A recent study conducted by researchers at Northwestern Medicine reveals that the cognitive aging of many American adults is occurring at a pace exceeding their chronological age, sometimes by more than a decade.
This study, published in the journal Jama Cardiology, utilized a cutting-edge calculator to estimate the “heart age” of over 14,000 U.S. adults devoid of prior cardiovascular diseases.
Available for free, these tools can be accessed online. By translating risk percentages into age, individuals can more easily reassess their risk scores and comprehend how their lifestyle and health choices influence their long-term heart health.
“Traditional percentage-based estimates can often feel abstract and hard to interpret,” noted senior author Professor Sadiya Khan in an interview with BBC Science Focus.
“We believe that presenting the risk of heart disease in terms of age serves as a valuable supplementary tool that is more intuitive. It’s simpler for individuals to grasp whether their heart age is ‘older’ or ‘younger’ than their actual age.”
The calculator leverages basic health metrics, such as blood pressure, cholesterol levels, smoking status, diabetes, and more to compute a person’s heart age, based on equations formulated by the American Heart Association.
In this study, women exhibited an average heart age that was 4.1 years older than their chronological age, while men showed an average gap of seven years.
However, the discrepancies were more pronounced among marginalized communities. For instance, Black men had a heart age that was 8.5 years older than their chronological age, compared to 6.4 years for white men.
Improving diet and incorporating exercise can help align your heart age with your actual age. – Credit: Getty
Hispanic and Black women exhibited heart ages significantly older than their white and Asian counterparts, and individuals with lower income and educational backgrounds were similarly impacted.
“These disparities are expected given the heightened risk of cardiac diseases in minority groups or those facing social disadvantages. However, they emphasize the urgent need for action,” Khan stated.
“Recognizing individuals with an ‘older’ heart age can prompt them to take immediate steps to prioritize preventive measures.”
Khan envisions that this tool will be integrated into primary care, facilitating discussions about health risks and encouraging healthier lifestyle choices. “The exciting aspect of this tool is the multitude of actions individuals can take,” she mentioned.
“We aim for this to empower people to optimize their heart health, promoting healthier aging and extended health spans.”
Read more:
About our experts
Sadiya S Khan is a professor of cardiovascular epidemiology at Northwestern University’s School of Preventive Medicine. She is board-certified in internal medicine and cardiovascular diseases and holds an active medical license in Illinois.
Ancient Greek bronze jars displayed at the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford have been discovered to contain honey.
American Chemical Society
The findings from the ancient Greek pot located at a shrine near Pompeii serve as evidence of the lasting nature of honey jars.
In 1954, a Greek burial shrine dating back to around 520 BC was uncovered in Pestum, Italy, approximately 70 kilometers south of Pompeii.
The shrine contained eight pots with sticky residues, and their contents remained a mystery since their unearthing.
Honey was initially suspected in tests conducted on one of the pots between the 1950s and 1980s by Luciana Carvalho from Oxford University.
Three distinct teams analyzed the residue but concluded that the jars contained animal or vegetable fats mixed with pollen and insect parts, rather than honey.
At that time, researchers depended on significantly less sensitive analytical methods, focusing on solubility tests.
Carvalho and her team started by examining the infrared reflection of the residues to determine their overall composition.
Ancient honey residues from the interior of the pot
Luciana da Costa Carvalho
Initially, it was hypothesized that the contents could be decomposed beeswax due to its outward resemblance and high acidity.
To test this hypothesis, the team employed gas chromatography paired with mass spectrometry, which ultimately unveiled the presence of sugars like glucose and fructose, the primary sugars found in honey.
“We unearthed a remarkably intricate mixture of acids and broken-down sugars,” states Carvalho. “The clear indicator of honey was the detection of sugar at the core of the residue.”
Further examination by Elizabeth Pierce from Oxford University confirmed the presence of a protein called major royal jelly protein, secreted by honeybees, along with the detection of peptide traces from Tropilaelaps Mercedesae, a parasitic mite that consumes bee larvae.
“This parasite is believed to derive from an Asian beehive,” Pierce comments.
Carvalho mentions that the cork seal of the bronze jar eventually failed, allowing air and microorganisms to enter. “We believe these bacteria consumed most of the sugar remnants, leading to the production of additional acids and decomposition products. What was left was an acidic, waxy residue clinging to the walls of the jar.”
“Investigating the honey offerings at the shrines in Paestum elucidates how the people honored their deities and their perceptions regarding the afterlife,” Carvalho explains.
Historic Herculaneum – discover Vesuvius, Pompeii, ancient Naples
The journey through history and archaeology embarks on a fascinating exploration where the past comes alive through Mount Vesuvius and the remains of Pompeii and Herculaneum.
wSpending a week during the summer holidays in schools across the UK often sparks curiosity about how many parents are feeling anxious as they opt to move their children away from screens. When my son was younger, I used to envision idyllic trips to the seaside filled with treasure hunts in the garden, paddling in rivers, and visiting family. However, reality hit me with work commitments and the short attention span of my son. In just a few hours, our home was a mess with muddy footprints from various activities, half-finished craft projects, and tired grandparents. It was challenging, and eventually, we permitted some Fortnite time just to catch our breath.
There’s immense pressure and guilt surrounding kids and gaming, particularly during extended school breaks. It’s essential to reevaluate our social perspectives. I cherish the delightful memories of gaming with my sons on warm August days, gradually constructing absurd mansions in Minecraft and engaging in silly antics in Goat Simulator. We established a holiday routine where, during our evening meals, my wife and I could relax with a glass of wine while the boys played Super Mario together. We still found time to build sandcastles, swim, and discover new towns, but gaming offered a route to unwind and enjoy familiar leisure.
Keeping it in the family… Keith Stuart and his son Zach have shared video gaming experiences for many years. Photo: Morag Stuart/The Guardian
During their visits to their grandparents, they also indulged in gaming. My mother owned a Nintendo Wii, which she claimed was solely for entertaining her grandchildren. It was heartwarming to see my sons patiently explaining Kirby’s Extra Epic Yarn to her. I fondly recall playing Commodore 64 games at my kitchen desk, often trying to lure my dad into playing hooky games while he was meant to be cooking. I’m grateful that my children can share their skills and enthusiasm, whether through playing guitar after discovering instruments via rock bands, or catching Jigglypuffs in Pokémon Go.
It’s a cliché to say “everything in moderation,” but it rings true. There’s excessive discourse about screen time being an indiscriminate evil. When kids engage in video games and become adept in that realm, summer breaks offer an opportunity to evaluate what they are experiencing, who they’re playing with, and what they’re gaining from it. Is it truly detrimental for them to spend an hour or two in Fortnite each night? Or are they making friends, sharing laughs, and creating in creative mode? Gaming can serve diverse purposes. Although you might prefer they don’t game on the beach, those in-between moments—like long travels or rainy afternoons—can be incredibly enriching, and parents shouldn’t feel guilty about that. For many Gen Z and Gen Alpha kids, gaming forms a vital part of their everyday experiences, much like I had records or comics at their age.
Just this week, I took one of my sons, now 17, to London. While I met a friend, he explored the city solo. On our coach journey to Somerset, we had little chance to chat, so we played Mario Kart together. We set up the console on a small tray in front of us as the coach rumbled along, often swaying for my benefit. It was enjoyable—laughing, comparing strategies, and intermittently looking up as the evening sun illuminated the fields outside. I believe I’ll cherish that bus ride much more than any other part of that day. Despite a screen between us, we were together.
What to Play
A wild and carefree thrill… Fumes. Photo: Fumes Team
Car Battle Games thrived in the mid-90s, with titles like Twisted Metal, Carmageddon, and Demolition Derby encouraging players to smash cars into one another while unleashing rocket launchers.
The newcomer Fumes brings back those thrilling days. This single-player, open-world game invites players to explore a vast Mad Max landscape, upgrading muscle cars to obliterate foes. With a slightly retro aesthetic and a guitar-laden soundtrack reminiscent of the original PlayStation era, it features a loose and reckless arcade handling. It’s currently in Early Access on Steam, and a free demo is available.
Available on: PC Estimated Playtime: Over 10 hours
What to Read
Controversial… Motiram’s Light. Photo: Polaris Est
As reported by IGN among other sources, Sony is suing Chinese game publisher Tencent for copyright and trademark infringement, claiming that Tencent’s upcoming game Motiram’s Light bears a striking resemblance to Sony’s successful Horizon series, where young girls battle giant robotic dinosaurs in a vast open world. Tencent has yet to comment on the allegations.
Diversity has revealed that a Wolfenstein TV series is under development at Amazon MGM Studios. Penned by Patrick Somerville (known for Station Eleven and Maniac), it will feature Gustafsson from MachineGames as executive producer. This shooter, which features a narrative of defeating Nazis, aims to draw in young viewers who prefer streaming over superhero content.
Falmouth University developers are collaborating with local teens to craft video games that address adverse childhood experiences. The game, titled Heart’s Ace, focuses on themes like grief and poverty, encouraging players to engage in dialogue about their experiences. Learn more on the BBC News website.
Team Player… Gaming can foster identity and connection among youth. Photo: Isaac Lawrence/AFP/Getty Images
Timeless questions from Andy via email:
“In Gareth Southgate’s Richard Dimbleby lecture, he mentioned that he fears young men are spending too much time gaming, gambling, and consuming adult content. He believes this oversimplifies the nature of gaming. The time dedicated to “good games” should be seen positively. I often contemplate this, as I’m genuinely interested in how gaming shapes young people’s identities and cultures.
The challenge of Toxic Communitiesin games is well-documented, yet there are many uplifting examples too. Personally, I’ve encountered kindness and inclusiveness in communities centered around specific games, especially simulation games about space exploration. Titles like Deeprock Galactic and No Man’s Sky and in creative genres like Minecraft foster environments where players appreciate each other’s skill sets. Minecraft has also nurtured a strong accessibility community, exemplified by Autcraft, which runs a server for neurodivergent players, enabling friendships to form in meaningful ways. Streamers on platforms like Twitch and YouTube, such as Aimsey, Springsims, and Xchocobars, cultivate communities that offer fans a sense of identity and belonging. I appreciate how certain games promote communities where creativity and inclusivity extend beyond the gameplay experience itself, whether through creative events centered around League of Legends cosplay or fan fiction groups for Life is Strange. Video games, akin to music and film, serve as mediums for fandoms to express their identities and explore their passions. For many young individuals, navigating the complexities of contemporary life feels nearly impossible without these communal spaces.
If you have a question or feedback regarding the newsletter, please reply or email us at butingbuttons@theguardian.com.
Satellite image of the subglacial lake area post-outburst flood reveals damage to the ice sheets
10.1038/s41561-025-01746-9
Typically, when glaciers in Greenland melt, the water drains into the underlying bedrock before eventually reaching the ocean. However, in 2014, a significant surge of meltwater from a subglacial lake erupted through the Greenland ice sheet’s surface, creating a crevasse 25 meters deep.
“This phenomenon is unprecedented,” remarks Malcolm McMillan, a researcher at Lancaster University, UK. “While we are aware of the subglacial lakes in Greenland, witnessing the destruction caused as water erupts from the ice sheet’s surface is entirely new to us.”
McMillan and his research team initiated their study upon observing a sudden 85-meter deep crater on the ice sheet, captured by satellite imagery in August 2014.
They found that within a span of 10 days in late July and early August 2014, these craters formed following a rapid drainage of the subglacial lake. About a kilometer downstream from the crater, the team identified significant ice turbulence, with water surfacing.
The researchers theorize that the pressure from the subglacial lake increased sufficiently to force the water up through fractures in the ice, ultimately leading to its explosive emergence from the ice sheet, which resulted in a considerable crevasse and an ice tower along its path.
According to McMillan, the meltwater was compelled to surface due to being encased by frozen ice in the bedrock. “It seems that when water flows into a frozen environment, it can accumulate enough pressure to trigger this unforeseen outcome,” he elaborates.
McMillan aims to utilize satellite imagery in future research to ascertain whether similar eruptions have occurred and if this phenomenon is a consequence of rapidly melting ice sheets in the context of rising global temperatures.
“This marks the initial exploration of a phenomenon that we were previously unaware of, and the upcoming challenge is to comprehend its implications and underlying mechanisms,” he concludes.
Children are turning to YouTube as soon as they power on their TVs, marking a significant shift in video consumption from laptops to living rooms.
According to an extensive study of UK viewing habits by the Communications Regulator Ofcom, YouTube stands as the most favored TV platform for Generation Alpha.
Last year, one in five young viewers, aged between four and 15, headed to this platform first. While BBC One ranked among the top five initial choices, kids had the option to select BBC iPlayer as well.
It’s not only the younger demographic that has taken to YouTube TV. An observable cultural shift reveals that viewers aged 55 and older have nearly doubled their watching time on YouTube, going from 6 minutes a day to 11 minutes last year, with an increasing percentage (42%) tuning in through television.
On average, viewers dedicated 39 minutes a day to YouTube in 2024, positioning the platform as the UK’s second most-watched service after the BBC and ahead of ITV.
For those aged 16 to 24, traditional live television earned only 17 minutes of daily watch time last year, as just 45% tuned in during an average week, down from 48% in 2023.
YouTube has emerged as a serious rival to conventional broadcasters, with half of its trending videos echoing the content typically associated with mainstream broadcasters, including long-form interviews and game shows.
The rise of YouTube poses significant challenges for public service broadcasters like the BBC, ITV, and Channel 4.
These organizations are eager to engage newer, younger demographics; however, YouTube also captures a substantial share of their advertising revenue, which raises concerns that featuring their content on YouTube may diminish viewer time on their own platforms.
A 12-year-old girl will be holding a morning training session on Joe Wicks YouTube. Photo: Richard Sarker/Guardian
“Public service broadcasters recognize this shift and will adapt to meet audiences in online environments, increasing engagement there,” a spokesperson commented. “However, more ambitious efforts are needed to ensure that public service media remains relevant and sustainable in the long term.”
Ofcom has already advised traditional broadcasters, referred to as “endangered species,” to collaborate with YouTube for greater content visibility, emphasizing the need for “fair commercial terms.”
