Surgeons carry out a pig liver transplant at the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University in China in May 2024.
Lu Xianfu
Transplants of organs from non-human animals to human recipients could transform medicine and potentially save countless lives each year as many die awaiting transplants. Past experiments have seen pig hearts and kidneys transplanted into humans, but this marks the first instance of an animal liver being transplanted into a living person.
“This is truly groundbreaking,” remarks Heiner Wedemeyer from Hannover Medical School in Germany, who was not involved in the procedure. “The patient was critically ill, but thanks to the transplant, he survived for six months.”
The complexities of the liver have prevented previous surgeries of this kind. Earlier studies were conducted on brain-dead individuals, but indications of success were observed. “The heart acts merely as a muscle for pumping blood,” Wedemeyer explains. “Kidneys are simpler as they filter waste. The liver, however, is unique as it synthesizes a variety of proteins essential for numerous metabolic functions.”
Similar early successes were noted in heart and kidney transplants, although subsequent complications arose. In the realm of heart transplantation, risks potentially include the spread of swine viruses.
Recently, Hokujo Taiyo and colleagues at Anhui Medical University reported a pig liver transplant performed on a 71-year-old man. His liver was deemed too damaged for a traditional transplant due to severe tumor growth and significant scarring from hepatitis B. Thousands perish annually awaiting liver transplants, so each surgical case must be meticulously justified, according to Sun.
However, Sun indicated that the man required some form of transplant as there was a risk of the tumor rupturing, which could be life-threatening. With the patient’s consent, Sun and his team replaced the affected portion of the liver with one harvested from an 11-month-old minipig in May 2024. During a five-hour procedure, they connected the blood vessels of the pig liver to those of the left side of the recipient’s own liver.
To mitigate the risk of rejection by the immune system, three pig genes were disabled while seven human genes were introduced, enhancing compatibility. The patient was also administered immunosuppressants while the team diligently examined his liver to ensure it was free from swine viruses.
Almost immediately post-surgery, the new liver began to produce bile. Bile is crucial for the digestion of fats. Within weeks, levels of bile and albumin (a protein that retains fluid within blood vessels) in the patient rose to healthy ranges, as reported by Sun.
Nevertheless, about a month post-transplant, a life-threatening blood clot formed in a blood vessel, necessitating the removal of the graft. This complication likely stemmed from an overactive immune response, leading to abnormal blood-clotting protein levels—a challenge that may be common in pig transplants given the biological differences between species.
The patient lived for roughly five additional months with only the left side of his liver remaining before succumbing to gastrointestinal bleeding, a frequent issue associated with liver scarring, according to Sun. Both Sun and Wedemeyer believe this bleeding was probably not related to the transplant.
Despite the outcome, the operation is seen as a partial success because the patient would likely have died very soon after the tumor’s removal, noted Wedemeyer. Furthermore, he added that the patient’s liver may have partially regenerated during the successful functioning of the transplant, enabling survival for several months after the graft removal.
Wedemeyer emphasized that this procedure enhanced the understanding of xenotransplantation and opened up the possibility of pig livers providing temporary solutions for patients awaiting human transplants. There may even be a chance that the remaining liver tissue could grow sufficiently to negate the need for further treatment, indicated Sun.
However, Sun cautioned that it may take at least ten years before pig livers can replace human livers permanently. He stressed the need to minimize potential complications through further genetic advancements.
This hacker mansion blends elements of a startup hub, a luxurious retreat, and a high-tech boutique. Scattered throughout Silicon Valley, these spaces serve as residences for tech founders and visionaries. The most opulent I’ve encountered is in Hillsboro, one of the Bay Area’s affluent neighborhoods just south of San Francisco. Inside, polished marble floors shine beneath high-tech royal portraits affixed with tape. The garden boasts gravel meticulously raked into Zen spirals, and a pond glistens behind well-maintained hedges.
On a sunny June afternoon, I accompanied producer Faye Lomas to capture an interview for a show. BBC Radio 3 documentary discussing the intersection of generative AI and classical music in both San Francisco and Silicon Valley.
We were cheerfully informed that professional creators, including us, would soon be relegated to hobbyists. This wasn’t meant as provocation or sarcasm—just a straightforward reality. At that moment, Faye interjected in the documentary, her voice tinged with agitation: “Does this mean AI is going to take my job?” It was a natural reaction, but it shifted the room’s energy.
When I embarked on making this documentary, I harbored the same curiosity as everyone else. “The cat is out of the bag,” I joked, believing this to be a wise observation. Technology has arrived, and facing it is better than ignoring it.
Silicon Valley composer Tariq O’Regan and BBC producer Faye Lomas. Photo: Joel Cabrita
When I recently spoke with Faye, she recounted the moment vividly. “We swiftly moved from talking about AI’s potential to aid the creative fields to casually mentioning how AI could easily replace every job in the company. The tone was friendly and encouraging, almost as if I should be excited,” she reflected.
This interaction feels pivotal to the narrative. Those small, human moments of awkwardness occur when discussions shift from the theoretical to the tangible.
They contemplated replacing us.
That was back in June. With October now upon us and Oasis on tour in the UK and US, I’ve been reflecting on a different kind of mansion. The band’s concert at Knebworth House in 1996 drew 250,000 attendees over two nights, where people waved lighters instead of phones—one of the last great communal singalongs before everything transformed. Before Napster and MP3s, before cell phones, and before our culture underwent invisible algorithmic reorganization.
Composer Ed Newton Rex plays keyboards and piano while donning a virtual reality headset at his residence in Palo Alto, California. Photo: Marissa Leshnoff/The Guardian
What followed was a subtle yet profound transition from ownership to access. Playlists replaced albums, curated by algorithms rather than musicians, designed to blend seamlessly with our activities. Initially, I believed this was the future of music. Maybe it truly was.
So, long after finishing the documentary, an article like this gave me pause. RBO/Shift is an exciting initiative from the Royal Ballet and Opera, exploring how art interacts with AI. It stems from an institution I deeply respect, run by individuals who have supported me and many others over the years. This initiative is touted as a bold, positive dialogue between technology and creativity, representing a potential compelling partnership. However, what catches my attention isn’t what’s included, but what is glaringly absent.
There is no reference to ethics, training data, consent, environmental impacts, or job security. It’s unimaginable that this technology threatens to significantly undermine the entire ecosystem of artists, crafts, and labor that RBOs have nurtured.
A driverless taxi navigating the streets of San Francisco. Photo: Anadolu Agency/Getty Images
The tone is reminiscent of what we heard at the Hillsboro mansion—always optimistic. Royal Opera Artistic Director Oliver Mears declared, “AI is here to stay” in a recent New York Times interview. “You can bury your head in the sand or embrace the waves.”
However, I find no one I meet in San Francisco, where this technology is innovated and marketed, is simply riding any waves. Embracing a wave suggests succumbing to its force. People here are focused on managing the tides and altering the moon if needed.
I don’t want to dismiss AI. However, my earlier phrase, “the cat is out of the bag,” now feels like a form of moral indifference, suggesting ethics fall by the wayside the moment something novel appears. After spending a summer immersed in machinery, it’s unsettling to witness major institutions handling AI as if it’s the nuclear power of art. It’s attractive, profitable, already causing harm, yet remarkably it carries no warning label.
In this fast-paced environment, our documentary already seems like a piece of history, a snapshot from the last moment when the future ceased asking for permission. That afternoon, with gravel being shoveled and sunlight pouring in, there was a palpable silence in the Hacker mansion, which now feels suspended—an interlude before the surge.
Listening back, I can sense the atmosphere shift—the silence that followed Faye’s question and my nervous chuckle. It’s the sound of tension, the sound of humanity still grounded.
If Knebworth’s Oasis was the last significant singalong before the internet, perhaps this brief moment we chronicled represents the anxious inhalation before the machine begins to produce its own melody.
During its closest encounter with Mars on October 3, 2025, comet 3I/ATLAS was situated 30 million km from the ESA’s ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO).
The image of interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS was taken on October 3, 2025, by the CaSSIS instrument aboard the ESA’s Trace Gas Orbiter. Image credit: ESA/TGO/CaSSIS.
TGO acquired new images of 3I/ATLAS utilizing the Color and Stereo Surface Imaging System (CaSSIS).
“This observation posed significant challenges for this instrument,” noted Dr. Nick Thomas, Principal Investigator of ESA’s CaSSIS instrument.
“3I/ATLAS appears as a slightly blurred white dot that descends toward the center of the image.”
“This point represents the nucleus of the comet, which comprises an icy, rocky core surrounded by a coma.”
“Due to the distance, CaSSIS couldn’t differentiate between a nuclear and a coma state.”
“The CaSSIS camera has an angular resolution of 11.36 microradians (equivalent to 2.34 arc seconds) per pixel,” explained Professor Avi Loeb from Harvard University.
“At a minimum distance of approximately 30 million km from 3I/ATLAS, this resolution translates to 340 km.”
“This pixel size is one to two orders of magnitude larger than the anticipated core diameters of 3I/ATLAS, which range from a minimum of 5 km to a maximum of 46 km.”
“Some of the expansion can be observed in CaSSIS images,” he mentioned.
“The passage of 3I/ATLAS across the Martian sky will be viewed by the Mars rover from an angle nearly perpendicular to the 3I/ATLAS-Sun axis, allowing for a side view of the glow surrounding 3I/ATLAS.”
“The width of the luminous glow around 3I/ATLAS in the CaSSIS image is approximately twice that of a bright star appearing as a background point source in the same image.”
“This span corresponds to a scale of 680 km, which is an order of magnitude smaller than the width seen in Hubble images.”
“Thus, it’s evident that CaSSIS only captures the brightest regions surrounding the core of 3I/ATLAS and cannot detect the low surface brightness envelope visible in Hubble images.”
From November 2 to 25, 2025, ESA’s Jupiter Icy Satellites probe will observe 3I/ATLAS with a range of instruments. Image credit: ESA.
“Our Mars rovers continue to contribute significantly to Mars science, and it’s always thrilling to see them respond to unforeseen scenarios like this,” remarked Dr. Colin Wilson, ESA’s Mars Express and ExoMars project scientist.
“We eagerly await the insights the data will reveal following further analysis.”
Next month, ESA researchers are set to observe 3I/ATLAS with the Jupiter Icy Satellite Orbiter (JUICE).
While JUICE will be located further from 3I/ATLAS than last week’s Mars rover, the rover will detect the comet shortly after its closest approach to the Sun, indicating heightened activity.
“Observation data for JUICE is anticipated to be received by February 2026,” they noted.
In Singapore, a government-funded artificial intelligence model Converse in 11 languages spans from Indonesian to Lao. In Malaysia, ilm chat
developed by a local construction conglomerate, claims it “knows which Georgetown you’re referring to.” Thus, it’s not a private university in the US, but the capital of Penang. Conversely, the Swiss Apertus announced in September
that it can differentiate when to use “ss” in Swiss German instead of the “ß” used in standard German.
Globally, language models like these are integral to an AI arms race valued in the hundreds of billions of dollars. dollars
Much of this is led by a few dominant companies in the US and China. As OpenAI, Meta, Alibaba, and others invest billions in building more advanced models, middle powers and developing nations are closely monitoring the landscape and often making significant commitments of their own.
These initiatives are part of a movement loosely termed “sovereign AI,” where nations from the UK to India to Canada aim to create their own AI solutions and establish their positioning within this evolving ecosystem.
Yet, with hundreds of billions in play globally, can smaller investments yield substantial returns?
“U.S.-based firms, the U.S. government, and China can practically storm ahead in AI development, making it challenging for smaller nations,” noted Trisha Ray, a senior researcher at the Atlantic Council, a U.S.-based strategic think tank.
“Unless you’re a wealthy government or major corporation, creating a large language model from scratch is a considerable burden.”
Defense Concerns
Nonetheless, numerous countries are hesitant to depend on foreign AI for their requirements.
India, the second-largest market for OpenAI, has recorded over 100 million ChatGPT downloads in recent years. However, Abhishek Upperwal, founder of Socket AI, highlights several instances where U.S.-made AI systems have fallen short. For example, a deployed AI agent intended to educate students in a remote Telangana village communicates in English but with a heavy, nearly incomprehensible American accent, while an Indian legal startup’s effort to adapt Meta’s LLaMa AI model encountered barriers, resulting in a mixed bag of U.S.-Indian legal advice, Upperwal explains.
There are also looming national security concerns. For India’s defense sector, any Chinese deep learning model is considered off-limits, according to Upperwal. “This could encompass untrustworthy training data claiming that Ladakh isn’t a part of India… Utilizing such a model in a defense context is absolutely unacceptable.”
“I’ve spoken with individuals involved in defense,” Upperwal stated. “They want to leverage AI, but they disregard DeepSeek and wish to avoid reliance on it altogether. Using U.S. systems like OpenAI is distinctly problematic since it risks data leaks from the country.”
Socket AI represents one of the few initiatives aimed at constructing a national LLM for India, supported by the IndiaAI Mission, a government-funded project that has invested roughly $1.25 billion in AI advancements. Upperwal envisions a model less resource-intensive than those produced by major American and Chinese tech firms, closely aligning with some from the French AI company Mistral.
AI researchers have long contended that pushing the technology boundary to reach the often-elusive goal of artificial general intelligence (AGI) will necessitate considerable resources, including chips and computing capabilities. Upperwal emphasizes that India must compensate for its funding gaps with talent.
“In India, spending billions is not an option,” he asserts. “How can we compete against the $100 to $500 billion being invested by the United States? I believe leveraging core expertise and intellect is crucial.”
In Singapore, AI Singapore is a government initiative backing the SEA-LION project. SEA-LION is a suite of language models designed specifically for Southeast Asian languages that are typically underrepresented in U.S. and Chinese LLMs, such as Malay, Thai, Lao, Indonesian, and Khmer among others.
Leslie Teo, Senior Director at AI Singapore, notes that these models aim to enhance rather than overshadow larger ones. Systems like ChatGPT and Gemini often falter with regional languages and cultural contexts, according to Teo. For instance, they may communicate in excessively formal Khmer or suggest pork-based recipes to users in Malaysia. Creating local language LLMs will empower local governments to code with cultural intricacies or at the very least become “smart consumers” of robust technologies developed abroad.
“I am very cautious with the term sovereignty. Essentially, we want better representation and a clearer understanding of how AI systems operate,” he states.
Multilateral Cooperation
For nations seeking to carve out a niche in an increasingly competitive global arena, collaboration is another option. Researchers tied to Bennett School of Public Policy at the University of Cambridge have lately suggested forming a public AI enterprise distributed across a consortium of middle-income nations.
They refer to this initiative as Airbus for AI, alluding to Europe’s successful efforts in establishing a competitor to Boeing in the 1960s. Their proposal envisages creating a public AI company that would unify the resources of AI initiatives from the UK, Spain, Canada, Germany, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, France, Switzerland, and Sweden, aiming to forge a formidable rival to the tech giants of the U.S. and China.
Joshua Tan, the lead author of a paper outlining the initiative, mentioned that the idea has garnered interest from AI ministers in at least three nations and several sovereign AI firms. While the emphasis is currently on “powerful middle powers,” developing nations like Mongolia and Rwanda are also reportedly expressing interest.
“There’s certainly less trust in the current U.S. administration’s commitments. Questions are arising about the reliability of this technology and what might occur if they withdraw support,” he remarks.
Tan’s proposal is optimistic about the potential for collaboration among nations. However, critics suggest that even a coordinated multi-country strategy could squander taxpayer resources on initiatives that may not yield fruitful results.
“I hope that those developing this [sovereign] AI model understand how far and how rapidly advancements are progressing,” comments Tzu Kit Chan, an AI strategist advising the Malaysian government.
“What’s the alternative? If governments pursue flawed strategies in crafting their own sovereign AI models, they risk wasting vast amounts of capital.”
According to Chan, a more prudent approach would be for governments like Malaysia’s to allocate these funds toward enhancing AI safety regulations, as opposed to competing with globally dominant products that have already captured the market.
“Walk down the streets of Malaysia, visit Kuala Lumpur, engage with your financial counterparts and inquire about the models they utilize,” he suggests.
“Out of 10, I doubt that more than 2 are employing a sovereign AI model. Most are using ChatGPT or Gemini.”
You may have come across the idea that high vitamin C intake can ward off colds, or perhaps TikTok nudged you to try turmeric or other supplements for immune support. The truth is, many of these strong claims and quick fixes are unfounded. There exists a myriad of myths surrounding immunity. Daniel Davis, an immunologist at Imperial College London, addresses these in his new book.
In Self-Defense: A Guide to Busting Myths About Immune Health, Davis aims to debunk these erroneous beliefs. He illustrates how advancements in technology, such as super-resolution microscopy, uncover the astonishing complexity of the immune system, illustrating how immune cells engage with their targets.
However, instead of feeling overwhelmed, he asserts that New Scientist shows us that this complexity can be empowering. It heightens our understanding of the immune system’s role in mental well-being, alerts us to lifestyle factors that might diminish immunity, and enhances our ability to distinguish between factual information and fads.
Helen Thomson: Let’s dive into the notion of “immune health” and the claims that it can be enhanced. That seems like a misleading concept, doesn’t it?
Daniel Davis: Absolutely. Many products claim they can “boost” immunity, but that’s a misleading notion. The immune system is not about simply enhancing your body’s infection-fighting capacity. Aggressive increases can inadvertently attack healthy cells, leading to autoimmune issues and allergies. A measured response is crucial.
So are we aiming to make our immune systems “smarter”?
Conventional discussions about immune health often lack subtlety. Each person’s immune system is wholly unique, shaped by genetics. Thus, when discussing immune health, we can only refer to what has been generally found to be effective:while general improvements may aid people, predicting individual outcomes is challenging.
Recent findings indicate that the immune system doesn’t operate in isolation; it’s influenced by diet, exercise, and the microbiome. Can we pinpoint which lifestyle factors significantly affect immune health?
The most substantial known influence on immune health is chronic stress. Regarding the other factors you mentioned, evidence exists, but causation is hard to prove. However, with stress, emerging molecular insights offer clarity on what occurs.
