Mondo News

Scientists in neuroscience claim that certain dreams can accurately forecast events to come

Posted on June 12, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Kamran Dibba, an anesthesiologist at the University of Michigan, and his colleagues have found that during sleep, some neurons not only replay the recent past but also anticipate future experiences.

To dynamically track the spatial tuning of neurons offline, Mahboudi others We used a novel Bayesian learning approach based on spike-triggered average decoded positions in population recordings from freely moving rats.

“Certain neurons fire in response to certain stimuli,” Dr. Dibba said.

“Neurons in the visual cortex fire when presented with an appropriate visual stimulus, and the neurons we study show location preference.”

In their study, Dr. Dibba and his co-authors aimed to study the process by which these specialized neurons generate representations of the world after new experiences.

Specifically, the researchers tracked sharp ripples, patterns of neural activity that are known to play a role in consolidating new memories and, more recently, have also been shown to tag which parts of a new experience will be stored as a memory.

“In this paper, for the first time, we observe individual neurons stabilizing spatial representations during rest periods,” said Rice University neuroscientist Dr. Caleb Kemele.

“We imagined that some neurons might change their representation, mirroring the experience we've all had of waking up with a new understanding of a problem.”

“But to prove this, we needed to trace how individual neurons achieve spatial tuning – the process by which the brain learns to navigate new routes and environments.”

The researchers trained rats to run back and forth on a raised track with liquid rewards at each end, and observed how individual neurons in the animals' hippocampus “spiked” in the process.

By calculating the average spike rate over multiple round trips, the researchers were able to estimate a neuron's place field – the area of the environment that a particular neuron is most “interested” in.

“The key point here is that place fields are inferred using the animal's behavior,” Dr Kemele said.

I’ve been thinking for a long time about how we can assess neuronal preferences outside the labyrinth, such as during sleep,” Dr. Dibba added.”

“We addressed this challenge by relating the activity of individual neurons to the activity of all the other neurons.”

The scientists also developed a statistical machine learning approach that uses other neurons they examined to infer where the animals were in their dreams.

The researchers then used the dreamed locations to estimate the spatial tuning process of each neuron in the dataset.

“The ability to track neuronal preferences in the absence of stimulation was a significant advance for us,” Dr. Dibba said.”

This method confirmed that the spatial representation formed during the experience of a novel environment remained stable in most neurons throughout several hours of sleep following the experience.

But as the author predicted, there was more to the story.”

“What I liked most about this study, and why I found it so exciting, was that it showed that stabilizing memories of experiences isn’t the only thing these neurons do during sleep. It turns out some of them are doing other things after all,” Dr. Kemmele said.”

“We can see these other changes that occur during sleep, and then when we put the animals back into the environment, we can see that these changes actually reflect something that the animals learned while they were asleep.”

“It’s as if the animal is exposed to that space a second time while they’re sleeping.”

This is important because it provides a direct look at the neuroplasticity that occurs during sleep.

“It appears that brain plasticity and rewiring require very fast timescales,” Dr. Dibba said.”

This study paper In the journal Nature.

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K. Mabudi others2024. Recalibration of hippocampal representations during sleep. Nature 629, 630-638; doi: 10.1038/s41586-024-07397-x

Source: www.sci.news

New research uncovers that the Great Oxidation Event persisted for a minimum of 200 million years

Posted on June 12, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

About 2.5 billion years ago, free oxygen first began to accumulate in meaningful levels in Earth's atmosphere, setting the stage for the emergence of complex life. Scientists call this phenomenon Great Oxidation EventBut a new study led by researchers at the University of Utah suggests that Earth's early buildup of oxygen wasn't as simple as that moniker suggests.

The Great Oxidation Event refers to the transition from a slowly reducing Archean atmosphere-ocean system to an oxygen-rich atmosphere and shallow ocean during the early Paleoproterozoic. Image courtesy of Hadeano.

“The new data suggest that the early rise of oxygen in Earth's atmosphere was dynamic, possibly progressing intermittently up until 2.2 billion years ago,” said Dr Chadrin Ostrander, a researcher at the University of Utah.

“Our data validate this hypothesis and go a step further by extending this dynamics to the ocean.”

By analysing stable thallium isotope ratios and redox-sensitive elements, Dr Ostrander and his colleagues found evidence of fluctuations in ocean oxygen levels that are consistent with changes in atmospheric oxygen.

The discovery helps improve understanding of the complex processes that shaped oxygen levels on Earth at key times in its history and paved the way for the evolution of life as we know it.

“We have no idea what was going on in the oceans where Earth's earliest life forms are thought to have arisen and evolved,” Dr Ostrander said.

“So knowing the oxygen content of the ocean and how it evolved over time is probably more important for early life than the atmosphere.”

In 2021, researchers discovered that oxygen wasn't permanently present in the atmosphere until about 200 million years after the global oxygenation process began — much later than previously thought.

Definitive evidence for an anoxic atmosphere is the presence of rare mass-independent sulfur isotope signatures in the sediment record prior to the Great Oxidation Event.

There are very few known processes on Earth that could produce these sulfur isotope signatures, and atmospheric oxygen would almost certainly be absent for them to be preserved in the rock record.

For the first half of Earth's existence, its atmosphere and oceans were almost devoid of oxygen. This gas was likely produced by cyanobacteria in the oceans before the Great Oxidation Event, but during this early epoch the oxygen was rapidly destroyed in reactions with exposed minerals and volcanic gases.

Scientists found that traces of rare sulfur isotopes disappeared and reappeared, suggesting that atmospheric oxygen increased and decreased multiple times during the Great Oxidation Event – it wasn't a single “event.”

“When oxygen began to be produced, the Earth was not ready to be oxygenated. The Earth needed time to evolve biologically, geologically and chemically to encourage oxygenation,” Dr Ostrander said.

“It's like a seesaw. Oxygen is produced, but there's so much oxygen destruction that nothing happens.”

“We're still trying to figure out when the scales will tip completely and Earth will no longer be able to go back to an oxygen-free atmosphere.”

To map ocean oxygen levels during the Great Oxidation Event, the authors relied on expertise in stable thallium isotopes.

Thallium isotope ratios are sensitive to the burial of manganese oxides to the seafloor, a process that requires oxygen in seawater.

The team looked at thallium isotopes in the same ocean shales, which have recently been shown to be able to track fluctuations in atmospheric oxygen during the Great Oxidation Event, along with rare sulfur isotopes.

The researchers found a significant enrichment of the lighter isotope thallium-203 in the shale, a pattern best explained by the burial of manganese oxides on the ocean floor and the buildup of oxygen in the water.

These enrichments were found in the same samples that lacked the rare sulfur isotope signature, meaning the atmosphere was no longer anoxic, and they disappeared once the rare sulfur isotope signature reappeared.

These findings were supported by redox-sensitive element enrichments, a more classical means of tracing ancient oxygen changes.

“The sulfur isotopes indicate that the atmosphere was oxygenated, and the thallium isotopes indicate that the oceans were oxygenated,” Dr Ostrander said.

“Sulfur isotopes indicate that the atmosphere has become anoxic again, and thallium isotopes indicate the same for the oceans.”

“So the atmosphere and oceans were simultaneously oxygenating and deoxygenating. This is new and exciting information for people interested in the ancient Earth.”

of Investigation result Published in the journal Nature.

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Ostrander Commercial othersCoupled oxygenation of the atmosphere and oceans began 2.3 billion years ago. NaturePublished online June 12, 2024, doi: 10.1038/s41586-024-07551-5

Source: www.sci.news

Elon Musk unexpectedly withdraws legal action against Sam Altman and OpenAI

Posted on June 12, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Elon Musk has submitted a motion to dismiss a lawsuit against ChatGPT developer OpenAI and its CEO Sam Altman, claiming that the startup has deviated from its original goal of developing artificial intelligence for the betterment of humanity.

Musk filed the lawsuit against Altman in February, and the legal process has been progressing slowly in a California court. Up until Tuesday, Musk had not shown any intention of dropping the case. Just a month ago, his legal team filed an objection, leading to the presiding judge stepping down.

Musk’s motion to dismiss the lawsuit did not provide any rationale. A San Francisco Superior Court judge was set to consider arguments from Altman and OpenAI on Wednesday to have the lawsuit thrown out.

The dismissal brought an abrupt end to the legal dispute between two influential figures in the tech realm. Musk and Altman co-founded OpenAI in 2015, but Musk resigned from the board three years later following disagreements over the company’s governance and direction. Their relationship has become increasingly strained as Altman’s prominence has grown in recent years.

Musk’s lawsuit centered on his assertion that Altman and OpenAI breached the company’s “foundation agreement” by collaborating with Microsoft, transforming OpenAI into a predominantly profit-driven entity, and withholding its technology from the public.

OpenAI and Altman contested the existence of such an agreement, citing messages that appeared to show Musk supporting the shift towards a for-profit model. They vehemently denied any wrongdoing and published a blog post in March suggesting Musk’s motivations were rooted in jealousy, expressing regret that a respected figure had taken this course of action.

Musk’s lawsuit raised eyebrows among legal experts, who pointed out that certain claims, such as OpenAI achieving artificial intelligence equivalent to human intelligence, lacked credibility.

Feeling blue when your beloved TV series concludes? You’re not the only one.

Posted on June 12, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

When the Australian soap opera Neighbours was canceled in 2022, it signified the end of a cultural institution that had been on air for 37 years. The show’s fictional suburban setting and beloved characters were suddenly gone, leaving fans in mourning.

Adam Gerace, a senior lecturer in psychology at Central Queensland University in Australia, conducted a study to understand the grief experienced by about 1,300 Australians following the show’s conclusion.

Fans expressed genuine feelings of sadness and loss, as outlined in a study authored by Gerace and published in the journal PLOS One.

Gerace’s survey asked fans about their emotions after the final episode aired in 2022, finding that many struggled to accept the show’s cancellation. Despite their anger over the end, fans were grateful for the connections and experiences the series had provided them.

The study also delved into the concept of “parasocial breakups,” where viewers mourn the loss of their favorite characters as if they were real. This emotional attachment was found to be similar to the grief experienced after the end of real relationships.

Gerace noted that people developed strong emotional bonds with Neighbours characters, leading to significant sadness when the show concluded. This phenomenon is not exclusive to TV shows, as people can also experience similar emotions after finishing a book series or video game.

Fans’ deep connection to Neighbours was further emphasized by the show’s long history and multi-generational viewership. Many fans had been watching for nearly 40 years, with the series playing a significant role in their daily lives.

Psychologists like Dara Greenwood from Vassar College explain that the length of time spent with characters can strengthen emotional bonds, leading to a profound sense of loss when the show ends.

While grieving a quasi-social relationship is a common human response, experts are still exploring how parasocial grief differs from real-life loss of a loved one. Some studies suggest that the intensity of grief may vary depending on individual personality traits and life experiences.

Ultimately, forming bonds with fictional characters can have a positive impact on empathy and understanding, helping to challenge stereotypes and prejudice.

However, becoming overly attached to TV characters may have negative consequences if it interferes with real-world relationships, as Gerace warns.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

The dangers of nicotine pouches for children: why they can pose a significant threat

Posted on June 12, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

It has been recognized for many years that smoking is extremely detrimental to health, and stopping smoking or avoiding it altogether is one of the most effective ways to safeguard one’s well-being.

Governments globally are implementing extensive measures to eliminate smoking as a norm and socially acceptable practice, shedding light on the reality of smoking as a dangerous addiction.

Increased tobacco taxes, graphic warnings on packaging, workplace smoking bans, and the discontinuation of glamorous tobacco advertising campaigns have all contributed to the decline in smoking rates.

The UK Office for National Statistics reports: In the UK, 12.9% of adults are current smokers.This marks a significant drop from the 30 percent in the early 1990s. Tobacco control is undoubtedly a triumph of public health.

Nevertheless, nicotine addiction remains a thriving industry. Instead of fading away, the tobacco industry has introduced a new array of products aimed primarily at young individuals: flavored disposable e-cigarettes, heat-not-burn products, and the latest novelty item, nicotine pouches.

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Nicotine pouches are typically packaged in small round containers that are convenient to carry around. The pouches resemble small tea bags and contain vegetable fiber, sugar, flavorings, and, of course, nicotine.