Michael Grade, chairman of Ofcom and former Channel 4 director, proposed that the government consider new legislation requiring YouTube to feature UK public service broadcasters’ content more prominently.
Channel 4 has been among the pioneers in sharing content on YouTube, arguing that rather than detracting from their own platform, it expands their audience reach. ITV also announced a new agreement with YouTube at the end of last year.
Discussions are underway within the BBC about how much content should be uploaded to YouTube, although significant media coverage will still be featured there. Deborah Turness, head of BBC News, has informed staff that the new head of the AI department will drive a YouTube strategy aimed at younger viewers.
Weekly video viewing times remain stable, with the average person watching 4 hours and 30 minutes at home last year—down just a minute from the previous year.
Traditional broadcast content still dominates viewing, accounting for 56% of the total, although this figure has decreased from 71% in 2018.
Additionally, YouTube has become the leading online audio platform, with 47% of UK adults using it weekly, compared to 36% for Spotify. The rise of podcasts on YouTube signifies its growing influence across the media landscape.
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Running offers a thrilling aspect of immersive Sims. Games like Thief and Strange immerse players in a dynamic world filled with navigable emails and notes.
One could argue that the essence of this genre is embodied by every character you’ve longed for, monstrous figures towering hundreds of feet above while watching your every move. Fortunately, the latest release from Russian developers Tallboys addresses this gap. In Militsioner, you’re apprehended for an ambiguous offense and must escape the city swiftly. Will you cover the getaway on the Railway? Or perhaps shatter a window for distraction? These are classic tactics in immersive sims. Unfortunately, a policeman stands in your way. Even seated serenely, he looms as a melancholic yet vigilant giant over the ravaged urban sprawl.
“A new dimension to storytelling”…Miritty Honor. Photo: Tallboys Game
This formidable figure embodies a military presence. He could either be a target to undermine or a distraction, radiating a visual glow that clearly sets this game apart as a unique immersive journey. Director and game designer Dmitry Shevchenko of Tallboys reveals that the project took shape six months before the police made their entrance.
“I remember an interview regarding the development of Thief: The Dark Project,” shares Shevchenko. “We were captivated by the concept of granting players a definitive role or profession, which resonated with our vision. Around the same time, we also considered giants as a central theme.”
These concepts coalesced when Shevchenko recalled a digital artwork by Russian artist Andrei Snov depicting a colossal traffic cop outdoors. “It resonated perfectly,” Shevchenko laughs. “The image encapsulated the player’s role and their antagonists quite well: the criminals and the police.”
Cruel dystopia…Mirity Honor Photo: Tallboys Game
Following that revelation, the portrayal of other militarized characters fell into place swiftly. The game delves into a harsh, totalitarian landscape that engages with a relentless systemic control over individuals. Yet it also weaves in a more personal and intimate narrative strand. Is it unlawful to offer apples as bribes to towering police officers? Is attempting to pursue a romantic interest considered illegal?
To differentiate elements, Militsioner employs a unique system to track the internal worlds of non-player characters. “We are adhering to classic immersive Sim mechanics, where players can engage through dialogue, stealth, or combat,” explains Shevchenko, suggesting that emotional states will introduce an additional layer inspired by The Sims. “The emotional state of a character will be crucial to the gameplay,” he emphasizes.
For instance, you may trigger panic if you sneak into someone’s home and are discovered. This will alter your dialogue options and interactions. “Such an approach creates an intricately interconnected web of reactions, enhancing problem-solving and narrative depth,” asserts Shevchenko.
This complex system is augmented by rigorous player testing. During this phase, the Tallboys team investigates player actions and their choices. The notion of dating police officers emerged from this feedback. “Players expressed interest in exploring that relational dynamic,” says Shevchenko.
Milichoiner, developed by a Russian team reflecting on the Ukrainian invasion, is profoundly political and subtly literary. Shevchenko cites influences from Kafka, along with notable figures like the Strugatsky Brothers, famed for their dystopian tales in “Roadside Picnic.” “I continuously strive to evoke the emotions present in their works,” says Shevchenko. “Their ability to depict abstract settings and character sketches, particularly the surreal images of society and its systems, is what I admire.”
Additionally, echoes of Nikolai Gogol can be felt in the narrative, exploring power structures through imaginative and extraordinary gameplay. His anti-heroes navigate a world populated by gigantic police officers, including a man whose nose aspires to a higher social rank, and another who seeks riches by exploiting deceased serfs.
Rust-based battery systems housed within standard 12-meter shipping containers
Ore Energy
Iron-empty batteries that utilize a reversible rusting mechanism to store and release energy now stand as the first type linked to public power grids. Startup Ore Energy announced on July 30 that the battery developed by Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands is now grid-connected.
These batteries play a crucial role in maintaining a stable power supply by storing renewable energy generated from solar and wind sources, preventing immediate decreases in electricity availability during sudden changes in weather conditions.
“We need to effectively store the surplus of energy generated when the wind blows and the sun shines,” mentions John Joseph Mary from the Faraday Institute, a UK battery research facility. “Essentially, the battery stabilizes the energy output for grid usage.”
While most grid-connected batteries are lithium iron phosphate varieties produced in China, they tend to store only 4-6 hours of electricity and are quite costly, according to Mary. Conversely, the iron-empty batteries created by Ore Energy can store over 100 hours of electricity and are made from inexpensive, readily accessible materials.
“Iron is the most abundantly mined metal globally and is extremely affordable,” says Mary. “When combined with air, which is literally everywhere around us and essentially free, they are among the cheapest materials available.”
Battery systems utilize electricity to convert iron oxide (rust) back into metal iron for energy storage. The iron can discharge energy through a chemical reaction with oxygen from the air, reverting back to rust.
“During discharge, we transform the iron into an innovative kind of rust,” explains Aytac Yilmaz, CEO of Ore Energy. “When charging, we revert the rust to iron, repeating this process continuously while the battery breathes in and out atmospheric oxygen.”
The battery is housed in standard 12-meter shipping containers and holds multiple megawatt-hours of energy. One megawatt-hour can power an average US household for over a month.
Meanwhile, Massachusetts-based Form Energy is executing several iron battery projects across the US, set to be established in New England and the Midwest.
In addition to iron and air, these batteries utilize affordable, plentiful water-based electrolytes, significantly minimizing the risk of battery fires. “I hesitate to say this, but water is undeniably non-combustible,” remarks Mary.
Ultimately, the primary objective of this battery technology is to facilitate the transition of renewable energy resources to supplant fossil fuels within the electric grid.
“Energy companies are still heavily reliant on gas-fired power generation to ensure flexibility when solar and wind cannot provide enough energy,” states Bas Kil, Business Development Manager at Ore Energy. “However, a long-term solution will necessitate various types of flexibility, where these innovative batteries can significantly contribute.”
Samsung’s 7th generation flip phone sheds unnecessary features, boasting an expansive cover screen outside and a spacious folding display within, yet it doesn’t drastically change the existing formula.
The Galaxy Z Flip 7 will join the Book Style Z Fold 7 as Samsung’s two flagship folding devices in 2025. Similar to its predecessor, the Flip’s main allure is the ability to fold one of Samsung’s largest screens in half, making it ideal for pocket transport.
Prices starting at £1,049 (€1,199/$1,099/$1,799) align closely with the standard S25+ and Super Thin S25 Edge, yet offer slightly larger displays.
The Flip 7 operates just like a standard Android device, showcasing a flexible OLED screen and a generous 6.9-inch OLED main display. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The Flip 7 is a touch taller than its predecessor, supporting a larger 6.9-inch inner screen. Additionally, it’s thinner by 1.2mm when folded. However, unlike the noticeable upgrades introduced with this year’s Fold 7, the changes may not be readily apparent.
The new outer cover display envelops the camera and LED flash at the top half of the Flip 7. It accommodates more text from notifications and widgets, significantly enhancing its appearance compared to prior iterations. Selecting an appealing wallpaper can make the dark metallic blue shade especially striking.
The hinge offers a reassuringly robust closure, though operating the Flip 7 with one hand can be quite challenging. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The Flip 7 features a glass exterior, but the inner screen is shielded with a softer material that tends to collect fingerprints, exhibit glare, and show marks easily. It demands more care than a conventional flat phone. While the Flip is water-resistant, it’s not dust-proof, meaning the hinge should be safeguarded from tiny particles that could cause issues.
Specifications
Main screen: 6.9in FHD+ 120Hz AMOLED INFINITY FLEX Display (397PPI)
Water resistance: IP48 (up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes)
Folded dimensions: 85.5 x 75.2 x 13.7mm
Expanded dimensions: 166.7 x 75.2 x 6.5mm
Weight: 188g
Performance and Battery Life
The Flip 7 charges fully in approximately 90 minutes, utilizing a power adapter of 25W or greater (not included) to reach 50% in 30 minutes. It also supports 15W wireless charging. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Equipped with the Samsung Exynos 2500 chip, the Flip 7 features a high-end processor comparable to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite found in other flagship devices from Samsung. Although it may not claim top performance accolades, the Flip 7 delivers a solid gaming experience, even if the phone heats up during extended sessions.
Battery performance falls slightly short compared to its predecessor, typically lasting around 36 hours between charges while utilizing a mix of 5G and Wi-Fi, and supports roughly 6 hours of screen time. This aligns closely with the base S25 model, implying that most users will likely need to charge the Flip 7 nightly, especially considering that prolonged 5G usage leads to greater battery depletion than on Qualcomm-powered Samsung devices.
One UI 8
In Flex Mode, tools such as the trackpad, scroll wheel, playback, and camera controls appear on the upper half of the screen. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Alongside the Z Fold 7, the Flip 7 is among the initial Samsung devices running One UI 8 (based on Android 16) at launch. It’s a robust Android version offering extensive customization and stable performance.
The interface closely resembles that of the standard S25 series software, featuring multiple AI capabilities for tasks like lighting adjustments, image modification and generation, transcription, and translation. Additional Google AI services such as Gemini and Circle to Search are also present. The Now Bar is a fantastic feature that displays current activities such as sports scores, music playback, timers, alarms, and more.
The Flip 7 includes various tools specifically for foldable devices. A convenient “flex mode” allows content, websites, or applications to shift to the top half of the screen while folding the Flip into an L shape, placing controls on the lower half.
Currently playing music album art displays beautifully on the Flip 7’s external cover screen. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Numerous tools for utilizing external screens are available. You can view notifications, reply to texts, manage music and system settings, access a range of widgets like audio recorders and calculators, and interact with Gemini without needing to open the phone. Some applications like Google Maps, Messages, WhatsApp, Netflix, and YouTube can also be accessed on the external screens. However, to run additional apps on the cover screen, downloading Samsung’s MultiStar plugin from the Galaxy Store is necessary—though this should ideally be a built-in feature.
Samsung pledges to provide Android and security updates until July 31, 2032.
Camera
Flex mode encourages creativity in photography, allowing for diverse angles and configurations. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Cameras are a less impressive aspect of the Flip 7. It includes a 50-megapixel main camera, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and a 10MP selfie camera on the inside.
While the selfie camera performs adequately, it’s not exceptional and struggles in low-light conditions for video calls. Instead, you might opt to use the main camera for selfies, utilizing the cover screen as a viewfinder for improved results.
The main camera shines outdoors, capturing detailed and vibrant colors, although indoor shots can suffer from murkiness and graininess due to lower lighting. The ultra-wide camera is decent for landscapes but struggles significantly in dim conditions.
The camera comes loaded with playful modes, including features for taking photos or videos in a traditional handicam style, which supports hands-free selfies.
Overall, the Flip 7 captures acceptable photos, but its camera quality falls short compared to traditional flagship devices.
Sustainability
Although there is a small gap near the hinge, the rest of the phone is sealed shut to prevent dust and fluff from entering. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The battery is designed to retain at least 80% of its original capacity over a maximum of 2,000 complete charging cycles.
The device is generally repairable, with internal screen repairs estimated at around £294. Samsung also provides CARE+ insurance for accidental damage, reducing repair costs to £119.
The Flip 7 utilizes recycled materials such as aluminum, cobalt, copper, glass, gold, lithium, plastic, rare earth elements, and steel, accounting for 18.2% of the device’s weight. Samsung operates trade-in and recycling programs for older devices and documents the environmental impact of its phones in reports (PDFs).
Price
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 starts at £1,049 (€1,199/$1,099/$1,799).
For comparison, the Z Fold 7 is priced at £1,799, the S25 Edge at £1,099, the S25+ at £999, the Z Flip 7 FE at £849, the Motorola Razr 60 Ultra at £1,099, and the Xiaomi Mix Flip at £640.
Verdict
The Flip 7 stands as Samsung’s most appealing flip device, with the most notable enhancement being its larger outer screen.
Most other features mirror those of its predecessor. While the interior folding display is impressive, it is also delicate and requires careful handling. The side-mounted power button fingerprint scanner is functional yet somewhat inconveniently positioned. The camera quality is decent but does not compete with standard flagship models, and the battery life leaves much to be desired. However, the software is robust, with 7 years of updates promised. Overall, it feels somewhat repetitive.
The Flip 7 is an excellent choice for those wanting a substantial display in a compact form factor, yet it lacks the transformative redesign seen in its larger Fold 7 counterpart released this year.
Strengths: Bigger outer screen, ample inner display, IP48 water resistance, 7 years of updates, a variety of AI features, attractive design, enjoyable software.
Drawbacks: High price point, less durable than conventional phones, repairs may be costly, no dust resistance, camera lacks telephoto zoom, and its performance does not reach flagship standards, coupled with a lack of significant updates.
The Flip 7 offers stunning aesthetics and can perform numerous tasks while closed, though most functions are better executed on the main internal display. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
A recent study conducted by New York University Abu Dhabi suggests that radiolysis, triggered by cosmic rays in galaxies, may serve as a potential energy source for microbial metabolism within the subsurface environments of rocky celestial bodies such as Mars, Europa, and Enceladus.
NASA’s Cassini spacecraft captured this stunning mosaic of Enceladus as it flew past this geologically active moon of Saturn on October 5, 2008. Image credit: NASA/JPL/Space Science Institute.
