Everyone has a favorite movie villain, whether it’s Darth Vader or Cruella de Vil. These iconic characters captivate us, sparking a fascination that goes beyond their nefarious deeds.
Logically, this admiration doesn’t make sense. These characters are undeniably bad, dangerous, and often downright evil… yet we find ourselves rooting for them!
According to recent research, while most people acknowledge the villainous actions of these characters, they often believe there’s a “good” side lurking beneath. But why do we think this?
One reason might be that compelling plots depend on conflict, which is frequently brought to life by the antagonist. In essence, the excitement kicks in when the villain steps onto the scene.
The more diabolical the villain, the greater our entertainment. This simple fact often suggests that a movie’s success correlates with its villain’s role.
Just like how many people enjoy horror movies or thrilling activities like bungee jumping—despite their inherent dangers—our brains connect these experiences with positive emotions. Objectively “bad” experiences can elicit joy.
To reconcile this cognitive dissonance, we may instinctively convince ourselves that the villain can’t be *that* bad.
If we see ourselves as good people, we often believe villains have some goodness too. – Image credit: Getty Images
Our perceptions are shaped by our personal experiences, beliefs, and moral compass, leading us to view ourselves as inherently good.
When we emotionally connect with a character, such as an intriguing villain, we use our moral framework to understand their motives. If we can empathize with them, we subconsciously assume they possess some goodness too.
Right?
While there may be many psychological factors influencing our attraction to villains, the key takeaway is that, while we may cheer against them, we secretly appreciate their presence.
This article addresses the intriguing question from Lancaster’s Luke Rees: “Why do we root for the villain in a movie?”
For inquiries, reach out to us at:questions@sciencefocus.com or follow us onFacebook,Twitter, orInstagram. (Don’t forget to include your name and location.)
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A newly identified genus and species of titanosaurian sauropod dinosaur, related to South American forms, has been unveiled by a research team led by the University of Bath, including Dr. Nick Longrich.
Reconstruction of Phosphatotitan khouribgaensis. Image credit: Conor Ashbridge.
Phosphatotitan khouribgaensis thrived in present-day Morocco during the “late but not latest” Maastrichtian epoch of the Cretaceous period, around 70 million years ago.
“The closing Cretaceous epoch witnessed the last diversification of dinosaurs, leading up to the end-Cretaceous extinction,” noted Longrich and team in their research.
“Discussions about Cretaceous dinosaur diversity have largely concentrated on the well-documented fauna of Laurasia.”
“However, there’s limited information about the dinosaur species from the Southern Hemisphere, particularly Africa.”
Fossils of Phosphatotitan khouribgaensis were excavated from the Sidi Shenan phosphate deposit in the Ourad Abdoun Basin, located in the Kouribga region of Morocco.
The fossil collection includes sacrum, parts of the pelvis, dorsal and caudal vertebrae.
“The phosphates in the Ourad-Aboun Basin consist of a mix of phosphate sandstone, marl, and limestone,” the paleontologists explained.
“These materials were formed in warm, shallow continental oceans and are part of a phosphate belt that developed along the Atlantic and Tethyan Seas during the Late Cretaceous and early Paleogene.”
Despite its North African origins, Phosphatotitan khouribgaensis appears closely linked to the Lognkosauria, a group of titanosaurs previously identified only in South America, known for harboring some of the largest land animals.
This connection implies that these dinosaurs roamed the ancient supercontinent Gondwana before the split of Africa and South America over 100 million years ago.
Alternatively, these dinosaurs could have crossed the narrow oceanic barrier between the two continents later on.
“This novel species differs from the titanosaurs described from Cretaceous Africa and Europe but bears resemblance to South American lognkosaurs, particularly Patagotitan,” the researchers remarked. “The dorsal and caudal centra are notably short, the neural spines are expanded, and the pubis is broad.”
In contrast to its giant South American cousins, Phosphatotitan khouribgaensis was relatively small, weighing an estimated 3.5 to 4 tons, significantly less than other titans like Patagotitan. This size reduction may be attributed to environmental factors or geographical isolation.
It is suggested that parts of North Africa might have acted as an island during the Late Cretaceous, a setting that typically favored smaller species.
Phosphatotitan khouribgaensis, akin to previously identified hadrosaurids, indicates that Morocco likely hosted a unique endemic population during the latest Cretaceous, distinct from other African fauna,” the authors noted.
“Increased sea levels during the Late Cretaceous could have led to isolated landmasses, resulting in distinctive faunas shaped by geographic isolation and local extinctions.”
“The substantial endemism observed among modern Cretaceous dinosaurs suggests a potentially incomplete understanding of dinosaur diversity, complicating efforts to discern global patterns prior to the end-Cretaceous extinction.”
The discovery of Phosphatotitan khouribgaensis is documented in a study published in the journal Diversity.
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Nicholas R. Longrich et al. 2026. Titanosaurian sauropods (Lognkosaurinae: Argentinosauridae) with South American affinities from the Late Maastrichtian of Morocco, and evidence of specific African dinosaur fauna. Diversity 18 (5): 241; doi: 10.3390/d18050241
Astronomers have amassed compelling evidence indicating that 80 percent of all matter in the universe is composed of dark matter, an invisible substance that holds galaxies together and impacts their rotation.
The large-scale structure of the universe and measurements of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) further support the presence of an undetermined entity saturating the cosmos.
While there is substantial evidence that dark matter forms extensive halos around galaxies and star clusters, and is relatively sparse in expansive “voids”, there is no basis to dismiss the existence of dark matter in proximity to Earth.
In fact, one study indicates that approximately 24 trillion tons of dark matter exist between the Earth and the Moon. The validity of this claim is still under investigation.
This article addresses a question from Charles Adcock: “Is it possible that dark matter exists around the Earth, but remains undetectable?”
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Water consists of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, represented as H2O. However, in a standard water molecule, those hydrogen atoms contain only a single proton. In contrast, cometary water features a significant proportion of deuterium (D), a form of hydrogen combining a standard proton with a neutron. This deuterated water, such as that found in the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, presents evidence of remarkably different environmental conditions from billions of years ago, akin to the half-heavy water (HDO) identified in comets within our solar system.
This image from the Subaru Telescope shows the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS. Image provided by: National Astronomical Observatory of Japan
Water is an essential molecule pivotal to life and various astrophysical processes.
From an astrobiological standpoint, water serves as a crucial solvent facilitating the emergence of life on Earth, and it is tracked across the universe as a potential indicator of habitable environments beyond our solar system.
During the formation of stars and planets, water in its gaseous phase acts as an efficient coolant, assisting the collapse of molecular clouds and the birth of stars.
In frozen conditions, water coats dust particles, enhancing their adhesion and accelerating planetary core growth.
Water has been identified in both gaseous and icy forms throughout our galaxy and beyond, even in high-redshift galaxies.
These discoveries encompass the entire solar system, including molecular clouds, protostellar systems, prestellar nuclei, protoplanetary disks, comets, meteorites, active asteroids, planets, and moons.
Current research endeavors aim to link water pathways across these varied environments, aiming to unravel the origins and evolution of water in planetary system formation.
The deuterium-to-hydrogen (D/H) ratio in water acts as a potent chemical tracer, informing where the water was formed, the physical conditions during its creation, and its subsequent treatment.
“Recent observations from the Atacama Large Millimeter/Submillimeter Array (ALMA) indicate that the conditions that led to the formation of our Solar System differ significantly from those that shaped planetary systems in other regions of the Galaxy,” explained Dr. Luis E. Salazar Manzano, a student at the University of Michigan.
“Most instruments can’t survey the sun, but radio telescopes like ALMA can,” Dr. Teresa Paneque Carreño from the University of Michigan added. “We successfully observed the comet just as it passed behind the Sun, shortly after its perihelion.”
“This provides us with constraints on these molecules that other instruments cannot match.”
ALMA’s measurements of the D/H ratio in water from 3I/ATLAS indicate values over 30 times higher than those observed in comets formed within our solar system, and more than 40 times the levels found in Earth’s oceans.
“We’ve established that the gas cloud that birthed the star associated with 3I/ATLAS and the other planets in its system originated under distinct, frigid conditions, contrasting sharply with the environment that formed our solar system and local comets,” Salazar Manzano revealed.
This finding offers a unique fundamental insight, unlike other more complex molecular studies in interstellar comets, as the deuterium-to-hydrogen proportions were determined during the Big Bang.
“The chemical processes leading to deuterium water enrichment are highly temperature-sensitive, typically requiring environments below about 30 K (equivalent to -243 degrees Celsius or -406 degrees Fahrenheit),” Salazar Manzano stated.
The D/H ratio of water in this comet was enriched compared to the Big Bang baseline while it formed and was preserved during its interstellar journey.
This interstellar comet likely formed under very specific radiation conditions in a far colder environment than the history of our solar system before being ejected into interstellar space.
“Each interstellar comet carries fragments of its history and ‘fossils’ from diverse locations,” expressed Dr. Paneque Carreño.
“While the exact formation site remains elusive, instruments like ALMA enable us to begin comprehending the conditions there and drawing comparisons to our solar system.”
The research team’s results were published on April 23rd in the journal Nature Astronomy.
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LE Salazar Manzano et al. 3I/ATLAS water D/H as a probe of another planetary system’s formation status. Nat Astron published online on April 23, 2026. doi: 10.1038/s41550-026-02850-5
James McDonald, New York State Department of Health Commissioner, addresses the measles outbreak.
Jim Franco/Albany Times Union via Getty Images
An increasing number of gamblers are placing bets on measles cases in the United States. In January alone, approximately $9 million was wagered on projected cases via the Calci and Polimarket prediction markets, suggesting that these predictions may accurately model infection spread.
Prediction markets operate by allowing participants to buy and sell shares related to the outcomes of specific future events. Each market poses a question regarding upcoming events, enabling bets on “yes” or “no” outcomes, with the share prices determined by collective betting behavior.
For instance, if 86% of bets forecast a “yes” outcome, a “yes” share costs 86 cents. Should the event occur, the successful bettor would receive $1 for each share bought, while the unsuccessful bettor loses their stake.
The concept of prediction markets originated from scientific research. In 1988, University of Iowa economists Robert Forsythe, George Newman, and Forrest Nelson sought a method to forecast federal elections, ultimately developing a betting market model. This model enabled researchers and students to place modest bets predicting election outcomes.
Market predictions proved to be quite accurate. In 2003, Philip Polgreen, an infectious disease researcher at the University of Iowa, encouraged economists to integrate disease prediction into these markets. Polgreen stated these markets were established “on an ethos of education and public benefit.”
Recently, however, prediction markets have commercialized, driven by companies like Kalshi and Polymarket. While these entities comply with U.S. regulations set by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, they face mounting criticism from federal and state authorities.
For example, these markets have been criticized for allowing bets on conflicts such as the wars in Iran and Ukraine. Critics deem this practice as immoral. In February, a trader known as Magamiman made $553,000 by accurately predicting the timing of Ayatollah Khamenei’s removal from power.
Following the prediction, Khamenei was reported dead on February 28, 2026. This event raised ethical concerns among some U.S. Congress members regarding the potential monetization of state secrets.
Alarmingly, measles cases are reportedly on the rise across the United States, prompting the emergence of a betting market centered on this illness. While the ethical ramifications of such wagers are complex, there may be a beneficial side to this practice. Spencer J. Fox, a professor at Northern Arizona University forecasting diseases like COVID-19, views the measles prediction markets as a potentially rich data source.
For instance, the June 2025 prediction market anticipated roughly 2,000 measles cases for the year, a number very close to the actual reported total of 2,087. “Our model generated numerous worse predictions,” explained Fox.
Epidemiologists employ multiple data streams (vaccination rates, genomic data, and climate data) to forecast disease outbreaks. “Everyone seeks an advantage in predicting infectious diseases, and we continually explore new data streams,” noted Fox, adding that measles forecasts are rare due to the disease’s “highly stochastic” nature.
Cognitive scientist Emile Servan-Schreiber, CEO of prediction market firm Hypermind, believes he understands why measles predictions maintain such accuracy. He suggests these markets leverage “the wisdom of the crowd,” with “amateurs providing cognitive diversity to offset their lack of expertise.”
Nevertheless, Fox emphasizes that prediction markets cannot simply replace epidemiologists’ scientific models. For example, these markets do not account for as many explicit predictions and lack detailed granularity concerning future outcome probabilities. “We would need to make thousands of bets each week on all the different predictions we’re formulating,” he remarked.
Furthermore, Fox asserts that only specialists can accurately predict rare events. “If we don’t invest in developing expertise for infectious disease predictions now, we will be overwhelmed by the next coronavirus.”
Kalshi and Polimarket have yet to respond to requests for comments from New Scientist.
Recent fossil discoveries from the Namba Formation in South Australia have revealed that 25 million years ago, Obdurodon’s insignis — an ancient, larger, toothed ancestor of the modern platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) — thrived alongside freshwater dolphins and other now-extinct species in verdant inland lakes.
An artist’s impression of the approximately 25-million-year-old fossil platypus and its surroundings. Image credit: Gen Conway, Flinders University Institute of Paleontology
“The platypus is extremely rare in the fossil record, mostly limited to tooth remains, making the discovery of new fossils significant for understanding this unique mammal,” stated Flinders University palaeontologist Dr. Aaron Camens.
First described in 1975, Obdurodon’s insignis inhabited the vast permanent lakes, slow-flowing rivers, and forested lowlands of central Australia during the late Oligocene, approximately 25 million years ago.
This species notably differs from today’s platypuses, possessing fully formed molars and premolars, unlike modern platypuses, which lose their vestigial teeth shortly after hatching.
Previously, Obdurodon’s insignis was known only from limited remains, including one and a half molars and fragments of the jaw and pelvis. However, this recent find includes one of the few well-preserved fossils of a related younger species, Obdurodon dicksoni, identified in 1992.
While Obdurodon dicksoni resembled modern platypuses, it had a slightly larger skull and a stronger bite.
“The new material of Obdurodon’s insignis includes the first premolars, the key teeth located in front of the molars,” said Dr. Camens. “This species had large, pointed front teeth and formidable molars capable of crushing shelled animals, such as yabbies.”
Dr. Trevor Worthy, also from Flinders University, highlighted an intriguing discovery: the scapulochoroid bone, which supports the arms and forelimbs. “This finding indicates that the limb structure closely resembles that of modern platypuses, suggesting ancient platypuses were adept swimmers like their modern relatives,” he noted.
