming wild blueberries, while others observed benefits from regular intake over longer periods.
Recent studies have also highlighted the impact of wild blueberries on the gut microbiome.
Thanks to their high fiber and polyphenol content, these berries resist early digestion and are processed by gut bacteria into metabolites that enter the bloodstream.
These metabolites can constitute a significant proportion of bioactive compounds in circulation post-consumption; one study demonstrated that daily intake of freeze-dried wild blueberry powder boosted levels of beneficial bioactive compounds such as Bifidobacterium.
Emerging evidence suggests that consistent blueberry consumption may enhance cognitive abilities, especially thinking speed and memory in older adults, possibly linked to improved circulation and other systemic effects.
For adults at higher cardiometabolic risk, several studies referenced in the review identified meaningful improvements in blood pressure, glycemic control, and lipid profiles, including reductions in total cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, and triglycerides, following weeks of regular blueberry intake.
“What’s remarkable about wild blueberries is their wealth of polyphenols and nutrients. Their health benefits appear to stem from multiple mechanisms,” explained Sarah A. Johnson, Ph.D., from Florida State University, co-lead author of the review.
“Evidence indicates that these berries may influence various biological pathways related to cardiometabolic health, including vascular function and inflammation, but individual responses may vary.”
“The recent focus on the gut microbiome’s role in health benefits is intriguing and might help researchers understand how to optimize gut health for enhanced wellness.”
_____
Sarah A. Johnson et al. Wild blueberries and cardiometabolic health: A current review of the evidence. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, published online January 24, 2026. doi: 10.1080/10408398.2025.2610406
Image Credit: Christopher Michel/Contour RA by Getty Images
Civilizations often define their eras by significant materials. We speak of the Stone Age and the Bronze Age, and currently, we reside in the Silicon Age—marked by the prevalence of computers and mobile devices. What might the next defining era be? Omar Yagi from the University of California, Berkeley, posits that the innovative material he pioneered in the 1990s has promising potential: Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs). His groundbreaking work in this area made him a co-recipient of the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry.
MOFs, along with their covalent organic frameworks (COFs) counterparts, are crystalline in structure and notable for their exceptional porosity. In 1999, Yagi and his team achieved a milestone by synthesizing a zinc-based structure known as MOF-5. This material is characterized by its numerous pores, boasting an internal surface area equivalent to that of a football field within merely a few grams (refer to the image below). Internally, the structure offers vastly more space than externally.
Over the years, Yagi has been a pioneer in the development of new MOFs and COFs, a field called reticular chemistry. Understanding how these materials can be utilized is a focal point of his research. Their porous nature allows them to absorb other molecules, making them invaluable for applications such as moisture extraction from arid desert air and atmospheric carbon dioxide capture. In an interview with New Scientist, Yagi expressed optimism about this research, discussing the past, present, and future of reticular chemistry and the impending era of these materials.
Karmela Padavic-Callaghan: What inspired your interest in reticular chemistry?
Omar Yagi: Initially, when we began our work with MOFs, we had no concept that we were addressing social issues; it was purely an intellectual pursuit. We aimed to construct materials molecule by molecule, akin to building a structure or programming using Legos. It was a formidable challenge in chemistry. Many doubted its feasibility and considered our efforts futile.
What made the design of materials seem unfeasible?
The primary hurdle in rationalizing material construction lies in the nature of component mixing, which typically results in disordered, complex arrangements. This aligns with physical laws, as nature tends to favor high entropy or disorder. Therefore, our goal was to engineer a crystal—an ordered entity with a recurring pattern.
It’s akin to instructing your children to form a perfect circle in their room—it demands significant effort. Even upon achieving that circle, if you release your hold, it may take too long to re-establish it. We were essentially attempting to crystallize materials in a day—what nature takes billions of years to accomplish. Nonetheless, I believed that with the right knowledge, anything could be crystallized.
In 1999, your intuition was validated with the publication:Synthesis of MOF-5. Did you foresee its potential utility?
We identified a valuable solvent for synthesizing stable MOFs and understanding its mechanism. This critical insight allows us to minimize disorder, effectively tuning the outcome. Subsequently, thousands of researchers have adopted this method.
Initially, I was just elated to create beautiful crystals. Observing their remarkable properties prompted thoughts of potential applications, particularly in trapping gases. Given their internal compartments, these substances can accommodate water, carbon dioxide, or other molecules.
What’s your perspective on creating these materials today?
I usually avoid elaborate cooking and prefer simple, healthy ingredients. This mindset parallels my approach to chemistry: striving for simplicity while utilizing only necessary chemicals. The first step involves selecting the backbone of material; the second, defining pore sizes; the third, administering chemistry on the backbone to incorporate trapping molecules. This process, while appearing simple, is intricately complex.
What pioneering technologies does this process enable?
By mastering molecular-level design, we foresee significant geological transformations. My vision, along with my company founded in 2020, Atco, encompasses progressing from molecules to practical societal applications—addressing material deficiencies in various tasks or enhancing poorly performed tasks with rational designs. Our advancements in material synthesis will elevate societal standards.
Recently, we unveiled COF-999, the most efficient material for capturing carbon dioxide. Undertaking extensive capture tests, we demonstrated its efficacy in collecting CO2 from the atmosphere for over 100 cycles here in Berkeley. Atoco aims to implement reticulated materials like COF-999 in carbon capture modules suitable for both industrial settings and residential buildings.
Additionally, we’ve devised a novel material capable of extracting thousands of liters of water daily from the atmosphere. This technology relies on our device which can pull moisture even in humidities below 20%, such as in desert locations like Nevada. I foresee that within the next decade, water harvesting will emerge as an everyday technology.
MOFs exhibit a crystalline structure filled with numerous small internal pores.
Image Credit: Eyes of Science/Science Photo Library
How do MOFs and COFs compare with other water and CO2 capture technologies?
We maintain a significant degree of control over the chemistry involved, allowing for sustainable device manufacturing. These devices are long-lasting, and when the MOF component eventually degrades, it can dissolve in water, thus preventing environmental contamination. Consequently, as MOFs scale to multi-ton applications, we should not anticipate a “MOF waste issue.”
For instance, we’ve developed a method to harness ambient sunlight for water release from harvesting devices, thereby enhancing energy efficiency. Similarly, carbon capture technologies can utilize waste heat from industrial processes, rendering them more economical and sustainable compared to competing systems.
However, challenges in scalability and precise molecular release control persist. While producing MOFs in large quantities is feasible, COFs production has not reached such scales yet. I am optimistic that improvements will come swiftly. Optimizing water retention is essential; we must strike the right balance between excessive and insufficient retention.
We are now leveraging artificial intelligence to streamline MOF and COF optimization, making the design process more efficient. Generally, while generating a basic MOF or COF is straightforward, achieving one with finely-tuned properties can be time-consuming, often taking a year. The integration of AI could significantly accelerate this timeline; our lab has successfully doubled the speed of MOF creation by employing large-scale language models.
What promising applications of reticular chemistry should capture public interest?
Reticular chemistry is a thriving field, with millions of new MOFs yet to be synthesized. One intriguing concept involves utilizing MOFs to replicate the catalytic functions of enzymes, enhancing the efficiency of chemical reactions important in drug development and other fields. Some MOFs have demonstrated capabilities comparable to enzymes but with improved longevity and performance, making them ripe for medical and therapeutic applications over the next decade.