Nicotine can be synthetically produced or directly extracted from the tobacco plant. These pouches come in various flavors, from fruity and berry to sweet and cocktail, and they offer different levels of nicotine strength, with some pouches having higher nicotine content than regular cigarettes.

The small pouch is placed between the lips and gums to absorb the nicotine in the mouth. After absorption, the pouch is discarded and replaced with a new one. These pouches are discreet, have a pleasant smell, and unlike oral tobacco products, such as chewing tobacco, they don’t require spitting like in movies depicting the old West.

While relatively new in the market, these pouches are similar to Scandinavian “snus” – yet snus contains tobacco while pouches do not. This difference is vital as pouches often evade regulations, bypassing laws and rules that govern tobacco products and cigarettes.

This lack of regulation means that, unlike cigarettes, pouches can legally be sold to individuals under 18 in the UK. Other countries, like the US, are already taking steps to ban or restrict the sale of pouches to adults only.

What do we know about the health risks of pouches?

Although nicotine pouches are gaining popularity worldwide, there is limited data on their health risks due to their recent introduction. However, the World Health Organization advocates a precautionary approach by prioritizing nicotine whenever the sale and promotion of nicotine pouches are permitted. The health of young people.

Using pouches exposes individuals to toxic nicotine, can lead to addiction, and may encourage the use of other products like e-cigarettes or cigarettes.

In addition to addiction, nicotine has effects on adolescent brain development, impacting learning outcomes. High nicotine doses can induce symptoms like dizziness, headaches, nausea, and abdominal cramps, particularly in those new to nicotine exposure.

It may be tempting to compare the health effects of nicotine pouches, e-cigarettes, and tobacco products to determine which is “safer.” However, 85% of the UK population never smokes, and young individuals who have never smoked and never will not derive any health benefits from starting to use pouches.

At present, there is no evidence to suggest that pouches aid in smoking or vaping cessation. Instead of helping users quit smoking, individuals may resort to using pouches in situations where smoking or vaping is not feasible, such as during flights, at school, or work, resulting in increased nicotine consumption.

The global tobacco industry, dominated by a few multinational corporations, including British American Tobacco and Philip Morris International, produces and markets nicotine pouches. Using tactics reminiscent of old cigarette advertisements, pouches are promoted through motorsports, celebrity endorsements, and various lifestyle marketing approaches.

The tobacco industry is skilled at dangerous marketing. With addictive nicotine products widely available to young individuals and minimal regulation in the advertising and sale of pouches, there is a real risk of a surge in pouch use and nicotine addiction among young people.

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Webb discovers massive collision in Beta Pictoris star system

Posted on June 12, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Astronomers using the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope discovered a giant asteroid impact around Beta Gactris, the second brightest star in the constellation Scorpio.

Chen othersBeta Pictoris has a dynamic circumstellar environment, suggesting that periods of active collisions could produce large dust clouds that could blow through the planetary system and increase dust accretion to the giant planets Beta Pictoris b and c. Image credit: Roberto Molar Candanosa / Johns Hopkins University / Lynette Cook / NASA.

Beta Pictoris is an A5 type star located in the constellation Pictoris, approximately 63 light years from Earth.

The star has a mass about 1.8 times that of the Sun and is only 20 million years old.

It contains a circumstellar disk of gas and dust, numerous comet-like objects, and two giant planets, Beta Pictoris b and Beta Pictoris c.

Beta Pictoris b is a gas giant with a mass about 9-13 times that of Jupiter. It orbits its parent star at a distance of 9.8 astronomical units (AU) and completes one revolution around its parent star every 22 years.

Beta Pictoris c has a mass 8.2 times that of Jupiter and is located quite close to its star, orbiting it at a distance of 2.7 AU with an orbital period of about 1,200 days.

“Beta Pictoris is at an age where terrestrial planetary belt planet formation is still ongoing due to giant asteroid impacts, so what we're seeing here is essentially how rocky planets and other objects are forming in real time,” said Dr Christine Chen, an astronomer at Johns Hopkins University.

By comparing the new data with data from the Webb Space Telescope in 2004 and 2005, Dr Chen and his colleagues found a significant change in the energy characteristics emitted by the dust particles around Beta Pictoris.

Webb's detailed measurements allowed the researchers to track the composition and size of dust particles in the very region that Spitzer had previously analyzed.

The researchers focused on heat given off by crystalline silicates – minerals commonly found around young stars, on Earth and other celestial bodies – and found no trace of the particles observed in 2004 and 2005.

“This suggests that a catastrophic collision occurred between the asteroid and another object about 20 years ago, shattering the asteroid into microscopic dust particles smaller than pollen or powdered sugar,” Dr Chen said.

“We believe the dust is the same as that first observed in Spitzer data in 2004 and 2005.”

“The best explanation given by Webb's new data is that we have in fact witnessed the aftermath of a rare catastrophe between large, asteroid-sized objects, completely changing our understanding of this solar system.”

The new data suggests that dust dispersed outward by radiation from the system's central star can no longer be detected.

Initially, dust near the star heated up and emitted thermal radiation that Spitzer's instruments identified.

Now, as the dust cools away from the star, it no longer emits its thermal properties.

When Spitzer collected its previous data, scientists assumed that small objects abrading the ground would stir up the dust and steadily replenish it over time.

But Webb's new observations showed that the dust had disappeared and not been replaced.

“The amount of dust kicked up is about 100,000 times the size of the asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs,” Dr Chen said.

The authors, Investigation result this week's 244th Meeting of the American Astronomical Society In Madison, Wisconsin.

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Christine Chen others2024. Spectroscopic evidence of a recent giant impact around Beta. 224 AustraliaAbstract number 313

Source: www.sci.news

Is Tesla’s Board Operating as a Public Company or a Fan Club for Elon Musk? | Nils Pratly

Posted on June 12, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

ohThe rational view on the Elon Musk compensation issue is that Tesla shareholders should stick to their guns and re-approve his astronomical $56 billion compensation, sending a message to the interventionist Delaware judge who struck down the 2018 plan that they are more than capable of making their own decisions.

Broadly speaking, that’s the stance taken by Baillie Gifford, an early and large investor in electric-car companies. “When we agreed the compensation package with Tesla in 2018, we were doing it because we had set ambitious targets that, if met, would deliver huge returns for shareholders,” says Tom Slater, manager of FTSE 100 Scottish Mortgage Investment Trust. He told the Financial Times “Since we agreed to this, we believe we should pay it,” he said last month. Certainly, this statement has the virtue of consistency: we know what we voted for, and a deal is a deal.

Similarly, no one is likely to complain that Norway’s sovereign wealth fund will vote in opposition on Thursday, just as it did in 2018. The fund opposed the plan then, and sees no reason to change its view just because Tesla’s shares have since soared, triggering a record payout to Musk before a Delaware court stepped in.

So the reapproval vote would produce a similar result to the original 73% majority. The shareholder register has changed over the years, but not by much. If anything, retail investors, who make up almost 40% of the stock, seem to have become even more enamoured with Musk lately. And if the majority is indeed secured, that would be the end of the matter and we wouldn’t have to go to court again.

But before this furor fades from the headlines, there’s the small matter of what Delaware Judge Katherine McCormick actually said. Her 200-page ruling January. Read in its entirety, the impression one gets is that Tesla’s 2018 board is a collection of casualties too subservient to its boss to even implement a semi-robust process for setting his incentives.

No one disputes that Tesla’s stock price would have needed to undergo a minor miracle to realize Musk’s full prize money, which had to top $650 billion by 2028, compared with a valuation of around $50 billion (it actually took just three years to achieve that goal). Rather, the problem was the people Tesla appointed to negotiate with Musk and determine a fair prize.

As the judge noted, lead director Ira Ellen Price had a 15-year business relationship with Musk. Another member of the working group, Antonio Gracias, vacationed with Musk’s family. A third, Musk’s former divorce lawyer and company general counsel Todd Maron, “broke down in tears in praise of Musk during testimony.” McCormick concluded that the adjudication process was “deeply flawed” and that the terms were “not entirely fair” to all shareholders. In short, Musk said what he wanted and received minimal backlash.

In theory, Tesla’s board had some powerful cards to play. At the time, Musk owned just over a fifth of Tesla’s stock (before he sold some to fund his Twitter antics), so he couldn’t have lacked the appetite to pursue a goal of “transformative” growth. Even without a plan, every $50 billion increase in Tesla’s market cap was worth $10 billion to Musk. This negotiating point appears to have been ignored.

The company has not adequately addressed the judge’s criticisms of the process. Chairman Robin Denholm, who took over in late 2018, said: He said the board “supports this package” and feels vindicated by what has happened.As a precaution, the company adopted Musk’s plan to move Tesla’s headquarters to Texas.

If Musk asked for a larger stake to keep him focused on Tesla and not on his personal company, would the supposedly independent directors go along with it? Probably.

So even if we accept that contracts, even the obvious excesses, should be honored, the lack of soul-searching in Tesla’s boardroom is astonishing. The lesson to be learned from this is that this is a public company, and the job involves more than being a cheerleader for Elon Musk’s fan club.

Australian pterosaurs possessed large tongues for consuming prey.

Posted on June 12, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Illustration of the newly identified species, Haliskia petersenii

Gabriel Ugueto

A 100-million-year-old pterosaur fossil discovered in Australia may have had the largest, most muscular tongue of its kind.

The fossil was discovered in 2021 by Kevin Pietersen, curator at Kronosaurus Corner, a museum near the Queensland outback town of Richmond.

Typically, with a pterosaur, a flying reptile that lived on Earth at the same time as the dinosaurs, you’d find just one bone, Petersen said. “But as we started digging, we started finding more and more bones, and we realized we had to work very carefully,” he said.

Nearly a quarter of the skeleton has been recovered, making it the most complete pterosaur yet discovered by Australian scientists.

The entire lower jaw, part of the upper jaw, vertebrae, ribs, leg and foot bones were preserved, but most surprising was the preservation of an extremely delicate throat bone, just a few millimetres in diameter, which Petersen says reminded him of spaghetti.

Lead team Adele Pentland Researchers from Curtin University in Perth identified the fossil as belonging to an entirely new genus and species of pterosaur in the Anhangeria family, which are found around the world. The creature had an estimated wingspan of 4.6 metres. In Petersen’s honour, the fossil has been named “Anhangeria”. Haliskia petersenii.

Though it wasn’t related to any bird, Petersen said it would have looked a bit like a giant pelican, but Pentland said it would have been a “devil pelican” because of its mouth full of sharp teeth.

What sets it up H. Petersenyi What sets this dinosaur apart from other known pterosaurs is that it had much larger throat bones, indicating it had a huge, muscular tongue, Pentland said.

The team believes that the tongue was used to capture and hold prey, possibly slippery animals such as squid or fish. Once the prey was grasped in the jaws, H. Petersenyi Pentland says the dinosaur’s teeth would have closed like a zipper or cage, preventing escape.

Like pelicans, it likely swallowed its prey whole, she says, and its tongue would have also been used to shove the food down its throat.

In the Cretaceous H. Petersenyi At the time, what is now inland Queensland was covered by sea, which served as hunting grounds for pterosaurs.

“It’s truly breathtaking to look at the remains of these fossil animals and imagine the wealth of life that must have been there at that time and how different it must have been to what we see in outback Queensland today,” Pentland says.

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People are increasingly stepping away from their smartphones to connect with the world around them

Posted on June 12, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Bee found herself in a moment of realization when she caught herself mindlessly scrolling through the news on her phone while sitting on the toilet. This made her see the need to reconsider her phone habits.

Tired of the constant intrusion of notification sounds and the compulsive need to check her phone, the 37-year-old Londoner decided to switch to a device that would allow her to stay connected while reducing distractions. When her iPhone broke down a year ago, she opted for the Nokia 2720 Flip, a modern take on the classic flip phone.

As a mother of two young children, she made this choice after learning about the impact of screen time on kids. She realized that her own behavior contradicted the rules she set for her children and wanted to set a better example for them.

Discovering the addictive nature of smartphones and social media further fueled her decision to make a change. Feeling frustrated that tech companies were dictating her daily life, she sought a more mindful approach to using technology.

