Egg mass containing invasive adult termites Coptotermes gestroi
T Chouvenc, UF/IFAS
Florida’s latest termites offer a unique two-for-one deal, but there’s no celebration for them. Two species of invasive wood-eating insects have interbred, resulting in hybrid colonies that can produce extraordinarily resilient termites, posing a threat to both buildings and forests.
The results are “intriguing and unexpected,” notes Edouard Duquesne, a researcher at the Free University of Brussels, who was not part of the study. “The viable hybrids of these species could have a significantly broad geographic range, leading to highly invasive termites capable of causing severe damage.”
Since 2010, termite infestations have resulted in $40 billion in annual losses, with around 80% attributed to the Coptotermes genus. The Formosan subterranean termites (Coptotermes formosanus) have invaded many warm temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, while their Asian counterpart, Coptotermes gestroi, has expanded from Southeast Asia to tropical areas worldwide. Since the late 1990s, both species have overlapped in southern Florida, according to Thomas Chouvenc at the University of Florida.
In 2015, Chouvenc and his team demonstrated that these two species could produce hybrid offspring in controlled environments. By 2021, Chouvenc discovered alates—winged termites that establish new colonies—with characteristics merging those of the Formosan and the smaller, darker Asian species. These hybrids were identified in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and were confirmed through genetic testing. A hybrid nest was also found in a local park adjacent to the marina.
In 2024, the existence of wild hybrids was validated by Taiwanese researchers, confirming that these species have coexisted for a century in southern Florida.
“It’s only a matter of time before we see hybridization and the establishment of hybrid populations wherever these two species coexist,” warns Chouvenc.
Researchers have also observed that first-generation hybrid females can mate with males from either parent species. Chouvenc expresses concern that gene flow between the species could lead to the emergence of a termite population that thrives in a wider range of environmental conditions, including temperature variations. The proximity of these termites to a busy port heightens the risk that such hybrids could be transported globally.
“We [humans] didn’t pay enough attention, and as a result, we’ve allowed these termites to spread,” Chouvenc added.
Greetings and welcome to TechScape. This week, I’ve been contemplating how different my initial foray into journalism would have been if generative AI had existed. Additionally, Elon Musk leaves a trail of perplexity behind him, while influencers explore the art of selling texts that inspire AI-generated artwork.
AI Endangers the Jobs of Recent Graduates
Executives within Genetic Artificial Intelligence shared rigorous evaluations of the entry-level job landscape last week, indicating that the positions secured with degrees might soon be at risk.
Dario Amodei, CEO of Anthropic, has developed the versatile AI model Claude. In an interview with Axios last week, he projected that AI could eliminate half of all entry-level white-collar jobs, potentially driving the overall unemployment rate to 20% within five years. A possible explanation for such alarming forecasts from AI executives may be linked to their desire to amplify the appeal of their products, suggesting they possess the capability to dismantle significant corporate structures.
Should your purchasing and employment choices align with Amodei’s vision, consider investing in his products and stay ahead of the productivity curve. Amodei announced a new iteration of CEO CLOUDE the very same week he shared these insights. Similarly, OpenAI’s Sam Altman has adopted a comparable strategy.
Nonetheless, voices outside the AI creation circle reflect Amodei’s warnings. Steve Bannon, an influential podcast host and former Trump administration member, echoed Amodei’s concerns, suggesting that automated employment will pose a significant challenge in the 2028 US presidential campaign. A March report from the Washington Post indicated that over a quarter of all US programming positions had vanished over two years, attributing this trend to the disruptive impact of ChatGPT’s release in late 2022.
A few days before Amodei’s comments, a LinkedIn executive provided a stark evaluation based on data from the social network. A New York Times essay emphasized, “You can observe the Lang below your career’s ladder.”
“Growing evidence points to artificial intelligence posing a genuine threat to a substantial number of jobs traditionally assigned to new graduates,” stated Anesh Raman, LinkedIn’s Chief Economic Opportunity Officer.
The US Federal Reserve recently released findings regarding the job market for college graduates in the first quarter of 2025. The Federal Reserve’s report indicated, “The labor market for college graduates deteriorated significantly in the first quarter of 2025, with the unemployment rate rising to 5.8%, the highest level since 2021.” The Fed did not specify any particular causes for this decline.
AI’s influence on entry-level roles is likely to result in a restructuring of these positions. The job market might oscillate between Amodei’s bleak outlook and the pre-ChatGPT era. Familiarity with AI will become essential, akin to proficiency in Microsoft Office, and employers will expect enhanced productivity standards. If a robot can handle the majority of the tasks assigned to a junior software engineer, it will necessitate a fivefold increase in output, similar to the previous expectations.
In late April, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella claimed that AI is responsible for 30% of Microsoft’s code. This could signify the future landscape of software development. While it may hold some truth, it is also plausible that Nadella, leading a company capitalizing on the AI boom, is exaggerating its contributions in an effort to market it. Mark Zuckerberg from Meta has made even bolder assertions, suggesting that his company may no longer require mid-level coders by the end of 2025, following a 5% staff reduction.
Last year’s photo of Meta director Mark Zuckerberg. Photo: Manuel Orbegozo/Reuters
Nevertheless, the immediate transition can be quite challenging. Recent graduates may find themselves ill-equipped, as their educational experiences did not emphasize AI, leading employers to doubt their preparedness for this evolving job landscape.
This predicament is not solely the fault of graduates; employers often remain unclear about their expectations surrounding AI. Axios has been investigating Amodei’s forecast, detailing how AI job cuts are advancing rapidly. Companies are hopeful that they can find alternatives to hiring employees by banking on AI’s capacity to fulfill similar roles.
An example from journalism might serve as a cautionary tale. Entry-level journalism jobs often involve compiling news from various sources in a manner consistent with the employing organization. AI can perform this task effectively when accuracy is ensured. When I first began, I spent several years refining my skills in this area. The trends indicated by Amodei’s claims resonate within our industry, where entry-level positions are in decline. Recently, Business Insider, a digital publication focused on finance and business news, terminated 20% of its workforce, with CEO Barbara Penn asserting the newsroom will prioritize “AI-first” strategies.
Axios itself highlights revelations concerning its own AI policies during an Amodei interview.
“Axios requests that managers clarify why AI is not suitable for particular tasks before allowing it to proceed,” the disclosure notes. The parentheses signal awareness that involving AI in the writing process could be detrimental to the brand. It further indicates that there may be no intention of refilling vacant positions, suggesting that AI may soon be expected to fill those roles.
This Week in AI
Musk’s Departure Leaves a Chaotic Mark
Elon Musk at the White House in April. Photo: Bloomberg/Getty Images
Last week, Elon Musk inferred his resignation from the White House, announcing the end of his controversial tenure as the de facto director of the “Doctor of Government Efficiency” (DOGE) under President Trump. Following his announcement, Trump convened a press conference to facilitate his departure. According to The New York Times, Musk claimed he had a drug that was heavily utilized during the campaign.
My colleague Nick Robbins noted the chaos left in Musk’s wake:
As Musk departed, he orchestrated the disruption of a half-formed strategy, dismantling institutions hindered by his allies implanted in key federal posts. His exit has already induced disorder within the government and heightened uncertainty, sparking inquiries about the extent of the vague task force’s influence in his absence—while others scramble to realign programs and services he obliterated.
Musk’s initial DOGE pitch aimed to save $2 trillion from the budget by eliminating excessive waste and fraud, alongside modernizing government software to enhance agency operations. So far, DOGE asserts it will yield approximately $140 billion in savings, although its claims have been criticized for significant inaccuracies. Trump’s new tax policies, not linked to DOGE, are projected to outpace DOGE’s savings while adding $2.3 trillion to the deficit. The promise of new, modernized software frequently centers around artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots, which are already in use by the Biden administration.
Ultimately, DOGE’s primary impact remains the disassembly of crucial government services and humanitarian support. Its cuts have targeted essential organizations like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Officials responsible for weather predictions and disaster management have been put in jeopardy, similar to the protections offered to the Veterans Affairs Bureau. Numerous smaller agencies, including those managing homelessness policy within the Veterans Affairs Bureau, have faced shutdowns. DOGE’s measures have crippled numerous agencies, leaving uncertainty regarding whether Musk’s departing staff are tasked with updating services or merely shutting them down.
As Musk re-engages with Tesla and SpaceX, the organizations he has dismantled are left to tackle the remnants of his decisions.
As Musk resumes leadership of his tech ventures, many former employees and inexperienced engineers recruited for DOGE will still be entrenched within government departments. A prominent concern about DOGE’s future revolves around whether these staff members maintain access to sensitive government data, preserving the same authority they wielded under Musk.
Read the timeline for Musk’s ventures in Washington.
Navigating Misinformation
Influencers Selling AI Art Prompts
ChatGPT logo featured on a keyboard. Photo: Jaque Silva/Nurphoto/Rex/Shutterstock
Would you consider purchasing instructions for ChatGPT?
Two weeks ago, the Instagram account @voidstomper, known for grotesque AI-generated videos and boasting 2.2 million followers, began selling unique prompts. The offer included ten prompts that contributed to the generation of the AI-powered videos posted by the account.
voidstomper remarked, “I initially hesitated to sell these, but I’m broke and they’re still going viral. Ten horrifying raw prompts I used, which garnered millions of views. Some may be illogical, but I utilize them across all AI video platforms.” The account manager has not responded to interview requests.
It’s not an isolated case. There is a burgeoning market for selling AI prompts. According to Promptbase founder Ben Stokes, the platform currently features around 20,000 sellers participating. Thousands of prompts are sold monthly, with writers compensating for their creations since 2022.
voidstomper marketed prompts designed for specific video creations, whereas buyers receive generalized templates rather than finite directives, as stated by Stokes.
“For instance, if a prompt is for creating a vintage-style poster of a renowned landmark, it will include a section like [LANDMARK NAME]. You could customize it with your local pier or any landmark you choose to depict,” he explained.
However, why would one purchase a text string that they could input themselves?
“Certain groups seek out high-quality, robust prompts for business applications. They wish to effectively integrate AI into their products or workflows. This typically necessitates prompts that yield consistent and reliable outputs. While the general perception is that ChatGPT is free, running sufficient generations to achieve a desired result could be expensive for businesses. Thus, investing in a prompt can be a more economical solution.
Even within the niche of AI-generated art, some view the selling of prompts as absurd. Holyfool36, an Instagram and TikTok influencer previously featured in this newsletter, expressed his distaste for such practices via email: “Frankly, I find it disappointing for the art community. Generating AI doesn’t require specialized skills; most people can figure out how to adapt prompts themselves without any cost.”
“I know voidstomper personally and have interacted with him frequently. I advised that the best way to monetize this would be to sell authentic and tangible products related to that brand.
Paleontologists have discovered peptide markers for three extinct Australian megafauna. This breakthrough facilitates research on creatures such as hippo-sized wombats, colossal kangaroos, and marsupials with enormous claws, aiding our understanding of the series of enigmatic extinctions that took place 50,000 years ago and the potential role of humans in these events.
“The geographical distribution and extinction timeline of Australia’s megafauna, along with their interaction with early modern humans, are subjects of intense debate,” commented Professor Katerina Dorca from the University of Vienna.
“The limited fossil finds at various paleontological sites across Australia complicate the testing of hypotheses regarding the extinction of these animals,” added Dr. Kali Peters, Ph.D., of the University of Algarbe.
“Using ZooMS (Zoo departments by mass spectrometry) can aid in increasing the number of identified megafauna fossils, provided that collagen peptide markers for these species are accessible.”
Through the analysis of peptides in collagen samples, researchers can differentiate between various animal species, occasionally even distinguishing among different variants.
Collagen proves to be more resilient than DNA, making this method effective in tropical conditions where DNA may not endure.
However, most reference markers originate from Eurasian species that are not found elsewhere.
This study aims to develop new reference markers tailored for Australian contexts, enhancing the understanding gleaned from the fragmented fossil records of Australia.
“Proteins tend to endure better over extensive time periods and in harsh environments compared to DNA,” noted Dr. Peters.
“Thus, in studying megafauna extinction, proteins might still be preserved even in the absence of DNA.”
The research focused on three species crucial for comprehending megafauna extinction: Zygomaturus trilobus, Palorchestes Azael, and Protemnodon Mamkurra.