“These fossils, dating back 25 million years, provide a glimpse of an ancient platypus that was larger and possessed teeth compared to modern variants.”
Research indicates that during this period, dense forests nurtured diverse communities of arboreal mammals, including koalas and various possum species.
On the forest floor, a sheep-sized marsupial coexisted with numerous other species, including familiar lizards, frogs, and small carnivorous marsupials.
These ancient trees also hosted a variety of birds, including the impressive Steller’s sea eagle, Archehieracus.
The ancient lakes teemed with lungfish and other small fish, while several species of waterfowl, cormorants, and flamingos thrived along the shores, feeding on fish, plants, and small invertebrates.
Interestingly, these freshwater ecosystems were also home to small dolphins, with their teeth and bones discovered at several fossil locations, revealing signs of this diverse ancient community.
“This rich environment was where the ancient toothed platypus lived 25 million years ago, before its remains settled into the lake’s depths,” explained Dr. Jen Conway, also from Flinders University.
This remarkable discovery is detailed in the latest issue of Australian Zoologist.
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Trevor H. Worthy et al. 2026. New material for the toothed platypus Obdurodon’s insignis (Monotremata: Ornithorhynchidae) from the Late Oligocene fauna of Pimpa, Billeroo Creek, South Australia. Australian Zoologist 45 (1): AZ26011; doi: 10.1071/AZ26011
Honor’s Humanoid Robot Triumphs at the 2026 Beijing E-Town Humanoid Robot Half Marathon
Lintao Zhang/Getty Images
Recently, Sabastian Thor set a new world record with a sub-2 hour marathon. However, he is not the only athlete pushing boundaries. On April 19th, a humanoid robot from Chinese tech giant Honor shattered the human half marathon record. Additionally, Unitree’s robot is remarkably close to matching human speed in the 100-meter sprint. These advancements prompt two critical inquiries: How fast can humanoid robots run, and what purpose do they serve at such high speeds?
The inaugural Beijing E-Town Half Marathon and Humanoid Robot Half Marathon took place in 2025. This year’s edition witnessed a near fivefold increase in participating robot teams—over 100 teams fielded more than 300 humanoid robots. In 2025, the fastest half marathon time recorded for an autonomous robot was 2 hours and 40 minutes; this year, it was significantly reduced to just over 50 minutes source.
Meanwhile, robot manufacturer Unitree has announced that its bipedal H1 model reached an astonishing speed of 10.1 meters per second. For comparison, Usain Bolt’s record-breaking 100-meter dash requires an average speed of 10.44 m/s, indicating that the human record is clearly within reach.
Several factors contribute to the swift improvements in mobile robotics, according to Chef Petar Corum at Imperial College London. Reduced component prices, alongside advances in more powerful and efficient motors, have bolstered robot responsiveness and agility. Furthermore, faster computer chips utilize less power while enabling more sophisticated control algorithms. Enhanced communication and more compact, accurate sensors have also played a role in this evolution.
However, if speed is the primary objective, mimicking human design may not be the optimal approach. “Humans are not efficiently designed for running, as it’s not a survival necessity,” explains Benam Dadashzadeh from Bournemouth University, UK. In fact, research indicates that robots emulating an emu’s running style can be up to 300% more efficient than those designed with human features.
Dadashzadeh remains uncertain whether advances in mobile robotics will directly benefit the environments where humanoid robots are expected to operate. If speed is essential, “you can always simply equip it with wheels,” he suggests.
While the demand for mobile robots may not be evident, competitions serve as excellent testing grounds. Kormschev notes, “These events act as stress tests for hardware, requiring high torque over extended periods, which can lead to overheating.” He compares it to car manufacturers participating in rigorous rally competitions, which demonstrate their ability to produce durable products. Both Unitree and Honor declined to comment to New Scientist on their motivations.
However, such competitions can lead to designs that may not be well-suited for practical applications. Kormschev points out that robots showcased in running events often lack functioning limbs or even heads, with large hip joints optimized purely for straight-line speed. “If lateral movement is required, these robots will struggle, as their design favors forward motion at the expense of versatility,” he explains.
Just because humanoid robots become more capable and affordable doesn’t imply they will lack utility. Human-like robots hold several advantages in spaces designed for human interaction, including the ability to operate door handles, ascend stairs, navigate furniture, and use tools.
So, how fast can humanoid robots ultimately go? Dadashzadeh suspects that the upper limits for human-like robots are likely already established. He predicts that while they may surpass human records, the difference will be slight. “They’ll be close, but robots will likely be just marginally faster,” he states.
Diagram of T Cells Attacking Proliferating Cancer Cells
Location South/Alamy
Our immune system constantly targets cells considered threats. However, when rogue immune cells attack our own body, it leads to autoimmune disorders. Current treatments can suppress these attacks but don’t prevent them. Fortunately, innovative therapies that eliminate rogue cells are proving to be highly effective.
According to Reuben Benjamin from King’s College London, “All major pharmaceutical companies are now investing in this approach.” He notes that there are numerous clinical trials in progress, with potential approvals as early as next year, as these new treatments show improved efficacy over existing options.
The cornerstone of these advances is the use of genetically engineered CAR T cells. These specialized T cells typically destroy cells infected by bacteria or viruses. For this innovative therapy, T cells are extracted from patients, engineered to target specific cells, and reintroduced into their bodies.
Initially developed for cancer treatment, CAR T cells have shown remarkable success in curing individuals when all other therapies have failed. However, they primarily work against blood cancers like leukemia and come with significant side effects, including brain inflammation that can impact language and behavior.
Both cancer and autoimmune diseases result from mutated cells that evade normal growth controls. Autoimmune conditions occur when rogue immune cells mistakenly attack healthy tissues. For instance, type 1 diabetes arises from immune assaults on insulin-producing pancreatic cells, and multiple sclerosis results from attacks on the myelin sheath surrounding nerves. “The list of autoimmune diseases is extensive,” states Benjamin.
After exposure to infection, the body generates new immune cells, which undergo screening to eliminate self-reacting cells. However, in some cases, this process fails, allowing rogue cells to persist indefinitely.
Recent research has confirmed that mutations in critical genes may hamper this screening process, preventing self-destructive mechanisms. Essentially, autoimmune disorders resemble cancer more closely than previously understood.
Despite this similarity, it remains ambiguous whether CAR T cell therapies effective against cancer would also work for autoimmune diseases. A significant challenge lies in differentiating rogue immune cells from normal ones, necessitating the destruction of most antibody-producing cells—not solely the rogue ones.
In cancer patients, CAR T cells can persist for years; however, for autoimmune conditions, they might compromise immunity. Yet, using CAR T cells for autoimmune disorders has shown promising results, with less risk of severe side effects compared to cancer treatments.
“Miraculous” Results
Five years ago, Fabian Muller and his team at Erlangen University Hospital in Germany began treating lupus patients with CAR T cells. Müller noted, “The initial patients were critically ill and would have perished without treatment.” To their astonishment, CAR T cells effectively diminished symptoms, allowing the immune system to recover.
Muller attributes this success to the intact immune systems in autoimmune patients, which recognize CAR T cells as foreign and eliminate them after a few months, unlike patients with weakened immunity from cancer.
Despite potential risks, treatments show promise in managing autoimmune disorders. While many patients with cancer experience severe side effects, lupus patients treated with CAR T cells often do not. “It’s genuinely a miracle,” Muller remarked, anticipating this therapy might extend beyond the most severe cases.
He presents three reasons for these unexpected outcomes: CAR T cells destroy fewer cells in autoimmune patients than in advanced cancer patients; the quality of CAR T cells in autoimmune cases is generally higher; and overactive immune responses in cancer patients may lead to excessive CAR T cell reactions.
Globally, hundreds of patients are currently being treated with CAR T cells for autoimmune diseases. Although definitive trial results are pending, initial reports indicate significant effectiveness against disorders like lupus, myasthenia gravis, and ulcerative colitis. While doctors remain cautious not to label it a “cure,” successful elimination of rogue cells holds the possibility of long-lasting relief.
According to Benjamin, “In the world of cancer, we often wait five years to discuss potential cures. In the realm of autoimmunity, the answer is still unclear.” Yet, if rogue cells emerge again, re-treatment could be an option.
Nonetheless, caution is advised. The damage inflicted by self-targeting immune cells may not be reversible, and not all rogue cells are easily identified or targeted. Furthermore, the cost of CAR T cell therapy poses a significant hurdle for widespread adoption—harvesting, modifying, and reinfusing personal cells can be prohibitively expensive.
On a positive note, researchers are developing so-called off-the-shelf CAR T-cell therapies for broader application. These use donor T cells to treat multiple patients, which could address some logistical challenges posed by current methods. While commercially available CAR T cells have had limited success in cancer treatment, their stability in autoimmune patients could offer advantages.
Additionally, innovations in “in-vivo CAR T cells” create CAR T cells within a patient’s body rather than in a lab, streamlining production and potentially reducing costs. “We’re genuinely excited about this,” Benjamin concludes.
While challenges may emerge down the line, the progress made in using CAR T cells for autoimmune disorders surpasses expectations from just five years ago. This development is promising news for the approximately one in ten individuals affected by such conditions.
Australia is experiencing a rapid increase in home battery storage installations as households rush to capitalize on government subsidies. My home is among those making the switch. Recently, we became part of the 300,000 homes that have already installed subsidized batteries, enabling us to power our house and electric vehicle at minimal costs.
My fascination with household batteries began when I first wrote about them for New Scientist. They store energy produced by rooftop solar panels, making it possible to use clean energy for daily needs or to charge an electric vehicle. By generating and retaining energy on-site, we significantly lower our carbon footprint and safeguard against volatile energy prices, especially those heightened by current global events, such as the disputes surrounding the Strait of Hormuz.
Initially, household batteries seemed unattainable due to their steep price. However, recent reductions in cost have made them increasingly affordable, even without government support.
To achieve home ownership under my first requirement, my family and I relocated from high-cost Sydney to a regional city about 400 kilometers north. There, we purchased a modest but durable 1970s brick home. We installed 13 solar panels on our roof, totaling 6.6 kilowatts—the most common size in Australia—maximizing our solar energy collection and acquired a reasonably priced electric vehicle.
Thanks to our solar panels, we now enjoy free electricity for appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, refrigerators, and induction cooktops on sunny days. However, when the sun sets or during gloomy weather, we revert to grid power. Charging our car overnight or running air conditioning during heatwaves incurs costs.
We contemplated purchasing a standard 15-kilowatt-hour domestic battery to store solar energy for night-time use but were daunted by the AU$20,000 (£10,000) price tag. With the government’s subsidy program launched in July 2025, costs dropped to AU$13,000 (£6,500), making it more feasible, especially since repayment could be done interest-free over five years.
The battery system we opted for comprises three lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄) packs housed in an aesthetically pleasing white box, located on a shaded wall outside our home to prevent overheating.
Since installation, our electricity bills have plummeted to approximately AU$25 (£13) monthly, even with continual overnight air conditioning use. This is a stark contrast to the average AU$300 (£150) monthly expenditure prior to the installation of our solar panels and batteries, although we still pay a minor fixed supply charge covering meter readings and grid maintenance.
To further curtail expenses, we recently joined a virtual power plant initiative that connects thousands of households with home batteries, allowing participants to share excess energy. Those who contribute can earn up to AU$300 (£150) annually for sharing this energy, potentially eliminating electricity costs.
Our batteries also shielded us from recent fuel price spikes following the Strait of Hormuz closure, where Australian petrol costs surged by 40 percent. Even with a shift to 70% diesel for travel, we maintained nearly free vehicle operation. Additionally, our batteries ensured we had power during a recent hour-long outage in our neighborhood.
While not everyone can afford a home battery or even homeownership, there are initiatives for making this green technology accessible. For instance, in South Australia, residents of public housing managed by the government can apply for free solar panel and battery installation to lessen their energy expenses.
Concerns regarding household battery safety are common, but the risk appears low. A study from Germany found that the likelihood of a household battery fire is 1 in 50, making them less likely to catch fire than standard residential fires and comparable to clothes dryer fires. Some household batteries, particularly lithium iron phosphate, are deemed safer than others.
The Australian Government’s home battery storage initiative is gaining momentum, requiring an additional AU$5 billion (approx. £2.65 billion) to expand the program. However, individual subsidies may decrease next month to enable broader accessibility. With aspirations for 2 million storage batteries installed by 2030 in Australia, significant progress is hoped.
In contrast, the UK’s adoption of this technology has been sluggish, with only 20,000 household batteries established annually. However, recent government announcements hint at the impending rollout of new subsidies to enhance uptake.
While some technologies I’ve discussed in the past have seemed outlandish—like massage-giving robots or tiny cars driven by rats—home batteries exemplify tangible, groundbreaking tech. It’s gratifying to witness their rise in popularity and to benefit from this innovation ourselves. With the considerable savings we’ve gained, we could even afford a robot massage therapist someday!
The colossal soft-bodied cephalopod, reaching lengths of up to 19 meters (62 feet), once rivaled the most ferocious reptiles of the Cretaceous seas and was likely preyed upon, according to a groundbreaking study led by paleontologists at Hokkaido University.
Artist’s impression of an ancient giant octopus. Image provided by: Yohei Utsugi, Hokkaido University
For hundreds of millions of years, it was believed that marine ecosystems were dominated by large vertebrate apex predators, relegating invertebrates to minor prey roles.
However, unlike their shelled counterparts, octopuses have carved out a unique evolutionary path.
These fascinating creatures have evolved soft bodies, which allow for remarkable mobility, vision, and intelligence.
Some octopus species have grown to enormous sizes, serving as apex predators, yet their precise ecological roles have remained unclear due to limited fossil records.
“Our discoveries suggest that the earliest octopuses were giant predators at the apex of the marine food chain during the Cretaceous period,” stated paleontologist Professor Yasuhiro Iba from Hokkaido University.
“Based on exceptionally preserved jaw fossils, we determined that these animals may have reached nearly 19 meters in total length, surpassing the size of modern large marine reptiles.”
“The most astonishing finding was the extent of wear on the jaws.”
This wear, indicative of biting into hard prey, leaves distinctive marks similar to those found in contemporary shell-crushing cephalopods. Measurements of octopus jaws can also estimate the overall body size.
In the study, Professor Iba and colleagues documented evident signs of wear on 15 large jaw fossils of ancient octopus relatives previously collected from Cretaceous deposits in Japan and Vancouver Island.
