Paleontologists have discovered a new species of ceratozoa, commonly known as beardogs, from two well-preserved specimens found at a fossil-rich site in the Valles Penedes Basin near Barcelona, Spain.
Pardoshion Moyasolai. Image credit: Jesus Gamarra.
The species has been named Pardoshion Moyasolai. It thrived during the mid-Miocene epoch, approximately 15.9 million years ago, in a warm, forested environment with shallow lakes.
This carnivorous mammal belongs to the extinct family Amphicyonidae, often referred to as bear dogs due to their unique blend of traits from modern bears and dogs.
“The Lycoptidae family played a significant role in the carnivore population across North America and Eurasia throughout much of the Cenozoic Era,” explained Dr. Jorge Morales from the CSIC National Science Museum and his colleagues.
“In Africa, the earliest evidence of horned phycyonids dates back to the early Miocene, persisting until the late Miocene, marking the last known occurrence of this group.”
Dr. Morales added, “Recent studies suggest that North America may have been the origin of this family, supported by a more complete and diverse Paleogene record of horned phycyonids in North America compared to Western Europe or Asia.”
The two specimens of Pardoshion Moyasolai were excavated from the Els Casots site in the Valles Penedes Basin, Spain.
The fossils include a well-preserved skull with most teeth intact and an isolated lower molar discovered separately.
Currently, both specimens are housed at the Miquel Crusafont Catalan Institute of Palaeontology in Sabadell, Spain.
Researchers noted that Pardoshion Moyasolai can be identified by the distinct proportions of its molars. Notably, the upper second molars were wider than the upper first molars, and the upper third molars were exceptionally large and developed.
These features are unique, as they have not been observed in any other known members of this genus, including Pardochyon.
To pinpoint the classification of Pardoshion Moyasolai, Dr. Morales and his team compared its teeth to those of related species from Europe and North America.
The results indicate that this new species represents one of the earliest divergences within the genus Pardochyon, making it one of the most primitive known members of the group.
The findings also suggest that the classification of Cyneros does not reflect a natural grouping, as it is paraphyletic, meaning its members do not share a single common ancestor specific to that group.
Three species currently classified under North America’s Cyneros present a distinctive challenge. Analysis reveals that Pardochyon species are more diverse than their European Cyneros counterparts, but their classifications are still unresolved.
Scientists propose that these North American species may have evolved independently from their European relatives, likely descending from Asian ancestors or unique North American lineages.
“Phylogenetic analysis indicates that while Cyneros is paraphyletic, it does support the monophyly of Pardochyon, with the new species identified as its most basal member,” the authors noted.
“This underscores the long-distance evolutionary ties between species, with European Cyneros (e.g., Kineros rugocidens and Kineros remanensis) and Pardochyon supporting their classification as distinct genera.”
This significant discovery is detailed in a recent article published in the Mammal Evolution Journal.
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J. Morales et al.. 2026. Discovery of a new species Pardochyon (Carnivora: Amphicyonidae) from the early Miocene of Els Casots, Valles Penedes Basin, Barcelona, Spain. J. Mammal. Evol 33, 29; doi: 10.1007/s10914-026-09814-6
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NWS models indicate this El Niño event could rank among the most powerful recorded.
“There is a 63% likelihood of a very strong El Niño from November to January, potentially marking one of the largest events in history,” said Ariel Cohen, meteorologist with the NWS in Los Angeles, during a press conference at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California. “We are already witnessing sustained warm temperatures.”
El Niño is a natural climate phenomenon that leads to elevated surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific. This increase is linked with a rise in global average temperatures, exacerbating climate change impacts. Typically, it is associated with fewer hurricanes in the Atlantic and increased hurricane activity in the Pacific.
In the U.S., El Niño’s effects peak in winter, altering the usual jet stream flow that influences Northern Hemisphere weather patterns, pushing the jet stream southward.
This year, the Pacific Northwest faces drought conditions following a dry winter with lower snowfall. Conversely, southern states may experience unusually wet winters, leading to flooding.
El Niño can trigger powerful ocean heatwaves, disrupting marine ecosystems and causing mass fish mortality, along with bringing tropical fish species into coastal areas.
Andrew Rising, research oceanographer at NOAA’s Southwest Fisheries Science Center, noted that two marine heatwaves have already impacted the Pacific. One is near California’s coastline, while another is occurring offshore.
Though not directly caused by El Niño, NOAA models indicate that ocean temperatures in the Pacific are expected to rise more rapidly this fall, intensifying ongoing heatwaves, according to Liesing.
“For marine life, the duration of heat exposure is critical,” Rising explained. “After a previous heat wave in Southern California, we’re about to face another due to El Niño.”
Past prolonged marine heatwaves have reduced plankton, essential to the food web, leading to harmful algae blooms that produce neurotoxins detrimental to marine life and increasing whale entanglements as they come closer to shore.
Rising highlighted that while some species might thrive during heatwaves, such as jellyfish and certain rockfish, many others face dire consequences.
In 2015, an exceptional marine heatwave known as “the Blob” caused ocean temperatures to soar by approximately 7°F, severely impacting marine ecosystems. Sea lions, seals, baleen whales, and seabirds perished due to food scarcity and increased algal toxins, according to Liesing.
The Blob significantly disrupted fisheries worth millions on the West Coast, leading to instances of Pyrosome proliferation—a jelly-like organism clogging fishing nets.
Rising noted that the back-to-back heatwaves experienced in 2015 were more severe than those anticipated this year.
Another indicator of El Niño may involve unusual fish sightings along the West Coast.
“These events may attract unique visitors,” explained Nate Jarosz, vice president of animal care at the Aquarium of the Pacific. Historical El Niño events have introduced rare species to the California coast, including yellowfin tuna, dolphinfish, and whale sharks.
Shark sightings tend to spike in Southern California during previous heatwaves.
“Warmer waters appeal to shark species such as mako and great white sharks, potentially shifting their ranges further north,” Jarosz added. “During past heatwaves, coastal species, including blues and macaws, have dense populations along the West Coast.”
El Niño typically contributes to rising global temperatures, with climate change as the primary driver behind recent record warmth. The hottest year documented was 2024, with temperatures approximately 2.65°F (1.47°C) above the mid-19th century average, according to NASA. Scientists noted that the El Niño pattern raised temperatures that year, while 2025 recorded as the third warmest year despite the cooling influence of La Niña. (La Niña is the opposite of El Niño.) The past 11 years represent the hottest years on record globally.
The intriguing mechanism behind how Venus flytraps close quickly to ensnare insect prey has seen substantial investigation.
The Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula) reacts instantly when its sensitive hairs are stimulated twice, leading to a swift trap closure. This plant is known for its ability to capture various insects, including a tiny frog. However, the exact workings of this fascinating process have remained elusive to scientists since the days of Charles Darwin.
Many experts believe that the closure mechanism involves a rapid transfer of water through the trap’s tissues, causing one side to contract while the other expands, thereby facilitating the quick closure. To test this theory, Yoel Forterre and a team from the University of Aix-Marseille, France, investigated the water’s transit time across both isolated cells and tissue in the trap.
They found that water movement took approximately 30 to 60 seconds, leading researchers to conclude that this mechanism would be too slow, as trap closure typically occurs within a second.
Subsequently, researchers observed that the trap’s surface texture changed to a bumpier state after activation, indicating a reduction in cell wall stiffness. They employed fine probes to measure mechanical forces within the epidermal cells to examine if this softening contributed to the trap’s closure.
“When the trap is stimulated, we found that the outer epidermal layer’s cell walls softened almost instantaneously,” stated Forterre. Upon triggering the hairs, electrical signals and waves of calcium ions travel throughout the leaf. He likened these signals to the plant’s version of neural impulses, enabling rapid communication regarding the touch contact from the trigger hairs to distant cells within moments.
Upon receiving these signals, the outer surface of the trap quickly decreases in mechanical stiffness, releasing internal stress and allowing pressurized inner cells to contract further on one side. Consequently, the outer edge expands while the inner surface remains hard, bending the trap shut.
Despite these findings, researchers still lack clarity on the specific molecules responsible for these swift changes in cell wall dynamics. “We grasp the initial sensing mechanism and the final trapping movement, but understanding the molecular connections between these events remains elusive,” emphasized Forterre.
Professor Sergei Shabara from the University of Western Australia expressed skepticism about the proposed mechanism, arguing that water might not flow continuously through the cells as suggested. He believes cell wall stiffness adaptations could take several minutes instead of being instantaneous. “Although the methodology of this study is impressive, it does not definitively rule out water movement as a driving force,” stated Shabara.
Nevertheless, Forterre highlighted that their measurements regarding tissue swelling time support the idea that water transport across the trap is too slow to account for rapid closure, emphasizing the unexpectedly swift decrease in cell wall stiffness.
Just beneath Earth’s surface, a carbon-rich network of fungi spans approximately 110 quadrillion kilometers. This extensive infrastructure is part of our planet’s mycelial network. These fungi not only facilitate nutrient exchange with plants but also play a crucial role in climate regulation.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, an ancient group of soil fungi found in nearly all terrestrial ecosystems, forge symbiotic relationships with around 70% of the world’s plant species. They provide essential nutrients and water in exchange for carbon. “Plants are often seen as saviors of these fungi, but in reality, it’s a mutual relationship—these fungi also support plant life,” states Justin Stewart from the Association for Underground Network Protection. “Those plants not partnered with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi are anomalies in nature.”
Recognizing the significance of fungi, Stewart and his team aimed to quantify this hidden infrastructure. “We set out to answer: Can we map Earth’s subsurface circulation system?” remarks team member Toby Kiers from the same association.
The researchers analyzed data from 16,000 soil samples worldwide, pulling insights from 322 past studies. They also utilized robotic imaging to assess over 300,000 fungal threads cultivated in the lab, enabling them to estimate the total biomass and carbon stored within this vast network. By merging this data, they broadened their estimates across various ecosystems, including deserts, tundra, and forests where direct measurements were scarce.
The findings indicate that the global arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal network sequesters roughly five times more carbon than all current human biomass combined. “They are pivotal for numerous Earth functions,” Stewart explains. “For instance, they sequester carbon underground, which is vital in combating climate change.”
Researchers also estimate that approximately 40% of the world’s arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi thrive within grassland ecosystems, particularly in regions like South Sudan, the Florida Everglades, and the Tibetan Plateau. This is concerning, as grasslands are rapidly converting into farmland.
Conversely, the prevalence of fungi significantly diminishes in agricultural settings, resulting in about 50% lower network density in heavily cultivated soils compared to untouched ecosystems. This trend arises because fungicides can directly eliminate fungi, while tillage disrupts fungal networks, and excessive use of fertilizers can hinder the nutrient and carbon exchanges critical to sustaining these symbiotic relationships, according to Stewart.
Last year, Laura Carter from the University of Leeds uncovered that azole antifungals, commonly used to combat fungal diseases such as mold and rot in crops, reduced mycelial density by approximately 70%. Moreover, the beneficial fungi’s colonization of plant roots decreased by up to 80%. These findings, alongside the current research, suggest that existing agricultural practices may be damaging crucial natural allies in crop growth. “Supporting arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi isn’t just an ecological concern, but a viable strategy for enhancing soil health, resilience, and long-term agricultural productivity,” Carter asserts.
Stephen Allison, a professor at the University of California, Irvine, expressed alarm over the thinning fungal network beneath farmland. “With significant biomass loss, our crops could be deprived of vital benefits, including nutrient access, drought resilience, and effective carbon storage.”
Despite the challenges, there are hopeful prospects. With the quantification of the loss, designing interventions to restore fungal biomass becomes more feasible. “Farmers can introduce fungal spores back into the soil,” Allison suggests. “This research may also encourage farmers to modify practices, such as reducing cultivation intensity or minimizing fertilizer use.”
While the study highlights a vast fungal network, Stewart clarifies that it does not imply a universal “wood wide web” exists—an underground network for plants to share resources and information. “Our research measured the density of threads on Earth, not their linkage into a singular network.”
Alongside the study, the researchers released an interactive map, detailing the global distribution of fungal networks with unprecedented clarity. Kiers intends to present these findings to policymakers at the upcoming United Nations Desertification Summit in Mongolia this August.
Discover the short-eared dog (Aterocynus microtis): A rare canid thriving in Bolivia and Peru. This elusive species, often referred to as the world’s least-known canid, flourishes in the pristine high-altitude forests of Latin America. Learn more in the official research article.
Short-eared dog (Aterocynus microtis) photographed in Bolivia. Image credit: G. Ayala & ME Vizcarra.
According to Dr. Robert Wallace and his colleagues at the Wildlife Conservation Society, “The short-eared dog, also known as the ghost dog, is likely the least understood medium-to-large mammal in the neotropics, and its habitat distribution remains largely unknown.”
Recent analyses reveal that short-eared dogs are forest specialists. Studies in southern Peru indicate they prefer terra firma, or highland forests, far from rivers.
Previously, Bolivia recorded only six localities, four museum specimens, and two field sightings by trained biologists. However, extensive efforts to document mammal distribution have uncovered more habitats for this fascinating species.
Between 2001 and 2024, researchers conducted 34 camera trap surveys in the Greater Madidi Tambopata landscape and the Llanos de Moxos biocultural landscape, resulting in 4,635 photographs depicting 594 independent short-eared dog events across 21 of 34 camera trap surveys.
Dr. Wallace stated, “This research demonstrates the power of modern conservation techniques like camera trapping, providing valuable insights into one of the Amazon rainforest’s least-known species.”
Camera traps have unveiled the distinct features of the short-eared dog: a dark, dense coat ranging from blackish-gray to reddish-brown, a prominent head with tiny rounded ears, short legs, and a bushy tail. Remarkably, they possess partially webbed feet, a trait unique among Amazonian canids.
Despite their mythic reputation, new findings suggest that short-eared dogs are more common than previously believed, with capture rates estimating around 15 individuals per 100 square kilometers.
Active primarily during daylight hours, with peak activity between 6 a.m. and 12 p.m., short-eared dogs are true forest specialists, thriving in untouched highland forests, which explains their elusive nature.
Given their dependence on intact forest ecosystems, the conservation of short-eared dogs hinges on the establishment and effective management of protected areas. Researchers found that their relative abundance was significantly higher in protected areas and indigenous territories compared to unprotected zones.
According to the authors, “The most critical management strategy is to safeguard the Amazon forest canopy through the creation and effective management of protected regions, paired with sustainable practices in indigenous lands.” This knowledge illustrates how short-eared dogs are quietly flourishing in the dense forests of Bolivia and Peru, emphasizing the urgent need for habitat protection.
This important study was published in Neotropical Biology and Conservation on March 27, 2026.
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RB Wallace et al. 2026. Delivering Insights: Short-Eared Dog (Aterocynus microtis) Distribution and Ecology in Bolivia. Neotropical Biology and Conservation 21 (1): 49-66; doi: 10.3897/neotropical.21.e183324
Groundbreaking research has yielded the first photograph of the Cozumel Dwarf Fox (Urokion sp.), a rare and elusive species native to Cozumel Island, located off Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. Captured in September 2023, these images represent the first confirmed evidence of this animal’s existence since 2001.
This photograph shows a Cozumel Dwarf Fox (Urokion sp.) taken on September 14, 2023. The adult male fox was partially hidden behind leaves before its capture by the Cozumel Foundation. The image serves as significant evidence of its survival on the island since its last confirmed sighting in 2001. Image credit: Rafael Chacón.