Zygomaturus trilobus and Palorchestes Azael belong to a lineage of animals that vanished entirely during the late Quaternary period, while Protemnodon Mamkurra survived long enough to likely coexist with humans arriving in Tasmania.
Scientists previously dated fossilized bones from one species back over 43,000 years.
“Zygomaturus trilobus was among the largest marsupials that ever lived, appearing much like a hippo-sized wombat,” said Professor Douka.
“Protemnodon Mamkurra was a massive, sluggish kangaroo that might have occasionally walked on all fours.”
“Palorchestes Azael was a uniquely shaped marsupial with a distinctive nose and long tongue, powerful forelimbs, and a skull equipped with large claws.”
“If ancient continents connected early modern humans to what we now know as Australia, New Guinea, and Tasmania 55,000 years ago, they would have encountered astonishing creatures.”
The researchers eliminated contaminants and compared peptide markers using reference markers.
The collagen in all three samples was well-preserved, enabling the identification of appropriate peptide markers for each species.
With these markers, paleontologists successfully differentiated Protemnodon from five living genera and one extinct genus of kangaroo.
They could also differentiate Zygomaturus and Palorchestes as these two species couldn’t be distinguished from other large extinct marsupials.
This is common in ZooMS, given that collagen changes accumulate slowly over millions of years of evolution.
Unless further studies enhance specificity, these markers are most effective at identifying bones at the genus level rather than the species level.
Nevertheless, Zoom’s ability to distinguish genera from temperate regions presents opportunities to try and identify bones from tropical regions, where closely related species may feature similar or identical peptide markers, since DNA preservation is rare in these environments.
“The introduction of newly developed collagen peptide markers allows us to identify a multitude of megafauna remains in Australia’s paleontological collections,” stated Dr. Peters.
“Yet, many more species still require characterization through collagen peptide markers.”
“For instance, Diprotodon, the largest marsupial genus ever known, and Thylacoleo, the largest marsupial predator.”
The team’s findings will be published in the journal Frontiers in Mammal Science.
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Kari Peters et al. 2025. Collagen peptide markers from three Australian megafauna species. Front. Mammal. Sci. 4; doi:10.3389/fmamm.2025.1564287
The music industry is currently facing a struggle, particularly regarding the operations of streaming services, with unsuspecting indie artists caught in the crossfire.
Streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music are inundated with AI-generated tracks, which are cheap and easy to produce. In April, Deather estimated that 20,000 fully AI-created tracks—making up 18% of new releases—were being consumed daily, nearly double the number from January. Scammers often employ bots, AI, or even humans to loop these fake songs repeatedly to generate revenue, while some exploit upload services to place counterfeit songs on legitimate artist pages, siphoning off royalties.
Spotify has begun penalizing the most egregious offenders, with the statement that it is utilizing “significant engineering resources and investigations into the detection, mitigation, and removal of artificial streaming activities.” Meanwhile, Apple Music contends that “less than 1% of all streams are manipulated.” While this might sound reassuring, the global streaming business generated $20.4 billion (according to IFPI), indicating that hundreds of millions of dollars could be lost annually to fraudulent operators.
One significant issue arises from the drastically lowered entry barriers for musicians; uploading a song to streaming platforms is now much simpler than producing CDs and vinyl. However, this ease has similarly afforded fraudsters an easier path. Though the industry has declared war on this manipulation, the automatic detection systems can mistakenly flag innocent artists, leading to their music being taken down.
Spotify’s headquarters in New York. Photo: John Nacion Imaging/Shutterstock
Darren Owen, COO of music streaming service Fuga, identified a “surge in streaming scams” spreading throughout the industry since around 2021.
Utilizing AI and machine learning, FUGA assigns a “severity score” to streaming patterns and distinguishes “nonhuman listening habits” to uncover fraudulent activities. “I wouldn’t listen to the same song on different devices at once,” Owen states. Countries like India, Vietnam, Thailand, and certain areas in Eastern Europe have been flagged as hotspots for click-farm operations utilizing low-wage labor. “It’s also been revealed that organized crime is involved,” he adds.
It’s not just platforms like Germany’s Pimpyourfollower.de, which was taken down following a court order. Similar services in Canada and Brazil are also facing scrutiny from record industry trade organizations for inflating streaming numbers artificially. Universal Music Group (UMG), the world’s largest record label, has allegedly conspired to boost play counts for Kendrick Lamar’s diss track “None Like Us.”
The Guardian has spoken with several artists who find themselves in the firing line of this manipulation war.
Darren Hemmings, managing director and musician at the music marketing company Motive Unknown, reported that a recent EP saw a track’s plays spike over 1,000—an indication of manipulation. “I don’t blame them for concluding that,” he says, but adds, “it’s very much like being judged, tried, and executed all at once.” He insists he did not manipulate his streams but couldn’t identify the cause aside from climbing popularity among real listeners.
The Northern Irish rock band Final 13 experienced their music being removed from streaming services due to a sudden spike of tens of thousands of plays. They believe this surge resulted from airplay on Radio 1, yet concluded their distributors were caught up in automated manipulation. “It’s really tough for any artist to prove they didn’t [manipulate streams], but it’s even more challenging for Spotify to justify what they did,” remarks their drummer, Doubes. “[They] take it down, and that’s the end of it.”
Matthew Whiteside at night… Photo: Julie Houden
Indie artist Adam J. Morgan, known as Naked Burner, earned over 10,000 streams in a week, likely due to his music being featured in TikTok videos, but was flagged as suspicious by distributor Routenote. “I hadn’t done anything wrong, and they offered no evidence,” he states, suspecting that it was simply due to an overly sensitive algorithm. “I spent the weekend trying to understand the problem, but Spotify informed me that my music wasn’t flagged at all.” Routenote did not respond to a request for comment.
Such takedowns can disrupt musicians, hinder marketing efforts, and ultimately affect earnings. Matthew Whiteside, who heads TNW Music Label, has faced claims of artificial streaming for three different albums. He noted that TNW Music tracks had been included in a controlled playlist. “It didn’t make sense based on genre. My distributor said I could resubmit the album for $40 each time, but that’s not feasible without assurance of success.”
“Streaming generally favors smaller acts and niche genres,” he observes. “I’d be thrilled to get 1,000 streams a month with an album.” Consequently, paying to re-upload an album can be beyond the release budget.
Deezer claims to be leading the way in implementing fraud detection mechanisms. “We monitor various metrics to help our algorithms determine user authenticity,” says Thibault Roucou, reporting director at the company’s royalties department. “When we initiate a takedown, we manually review the situation to ensure it’s a serious issue.”
Regrettably, many systems that execute takedowns often presume guilt, and the appeal processes can be so complicated that many small acts, already struggling, simply give up. Levina, who represented Germany in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2017, experienced her music being removed from streaming platforms without any warning. “Appealing against them is nearly impossible,” she sighs.
Levina is the chairman of the Artist Council in the Association of High-profile Artists. Photo: Sam Rockman
She is also the chair of the Artists Council within the Feature Artists Coalition, working to establish “minimum standards for what distributors should provide.” She suggests implementing a traffic light warning system, allowing artists the opportunity to present their defense or rectify issues.
Streaming platforms and distributors assert that the focus is on containment rather than complete removal. However, Owen notes that the current issue isn’t solely about scammers perpetrating large-scale manipulations but involves subtle adjustments to numerous tracks to avoid detection.
For Hemmings, this situation could result in a two-tier streaming landscape where smaller acts abandon mainstream platforms. “This might lead to the conclusion that focusing on alternative revenue streams is a wiser choice for many within the independent music community.”
The Milky Way galaxy is often believed to be on a collision path with the neighboring Andromeda galaxy. This merger, anticipated roughly 5 billion years in the future, is expected to create a new elliptical galaxy. However, recent studies indicate that the likelihood of such a catastrophic event may be less than previously assumed.
These images depict three encounter scenarios between the Milky Way galaxy and the neighboring Andromeda galaxy. Top left: Messier 81 and Messier82. TopRight: NGC6786. BOTTOM: NGC 520. Image credits: NASA/ESA/STSCI/DSS/Till Sawala, Helsinki University/Joseph Depasquale, STSCI.
The Milky Way navigates through space, its trajectory affected by the gravitational forces from nearby galaxies, including Andromeda, Triangulum, and the Large Magellanic Cloud.
Consequently, prior studies have proposed for over a decade that the Milky Way is likely to collide with Andromeda, forming a new elliptical galaxy referred to as Milkomeda in about 5 billion years.
Dr. Thiru Sawara, an astronomer at the University of Helsinki, stated:
In their latest research, Dr. Sawara and colleagues utilized updated data from the ESA Gaia satellite and the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope to model the Milky Way’s movement through space over the next 10 billion years, while also refining estimates of the masses of local galaxies.
They discovered that there is about a 50% chance that no collision will occur between the Milky Way and Andromeda during this time frame.
The authors suggest that previous analyses overlooked certain calculations and uncertainties, including the gravitational influence of the Large Magellanic Cloud (a smaller galaxy orbiting the Milky Way).
They also propose that a merger with the Magellanic Clouds is nearly certain within the next two billion years, prior to any potential interaction with Andromeda.
“Even with the latest and most precise observational data at hand, the future of local galaxy groups remains uncertain,” Dr. Sawara remarked.
“Interestingly, there are roughly equal probabilities of widely discussed merger scenarios or, conversely, scenarios where the Milky Way and Andromeda remain unaffected.”
The team’s findings will be featured this week in the journal Nature Astronomy.
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T. Sawara et al. There is no certainty regarding the Milky Way and Andromeda collision. Nature Astronomy. Published online on June 2, 2025. doi:10.1038/s41550-025-02563-1
Lawmakers have accused Apple and Google of benefiting from millions of pounds linked to mobile phone theft operations that police claim are orchestrated by organized crime networks in the UK, Algeria, and China.
In London alone, 80,000 mobile devices were stolen in 2024, marking a significant increase from 64,000 in 2023—an uptick of a quarter. The total street value of these devices is estimated to be around £20 million, with iPhones constituting the majority of the thefts.
During a session of the House of Representatives’ Science and Technology Committee on Tuesday, the Metropolitan Police indicated that smartphone manufacturers should actively work to diminish the resale value of stolen devices. They noted that companies are starting to prevent stolen phones from accessing cloud services, which could help in this regard.
However, despite calls for action since 2023, the companies have yet to respond positively, commented Darren Scates, the Metropolitan Police’s chief officer for digital data and technology.
“We’ve observed significant community impact,” remarked Martin Wrigley, a liberal Democrat on the committee. “[The companies] should implement this immediately, without excuses.”
When questioned about their inaction, representatives from the companies highlighted existing security features aimed at protecting customer data.
Simon Wingrove, Google’s software engineering manager, asserted that their system is “robust and highly effective.”
Gary Davis, Apple’s senior director of regulatory affairs, acknowledged that account disconnection due to fraud poses a challenge, as it can delete accounts that unauthorized users wish to regain access to.
Kit Malthouse, a Conservative former police minister, suggested that Apple has a strong commercial incentive to maintain the status quo, stating that the £50 million loss from stolen phones in London each year favors their business model.
He also proposed that Apple may be profiting from providing services to a vast number of users who own stolen mobile phones worldwide.
In response, Davis asserted: “We do not profit from this situation. We must reject the notion that users can somehow gain from the distress of having their phones stolen. We have invested hundreds of millions to ensure user protections.”
The Metropolitan Police reported a 15% decline in all types of thefts during April and May, with roughly two-thirds of mobile phone thefts decreasing. Commander James Conway cautioned that this is a “tentative reduction,” attributing it to enhanced police focus on mobile theft and user safety. Scotland Yard recently acquired a fleet of high-speed electric bikes to pursue thieves more effectively.
Conway noted that theft and robbery are “easy crimes to commit” in London, citing how young adults can use high-powered e-bikes to swiftly package stolen phones in silver foil or Faraday bags to evade detection, then transfer them to mid-market resellers.
The majority of stolen phones are high-end Apple models, with police estimating that such devices are sold on the streets for between £300 and £400. The trade is driven by the relatively high costs of phone usage in low-income regions. Over 90% of stolen mobile phones are reused, while the remainder is dismantled for parts, with screens being particularly valuable.
The hearing began as Malthouse witnessed an attempted phone theft by two masked individuals on a bike while en route to Congress on Tuesday morning.