An exciting future application lies in “multivariate materials.” This research, largely conducted in my lab, aspires to create MOFs with varied internal environments. By employing different modules paired with varying compounds, we can develop materials that selectively and efficiently absorb gases. This approach encourages chemists to expand their thinking beyond creating uniform structures toward designing heterogeneous frameworks that incorporate diverse elements.
What gives you confidence in the future of MOF and COF innovations?
We’ve merely scratched the surface, with no shortage of concepts for exploration. Since the 1990s, this field has flourished, and while interest in many areas declines over time, that hasn’t occurred here. An exponential rise in patents related to MOFs and COFs reflects ongoing curiosity and the pursuit of novel applications. I appreciate how this research links organic and inorganic chemistry, as well as engineering and AI, evolving beyond traditional chemistry into true scientific frontiers.
I genuinely believe we are at the cusp of a revolution. While it may not always feel that way, something extraordinary is transpiring. We can now design materials in unprecedented ways, connecting them to innovative applications that were once unimaginable.
In a shocking turnabout, a 1998 study falsely claimed a connection between the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine and autism. I was astounded by the study’s poor quality, its acceptance by a prestigious journal, and the lack of critical reporting by journalists. At that time, I was unaware that the research was fraudulent.
Nearly three decades later, the repercussions of these misleading claims still echo globally. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that six countries, including the UK (for the second time), Spain, and Austria, have lost their measles-free status. This decline in vaccination rates has been significantly influenced by an anti-vaccination movement propagated by that erroneous paper. Meanwhile, the United States faces its worst outbreak in decades and would have also lost its measles-free status had it not withdrawn from the WHO.
Measles is one of the most contagious viruses on the planet, causing severe complications in around 1 in 5 children. Complications may lead to lasting brain damage, respiratory issues, hearing loss, blindness, and brain swelling. The WHO estimates that approximately 95,000 people may succumb to measles in 2024.
The actual impact extends further, as measles also destroys immune cells that help protect against other infections, diminishing immunity for around five years. It is a risk not worth taking.
Fortunately, measles has specific vulnerabilities. The virus first targets immune cells, travels to lymph nodes, and then disseminates throughout the body. This complex pathway enhances the immune system’s ability to combat the virus before it fully establishes an infection, unlike respiratory viruses that primarily attack cells in the nose and throat.
This is why the measles component in the MMR vaccine is highly effective. Countless studies confirm that vaccinated children are significantly better off, with no established link to autism. One compelling observation is that when the MMR vaccine was withdrawn in Japan, autism rates remained unchanged.
To maintain herd immunity, at least 95% of children must be vaccinated to ensure that each infected individual transmits the virus to fewer than one other person. This means that a small percentage of unvaccinated children can precipitate another outbreak of measles.
Globally, vaccination rates are improving, but there is still room for growth. The percentage of children receiving the first dose of the measles vaccine increased from 71% in 2000 to 84% in 2010. Despite a slight decline during the COVID-19 pandemic, the rates have rebounded. The WHO estimates that between 2000 and 2024, measles vaccination has prevented an impressive 60 million deaths worldwide, marking a significant victory.
However, in high-income nations, progress is stalling. After the erroneous claims of 1998, MMR vaccination levels fell to only 80% in England and Wales. By 2013, intake rates exceeded 90% but have been gradually decreasing since then. A recent report indicated that this decline in the UK is partly because access to vaccinations is becoming increasingly difficult for parents, a concern that warrants urgent attention.
Additionally, the resurgence of anti-vaccine sentiments is contributing to these challenges, closely linked to right-wing extremism as propagated on specific social media platforms. A quick search for “MMR measles” on Bluesky yielded no anti-vaccine posts in the top results, while the search on X surfaced a plethora of misleading anti-vaccine rhetoric.
Combatting this misinformation is a considerable challenge, especially when high-profile individuals on social media platforms align with disinformation, such as a certain billionaire collaborating with a known liar leading the world’s wealthiest nation and appointing an anti-vaxxer as health secretary.
What’s evident is that this crisis extends beyond vaccines; it’s crucial in areas like climate science where misinformation clouds the truth. Governments throughout Europe and beyond must take decisive action to regulate the infosphere, promote scientific integrity, and silence charlatans. The future of humanity is at stake.
Following a heart attack, the brain processes signals directly from sensory neurons in the heart, indicating a crucial feedback loop that involves not only the brain but also the immune system—both vital for effective recovery.
According to Vineet Augustine from the University of California, San Diego, “The body and brain are interconnected; there is significant communication among organ systems, the nervous system, and the immune system.”
Building on previous research demonstrating that the heart and brain communicate through blood pressure and cardiac sensory neurons, Augustine and his team sought to explore the role of nerves in the heart attack response. They utilized a groundbreaking technique to make mouse hearts transparent, enabling them to observe nerve activity during induced heart attacks by cutting off blood flow.
The study revealed novel clusters of sensory neurons that extend from the vagus nerve and tightly encompass the ventricles, particularly in areas damaged by lack of blood flow. Interestingly, while few nerve fibers existed prior to the heart attack, their numbers surged significantly post-incident, suggesting that the heart stimulates the growth of these neurons during recovery.
In a key experiment, Augustine’s team selectively turned off these nerves, which halted signaling to the brain, resulting in significantly smaller damaged areas in the heart. “The recovery is truly remarkable,” Augustine noted.
Patients recovering from a heart attack often require surgical interventions to restore vital blood flow and minimize further tissue damage. However, the discovery of these new neurons could pave the way for future medications, particularly in scenarios where immediate surgery is impractical.
Furthermore, the signals from these neurons activated brain regions associated with the stress response, triggering the immune system to direct its cells to the heart. While these immune cells help form scar tissue necessary for repairing damaged muscle, excessive scarring can compromise heart function and lead to heart failure. Augustine and colleagues identified alternative methods to facilitate healing in mice post-heart attack by effectively blocking this immune response early on.
Recent decades have indicated that communication occurs between the heart, brain, and immune system during a heart attack. The difference now is that researchers possess advanced tools to analyze changes at the neuron level. Matthew Kay from George Washington University noted, “This presents an intriguing opportunity for developing new treatments for heart attack patients, potentially including gene therapy.”
Current medical practices frequently include beta-blockers to assist in the healing process following heart attack-induced tissue damage. These findings clarify the mechanism by which beta-blockers influence the feedback loops within nervous and immune systems activated during heart attacks.
As Robin Choudhury from the University of Oxford remarked, “We might have already intervened with the newly discovered routes.” Nevertheless, he cautioned that this pathway likely interacts with various other immune signals and cells that remain not fully understood.
Moreover, factors like genetics, gender differences, and conditions such as diabetes or hypertension could affect the evolution of this newly identified response. Hence, determining when and if a pathway is active in a wider population remains essential before crafting targeted drugs, Choudhury added.
Vast areas of the Amazon rainforest are cleared for cattle ranching
Michael Dantas/AFP via Getty Images
The alarming rate of deforestation is significantly diminishing rainfall patterns across the Amazon, indicating that this vital rainforest could hit a catastrophic tipping point sooner than previously anticipated.
Research from 1980 to 2019 indicates that rainfall in the southern Amazon basin has diminished by 8 to 11 percent, based on satellite data and rain gauge readings. During this same time frame, tree cover in the region has shrunk by 16 percent, primarily due to deforestation linked to beef cattle ranching.