While ionized radiation is known for its detrimental effects on biological systems, such as causing damage to DNA and generating reactive oxygen species, it can also yield biologically beneficial outcomes.
Though direct exposure to high radiation levels can be harmful to biological activity, ionizing radiation can create numerous biologically useful products.
One such process involves the generation of valuable biological products through charged particle-induced radiolysis.
“We investigated the consequences of cosmic rays striking surfaces containing water or ice,” noted Dr. Dimitra Atli, PhD, from New York University Abu Dhabi, alongside colleagues from Washington University, the University of Tennessee, Rice University, and Santander University.
“The impact of these rays breaks down water molecules and releases tiny particles known as electrons.”
“Certain bacteria on Earth are capable of utilizing these electrons for energy, akin to how plants harness sunlight.”
“This phenomenon, known as radiolysis, allows for life to persist in dark, cold environments devoid of sunlight.”
This newly reorganized color view presents a massive surface of Europa. The image scale is 1.6 km per pixel, with the northern part of Europa on the right. Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/Seti Institute.
Researchers utilized computer simulations to assess the energy output of this process on the icy moons of Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn.
These icy moons are believed to harbor liquid water beneath their thick ice crusts.
Findings indicate that Enceladus is the most promising candidate for supporting life in this manner, followed closely by Mars and Europa.
“This discovery reshapes our understanding of potential habitats for life,” Dr. Atri commented.
“Rather than confining our search to warm, sunlit planets, we can now consider cold, dark regions where water lies beneath the surface and is subjected to cosmic rays.”
“Life might exist in many more locations than previously thought.”
This image captured by Mars Express’s high-resolution stereo camera reveals an overview of Mars, with patches of yellow, orange, blue, and green on a muted gray background, depicting various surface compositions. Image credits: ESA/DLR/FU BERLIN/G. MICHAEL/CC BY-SA 3.0 IGO.
In their research, the authors introduce a new concept termed the Radiolysis Habit Zone.
Unlike the traditional “Goldilocks zone”—the region around a star where planets can sustain liquid water—this new zone emphasizes the potential for subsurface water that can be energized by cosmic radiation.
Given that cosmic rays are ubiquitous throughout the universe, this suggests that numerous additional locations may harbor life.
“These findings offer fresh directions for future space exploration,” remarked Reservers.
“Scientists can target the underground environments of these icy moons and Mars instead of solely searching for life on their surfaces.
“This study paves the way for thrilling new avenues in life exploration across the cosmos, implying that even the coldest and darkest regions may have conditions suitable for life.”
The study will be published in International Journal of Astrobiology.
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Dimitra Atri et al. 2025. Estimating the potential of ionizing radiation-induced radiolysis for microbial metabolism in Earth’s planets and moons with tenuous atmospheres. International Journal of Astrobiology 24:E9; doi:10.1017/s1473550425100025
Lava planets are rocky exoplanets that orbit extremely close to their host star, allowing for conditions that melt silicate rocks daily.
Boucale et al. We introduce a straightforward theoretical framework to explain the evolution of lava planets’ internal atmospheric systems. Image credit: Sci.News.
A lava planet is typically a super-Earth to Earth-sized world, orbiting its star in less than one Earth day.
Similar to the Earth’s moon, these planets are expected to be tidally locked, displaying the same hemisphere to their stars at all times.
With extreme surface temperatures, their rocks can reach melting or even evaporating points, creating a distinctive state within our solar system.
These unusual worlds are easily observable due to their pronounced orbital dynamics, offering valuable insights into the fundamental processes that drive planetary evolution.
“Due to the extreme orbital characteristics of lava planets, our understanding of rocky planets in the solar system does not apply directly, which leaves scientists uncertain about expected observations,” states Dr. Charles Eiduard Bukare from York University.
“Our simulations provide a conceptual framework for understanding their evolution and a way to investigate internal dynamics and chemical transformations over time.”
“While these processes are greatly intensified on lava planets, they fundamentally mirror those shaping rocky planets in our solar system.”
As rocks melt or evaporate, elements like magnesium, iron, silicon, oxygen, sodium, and potassium partition differently across vapor, liquid, and solid states.
The unique orbital dynamics of lava planets maintain vapor-liquid and solid-liquid equilibria for billions of years, facilitating long-term chemical evolution.
Using cutting-edge numerical simulations, the researchers predict the evolutionary status of two distinct categories.
(i) Fully melted interior (likely a younger planet): The atmosphere reflects the planet’s overall composition, with heat distribution within the melt ensuring a hot and dynamic nightside surface.
(ii) Nearly solid interior (likely an older planet): Only shallow lava oceans persist, while the atmosphere becomes depleted of elements such as sodium, potassium, and iron.
“We sincerely hope that with the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope, we will be able to observe and differentiate between young and old lava planets,” Dr. Boukaré expressed.
“Demonstrating this capability would signify a significant advancement beyond conventional observational methods.”
study was published today in the journal Natural Astronomy.
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cé. Boucale et al. The significance of internal dynamics and differentiation in the surface and atmosphere of lava planets. Nut Athlon Published online on July 29th, 2025. doi:10.1038/s41550-025-02617-4
Capuchin Monkeys and Their Role in Seed Dispersal in Tropical Forests
Carlos Grillo/Getty Images/iStockphoto
Tropical ecosystems, rich in animal biodiversity that aids in seed dispersal, can sequester carbon at rates up to four times higher than fragmented forests lacking these animals or where their movements are limited.
“This underscores the connection between the loss of animal biodiversity and the processes that intensify climate change,” explains Evan Fricke from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. “We’ve lost the potential for tropical forest regeneration.”
While animals only store a fraction of the carbon in their environment, their activities significantly influence ecosystem carbon dynamics. Notably, species such as monkeys, birds, and rodents play a crucial role in dispersing a wide variety of seeds.
Fricke mentions that “linking this to a prolonged process like carbon capture across landscapes proved quite challenging.”
Fricke and his team examined over 3,000 plots in tropical forests where trees are returning and successfully reabsorbing carbon following disturbances. They then assessed the degree of movement and diversity disruption of seed-dispersing animals in each plot, with findings influenced by forest fragmentation and data from monitored animals.
They discovered that increased disruption in seed disperser movement correlated with lower rates of carbon accumulation. The forests with the most disturbed animal behaviors grew four times faster than those with minimal disruption.
On average, disturbances in animal diversity and movement patterns that disperse seeds halved the carbon accumulation potential of affected plots. This indicates that such disruptions had a more detrimental impact than other factors inhibiting tree regrowth, such as fires and livestock grazing.
In contrast, forests experiencing the least disruption sequestered carbon more rapidly than monoculture wood farms. “Natural growth enhanced by animal activity presents a cost-effective and biodiversity-friendly recovery method,” states Fricke.
Earlier ecological models indicated that seed dispersers might significantly influence carbon storage; however, this study further elucidates the critical role these animals play, according to Oswald Schmitz from Yale University. “It highlights their importance now and into the future.”
Batteries created from iron and salt in ceramic tubes present a reduced fire risk compared to lithium-ion batteries
Inlyte Energy
Batteries utilizing iron and salt can deliver emergency power without fire hazards, located near one of California’s historic redwood forests.
The 200-kilowatt battery will be integrated with solar panels at the Alliance Red Woods Conference Ground in Sonoma County, California. This site is situated in a high wildfire risk zone of Redwood Forest, merely 16 kilometers from Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, and is home to California’s tallest and oldest trees. During severe weather and wildfires, conference facilities often assist firefighters and evacuees, yet they are also prone to power grid outages.
“Our view of technology revolves around establishing a secure, cost-effective energy storage solution.” Ben Kaun from Inlyte Energy in California stated. “This perspective guided us toward developing large cells with affordable and plentiful active materials such as iron and salt.”
The battery projects are expected to provide up to two weeks of emergency backup power, operational by 2027. This capability will enable lighting within the conference grounds and supply power to local firefighter water pump stations without jeopardizing the iconic redwood trees.
This is attributed to the non-flammable nature of these easily sourced battery components (powdered iron and salt contained in ceramic tubes). “These batteries and their cells can be positioned closely together without the typical fire or explosion risks associated with lithium-ion batteries,” says Kaun.
Lithium-ion batteries, commonly used in smartphones and electric vehicles, can ignite under certain conditions, and this risk escalates when batteries are concentrated in large storage facilities. For instance, in January 2025, a fire at California’s largest battery storage site obliterated 300 megawatts of energy storage. Conversely, Inlyte’s iron-salt batteries possess significantly lower risk profiles. The Iron-Salt Battery initiative has secured nearly $4 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Energy to enhance energy resilience in wildfire-prone areas near Redwood Forest.
“These non-flammable batteries are a prudent choice for project developers considering energy storage installations in remote or drought-prone regions or near forests vulnerable to frequent drought,” says Dustin Mulbany from San Jose State University. “Energy technology and infrastructure have historically contributed to wildfires, and utilizing non-flammable batteries offers a way to mitigate some of these risks.”
The Central Congo Basin boasts the largest variety of tropical peatlands globally, covering 16.7 million hectares. Previously, radiocarbon dating of ancient peat was confined to just 14 samples, which poorly represented the area, indicating that peat development typically commenced during the Holocene. However, recent findings indicate that peat began forming in multiple locations during the late Pleistocene. The earliest date identified by the author is 42,300 years before present, highlighting that this peatland is one of the oldest in the world, twice as ancient as previously thought.
The swamp of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Image credit: Greta Dargie.
The central Congo Basin, which spans the equator, encompasses 360,000 km.2 This wetland is shared by the Republic of the Congo and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Out of this wetland area, it is estimated that 167,600 km2 have a median thickness of 1.7 m.
These peatlands rank among the most carbon-dense ecosystems worldwide, storing an average of 1712 mg c ha-1 with a total of 29 pg c-1 stored in peat.
Although research into the formation and expansion of this vast carbon reservoir is in its early stages, it includes studies on peat initiation and basin-wide development dynamics.
“These peat marshes serve as crucial global carbon reservoirs, equivalent to three years’ worth of fossil fuel emissions,” said Greta Dargie, a researcher from the University of Leeds.
“We now know that these are the oldest tropical peatlands on Earth.”
The research initiated with the team trekking through the inaccessible peat marshes of Congo, collecting peat samples up to 6 m deep on the forest floor using surgical tools.
Upon returning to the lab, they dated small samples of peat to ascertain when peat formation began at each sampling site.
Over a decade, researchers successfully collected and dated more than 50 cores from throughout the Central Congo Basin, reconstructing the development of the peatlands over time.
Scientists were surprised not only by the great age of these peatlands.
“One of our unexpected discoveries was that some of the older peatlands in central Congo started forming during periods when the region’s climate was considerably drier than today,” stated a researcher.
“The earlier hypothesis suggested that peat began forming in response to a wetter climate at the onset of the Holocene around 12,000 years ago.”
“We now understand that non-climatic factors must have helped saturate the soil enough for peat formation to occur.”
“This raises important questions about how climate change in the 21st century will impact peatland landscapes and the substantial carbon stored within them.”
The Congo Basin peat marshes provide essential resources for local communities, including fish, bushmeat, and building materials.
Due to their remoteness, these swamps also serve as crucial habitats for species such as forest elephants, Nile crocodiles, lowland gorillas, and bonobo chimpanzees.
While Congolese peatlands have largely avoided threats such as deforestation and drainage compared to many tropical regions, the push for improved local livelihoods and extraction of resources like oil can conflict with biodiversity and carbon conservation objectives.
Dr. Pauline Gulliver, a researcher at the University of Glasgow, remarked:
“These peatlands meticulously draw carbon from the atmosphere, safely storing it for at least 40,000 years.”
“The dynamics of peat cannot be understood within a timeframe that aligns with societal expectations.”
“If peatlands are compromised, they could release a significant amount of carbon into the atmosphere, worsening global warming.”
“It’s crucial to manage the carbon within the Congo Basin peatlands carefully to prevent such occurrences.”
Survey results were published in the journal Environmental Survey Letter.
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Greta C. Dargy et al. 2025. The timing of peat initiation throughout the central Congo Basin. environment. res. Rent 20, 084080; doi:10.1088/1748-9326/ade905
On Monday, a gunman in midtown Manhattan took four lives before turning the weapon on himself, leaving behind a note that made several references to “CTE,” according to sources involved in the investigation who spoke to NBC News.
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a brain condition typically resulting from recurrent head injuries over an extended period.
Officials indicated that the shooter specifically targeted the National Football League headquarters, where the incident occurred.
A report from 2024 highlights that CTE can only be definitively diagnosed post-mortem, yet around one-third of former NFL players believe they may be affected. The NFL acknowledged the connection between CTE and football in 2016.
Former NFL athlete Philip Adams was found to have severe CTE after committing a shooting that resulted in six deaths in South Carolina in 2021 before he ended his own life.
NBC News consulted with Dr. Aaron Lord, chief of neurology at NYU Langone, specializing in brain injuries, about how CTE alters not only brain function but also behavior.
What is chronic traumatic encephalopathy?
Initially identified in boxers and referred to as “punch drunk syndrome,” CTE can lead to neurological issues such as early onset dementia, memory problems, personality changes, and disorders similar to Parkinson’s disease.
CTE can affect individuals who experience repeated head trauma.
“It’s about the cumulative shock waves in the brain,” he explained.
Research is ongoing regarding the correlation between CTE and suicide, as there seems to be an unexpectedly high incidence of CTE among athletes who have taken their own lives.
However, experts have not yet determined “the incidence and prevalence of the disease in both the general population and specific athletic groups,” he noted.
“We’re still in the process of defining this condition,” he added.
How is CTE diagnosed?
CTE cannot be diagnosed without an autopsy, as there are no established criteria for its diagnosis. Hence, it remains challenging to identify, according to Dr. Lord. An autopsy must reveal tissue degeneration with abnormal aggregations of specific proteins around the brain’s blood vessels.
Patients and their physicians may suspect CTE when significant mood and behavior alterations occur, especially following known head impacts and their severity.