Moreover, through digital fossil mining techniques, they uncovered 12 flat-tailed octopus jaws entrapped in Cretaceous rocks in Japan.
The analysis categorized two major species: Nanaimoteti Zeretsky and Nanaimoteutis hagarti.
This finned octopus, Nanaimoteutis hagarti, remarkably grows to exceptional sizes ranging from 7 to 19 meters (23 to 62 feet), comparable to contemporary giant marine reptiles, and may represent the largest described invertebrates to date.
Additionally, the jaws of the largest specimens exhibit considerable wear, with the once sharp features of smaller juveniles dulled and rounded over time.
The wear patterns indicate that these creatures were active carnivores, routinely crushing hard shells and bones with powerful bites.
They used their long, flexible arms to capture prey while skillfully dissecting it with their strong beaks—behaviors associated with advanced intelligence.
“This study presents the first direct evidence that invertebrates can evolve into large, intelligent apex predators in an ecosystem largely dominated by vertebrates for approximately 400 million years,” Professor Iba noted.
“Our findings indicate that robust jaws and the absence of a superficial skeleton, a characteristic common to both octopuses and marine vertebrates, were crucial for their evolution into large, intelligent marine predators.”
These findings were published in the Online Journal on April 23, 2026, in Science.
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Arata Ikegami et al. 2026. The earliest octopuses were giant top predators of the Cretaceous oceans. Science 392 (6796): 406-410; doi: 10.1126/science.aea6285
Have you ever considered how geologists uncover the mysteries of ancient beaches and shallow oceans? From identifying paleoenvironments and ancient fauna to understanding seasonal weather patterns and the preservation of ancient landscapes, the key lies in microbial mats—structures formed by sand particles bound together by microorganisms.
Planar microbial mats with ripple marks in Cambrian (left) and modern (right) tidal flats. Image credit: Nora Noffke.
Often underestimated as mere “pond scum,” this concoction of microorganisms and sand is crucial for preserving sedimentological evidence from the ancient world.
At the notable Cambrian Blackberry Hill Site in Wisconsin, USA, these microbial mats have transformed ancient tidal flats preserved in quartz sandstone into remarkable microfossil hubs.
By binding loose sand particles, these microbial mats create stable surfaces that capture delicate imprints of soft-bodied organisms, including jellyfish (Ladle insect), ancient grazing behaviors of mollusks, the enigmatic footprints of long-extinct arthropods, and other signs of animal activity.
Without this microbial adhesive, the shifting tides and storms of the Cambrian inland sea would have erased trails and roads as swiftly as modern-day sandcastles vanish on beaches.
The findings at Blackberry Hill offer crucial insights into why animals inhabited tidal flats around 500 million years ago.
Among these was the Eutycarcinoid known as Mosineia—one of the first organisms to construct orbits on land (Protik Knight), a mystery that has fascinated scientists for over 150 years.
This research has also revealed that arthropods likely possessed increased agility compared to sluggish mollusks, taking advantage of the upper intertidal zone to seek alternative food sources and possibly scavenging.
Large, slug-like mollusks—approximately the size of an adult’s foot, occasionally growing to a meter in length—graze on these microbial mats, creating trails termed microbial mats. This behavior supports the theory that the “scum” served as a primary food source that attracted marine life to the intertidal zone (the area between high and low tides along coastlines).
Microbial mats played a pivotal role in the rapid development of fossil traces, shielding them from currents and storm surges, thus preserving records of animal activity, including “death traces” (mortichnia) of animals struggling to survive in dynamic environments.
Moreover, microbial mats preserved in geological formations provide vital clues regarding environmental conditions and events, such as seasonal variations and sudden storms. Ancient storm activities are evidenced by meter-scale fragments of thick microbial mats that have been torn and flipped. Only thinner, more adaptable mats can successfully record these traces.
Large overturned fragments of microbial mats deposited on Cambrian (left) and modern (right) beaches. Note the Climac Knight footprints near the scale in the photo on the left. Image credit: Nora Noffke.
Additionally, the fragments of these mats are preserved, particularly toward the end of the growing season when the microbial mats start to disintegrate.
Microbial mat chips scattered in Cambrian (left) and modern (right) tidal flats. Image credit: Nora Noffke.
“Today, extensive microbial mat systems flourish in tidal flats and lagoons along the coastlines of Earth’s oceans,” stated lead author Nora Noffke, a professor at Old Dominion University. This study was published in the journal Palaios.
“These modern mats thrive under the same conditions seen on Blackberry Hill.”
“Without these essential microbial mats, our understanding of life and earth events through the ages would remain largely hidden from the relentless forces of ancient currents, waves, and time.”
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N. Noffke & KC Gass. 2026. Microbial mat fauna of a Cambrian tidal flat and its implications for the trace fossil record (Elk Mound Group, Wisconsin, USA). Palaios pp. 74-90; doi: 10.2110/palo.2025.042
A recent study reveals that infrasound (very low frequency sounds below 20 Hz) can elevate cortisol levels and increase irritability, providing a scientific rationale for why certain “haunted” locations may evoke feelings of discomfort.
Research by Scatterati et al. has shown that infrasound can evoke irritation and aversion in humans through a combination of self-reports and biological measures, also suggesting a link to increased negative emotional assessments.
Infrasound is defined as sound waves with frequencies below 20 Hz, which can manifest naturally from sources such as tectonic shifts, volcanic eruptions, convective storms, and air-water interactions during upstream water discharge.
Additionally, infrasound is commonly found in urban settings, particularly near ventilation systems, air conditioning units, low-noise piping, traffic, and various mechanical systems.
Exploratory field recordings have detected infrasound energy linked to urban sound environments and live music events.
Professor Rodney Schmaltz from MacEwan University states, “Infrasound is widespread in everyday surroundings, frequently emanating from ventilation apparatus, transit systems, and industrial machinery.”
“Many individuals are unknowingly subjected to these sounds. Our research indicates that even brief exposure can modify mood and elevate cortisol levels. Understanding the effects of infrasound in real-world contexts is crucial.”
The study involved 36 participants who sat alone in a room while either soothing or anxiety-inducing music played.
For half the participants, an inconspicuous subwoofer emitted infrasound at 18 Hz. Afterward, they were asked to report their feelings, emotional evaluations of the music, and whether they suspected infrasound was present. Saliva samples were collected before and after the listening session.
Results showed that cortisol levels in saliva were elevated in participants exposed to infrasound.
These individuals also reported increased irritability, reduced interest, and a perception of the music as sadder, despite not being aware of the infrasound presence.
“This study indicates that the body can react to infrasound even when it goes consciously unheard,” Schmalz explains.
“Participants struggled to accurately identify the presence of infrasound, and their beliefs regarding it had no discernible impact on cortisol levels or mood.”
“When feeling irritable or stressed, cortisol levels naturally rise as a part of the body’s stress response, establishing a connection between increased irritability and elevated cortisol,” notes Dr. Kale Scatterati, a student at the University of Alberta.
“However, exposure to infrasound influenced both outcomes beyond their normal correlation.”
These findings suggest humans can detect infrasound, yet often fail to recognize it, though the underlying mechanism remains unclear.
Furthermore, this research points to the need for further exploration into whether long-term infrasound exposure could affect health due to consistently heightened cortisol levels and mood disturbances associated with increased irritability.
Professor Trevor Hamilton from MacEwan University commented, “Increased cortisol levels trigger alertness and help the body respond to potential stressors.”
“This is an evolutionarily beneficial response but chronic cortisol release can lead to various physiological issues and adversely impact mental health.”
The findings of this research are published in the journal Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience.
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Kale R. Scatterati et al. 2026. Exposure to infrasound is associated with aversion, negative evaluation, and elevated salivary cortisol in humans. Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience 20; doi: 10.3389/fnbeh.2026.1729876
In a well-known anecdote, Henry Ford claimed it was economically inefficient for car parts to outlast the vehicles themselves. This concept leads to considerations such as dispatching employees to junkyards to identify components that are overly durable, paving the way for cheaper material alternatives in the future.
Notably, as of this month, the average price of new EVs in the UK is less than that of new petrol cars. This is particularly encouraging news for consumers. However, in a twist that might unsettle Ford’s philosophy, recent findings suggest that EV batteries should be prioritized properly, as they can outlast the vehicles themselves, indicating that used EVs may represent better value than initially perceived.
“
The average new EV sold in the UK costs less than the average new petrol car. “
This shift towards EVs, both new and used, is making them increasingly attractive on the market. Most EVs remain parked and connected to power for nearly 23 hours daily. Plans are underway to leverage these batteries to temporarily store surplus power for the grid, with operators compensating EV owners when power restoration is required. Although the concept isn’t new, recent pilot programs in the U.S. demonstrate its potential profitability. Average EV drivers could earn thousands each year.
It seems that economic incentives, rather than merely addressing climate change, may spur the green transition. Furthermore, the current fuel crisis driven by the Iran war could also accelerate EV adoption, making fuel-burning cars costlier to maintain.
The EV industry faces challenges, but a slowdown in growth presents clearer pathways moving forward.
George MacKay (Nick, left) and Callum Turner (Liam) embark on a haunting journey home.
Credit: Ian Kingsnorth, BFI
The Rose of Nevada Directed by Mark Jenkin Now showing in UK cinemas. US release on June 19th.
Time functions oddly in desolate locations—this is the central theme of The Rose of Nevada, directed by Mark Jenkin. The film unfolds in a once-thriving fishing village in Cornwall, England, now bereft of its inhabitants and industry. Only a few souls linger amongst the deserted pubs and derelict moorings, remnants of a once-prosperous past. The sea itself feels lifeless.
What more fitting backdrop for a ghost story than this ghost town? After all, aren’t ghosts merely echoes of time? This village exists outside conventional chronology. Three decades ago, a fishing boat and its ill-fated crew tragically vanished at sea, and their absence resonates throughout the village. The tragedy remains unresolved until the re-emergence of the vividly colored Nevada Rose in the harbor.
For Nick (George MacKay), the boat’s return comes at a crucial juncture. As a husband and father struggling to stay afloat, the arrival of the Nevada Rose seems fortuitous. Liam (Callum Turner), an itinerant worker who sleeps on docks, also finds hope when he is recruited by Mike (Edward Lowe), the owner of the Rose of Nevada. They are guided by the seasoned rental captain, Margie (Frances McGee), who has a mysterious connection to the once-missing vessel.
Together, the trio sets sail, hoping to catch enough fish to repair Nick’s leaking roof, pad Liam’s pockets, and perhaps save their village. However, upon the Nevada Rose’s return to shore, something feels amiss. Time has looped back 30 years, and Liam becomes confused for two local men: Alan, an absentee father who vanished with the Rose of Nevada, and Nick, a fisherman haunted by the guilt of missed work on that tragic day.
“
What better place to set a ghost story than a ghost town? After all, what is a ghost if not a coincidence of time? “
The implications of this twist and the narrative that follows are open to interpretation. The emotional weight of The Rose of Nevada is palpable, particularly in McKay’s compelling portrayal of Nick. Navigating his past, Nick finds comfort in the empty house of long-lost neighbors who mistake him for their son, uncovering a note of love from his wife on the day he left.
The film’s mesmerizing sequences at sea offer tension and tranquility. For Nick, fishing transcends mere survival—it’s a recurring rhythm that brings him clarity amidst chaos. The quest is not just for Nick but for the entire village waiting for his return.
The Rose of Nevada marks the third installment of Jenkin’s Cornwall trilogy. The first, Feed, explores the negative impacts of tourism on a coastal community, while the second, Ennismen, follows a solitary wildlife volunteer on a remote island grappling with hallucinations. This film encapsulates themes from both predecessors with its stunning visuals and haunting setting. The iconic hand-cranked Bolex camera used in the earlier films succumbed just as this latest installment reached completion, marking a poignant end to Jenkin’s trilogy.
If this marks the conclusion of Jenkin’s journey, it will be a bittersweet farewell. His unique storytelling deserves further exploration within this picturesque Cornish setting. The Rose of Nevada stands as a significant achievement—an unforgettable tale of lost time, borrowed moments, and the quest for redemption.
George MacKay’s recent performances, especially in Fam, demonstrate his versatility. In this gripping thriller, he plays Preston, a man embroiled in a violent act that comes back to haunt him when he unexpectedly reunites with Jules (Nathan Stewart-Jarrett) at a gay sauna.
Bethan Ackerley is the associate editor at New Scientist. Her interests span science fiction, comedy, and the supernatural. Follow her on Twitter @inkerley
The coral reefs of the Houtman Abrolhos Islands, located off the coast of Western Australia, have shown remarkable resilience against the severe heatwave that impacted coral ecosystems globally in early 2025. Researchers are eager to unveil the secrets behind the extraordinary heat tolerance of these corals, hoping to aid in the preservation of coral reefs worldwide, which face extinction due to climate change.
Under the guidance of Dr. Kate Quigley, a team from the University of Western Australia ventured to 11 dive sites in the Houtman Abrolhos Islands during July 2025.
In contrast, up to 60% of the corals on Ningaloo Reef succumbed to the same heatwave. This trend reflects a pattern observed in coral reefs globally, as the marine heatwave of 2025 resulted in disastrous coral mortality rates.
However, at Houtman Abrolhos, aside from a few minor areas, the corals exhibited no signs of distress, unlike the typical fluorescent coloring associated with stress. “We anticipated a massive bleaching event following the prolonged marine heatwave. Surprisingly, the corals thrived,” stated Quigley.
Coral bleaching typically occurs due to prolonged thermal stress, where corals expel the symbiotic algae living within them, which are crucial for their sustenance.
Researchers are currently evaluating the heat stress levels experienced by corals using the Degree Heating Week (DHW) metric, which measures the duration and intensity of heat waves.
Significant bleaching is generally observed after 4 °C weeks, with catastrophic conditions arising after 8 °C weeks. “Around 8°C per week is deemed disastrous and is often linked to widespread bleaching and coral mortality,” explained Quigley.
The waters around the Houtman Abrolhos Islands experienced 4°C per week in early February 2025, reaching 8°C per week by early March. By mid-April, the corals were subjected to heat stress equivalent to 22°C per week.
Quigley and her team were particularly astonished to observe that corals of various species at the reef remained unharmed despite the devastating conditions affecting other regions.
To further investigate the heat resistance of Houtman Abrolhos corals, scientists collected several coral colonies and subjected them to elevated temperatures in laboratory settings.