The emergence of low-tech devices in response to the dominance of smartphones has gained momentum in recent years. Switching to a “dumb phone” or a device like the BoringPhone has become a trend, driven by a desire to disconnect from excessive screen time and embrace a more offline lifestyle.

Jess Perriam, 39, turned to PostCrossing, a platform for sending and receiving postcards from strangers worldwide, to maintain a connection with others without being bombarded by aggressive advertising. She values the reading recommendations and cultural insights she has gained through this more traditional form of communication.

The resurgence of analog media, such as cassettes, vinyl records, and postcards, reflects a broader shift towards reconnecting with physical experiences. David Sacks emphasizes the importance of tactile interactions and sensory engagement in an increasingly digital world.

Study suggests women experience enhanced cognitive abilities during menstruation

Posted on June 12, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

A recent study suggests that women may have improved cognitive performance during their menstrual cycle. The research conducted by University College London (UCL) and the Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health (ISEH) sheds light on this phenomenon.

Published in the peer-reviewed journal Neuropsychology, this study is the first to analyze sports-related cognition throughout the menstrual cycle phases.

241 participants took cognitive tests simulating mental processes common in team sports, such as recognizing emotions, attention, reaction time, and spatial awareness.

Participants also tracked their menstrual cycle using an app to identify their phase during testing. Surprisingly, participants performed better in reaction time and made fewer errors during menstruation, contrary to their expectations.

For example, their timing accuracy in a ball collision task was 10 milliseconds better during menstruation. Similarly, their error rates were 25% lower in an inhibition task involving smiles and winks.

Lead researcher Dr. Flaminia Ronca from UCL Department of Surgery and ISEH noted the unexpected performance enhancement during menstruation.

During the luteal phase, reaction times slightly decreased, but error rates remained stable. These findings emphasize the importance of understanding how menstrual cycle phases impact cognitive abilities in sports performance.

Co-author Dr. Megan Lawley highlights the need for more research in this area to improve performance discussions between coaches and athletes.

About the Experts

Flaminia Ronca, an Associate Professor at UCL, focuses on the body-brain interaction through movement in her research. She is also a leader at UCL’s Movement Neuroscience Research Group (ENRG).

Megan Lawley, a Senior Sports Scientist, specializes in female athlete health and performance factors. Her previous research at UK Sport and Bangor University delved into the complexities of athletes’ success in high-performance environments.

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Spanish women are making history by addressing gender disparities on Wikipedia

Posted on June 12, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

P In a feminist bookstore in Madrid, 17 women gathered in the back room, engrossed in their laptops, sharing snacks, chatting, and laughing. The room was filled with the sounds of typing, periodically interrupted by enthusiastic applause marking milestones in the group’s mission to close one of the world’s most persistent gender gaps.

Only about 15 percent of Wikipedia’s content, including biographies, focuses on women, explains Patricia Horrillo, who has dedicated the past decade to cultivating a community of Wikipedia editors committed to creating content that highlights women.

Groups like Spain’s WikiSfera, Italy’s Wikidonne, and Switzerland’s Les Sans Pages have emerged globally to address this gender gap issue on Wikipedia.

The Wikimedia Foundation acknowledges the historical biases within Wikipedia and the need for more diverse contributions to address these gaps. Organizations like Horrillo’s Wikiesfera have received support to help bridge this divide and give visibility to women’s achievements.

Encina Villanueva participated in a Wikipedia content creation workshop at La Fabulosa bookstore, where she emphasized the importance of recognizing women’s accomplishments beyond their appearances or associations. She has seen the impact of her work reverberate across the internet, amplifying women’s stories.

Celia Hernandez-Garcia, a middle school teacher, joined Wikiesfera to highlight women’s achievements often overlooked in textbooks. With no prior tech skills, she embraced the opportunity to elevate women’s narratives through Wikipedia, impacting her students’ understanding of history.

Horrillo’s vision for Wikiesfera began a decade ago, aiming to empower individuals to contribute to Wikipedia by addressing barriers beyond technical knowledge. Despite challenges, the group continues its efforts to increase female representation on the platform.

Though obstacles such as a lack of sources documenting women’s achievements persist, Wikiesfera remains committed to bridging the gender gap on Wikipedia. Each article added during their sessions represents a step towards rectifying the systemic invisibility of women in historical narratives.

Water ice deposits found on tropical Mars volcanoes

Posted on June 12, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Using high-resolution color images from the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Trace Gases Orbiter (TGO) and Mars Express missions, planetary researchers have found evidence of morning frost deposits in the calderas of the Tharsis volcanoes on Mars (Olympus Mons, Arsia Mons, Ascleius Mons and Ceraunius Turus).

This image, taken with the High Resolution Stereo Camera on ESA’s Mars Express spacecraft, shows Olympus Mons, the tallest volcano not only on Mars but in the entire Solar System. Image credit: ESA / DLR / Free University Berlin.

The Tharsis region of Mars contains numerous volcanoes, including Olympus Mons and the Tharsis Mountains (Ascraeus Mons, Pavonis Mons, and Arsia Mons).

Many of these volcanoes are enormous, towering above the surrounding plains at heights between one (Mont Pavonis) and three times (Mont Olympus) higher than Earth’s Mount Everest.

At the summit of these volcanoes are large cavities called calderas, which were formed when magma chambers were emptied during past eruptions.

“We thought it would be impossible for frost to form near the equator on Mars because of the relatively high temperatures both on the surface and on mountain tops, caused by a combination of sunlight and a thin atmosphere. On Earth, we would expect frost to form on mountain tops, but that would not be the case near the equator on Mars,” said Dr. Adomas Valantinas, a postdoctoral researcher at Brown University.

“Its presence here is intriguing and suggests that there are exceptional processes at work that allow frost to form.”

The frost patches appear for a few hours before and after sunrise, then evaporate in the sunlight.

Although it is thin, perhaps only one-hundredth of a millimeter thick (about the thickness of a human hair), it covers a vast area.

The amount of frost is equivalent to about 150,000 tonnes of water that moves between the earth’s surface and the atmosphere every day during the cold season, which is roughly the equivalent of filling about 60 Olympic swimming pools.

The researchers propose that air circulates in a special way above Tharsis, creating a unique microclimate within the volcano’s caldera there and allowing the frost patches to form.

“Winds move up the mountain slopes, carrying relatively moist air from close to the surface to higher altitudes, where it condenses and falls as frost,” said Dr Nicolas Thomas from the University of Bern, principal investigator of TGO’s Colour Stereo Surface Imaging System (CaSSIS).

“We actually see this happening on Earth and other parts of Mars, where the same phenomenon causes the seasonal elongated clouds on Mars’ Arsia Mons.”

“The frost we see on the summits of Martian volcanoes appears to have accumulated in the shadowed parts of the calderas, where temperatures are particularly cool.”

Scientists have found frost on the Tharsis volcanoes of Olympus, Arsia, Mount Ascraeus and Ceraunius Turus.

By modeling how these frosts form, scientists could potentially unlock more of Mars’ mysteries, like where any remaining water on Mars resides, how it moves between reservoirs, and even understanding the dynamics of the planet’s complex atmosphere.

This knowledge is essential for future exploration of Mars and the search for signs of extraterrestrial life.

“The discovery of water on the surface of Mars is always an exciting prospect, both for scientific interest and for its implications for human and robotic exploration,” said Dr Colin Wilson, ESA’s project scientist for both ExoMars TGO and Mars Express.

“Even so, this discovery is particularly intriguing because Mars’ low atmospheric pressure creates the unusual situation where Martian mountaintops are typically less cold than the plains. But moist air blowing up the mountain slopes can still condense into frost, a phenomenon that is clearly similar to Earth.”

“This discovery was made possible thanks to successful collaboration between ESA’s two Mars rovers, as well as additional modelling.”

“Understanding exactly which phenomena are the same and which are different on Earth and Mars will really test and improve our understanding of the fundamental processes occurring not only on our home planet but elsewhere in the universe.”

of Investigation result Published in the journal Nature Chemistry.

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A. Valantinus othersEvidence for episodic morning frost accumulation at the Tharsis volcano, Mars. National GeographyPublished online June 10, 2024; doi: 10.1038/s41561-024-01457-7

Source: www.sci.news

Research: African elephants use individualized calls similar to nicknames to communicate with each other

Posted on June 12, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

A team of scientists from Colorado State University, Save the Elephants and Elephant Voices used machine learning to: African savanna elephant (African brown) The calls included name-like elements that identified the intended recipient. When the authors played the recorded calls, the elephants responded positively to the calls, either by returning the call or by approaching the speaker.

Two young elephants greet each other in the Samburu National Reserve in Kenya. Image by George Wittemyer.

“Dolphins and parrots call each other by name, imitating each other's distinctive sounds,” says Dr. Michael Pardo, a postdoctoral researcher at Colorado State University and Save the Elephants.

“In contrast, our data suggest that elephants do not imitate the sounds of their mates when calling, but rather use a method that resembles the way humans communicate names.”

“The ability to learn to produce new sounds is unusual among animals, but it is necessary for identifying individuals by name.”

“Arbitrary communication, expressing ideas through sounds but not imitating them, greatly expands communication abilities and is considered a next-level cognitive skill.”

“If we could only make sounds that resembled what we say, our ability to communicate would be severely limited,” added George Wittemyer, a professor at Colorado State University and chairman of Save the Elephants' science committee.

“The use of arbitrary phonetic labels suggests that elephants may be capable of abstract thought.”

For their study, the researchers used machine learning techniques to analyze 469 recordings of rumbles made by wild female African elephant calves in the Samburu Buffalo Springs National Reserve in Amboseli National Park, Kenya, between 1986 and 2022.

The machine learning model correctly identified the recipient in 27.5% of these calls, which the researchers noted was a higher percentage than the model detected when control voice was input.

The researchers also compared the responses of 17 wild elephants to recordings of calls that were originally directed at them or at other elephants.

The researchers observed that the elephants approached the speaker playing the recordings more quickly and were more likely to respond vocally when they were called to, compared to when other elephants were called to.

This suggests that elephants recognise individual calls addressed to them.

“The discovery that elephants are not simply mimicking the calls of calling individuals is most intriguing,” said Dr. Kurt Fristrup, a researcher at Colorado State University.

“The ability to use arbitrary acoustic labels for other individuals suggests that other kinds of labels or descriptors may exist for elephant calls.”

The new insights revealed by this study into elephant cognition and communication reinforce the need to protect elephants.

Elephants are classified as follows: EndangeredThey are endangered due to poaching for their ivory and habitat loss due to development.

Due to their large size, they require a lot of space and can cause damage to property and pose a danger to people.

“Communicating with pachyderms is still a distant dream, but being able to communicate with them could be a game changer for their conservation,” Prof Wittemyer said.

“Living with elephants is difficult when you are trying to share the land but the elephants eat the crops.

“I want to warn them: 'Don't come here. If you come here, you will be killed.'”

a paper The findings were published in the journal. Natural Ecology and Evolution.

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MA Pardo othersAfrican elephants call out to each other by different names for each individual. Nat Ecol EvolPublished online June 10, 2024; doi: 10.1038/s41559-024-02420-w

Source: www.sci.news

Astronomers report that the moons orbiting asteroid Dinkinesh are in a contact binary configuration

Posted on June 12, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Dinkinesh is a small asteroid orbiting the Sun near the inner edge of the main asteroid belt. NASA’s Lucy spacecraft recently revealed that this asteroid, with an effective diameter of just 720 meters, is unexpectedly complex. The asteroid has a pronounced valley covered by an equatorial ridge and is currently orbited by a contact binary moon, named Seram, which consists of two nearly equal lobes with diameters of 210 meters and 230 meters. The moon orbits at a distance of 3.1 kilometers from Dinkinesh, has an orbital period of about 52.7 hours, and is tidally locked.

Stereo image pair (a-c) taken by the L’LORRI instrument aboard NASA’s Lucy spacecraft on November 1, 2023, shows asteroid Dinkinesh. Yellow and rose dots indicate valley and ridge features, respectively. These images have been sharpened and processed to enhance contrast. Image (d) shows a side-on view of Dinkinesh and its moon Ceram, taken a few minutes after closest approach. Image credit: NASA/GSFC/SwRI/Johns Hopkins APL/NOIRLab.