The Cozumel Dwarf Fox belongs to the genus Urocyon. Despite its close relation to the North American gray fox, this unique species has dramatically decreased in population due to its isolation on the island.
Subfossil remains indicate that this species is 60-80% smaller than its mainland counterparts, a result of thousands of years of insular adaptation, with origins dating back around 37,000 years.
“The Island Fox is a well-documented example of dwarfism and rapid evolution following isolation on islands.”
“Clear morphological, genetic, and ecological distinctions exist compared to its mainland relatives.”
“Archaeological findings suggest that the dwarf fox has inhabited Cozumel for thousands of years, possibly even before early Maya settlements.”
“This population has never been officially documented or recognized as a taxonomically unique group.”
“Sightings of this species are exceedingly rare, consisting of limited observations and anecdotal reports, the latest of which dates back to 2001.”
The only physical evidence of this species’ existence comes from subfossil remains, indicating significant island dwarfism (60-80% size reduction), suggesting isolation began between 5,000 and 37,000 years ago.
A full-body photo of an adult male Cozumel Dwarf Fox following its release into the Laguna Colombia State Reserve. Captured after a health check on September 17, 2023. Image credit: Rafael Chacón.
The research team reported that the adult male Cozumel Dwarf Fox was found disoriented near the coastal highway early on September 14, 2023, following a report from a local resident.
Rafael Chacón, one of the study’s authors, along with rescuers from the Cozumel Foundation, retrieved the fox.
After monitoring it for several days, the animal was released back into the protected Laguna Colombia State Reserve in southern Cozumel.
“One of the key lessons from this study is that species can quietly vanish without anyone noticing,” Bayer remarked. “Many perceive extinction as a sudden and dramatic event, but it often occurs slowly and unnoticed, especially among rare species in less-studied habitats.”
“This rediscovery of the Cozumel Fox might not represent a conservation success yet, but it provides a crucial second chance.”
Researchers emphasize the urgent need for field surveys, ongoing population monitoring, and habitat protection, particularly in southern Cozumel, where development, invasive species, and other threats are jeopardizing the island’s ecosystem.
“The greatest challenge facing the Cozumel Fox is that our knowledge about it is limited, including insights into its population size, distribution, and ecology,” Bayer stated.
“Ultimately, we hope this research will enhance the Cozumel Fox’s status from a little-known species to an essential part of Cozumel’s ecosystem.”
“We aim to illustrate that the need for protection is often greatest when certainty is at its lowest, and that uncertainty can spur action.”
The team’s research paper was published online on May 4, 2026, in Neotropical Biology and Conservation.
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TD Bayer et al. 2026. The first photographic evidence of a dwarf fox from the island (Urokion sp.) located on the Mexican island of Cozumel. Neotropical Biology and Conservation 21 (2): 123-129; doi: 10.3897/Neotropical.21.e187967
The nature of time may be nothing more than an illusion generated through quantum interactions within the universe. This intriguing concept arises from innovative space toy models, potentially offering insights into the true essence of time in our cosmos.
Giovanni Barontini, while studying at the University of Birmingham in England, contemplated the nature of time as he observed his six-year-old son’s imaginative play. “He was constructing his own microcosms; it struck me that this mirrors our work in the lab with ultracold atomic systems,” he reflects. “However, I began to ponder that this universe could be perceived as rather dull, as inactivity implies no passage of time.”
To delve into whether time is genuinely an illusion within these systems, Barontini employed lasers and electromagnetic forces to cool approximately 20,000 rubidium atoms to temperatures near absolute zero. He divided these atoms into two sectors, likening one to ‘dark matter’, labeling one region as “bright” and the other as “dark”.
Despite this initial state of timelessness, Barontini directed lasers to facilitate atomic exchanges and interactions at a quantum level, thereby modifying the entropy or disorder of this universe—asserting that the flow of time correlates with increasing entropy. He successfully defined an internal concept of time for this toy universe, employing the Schrödinger equation to calculate the quantum state of atoms, which aligned with the experimental findings.
This idea that time is not an inherent feature but results from quantum correlations was initially proposed by physicist Neville Mott in the 1930s, and it has since been the subject of theoretical exploration. It wasn’t until 2013 that Dr. Marco Genovese and his team at the Italian National Institute of Metrology first demonstrated its feasibility through experiments involving entangled light particles, further establishing the concept that the essence of time emerges from quantum correlations.
“This study builds on previous concepts and brings notable advancements,” comments Genovese. Notably, the cold-atom universe exhibits greater complexity than previous light-based models. Barontini innovatively applied the Schrödinger equation within the internal framework of this system, a feat previously unachievable.
Klaus Kiefer from the University of Cologne suggests that this experimental paradigm links to broader questions surrounding the unification of gravitational and quantum theories into a comprehensive framework applicable across all scales of the universe. While this inquiry persists, some physicists propose that such a comprehensive theory might fundamentally lack a predetermined notion of time. Kiefer notes substantial differences—such as the limited interactions between ultracold atoms transitioning between sectors compared to complexities in the actual universe.
In contrast, Carlo Rovelli from the University of Aix-Marseille cautions that such experiments may not unveil new insights about time, as they largely rely on established physics. Nevertheless, approaching them as analogs to significant unsolved issues might inspire innovative treatments of uncharted physics, akin to the enduring conundrum of quantum gravity.
Barontini regards this study as empirical support for long-standing hypotheses, underscoring their acceptance within the scientific community, although he concedes that it does not elucidate the mechanisms of time across various scales.
As Barontini continues to explore this intriguing frozen miniverse, he intends to use lasers to create a confined area, echoing the gravitational dynamics of a black hole—raising further questions about the nature of time and space.
A river of molten iron, flowing 1,400 miles beneath the Pacific Ocean in Earth’s outer core, has surprised scientists by changing direction.
This phenomenon offers new insights into the behavior of the liquid outer core, which is crucial for generating Earth’s magnetic field. Without this protective magnetic shield, Earth would face dangerous levels of solar radiation exposure.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh reviewed ground-based observations and satellite data spanning from 1997 to 2025. According to a study published in the Deep Earth Research Journal, a significant area of iron-rich fluid in the equatorial Pacific Ocean transitioned from weak westward migration to pronounced eastward migration.
Frederik Dahl Madsen, lead author of the study, stated, “The massive flow reversal beneath the Pacific Ocean raises new questions about the behavior of Earth’s deep interior.”
“Researchers are eager to determine whether this reversal signifies a short-lived fluctuation, part of a recurring oscillation, or a new stable equilibrium state of nuclear circulation.”
Elisabetta Iorfida, a geoscientist at the European Space Agency, remarked that the Pacific inversion challenges the prevailing notion that the outer core is characterized by a stable westward circulation.
“This study highlights how quickly regional changes can materialize within just 10 years,” she added. “Such discoveries could aid scientists in exploring potential interactions among Earth’s outer core, inner core, and lower mantle, leading to greater understanding of the core-mantle boundary—an essential region for deep Earth dynamics.”
Recent data from the ESA suggests that the eastward flow may be weakening again after peaking a few years ago, raising the possibility that this phenomenon could represent a temporary oscillation or part of a broader natural cycle of nuclear dynamics.
While these changes occur deep below the Earth’s surface and pose no immediate threat to people or climate, they are pivotal for understanding planetary processes and how the outer core generates Earth’s protective magnetic field.
The magnetic field is dynamic and evolves over time as core flows change, impacting navigation systems, spacecraft operations, and models of near-Earth space weather.
A groundbreaking study involving over 4.5 million participants reveals alarming statistics: smokers who switched to vaping post-cessation face more than a 50% increased risk of developing lung cancer compared to those who quit smoking entirely. Nonetheless, the research also emphasizes that using e-cigarettes to aid in quitting is a safer alternative than continued cigarette smoking.
As noted by Becky Freeman from the University of Sydney, Australia, who was not part of the study, “This research contributes to a growing body of evidence indicating that e-cigarettes may not be as low-risk as initially suggested. It’s essential for those attempting to quit smoking to explore safer options, yet effective cessation methods should be prioritized first.”
In the UK, over 40% of smokers are expected to use e-cigarettes in 2024, with 20% of ex-smokers continuing to vape over a year after quitting. Although e-cigarettes are often praised as a cessation tool, research links them to airway inflammation, diminished lung function, and increased cancer risk in animal studies.
To delve deeper into the effects of e-cigarettes, Kim Young Wook and a team from Seoul National University analyzed data from South Korea’s National Health Checkup Program from 2018 to 2023, tracking participants classified as current smokers, short-term quitters, or long-term quitters. Throughout the five-year span, 35,887 individuals developed lung cancer, leading to 12,807 related deaths.
Upon analyzing e-cigarette usage among different participant groups, researchers discovered that ex-smokers who continued to vape exhibited a significantly higher risk of dying from lung cancer compared to non-vapers. “Those who used e-cigarettes after quitting had a 56% elevated risk when compared to individuals who quit smoking completely,” Kim noted.
While the need for extended research is clear, certain studies suggest that e-cigarette chemicals may cause DNA damage, and vaping has been associated with oxidative stress, epigenetic changes, and inflammation in respiratory and oral tissues.
However, Kim’s team emphasizes that causation cannot be definitively established, stressing the necessity for further investigations, particularly involving diverse populations outside South Korea.
Remarkably, it was found that ex-smokers who utilized e-cigarettes had a significantly lower overall mortality risk compared to current smokers, reinforcing the substantial health benefits of quitting smoking altogether.
According to Nicole Lee from Curtin University in Perth, Australia, the study underscores that quitting both smoking and vaping entirely is more effective in preventing lung cancer than merely transitioning to e-cigarettes during the quitting phase. “The implications of this study are crucial for those who have stopped smoking,” she stated.
“Our ongoing recommendation to smokers is that complete cessation is the safest option. However, if quitting is unachievable for some, switching to e-cigarettes is certainly a less harmful alternative compared to continued smoking,” Lee advised.
Lastly, Bernard Stewart, a professor at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, emphasized the need for further research before implementing public health policies that may introduce additional e-cigarette regulations.
In “Close Encounters,” humans connect with extraterrestrial life.
Credit: Columbia/Kobal/Shutterstock
Steven Spielberg famously stated, “If you believe it, it’s scientific fact. If you don’t, it’s science fiction. I sit between these beliefs, viewing it as scientific speculation.”
These words came from Spielberg in 1977, reflecting on one of his cinematic masterpieces: Close Encounters of the Third Kind. This film encapsulates scientific wonder while seamlessly blending spirituality and grounded elements. With the release of Spielberg’s latest film, Information Release Date, a conspiracy thriller highlighting a whistleblower revealing extraterrestrial evidence, “Close Encounters” is a must-see companion piece.
In Close Encounters, we follow Roy Neary (Richard Dreyfuss), an ordinary electrical worker in pursuit of truth amidst an unfulfilling life in Muncie, Indiana. His family, filled with love yet marked by tension, transforms into an unhappy unit.
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It highlights the unique Spielberg blend of sentimentality and cynicism. “
Struggling with a sense of purpose, Roy’s life takes a dramatic turn when a UFO appears during a power outage investigation, igniting an obsession to uncover the truths beyond our world.
Roy is not alone in his experience; three-year-old Billy (Cary Guffey) begins to witness his toys moving at night, nearly lured into a spaceship by a force his mother, Gillian (Melinda Dillon), intervenes to stop.
Both Gillian and Roy are among the few who have encountered a UFO firsthand. They are drawn to a mysterious flat-topped object of unknown origin. Meanwhile, an enigmatic government agent disrupts a group of enthusiastic sky watchers, while scientists work secretly to explain the bizarre return of missing planes and ships, devoid of their crews.
Close Encounters is notable for popularizing UFO researcher J. Allen Hynek’s classification system for alien sightings. The film’s strengths lie not only in its captivating storyline but also in its stunning visuals. It epitomizes Spielberg’s signature style, effortlessly navigating moments of irony.
Despite this darker layer, Close Encounters remains timeless and relevant today. The complexities of a family in crisis resonate even more now. Spielberg has indicated a desire to alter the film’s bittersweet conclusion, but for many, it remains the pinnacle of his narrative.
Since 1977, Spielberg’s views have evolved. In a recent statement, he expressed, “I have a strong suspicion we are not alone,” sharing this insight at the South by Southwest Film Festival in Austin. His journey from speculative fiction to a belief in extraterrestrial existence exemplifies a shift in perspective.
No matter your conclusions, the insights behind Close Encounters will undoubtedly inspire you to gaze up at the sky.
This comprehensive guide chronicles Spielberg’s illustrious career through 2022, providing fascinating insights into his early works, including his directorial debut, Firelight, which, intriguingly, was also a UFO-themed film.
Gunnar Hartmann’s Winning Image at Nature Scientist at Work Photo Contest 2026
Gunnar Hartmann
The bald ibis (Geronticus eremita), once pushed to the brink of extinction by poaching and climate change over 400 years ago in the northern foothills of the Alps, is now on the journey back home.
The photograph captures Helena Wehner in an ultralight plane, singing a German tune through a megaphone to guide the birds to their winter homes. Wehner, along with pilot Johannes Fritz and the Austrian Waldrup team (named after the ibis’ local moniker), is dedicated to re-establishing healthy populations of this species in Europe.
The juvenile ibises are human-raised and have developed such strong bonds that they willingly follow their caretakers, even in flight. Since launching in 2004, the relocation project has garnered support from local communities along the birds’ migration path. This ambitious 50-day journey spans approximately 2800 kilometers from southeastern Germany to southwestern Spain.
The stunning image of the birds soaring over Jaén’s olive groves in southern Spain, taken by student Gunnar Hartmann, earned him the top award at Nature Scientist at Work Photo Contest 2026. Hartmann volunteered with the conservation team in 2024 while studying at the Faculty of Science at Koblenz University in Germany. Upon receiving the award, he expressed that the image brings forth a torrent of emotions, saying, “You can smell the air and imagine the sounds of that day.”
Another remarkable photograph captured by marine biologist Uli Kunz highlights scientists setting up hatching chambers over coral reef ecosystems in the Red Sea near Saudi Arabia. This project aims to explore the differences in coral species, particularly Acropora, and to address the challenges posed by climate change on these vital ecosystems.
Uli Kunz’s Winning Image: An Incubation Chamber Above a Coral Reef Ecosystem
Uli Kunz
Another award-winning photograph by Robert Harcourt showcases biologist Michael Doan diving to collect microbial samples from a whale shark (Lyncodon typus) at Ningaloo Reef off Western Australia.
Exploring Marine Life: Michael Doan with a Whale Shark in Robert Harcourt’s Winning Image
Robert Harcourt
In another notable image, captured from above, we see a harmful algae bloom at Dog Lake in Ontario, Canada, predominantly of Microcystis aeruginosa and Dolichospermum floss aquae. Haorun (Allen) Tian, a doctoral student and photographer from Queen’s University, explains the lake accumulates a “layer of toxic, foul-smelling decay” each summer, which inversely affects fish populations and clogs local water supplies. The image features scientists taking water samples for environmental DNA analysis.
Algal Blooms at Dog Lake, Ontario, Photographed by Haorun (Allen) Tian.
Haorun (Allen) Tian
Lastly, Shayanta Chowdhury’s photo features entomologists at the University of Notre Dame examining yellow fever mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti) under a microscope. Researchers are investigating the potential of nitisinone to combat these pests, with mosquitoes having been fed a mixture of sugar containing both the drug and a fluorescent dye.