Which one in particular?
When the body detects a threat, it triggers a fight-or-flight response. The hypothalamus sends signals to the pituitary gland and adrenal glands, releasing cortisol and adrenaline. This prepares the body for action but quiets the immune response. For instance, short-term stress from parachuting only temporarily alters immune cell counts post-landing. However, sustained stress keeps cortisol levels elevated, which over time can undermine immunity, creating long-term challenges.
Orange juice is not the immune booster many believe
Marco Lissoni/Alamy
Our confidence in these findings stems from laboratory observations where elevated cortisol levels reduce the capacity of immune cells to eliminate virus-infected or cancerous cells. Coupled with observed correlations, such as individuals under long-term stress being less responsive to vaccines or more prone to infections, it’s evident that prolonged stress adversely impacts the immune system.
If you’re under stress and have adjusted your lifestyle, can your immunity be measured to see if these changes are effective?
It’s challenging to prove that lifestyle changes significantly mitigate long-term stress. While it’s a plausible assumption, demonstrating it empirically is difficult. Hospitals may track white blood cell counts as indicators of immune health, but given the vast range of immune cell types, simplifying measurements is a complex endeavor.
Experts, including well-known scientists, frequently claim that specific actions can bolster immunity. Should we take their word for it?
Consider orange juice as a prime example. During my upbringing, I believed that it was a cold remedy. However, that belief is misleading. This misconception stems from Linus Pauling, a two-time Nobel laureate famous for his work. In 1970, he published a bestseller entitled: Vitamin C and Colds, which inadvertently fueled a vitamin C craze based on selective data and anecdotal evidence, amplified by the media.
“
The most clearly proven effect on our immune health is long-term stress. “
Interestingly, high doses of vitamin C do not determine whether you’ll catch a cold. While research shows that such supplementation can shorten the duration of colds by approximately 8%, this finding is tricky to interpret. Those taking high vitamin C might engage in other positive health behaviors that truly account for the shorter duration. Yet, this myth persists, rooted in the influential narratives of key scientists.
This history reminds us to remain cautious about individual anecdotes of success or insight. We need credible experts, but we should maintain a healthy skepticism towards singular opinions. Therefore, relying on established scientific consensus should guide us.
Lately, interest has surged surrounding the links between our immune systems, inflammation, and mental health. It’s a captivating area of research.
The relationship between the immune system and mental health is indeed a thrilling frontier. Initially, a group of individuals taking anti-inflammatory drugs for rheumatoid arthritis reported enhanced mental well-being prior to their physical improvements. These medications inhibit cytokine action, proteins produced by immune cells to facilitate communication.
Moreover, research indicates that individuals with certain mental health conditions exhibit elevated inflammatory markers in their blood. For instance, a study of nine-year-olds revealed that higher IL-6 cytokine levels predicted greater depression rates by age 18.
Animal studies present robust evidence as well. When injected with IL-6, animals demonstrated less exploratory behavior, paralleling signs of mental distress.
Yet, actionable strategies stemming from these insights remain elusive. Standard anti-inflammatory medications like aspirin or ibuprofen aren’t effective in treating depression, as several small trials have indicated. The question of whether anti-cytokine treatments can aid those with mental health issues remains unanswered, with current trials yielding inconclusive results.
Gut microbiome is important for a healthy immune system
Simone Alexowski/Science Photo Library
Future research should focus on identifying individuals who may benefit from interventions: Could individuals with particular mental health disorders who exhibit elevated cytokine levels and possibly other yet-undiscovered symptoms find relief through anti-cytokine therapies? While it’s a thought-provoking hypothesis, the journey to actionable solutions is ongoing. Understanding that your mental health may be linked to immune function can itself be empowering, marking a significant area of exploration.
People frequently ask how they can enhance their immunity. What do you tell them?
I have some insights, but they aren’t straightforward. Long-term stress is a concern. Getting adequate sleep is vital. However, individual needs can vary significantly. While I understand the importance of the microbiome, I can’t provide specific advice guaranteed to enhance it. These answers may disappoint, but embracing the complexity of the immune system is crucial. The lessons inherent in studying its intricacies are profound.
The likelihood of older fathers transmitting disease-causing mutations to their offspring is greater than previously believed. Genome sequencing indicates that, in men in their early 30s, approximately 1 in 50 sperm contain harmful mutations, escalating to nearly 1 in 20 by the age of 70.
Matthew Neville, also affiliated with the Sanger Institute, states, “This is something families should consider when making their own choices.” For instance, younger men might want to consider freezing their sperm if they anticipate delays in having children until later in life, while older men aiming to start families could explore available testing methods.
Research indicates that each individual typically carries around 70 new mutations present in most body cells that their parents do not possess, with 80% of these mutations arising in the father’s testes (excluding large-scale chromosomal abnormalities that are more frequent in the mother’s eggs). It was previously thought that the number of mutations in sperm increased steadily with age due to random mutation, but certain genetic conditions, such as achondroplasia (dwarfism), are notably more prevalent than random mutation rates would suggest.
In 2003, Anne Goriely from the University of Oxford found that this phenomenon likely stems from specific stem cells that produce sperm becoming “selfish.” This behavior causes these particular stem cells to proliferate more than usual, leading to an exponential rise in the proportion of sperm exhibiting these mutations as a man ages, rather than a steady increase. Goriely demonstrated that mutations in various genes can induce this selfish behavior in sperm stem cells, suspecting that even more factors are at play.
To date, Rahbari, Neville, and their research team have sequenced over 100,000 sperm cells sourced from 81 men of differing ages, as well as blood cells. Utilizing a unique method to sequence both strands of the DNA double helix, they overcame the high error rates in standard sequencing techniques. Thus, if a mutation is present on both strands, it is extremely unlikely to be a sequencing error.
Despite these selfish mutations comprising only a small fraction of total mutations, their impact is significant.
Ruben Arslan from the University of Witten in Germany emphasizes the discovery that these selfish mutations increase in a non-linear fashion. He suggests that, in youth, adding a year to a father’s age has a lesser negative effect compared to adding a year during older age.
Another investigation, involving Ravari and Neville, employed new sequencing methods on skin cells in the mouth, uncovering a similar trend of growth-promoting mutations that raised the ratio of specific stem cell lineages.
“These patterns of selection appear to extend beyond sperm cells,” asserts Rahbari. Although growth-promoting mutations may progress toward malignancy, they can also lead to troubles and potentially accelerate aging, she explains.
The Antarctic Aitken Basin (the predominantly blue region in the center of this topographic representation) is an impact feature roughly 2500 kilometers in diameter, covered by smaller craters.
NASA/GSFC/MIT
An in-depth investigation of its morphology reveals that the moon’s oldest and largest crater formed differently than previously believed, altering our understanding of lunar history.
The South Pole-Aitken (SPA) basin emerged around 4.3 billion years ago, occurring hundreds of millions of years after the moon’s initial formation. Scientists theorize it was created when a colossal asteroid grazed the moon’s surface, producing a crater thousands of kilometers wide and 12 kilometers deep.
This crater, located on the moon’s far side, displays a substantial accumulation of ancient debris near its northern edge. This debris pattern aligns with what would be expected if an asteroid struck the Earth from a southerly trajectory, below the South Pole.
However, new findings indicate a different scenario. Jeffrey Andrews-Hanna from The University of Arizona and his team discovered that the crater narrows towards the south. Andrews-Hanna noted that this teardrop shape implies the asteroid originated from the north, with the cataclysmic impact occurring from the opposite direction.
Mapping the basin’s shape is challenging due to the erosion of its ancient boundaries from later impacts. “We traced the contours of the Antarctic Aitken Basin using every conceivable method,” states Andrews-Hanna. “Models of topography, gravity, and crustal thickness were employed. We explored various approaches for tracing the basin, but with every method, it consistently tapered to the south.”
The researchers then contrasted its shape to well-studied craters on other celestial bodies, such as Mars’ Hellas and Utopia Craters. This comparison has provided clearer geological evidence on how these craters formed, leading them to conclude that the SPA basin’s shape likely resulted from an asteroid impacting from the north.
This new understanding will significantly affect how the moon’s internal material is distributed, aiding scientists in comprehending the moon’s cooling process from a massive ocean of magma during its formative years. It also suggests that some rocks around the SPA basin’s perimeter originate from the moon’s deep interior, which remains otherwise inaccessible.
This insight will enhance NASA’s forthcoming Artemis III mission, which aims to deploy astronauts to the SPA basin’s edge in search of potential water ice, as highlighted by Mahesh Anand from the Open University, UK. “This will provide opportunities to learn more about the moon’s interior, despite the lack of available samples,” he adds. “It’s a significant advantage.”
Ultimately, however, the true nature of the crater’s formation will only be clarified when samples from the SPA basin are returned to Earth, according to Anand.
Total Solar Eclipse 2027 Cruise: Spain and Morocco
Join us for an incredible adventure aboard the cutting-edge exploration vessel Douglas Mawson to experience the longest total solar eclipse of the century on August 2, 2027.
Current silicon chips are highly compact, but using ultrathin 2D materials could enhance their density even further.
Wu Kailiang/Alamy
A memory chip with a thickness of just 10 atoms could revolutionize the storage capacity of electronic gadgets like smartphones.
Despite decades of scaling down, modern computer chips often have very few components yet integrate tens of billions of transistors into an area comparable to a fingernail. Although the size of silicon components has significantly decreased, the thickness of the silicon wafers remains considerable, imposing limitations on increasing a chip’s complexity through stacking layers.
Researchers have been exploring the potential of thinner chips made from 2D materials like graphene. Graphene consists of a single layer of carbon atoms and represents the thinnest known material. However, until recently, only basic chip designs could be implemented with these materials, complicating their connection to traditional processors and integration into electrical devices.
Recently, Liu Chunsen and his team from Fudan University in Shanghai successfully integrated a 2D chip only 10 atoms thick with a CMOS chip currently utilized in computers. The manufacturing method for these chips yields a rough surface, making it challenging to layer a 2D sheet on top. The researchers addressed this issue by placing a glass layer between the 2D and CMOS chips, although this step is not yet part of the industrial process and requires further development for mass production.
The prototype memory module the team created achieved over 93% accuracy during testing. While this falls short of the reliability needed for consumer-grade devices, it serves as an encouraging proof of concept.
“This technology holds significant promise, but there’s still a considerable journey ahead before it can be commercialized,” says Steve Furber from the University of Manchester, UK.
Kai Shu, a researcher at King’s College London, mentions that further reducing current chip designs without utilizing 2D materials poses challenges due to signal leakage associated with traditional components made at very narrow widths. Thinner layers might mitigate this issue. Consequently, achieving greater thinness may facilitate additional reductions in width.
“Silicon is encountering hurdles,” said Xu. “2D materials might provide solutions. With their minimal thickness, gate control becomes more uniform and comprehensive, resulting in reduced leakage.”
Hydraulic jumps occur when swift and slow streams of water intersect at a boundary.
Durk Gardenier / Alamy
Researchers have achieved an unprecedented feat: accelerating electrons to supersonic speeds, generating shock waves.
The flow of electricity through devices resembles the flow of a river, yet they differ greatly. Electrons collide with atoms as they traverse matter, while water droplets in a river frequently collide with one another. In 2016, scientists managed to make electrons flow like a viscous liquid in the ultrathin carbon material, graphene. Recently, Cory Dean and his team at Columbia University in New York have taken this further, introducing electrons into graphene, which resulted in a hydraulic jump due to the high speed of particle flow.
Picture a jump in water pressure while doing the dishes. When you turn on a faucet, you experience a similar phenomenon, with a chaotic ring-like border forming in the sink beneath, separating fast and slow flows. “In a way, it’s akin to a sonic boom happening in your kitchen sink,” remarks Doug Natelson from Rice University, who was not involved in the study.
Designing the electronic version was a complex task. The researchers crafted a microscopic nozzle using two layers of graphene, emulating the “de Laval nozzle,” a design from the 19th century often utilized in rocket engines. This nozzle is tapered in the center, allowing fluid to maintain acceleration and produce a shock wave upon exit if it reaches supersonic speeds within the constriction.
However, detecting the hydraulic jump posed a challenge, as it had never been observed with electrons before. Team member Abhay Pasupathy explains that instead of measuring electrons’ flow as usual, they utilized a specialized microscope to map the voltage at various points along the nozzle.
Natelson notes the intricate process of refining the graphene structure to ensure the electrons could “puff it in the cheek,” meaning they had to compress it sufficiently to enter this more dramatic phenomenon. The team’s achievement in resolving the hydraulic jump is technically remarkable, given the minuscule size of the graphene nozzle, according to Thomas Schmidt at the University of Luxembourg.
Now that they can accelerate electrons to such speeds, researchers aim to explore long-standing inquiries concerning charged shock waves. Dean mentions an ongoing debate about whether hydraulic jumps emit radiation that could potentially be harnessed for new infrared or radio generators. “Every experimenter we’re discussing with is figuring out how to detect this emission. Conversely, there’s a prevailing opinion among theorists that no emissions occur. There remains uncertainty about what is truly happening,” he concludes.
Dogs have a passion for toys, but is it possible for them to become overly attached? A recent study suggests that their playful nature can take a darker turn, leading to an obsession with their toys.
This study was published in Nature Scientific Reports. Researchers found that certain dogs exhibited behaviors similar to those seen in behavioral addictions, akin to gambling and gaming.
The term “ball junkie” is often used in dog training circles, implying addiction. However, the study participants pointed out that it hasn’t been established whether the criteria for addiction apply to dogs, as Professor Stefanie Reimer from Vetmeduni Vienna noted in BBC Science Focus, “Being highly motivated or overly focused on toys doesn’t necessarily equate to addiction.”
The research team conducted a series of tests involving 105 toy-obsessed dogs to observe their interactions with toys.
Ultimately, 33 dogs displayed behaviors indicative of addiction. They fixated on the toys and sought to access them when they were placed in boxes or on high shelves, even when food was offered or when their owners engaged them in social activities like tug-of-war.
“Two dogs managed to destroy boxes containing toys, highlighting their intense motivation,” said the study’s lead, Alija Mazzini from the University of Bern, in BBC Science Focus. “This reaction exceeded our expectations and clearly demonstrated the lengths some dogs would go to reach their desired objects.”
Marinoa goes to great lengths to retrieve his toys, even destroying the box in the process.
Some dogs struggled to relax after their toys were removed, pacing the room in search for them, and their heart rate remained elevated even after 15 minutes.
An important finding was that when allowed to play with toys, there was no notable difference in mood between dogs displaying addiction-like behavior and other dogs.
“While most dogs enjoy playing with toys, only a few show excessive fixation,” Mazzini explained. “This behavioral pattern resembles that of people engaged in potentially addictive activities like gaming and gambling without experiencing negative consequences, yet developing a genuine addiction.”
Playing Tug of War strengthens social bonds and provides an ideal way to engage with your dog – Credit: Getty
However, this doesn’t mean you should rush to eliminate all of your dog’s toys.
“While many dog owners use balls and other toys during playtime, only a small percentage of dogs develop addictive behaviors,” Reimer noted. “From a practical perspective, toy play serves as a great reinforcement for dogs. For one of my dogs, the ball represents the ultimate reward, though I didn’t encourage this behavior.
“Still, I strongly recommend emphasizing collaborative play. So, while I’m not suggesting you should avoid playing ball with your dog, do so judiciously.”
Exterior: To be fair, it doesn’t really appear that way.
What is it? Initially, raw dogging referred to engaging in sex without a condom.
Is that why there are marathons? However, over time, it has evolved to mean undertaking activities without preparation, protection, or distractions.
What else fits this description? Pretty much everything: Taking an exam unprepared can jeopardize your success. Facing a long flight without entertainment could be challenging. Are you venturing out alone? Or remaining sober? That’s raw dogging.
So, should you run a marathon without any training, a raw marathon? Sometimes, people may interpret it that way, but such behavior is discouraged and not the focus of our discussion.
So, does a raw dog marathon imply doing something for an extended duration? No, it means doing nothing for a prolonged period.
I’m a bit lost. Specifically, it refers to remaining still for long spans while staring into space. Most importantly, avoid using your cell phone.
Can I listen to music? No.
Can I read a magazine? No.
Can I shower or stay in bed? No.
Why not? Because we’re engaging in raw sex!
How long should I do it? That’s up to you. Recently, a “Productivity Influencer” named Rowan filmed himself live with a dog while studying for an hour daily to enhance his focus.
What happened to the footage? He shared it on TikTok.
How can others view what he’s doing on his phone? No need to worry. To prevent boredom, he condensed the hour into a 30-second timelapse.
The irony of that isn’t lost on me. What were the outcomes? He discovered it helped improve concentration and productivity, inspiring many of his followers.
It seems like the TikTok generation has somehow reinvented meditation. This may come off as a bit arrogant, but today’s youth face overwhelming distractions. While older generations learned to endure boredom, this generation must learn to cultivate it.
But who enjoys being bored? Many neuroscientists believe that boredom is beneficial and a vital stimulus for creative thinking.
Remember: “Time spent away from your phone is never wasted.”
Please avoid saying: “Hey, I just completed a raw dog marathon. No headphones, no water, no shoes. I got discharged from the hospital on Tuesday.”
Kitagawa, Richard Robson, and Omar Yaghi are honored with the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry
Jonathan Nackstrand/AFP via Getty Images
The 2025 Chemistry Award recognizes Beijing U, Richard Robson, and Omar Yaghi for their innovative work on materials featuring cavities that can absorb and release gases like carbon dioxide, also known as metal-organic frameworks.
Heiner Linke, chair of the Nobel Committee on Chemistry, stated, “A small sample of such material can function like Hermione’s bag from Harry Potter.”
Tens of thousands of metal frameworks are currently in exploration. These materials present various potential applications, from capturing CO2 emissions to permanently purifying chemicals and extracting water from the atmosphere.
In the late 1980s, Richard Robson from the University of Melbourne pioneered the first metal-organic framework, drawing inspiration from the structural organization of diamonds. He discovered the feasibility of using metal ions as junctions connected by carbon-based or organic molecules.