“We want to understand the strength of small bodies in the solar system because it’s important to understanding how planets like Earth got here,” said Dr. Hal Levison, a research scientist at Southwest Research Institute and Lucy principal investigator.

“Essentially, planets formed when a bunch of tiny objects orbiting the sun, like asteroids, collided with each other.”

“How objects behave when they collide – whether they break or stick together – has a lot to do with the object’s strength and internal structure.”

The researchers believe that how Dinkinesh responded to stress may reveal something about its inner workings.

As it rotated in sunlight for millions of years, tiny forces from thermal radiation radiating from the asteroid’s warm surface created tiny torques that caused Dinkinesh to spin gradually faster, and the accumulated centrifugal forces caused parts of the asteroid to become more elongated.

This event likely sent debris into close orbit, providing the raw material for the formation of the ridge and moons.

If Dinkinesh had been a weaker, more mobile mass of sand, its particles would have gradually migrated toward the equator and then blasted off into orbit as it rotated faster.

But the images suggest that, like rock, the Dinkinesh asteroid was stronger than a fluid and held together longer, until it eventually disintegrated under pressure and broke into larger pieces. Still, the force needed to break up a small asteroid like Dinkinesh is tiny compared to most rocks on Earth.

“This valley suggests a sudden collapse, more like an earthquake, where stress builds up gradually and then is suddenly released, rather than the slow process that creates sand dunes,” said Dr. Keith Noll, a research scientist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center and a Lucy scientist.

“These features show that Dinkinesh has some strength, and we can do a bit of historical reconstruction to see how this asteroid evolved,” Dr Levison said.

“During that collapse, the rocks broke apart and things separated, forming a disk of material, some of which rained down to the surface and formed the ridge.”

“We think that some of the material in the disk formed the moon Ceram, which is actually a structure where two celestial bodies are in contact with each other, known as a contact binary. The details of how this unusual moon formed remain a mystery.”

of Investigation result Published in the journal Nature.

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H.F. Levison others2024. Contact binary moon of asteroid (152830) Dinkinesh. Nature 629, 1015-1020; doi: 10.1038/s41586-024-07378-0

Source: www.sci.news

A diminutive individual from Germany

Posted on June 12, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

The newly discovered species, estimated to weigh about 10 kg, Bronius Manfredschmidyis the smallest known hominid.

Danubius GuggenmosThis ape lived in what is now Germany about 12 million years ago (Miocene epoch). Image courtesy of Velizar Simeonovski.

Bronius Manfredschmidy It lived 11.6 million years ago during the Late Miocene in what is now Bavaria, Germany.

This primate fossil is Hammerschmiedewhich is best known for the exceptional fossils of a previously known species, the hominidae. Danubius Guggenmos.

“Miocene hominoid remains became increasingly common in Europe from the Late Miocene onwards, shortly after becoming rare in Africa,” said Dr Madeleine Boehme from the University of Tübingen and her colleagues.

“Despite their frequency, abundance and, in three cases (Can Lobatelles, Hammerschmiede and Rudabánya), the exceptional abundance of well-preserved hominoid fossils, no European site has ever yielded more than one hominoid taxon.”

Bronius Manfredschmidy It is represented by the partial remains of two teeth and a patella, which differ from the others in size and shape. Danubius Guggenmos and all other known apes.

“The teeth and patella Bronius Manfredschmidy “Its size is close to that of a thylacine, so its weight is estimated to be around 10 kilograms,” the paleontologist said.

“in contrast, Danubius Guggemossi Regression analysis from multiple measurements of the femur and tibia allows for a calculated weight range of 17-31 kg, and using alternative reconstruction methods, 14.5-46.3 kg.”

Based on the fossil structure, the researchers speculate: Bronius Manfredschmidy They fed on soft foods such as leaves and were expert climbers.

These characteristics suggest that the new species had a lifestyle distinct from other species. Danubius Guggenmosare larger bodied species that feed on tougher foods.

“Enamel is Bronius Manfredschmidy “It is thinner than other European apes and more comparable to gorillas,” Dr Boehme said.

“Enamel is Danubius GuggenmosOn the other hand, the teeth are thicker than those of all related extinct species, nearly reaching the thickness of human enamel.”

“Variations in enamel thickness correspond to the shape of the chewing surface.”

” Bronius Manfredschmidy The enamel is smoother and has a stronger cutting edge. Danubius Guggenmos The teeth are jagged and have blunt tips.”

“this is, Bronius Manfredschmidy Eat the leaves Danubius Guggenmos He was an omnivore.”

These differences may have allowed the two species to share habitat without competing for resources, similar to modern gibbons and orangutans that share the same habitat in Borneo and Sumatra.

This is the first known example of a Miocene fossil site in Europe containing multiple ancient ape species, but the scientists suggest that further examples of this coexistence behaviour may be discovered by re-examining other similar sites.

“A new great ape from Hammerschmiede, Bronius Manfredschmidy“Weighting approximately 10 kg, this dinosaur is not only the smallest known crowned ape but also provides the first example of human symbiosis in Europe,” the authors say.

“Eat the leaves Bronius Manfredschmidy They shared their habitat with omnivorous, bipedal apes Danubius Guggenmos. “

Discovery Bronius Manfredschmidy It has been reported paper In the journal PLoS One.

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M. Boehme others. 2024. Bronius Manfredschmidy – A new miniature hominoid discovered from the early Late Miocene of Hammerschmiede (Bavaria, Germany). PLoS One 19(6):e0301002; doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0301002

Source: www.sci.news

Astrophysicist reveals the genesis of one of the Milky Way’s biggest moons

Posted on June 12, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Satellite Galaxy Crater II The Milky Way's Crater 2 (or Crater 2) is located in the constellation Crater, about 380,000 light-years from Earth. This galaxy is very cold, very diffuse, and has a low surface brightness. According to a new study, Crater 2 exists thanks to self-interacting dark matter.

Location of Crater II and other Milky Way moons at distances between 100,000 and 400,000 parsecs from the Sun. Image courtesy of Torrealba others., doi: 10.1093/mnras/stw733.

” discovery “Since 2016, there have been numerous attempts to recreate the anomalous properties of Crater II, but these have proven extremely difficult,” said Haibo Yu, a professor at the University of California, Riverside.

Dark matter makes up 85% of the matter in the universe, and under the influence of gravity it can form spherical structures called dark matter halos.

Invisible halos permeate and surround galaxies like Crater II, and the fact that Crater II is so cold indicates that its halo is low density.

“Crater II developed within the Milky Way's tidal field and experienced tidal interactions with its host galaxy, similar to how Earth's oceans experience tidal forces due to the Moon's gravity,” Professor Yu said.

“In theory, tidal interactions can reduce the density of dark matter haloes.”

However, recent measurements of Crater II's orbit around the Milky Way suggest that if dark matter is made of cold, collisionless particles, as predicted by the prevailing cold dark matter theory (CDM), the strength of the tidal interactions is too weak to reduce the dark matter density in the satellite galaxy enough to match the measurements.

“Another mystery is why Crater II is so large when, as the satellite galaxy evolves in the Milky Way's tidal field, tidal interactions should reduce its size,” said Professor Yu.

Professor Yu and his colleagues put forward a different theory to explain the properties and origin of Crater II.

This is called self-interacting dark matter (SIDM) and can plausibly explain the diverse distribution of dark matter.

The theory proposes that dark matter particles self-interact through the dark force and collide with each other forcefully near the center of the galaxy.

“Our study shows that SIDM can explain the anomalous properties of Crater II,” said Professor Yu.

“The key mechanism is that dark matter self-interaction thermalizes Crater II's halo and creates a shallow dense core, i.e. the dark matter density flattens out at a small radius.”

“In contrast, in a CDM halo, the density would increase rapidly towards the center of the galaxy.”

“In SIDM, the strength of the relatively weak tidal interaction, consistent with what is expected from measurements of Crater II's orbit, is sufficient to reduce the dark matter density in Crater II, consistent with observations.”

“Importantly, the size of galaxies is also increasing within the SIDM halo, which could explain the large size of Crater II.”

“Dark matter particles are only more loosely bound in the cored SIDM halo than in the pointed CDM halo.”

“Our study shows that SIDM is a better option than CDM for explaining the origin of Crater II.”

of study Published in Astrophysical Journal Letters.

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Zhang Xingyu others2024. Interpreting self-interacting dark matter in Crater II. Apu JL 968, L13; doi: 10.3847/2041-8213/ad50cd

Source: www.sci.news

Unexpected surprise: Giant fish thought to be sunbathing on Oregon beach turns out to be a curiosity

Posted on June 12, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

The name “sunfish” is of Latin origin and means “milestone,” referring to the flat, circular body of this fish, which is known to drift along the ocean’s surface, a move some scientists lightly refer to as “sunbathing.”

But Nygard said the activity serves an important purpose: capturing jellyfish and other gelatinous creatures for prey.

When hunting, sunfish dive deep into cooler waters. Their bodies cannot regulate their body temperature efficiently, so they use the sun to warm themselves. While the fish lie on the surface, birds clean them by eating parasites from their skin.

Nyegaard said there are a few features that distinguish the giant sunfish from the giant sunfish: The giant sunfish’s skin becomes wrinkly as it grows, while the sunfish’s skin is always perfectly smooth.

Unlike normal fish, which have tails, sunfish have wings that are wavy and have a bony structure. The sunfish’s wings are divided into two parts, each of which can move independently.

“We don’t yet know why the two species need different rear structures,” Nygard says, adding that one theory is that the two-part flap could be for maneuvering or agility purposes.

Nygard said sunfish in general remain a mystery to scientists: There are five sunfish species in total, including the hoodwinker, and it’s unclear whether they can or will coexist in the same place.

It’s also unclear whether the hoodwinkers of Australia and New Zealand are related to those in the Pacific Northwest and have somehow migrated across the equator, Nygard said.

Since its discovery, people have been flocking to Gearhart Beach to see the lone hooded winker on the sand.

“This isn’t the first time this has been washed ashore, but it is the largest one to have been washed ashore,” said Tierney Thys, a marine biologist at the California Academy of Sciences.

“Strandings like this remind us that humans live on just 1 percent of the available habitable space on this vast ocean planet,” she said. “Encountering these amazing creatures is humbling and inspiring, and a powerful reminder that we still have much to learn.”

Source: www.nbcnews.com

What is the maximum number of satellites and moons that could fit in Earth’s orbit?

Posted on June 11, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Dead Planets Society is a podcast that takes some crazy ideas for how to tinker with the universe and tests their effects against the laws of physics, from snapping the moon in half to causing doomsday events with gravitational waves. apple, Spotify or our Podcast Page.

One moon isn’t enough. While Earth only has one moon, other planets have many. Jupiter has 95 moons, putting its shining cosmic partner to shame with only one. In this episode of Dead Planets Society, we try to light up the night sky with as many moons as possible.

But it’s not as simple as just throwing a bunch of rocks into orbit. So in this episode, hosts Leah Crain and Chelsea White Shawn Raymond We asked a researcher from the University of Bordeaux in France for help with the details, who suggests we could build a ring of 10 moons, each of which would orbit Earth in different phases, causing strange little eclipses as they orbited the planet.

And it’s not just the moon. In 2018, Raymond and Juna Kollmeyer Researchers at the Carnegie Observatories in California have found that it’s theoretically possible for Earth’s moon to have its own orbital satellite, known as a lunar lunar. Such a satellite might not be stable due to the presence of a gravitational anomaly on the moon, so our host has been adding a giant hand blender to his space tool belt to try and smooth things over. If things get sorted, we could have a lunar lunar, or even a lunar lunar, lighting up the night sky.

The moon is bright because it reflects sunlight, and these new moons could be the perfect place to line up giant solar panels, unobstructed by the atmosphere and clouds that plague Earth’s surface. And because the moon is so bright, it would probably be impossible to see the stars from Earth’s surface, but in relatively small detail.

An even bigger problem is that the more complex and crowded the orbit, the greater the risk of these moons colliding with each other, which could give Earth beautiful rings like Saturn, but could also destroy life on Earth.