Dr. Lord mentioned that an MRI of the brain may show changes consistent with the disease, but this alone is insufficient for a diagnosis.
The symptoms of CTE may overlap with various mental health disorders, including major depressive disorder, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder, he noted.
Dr. Lord has also observed connections between CTE and behaviors such as increased aggression and impulsivity, along with other personality alterations.
While CTE is frequently observed in older individuals, possibly due to years of repeated trauma, even a single head injury can lead to brain damage, even without resulting in CTE.
“Even someone who has experienced a single car accident resulting in a frontal lobe injury may undergo permanent changes in personality, impulse control, and psychiatric states,” he concluded.
Is there a treatment for CTE?
Currently, there is no direct treatment for CTE, but Dr. Lord points out that psychiatric medications can assist in managing behavioral issues and other associated symptoms.
Not every individual who experiences a concussion develops CTE; according to the Mayo Clinic. Prevention remains key; employing seat belts or helmets to avoid head injuries can reduce the risks associated with CTE and other brain-related complications, according to Dr. Lord.
Wait a second, Is the cat video really 131 years old? Clearly, you haven’t seen Boxing Cats, a 20-second clip featuring two cats in boxing gloves fighting in tiny rings. Created in 1894 by Thomas Edison’s studio, it is preserved at the Library of Congress.
So you’re suggesting that humanity has not progressed Significantly in nearly a century and a half? No, I assert that there’s something vital about the charm of cat videos and their concurrent evolution.
But also … Indeed, humans have always had a knack for simple pleasures.
Now that we’ve established this, why are we discussing them today? Ah, because CatVideofest 2025 is on the horizon.
What is CatVideofest? Keep your finger on the pulse. Since 2016, Will Braden has meticulously curated online videos and public submissions into CatVideofest.
Seriously, is this a thing? Not only is it a thing, but it’s also a massive hit. The 2021 edition grossed $94,000 at the box office, while last year surpassed $1 million. If the trend continues, CatVideofest 2036 could become the most successful film ever.
So is there any merit? Sort of. Anyone who took children to CatVideofest 2024 will remember the relentless wave of cat videos that kicked off with an extraordinary 20-minute segment.
What about the toilet cat video? Ah, a classic of the genre. I didn’t realize I was discussing this with enthusiasts.
Of course. When I miss the 2011 classic, the day just barely goes by without “Cats walking on two legs 2.” Yes, what’s my favorite part…are we actually linking to cat videos now? I thought this was a serious discussion.
No, this is a discussion about how cinemas are learning to adjust to fresh audiences during widespread industry contraction. Very insightful. Almost as clever as a cat opening the door for its owner who forgot their key.
What does this reveal about us as a society? Well, the world is chaotic. Let’s unwind with some cat videos.
Russian ambush drone with solar panels uncovered in Ukraine
Serhii Beskrestnov
The small racing quadcopter, known as first-person view drones or FPVs, has emerged as the primary weapon in the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine. Some of these drones are equipped with solar cells, enabling them to lie in wait for extended periods to ambush targets and act as a new kind of land mine.
“Drones can position themselves near roads and chokepoints, and when a target appears, they can rapidly accelerate toward it,” says Robert Bunker, a consultant with the US firm C/O Futures.
Drone ambush tactics have already become standard strategy for both Russian and Ukrainian forces, with devices hidden alongside roads and buildings waiting for targets. However, even if the engine is off, the camera and radio communications drain the drone’s battery, reducing their wait time to just a few hours.
Currently, Russian FPV ambush drones have been spotted utilizing solar panels for charging. While these panels can’t power the drones during flight, they can recharge other devices. Ukrainian drone warfare expert Serhii “Flash” Beskrestnov has shared images of this solar setup on his Telegram channel, highlighting these advancements.
Sold as camping equipment for approximately $50, these panels efficiently charge phones and other portable devices. Enthusiasts online have already posted guides on modifying drones to include solar cells.
“The initial generation of solar technology may be bulky, but it serves as a useful proof of concept,” Bunker remarks.
A 5-watt solar charger weighs several hundred grams and provides power to the drone while on the ground. Future models are expected to be sleeker and more efficient.
“The drone could feature a solar roll that unfolds after landing, creating a charging surface. You could then disconnect it when entering combat mode,” Bunker notes. “Future iterations will likely include improvements we haven’t yet considered.”
With solar assistance, drones can lie in wait for their targets as long as the sun is shining, recharging their systems at dawn for continuous operation. The solar cells can also gradually recharge the drone’s batteries for over a day, enabling a cycle of flying, landing, recharging, and flying again.
Both Russia and Ukraine have developed drones with artificial intelligence that can identify and engage targets autonomously. When combined with solar energy, these drones can saturate the battlefield with lethal units, autonomously navigating to find and track targets.
“It’s an evolution of the point land mine,” says Bunker.
Unlike traditional minefields, the network of solar-powered drones can self-repair, filling gaps where drones have been used or destroyed. Alternatively, this field might slowly advance towards enemy positions over several days through successive charging cycles.
Today’s solar drones are often experimental prototypes, with only a limited number currently deployed. However, the widespread availability of components suggests that these designs could proliferate rapidly, much like other small drones. With their affordability and ease of assembly, ambush drones may soon become commonplace.
Taxi operators competing with Uber are now exempt from paying 20% VAT on their earnings outside London, following a ruling from the UK Supreme Court in a long-running case.
The court determined that the private employer would not establish a contract with passengers, thereby rejecting Uber’s appeal. This decision was celebrated by the private employer as a “sector victory” after three years of legal challenges.
Uber initiated legal action after a 2021 Supreme Court ruling declared that the driver was classified as a worker.
The company sought a declaration asserting that a privately employed taxi operator had entered into a contract with passengers, a claim supported by the London High Court in 2023.
Initially, that decision required operators to pay a 20% VAT, but the Court of Appeals overturned this after Delta Taxi and Veezu challenged it last July.
Uber brought the issue to the Supreme Court, which unanimously dismissed the case involving the US company on Tuesday.
Nia Cooper, Chief Legal Officer at Veezu, remarked: “This ruling is a triumph for the UK’s private employment sector. The unanimous decision concludes a three-year legal struggle and affirms that operators can select the business models they wish to adopt.”
She added that the outcome would shield passengers from potential fare hikes and lessen the pressure on licensing authorities. “Uber aimed for a declaration that a 20% VAT would be imposed on all PHV fares,” she stated.
“This ruling also illustrates that UK-based companies can stand firm against global conglomerates that attempt to sway the sector through litigation to suit their business frameworks.”
An Uber representative replied, “The Supreme Court’s ruling confirms that different contractual protections apply to individuals booking rides in London compared to the rest of England and Wales. This ruling does not affect Uber’s VAT, which has been upheld in two previous court decisions.”
In a related matter this year, Estonian mobility and delivery startup Volt successfully contested a claim by the UK tax authorities, HMRC, regarding a 20% VAT obligation.
HMRC has since been granted permission by the Court of Appeal to appeal a ruling stating that Bolt is only accountable for VAT on the margin, not on the full fare of the trip.
Experience Ultimate Flexibility with Jarvis Standing Desk
Herman Miller’s Fully Jarvis Standing Desk – Photo Credit: Herman Miller
Sitting too long can lead to serious health issues, including early onset diabetes and potential longevity concerns, according to NHS data.
While regular breaks can help, I prefer not to take any chances.
There are various standing desk options available, from risers to full-sized desks, but I appreciate the sleek design and eco-friendliness of the Fully Jarvis bamboo standing desk.
It offers programmable height options, organized cable management, and operates quietly.
Recent studies suggest that standing can enhance focus and productivity.
ASUS ProART Display PA279CRV Computer Monitor – Photo Credit: ASUS
If you don’t have an AI assistant yet, are you truly working efficiently? While I’m still skeptical about AI-generated writing, I find it incredibly useful for tasks such as data organization and automated coding.
That’s why my next desk upgrade will likely include an additional monitor.
This ProArt model is affordable and performs exceptionally well, making it a fantastic first monitor for creative professionals. The display is sharp, bright, and color accurate.
Featuring a 27-inch (69cm) screen and versatile connectivity options, it’s also ergonomically designed for easy rotation into portrait mode, making it an ideal companion for digital assistants.
Hexcal Studio Monitor Stand – Image Credit: Hexcal
Most monitors and their standard stands fail to align with eye level, which can lead to neck strain and lower back pain.
While monitor arms are an option, they can be cumbersome to install. A desktop shelf that elevates your monitor to a comfortable height not only alleviates strain but also provides additional desk space.
This premium monitor stand serves a dual purpose as cable management and a docking station, offering extra USB ports for your workstation.
With adjustable feet and wireless charging capabilities, it even includes eight power sockets on the back for streamlined connectivity.
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In the picturesque fields of Hobbiton, it finally started to dawn on me why two generations of Bagginses felt compelled to embark on perilous adventures. Indeed, the Shire offers a small slice of comfort, with an abundance of unique food in the valleys and many friendly faces to greet you. However, as the initial charm starts to fade, this seemingly blissful haven reveals itself to be quite mundane.
“Tales of the Shire” is set in the Third Age of Middle-earth, a few years before the events of “The Lord of the Rings.” Therefore, there are no Nazgûls or Uruk-hai here. Instead, the “action” is centered in charming towns where the most urgent matter is the local governance. In this game, you play as a newcomer from the nearby Burie settlement, striving to elevate the town’s status to an official village by developing infrastructure and building friendships with locals, one quirky task and homemade meal at a time.
Fluffy comfort… a story of the Shire. Photo: Private Division
This high-fantasy life simulator, naturally, is equipped with numerous Tallkienia tools. I discover three tidying stones on the hillside and stroll through the cozy Green Dragon Inn. Moreover, you’ll encounter plenty of familiar names—from the likes of Tuck to Cotton and Brandybuck. The rich art style brings these iconic environments and characters to life, dressing the world in appropriate charm. While the map may not be vast, it feels alive, adorned with swaying lanterns and roaming wildlife.
As a budding hobbit, your primary objective is to cultivate every facet of your daily life influenced by this essential activity. In the wild, you’ll find a bounty of vegetables, nuts, and fruits. The river boasts numerous fishing spots, securing you a satisfying catch. You can also visit artisan shops with food stalls offering seasonal saplings and special items like flour. With a timer ticking daily, the main challenge lies in how efficiently you can collect and manage your resources before night falls.
There are many fishing spots… The Shire of the Story
It’s a familiar routine for anyone who has dabbled in rural life simulators like Stardew Valley or Harvest Moon. Yet here, the rhythmic cycle of button clicks and minor tasks functions more as comforting mental signals than as any real challenge.
If you can tolerate the repetitiveness and engage with the relationships formed, the game will gradually reveal its depth, offering a satisfying skill progression. Gathering materials is just part of the experience; you’ll also need to prepare them into delightful meals for breakfast, second breakfast, elevenses, and beyond. A mix of “Cooking Mama” and “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild,” “Tales of the Shire” requires you to balance flavors and textures to create the perfect dish. You can chop, mix, and fry ingredients while keeping an eye on the flavor compass at the corner of the screen. Ultimately, by serving the right dishes to the right people, your kitchen will expand, unlocking further opportunities for culinary mastery.
However, beyond its somewhat familiar mechanics, the central question of “Tales of the Shire” lies in its naïveté and tranquility. When interpersonal conflicts arise among your new friends, they are usually resolved quickly and amicably. Much of your time is spent attending to the minor grievances of the halflings.
Not all cozy games need to delve into heavy emotions, but it feels somewhat lacking, especially when juxtaposed with the dry humor, tragedy, and intricate social dynamics that make Tolkien’s writing so impactful. Without the emotional stakes to tug at your heartstrings, “Tales of the Shire” risks becoming a series of never-ending fetch quests. Dedicated Tolkien fans and die-hard Stardew Valley enthusiasts might find themselves seeking a cozier thrill elsewhere.
In the last two weeks, countless “adults only” and “not safe for work” games have been removed from Steam and itch.io—two leading platforms for PC game distribution—as they scramble to adhere to stricter regulations set by payment processors like MasterCard, Visa, and PayPal.
These regulations came about following a campaign known as A Collective Cry, which pressured payment processors to cease facilitating transactions for platforms hosting content that features “games related to rape, incest, and child sexual abuse.” However, the scope of these new rules extends far beyond those issues, affecting even award-winning titles.
How did this begin?
On July 16th, Valve, the developer behind Steam, revised its Rules and Guidelines for game distribution. Existing prohibitions against “nude or sexually explicit images of real people” and “adult content that is not labeled or age-gated” were expanded to include “content that may violate the rules and standards laid out by certain types of adult content.”
In a statement to PC gamers on July 18th, Valve acknowledged that several games have been “retired” from the Steam store due to these new regulations. However, they did not specify which games were removed or define what types of “adult content” are deemed unacceptable.
A week later, itch.io issued a statement indicating it was also being “scrutinized” by payment processors. Consequently, all games tagged as “NSFW” were “deleted” (removed from search results) following a “comprehensive audit of content to comply with payment processor requirements.” Unlike Valve, itch.io explicitly mentioned the collective cry as the impetus behind the increased scrutiny.
What is A Collective Cry?
Collective Shout is an Australian group describing itself as “a grassroots campaign against the objectification of women and the sexualization of girls.”
In April, they achieved a major victory by having the game No Mercy—featuring themes of “incest,” “coerced sexual acts,” and “inevitably non-consensual gender”—removed from both Steam and itch.io. Following this, the group released an open letter stating, “We have identified hundreds of additional games on Steam and itch.io that involve themes of rape, incest, and child sexual abuse,” demanding companies to “demonstrate corporate social responsibility” by ceasing payment processing for those platforms.
After Steam updated its rules, A Collective Cry requested credits for the changes, stating that over 1,000 supporters contacted their payment processors to “stop financing these games.”
What is the role of payment processors?
Like many online retailers, both Steam and itch.io depend on payment processors to facilitate transactions. As such, these processors wield significant influence, impacting what products can be sold, published, or purchased, regardless of their legality.