Regularly incorporating chickpeas into your diet can lead to a notable reduction in cholesterol levels. Discover more at the Nutrition 2025 Meeting in Orlando.
A 12-week research study by the Illinois Institute of Technology explored the impact of consuming one glass of chickpeas or black beans daily with a group of 72 pre-diabetic adults.
Participants were randomly assigned to consume chickpeas, black beans, or rice (as a control) along with their usual meals. Blood samples were taken at the beginning, middle, and conclusion of the study to monitor alterations in cholesterol, inflammation, and blood glucose levels.
The findings indicated that total cholesterol levels dropped significantly from an average of 200.4 to 185.8 milligrams per deciliter after 12 weeks of daily chickpea intake.
Among the legumes studied, only chickpeas were linked to lower cholesterol. “No significant changes in cholesterol were detected with black bean consumption,” stated Morgan Smith, who spoke to doctoral candidates from the Illinois Institute of Technology presenting their research at the conference. BBC Science Focus.
Additionally, chickpeas appeared to reduce inflammation in the short term. “By the six-week mark of chickpea consumption, we noted a significant decline in highly sensitive C-reactive protein (HS-CRP),” Smith remarked. This protein serves as a marker for inflammation in the body.
“Nevertheless, these results diminished by week 12. Although HS-CRP remained lower at week 12 compared to the baseline, the distinctions were no longer statistically significant,” she explained.
Conversely, while black beans did reduce inflammation, they did not impact cholesterol levels.
These results imply that chickpeas and black beans may provide varied health advantages due to their unique nutritional compositions.
Participants consuming one glass of chickpeas daily for 12 weeks experienced a significant reduction in cholesterol levels. – Getty
“We are currently investigating this, particularly concerning the bioactive components that set apart black beans from chickpeas,” Smith added. “We are analyzing the (poly)phenol content of both the intervention and the corresponding metabolite profile in the blood.”
Smith noted that chickpeas and black beans were selected for their “richness in dietary fiber, plant-based proteins, and bioactive compounds,” and for their convenience as canned options.
“Participants were in a free-living state and simply asked to integrate canned black beans or chickpeas into their regular diet without any specific preparation guidelines,” she stated.
While the study did not yield changes in blood glucose levels, researchers are still examining data related to glucose regulation and plan to explore how legumes influence gut microbiota.
“We are particularly focused on identifying changes in microbial metabolites, like short-chain fatty acids, and how these alterations enhance metabolic health outcomes,” Smith remarked.
“Ultimately, our aim is to deepen our understanding of the connections between diet, microbiome, and chronic disease prevention.”
The complete findings of this study are yet to be published in peer-reviewed journals.
About our experts
Morgan Smith is a doctoral candidate in food science and nutrition at Illinois Institute of Technology. She has contributed to peer-reviewed research featured in the journals Nutrition and Healthy Aging and Metabolites.
San Juan, Puerto Rico – Enveloped in a significant amount of dust clouds from the Sahara Desert, the Caribbean is headed towards the US on Monday for one of the year’s most noteworthy events.
These clouds have expanded from Jamaica, stretching approximately 2,000 miles (3,200 kilometers) past Barbados in the Eastern Caribbean, and about 750 miles (1,200 kilometers) from the Turks and Caicos Islands down to Trinidad and Tobago.
“It’s quite remarkable,” noted Alex Dasilva, a hurricane expert at Accuweather.
The hazy skies have triggered sneezing, coughing, and watery eyes throughout the Caribbean. Local meteorologists are advising individuals with allergies, asthma, or other respiratory issues to stay indoors or wear face masks when outside.
Idiana Zayas, a forecaster at the National Weather Service in San Juan, Puerto Rico, reported elevated dust levels.
As per the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, an aerosol’s optical depth quantifies how many particles obstruct sunlight from reaching the ground.
The plume is anticipated to reach Florida, Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi later this week and over the weekend, Dasilva mentioned.
However, he indicated that plumes often lose much of their density in the Eastern Caribbean.
“These islands typically face higher concentrations that can partially block sunlight, leading to more noticeable effects,” he remarked.
The dry, dusty air known as the Saharan air layer originates from the African Sahara Desert and travels westward from around April to October, according to NOAA. It also hinders the formation of tropical waves during the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30.
June and July generally see the highest average dust concentrations, with plumes moving between 5,000 and 20,000 feet above ground, Dasilva pointed out.
In June 2020, record levels of Sahara dust filled the Caribbean. The scale and density of the plume were unprecedented in half a century, prompting forecasters to label it the “Godzilla Dust Cloud.”
oOn a recent Saturday afternoon in Kampala’s informal settlement in Uganda’s capital, a crowd of young men gathered on benches inside a dimly lit shed to enjoy the pirated version of the Hollywood comedy horror film “The Monkey.”
As the English action played out on the screen, a narrated translation in Bantu Luganda by VJ Junior, one of Uganda’s leading video jockeys, reverberated throughout the room.
By freely translating films and TV shows for local audiences, VJ Junior has become a key figure in the TV and film culture across rural and low-income areas of East Africa.
These VJs act as part narrators and part comedians, often simplifying scripts and placing them in relatable contexts. For instance, they might replace a character’s name with that of a local individual or swap out a Western concept for a Ugandan analogy.
Ugandans will view the film “The Monkey” in April at a video hall in Katwe, Kampala. Photo: Carlos Mureithi/The Guardian
In one notable scene, a father discusses his son’s absence, stating, “So I’m away because I have to carry all sorts of weird baggage and deal with it,” to which he adds, “It’s the bad… the evil… that I’ve inherited from my father, and I don’t want to share that with you.”
VJ Junior summarized this moment with: “The reason I didn’t want to be with you is that I am weighed down by burdens. I inherited mental anguish, demonic influences, curses, and more from my father.”
VJs have the ability to infuse humor, exaggeration, and distinctive sound effects into their translations, sometimes diverging significantly from the original script.
Having grown up in Kampala during the 1990s, VJ Junior, born Mary Smart Matobu, developed a passion for film and frequently enjoyed Hollywood movies translated by VJs.
VJ Junior shares that his role involves “helping people understand, entertain, and draw inspiration from films.” Photo: Carlos Mureithi/The Guardian
In 2006, he entered the field, inheriting a recording studio from his older brother, VJ Ronnie, and later moved to the U.S. to pursue filmmaking. He recalled that his debut as a VJ, while working on “Rambo III,” “lacked finesse,” but he enhanced his skills by studying iconic figures like KK The Best and VJ Jingo.
VJ Junior’s big break came in 2009 with the translation of “Promise,” a Filipino soap opera for local channel Bukedde TV. “It was a massive success and became a significant brand for me,” the 40-year-old noted. “People began to trust my work.”
rRonnie’s Entertainment, the bustling video store in Katwe, drew shoppers eager to browse shelves crammed with thousands of VJ DVDs. Employees were busy copying movies onto customers’ flash drives. A DVD would sell for 2,000 Ugandan shillings (£0.41), with the flash drive copy costing 1,000 shillings.
Shop owner Ronald Zentongo reported vending hundreds of films and television shows daily, revealing that blockbuster titles include Marvel films and series like “Prison Break” and “24.” “Customers eagerly anticipate VJ Junior’s translations.”
The culture of Ugandan video jockeys emerged from the colonial practice where evangelists provided microphones to translate Christian films for local audiences. The 1980s saw the rise of video halls as VHS foreign films became more accessible. To bridge the language gap, video hall operators enlisted VJs to translate these films into local languages in real time.
With advancements in technology, VJs have transitioned from VHS to VCDs, and now to DVDs and flash drives. Numerous websites have popped up, allowing viewers to stream and download content via subscriptions.
The industry is also diversifying; some VJs are now dubbing Ugandan films and TV shows, with new VJs translating into languages beyond Luganda, the predominant language in the country.
A DVD being sold at Ronnie Entertainment. Photo: Carlos Mureithi/The Guardian
By adapting foreign films and series for Ugandan viewers, VJs foster a sense of belonging, as noted by Imokola John Baptist, a lecturer at Makerere University. His research suggests audiences feel valued, recognized, and acknowledged, though he cautions against over-translation that may obscure core themes and messages.
Video jockeys and their distributors often find themselves at odds with authorities over copyright infringements, facing the risk of police raids on video stores leading to confiscation of DVDs and copying equipment. VJ Junior expressed that copyright issues pose significant hurdles for his business, making it “incredibly challenging” to obtain dubbing rights for foreign films.
Describing the VJ’s contribution to Ugandan society as pivotal in “helping individuals to understand, entertain, and inspire,” VJ Junior stated he typically dubs around 10 films and TV episodes each week.
“Research is essential. You need to be informed, educated,” he remarks about the skills vital for his role. “The industry is expanding, and the demand is increasing.”
The Cascadia subduction zone, a vast fault line extending from Northern California to British Columbia, has remained unsettlingly silent for 300 years. Should it finally rupture, a substantial earthquake is anticipated to shake the Pacific Northwest for several minutes.
Even more alarming, the resulting tsunami could generate waves reaching up to 100 feet (30 meters), wreaking havoc along the coast.
New research published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences indicates that this event would only mark the onset of Cascadia’s cataclysm.
As if waves equivalent in size to those of the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami weren’t frightening enough, the latest analysis reveals land along the coast could subside by more than 2.5 meters (8 feet) almost instantaneously.
“We often discuss climate-induced sea level rises at a rate of 3-4 millimeters annually,” noted Professor Tina Dura, the lead author of the study, in an interview with BBC Science Focus. “But here, we could witness a 2-meter sea level rise in just a few minutes. Why aren’t we talking about that more?”
What Happens When Cascadia Erupts?
The Cascadia subduction zone represents the boundary where the oceanic Juan de Fuca plate descends beneath the North American plate. However, these tectonic plates tend to get stuck rather than moving freely. When they finally lock in place, immense pressure builds over centuries.
Once this pressure is released, it results in a formidable earthquake.
Cascadia is capable of producing earthquakes reaching magnitudes of 9.0 or higher, historically experienced once every 450-500 years. The last event occurred on January 26, 1700, with estimates suggesting its magnitude was likely between 8.7 and 9.2.
According to the US National Earthquake Hazard Model, there is a 15% chance of experiencing earthquakes of magnitude 8.0 or greater in this zone over the next 50 years.
Planning exercises conducted by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in 2022 predicted that these tremors could directly result in 5,800 fatalities, with an additional 8,000 lives lost to the tsunami.
Over 100,000 individuals could be injured, and more than 618,000 buildings could be damaged or destroyed, impacting over 2,000 schools and 100 critical facilities. The estimated economic impact: $134 billion.
“This will definitely be a catastrophic event for the United States,” Dura stated.
read more:
Aftershocks That Will Last for Decades
While the earthquake and tsunami will be devastating on their own, Dura and her colleagues warn that the long-term consequences could be equally destructive.
By integrating historical records of past Cascadia earthquakes with geological data from numerical models, the researchers assessed how coastal landscapes may be altered due to subsidence from the sudden sinking of land during an earthquake.
If a Cascadia earthquake were to occur today, land at 24 estuaries stretching from southern Washington to northern California could drop anywhere from 0.23 to 2.67 meters (0.76 to 8.76 feet) in minutes.
This could significantly expand the 100-year flood plain by 300 square kilometers (115 square miles), meaning more homes, roads, and infrastructure would fall into at-risk areas. In a severe subsidence scenario, flood exposure could more than double.
“It’s a dual threat,” Dura explained. “The tsunami will be catastrophic, but we also know that some locations will face extreme impacts, while others will experience serious repercussions due to the geographic layout of the coast.”
Located in the US Pacific Northwest and southwest British Columbia, the Cascadia subduction zone last shifted in 1700, resulting in a major earthquake. – John Wesley Powell Analysis and Synthesis/Center for USGS
In 1700, the infrastructure suffered minimal damage. Today, the region is filled with critical systems that remain vulnerable to inundation. These include five airports, 18 emergency facilities (such as schools, hospitals, fire stations), eight wastewater treatment plants, one current, and 57 potential contamination sources like gas stations and chemical storages.
Submerged roads and flooded emergency hubs could severely impede recovery, while saltwater intrusion could damage farmland, resulting in long-term economic repercussions.