At 8°C weeks, survival rates in Houtman Abrolhos were double, and bleaching resistance was nearly quadruple when compared to established thresholds. Nearly 100% survival was noted even at approximately 16 °C weeks.
The maximum tolerance level of these corals remains to be fully determined, but Quigley asserts it is “remarkably substantial and exceeds the thresholds recorded at other coral reef locations studied globally.”
The next phase for researchers is to discern how these corals manage to thrive in such extreme conditions.
Quigley posits that the presence of symbiotic algae could be key to the heat resilience seen in Houtman Abrolhos corals. “There are likely unique environmental conditions in this area that promote heat tolerance evolution among local species,” she stated. For this reason, protecting these reefs should be a top priority, along with identifying other resilient reefs.
Petra Lundgren from the Great Barrier Reef Foundation mentions that such reefs serve as “natural laboratories for understanding heat tolerance.”
“They also promise insights into enhancing selective breeding and interventions aimed at bolstering thermal resilience in coral restoration and conservation aquaculture,” Lundgren noted.
While curbing global carbon emissions is crucial for safeguarding these vital ecosystems, “providing adaptive support, such as seeding reefs with heat-tolerant corals, will significantly improve their chances of surviving future heat stress events,” she concluded.
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This version uses targeted keywords such as “coral reefs,” “heat tolerance,” and “Houtman Abrolhos Islands,” aiming to enhance search visibility while preserving the original content’s intent.
The Dark Energy Camera, an advanced 570-megapixel imaging device mounted on NSF’s Victor M. Blanco 4-meter telescope at the Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory in Chile, has captured the stunning Sombrero Galaxy in unparalleled detail. This image reveals a faint stream of stars and a radiant halo, hinting at a dynamic history shaped by galaxy mergers.
The DECam image of the Sombrero Galaxy, a target of interest for both amateur astronomers and scientific research. Image credits: CTIO / NOIRLab / DOE / NSF / AURA / TA University of Alaska Anchorage Chancellor and NSF’s NOIRLab / D. de Martin and M. Zamani, NSF’s NOIRLab.
The Sombrero Galaxy, located about 28 million light-years away in the constellation Virgo, is a striking astronomical object.
Also known as Messier 104, M104, or NGC 4594, the galaxy was first discovered by French astronomer Pierre Méchain on May 11, 1781.
With a diameter of approximately 49,000 light-years—about half that of the Milky Way—the Sombrero Galaxy possesses a distinct structure.
This galaxy uniquely combines characteristics of both spiral and elliptical galaxies, featuring prominent disks and spiral arms alongside a large, luminous central bulge that gives it a hybrid appearance.
The view showcases the Sombrero Galaxy head-on, at a 6-degree angle south of its plane, highlighting its dark, dusty lanes.
“The Sombrero Galaxy is a galactic masterpiece that captivates both scientists and astronomy enthusiasts,” stated NOIRLab astronomers.
“Its complex globular cluster system offers insights into star populations, and astronomers are particularly interested in the supermassive black hole at its core.”
“The galaxy’s unique visual features and relative brightness make it a favorite among amateur stargazers.”
“The rich discovery history, involving three renowned astronomers, has cemented its place among the most significant deep-sky objects.”
“Today, the Sombrero Galaxy stands as one of the most iconic celestial bodies visible in the night sky.”
The latest high-resolution image of the Sombrero Galaxy was captured using the advanced DECam instrument.
“DECam’s outstanding resolution highlights the remarkable features of the Sombrero Galaxy,” the astronomers noted.
“At its center lies a brilliant core, encircled by approximately 2,000 globular clusters.”
A dark band of cold dust and hydrogen gas outlines the disk where star formation predominantly occurs.
This image also accentuates the galaxy’s vast glowing halo, which appears to extend over three times the width of the sombrero itself.
“This could be the first time such a halo has been captured in such detail and scale.”
DECam’s exceptional sensitivity has also revealed a vast stream of stars extending from the southern region of the galaxy.
These halos and stellar streams are composed of stars torn from their original galaxies, suggesting a history of galactic mergers involving the Sombrero and smaller partner galaxies.
A recent study on bee vision reveals that their capacity to differentiate quantities goes beyond simple visual patterns, indicating authentic numerical cognition influenced by their distinct brain perceptions.
To understand the mechanisms behind animal cognition, it is essential to adopt experimental designs that respect the biological and perceptual limitations of the species being studied. Zanon et al. addressed the ongoing debate around visuospatial frequency in numerical cognition research using honeybees (Apis mellifera) as a model system. Image credit: PollyDot.
In this study, researchers from Monash University, including Scarlett Howard, revisited previous critiques of bee intelligence, considering the unique sensory and perceptual limitations bees possess.
By evaluating experimental stimuli from a biologically relevant standpoint, the researchers demonstrated that previous critiques suggesting bees are merely sensitive to visual cues like spatial frequency are unfounded.
“These findings emphasize the necessity to eliminate anthropocentric biases in animal research,” stated Dr. Howard.
“In evaluating an animal’s cognitive capabilities, it is crucial to prioritize the animal’s perspective; otherwise, we may miscalculate their abilities.”
“Given that humans perceive the world quite differently from animals, we must refrain from centering human perspectives when researching animal intelligence.”
As the researchers conclude, properly assessing cognitive abilities demands experimental designs that align with the natural sensory capabilities of the target species.
“Neglecting how animals perceive their environment can lead scientists to erroneous conclusions,” remarked Dr. Mirko Zanon from the University of Trento.
“There is an ongoing debate regarding whether bees are genuinely ‘counting’ or merely responding to visual patterns.”
“Our findings indicate that this critique is invalid when considered within the ecological context of the animals.”
“Analyzing stimuli through the lens of how bees perceive their world reveals a genuine sensitivity to numerical concepts.”
“While it may be challenging to envision the world from a bee’s perspective, understanding animal perception is vital for our research,” Dr. Howard stated.
“Bees consistently astonish us with their navigation, their responses to our inquiries, and their decision-making processes.”
For further details, refer to the study published in the April 22 issue of Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences.
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Zanon et al. 2026. Matching stimuli: A biology-aligned approach to numerical cognition research. Proc Biol Sci 293 (2069): 20253057; doi: 10.1098/rspb.2025.3057
Stars primarily consist of two elements: hydrogen and helium. These elements, along with lithium, were the only ones present during the Big Bang approximately 14 billion years ago. When the first stars exploded, they released their primordial elements along with heavier elements produced through nuclear fusion.
In astronomy, all elements heavier than hydrogen and helium are referred to as metals.
Chemists, however, use different terminology. Subsequent generations of stars, including our Sun, formed in clouds of gas and dust enriched with metals like carbon, oxygen, magnesium, and silicon. Scientists estimate that modern stars contain between 1% and 5% metals by mass.
While astronomers have found no solid evidence suggesting that stars significantly differ in metal content, some stars display unique chemical signatures. The light emitted by stars can be analyzed through their spectrum,
revealing the presence of various elements. Each element emits a distinct light pattern, allowing astronomers to ascertain the abundance of each element, especially in a star’s outer layers. The prevailing theory suggests that chemically unique stars might not contain more metals than the average star; instead, the metals in their interiors are thought to be more distributed throughout their outer layers.
A research team from the American Association of Variable Star Observers
at Masaryk University in the Czech Republic recently studied 85 chemically unique stars to better understand their behaviors and classifications. Their research relied on the CP Star General Catalog published in 2009, focusing on categorizing these stars into four classes: CP1, CP2, CP3, and CP4.
CP1 stars exhibit strong spectral patterns of iron and other heavy elements, while CP2 stars show strong patterns of silicon, chromium, strontium, and europium. CP3 stars reveal patterns of mercury and manganese, and CP4 stars have either unusually weak or strong helium patterns.
The team compiled a list of 85 stars for observation, utilizing the BRIght Target Explorer ( BRITE
), a constellation that monitors brightness variations. The BRITE constellation consists of five satellites equipped with telescopes and cameras sensitive to red or blue light. Over several days, the team monitored each star.
Out of the observed stars, 74 exhibited variations in brightness, potentially due to fluctuating surface metal content creating dark spots that appeared and disappeared from our viewpoint as the stars rotated. Interestingly, six of these stars demonstrated brightness changes across multiple time periods—an unexpected result since rotation alone would typically not cause such variability. Comparisons with data from the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite TESS revealed that all six stars had been misclassified as chemically unusual.
The remaining 11 chemically unique stars displayed no apparent periodic brightness changes, suggesting they may be stationary. While the research team noted that some CP1 and CP3 stars do not rotate, they also found instances where CP2 and CP4 stars, which are expected to rotate, appeared stationary. They proposed two possible explanations for this phenomenon:
one is the potential misclassification of these stars, requiring a deeper analysis of their spectra, and the other is a slower rotation speed, exceeding 50 days, making them hard to differentiate from stationary stars.
The research team emphasized the need for astronomers to reconsider historical star classifications, particularly as technology advances and more space telescopes become available. This approach will enable future researchers to extract improved data from existing research archives and catalogs. Furthermore, they advocated combining long-term monitoring by small satellites with TESS data to refine classifications, unveil misclassified objects, and delve deeper into the structural and behavioral mechanisms of chemically unusual stars.
Dinosaurs thrived in colder climates, as exemplified by the feathered dinosaur Beipiaosaurus, which lived between 127 and 121 million years ago.
Mark P. Whitton/Science Photo Library
About 200 million years ago, the North Pole was occupied by a massive landmass, three times the size of the South Pole. This land triggered a prolonged cold spell, allowing dinosaurs to dominate the Earth.
Paleontologist Paul Olsen from Columbia University explains how this “gigantic Arctic continent” encompassed present-day Siberia and parts of China.
During much of the Mesozoic Era, which extended from 252 million to 66 million years ago, nearly all of Earth’s land, except modern-day China, merged into the supercontinent Pangea. This vast landmass later fragmented into two entities surrounded by the only ocean at the time, Panthalassa.
Olsen and fellow researchers have concluded that new geological analyses, including magnetic rock signatures, reveal the ancient latitudes of these formations, linking Mesozoic China back to Pangea. The positioning of continents suggests Siberia and China once formed a significant portion of the Arctic Circle.
Olsen plans to discuss these findings at the upcoming European Geosciences Union meeting in Vienna next month, illuminating how this climate-centric puzzle comes together.
The Mesozoic climate was markedly warmer than today. However, 201 million years ago, during the late Triassic epoch, Pangea began to disassemble, leading to the formation of the Atlantic Ocean. The subsequent volcanic activity coincided with global cooling, lowering sea levels, prompting extinction events, and allowing dinosaurs to rise.
Olsen theorizes that the Arctic’s influence was pivotal. Even in a temperate climate, the vast landmass near the North Pole would experience winter snow and ice. These icy regions possess a high albedo effect, meaning a significant portion of solar energy is reflected away, contributing to cold conditions.
Left: Antarctica today; Right: The Arctic continent that existed 200 million years ago
Paul Olsen et al. 2026
Volcanic activity released aerosols into the atmosphere, contributing to a cooling climate that hindered summer melting in the northern regions. This preserved ice, maintaining high albedo levels and extending cold temperatures, possibly allowing polar ice sheets to persist for thousands of years.
The increase in Arctic ice contributed to falling sea levels, while extreme cooling from volcanic winters led to mass extinctions. Some resilient dinosaurs adapting to cold climates evolved insulating feathers, helping them survive severe winters and emerge as dominant species once global temperatures stabilized.
“This hypothesis is surprising because we traditionally view the Mesozoic era as ice-free,” says Mike Benton of the University of Bristol. “Imagining early dinosaurs navigating a harsh winter landscape is innovative, even if short-lived. During this period of high extinction, volcanic eruptions combined with polar ice may have disrupted dinosaur populations significantly.”
Olsen further emphasizes that the existence of a large Arctic continent has been “hidden in plain sight.” He notes, “Many depictions of Earth visually distort polar regions, obscuring their importance in geological history.”
Understanding the Heart-Brain Connection for Health Insights
Addison Kiamchittle/Alamy
The past year has been enlightening as I wore a Whoop health tracker, revealing profound insights into my body, including sleep patterns, blood oxygen levels, step counts, and particularly, heart rate variability (HRV). This metric, new to me, quickly became essential for gauging my stress levels; my low numbers indicate that I’m struggling with stress management. Despite the high price tag, the insights gained feel invaluable.
It seems I’m not alone in valuing HRV. A burgeoning field of research explores the correlation between HRV and mental health, shedding light on its potential to predict cognitive disorders and aid in diagnosing mental health conditions.
So, what exactly is HRV? Heart rate variability measures the variations in time between heartbeats. Although it may seem counterintuitive, a greater variation signifies better health.
A consistent heart rate can indicate a “fight-or-flight” response, with heightened activity in the sympathetic nervous system causing faster, more regular heartbeats. Conversely, when the parasympathetic (“rest and digest”) system is activated, heart rate becomes less regular.
Individuals with high stress tolerance tend to have greater HRV, showcasing their ability to recover from stressors effectively. Chronic stress is known to correlate with inflammation, leading to a range of physical and cognitive disorders.
My heart rate variability typically hovers around 25 milliseconds, while my husband’s can peak over 90 milliseconds. Though I aspire to achieve such a tranquil state, I remind myself that variations in HRV among individuals are common.
According to research from Masaryk University in the Czech Republic, there can be considerable variations in what is deemed “normal” HRV, ranging from 18 ms to 70 ms. More striking is the individual fluctuation over days or weeks; for instance, during hectic periods, my HRV drastically drops, while a carefree day can see it soaring above 50 milliseconds.
Thus, like many, I use HRV to gauge daily stress and recovery. Recently, I’ve pondered whether it reflects something more profound.
The Heart-Brain Link
The established connection between the heart and brain is reinforced by numerous studies. Those with cardiovascular issues often face heightened mental health risks, and individuals with depression are more prone to heart diseases. HRV may serve as a vital signal linking these health domains.
“HRV as a measure of brain health is an area of keen interest for us,” states Lori Cook, Director of Clinical Research at the Center for Brain Health, University of Texas at Dallas.
This interest stems from the association of HRV with various cognitive and mental health disorders. A recent review by German researchers analyzed existing research on HRV and depression, affirming the consistent finding that lower HRV correlates with a greater likelihood of depression.
The central idea is clear: higher HRV indicates a healthier response to stress, reflecting adaptability to environmental demands. Reduced HRV suggests challenges in managing stressors, which is known to heighten depression risk due to compromised emotional regulation.