Contrastingly, deforestation has been less pronounced in the northern Amazon Basin, where precipitation has only shown minor increases that lack statistical significance.
Recent research highlights that deforestation contributes to arid conditions within a 300-kilometer radius. This new analysis reveals that this effect spans over a basin wider than 3,000 kilometers, suggesting that deforestation harms not just forests, but also the productivity of adjacent ranches and soybean farms, according to Dominique Spracklen from the University of Leeds.
“Some in agribusiness may perceive sections of the forest as underutilized land. Yet, these forests play a crucial role in maintaining regional rainfall, which in turn benefits our agricultural practices,” Spracklen explains.
Global warming is exacerbating the drying of the Amazon, culminating in extreme droughts and unprecedented wildfires in 2024. However, atmospheric studies led by Spracklen and colleagues indicate that deforestation is responsible for 52 to 75 percent of the decline in rainfall.
Moisture from the Atlantic Ocean is transported by prevailing winds into the Amazon, where it precipitates as rain. Plants contribute to this cycle as evaporation and transpiration return about three-quarters of that water to the atmosphere. Further downwind, it falls again as rain through multiple cycles, creating “flying rivers” that distribute moisture across the rainforest.
When forested areas are destroyed, over half of the rainwater is redirected to rivers and subsequently returns to the ocean, depleting the moisture available for the flying rivers and leading to reduced rainfall. Additionally, this diminishes atmospheric instability necessary for storm cloud formation, Spracklen and his team discovered.
As fewer trees slow down the wind, it tends to pick up speed, removing more moisture from the area.
Unlike previous research, this study employs a combination of data and modeling to effectively illustrate how deforestation impacts rainfall patterns, asserts Yadvinder Malhi from Oxford University.
“The atmosphere becomes smoother and, in a sense, slipperier. There’s reduced friction with the ground, enabling moisture to travel further out of forested regions,” Malhi notes, emphasizing the significance of secondary atmospheric processes often overlooked in prior studies.
Scientists voice concerns that the cumulative impact of heightened temperatures, drought, and deforestation could push the Amazon rainforest to a tipping point where it transitions into a savannah ecosystem, although the timeline for this transition remains uncertain. Spracklen and his colleagues found that climate models may underestimate the influence of deforestation on rainfall by as much as 50 percent, implying that the rainforest could face significant threats earlier than anticipated.
According to a 2022 study, there is a 37% probability that certain regions of the Amazon could vanish by 2100 if global temperatures, currently at 1.4°C, rise to 1.5°C. However, this does not necessarily imply that rainforests will convert into savannahs; it may lead to the emergence of fewer species and scrub forests capable of storing less carbon.
“The Amazon’s sensitivity is greater than we previously imagined, which is troubling,” he states. “We may be closer to the deforestation threshold than we realize, although there remains significant uncertainty surrounding this issue.”
A recent discovery in Greece has unveiled the oldest known hand-held wooden tool, dating back approximately 430,000 years, utilized by early human ancestors.
One tool, crafted from an alder trunk, likely served a digging purpose, while the other, made from either willow or poplar, may have been employed for shaping stone, according to a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
“The rarity of preserving wood over such a long period makes this discovery particularly fascinating,” stated Annemieke Milks, the lead author of the study, in a phone interview with NBC News.
Milks, affiliated with the University of Reading in the UK and an authority on early wooden tools, emphasizes that while stone tools have been preserved for centuries, finding these rare wooden artifacts enhances our understanding of human evolution.
The evidence suggests that early human ancestors utilized wood for tool-making, marking a significant development in our knowledge of their capabilities.
These ancient tools were unearthed at the Megalopolis Basin site in Marathusa, Greece, located about 160 miles southwest of Athens.
Researchers have identified that this site—once a lakeshore—was pivotal for early human activities, including the fabrication and use of stone and bone tools, as well as hunting large animals like elephants.
Milks described one of the smaller tools as “unprecedented,” noting that its precise function remains unclear. “We were fortunate to uncover such a unique artifact,” she remarked.
Distinct markings on the wood signify that these artifacts were intentionally crafted by humans, rather than being natural sticks, according to Milks.
Innovative methods for analyzing ancient wooden tools have surged over the last decade, yielding new insights into our past, Milks added.
Since direct dating of organic materials like wood can only trace back 50,000 years, researchers relied on dating surrounding sediments and rocks to affirm the tools’ age of 430,000 years.
Milks explained that the preservation of these wooden tools was likely facilitated by their rapid burial in moist sediments, protecting them from microorganisms that would typically lead to decay.
Co-author Caterina Harbati noted that the extraordinary conditions at the excavation site facilitated the preservation of not just wood, but also delicate organic materials like seeds and leaves.
Paleoanthropologist Halvaty from the University of Tübingen in Germany emphasized the discovery’s significance, showcasing Greece’s essential role in human evolutionary studies.
“This finding expands our understanding of early human technology and highlights previously unknown types of tools, enriching our knowledge in this domain,” Halvaty stated.
Maeve McHugh, an associate professor of classical archaeology at the University of Birmingham, called the discovery an essential “snapshot” of early human activity and a glimpse into cognitive development during that era.
“The survival of this wooden artifact, particularly from such an early period in human history, is remarkable and of great significance,” McHugh concluded.
For decades, discussions surrounding coastal risk have focused primarily on climate change and sea level rise. However, a significant new global study reveals an even more urgent threat: land subsidence, affecting hundreds of millions of people living in delta regions, including urban hubs like New Orleans and Bangkok.
In various locations around the world, land is sinking at rates that often surpass the rising sea levels.
Utilizing satellite radar technology to monitor minute changes in the Earth’s surface, researchers have discovered that over half of the world’s deltas—low-lying areas where major rivers converge with the ocean—are currently sinking. This gradual subsidence, in conjunction with sea level rise, poses the most significant flood risk in many densely populated delta regions on Earth.
“This is truly a declaration of war,” stated Professor Robert Nicholls, co-author of the study and coastal scientist at the University of Southampton. The findings were reported in BBC Science Focus. “Until now, no one had taken a global perspective on delta subsidence. This study highlights the breadth of the issue and underscores the urgency of addressing it.”
The survey results can be found in the journal Nature.
Subsidence rates in river deltas, displayed as colored circles. The size of each circle reflects the area of the delta sinking faster than sea level rise, represented as a color gradient across the delta’s basin. Photo credit: Ohenhen et al. (2026)
Global Problems Hidden in Plain Sight
Delta regions comprise only 1% of the Earth’s land area but are home to approximately 350 to 500 million people, including some of the world’s most significant cities and productive agricultural zones. These areas serve as economic powerhouses, environmental hotspots, and essential food sources, yet they are inherently fragile.
Deltas are formed by loose, water-saturated sediments deposited over millennia. In their natural state, these sediments compact under their own weight and gradually sink.
Historically, natural subsidence was balanced by periodic flooding that replenished the land with fresh sediment, but modern interventions have disrupted this equilibrium.
The recent study analyzed satellite measurements across 40 major delta regions from 2014 to 2023, creating the first high-resolution global image detailing land elevation changes.
The findings were alarming: currently, at least 35% of delta regions have subsided, with over half of the land surface subsiding in most deltas.
In 18 of the 40 river deltas examined, land is sinking faster than local sea level rise, revealing hotspots where subsidence dominates over regional and global sea level increases.
A similar pattern is evident across continents—Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas—where relative sea levels rise due to both ocean expansion and land subsidence.