Furthermore, natural flood defenses like intertidal wetlands could be inundated or eroded, weakening protection against future storm surges. Rising tidal ranges could compound high-water flooding and may exacerbate the erosion of sandy coastlines.
“Once the tsunami hits and eventually recedes, the land will remain at a lower level,” Dura noted. “The flood plain footprint will evolve over decades, and even centuries.”
The Sooner It Hits, The Better
While the occurrence of an earthquake is inherently negative, the longer Cascadia remains quiet, the worse the ultimate disaster may be.
Researchers simulated what would occur if an earthquake were to strike in 2100 instead of today. With climate change, rising sea levels could exacerbate the consequences.
The global average sea level has already seen an increase of 21-24 cm (8-9 inches) since 1880, as reported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Projections suggest an increase of at least 20 cm (2 feet) by 2100.
However, the situation in Cascadia is somewhat complex. As the Juan de Fuca plate slides beneath the North American plates, the land on the continent is gradually uplifted, temporarily masking the implications of global sea level rise.
This slow upward thrust won’t last indefinitely. Eventually, climate change will catch up, leading to a rise in sea levels in the Pacific Northwest on par with other areas. Consequently, the two challenges—tectonic and climatic—are converging.
“You can imagine that when the land subsides during the next earthquake, you suddenly have to contend with centuries of comparable sea level rise,” Dura remarked.
By 2100, even without earthquakes, researchers estimate that flood plains could expand by 100 square kilometers (40 square miles). This, combined with subsidence from a potential earthquake, could triple flood exposure compared to today, resulting in a flood plain enlargement of up to 370 square kilometers (145 square miles).
How Can You Prepare?
What steps can communities take to prepare for this complex threat that combines earthquakes, tsunamis, subsidence, and sea level rise?
Dura admitted that there is no straightforward solution.
“Cascadia presents a unique challenge due to its prolonged quietude,” she said. “It’s tough to keep residents informed about the risks without inciting undue panic. How do you prepare without instilling fear?”
As an initial measure, Dura’s team suggests incorporating their findings into flood hazard and tsunami maps and collaborating across agencies to enhance preparedness.
Key actions include identifying critical infrastructure in future flood zones, planning for relocation or adaptation, promoting nature-based solutions by raising public awareness, restoring wetlands, and carefully considering new developments in high-risk areas.
Is all hope lost? Dura insists that time is of the essence.
“There are certainly individuals actively working on this. I don’t want to undermine their efforts,” she said. “But we need more people engaged in the issue. Perhaps we lack adequate resources, funding, or personnel, but collective efforts are being made, and significant new research is emerging.”
read more:
About Our Experts
Tina Dura is an assistant professor of natural disasters at Virginia Tech in the United States. She specializes in subduction zone paleogeography, integrating methodologies from coastal stratigraphy, sedimentology, microbiology, paleoconservation, geophysics, and sediment transport modeling, as well as sea level research to reconstruct the extensive history of subsidence along the coastal region.
tOne intriguing aspect of the console launch is the element of surprise in the first batch of games. Who could have guessed that the standout title for PlayStation would be Fireworks Simulation (Fantavision), or that the most entertaining offering in the inaugural GameCube lineup would involve racing with gigantic, transparent gloves (Super Monkey Balls)?
The most recent addition to this mix is Konami’s Survival Kids, the sole new third-party title in the Switch 2 Opening Wave. This latest entry in the cult series of Tropical Island Survival Sims by the publisher originates from Game Boy Color and was revised for the Nintendo DS under a new moniker, despite not achieving widespread international success. Players, in groups of up to four, find themselves marooned on a mystical archipelago, requiring them to gather resources, craft tools, locate food, and explore vibrant cartoon landscapes. While four players can join online, the game also supports game sharing on Switch 2, allowing one owner to connect wirelessly with others and play together.
A vibrant, manga-style setting… it’s still from Survival Kids.
Photo: Konami Digital Entertainment
Andrew Dennison, the head of game developer Unity, considers this feature to be one of the key highlights of Switch 2. “With Splitscreen, a single console renders two different game views,” he explains. “With GameShare, one view can be compressed and streamed. It renders everything three times and transmits it to the other consoles. As long as you understand the specifications of the technology, the advantages of GameShare are enjoyable. You don’t have to own the game to play.”
In contrast to survival games like Don’t Starve or Project Zomboid (or even Lost in Blue), Survival Kids does not impose lethal consequences. Although a shortage of food will slow your progress, you won’t actually starve to death. If you perish, you simply respawn nearby. “We wanted to ensure the game is enjoyable for players of all skill levels,” Dennison adds. “It’s a balancing act. I don’t want to bore experienced gamers, but I aim to streamline challenges without oversimplifying them to the point of being irrelevant.” Due to a strict NDA surrounding Switch 2 hardware, developers had limited access to external testers, resulting in Dennison testing the game within his niece and finance department.
Collaboration is key… Survival Kids
Photo: Konami Digital Entertainment
Crafting tools plays a vital role. By combining vines and sticks, players can create a fishing rod for useful items. Building an umbrella allows navigation across wide canyons. There’s no cumbersome item management; players can simply retrieve what they need from a magical spit bucket. All tools are organized in Basecamp rather than menus, allowing easy access to essentials.
Much like Overcooked, Survival Kids emphasizes streamlined cooperation and well-split tasks. It’s quicker for two individuals to chop wood and break rocks, thus establishing a labor team. Meanwhile, a culinary expert is essential for gathering plants and preparing food, which fuels the energy required for climbing cliffs and transporting heavy items. “We’ve put a lot of effort into enhancing our customer experience,” remarks Richard Jones, creative director at Konami Digital Entertainment. “This is how Basecamp functions as a communal spot. It’s essentially a shared kitchen.”
Unlike many contemporary survival sims, Survival Kids is not entirely open-ended. The objective is to explore multiple islands, providing a sense of an escape room. Players can also revisit levels for extra attempts. Despite its family-friendly appearance, the game features intriguing, challenging physics-based puzzles with various solutions. Additionally, it maintains a playful tone and humor. This is likely due to the fact that many developers at Dennison and Unity’s Stratford-Upon-Avon office previously came from Codemasters and Rare.
Will Konami bring more classic titles to Switch 2? “I know there are other Konami teams that are keen on this platform, and we can support them,” says Jones. “I’m keeping my fingers crossed for at least two more projects from Konami.” For now, Survival Kids appears to be an excellent pilot for family game sharing on the new console.
New research suggests that consuming sweet beverages poses a greater risk of type 2 diabetes compared to eating foods that contain sugar.
The study from Brigham Young University (BYU) in the US found that sugary drinks, such as sodas and fruit juices, are linked to an increased likelihood of developing the disease, whereas no similar connection was found with sugar intake from solid foods.
Dr. Karen Dela Corte, the lead author of the study and a professor of nutrition sciences at BYU, stated that the findings highlight why consuming sugar in the form of beverages like soda and juice is more detrimental to health than ingesting it through food.
Researchers analyzed data from 29 studies involving over half a million individuals across Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Oceania to identify which sources of sugar are most closely associated with the onset of type 2 diabetes.
The analysis revealed that a 340ml (12oz) serving of sugary drinks (including soft drinks, energy drinks, and sports drinks) increases the risk of type 2 diabetes by 25%.
Fruit juices, such as pure fruit juice and various juice drinks, exhibited similar effects, even when consumed in moderation. An additional 226ml (8 oz) serving per day raised the risk by 5%.
These risks are relative; for instance, if an individual has a baseline risk of 10% for developing type 2 diabetes, consuming four sodas daily could elevate that risk to around 20%.
Conversely, dietary sugars derived from fruit, table sugar, and general sugar content were not linked to a higher risk of type 2 diabetes and may even be associated with a lower risk in some cases.
While a good source of nutrients, certain fruit juices can contain sugar levels comparable to those in sweet sodas. – Credit: dmitriy83 via Getty
As this study is observational, it cannot definitively establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship between sugary drinks and type 2 diabetes. It’s possible that individuals who consume more sugary beverages are more likely to develop the condition.
The researchers adjusted their analyses to account for calorie intake, obesity, and other lifestyle factors, allowing them to isolate the impact of sugar itself instead of focusing on overall caloric consumption.
Nevertheless, Dela Corte emphasized that the findings highlight the necessity for more stringent nutritional guidelines regarding liquid sugars, including fruit juices, in relation to health. “Future dietary recommendations may need to differentiate the health impacts of sugar based on its source and form,” she said.
In a significant shift, Marc Maron has revealed that he will be concluding his widely acclaimed podcast WTF with Marc Maron after running for nearly 16 years and over 1,600 episodes. The series finale is set to air later this year.
“After 16 years of podcasting, we’ve decided it’s been an incredible journey,” Maron stated during a recent episode. “Honestly, it’s time, folks. The WTF era is coming to a close. That’s our choice. Expect a final episode in the fall.”
Maron shared that he and his producer Brendan McDonald are feeling “exhausted” and “burned out,” yet they are “very satisfied with the work we’ve accomplished.”
When Maron launched WTF in 2009, he was already an experienced stand-up comic, having had his Air America radio shows cancelled. He began recording in his garage. Initially, WTF delved into Maron’s emotions as he connected with fellow comedians, revealing his anxieties about his career, relationships, and feelings of abandonment.
With Maron’s increased openness, the podcast transitioned from his personal struggles, including his battle with addiction, to more profound discussions related to creativity and fulfillment. The show attracted a diverse array of actors, directors, and musicians, and Maron’s conversational style inspired even the most notable guests to share untold stories.
For those looking to indulge, there are 1,600 episodes of WTF available (though earlier episodes may be behind a paywall). The highlights typically feature (male) comedians, including Conan O’Brien, Mel Brooks, and Norm MacDonald. However, some episodes, like those with Courtney Love and Ben Kingsley, haven’t been as well-received. Here are five standout episodes:
President Barack Obama recorded a WTF episode in Maron’s garage in Los Angeles. Photo: Pete Souza/White House
This episode is a landmark in podcasting, showcasing how powerful the medium can be, even attracting a sitting US president to discuss issues like parenthood, racism, and gun control in a Los Angeles garage. It’s as impactful as the subsequent episode, The President Was Here, where Maron and McDonald share experiences with the Secret Service.
In this poignant interview, Williams opens up about his battles with depression, alcoholism, and suicidal thoughts. Maron later re-released it with a new introduction following Williams’ passing in 2014, and it was inducted into the Library of Congress National Records Register.
Over two captivating hours in 2010, Maron and Louis CK embarked on a therapeutic dialogue reflecting on their fractured friendship. CK expressed feelings of abandonment during a challenging period, while Maron acknowledged his hopes for CK’s success. Slate regards it as the best podcast episode ever; Maron himself, however, felt it wasn’t the best interview but found it personally beneficial.
This episode captured Maron’s initial meeting with indie filmmaker Shelton. At the time, they were both involved with others, but the chemistry was undeniable. They later fell in love and remained together until her tragic passing in 2020 from an undiagnosed blood disorder at age 54. Maron chose to re-release the interview shortly after her death, reflecting on their bond.
Known for roles like Joe Dirt and as the charmingly lascivious character in several films, Spade reveals his true humor in this episode. He shares a surprising personal story about being attacked at home, showcasing his knack for storytelling. “I had to cut him back to two days a week after that,” Spade recalls.
The NGC 685 is abundant in star-forming nebulae and appears as a dazzling pink cloud in recent images captured by the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope.
This Hubble image illustrates the Spiral Galaxy NGC 685 on the bar. The color images were created from individual exposures captured in ultraviolet light using Hubble’s Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3) and derived from visible and near-infrared sections of the spectrum. Built upon data gathered through six filters, different hues are assigned to each monochromatic image related to a specific filter. Image credits: NASA/ESA/Hubble/J. Lee/F. Belfiore.
NGC 685 is situated approximately 64 million light-years away in the southern constellation of Eridanus.
Previously known as ESO 152-24, IRAS 01458-5300, or LEDA 6581, the galaxy was discovered by British astronomer John Herschel on October 3, 1834.
Spanning around 74,000 light-years, the galaxy features a luminous central bar and a distinctively curved arm.
“NGC 685 is classified as a barred spiral galaxy, with its delicate spiral arms emerging from the edge of a stellar bar at the heart of the galaxy,” Hubble astronomers stated.
“The Milky Way, while not a perfect spiral, is nearly twice the size of NGC 685.”