However, existing evidence remains complex and at times contradictory. Many studies are limited in size or fail to account for confounding variables like age and gender, or the natural decline of HRV over years. Further complicating matters, recent research highlighted that HRV stress metrics may struggle to distinguish between positive and negative stress responses, the former often linked to motivation.
Nonetheless, intriguing correlations with broader brain health emerge. A 2025 review identified links between reduced HRV and conditions like dementia, PTSD, and schizophrenia. It’s also been associated with somatic symptom disorders, characterized by disproportionate concern over physical symptoms and related functional syndromes. Notably, the differing HRV patterns across conditions suggest its potential as a biomarker for disease differentiation.
Ultimately, researchers caution that HRV alone cannot diagnose mental conditions, nor does low HRV automatically indicate poor mental health.
Cook’s team continues to explore HRV alongside other metrics to gain insight into brain health, viewing HRV as a valuable tool in assessing effective lifestyle changes and habits.
For me, a declining HRV serves as a vital reminder to nourish my nervous system with calm and rest. It’s clear that managing stress is key, alongside good sleep and regular exercise, especially aerobic activities, which boast the most robust evidence in enhancing HRV.
While I can’t pinpoint changes, I feel a positive shift in my mental well-being. For now, that’s enough motivation to continue heeding the messages from my fluctuating HRV.
Stunning Artist’s Impression of a Star with Two Exoplanets Transiting
Credit: NASA, ESA, and G. Bacon (STScI)
Astronomers have discovered over 10,000 candidate planets using data from NASA’s telescopes, representing the largest number ever noted in a single observation.
NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), launched in 2018, specializes in searching for exoplanets—planets orbiting stars outside our solar system. Exoplanets are detected by observing temporary decreases in brightness from stars, indicating that an orbiting planet has moved in front of the star.
To date, TESS has confirmed more than 750 exoplanets, with thousands more candidates awaiting validation. The aggregate number of confirmed exoplanets by various telescopes has now surpassed 6,000.
Joshua Roth and researchers at Princeton University reported an even higher potential count by re-evaluating TESS’s first year of data. By merging images from different telescopes, they identified planets that are less luminous, whether due to their smaller size or greater distance from Earth. This effort has uncovered 11,554 candidate exoplanets, 10,091 of which weren’t previously acknowledged.
“Predictions indicated there were likely thousands of undiscovered planets within TESS data,” says Roth. “We simply hadn’t searched thoroughly enough yet.”
These newly identified planets extend up to 6,800 light-years from Earth, reaching deeper into the galaxy than TESS previously could. More than 90% of these new findings are categorized as ‘hot Jupiters’, gas giants orbiting extremely close to their stars in just a few days. TESS is particularly adept at detecting such worlds. Smaller variants, including Neptune-like planets and super-Earths, are also among the findings.
However, not all candidates are confirmed exoplanets. Each must be monitored using additional telescopes, as some signals may be false positives due to factors like binary stars. “The false positive rate for TESS is typically around 50%,” Roth states, estimating there could be a maximum of 5,000 genuine planets, but cautions that perhaps only 3,000 truly exist.
Nonetheless, this wealth of data could effectively double the known exoplanet count in the universe. Jesse Christiansen, the lead scientist at NASA’s Exoplanet Science Institute, emphasizes the importance of these discoveries for understanding exoplanet formation. “The more exoplanets we have, the better we can analyze and differentiate them,” she notes, highlighting the diverse types of ‘Jupiters’ different stars produce. “These are essential questions we can address with a sizable sample.”
Additionally, there are many more planets in the TESS data that await discovery, including around 8,000 previously identified candidates still under investigation. “We always anticipated that eventually thousands of planets would be revealed,” Christiansen predicted, suggesting that TESS could ultimately confirm between 12,000 and 15,000 planets. “I’ve eagerly awaited a document like this for quite some time.”
NASA, ESA, IPAC/California Institute of Technology, STScI, Arizona State University
New evidence suggests that the assumptions physicists have held about our universe for over a century might soon be challenged. This emerging research indicates that our universe is far more clumpy than previously believed, potentially unraveling some of today’s most perplexing cosmological mysteries.
In cosmological modeling, simplifications are often made due to the inability to account for all galaxies. Generally, cosmologists assume that the universe is homogeneous and isotropic at large scales, meaning it appears largely uniform in all directions.
This prevailing view is referenced as the FLRW model, named after Alexander Friedmann, Georges Lemaître, Howard Robertson, and Arthur Jeffrey Walker, who developed these ideas in the 1920s. Most cosmological observations rely on this model, but new evidence emerging in three preprint papers could indicate a fundamental flaw.
The first paper, authored by Timothy Clifton from Queen Mary University of London and Asta Heinessen from the University of Copenhagen, presents a novel method to assess the accuracy of FLRW models in describing our universe. You can view it here: A new way to determine whether FLRW models can accurately describe our universe.
This analysis utilizes various formulas for cosmic distances inferred from supernova observations and the density variations of matter. If the FLRW model holds true, certain outcomes should equal zero; hence, a nonzero result may indicate the necessity for a new model. Prior tests have been proposed, but none have definitively signaled flaws in the FLRW framework.
In subsequent papers, linked as second and third, Heinessen and Sophie Marie Cockvin from the University of Southern Denmark undertook this distance measurement challenge using available cosmological data.
Successfully navigating this challenge, the duo employed AI-driven symbolic regression techniques to derive formulas fitting existing distance measurements without relying on the FLRW model, which previous analyses had done. Their results were striking, demonstrating non-zero findings that suggest the FLRW model may be flawed.
“We were surprised by this result, as it challenges much of the established understanding,” Heinesen comments.
“These findings imply a level of complexity in the universe that wasn’t previously recognized,” Clifton expresses. He regards this as a potential first indication that the FLRW model is inadequate, “opening new avenues for exploration and enlightenment.”
Although these findings are promising, they have not yet met the rigorous statistical thresholds required by cosmologists for confirmation. The team will await additional astronomical data that will materialize over the coming years.
However, this development could lead to significant implications for cosmology. The field has wrestled with the puzzling discrepancies surrounding the universe’s expansion rate, as well as the inconsistency between its earlier formation and current behavior. Recent observations have also suggested that dark energy may be evolving.
Clifton proposes that these core enigmas in cosmology could be elucidated by a universe lacking homogeneity. Such averages in measurements may not hold steady over time, he explains.
Subodh Patil from Leiden University notes the importance of cautious interpretation of the data but appreciates the overall approach. “My initial impression is commendable; they are asking the crucial questions,” Patil states.
At a lightless depth of approximately 3,251 meters (2 miles) beneath the Gulf of Alaska, marine scientists and the public are puzzled by a golden object, roughly the size of a softball, clinging to a rock. Is it an egg, a sponge, or something entirely unknown? A recent study from the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History provides a fascinating answer: these “golden spheres” are remnants of a rare species of sea anemone.
This ‘golden sphere’ was discovered approximately 3,300 meters deep in the Gulf of Alaska. Image credit: NOAA Ocean Exploration, Seascape Alaska.
The intriguing “Golden Orb” was collected on August 30, 2023, using a remotely operated vehicle launched from a U.S. exploration vessel, Oceanos Explorer.
Measuring about 10 centimeters (4 inches) in diameter, this mysterious object was found among small glass sponges on the ocean floor, southwest of Walker Seamount in the Gulf of Alaska.
Its smooth, metallic sheen and torn opening sparked immediate curiosity regarding its origins.
“An initial inspection revealed no signs of typical animal anatomy—such as a mouth, intestines, or musculature—but rather a loose collection of fibrous material covered by a smooth, layered surface,” stated study lead author Dr. Stephen Orskavich, alongside his team.
Further microscopic examinations showed that the surface was replete with unique specialized puncture structures belonging to hexacoralia, a diverse group of cnidarians that includes sea anemones and stony corals.
Relicanthus daphneae features pale purple or pink tentacles, growing up to about 2.1 m (7 ft) long. Image credit: Craig Smith & Diva Amon, ABYSSLINE Project.
The researchers also analyzed similar specimens collected during a 2021 expedition aboard the Schmidt Oceanographic Research Vessel, Falcor, discovering comparable stinging structures.
Genetic analysis confirmed the connection: DNA extracted from the “Golden Orb” aligns with Relicanthus daphneae, a mysterious deep-sea anemone recognized for its considerable size and long flowing tentacles.
Collectively, this evidence suggests that the “golden spheres” are not living organisms but rather biological debris formed at the base of sea anemones.
The specimen corresponds to Relicanthus daphneae, individuals that attach themselves to bedrock.
“This specimen represents a novel microhabitat composed of remnants of the originally secreted cuticle from Relicanthus daphneae, a rarely observed and recently classified species found between 1,200 and 4,000 meters (0.75 to 2.5 miles), while hosting microbial communities above and below its epidermis,” noted the scientists.
“These significant discoveries would not have been possible without the unique golden color and enigmatic egg-like appearance of the specimen.”
This Relicanthus daphneae was documented during a 2016 expedition aboard the NOAA ship Oceanus Explorer in the Mariana Islands region. Image credit: NOAA Ocean Exploration, Mariana Deep Sea Exploration.
Though rarely collected, Relicanthus daphneae is believed to have a worldwide distribution.
Individual polyps can reach approximately 30 cm (12 inches) in diameter, with long, winding tentacles that may extend twice that width.
Observations indicate that these creatures perch on rocks or sponges, using their tentacles to snag prey from the currents.
They may also traverse the ocean floor, leaving traces of the same golden cuticle behind.
The exact reason for shedding this material is still uncertain. One possibility is a method of asexual reproduction known as pedal laceration.
“Our findings underscore that the biodiversity and biological behaviors of obscure deep-sea species remain largely unexplored, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive specimen collection and rigorous taxonomic tracking in telepresence-based ocean exploration,” the authors concluded.
Their study was published online on April 21, 2026, on the BioRxiv preprint server.
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Stephen R. Orskavich et al. The Curious Incident of the Golden Orb – Remains of Relicanthus daphneae (Cnidaria, Anthozoa, Hexagram), deep sea anemone. BioRxiv published online on April 21, 2026. doi: 10.64898/2026.04.17.719276
Stefan Schlamminger and colleague Vincent Li explore the torsional balance for measuring the gravitational constant.
R. Escalis/NIST
For centuries, physicists have sought to accurately measure the strength of gravity, a fundamental constant known as “big G.” Discrepancies in previous measurements indicate either a lack of understanding of the experiment or the gravitational force itself. However, recent advancements in measuring Big G’s value may finally provide clarity and consensus in the scientific community.
Gravity is significantly weaker than other fundamental forces, complicating accurate measurements. As Stephen Schlamminger of the National Institute of Standards and Technology states, “Even though two coffee cups in your hands exert a gravitational force on each other, it’s so faint that you can’t perceive it, making it less intriguing.” This inherent weakness contributes to the challenges in quantifying gravity’s actual strength.
Unlike other forces, experiments cannot be shielded from gravity’s effects. In 1798, physicist Henry Cavendish addressed this issue using a torsion balance, marking the first measurement of gravity, albeit with limited accuracy.
To visualize a torsion balance, imagine a horizontal toothpick suspended from a center thread, with small marbles placed at each end. Moving an object closer to one marble causes it to be attracted by gravity, resulting in the toothpick’s slight rotation. By measuring this rotation, we can deduce the gravitational force between the marble and the external object without interference from Earth’s gravity.
Schlamminger and his team took this method a step further, utilizing eight weights on two precisely calibrated turntables, all suspended by threads as thin as human hair. This refined version builds upon a 2007 French experiment, with researchers dedicating a decade to identifying and mitigating sources of uncertainty. “This exemplifies experimental physics at its finest,” remarks Jens Gundlach from the University of Washington, who was not involved in this study.
“Given the meticulous attention to detail and the various factors considered, this experiment is groundbreaking,” states Casey Wagoner from North Carolina State University, also not part of the research team. The latest value for large G is 6.67387×10.-11 meter3 per kilogram per second2, showing a slight decline from the 2007 figures but aligning measurements more closely with other historical tests.
“Big G encapsulates more than just gravity measurement; it represents our ability to measure it precisely. This constant endures in physics, enabling comparisons with Cavendish’s experiment from 230 years ago, and likely with future experiments 230 years hence,” Schlamminger explains. “Ultimately, it reflects on which generation can best measure it and where the measurements remain most consistent.”
By uncovering previously unknown uncertainties, Schlamminger and his team have facilitated improved agreement in measurements, with Gundlach noting, “The landscape is now more reliable than ever.”
This enhanced accuracy lays the foundation for even more precise future measurements of large G. As cosmological measurements improve—many reliant on gravity’s strength—these findings become paramount. “A minor discrepancy in the lab could have cosmic implications,” warns Wagoner. “The repercussions can amplify significantly on a universal scale.”
While many researchers attribute lingering discrepancies to unrecognized biases and uncertainties in experiments, it may also suggest that gravity behaves in ways we do not yet understand, hinting at the potential for new and exotic physics. “There are fissures in the foundation of our scientific understanding, and we must explore these,” Schlamminger urges. “It may lead to nothing, but ignoring them would be a mistake.”
Physical and Mental Health on the International Space Station (ISS)
Astronauts undergo rigorous monitoring of their physical and mental health, exercise routines, and dietary intake before, during, and after their missions.
This careful oversight ensures the health of both astronauts and the spacecraft, minimizing the risk of serious health issues during their time in space.
However, astronauts do frequently report common health complaints such as motion sickness, back pain, skin rashes, fungal infections, and cold sores. They are also susceptible to symptoms stemming from viral and bacterial infections, attributed to the sterile, high-touch environment of the ISS.
Astronauts receive basic medical training to help manage these issues. The onboard medical kit is comprehensive, featuring various medications, consumables, a defibrillator, a portable ultrasound machine, and an ophthalmoscope for eye examinations.
This preparation allows the crew to address a range of health issues, from headaches to heart attacks, with support from medical teams on Earth for more serious conditions.
Actual medical emergencies that necessitate surgery, complex treatments, or isolation are rare. For instance, the probability of acute illness, such as appendicitis aboard the ISS, is estimated at 1 to 2 cases per 100,000 person-days—translating to approximately 1 to 2 cases every 45 years for a crew of six. In such critical situations, repatriation to Earth is the only viable option.
Historically, three evacuations have occurred due to potential appendicitis, prostatitis, and arrhythmia from the Salyut and Mir space stations during the 1970s and 1980s.