In recent years, payment processors have tightened rules regarding transactions linked to adult content. In 2021, several subscription-based adult content platforms considered banning such materials following pressure from payment processors but ultimately reversed that decision. Later that same year, MasterCard initiated a new policy governing adult content retailers. The American Civil Liberties Union has pointed out that these measures can restrict free speech and be detrimental to sex workers, contributing to financial censorship.
The award-winning game Consume Me has been affected by these policies. Photo: 66
Which games have been impacted?
It’s unclear how many games have been “retired” from Steam as a result of these new regulations, but several titles featuring incest themes have been deleted. As previously mentioned, itch.io has also removed most games labeled as NSFW. According to the Games Industry Newsletter Game Files, since July 16th, over 20,000 games have been removed from itch.io’s NSFW category.
Among those affected are games that explore unique themes of identity and sexuality, such as Radiator 2, created by Robert Yang, a former faculty member at New York University’s arcade center. The rules have also impacted games that do not feature sexual content at all, including The Last Call, an award-winning narrative about domestic violence survival created by Nina Freeman, and Consume Me, which has received numerous industry accolades for its approach to intricate topics.
How has the gaming industry reacted?
Many developers have criticized the power that payment processors hold over the market, particularly how their influence is amplified through campaign groups like A Collective Cry. In a post on Bluesky, Yang labeled the collective cry and payment processors’ actions as “a cultural war against sexual expression, particularly affecting LGBTQ individuals,” but noted that it is entirely unacceptable for payment processors to engage in selective censorship that systematically marginalizes adult content creators.
On July 17, a petition was launched on change.org, urging payment processors and activist groups to “refrain from controlling what we can watch, read, or play.” The petition argues that “MasterCard and Visa hinder legal entertainment” and calls for “the right to select our own narratives without moral surveillance.” Over 150,000 signatures have been gathered so far, as gamers and developers share contact information for major payment companies to encourage complaints.
What comes next?
It’s difficult to predict the future. Ongoing consumer pressure could prompt payment processors to reconsider their stance, but it may also challenge anti-censorship advocates to gain political backing amidst shifting legislative attitudes toward online adult content. The UK recently implemented stricter regulations regarding age verification for internet users seeking access to adult material, while the EU has proposed draft guidelines for similar measures.
Thus, new rules may be here to stay on Steam and itch.io for now. However, the resulting fallout has illuminated the influence of payment processors and the ambiguity surrounding the regulations. Such uncertainty may compel companies to tread more carefully in responding to pressure from future advocacy groups.
Emerging from the darkness, slimy nails break through the murky barrier, reaching towards the light. Thunder rumbles as the ground cracks.
This is not a scene from a horror film featuring the undead rising from their graves. Rather, it showcases one of nature’s most endearing spectacles, Parent-child relationship: a forthcoming BBC series exploring the struggles of nurturing the next generation of wildlife, specifically the hatching of the magnificent Amazon River Turtle in Guapoi, South Brazil.
According to Sir David Attenborough’s narration, the tiny turtles await the perfect conditions to break free. When rain falls, it softens the sand enough for them to dig their way out. If there’s insufficient rain, the layer of sand above becomes too baked in the sun. They are numerous, making their survival seem effortless.
“There’s always that anxiety. You never know how it will turn out,” says series producer Elizabeth Orcham to BBC Science Focus. “As we sit with the crew, we hope everything works. The moment it rains or doesn’t rain, the tension rises. Is it too much rain?”
The rain arrived early during the filming, but the turtles managed to emerge just in time. “Seeing most of the turtles succeed and not lose too many is really comforting. It’s just wonderful.”
Despite the challenges posed by the weather, two million turtles hatched successfully, overcoming what seemed like insurmountable odds.
“Sometimes, it’s a wonder how they survive. It’s fascinating to see just how clumsy they can be,” she notes.
This clumsiness, however, is part of a finely tuned process. Scientists have been investigating communication among these turtles for over a decade. A 2014 study found that mothers likely communicate with their hatchlings to guide them into the water. According to Oakham, this is the only turtle species known to exhibit parental care post-hatching.
The female giant Amazon River turtle (Podocnemis Exagna), also known as the Arrau turtle, grows to a remarkable 76cm (30 inches) in shell length and weighs up to 91kg (200 pounds), while the male measures at 48cm (19 inches). The hatchlings are merely 5cm (2 inches) long. – Photo credit: Getty
“We were thrilled to showcase this new research on turtle communication,” Oakham explains. The filmmakers even accessed the nest to record the hatchlings’ emergence.
Childcare challenges
Climate change poses the greatest threat to the otherwise stable lifecycle of the giant Amazon River turtle.
“Warmer air due to climate change retains more moisture, leading to two outcomes,” she elaborates. “Firstly, it makes the environment drier, but when it finally rains, the moisture simply drips off.”
Severe floods that once occurred every 20 years have now happened twice in the last five years, jeopardizing the hatching process during critical seasons.
Before hatching, the turtles must absorb some of their yolk sac. If they haven’t done so before floods arrive, they will not survive. Thus, when mother turtles lay eggs, they risk a significant gamble regarding the weather – a gamble that is increasingly hard to predict.
They typically lay their eggs two to three months before the rainy season, allowing the sand to solidify and form a protective layer. At this time, the mothers leave the river for the sandbanks, coinciding with the largest congregation of freshwater turtles on the planet, and one of the few instances the species ventures onto land.
“Water can be life-sustaining but also perilous,” Oakham states. “With climate change, this duality has become even more pronounced, making the environment more unpredictable for these parents. Navigating this uncertainty while caring for their young is a delicate balance.”
This episode is the fourth in a five-part series on parental life in freshwater habitats, Parent-child relationship. All five episodes will be available on BBC iPlayer from August 3, 2025.
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About our experts
Elizabeth Orcum is a producer and director with a deep commitment to environmental storytelling and natural history. She is widely recognized for her work on the fifth episode of Green Planet, titled “The Human World,” which delivers a compelling narrative on the interconnectedness of plants and humans. She is now eager to share the stories of animal parents worldwide through the BBC series Parent-child relationship.
The Australian government is rapidly identifying which social media platforms will face restrictions for users under 16.
Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek stated on Monday that the government “will not be intimidated by the actions of social media giants.” Nevertheless, tech companies are vigorously advocating for exemptions from the law set to take effect in December.
Here’s what social media companies are doing to support their case:
The parent company of Facebook and Instagram has introduced new Instagram teen account settings to signal their commitment to teenage safety on the platform.
Recently, Meta revealed New protections, which aim to enhance direct message security by automatically censoring nude images and implementing blocking features.
Additionally, Meta hosted a “Screen Smart” safety event in Sydney targeted at “Parent Creators,” led by Sarah Harris.
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YouTube
YouTube’s approach is even more assertive. Last year, Communications Minister Michelle Roland suggested the platform would be exempt from social media restrictions.
However, last month, the Esafety Commissioner advised the government to reconsider this exemption, citing research indicating that children often encounter harmful materials on YouTube.
Since then, the company has escalated its lobbying efforts, including full-page advertisements claiming YouTube can be used by “everyone,” alongside a letter sent to Communications Minister Anica Wells warning of a potential high court challenge if YouTube is subjected to the ban.
YouTube advertisement campaign opposing social media restrictions set to commence in December. Photo: Michael Karendiane/Guardian
As reported by Guardian Australia last month, Google is hosting its annual showcase this week at the Capitol on Wednesday. There, content creators, including child musicians, who oppose the YouTube ban will likely express their views to politicians.
Last year’s event featured the Wiggles, who met with Roland. This meeting was mentioned in a letter sent to Rowland last year when YouTube’s global CEO Neal Mohan requested the exemption within 48 hours of the promised relief.
Guardian Australia reported last week that YouTube met with Wells this month for an in-person discussion regarding the ban.
TikTok
Screenshots from TikTok’s advertisements highlighting its benefits for teenagers. Photo: TikTok
This month, TikTok is running ads on its platform as well as on Meta channels, promoting educational benefits for teens on vertical video platforms.
“The 1.7m #fishtok video encourages outdoor activities in exchange for screen time,” the advertisement states, acknowledging the government’s assertion that the ban would promote time spent outside. “They are developing culinary skills through cooking videos that have garnered over 13m views,” it continues.
“A third of users visit the STEM feed weekly to foster learning,” another ad claims.
Snapchat
Screenshot of Snapchat’s educational video about signs of grooming featuring Lambros army. Photo: Snapchat
Snapchat emphasizes user safety. In May, Guardian Australia reported on an instance involving an 11-year-old girl who added random users as part of a competition with her friend for high scores on the app.
This month, Snapchat announced a partnership with the Australian Federal Police-led Australian Centre to address child exploitation through a series of educational videos shared by various Australian influencers, along with advertisements advising parents and teens on identifying grooming and sextortion.
“Ensuring safety within the Snapchat community has always been our top priority, and collaborating closely with law enforcement and safety experts is crucial to that effort,” stated Ryan Ferguson, Australia’s Managing Director at Snap.
The platform has also reiterated account settings for users aged 13-17, including default private accounts and chat warnings when communicating with individuals who lack shared friends or are absent from contact lists.
“It is undeniable that young people’s mental health has been adversely affected due to social media engagement, prompting the government’s actions,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told ABC insiders on Sunday.
“I will meet again with individuals who have faced tragedy this week… one concern expressed by some social media companies is our leadership on this matter, and we take pride in effectively confronting these threats.”
From shimmering sapphire waterfalls to rain made of lava, these distant planets redefine the boundaries of possibility. Discover ten exoplanets that are overturning the Cosmic Rulebook.
Surgical Scratches No More
While still in the womb, we all have the ability to heal without scars… yet we’ve never experienced birth. Outside the uterus, healing comes at the cost of scars, which serve as painful reminders of past injuries. Currently, researchers are exploring methods for achieving scar-free healing.
Ancestral Journeys
Our forebears encountered and mingled with more diverse groups than previously thought during their migrations from Africa. As Homo sapiens spread across the globe, they explored more broadly than earlier estimates indicated. Recent findings are painting a richer, more complex picture of our early human history.
Hearing Loss and Dementia
Research is increasingly highlighting potential connections between hearing loss and dementia. Addressing hearing loss can bring significant advantages, delving into how it influences the risk of dementia development.
Additionally
Gene-Edited Foods: GMO pork has been approved in the U.S. Here’s what you need to understand.
Strategies for Longevity: From intermittent fasting to low-protein diets, emerging research is shedding light on dietary restrictions as pivotal to a longer life.
Q&A: Your questions answered! This month: Why do dogs enjoy playing with trash? Should I try a banana facial? How much of our lives do we spend blinking? What will the future of space exploration look like? Can anything on Earth endure conditions like those on Mars? What’s the most unusual satellite in the universe? How do you determine when to move on from past aspirations? Why is there an increase in ADHD diagnoses among women nearing menopause? And more…
Issue 422 Launching Tuesday, July 29th, 2025
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A report published on Tuesday by German multinationals revealed that weather-related disasters in the first half of this year caused $93 billion in damages within the United States.insurancecompany.
An analysis from Munich RE, the largest reinsurer in the world, indicated that over 70% of the global damages from this year’s weather disasters occurred in the United States, leading to a burden of $22 billion on uninsured Americans and their local governments.
The report underscores the increasing economic impact of wildfires, severe storms, and other extreme weather events both in the US and globally. It also highlights the escalating insurance crisis in nations frequently afflicted by such disasters.
“Approximately 90% of all industry losses were observed, with $72 billion out of $80 billion occurring in the US,” stated Tobias Grimm, chief climate scientist at Munich RE. “That is remarkable.”
The catastrophic wildfires in Southern California in January ranked as the most expensive disaster in the country during the first half of 2025. The two major fires, responsible for at least 30 fatalities and displacing thousands, swept through the Pacific Ocean’s Pallisad and Altadena neighborhoods.
Munich RE estimated the wildfire losses at $53 billion, including costs affecting uninsured residents. The reinsurer noted that these flames in the Los Angeles area resulted in “the highest wildfire loss ever recorded.”
The significant economic and social impacts of wildfires can be partly attributed to the increasing development in fire-prone areas.
“In many instances, losses are growing due to property developments causing damage,” Grimm explained. “People continue to reside in high-risk zones.”
Urbanization in disaster-prone areas can similarly escalate the costs associated with other weather-related events, like hurricanes and floods, which are becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change.
Research indicates that climate change is becoming increasingly frequent as temperatures rise and drought conditions worsen. Consequently, the intensity of wildfires is also increasing.
A report by the World Weather Attributes Group issued in late January found that high temperatures, along with dry and windy conditions conducive to fire spread in Southern California, could be approximately 35% more likely due to human-induced global warming.
Recent findings reveal that walking briskly for just 15 minutes daily can significantly lower the risk of premature death, particularly among low-income and Black populations. A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine supports this claim.
Researchers analyzed data from nearly 80,000 participants, discovering that active walking was linked to a 20% decrease in overall mortality rates.
This reduction is especially pronounced for deaths related to cardiovascular issues, demonstrating the distinct advantages of maintaining an active pace, independent of other physical activities.
“While the health benefits of daily walking are well-documented, there has been limited research on how variables like walking speed influence mortality, particularly in low-income and Black/African-American communities,” noted Chief InvestigatorDr. Wei Zheng from Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
“Our study indicates that a brisk 15-minute walk correlates with nearly a 20% reduction in total mortality.”
In comparison, slower walking for over three hours a day is associated with only a modest 4% decline in mortality, indicating that intensity matters.
The participants, primarily low-income and Black individuals across 12 states in the southeastern U.S., reported their average daily “slow” and “fast” walking. Their health outcomes were monitored over a median follow-up period of 16.7 years.
This study suggests that walking enhances cardiovascular efficiency and mitigates risk factors like weight. – Credit: Getty
The advantages of brisk walking persisted even after controlling for other lifestyle factors such as diet, smoking, and alcohol consumption.
Fast walking confers numerous cardiovascular benefits, including improved cardiac function and a reduction in risk factors like obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
The researchers emphasized that this activity is low-cost and low-impact, making it accessible to individuals at all fitness levels and an effective intervention in communities with limited healthcare and recreational resources.