Astronomers utilized Hubble for two observational programs focused on star formation in NGC 685.
“It’s no surprise that NGC 685 was selected for these studies. The galaxy’s spiral arms are marked by numerous patches of young blue stars,” they noted.
“Many of these star clusters are enveloped by a vibrant pink gas cloud known as the H II region.”
“The H II region is a gas cloud that gleams momentarily, especially during the birth of a massive, hot star.”
“The particularly striking H II region can be seen near the lower edge of the image.”
“Despite the visible star-forming regions, NGC 685 converts gas into stars each year at a rate of less than half the mass of the sun.”
“The data collected by Hubble across two observational programs enables us to catalog 50,000 H II regions and 100,000 star clusters in nearby galaxies.”
“By merging Hubble’s sensitive visibility and ultraviolet observations with data from the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope and wireless data from the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array, we explore the depths of dusty star nurseries and illuminate the stars within.”
Paleontologists have uncovered evidence of previously unrecognized soft tissue structures in the cheek areas of various dinosaur species. This discovery deepens our understanding of dinosaur anatomy and underscores the limitations of current methods for reconstructing anatomical features that are not well preserved.
Soft tissue visualization of Edmontosaurus created through photography, 3D modeling, digital painting, and histology of bones in the Alberta Dinosaur Park, Canada. Image credit: Henry Sharp.
“Such examples of soft anatomy in dinosaurs are rare due to the degradation of muscles and tissue over time,” remarked Henry Sharp, a paleontologist from the University of Alberta.
“While bones can be excavated and assembled into semi-complete skeletons, for a long time, there was no effective way to discern the muscles and tissues present in dinosaurs.”
“In the 1990s, existing systematic brackets utilized the closest living relatives of dinosaurs—alligators and birds—to gain insight into their ’tissues and muscles.’
“However, this approach has its shortcomings: the muscles reconstructed in dinosaurs are those found in alligators and birds.”
“What if dinosaurs possessed their own unique muscles that aren’t present in their modern relatives, or if birds have lost or adapted their original musculature?”
“While examining a skull of Edmontosaurus, affectionately named Gary, I noticed a distinctive flange structure atop the bone near its prominent cheek.”
“As I delved deeper, I struggled to find answers.”
“There were large, corrugated sections of the skull. In a mammalian skull, I would interpret that as cheek muscle attachment. Yet, reptiles are not supposed to exhibit such muscle structures.”
“This sparked intrigue. What if this finding contradicted existing models of dinosaur musculature?”
To gain a clearer understanding of this aspect of dinosaur anatomy, Sharp and his colleagues from the University of Alberta, the University of Toronto, the Royal Museum of Ontario, and the University of New England began investigating similar regions in the skulls of other dinosaur species, uncovering evidence of analogous structures.
“The findings were consistently located in the same area. This strongly suggests that it represents a muscle or ligament,” Sharp explained.
To validate their hypothesis regarding this bone area being a site for some type of soft tissue structure, researchers meticulously cut thin sections of dinosaur bone.
“Soft tissues, such as muscles and ligaments, are anchored to the bone via collagen fibers,” Sharp stated.
“These fibers help secure the muscle or ligament, preventing detachment and potential injury to the animal.”
Once the soft tissue deteriorates, what remains are the collagen fibers, which can be examined through thin slices of bone under polarized light.
“It appears as if someone has fractured a bone at the surface and then scraped it with an X-acto knife,” Sharp noted.
The researchers employed a technique called sleepy to analyze various angles of the zygomatic and mandibular bone slices, enabling them to investigate the 3D orientation of the collagen fibers.
“These collagen fibers don’t insert haphazardly; they align with the angles where muscles attach,” Sharp added.
In all examined dinosaur species, collagen fibers manifested connections between the cheek and lower jaw, reinforcing the idea that the soft tissue structure resembles cheek muscles and ligaments.
Variation in the size and attachment angles across different dinosaur species suggests that this newly identified soft tissue played specialized roles, such as stabilizing the jaw and influencing feeding behavior.
“While we don’t fully understand its precise functions, it is evident that these soft tissues significantly impacted how these dinosaurs chewed.”
“This discovery underscores the importance of comparing dinosaur fossils with those of modern relatives for a more nuanced and accurate comprehension of extinct anatomy.”
“Dinosaurs exhibit considerable diversity, yet we often overlook significant aspects by attempting to interpret the past solely through the lens of contemporary conditions.”
Henry S. Sharp et al. Skull morphology and histology reveal previously unexpected cheek soft tissue structures in dinosaurs. Journal of Anatomy, published on March 21, 2025. doi:10.1111/joa.14242
This article is a rendition of a press release provided by the University of Alberta.
Astronomers leveraging the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope have identified water, carbon monoxide, and methane in the atmosphere of WASP-121B, as well as in Earth’s nightside atmosphere. This marks the first detection of silicon monoxide in any planetary atmosphere, including those within our solar system and beyond.
This artistic impression illustrates the phase during which WASP-121B collects most of its gas, inferred from recent findings. Image credit: T. Muller, MPIA & HDA.
WASP-121B is approximately 1.87 times larger and 1.18 times more massive than Jupiter.
First discovered in 2016, it completes an orbit around its host star, the F6-type WASP-121 (TYC 7630-352-1), in just 1.3 days, as observed by the WASP-SOUTH SURVEY.
The WASP-121 system is situated about 881 light years away in the constellation of Puppis.
Characterized as an Ultra Hot Jupiter, WASP-121B orbits its parent star in a mere 1.3 days, being so close that the star’s gravitational pull begins to physically disrupt it.
Estimates suggest that the temperatures on the planet’s eternal daytime side exceed 3,000 degrees Celsius, while the nightside cools down to around 1,500 degrees Celsius.
“The discovery of silicon monoxide in the atmosphere of WASP-121B is revolutionary, marking the first definitive identification of this molecule in any planetary atmosphere,” stated Dr. Anjali Piette, an astronomer at the University of Birmingham.
“The composition of the nightside atmosphere of WASP-121B indicates vertical mixing: the transport of gases from deeper atmospheric layers to the peak observed in infrared light.”
“We were surprised to find methane on the nightside given the extreme temperatures of this planet.”
Measurements of carbon-to-hydrogen, oxygen-to-hydrogen, silicon-to-hydrogen, and oxygen-to-oxygen ratios in the atmosphere suggest that during its formation, WASP-121B’s atmosphere was enriched by inner rocky materials enhanced by erosion-resistant bombardment.
“They’re outstanding,” remarked Dr. Thomas Evans Soma, an astronomer at Newcastle University.
In their research, astronomers employed a method known as phase curve observation, which entails tracking a planet’s orbit around its star and analyzing variations in its brightness.
These observations reveal details about both the daytime and nighttime hemispheres, along with their chemical makeups.
“The successful detection of these elements and characterization of WASP-121B’s atmosphere with Webb showcases the telescope’s capabilities and sets a precedent for future exploratory research,” Dr. Piette remarked.
Study published today in the journal Nature Astronomy.
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TM Evans-Soma et al. Ultra-Stellar C/O ratio in the atmosphere of SIO and giant exoplanet WASP-121. Nature Astronomy Published online on June 2, 2025. doi:10.1038/s41550-025-02513-x
Cat (Ferris Katas) has become a beloved companion to people worldwide. Despite its widespread popularity, the genetic factors influencing its behavior have been largely unexplored. A new research team from the Kyoto University Wildlife Research Center has focused on the Androgen receptor gene (ar), located on the X chromosome, and its association with feline behaviors, such as purring.
Okamoto et al. found that male cats with short alleles displayed higher directional call/voicing scores, whereas females with short alleles exhibited increased aggression towards strangers compared to their counterparts with long alleles. Image credit: Natary Anderson.
“Cats are cherished companion animals that significantly contribute to society through their interactions with humans,” said lead author Okamoto and colleagues.
“However, most negrid species, such as the African Wildcat (Ferris Livica), have solitary ancestors, while domestic cats often form groups and display social behaviors.”
“They communicate with both humans and other cats utilizing a range of behaviors and signals, including olfactory cues, touch, visual cues, and vocalizations.”
“Purring, a distinctive vocalization of cats, plays a significant role in vocal communication.”
“Initially, purring may signify a mother’s health, but it continues to facilitate communication among cats beyond the weaning phase.”
“In a social context, purring promotes security and comfort, expresses familiarity, and invites play, though its precise function remains unclear.”
For this study, researchers evaluated the behavior of 280 cats, all of whom were neutered or mixed breeds living in their owners’ homes.
DNA samples were collected and analyzed to compare the ar gene with those from other negrid species.
“Upon reaching out to participants, we quickly received responses and warm messages from 265 cat owners across Japan within just a day,” Okamoto remarked.
“This highlighted the strong public interest in feline research.”
“The findings suggest a genetic basis for both purring and vocal communication.”
“Cats with the short-type androgen receptor gene received higher ratings from their owners than those with the long-type gene.”
“Additionally, male cats with the short form displayed increased vocalizations towards humans, indicating a genetic link to vocal communication.”
“Conversely, female cats with the shorter-type gene demonstrated heightened aggression towards unfamiliar individuals.”
“These findings could indicate a decreased significance of vocal communication in cats raised by humans from kittenhood, particularly those that are typically purebred.”
“Prior studies indicated that purebred cats are more likely to carry long-form genes than their mixed-breed counterparts.”
“This study included numerous mixed-breed cats that were rescued and were previously strays.”
Through comparisons of cat genes with 11 other genes, researchers discovered that both leopard and fishing cats were genetically similar to domestic cats and possessed shorter types, while domestic cats did not exhibit longer types found in other species.
These results imply that the emergence of long types may be linked to genetic changes related to domestication and selective breeding.
“These results may help predict behavioral trends based on genetic data, enhance observation and care based on needs, and ultimately improve animal welfare,” the authors stated.
The team plans to broaden their research focus to include other negrid species.
“Through our research, we aim to enrich our understanding of cats and foster better relationships between felines and humans,” Okamoto concluded.
This study was published online on May 28th in PLOS 1.
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Y. Okamoto et al. 2025. The relationship between androgen receptor genes and cat behavioral traits (Ferris Katas). PLOS 1 20(5): E0324055; doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0324055
This article is based on an original release by Kyoto University.
Paleontologists have discovered a new genus and species of the small Lamboosaurin hadrosaur dinosaur from two fossilized jaws unearthed in Morocco.
Artist Reconstruction of Tareta Tareta. Image credit: Connor Ashbridge.
Tareta Tareta thrived in what is now Morocco during the late Cretaceous period, approximately 66 million years ago.
“The Cretaceous era marked the later stages of the breakup of the supercontinent Pangaea and featured elevated eustatic sea levels,” stated Bass University paleontologist Nicholas Longrich, along with colleagues from Spain, France, and Morocco.
“Consequently, the continents became fragmented, resulting in a series of isolated island continents, which led to the evolution of distinct dinosaur faunas in various regions of the world.”
“Asia and North America were primarily inhabited by Ornisicchians of Hadrosaurid and Serratopsia, while Tyrannosaurus theropods were the apex predators.”
“In the Southern Hemisphere, titanosaurs were the leading herbivores, and Abelisaurus theropods were the top theropods.”
“Although geographic isolation played a significant role in shaping biogeographic patterns, recent findings emphasize that dispersal was also crucial, especially towards the end of the Cretaceous.”
The two related jaws of Tareta Tareta were found in Maastrichtian phosphate deposits at the top of Morocco.
“The phosphates in the Ouradubdoon Basin, situated in central Morocco, are composed of a mix of phosphate sand, marshes, and limestone in a shallow marine setting where the North Atlantic Ocean extended inland to cover much of Morocco,” the paleontologist explained.
“These phosphates date back to the Maastrichtian era (approximately 720,000 – 66 million years ago).”
Lambeosaurin dinosaurs were numerous in Morocco, with at least three species coexisting. Image credit: Longrich et al., doi: 10.1016/j.gr.2025.05.006.
Tareta Tareta is classified under the Lambeosaurine tribe Arensaurini, marking the total count of Arenasaurulin species identified in Moroccan phosphates at three.
“This first hadrosaurus discovery from Maastrichtian phosphate in Morocco, Ajinavia Odysseus, despite being isolated by the ocean, indicates hadrosaurus dispersion across Africa during the late Cretaceous,” noted the researchers.