When metal ions and organic compounds combine, they naturally form an organized framework. While the cavity in the diamond structure is petite, metal framework cavities can be significantly larger.
Robson’s metal-organic framework was initially filled with water. Kitagawa from Kyoto University in Japan was the first to devise a framework robust enough to retain stability when dried, allowing for gas to occupy the empty cavities.
“He demonstrated that gas could be absorbed, retained, and released by the material,” remarked Olof Ramström of the Nobel Committee on Chemistry.
Kitagawa also developed an organic-metal framework that changes form depending on gas absorption and release.
Omar Yaghi, from the University of California, Berkeley, achieved a more stable framework using clusters of zinc and oxygen metal ions along with linkers featuring carboxylate groups.
“This framework was remarkable due to its stability, enduring temperatures up to 300 degrees Celsius,” Ramström noted. “What’s even more impressive is that it possesses a vast surface area. Just a few grams of this porous material equate to the surface area of a large soccer field, similar to that of a small sugar cube.”
Yaghi also revealed that the cavities within these materials can be enlarged merely by extending their lengths.
Following these significant advancements, the field has seen rapid growth, as Ramström stated, “We are witnessing the development of new metal-organic frameworks almost on a daily basis.”
IIn the realms of music, television, and film, the emergence of streaming has dramatically revolutionized the traditional business model. Instead of purchasing an album or movie, most of us now opt for a few subscriptions based on our viewing preferences, occasionally supplementing this with unique records or special Blu-ray editions. This shift poses significant challenges for musicians, as they earn roughly $0.004 per play on Spotify. In contrast, Spotify itself has achieved a billion dollars in profit (after years of operating losses). On the television side, customers are increasingly frustrated; in my household, we juggle five different TV subscriptions, based on our series interests, just to manage costs effectively.
This subscription model has not gained the same traction in video games. Apple’s Arcade service provides premium mobile games for £6.99 per month, but the free-to-play model prevails on mobile devices, generating massive profits primarily through advertising and in-game purchases. (Fun fact: approximately 85% of the gaming industry’s total revenue predominantly comes from free-to-play games in regions like China.) While Netflix offers games included in its subscription, user engagement remains low. PlayStation and Nintendo have their own subscription services, but these mainly feature older titles rather than new releases. Xbox Game Pass stands out with over 200 games available, but purchasing new exclusive games still comes with a hefty price tag—until now.
Recently, Microsoft revealed that the price of its Game Pass Ultimate subscription would rise from £14.99 to £22.99 per month. (This tier includes all the latest releases, with more affordable options still available.) Additionally, subscribers in certain countries (primarily Europe) received emails notifying them about a delay in the price increase, while those in the UK and US face the additional cost. Price hikes had long been considered unavoidable given the millions of dollars invested in blockbuster game development, alongside payments to developers for hosting on its services. A Bloomberg estimate indicated that Microsoft spent $300 million on revenue by including Call of Duty in Game Pass.
Does this imply that Game Pass isn’t achieving the success Microsoft anticipated? We consulted Christopher Doling from the Game Business Newsletter, who provided invaluable insight. “Game Pass is profitable,” he noted. “However, it affects premium game sales. Notably, titles like Halo Infinite and Starfield have not performed as well on the charts as anticipated. Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard for $70 billion is under scrutiny by company leaders, including Chief Financial Officer Amy Hood. It’s not just about profitability; it’s about growth. Microsoft expects a significant return from the Xbox division on this investment. This isn’t excessive,” he added, simplifying matters. Thus, Xbox is cutting costs, projects, and even studios, while raising prices across the board.
With sluggish console sales for Xbox in recent years, the company is depending on Game Pass for growth. Microsoft has ceased reporting Xbox migrations, preferring to discuss revenue and engagement. However, sales of the Xbox Series S/X are estimated to be substantially lower than those of the 2013 Xbox One, putting it in a competitive third place behind Nintendo and PlayStation. Xbox executives themselves have acknowledged that console sales are no longer a priority. This is likely why Microsoft has started to release many of its games on PC and PlayStation, while heavily investing in studio acquisitions to create more content for Game Pass.
Call of Duty Warzone promotional images. Photo: Activities
However, the broader question remains: what does the future hold for subscription-based video games? Furthermore, what implications does this have for developers? One potential trajectory may mirror trends seen in the television industry where subscription costs gradually increase, and streaming services proliferate, forcing gamers to pay substantial amounts annually for the latest titles. Meanwhile, developers may feel the impact of decreased direct sales, making it harder for them to financially support ambitious projects, which could stifle the emergence of original art. Despite this, millions of gamers are still willing to spend £70 on games upon release. Titles like Mario Kart World and Assassin’s Creed Shadows were among the top-selling games in Europe the first half of this year. Why then are major companies attempting to undermine this?
“For the [smaller] developers, right now, Game Pass serves as a vital discoverability tool in an industry where that’s genuinely a concern. It also enables players to access games more economically (well, that used to be the case) and is crucial in today’s economic environment. Nonetheless, there are valid worries about what the future may hold.”
Certainly, diverse business models can coexist within the gaming landscape, with video games currently finding a balance between free-to-play and premium formats. These categories cater to different audiences, and data indicates they do not cannibalize one another’s revenue. Some consumers prefer investing in high-end consoles and premium game titles, and the market has remained relatively stable over the past decade. As more casual gamers flock to free-to-play titles, the overall gaming landscape has expanded significantly, leading to enhanced viewership. If managed effectively, subscription services like Game Pass could provide intermediary solutions that do not completely erode traditional industry business models. However, given precedents in other arts sectors and the profit-driven ambitions of large corporations like Microsoft, this may be overly optimistic.
Despite rising costs, Xbox Game Pass continues to deliver substantial value for the most engaged players. “Xbox is asking the most active players to shoulder higher prices. Game Pass Ultimate caters specifically to these individuals,” Dring points out. “Statistics show they receive considerable value, so if they can afford it, a good portion of these players will likely accept the cost. The average Game Pass Ultimate user is expected to play around $550 worth of games annually.”
Editor’s Notes: Due to an editorial oversight, last week’s issue incorrectly referred to the new president of Nintendo of America, Devon Pritchard, using the wrong pronouns despite her being the first woman to hold the position. I apologize to Devon and appreciate those who brought this to my attention.
What to play
Baby Steps. Photo: Devolver Digital
September had a host of exceptional games, and I’m still catching up on them (and engrossed by Silksong). One game I’m particularly excited about is Baby Steps, a surreal slapstick comedy experience I’ve been eagerly anticipating forever. The narrative kicks off with a not-so-promising scenario where a sluggish man and woman, Nate, are dragged from their parents’ basement and plunged into the unforgiving wilderness. Using the triggers to lift your hesitant feet and the control stick to balance, you stumble out of the cave, bound for the camp at the mountain’s base.
However, the ensuing experience is among the most exasperating in gaming history. Expect to slip, stagger, and slide down areas you’ve painstakingly navigated for 20 minutes. I once stumbled Nate’s foot into a wooden beam and plummeted down, necessitating a lengthy trek back to the campsite I had just left an hour prior. Yet, astonishingly, I was glued to the screen until 2 AM, drawn in by its bizarre humor and the persistence required to maneuver Nate’s clumsy body. It truly embodies “painful beauty in art,” and if intriguing challenges appeal to you, give it a whirl.
Available: PS5, PC Estimated play time: 10 hours
What to read
EA Head Office. Photo: Terry Schmidt/UPI/Shutterstock
For those interested in the ethical implications surrounding Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund – as noted last week, EA is set to co-own a part of EA – Euro Gamer highlighted, “This is the Saudi national wealth that should be harnessed to advance the economic and social rights of the Saudi populace. Instead, it’s being directed towards lavish mega projects both domestically and internationally… This appears to be a deliberate tactic to distract from the human rights situations in the country.”
This summer yielded an animated Netflix film, K-POP Demon Hunter (if you know, you know), which has achieved notable popularity taking over Fortnite with new modes and character skins added. This sparked some lively discussions between me and my partner, who believes young kids shouldn’t play Fortnite. I’m more okay with it since it appeals to them. Either way, I will be engaging with it.
Pour one out for Rock Band, the once-famous plastic instrument game and the soundtrack of my college years. Its final installment, Rock Band 4, was delisted last Sunday, marking its 10th anniversary as the music licenses for the songs have expired. If you still own a copy, make sure to beef up your track library before all songs are taken off the market. As for developer Harmonix, they’ve shifted to creating music for Fortnite, thus signaling the end of new Rock Band games.
“We work in the dark to serve the light.” Photo: UBISOFT
A couple of weeks ago, I asked readers for thoughts on video game quotes that resonate with them. The responses were abundant. In no particular order:
“I’ve always believed if life hands you lemons, don’t just craft lemonade! Return those lemons and get angry! You don’t need those stinking lemons right now! What should I do with this? I’m calling for an emergency meeting with my life advisor!” – Portal 2, Submitted by Helen
“We work in the dark to serve the light” – I resonate with this phrase from Assassin’s Creed. It often echoes in my job as an assistant director in the film and television sector, where I spend a fair amount of time working in both literal and metaphorical darkness as a lighting manager. – Submitted by Stephen
“Please make your determination.” Undertale submitted by Kelly
“‘Comment is never forgotten, so there’s no need to remember it'” – this quote from Breath of the Wild holds a personal significance for me. A non-gamer friend wanted to give me a baby gift, so she printed this quote alongside a baby blanket and sent it to me. I still have it on my fridge. Loving everything her about Zelda, I named my daughter after the game. This line strikes me as particularly poignant during the final battle when Link confronts the dark beast Ganon, and his wise companion encourages him: it captures the essence of our journey as new parents. – Submitted by Kelly
“‘We’re not going to Ravenholm.'” – I often recall this quote from Half Life 2 whenever I am hesitant in my job and personal spheres—iykyk.
“Okay. This won’t cease until I die, but I yearn for pain when that moment comes. As friends depart and when I must let go, even when all hope collapses, I crave to feel it all. It is daunting. I embrace loss. I want to face challenges and rise above until it all concludes. Can I express that? I wish to find light again, even through hardship. Because feeling pain signifies meaning. It confirms my existence.” …at least, at least…” From May Borowski in Night in the Woods, submitted by Keira
If you have inquiries regarding the Question Block or anything related to the newsletter, feel free to reply or email pushbuttons@theguardian.com.
The Bank of England has issued a warning regarding the growing risk of “sudden corrections” in global markets, raising alarms about the inflated valuations of significant AI technology firms.
Policymakers expressed that a loss of credibility by the Federal Reserve among global investors could result in a potential “sharp re-risk of US dollar assets,” especially as Donald Trump is continuously criticizing the US Central Bank and undermining its independence.
The persistent excitement and positivity surrounding AI technology have driven valuations higher in recent months, with companies like OpenAI valued at $500 million (£37.2 billion), a stark contrast to $157 billion last October. Another entity, Humanity, has nearly tripled in value from $600 billion in March to $170 billion last month.
Nevertheless, the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee (FPC) warned on Wednesday that: “The risk of sudden market corrections is on the rise.”
“Many indicators suggest that stock market valuations, particularly for tech firms focused on artificial intelligence, are escalating. This makes the stock market highly vulnerable should expectations regarding AI’s impact become overly pessimistic.”
Investors admitted that they have not fully considered these potential risks, cautioning that if any materialize, “a sudden correction could happen,” leading to financial strain for families and businesses alike. The FPC emphasized: “As an open economy with a pivotal financial center, the risk of a global shock affecting the UK financial system is significant.”
Confidence in the AI boom has been shaken recently by research from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, which revealed that 95% of organizations have gained no returns on their investments in generative AI.
This has sparked worries that stock market valuations may decline if investors become disillusioned with AI technology’s advancement or adoption. The FPC noted this could lead to a reassessment of current expected future revenues.
“The substantial bottlenecks to AI advancement, arising from issues related to power, data, or commodity supply chains, as well as conceptual breakthroughs that alter the necessary AI infrastructure for developing and utilizing powerful AI models, can negatively affect valuations, especially for companies reliant on high levels of AI infrastructure investment where expected revenues are projected.”
The committee further remarked that ongoing threats from the Trump administration towards the US Federal Reserve jeopardize financial stability.
“In the US, there is ongoing discussion regarding the Federal Reserve’s independence. A sudden or significant shift in the perception of the Federal Reserve’s reliability could result in a rapid re-risking of US dollar assets, including the US sovereign debt market, leading to increased volatility, risk premiums, and global uncertainty.”
They noted that this concern would compound the effects of Trump’s trade war, which the FPC asserted has “not yet fully materialized.”
The iPhone 17 Pro marks Apple’s most significant redesign in years, replacing the traditional titanium sides and all-glass back with a sleek aluminum unibody. It features a bold full-width camera bump on the back, offering a vibrant array of colors.
This alone makes the iPhone 17 Pro appealing for those eyeing an upgrade to the latest model. However, the price tag has increased to £1,099 (€1,299/$1,099/$1,999), making it the first of Apple’s smaller Pro phones to breach the £1,000 threshold.
From the front, it resembles a modern iPhone, with a dynamic island that houses a selfie camera situated at the top of its impressively bright and smooth display. This is undoubtedly one of the best screens on any phone, though it’s similar to the upgraded display of the regular iPhone 17 this year.
Higher peak brightness and a new anti-glare coating help reduce reflections in bright light, enhancing outdoor usability. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The aluminum sides feature subtle rounding at the edges, providing a comfortable grip and minimizing slippage. Weighing over 200 grams, the phone leans towards the heavier side for a compact device.
A glass panel, slightly larger than a credit card, is embedded in the aluminum body to accommodate MagSafe or Qi2.2 chargers and accessories. The substantial metal “plateau” at the top houses a camera that surpasses the pixel camera bar in size. While aluminum won’t shatter upon impact like glass, it is prone to scratches, particularly around the edges of the plateau.
iOS 26’s home and lock screens exhibit a glass-like rounded appearance for text and icons. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Powered by iOS 26, the iPhone 17 Pro showcases Apple’s innovative “Liquid Glass” interface design, which generally performs well, although it introduces some transparency effects for buttons and other elements.
Specifications
Screen: 6.3in Super Retina XDR (120Hz OLED) (460ppi)
Processor: Apple A19 Pro
RAM: 12GB
Storage: 256, 512GB, or 1TB
Operating System: iOS 26
Camera: 48MP main, 48MP ultra-wide, 48MP 4x zoom, and 18MP front
The iPhone fully charges via USB-C in 76 minutes, or reaches 70% in 30 minutes with a 40W adapter (not included), and can be charged using a QI2 25W charger in 96 minutes. Belkin Ultracharge 2-in-1. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Equipped with the new Apple A19 Pro chip, the 17 Pro is the first iPhone to feature a steam chamber cooling system. This technology, commonly seen in high-performance Android devices, dissipates heat from the chip throughout the phone, maintaining prolonged peak performance.
Extended gaming sessions lead to improved frame rates and reduced heat buildup, ensuring that the phone remains cooler than its predecessors.
The phone’s battery life is impressive, lasting around 42 hours on a blend of 5G and WiFi, with approximately 6 hours of active screen usage—around 2 hours longer than last year’s model. During heavy usage or gaming, the 17 Pro can still finish the day with roughly 25% battery remaining. Regular users may find they need to charge their phones every couple of days.
Sustainability
The camera plateau prevents the iPhone 17 Pro from wobbling on flat surfaces, unlike its predecessors. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The battery is designed to endure over 1,000 full charge cycles while retaining at least 80% of its original capacity. Should you need a replacement, it costs £109, while a screen repair is priced at £349. Experts rated the phone a seven out of ten regarding repairability.
The device contains over 30% recycled materials, including aluminum, cobalt, copper, gold, lithium, rare earth elements, steel, tin, and tungsten. Apple is transparent about the environmental impact of its products in its reports. Additionally, the company promotes trade-in and free recycling programs, encompassing non-Apple products.
Camera
The streamlined camera app automates most features, with many functions tucked behind a sliding button. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The rear boasts three 48MP cameras alongside an 18MP selfie camera, enhancing the front-facer with new capabilities.
The main and ultra-wide cameras are largely unchanged from last year, delivering impressive photos across various lighting scenarios, making them especially good for detailed street photography. The main camera provides twice as much crop zoom, yielding excellent detail and color in well-lit settings, though dim lighting may introduce some grain.
A key addition this year is the upgraded telephoto camera, featuring a 4x zoom at 48MP and 5x at 12MP. Much like the main camera, it allows for 8x crop zoom. It performs well in bright conditions, with some detail degradation at higher zoom levels, while remaining functional in indoor lighting as well.
The zoom capability stretches to a maximum of 40x magnification, with noticeable quality loss beyond 15-20x. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Each of the three cameras comes equipped with numerous features, including top-tier video capabilities, and the option to record simultaneously from both the front and rear cameras, creating a picture-in-picture effect. Apple’s automatic portrait mode excels by working with both objects and subjects.
Notably, the selfie camera has received its first significant upgrade in years, featuring an 18MP sensor that incorporates Apple’s Center Stage technology, previously seen in iPads and Macs. It allows for automatic panning and zooming to keep you framed during video calls, and you can widen the shot for landscape selfies while in portrait mode. This clever design addresses the challenge of fitting multiple people into a shot without reorienting the phone.
Price
The iPhone 17 Pro starts at £1,099 (€1,299/$1,099/$1,999) for the model with 256GB of storage.
For context, the iPhone 16E is priced at £599, the iPhone 17 costs £799, the iPhone Air costs £999, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is listed at £1,199, the Google Pixel 10 Pro retails for £999, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is £1,099, and the FairPhone 6 is available for £499.
Verdict
The 17 Pro represents the most distinct iPhone evolution in years, and despite its functional variations from recent models, it is instantly recognizable.
Its new aluminum unibody design feels premium, although it may be more susceptible to scratches than glass. With top-notch performance and display, the battery life is commendable for such a compact device. Overall, it’s an excellent iPhone and a high-quality smartphone.