This article answers the question from Nick Olsen via email: “What happens if I get sick on the ISS?”
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Wildfires are currently raging across southern Georgia and northern Florida, exacerbated by intense heat, strong winds, severe drought, and dry vegetation left from previous hurricanes. These elements have created a perfect storm for wildfires in the region.
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This situation is exactly what climate scientists have been warning about for decades as our planet continues to warm.
“This is certainly abnormal, but aligns with our concerns regarding climate change,” explained Caitlin Trudeau, a climate scientist at Climate Central, a nonprofit scientific research organization. “These events highlight the dramatic changes occurring in our climate.”
The wildfires are consuming thousands of acres across both states. Notably, a wildfire in Atkinson, Georgia, has already destroyed approximately 90 homes since its ignition on Monday.
In response to these fires, multiple counties, including those in Georgia, have implemented burn bans, leading to Gov. Brian Kemp declaring a state of emergency on Wednesday across 91 counties.
The wildfires are primarily attributed to widespread drought conditions in the Southeast, exacerbated by remnants of previous hurricanes—circumstances tied to climate change.
Specifically, Hurricane Helen, which made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend area as a Category 4 storm in 2024, left behind scorched trees, branches, and other dry vegetation.
“It’s as if the hurricane stripped a significant number of trees and laid everything bare in that area,” Trudeau noted. “The remains were exposed to the sun, and wood with high oil content becomes extremely flammable when dry.”
This dry vegetation significantly amplifies wildfire risks, fostering their growth and increasing their destructiveness.
Researchers warn that catastrophic wildfires will become increasingly prevalent in a warming world. Studies indicate wildfires will not only occur more frequently but will also be more devastating due to climate change—a situation with serious environmental, economic, and health repercussions for communities nationwide and globally.
Trudeau emphasized that even in humid areas like the Southeast—traditionally not considered as wildfire-prone—the risks are evolving under climate change.
“This is the reality we’ve been anticipating with climate change,” she said. “Certain parts of the Southeast are extremely dry now. Although these regions have high humidity, climate change has intensified atmospheric thirst. As temperatures rise, the amount of water drawn from the landscape and extracted from plants and soils increases as well.”
For a wildfire to ignite, two key elements must be present: fire-prone weather, which includes dry conditions, lightning, and wind, and “fuel,” such as dead wood, dry leaves, and other flammable vegetation.
As temperatures rise due to climate change, the atmosphere can efficiently extract moisture from trees and soils. In the event of prolonged droughts, insufficient rainfall exacerbates the potential for destructive wildfires.
Currently, all of Florida is experiencing some level of drought, with much of the Panhandle region categorized as facing “extreme” or “exceptional” drought, according to the US Drought Monitor. Likewise, 71% of Georgia is experiencing “extreme” or “exceptional” drought, particularly in southern regions.
For Trudeau, the wildfires witnessed this week serve as a stark indication of climate change’s catastrophic effects on natural ecosystems, including increased fire activity in areas historically deemed humid.
“This is why we are facing such an extraordinary situation right now,” Trudeau concluded. “It’s truly a perfect storm.”
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The term déjà vu was introduced by French philosopher and parapsychologist Émile Boirac in 1876, meaning “already seen.” This phenomenon evokes an uncanny feeling that a new experience is actually a familiar one.
For instance, visiting a specific location, such as a cafe or street, could trigger a sense of nostalgia, even if you’ve never been there before. Many might link these déjà vu moments to a “past life” or a “glitch in the matrix.”
However, there are more grounded explanations for these occurrences. The good news is that about two-thirds of the population experience déjà vu, and in most cases, it indicates healthy brain function.
Recent neuropsychological research suggests that déjà vu occurs when specific aspects of a situation trigger a sense of familiarity registered in the perirhinal cortex, part of the temporal lobe. This may happen due to similarities with previously encountered situations.
Next, the hippocampus, another vital memory structure in the temporal lobe, fails to retrieve relevant memories to account for this feeling of familiarity.
Finally, this discrepancy is processed by brain regions in the frontal lobes, such as the anterior cingulate cortex and the medial prefrontal cortex, leading to that eerie sensation of having been there before.
Psychologists refer to this last stage as metacognitive awareness, demonstrating that the brain is effectively signaling issues.
Déjà vu is common among young individuals and tends to decrease with age, indicating less efficient error-monitoring processes in the brain. – Image courtesy of Ann-Sophie De Steur
Research using memory games in brain imaging labs revealed that these frontal brain regions associated with metacognitive awareness exhibited greater activation, supporting the link between subjective déjà vu and monitoring processes.
In rare cases, an excessive form of déjà vu can occur due to pathology. For instance, individuals with temporal lobe epilepsy may experience prolonged déjà vu sensations before a seizure, described as a feeling of déjà vu that lasts for an extended period.
Moreover, some dementia patients report experiencing a syndrome known as déjà vécu (meaning “already lived”)—a more intense form of déjà vu where the person genuinely believes they have already lived through a new experience and reacts accordingly, such as turning off the TV because they think they’ve seen the news before.
If you find yourself in a typical déjà vu moment, there’s no cause for concern. Healthy déjà vu tends to be more prevalent in younger individuals and usually diminishes with age.
Psychologists suggest this decline occurs because frontal lobe error-monitoring processes become less efficient as we grow older.
So the next time you feel that strange sensation of familiarity, don’t fret. There’s nothing wrong with reality; your brain is simply operating as it should.
This article addresses the question posed by Bournemouth’s Dom Anderson: “Is experiencing déjà vu detrimental to your health?”
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Nutritional Interventions May Enhance Cognition in Dementia Patients
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Customized intervention plans that blend targeted medical strategies with lifestyle modifications have shown promising results in enhancing memory and cognitive functions among individuals with mild cognitive impairment and early-stage dementia. Assessments of factors affecting cognition, such as mold exposure, infections, or hormonal deficiencies, are crucial for developing these personalized plans.
Dementia encompasses various conditions impacting memory, thinking, and daily functioning. Currently, there is no cure for dementia, and treatment mainly focuses on symptom management. For Alzheimer’s disease, which affects about 60-70% of dementia cases, treatments like lecanemab aim to eliminate harmful protein plaques in the brain.
However, many experts indicate that these treatments may not effectively alleviate symptoms. The complexity of Alzheimer’s and other dementias may account for this, with growing evidence highlighting the role of age-related brain changes and various genetic, health, and lifestyle factors. “[Patients] didn’t experience improvement because the root causes were not addressed initially,” says Dr. Cat Topps from Bay Area Wellness in Walnut Creek, California.
Dr. Topps and her team are now exploring personalized treatment plans. “The strategy is to identify and eliminate factors harming the brain, then reintroduce essential nutrients, hormones, and activities that boost neuroplasticity,” explains Topps.
The research team enrolled 73 participants, averaging 65 years old, with mild cognitive impairment or early-stage dementia; some met both Alzheimer’s and mild cognitive impairment criteria. The team conducted thorough evaluations, including blood tests for Alzheimer’s biomarkers and assessments of inflammation, infections, and deficiencies related to hormones, nutrition, and microbiota. Using this data, they tailored treatment plans for 50 participants, emphasizing the inclusion of nutritional supplements.
Participants were encouraged to adopt a plant-rich diet, perform aerobic and strength training six days a week, and engage daily in cognitive activities targeting memory, attention, and visual processing speed. Additionally, strategies for improving sleep quality and managing stress were offered.
The remaining 23 participants followed standard treatment protocols. After nine months, those in the personalized intervention group saw a 13.7-point improvement in their overall cognitive scores on the Central Nervous System Vital Signs cognitive test, compared to a 4.5-point decline in the standard treatment group. Specific improvements included a 10.6-point increase in memory, a 9.8-point rise in executive function, and a 6.9-point boost in processing speed. “Over 90% of patients utilizing the precision medicine approach demonstrated statistically significant improvements,” noted Dr. Toups.
Researchers, including Anna Doherty from Wayne State University, find the results promising, supporting ongoing efforts to address cognitive decline through tailored strategies. “Precision medicine can integrate various health and genetic risks alongside identified lifestyle resilience factors,” she stated. Nevertheless, larger studies are required to validate these findings.
Previous research on personalized medicine has primarily relied on case reports, with limited data from randomized controlled trials. “This trial provides the most robust evidence to date,” remarked Christine Glorioso from NeuroAge Therapeutics.
Despite this, biomarker assessments and brain scans showed no significant changes from the study’s onset to conclusion in either group. According to Andrew Cermak, an independent imaging scientist, measuring the impact of interventions on symptoms can be challenging, especially in small cohorts over short durations. “Often, improvements may reflect changes in functional or cognitive measures rather than an actual correction of underlying neurodegenerative processes,” he explained.
It remains uncertain how much the benefits from personalized interventions outweigh the effects of lifestyle changes like regular exercise and cognitive training, both of which have consistently shown a reduced risk of dementia. “It’s complicated to isolate individual contributions when interventions are combined and personalized,” he added. Dr. Thomas Holland from Rush University stated, “Generally, the cumulative impact is likely the most significant factor.”
Glorioso suggested that future trials might need to clarify specific intervention aspects, such as whether participants received a supplement or placebo. “Given the open-label study design and largely negative biomarker findings, crucial questions about the interventions remain unanswered,” she emphasized.
Nonetheless, Dr. Toups advocates for swift implementation of personalized interventions, highlighting that the control group received these tailored approaches after a six-month delay, which may have hampered their progress. “There’s no time to waste when brain degeneration is involved,” she concluded.
Jeff Beal’s New Album Performance at Intercession Church in NYC
Kana Hoshino
During the premiere of New York Etudes Vol. II, I was unsure of what to expect. The venue was quaintly tucked away in the basement.
Although I knew little about Jeff Beal at the time, I quickly realized I was familiar with his work. An acclaimed composer and jazz musician, Beal boasts five Emmy Awards, one of which was for the political drama House of Cards. Since being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2007, he has continuously inspired others with his artistry.
MS is a chronic illness where the immune system attacks the protective nerves, leading to symptoms like muscle spasms and blurred vision. Many of Beal’s lesions impact the corpus callosum, a vital area of the brain responsible for transmitting signals between hemispheres, an essential function for music performance.
On March 26, he debuted his album at the Intercession Church in NYC, coinciding with MS Awareness Month. The candlelight performance was organized by Death of Classical, an organization dedicated to performing classical works in unique and atmospheric venues.
Before his captivating piano performance, Beal expressed gratitude for music’s role in managing his MS. He believes that engaging with music and maintaining an active lifestyle may have slowed the progression of his condition, inspiring him to push creative boundaries, particularly in the album’s challenging piece, New Leaves.
This poignant album captures the essence of life and loss. Many compositions were inspired by his mother’s passing, resonating with my own experiences of loss. When he performed the emotionally charged Last Breath, I was transported back to my farewell with my grandmother earlier this year.
Beal’s music transformed the intimate space, evoking deep emotions. As the final note resonated in the church, I was not alone in shedding tears.
Exploring the Deeper Layers of Reality Beyond Quantum Theory
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Physicists are delving deeper into the realm of post-quantum theory, unveiling a reality that exists at a level even more perplexing than the already bewildering quantum theory.
In the 1920s, physicists developed vital theories that explained fundamental workings of the universe, yet they continuously encountered phenomena where these theories fell short. This spurred them to glimpse into a more profound layer of reality: the quantum realm. Today, physicists find themselves revisiting this experience. While quantum theory accurately describes many phenomena, it leaves significant gaps when it comes to large cosmic structures influenced by gravity. What kind of post-quantum reality will manifest through these gaps?
James Hefford from the National Research and Development Agency, along with Matt Wilson from the University of Paris-Saclay, has created a mathematical framework outlining a potential post-quantum world—perhaps the deepest layer of reality.
“Quantum theory does not encompass the entirety of the universe,” Hefford remarks. “A significant challenge in physics is developing a quantum gravity theory that reconciles quantum mechanics and gravity. This theory must surpass traditional quantum descriptions.”
Multiple propositions exist for developing a quantum gravity theory, but Wilson and Hefford found their inspiration in the interplay between quantum and classical physics. Everyday experiences shield us from peculiar quantum effects, attributed to a phenomenon known as decoherence, which eliminates the quantum characteristics of most objects. Decoherence brings forth our tangible, rational world from the quantum domain, where the paradoxical states of cats exist and particles can seemingly disappear through barriers. They propose that quantum theory could arise from post-quantum theory through a similar mechanism called “hyperdecoherence.”
This concept isn’t entirely new; a specific theorem established in 2018 suggests that creating a coherent hyperdecoherence process that accurately reproduces quantum theory is mathematically infeasible. However, Hefford and Wilson scrutinized the underlying assumptions of this theorem and devised an innovative approach. The outcome? They entered a remarkably unconventional post-quantum landscape defined by a theory called QBox.
A fascinating aspect of QBox is its redefined conception of causality. Traditionally, causality operates on a clear sequence (event A causes event B or vice versa), but QBox permits a blend of both where causation is ambiguous.
“This introduces causal uncertainty, a critical aspect when pursuing a quantum gravity theory,” notes Carlo Maria Scandoro from the University of Calgary, who was not a part of this project. This uncertainty arises because Einstein’s theory of general relativity enforces varying causal orders across different spacetime points.
This is evident in thought experiments where observers traveling in different spaceships witness the same events but disagree on the chronological order of occurrences.
The researchers also ensured that hyperdecoherence adequately transitions QBox back into quantum theory, stipulating that objects described roughly within the QBox don’t gain precise clarity after hyperdecoherence. Wilson describes this hyperdecoherence as a dimension accessible to entities within the QBox realm—those capable of interacting within its confines—yet obscured from us in the classical or quantum realms.
Currently, the researchers are still clarifying how to conceptualize these dimensions and the experiences of agents operating within them. Preliminary indications suggest that the inaccessible dimensions are temporal rather than spatial—hyperdecoherence selectively concealing past processes while leaving future interactions untouched.
“Previously, there had been speculative models supporting concepts like indeterminate causal order, but formulating comprehensive quantum mechanics proved challenging, with no successful conclusions,” states Ciaran Gilligan Lee, involved in Spotify’s Causal Inference Lab and a co-author of the 2018 theorem opposing hyperdecoherence. He points out that the true merit of this new research lies in its concrete theoretical foundation and its mathematical simplicity. Notably, QBox does not necessitate hypothesizing entirely new constructs like cosmic strings for quantum gravity.