“From a risk perspective, it doesn’t matter if sea levels rise or land sinks,” Nichols explained. “The ultimate effect is the same, but the responses to those threats may differ.”
The Ciliund Delta in Indonesia is home to Jakarta, inhabited by over 40 million people, and is sinking at an average rate of 5.6 mm annually. Photo credit: Getty
What is Causing the Sinking?
The study identified three primary causes of anthropogenic land subsidence: groundwater extraction, reduced sediment supply, and urban expansion. Among these, groundwater pumping is the most significant predictor.
When groundwater is extracted, the soft surrounding sediments collapse and compact, a process that is nearly irreversible. Once the sediment is compacted, it will not return, even if water levels recover.
In 10 out of the 40 delta regions studied, groundwater depletion was the main factor driving land subsidence. Additionally, reduced river sediment caused by damming and flood defenses, combined with the weight of growing cities built on soft soils, contribute to this crisis.
As a result, what was once a slow geological phenomenon has transformed into an urgent environmental crisis.
Read More:
US Case: Mississippi Delta
The Mississippi River Delta in New Orleans and Louisiana exemplifies this issue in the United States.
The analysis confirms widespread subsidence across the delta, with over 90% of the region experiencing subsidence at an average rate of 3.3 mm per year. Some localized areas even sink much faster.
While this rate may seem minimal, it accumulates significantly over decades, especially alongside the threats posed by rising sea levels and hurricanes.
The Mississippi Delta has lost thousands of square kilometers of coastal wetlands over the last century, resulting in catastrophic damage. An area the size of a soccer field is lost to open water every 100 minutes.
The Mississippi Delta experiences an average subsidence of 3.3 mm per year, with some hotspots sinking over 10 times faster. Photo credit: NASA Earth Observatory
The lack of fresh sediment is a critical issue. Levees and dams prevent flooding and the natural deposition of new sediments that help rebuild the land. Additionally, drainage systems, oil and gas extraction, and decades of groundwater pumping exert further stress on fragile soils.
While some delta areas display resilience, one proposed solution is relocating populations away from these vulnerable regions. For instance, New Orleans has seen a steady population decline since the 1960s.
“In the United States, people tend to accept the idea of relocation,” Nichols noted, emphasizing that societal mobility and favorable land-use policies make this transition more politically feasible than in parts of Europe and Asia, where long-term protective measures are generally favored.
Warning to Major Cities
While North America grapples with these challenges, the most extreme subsidence rates can be found in parts of South and Southeast Asia, where population density is high and dependence on groundwater for agriculture, industry, and drinking water prevails.
Regions such as the Mekong River (Vietnam), Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers (Bangladesh and India), Chao Phraya River (Thailand), and Yellow River (China) are sinking faster than current global sea level rise in some areas by over a centimeter per year.
Mega-cities like Bangkok, Dhaka, Shanghai, and parts of Jakarta are built on these subsiding foundations.
The good news is that, unlike global sea level rise—which unfolds over centuries—human-induced land subsidence can respond swiftly to policy changes. A notable success story is Tokyo.
Due to strict groundwater extraction regulations, Tokyo has significantly reduced subsidence rates. Photo credit: Getty
In the mid-20th century, unchecked groundwater extraction caused parts of Tokyo to sink more than 4 meters. However, rigorous regulations on groundwater use and investments in alternative water sources resulted in a swift decrease in subsidence rates.
“Authorities have enacted legislation to ensure sufficient alternative water supplies and eliminate groundwater extraction,” Nichols remarked. “And almost overnight, this led to stabilization.”
Additional solutions include managed flooding in agricultural areas to replenish soil sediments. “Sediment is often deemed a pollutant,” Nichols points out. However, when rivers overflow, they deposit valuable materials that built the delta, a process sometimes referred to as “brown gold.”
Urban areas can be fortified with effective engineering solutions such as sea walls, levees, and storm surge barriers. “Addressing subsidence complements efforts to adapt to sea level rise and reduces vulnerabilities,” Nichols added, as reported here.
Shifting Attitudes Towards Coastal Risk
The study’s authors emphasize that land subsidence has been dangerously overlooked in global climate risk strategies, largely viewed as a local rather than a global issue.
However, local does not equate to minor. Even under severe climate scenarios, land subsidence is expected to remain the primary driver of relative sea level rise in numerous delta regions for decades to come.
Financial and institutional barriers often hinder large-scale interventions in many areas, but deferring action only exacerbates the costs and challenges of future adaptations.
Once land subsides, initiating new urban developments is not feasible, leaving communities to face tough decisions about relocation.
As Nichols succinctly states, “The first crucial step is to acknowledge that a problem exists.”
We can Usually Agree on Objects’ Appearance, But Why?
Martin Bond / Alamy
Although our world seems inherently ambiguous at the quantum level, this is not the experience we face in daily life. Researchers have now established a methodology to measure the speed at which objective reality emerges from this quantum ambiguity, lending credibility to the notion that an evolutionary framework can elucidate this emergence.
In the quantum domain, each entity, such as a single atom, exists within a spectrum of potential states and only assumes a definitive, “classical” state upon measurement or observation. Yet, we perceive strictly classical objects devoid of existential ambiguities, and the processes enabling this have challenged physicists for years.
Prominent physicist Wojciech Zurek of Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico introduced the concept of “quantum Darwinism,” suggesting that a process akin to natural selection confirms the visibility of the “fittest” state among numerous potential forms, ensuring successful replication through environmental interactions up to the observer’s perspective. When observers with access to only portions of reality converge on the same objective observation, it indicates they are witnessing one of these identical copies.
Researchers at University College Dublin, led by Steve Campbell, have shown that differing observers can still arrive at a consensus on objective reality, even if their observational methods lack sophistication or precision.
“Observers can capture a fragment and make any measurements they desire. If I capture a different fragment, I too can make arbitrary measurements. The question becomes: how does classical objectivity arise?” he explains.
The research team has redefined the emergence of objectivity as a quantum sensing issue. For instance, if the objective fact pertains to the frequency of light emitted by an object, the observer must acquire accurate data about that frequency, similar to how a computer employs a light sensor. In optimal conditions, this method achieves ultra-precise measurements, quickly leading to a definitive conclusion about the light’s frequency. This scenario is assessed using Quantum Fisher Information (QFI), a mathematical formula that benchmarks how varying, less accurate observational techniques can still attain similar precise conclusions. Gabriel Randy at the University of Rochester highlights this comparison in their recent study.
Remarkably, their calculations indicate that for significantly large fragments of reality, even observers employing imperfect measurements can ultimately gather enough data to reach the same conclusions about objectivity as those derived from the ideal QFI standard.
“Surprisingly, simplistic measurements can be just as effective as more advanced ones,” Lundy states. “This illustrates how classicality emerges: as fragments grow larger, observers tend to agree on even basic measurements.” Thus, this research contributes further to our understanding of why, when observing the macroscopic world, we concur about its physical attributes, such as the color of a coffee cup.
“This study underscores that we do not require flawless, ideal measurements,” adds Diego Wisniacki from the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina. He notes that while QFI is foundational in quantum information theory, its application to quantum Darwinism has been sparse, presenting pathways to bridge theoretical frameworks with established experimental methodologies, like quantum devices utilizing light-based or superconducting qubits.