However, this year it faces competition from the Spotlight Super Susane iPhone Air and the enhanced standard iPhone 17.
The camera stands out as a significant differentiating factor, with the 17 Pro featuring superior camera capabilities, including a newly enhanced telephoto lens. This makes it one of the best camera phones available.
Consequently, for iPhone enthusiasts keen on excellent telephoto capabilities, the 17 Pro is the ideal choice—albeit at a premium price.
Pros: Enhanced 4x/8x telephoto, upgraded selfie camera, impressive display, USB-C, solid battery life, excellent performance, long-term software support, Face ID, and a compact design make it a remarkable camera.
Cons: Premium pricing, heavier than previous models, absence of cutting-edge AI features compared to rivals, and similar screen and size available in more affordable models.
Even while employed full-time in Tokyo, Moriyama Shoki still dedicates eight hours daily to his smartphone.
“You need a mobile device to navigate the information age,” Moriyama states. At just 25, he represents a generation that cannot envision life without continuously scrolling through news, social media, messaging platforms, and casual video clips.
He’s not alone. The excessive use of smartphones is a worldwide trend, yet Japanese officials are stepping in as concerns rise over the physical and mental impacts, particularly affecting children and youth.
Last week, Toyoake, a central city in Japan, implemented measures to restrict smartphone usage for its 69,000 residents to just two hours a day. Authorities state this aims to tackle growing evidence of digital addiction and lack of sleep, although the town council’s ordinance does not impose penalties on those who disregard it.
Moriyama was one of several individuals in their twenties who accepted a challenge from the Guardian to limit smartphone usage to two hours while sharing their experiences.
Results varied from impressive successes to significant failures.
Moriyama Shoki remarked that limiting phone use to two hours daily feels “too little.” Photo: Justin McCurry/Guardian
Moriyama, who regularly checks LINE—a “super app” for messaging, news, and entertainment, along with TikTok, Instagram, and X—admitted that abstaining from these platforms or significantly reducing usage is challenging.
“I typically spend about eight hours on my phone, so two hours is insufficient. I can’t stay current with everything,” he explains. “In the end, I managed to limit my smartphone usage to an hour and 50 minutes, which is a noteworthy decrease from my usual screen time. I used the extra time to read books, study, and hit the gym, so I didn’t waste my day.”
My colleague Hanaoka Tomomi also succeeded in curbing this habit. “I usually spend about three hours on my phone during the week and six to seven hours on weekends, so two hours felt very restrictive. Most people need at least three to four hours,” Hanaoka notes. Previously, avoiding LINE, TikTok, and Instagram felt impossible.
“I adhered to the two-hour limit and spent my free time reading and pursuing other activities.”
University student Saito Akari realized early on that “the more restrictions you impose, the more I want to engage.”
Saito appreciates Toyoake’s initiative as a starting point for broader conversations about smartphone usage, but believes the focus should be on quality of use rather than the quantity of screen time. “However, finding a line between education and entertainment can be tricky.”
Despite his determined efforts, Saito found it tough to limit daily phone use to three or four hours. “I especially struggled to put my phone down while commuting or walking. But using my phone less could make the day feel longer and more significant.”
Yuri* has attempted to limit her smartphone usage before exams by hiding Instagram and implementing password protections.
She uses her phone for checking social media, searching recipes, texting, and accessing educational materials, yet too much screen time often leads to headaches and eye strain.
“I wonder why the ordinance explicitly recommends limiting smartphone usage. If the goal is to encourage people to reconsider their usage, they should foster individual rules,” she contends.
“Overall, I’m supportive of the proposed methods for smartphone use, as I don’t rely on it for hobbies. Nonetheless, such measures could be unacceptable for those who primarily use smartphones for entertainment and stress relief.”
A man uses his smartphone to take pictures in Suzuka city. Photo: Anadoll/Getty Images
Mayor Koki Masafumi of Toyoake has defended the new regulations despite receiving numerous complaints from residents about government interference in their personal lives.
Kouki mentioned that while he frequently uses his smartphone to check baseball scores and navigate, he sets it aside during meal times and expressed concern that children and young individuals are compromising sleep and family interactions due to excessive scrolling, emailing, and posting.
In response to the criticism online, including misinformation suggesting strict enforcement of the two-hour rule, he explained to the Mainichi Shimbun, “When you hear ‘two hours,’ it prompts you to reflect on your actual usage. That’s significant.”
A recent survey from the Children and Family Agency indicates that Japanese youth spend an average of just over five hours online on weekdays.
Aya* exceeds the national average, typically logging around eight hours each day.
“We couldn’t restrict ourselves to two hours, but just being aware of the challenge made a difference. Ultimately, we managed to reduce our standard smartphone usage by approximately 60%, which was substantial,” the university student reported, acknowledging that she still consulted a travel planner and checked emails and messages.
She expressed support for Toyoake City’s initiative and speculated that the absence of penalties could be its greatest strength.
“That’s what makes it sensible… establishing personal rules is crucial. It’s an invaluable chance to reflect on daily habits, rather than just thinking abstractly.”
She mentioned she often spent time “scrolling aimlessly.”
“I found it easier to engage in conversations and pay more attention to my surroundings, which enriched my day.”
This will surely resonate with Koki. On the eve of his town’s controversial social engineering experiment, the mayor stated he believes it’s worthwhile. “It’s about sleep, family, and health,” he asserts. “This ordinance will encourage more people to pause and discuss their habits, even briefly, and it will prove effective.”
The civilization that thrived in Teotihuacan during the Classic period holds a distinctive position in Mesoamerican history. Today, it continues to represent Mexico’s rich heritage and is among the most frequented archaeological locations in the Americas. However, inquisitive tourists often find that the ethnic and linguistic connections of the Teotihuacanos are still a mystery. While the deciphering of other Mesoamerican writing systems has unveiled significant insights about dynasties and historical occurrences, researchers have yet to extract information about Teotihuacan society from their own written artifacts. The topic of writing in Teotihuacan indeed provokes several intriguing questions. Do the symbols depicted in the images of Teotihuacan represent a form of writing? If they do, what was their purpose? Were they created to be understood irrespective of language? If they indicated a specific language, which one was it? Researchers Magnus Pharaoh Hansen and Christopher Helmke from the University of Copenhagen suggest that Teotihuacan writing shares fundamental characteristics with other Mesoamerican writing systems, including the utilization of logograms based on rebus principles and a technique termed “double spelling.” They contend that it encapsulates a specific, identifiable language: Uto-Aztecan, the direct predecessor of Nahuatl, Chora, and Huichol, and they offer a new interpretation of certain Teotihuacan glyphs.
View of the small pyramid on the east side of the Plaza de la Luna from Piramide del Sol in Teotihuacan. Image credit: Daniel Case / CC BY-SA 3.0.
Teotihuacan is a revered pre-Columbian city established around 100 BC and thrived until 600 AD.
This ancient metropolis, situated in the northeastern area of the Basin of Mexico, expanded over 20 square kilometers and housed up to 125,000 residents while engaging with other Mesoamerican cultures.
The identities of Teotihuacan’s builders and their relationships to subsequent populations remain uncertain. The reasons behind the city’s abandonment also spark debate, with theories ranging from foreign invasion, civil strife, ecological disaster, or a combination of these factors.
“There are numerous distinct cultures in Mexico, some linked to specific archaeological traditions, while others remain ambiguous. Teotihuacan exemplifies such a case,” stated Dr. Pharaoh Hansen.
“The languages they spoke and their links to later cultures are still unknown.”
“One can easily identify the Teotihuacan culture when compared to modern cultures,” added Dr. Helmke.
“For instance, the remains of Teotihuacan suggest that parts of the city were occupied by the more widely recognized Maya civilization.”
The ancient inhabitants of Teotihuacan left a collection of symbols, primarily through wall murals and decorative ceramics.
For years, researchers have debated whether these symbols represent an actual written language.
The authors assert that the inscriptions on Teotihuacan’s walls indeed record a language that is a linguistic precursor to Cora, Huichol, and the Aztec language Nahuatl.
The Aztecs, well-known in Mexican history, were thought to have migrated to central Mexico following the decline of Teotihuacan.
However, researchers claim there are linguistic connections between Teotihuacan and the Aztecs, indicating that Nahuatl-speaking peoples might have settled in the region much earlier and are in fact direct descendants of Teotihuacan’s original population.
To elucidate the linguistic parallels between Teotihuacan’s language and other Mesoamerican tongues, scientists have been working to reconstruct a much older version of Nahuatl.
“Otherwise, it would be akin to interpreting the runes on a famous Danish runestone, like the Jellingstone, using contemporary Danish. That would be an anachronism. We must attempt to read the text with a more temporally appropriate language,” explains Dr. Helmke.
Examples of logograms that make up the Teotihuacan written language. Image credit: Christophe Helmke, University of Copenhagen.
The script of Teotihuacan presents significant challenges for decipherment due to multiple factors.
One challenge is that the logograms may possess a direct semantic meaning; for instance, an image depicting a coyote directly translates to “coyote.”
In other instances, symbols must be interpreted in a rebus format, wherein the sounds represented by the depicted objects are combined to form words; however, such words are often conceptual and difficult to express as single figurative logograms.
This complexity underscores the necessity for a solid understanding of both the Teotihuacan writing system and the Uto-Aztecan language that researchers believe is encoded in the inscriptions.
To unlock the Teotihuacan linguistic riddle, one must be aware of how words were pronounced at that time.
This is why the researchers are focusing on various aspects concurrently. They are reconstructing the Uto-Aztecan language, a formidable challenge in its own right, while applying this ancient language to interpret the Teotihuacan texts.
“In Teotihuacan, pottery with inscriptions continues to be unearthed, and we anticipate that many more wall paintings will be discovered in the future,” remarked Dr. Pharaoh Hansen.
“The scarcity of additional text clearly hampers our study.”
“It would be beneficial to find the same symbol used similarly in varied contexts.”
“This would further substantiate our hypothesis, but for now, we are limited to the documentation available to us.”
Dr. Pharaoh Hansen and Dr. Helmke are enthusiastic about their recent advancements.
“Prior to our work, no one had applied a linguistically appropriate approach to deciphering this written form,” stated Dr. Pharaoh Hansen.
“Moreover, no one had successfully established that a particular logogram could hold phonetic significance applicable in contexts beyond its primary meaning.”
“Through this process, we have developed a method that can serve as a foundation for others to broaden their comprehension of the texts.”
The team’s study has been published in the journal Current Anthropology.
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Magnus Pharaoh Hansen and Christoph Helmke. 2025. Language of Teotihuacan. Current Anthropology 66(5); doi: 10.1086/737863
The prevailing theory regarding the origin of the Moon suggests it formed from a colossal impact event involving Earth and a body known as Theia. The degree to which materials from these two celestial objects mixed during this event is still debated. Poor mixing may leave traces of the original atomic and/or Theia composition. The sulfur isotopic makeup of the primordial materials that survived the impact can help establish parameters concerning the chemistry of the early solar nebula, the sulfur distribution in the early solar system, and the efficiency of mixing during this significant lunar impact event. In a recent study, researchers from Brown University and other institutions present intriguing sulfur isotope data derived from lunar rocks collected from the Taurus Littrow region during Apollo 17. Their analysis reveals that the volcanic material in the samples is significantly depleted in sulfur-33. This depletion sharply contrasts with sulfur isotope ratios found on Earth, suggesting the likelihood of:
Commander Eugene Cernan retrieves a drive tube from a lunar roving vehicle during Apollo 17 EVA. Image credit: NASA.
Some elements possess distinct “fingerprints” through specific isotopic ratios, revealing slight variations in atomic weights.
If two rocks share the same isotopic fingerprint, it strongly indicates a common origin.
In terms of the Moon and Earth, researchers have identified general similarities in the oxygen isotopes of both bodies.
Dr. James Dottin, a researcher from Brown University, stated:
“Previously, it was assumed that the Moon’s mantle shared the same sulfur isotope composition as Earth.”
“This was the anticipated outcome when we examined these samples, yet we observed values markedly different from those found on Earth.”
The sample under investigation was sourced from a double-drive tube—a hollow metal cylinder driven approximately 60 cm into the lunar soil by Apollo 17 astronauts Gene Cernan and Harrison Schmidt.
Upon returning to Earth, NASA secured the tube in a helium chamber to preserve the sample for future studies under the Apollo Next Generation Sample Analysis (ANGSA) program.
In recent years, NASA has begun to make ANGSA samples accessible to academic researchers via a competitive application process.
Dr. Dottin and his team chose secondary ion mass spectrometry for sulfur isotopic analysis. This precise analytical method did not exist in 1972 when the samples were initially returned to Earth.
For their research, they targeted specific samples from drive tubes believed to originate from mantle-derived volcanic rocks.
“There are two possible explanations for the anomalous sulfur,” Dr. Dottin explained.
They may represent remnants of chemical processes that took place during the Moon’s early history.
When sulfur interacts with ultraviolet light in a thin atmosphere, a diminished sulfur-33 ratio can be observed.
It is theorized that the Moon had a transient atmosphere in its early history, which could have facilitated such photochemical reactions.
If this is indeed the case, it would have interesting implications for the Moon’s evolutionary history.
“This offers evidence of ancient material transfer from the lunar surface into the mantle,” Dr. Dottin said.
“On Earth, we rely on plate tectonics for this process, but the Moon lacks such tectonic activity.”
“Thus, the idea of some form of exchange mechanism on the early Moon is thrilling.”
Alternatively, the unusual sulfur signatures could be remnants from the Moon’s formation itself.
The prevailing theory states that a Mars-sized object named Theia collided with Earth early on, with debris from that impact eventually forming the Moon.
The sulfur signatures from Theia differ significantly from those of Earth, and these differences may be reflected in the Moon’s mantle.
This study does not definitively resolve which explanation is accurate.
“Investigating sulfur isotopes from Mars and other celestial bodies may someday provide insights,” Dr. Dottin remarked.
“Ultimately, a better understanding of isotopic distributions will enhance our comprehension of solar system formation.”
study Published in Journal of Geophysics: Planets.
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JW Dottin III et al. 2025. Endogenous yet exotic sulfur in the lunar mantle. JGR: Planet 130(9):e2024je008834; doi:10.1029/2024je008834
The transportation of the iconic Moai statues from Rapa Nui (Easter Island) has sparked debate for over a century. A thorough analysis of 962 moai, concentrating on 62 road statues, by Professor Carl Lipo from Binghamton University and Dr. Terry Hunt from the University of Arizona utilized 3D modeling and field experiments to reveal that small groups of ancient Rapa Nui individuals may have utilized ropes to “walk” the massive statues in a zigzag motion along purposefully constructed roads.
Carl P. Lipo and Terry L. Hunt employed 3D modeling and field tests to verify that the ancient inhabitants of Rapa Nui “walked” the moai statues. Image credit: Carl Lipo.
Previously, Professor Lipo and his team had provided experimental proof that the large statues were “walked” from the quarry to ceremonial platforms using an upright rocking motion, countering the notion that they were moved lying flat on wooden contraptions.
“Once you initiate movement, it’s quite manageable. People can pull it with one arm, conserving energy and moving quickly,” stated Professor Lipo.
“The challenging part is getting it rocking from the outset. The key question is, what does it take if the statue is exceptionally large?”
“Is our experimental evidence in line with expectations based on physics?”
To examine the movement of larger statues, Professor Lipo and Dr. Hunt created high-resolution 3D representations of the moai, identifying unique design elements, such as a broad D-shaped base and forward incline, which enhance the likelihood of wobbling or zigzagging.
To test their hypothesis, they constructed a replica moai weighing 4.35 tonnes featuring a special ‘forward leaning’ design.
Only 18 individuals managed to transport the moai 100 meters in just 40 minutes, a significant enhancement over earlier vertical transportation methods.
“The physics is sound,” Professor Lipo remarked.
“What we observe in experiments is effective. And as sizes increase, it remains applicable.”
“The characteristics of giant object movement only become more consistent as they grow larger, as that becomes the sole viable approach to relocating them.”
Further backing for this theory lies in the roads of Rapa Nui.
This road, measuring 4.5 meters in width and concave in shape, was well-suited for stabilizing the statue during its movement.
“Each time the statue is moved, it appears as if a road is being formed. The road plays a role in the statue’s movement,” Professor Lipo explained.
“We’re essentially observing them overlapping and many parallel paths being created.”
“What they likely did was clear one path, move the statue, then clear another, adjusting their route in a specific sequence.”
“Thus, they devoted considerable time to the road aspect.”
“Currently, no other explanation sufficiently accounts for how the moai were moved. The challenge for others is to disprove this hypothesis.”
“Provide evidence that contradicts the walking theory, since I have yet to encounter information that challenges it.”
“In fact, every finding and thought we have encountered thus far continues to reinforce this hypothesis.”
“Our research pays homage to the Rapa Nui people, who accomplished a remarkable engineering achievement with limited resources.”
“This illustrates the incredible intelligence of the Rapa Nui, as they comprehended this process.”
“They executed it in a manner that aligns with the resources at their disposal.”
“It is truly a privilege to showcase their achievements. We can learn a great deal from their methodologies.”
The team’s study was published in the archeology journal.
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Carl P. Lipo and Terry L. Hunt. 2025. The Walking Moai Hypothesis: Archaeological Evidence, Experimental Testing, and Responses to Critics. archeology journal 183: 106383; doi: 10.1016/j.jas.2025.106383
On Tuesday, the Senate confirmed Neil Jacobs as the new director of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
This appointment marks a pivotal moment for NOAA, which is focused on selecting a leader with extensive expertise in atmospheric sciences. The agency is tasked with weather forecasting and climate record management, areas of contention during the Trump administration.
Nevertheless, Jacobs’ involvement in the 2019 Sharpy Gate controversy has drawn criticism, suggesting he may have yielded to political pressures.
Sharpy Gate originated from President Trump’s erroneous claim that Hurricane Dorian threatened Alabama. Despite local forecasters from the National Weather Service in Birmingham stating the area was not at risk, Trump intensified his assertions and showcased a hurricane forecast altered with a Black Sharpie.