Shayanta Chowdhury’s Award-Winning Photo of an Entomologist Observing Yellow Fever Mosquitoes
In 2011, significant geological activity occurred beneath the Japan Trench, leading to earthquakes that altered the ocean floor and triggered a catastrophic tsunami. Located off Japan’s Tohoku region, this area is part of the massive tectonic plate that comprises the Pacific Ocean. The Tektonicic Plate is being subducted beneath Japan, pushing into the Earth’s interior. Researchers speculate that friction between rocks from this plate and those deep below Japan increased pressure until the lower plate slid, releasing pent-up energy and resulting in an earthquake.
Plate movement can lead to two primary outcomes. The first occurs several kilometers deep within the Earth’s crust, generating tremors that are too weak to produce tsunamis. The second type results in significant slip events that initiate deep within the crust, like the 2011 event that reached the Japan Trench and deformed its underwater landscape. This movement displaces seawater, generating a tsunami. These occurrences are referred to as trench-slip earthquakes.
Japan has a long history of earthquakes leading to tsunamis, indicating that such phenomena extend beyond just the 2011 incident. Charlotte Peiser and her research team delved into the sediment layers of the Japan Trench in an effort to uncover its geological history linked to trench-slip earthquakes.
Over time, the Japanese archipelago continuously deposits sediment, which accumulates in ocean trenches and forms distinct horizontal layers. Trench-slip earthquakes can bend and distort these sedimentary layers. The research group hypothesized that locating and dating these deformations in the Japan Trench would allow them to catalogue a comprehensive archive of trench-slip earthquakes that have occurred in the region.
Because younger earthquakes can obscure the geological records left by their predecessors, the researchers selected a study site within the Japan Trench, approximately 100 kilometers (60 miles) north of the most intense seismic activity. This location, being distant from the epicenter, showed minimal deformation caused by trench-slip earthquakes, facilitating the identification of individual seismic events.
Peiser and her team utilized data previously collected by other researchers to reconstruct the seismic history of Japan. They compiled three main types of data, with two comprising images of sediment layers within ocean trenches obtained from seismic reflection studies.Seismic profiles.
The first seismic profile captured the entire ocean trench, extending over 1 kilometer (approximately 0.6 miles) deep, at a resolution of 5 meters (16 feet), which means layers thinner than 5 meters will not be visible. The second seismic profile focused solely on the upper 40 meters (130 feet) of sediment, detecting layers as thin as 10 centimeters (4 inches).
The final data source consisted of a 36-meter (120-foot) sediment core extracted from the trench’s bottom. Sediment core studies have previously linked layers within this core to historical seismic events. The researchers identified two significant earthquakes in the area, the Kyotoku earthquake of 1454 AD and the Jogan earthquake of 869 AD, both believed to have triggered tsunamis.
Peiser’s team was able to observe the depths of the seismic layers associated with the Keitoku and Jogan earthquakes, using high-resolution seismic profiles of the ocean trench. They noted deformation in the sediment corresponding to the Jogan earthquake layer, indicating that trench deformation occurred during this seismic event in 869 AD.
While high-resolution data was limited to deposits from more recent earthquakes since 869 AD, low-resolution profiles showcasing the entire trench revealed deeper and older sediment records. Upon deeper examination, the researchers found deformation related to the 869 AD earthquake that extended outward from the collision zone where the plate interacted with Japan. They identified at least six other similarly deformed layers, suggesting additional trench-slip events, though the exact dates of these occurrences are still unknown.
In conclusion, Peiser and her colleagues determined that trench-slip earthquakes are a persistent phenomenon within the Japan Trench. Their work emphasizes the importance of continued research at this site to enhance understanding of Japan’s tsunami risks in the future.
Feedback is New Scientist. A trusted source for the latest science and technology news. Share your thoughts and recommendations by emailing us at feedback@newscientist.com.
Provocative Insights
While scientific papers may not evoke strong emotional reactions, an intriguing study surfaced this week that surely piqued our interest.
Assistant News Editor Alexandra Thompson highlighted a study conducted by Paul Silvia, a social psychologist from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. The study, titled “Who Laughs at Their Own Jokes? Metacognitive Judgments of Self-Evaluated Funniness in Creative Humor Production Tasks,” challenges our perceptions of humor.
This research prompts us to consider: Do we overestimate our own humor capabilities? What if this study reveals that those of us who provide feedback may find our jokes hilarious even when others don’t?
The paper opens with a bold statement: “When asked to think of someone funny, your mind may leap to a specific person—perhaps an ex-partner or your own parent renowned for corny dad jokes.” It conjured up familiar images reminiscent of David Brent or Michael Scott (insert preference here).
Sylvia and his colleagues reveal that “most individuals believe they possess a superior sense of humor,” supported by data showing that less than 2% of survey participants rated their humor sense as below average. They delve into the challenges posed by the ill-defined concept of humor, emphasizing its role as a vehicle for unrealistic self-perceptions.
As we dig deeper, questions arise: Are we truly interesting? Have we done anything noteworthy?
Sylvia’s research includes a series of intriguing experiments where participants were prompted to craft humorous responses and then rate their creativity. For instance, one prompt asked participants to imagine the reaction of a friend after receiving a dreadful meal from a food truck.
Findings indicate that individuals tend to deem their ideas entertaining when they possess high self-confidence, believe they are inherently funny, score high on extroverted or narcissistic traits, and—rather interestingly—when they identify as male.
While we remain quite safe from such judgments, it raises an essential question: How do we respond to humor-induced prompts?
The Clash of Perspectives
In “The Death of the Author,” Roland Barthes posits that a reader’s interpretation stands equal to that intended by the author. George Orwell may see Animal Farm as a political allegory, yet if I perceive it as commentary on pigs being unkind, it holds as much weight.
This thought was echoed in a press release sent to us by reporter Carmela Padavich Callahan, which discussed Timothy Barbaree’s upcoming lecture titled “The Meteorite and Dante’s Hell: Examining the Fall of Satan as a Shocking Event.” Barbaree, from Marshall University, aims to examine Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedy from a fresh angle: the geophysical ramifications of Satan’s fall.
The release elaborates: “Dante envisioned Satan as a high-velocity impactor crashing into the southern hemisphere and delving deep into the Earth’s core.”
Barbaree posits that the depiction of Satan serves as a metaphorical asteroid, akin to the intact Hoba meteorite. He theorizes that Satan’s fall fundamentally altered Earth’s geophysical structure.
This radical perspective allows for an innovative interpretation of Dante’s work. From this angle, the nine circles of Hell represent not merely abstract notions of sin but might mirror the layered formations found in impact basins across our solar system.
While we’re skeptical about such a radical interpretation, it certainly pushes the boundaries of Barthes’ theory.
Waymo’s Driving Dilemma
A recent incident in Atlanta highlighted issues with Waymo’s driverless vehicles, which were reported to have “invaded” the area, aimlessly circulating cul-de-sacs. As detailed in the Atlanta Journal Constitution, Waymo attributed the issue to “route guidance problems.”
Visuals shared by BBC News depicted cars endlessly looping through cul-de-sacs, interfering with one another, and creating a rather chaotic scene. While humans might navigate dead ends with ease, it’s clear that the technology still struggles.
Kudos to the anonymous user on Bluesky, “The Capitalist with a Heart of Gold,” who aptly described the situation as “transportation without a means of transport.”
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Steve Brusatte excels in paleontology with his compelling book, Bird Story, which follows his acclaimed works, The Rise and Fall of Dinosaurs and The Rise and Reign of Mammals. This new release combines rigorous scientific insight with an engaging narrative style, making it a must-read for enthusiasts of avian evolution.
Brusatte is a prominent paleontologist at the University of Edinburgh, specializing in a wide array of dinosaur, bird, and mammal fossils. He conducts excavations on the Isle of Skye in Scotland, known for its well-preserved Jurassic remains. Brusatte is also a notable science communicator, reaching audiences through his films as well as his engaging books.
Artist’s Impression of Compsognathus
Florilegius/Alamy
Bird Story, subtitled The Evolutionary History of Dinosaurs Living Among Us, meticulously details the journey of birds from their dinosaur ancestors, showcasing their evolutionary adaptations and current status as a thriving animal group.
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The dramatic discovery of Archaeopteryx bolstered Huxley’s case that birds evolved from dinosaurs “
Brusatte’s narrative traces back to 1868, when Thomas Henry Huxley first proposed the connection between birds and dinosaurs. This idea was vital in supporting Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection, as outlined in On the Origin of Species. Huxley’s groundbreaking work redefined how these two groups of organisms were understood in the broader context of evolutionary biology.
Artist’s Impression of Falcatakely
Mark P. Witton/Science Photo Library
Birds have always puzzled scientists due to their unique characteristics like feathers, wings, and bipedal posture. Brusatte emphasizes Huxley’s contributions, correlating bird features with their dinosaur relatives, especially notable species like Compsognathus, which exhibited striking similarities.
The significant discovery of Archaeopteryx revealed not only its feathered wings but also its teeth and claws, reinforcing the evolutionary connection between birds and dinosaurs. Brusatte underscores that modern birds belong to the dinosaur lineage, providing insights into how they survived mass extinction events that decimated their dinosaur cousins.
Through analysis of the fossil record, Brusatte elaborates on the evolution of feathers and flight capabilities in ancient birds during the Mesozoic era. He vividly illustrates the diversity of avian species, with groups like the enantiornithids thriving before the catastrophic events of the past, detailing the survival mechanisms of certain bird lineages.
In the latter half of Bird Story, Brusatte transitions to present-day birds, exploring their significant diversification in response to ecological niches vacated by extinct species. He examines contemporary avian groups such as penguins and songbirds alongside extinct marvels, enhancing the narrative’s depth.
As a writer immersed in paleontology, many concepts within Bird Story felt familiar, but Brusatte’s exploration of Zealandia, the submerged eighth continent, brought fresh perspectives. He suggests that Zealandia historically hosted dinosaurs long into the present due to its isolation from large mammals.
Concluding the book, Brusatte’s collaboration with neuroscientists Pavel Němek and Kristina Kverková sheds light on avian intelligence. Despite their small brain sizes, many birds exhibit extraordinary cognitive abilities, underscoring the complexity of avian minds.
Bird Story stands as a remarkable addition to the literature on avian evolution, further fueling anticipation for Brusatte’s future works, including his upcoming book on the history of reptiles.
Michael Marshall, a science writer based in Devon, UK.
In this captivating book, biologist Louis Lefebvre explores innovation and culture within avian societies, revealing fascinating discoveries in bird intelligence.
Planetary scientists are examining a lunar meteorite known as North West Africa (NWA) 12593, uncovering crucial evidence of an asteroid impact on the moon dating back 3.5 billion years. This discovery aids in reconstructing the era of catastrophic impacts that significantly shaped the inner solar system.
XRF map of a 7.53 g slice of NWA 12593: Calcium (Ca) and iron (Fe) depicting crust location and diversity. Sulfur (S) indicates cracks and surface weathering. Image credit: Crow et al., doi: 10.1130/G54386.1.
The early billions of years in Earth’s history were pivotal, giving rise to life, an atmosphere, and oceans. However, this period remains largely enigmatic, as few rocks survive that chronicle the early history of our planet.
Dynamic geological processes such as erosion, subduction, and burial continually reform surfaces, rendering older rocks increasingly rare.
This ancient era is essential for understanding our origins and the impact of catastrophic events, like asteroid collisions, on early life on Earth.
“The oldest fossil evidence of life on Earth is about 3.5 billion years old, implying that life must have appeared and evolved prior to that,” stated Dr. Carolyn Crowe, a planetary scientist from the University of Colorado Boulder.
“A critical question we explore is what kind of shock record existed when life began?”
“Understanding how life establishes itself and how it emerges is vital. The cycle of these catastrophic events is a key component of this equation.”
Through their analysis of the NWA 12593 meteorite, Dr. Crowe and colleagues identified three distinct impact events.
The first event, radiometrically dated to approximately 3.5 billion years ago, was large enough to transform the moon’s surface into a molten layer akin to a lava flow, leading to the formation of a mineral known as cubic zirconia, which forms only at extremely high temperatures.
“Cubic zirconia is typically synthesized for jewelry but cannot endure the low temperatures found on Earth and the Moon unless its cooling is meticulously controlled in a laboratory,” the researchers explained.
“Nevertheless, we managed to find traces of a cubic zirconia phase in our samples.”
The second impact event is recorded within the meteorite itself.
This event produced a type of rock called breccia, which formed after a smaller impact disrupted the molten layer from the initial event.
“Breccia resembles what you might see if you chipped away at a block of concrete,” Dr. Crowe explained.
“You can observe all these small stones fused together by cement — akin to how meteorites fusion occurs during impacts.”
“The impact led to a variety of rock fragments blending together like a concrete sidewalk.”
Evidence of the third impact is represented by meteorites found on Earth.
A more recent impact likely dislodged chunks of breccia from the Moon, setting them on a trajectory toward our planet.
The timing of the first major impact documented by NWA 12593 aligns with known impacts between Earth and Vesta, the fourth largest asteroid in the asteroid belt.
It is extraordinary for three events of similar age to be recorded, and this new discovery serves as a crucial link to a period when the solar system transitioned from frequent collisions during planet formation to sporadic impacts resulting from asteroid fragmentation.
“Such occurrences are rare, which is why we’re so enthusiastic,” Dr. Crowe remarked.
“It’s uncommon to find three records coinciding like this.”
The study was published in the journal Geology on May 12, 2026.
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Carolyn A. Crowe et al. Three pieces of evidence of approximately 3.7 Ga to 3.2 Ga impact events in the inner solar system. Geology published online on May 12, 2026. doi: 10.1130/G54386.1
Fossils of the oldest known animals on Earth, dating back 574 million years to the Ediacaran period, indicate that asexual reproduction dominated the oceans, stalling evolutionary progress until environmental pressures prompted the emergence of sexual reproduction and triggered a surge in biodiversity.
Artist reconstruction of the Fructofusus community, showcasing a large specimen surrounded by medium-sized ones, with smaller specimens forming clusters. Image credit: CG Kensington.
Following billions of years of microbial life, the Ediacaran period, occurring approximately 635 to 539 million years ago, saw the emergence of larger and more complex organisms, including the first animals.
Among these early animals, some specimens of fructophusus could reach heights of up to 2 meters (6.6 ft), although most were much smaller.
These ancient creatures resembled ferns more than modern animals. Lacking mouths, internal organs, or means of movement, they are believed to have absorbed nutrients directly from their surrounding water.
Most Ediacaran life forms vanished from the fossil record at the dawn of the Cambrian period, around 540 million years ago, complicating efforts to connect them to contemporary organisms.
Previous studies revealed that these primitive animals reproduced asexually, using clones that spread via stolons and runners, similar to how modern strawberries propagate. They thrived in the nutrient-rich waters of the Ediacaran ocean.
“Life in Ediacaran times was favorable, minimizing the need for sexual reproduction,” stated Dr. Emily Mitchell, a researcher at the University of Cambridge.
“There was limited competition, which reduced the pressure for evolutionary change.”
Dr. Mitchell and her colleague, Professor Andrea Manica, utilized advanced techniques such as laser scanning, spatial analysis, and artificial intelligence to investigate Ediacaran fossils found at Mistaken Point in Newfoundland, Canada.