“This research serves as a foundational ‘brick’ in our comprehension of quantum Darwinism,” states G. Massimo Palma from the University of Palermo, Italy. “It more closely aligns with the experimental descriptions of laboratory observations.”
Palma elaborates that the simplicity of the model used in this study could facilitate new experimental pursuits; however, complex system calculations will be essential to solidify quantum Darwinism’s foundation. “Advancing beyond rudimentary models would mark a significant progression,” Palma asserts.
Lundy conveyed that researchers are eager to transform theoretical findings into experimental validations. For instance, qubits formed from trapped ions could be employed to evaluate how the emergence of objectivity timescale relates to the durations during which these qubits retain their quantum characteristics.
Palantir, a leading American data analytics firm, wields technology capable of both saving and taking lives. As its influence expands globally, concerns about this enigmatic corporation’s role in world affairs and its ultimate beneficiaries continue to rise.
The Hidden Female Psychopath
Recent studies indicate that the presence of female psychopaths may be more prevalent than once believed. If this is the case, why do they remain unnoticed? Perhaps you suspect someone around you? Here’s how to identify potential traits:
Artificial Intelligence Ethics
There is an urgent need to educate AI on moral principles. However, a paradox emerges: to elicit positive responses from AI, one must examine its behavior when exposed to malicious tasks.
Data Storage in Space
The rapid progression of AI technology is driving an unprecedented demand for electricity globally. Additionally, cooling these data centers requires significant amounts of water. Could the cosmos offer a viable solution for data storage? Many startups believe it is the ideal destination.
Plus Highlights
Boost Your IQ: Ditch the brain training games. Physical activity could truly unlock your brain’s full potential.
Impact of Social Media Bans: Experts are split on how effective Australia’s social media ban is for children.
Q&A Insights: Our experts tackle questions such as “Why do we kiss?” “How contagious is laughter?” “Can tigers get along with their prey?” “What are the similarities between identical twins?” “Is déjà vu unhealthy?” “Should you trim your eyelashes?” “What happens if you fall ill on the ISS?” “How do we best measure earthquakes?” “Can you maintain a happy marriage with a psychopath?” “How fast am I moving now?” and much more…
Don’t forget, BBC Science Focus is also available on all major digital platforms. You can access it on Android, Kindle Fire and Kindle e-Readers, as well as on your iOS app for iPad and iPhone.
This rewrite optimizes the content for SEO while preserving HTML formatting and enhancing clarity.
Meet Holly, a dedicated staff writer at BBC Science Focus, where she expertly manages the engaging Q&A section. With an MSc (Special Award) in Earth Sciences (Space and Climate Physics) from UCL, Holly specializes in Astronomy and Earth Sciences. Before her journey with Our Media, she gained valuable experience as a geo-environmental consultant and engineer, passionately exploring exoplanets in her free time while advising on ground risk and remediation projects in Northern England.
With nearly a decade of experience as a regional editor for a popular theater website, Holly excels in curating and developing digital content. She is also a talented artist and illustrator, regularly contributing to the craft website Gathered. Her impressive portfolio includes collaborations with notable organizations such as RSPB, English Heritage, Disney, Pilot, and Brother, in addition to her work with BBC Good Food Magazine, Home Style Magazine, and Papercraft Inspiration Magazine.
Holly’s interests extend to photography and a fascination with antiques, showcasing her diverse artistic talents and love for culture.
Webb astronomers have unveiled a breathtaking image captured by the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope, showcasing MACS J1149.5+2223 (MACS J1149), a cosmic collection of hundreds of galaxies situated about 5 billion light-years from Earth in the constellation Leo. The latest images not only highlight the cluster’s brilliant galaxies but also illustrate how their immense gravitational forces uniquely affect the fabric of space-time.
The stunning image of the galaxy cluster MACS J1149.5+2223. Image credits: NASA / ESA / CSA / Webb / C. Willott, National Research Council Canada / R. Tripodi, INAF-Astronomical Observatory of Rome.
The latest Webb image of MACS J1149 dramatically showcases light from background galaxies, which is bent and magnified in a remarkable phenomenon known as gravitational lensing. This creates elongated arcs and distorted shapes, revealing the mass of both clusters.
“The immense gravity of this galaxy cluster does more than hold the galaxies adrift in the universe,” the Webb astronomers explained in a statement.
“As light from galaxies beyond the cluster travels toward our telescope over billions of years, its trajectory through space-time is warped by the gravitational forces of the intervening galaxies.”
This gravitational lensing effect is evident throughout the image of MACS J1149, with galaxies appearing stretched into narrow streaks and others morphing into unusual shapes. A prime example of gravitational lensing can be seen near the image’s center, just below the prominent white galaxy.
In this area, a galaxy with spiral arms has been transformed into a shape resembling a pink jellyfish. This peculiar galaxy once harbored the farthest single star ever identified and a supernova that appeared four times simultaneously.
“This program employs Webb’s advanced instruments to explore the evolution of low-mass galaxies in the early Universe, shedding light on their star formation, dust content, and chemical makeup,” the astronomers stated.
The data collected will also assist researchers in studying the epoch of reionization, when the first stars and galaxies illuminated the universe, mapping mass distributions in galaxy clusters, and understanding how star formation diminishes within cluster environments.
In a groundbreaking study analyzing data from over 268,000 individuals, researchers have identified that genes associated with thiamine (vitamin B1) metabolism significantly influence intestinal motility. This discovery paves the way for personalized treatments targeting conditions like constipation and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Diaz Muñoz et al. identified key mechanisms involved in intestinal motility, including an overlooked role for vitamin B1. Image credit: Hillman et al., doi: 10.1264/jsme2.ME17017 / CC BY 4.0.
Gastrointestinal motility is crucial for food digestion, nutrient absorption, and waste elimination, all critical components of human health and well-being.
The regulation of motility depends on a multifaceted communication network, which encompasses the gut-brain axis, the immune system, gut microbiota, and is affected by external influences such as diet, physical activity, and medications.
Disruptions in motility control and peristalsis can lead to significant health issues, including IBS and chronic idiopathic intestinal pseudoobstruction, highlighting the importance of understanding these conditions.
In this recent study, Professor Mauro D’Amato from LUM University, CIC bioGUNE-BRTA, and Ikerbasque, along with his colleagues, employed a large-scale genetic approach to identify common DNA variations linked to intestinal motility.
The research utilized questionnaires and genetic data from 268,606 individuals of European and East Asian ancestry, applying computational analysis to pinpoint relevant genes and mechanisms.
The team discovered 21 genomic regions that affect defecation frequency, including 10 previously unknown regions, affirming the biologically plausible pathways involved in intestinal motility regulation.
For instance, they found significant correlations with bile acid regulation, which aids fat digestion and serves as signaling molecules in the intestines, along with neural signaling pathways crucial for intestinal muscle contractions (especially acetylcholine-related signaling).
However, the most striking outcome arose when the researchers pinpointed two high-priority genes focused on vitamin B1 biology, specifically those involved in the transport and activation of thiamine: SLC35F3 and XPR1.
To validate the relevance of the vitamin B1 signal, they further examined dietary data from the UK Biobank.
A study involving 98,449 participants revealed that increased dietary thiamine intake correlated with more frequent bowel movements.
Crucially, the relationship between thiamine consumption and bowel frequency exhibited variations based on genetic factors, specifically the combined genetic score of SLC35F3 and XPR1.