To raise awareness, Dr. Lili Liu from the Public Health Campaign and Community Programme stated, “We highlighted the significance and accessibility of brisk walking to enhance health outcomes, and the need to provide resources and support that facilitate easier and faster walking.”
“Individuals should aim to incorporate more intense physical activities into their daily routines,” he added.
The Hubble team has unveiled a breathtaking new image captured by the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope, showcasing the Facon Spiral Galaxy NGC 1309.
Hubble’s image reveals NGC 1309, a spiral galaxy situated about 100 million light years away in the Eridanus constellation. This color representation is a result of observations from Hubble’s Advanced Camera (ACS) and Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3), utilizing multiple filters to explore ultraviolet, infrared, and optical wavelengths. Each color corresponds to a specific filter’s monochromatic image. Image credits: NASA/ESA/Hubble/L. Galbany/S. Jha/K. Noll/A. Riess.
NGC 1309 is located about 100 million light years away in the constellation Eridanus.
Commonly referred to as IRAS03197-1534, LEDA 12626, or TC 470, this galaxy has a diameter of 75,000 light years.
NGC 1309 was first discovered on October 3, 1785, by the German-British astronomer William Herschel.
The galaxy is the brightest member of the NGC 1309 group, which also includes MCG -03-09-027 and UGCA 71.
“The mesmerizing Hubble images capture the bluish tones of NGC 1309, alongside dark brown gas clouds and shimmering white centers, interspersed with hundreds of remote background galaxies,” remarked Hubble astronomers.
“Almost every dot, stripe, and cluster of light in this image represents an individual galaxy.”
“The sole exception in this vast extragalactic scenery is a star, identifiable near the top of the frame due to its distinctive diffraction spikes.”
“This star is relatively nearby, merely thousands of light years away within our Milky Way galaxy.”
Significant scientific interest in NGC 1309 arises from two supernovae. SN 2002fk and SN 2012Z, which occurred in 2002 and 2012, respectively.
“The SN 2002fk exemplified the type Ia supernova, occurring when a white dwarf’s core explodes,” the astronomer explained.
“Conversely, SN 2012Z displayed a more unique behavior, classified as a type IAX supernova. Its spectrum resembled that of a type Ia supernova, yet its brightness was unexpectedly dim.”
“Hubble’s observations revealed that the explosion did not fully annihilate the white dwarf, resulting in a ‘zombie star’ that shone even more brightly than before the supernova event.”
“Hubble’s extensive observations of NGC 1309 over several years enabled the identification of supernova progenitor cells within images taken prior to the explosion.”
A recent analysis utilizing data from the UK Biobank revealed that vitamin D deficiency is linked to a higher risk of COVID-19 hospitalization, though there is only a weak association with the risk of infection.
Monroy-Iglesias et al. The nested case-control study was based on individuals with serum vitamin D level measurements in Baseline (2006-2010) within the Biobank Cohort, documenting COVID-19 PCR results and prior cancer diagnoses.
The widespread impact of COVID-19 on healthcare services has sparked considerable research interest aimed at understanding the potential pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the disease.
At the onset of the pandemic, numerous studies were conducted to examine various risk factors influencing rates of COVID-19 infection, severity, and mortality.
Factors that have consistently emerged include age, male sex, smoking status, obesity, specific ethnic backgrounds, and immune system compromise, which all contribute to severe disease and a heightened likelihood of mortality.
Vitamin D is essential for regulating both innate and adaptive immune responses.
Deficiency in vitamin D has been linked to a higher susceptibility to respiratory infections and is considered a risk factor for the development of severe, persistent inflammation, which may precede acute respiratory distress syndrome.
Consequently, several investigations have focused on the correlation between vitamin D levels and the risk of COVID-19 from the beginning of the pandemic.
Emerging evidence suggests a connection between vitamin D deficiency and both the likelihood of COVID-19 infection and the severity of the disease.
“Our goal was to utilize UK Biobank data to explore the relationship between vitamin D levels and the risks of both COVID-19 infection and hospitalization,” stated Dr. Maria Monroy Iglesias of King’s College London.
“We also assessed these associations across the general population, a subset of cancer patients, and examined potential differences related to ethnicity.”
The authors analyzed data from over 150,000 participants in the UK Biobank to ascertain whether the risk of COVID-19 was elevated among those with vitamin D deficiency (<25 nmol/L in blood) and vitamin D insufficiency (25-49 nmol/L).
Additionally, they compared hospitalization risks due to COVID-19 across these three groups.
“These findings can help identify at-risk individuals and inform future public health guidance,” noted Dr. Kerri Beckmann, a researcher with the University of South Australia.
“Given vitamin D’s important role in immune regulation, it is possible that low levels may influence responses to infections like COVID-19.”
“Our study indicated that individuals with vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency had a higher likelihood of being hospitalized due to COVID-19 compared to those with adequate vitamin D levels; however, they were not necessarily more prone to contracting the virus in the first place.”
The research team also explored the association between vitamin D and COVID-19 outcomes among cancer patients across different ethnic backgrounds.
It was found that individuals of Asian or African/Afro-Caribbean descent had a marginally increased risk of infection at lower vitamin D levels, while the link between vitamin D and severe illness was predominantly observed in individuals of white backgrounds.
Although no significant correlation was detected between vitamin D levels and COVID-19 outcomes among individuals previously diagnosed with cancer, researchers cautioned that this may stem from smaller sample sizes.
“While the overall risk of COVID-19 has diminished over time, the virus continues to pose a public health challenge,” Dr. Beckmann remarked.
“COVID-19 may not be the threat it once was, but it continues to impact individuals’ well-being.”
“Understanding which populations are most vulnerable enables those individuals to take necessary precautions, such as keeping track of their vitamin D levels.”
“Individuals already in poor health may naturally have lower levels of vitamin D.”
“As such, it’s still unclear whether vitamin D supplementation can mitigate the severity of COVID-19.
“This remains a topic worthy of further investigation, especially as we adapt to living with the virus.”
Survey results will be published online in the journal PLOS 1.
____
MJ Monroy-Iglesias et al. 2025. The effects of vitamin D on COVID-19 risks and hospitalizations in the UK Biobank. PLOS 1 20(7): E0328232; doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0328232
Paleontologists have uncovered footprints that are 76 million years old, belonging to a dominant group of Ceratopsian dinosaurs, in Dinosaur Provincial Park, Alberta, Canada. This remarkable finding is the first indication of herd behavior among mixed dinosaur species, reminiscent of how modern wildebeests and zebras flock together on the African savannas.
Salatopsian herd (Styracosaurus albertensis) accompanied by ankylosaurus (Euplocephalus tutus) walking through old river channels under the watchful eyes of two Tyrannosaurus (Golgosaurus libratus). Image credit: Julius Csotonyi.
Dinosaur Provincial Park, located in southern Alberta, Canada, is one of the premier regions in the world for studying late Cretaceous terrestrial ecosystems.
The park yields hundreds of dinosaur skeletal remains and a vast array of bones and teeth, making it a prime location for exploring dinosaur evolution, behavior, biological introduction, and paleoecology.
Despite the wealth of skeletal remains, dinosaur footprints and trackways are surprisingly uncommon.
“In 2024, we discovered a new track site, a skyline track site containing ‘typical’ natural mold tracks that had not been identified in the park before,” stated Dr. Phil Bell and his colleagues at the University of New England.
At this site, paleontologists uncovered 13 Seratopsia (horned dinosaurs) tracks, showing at least five animals walking side by side, along with an ankylosaurus (armored dinosaur) that might have been walking among them.
They were also intrigued to find two large Tyrannosaurus tracks alongside the group. Additionally, a footprint from a smaller meat-eating dinosaur was also discovered.
View of the Skyline Track Site immediately after its discovery (a) and during excavation (b). Image credits: Bell et al., doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0324913.
“I have been collecting dinosaur bones in Dinosaur Provincial Park for nearly two decades, but I had never given much thought to footprints,” remarked Dr. Bell.
“The edge of this rock had a mud-like appearance that caught between my toes, which immediately intrigued me.”
“The Tyrannosaurus tracks give the impression that they are truly observing the herd.”
“It was thrilling to see them walking in the footprints of dinosaurs 76 million years after they went extinct,” said Dr. Brian Pickles from Reading College.
“Using innovative search techniques, we were able to locate several additional track sites throughout the park’s diverse terrain. We will provide further details on how these captivating creatures interacted and behaved in their ecosystems.”
“This discovery highlights the vast amount left to uncover in dinosaur paleontology,” noted Dr. Caleb Brown, PhD, from the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology.
“Dinosaur Park boasts one of the world’s most comprehensive dinosaur collections and studies, with over a century of dedicated research. Only now are we beginning to fully explore the potential of dinosaur trackways.”
The findings are published in a paper in the journal PLOS 1.
____
PR Bell et al. 2025. A track site controlled by Ceratopsids from the Campanian in Dinosaur Provincial Park, Alberta, Canada. PLOS 1 20(7): E0324913; doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0324913
A recent study by Professor Victor Pasco from Pennsylvania and his team reveals the method for determining the robust electric field associated with thunder, which collides with molecules such as nitrogen and oxygen, resulting in x-rays that trigger intense storms through additional electrons and high-energy photons.
NASA’s high-population ER-2 plane is equipped with instruments for the fly-eye Earth Intake Mapper Simulator and the Ground Gamma Ray Flash (ALOFT) Mission, which records gamma rays from ThunderClouds (illustrated in purple). Image credit: NASA/ALOFT team.
“Our research provides an accurate and quantitative explanation of the initial processes leading to lightning,” stated Professor Pasco.
“It connects the underlying physics of X-rays, electric fields, and electron avalanches.”
In their study, Professor Pasco and colleagues employed mathematical modeling to validate and elucidate field observations related to photoelectric phenomena within the Earth’s atmosphere.
This phenomenon, known as terrestrial gamma-ray flashes, consists of invisible, naturally occurring bursts of x-rays along with their associated radio emissions.
“By creating a simulation that mirrors the observed field conditions, we offered a comprehensive explanation of the x-rays and radio emissions occurring inside Thunderclouds,” added Professor Pasco.
“Our research illustrates how electrons, accelerated by lightning’s strong electric field, can generate x-rays upon colliding with air molecules like nitrogen or oxygen, leading to an avalanche of electrons that create high-energy photons to initiate lightning.”
Through their model, the researchers analyzed field observations gathered by various research teams utilizing ground-based sensors, satellites, and high-altitude surveillance platforms to simulate thunderstorm conditions.
“We elucidated the mechanisms of photoelectric events, the triggering conditions for electron cascades in thunder, and the sources of diverse radio signals detected in clouds preceding a lightning strike,” explained Professor Pervez.
“To validate the lightning initiation explanation, I compared our findings with previous models, observational studies, and my own investigations into lightning bolts, specifically intercompact cloud discharges that typically occur within limited regions of Thunderclouds.”
This process, termed photoelectric feedback discharge, models the physical conditions where lightning is likely to happen.
The equations employed to develop the model are available in the published papers, enabling other researchers to apply them in their own studies.
Besides elucidating the onset of lightning, the scientists clarified why ground-level gamma-ray flashes can often occur without the accompanying light and radio emissions that signify lightning in rainy conditions.
“In our simulations, the high-energy X-rays generated by relativistic electron avalanches create new seed electrons driven by photoelectric phenomena in the air, rapidly amplifying these avalanches,” Professor Pasco remarked.
“Moreover, while this runaway chain reaction is generated in a compact volume, it can happen across a varied range of intensities, often with minimal optical and radio emissions but detectable X-ray levels.”
“This explains why these gamma-ray flashes originate from regions that are visually dim and appear silent in wireless frequency.”
The team’s findings will be published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres.
____
Victor P. Pasco et al. 2025. The photoelectric effect in the air accounts for the initiation of lightning and the occurrence of terrestrial gamma rays. JGR Atmosphere 130 (14): E2025JD043897; doi: 10.1029/2025JD043897
Paleontologists from Argentine Patagonia have unearthed parts of the posterior skull from the previously unknown sauropod dinosaur, Levvatissaurus.
Reconstruction of the life of Astigmasaura genuflexa. Image credit: Mattia Yuri Messina.
The newly identified dinosaurs thrived in what is modern-day Argentina during the late Cretaceous period, around 95 million years ago.
This species has been scientifically named Astigmasaura ungflexa and measured approximately 18 meters (59 feet) in length, weighing over 10 tons.
These ancient giants belong to the Rebbachisauridae, a large family of sauropod dinosaurs within the superfamily Diplodocoidea.
“Rebbachisaurids are medium to large, non-selective, ground-level browsers, characterized by highly specialized skulls, elongated axial elements, and gracile appendicular skeletons.”
“Fossils from Levubatisaurus, spanning the early to late Cretaceous, are particularly diverse within the ancient supercontinent Gondwana, with numerous specimens discovered in North Africa and South America.”
“Notably, Patagonia has produced more than half of all known rebbachisaurids, including the earliest forms and the most recent Rebbachisaurus.”
Fieldwork in the El Orejano region of the Huncul Formation in Patagonia, Argentina. Image credit: Flavio Bellardini.
Fossilized remains of Astigmasaura ungflexa were found in the El Orejano area of the Huncul Formation within the Neuquén Basin in Patagonia, Argentina.
The material type of Astigmasaura ungflexa was described by paleontologists.
This new species represents one of the last Levubatisaurus dinosaurs before it went extinct around 90 million years ago.
“Astigmasaura ungflexa shares a variety of traits with other rebbachisaurids, including anterior caudal vertebrae with tall neural spines and tetrameric nerve layers, an asymmetrical neural arch, a mesolaterally compressed proximal tibia, and medially tilted distal condyles and femurs,” the researchers noted.
“Furthermore, Astigmasaura ungflexa displays a unique combination of diagnostic features that set it apart from all other sauropods.”
“This new finding not only enhances our understanding of the previously unexplored caudal and pelvic girdle anatomy of Rebbachisauridae but also indicates greater taxonomic diversity within the family during the late stages of evolutionary history than previously recognized.”