Following this, NOAA leadership reprimanded local weather officials, and Jacobs, who was serving as NOAA’s assistant secretary for environmental observation at the time, was caught in the controversy.
The National Academy of Administrative Affairs conducted an investigation and concluded that Jacobs breached NOAA’s ethical standards.
At his confirmation hearing in July, Jacobs stated that he would approach a similar situation differently today.
Jacobs received bipartisan support in a committee vote last month, with five Democrats joining Republicans in favor of his nomination.
On Tuesday, he was confirmed as part of a broader package that included a dozen ambassador nominations.
Under President Trump’s second term, NOAA has already seen significant changes, including the announcement of hundreds of job cuts followed by the rehiring of many positions.
Additionally, the Trump administration has proposed substantial budget cuts for the agency and has also moved to suspend its climate change report, a crucial component of NOAA’s duties.
During the confirmation hearing, Jacobs emphasized that staffing should be a priority, recognizing that human factors play a vital role alongside natural changes in climate.
The hearing occurred shortly after severe flooding in Texas, prompting Jacobs to highlight the importance of providing timely warnings during such weather emergencies.
“Modernizing our monitoring and warning distribution systems will be my top priority,” he declared.
Jacobs also advocated for the establishment of a Natural Disaster Review Committee, inspired by the National Transportation Safety Board.
“We need increased data collection and post-storm evaluations,” he said. “Understanding what went right and wrong and whether warnings reached the public is essential.”
Astronomers have detected hydroxyl (OH) gas, a chemical indicator of water, from the interstellar object 3I/ATLAS using an ultraviolet/optical telescope on NASA’s Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory.
Stacked images of the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS obtained with NASA’s Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory: the first was captured on July 31 and August 1, 2025 (visit 1, upper half), and the second was on August 19, 2025 (visit 2, lower half). Image credit: Xing et al., others, doi: 10.3847/2041-8213/ae08ab.
The identification of the third interstellar object, 3I/ATLAS, on July 1, 2025, initiated a comprehensive characterization effort globally.
Learning from prior discoveries of interstellar objects 1I/Oumuamua and 2I/Borisov, an observation campaign was implemented to swiftly measure its initial brightness, morphology, light curve, color, and optical and near-infrared spectra.
Given the apparent brightness and early extension of the coma, there was suspicion of a gas outburst, yet none was detected.
Investigating the early activity of interstellar objects is crucial for understanding their chemical and physical evolution as they approach the Sun, as this may signify the first notable heating during their extensive dynamic lifetimes.
“The discovery of water marks a significant step in our grasp of how interstellar comets evolve,” stated Dennis Bordewitz, an astronomer from Auburn University.
“For solar system comets, water serves as a baseline for scientists to gauge their total activity and track how sunlight stimulates the release of other gases.”
“This is the chemical standard against which all assessments of volatile ice in cometary cores are made.”
“Detecting the same signal in an interstellar object means we can for the first time position 3I/ATLAS on the same scale employed to study comets indigenous to our Solar System. This is a progress toward juxtaposing the chemistry of planetary systems throughout our Milky Way galaxy.”
“What’s fascinating about 3I/ATLAS is the location of this water activity.”
Swift noticed the hydroxyl groups when the comet was nearly three times further from the Sun than Earth (well beyond the area where water ice on the surface could easily sublimate), recording a water loss rate of approximately 40 kg per second. At such distances, most solar system comets remain inactive.
The robust ultraviolet signal from 3I/ATLAS implies there might be additional mechanisms at play. Possibly, sunlight is warming small ice particles expelled from the core, causing them to vaporize and contribute to the surrounding gas cloud.
Such extensive water sources have only been detected on a limited number of far-off comets, suggesting intricate layered ice that holds clues regarding their formation.
Every interstellar comet discovered to date has unveiled a distinct aspect of planetary chemistry beyond our Sun.
Collectively, these observations illustrate that the composition of comets and the volatile ice that constitutes them can vary considerably from one system to another.
These variations imply the diversity of planet-forming environments and how factors like temperature, radiation, and composition ultimately influence planetary formation and, in some instances, the materials that lead to life.
Capturing the ultraviolet signals from 3I/ATLAS was a technological achievement in itself.
Swift employs a compact 30 cm telescope, yet from its orbit above Earth’s atmosphere, it can detect wavelengths of ultraviolet light that are largely absorbed by the atmosphere.
Free from sky glare or air interference, Swift’s ultraviolet/optical telescope achieves the sensitivity comparable to that of ground-based telescopes with 4-meter apertures for these wavelengths.
Its rapid targeting abilities allowed astronomers to analyze comets just weeks after their discovery, well before they become too faint or too close to the Sun for space study.
“When we observe water from an interstellar comet or its subtle ultraviolet signature (OH), we are interpreting notes from another planetary system,” Bordewitz notes.
“This indicates that the components essential for life’s chemical processes are not exclusive to us.”
“All interstellar comets we’ve observed thus far have been unexpectedly intriguing,” remarked Dr. Zexy Shin, a postdoctoral fellow at Auburn University.
“‘Oumuamua was dry, Borisov was rich in carbon monoxide, and now Atlas is revealing water at a distance we didn’t anticipate.”
“Each of these cases is transforming our understanding of how planets and comets form around stars.”
A study detailing the survey findings was published on September 30th in Astrophysics Journal Letter.
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Zexy Shin et al. 2025. Water production rate of interstellar object 3I/ATLAS. APJL 991, L50; doi: 10.3847/2041-8213/ae08ab
Sleep experiences can vary remarkably from one person to another
PeopleImages/Shutterstock
Individuals can undergo one of five different sleep types, each showcasing the diverse ways our rest impacts health.
Previous research has identified links between sleep and aspects like sleep cognition, mental health, and physical issues including heart disease. Nonetheless, these studies typically examined only one dimension of sleep, like its duration or quality.
To adopt a more integrated perspective, Valeria Quevette from Concordia University in Montreal, Canada, along with her team, explored the connections among seven sleep-related factors (like sleep satisfaction and the use of sleep aids) and 118 other variables, including cognition, substance use, and mental health. They gathered data encompassing cognitive evaluations, sleep studies, and brain imaging from 770 adults aged 22 to 36 in the United States with no reported health issues.
This analysis led to the identification of five distinct sleep profiles. The first profile represented a general trend of sleep deprivation, distinguished by heightened sleep disruptions, diminished sleep satisfaction, prolonged time to fall asleep, and worsening mental health, including symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as issues like anger, fear, and stress.
Brain imaging of individuals in this category revealed decreased connectivity among networks linked to self-reflection, such as the temporolateral network, and those responsible for attention and tasks, like the somatomotor and dorsal attention networks. Researchers suggest this may indicate a disruption in the brain’s ability to alternate between internal thoughts and the external environment. For instance, individuals in this group might dwell on personal feelings and thoughts rather than focusing on their surroundings.
The second sleep profile also indicated declining mental health, particularly relating to inattention, yet not to sleep disorders. Essentially, these individuals generally had good quality sleep. “We interpreted this as the restorative capacity of sleep,” Kebets notes. “They experience poor mental health, which does not necessarily have repercussions on their sleep.” People in this category similarly showed differing brain connectivity patterns than those observed in the first group, suggesting that such connectivity issues are directly linked to sleep disturbances rather than overarching mental health.
The third profile illustrated a connection between the use of sleep medications, including prescription drugs and herbal teas aimed at improving sleep. These individuals often exhibited poor memory and emotional insights—perhaps explaining the reduced connectivity in brain areas associated with vision, memory, and emotion.
The fourth profile was marked by obtaining less than 7 hours of sleep per night, which is the recommended minimum. This inadequacy correlated with slower accuracy and reaction times in cognitive tasks assessing emotional processing, language, and social skills. Additionally, this profile was linked to increased aggressive behaviors and heightened connectivity across brain networks. Previous studies on sleep deprivation have shown similar connectivity enhancements, pointing to sleep debt implications.
The fifth profile was distinguished by frequent sleep interruptions, such as waking multiple times during the night. These disruptions were linked with poorer language processing capabilities and working memory, alongside indications of deteriorating mental health, including anxiety symptoms and issues with substance use.
These findings enhance our understanding of the intricate relationship between sleep and health, according to Kebets. “Sleep is essential to your well-being and connects to cognition, physical health, mental health, substance use, and many other functioning spheres.”
However, not all individuals conformed precisely to a single profile, Kebets explains. The researchers found no causal ties but rather associations between sleep profiles and traits. It’s also crucial to acknowledge that a substantial number of individuals attain consistently high-quality sleep. Moreover, as the participants were predominantly Caucasian, this study may have overlooked sleep profiles prevalent in other ethnic groups.
The bright area represents the comet’s core, which consists of a dense mixture of ice, rock, and dust. Typically, the nucleus is enveloped in a cloud of gas and dust known as a coma.
Since being discovered in July, Comet 3i/Atlas has captivated both astronomers and space enthusiasts. There have been intriguing theories suggesting it could be alien technology or a spacecraft, though no scientific backing exists for these ideas.
The comet is not stationary.
Researchers tracking its trajectory project that the comet will make its closest approach to the sun around October 30, as its orbit navigates through the inner solar system in the following weeks.
NASA has stated that 3i/Atlas poses no risk to Earth, maintaining a distance of about 170 million miles during its pass.
However, its near pass of Mars provided a unique observational opportunity.
The ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter, jointly run by the ESA and Russia’s Federal Space Agency, directed its cameras at the comet for approximately a week starting October 1, officials from ESA noted. At that point, 3i/Atlas was roughly 18.6 million miles from the spacecraft.
Despite this, the orbiter’s instruments are primarily designed for imaging the Martian surface rather than distant objects, as explained by Nick Thomas, principal investigator for the imaging system.
“This posed a significant challenge for our instruments,” he stated in a statement. “Comets are approximately 10,000 to 100,000 times less dense than typical targets.”
Other interstellar visitors to our solar system include Oumuamua in 2017 and 2i/Borisov in 2019.
ESA emphasized, “All celestial bodies in our solar system share a common origin, but interstellar comets are unique outsiders, providing insights into the formation of distant worlds.”
As 3i/Atlas travels through our solar system, astronomers are eager to analyze its size and physical characteristics. Earlier this year, it was visible through ground-based telescopes, but it’s currently too close to the sun for observation. It is expected to reappear on the opposite side of the sun by early December, according to NASA.
NASA is tracking 3i/Atlas with the Hubble Space Telescope and plans additional observations in the upcoming months. The James Webb Space Telescope, Spherex Space Observatory, Parker Solar Probe, and the Exoplanet Survey Satellite are among the instruments hoping to catch a glimpse of the comet.
A photo taken recently by the Saturday camera captured streaks of light, leading to speculation online that it could be Comet 3i/Atlas. However, NASA has not confirmed this, and their public information office is currently closed due to the government shutdown.
ESA’s Mars Express spacecraft did focus its camera on the comet as it passed, although further analysis will be required to distinguish interstellar objects from the gathered data.
Bamboo-derived hard plastics exhibit similar strength and durability to conventional plastics found in household appliances and car interiors, all while being recyclable and biodegradable in soil.
While bioplastics are gaining traction, they still represent only about 0.5% of the more than 400 million tonnes of plastic manufactured annually. This limitation is largely because bioplastics often lack the mechanical strength of many petroleum-based varieties and are not easily accommodated in standard production methods.
Recently, Dr. Dawei Zhao from Shenyang University of Chemical Technology in China has pioneered a technique for creating plastics from cellulose extracted from bamboo. This innovative approach can match or even exceed the properties of many commonly used plastics.
“Bamboo grows quickly, making it an exceptionally renewable resource and a viable substitute for traditional wood, yet its current applications are mostly confined to woven products,” Zhao noted.
Zhao’s team initially treated bamboo with zinc chloride and simple acid to dismantle strong chemical bonds, resulting in a mixture of smaller cellulose molecules. These molecules are then reorganized into a robust, hardened plastic.
The resulting material’s toughness is on par with standard engineering plastics (the strong varieties used in automotive, household, and construction applications). Dr. Andrew Dove from the University of Birmingham, UK, commented on the study.
Plastic sheet made from bamboo
Dawei Zhao
However, its strength means potential applications remain underutilized. “This doesn’t compete with primary plastics used in packaging like polyethylene or polypropylene,” Dove remarked. “Nevertheless, while it primarily targets smaller engineering plastics, it could ease some concerns regarding the sourcing of existing materials in that field.”
Although it is not as economical as the most common plastics, Zhao and his group found that the bamboo-based plastic can be fully recycled while retaining 90% of its original strength, offering a more appealing economic proposition. It’s also noteworthy that while it doesn’t quite match the scrutiny that other biodegradable plastics endure, it decomposes within 50 days.
Here’s a glimpse from the elusive newsletter of space-time. Each month, we let physicists and mathematicians share intriguing ideas stemming from the universe’s far corners. To join this exploration, Sign up for Losing Space and Time here.
“So you have written a book on black holes?”
The stranger sips their cocktail. We are mingling at a gathering, showcasing our conversations. I nodded slightly, mixing my piña colada.
“Well then,” the stranger continues, their gaze fixed intently on me. Is it truly the case that the entire universe resembles a black hole?”
It’s a familiar inquiry. This question often arises when I mention my years spent at observatories, engaging with scientists about our understanding of these cosmic giants.
People are naturally curious. The media frequently reports on distant galaxies coming into view as we gaze out into space. Videos sharing these concepts amass millions of views on platforms like YouTube. Though it seems like fiction, the scientific exploration of this notion began as early as 1972, when physicist Raj Kumar Pathria submitted a letter to Nature titled “The Universe as a Black Hole.” This topic has surfaced repeatedly since then.
So, is it feasible?
How to create a black hole
In simple terms, black holes are regions in space where gravity is so intense that not even light can escape.
These enigmatic entities were first mathematically described by astronomer Karl Schwarzschild during World War I. Amidst the sounds of battle on the Western Front, he was intrigued by how Albert Einstein’s groundbreaking general relativity predicted planetary dynamics and stellar structures.
Schwarzschild derived a formula detailing how space and time behave in ways that defy common experience, creating areas that would be termed black holes.
This discovery provided profound insights into black hole dynamics. It requires a particular mass, like that of a human, planet, or star, compressed within a volume determined by Schwarzschild’s formula, et voilà! A black hole emerges.
The critical volume varies with the object’s mass. For a human being, this volume is minuscule, a hundred times smaller than a proton. For Earth, it’s akin to a golf ball, while for the Sun, the volume resembles the size of downtown Los Angeles (approximately 6 km, or just under 4 miles).
Creating black holes is challenging. Under typical conditions, materials tend not to compress to incredibly high densities. Only extreme cosmic events, like the supernova explosion of a massive star, can compel matter to collapse into a black hole.
Interestingly, the black holes formed from dying stars come from extremely dense matter, whereas the much larger supermassive black holes at the centers of galaxies possess much lower densities. According to Schwarzschild’s equation, bigger black holes actually have less average density than air!
So what about the universe itself? Given that it consists largely of empty space, can such density relate to that of black holes?
Polarized light from the cosmic microwave background
ESA/Planck Collaboration
Measuring Space
With the help of Schwarzschild’s formula, astronomers can ascertain whether an object is a black hole. First, determine its mass. Next, ascertain the volume. If the object’s mass is contained within a volume smaller than that specified by Schwarzschild’s equation, it qualifies as a black hole.
Now, applying this concept to the entire universe requires knowledge of its mass and volume. However, determining the universe’s total size is impossible, as wandering with a cosmic ruler isn’t feasible. Instead, we can observe light and particles that come to us from the cosmos.
The oldest light we detect originates from the cosmic microwave background, which was produced a mere 380,000 years after the Big Bang. As the universe expands, the origin of this light is now astronomically distant. In fact, the total distance light has traveled since the Big Bang allows us to see an observable universe with a diameter of about 93 billion light years.
Through rigorous measurements over many years, astronomers estimate the mass contained within this volume to be approximately 1054 kg (that’s a 1 followed by 54 zeros).
Next, let’s calculate the hypothetical size of a black hole with this mass using Schwarzschild’s formula. After some calculations, it turns out that such a black hole would be roughly three times larger than the observable universe, measuring around 300 billion light years across. Thus, simply from the observed mass and size of the universe, it seems to satisfy the criteria of being a black hole.
“Wow,” exclaimed the curious stranger at the cocktail party, “Does this mean the universe is indeed a black hole?”
“Not so fast, my friend,” I replied. To grasp this question fully, we must delve deeper into the nature of black holes.
Into the Void
Black holes are peculiar. One of their odd characteristics is that while they appear to be fixed sizes externally, they are continuously evolving internally. According to Schwarzschild’s formula, the internal space elongates in one dimension while compressing in the other two simultaneously. (If a black hole spins, its interior behaves differently, but that’s a tale for another time.)
Cosmologists refer to this structure as anisotropy. The term derives from tropos, meaning “direction,” and iso, meaning “equal,” alongside an, denoting negation. The dynamics of anisotropy within a black hole leads to one spatial direction expanding while the other two contract. This phenomenon, along with the infamous spaghettification, relates to the tidal forces experienced by any object drawn in.
In contrast, the universe expands isotropically (uniformly in all directions). Doesn’t that sound akin to the interior of a black hole?
However, this doesn’t eliminate the possibility of a “universe as a black hole.” Both structures share two pivotal features: the event horizon and singularity.
The event horizon marks a boundary beyond which light cannot escape. For a black hole, this signifies a point of no return for anything crossing this threshold. In the universe, space expands so swiftly that light from exceedingly distant galaxies cannot reach us.
The event horizon of our universe can be thought of as an inverted version of a black hole’s event horizon. The former limits our observation from the furthest reaches of space, while the latter confines us from seeing beyond its depths.