This suggests that genetic variations in thiamine metabolism may impact how vitamin B1 intake affects bowel habits in the general population.
“By utilizing genetic data, we’ve created a roadmap for the biological pathways influencing intestinal pace,” said Dr. Cristian Díaz Muñoz from CIC bioGUNE-BRTA.
“The data strongly highlights vitamin B1 metabolism alongside established mechanisms like bile acids and neural signaling.”
This research also confirms a significant biological link between bowel frequency and IBS, a widespread condition affecting millions globally.
“Issues with intestinal motility are at the core of irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, and other common motility disorders, yet the underlying biology remains challenging to decipher,” noted Professor D’Amato.
“These genetic findings point to specific pathways, particularly those involving vitamin B1, as vital areas for further research, including laboratory experiments and meticulously designed clinical trials.”
For more details, refer to the study published in the Journal on January 20, 2026.
_____
C. Diaz Muñoz et al. Genetic analysis of defecation frequency suggests a link to vitamin B1 metabolism and other pathways regulating intestinal motility. Intestine published online January 20, 2026. doi: 10.1136/gutjnl-2025-337059
Exploring Bella Junior’s Supernova, also referred to as RX J0852.0-4622 or G266.2-1.2, scientists have revealed the mysteries surrounding its explosive past. This ancient nebula, once a brilliant supernova, has perplexed researchers regarding its distance and the magnitude of its explosion. Recently, however, groundbreaking discoveries linked a newly formed star, Ve 7-27, with the remnants of Bella Junior. By utilizing the Multi-Unit Spectroscopic Explorer (MUSE) on the ESO’s Very Large Telescope, astronomers have captured unprecedented detailed images of Ve 7-27.
VLT/MUSE image of Ve 7-27. Image credit: ESO / Suherli et al.
“This is the first evidence ever connecting a newborn star to the remnants of a supernova,” stated Dr. Samar Safi Harb, an astrophysicist from the University of Manitoba.
“This discovery resolves a decades-long debate, enabling us to calculate the distance of Bella Junior, its size, and the true power of the explosion.”
By examining the gas emissions from Ve 7-27, Dr. Safi Harb and his team confirmed that it shares the same chemical signature as materials from the Vela Junior supernova.
This correlation established a physical connection between the two celestial bodies, allowing astronomers to accurately determine Bella Junior’s distance.
Both Ve 7-27 and Vela Junior are approximately 4,500 light-years away.
“The gas present in this young star mirrors the chemical composition of stars that exploded in the past,” remarked Dr. Safi Harb.
“Isn’t it poetic? Those same elements eventually contributed to Earth and now play a role in forming new stars.”
Recent findings indicate that Bella Junior is larger, more energetic, and expanding at a rate quicker than previously thought, marking it as one of the most potent supernova remnants in our galaxy.
“Stars are constructed in layers, much like onions,” Dr. Safi Harb explained. “When they explode, these layers are propelled into space.”
“Our research indicates that these layers are now becoming visible in the jets of nearby young stars.”
“This study not only solves an enduring astronomical enigma but also sheds light on stellar evolution, the enrichment of galaxies with elements, and how extreme cosmic events continue to shape our universe.”
This research was published today in a study featured in the Astrophysics Journal Letters.
Planetary scientists examining oxygen isotopes in lunar soil from the Apollo missions have determined that 4 billion years of meteorite impacts may have contributed only a minimal amount of Earth’s water. This insight prompts a reevaluation of established theories regarding water’s origins on our planet.
Close-up of a relatively new crater to the southeast, captured during Apollo 15’s third lunar walk. Image credit: NASA.
Previous research suggested that meteorites significantly contributed to Earth’s water supply due to their impact during the solar system’s infancy.
In a groundbreaking study, Dr. Tony Gargano from NASA’s Johnson Space Center and the Lunar and Planetary Institute, along with colleagues, employed a novel technique to analyze the lunar surface debris known as regolith.
Findings indicated that even under optimistic conditions, meteorite collisions from approximately 4 billion years ago may have delivered only a small percentage of Earth’s water.
The Moon acts as a historical archive, documenting the tumultuous events that the Earth-Moon system has endured over eons.
While Earth’s dynamic geology and atmosphere erase these records, lunar samples have retained valuable information.
However, this preservation is not without its challenges.
Traditional regolith studies have focused on metal-preferring elements, which can be obscured by continuous impacts on the Moon, complicating efforts to reconstruct original meteorite compositions.
Oxygen triple isotopes offer highly precise “fingerprints” since oxygen, being the most abundant element in rocks, remains untouched by external forces.
These isotopes facilitate a deeper understanding of the meteorite compositions that impacted the Earth-Moon system.
Oxygen isotope analyses revealed that approximately 1% of the regolith’s mass consists of carbon-rich material from meteorites that partially vaporized upon impact.
With this knowledge, researchers calculated the potential water content carried by these meteorites.
“The lunar regolith uniquely allows us to interpret a time-integrated record of impacts in Earth’s vicinity over billions of years,” explained Dr. Gargano.
“By applying oxygen isotope fingerprints, we can extract impactor signals from materials that have undergone melting, evaporation, and reprocessing.”
This significant finding alters our understanding of water sources on both Earth and the Moon.
When adjusted to account for global impacts, the cumulative water indicated in the model equates to only a minor fraction of the Earth’s oceanic water volume.
This discrepancy challenges the theory that water-rich meteorites delivered the bulk of Earth’s water.
“Our results don’t rule out meteorites as a water source,” noted Dr. Justin Simon, a planetary scientist at NASA Johnson’s Celestial Materials Research and Exploration Sciences Division.
“However, the Moon’s long-term record indicates that the slow influx of meteorites cannot significantly account for Earth’s oceans.”
While the implied water contribution from around 4 billion years ago is minimal in the context of Earth’s oceans, it remains notable for the Moon.
The Moon’s available water is concentrated in small, permanently shadowed areas at the poles.
These regions, among the coldest in the solar system, present unique opportunities for scientific research and exploration resources as NASA prepares for crewed missions to the Moon with Artemis III and subsequent missions.
The samples analyzed in this study were collected from near the lunar equator, where all six Apollo missions landed.
Rocks and dust gathered over half a century ago continue to yield valuable insights, albeit from a limited lunar area.
Future samples collected through Artemis are expected to unlock a new wave of discoveries in the years ahead.
“I consider myself part of the next generation of Apollo scientists, trained in the questions and insights enabled by the Apollo missions,” said Dr. Gargano.
“The Moon provides tangible evidence that we can examine in the lab, serving as a benchmark for what we learn from orbital data and telescopes.”
“I eagerly anticipate the information that upcoming Artemis samples will reveal about our place in the solar system.”
The findings of this study will be published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
_____
Anthony M. Gargano et al. 2026. Constraints on impactor flux from lunar regolith oxygen isotopes to the Earth-Moon system. PNAS 123 (4): e2531796123; doi: 10.1073/pnas.2531796123
A newly identified genus and species of titanosaurus, a colossal sauropod dinosaur from the Cretaceous period, has been uncovered from fossils in northern Patagonia, Argentina.
Reconstructing the life of Yenen Hassai. Image credit: Gabriel Rio.
Named Yenen Hassai, this new species roamed Earth approximately 83 million years ago during the Late Cretaceous period.
This ancient creature belongs to the Titanosauridae, a fascinating group of large, long-necked herbivorous dinosaurs that thrived on the Gondwana supercontinent.