“The close relationship of Ajinavia within Arenysaurini, known solely from Armorica, suggests that this clade was dispersed from southern Europe.”
“Following that, the second Arenysaurin, Mincaria Bata, was reported from the same period.”
“The jaw and tooth structure of Mincaria Bata differs significantly from that of Ajinavia, indicating a distinct niche specialization.”
“A related upper jaw of a small duck-like dinosaur was recently identified alongside phosphates.”
“Interestingly, neither of these specimens can be connected to Ajinavia or Mincaria. Instead, they signify the third distinct genus and species.”
“The notable variation observed in the jaws and teeth of arenasaurins in Africa points towards adaptive radiation driven by dispersal. Lamboosaurins seem to have rapidly diversified to exploit a new niche after migrating from Europe to North Africa,” they concluded.
“This African radiation aligns with the decline of Lamboosaurins in North America, underscoring the highly localized nature of dinosaur evolution.”
The team’s paper has been published in the journal Gondwana’s Study.
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Nicholas R. Longrich et al. A new hadrosaurus from the late Maastrichtian phosphate in Morocco provides insights into radiation in African Lambeosaurin. Gondwana’s Study, published online on May 28, 2025. doi: 10.1016/j.gr.2025.05.006
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Satellite perspective of coral reefs in New Caledonia
ShutterStock/Best-Backgrounds
The decline of coral reefs might come with unexpected advantages. Research suggests that this deterioration allows the oceans to absorb up to 5% more carbon dioxide by 2100, which may decelerate the buildup of this greenhouse gas in the atmosphere.
“If your primary concern is the CO2 concentration in the atmosphere, this could be viewed as a beneficial effect,” states Lester Kwiatkowski from Sorbonne University in Paris, France. However, he cautions that the loss of coral also leads to diminished biodiversity, jeopardizes fisheries, and heightens the vulnerability of coastal regions to rising sea levels.
The extent of global warming is heavily influenced by atmospheric CO2 levels. To date, land and oceans have collectively absorbed around half of the surplus CO2 we’ve emitted. Thus, elements that affect these so-called land or marine carbon sinks can significantly influence future climate scenarios.
Corals are often believed to sequester CO2 from seawater while they develop their calcium carbonate structures. In reality, this process—known as calcification—actually releases CO2 as a net byproduct.
“Corals typically take in inorganic carbon from the ocean in forms like carbonate and bicarbonate ions, converting them into calcium carbonate, which results in CO2 being expelled back into seawater.”
This suggests that if the growth of coral reefs slows or halts, there will be a reduction in CO2 emissions from these reefs, thereby allowing the ocean to absorb more of this greenhouse gas from the atmosphere—a factor currently absent from climate models.
Current studies indicate that coral reef calcification has already declined due to rising ocean temperatures, leading to extensive coral bleaching. Additionally, increased CO2 levels have caused ocean acidification, which complicates the formation of carbonate structures and can even trigger dissolution.
Kwiatkowski and his research team have published estimates detailing how corals are susceptible to warming and ocean acidification. They utilized computer models to project how these changes could affect marine carbon sinks under various emission scenarios. Their findings indicate that by 2100, the ocean may sequester an additional 1-5% more carbon, which could escalate to up to 13% by 2300.
This prediction may be conservative, as Kwiatkowski notes it overlooks additional factors contributing to coral reef degradation, such as overfishing and the spread of coral diseases.
Conversely, the research assumes that corals lack the capacity to adapt or acclimate. Chris Ju judge from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, who was not part of this study, remarks on this perspective.
“If we encounter the worst-case or medium-case outcomes outlined in this study, it portends significant destruction of coral reefs globally,” says Ju judge. “I believe the authors could arrive at different conclusions by considering potential adaptability in corals and other reef organisms under moderate levels of climate change.”
If Kwiatkowski’s team’s projections hold true, the amount of CO2 that leads to a certain degree of warming—the so-called carbon budget—may actually be larger than current estimates.
“Even if we’re facing dire outcomes, it’s critical to refine our understanding of the carbon budget to ensure its accuracy,” asserts Kwiatkowski.
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The iPhone designer has pledged that his upcoming AI-infused device will be guided by the belief that “humanity is better,” acknowledging his sense of “responsibility” for certain adverse effects of contemporary technology.
Sir Jony Ive mentioned that his new collaboration with OpenAI, the organization behind ChatGPT, aims to refresh its technological optimism amidst growing unease regarding the repercussions of smartphones and social media.
In an interview with the Financial Times, the London-born designer refrained from disclosing specifics about the devices he is working on at OpenAI but voiced concerns over people’s interactions with certain high-tech products.
“Many people would agree that there is an uncomfortable relationship with technology today,” he stated. He further emphasized that the design of the device is motivated by the notion that “we deserve better; humanity deserves better.”
However, Ive, the former chief design officer at Apple, expressed his feelings of accountability for the adverse effects produced by modern tech products. “Some of the negative outcomes were unintended, but I still feel responsible, and that drives my determination to create something beneficial.”
He added, “Whenever you create something new or innovate, the outcomes will be unpredictable; some will be wonderful, while others may cause harm.”
Just last month, Ive finalized the sale of hardware startup IO to OpenAI in a $6.4 billion (£4.7 billion) transaction, illustrating his creative and design leadership within the merged entity.
In a video announcing the deal, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman referred to the prototype devised by Ive as “the coolest technology the world has ever seen.”
Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo mentioned that the device would be reportedly screenless, designed to be worn around the neck, and “compact and elegant like an iPod shuffle.” Mass production is projected to commence in 2027.
According to The Wall Street Journal, this device is fully attuned to the user’s environment and life, described as a third essential device for users after the MacBook Pro and iPhone.
Ive, who began his journey at Apple in 1992, expressed that the OpenAI partnership has rekindled his optimism regarding the potential of technology.
“When I first arrived here, it was a place where people genuinely aimed to serve humanity, inspire individuals, and aid creativity; that was my draw. I don’t sense that spirit here currently,” he remarked.
Ive was interviewed alongside Laurene Powell Jobs, the widow of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs.
She remarked, “We observe research being conducted solely focusing on the surge of anxiety and mental health challenges among teenage girls and young people.”
Powell Jobs, who invests in Love from Business by Emerson Collective, linked to Ive’s venture, chose not to comment on whether the new OpenAI devices would rival Apple products.
“I still maintain close ties with Apple’s leadership,” she stated. “They are truly commendable individuals, and I hope for their success.”
Dogs treated for fleas release chemicals into the water that kill insects when they swim
natalya_maisheva/shutter stock
Researchers advise against using spot-on flea and tick treatments if your dog has access to any water bodies.
Studies indicate that dogs submerged in water can release harmful levels of active ingredients into aquatic ecosystems, affecting wildlife and animals that consume them, including birds, for up to 28 days post-treatment.
“If your dog frequently swims, it’s best to avoid spot-on treatments,” says Rosemary Perkins from the University of Sussex, UK.
When spot-on treatments were introduced, it was mistakenly believed they posed no threat to the environment. It wasn’t until 2011 that a European Medicines Agency paper suggested protecting animals from water for 48 hours, yet Perkins notes that there was no substantial evidence backing this guideline. “It seems to be just a finger-in-the-air estimate,” she says.
Her concern grew after detecting fipronil, a pesticide used in these treatments, in a UK river. “We noted alarmingly high concentrations,” Perkins recalls.
Her team administered spot-on treatments containing either fipronil or neonicotinoids like imidacloprid to 25 and 24 dogs, respectively. After 5, 14, or 28 days, dogs were immersed up to their shoulders in a plastic tub for 5 minutes to measure pesticide levels in the water.
The findings revealed that even after 28 days, a single large dog’s chemical residue could exceed safe levels in 100 cubic meters of water—similar to the volume of a small pond. Regular swimming by treated dogs can further escalate contamination in larger bodies of water, warns Perkins.
She advocates for regulatory changes globally but fears that such adjustments may require significant time. In the meantime, dog owners should limit spot-on treatments to necessary occasions and keep their pets away from water for at least a month following treatment. “The key takeaway is that if your dog swims during this period, there are associated risks,” she emphasizes.
Currently, alternatives exist in the form of oral tablets, but Perkins remains uncertain of their environmental impact, noting that the active ingredients can persist in feces and contaminate soil. “We still lack clarity on their effects.”
The proprietors of Facebook and Instagram are set to assist advertisers in fully developing and targeting campaigns using artificial intelligence tools by the end of next year, potentially disrupting the traditional marketing landscape.
Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta, which also owns WhatsApp, aims to directly reach brand marketing budgets and challenge client campaigns and media organizations managing these budgets.
The AI tool currently under development, first reported by the Wall Street Journal, will enable brands utilizing Meta’s advertising platform to generate ads by leveraging product images and planned marketing expenditures.
Meta’s platform already provides various AI tools that allow advertisers to modify existing ads before they go live on Facebook or Instagram.
These new tools could bridge the gap between traditional ad creation, planning, and purchasing roles that agents perform, while also catering to smaller advertisers who cannot afford marketing service companies.
AI tools will be capable of generating complete ads, including images, videos, and text, targeting users based on the client’s budget.
For instance, targeting parameters such as geolocation can allow holiday companies to tailor advertisements that are particularly relevant to destinations appealing to users.
Following the announcement of Meta’s planned AI rollout, investors quickly divested from some of the world’s largest marketing services.
WPP shares dropped 3% during early trading, while French firms Publicis Groupe and Havas saw declines of 3.9% and 3%, respectively.
Zuckerberg, emphasizing the shift towards AI-driven advertising, describes the evolution of these tools as a “redefinition of advertising categories.”
In April, Meta revised its financial outlook for next year, announcing plans to invest between $64 billion and $720 billion in capital expenditures, which include the costs associated with building AI infrastructure.
The company had initially projected expenses of up to $650 billion in 2025.
Global warming is increasing the frequency and severity of wildfires
Noah Burger/Associated Press/Alamy
Recent data indicates that global temperatures are 6% higher than earlier estimates, meaning our planet is experiencing more warming than previously thought.
This trend puts us at risk of surpassing the Paris Agreement’s temperature threshold of keeping global warming below 1.5°C by as early as 2028, rather than the anticipated timeframe of 2030-2035. This is a frequent topic among scientists.
2024 marked the first calendar year where global average temperatures exceeded 1.5°C, following unprecedented warmth that caught climate experts off guard. Although this alone does not breach the Paris Agreement target, it raises concerns over a sustained temperature rise occurring faster than anticipated.
To assess our progress, Gottfried Kirchengast and Moritz Pichler from the University of Graz in Austria utilized the global temperature dataset to revise estimates of global average surface temperature (GMST) from 1850 to 2024. GMST is crucial in measuring global warming, as per the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
The duo also devised a new method for converting GMST, which combines sea surface temperatures and air temperatures, into a single surface air temperature (GSAT).
“Our benchmark records maximize traditional temperature datasets and yield this new enhancement,” Kirchengast notes. This refines the range of uncertainty and demonstrates that global warming is slightly accelerating compared to prior methods, indicating an approach toward the critical 1.5°C mark.
Kirchengast emphasizes that this refined GSAT record is vital for evaluating global efforts toward the Paris Agreement’s objectives. The goal was to establish “a unified reference dataset for global warming in relation to pre-industrial levels,” he elaborates.
Under the Paris Agreement of 2015, nations collectively pledged to limit global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels while striving to restrict the temperature increase to 1.5°C.
These objectives are typically assessed against 20-year average temperatures, yet researchers disagree on the optimal calculations. Rather than relying solely on historical observations, we recommend using rolling averages derived from a mix of observational data and forecasts due to the increased number of scientists valuing a 10-year delay in evaluating non-compliance with any given target.
Kirchengast and Pichler propose employing novel benchmark GSAT records along with predictive climate models to provide real-time global warming metrics in relation to progress toward Paris targets. Their findings indicate that current warming levels have surpassed 1.39°C compared to pre-industrial benchmarks.
However, Duochan from the University of Southampton in the UK argues that GSAT records are not the best metric for determining the rate of global warming. “The GSAT is not the primary metric utilized in IPCC discussions or most climate target evaluations,” he remarks.
On the other hand, GMST continues to correlate with various changes in the climate system, such as sea level rise and alterations in precipitation, he notes. “For rigorous accountability, GMST remains a highly effective metric,” he argues.