They demonstrated that asexual reproduction via stolons decreases competition and then created a computational model to simulate how early animal communities operated under various reproductive strategies.
Testing this model thousands of times, they applied simple neural networks to identify simulations that aligned best with the diversity patterns seen in the fossil record.
This method, known as Approximate Bayesian computation, enabled researchers to analyze actual data and estimate organism dispersal and resource competition intensity.
Through this process, they determined that the restricted dispersal linked to asexual reproduction accounts for the limited species diversity in early animal communities, while the transition to sexual reproduction coincided with a dramatic increase in evolutionary diversity.
For billions of years, competition and environmental stress were the primary forces behind evolution, yet in the Ediacaran sea, asexual reproduction prevailed, and competition was minimal.
“When organisms are interconnected through runners, they share nutrients rather than compete for them,” explained Manica.
As Ediacaran life gradually migrated from deeper to shallower waters, early animals encountered increasing pressure. Factors such as tides, storms, and fluctuations in temperature and nutrient availability all contributed to a more unstable living environment, thus intensifying competition for resources.
“Suddenly finding oneself in an environment where threats to survival arise multiple times a year drastically changes everything,” Dr. Mitchell remarked.
“Stress inherently prompts a shift to sexual reproduction, resulting in significantly increased dispersal as animals seek to colonize new areas due to heightened competition.”
“As these early animals adapted to new reproductive strategies and habitats, a notable increase in diversification occurred, leading to a ‘second wave’ of animal evolution during the Ediacaran, a trend that was further amplified in the Cambrian as animals became more mobile.”
For more information, refer to the study published in this week’s edition of Nature Ecology and Evolution.
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E. G. Mitchell and A. Manica. The influence of reproductive mode on resource competition and diversity patterns in early Ediacaran animal communities. Nat Ecol Evol, published online June 9, 2026. doi: 10.1038/s41559-026-03094-2
Researchers at the University of Oxford have developed a groundbreaking class of “cat states”—quantum superpositions created from unique, non-classical elements instead of traditional wave packets. This advancement paves the way for more robust quantum computers.
Quantum mechanics challenges classical intuitions, most famously showcased in Schrödinger’s cat, where systems exist in a superposition of states. Superpositions are critical for advancing quantum technology. Quantum “cat” states have been previously realized in harmonic oscillators, predominantly limited to Fock, displacement, or Gottsman-Kitaev-Preskill states. A different type of macroscopic superposition, where the oscillator is squeezed along orthogonal axes, had been suggested but never achieved. Zahner et al. introduced a trapped ion hybrid spin oscillator system that enables the experimental realization of these ‘brothers’ to Schrödinger’s cat. Image credit: Saner et al., doi: 10.1103/k1xk-yt42.
“Unlike classical physics, quantum mechanics permits objects to exist in multiple states simultaneously,” stated Dr. Sebastian Zahner of the University of Oxford and his research team.
“This concept is famously embodied in Schrödinger’s cat, which is imagined to be both alive and dead until observation occurs.”
“In experimental settings, physicists can create a less dramatic but highly realistic version of this phenomenon by placing atoms, light, or motion in two different quantum states simultaneously.”
“Manipulating these superpositions is vital for applications ranging from quantum computing to precise timekeeping.”
“A quintessential example is a quantum bit, or qubit, which represents a superposition of both 0 and 1. However, quantum systems can exhibit more than merely two states.”
“Quantum harmonic oscillators, which can occupy several distinct energy levels, provide even richer possibilities.”
“These quantum harmonic oscillators describe a variety of physical systems, such as light, vibrations, and confined particle motion, while creating diverse quantum superpositions.”
“A notable instance is the cat state, where an oscillator exists in a superposition of two wave packets positioned in opposite directions.”
In their latest study, Dr. Zaner and colleagues presented a novel family of quantum superpositions.
Rather than constructing cat-like states from traditional wave packets, they devised a method to create superpositions using a broad array of components that are inherently non-classical.
For instance, in superposition of squeezed states, the quantum uncertainty is distributed differently within each component of the state.
“The experiment leveraged the motion of a single trapped ion,” the physicists reported.
“A trapped ion integrates two distinct types of quantum systems: its internal state functions like a qubit, while its motion acts as a quantum harmonic oscillator capable of inhabiting various motion states.”
“This provides a powerful platform for engineering quantum states beyond conventional qubits.”
To create these innovative states, researchers initially employed engineered interactions to entangle the ions’ internal states with different possible motion states.
Subsequent intermediate-circuit quantum measurements of internal states then projected the ion’s motion onto a particular superposition of non-classical components.
“This method equips us with the instruments to fabricate quantum superpositions in nearly any configuration,” Dr. Sanner mentioned.
This technique allows researchers to precisely control the generated states.
By modifying the experimental arrangement, they could adjust the relative sizes, rotations, and separations of the components, enabling a diverse range of exotic motion superpositions within the same trapped ion system.
The scientists also directly reconstructed the quantum states they produced.
This reconstruction revealed interference patterns and regions demonstrating Wigner negativity, confirming that the state transcends a typical classical mixture.
These characteristics affirm that the experiment achieved a genuine quantum superposition of authentically non-classical states of motion.
The authors are now collaborating with theorists to determine the precise “quantum” nature of these states.
Dr. Raghavendra Srinivas, also from the University of Oxford, expressed, “I was genuinely heartened by my colleagues’ reactions when I presented our findings.”
“We believe we are merely scratching the surface of the potential applications and the deeper understanding of these conditions.”
The team’s research paper was published in this month’s edition of Physical Review X.
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S. Zaner et al. 2026. Generation of arbitrary superpositions of non-classical quantum harmonic oscillator states. Physical Review X 16, 021049; doi: 10.1103/k1xk-yt42
The extinct Eurasian cave lion (Panthera spelea) and today’s African and Asian lions (Panthera leo) have been analyzed through the genomes of 12 cave lions spanning over 100,000 years. This study reveals that cave lions comprise a distinct evolutionary lineage that diverged approximately 1.7 million years ago, significantly earlier than previously believed.
A cave lion depicted in Chauvet Cave, France.
Lions are among the most prevalent megacarnivores in the fossil record, with remains discovered across four continents: Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
The earliest fossils exhibiting distinct lion traits originated in East Africa around 1.9 million years ago, spreading to Syria by 1 million years ago.
These majestic creatures have been recorded in Europe since about 700,000 years ago (in Italy and Britain) and in North America for 300,000 years, possibly reaching southern North America and even parts of South America around 130,000 years ago.
Today, lions are limited to a small population in India and fragmented groups across Africa.
Evidence from skeletal remains, preserved soft tissues, and Pleistocene cave paintings suggests that the extinct late Pleistocene lions in the northern Arctic were morphologically distinct from modern lions, being larger and likely possessing lighter fur.
Despite their prominence in the Holarctic fossil record during the Late Pleistocene, cave lions went extinct approximately 13,000 to 14,000 years ago, marking them as one of the earliest casualties of the megafauna extinction.
At their peak, cave lions were among the most ecologically significant predators in the Northern Hemisphere.
“The cave lion is frequently portrayed as a larger, more robust version of modern lions,” remarked lead author Dr. David Stanton, a lecturer at Cardiff University.
“However, what our genomic analysis reveals is even more astonishing: this lineage has evolved independently for over a million years, accumulating remarkable biological traits.”
Stanton’s analysis utilized 12 cave lion genomes spanning more than 100,000 years. This research shows that modern lions and cave lions are separate evolutionary lineages, each with unique demographic histories and genetic variants. Image credit: Stanton et al., doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2026.05.007.
The research team examined 12 cave lion genomes collected over 100,000 years across Eurasia and northernmost North America, comparing them with 20 genomes from modern lions in Africa and Southern Asia.
Cave lion DNA was extracted from both dental and skeletal remains, alongside well-preserved soft tissue specimens, including two cave lion cubs from northern Siberia.
Comparing these genomes indicates that cave lions and modern lions represent distinct groups, highlighting a substantial evolutionary divide.
While earlier research indicated a more recent divergence, this study supports a much older separation, approximately 1.7 million years ago.
Interestingly, the research uncovered evidence that the two lineages occasionally interbred during periods of peak glacial expansion, allowing cave lions to migrate into areas inhabited by modern lions.
The Central East Asian cave lions, dating back around 20,000 years, contained 3.2 to 4.4 percent of the ancestors of modern lions, likely stemming from the now-extinct lion population of Southwest Asia.
The authors also identified numerous unique mutations in proteins specific to cave lions, concentrated in genes associated with brain function, vision, the circulatory system, and growth, indicating significant biological adaptations to the harsh Holarctic environment they inhabited.
“Our findings point to the impact of historical climate change on more than just habitat,” stated lead author Professor Rav Dalen, research group leader at the Stockholm Center for Paleogenetics.
“It also influenced migration and created a fleeting window for interbreeding opportunities that would not have been present otherwise.”
The team’s results are published in the journal Cell.
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David WG Stanton et al. Paleogenomes reveal evolutionary relationships between modern lions and cave lions. Cell published online on June 3, 2026. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2026.05.007
As NASA prepares for the highly anticipated **Artemis III mission**, scheduled for launch next year, the decision to select an all-male crew has sparked significant controversy. This announcement, made on Tuesday, revealed the four astronauts who will be part of the mission.
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“It’s an insane choice to have no women onboard **Artemis III**,” remarks space influencer Alexandra Doten (aka Astro Alexandra). She posted her thoughts on X on Tuesday.
In response to the backlash, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman addressed the criticisms directly on Wednesday.
“I’ve seen reactions that range from disappointment to anger,” he stated in a recent announcement.
Isaacman explained that some astronauts might not have been chosen for **Artemis III** due to their readiness for missions to the International Space Station or because their expertise aligns better with future Artemis missions aimed at landing on the moon.
“The astronaut office evaluates many factors, including an astronaut’s background, expertise, test pilot experience, and the specific needs of the mission to assemble a crew that maximizes the chances of mission success,” he elaborated.
The selected crew members include NASA astronauts **Randy Bresnik, Frank Rubio, and Andre Douglas**, along with European Space Agency astronaut **Luca Parmitano**. Their mission, set to launch by summer **2027**, aims to test commercial lunar landers, laying the groundwork for the **2028 Artemis IV mission** that will transport astronauts to the moon’s surface. The Artemis III crew will spend approximately two weeks in Earth orbit conducting this test.
Both **SpaceX** and **Blue Origin** are developing these lunar landers, with the Artemis III mission designed to demonstrate rendezvous and docking procedures between NASA’s **Orion capsule** and the new landers.
Looking ahead to **Artemis IV** in 2024, one of the landers will partner with the **Orion spacecraft**, which carried Artemis II astronauts on a 10-day journey around Earth and the moon this past April. The lander’s role will be to transport astronauts to the lunar surface and then return them safely to Earth.
Since **2023**, NASA has pledged to land the first woman and first person of color on the moon during its Artemis missions. However, they have since modified the language on some platforms amidst discussions surrounding diversity and inclusion.
Isaacman clarified that the crew selection process at NASA “does not involve political appointees,” likely addressing concerns about potential external influence in the astronaut selection.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman attends a House Science, Space, and Technology Committee hearing on April 22 at the Capitol. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
While NASA may be reserving the most experienced female astronaut for the upcoming **Artemis IV mission**, the crew member has yet to be disclosed.
Currently, NASA has 37 active astronauts eligible for missions, among which **15 are women**. Impressively, the latest astronaut class announced last year included a historic majority of women.
Astronomy PhD student **Jasmin Singh**, known as **@astro_jaz** on X, commented that the all-male crew of **Artemis III** was a “huge blow,” especially for those inspired by astronaut **Christina Koch** during her contributions to **Artemis II**.
“For those who aren’t offended by the absence of women in **Artemis III**, they may not grasp the significance of seeing someone who resembles you achieve something monumental, particularly after centuries of underrepresentation,” Singh expressed.
“The selected astronauts for **Artemis III** are experienced and qualified, deserving recognition for their mission, just as future crews will receive the same honor,” Isaacman stated.
For the **Artemis III flight**, Bresnik will serve as mission commander, Parmitano as pilot, and Douglas and Rubio as mission specialists. NASA astronaut **Bob Hines** will act as a backup crew member.
Drones are prevalent on Ukrainian battlefields, typically operated by human pilots.
Frank Herman/Getty Images
In a groundbreaking event, a fully autonomous drone has reportedly killed a soldier on the battlefield without any human oversight. This significant development, according to Ukrainian defense executives, signifies a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict.
This unprecedented test involved deploying ten AI-operated Terminator drones along the front lines of the Ukraine war, resulting in the death of a Russian soldier.
“We tried it,” stated Alexander Kokhanovsky, the drone manufacturer responsible for the technology during an interview. New Scientist covered the remarks made at a press event held by the Embassy of Ukraine. “This was merely a test; we have never executed such an operation before.” [for broader perspective]
The test, conducted two years ago, involved a quadcopter drone programmed to advance towards the front lines, traversing 3 to 5 kilometers in roughly 10 minutes, before activating “terminator mode,” where an AI model identifies and engages targets.
“We simply launch the drone, and we know that everything in its vicinity will be neutralized. Everything the drone detects is targeted for destruction,” Kokhanovsky explained. “There’s no connection to the drone; you can’t view any video feed; whatever targets the drone identifies are eliminated.”
Due to the lack of visibility into the drones’ targeting systems, human-operated drones were later deployed to assess the area, which revealed casualties that included “several soldiers and a truck,” Kokhanovsky reported. Although there is no official record of the autonomous drones specifically targeting these victims, it was concluded they were responsible.
Kokhanovsky clarified that he did not directly participate in the tests, which were undertaken by unmentioned military units near Bakhmut and Chasiv Yar areas during a Ukrainian counteroffensive. The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense did not provide comments on the current legal status regarding testing and utilizing fully autonomous weapons.
While AI technology is increasingly adopted in military operations globally, enabling the efficient analysis of vast intelligence data and automating certain weapon functions, human involvement remains essential. Kokhanovsky’s admission represents the most concrete evidence to date indicating that combat-related deaths resulted solely from AI operations.
Officials from the defense industry stated at a press conference that despite current Ukrainian regulations forbidding the use of AI in critical target interception stages, numerous systems leverage AI throughout various phases of their operation. Kokhanovsky noted that the government acknowledges the rising potential of AI and is in discussions with defense manufacturers regarding possible regulatory changes.
A 2023 report indicated that some Ukrainian attack drones equipped with AI were autonomously identifying and striking targets, but these deployments primarily targeted vehicles rather than infantry. As of now, no human casualties have been confirmed.
The United Nations has raised concerns regarding the potential of such weapons to eliminate human discretion from combat scenarios, potentially violating international humanitarian and human rights laws. There’s also a real possibility that autonomous systems might mistakenly engage friendly forces or civilians.
Numerous militaries have engineered technologies that automate various aspects of target engagement. The U.S. has developed software that compiles and evaluates extensive data to pinpoint battlefield targets for drone strikes, theoretically demanding human confirmation. There are also claims that the U.S. is advancing technologies for drones designed to autonomously identify and neutralize threats.
A 2021 United Nations report hinted that a Turkish-manufactured Kargu-2 quadcopter could have autonomously engaged human targets. This report noted an absence of specific details regarding the claims’ origins or confirmation of casualties, but did suggest that Libya’s Government of National Accord utilized drones against Haftar’s forces.