Dead Planets Society is a fun and subversive podcast about space. New ScientistIn each episode, hosts Leah Crain and Chelsea White explore what would happen if we were given cosmic powers to rearrange the universe. They speak to astronomers, cosmologists and geologists to find out what would happen if we ripped a hole in a planet, unified the asteroid belt or destroyed the sun. Dead Planets Society Season 2 continues with apple, Spotifyor our Podcast Page.

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Medical records of astronauts uncover health risks of space travel

Posted on June 11, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Astronauts Robert L. Curbeam Jr. (left) and Christer Fugelsang aboard the International Space Station

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

How spaceflight affects astronauts' health may be better understood thanks to the creation of the first “space-omics” biobank, a collection of thousands of blood and tissue samples and medical information taken on multiple space missions.

These include missions to the International Space Station as well as SpaceX's Inspiration 4, the first private spaceflight to send four non-government-trained astronauts into space for three days in 2021.

The resource, called the Space Omics and Medical Atlas (SOMA), contains detailed medical data, collectively known as biomarkers, such as DNA damage and changes in people's gene activity and immune system function.

Space flight is known to pose certain health risks. For example, astronauts experience reduced bone density and muscle mass due to weightlessness, and high levels of radiation in space can damage cells and DNA, causing a variety of health effects on the body. Astronauts are more likely to develop heart disease Later years and Some people have experienced a decrease in vision After going into space.

By consistently collecting astronauts' medical data through the SOMA biobank, researchers may be able to better understand these changes and develop ways to mitigate them, the researchers say. Christopher Mason He is a professor at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York and helped establish the biobank.

“Biomarkers don't necessarily translate into anything clinically meaningful, but they're a good way to understand how this unique environment is affecting us.” Damien Bailey The researchers are from the University of South Wales in the UK, but were not involved in the study.

One of the findings from the Inspiration 4 mission was that although astronauts experienced changes in numerous biomarkers, most measurements returned to normal within a few months of returning to Earth.

This suggests that sending private citizens into space poses no greater health risks than sending professional astronauts, Mason said. “Instead of training them for decades, we can start opening up space to more people.”

Results from Inspiration 4, which had two men and two women on board, also suggested that changes in gene activity returned to normal more quickly in women. This may be because women's bodies have to be able to cope with the possibility of pregnancy, Mason says. “Being able to withstand big changes in physiology and fluid dynamics could be great for managing pregnancy, but it could also help manage the stresses of spaceflight.”

Timothy Etheridge A researcher from the University of Exeter in the UK says it would be beneficial to have a common resource that researchers around the world can use. “We need a consistent approach to collecting samples,” he says.

Thomas Smith The researcher, from King's College London, says understanding the health effects of spaceflight will become even more important if longer-term missions take place, such as trips to Mars. “Anything that leads to longer-term missions makes it even more important to know what's going on and, ideally, to be able to address it,” he says.

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Chile’s Humboldt Penguins Face Extinction as Populations Decline Rapidly

Posted on June 11, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

The Humboldt penguin populations along Chile’s central coast have seen a significant decline, making them one of the most at-risk species out of the world’s 18 penguin species and facing the threat of extinction, according to experts.

A recent survey conducted by scientists on two islands off the central Chilean coast revealed a drastic decrease in breeding pairs or active nests, from 842 last year to just one this year.

Veterinarian Paulina Arce, who specializes in penguins, noted that populations have either decreased or remained stable on all the islands that were studied.

“This could lead to something even more serious – the extinction of the species,” Arce cautioned.

The Humboldt penguin (Spheniscus humboldti) is found on the Pacific coast of Chile and Peru and is named after the Humboldt Current that it inhabits. These flightless birds can weigh up to 5 kg (11 lbs) and grow up to 70 cm (2 ft 3 in) in length as adults.

Diego Penaloza, president of the Safari Conservation Foundation, identified marine pollution, lack of pet supervision, and disturbance of nesting sites as the main threats to penguins in the wild.

Moreover, avian influenza exacerbated by the El Niño weather pattern has led to devastating consequences for penguins and other wildlife, causing breeding rates for Humboldt penguins to plummet almost to zero, as outlined by Javier Mesa, biodiversity conservation manager for CONAF, the national forestry agency.

“Because of the avian flu and the El Niño weather phenomenon, all the food was swept southwards, resulting in a near-zero breeding rate for penguins in northern Chile and the deaths of many more penguins,” Mesa explained. “It was a perfect storm.”

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Europe’s largest rare earth metal deposit discovered in Norway

Posted on June 11, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Rare Earths Norway, a mining company, has made a groundbreaking announcement of discovering Europe’s largest proven deposit. This discovery of rare earth elements is highly regarded and could potentially be a game-changer for the Nordic countries and the broader region.

This continental Europe’s largest rare earth deposit, not controlled by China, presents a significant opportunity for Europe amid its oil crisis. The demand for rare earths and critical minerals is expected to grow exponentially as the transition to clean energy accelerates.

Rare Earths Norway revealed in a statement on June 6 that the Fen carbonatite deposit in southeastern India has an estimated 8.8 million tonnes of total rare earth oxides (TREO) with economically mineable prospects. The company also estimates 1.5 million tonnes of magnet-related rare earth elements that can be used in electric vehicles and wind turbines.

This discovery surpasses a significant rare earth deposit discovered last year in Sweden. Rare Earths Norway CEO Alf Rystad emphasized the importance of this discovery, stating that there is currently no mining of rare earth elements in Europe.

Going forward, Rare Earths Norway aims to contribute to mining at least 10% of the EU’s annual demand for rare earth elements by 2030. The company also plans to develop the Telemark rare earth deposit southwest of Oslo to strengthen Norway’s position in the European rare earths value chain.

The International Energy Agency highlighted the shortage of current supplies needed to transform the energy sector due to the geographic concentration of many energy transition elements. China, the world’s largest rare earth ore processor, plays a significant role in supplying rare earth elements worldwide.

Rare Earths Norway intends to continue exploration work at the site with further drilling planned for the coming month. The company aims to begin production by 2030 to contribute to Europe’s rare earth supply and reduce dependence on Chinese sources.

In a recent interview, Alf Rystad remarked that while the discovered resources are valuable, they won’t increase in value compared to oil and gas. He mentioned European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s belief that lithium and rare earth elements will become more important than traditional fossil fuels in the future.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

The importance of passwords in the AI era: Why they still matter | Apple

Posted on June 11, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

AI, whether it stands for artificial intelligence or Apple intelligence, is a hot topic today. It’s time to have a conversation about it. [sits backwards on chair] password.

One significant change coming to Apple’s platform next year is the creation of a new Password app. This was somewhat overshadowed by the reporting from last night’s Apple event in Cupertino and New York by Kari Paul and Nick Robbins-Early.

9to5Mac reports that the new passwords app on iPhone home screens this fall will enhance the security of computing for average users who may not be familiar with password management apps.

The new Passwords app consolidates and simplifies existing password features on iOS and macOS, making them more accessible to users. It will display a list of all user logins after verifying identity.

Apple has expanded its password management capabilities over the years, offering security audits, alerting users to compromised passwords, sharing options, and data import/export features.

The focus on identity, rather than just passwords, highlights Apple’s aim with the new Passwords app. Managing digital identity remains a challenge, with passwords serving as the primary method of online identity verification but coming with inherent security risks.

Password managers like 1Password have emerged as a solution, but the industry is exploring alternatives like passkeys to address the limitations of traditional password systems.

While passkeys promise a password-free future, their adoption has been slow due to limited support from websites and initial user challenges. Despite the potential benefits, concerns remain about the security and user experience of passkeys.

From password managers to passkeys, the quest for secure and user-friendly authentication methods continues.

The evolution of identity verification extends beyond passwords to technologies like AI avatars. While the concept of AI systems participating in meetings remotely is not yet fully realized, advancements in voice synthesis and AI present new challenges and opportunities for digital identity verification.

As technology progresses, ensuring secure and seamless identity verification methods remains a crucial aspect of digital life.

The Wider TechScape

European brown bears play in the pool at Bristol Zoo’s Wild Place Project in 2020.

Fresh Release: The Hunger Games

Posted on June 11, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Graviton

It is one of the four fundamental forces, but what is gravity? It is made of? A quantum theory of gravity doesn’t exist (yet), but that hasn’t stopped scientists from pursuing these elusive particles.

Unusual waves

Ship-sinking “storm waves” are hitting our oceans… Scientists don’t know why. But there are calls for increased monitoring to build predictive models for these deadly waves. Here’s what we know about these mysterious, seemingly random phenomena.

Glowing Cave

Contrary to popular belief, radioactive material does not actually glow (as you can see by looking at a uranium rod). The Simpsons However, a team of nuclear forensics experts is working on developing a device that will do just that. BBC Science Focus News Editor Noah Leach meets the scientists behind this revolutionary device.

What will the universe become?

Using giant supercolliders, scientists hope to discover hidden instabilities built into the fabric of existence… instabilities that could destroy everything. So will it freeze, crumble, rip apart or get sucked away? Here’s how cosmologists are tackling one of the biggest questions of all: “What will happen at the absolute end of all things?”

plus

Master your motivation: Why are some of us procrastinators and others drive and proactive? It’s all in the brain. Understanding the science behind motivation might help you achieve more. We’ve created a simple step-by-step guide to help you do just that.
Zero-emission aviation: After a long wait, the world’s first zero-emission aircraft is finally a reality, but are these battery-powered aircraft really the solution we need?
How to slow down time: In today’s modern world, with phone notifications, emails, endless meetings, and caffeine breaks, your days may feel like a blur. Sensing The more time you have, the more time you will feel like you have.

Issue 406 is scheduled to be released on June 11, 2024

Please do not forgetBBC Science FocusIt is also available on major digital platforms.Android,Kindle Fire and Kindle e-Reader,andiOS AppFor iPad and iPhone.

Apple unveils “Apple Intelligence” and introduces ChatGPT to Siri at WWDC 2024

Posted on June 11, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Apple CEO Tim Cook announced a new suite of generative artificial intelligence products and services during the keynote address at the company’s annual developers conference, WWDC. The products include “Apple Intelligence” and a partnership with ChatGPT maker OpenAI. This marks a significant move towards AI for Apple, as the company aims to enhance user experiences and catch up with rivals in the field.

In his speech, Cook emphasized the importance of AI understanding users on a personal level, rooted in their daily lives, relationships, and communications. Apple Intelligence includes a variety of generative AI tools integrated across the company’s devices, such as Mac laptops, iPad tablets, and iPhones. These tools can extract information from apps and perform actions within them, offering a more personalized experience for users.

The partnership with OpenAI will bring ChatGPT technology to a new version of Apple’s voice assistant, Siri. The updated Siri will act as an AI chatbot, capable of executing tasks based on voice prompts and providing more contextual and personalized responses. Users can expect features such as summarizing notifications, emails, and texts, as well as creating customized emoji reactions.

Apple also announced updates for its Vision Pro headset and the adoption of Rich Communication Services for improved messaging capabilities. The company showcased new features in the Photos app, Apple Maps, Wallet, and text messaging customization. Additionally, Apple aims to expand availability of the Vision Pro headset to more countries in the coming months.

As Apple delves deeper into the realm of AI, investors and analysts have been eager to see how the company will innovate in this space. While Apple has been cautious in introducing AI tools into its flagship products, it has been making strategic moves to strengthen its AI capabilities over the years. The company’s commitment to privacy remains a central focus, with measures in place to protect user data when utilizing AI technologies.

Despite the challenges of balancing AI innovation with user privacy, Apple is determined to set a new standard for responsible AI usage. By integrating AI features into its products while prioritizing user privacy, Apple aims to provide a seamless and secure experience for its customers.

The Impact of Lymphatic “Weight Loss Massage” on Your Body

Posted on June 11, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

There is a growing trend in the beauty industry to seek treatments for bloating and cellulite, with lymphatic drainage massage becoming increasingly popular among A-list celebrities like Jennifer Aniston, Kim Kardashian, and Sean “Diddy” Combs.

These celebrities have touted the fast health benefits and weight loss advantages of this treatment, but what exactly does lymphatic drainage massage do?