The team’s paper was published online in the journal Cretaceous Research.
____
Flavio Berardini et al. 2025. Alongside the Titans: a new Levuvacisaur dinosaur from the Huncul Formation (Upper Cenomanian) of Patagonia, Argentina. Cretaceous Research 176:106188; doi:10.1016/j.cretres.2025.106188
The name Hadian Ion is derived from Hades, the Greek god of the underworld, and is used by geologists to describe Earth’s first 600 million years. While scientists initially believed that a sea of lava engulfed the Earth during the Hadean Eon, recent discoveries have revealed minerals from that era in newly formed rocks. These minerals, known as Zircon, indicate that Hadean Earth likely featured solid land, oceans, and possibly even an active water cycle.
Researchers from the United Arab Emirates, Australia, and China have been investigating whether freshwater existed on Hadean Earth. They collected sandstone samples from Jack Hills in Australia, which contained grains eroded from ancient rocks that housed weather-resistant zircon. Previous studies have shown that 7% of the zircon grains from Jack Hills date back to the Hadean Eon, making them among the oldest materials available today.
The team noted that zircon grains are ideal for this study because they retain the same chemical composition as crystallized Hadean magma. This allows researchers to analyze zircon grains to discern the original magma’s composition. To select the appropriate grains, researchers photographed the zircons and illuminated them with an electron beam using a method called Casodoriminesense.
The researchers focused on zircon particles that were structurally intact and exhibited homogeneous color and fluorescence. They measured uranium abundance and analyzed lead atoms with varying neutron counts. Using a technique called Mass analysis, they examined isotopes in the zircon. The ratio of these isotopes, 238U and 206Pb, provides insight into the age of the crystal and its origins.
The researchers also assessed the ratios of two oxygen isotopes, 18O and 16O, within the zircon. They explained that these oxygen isotope ratios are highly sensitive to interactions between liquids and rocks, allowing them to trace the variations in the Jack Hills Zircons’ O-isotope ratios to determine when the hydration cycle began. Their findings confirmed that the zircon grains originated from a primary magma source.
Next, the researchers analyzed how different oxygen isotope ratios in zircon were generated. They explained that 18O is heavier than 16O due to its additional two neutrons. Typically, zircon crystals formed in magma share oxygen isotope ratios similar to those in modern seawater. Higher heavy oxygen isotope ratios indicate the incorporation of more 18O fragments from the Earth’s crust rather than from seawater.
Meanwhile, interactions between magma and liquids produce distinct oxygen isotope ratios. Some zircons exhibited lighter oxygen isotope ratios of 18O, more than found in contemporary seawater. For such ratios to form, the magma must be at high temperatures and in contact with liquid. The researchers identified zircon crystals that crystallized with very light oxygen isotopic ratios between 200 million and 4 billion years ago, suggesting that the original melt interacted with surface water. These ratios imply that land emerged above the oceans, allowing water to accumulate on Earth’s surface.
To further investigate, the researchers employed computational models to determine the type of surface water that influenced the extreme oxygen isotope ratios in zircon particles. They tested whether the zircon oxygen isotope ratios result solely from interactions with seawater, freshwater, or a mix of both. Their findings indicated that magma interacting only with seawater could not account for the observed oxygen isotope ratios, suggesting a combination of influences. Consequently, researchers proposed that freshwater interacted with early Hadean crust over tens of millions of years to generate light oxygen isotopic ratios.
The researchers concluded that an active water cycle existed on early Earth. They noted that this revised timeline for the onset of the water cycle could significantly impact the emergence of life on Earth. The presence of land above sea level, freshwater, and an active water cycle implies that the building blocks for life may have been present just 550 million years after Earth’s formation. They theorized that life could have potentially originated in freshwater reservoirs in exposed crust. Ongoing research into geological materials from this period may yield further insights into the early processes that facilitated the emergence of life.
Angier (Hugh Jackman) shines in the cinematic adaptation
AJ Photos/Alam
fame Priest Christopher (available in the UK and the US)
fame is perhaps most recognized for Christopher Nolan’s 2006 film adaptation of “The Prestige.” However, the accompanying books have captivated audiences and are often celebrated as literary masterpieces.
I only picked up this book recently, as I initially thought it revolved around stage tricks. Many claim to delight in the magician’s artistry, but I’d rather invest my evening enjoying something else. I was skeptical about reading a book focused on stage magicians from the late 19th century.
However, a conversation with science fiction writer Adam Roberts last year led me to ask him for his favorite sci-fi authors, to which he quickly included Christopher Priest. fame, no matter your stance on stage magic.
This sparked my interest, despite my reluctance towards the flashy white gloves and top hats. Plus, Tor’s republishing of the novel marks 30 years since its initial release, complete with a new introduction by John Clute. (Priest sadly passed away last year.)
Within the story are two distinct but closely related stage tricks and their mechanisms. Our primary protagonist (a loose term) is Magician Alfred Borden, known for his trick named The Transported Man. In essence, it features Borden entering one side of the stage and reappearing in a booth on the opposite end to thunderous applause.
If you appreciate complex and skillfully designed puzzle mysteries, this book is definitely for you.
However, Borden has a rival named Rupert Angier, who becomes obsessed with deciphering Borden’s transportation tricks. Angier then creates his own magical marvel, seemingly appearing instantly from within a blinking machine to another part of the theater.
Now it is Borden who grapples with unraveling the mystery of Angier’s performance, teetering on the edge of madness in his quest to uncover it. This intense rivalry culminates in a generational cycle. Consequently, Borden and Angier share narration duties with their respective descendants.
The novel is genuinely gripping, pulling you in like a magician enthralling an audience. Yet, it’s much more sophisticated than it seems at first glance.
I’ve yet to test this theory, but I believe you can read various sections in almost any order, and it remains engaging and comprehensible. In essence, it’s surprisingly well-constructed.
Concerning genre, it won the World Fantasy Award upon its initial release, but it incorporates elements of science, including real-life figures like inventor Nikola Tesla, and is often classified as science fiction today. The book’s atmosphere has gothic and steampunk influences, with a vintage style fitting for its period.
So if you’re a fan of intricate and beautifully crafted puzzle mysteries, this book is certainly worth your time. It triumphs in both plot and expertly managed suspense. I’m excited to see Nolan’s film adaptation, which is reportedly quite different from the book, but Priest himself praised the film and believed Nolan executed it well.
I would also suggest Emily…
World War HG Wells (various publishers) Given that Christopher Priest served as Vice President of the HG Wells Association, it seems fitting to recommend reading (or re-reading for many) this significant work. Originally published in 1898, it’s astonishingly modern in many ways. It’s a cornerstone of classic science fiction, even before the genre was officially recognized. I recommend it simply because it’s a classic worth revisiting.
Emily H. Wilson is the former editor of the New Scientist and author of the Sumerian trilogy set in ancient Mesopotamia. The final book in the series, Ninshuval, is set for release in August. You can find her online at emilyhwilson.com or follow her on x @emilyhwilson and instagram @emilyhwilson1
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Quantum entanglement can be treated as a shareable resource
Peter Julik/Aramie
Quantum entanglement, an enigmatic connection between particles, serves as a crucial asset for quantum computing and communication, and in some instances, can be shared almost limitlessly.
Numerous quantum operations, including the secure transfer of encrypted quantum data and computations on quantum systems, depend on multiple entangled particles. Ujjwal Sen and his team at the Harish Chandra Research Institute in India have inquired whether entanglements can be shared rather than created anew.
“We imagined a scenario where someone possesses an abundance, like money or treats, willing to distribute it among children, employees, or others,” he explains.
To explore this idea, his team formulated a mathematical model featuring two hypothetical researchers, Alice and Bob, who share entangled particles. When additional researchers, Charu and Debu, require entanglement but cannot generate their own, the first pair must assist.
Their calculations indicated that if Charu’s particles interacted with Alice’s, and Debu’s with Bob’s, the initial pair could transfer part of their entanglement to the latter pair. Kornikar Sen, another researcher at the Harish Chandra Research Institute, clarified that although Charu and Debu couldn’t interact with each other, they could utilize a shared “entanglement bank.”
In fact, the researchers concluded that this procedure for sharing entanglement could potentially accommodate an infinite number of successive pairs of researchers unable to create their own entangled states. Ujjwal Sen expressed that this revelation was surprising, as they had not anticipated the ability to share entanglement across so many pairs when they commenced their calculations.
Moreover, the team pinpointed how the experimenters would need to modify their operations on the particles to facilitate this sharing mechanism, although these specific methods have yet to undergo experimental validation.
Chirag Srivastava from the Harish-Chandra Research Institute added that each new experimenter obtaining entanglement from Alice and Bob would acquire a diminishing share, as some entanglement dissipates during interactions.
Consequently, while the sharing methodology could theoretically continue forever, in practice, it would sooner or later cease when some researchers receive insignificantly small portions of entanglement.
How this situation unfolds—and how it measures against other methods by which researchers can obtain entanglement from a single source—remains to be explored through ongoing experiments.
Regular exercise aids in maintaining cognitive sharpness
Yoshikazu Tsuno/AFP via Getty Images
Engaging in structured exercise programs, dietary changes, cognitive activities, and social interactions has proven more efficient in combating cognitive decline than casual, self-initiated efforts.
The brain’s capabilities for memory, language use, and problem-solving typically diminish with age, often resulting in dementia. Nevertheless, studies indicate that up to 45% of global dementia cases are preventable by addressing 14 risk factors, which include inadequate education, social isolation, and brain injuries.
To explore strategies for preventing cognitive decline, Laura Baker from Wake Forest University School of Medicine in North Carolina and her team studied the American Pointer Study.
They involved over 2,100 individuals deemed at high risk for cognitive decline aged between 60 and 79, who led sedentary lifestyles, had suboptimal diets, and met at least two criteria related to dementia, such as a family history of memory issues.
Participants were randomly placed into one of two groups. Both were designed to promote physical and cognitive activity, healthy eating habits, and social interaction, although their methods varied.
One group followed a highly structured format, with 38 small group sessions across two years, led by trained facilitators who devised plans. This regimen also incorporated regular exercise at a community center along with weekly online brain training exercises.
The other group was less structured, participating in only six group meetings over the same two-year period. They were provided with public education materials and $75 gift cards aimed at encouraging behavioral changes, like attending gym classes.
After two years, both groups demonstrated enhancements in cognitive assessments measuring memory, executive function, and processing speed. The structured group saw an improvement of 0.24 standard deviations per year compared to their initial scores, while the self-guided group improved by 0.21 standard deviations per year.
“It’s remarkable that the structured care group has shown improvement,” remarks Gil Livingston from University College London. However, she points out the absence of a control group that received no intervention, making comparisons challenging between structured and self-directed participants.
Baker estimates significant declines in cognitive scores would have occurred without either regimen, claiming the benefits are significant. “A two-year structured intervention can effectively delay cognitive aging by nearly one to two years,” she states.
Baker mentions that improvement in both groups aligns with a placebo effect, suggesting that participants might have expected positive outcomes regardless of their group assignments.
Claudia Sumoto from the University of São Paulo in Brazil suggests the minor differences in cognitive scores between groups are likely imperceptible to participants and their families, given that dementia progresses gradually; clear effects may take more than two years to manifest.
Baker notes the team will continue monitoring participants for a total of six years, as the US Pointer Study has a four-year extension. “We’re observing subtle changes because they are cognitively normal individuals, and we are effectively slowing the rate of decline over time. We’re genuinely excited about empowering individuals at risk of dementia to take control of their health,” she remarks.
She believes that a structured approach is practical beyond the study context, emphasizing the need for caregivers and health professionals to motivate individuals rather than assuming high public expenditure is necessary to instill healthy habits.
“Overall, dementia care can be highly costly, and mitigating the burden can save expenses,” Livingston adds. “This study is crucial because lifestyle enhancements have shown benefits, and while guided support aids improvement, it’s not the only approach.”
A charming duo, Rozi the Cheetah Cub and Ziggy the Labrador-Kelpie-Collie mix, demonstrate that the bonds of brotherhood can cross species lines.
Logi was brought into the world via an emergency cesarean section in late February at the Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo, Australia, after her mother, Siri, went into labor ahead of schedule.
Unfortunately, Siri was unable to produce milk. Rozi struggled with health issues during her initial weeks, which necessitated the separation of mother and cub.
As Rozi’s two siblings were stillborn, she became the only surviving cub, facing at least 18 months before she could participate in the zoo’s breeding program.
The zookeepers determined that in order for Rozi to grow and socialize adequately, thus improving her chances of breeding in the future, she would need companions.
Domestic cats wouldn’t be suitable, she notes, as Logi’s playmates need to be sturdy enough to engage with a cheetah for at least a year.
“Dogs possess greater resilience and energy. Their size also aligns more closely with the cheetah as she matures,” Michelle adds.
3 Months of Ziggy and Logi
Sharon McDreddie
When both were about two months old, Ziggy and Logi were gradually introduced. Initially, Ziggy needed careful quarantine and vaccination, but after two weeks, they were playing and cuddling together.
“Their energy levels, play styles, and sizes complement each other well,” says Michelmore. “The liveliness and playfulness of puppies mesh nicely with Logi’s current stage.”
As female cheetahs tend to become solitary after 12-18 months, Michelmore anticipates a future separation for Ziggy, which will involve placing him in a new home.
“We will take cues from their relationship and can start to transition Ziggy out when Logi shows she doesn’t desire his company as much,” shares Michelle.
However, she is also considering the possibility of keeping Ziggy around. This way, Rozi and Ziggy could maintain their bond. Several zoos in the United States have found that cheetahs and their adopted siblings can coexist into adulthood.
She likens Ziggy to a “nuisance brother,” stating, “The joy she expresses upon his return to her space is unmistakable.”
“I also want Ziggy to grow into a well-rounded dog. His upbringing is truly unique for a puppy.”
One of my favorite pastimes is stargazing with friends, spending hours watching the stars and hoping for meteors to race across the sky. Summer nights in the Northern Hemisphere are ideal for this, especially as two meteor showers reach their peaks.