Major Danilo Polozhukno, an officer with Ukraine’s 21st Independent Unmanned Systems Regiment, who was unaware of or involved in the test, informed New Scientist that his battalion employs semi-autonomous systems, but human operators are consistently engaged.
“These drone systems and platforms ease the workload for operators by facilitating automatic target acquisition and tracking, along with autonomous guidance as they near the target. However, we do not incorporate fully autonomous systems that solely determine and engage targets without operator involvement,” Polozhukno remarked. “Ukraine is deeply committed to adhering to international humanitarian law and safeguarding the rights of all combatants, prioritizing decision-making that minimizes civilian casualties.”
Maria Rosalia Taddeo from the University of Oxford asserts that AI-assisted killings strip soldiers of their dignity and evade accountability for attackers, calling for a ban. “It’s more than just problematic; it’s alarming,” she commented. “Do we intend to foster a society where individuals can kill without human oversight, where the government permits such lethality?”
Anthony King, a researcher at the University of Exeter, stated that while fully autonomous attacks devoid of human participation are technologically feasible, their effectiveness may be overestimated.
“It’s entirely plausible that the government might endorse this for a military edge,” he noted. “Nevertheless, the actual usage of fully autonomous drones within the conflict remains minimal at best.”
“Thus, maintaining human oversight is not only morally imperative but militarily advantageous at this current juncture,” King asserted.
Kokhanovsky indicated that the Terminator project has stalled since the test due to Ukrainian regulations. As the CEO of Aerocenter, a Ukrainian drone manufacturing firm, he clarified that he was not involved in the tests as the company had not been established at that time. Aerocenter focuses on developing autonomous interceptor drones intended to target and neutralize incoming Russian Shahed suicide drones before they can reach populated areas and critical infrastructure.
The ALITA system developed by the company boasts 16 launch pads equipped with 64 drones. Set for completion by October, it aims to autonomously monitor and engage incoming threats at speeds of 450 kilometers per hour, capable of intercepting small drones and helicopters alike.
However, existing Ukrainian regulations restrict fully autonomous operations, necessitating human identification of targets during final interception phases. This protocol enables a minimal two-person crew to operate 64 drones seamlessly, significantly reducing manpower.
“All stages of this operation can be executed manually or automatically, but the final engagement must be manually conducted,” Kokhanovsky emphasized, advocating for a change in regulations. “I’d advocate for that shift,” he concluded.
Pakistani Missile Capable of Carrying a Nuclear Warhead
T Mughal/EPA/Shutterstock
A nuclear war could lead to catastrophic environmental consequences, including a nuclear winter and significant ozone layer depletion, hampering recovery efforts. Recent studies suggest that even a minor nuclear conflict, such as one between India and Pakistan, could inflict damage on the ozone layer comparable to a large-scale nuclear confrontation between superpowers like the United States and Russia.
“It’s crucial to understand that even a small-scale nuclear conflict can trigger widespread global repercussions beyond the immediate region,” states Takashihiro from the University of Quebec in Montreal.
In the unfortunate event of a nuclear exchange, the explosion zones would experience extensive destruction, with millions of casualties from the blast, intense heat, and radiation. The subsequent fires would emit large volumes of smoke into the atmosphere, obscuring sunlight and drastically lowering global temperatures—this phenomenon is termed “nuclear winter.”
“Initially, we can expect significant cooling of the Earth’s surface,” shares Zhuo, who presented findings at the recent European Geosciences Union conference in Vienna.
A 2007 study estimated that a nuclear winter triggered by a conflict between India and Pakistan could potentially lead to the starvation of one billion people.
Ozone Layer Recovery Complications
Recovery from a nuclear winter would likely be further hindered by damage to the stratospheric ozone layer, which plays a vital role in shielding the Earth from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Interestingly, even natural phenomena like volcanic eruptions and extensive wildfires can inflict harm on the ozone layer. Elevated UV levels pose risks not only to human health but also threaten agricultural outputs by affecting both plants and animals.
A recent study utilizing advanced climate modeling techniques revealed that the extent of ozone damage following a nuclear conflict is often underestimated. Given the rising number of global conflicts, Kuo and colleagues endeavored to assess the potential fallout of nuclear engagement. Their research projected a nuclear scenario between India and Pakistan involving the release of 5 million tons of soot, while a U.S.-Russia scenario anticipated 16 million tons. Unlike previous analyses, this study also factored in additional pollutants such as organic carbon.
Their climate model simulations indicated that atmospheric circulation patterns in tropical regions could facilitate the prolonged and widespread dispersal of pollutants from the India-Pakistan conflict.
“Stronger upward transport occurs in tropical scenarios,” explains Kuo. Consequently, despite the lower volume of pollutants compared to a U.S.-Russia conflict, the impacts on the ozone layer can be more significant.
Ozone layer damage is most pronounced in polar regions, akin to the adverse effects caused by ozone-depleting substances like CFCs. However, even in tropical areas, estimates suggest that UV radiation levels could increase by as much as 30%, posing severe health risks to both humans and wildlife.
Fossils Possibly Identified as Baleen Whale Ribs Discovered at 5,656 Meters in the Indian Ocean
Credit: Global TREnD, IDSSE
Researchers have uncovered the world’s deepest whale graveyard located at seven kilometers in the southern Indian Ocean. Among the discoveries are remains of a new extinct beaked whale species along with fossils aged over 5 million years.
In early 2023, Peng Zhou and a team from the Chinese Academy of Sciences performed 32 dives in a manned submersible across over 1,200 kilometers undersea, exploring an area known as the Diamantina Zone.
This expedition is part of the Global Hadar Exploration Program, a significant initiative by Chinese scientists to investigate the deepest regions of Earth’s oceans, spanning depths from 6,000 to 11,000 meters. At these extreme depths, there is complete darkness, and life survives by consuming organic material that sinks from the surface or through chemosynthesis, a process relying on chemical energy.
The first fossil whale was detected at 7,002 meters in a part of the Diamantina region called the Dordrecht Strait, more than 1,100 kilometers southwest of Perth, Australia.
“Thanks to the submersible’s advanced lighting systems, we could observe tens of meters ahead even in the pitch-black ocean,” remarked Zhou. He found the experience “a little scary, yet incredibly fascinating.”
The researchers concluded there could be up to 760 whale carcasses per square kilometer, consisting of ancient remains and recent deaths—thus dubbing the area a “whale graveyard” as well as a “deep-sea fossil megasite.”
Recently deceased specimens included a 5-meter-long Antarctic minke whale (Balaenoptera bonaerensis), which is now nourishing an ecosystem of invertebrates, such as bone-eating insects and spider stars—many of which are believed to be new species and exist in astounding densities of up to 2800 individuals per square meter.
“It felt incredibly special,” stated Chow. “What we witnessed was a deep-time archive showcasing evolution and vibrant deep-sea life, home to millions of whales, some of which date over 5 million years. We honored this significant location with the utmost respect.”
The Fendouzhe Submersible’s Robotic Arm Retrieves Fossilized Whale Bones from the Deep Sea Floor.
Credit: Global TREnD, IDSSE
The research team identified 485 active whale fall sites and fossil locations during their exploration. They successfully collected 43 fossil specimens dating between 120,000 years and 5.26 million years old.
Many of these recent fossils are from beaked whales representing two known species: beaked whales (Mesoprodon Boudoini) and southern beaked whales (Mesoprodone Rayadi).
So far, the research team has formally documented one new species, Pterocetus diamantinae. Team members believe they also collected fragmented specimens that may include additional undiscovered species, as noted by Giovanni Vianucci from the University of Pisa, Italy.
Peng Xiaotong, another researcher from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, explained that several factors contribute to the exceptional preservation of these fossils. Most of the remains consist of beaked whale snouts, which possess high-density bone structures that minimize physical deterioration and are less appealing to scavengers.
Over the last 5 million years, merely 0.05 to 0.55 millimeters of sediment has accumulated in this region, leading many of these bones to be coated in ferromanganese oxide, effectively insulating them from environmental exposure.
“Hence, the combination of dense bone structure, slow sedimentation, and mineral coatings has preserved these bones for over five million years,” stated Penn.
The researchers hypothesize that several factors have led to the high concentration of whale carcasses in the Diamantina — including the whales’ migratory paths and the V-shaped geomorphology of the area that accumulates carcasses.
Culum Brown, a professor at Macquarie University in Sydney not involved in the study, called the discovery a “remarkable finding.” “The density of whale-fall remains is extraordinary,” he commented.
Wolves are making a comeback in many parts of Europe
John Colemans/Shutterstock
A captivating video has emerged showing a pack of wolves hunting a young bison in the heart of the Polish wilderness.
This rare observation indicates that bison might be more frequently preyed upon by wolves in Europe than previously believed.
“My mind was blown,” says Robin Winans from the Polish Academy of Sciences. “It was an astonishing discovery, particularly given that I didn’t anticipate wolves targeting bison when there are numerous other prey options in the forest.”
The European bison (bison bonasus) was once widespread across the continent but faced extinction in the wild early last century due to excessive hunting and habitat destruction. Thankfully, conservation efforts have rescued the species, leading to its reintroduction into the wild in the 1950s. Today, approximately 9,000 of these majestic creatures roam Europe.
Wolves have significantly resurged in Europe, with their population increasing by an impressive 58% in the last decade. Nevertheless, only a handful of confirmed cases of wolves preying on bison have been documented since their reintroduction.
Mr. Winans and his research team, including Tomasz Borowik, utilized camera traps to document the hunt in September 2025 while studying in the Białowieża Forest, a reintroduction site for European bison.
At 7:25 a.m., a pack of seven wolves initiated a hunt, targeting a herd of 11 bison. They distracted the adults while aiming for a newborn calf. During the chase, one wolf attempted to seize the calf by biting its neck, but the adult bison fiercely defended it by charging. The herd rallied to protect the calf, driving the wolf away.
The intense encounter lasted 20 minutes, yet the footage does not reveal whether the calf survived.
“Capturing a wolf-prey interaction on camera is incredibly rare; it requires precise positioning of the camera at the ideal time. This footage is an exceptional find,” says Oswald Schmitz from Yale University, who was not part of the study.
Concerns have arisen regarding bison overpopulation potentially harming habitats and farmland, while adversely affecting other wildlife. In this context, wolf predation may prove beneficial, researchers suggest.
“Even if wolf predation occurs more often than anticipated, we don’t foresee it leading to a swift decline in bison numbers. In fact, it could aid in stabilizing the population,” Winans states. “Understanding the frequency and ecological impact of these predation events would be fascinating.”
Sloths, along with armadillos and anteaters, are part of the genus Xenarthra, the only clade of placental mammals originating from South America. Recent research has sequenced and analyzed the chromosomal-level genome of Linnaeus’s three-toed sloth (Choloepus didactylus) and the Southern anteater (Tamandua tetradactyla). This study identified unique genetic elements linked to energy production in sloths, shedding light on how these remarkable creatures evolved the slowest metabolism of any mammal.
Linnaeus’s three-toed sloth (Choloepus didactylus) at London Zoo. Image credit: Dick Culbert / CC BY 2.0.
Xenarthrans have existed for over 65 million years, with ancestors that included gigantic sloths. Today, modern sloths are tree-dwelling creatures classified into two groups: three-toed and two-toed sloths.
These fascinating mammals primarily inhabit trees, camouflaging themselves by remaining motionless. When they move among branches to forage for leaves and fruits, their actions are characteristically slow.
Sloths boast the lowest metabolism of all mammals, often producing less than half the energy expected for their body size.
To conserve energy, sloths can switch between self-regulating their body temperature and allowing it to fluctuate with their environment.
Despite their slow nature, sloths are proficient swimmers, capable of covering considerable distances underwater in search of mates.
In a groundbreaking study, Wellcome Sanger Institute researcher Marcela Uliano Silva and her team utilized genomics to delve deeper into the unique ecology of sloths.
Dr. Uliano Silva noted, “Billions of experiments in evolution exist. By examining exotic species like sloths, we often uncover biological solutions that humans have not evolved.”
She continued, “Our genomic research revealed a ‘jump gene’ that sloths have preserved for millions of years.”
Researchers found that these sloth-specific genes are associated with mitochondria and metabolic pathways, suggesting their involvement in the sloths’ remarkably slow metabolism.
The study sequenced and analyzed the genomes of Linnaeus’s three-toed sloth and Southern anteater, uncovering several active transposable elements known as “transposons” or “jumping genes.” These DNA sequences can relocate within the genome by copying and pasting themselves.
Mapping the evolution of sloths revealed that these “jump genes” originated from the last common ancestor of all existing sloth species about 30 million years ago, being conserved and integrated into sloth-specific gene sequences.
Researchers discovered that many of these genes are linked to mitochondria, the cell’s powerhouses responsible for energy production, and metabolic pathways.
Given sloths’ unique metabolic characteristics, these specific genes are believed to play a crucial role in their adaptation to the environment and the evolution of their slow metabolism.
“Despite having the slowest metabolism, sloths remain healthy,” states Dr. Camila Mazzoni from the Leibniz Zoo and Wildlife Institute. “Understanding their cellular adaptations could provide insights into efficient energy management.”
Dr. Pedro Galante from Sirio Libanes Hospital remarked, “This research may help us understand energy production issues related to several human diseases, including diabetes and neurodegenerative disorders.”
Ultimately, studying sloth cell lines could offer a natural model for understanding how organisms cope with low-energy conditions, benefiting research in medicine, aging, and even long-duration space travel.
This pioneering study is published in the journal BMC Biology.
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M. Uliano Silva et al. Increased retrocopy load and sloth-specific expansions reveal mammalian genome evolution. BMC Biol published online on May 19, 2026. doi: 10.1186/s12915-026-02632-5
Waymo’s Driverless Cars: A New Era for London’s Road Safety?
Richard Baker/In Pictures via Getty Images
Waymo’s autonomous vehicles have been navigating the streets of London for some time now. Currently, these cars are not ferrying passengers and are equipped with a human driver ready to take control if the situation demands. During my encounters, these AI-driven cars displayed cautious and predictable behavior, but there was a startling incident recently.
While cycling home from work, I approached a roundabout when a Waymo vehicle attempted to park right in front of me. I had the right of way, and it seemed like the car was heading straight for me without showing any signs of slowing down until it abruptly stopped.
This wasn’t the scariest experience I’ve had while biking, and I felt relatively safe because I saw it coming and was prepared. However, this incident was notable among the numerous close calls that often occur during my commutes, primarily because the driver was an AI, not a human.
Out of curiosity, I reported the time and location of the incident to Waymo, asking for clarification. In their response, an ADS (Automated Driving System) spokesperson stated, “We detected a bicycle approaching from the right side of the roundabout. The safety driver took manual control of the vehicle and applied the brakes at the roundabout entrance.” This highlighted that human intervention was necessary because the AI was not going to stop on its own.
I inquired how frequently humans have to step in during these situations in London, but Waymo reported that they don’t have that data and do not primarily use it as a performance metric. When I asked what had confused the AI, considering that my neon yellow bicycle was highly visible, I received no response.
Other cyclists in London reported positive experiences with Waymo’s behavior around them, though one mentioned a specific instance where a roadwork sign stating “narrow lanes—no overtaking cyclists” seemed to confuse the vehicle, leading it to pass uncomfortably close. Simon Munk from the London Cycling Campaign emphasized that, overall, these cars exhibit cautious behavior around cyclists.