Lymphatic drainage massage is unique as it targets the lymphatic system, setting it apart from other massage therapies such as Swedish, sports, deep tissue, and aromatherapy. Each type of massage offers different benefits, so your choice depends on your desired results.

The lymphatic system is a crucial part of the body’s immune system, consisting of tissues, organs like the spleen and bone marrow, and a network of interconnected blood vessels and lymph nodes. These components work together to filter out waste and maintain fluid balance, producing white blood cells to fight infections.

People opt for lymphatic drainage massage to combat cellulite as the treatment aids the absorption of fat and excess fluids back into the bloodstream.

Lymphatic drainage massage can benefit those dealing with lymphedema, fibromyalgia, sports injuries, deep vein thrombosis, and lymphatic buildup post-cancer treatment. While athletes benefit from preventative and restorative sports massages, lymphatic drainage massage can aid recovery after injury or surgery.

If your lymphatic system is not functioning optimally, you may experience swelling and puffiness in various parts of the body. Lymphatic drainage massage can help alleviate these symptoms by improving circulation, reducing swelling, and eliminating toxins.

While lymphatic drainage massage may improve the appearance of cellulite, it cannot completely remove it. The treatment may lead to temporary weight loss due to the elimination of excess fluids.

During a lymphatic drainage massage, the therapist employs gentle pressure techniques that do not cause discomfort or skin redness. The massage focuses on clearing and absorbing, enhancing skin health.

“Why I Started Doing Comedy: A Stand-Up Comedian’s Story with Abi Clark” | Stay Tuned

Posted on June 11, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Have you ever experienced a gig so bad that you can now laugh about it?
I have a memory of performing at village festivals, outdoors, for families. None of the comedians were aware that their jokes had to be kid-friendly. In the beginning, I only had five minutes for jokes and no alternative, gentler material. The audience was roped off for a dog show later on, so people had to watch from a distance of about 10 meters. There were only five people behind the ropes, one of them in a Peppa Pig costume who heckled the entire show. After just five minutes of performing, the crowd fell silent, and when another performer used inappropriate language, the show was cut short.

Can you tell us about your upcoming show, “(Role) Model”?
The show is about 55 minutes long, possibly longer with a larger audience. I want it to feel like a fun conversation with a toxic best friend. It also explores the idea of becoming an overnight sensation or gaining fame for dancing with your parents. I delve into the contrast between who I want to be and who others expect me to be, questioning why neither seems achievable.

Do you have any pre-show rituals?
I find myself repeating “I don’t want to do this” and “Why am I doing this?”

Complete creative control goes to…Abi Clarke. Photo: Dylan Woodley

What sparked your interest in comedy?
It seemed like the perfect blend of performing, making my friends laugh, creative freedom, and receiving positive feedback, which is awesome.

What inspired you to start sharing sketch comedy videos online?
Rejection from contests led me to create my own sketches to prove them wrong. I embraced the challenge of TikTok during lockdown as a way to pursue my comedy aspirations.

Is your first TikTok video still accessible?
Absolutely! It’s a masterpiece. Check out Window Cleaning Wake Up Video for a nostalgic TikTok experience.

With over 2 million followers, how do you navigate that level of popularity?
Understanding the authenticity of those numbers is tricky. It can be overwhelming, but on a daily basis, I try to forget about potential recognition in public. I maintain a character online, adding another layer of disguise.

What’s the oddest fan encounter you’ve had?
Some fans approach me as if we have a personal connection, mistaking me for someone else. It can lead to awkward moments of mistaken identity.

Which TikTok video are you most proud of?
I particularly cherish a video made with director Andrew Nolan. It was shot and edited to high standards, and the effort shows in the final product. Check out this video with 1.2 million likes on TikTok.

Have the opportunities from your online audience aided your comedy career?
Definitely. Despite initial skepticism towards my online work, having a large following has helped change perceptions. People are recognizing the importance of an online presence in today’s entertainment landscape.

What lessons have you learned from stand-up comedy?
Embracing imperfections can resonate with audiences.

What excites you the most right now?
I’m thrilled to be fully engaged in something I love — comedy. Plus, I’m appearing in a cat litter commercial next week, which means spending time with an adorable professional cat named Tom.

NGC 2005 observed by Hubble Space Telescope

Posted on June 11, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Astronomers using the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope NGC 2005A globular cluster located in the constellation Dorado, 162,000 light years from Earth.

This Hubble image shows the globular cluster NGC 2005. The color composite was created from images taken in visible and near-infrared light by Hubble's Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3). It is based on data acquired through three filters. The colors are produced by assigning a different hue to each monochromatic image associated with an individual filter. Image credit: NASA / ESA / Hubble / F. Niederhofer / L. Girardi.

Globular clusters are dense systems of very old stars bound by gravity into a single structure about 100-200 light years in diameter.

Star clusters contain hundreds of thousands, or even millions, of stars. A large mass at the center of the cluster pulls the stars inward, forming a sphere of stars. sphericalThese clusters are named after the Latin word ” ,” which means “little sphere.”

Globular clusters are among the oldest known objects in the universe, relics of early galaxy formation.

Of the Milky Way's 150 globular clusters, about 70 are located within 13,000 light-years of the galactic center, where their density tends to peak.

“Studying globular clusters in space is a bit like studying fossils on Earth: just as fossils give us insight into the characteristics of ancient plants and animals, globular clusters reveal the signature of ancient stars,” the Hubble astronomers said.

“Current theories of galactic evolution predict that galaxies will merge with each other.”

“The relatively large galaxies observed in the modern universe are widely thought to have formed by the merger of smaller galaxies.”

“If this is correct, astronomers will see evidence that the oldest stars in nearby galaxies originated in different galactic environments.”

“Globular clusters are known to contain ancient stars, and their stability makes them excellent laboratories to test this hypothesis.”

“NGC 2005 is just such a globular cluster, and its very existence provides evidence in support of the theory of galactic evolution by mergers.”

NGC 2005 is located about 750 light-years from the center of the Large Magellanic Cloud, the Milky Way's largest satellite galaxy.

Also known as ESO 56-138, this globular cluster is discovered It was discovered on September 24, 1826 by Scottish astronomer James Dunlop.

“The stars in NGC 2005 have a different chemical composition than the stars in the surrounding Large Magellanic Cloud,” the researchers said.

“This suggests that the Large Magellanic Cloud merged with another galaxy at some point in its history.”

“While other galaxies have long ago merged or dispersed, NGC 2005 remains as an ancient witness to a long-ago merger.”

Source: www.sci.news

Review of Beats Solo 4: Apple’s headphones receive an Android enhancement | Headphones

Posted on June 11, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

The Solo 4 headphones are an improvement on the fan-favorite headphones that made Beats famous, upgraded with longer battery life, improved sound quality, and the latest features favored by Apple and Android.

The original Solo HD was launched in 2009 and was updated in 2016 as the Solo 3 after Apple acquired Beats. Now in its fourth generation, the Solo headphones are the company’s smallest and lightest at £200 (€230 / $200 / AU$330), making them cheaper than the £350 Studio Pro.

The design remains essentially the same but has been updated with premium materials and color options. While competitors have moved away from this shape, Beats continues to offer on-ear headphones that sit on top of the ears rather than around them.

A slight reduction in pressure on the sides of your head and softer ear cushions make these headphones more comfortable than previous models. They fold up for easy transport and come with a compact, easy-to-use case.

The “b” logo in the ring surrounding it and the volume buttons are easy to use as they make a satisfying click sound when pressed. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The left ear cup houses a Beats button with playback controls and a volume rocker, as well as a small, easy-to-miss white LED next to the 3.5mm headphone socket for the detachable cable, indicating power and connection status – a rare feature on wireless headphones these days.

The right cup houses the power button and a USB-C socket for charging the headphones, or for wired listening or calls with USB-equipped devices. The battery lasts up to 50 hours with Bluetooth playback, and the headphones can also be used without battery power using the included 3.5mm analog cable.

specification

weight: 217g
size: 177 x 158 x 68mm
driver: 40mm
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3, 3.5mm, USB-C audio and charging
Bluetooth Codec: SBC, AAC
Battery life: 50 hours

Archaeologists unearth ancient Pompeii temple adorned with blue walls dating back 2,000 years

Posted on June 11, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Italian archaeologists have unearthed the so-called Sacramento in Pompeii, the ancient Roman city frozen in time after the devastating eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.

A 2,000-year-old sacramental vessel discovered in Pompeii, Italy. Image courtesy of Pompeii Archaeological Park.

The newly discovered sacrarium – an ancient temple used for ritual activities and storing sacred objects – covers an area of approximately 8 square meters.

The chamber was excavated in the center of Pompeii by Dr. Gabriel Suftriegel and his colleagues from the Pompeii Archaeological Park.

“Against the blue background of the wall, two female figures are depicted on either side of a central niche,” the archaeologists said in a statement.

“The figures in the side niches represent the horae, the four seasons, while the figures in the central panel represent an allegory of agriculture and shepherding, shown with the symbols of the plough and pedum (a short staff used by shepherds and hunters).”

“The blue color seen in this room is rarely seen in Pompeii frescoes and was usually used in more elaborately decorated rooms.”

In the sacristy, researchers found 15 transport amphorae and a set of bronze objects, including two jugs and two lamps.

They also unearthed large amounts of ancient building materials that can be used in the renovation work.

“A pile of empty oyster shells was found by the front door. The shells had probably been crushed into small pieces and added to the plaster or mortar,” the scientists said.

“The room was found in a building located on the southern side of a block (insula) belonging to the secondary area of the larger domus,” the researchers added.

“The structures discovered include a bathhouse, which is still being excavated, and a large reception room decorated with black frescoes overlooking a courtyard with a staircase leading to the first floor of the complex.”

“These excavations are part of a wider project aimed at strengthening the boundaries between excavated and unexcavated areas and improving the hydrogeological structure in order to more effectively and sustainably protect Pompeii’s vast archaeological site (more than 13,000 rooms in 1,070 residential units, public areas and sacred sites).”

Team paper Published in Electronic Journal Scavi di Pompei.

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Gabriel Suchtriegel others. Nostalgia Land: District 9 of Pompeii, 10 Sacred Sites on the Island. Electronic Journal Scavi di Pompeipublished online June 3, 2024

Source: www.sci.news

Study finds that Jupiter’s polar lows are driven by processes reminiscent of those on Earth

Posted on June 11, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Planetary scientists first became aware of the connection between Earth and Jupiter in 2018, when they noticed striking similarities in images of Jupiter's giant cyclones and turbulent ocean currents. In 2022, they Analyzed High-resolution infrared image of a cyclone on Jupiter taken by NASA's Juno spacecraft. Analysis reveals that a type of convection similar to that seen on Earth helps sustain Jupiter's storms, which can be thousands of miles wide and last for years. The 2022 study focused directly on Jupiter's cyclones, but the authors also saw thin tendrils called filaments in the spaces between the vortices of gas. These filaments have analogues on Earth, and the authors used Juno's detailed images to study whether this similarity to Earth's oceanic and atmospheric processes is merely superficial.

This composite image, created from data collected by the JIRAM instrument on NASA's Juno spacecraft, shows a central cyclone at Jupiter's north pole and eight surrounding cyclones. JIRAM collects data in infrared, and the colors in this composite represent radiated heat. The yellow (thinnest) clouds have a brightness temperature of about -9 degrees Fahrenheit (-13 degrees Celsius), while the dark red (thickest) clouds have a brightness temperature of about -181 degrees Fahrenheit (83 degrees Celsius). Image credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech / SwRI / ASI / INAF / JIRAM.

Fronts are often featured in weather forecasts (for example, cold fronts and storm fronts) and apply to both gases and liquids.

A front is a boundary between masses of gas or liquid that have different densities due to differences in properties such as temperature.

In the ocean, fronts can also form due to differences in salinity, which, along with temperature, affects the density of seawater.

The main characteristic of a front is that its leading edge is characterized by strong vertical speed and can generate wind and currents.

To understand the role of the filaments clearly visible during Jupiter's cyclones in the Juno images, Dr. Leah Siegelman of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography and Dr. Patrice Klein of the California Institute of Technology examined a series of infrared images from Juno.

The series of images was taken 30 seconds apart of Jupiter's north polar region.