A meteor is simply a flash of light created when small dust particles burn up as they enter Earth’s atmosphere. Occasionally, larger rocks disintegrate, with some pieces reaching the ground as meteorites. Each year, as Earth orbits the Sun, it passes through trails of dust and debris left by comets and asteroids, leading to stunning meteor showers.
The Delta Aquariids Meteor Shower originates from Comet 96P/Machholz, a short-period comet that orbits the Sun approximately every five years. Discovered in 1986, it last made its closest approach to the Sun in 2023.
This meteor shower is considered medium strength. On clear, dark nights, you could witness up to 20 meteors per hour, peaking on July 30th. However, the Delta Aquariid Shower (depicted in the image) spans from mid-July to mid-August and offers a gentler display compared to other meteor showers, making it less critical to observe it at peak times.
While Delta Aquariids are typically more spectacular in the Southern Hemisphere, they’re visible worldwide.
The optimal time to observe them is during a moonless night around the end of July. This year, the lunar phase aligns perfectly with the new moon on July 24th, offering an excellent opportunity for viewing until the first quarter on July 31st.
To see the meteors, find a location as far from light pollution as possible. Allow your eyes to adjust to the darkness for at least 40 minutes before gazing upward. The Delta Aquariids appear to radiate from the constellation Aquarius, from which their name is derived, but these meteors can be seen traversing in all directions across the sky.
If you’re stargazing towards late July or August, keep an eye out for the Perseid meteor showers, which are known for their brilliance and peak around August 12th. This year, the Perseids will reach their peak the evening of August 12th-13th, making it worthwhile to stay up late if you can.
So gather your friends, grab a cozy blanket or a hot water bottle, and see how many meteors you can spot at the end of July or the beginning of August. I’m certainly planning to do so.
Abigail Beall is the editor of New Scientist and the author of Art of Urban Astronomy. Follow her @abbybeall
Hope for discovering alien life on K2-18B is diminishing. Recent observations have not revealed clear evidence of biomolecules suggested by earlier studies. While many scientists concur that this casts doubt on past claims, one researcher involved in those earlier findings argues that the new data may actually bolster their conclusions.
In April, Nick Madhusudan at Cambridge University and his team proposed that K2-18B, a rocky planet larger than Earth and located around 124 light years away, shows signs of atmospheric molecules dimethyldimethylsulfide (DMS) and dimethyldisulfide (DMD). On Earth, these compounds are exclusively produced by living organisms. At the time, Madhusudhan described these as “the first hints we see about this alien world, possibly a home for life.”
However, subsequent analyses of the same JWST data by other researchers using different statistical methods found no substantial evidence for these molecules. Madhusudhan later stated that his team conducted a more in-depth reanalysis of their data. In an interview with New Scientist, he expressed “increased confidence” that DMS could be the best explanation for the findings. Without further observations of K2-18B, astronomers remain divided on the potential for life on the planet.
Recently, Renyu Hu from Caltech and his colleagues collaborated with Madhusudhan’s team to examine new JWST observations of K2-18B. They found no statistical evidence supporting the detection of DMS. “This paper does not present conclusive evidence regarding the presence of this molecule in the atmosphere,” remarked Hu.
Madhusudhan, Hu, and their teams utilized JWST’s near-infrared camera to observe the light from K2-18B’s star. This camera captured light at wavelengths differing from the mid-infrared measurements used in the earlier analysis conducted in April. The researchers then assessed their findings using various atmospheric models for K2-18B. Each model had different assumptions regarding the molecular composition and the presence of water vapor in its atmosphere.
Some models incorporating DMS provided slightly better explanations for the data than those without, but this does not necessarily indicate a firm detection, falling short of the threshold for statistical evidence. “The models suggest that if there is a signal, it is quite weak,” stated Hu. “I remain cautious.”
Madhusudhan acknowledged the lack of strong evidence for detection, but contended that it is more reasonable to compare this data with recent observations from JWST’s near-infrared cameras taken in 2023, as opposed to April’s mid-infrared results. “Statistically, the data does seem to show slightly stronger evidence for DMS than what we discussed in our paper,” said Madhusudhan.
“There could still be other molecules mimicking DMS,” he added, but he believes that signals produced by unknown compounds exhibit specific traits best accounted for by DMS. “However, we cannot make confident assertions.”
“This study clearly states that there is no evidence of dimethyl sulfide. No statistical support exists for these gases,” stated Lewis Wellbanks of Arizona State University. Sarah Seager from MIT remarked that her team views the statistical significance presented by the researchers as “not enough to be considered a detection.”
“It seems we may be nearing the end of the discussion regarding whether DMS can be detected at viable levels. [K2-18b] conditions are not conducive enough for more critical detection,” remarked Jake Taylor from Oxford University.
In a further setback for biosignature proponents, Hu and his team discovered that specific hydrogen-rich atmospheres in planets like K2-18b can generate DMS through chemical pathways devoid of biological influence. “This helps narrow down which molecules may serve as biosignatures in exoplanetary atmospheres, implying that DMS is not exclusively indicative of life,” noted Taylor.
However, he emphasized that additional mid-infrared observations with JWST, akin to those undertaken in April, could yield more specific data, as DMS characteristics and other intricate molecules target distinct light regions that are detectable.
What is widely accepted by astronomers is that K2-18B is rich in water. Hu and his team have gathered robust evidence for the existence of methane and carbon dioxide, suggesting the presence of water. However, it remains unclear whether this water exists as oceans, atmospheric vapor, or is confined inside the planet.
World Capital of Astronomy: Chile
Discover the astronomical wonders of Chile. Explore some of the world’s most advanced observatories and gaze at the stars beneath some of the clearest skies on Earth.
A dying star is shedding a massive sphere of dust and gas approximately half the size of our solar system. Astronomers are puzzled by this phenomenon as there’s no known process capable of producing such an extensive amount of material from a single star.
Red supergiants are the universe’s largest stars, representing the final stages of a massive star that has exhausted most of its fuel before it eventually goes supernova. During this brief phase, the star expands rapidly, releasing copious amounts of gas and dust and forming bubbles around it.
Mark Siebert from the Chalmers Institute of Technology in Sweden and his colleagues found that the red supergiant star DFK 52 possesses the largest known environment for such celestial bodies, creating a bubble 50,000 times wider than the distance between Earth and the Sun. Curiously, these stars are relatively dim, suggesting they have less energy than what would typically be needed to generate such a vast debris field. “I can’t ascertain how I can disperse so much material in that timeframe,” Siebert remarks.
Previously, DFK 52 had been observed by various telescopes, allowing astronomers to conclude that it expelled a normal quantity of gas. However, when Siebert and his team used the Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA) in Chile, they detected light at longer wavelengths from older, much cooler materials.
“It reveals an extensive environment around DFK 52 with a very complex geometry that’s not entirely understood yet,” Siebert explains. “We don’t grasp the precise structure, but we acknowledge its immense scale.”
Similar to the intricate flow of bubbles throughout the structure, Siebert and his team observed ring-like formations at the core of the overall sphere, expanding at approximately 30 kilometers per second. They estimate that this activity likely stemmed from a significant event that occurred around 4,000 years ago, potentially key to understanding how the star generated so much material.
Location of DFK 52 observed by the Spitzer Space Telescope
NASA/JPL-CALTECH/IPAC
A potential explanation for the extensive environment is that these stars may have briefly increased in brightness and then dramatically faded, although red supergiants are not typically known for such fluctuations, according to Siebert. Alternatively, another star may be orbiting a larger star, stripping material from DFK 52, but this would likely result in a more symmetrical bubble, Siebert asserts. “It is evident that some additional energy sources must contribute to this phenomenon, but we remain uncertain about what they are,” he comments.
“The explosion won’t alter the star’s overall evolution, but it may significantly influence the future appearances of supernovas,” says Emma Beads from John Moores University, Liverpool, UK. “This is an intriguing development that enhances our understanding of unusual supernovae.”
World Capital of Astronomy: Chile
Discover the astronomical wonders of Chile. Visit some of the world’s most advanced observatories and experience the pristine night sky.
On Monday, Samsung entered into a contract worth $16.5 billion (£12.3 billion) to produce artificial intelligence chips for Tesla, marking a significant development while Elon Musk was active on social media.
The South Korean technology giant disclosed a partnership with an unnamed client in a regulatory filing. Musk shared details on the platform X.
Musk stated that Samsung will manufacture Tesla’s next-gen A16 chips at its new facility in Texas.
He emphasized, “The strategic significance of this is hard to overstate.”
Back in December, the Biden administration allocated $4.755 billion to support Samsung’s semiconductor manufacturing operations in Texas under the Chips Act. At that time, former U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo remarked that this funding would ensure a “steady flow” of chips vital for AI and national security.
In a post on X on Monday, Musk indicated that he had allowed Samsung to assist Tesla in “maximizing manufacturing efficiency” and “expediting” production processes.
He added that the Samsung facility in Taylor, a suburb of Austin, Texas, is “conveniently located not far from my home.”
This agreement is poised to revive projects that have faced significant delays due to Samsung’s struggle to maintain and attract major clients. Ryu Young-Ho, a senior analyst at NH Investment & Securities in Seoul, noted that the Taylor plant “currently has no customers,” making this deal “a logical move.”
In October, Reuters reported that Samsung had postponed shipments of chip manufacturing equipment from ASML, a Dutch supplier, as it had not yet secured key customers. The facility’s opening has already been delayed until 2026.
Samsung is currently producing Tesla’s AI4 chips, which enhance the automaker’s fully autonomous driver assistance system. Taiwan’s TSMC will initially manufacture Tesla’s AI5 chips in Taiwan before moving production to Arizona.
The regulatory filing announcing Samsung’s chip supply agreement did not disclose the client’s identity, citing a request for confidentiality concerning the transaction to be carried out until the end of 2033.
For those years that seem to linger without fading away—marking the conclusion of the 25th 007 film and representing Daniel Craig’s iconic portrayal of the beloved spy—there remains no successor ready to don the tuxedo, order a martini, or take the wheel of an Aston Martin. At least, it’s not yet in cinemas. However, for the first time in Bond history, audiences will encounter the new James Bond in video games before he makes his film debut.
Crafted by the Danish studio IO Interactive for the upcoming 007 First Light, the new Bond has a strikingly handsome yet doll-like appearance. His fresh face and bright blue eyes are a departure from Craig’s rugged charm, as they lean more towards a youthful innocence rather than sharp intensity. This iteration of Bond doesn’t reject these classic traits but rather embraces them. First Light serves as an origin tale, designed to redefine one of entertainment’s most enduring protagonists for a new generation of gaming fans.
“We decided to start with origins so we could explore questions like, ‘Who was James Bond as a youth, and what does it mean to be a 00 agent?’ What does it truly signify to be 007?”
Historically, most James Bond video games have leaned heavily into the shooter genre, heavily inspired by the classic 1997 Nintendo 64 title, GoldenEye 007. Despite the ongoing success of the first-person shooter genre, the 007 games saw diminishing returns, with lackluster reviews and declining sales for 2012’s 007 Legends effectively sidelining Bond’s video game career—until IO approached Eon Productions with an exceptional concept.
“There’s an exciting shootout in the film, but if we really think about it, there isn’t that much,” Elverdam remarks. Addressing the discrepancies between the film and the game became a fundamental aspect of IO’s pitch, with the intent of allowing players to embody characters outside the constraints of cinema.
This was a familiar process for IO, which, between 2016 and 2021, successfully redefined the Hitman series—a franchise centered around elite contract killers. With a remarkable awareness of what worked in the previous Hitman games (focusing on strategic planning and problem-solving rather than gratuitous violence) and discarding the elements that did not resonate (such as convoluted narratives), the results were astounding: a series of endlessly replayable puzzles that allowed players to vanish without a trace. The satirical, clever tone of Hitman: The World of Assassination became a standout hallmark for IO.
“All of these elements [from Hitman],” Elverdam mentions, “if we adapt and innovate those, we can create a true Bond experience. These innovations should encompass driving, stealth, and yes, shootouts.”
“It’s not just about shooting”… Bond ventures onto the road with 007’s First Light.
Photo: IO Interactive
The title fits perfectly, as this game represents the first flicker of hope for a cherished franchise that has faced challenging times. Announced initially as Project 007 in November 2020, the game has persevered through Bond’s turbulent waters, a situation that began with a $8.45 billion (£6.3 billion) merger between MGM, the studio behind Bond, and Amazon in March 2022. Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson helm this family business.
In February, Broccoli and Wilson ceded creative control to Amazon as part of a major contract, effectively ending the Broccoli family’s 63-year stewardship of the Bond film franchise. Since then, Amazon has begun to outline its plans, including hiring Denis Villeneuve to direct the next installment. The world is now watching and waiting for a casting decision, eager to see what this transition means for one of cinema’s most lucrative franchises.
However, while the upcoming film unfolds, the new game possibly holds the potential to leave a lasting mark. The 007 First Light Trailer doesn’t reveal much, yet it builds excitement. It’s a montage that rekindles everything fans adore about 007—the intricate traps and gadgets reminiscent of the Roger Moore era, coupled with the formidable physical presence of Craig’s portrayal and the charming attitude that has unified all iterations of the character.
Everything fans cherish about the series. Photo: IO Interactive
“To truly pursue high ambitions, it’s essential to examine various Bond installments, understand the essence of each, and infuse your unique perspective,” Elverdam states.
The creative director for First Light is keen to discuss Bond’s essence but remains tight-lipped regarding certain specifics of his version. For instance, the identity of the voice actor portraying Bond is still under wraps. Nevertheless, Elverdam acknowledges that due to Bond’s lasting appeal, he is a character not easily thrust into contemporary narratives.
“Each Bond represents the zeitgeist of their era, regardless of your intentions. That’s simply how it is,” he explains. “What is perceived as a threat, or desirable qualities, inevitably evolves over time.” Elverdam poses several thought-provoking questions that IO considers as they craft their rendition of Bond: When do you improvise? What does it mean to serve a king and a kingdom? Why engage in such tasks in the first place?
If Elverdam and IO adeptly address these queries, they may well establish a closer connection to the next film’s Bond than one might expect.
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