Last year, I reflected on AI drivers when I discovered their introduction to London streets. I pondered whether having AI drivers, albeit imperfect, could be safer than human drivers who may be tired, distracted, or hostile. Having previously been knocked off my bike by human drivers, my reservations about Waymo still stand. Interestingly, the same AI driver once managed to navigate through police tape blocking a roadway, although the company claimed at the time that it was being monitored by a human.
While I harbor doubts about AI effectively navigating amidst human traffic, I also have a lack of trust in human drivers. The capacity for AI to learn quickly is encouraging, and advancements in sensor technology will further enhance their hazard detection capabilities. Whether AI drivers are safer than human counterparts remains to be seen; however, I believe they hold promise for the future.
Munk articulated that the rise of self-driving cars presents both advantages and challenges for cyclists and pedestrians, with the potential to make roads safer or, conversely, further endanger vulnerable road users. He noted that while Waymo has made strides in cities like San Francisco, London presents an entirely different level of complexity and unpredictability. Munk proudly shared a video showcasing one of Waymo’s cars adeptly navigating a chaotic San Francisco intersection, but admitted that his daily commute faced far worse traffic conditions.
Additionally, Munk expressed concern that once these self-driving cars commence operations, future software updates could alter their behavior, even if they initially seem safe. It’s essential that driverless cars undergo continuous monitoring to ensure safety and accountability for public welfare.
Other players in the self-driving car industry are expected to enter the London market soon. Wayve’s driverless taxis are anticipated to arrive in the upcoming months, though their approach remains uncertain. As with human drivers, the safety levels of AI can vary significantly; corporations design AI behaviors based on desired outcomes. Last year, Waymo even adjusted its algorithms, leading the vehicles to behave like “aggressive New York taxi drivers” to mitigate traffic congestion, a move that unsettled many San Francisco residents.
We have also witnessed dubious proposals aimed at alleviating road safety concerns, like suggesting pedestrians wear special vests to enhance visibility for autonomous vehicles.
Munk raised thought-provoking questions about the future: “In five or ten years, if these scenarios become commonplace, will companies prioritize speeding up passenger transit at the potential cost of safety?” This emphasizes the critical need for caution in developing and integrating AI in public transportation.
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The prevailing notion among military strategists globally is that despite the advent of new technologies, the infantry remains crucial. As British Army officer Field Marshal Archibald Wavell noted after World War II: “Every battle, every war, is ultimately won by the infantry.” However, this perspective is beginning to evolve.
In Ukraine, the integration of robots into combat scenarios is nearing a pivotal moment. The company recently commenced mass production of an affordable robot dubbed *Legit*, capable of supporting a machine gun. This development follows their announcement to exchange one third of the infantry with unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) in specific sectors.
“Even an imperfect system can be valuable if it absorbs risk on behalf of soldiers,” states Oleksandra Molloy from the University of New South Wales, Australia.
<p>The frontlines in Ukraine serve as a critical testing ground for robotic warfare. Casualties are most prevalent there, underscoring the necessity of machines in tasks traditionally performed by humans. Yet, frontline positions often have few soldiers, primarily monitoring ditches and minefields. Drones handle most intelligence-gathering tasks, leading one Ukrainian soldier to remark that their presence was only at the behest of the “old general” seeking personnel on the ground.</p>
<p>Can robots defend the line independently? Ukrainian military commander Mykola Zinkevich asserts they are already doing so. He revealed that UGVs, resembling quad bikes, are remotely operated at speeds of about 6 kilometers per hour, holding down front-line positions for up to 45 days while engaging Russian forces.</p>
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<p>With no soldiers stationed at combat positions, the *DevDroid* periodically returns for battery changes and magazine refills, marking a shift from their previous use of merely transporting supplies to now being outfitted with remote-controlled machine gun turrets.</p>
<p>The upcoming challenge for UGVs involves offensive tactics, complicated by their limited maneuverability. A milestone in 2024 will be Ukraine's first-ever assault executed entirely by robots. Although two machines became stuck while navigating obstacles, the operation effectively captured Russian positions.</p>
<p>Since then, Ukraine has maintained limited UGV operations, refining military strategies around robotic deployment. Reports indicate that these robotic assaults have substantially reduced casualties.<a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2026/05/30/europe/ukraine-robots-drones-russia-war-intl">Estimates suggest</a> significant lives saved in the process.</p>
<p>In April, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced an ambitious plan to ramp up UGV production to 50,000 units by 2026, a 50% increase from the previous year, stating: "Everyone must understand: This is about saving lives."</p>
<p>No groundbreaking technological innovations have precipitated this moment; UGVs are straightforward robots managed by human operators. The US has deployed, though not actively used, <a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/1559521/Armed-robots-to-go-to-war-in-Iraq.html">similar armed robots</a>. However, the pressure on Ukraine to effectively test these robots heightens due to its superior troop numbers compared to Russian forces, which also limits Russian automation experiments.</p>
<p>The financial aspect is manageable; the *Legit* robot costs around $11,400, leveraging components from hoverboards and electric scooters. This affordability enables the use of these risk-resistant machines for offensive operations or last-ditch defense efforts.</p>
<p>“Grace is rarely rewarded on the battlefield,” claims Molloy. “Victory favors survivability, redundancy, low cost, and mass production.”</p>
<p>Andriy Biletsky, commander of Ukraine's III Corps, envisions an era where robots constitute 80% of Ukraine's combat strength.</p>
<p>Current wheeled and tracked UGV models struggle in urban terrains or building interiors, a challenge that might evolve with technological advances. The US military is exploring humanoid robots for “infiltration operations,” employing explosives for breaches. While today's humanoid robots are somewhat cumbersome, manufacturers, including Elon Musk's Tesla, anticipate the viability of agile, AI-driven humanoids.<a href="https://www.teslarati.com/elon-musk-shares-big-tesla-optimus-3-production-update/">Mass production might be viable within two years</a>.</p>
<p>“UGVs won't replace military personnel; they’ll assist in their deployment, redeployment, and enhance their skills,” states Molloy.</p>
<p>While advances toward AI-powered autonomous machines could present operational efficiencies, they also pose ethical challenges.</p>
<p>The future success of Ukraine's UGVs remains uncertain, with some arguing that trench warfare provides an easier environment for robots than other conflict types. Nonetheless, the rise of robotic soldiers in Ukraine could herald a transformative era in modern warfare.</p>
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Skull fragment (left) and scapula (right) of a woman buried in Lough Boralee, UK
Credit: Rebecca Ellis-Haken
Unusual scratches found on the interior of a woman’s skull, discovered in Scotland and dated to 2,000 years ago, indicate that brain removal may have been a part of Iron Age funerary traditions in Britain.
The Iron Age in Britain, spanning from around 800 BC until the Roman conquest in 43 AD, remains shrouded in mystery due to the scarcity of preserved human remains from that era.
Evidence shows that many individuals from this time were buried alongside their maternal relatives rather than their spouses. Excavations at Iron Age sites like Suddern Farm and Danebury in southern England reveal that bodies were sometimes exhumed after burial, or left exposed until final interment, suggesting complex funerary practices. The findings suggest a rich cultural tradition surrounding death.
A research team led by Laura Castells Navarro from the University of York reevaluated remains of an adult woman and a teenage boy buried in a low cairn at Loch Borralee in Scotland. These remains were initially excavated in 2000, with both individuals estimated to have died between 50 BC and 70 AD.
The team discovered distinct striae and abrasions inside the woman’s skull. According to Castells-Navarro, this suggests purposeful brain removal.
“The scratches are so regular and straight that they likely result from the use of a sharp tool,” Castells-Navarro explains. Adele Bricking of the Museum of Wales commented on the significance of these findings, stating that the uniformity of the marks indicates intentional manipulation.
However, Richard Maggwick, a professor at Cardiff University, expresses caution, suggesting that while the marks indicate manipulation, it remains uncertain if they definitively relate to brain removal.
The study also revealed that some of the woman’s long bones, including the femur, tapered towards their tips, possibly indicating they were crafted into tools.
Castells-Navarro posits, “They likely took a long bone, broke it in half, and processed it until it tapered smoothly.” Conversely, Maggwick suggests these bones may have been incidental to tool-making rather than intentional modifications.
Despite speculation around the purpose behind these bone alterations, the woman’s remains were ultimately reassembled and placed in a cairn, indicating a respect for her identity.
This research provides valuable insights into relationships between the living and the dead during the Iron Age. Andrew Lamb from the University of Edinburgh highlights parallels with postmortem practices found throughout Europe, suggesting a complex view of death and identity in prehistoric societies.
Furthermore, genetic analysis of the individuals revealed they were likely second cousins on the maternal side, and connected to Iron Age communities from Orkney and Applecross. This agrees with archaeological findings of maritime trade and cultural exchanges during the Iron Age.
Lamb notes these communities likely used small wooden-framed boats for navigation, which were suitable for coastal sailing.
Movement is a relative concept, gaining significance only when we compare the motion of one object against another. This is why determining our precise speed through space proves challenging.
Thanks to the Earth’s rotation, speed (relative to the Earth’s center) varies by latitude, peaking at 1,670 km/h (1,040 mph). Meanwhile, the Earth’s orbital speed around the Sun reaches a remarkable 109,000 km/h (67,700 mph).
As our solar system orbits the Milky Way’s center, it travels at an impressive 828,000 km/h (514,000 mph).
These velocities are subject to change in direction relative to one another, making it impractical to simply add them for an overall speed calculation.
Nonetheless, we can define speed in relation to the cosmic microwave background (CMB), a faint radiation remnant from the Big Bang.
Our speed relative to the CMB measures approximately 1,332,000 km/h (828,000 mph) towards a point in the constellation Leo.
Moreover, because the Sun orbits the Milky Way in a direction opposite to the galaxy’s movement through space, the Milky Way itself moves at about 2,257,200 km/h (1,402,560 mph) relative to the CMB.
This speed may seem astonishing, yet your movement relative to the CMB is only around 0.1% of the speed of light. Consequently, time passes roughly 15.7 seconds slower each year compared to the CMB reference frame.
This article responds to the inquiry from Keith Thompson of Warrington: “How fast am I traveling right now?”
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at:questions@sciencefocus.com or send us a messageFacebook,Twitter or Instagram (please include your name and location).
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Paleontologists have discovered a new species of Maioraniformes turtle, named Patagoniaemys aeschyli, that inhabited northern Patagonia, Argentina, during the Maastrichtian era, just before the catastrophic asteroid impact that led to the extinction of non-avian dinosaurs.
Artist’s impression of Patagoniaemys aeschyli. Image credit: Nawel Vazquez / Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales ‘Bernardino Rivadavia’ / CONICET.
The recently identified turtle species thrived in what is now Patagonia during the Maastrichtian period of the Late Cretaceous, roughly 72 to 67 million years ago.
Patagoniaemys aeschyli is part of a lineage that encompasses some of the rarest turtles ever documented.
These Maioraniformes are highlighted for their heavily armored bodies and, in certain species, distinctive horned skulls.
“Maioraniformes encompass a group of turtles, including the well-known horned species like Nicolamia argentina from Patagonia and Meiolania platypus from Australia,” explained lead author Dr. Federico Agnolin, a paleontologist associated with Bernardino Rivadavia Museum of Natural Sciences, Maimonides University, and CONICET.
“These turtles are recognized from the Lower Cretaceous to the Pleistocene across southern continents, including South America, Australia, and New Caledonia.”
The fossilized remains of Patagoniaemys aeschyli were excavated from the Los Alamitos Formation in Río Negro, Argentina.
The specimen includes parts of a skull, shell fragments, vertebrae, and a limb bone, making it one of the most significant discoveries of meioraniids in the region.
Paleontologists estimate that the carapace of Patagoniaemys aeschyli measured around 80 centimeters (approximately 2.6 feet) in length.
Unlike its later relatives, its shell was wide and relatively low, contrasting with the domed shells often observed in other turtle species.
“The shell is relatively robust at the base of the marginal plates, featuring a series of tough ridges, particularly towards the rear,” noted the researchers.
“The exterior surface of the shell is characterized by small holes and grooves.”
In addition to identifying this new species, the scientists examined how turtles managed to survive during the end-Cretaceous mass extinction event, which occurred 66 million years ago.
The study of Patagonia’s fossil diversity revealed that some turtle lineages endured the transition from the Cretaceous to the Paleogene periods.
The discovery of Patagoniaemys aeschyli confirmed the presence of at least two Maioraniformes in the latest Cretaceous period of southern South America.
“The remarkable taxonomic continuity between Maastrichtian and Danian populations suggests that the end-Cretaceous extinction event did not significantly impact Patagonian turtles, indicating lineage persistence and minimal turnover among southern Chelonians,” concluded the scientists.
A detailed description of this discovery was published in the journal Acta Paleontologica Polonica on March 26, 2026. Read the paper here.
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Federico L. Agnolin et al. 2026. A new species of Maioraniformes turtle from the Maastrichtian region of northern Patagonia, Argentina. Acta Paleontologica Polonica 71 (1): 173-184; doi: 10.4202/app.01268.2025
The SETI Institute’s Allen Telescope Array is a 42-element radio interferometer located at the Hat Creek Radio Astronomy Observatory in Hat Creek, California. Astronomers have been searching for artificial radio transmissions from the interstellar object 3I/ATLAS but have only detected man-made interference.
This image from the Subaru Telescope features the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS and is provided by the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan.
3I/ATLAS is the third confirmed object to enter our solar system from another star system, following 1I/’Oumuamua and 2I/Borisov.
While evidence strongly suggests that 3I/ATLAS is a natural object, interstellar visitors also serve as intriguing technosignature targets, as artificial objects could indicate detectable extraterrestrial technology and potentially provide the first proof of extraterrestrial life.
“On July 1, 2025, 3I/ATLAS, initially classified as C/2025 N1 (ATLAS), was discovered by the Asteroid-Earth Impact Final Alert System (ATLAS) in Rio Hurtado, Chile,” stated Dr. Sofia Sheikh from the SETI Institute and her colleagues.
“Numerous telescopes globally are tracking the orbit of 3I/ATLAS, revealing significant cometary activity through continued monitoring.”
“If this object is indeed a comet, as anticipated based on initial characterizations, it should contain volatiles and develop a prominent tail after passing perihelion.”
“Initial observations indicated that the object appeared red and developed a coma due to its luminescence as it neared the Sun.”
“Despite reaching perihelion on October 29, 2025, observations from Earth were notably affected from September to early November due to its proximity to the Sun.”
“There remains much to learn about this interstellar visitor, so the ability to observe it during its approach represents a significant scientific advantage.”
5.29 Output waterfall plot from a 3I/ATLAS observation, showing no signals exceeding the SNR ratio threshold. This signal exhibited unblanked frequencies, an acceptable drift rate, and appears to be truly narrowband. Nevertheless, the SNR of the signal is similar both on-beam and off-beam, suggesting local interference sources within the provided quota for fixed satellite services (Earth-to-space). Image credit: Sheikh et al., doi: 10.3847/1538-3881/ae6651.
During this observation campaign, astronomers spent over seven hours analyzing 3I/ATLAS using the Allen Telescope Array, targeting frequencies from 1 to 9 GHz.
Approximately 74 million narrowband signals were identified. After excluding interference and filtering out signals matching the object’s motion, around 200 signals remained for further analysis.