Because the images were taken in infrared, the team was able to calculate the temperature, finding that brighter areas were warmer and darker areas were cooler.

On Jupiter, the hotter parts of the atmosphere correspond to thin clouds, while the cooler parts are covered by thicker clouds that block more of the heat emanating from Jupiter's superheated core.

The researchers then tracked the movement of the clouds and filaments over the 30-second intervals between photos to calculate horizontal wind speeds.

These two pieces of information allowed the scientists to apply methods from ocean and atmospheric science to Jupiter to calculate vertical wind speeds that correspond to the temperatures and horizontal wind speeds the researchers derived from the images.

Calculating vertical wind speeds, they found that Jupiter's filaments do in fact move like Earth's fronts.

The vertical wind speeds at the edges of Jupiter's fronts also mean that the fronts transport energy in the form of heat from the planet's hot interior to the upper atmosphere, potentially generating large cyclones.

Although convection is the primary driving force, fronts account for a quarter of the total kinetic energy powering Jupiter's cyclones and 40 percent of the vertical heat transport.

“These cyclones at Jupiter's poles have continued since they were first observed in 2016,” Dr Siegelman said.

“These filaments between the larger vortices are relatively small, but they are a key mechanism for maintaining cyclones.”

“It's intriguing that fronts and convection exist and influence Earth and Jupiter, suggesting that these processes may also exist on other turbulent fluid bodies in the universe.”

“Jupiter's enormous scale and Juno's high-resolution images allow us to more clearly visualize how small-scale phenomena like fronts connect with larger-scale phenomena like cyclones and the atmosphere. These connections are often difficult to observe on Earth because they are much smaller and more ephemeral.”

“But the long-awaited new satellite, SWOT, will make observing these ocean phenomena much easier.”

“There's a kind of cosmic beauty in knowing that these physical mechanisms on Earth exist on other planets far, far away.”

Team paper Published in the journal Natural Physics.

_____

L. Siegelman & P. Klein. Frontogenesis at high latitudes on Jupiter. National Physical SocietyPublished online June 6, 2024; doi: 10.1038/s41567-024-02516-x

Source: www.sci.news

Our Solar System passed through a frigid interstellar cloud approximately 2 million years ago, new research reveals.

Posted on June 11, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

A cold, dense cloud in the Milky Way’s interstellar medium is about four to five orders of magnitude denser than its diffuse counterparts, and a team of astronomers from Boston University, Harvard University, and Johns Hopkins University has found evidence that two to three million years ago, our solar system encountered one of these dense clouds, which may have been so dense that it disrupted the solar wind.

Offers othersThe interstellar material through which the Sun has traveled over the past few million years indicates the presence of cold, dense clouds that could have had dramatic effects on the heliosphere. Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech.

Most stars generate winds that move through the surrounding interstellar medium.

This motion creates a cocoon that protects the planet from interstellar material. The Sun’s cocoon is the heliosphere.

It’s made up of a constant stream of charged particles called the solar wind, which extends far beyond Pluto, enveloping the planet in what astronomers call a “local bubble.”

It protects us from radiation and galactic rays that can alter DNA, and scientists think it’s part of the reason why life on Earth evolved.

A cold interstellar cloud compressed the heliosphere, temporarily placing Earth and other planets in the solar system outside of its influence, according to a new study.

“Our paper is the first to quantitatively show that there was an encounter between the Sun and something outside our solar system that affected Earth’s climate,” said Professor Merab Auffar of Boston University.

“Stars move, and this paper shows that not only do they move, but they undergo dramatic changes.”

To study this phenomenon, Professor Orpher and his colleagues essentially went back in time and used advanced computer models to visualize where the Sun was located two million years ago, along with the heliosphere and the rest of the solar system.

They also mapped the path of a “localized cold cloud ribbon” system, a series of large, dense and very cold clouds made mainly of hydrogen atoms.

Their simulations showed that one of the clouds near the edge of the ribbon, a “local cold cloud,” may have collided with the heliosphere.

If this had happened, Earth would have been fully exposed to interstellar matter, where gases and dust would have mixed with atomic elements left over from the exploded star, such as iron and plutonium.

Normally, the heliosphere filters out most of these radioactive particles, but without protection they could easily reach Earth.

This is consistent with geological evidence showing increased levels of the isotopes iron-60 and plutonium-244 in the oceans, the moon, Antarctic snow and ice cores from the same period, according to the paper.

This timing also coincides with temperature records indicating a cold period.

“It is rare for our cosmic neighbors outside our solar system to have an impact on life on Earth,” said Harvard University professor Avi Loeb.

“It’s exciting to discover that our passage through dense clouds millions of years ago may have exposed the Earth to much greater amounts of cosmic rays and atomic hydrogen.”

“Our findings open a new window into the evolution of life on Earth and its relationship with our cosmic neighbours.”

“External pressure from localized lynxes of cold clouds could have continuously blocked the heliosphere for hundreds to millions of years, depending on the size of the cloud.”

“But as soon as Earth left the cold cloud, the heliosphere engulfed all the planets, including Earth.”

“It’s impossible to know exactly what effect the cold clouds had on the Earth, such as whether they caused ice ages.”

“But there are other cool clouds in the interstellar medium that the Sun likely encountered in its first few billion years.”

“And we’ll probably encounter many more over the next million years or so.”

The authors are currently working to determine where the Sun was 7 million years ago, and beyond.

Pinpointing the position of the Sun and cold cloud systems millions of years ago is made possible by data collected by ESA’s Gaia mission, which has produced the largest 3D map of the galaxy ever, showing in unprecedented detail how fast stars move.

“This cloud is certainly from our past, and if we passed through something this massive, we would have been exposed to interstellar material,” Prof Auffar said.

“This is just the beginning. We hope this paper opens the door to further exploration of how the solar system was influenced by outside forces in the ancient past, and how these forces may have shaped life on Earth.”

of paper Published in today’s journal Natural Astronomy.

_____

M. Offer othersIt is possible that Earth was directly exposed to cold, dense interstellar material 2 to 3 million years ago. Nat AstronPublished online June 10, 2024; doi: 10.1038/s41550-024-02279-8

Source: www.sci.news

Argentina unearths new fossil of cephalopod resembling a nautilus

Posted on June 11, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Paleontologists have redescribed Epitornoceras bardisi Using new fossils from the Chigua Formation, researchers have uncovered a mysterious species of ammonite cephalopod that lived in the Devonian Period of Argentina.

Artistic Reproduction of an Ammonite Epitornoceras bardisi During the Middle Devonian. Image courtesy of H. Santiago Druetta / CICTERRA / National University of Córdoba.

Epitornoceras bardisi It lived in the marine environment of the supercontinent Gondwana during the Late Givetian Stage of the Middle Devonian, approximately 383 million years ago.

“During the Early to Middle Devonian, southwestern Gondwana was characterized by a circumpolar marine environment with a remarkable phase of increasing specificity and the near absence of typical Palaeozoic groups (mainly conodonts, graptolites and stromatoporoids),” Dr. Ninon Allaire By the National University of Córdoba and colleagues.

“One of these families is Ammonite They are extremely rare, with only a few reported finds in deposits from the Early Eifelian to Early Frasnian (393 to 383 million years ago) in Bolivia and Argentina.

Epitornoceras bardisi It was first described as a member of the cephalopod genus in 1968. Tornoceras.

The team's new findings suggest that the species should be reclassified into a separate genus. Epitornoceras.

The genus has been recorded from North America, North Africa and Europe, but this is its first record from South America.

“Epitornoceras “It inhabits North Africa, the Rhine-Bohemian basin and the Appalachian basin,” the paleontologists said.

“Their diversification and acquisition of a wide geographic range occurred after the Taganic biotic crisis in the mid-late Givetian.”

“therefore, Epitornoceras Its occurrence in the southernmost part of West Gondwana during the Late Givean is not surprising, given the well-documented pattern of tropical migration into the circumpolar basins following the Taganic biotic crisis.”

New specimens Epitornoceras bardisi From the type area of the Chigua Formation, San Juan Province, Argentina. Image courtesy of Allaire others., doi: 10.5252/geodiversitas2024v46a7.

In this study, the authors examined 10 new specimens. Epitornoceras bardisi It was collected from the top of the Chigua Formation in San Juan Province, Argentina.

The study area is located in the Argentine Precordillera, an intraplate fold-fault zone at the southern edge of the Central Andean foreland basin.

“Epitornoceras “Records from Appalachia, Morocco and Europe indicate that the genus is distributed worldwide and diversified after the Taganic biotic crisis in the mid-late Givetian,” the researchers said.

“Its presence at the southernmost tip of western Gondwana suggests a late Givetian migration from the tropics into the cooler Malvinocossan realm.”

“Despite the presence of ammonites from all over the world in the Argentine Precordillera, the coexisting trilobites are Carmoniaceae Additional endemic genera include Bellenopigue“We confirm that the Malvinoxosan (Malvinocafric) realm is still identifiable as a major biogeographic unit during the Late Givettian of southernmost West Gondwana, based on its typical diagnostic elements.”

Team paper Published in the journal Geodiversitas.

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N. Alaïa others2024. Late Givetian (Middle Devonian) ammonoids Epitornoceras Flake, 1902, from Argentina (southwest Gondwana). Geodiversitas 46(7):327-341; doi: 10.5252/geodiversitas2024v46a7

Source: www.sci.news

New study uncovers how African elephants give each other distinct names

Posted on June 11, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

WASHINGTON — African elephants communicate through calls and respond to their own names, a behavior rarely observed in the wild, according to a new study published Monday.

These names are embedded in the elephants’ distinctive low-pitched vocalizations that carry across the savanna, suggesting that animals with intricate social structures, where family units frequently disband and reunite, are more likely to have individual names.

Ecologist Stuart Pimm from Duke University, who was not involved in the study, remarked, “If you’re managing a large family, you need to be able to call out, ‘Hey, Virginia, come over here!'”

The phenomenon of animals calling each other by name is exceptionally rare in the wild. Humans have names, allowing us to call out to others, and pets like dogs also respond to their names. Baby Dolphin Birds have their own unique names, known as signature whistles, while parrots may also utilize names.

These named species possess the ability to learn and produce distinct sounds throughout their lives, a skill elephants also share.

Biologists conducted research on wild ecology and evolution using machine learning to identify name usage in audio recordings of savanna elephant vocalizations captured in Kenya’s Samburu National Reserve and Amboseli National Park.

By observing the elephants from vehicles, researchers were able to determine which elephants were calling and responding to each other, such as a mother calling for her calf or an older female reaching out to a stray elephant later rejoining the group.

The computer model, analyzing the audio data likely containing names, accurately predicted the addressed elephant 28% of the time, compared to just 8% with meaningless data.

Lead author Mickey Pardo, a biologist at Cornell University, explained, “Like humans, elephants utilize names, but we can’t rely on them entirely as they likely don’t use names in the majority of their vocalizations.”

Elephants incorporate sounds beyond the human hearing range in their calls, leaving scientists uncertain about the specific vocal components that form an elephant’s name.

To validate their findings, researchers played the recordings to individual elephants. The elephants showed heightened responses, including ear flapping and trunk lifting, to recordings containing their names. Some elephants even disregarded vocalizations meant for other elephants.

“Elephants are highly social beings, constantly communicating and interacting, and this system of naming could be a fundamental aspect of their communication abilities,” noted co-author George Wittemyer, an ecologist at Colorado State University and a science advisor for Save the Elephants.

“We’ve provided a glimpse into the elephant’s cognitive world.”

Source: www.nbcnews.com

What Causes Earth’s Atmosphere to be Dry?

Posted on June 11, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

In recent decades, scientists have observed a decrease in atmospheric moisture leading to drying soils, water-starved plants, withering vegetation, and increased forest fires. This phenomenon is linked to wildfire and extreme drought events globally.Despite these observations, the cause of this air dryness remains unclear, and scientists aim to understand it better to enhance climate models for the future of Earth.

Scientists measure atmospheric dryness by comparing the air’s moisture-holding capacity to the actual moisture it holds, known as the “Insufficient steam pressure” or VPD. High VPD in certain areas can lead to soil dryness and surface heating, potentially causing severe droughts.