This reciprocal relationship is also observable in the singularity—the point where density and curvature of spacetime become infinite. According to Schwarzschild’s formula, the singularity is a destination for unfortunate astronauts crossing a black hole’s event horizon. Conversely, our cosmological models indicate that singularities exist in the past—backtracking the universe’s expansion leads every space point closer together, intensifying density. In this context, the beginnings of the Big Bang culminate in a singularity. So, for black holes, this mathematical singularity lies in the future; for our expanding universe, it exists in the past. In both instances, the complexity indicated signifies just how little we understand about these dense, enigmatic points.
Sum it all up—the disparities in expansion, event horizon, and singularity—paint a convincing picture of our universe: it’s not a black hole. It just doesn’t fit that label!
“But wait,” the stranger interjects, feeling disheartened, “I thought we calculated that the universe met the criteria for a black hole.”
“While the computations are indeed accurate,” I explain, “we observe that mathematical relationships akin to Schwarzschild’s also align within the context of an expanding universe. This isn’t exclusively characteristic of black holes.”
It suggests that strange phenomena exist at the largest cosmic scales, beyond our observational reach with telescopes. However, according to models of non-rotating, expanding black holes, our universe lacks the definitive traits that categorize it as a black hole. What to make of it? Personally, I view it as a testament to gravity’s versatility, crafting magnificent structures that encapsulate the essence of time and space.
Enceladus, Saturn’s moon, constantly emits ice grains and gas plumes from its subterranean seas through fissures near the Antarctic region. A research team from the University of Stuttgart and the University of Berlin Fly utilized data from NASA’s Cassini spacecraft to chemically analyze newly emitted particles originating from Enceladus’ ocean. They successfully identified intermediates of organic molecules that may have biological significance (including aliphatic and (hetero)cyclic esters/alkenes, ethers/ethyl, and tentatively, nitrogen and oxygen-containing compounds), marking the first discovery of such compounds among ice particles in extraterrestrial oceans.
Artist’s impression of NASA’s Cassini spacecraft navigating through the plumes erupting from Enceladus’ Antarctic region. These plumes resemble geysers and release a mix of water vapor, ice grains, salt, methane, and various organic molecules. Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech.
Enceladus has a diameter of approximately 500 km, and its surface is covered by ice shells that are about 25-30 km thick on average.
Cassini made the first revelation of a hidden ocean beneath Enceladus’ surface back in 2005.
A current emerges from a fissure near the moon’s Antarctic, sending ice grains into space.
Some ice particles, smaller than grains of sand, settle on the moon’s surface, while others escape, forming a ring that orbits Enceladus around Saturn.
“Cassini consistently detected samples from Enceladus while passing through Saturn’s E ring,” noted Nozail Kawaja, a researcher at the Free University of Berlin and the lead author of the study.
“Many organic molecules have already been identified within these ice grains, including precursors to amino acids.”
The ice grains in the ring may be hundreds of years old and could have undergone changes due to strong cosmic radiation.
Scientists aimed to analyze the recently released grains to enhance their understanding of the dynamics within Enceladus’ seas.
Fortunately, they already had the relevant data. In 2008, Cassini flew directly through the ice sprays. The released primitive particles were emitted just minutes before they interacted with the spacecraft’s Cosmic Dust Analyzer (CDA) at speeds of approximately 18 km/sec. These represented not only the most recent ice grains Cassini has detected but also the fastest.
“Ice grains encompass not just frozen water, but also other molecules containing organic matter,” Dr. Kawaja stated.
“Lower impact speeds can break the ice, leading to signals from water molecule clusters that may obscure signals from certain organic molecules.”
“However, when ice grains strike the CDA at high speeds, the water molecules do not cluster, allowing previously hidden signals to emerge.”
Years of data from previous flybys were necessary to interpret this information.
This time, the authors successfully identified the molecules contained in the freshly released ice grains.
The analysis showed that certain organic molecules known to be present in the E rings were also found in the fresh ice grains, affirming their formation within Enceladus’ seas.
Furthermore, they discovered a completely new molecule that had never before been observed in Enceladus’ ice grains.
Chemical analyses revealed that the newly detected molecular fragments consisted of aliphatic, (hetero)cyclic esters/alkenes, ethers/ethyl, and potentially nitrogen and oxygen-containing compounds.
On Earth, these same compounds participate in a series of chemical reactions that ultimately yield more complex molecules essential for life.
“Numerous pathways from the organic molecules detected in Cassini’s data to potentially biologically relevant compounds exist, enhancing the possibility of habitability on the moon,” Dr. Kawaja mentioned.
“We have more data currently under review, so we anticipate further discoveries soon.”
“The molecules we identified in the newly released materials indicate that the complex organic molecules Cassini detected within Saturn’s E ring are not merely a result of prolonged exposure to space; they are readily found within Enceladus’ ocean,” added co-author Dr. Frank Postberg, also from the Free University of Berlin.
For more details, refer to the study featured in this month’s edition of Natural Astronomy.
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N. Kawaja et al. Detection of organic compounds in newly released ice grains from the Enceladus ocean. Nat Astron Published online on October 1, 2025. doi: 10.1038/s41550-025-02655-y
Zelda Williams, the daughter of the late actor and comedian Robin Williams, has voiced her opposition to AI-generated content featuring her father.
“Please, stop sending videos of dad generated by AI,” Zelda posted on my Instagram story on Monday. “Stop assuming that I want to see it or that I’m interested; I don’t, I really don’t. If you’re just trying to annoy me, I encounter something worse, I block it and move on.”
“To reduce the legacy of real individuals to something like, ‘Just this vague appearance and sound, that’s sufficient,’ is disheartening.”
“You’re not creating art; you’re producing grotesque, over-processed versions of human life, derived from art and musical history.”
“And for heaven’s sake, stop referring to it as the ‘future’; AI is merely a mishmash of recycled content that badly reflects the past. It’s integrating superficial human content.”
Robin Williams with Zelda at the premiere of his film RV in 2006. Photo: Mario Anzuni/Reuters
This isn’t the first instance where Zelda Williams, an actor and filmmaker who directed the 2024 horror-comedy Lisa Frankenstein, has addressed the recreation of her father, who passed away at 63 in 2014. The potential for realism is concerning.
“I’ve encountered AI imitating his ‘voice’ and saying what people want to hear. While I find this intrusive personally, the implications extend far beyond my own sentiments.”
“These recreations are inferior imitations of great individuals and, at their worst, resemble horrifying Frankenstein-like constructs formed from the industry’s lowest points.”
Zelda’s recent commentary arrives amidst a surge of celebrity deepfakes on social media, which span various themes, including adult content, political messages, scams, and advertisements.
In January, actress Scarlett Johansson highlighted the “immediate dangers of AI” following her condemnation of Kanye West’s anti-Semitic comments, after deepfake videos surfaced featuring other prominent Jewish celebrities like Jerry Seinfeld, Drake, and Adam Sandler.
A fraudulent advertisement featuring Deepfark in August was falsely attributed to Crowded House frontman Neil Finn, who stated he was incorrectly represented discussing erectile dysfunction, prompting the band to issue a disclaimer.
The deepfakes of Robin Williams are part of a larger trend in AI-generated content, fueled by the rapid proliferation of low-quality material produced by entertainment-free generation AI applications.
The recent TikTok video featuring Robin Williams appears to have been created using Sora 2, OpenAI’s new video generation app, and includes a simulated interaction between the comedian and the late Betty White.
Within days of launch, Sora’s feed was inundated with videos featuring copyrighted characters from series like SpongeBob SquarePants, South Park, Pokémon, and Rick and Morty.
OpenAI informed the Guardian that content owners can report copyright violations through a “copyright dispute form,” although individual artists and studios cannot opt out broadly. Varun Shetty, Head of Media Partnerships at OpenAI, commented:
In 2019, researchers at the Berlin Computer Game Museum uncovered a remarkable find made from salvaged electronic gear for joysticks and plastic containers. The beige rectangular tupperware, containing wires, will display a functional version of Pon when connected to a TV.
Arcade Fire… A notable attraction from Cold Wargames in East Germany. Photo: Dora Csala/Alliiertenmuseum
Initially, they believed that these homemade devices were an isolated testament to creativity behind the iron curtain. However, earlier this year, they stumbled upon something else: seifendosen-pong (“Soapbox Pon”), accompanied by a national magazine called Funkamateur, featuring various DIY diagrams for Atari’s 1970s gaming hits.
This discovery contradicted the notion that the emergence of computer games was merely tolerated or heavily suppressed by socialist East Germany. Evidence arose suggesting that gaming received a degree of official backing from the regime’s notorious Secret Service.
A new collaborative exhibition from the Union Museum and the Computer Games Museum in Berlin aims to uncover the intrigue surrounding Cold War-era games from both sides of the iron curtain. This includes East Germany’s sole arcade cabinet, Polyplay, which visitors can experience. Featuring honey-colored wooden panels and vibrant signage, only 2,000 machines were produced. In the late ’80s, youth flocked to these cabinets in clubs and holiday retreats, enjoying games that were largely clones of Western originals.
However, Polyplay was developed “with assistance from national security,” explains Veit Lehmann of the Alliance Museum. Due to a lack of programming expertise, the manufacturer Veb Polytechnick turned to the Stasi, who provided personnel “with expertise and computing capabilities” to code games.
PAC – In place of Man, there was Hase und Wolf – a rabbit dodging a dog, while Namco’s infamous ghost from Pac-Man was replaced. Games included Hirschjagd (“Deer Hunt”), a reimagined version of the sci-fi shooter Robotron: 2084, and Schießbude, a carnival shooting game, along with titles like Schmetterling (butterfly collecting), memory puzzles, skiing games, and other racing contests.
Tame… Game featuring rabbits and wolves. Photo: Veb Polytechnik Karl-Marx-Stadt
For many in East Germany, Polyplay marked their first exposure to computing, “opening up an entirely different world,” states Regina Sewald of the University of Birmingham. “It was seen as a family-oriented machine.” Families would spend weekends enjoying leisure activities together. While perceived as innocent entertainment, it subtly encouraged technical skill development.
However, Polyplay eliminated themes of violence, contrasting with Western arcades that showcased tanks in combat scenarios and dragons targeting players propelled by jetpacks. The GDR aimed to present itself as a peaceful nation, viewing media law as a means to suppress any portrayal of violence. “The GDR’s approach to technology reflected a desire for a harmonious self-image, coupled with a fear of the unknown,” remarks Seiwald.
Despite the family-friendly concept of Polyplay, self-proclaimed “freaks” gathered at computer clubs to challenge the regime’s limits. East Germany identified technology as a critical economic focus by the late 1970s, but Western tech was often smuggled into the country as trade embargoes restricted access, with devices like the ZX Spectrum being disguised in car seats or hidden inside chocolate boxes for cross-border smuggling.
Long arms of the state… Displayed at coldwargames. Photo: Wikimedia Commons
State-run factories produced some of their own gaming devices, including the Bildschirmspiel 01 Pong clone and the Veb Robotron series of microcomputers, but accessibility was limited. High costs made it difficult for most citizens to obtain them.
As early enthusiasts began forming clubs at universities and youth centers across cities like Berlin, Dresden, and Leipzig, officials speculated whether this youthful engagement would help mitigate technical challenges. “They believed that if young people engaged with games and computers, it could lead to better outcomes,” notes Lehmann. Perhaps the regime hoped this interest would nurture a new generation skilled in microelectronics, ultimately developing a necessary homegrown industry.
A phrase often echoed among GDR officials was expressed by Martin Görlich, managing director of the Computer Games Museum: “Learning from the Soviet Union means learning how to win.” Thus, computing was embraced as mirroring Soviet dynamics, blending physical action with screen engagement in arcade games.
Eastern block…coldwargames. Photo: Dora Csala/Alliiertenmuseum
The Soviet Union also birthed Tetris, a dynamic puzzle game created by software engineer Alexey Pajitnov to test computer performance. Initially exchanged among engineers, it led to fierce competition for distribution rights involving Dutch game designer Henrogers and Kevin Maxwell, son of the disgraced media tycoon Robert Maxwell.
In East Germany, citizens often depended on bootleg versions to bypass restrictions and shortages. Fashion enthusiasts crafted their garments, musicians repurposed audio gear, and underground board games like a twist on Monopoly flourished in exchange for communist-themed titles.
This DIY ethos aligned with the state’s self-reliance policy, encouraging citizens to craft, build, and repair. Official publications such as Funkamateur and Jugend Und Technik advocated for “computer sports” and published programming guides. “The GDR was acutely aware of technological constraints,” affirms Sewald. “People became proactive in educating themselves and pushing the boundaries of available technology.”
For young enthusiasts, some clubs boasted advanced computing systems like the Commodore 64, far superior to state alternatives. Most members were young males, their primary interest often lying in gaming.
Some learned to program their own games on machines like the KC 85 from Veb Mikroelektronik, while others like René Meyer, who joined the Computer Club at the University of Leipzig at 16, explored this new digital realm.
“GDR’s home computers were compatible with various systems and cultivated a unique computing ecosystem in the East,” recalls Meyer, particularly one game called Bennion Geppy, which involved navigating dungeons while avoiding monsters and collecting keys.
Paradoxically, while the state seemed to endorse these groups, club members often found themselves under the close scrutiny of Stasi informants, and their computing activities were frequently viewed with suspicion. One Stasi report detailed the games circulating in Young Talent’s House, highlighting acceptable choices like Super Bowl and Samantha Fox Strip Poker, alongside more controversial titles reflecting violent themes.
As internal tensions within East German society escalated, Stasi grew increasingly paranoid about war-related themes in software, computer viruses, and anti-socialist messages. Their fears may have been exaggerated. Notably, in neighboring Czechoslovakia, underground game developers created titles like the Adventures of Indiana Jones, a text adventure where a fedora-clad hero could face peril from bloodthirsty authorities.
East Germany’s relationship with technology was complex. In 1984, West Germany penalized children for playing arcade games, viewing them as gambling hazards. Consequently, they imposed stringent age restrictions on violent games like Activision’s River Raid. This skepticism extended into the 21st century, with publishers altering titles to sidestep censorship, as seen in the German version of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, where players faced penalties for actions during the controversial “No Russian” mission.
While East Germany advocated for decentralized computing, the state maintained strict control over communications, criminalizing home networking and hacking activities. In response, activists in West Germany founded the Chaos Computer Club, still active today, known for crafting DIY modems as a form of protest, referred to as Datenklo (“Dataloo”).
“The West has been very harsh on hackers and crackers,” observes Seiwald. “It surprised many to find that the GDR exhibited a degree of surprising tolerance.”
John Clarke, Michel Devolette and John Martinis awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics
Jonathan Nackstrand/AFP via Getty Images
The prestigious 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to John Clarke, Michel Devolette, and John Martinis. Their research elucidates how quantum particles can delve through matter, a critical process that underpins the superconducting quantum technology integral to modern quantum computers.
“I was completely caught off guard,” Clarke remarked upon hearing the news from the Nobel Committee. “This outcome was unimaginable; it felt like a dream to be considered for the Nobel Prize.”
Quantum particles exhibit numerous peculiar behaviors, including their stochastic nature and the restriction to specific energy levels instead of a continuous range. This phenomenon sometimes leads to unforeseen occurrences, such as tunneling through solid barriers. Such unusual characteristics were first revealed by pioneers like Erwin Schrödinger during the early years of quantum mechanics.
The implications of these discoveries are profound, particularly supporting theories like nuclear decay; however, earlier research was limited to individual particles and basic systems. It remained uncertain whether more intricate systems such as electronic circuits, conventionally described by classical physics, also adhered to these principles. For instance, the quantum tunneling effect seemed to vanish when observing larger systems.
In 1985, the trio from the University of California, Berkeley—Clarke, Martinis, and Devolette—sought to change this narrative. They investigated the properties of charged particles traversing a superconducting circuit known as the Josephson Junction, a device that earned the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1973 for British physicist Brian Josephson. These junctions comprise wires exhibiting zero electrical resistance, separated by an insulating barrier.
The researchers demonstrated that particles navigating through these junctions behaved as individual entities, adopting distinct energy levels, clear quantum attributes, and registering voltages beyond expected limits without breaching the adiabatic barrier.
This groundbreaking discovery significantly deepened our understanding of how to harness similar superconducting quantum systems, transforming the landscape of quantum science and enabling other scientists to conduct precise quantum physics experiments on silicon chips.
Moreover, superconducting quantum circuits became foundational to the essential components of quantum computers, known as qubits. Developed by companies like Google and IBM, the most advanced quantum computers today consist of hundreds of superconducting qubits, a result of the insights gained from Clarke, Martinis, and Devolette’s research. “In many respects, our findings serve as the cornerstone of quantum computing,” stated Clarke.
Both Martinis and Devolette are currently affiliated with Google Quantum AI, where they pioneered the first superconducting quantum computer in 2019 that demonstrated quantum advantage over traditional machines. However, Clarke noted to the Nobel Committee that it was surprising to consider the extent of impact their 1985 study has had. “Who could have imagined that this discovery would hold such immense significance?”
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Last month, right-wing commentator Charlie Kirk was killed, and videos of his shooting quickly circulated on social media. Nowadays, anyone with a smartphone can access distressing videos, images, and a significant amount of misinformation. While experts have raised concerns about the potential negative effects of smartphones on children’s and teenagers’ mental health, many young individuals still have unrestricted access to their devices.
The Guardian consulted seven experts on how to effectively discuss troubling news with children, including the appropriate age to start these conversations and what should be avoided.
Expert Panel:
Anya Kamenetz, Journalist and Publisher Golden Hour Newsletter
Psychiatrist and Executive Director, Clay Center for Young Health Mind, Massachusetts General Hospital
Tara Conley, Assistant Professor of Media and Journalism at Kent State University.
Dr. Tricordino, Licensed Clinical Psychologist based in Ohio
Jill Murphy, Chief Content Officer, Common Sense Media
Ashley Rogers Burner, Professor at Johns Hopkins University
Holly Korbey, Author of Building Better Citizens
What is the best way to discuss bad news with children? Or issues related to climate disasters?
Anya Kamenetz: First, ascertain what they already know or have heard. Children often get snippets from school and social media, so it’s essential to gauge their understanding. Providing a few clear facts can clarify misconceptions. Watch content together online and demonstrate balanced information consumption. Once you’ve covered the basics, ask if they have any questions and inquire about their feelings on the matter.