“The head of Yenen Hassai was proportionately smaller compared to its massive body,” explained Dr. Leonardo Filippi, a paleontologist from CONICET and the Urquiza Municipal Museum in Argentina.
“This titanosaur measured between 10 to 12 meters (33 to 39 feet) in length and weighed approximately 8 to 10 tons.”
The fossil remains of Yenen Hassai were excavated from the Bajo de la Carpa Formation at a site known as Cerro Obero la Invernada in Neuquén, Patagonia, Argentina.
This material showcases one of the most complete titanosaur skeletons found in the region, preserving six cervical vertebrae, ten dorsal vertebrae with associated ribs, the sacrum, and the first caudal vertebra.
Alongside the holotype, researchers identified remains of at least two additional sauropods at the site, including a juvenile specimen and another adult titanosaur, which may belong to an unclassified species.
“Through phylogenetic analysis, Yenen Hassai is found to be closely related to Nalambuenatitan and Overosaurus, as a basal member of an unnamed clade of derived non-lithostrotians saltasaurids,” they noted.
“Evidence from the titanosaur fauna at Cerro Obero la Invernada indicates that species diversity was relatively high during the Santonian period, suggesting that at least two lineages, colossosaurs and saltasauroids, coexisted.”
“This discovery positions the Cerro Obero-La Invernada region as the area with the highest diversity of titanosaurs during the Santonian of the Neuquén Basin, offering crucial insights into the evolution of dinosaur fauna in this era.”
This significant finding is detailed in a recent article: research paper published in the Journal of Historical Biology on January 12, 2026.
_____
LS Filippi et al.Yenen Hassai: An Overview of Sauropod Titanosaurs Diversity from the Cerro Overo-La Invernada Region (Bajo de la Carpa Formation of the Santonian), Northern Patagonia, Argentina. Historical Biology published online January 12, 2026. doi: 10.1080/08912963.2025.2584707
Here’s an SEO-optimized version of the given content, maintaining the original HTML structure:
Caves are often dark, damp, and remote. While they lack the nutrients and energy sources that sustain life in other ecosystems, they still host a diverse array of bacteria and archaea. But how do these microorganisms acquire enough energy to thrive? A team of researchers from Australia and Europe investigated this intriguing question by examining Australian caves.
Previous studies identified that microorganisms in nutrient-poor soils can harness energy from the atmosphere through trace gases, including hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and methane. These gases are present in minute quantities, classified as trace gases. Microbes possess specific proteins that can accept electrons from these gas molecules, enabling them to utilize these gases as energy sources, such as hydrogenase, dehydrogenase, or monooxygenase, fueling their metabolic processes.
The Australian research team hypothesized that cave-dwelling microbes may be using trace gases for survival. To test this, they studied four ventilated caves in southeastern Australia. The researchers collected sediment samples at four points along a horizontal line that extended from the cave entrance to 25 meters (approximately 80 feet) deep inside the cave, resulting in a total of 94 sediment samples.
The team treated the sediment samples with specific chemicals to extract microbial DNA, using it to identify both the abundance and diversity of microorganisms present. They found multiple groups of microorganisms throughout the cave, including Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria, Chloroflexota, and Thermoproteota. Notably, the density and diversity of microbes were significantly higher near the cave entrance, with three times more microorganisms in those regions compared to further inside.
The team utilized gene sequencing to analyze the microbial DNA for genes linked to trace gas consumption. Results revealed that 54% of cave microorganisms carried genes coding for proteins involved in utilizing trace gases like hydrogenases, dehydrogenases, and monooxygenases.
To assess the generality of their findings, the researchers searched existing data on microbial populations from 12 other ventilated caves worldwide. They discovered that genes for trace gas consumption were similarly prevalent among other cave microorganisms, concluding that trace gases might significantly support microbial life and activity in caves.
Next, the researchers measured gas concentrations within the caves. They deployed static magnetic flux chambers to collect atmospheric gas samples at four points along the sampling line, capturing 25 milliliters (about 1 ounce) of gas each time. Using a gas chromatograph, they analyzed the samples and found that the concentrations of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and methane were approximately four times higher near the cave entrance compared to deeper areas. This suggests that microorganisms might be metabolizing these trace gases for energy.
To validate their findings further, they constructed a static magnetic flux chamber in the lab, incubating cave sediment with hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and methane at natural concentration levels. They confirmed that microbes also consumed trace gases in controlled conditions.
Finally, the researchers explored how these cave microbes obtained organic carbon. They conducted carbon isotope analysis, focusing on carbon-12 and carbon-13 ratios, which can vary based on microbial metabolic processes. Using an isotope ratio mass spectrometer, they determined that cave bacteria had a lower percentage of carbon-13, indicating their reliance on trace gases to generate carbon within the cave ecosystem.
The researchers concluded that atmospheric trace gases serve as a crucial energy source for microbial communities in caves, fostering a diverse array of microorganisms. They recommended that future studies examine how climatic changes, such as fluctuations in temperature and precipitation, might influence the use of atmospheric trace gases by cave-dwelling microorganisms.
Post views:318
This version enhances the original content with relevant keywords while retaining the structure and integrity of the HTML tags.
“The pain was like being struck by lightning and being hit by a freight train at the same time,” shared Victoria Gray. New Scientist reflects on her journey: “Everything has changed for me now.”
Gray once endured debilitating symptoms of sickle cell disease, but in 2019, she found hope through CRISPR gene editing, a pioneering technology enabling precise modifications of DNA. By 2023, this groundbreaking treatment was officially recognized as the first approved CRISPR therapy.
Currently, hundreds of clinical trials are exploring CRISPR-based therapies. Discover the ongoing trials that signify just the beginning of CRISPR’s potential. This revolutionary tool is poised to treat a wide range of diseases beyond just genetic disorders. For example, a single CRISPR dose may drastically lower cholesterol levels, significantly reducing heart attack and stroke risk.
While still in its infancy regarding safety, there’s optimism that CRISPR could eventually be routinely employed to modify children’s genomes, potentially reducing their risk of common diseases.
Additionally, CRISPR is set to revolutionize agriculture, facilitating the creation of crops and livestock that resist diseases, thrive in warmer climates, and are optimized for human consumption.
Given its transformative capabilities, CRISPR is arguably one of the most groundbreaking innovations of the 21st century. Its strength lies in correcting genetic “misspellings.” This involves precisely positioning the gene-editing tool within the genome, akin to placing a cursor in a lengthy document, before making modifications.
Microbes utilize this genetic editing mechanism in their defense against other microbes. Before 2012, researchers identified various natural gene-editing proteins, each limited to targeting a single location in the genome. Altering the target sequence required redesigning the protein’s DNA-binding section, a process that was time-consuming.
However, scientists discovered that bacteria have developed a diverse range of gene-editing proteins that bind to RNA—a close relative of DNA—allowing faster sequence matching. Producing RNA takes mere days instead of years.
In 2012, Jennifer Doudna and her team at the University of California, Berkeley, along with Emmanuelle Charpentier from the Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, revealed the mechanics of one such gene-editing protein, CRISPR Cas9. By simply adding a “guide RNA” in a specific format, they could target any desired sequence.
Today, thousands of variants of CRISPR are in use for diverse applications, all relying on guide RNA targeting. This paradigm-shifting technology earned Doudna and Charpentier the Nobel Prize in 2020.