Beyond demonstrating the feasibility of hyperdecoherence as a mathematical function, the subsequent step involves elucidating its physical implications, contends John Selby from the University of Gdańsk, another co-author of the 2018 theorem. “A narrative is essential to clarify why these phenomena arise in our empirical universe.” In his opinion, the mathematical exploration by Hefford and Wilson is a promising foundation, regardless of whether QBox accurately represents the post-quantum layer of reality.
Gilligan-Lee and Selby have also formulated a new theorem, not yet explored by contemporaneous physicists, which may impose stricter criteria on a theory like QBox for it to meaningfully differentiate from quantum theory.
This challenge is welcomed by Wilson, even if it means QBox evolves into a precursor for a more refined vision of post-quantum theory. Notably, this theory may have tangible implications for specific experiments involving overlapping quantum waves, potentially facilitating experimental validation of the QBox concept.
If QBox successfully navigates forthcoming mathematical and experimental hurdles, even more intriguing inquiries will arise. “Can entire frameworks of theory be similarly disentangled?” Hefford speculates. Ultimately, unearthing the deepest realities might necessitate further mathematical exploration.
Photographer Yuri Segalerba presents a photo essay focusing on the alarming increase in temperature and the emergence of dengue fever in the Himalayan region of Nepal. Nestled at 2,438 meters above sea level, Chandannath is one of the highest towns where Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes and their larvae have been found. These mosquitoes, known carriers of dengue fever and other illnesses, were previously noted only up to an altitude of 2,100 meters.
Segalerba, who studies how traditional knowledge systems react to external pressures, was exploring dengue’s spread to Peru’s high Andes when he stumbled upon alarming developments in Nepal: “This was an ideal setting for my inquiry—where an ancient medical tradition confronts a disease it has never encountered,” he reflects.
Due to climate change and increased travel, dengue fever has proliferated across vast regions of Nepal. Reports indicate that in 2025, an estimated six fatalities from dengue fever occurred, with around 9,000 infections reported, spreading the virus to 76 out of 77 districts in the country, according to Kathmandu News.
Detailed View: Female Aedes aegypti Mosquito
Photo Credit: Yuri Segalerba
This close-up reveals a female Aedes aegypti. The Nepal Health Research Council (NHRC), in collaboration with the Institute of Tropical Medicine in Antwerp, Belgium, is studying adult mosquitoes and larvae for color and shape alterations. These changes indicate potential resistance to insecticides and adaptations to different altitudes.
The research is supported by Mr. Ishan Gautam, Associate Professor and Director of the Natural History Museum at Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu. The larvae were sent to Geetamata Junior High School in Kathmandu, where an awareness campaign is being conducted to educate locals about Aedes mosquito habits, emphasizing the importance of eliminating breeding sites such as stagnant water.
Students Observe Aedes Larvae During a Campaign
Photo Credit: Yuri Segalerba
In this image, Amchi Khedup Roden Gurung packages traditional Sowa Rigpa (Tibetan) medicine at a clinic in Jomsom, northern Nepal.
Traditional Healer Amchi Khedup Gurung Prepares Medicine
In Chandannath, the community is encouraged to install mosquito nets. Local resident Devi Kanya Katayata can be seen breastfeeding her son Nehan Buddha under a protective net in her home.
Using Mosquito Nets in Chandannath, Nepal
Photo Credit: Yuri Segalerba
NHRC PhD student Sunita Baral is seen studying mosquitoes in a controlled breeding cage. The research is vital for understanding the lifestyles of the dengue-carrying mosquito prevalent throughout Nepal.
Mosquitoes Captured in Breeding Cages at NHRC
Photo Credit: Yuri Segalerba
The following image depicts sheets drying under the sun in Pokhara Hospital’s courtyard. As the main gateway to the highland region of Mustang, recent cases of dengue fever have been reported there. Experts warn that these figures likely underrepresent the disease’s prevalence, as about 90% of cases show no symptoms, leaving many infections and deaths unreported.
Stem Cells and Partial Reprogramming for Rejuvenation Treatments
Katerina Conn/Science Photo Library/Alamy
Throughout my years in aging research, I’ve observed numerous promising rejuvenation treatments rise and fall. The cycle began with resveratrol, hailed by Sartoris Pharmaceuticals as a potential anti-aging miracle. In 2008, GlaxoSmithKline acquired the company for $720 million, only to abandon it five years later when it failed to deliver results. Disappointments similar to this have occurred with caloric restriction and other promising approaches, including the aging master switch MTOR and senescent cell destruction, aimed at eliminating the aging-causing “zombie cells.”
So, when I learned about the first clinical trials of a new class of rejuvenating drugs, I tried to temper my excitement. But as I observed developments, I began to believe that perhaps this time could be different due to the concept of “partial reprogramming,” showing real promise.
The journey began in 2006 when Shinya Yamanaka presented a revolutionary paper at Kyoto University, detailing groundbreaking work conducted with his colleague Kazutoshi Takahashi. They discovered that by adding just four genes to mature skin cells, they could revert them to a fetal state, termed induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). This breakthrough opened doors in biological sciences.
The therapeutic potential of iPSCs became quickly apparent. Numerous age-related diseases stem from damaged cells, which could theoretically be treated by creating iPSCs from a patient’s own cells. These reprogrammed cells could then be utilized to repair damaged organs—essentially providing rejuvenation. Additionally, iPSCs offer a way to source stem cells without the ethical dilemmas associated with cloning or embryo destruction.
However, the transition from lab discoveries to clinical applications would be long and arduous. Yamanaka’s research was primarily conducted on mice, posing uncertainties for human applications. Furthermore, while these cells mimic embryos, they fundamentally differ, and the efficiency of the process remained low—less than 1 in 1000 cells became pluripotent. Adding to the complexity, the use of retroviruses to deliver genes carried the risk of integrating into the host genome, potentially leading to cancer.
For many, these challenges obscured the therapeutic potential of iPSCs, despite their scientific validity, which ultimately warranted Yamanaka a Nobel Prize in 2012. In 2008, Tom Okama, president of the biotechnology company Geron, referred to them as “substitutes for nature” that would be impractical and prohibitively expensive for clinical use.
Yet, obstacles have been systematically addressed. Yamanaka confirmed this technique is viable in human cells, even without the c-Myc gene. Researchers have also developed alternative methods to bypass retroviral delivery, such as using adenoviruses. In 2016, the innovative concept of partial reprogramming emerged, enabling temporary activation of genes, allowing cells to rejuvenate while minimizing risks—successfully reversing this direction.
The Impact of Glaucoma on Optic Nerve Health
Stanford University/Science History Images/Alamy
Returning to the current clinical trial, this marks the first human test of partial reprogramming. The focus is on glaucoma and non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), both age-related degenerative eye diseases.
A group of eighteen participants (12 with glaucoma and 6 with NAION) will receive a single intraocular injection of a non-infectious virus that includes Yamanaka factors, excluding c-Myc. Following the injection, patients will take oral medication for 56 days, activating the factors before deactivating them. This is a Phase I trial aimed at demonstrating safety. If successful, the trial will progress to Phase II to assess potential degeneration reversal. While it may take years to determine outcomes, the drug’s developer, Life Biosciences of Massachusetts, aims to explore treatments for numerous other age-related conditions.
Stay tuned—partial reprogramming could revolutionize rejuvenation therapies and fundamentally transform our approach to aging. As João Pedro de Magalhães at the Institute of Aging and Chronic Disease noted in 2019, “If even one company succeeds in slowing the aging process, it will have a monumental impact on medicine and society.”
Scientists have recently uncovered that giant octopuses, reaching lengths of up to 19 meters (62 feet), were the true apex predators of the ocean during the dinosaur era.
In a groundbreaking study published in the magazine Science, researchers examined the fossilized jaws of two octopus species: Nanaimoteutis Zeretsky and N. Hagarty. These fossils were recovered from Late Cretaceous deposits dating back 100 million to 72 million years ago.
The extensive wear observed on the jaws of these adult specimens indicates that these colossal creatures were powerful, active carnivores, capable of crushing hard shells and bones. The largest octopuses of this time rivaled the size of the ocean’s largest marine reptiles.
According to Yasuhiro Iba, an associate professor at Hokkaido University, “They lived in the oceans during the age of the dinosaurs, alongside marine reptiles, large fish, sharks, ammonites, and large-shelled animals” as reported by BBC Science Focus.
Nanaimoteutis likely utilized its impressive size and extended arms for capturing prey while employing its powerful jaws to crush shells and bones, making it a formidable, intelligent predator at the top of the ocean food web.
In their research, scientists discovered 12 previously hidden octopus jaws through an innovative technique called digital fossil mining. This method transforms the interiors of rocks into high-resolution image datasets, allowing AI to create 3D models of fossils.
Unlike sharks and reptiles, this giant was at the top of the food chain despite its soft body – Photo courtesy of Hokkaido University
According to Iba, this advanced method can enhance fossil discovery rates by over 10,000 times compared to traditional techniques.
The asymmetrical wear on these jaws suggests a potential unilateral preference, indicating that these ancient octopuses may have exhibited behaviors similar to modern species, such as arm and eye preference, implying a remarkable level of intelligence.
These remarkable creatures might be the largest invertebrates ever recorded, earning Iba’s team the nickname “Cretaceous Kraken.”
However, the descendants of these octopuses now inhabit the depths of the ocean, having been displaced by newer generations of apex predators.
As Iba noted, “It was probably overtaken by a modern predator, such as a whale.”
A groundbreaking high-precision calculation concerning the magnetic moment of the muon, the electron’s heavier counterpart, has resulted in a rare alignment between theoretical predictions and experimental results. This advancement reinforces the Standard Model, casting doubt on the prospects for new physics.
Muon particles traversing lead in a cloud chamber. Image credit: Jino John 1996 / CC BY-SA 4.0.
Muons are subatomic particles that resemble electrons but are roughly 200 times more massive.
These particles are generated when cosmic rays collide with the Earth’s atmosphere, with approximately 50 muons passing through the human body every second.
Like electrons, muons exhibit magnetic properties, operating as tiny magnets. This magnetic strength, known as magnetic moment, has long been a critical tool for testing the Standard Model, a theoretical framework that elucidates the fundamental particles and forces of nature.
“Muons are short-lived elementary particles with half the spin and 207 times the mass of an electron,” explained Finn Stokes, a physicist at the University of Adelaide.
“Both particles generate a magnetic field characterized by a magnetic dipole moment.”
“This moment is proportional to the particle’s spin and charge, and inversely related to twice its mass.”
For years, discrepancies between the theoretical and experimental strengths of muon magnetism hinted at the potential for new physics beyond the Standard Model.
However, recent research by a dedicated team has resolved this contradiction, reinforcing the Standard Model instead of challenging it.
“Our research delves into the most uncertain aspect of theoretical predictions: the contribution of hadronic vacuum polarization arising from the complex dynamics of quarks and gluons shaped by quantum chromodynamics (QCD),” Dr. Stokes noted.
“Calculating the effects of these strong forces with high precision has proven to be challenging.”
“To overcome this hurdle, we employed a novel hybrid approach, merging large-scale computer simulations with experimental data.”
Utilizing the world’s most advanced supercomputers and a method known as lattice QCD, the researchers achieved calculations at unprecedented resolutions, effectively reducing uncertainties.
This new result is nearly twice as accurate as the previous global consensus.
They have calculated the contribution of hadronic vacuum polarization with unmatched precision, leading to an updated prediction of the muon’s magnetic moment in alignment with the latest experimental measurements, agreeing to within just 0.5 standard deviations.
“This study highlights the synergistic power of integrating theoretical and experimental methodologies to address some of the most intricate challenges in physics,” stated Dr. Stokes.
“This significant advancement enhances our capacity to rigorously test the Standard Model. Such a reduction in uncertainty facilitates unprecedented comparisons between theory and experiment, leading to remarkable validation of the Standard Model to 11 decimal places.”
For more details, check the results published on April 22, 2026, in the journal Nature.
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A. Bocaretti et al. Hybrid calculation of hadronic vacuum polarization in muon g – 2 to 0.48%. Nature published online on April 22, 2026. doi: 10.1038/s41586-026-10449-z
New research on rice reveals that the acoustic vibrations from falling droplets have the ability to stimulate dormant seeds, marking the first direct evidence that plants can detect natural sounds.
Rice and its related seed types can detect the sound of rain hitting the soil or water, accelerating germination when the sound intensity is adequate to displace stationary stones away from cell membrane receptors, thereby facilitating gravitropic growth mechanisms.
Plants are remarkably sensitive organisms. To thrive, they have developed mechanisms to perceive and react to various environmental stimuli.
For instance, certain plants snap shut upon contact, while others retract when exposed to harmful odors.
Moreover, most plants exhibit phototropism, reaching for sunlight to optimize growth.
Plants also respond to gravity, with roots growing downward and shoots rising upward against the gravitational pull.
One important method of gravity perception involves stationary stones within plant cells.
These “stillstones” are denser than the cell’s cytoplasm, floating or sinking inside the cell, similar to sand in water.
When the stones settle at the bottom, they rest against the cell membrane, signaling the direction of gravity and guiding root and shoot growth.
Research has shown that removing the stationary stones can further stimulate seed growth.
“Our findings indicate that seeds can perceive sound as a vital survival mechanism,” stated Professor Nicholas Makris from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
“The energy generated by rain sounds is potent enough to trigger seed growth.”
Professor Makris and fellow MIT researcher Cadine Navarro conducted experiments involving rice seeds, which naturally thrive in shallow rice fields.
During multiple trials, they submerged approximately 8,000 rice seeds in a shallow bath, exposing a subset to dripping water.
By varying the droplet size and height, they simulated light, medium, and heavy rainfall.
The team deployed hydrophones to capture the acoustic vibrations generated by the water droplets underwater.
These laboratory measurements were validated against records taken in natural environments, such as puddles, ponds, wetlands, and storm-influenced soils.
The comparison confirmed that laboratory conditions replicate rain-induced acoustic vibrations seen in nature.
Moreover, they observed that rice seeds subjected to water sounds germinated 30 to 40 percent faster than those without sound exposure but in identical conditions.
Those seeds positioned nearer to the water surface demonstrated heightened sensitivity to droplet sounds and exhibited faster growth than their deeper counterparts.
This research indicates a clear link between acoustic vibrations from rain and enhanced seed growth.