Eugene Belesin: Children of all ages typically have three primary concerns: Am I safe? Are you taking care of me? How does this impact my life? Therefore, I want to ensure I listen to their worries, validate their feelings, and encourage them to express those concerns.
Tara Conley: Establishing practical channels for communication is essential when discussing upsetting news with children. Consider creating a family group chat or dedicated online and offline spaces where young people feel connected and supported.
What is the best approach to talk to children about graphic content, like the videos involving Charlie Kirk?
Tricordino: I know numerous teenagers, and I’ve been truly surprised by their reactions. Particularly among younger children, there may be a sense of confusion, feeling that “I shouldn’t have watched that, so I can’t even discuss it with my parents.” It’s critical that they feel comfortable discussing these experiences with trusted adults. It’s important to convey that continuously seeking out such videos can have lasting effects.
Ashley Rogers Burner: When children learn about acts of violence, it’s crucial to be honest with them. Parents should reinforce democratic values, emphasizing peaceful conflict resolution without resorting to violence. Additionally, reassure them that responsible authorities deal with violent acts, and such events are relatively rare.
How can parents help children navigate misinformation?
Holly Korbey: Parents must understand that when their children are on their phones, they are exposed to relentless streams of distressing news. Moreover, the mixed messages from political figures, telling them “Don’t trust the news,” can create confusion.
Parents need to encourage fact-checking. If children encounter something particularly frightening, guide them towards reliable journalistic sources to verify its accuracy.
Cordino: Children are drawn to phones since it’s a key communication tool with their peers and a means of understanding their world. Rather than simply sidelining the device, we should focus on establishing positive technology habits early on. It’s important to frame guidelines around device usage and allow appropriate access.
While a one-size-fits-all strategy won’t work, generally, limiting access initially for younger users is advisable (fewer social media apps, stricter time limits). For all children, it’s beneficial to avoid having devices in bedrooms overnight or allowing unsupervised use behind closed doors. I highly recommend Common Sense Media for families seeking resources on this issue.
Conley: Instilling critical media literacy skills early will help children comprehend how media and technology shape social behavior and interactions. Here are some resources for parents/caregivers: Tips for Adults to Support Children Consuming Scary News. The American Academy of Pediatrics also offers insights on Creating a Family Media Plan.
With the current political landscape being highly polarized and violent, how should such discussions be approached?
Korbey: I believe no topic should be off-limits. Students need exposure to controversial subjects to become politically active. Engaging in discussions at the dinner table is perfectly acceptable.
Jill Murphy: Children and teenagers are bound to have numerous questions, which can serve as a springboard for deeper discussions regarding political or cultural matters. Parents should reaffirm their values and perspectives, while actively listening to their children’s curiosities and concerns.
What pitfalls should parents and caregivers avoid when discussing news with children?
Kamenetz: Avoid having TV news playing in the background. Although I understand the tendency because of my background in journalism, depending on how a story unfolds, it might be wise to minimize that exposure as well. Depending on the child’s age, there’s often no need to volunteer excessive information unless it’s explicitly asked for. Children process information at different paces, and their developmental needs can vary significantly.
Conley: It may also be prudent not to pretend to have all the answers. Children can sense when we do, and it’s essential to be humble about what we don’t know.
How do you reassure children when faced with significant risks to safety, such as climate change, school shootings, or police violence?
Conley: I recall my college years, when numerous global incidents unfolded, from September 11 to Hurricane Katrina. My father occasionally wrote me letters offering guidance or encouragement. I cherish those letters as reminders of our shared humanity.
Thus, I encourage parents and educators to consider practical activities like Letter Writing Activities. Simply writing to the young people in your life can be tremendously impactful.
Cordino: During instances like school shootings, we shouldn’t exacerbate children’s distress. Instead, we aim to ensure they take school safety drills seriously and follow the guidance provided by their educational institutions.
As a parent, how do you provide reassurance to your child while navigating your own concerns about the news?
Kamenetz: It’s crucial for parents to establish a supportive network; you must tend to your own well-being first, which includes voicing your concerns. Model healthy news consumption habits by avoiding distressing content before bedtime and fostering family routines that serve as news-free zones.
Conley: I encourage both young people and adults to seek out helpers—echoing the wisdom of Fred Rogers. Be a helper. Recent research shows that providing support, such as through volunteering, can help us manage certain stressors more effectively. Helping others often improves our own well-being.
When is the right age to initiate these important conversations?
Murphy: Given the rapid exposure of children and teens to news, often through influencers, it’s best for parents to communicate age-appropriate information and begin conversations early.
Kamenetz: Often, we don’t have a choice in these matters. I never intended to explain to my three-year-old that she was in lockdown due to a global pandemic, but reality prevailed, and today she’s a happy and healthy eight-year-old.
Police have disrupted an international network believed to be smuggling tens of thousands of stolen phones from the UK, marking their most significant effort against phone theft in London, according to law enforcement officials.
The criminal organization is thought to have smuggled as many as 40,000 stolen mobile phones from the UK to China in the past year, claiming that up to 40% of all mobile phones stolen in the capital were involved.
The police initiated Operation Echosteep in December 2024 after intercepting a shipment containing about 1,000 iPhones destined for Hong Kong at a warehouse located near Heathrow Airport.
According to police, nearly all the recovered phones had been reported stolen.
Authorities intercepted additional shipments and utilized forensic evidence from the packages to identify suspects.
After apprehending a man with 10 stolen mobile phones at Heathrow on September 20, he was charged with possession of stolen goods, the police unit reported.
During the investigation, officers also found two iPads, two laptops, and two Rolex watches.
Further investigation indicated that the same individual had made over 200 trips between London and Algeria in the past two years, according to police.
Three days later, two other men in their 30s were arrested in northeast London on suspicion of possessing stolen property.
Numerous mobile phones were discovered in vehicles, with approximately 2,000 additional devices located at properties linked to the suspects.
These individuals were subsequently charged and detained, police confirmed.
Additionally, two more men in their 30s were arrested on September 25 on allegations of money laundering and handling stolen goods.
Officers also seized several stolen devices during their search operations.
Police mentioned that one man had indicated that further investigations were ongoing.
In total, officers have arrested 46 individuals over two weeks, including 11 arrests related to a criminal gang involved in the theft of new iPhone 17 delivery vans.
An additional 15 arrests were made last week on suspicions of theft, handling stolen goods, and conspiracy to commit theft, according to the Metropolitan Police.
More than 30 suspicious devices were also uncovered while searching 28 locations in London and Hertfordshire.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan expressed gratitude to the police for “addressing concerns in London,” noting a 13% and 14% decrease in crime rates this year.
“This operation is undeniably the largest of its kind in British history, and it was humbling to witness the Met’s efforts in targeting leaders of international smuggling operations as well as street-level robbers,” Khan commented.
However, he urged the mobile phone industry to collaborate with law enforcement to make it challenging for smugglers to utilize stolen devices.
“Criminals are profiting millions by reusing stolen mobile phones and selling them abroad, granting others access to cloud services,” he remarked. “The current situation is simply too simple and too lucrative.
“We will persist in urging the mobile phone industry to take rapid action to prevent this crime by making it impossible to use stolen devices.”
“To effectively combat this issue and create a safer London for all, we require coordinated global action.”
“We are pleased to report that we have made significant progress in understanding the importance of these efforts,” stated Det Insp Mark Gavin, Senior Investigation Officer at Operation Echosteep.
Gavin highlighted that smugglers are particularly targeting Apple products due to their high profitability overseas, with handsets fetching up to £300 and stolen devices selling for as much as $5,000 (£3,710) in China.
This increase in phone theft is mirrored in numerous cities globally, with around 80,000 devices reported stolen in London last year, according to the Met.
Commander Andrew Featherstone, the Met’s lead on phone theft, stated:
Apple’s highly acclaimed AirPods Pro Bluetooth earphones have returned in their third generation, featuring an improved fit, extended battery life, built-in heart rate sensors, and enhanced noise cancellation, all while maintaining a look similar to their predecessors.
Although three years have elapsed since the previous version, these earphones remain exclusively white. The differences between them and earlier generations are subtle and require close inspection.
Priced at £219 (249 Euros/$249/$429), the AirPods Pro 3 is £30 less expensive in the UK than its predecessor at launch and features compatibility with AirPods 4.
The earphones have undergone slight shape refinements to enhance comfort, especially during prolonged listening sessions exceeding three hours. The package includes five sizes of tips, but if you prefer non-silicone earphones, these won’t offer much difference.
The stems maintain their previous length, but the earphones’ shape has been optimized to better align the tips with the ear canal. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Most functions are standard for modern earphones. Squeeze the stems for playback controls, swipe for volume adjustment, or remove them to pause music. They support features introduced with older Apple earphones, like the Shutter Remote Camera app and live translation using the translation app on your iPhone. The latter currently supports only English, French, German, Portuguese, and Spanish but works surprisingly well for casual conversations.
A notable drawback is that others still need to read translated speeches from their iPhones. This feature proves most useful for announcements and audio guides, especially for singular language translations in transportation hubs and museums.
One of the standout hardware features is heart rate monitoring through the sensors on the earbuds, similar to Apple’s PowerBeats Pro 2 fitness band. This can be utilized with over 50 workout tracking options via the Fitness app or select third-party apps on your iPhone. Its readings align closely with those from a Garmin Forerunner 970 or an Apple Watch during activities like walking and running. Additionally, the earphones boast an IP57 water resistance rating, making them more resilient to rain and sweat than previous models.
Battery life has improved, extending to at least 8 hours of playback, along with competitive noise cancellation on every charge, making them suitable for most listening durations.
The compact flip-top case provides two full charges for a combined playback time of 24 hours (6 hours shorter than the previous generation), with just 5 minutes of charging offering an hour of listening time. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Specifications
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3, SBC, AAC, H2 chip, UWB
Battery life: 8 hours of ANC playback (24 hours in case)
Water resistance: IP57 (buds and case)
Earphone dimensions: 30.9 x 19.2 x 27.0mm
Earphone weight: 5.6g each
Charging case dimensions: 47.2 x 62.2 x 21.8mm
Charging case weight: 44g
Case charging: USB-C, QI Wireless/Magsafe, Apple Watch
Richer Sound and Exceptional Noise Cancellation
The silicone tips are designed to slightly expand for a better seal, enhancing both music quality and noise cancellation. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The audio experience with the third-generation AirPods Pro is impressive, offering louder playback with an expansive soundscape. They maintain powerful, well-regulated bass while enhancing the spaciousness of larger tracks. The sound is detailed and balanced, catering to various genres, with ample power when needed. However, like other Apple headphones, they can occasionally feel a tad clinical, lacking warmth and rawness in some tracks, which may lessen the impact of deep bass notes. Nevertheless, few earphones can outshine these in terms of price and size.
Apple’s implementation of spatial audio for movies is unrivaled, and while its efficacy in spatial music remains mixed, it provides an immersive experience with compatible devices and services.
The AirPods Pro offers the ideal blend of earphones and compact carrier, easily portable in your pocket. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Enhanced noise cancellation is arguably the most significant upgrade. Apple claims it’s twice as effective as the already excellent AirPods Pro 2. In direct comparisons, the AirPods Pro 3 effectively mitigates street noise, including traffic sounds and engine roars. It stands up impressively against the class-leading Sony WH-1000XM6, renowned for their over-ear design.
They also excel in dampening disruptive high frequencies, such as keyboard clicks and conversations, making them well-suited for commuting and office environments.
Apple’s leading transparency mode is equally outstanding, allowing for natural sound experiences, as if the earbuds aren’t being worn at all. Sudden loud noises can be managed, making them handy in busy streets and while using hearing aids.
Call quality is superb, with my voice sounding clear and natural, whether in quiet settings or bustling environments, with only minimal ambient sounds noticeable during calls.
Sustainability
The charging case supports USB-C, Magsafe, QI, or Apple Watch charging, and includes new features like Limit Charging to prolong battery life. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Apple does not specify the expected battery lifespan. Typically, similar devices retain at least 80% of their original capacity after 500 full charge cycles. The earphones are not repairable, but Apple provides battery servicing for £49 per earphone or case, with replacement for lost or damaged items starting from £79. Repair specialist iFixit graded these earphones a 0 out of 10 for serviceability.
Both the AirPods and their cases include 40% recycled materials, including aluminum, cobalt, copper, gold, lithium, plastic, rare earth elements, and tin. Apple offers trade-in and recycling programs, detailing the environmental impact of its earphones in their reports.
Price
The price for the AirPods Pro 3 is £219 (249 Euros/$249/$429).
For context, AirPods 4 starts at £119, while Beats PowerBeats Pro 2 are priced at £250. The Sennheiser Momentum TW4 retails for £199, Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 cost £219, Sony WF-1000XM5 is available for £219, and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are priced at £300.
Verdict
AirPods Pro 3 takes an already impressive second-generation model and enhances virtually every aspect.
A longer battery life and a more comfortable fit for extended listening sessions are welcome improvements. Additionally, proper water resistance and integrated heart rate monitoring cater well to fitness enthusiasts, particularly for activities like powerlifting where wearing a watch may not be practical. The live translation feature performs better than anticipated, despite its conversational limitations.
The standout element is the remarkably effective noise cancellation, comparable to top-tier over-ear headphones, while being much easier to transport.
Audiophiles may notice a slightly clinical sound profile, and full functionality requires an iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Compatibility with Bluetooth devices like Android phones, PCs, and gaming consoles may not offer the same features. However, the significant drawback remains its difficult repairability, a common issue for true wireless earbuds, diminishing its rating.
Pros: Highly effective noise cancellation, excellent sound quality, industry-leading transparency, water resistance, integrated HR monitoring, seamless controls, advanced features when paired with Apple devices like spatial audio, remarkable comfort, and a premium case with excellent call quality.
Cons: Challenging to repair, premium price, lacks high-resolution audio support, minimal functionality with Android/Windows, similar appearance to its predecessor, and only available in white.
The AirPods Pro 3 is among the finest earphones available, especially for iPhone users. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Discord, the popular video game chat platform, has informed users about a data breach that has potentially compromised the personal information required for age verification.
Last week, the company reported that unauthorized individuals accessed one of Discord’s third-party customer service providers, impacting “a limited number of users” who interacted with customer service or the trust and safety teams.
Compromised data could encompass usernames, email addresses, billing details, the last four digits of credit card numbers, IP addresses, and messages exchanged with customer support.
According to Discord, the alleged attackers “gained access to a small number of government ID images (e.g., driver’s licenses, passports, etc.) from users who submitted appeals regarding their age verification.
The affected users were informed as of last week.
“If any ID is accessed, it will be explicitly mentioned in the email you receive,” Discord stated.
The support system was reportedly exploited to retrieve user data in an attempt to extort a financial ransom from Discord, the company clarified.
Discord mentioned that the third-party provider has since revoked access to the ticketing system and has initiated an internal investigation in collaboration with law enforcement.
Users who received the notification indicated that the attack likely occurred on September 20th.
With over 200 million active users each month, Discord continues to grow.
Earlier this year, Discord began verifying user ages in the UK and Australia using facial age verification tools. The company stated that age verification face and ID images are “deleted immediately afterwards,” but according to their website, users can reach out to the trust and safety team for a manual review if verification fails.
Under the upcoming social media ban for users under 16, effective December 10, the Australian government specified that platforms like Discord will have various ways to verify user ages and hopes to address unfavorable decisions swiftly.
As part of the age verification scheme, the platform can request an ID document, though it is not the sole method of age verification available under their policy.
Australia’s Privacy Committee has confirmed that it has been notified of the breach involving Discord.
Nasa has unveiled a stunning close-up image of NGC 6951, the Barred Spiral Galaxy, taken by the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope.
This Hubble image portrays NGC 6951, a barred spiral galaxy situated around 70 million light years away in the constellation of Cepheus. The color images were derived from separate exposures in the visible and near-infrared spectrum using Hubble’s Advanced Camera (ACS). Two different filters were utilized to capture various wavelengths. Colors were assigned by applying distinct hues to each monochromatic image linked to an individual filter. Image credits: NASA/ESA/Hubble/LC HO/G. Brammer/A. Filippenko/C. Kilpatrick.
NGC 6951 is located approximately 70 million light years from Earth in the constellation of Cepheus.
Also cataloged as NGC 6952, LEDA 65086, IRAS 20366+6555, and UGC 11604, the galaxy spans about 75,000 light years.
This remarkable galaxy was first discovered independently in 1877 by French astronomer Jerome Kogier and later in 1878 by American astronomer Louis Swift.
Astronomers categorize it as a barred spiral galaxy, classified as a type II Seyfert galaxy and a low ionization nuclear emission line region (LINER) galaxy.
“As this Hubble image reveals, NGC 6951 is a spiral galaxy filled with fascinating structures,” noted a Hubble astronomer.
“The most striking features are the spiral arms adorned with shimmering red nebulae, bright blue stars, and wispy dust clouds.”
“The spiral arm encircling the center of the galaxy emits a golden glow, a hallmark of the older star population.”
“The central region of the galaxy appears extended, indicating the presence of a slowly rotating bar of stars.”
At the core of NGC 6951 lies an ultra-massive black hole surrounded by what is termed an annular nuclear ring.
“The bar structure in NGC 6951 may be responsible for another notable characteristic: a blue-white ring encircling the center of the galaxy,” the astronomer stated.
“This is known as the nuclear starburst ring, which acts as a strengthened circle for star formation around the galaxy’s nucleus.”
“The bars funnel gas toward the center, gathering into a ring that spans about 3,800 light years.”
“Two dark dust trails parallel to the bar signify the entry points where gas from the bar transitions into the ring.”
“The dense gas within the nuclear starburst ring creates an ideal environment for initiating a substantial number of stars.”
Utilizing Hubble data, astronomers have identified over 80 potential star clusters within the NGC 6951 ring.
“Many of these stars formed within the last 100 million years, yet the ring itself has an extended lifespan, potentially persisting for 1 to 1.5 billion years,” the researchers elaborated.