“The gut microbiome has transformed our understanding of human health,” says Tim Spector, PhD, co-founder of the Zoe Nutrition App from King’s College London. “We now recognize that microbes play a crucial role in metabolism, immunity, and mental health.”
Although significant advancements in microbiome research have surged in the past 25 years, humans have a long history of utilizing microorganisms to enhance health. The Romans, for instance, employed bacterial-based treatments to “guard the stomach” without comprehending their biological mechanisms.
In the 17th century, microbiologist Antony van Leeuwenhoek made the groundbreaking observation of the parasite Giardia in his own stool. It took scientists another two centuries to confirm his discoveries, until the 21st century when the profound impact of gut and skin microbes on health became evident.
By the 1970s, researchers determined that gut bacteria could influence the breakdown of medications, potentially modifying their efficacy. Fecal transplant studies hinted at how microbial communities could restore health. However, it was the rapid advancements in gene sequencing and computing in the 2000s that truly revolutionized this field. Early genome sequencing revealed every individual possesses a distinct microbial “fingerprint” of viruses, fungi, and archaea.
In the early 2000s, groundbreaking studies illustrated that the microbiome and immune system engage in direct communication. This collaboration reshapes the microbiome’s role as a dynamic participant in our health, impacting a wide range of systems, from the pancreas to the brain.
Exciting findings continue to emerge; fecal transplants are proving effective against Clostridium difficile infections, while microorganisms from obese mice can induce weight gain in lean mice. Some bacterial communities have shown potential to reverse autism-like symptoms in mice. Recently, researchers have even suggested that microbial imbalances could trigger diabetes and Parkinson’s disease. “Recent insights into the human microbiome indicate its influence extends far beyond the gut,” states Lindsay Hall from the University of Birmingham, UK.
Researchers are gaining a clearer understanding of how microbial diversity is essential for health and how fostering it may aid in treating conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, depression, and even certain cancers. Studies are also investigating strategies to cultivate a healthy microbiome from early life, which Hall believes can have “profound and lasting effects on health.”
In just a few decades, the microbiome has evolved from an obscure concept to a pivotal consideration in every medical field. We are now entering an era that demands rigorous testing to differentiate effective interventions from overhyped products, all while shaping our approach to diagnosing, preventing, and treating diseases.
Reconstruction of a Paleolithic woman crafting wooden tools
Credit: G. Prieto; K. Harvati
Remarkably, some of the oldest known wooden tools have been unearthed in an open-pit mine in Greece, dating back 430,000 years. These artifacts were likely crafted by an ancient human ancestor, potentially related to Neanderthals.
Archaeologists note that prehistoric wooden artefacts are “extremely rare.” According to Dirk Leder from the Lower Saxony Cultural Heritage Office in Hannover, Germany, any new findings in this area are highly valued.
Evidence suggests our extinct relatives may have utilized wooden tools for millions of years. “This could be the oldest type of tool ever used,” states Katerina Harvati from the University of Tübingen, Germany. Unfortunately, the preservation of wooden artifacts is often poor, hindering our understanding of their use.
Harvati and her team discovered the tool at a site called Marathusa 1, originally confirmed in 2013 in the Megalopolis Basin of southern Greece. The open-pit lignite mine revealed sediment layers that are nearly a million years old, offering unprecedented access to date and research, as mentioned by researcher K. Harvati.
From 2013 to 2019, excavations yielded not only tools but also the skeleton of a straight-tusked elephant (Paleoloxodon antiquus), indicating a rich archaeological context with evidence of activity, including more than 2,000 stone tools and remains of varied flora and fauna, depicting an ancient lakeshore ecosystem.
To date Marathusa 1, researchers relied on various methods, including analyzing fossil footprints and historical changes in the Earth’s magnetic field. By 2024, they confirmed that the artefacts are around 430,000 years old, a time marked by challenging climatic conditions—the gravest ice age of the Pleistocene in Europe. The Megalopolis Basin likely provided refuge due to its relatively temperate climate.
The archaeological team identified two significant wooden tools among the 144 artifacts. The first, an 81 cm long pole made from alder, exhibits marks indicative of intentional shaping. One end appears rounded, possibly serving as a handle, while the other is flattened, hinting at potential use for digging underground tubers or perhaps for butchering elephant carcasses. Harvati admits uncertainty about its exact application.
Mysterious second wooden tool from Marathusa 1
Credit: N. Thompson; K. Harvati
The second tool remains enigmatic, measuring just 5.7 cm in length and made from willow or poplar. It also shows signs of intentional shaping after the bark was removed. According to Harvati, this represents a completely new type of wooden tool. While it might have served to modify stone tools, the specific purpose remains a mystery.
Reeder points out that while the first tool is a clear example of wooden craftsmanship, questions remain about the functionality of the second. “Is this a complete item or part of something larger?” he muses.
No hominid remains have been found at Marathusa 1. Given its age, it predates our species and is likely too early even for Neanderthals. “The prevailing hypothesis suggests this site might be associated with pre-Neanderthal humans or Homo heidelbergensis. However, Harvati cautions against making definitive conclusions, noting that Greece was frequented by various hominin groups.
Other ancient wooden tools, like the Clacton spear discovered in Britain, are estimated to be about 400,000 years old, while a wooden spear from Schöningen, Germany, has been dated using multiple methods to around 300,000 years. The only tools that predate those found at Marathusa 1 are from Kalambo Falls in Zambia, which date back 476,000 years and resemble remains of larger structures or buildings.
Discover Archaeology and Paleontology
New Scientist regularly covers extraordinary archaeological sites worldwide that reshape our understanding of human evolution and early civilizations. Consider joining us on this captivating journey!
In today’s digital landscape, hostility often overshadows collaboration. Remarkably, Wikipedia—a publicly editable encyclopedia—has emerged as a leading knowledge resource worldwide. “While it may seem improbable in theory, it remarkably works in practice,” states Anusha Alikan from the Wikimedia Foundation, the nonprofit behind Wikipedia.
Founded by Jimmy Wales in 2001, Wikipedia continues to thrive, although co-founder Larry Sanger left the project the following year and has since expressed ongoing criticism, claiming it is “overrun by ideologues.”
Nonetheless, Sanger’s opinions are not widely echoed. Wikipedia boasts over 64 million articles in 300+ languages, generating an astonishing 15 billion hits monthly. Currently, it ranks as the 9th most visited website globally. “No one could have anticipated it would become such a trusted online resource, yet here we are,” Arikan commented.
Building trust on a massive scale is no small achievement. Although the Internet has democratized access to human knowledge, it often presents fragmented and unreliable information. Wikipedia disrupts this trend by allowing anyone to contribute, supported by approximately 260,000 volunteers worldwide, making an impressive 342 edits per minute. A sophisticated system grants broader editing rights to responsible contributors, fostering trust that encourages collaboration even among strangers.
Wikipedia also actively invites special interest groups to create and edit content. For instance, the Women in Red project tackles gender disparities, while other initiatives focus on climate change and the history of Africa. All articles uphold strict accuracy standards, despite critics like Sanger alleging bias.
As an anomaly in the technology sector, Wikipedia operates without advertising, shareholders, or profit motives. It has maintained this unique position for over two decades with great success.
However, the rise of artificial intelligence poses new challenges. AI can generate misleading content, deplete resources in training efforts, and lead to diminished website traffic and decreased donations due to AI-driven search summaries.
This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Strictly Necessary Cookies
Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.