An international team of researchers examined VPD patterns in Europe to determine if rising levels are natural or a result of global warming. They investigated the difference between current VPD levels and those before industrialization to understand the impact of human activity on VPD changes.

To assess the historical impact of water on Europe’s climate, researchers analyzed Oxygen Isotopes found in tree rings. These isotopes reflect changes in parameters like rainfall and soil moisture influenced by VPD.

Using a Mass spectrometer, researchers analyzed oxygen isotope ratios in tree rings to track changes over time. By counting rings, they could determine the age of trees and obtain valuable data for their study.

The team gathered tree-ring data from various European sites, using Oxygen Isotope Measurements to reconstruct pre-industrial VPD records. They compared these reconstructions with historical data and Earth System Model simulations to understand the factors influencing VPD changes.

Their analysis revealed increasing VPD levels across all European regions studied, with the most significant dryness observed in southern mountainous areas. Industrial influences were found to be a significant factor in current air drying, particularly during summer.

The researchers noted that recent atmospheric drying in Europe is affecting climate and vegetation, impacting plant moisture exchange and growth. This change in atmospheric moisture levels poses risks to human health and the environment, especially in densely populated areas.

In conclusion, the drying of the atmosphere in Europe is attributed to global warming, leading to adverse effects on vegetation, tree growth, and food supplies. Further research is necessary to mitigate these risks and understand the long-term implications.

Post View: 235

Source: sciworthy.com

Winter causes Mars’ largest volcano to freeze

Posted on June 10, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

View of the frost on Mount Olympus

ESA/DLR/Free University of Berlin

As winter mornings dawn on Mars, the summits of the planet’s largest volcanoes are covered in frost — another indication of the presence of water on the Red Planet.

We already know that Mars has large deposits of ice in the form of polar ice caps and possibly buried beneath the surface near the equator, but scientists have yet to observe surface water anywhere else on the planet.

Now, Admas Valantinus Valantinas, of Brown University in Rhode Island, and his colleagues found frost, which appears to form only in the mornings during the Martian winter, near the summits of volcanoes in the Tharsis region, including Olympus Mons, one of the solar system’s largest volcanoes. “This is really exciting, because it not only shows how dynamic the Martian water system is, but also that water could be found in varying amounts basically everywhere on Mars,” Valantinas says.

He and his team used a color camera on the European Space Agency’s Trace Gas Orbiter, which studies the Martian atmosphere, to take morning photographs of the icy volcano’s summit and found widespread blue frost. They calculated the surface temperature and found that it was too hot for carbon dioxide to freeze, and that similar-looking frozen carbon dioxide was not the cause.

Ice could form from gases erupting from volcanoes, but if so, do Valantinas and his team expect to see it year-round? Instead, the fact that it only appears during the colder parts of the year makes it more likely that the frost is the result of water vapor in the atmosphere freezing.

Knowing where ice forms on the Martian surface, especially from atmospheric processes, is crucial for accurate weather forecasting, he said. Susan Conway A researcher at the University of Nantes in France, she says we know that polar ice flows into the atmosphere, but we don’t know where it goes. “This is a really cool observation, because now we actually know where it goes.”

topic:

Were you able to solve it? Thinking like an engineer in mathematics

Posted on June 10, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Today, we have two questions about fascinating objects that we will share with you along with their answers.

1. Pythagoras’ Cup

Pythagoras, a Greek mathematician and mystic, created a cup with interesting properties:

1) When filled to a certain point, it acts like a regular cup.

2) If you pour above that level, the liquid drains out through a hole in the bottom of the cup.

Can you illustrate how this cup works?

The cup has a simple internal mechanism with no moving parts. It’s a clever metaphor for moderation in life – overflow even slightly, and you lose it all.

Solution:

Cross-section of a Pythagorean cup filled with water. At B, the liquid in the cup can be drunk, but at C, the liquid flows down due to the siphon effect. Illustration: Nevit Dilmen

The cup has a central chamber that fills from the bottom, and when it overflows, a siphon is formed to empty the water. This mechanism is similar to flushing toilets and fabric softener trays in washing machines.

2. A Backwards Old Car

Design a simple mechanism for a toy car with four wheels that moves forward when a string is pulled backward.

Solution:

To achieve this, you need a pulley system as shown in the video. A string is wrapped around a shaft, and when it unwinds, it moves a belt connected to the wheel axle.

We hope you enjoyed today’s puzzles, and we’ll be back in 2 weeks!

Since 2015, we’ve been sharing puzzles every other Monday. If you have any suggestions, feel free to email us!

Elephants appear to create names for one another

Posted on June 10, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Two young elephants greet each other in Kenya's Samburu National Reserve

George Wittemyer

Elephants may be the only animals other than humans that give each other random names, according to a machine learning analysis of recordings.

The analysis revealed that the African savanna elephant (African brown) appears to contain a name-like element that is unique to certain individuals. Moreover, those individuals know their own names and respond more strongly than others when a call addressed to them is played over a speaker.

“For years we've observed that when elephants make contact calls, one elephant in the group will raise his head, listen and respond,” says Joyce Poole. Elephant Voice“And the other elephants seemed to be ignoring him, so we wondered if the call was directed at one particular individual,” said Bryan G. Gregg, a small organization that aims to study and protect elephants.

More than 600 recordings made by Poole and others are currently being analyzed. Michael Pardo Researchers at Colorado State University applied the recordings to analyze elephant calls, including contact calls made when an elephant moves out of sight and greeting calls made when an elephant approaches another. The researchers knew which individual called out to each elephant and responded to each call.

The team's software was able to predict which individual was being spoken to in a quarter of cases, doing much better than chance.

The researchers then played some of the rumbling sounds to elephant pairs, including one that was “named,” and found that the named elephant responded more strongly, approaching the speaker faster, making quicker responses, and emitting more calls than its unnamed counterpart.

Dolphins and some bird species have been known to mimic the calls of calling animals to attract specific individuals. Elephants can learn to imitate soundsHowever, the team found no evidence that the elephants were imitating each other.

In other words, they appear to use arbitrary sounds as names, just like humans do, Poole said.

The analysis revealed whether different elephants share the same names for certain individuals, and each elephant may have its own unique name for the others.

“We have official names, but different people may call the same person by different nicknames,” Poole said. “That could be it. I guess we just don't know yet.”

“This is a very interesting study because there is evidence suggesting that not only do African elephants produce individual-specific vocalizations – which is commonly reported in many species – but, more importantly, that they respond specifically when they hear individual-specific vocalizations made by other elephants,” he says. Daniel Blumstein At the University of California, Los Angeles.

“The idea that elephants can use individually distinct vocalizations to attract specific individuals is novel and provocative, opening the door to a more nuanced understanding of the rich social lives of these animals,” he says.

“I think this result is very reasonable.” Torsten Balsby At Aarhus University in Denmark.

Balsby studies parrots that live in much larger groups, and he notes that learning names would be much harder in a large group of hundreds or thousands of birds. “Mimicking talking to other individuals is a simpler solution that doesn't require prior interaction,” he says.

A 2005 study reported that captive green parrots “vocally label” — or give names to — their peers, Balsby says. But they did so with different versions of contact calls, “so it may not be as arbitrary as elephants',” Balsby says.

Poole believes her work is just the beginning in understanding elephant communication: “Elephant communication has many complex layers that will take time to unravel, so I expect there will be many more exciting discoveries to come in the coming years,” she says.

For example, she thinks elephants might use place names: “When elephants make 'let's go' rumbles to indicate to other elephants in the herd which way they want to go, they may actually be telling them exactly where they want to go,” Poole says.

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“Bots” are now considered negative on social platforms

Posted on June 10, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Analysis of millions of tweets shows the changing meaning of the word “bot”

Svet foto/Shutterstock

Calling someone a bot on social media once meant suspecting they were in fact software, but now the use of the word is evolving into an insult for known human users, researchers say.

Many efforts to detect social media bots use algorithms that attempt to identify behavioral patterns that are more typical of the traditional meaning of a bot: automated accounts controlled by a computer, but their accuracy remains questionable.

“Recent research has focused on detecting social bots, which is a problem in itself because of the ground truthing issues,” he said. Dennis Assenmacher The Leibniz Institute for Social Sciences in Cologne, Germany, said it was unclear whether the findings were accurate.

To investigate, Assenmacher and his colleagues looked at how users perceive bots: They looked at how the word “bot” was used on Twitter between 2007 and December 2022 (the social network was renamed X in 2023 after being acquired by Elon Musk), analyzing the words that appeared next to it in more than 22 million English-language tweets.

The researchers found that before 2017, the term was often used in conjunction with allegations of automated behavior, such as “software,” “scripts,” or “machines,” the kinds of things that traditionally fit the definition of a bot. Since that year, that usage has changed.

“The accusation has now become like an insult, it’s used to dehumanize people, it’s used to denigrate people’s intelligence, it’s used to deny them their right to participate in the conversation,” Assenmacher said.

The cause of this change is unclear, but Assenmacher said it may be political in nature. The researchers looked at the accounts of prominent people, such as politicians and journalists, that each Twitter user followed, and classified users as left- or right-leaning. They found that left-leaning users were more likely to accuse other users of being bots, and that those who were accused were more likely to be right-leaning.

“One possible explanation is that the media has reported that right-wing bot networks [2016] “The US elections,” Assenmacher said, “but this is just speculation and needs to be confirmed.”

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Three million years ago, a cosmic cloud left Earth exposed to interstellar space

Posted on June 10, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Illustration of a protection bubble around the sun (yellow dot) and the earth (blue dot)

Harvard Radcliffe Institute

Two to three million years ago, the solar system encountered galactic-scale turbulence and collided with dense interstellar clouds, potentially altering both the Earth's climate and evolution.

Only recently have researchers been able to map the Sun's orbit through the Galaxy, particularly in relation to the relatively dense hydrogen clouds that pass through the interstellar medium, the vast expanse of space between star systems.

the current, Merab Offer A research team from Boston University in Massachusetts has found evidence that one of these clouds, a “local cold cloud ribbon” in Lynx, likely intersects with the Sun's heliosphere.

The heliosphere is a protective cocoon or bubble formed by the solar wind pushing out to the edge of the solar system. Within the heliosphere, the planet is protected from the worst gamma radiation in the galaxy.

The new study proposes that as the solar system passed through the interstellar cloud, the heliosphere retreated from it and moved inward toward the Sun. The researchers think that the heliosphere may have shrunk so much that Earth was outside the protective cocoon provided by the solar wind, perhaps for around 10,000 years.

Merab and his colleagues used the European Space Agency's Gaia satellite to map the location of the dense, cold clouds and the sun's past orbit.

Ofer says the heliosphere's encounter with the cold cloud coincides with deposits of the elements plutonium-244 and radioactive iron-60 in Antarctic ice, deep-sea cores and lunar samples. These elements, which originated from distant supernovae, would have been captured in interstellar clouds and deposited while Earth was outside the heliosphere.

“There are signs of an increase in these elements over the past two years. [million] “The solar cloud record going back 3 million years provides compelling evidence that the Sun did in fact pass through it around 2 million years ago,” Offer says. “The exposure of Earth to a cloud of cold interstellar material and the associated increase in atmospheric hydrogen and radiation almost certainly had a major impact on Earth and its climate.”

Sarah Spitzer The University of Michigan researcher says the paper provides “compelling” evidence that the heliosphere was exposed to a much denser interstellar cloud two to three million years ago. As the solar system passed through that dense, cold cloud, Earth would have been outside the heliosphere and directly exposed to the interstellar environment, she says.

“Understanding this can teach us about the impact interstellar material has had on life on Earth in the past,” Spitzer says, “but it also helps us better understand the impact the heliosphere has on life on Earth today, what would happen if Earth were exposed to interstellar material again in the future, and when that might happen.”

Evan Economo Researchers from Japan's Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology say it's intriguing to consider how encounters in “our nearby space” could have influenced the environment experienced by life on Earth.

“The heliosphere is part of the extended environment experienced by life on the Earth's surface, influencing climate and radiation from space,” he says. “If we had been outside the heliosphere for a period of time, it could have altered the evolutionary trajectory of a wide range of life, including humans. Such connections are highly speculative at this point, but they provide us with new research directions.”

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