Andrew Jarvis from Lancaster University in the UK emphasizes the urgent need for the scientific community to reach a consensus on a standardized method for measuring progress toward Paris objectives. “The diverse range of estimates is actually complicating policy assessments,” he contends.
The early season heatwaves scorched much of the West, resulting in dangerously high temperatures and prompting extreme heat warnings lasting from Friday through Saturday. Southern Nevada saw widespread triple-digit highs, with Death Valley expected to surpass 115 degrees.
Weeks ahead of the official start of summer, we intensified the union message. The organization’s signage campaign aims to address the far-reaching effects of Doge layoffs and budget cuts on the nation’s beloved national parks. In the Southwest, this translates to zero tolerance for extreme heat, according to Shaquille.
“We had to adapt our message to connect with people directly,” he stated.
Results from the National Park Service’s budget cuts are still pending, especially with the peak summer tourist season on the horizon.
Abigail Wine, deputy director of Death Valley National Park, mentioned that park staff are committed to ensuring public safety and raising awareness about the hazards of extreme heat. She urged visitors to take necessary precautions before heading to Death Valley, such as checking weather warnings, verifying closures, and packing adequate water, sunscreen, and other essentials.
“As always, the National Park Service is dedicated to providing visitors with an incredible, safe, and unforgettable experience at Death Valley National Park and throughout the country,” Wines informed NBC News in a statement.
The broader objective of achieving a more perfect union in the Billboard campaign is to spotlight Doge’s controversial actions and the significant cuts instituted by the Trump administration to federal agencies. Shaquille noted that the organization strategically leveraged the bipartisan support enjoyed by national parks to ignite discussion.
According to a 2024 Population Survey from Pew Research Center, the National Park Service ranks as the most favored federal agency, with a favorable rating of 76% among over 9,400 Americans surveyed.
“Many of the locations where we placed our signs are in areas assumed to lean Republican, where a significant number of people likely voted for Donald Trump. Even the Doge component resonates,” Shaquille explained. “But national parks serve as a perfect example of where the limits were overstepped.”
A study by The Guardian has revealed that over 50% of the most popular TikTok videos offering mental health advice are misleading.
As more individuals seek mental health support on social media, research has shown that numerous influencers spread misinformation, including improper treatment terminology, unrealistic “quick fix” solutions, and inaccurate claims.
Those in need of help encounter questionable advice, such as suggestions to eat oranges while showering to alleviate anxiety. Some promote untested supplements like saffron, magnesium glycinate, and sacred basil as remedies for anxiety, along with claims about healing emotional wounds in an hour. Additionally, normal emotional reactions are incorrectly framed as symptoms of borderline personality disorder or abuse.
Lawmakers and experts expressed concern about the findings, stating that social media’s harmful mental health advice is both troubling and dangerous, prompting the government to consider stricter regulations to safeguard citizens from the spread of misinformation.
The Guardian analyzed the top 100 videos associated with the #MentalHealthTips hashtag on TikTok, consulting psychologists, psychiatrists, and academic specialists.
Experts determined that 52 out of those 100 videos provided advice on trauma, neurodiversity, anxiety, depression, and severe mental illness.
David Okay, a consultant neuropsychiatrist and psychology researcher at King’s College London, examined videos related to anxiety and depression. He noted that some posts misuse treatment language, potentially creating confusion around the true nature of mental illnesses.
Many videos offered broad advice based on limited personal experiences and anecdotal evidence.
The analysis indicated that social media often oversimplifies treatment realities, reducing complex issues to catchy soundbites. Although effective treatments exist, it’s crucial to communicate that there are no quick or one-size-fits-all solutions, he emphasized.
Dan Poulter, a former health minister and NHS psychiatrist who reviewed videos on severe mental illness, stated that some content trivializes daily experiences, equating them with serious mental health diagnoses.
“This type of misinformation can mislead viewers and downplay the real challenges faced by those with serious mental illnesses,” he noted.
Amber Johnston, a psychologist recognized by the British Psychological Association who evaluated trauma-related videos, remarked that while many contain valid insights, they often overgeneralize and downplay the complexity of post-traumatic stress disorder or trauma symptoms.
“Each video misleadingly suggests a uniform experience of PTSD that can be neatly summed up in a 30-second clip. The reality is that PTSD and trauma symptoms are uniquely individual and require the attention of a trained professional,” she explained.
“TikTok disseminates misinformation by implying there are universal shortcuts and insights that might actually exacerbate viewers’ issues, rather than provide solutions,” she added.
TikTok stated that videos will be removed if they dissuade users from seeking medical help or endorse harmful treatments. In the UK, when users search for mental health terms like depression or anxiety, they are directed to NHS resources.
Labour MP Chi Onwurah mentioned that the technical committee she leads is investigating misinformation on social media. A survey highlighted serious concerns regarding the effectiveness of online safety laws in combating misleading and harmful online content.
“We know that recommendation algorithms on platforms like TikTok intensify the spread of damaging misinformation, including false mental health advice,” she noted. “Immediate action is needed to address the deficiencies of the Online Safety Act and safeguard public health and safety online.”
Liberal Democrat MP Victoria Collins concurred with the troubling findings and called on the government to act decisively to shield individuals from harmful misinformation.
Labour MP Paulette Hamilton, chair of the Health and Social Care Selection Committee, also raised concerns about mental health misinformation on social media. “These ‘tips’ should not replace professional, qualified support,” she insisted.
Professor Bernadka Dubicka, online safety lead at the Royal College of Psychiatrists, noted that while social media can raise awareness, it’s vital that people access health information grounded in the latest evidence from reliable sources. Mental disorders can only be diagnosed through a thorough evaluation by qualified mental health professionals.
A TikTok spokesperson commented, “TikTok is a platform for millions to share their authentic mental health experiences and seek supportive communities. However, we recognize the methodological limitations of this research.”
“We are committed to collaborating with the World Health Organization and NHS health experts to promote accurate information on our platform and to eliminate 98% of harmful misinformation prior to reporting,” they added.
A government representative stated that the minister is “taking steps to minimize the impact of harmful misleading content online” through the new online safety legislation.
The Utah Court of Appeals has sanctioned the attorney after it was found that he utilized ChatGPT in a filing that referenced a fictitious trial.
Earlier this week, the Utah Court of Appeals chose to take action against Richard Bednar following accusations that he submitted a brief with fabricated citations.
Based on reviewed court documents, By ABC4, Bednar along with Douglas Dalbano, another attorney from Utah who represented the petitioners, filed a “timely petition for dialogue appeal.”
Upon examining the summary prepared by the Law Clerk, it was revealed that the respondent’s counsel noted several inaccurate quotes in the case.
“It seems that parts of the petition may have been produced by AI, including citations that do not exist in the legal database (and can only be found in ChatGPT).
The report highlights that the brief cited a case named “Royer v Nelson,” which was absent from any legal database.
After discovering the false citation, Bednar expressed his “apologies” for the “errors present in the petition,” according to documents from the Utah Court of Appeals. During the April hearing, Bednar and his legal team acknowledged, “The petition contained fabricated legal authority acquired from ChatGPT and accepted responsibility for its contents.”
According to Bednar and his legal team, the “unlicensed legal assistant” drafted the outline, and Bednar did not conduct an “independent accuracy check” before filing. ABC4 further reported that Dalbano was not involved in crafting the petition, and the individual responsible for filing was a law school graduate who was subsequently let go from the firm.
The report added that Bednar had offered to cover the relevant attorneys’ fees to “rectify” the situation.
In a statement made public by ABC4, the Utah Court of Appeals commented: “I concur that employing AI for lawsuit preparation is a developing legal research tool that continues to evolve alongside technological advancements. Nonetheless, all attorneys must ensure that court submissions are accurate, emphasizing that claimants’ attorneys are liable for their filings. They included fictitious precedents produced by ChatGPT.”
As a consequence of the false citation, ABC4 reports that Bednar has been ordered to cover the respondent’s attorneys’ fees for the petition and the hearing, refund clients for time spent on preparation and attendance, and donate $1,000 to legal nonprofits and justice initiatives based in Utah.
Zia Yusuf’s message was unequivocal. From the 34th floor of the Shard, with London’s skyline as his backdrop, the chairman of Reform UK unveiled an economic strategy aimed at demonstrating his party’s serious intent.
During a full English breakfast briefing with national journalists on Friday morning, Yusuf pointed out that reform leader Nigel Farage had flown in from a hotel 5,000 miles away in Las Vegas.
As he addressed the press, an outline of St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Square Mile surrounding the banks and asset managers was visible. Even if the policy ideas might echo Donald Trump’s initiatives, they are decidedly pulled from the Westminster Playbook.
Yet, the real issue with Yusuf’s message to the city wasn’t the dubious reliability of the code. The West of the Finance — it was the party’s wider tax and spending policies that raised eyebrows.
Yusuf has been polling well, and scrutiny of reform and economic plans is intensifying. Recently, Farage’s tax and spending framework faced criticism from a Labour politician who labeled it as based on the same “fantasy economics” that led to the disruptive outcomes of Liz Truss’s policies.
The fear is that Yusuf and Farage might trigger a financial meltdown akin to the disastrous mini-budget of the former prime minister. Despite the grand view from the Shard, many economists remain skeptical about the practicality of their priorities.
The proposed reforms suggest a massive tax pledge of at least £600 billion. A significant portion of the expenses revolves around raising the personal income tax allowance to £20,000, an impressive leap from the current £12,570. Furthermore, they plan to raise the threshold for the UK’s 40% higher tax rate from £50,271 to £70,000.
Richard Tice, the party’s financial spokesperson, has questioned whether the total outcome of the reforms can be accurately assessed. Most politicians seem unaware of the Laffer curve. Named after US economist Arthur Laffer, this theory suggests that there exists an optimal tax rate that maximizes government revenue.
The premise is that tax reductions can invigorate economic activity, ultimately increasing revenue. While a 100% tax rate halts economic incentive altogether, the notion that tax cuts can offset their own costs has faced considerable backlash, including critique from prominent economists like Greg Mankiw, who referred to Laffer’s supporters as “charlatans and cranks.”
Tice admits there is an “optimal point,” while Yusuf asserts that reforms should “prioritize tax cuts appropriately and ensure that the figures add up.” Economists also caution that tax hikes announced by Labour could hinder economic growth.
Nevertheless, criticisms persist that the proposed reforms promise significant tax breaks without providing reliable strategies to avoid exacerbating the country’s fiscal deficit, which exceeds £10 billion.
Alongside a low UK economic growth rate, inflation that surpasses targets, rising national debt, and escalating global borrowing costs amid fears of a trade war initiated by Donald Trump, the room for further borrowing appears quite constrained.
After Farage’s recent welfare commitment, the Institute for Fiscal Studies estimated that the fiscal policies proposed by the reforms could ultimately cost between £600 billion and £800 billion annually, taking into account previous revenues and additional expenditures. The IFS cautioned that this isn’t yet balanced by equivalent spending cuts or tax hikes elsewhere.
Yusuf mentioned that the reform plans are a work in progress and may evolve as the party formulates its 2029 manifesto. “You shouldn’t just transfer or copy-paste all the policies from the 2024 document,” he added, implying that assumptions about the manifesto for the next general election need to be reconsidered.
That seems a reasonable concern given the time frame until the next election, as the economy can shift at any moment. Workers are also criticized for backtracking on early commitments from 2024. Yet, voters are likely to demand higher expectations from government parties, especially with rising public discontent toward politicians who shift their targets.
However, Yusuf contended that savings could reliably stem from initiatives like “net-zero disposal,” eliminating overseas aid entirely, reducing “Quango expenditures” by 5% annually, and halting all funding for “exile hotels.”
“The figure I just provided could amount to as much as £7.8 billion?”
Economists at the Government Institute have expressed doubts about the feasibility of these savings, pointing out that a significant portion of the £45 billion net zero savings referenced by the reforms actually pertains to spending by the private sector rather than government expenditure.
When Truss opted for the mini-budget, she backed it with over 40 pages of financial documentation to validate her tax strategy, yet it still eroded investor confidence.
There is a genuine risk that history might repeat itself with the current reform initiatives.
tThis was an era when certain stores resembled nightclubs at the stroke of midnight, filled with a long line of eager customers.