This reinforces the notion that the observed signals primarily derive from Earth’s surface technology or its orbiting satellites.
Despite no technosignatures being found, this investigation established new constraints indicating that 3I/ATLAS is a natural object.
This observation sets an upper limit on the radio transmitters’ power on or near 3I/ATLAS, filtering out signals stronger than around 10 to 110 watts (similar to household appliances) across the detected frequencies.
“The findings from 3I/ATLAS demonstrate the feasibility of detecting signals with current technology,” remarked Dr. Valeria García López, an astronomer at Furman University and director of the Breakthrough Listening Initiative.
“This underlines the importance of searching for technosignatures, even in objects where we might not anticipate any signals.”
The team’s research will be published in Astronomy Magazine.
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Sophia Z. Sheikh et al. 2026. “Retrieval of Radiotechnical Signatures from Interstellar Object 3I/ATLAS Using the Allen Telescope Array.” A.J. 172, 1; doi: 10.3847/1538-3881/ae6651
Recent radiocarbon dating at Sala Queimada, an elusive chamber in Cueva Palomera, located in northern Spain’s Burgos province, reveals that generations of humans frequented this sacred site from the end of the Ice Age to the Iron Age, leaving behind significant artifacts, structures, and offerings.
Sala Queimada at Cueva Palomera, Burgos, Spain. Image credit: Ortega-Martinez et al., doi: 10.1016/j.jasrep.2026.105818.
According to lead author Dr. Ana Isabel Ortega Martínez, a researcher at the Instituto Fernán González, Royal Academy of History and Art of Burgos, “Cueva Palomera serves as the primary entrance to the Ojo Guareña cave system, which houses the majority of the rock art within the region.”
“Sala Queimada is situated on the third floor of the cave, approximately 290 meters from the entrance,” she added.
Accessing this chamber involves navigating a crawl space, which has dimensions of 13 meters wide and only 0.2 meters high.
The recent study involved obtaining 18 new radiocarbon dates from charcoal samples, drawings, and bone remains found throughout Sala Queimada.
The oldest artifacts date back to around 13,700 years ago, indicating the site’s use during the Upper Paleolithic.
The most recent discovery is that of a domestic piglet, whose bones, found in a rocky pool, date back to the Iron Age, approximately 2,100 years ago, suggesting it may have been a ritual offering.
Additionally, evidence indicates repeated visitations during the Neolithic, Chalcolithic, and Bronze Ages.
Importantly, each generation appeared to respect the artwork left by their ancestors, preserving older creations while adding new markings and paintings.
“One notable discovery is a complex structure comprised of two large limestone slabs held upright against each other and supported by smaller stones,” the scientists reported.
“The primary slab, measuring 1.5 meters in length, features a meticulously shaped upper edge that creates a pointed profile resembling animal figures facing the main artwork panel.”
“This slab and its supporting stones show carvings and charcoal marks that indicate significant human activity around the area.”
The structure bears similarities to another Paleolithic slab found in the Tito Bustillo Cave (Ribadesella, Asturias) but is larger in size.
This discovery adds Sala Queimada to an expanding list of prehistoric cave sites across the Iberian Peninsula, where ancient people returned for centuries to what they regarded as sacred locations.
“It’s significant that eight different usage stages were identified in Sala Queimada, making it one of the most challenging and secluded sanctuaries within Cueva Palomera,” noted the authors.
“This indicates that over millennia, humans not only utilized the entrance area as a habitat but also made numerous visits to this intricate underground environment.”
For further details, refer to the findings published in the May 23rd issue of the Journal of Archaeological Science: Report.
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Ana Isabel Ortega-Martinez et al. 2026. Sala Queimada: Another Paleolithic sanctuary in Cueva Palomera, Ojo Guareña (Burgos, Spain). Archaeology Journal: Report 73: 105818; doi: 10.1016/j.jasrep.2026.105818
Embracing Quantum Physics: A New Perspective on Life
Kamil SD / Alamy
In December 2019, I faced a life-threatening ordeal caused by dental issues. A debilitating toothache escalated into a major health crisis, leading to a week in intensive care. After recovery, I needed answers: Was it personal negligence, sheer bad luck, or a flaw in the U.S. healthcare system? Confused and distressed, I turned to the field that has always offered me profound insights: quantum physics.
Physics, the oldest science, has roots in early astronomy. It provides a robust and objective framework for interpreting our universe. Through meticulous analysis and empirical evidence, physics dissects the world into components and reassembles them into a comprehensible whole. Unlike emotions, physics is impartial—no one escapes the grasp of a black hole. Yet, I’ve always perceived physics as a personal journey.
In my book Entangled States: Life Based on Quantum Physics, I invite readers to embrace this personal connection. I illustrate how viewing the objective through a subjective lens can be transformative.
Consider my dental crisis. After my hospital stay, I grappled with the causes of my condition. Was it my fault for avoiding the dentist? Or was it beyond my control due to my status as a financially strained graduate student? Juggling these contradictory narratives left me more baffled.
A discussion with a physicist specializing in quantum causality brought unexpected clarity. I learned about “quantum switches,” a concept allowing for multiple causal relationships to coexist through superposition. Despite some skepticism, experiments with light particles support this theory. Some researchers propose applying quantum switches in new technologies like quantum computers for enhanced performance.
As a physicist, I recognize that light behaves quite differently from larger, warmer entities like myself. Yet, the notion of a quantum switch, where both “A causes B” and “B causes A” unfold simultaneously, resonated deeply with my dental dilemma.
This perspective brought peace and influenced my choices. I now prioritize dental visits and advocate for improved conditions, including dental insurance, for graduate students.
In Entangled States, I delve into numerous examples that highlight how quantum physics has helped me navigate personal challenges. My experiences as a queer individual, a young immigrant, and a high school teacher intertwine with the lessons I’ve learned from quantum physics, both as an academic and a journalist.
Engaging with the cutting edge of science in the realm of quantum physics has profoundly impacted me. By merging its emotional resonance with objective scientific inquiry, I have enriched my life and grown as an individual. I encourage you to approach quantum concepts not just as abstract phenomena but as potential catalysts for personal reflection.
Arctic ground squirrels forage for diverse food sources to stock their burrows.
Credit: Yukon Government
Recent analyses of DNA preserved in ancient frozen feces have unveiled a diverse ecosystem from 700,000 years ago, featuring species like woolly mammoths, bison, horses, and big cats.
The Arctic ground squirrel (Urositels parii) is a rodent measuring approximately 40 centimeters, inhabiting cold regions across North America and Siberia—historically linked by land bridges known as Beringia.
“Arctic ground squirrels hibernate for about eight months a year, so during their active four months, they venture out to forage and store resources in their burrows,” states Tyler Murchy from the Hakai Institute, Campbell River, Canada.
This foraging behavior results in their burrows often housing substantial amounts of feces and food, effectively making them “nature’s archivist,” according to Murchy. He and his team analyzed saprolites—preserved feces—frozen in permafrost from 13 Arctic ground squirrel burrows located in central Yukon, Canada.
Estimated to date back between 30,000 and 700,000 years, these burrows served as crucial sites for extracting DNA from various organisms present in the feces, which measured around 1 to 2 centimeters long.
The findings revealed a wealth of biodiversity, including microorganisms, over 200 different plant species, insects, other rodents, and large mammals such as woolly mammoths, horses, gray wolves, steppe bison, and lynx. An American cheetah or a cougar also inhabited this ecosystem. “All these organisms represent life from the Bering Ice Age,” Murchy remarks.
Contrary to popular belief, ground squirrels do not exclusively consume nuts and seeds. “They are actually quite omnivorous and have even been reported to scavenge on moose and lynx carcasses,” Murchy explains. Therefore, the discovery of such large animals in coprolites is not unexpected.
Ancient dung pellets from Arctic ground squirrels discovered in Yukon Territory, Canada
Credit: Duane Froese, University of Alberta
Utilizing the DNA extracted, Murchie and colleagues reconstructed the mitochondrial genomes of various species from different eras, including 12 ground squirrels—one lineage tracing back 700,000 years—three horses, two bison, and one hare. They also gathered enough DNA to reconstruct the genomes of six woolly mammoths, with further details pending publication.
“These remarkably preserved specimens showcase the ecological diversity of Yukon throughout history,” says Kelsey Witt of Clemson University, South Carolina.
Determining whether the DNA from any given species is present in coprolites because it was consumed by ground squirrels or because it existed in the environment can be challenging. However, the abundance of DNA within the samples and the scavenging behavior of the squirrels suggest they likely consumed mammoth meat, Witt concludes.
NASA has released the names of the four astronauts chosen for the Artemis III mission, marking a significant milestone in its ambitious plan to return humans to the moon.
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Astronauts Randy Bresnik, Luca Parmitano, Frank Rubio, and Andre Douglas are set for launch into Earth orbit next year as part of testing initiatives for commercially developed lunar landers that will transport NASA astronauts to the moon’s surface by 2028. Bresnik will co-lead the mission with Parmitano, an astronaut from the European Space Agency, while Douglas and Rubio will serve as mission specialists. NASA astronaut Bob Hines will also train with the crew as a backup.
The competition to build the lunar lander for the Artemis III mission includes Elon Musk’s SpaceX and Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin. Both companies confirmed on Tuesday their timelines align for having the lander ready.
“This test flight will showcase our ability to conduct meticulously planned operations with partners in a high-stakes space environment, which includes hardware interfaces, software propulsion systems, and crew life support,” stated Jeremy Parsons, NASA’s Artemis program manager.
Parsons noted that the Artemis III mission is projected to last about two weeks—approximately four days longer than the recently completed Artemis II mission. This serves as the final test before NASA’s goal of landing a crew on the moon during Artemis IV.
“Every aspect of Artemis III provides insights to refine our plans for Artemis IV,” Parsons explained. “This mission is purposefully designed to take calculated risks, ensuring the safety and success of future lunar crews.”
The overarching goal of NASA’s Artemis program is to establish a sustainable human presence on the moon. This year, NASA revealed plans to allocate $20 billion to facilitate the construction of a lunar base.
Originally, NASA intended for Artemis III to land astronauts on the moon, but following an overhaul by NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, the mission now focuses on testing docking operations with lunar landers.
The Artemis III crew will remain close to Earth, testing rendezvous and docking maneuvers with lunar landers from SpaceX and/or Blue Origin. These operations are vital for the program, as the chosen lander must rendezvous with the Orion spacecraft, which previously carried the Artemis II crew, while orbiting the moon.
If it all goes as planned, NASA could achieve its first moon landing in over 50 years, potentially ahead of China, which has announced its own plans to send astronauts to the moon by 2030.
Parsons confirmed that critical components of the Artemis III program are progressing as planned. For instance, a newly designed heat shield has been built and tested for NASA’s Orion spacecraft.
“Our upgraded heat shields have been thoroughly inspected and are prepared for installation,” Parsons said.
Nonetheless, Blue Origin’s readiness is a point of concern due to a recent setback where one of its rockets exploded during an engine test at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, damaging facilities essential for launching its lunar module.
“Production of the Artemis III Mark February crew module and essential systems is advancing well. Our manufacturing facilities are operational around the clock,” stated Blue Origin’s John Couris. “The vehicle is scheduled for completion and anticipated readiness for launch in 2027.”
Days prior to the explosion, NASA had engaged Blue Origin for an unmanned lunar mission intended to deliver a payload later this year, marking the beginning of a series of robotic missions aimed at preparing for human landings and scouting lunar resources.
For the Artemis III launch, NASA will utilize the same framework as for Artemis II, sending the newly announced crew into space aboard the Orion spacecraft, which will be launched using a Space Launch System rocket from the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida.
Scientists have long debated the mysteries of the cosmos, and we are privileged to live in a thrilling era for galaxy research. Despite potential cutbacks in research funding in the US and UK, our comprehension of the universe continues to grow. Since its launch on Christmas Day 2021, the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has dramatically transformed our understanding of ancient galaxies. Contrary to previous cosmological models, these galaxies are proving to be significantly brighter and filled with hot gas and stars.
Observations from JWST are truly groundbreaking. We are now able to study galaxies that formed just 300 million years post-Big Bang. While that may sound like a vast period, in the grand timeline of the universe—approximately 14 billion years—it’s merely the infancy of cosmic evolution. For context, I am 43 years old, which correlates to 2.14% of my lifespan when I was under one year old.
Rohan P. Naidu and a team from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology identified a remarkable galaxy last year, named MoM-z14. Their research paper describes MoM-z14 as a “cosmic miracle,” brighter than anticipated for its early stage in cosmic history. Such observations have only recently been possible, as prior telescopes lacked the capability to detect these faint objects due to their incredible distance. Paradoxically, while MoM-z14 appears dim through conventional telescopes, it emits more light than anticipated based on theoretical constructs.
Nevertheless, the unexpected brightness of these galaxies raises a crucial question: how can we confirm that what we’re observing is indeed a galaxy? In April of this year, Marcia Bradaci and an international team from the University of California, Davis, meticulously analyzed the JWST data. In a paper currently pending peer review, they suggest that two of the young, bright objects identified by JWST are not galaxies at all but rather brown dwarfs within our Milky Way. In other words, what we initially thought of as distant galaxies turned out to be star-like objects much closer to home.
The findings were surprising. If one were to consider what opposes a galaxy, brown dwarfs would be a prime candidate. Too large to evolve into gas giants like Jupiter, yet too small to achieve stellar nuclear fusion, a brown dwarf occupies a unique niche—and could fit comfortably within our solar system. In other words, brown dwarfs are compact compared to a galaxy sprawling with billions of stars. Only time will tell if Bradaci’s conclusions hold true and whether observations of other ancient galaxies are marred by similar misconceptions.
However, we are well-equipped to investigate these celestial enigmas. I predict that 2026 will emerge as a landmark year for astronomy. Despite governmental obstacles, Chile’s Vera C. Rubin Observatory is set to commence a 10-year space-time legacy survey, offering detailed mapping of the Southern Hemisphere sky and imaging over 5 billion galaxies. This initiative will coincide with JWST’s operations and NASA’s upcoming flagship observatory, the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope. Roman will also complement the European Space Agency’s Euclid mission, projected to image hundreds of millions of galaxies. The combined efforts of JWST, Rubin, Roman, and Euclid could revolutionize our understanding of galaxy formation and evolution.
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Diagram of the Chicxulub Asteroid Impact, 66 Million Years Ago
Mark Garlick/Science Photo Library/Getty Images
The catastrophic Chicxulub asteroid impact, which occurred 66 million years ago, released immense energy and took at least 8 million years for the impact site to stabilize, fostering a warm underground ecosystem thriving with microbes.
Hitting what is now Mexico, the Chicxulub asteroid measured approximately 15 kilometers in diameter and triggered significant climatic shifts, resulting in the extinction of about 75% of Earth’s species. All non-avian dinosaurs faced extinction as a nuclear winter enveloped the planet for a minimum of 15 years.
Even the depths of the Earth felt the aftermath. “The Chicxulub impact caused deformation detectable up to 35 kilometers below the Earth’s surface,” explains Annemaire Pickersgill from the University of Glasgow.
This impact melted approximately 10,000 cubic kilometers of rock, and the interaction of molten rock with seawater resulted in hydrothermal systems rich in small pockets of heated water.