The recently identified mineral, Phalic Hydroxysullate, sheds light on the environmental conditions and history of Mars, hinting at potential past volcanic, ash, or hydrothermal activities.
A distinct spectral unit on the Juventue Plateau on Mars. Image credit: Bishop et al, doi: 10.1038/s41467-025-61801-2.
The compact reconnaissance imaging spectrometer (CRISM) on NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter has gathered hyperspectral data, enabling the mapping of numerous minerals that enhance our understanding of Mars’ ancient geochemical history.
Various sulfate minerals have been identified both from orbit and during landing missions, utilizing spectral parameters, X-ray diffraction, and elemental composition to compare with minerals found on Earth.
In 2010, a unique spectral band was detected in the CRISM data from Mars, specifically on the plateau near Juvento Chasma and within the eroded impact crater Arum Chaos.
This spectral band did not match any known minerals, presenting challenges in mineral identification for over 15 years.
Initial laboratory studies suggested that dehydrated iron sulfate could be the source of this unidentified material.
“The data obtained from spectrometers can’t be utilized in that manner,” explains Dr. Mario Parent, a researcher at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
“Data adjustments are necessary to account for atmospheric effects.”
“The sunlight reflecting off the minerals and CRISM passes through the Martian atmosphere twice,” he continues. “There are scattering molecules and gases that absorb light.” For instance, Mars has a high concentration of carbon dioxide, which can distort the data.
By employing a deep learning artificial intelligence method, researchers can map both known and unknown minerals, automatically identifying anomalies in individual image pixels.
This technique has revealed additional locations with similar spectral bands and clarified other spectral features.
With refined properties, researchers were able to replicate the minerals in the lab and identify the enigmatic compound as hydroxysulfate.
“Materials formed in laboratory conditions may represent new minerals due to their unique crystal structure and thermal durability,” states Dr. Janice Bishop, a researcher at the SETI Institute and NASA’s Ames Research Center.
“However, it is imperative to find them on Earth to officially classify them as new minerals.”
Hydroxyacids are formed at elevated temperatures (50-100 degrees Celsius) in the presence of oxygen and water under acidic conditions.
“When will we observe this material once we develop a mineral attribution and obtain the necessary indicators of a specific material?” Dr. Parente questions.
Scientists deduced that it formed in Arum Chaos due to geothermal heat, while the same minerals likely originated in Juvento from volcanic activity involving ash or lava.
They speculate this may have occurred during the Amazonian era, which is estimated to be under 3 billion years ago.
“Factors such as temperature, pressure, and pH are critical indicators of what the paleoclimate was like,” states Dr. Parente.
“The existence of this mineral adds depth to our understanding of Martian processes.”
“Some regions of Mars have been chemically and thermally altered more recently than previously thought, providing new insights into the planet’s dynamic surface and its potential to support life.”
Study published in the journal Nature Communications.
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Jl Bishop et al. 2025. The properties of iron hydroxythrusa acid on Mars and the implications of the geochemical environment that supports its formation. Nat commun 16, 7020; doi:10.1038/s41467-025-61801-2
The fish supergroup earball, recognized for its superior hearing abilities, includes two-thirds of freshwater fish species. They were previously believed to have originated in freshwater prior to the breakup of the supercontinent Pangaea. This suggests an almost 80 million-year span from their inception to the earliest known fossils. However, the discovery of Acronichthys MacCognoi—a newly identified freshwater ear fish species from the late Cretaceous period—challenges this assumption.
Reconstruction of the Weberian apparatus in Acronichthys MacCognoi. The central golden bone arises from the rib bones (indicated in grey) that connect the fish’s air bladder (left) to the inner ear (right). Image credit: University of California, Berkeley Ken Chronicle.
Underwater ears require a distinct anatomy compared to those that sense airborne sounds.
Many terrestrial vertebrates have evolved eardrum-like structures that vibrate in response to sound waves.
These eardrums amplify sounds, moving bone arrays, similar to the malleus, incus, and stapes found in human middle ears, which then stimulate the fluid-filled inner ear.
In contrast, sound waves travel through fish, which have a density similar to that of the surrounding water.
Consequently, fish have developed an air-filled bladder that vibrates in response to sound passing through it.
These vibrations are then transferred to the fish’s inner ear in a basic manner in most saltwater species.
However, specialized fish have developed bony structures known as “bones” between the air bladder and inner ear (a system called Weberian apparatus), enhancing the amplification and range of frequencies detectable by their ears. For instance, zebrafish can detect frequencies of up to 15,000 Hz, nearing the human limit of 20,000 Hz.
The reason for these fish’s need to hear high frequencies remains unclear, though it may relate to their existence in varied and complex environments, from swift currents to still lakes.
“reason Acronichthys Maccagnoi Professor Neil Banerjee, a researcher at Western University, noted:
“This represents the oldest known North American member of the group and offers invaluable data for documenting the origins and early evolution of numerous freshwater fish species existing today.”
Acronichthys Maccagnoi thrived in the late Cretaceous period roughly 67 million years ago.
The authors utilized microCT scans of 4 cm long fossils to investigate their Weber structure.
They also studied the genomes and morphology of contemporary fish to refine the evolutionary lineage of freshwater species and simulate frequency responses of the middle ear structures of fossil fish.
Their model indicates that even 67 million years ago, Otophysan fish may have possessed hearing sensitivity on par with today’s zebrafish.
“We were uncertain if this constituted a fully functional Weberian device, but the simulation proved effective,” stated Dr. Juan Liu, a paleontologist at the University of California, Berkeley.
“The Weberian apparatus suggests it’s less sensitive than that of zebrafish.”
“However, the peak sensitivity frequency is not as low as that of zebrafish (500-1,000 Hz). This is not an insignificant finding, and it’s conceivable that this ancient Otophysan fish achieved a higher hearing frequency.”
This discovery indicates that at least two transitions from marine to freshwater species occurred during the evolution of otolaryngology.
Researchers estimate the divergence times for ear plants migrating from ocean to freshwater habitats occurred around 154 million years ago (late Jurassic period), following the fragmentation of Pangaea around 200 million years ago.
“Dinosaurs are fascinating, attracting significant attention, which means we know a lot about them. However, there’s still much to uncover regarding the diversity of prehistoric freshwater fish.”
“Many keys to understanding the origins of the groups that currently dominate rivers and lakes worldwide can be found in Canadian fossil sites.”
A paper detailing these findings was published in the journal Science on October 2nd.
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Juan Liu et al. 2025. Marine origin and freshwater radiation of ENT. Science 390 (6768): 65-69; doi: 10.1126/science.adr4494
Black Holes Are Exceptionally Potent Matter Distributors
NASA Image Collection/Alamy
A surprisingly violent black hole may have triggered the enigma of the elusive cosmic material.
Mysterious dark matter fills much of the universe, but ordinary matter continues to puzzle cosmologists. Some of this ordinary matter, known as baryons, has seemed to vanish for quite some time. Recently, researchers uncovered its hiding place, and Boryana Hadzhiyska from the University of California, Berkeley and her colleagues discovered how black holes influence its distribution, leaving it concealed.
“Materials consist of essential components, dark matter, and baryonic matter, which is essentially gas. The shape of a star represents a certain percentage, while the remaining is diffuse gas,” she explains. The diffuse gas is faint and hard to detect, but her team has integrated various observations to locate it.
One dataset they utilized illustrates how baryon matter creates shadows against the residual radiation from the Big Bang, the microwave background of the universe. Another crucial part of the investigation involved analyzing how afterglow gets distorted by the gravitational fields of massive objects. By combining these observations, the team identified where dark matter and baryonic matter would cluster and spread.
Hadzhiyska finds it thrilling to discover that baryonic matter is considerably more widespread than dark matter. This indicates that the ultra-massive black hole residing in the galaxy ejects it in an unexpectedly dynamic manner.
“We have a precise understanding of how this process occurs and how powerful it is, which allows us to gauge the number of problems being expelled from a particular galaxy. Up to now, this has remained quite uncertain,” says Colin Hill at Columbia University in New York. Researchers can perform computer simulations to model galaxies and their evolution, but to get such a detail right, this type of analysis is absolutely vital, he adds. “It provides us with a supplementary probe to comprehend the role of ultra-massive black holes in redistributing gas within galaxies,” notes Alex Krolevsky from the University of Waterloo, Canada.
Hadzhiyska asserts that this analysis will also help address ongoing debates about the universe’s mass. This encompasses both ordinary and unseen dark matter frameworks of the universe, driven by gravity. Her team is currently seeking to integrate more types of observations into their analysis, such as the way brief bursts of cosmic radio waves traverse the diffuse baryon gas. They emphasize the need for an improved “Baryon Census” with reduced uncertainty, as stated by Michael Shull from the University of Colorado at Boulder.
Does this exposition unveil the oddities of matter distribution in the universe, prompting theorists and modelers to return to their sketches? “We anticipate a breakthrough. My wish is that dark matter will begin to show deviations from the standard cosmological model,” states Hadzhiyska.
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Paleontologists from the United States and the Slovak Republic have identified and named a new genus and species of hadrosaur dinosaur that roamed what is now New Mexico during the Cretaceous period.
Reconstructing the life of Acisresaurus wimani based on the holotype and related species. Image credit: Sergey Krasovskiy.
“Hadrosauridae“, a family of large herbivorous dinosaurs, were once among the most prevalent dinosaurs in the Late Cretaceous terrestrial ecosystems of the Western Interior Basin of North America for nearly 20 million years,” stated paleontologist Sebastian Dalman from Montana State University, along with colleagues from Harrisburg University, Pennsylvania State University, New Mexico Museum of Natural History, and Pavol Josef Shafarik University.
“Known commonly as ‘duck-billed’ dinosaurs, this group displayed remarkable taxonomic diversity and success during the Cretaceous period.”
“In the final 20 million years of the Cretaceous, hadrosaurids spread across the globe, appearing in Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Europe, and the Americas.”
The newly identified species, Acisresaurus wimani, lived during the late Cretaceous period, roughly 75 million years ago.
Fossilized dinosaur bones were uncovered in the geological formations of the Kirtland Formation, located in the A Si Sle Pa Wilderness, situated between Chaco Canyon and the De Na Gin Wilderness in San Juan County, New Mexico.
“The holotype specimen includes a diagnostically incomplete skull, several isolated cranial elements such as the right zygoma, quadrate, and dentary, along with a series of articulated cervical vertebrae,” the researchers noted.
“Besides the holotype, additional specimens from the same layer could also belong to this newly described species, including a well-preserved left dentary, a partial skeleton, and two humeri—one from a large adult and the other from a juvenile.”
In prior research, Acisresaurus wimani was linked to Kritosaurus, an early genus of saurolophine hadrosaurids found in the Kirtland Formation.
Both species share a close relationship within the subfamily Hadrosaurinae, specifically the Saurolophinae.
However, phylogenetic analyses indicate that they are distinct groups existing during the Campanian period of the Cretaceous in southern Laramidia.
“The younger species, Kritosaurus, belongs to the Critosaurini clade, comprising various species from northern Laramidia,” the scientists explained.
“Furthermore, phylogenetic results indicate the existence of a clade that includes Acisresaurus and Naashoibitosaurus, having diverged from Critosaurini in the late Campanian (75 million years ago), alongside two unnamed species in southern Laramidia.”
According to the research team, Naashoibitosaurus and Acisresaurus represent flat-headed saurolophines that could form a new category of hadrosaurids.
“This clade points to the considerable taxonomic diversity of saurolophines, which were prominent herbivorous dinosaurs in southern Laramidia during the final 20 million years of the Cretaceous,” the authors remarked.
“The discovery of a new hadrosaur species in New Mexico reinforces the evidence of latitudinal variation in hadrosaur faunas across Laramidia during the Late Cretaceous.”
Sebastian Dalman et al. 2025. A new saurolophine hadrosaurid (Ornithischian: Hadrosauridae) discovered in the Late Cretaceous (Campanian) Hunter Wash Member, Kirtland Formation, San Juan Basin, New Mexico. Bulletin of the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science 101
The stark differences in proximity and width between the moon’s near and far sides, along with their topography, volcanism, and crustal structures, offer crucial insights into the moon’s formation and evolution. However, investigations into the mechanisms behind this hemispherical asymmetry have been constrained by the absence of far-side samples. A recent study revealed fragments of rock and soil collected by China’s Chang’e 6 spacecraft from a large crater on the moon last year. Researchers confirmed that these rock samples are approximately 2.8 billion years old, analyzed the chemical composition of the minerals, and estimated that they were formed from lava deep within the moon at temperatures around 1,100 degrees Celsius. Survey results were published in the journal Natural Earth Science.
A global map of Albedo from a 750 nm filter on a UV-VIS camera mounted on NASA’s Clementine spacecraft. This image shows the near and far side of Lambert’s moon, and is an equal area projection. Image credit: NASA.
“The near and far sides of the moon differ significantly, both on the surface and potentially in their internal structures,” said Professor Yang Lee, a researcher at the University of London.
“This is one of the moon’s great mysteries. We refer to it as the two-sided moon. While variations in temperature between the near and far sides have long been theorized, our research presents the first evidence derived from actual samples.”
“These discoveries bring us closer to understanding the moon’s dual nature,” stated PhD candidate Xuelin Zhu from Peking University.
“They indicate that the disparities between the two sides extend beyond the surface, reaching deep within the moon.”
In this research, the authors examined 300 grams of lunar soil assigned to the Beijing Institute of Uranium Geology.
“This sample represents the first collection by the Chang’e 6 mission from across the moon,” commented Dr. Sheng, a researcher at the same institute.
The researchers found the samples were primarily composed of basalt particles and utilized electron probes to map specific areas of the sample, determining their composition.
They analyzed variations in lead isotopes dating back 2.8 billion years.
Several techniques were employed to estimate the sample temperatures at different stages in the moon’s past.
The first method involved analyzing mineral composition and comparing it with computer simulations to estimate the formation temperatures of the rocks.
This was juxtaposed with similar estimates for rocks from the near side, revealing a temperature difference of approximately 100 degrees Celsius.
The second technique delved further into the sample’s history, inferring from its chemical composition to ascertain the heat of the “parent rock” and comparing it with estimates of lunar samples obtained during the Apollo missions.
Once again, a Celsius difference of about 100 degrees was identified.
Due to the limited samples returned, they estimated the parent rock temperature using satellite data from the Chang’e landing sites on both sides, comparing this with similar data from nearby areas, which revealed a difference of 70 degrees Celsius.
On the moon, thermogenic elements like uranium, thorium, and potassium are often found alongside phosphorus and rare earth elements within a material referred to as KREEP (an acronym for potassium (K), rare earth element (REE), and phosphorus (P)).
The leading theory regarding the moon’s origin posits that it formed from debris resulting from a large-scale collision between Earth and a Mars-sized protoplanet, developing from primarily molten rock.
This magma solidified as it cooled, but KREEP elements were compatible with the forming crystals and remained within the magma for extended periods.
Scientists anticipate that KREEP material would be evenly distributed across the moon. In reality, it appears to be concentrated in the near side’s mantle.
The distribution of these elements may explain why the near side exhibited more volcanic activity.
While the current mantle temperatures on the far and near sides of the moon remain unknown due to this study, the temperature imbalances are likely to persist for a considerable duration, as the moon cools very slowly since its formation from a catastrophic impact.
Scientists aim to provide definitive answers to these questions in ongoing research.
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she et al. Chang’e-6 basalt and relatively cool moon facid mantle inferred from remote sensing. nut. Geosci Published online on September 30th, 2025. doi:10.1038/s41561-025-01815-z
Illustration of two planets circling white dwarf stars
Julian Baum/Science Photo Library
Planets in orbit around white dwarf stars may have the potential to remain habitable due to subtle movements dictated by the general theory of relativity.
As sun-like stars deplete their fuel, they expand into red giants, shedding their outer layers, ultimately leaving behind a dense, hot core called a white dwarf. Evidence shows that giant planets can continue orbiting these remnants, indicating that life may withstand the stars’ expansion.
Moreover, rocky planets could potentially orbit close to these stars within a compact habitable zone. This zone is the region around the star where liquid water can exist on a planet’s surface, though it has yet to be observed. White dwarfs can remain hospitable for immense periods, as they cool down very gradually, possibly for trillions of years.
The habitable zone is located million kilometers away from the stars and is significantly narrower than Earth’s orbit of 150 million kilometers. Previous studies indicated that a massive orbiting planet makes survival untenable due to tidal heating effects: the gravitational pull of a larger planet generates internal friction, leading to a runaway greenhouse effect akin to that of Venus.
However, modeling conducted by Eva Stafne suggests this might not necessarily be the case. Juliet Becker, from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, found that, under certain conditions, Einstein’s general theory of relativity can provide a lifeline for the inner planet.
According to general relativity, massive objects warp space-time, which can be visualized as a dip or “well” on a flat surface. Essentially, the gravity wells of the host star become detached from the orbiting planet, slowly rotating and interacting inconsistently as the planet moves in and out of these wells.
“There’s a precession that separates the outer planet from the inner planet,” says Stafne, which prevents extreme tidal effects on the inner planet. “Past simulations did not consider general relativity, but this highlights the importance of including it in these close systems.”
Without considering general relativity, the outer planet, which would need to be at least 18 times more massive than the innermost planet, could provoke this runaway greenhouse effect, Becker explains. Yet, “factoring in general relativity changes the outcome dramatically,” she states. The inner planet can remain hospitable to similar distances, even with an outer planet as large as Neptune.
Mary Anne Limbach from the University of Michigan is uncertain about the likelihood of discovering such systems. “I’m not even sure if any habitable planets exist around white dwarfs,” she states. Telescopes like the James Webb Space Telescope are actively on the lookout for rocky worlds in the vicinity of white dwarfs.
Nevertheless, this research reveals a unique series of plausible scenarios where inhabitants of distant worlds may thrive under suitable conditions, thanks to the bending of space-time.
“We might have a better understanding of how common relativity can be than we think,” Limbach observes.
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