Scientists speculate that seeds capable of sensing rain may gain evolutionary advantages. Seeds that are close enough to the surface to detect raindrop sounds are likely positioned optimally to absorb moisture and safely push through to the surface.
The research team conducted calculations to verify if the physical vibrations from the droplets could perturb the micro resting stones within the seeds.
Such findings would provide insights into how sound directly influences plant growth.
The calculations considered factors like droplet size and terminal velocity to evaluate the amplitude of acoustic vibrations generated by falling droplets.
Based on this data, the team assessed how vibrations affect submerged seeds and the impact on their biological dynamics.
The experiments on rice seeds aligned with their theoretical predictions, confirming that the sound of rain could indeed displace hard seeds’ resting stones, leading to collisions.
This phenomenon may underlie plants’ capacity to “hear” rain sounds and respond with growth.
“Extensive research worldwide continues to delve into the mechanisms facilitating plants’ gravity sensitivity,” noted Professor Makris.
“Our study revealed that these same mechanisms empower seeds to discern their submerged depth in soil or water, enhancing survival through sound detection of rain.”
“Titled Falling Rain Awakens the Soil, this insight offers a fresh perspective on Japan’s Fourth Microseason.”
A study detailing this research is featured in this week’s edition of Scientific Reports.
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N.C. Makris and C. Navarro. 2026. Seeds detect the sound of rain to promote germination at the appropriate planting depth. Science Officer 16, 11248; doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-44444-1
Astronomers utilizing NASA/ESA/CSA’s James Webb Space Telescope have discovered swirling clouds of water ice in the atmosphere of Epsilon Indi Ab, a cold super-Jupiter that challenges current models of giant planetary atmospheres.
An artist’s impression of Epsilon Indi Ab with water clouds above an ammonia-based atmosphere. Image credit: EC Matthews, MPIA / T. Müller, HdA.
Epsilon Indi A, a K5V star located about 12 light-years from Earth in the southern constellation Indus, is home to Epsilon Indi Ab.
This star, also known as HD 209100 or HIP 108870, is estimated to be between 3.7 and 5.7 billion years old.
Slightly less massive and cooler than the Sun, Epsilon Indi A is orbited by Epsilon Indi Ab, a gas giant planet several times more massive than Jupiter.
Epsilon Indi Ab has a surface temperature ranging from 200 to 300 K (approximately -70 to 20 degrees Celsius).
This planet is warmer than Jupiter (140 K, -133 degrees Celsius) due to residual heat from its formation.
Over millions of years, Epsilon Indi Ab is expected to cool further, eventually dropping below Jupiter’s temperature.
“With a mass of 7.6 times that of Jupiter, Epsilon Indi Ab is significantly more massive, yet its diameter is comparable to Jupiter,” stated Dr. Bhavesh Rajput, a student at the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy.
Rajput et al. utilized Webb’s Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) to capture direct images of Epsilon Indi Ab.
They also estimated the ammonia content in its atmosphere.
“For Jupiter, both ammonia gas and clouds dominate the observable upper atmosphere,” the researchers noted.
“Epsilon Indi Ab was presumed to have large amounts of ammonia gas; however, clouds consisting of ammonia were not detected.”
“Intriguingly, our photometric analysis revealed lower ammonia levels than anticipated.”
A likely explanation is the presence of thick yet patchy clouds of water ice, akin to high-altitude cirrus clouds on Earth.
“This discovery poses significant implications and highlights the advancements being made with Webb,” commented Dr. James Mang, an astronomer at the University of Texas at Austin.
“What was once invisible is now within our view, offering insights into atmospheric structures, including cloud formations.”
“This new complexity adds layers to our atmospheric models, allowing for further detailed analyses of these cold, distant exoplanets.”
These findings will be published in the Astrophysics Journal Letter.
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Elizabeth C. Matthews et al. 2026. JWST’s second examination of Epsilon Indi Ab: New photometric data confirms ammonia presence and suggests thick cloud layers in the exoplanet’s atmosphere. APJL 1002, L5; doi: 10.3847/2041-8213/ae5823
Tufts University researcher Beth Dawson-Hughes and her team discovered through a large-scale clinical trial that vitamin D supplements can reduce diabetes risk, but only in individuals with specific genetic variations. This indicates the need for a more personalized approach to diabetes prevention.
Dawson-Hughes and colleagues found that adults with prediabetes carrying a unique mutation in the vitamin D receptor gene had a 19% lower risk of developing diabetes when taking high doses of vitamin D daily.
Dr. Dawson-Hughes and her co-authors analyzed data from the D2d study, a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial conducted from October 1, 2013, to November 28, 2018.
The initial trial investigated the effects of 4,000 units of vitamin D per day versus a placebo on more than 2,000 U.S. adults diagnosed with prediabetes, aiming to assess whether high daily doses of vitamin D could reduce diabetes onset in this high-risk group.
However, no significant decrease in diabetes risk was identified across all participants.
“The D2d results prompt an essential question: Can vitamin D still offer benefits for certain individuals?” explained Dr. Dawson-Hughes.
“Diabetes presents numerous severe complications that develop gradually over many years.”
“If we can delay the duration that an individual lives with diabetes, we can mitigate some of its detrimental effects or lessen their severity.”
Previous analyses by the D2d research team indicated that blood levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D at 40-50 ng/mL or higher were linked to a significant and steady decrease in the risk of developing diabetes among participants.
Circulating vitamin D is converted into its active form in the body before it interacts with vitamin D receptors, proteins that facilitate cellular responses to the vitamin.
Researchers speculated that genetic variations in the vitamin D receptor could explain why some individuals respond positively to vitamin D supplementation while others do not.
Insulin-producing cells within the pancreas possess vitamin D receptors, leading to hypotheses that vitamin D may influence insulin secretion and blood glucose regulation.
For this latest study, scientists examined genetic data from 2,098 trial participants who consented to DNA testing, categorizing them into two groups: those likely to benefit from vitamin D supplementation and those unlikely to see benefits.
They compared response rates among subgroups based on three common mutations in the vitamin D receptor gene.
The analysis indicated that adults with the AA mutation in the ApaI vitamin D receptor gene (about 30% of the study cohort) showed no response to high daily doses of vitamin D compared to those given a placebo.
Conversely, adults with AC or CC mutations in the vitamin D receptor gene who received the same treatment exhibited a significantly lower risk of developing diabetes compared to those on a placebo.
Anastasios Pittas, a professor at Tufts University School of Medicine, remarked, “These findings could represent a key advancement in creating personalized strategies to lower the risk of type 2 diabetes in high-risk adults.”
“The appeal of vitamin D as a preventive tool stems from its affordability, widespread availability, and ease of use.”
The authors caution that their study’s results do not imply individuals should initiate high doses of vitamin D independently to prevent diabetes.
Current guidelines recommend 600 IU per day for individuals aged 1-70 and 800 IU per day for those over 70.
Excessive vitamin D intake can be detrimental and is associated with an increased risk of falls and fractures in older adults.
Further research is essential to identify who may benefit from augmented daily doses.
“Our findings indicate that we may eventually pinpoint which prediabetic patients are most likely to benefit from additional vitamin D supplementation,” stated Dr. Dawson-Hughes.
“In principle, this could involve a single, relatively inexpensive genetic test.”
Findings are published in the journalJAMA Network Open.
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Beth Dawson-Hughes et al. 2026. Effect of vitamin D supplementation on vitamin D receptor polymorphisms and diabetes risk in prediabetic adults. JAMA Net Open 9 (4): e267332; doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2026.7332
Brazilian paleontologists have unveiled a groundbreaking discovery: a new genus and species of dragonosaurs, named Isodapedon varsalis. This newly identified member of the Hyperodapedontinidae family was based on a partial skull and lower jaw found in Triassic rock formations, highlighting the diversity of a group previously believed to be less varied.
An artistic representation of the late Triassic landscape of southern Brazil. Isodapedon varsalis depicted alongside a member of the Proterochampsidae family. Image credit: Caio Fantini.
During the Late Triassic, rhynchosaurs were among the most prevalent herbivores, thriving across the supercontinent Pangea and frequently making up the majority of fossilized vertebrates.
These ancient reptiles had specialized feeding adaptations, including toothless beaks and rows of sharp teeth, that enabled them to process hard plant materials, making them dominant in their terrestrial ecosystems.
Paleontologist Chung Hee Schiefelbein from the Federal University of Santa Maria noted, “Rhynchosaurs are an early branch of archosauromorphs, with several species from the middle to late Triassic period, although their origins trace back to the early Triassic.”
“The Rhynchosaurs thrived across most of Pangea, with fossil records found in present-day Brazil, Argentina, Canada, the United States, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, South Africa, Madagascar, India, England, and Scotland.”
By the Late Triassic, these reptiles had achieved nearly global distribution and played a pivotal role as primary consumers in terrestrial ecosystems.
Due to their prevalence, particularly in Late Triassic formations, rhynchosaurs are also vital as biostratigraphic markers, contributing up to 90% of vertebrate fossils in some geological outcrops.
The holotype specimen of Isodapedon varsalis was excavated from the Valzea do Agudo archaeological site in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, dating back to the Carnian period of the Triassic, about 230 million years ago.
Unique features of the upper jaw of Isodapedon varsalis, including symmetrical teeth rare among similar species, suggest a distinct feeding strategy compared to other known rhinocosaurids.
Phylogenetic analysis indicates that Isodapedon varsalis falls outside previously recognized South American hyperodapedontins, prompting a reevaluation of the traditional classification of these reptiles and calling for a refined definition of the well-known genus Hyperodapedon.
This finding implies a more intricate evolutionary radiation of rhynchosaurs than previously thought, with closely related forms widely distributed across southwestern Gondwana in southern Pangea while maintaining a conservative body plan.
“Isodapedon varsalis presents a distinctive combination of craniomandibular traits, including symmetrical maxillary toothing and autapomorphic dental features, setting it apart from contemporary species such as Macrocephalosaurus mariensis and Hyperodapedon sp.,” the researchers emphasized.
These differences likely reflect diverse ecological strategies within herbivore guilds, indicating potential niche partitioning during the dynamic environmental and floral changes of the Carnian pluvial period.
Moreover, its similarities to early-diverging hyperodapedontins from Argentina and possibly Zimbabwe imply a widespread, morphologically stable radiation across southwestern Gondwana, underscoring ecological consistency before more derived, geographically limited lineages emerged.
An article detailing this significant discovery was published in the journal Royal Society Open Science on April 15th. For more information, check out the full paper.
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Chung Hee Schiefelbein et al. 2026. A new ceratopsian of the subfamily Hyperodapedontinidae, excavated from a cynodont-dominated site (Upper Triassic) in southern Brazil. R Soc Open Science 13 (4): 260176; doi: 10.1098/rsos.260176
The destructive “Jumping Worm” species poses a significant threat to gardens across Colorado and the Western United States. A national civil servant has urged Green Thumb enthusiasts to remain vigilant against this invasive pest.
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Currently, there is no effective eradication method for the Asian Jumping Worm (also known as the “crazy worm” or “snake worm”) found in Denver’s Hilltop neighborhood, according to a statement from the City of Denver. For more information, visit the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA).
The CDA is urging nurseries, landscape contractors, and landowners to keep an eye out for signs of this invasive pest. Please report any suspected sightings.
“Preventing the spread of the jumping worm in Colorado is critical for safeguarding the state’s healthy soils and native plants,” stated CDA Plant Director Wondirad Gebru.
“With no effective eradication methods available, we appeal to gardeners and landscapers to remain vigilant, inspect materials, and report any potential sightings to authorities.”
This insect, native to East Asia, was first discovered in a California nursery in Napa County in 2021, and later in the wild in Sonoma County in 2023, according to the state Department of Food and Agriculture.
“Jumping worms are far more voracious and grow faster than most native earthworm species. They typically inhabit the soil surface, quickly depleting leaf litter and diminishing beneficial microorganisms within the soil.”
According to the Colorado Department of Agriculture, the Asian Jumping Worm is distinguishable by its red and brown coloration and exhibits a snake-like jumping motion when disturbed. Unlike native US earthworms, jumping worms possess a clitellum that is white to light gray and encircles the body.
The CDA advises that a telltale sign of jumping worms in your garden is a soil surface resembling coffee grounds, which are actually worm droppings.
In a groundbreaking announcement, Isaacman revealed that NASA has decided to abandon its plans for a lunar orbit space station. Instead, the agency will invest $20 billion in constructing a base on the moon’s surface, utilizing components from the now-canceled space station.
This revelation follows a major update to NASA’s Artemis moon return program made in February, aiming to expedite the timeline for launches as the agency targets a lunar landing in 2028.
The revised strategy includes introducing the Artemis III mission in mid-2027. This mission will test critical rendezvous and docking technologies with lunar landers being developed by SpaceX and Blue Origin within low Earth orbit. If successful, the Artemis IV mission is set to follow, marking the return of astronauts to the moon. The mission will involve a commercially-developed vehicle docking with the Orion spacecraft to facilitate the lunar landing.
“If any issues arise, our goal is to return to sea within hours rather than days,” said Isaacman regarding the Artemis III test flight. “The insights we gain will be invaluable for Artemis IV in 2028, where we aim to land astronauts on the moon while concurrently constructing a lunar base.”
Williams, who is set to retire from NASA in December 2025, emphasized the importance of the International Space Station (ISS) as a vital testing ground for future long-duration lunar missions.
“Since humans have been aboard the ISS since 2000, we’ve gained extensive knowledge,” Williams stated. She noted that long-term stays in these orbiting laboratories have taught NASA how to combat the adverse effects of microgravity on the human body through exercise and nutrition.
“Our research aboard the space station spans stem cell studies, DNA sequencing, and innovations in engineering, manufacturing, and biomedical engineering,” she added. “The ISS has equipped us with numerous technologies that will be crucial for our extended presence on the moon.”
With a wealth of experience in long-term space missions, Williams has completed three trips to the ISS, totaling 608 days in space. Her most recent journey occurred last year when she and NASA astronaut Butch Wilmore unexpectedly spent over nine months at the ISS due to complications during a test flight of Boeing’s Starliner capsule.
When asked about their willingness to participate in a lunar trip if the opportunity arose, both Williams and Isaacman expressed enthusiasm.
“I believe our response would be unanimous,” Isaacman said with excitement. “Yes!”
This version incorporates relevant keywords like “NASA,” “moon base,” “Artemis program,” and “International Space Station.” It maintains a similar structure while enhancing SEO optimization.
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