Research indicates the asteroid created a hydrothermal environment that extended several kilometers underground, as certain minerals only form in the presence of liquid water and heat. Surprisingly, the durations and extents of these hydrothermal systems appear to have been underestimated.
Previously thought to cool within 2 million years, Pickersgill’s research suggests the cooling process may have taken at least four times longer, providing more time for hydrothermal life to thrive.
“A major uncertainty regarding impact-generated hydrothermal systems like Chicxulub is how long the heat circulates water within the structure,” notes Pickersgill.
To investigate further, the research team drilled one kilometer into the crater, collecting rock cores. By analyzing the potassium decay into argon gas, they determined the age of the samples.
“Our findings showcase a range of ages from the impact event 66 million years ago to around 58 million years ago,” Pickersgill reports. “This implies hydrothermal activity persisted in at least some parts of the Chicxulub structure for 8 million years post-impact.”
Exploring sulfur isotopes in the rock cores indicates that microorganisms inhabited the hydrothermal system and exhibited rapid recovery following the cataclysm.
These findings imply that habitable hydrothermal conditions may have existed in early impact craters on young Earth and potentially on other celestial bodies for much longer than previously recognized.
“This opens up additional avenues for life to develop, evolve, and spread,” Pickersgill emphasizes. “The study bolsters the idea that early life could have established long-term habitats in impact craters, which may also extend to life on other planets characterized by large impact features.”
Chris Kirkland from Curtin University, Perth, Australia, adds that while there isn’t a definitive record of continued hydrothermal activity at Chicxulub, strong evidence suggests the site remained thermally active for millions of years.
“The significant impact doesn’t merely devastate the environment; it also creates long-lived underground systems that facilitate the circulation of hot fluids through fractured rock. These chemically rich environments could offer refuge to microorganisms and provide conducive conditions for the early steps toward life,” he concludes.
The remarkable ability of ancient Egyptians to construct the Great Pyramid of Giza, without modern machinery, has fascinated and puzzled scholars for decades.
Recent insights from researcher Vicente Luis Rosell Roig suggest a resolution to this long-standing mystery. He provides mathematical evidence to support his claims: Nature. Roig proposes that an innovative system of spiral, uneven ramps was utilized to transport the massive stones used in the construction.
As Egypt’s largest pyramid, the Great Pyramid of Giza was erected around 2560 BC as a tomb for Pharaoh Khufu. This monumental structure comprises approximately 2.3 million stone blocks, each weighing between 2.5 to 15 tons.
For the pyramid to be completed within Khufu’s 27-year reign, a stone block would need to be placed every three minutes on average. However, debates continue over how this colossal structure was achieved in such a short time.
Some theories propose the use of external lamps, although such ramps would require significant materials, with no substantial archaeological evidence to support these claims.
Alternatively, another theory posits that a single ramp may have been built into the pyramid, spiraling upwards and filled from the top down as construction progressed.
However, Roig’s mathematical modeling suggests that using a single ramp would extend the construction time to nearly 50 years.
Instead, he argues for the use of four concave ramps spiraling around the pyramid simultaneously, each starting from distinct points near the base. His computer-generated model indicates that this method could align with the 27-year completion timeframe.
“This is a fascinating explanation regarding the structure of the pyramids,” remarked Dr. Roland Enmarch, a reader in Egyptology at the University of Liverpool. “Further verification with more evidence and scans of the structural anomalies at the corners where the ramp direction would have suddenly changed is necessary.”
“Nevertheless, it appears quite plausible. The Great Pyramid of Giza is neither the oldest nor the last pyramid, which may also provide insights into the construction of other pyramids.”
After five decades of extensive research, astronomers have discovered compelling evidence that Sagittarius A*, the supermassive black hole with 4.3 million solar masses at the heart of the Milky Way galaxy, is emitting hot cosmic winds. These winds are shaping a vast cavity close to the galaxy’s center.
This image illustrates the winds emanating from Sagittarius A*. The central white dot marks a supermassive black hole. The orange data from ALMA indicates the position of cold carbon monoxide gas, while the blue data from Chandra shows hot, X-ray-emitting gas. The large conical cavity represents a region devoid of cold gas with intense hot gas emissions. Image credits: NASA / CXC / UMass / Wang et al. / ALMA / ESO / National Astronomical Observatory of Japan / NRAO / Longmore et al. / Miniti et al.
Theoretical physics suggests that as black holes devour matter, they generate winds or jets. Even minimal amounts of gas falling into a black hole can produce enough energy to expel matter outward.
Until recent observations, the winds from Sagittarius A*, our galaxy’s central black hole, had never been distinctly identified.
Astronomers utilized years of detailed observations from the Atacama Large Millimeter/Submillimeter Array (ALMA) to analyze the cold gas within several light-years of the black hole.
By eliminating the bright radio emissions from the black hole, researchers unveiled a vast cone-shaped void in the cold gas, directly aligned with the black hole. This phenomenon serves as clear evidence of substantial, hot winds expelled from Sagittarius A*.
“Unless a black hole exists in a complete vacuum, some form of wind should be present,” stated Dr. Mark Gorsky, an astronomer at Northwestern University.
“However, there is no absolute vacuum in space.”
“These observations represent the first time we can distinctly identify wind signatures,” Dr. Gorsky added.
“As we analyzed the data, we realized, ‘This is it. This is what scientists have been searching for over the past 50 years.’”
Over five years, Dr. Gorski and colleague Dr. Lena Murchikova mapped radiation from carbon monoxide, a key indicator of cold molecular gases, within approximately 1 parsec (or 3 light-years) of Sagittarius A*.
The careful modeling and subtraction of the black hole’s rapidly varying radio emissions allowed researchers to discern faint and complex structures in the surrounding gas.
“For the first time, we’ve confirmed that a black hole is being fed molecular gas very close to it,” explained Dr. Murchikova from Northwestern University.
“The winds are moderate, and their direction may fluctuate over time.”
“This discovery indicates that our black hole is not an isolated phenomenon, nor is our position in the universe unique.”
Data from NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory confirmed the presence of hot gas in the same vicinity, verifying that this outflow was indeed from a black hole and not from a neighboring star.
“Exceptional claims necessitate exceptional evidence,” Dr. Gorski noted.
“We were cautious to ensure we weren’t misinterpreting an image artifact, and the X-ray images from Chandra corroborated our findings. The molecular signatures aligned perfectly.”
The ALMA map boasts approximately 100 times greater depth and 80 times sharper resolution than previous carbon monoxide images in the region, making it the most sensitive and highest-resolution map of cold gas surrounding Sagittarius A* to date.
Researchers estimate that these winds have been active for at least 20,000 years, though they are relatively calm in comparison to the dramatic jets observed in other galaxies.
“Most galaxies remain relatively dormant throughout their lifetimes,” Dr. Murchikova commented.
“However, we only observe them during these explosive episodes.”
“While it’s captivating to study black holes during these outburst phases, they represent a brief segment of their overall existence.”
“Sagittarius A* has finally opened a window into the life of this otherwise silent black hole.”
The team’s findings will be published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters.
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Mark D. Gorski and Lena Murchikova. 2026. Discovery of active winds from the central black hole of the Milky Way Galaxy. APJL 1004, L7; doi: 10.3847/2041-8213/ae63cf
Recent geochemical analysis of 780,000-year-old stone tools discovered in Israel provides insights into the sophisticated tool-making practices of Ashurian (or Acheulean) humans. These early humans strategically sought specific basalt sources, highlighting their advanced planning and in-depth understanding of their environment.
Basalt slabs from the Ashurian site of Gesher Benot Ya’akov, utilized for bifacial production, show evidence of off-site knapping. Image credit: Chuang Zhao.
Dr. Zahi Golan from the Israel Geological Survey emphasized, “Acquiring suitable raw materials was essential for prehistoric peoples, significantly impacting their tool-making processes.”
“The selection of raw materials offers a window into the behavioral aspects of prehistoric cultures, revealing their environmental knowledge, which has facilitated tool production for over three million years.”
Research indicates two significant trends during the Early and Early Middle Pleistocene: increasing variability in raw materials at more recent sites and the exploitation of nearby resources. These trends are evidenced by studies of Oldowan and Acheulean tools, suggesting that early hominins’ material preferences evolved over time.
In recent studies, archaeologists analyzed basalt artifacts from the Ashurian site of Gesher Benot Yaakov and a nearby basalt source to trace the origins of tools and understand how early humans navigated their changing landscape.
“Dating back approximately 780,000 years, this evidence highlights the repeated habitation by Atyur hominins along the banks of Paleo-Fura Lake,” the researchers noted.
“Excavations have revealed a wealth of archaeological finds, including stone tools crafted from flint, limestone, and basalt, alongside indications of fire use, plant exploitation, animal processing, and fish consumption.”
“Basalt played a crucial role as a raw material, particularly for producing large cutting tools such as axes and kitchen knives.”
“Prior studies suggest that tool manufacture involved a complex reduction process. Humans selected sizable basalt slabs, formed them into substantial cores, removed large flakes, and fashioned these into bifacial tools.”
“This intricate process demanded careful planning, technical skills, and a thorough understanding of basalt properties.”
Researchers conducted a chemical analysis of basalt artifacts from various archaeological layers, comparing them against samples from the surrounding geological basalt flows.
Additionally, they analyzed basalt from the Eshel Yaakov borehole at the Gesher Benot Yaakov site.
The findings reveal that many investigated basalt artifacts match sources located within approximately 1 km of the site, with some originating from basalt strata now buried beneath the surface.
By integrating geochemical fingerprinting with borehole data, scientists reconstructed parts of the ancient landscape that have since vanished.
This methodology enabled the identification of basalt flows once accessible to humans 780,000 years ago but now obscured by erosion or tectonic shifts.
“This is particularly significant as Gesher Benot Yaakov is situated in an area of active tectonic activity along the Dead Sea fault line,” researchers remarked.
“Erosion, sediment burial, and subsidence have continually transformed the local landscape.”
“Basalt flows that were once within reach of early humans may have become buried or eroded over time.”
The geochemical analysis also uncovered variations between tool types. While large cores are predominantly linked to local basalt sources, specific cleavers seemed to originate from sources not included in the analyzed samples.
“This indicates that early humans did not merely select available basalts but actively chose specific sources based on their technical requirements, including the size, shape, internal structure of the slabs, and their suitability for knife production,” the authors stated.
Differences in tool types were evident, with some knives sourced from distinct basalt deposits when compared to the dominant materials used for hand axes and large cores.
This finding is important, as previous research indicates that producing kitchen knives necessitates a high level of planning and technical skill.
This suggests that humans were selectively searching for basalts with specific characteristics optimal for certain tools.
The same selective material sourcing strategies appear across multiple archaeological layers, indicating a persistent technological tradition spanning thousands of years.
“These findings imply that Ature hominins at Gesher Benot Yaakov possessed extensive environmental knowledge that was preserved and transmitted through generations,” the researchers concluded.
Find their study published on May 14 in Scientific Reports.
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T. Golan et al. Geochemical basalt investigation sheds light on sourcing strategies at the Ashurian site of Gesher Benot Ya’akov, Dead Sea Transform, Israel. Scientific Reports published online on May 14, 2026. doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-51905-0
A recently discovered songbird from the Babar Islands in Indonesia’s Banda Sea has been recognized as a new species. This small bird, named the Merry Fantail (Lipidula laguceria), stands out due to its unique song, which differentiates it from its close relatives. Previously, it was considered the same as the cinnamon giant fantail (Rhipidura fuscorufa), located approximately 135 km (84 mi) east of the Tanimbar Islands.
Merry Fantail (Lipidula laguceria) November 2022. Image credit: James A. Eaton.
Known as a small insectivorous songbird from the Rhipidura fuscorufa family, these birds are native to the Lingidae.
This species measures approximately 18 cm (7 inches) in length, recognized for its cinnamon tail and underparts, as well as its characteristic tail-spreading behavior typical of fantails.
The Rhipidura fuscorufa was first identified in 1883 on the Tanimbar Islands. However, specimens from the Babar group, about 80 miles west, were later examined and previously considered to belong to the same species, a view that persisted for over 120 years.
“Rhipidura fuscorufa is endemic to Indonesia and resides on Tanimbar Island and the Babar Island Group,” said Dr. James Eaton from Bird Tours Asia Limited and Dr. Alex Berryman from BirdLife International.
“Initially described in 1883 based on specimens from the Tanimbar Islands, 15 years later, Rhipidura fuscorufa specimens collected from Babar Island were also examined. Scientists concluded in 1901 that the Babar specimens were consistent with those from the Tanimbar Islands.
For approximately 120 years, the common taxonomic classification was Rhipidura fuscorufa as a monotypic species.
Dr. Eaton first noticed differences in vocalizations between the Babar and Tanimbar populations during a visit in 2011, suggesting the presence of an as-yet undetected species.
To confirm this, authors analyzed 19 specimens at the American Museum of Natural History in New York and the Tring Museum of Natural History in the UK, along with 18 audio recordings from both island groups.
The researchers observed subtle physical differences; Babar birds exhibited darker upper bodies and less pronounced cinnamon underparts compared to Tanimbar birds, while wing, tail, beak, and leg measurements showed no significant variation.
However, the song of the two Rhipidura fuscorufa populations varied considerably.
“The calls of the Babar birds typically consist of single whistles that increase in pitch, whereas Tanimbar calls include varying lengths of whistles for a more rhythmic effect,” they stated. “Though the lengths of strophes are similar, Tanimbar songs feature more notes and shorter intervals between them.”
Cinnamon Giant Fantail (Rhipidura fuscorufa) November 2022. Image credit: James A. Eaton.
Over several years, scientists conducted 132 reproduction experiments during visits to Babar and Tanimbar islands.
Both populations responded to their respective recordings but ignored the songs from the other islands. The study revealed that no Babar birds responded to Tanimbar songs, and vice versa.
“Despite being currently classified as monotypic, our research displays distinct differences between the Tanimbar and Babar populations of Rhipidura fuscorufa,” noted the researchers.
“Morphologically, the two populations have subtle differences in coloration, while the vocalizations are markedly distinct, providing strong evidence that these vocal differences act as a reproductive barrier.”
“Based on this, we propose that Rhipidura fuscorufa populations in the Babar Islands should be taxonomically separated from those in the Tanimbar Islands.”
“While we lack an established name for the Babar population, we describe it as Lipidula laguceria.”
Both the newly identified Lipidula laguceria and its relative Rhipidura fuscorufa are currently listed as Near Threatened under conservation standards, as they adapt well to degraded habitats rather than dense forests.
“Rhipidura fuscorufa is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List,” the scientists stated.
“Following this classification, both Rhipidura fuscorufa and Lipidula laguceria now have a more restricted range, fulfilling criteria for potential threat listings under IUCN Red List criteria B1 and B2.”
“However, both species demonstrate resilience to habitat degradation and are often found in modified habitats, open areas, and even scrubland with tall mango trees.”
“Indeed, both fantail species appear to prefer highly altered habitats over closed-canopy forests.” Therefore, neither species meets the criteria for being listed as B1 or B2 and should continue to be classified as Near Threatened.”
The discovery of Lipidula laguceria is detailed in a research paper published this month in the British Ornithologists Club Newsletter.
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James A. Eaton and Alex J. Berryman. 2026. A mysterious new species of fantail from the Babar Islands, Maluku Province, Indonesia. British Ornithologists Club Newsletter 146 (2): 203-215; doi: 10.25226/bboc.v146i2.2026.a6
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