Witnessing a crowd of gamers lined up to snag the latest hardware at midnight is becoming increasingly rare. Yet, if you happen to stroll by Smyths Toy Shop on the night of June 4th, you might just experience a nostalgia-infused event.
This particular launch marks the first major gaming console release since 2020, with fans eagerly anticipating the monumental Nintendo Switch 2.
What stands out about this launch is not just the excitement in the air, but also the surprisingly small queue. Approximately a decade ago, the hype of midnight launches began to fade. With more players opting for digital downloads, the need to go out and purchase a physical copy diminished.
The Nintendo Switch 2 could become the most significant game release ever. Photo: Richard Drew/AP
Consequently, Smyths stands as the sole UK chain participating in this event. Even in the US, which is known for its consumer culture during launch days, only Nintendo’s stores in San Francisco and New York have announced midnight openings.
This is a sharp contrast to the early 2010s. Back then, thanks to the monumental success of consoles like PlayStation, Wii, and Xbox, gaming launch events for titles like Call of Duty, Halo, and Grand Theft Auto were celebrated across thousands of stores around the globe, widely publicized and expertly managed.
For instance, Microsoft’s Halo 3 launch in the US featured actors dressed as Space Marines, with Bill Gates showing up at Best Buy in Seattle. Meanwhile, the Call of Duty Ghost event in the UK at Westfield Stratford hired a drill sergeant to rally the crowd.
“My favorite was Skyrim,” reminisces Greg Weller, who served as the UK Marketing Manager at Bethesda Softworks then. “I got the specs from the game’s flagship store on Oxford Street and decorated the entire front with Elder Scroll artwork. We even installed snow machines on the roof so that snow could cascade down Oxford Street in November. There was a competition for cosplay too.”
The launch of a console was a grand event comparable to a film premiere. For instance, during the Xbox One launch in 2013, Microsoft transformed Leicester Square into a hub of Xbox branding, complete with live performances from artists like B and Katy B. Just two weeks ago, Sony commandeered the Highline Hotel in New York, creating a massive video game arcade and showcasing games to thousands of eager fans.
Such extravagant launch events not only boosted retailer visibility but also created meaningful word-of-mouth promotion and press coverage. For fans, these gatherings offered a sense of belonging. “Having grown up gaming in the 90s, we often felt ostracized for our interests,” shares Rich Thompson, now the founder of Hull’s Black Rose Studios. “But hosting a midnight launch was electric. When Fallout 4 debuted, our local store even brought in a DJ. The atmosphere was like a celebration, with hundreds of people gathered.”
However, these late-night events occasionally spiraled into chaos. “We had one store in the city center filled with people coming out of pubs,” Thompson recounted. “Rowdy patrons sometimes caused trouble. I remember a significant fight breaking out on the night of a FIFA launch.”
Soldiers at the Midnight Release of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 at Game Oxford Street, London in November 2011. Photo: Michael Bowles/Rex
In 2006, a man was tragically shot by a masked robber while attempting to claim his new PlayStation 3 during a Walmart event in Putnam, Connecticut. (He later recounted to a local newspaper how despite his injuries, he remained in the store to pick up his console.) In London, the police were so apprehensive about potential disturbances that they prohibited the PlayStation 3 Midnight Launch at all stores in the city, except for Virgin Megastore on Oxford Street.
The shift towards digital media, fierce competition from online giants like Amazon, and the devastating impact of Covid lockdowns have led to a decline in specialist high street stores. Once boasting over 600 locations in the UK, the Game retail chain now counts around 240. Data from the Digital Entertainment and Retail Association reveals that physical game sales in the UK plummeted by 35% last year.
Could the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 signal a change? As observed with the resurgence in vinyl records and unexpected spikes in Blu-ray sales (a response to consumer dissatisfaction with ad-laden streaming services), there appears to be a growing interest in physical media.
Interest in physical games seems to be on the rise. Boutique publishers like Strictly Limited and Limited Run are releasing elegantly packaged modern and classic titles, while game cafes and retro arcades are flourishing.
Ultimately, the unique experience of launch events, the buzz, the shared joy, cannot be duplicated through online transactions.
“Dad took me to the store in the middle of the night for the Xbox release,” reminisces Thompson. “He had just wrapped up a 12-hour shift. He thought it would just be the two of us, but there was an enormous line. The staff were handing out drinks, Limp Bizkit was blasting through the speakers. As a 13-year-old, I couldn’t imagine anything cooler. I looked up at my dad and saw the excitement on his face mirroring my own.”
Askap J1832-0911 – Likely a magnetar or a highly magnetized white dwarf star – emits radio signals and X-ray pulses for 2 minutes every 44 minutes. Paper published in Nature.
A combination of radio, X-ray, and infrared radiation in the field of ASKAP J1832-0911. Image credit: Wang et al., doi: 10.1038/S41586-025-09077-W.
Askap J1832-0911 is situated roughly 15,000 light-years away from Earth in Scutum.
This star was identified by astronomers utilizing the Australian ASKAP Radio telescope.
It belongs to a category known as long-term radio transients, first detected in 2022, characterized by variations in radio wave intensity over several minutes.
This duration is thousands of times greater than the regular fluctuations observed in pulsars. It’s a neutron star that spins rapidly, emitting signals multiple times per second.
“Askap J1832-0911 follows a 44-minute cycle of radio wave intensity, placing it in the realm of long-term radio transients,” stated Dr. Ziteng Wang, an astronomer at Curtin University’s node at the International Centre for Radio Astronomical Research (ICRAR).
Using NASA’s Chandra X-Ray Observatory, researchers noted that ASKAP J1832 also exhibited regular variations in X-ray emissions every 44 minutes.
This marks the first discovery of an X-ray signal in long-term radio transients.
“Astronomers have observed countless celestial bodies through various telescopes and have never encountered anything behaving like this,” Dr. Wang remarked.
“It’s exhilarating to witness such new stellar phenomena.”
Through Chandra and the SKA Pathfinder, scientists found that Askap J1832-0911 experienced a significant reduction in both X-ray and radio wave signals over a six-month period.
Besides the long-term changes, the combination of 44-minute cycles in X-rays and radio waves differs from observations made in the Milky Way galaxy.
The authors are currently competing to determine whether Askap J1832-0911 truly represents long-term radio transients and if its unusual behavior can shed light on the origins of such objects.
Dr. Nanda Lea, an astronomer at the Institute of Space Sciences in Barcelona, Spain, commented:
“No exact match has been found so far, but some models fit better than others.”
It’s improbable that ASKAP J1832-0911 is simply a pulsar or neutron star drawn from a companion star, as its properties do not align with the typical signal strengths of these celestial objects.
Some characteristics might be attributed to neutron stars with exceptionally strong magnetic fields, known as magnetars, which are over 500,000 years old.
However, other aspects, such as its bright and variable radio emissions, make it challenging to categorize this as an aged magnetar.
In the sky, ASKAP J1832-0911 appears to be situated among debris from a supernova, which commonly contains neutron stars formed during such events.
Nevertheless, the team concluded that this proximity is likely coincidental and that the two entities are not associated with one another, suggesting that neither may host neutron stars.
They deduced that while isolated white dwarfs don’t account for the data, white dwarfs with companion stars might.
But such a scenario would necessitate the strongest known magnetic fields in white dwarfs within our galaxy.
“We continue to seek clues about this object and look for similar entities,” said Dr. Tong Bao, an astronomer at the Osservatorio Astronomico in Italy’s National Institute of Astronomy (INAF).
“Discovering mysteries like this is not frustrating; rather, it’s what makes science thrilling!”
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Z. Wang et al. Detection of X-ray radiation from bright long-term radio transients. Nature Published online on May 28, 2025. doi:10.1038/s41586-025-09077-W
Polar ecosystems are bolstered and enriched by birds that nest there seasonally, serving as keystone members of these ecosystems. Despite the significant ecological role of polar birds, the origins of high-center nests remain unclear due to limited fossil evidence. A recent study conducted by paleontologists explored an extensive collection of bird fossils from the late Cretaceous Purine Cream Formation in Alaska.
Illustration of Cretaceous birds alongside other dinosaurs from the same period. Image credit: Gabriel Ugueto.
“Birds have existed for 150 million years,” stated Lauren Wilson, a doctoral candidate at Princeton University.
“For a significant portion of that time, they constructed nests in the Arctic.”
In their research, Wilson and colleagues studied the bones and teeth of fossilized birds from the Alaska Prune Creek Formation, dating back 73 million years.
They identified various bird types, including land birds, seagull-like birds, and diving birds that bear similarities to some modern ducks and geese, all of which were nesting in the Arctic while dinosaurs roamed the same territory.
Before this research, the earliest known evidence of breeding birds in the Arctic or Antarctic was approximately 47 million years ago, following the asteroid impact that wiped out 75% of Earth’s species.
“This will extend the timeline by 25-30 million years for records of birds breeding in the polar regions,” remarked Dr. Pat Druckenmiller, director of the University of Alaska Museum.
“The Arctic is recognized as a modern nursery for birds.”
“Finding bird bones from the Cretaceous period is exceptionally rare,” Wilson noted.
“Discovering baby bird bones is almost unheard of, making these fossils particularly significant.”
“We conducted extensive mapping of Alaska for fossil birds—it wasn’t on anyone’s radar,” added Dr. Druckenmiller.
“Now, we are one of the premier locations in the country for bird fossils from the dinosaur age.”
“Given the richness of this information, these small bones and teeth offer exceptional insights into the fauna from that era.”
It remains uncertain whether these newly discovered specimens are the earliest recognized members of Neornithes, a category that encompasses all modern birds.
Some of the newly unearthed bones exhibit skeletal characteristics exclusive to this group. Additionally, like contemporary birds, some did not possess true teeth.
“If they belong to a modern bird lineage, they would represent the oldest fossils ever found,” explained Dr. Druckenmiller.
“Currently, the oldest such fossils are about 69 million years old.”
“However, establishing that requires the discovery of a partial or complete skeleton.”
Survey results I will be featured this week in the journal Science.
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Lauren N. Wilson et al. 2025. Evidence of bird nesting in the Arctic dates back to the Cretaceous period. Science 388 (6750): 974-978; doi: 10.1126/science.adt5189
California House Democrats have urged the National Weather Service (NWS) to reinstate terminated employees and initiate the hiring of new forecasters, following the suspension of 24-hour operations for weather predictions in Sacramento and Hanford.
In a letter addressed to deputy administrators of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Howard Luttonick and Commerce Secretary Laura Grimm, 23 Congressional Democrats criticized recent reductions in weather services, warning that it signals the onset of a public safety crisis with serious implications. The Weather Services division falls under NOAA, which is managed by the Department of Commerce.
“We demand the immediate reinstatement of all workers who have been terminated in these offices, the lifting of the federal employment freeze at NWS, and the establishment of adequate staffing at the Sacramento and Hanford weather forecasting offices to maintain their 24/7 operations,” the council members stated.
Since January, over 500 staff members from the Weather Bureau have departed the agency due to widespread layoffs initiated by the Trump administration, targeting many probationary positions. As a result, approximately 43% of the nation’s 122 weather offices are operating with staffing levels exceeding 20%. Independent meteorologists caution that these cuts may lead to delays in weather predictions and warnings, raising public safety concerns that have pressured the administration.
Legislators from California noted that the weather forecasting offices in Hanford and Sacramento were particularly hard hit, compromising their ability to provide continuous staffing around the clock.
“Currently, the Sacramento office has seven vacant meteorologist positions out of 16, while the Hanford office is short eight out of 13. Both offices are functioning at half their capacity as they approach the peak of wildfire season,” the letter states. “If the NWS Weather Forecast Offices in Sacramento and Hanford cannot monitor overnight conditions across the entire Central Valley, it jeopardizes the safety of our residents.”
The Weather Bureau typically provides meteorologists to assist firefighters during the wildfire season.
“This is an imprudent and unwarranted risk that does not serve the American public,” the letter declared. “Halving the staffing levels in offices responsible for forecasting wildfires, atmospheric rivers, and natural disasters endangers lives and undermines government efficiency.”
NOAA communications director Kim Doster reaffirmed that the NWS is dedicated to prioritizing public safety.
“The National Weather Service continues to fulfill its core mission amidst recent restructuring and is taking measures to prioritize critical research and services necessary for keeping American citizens safe and informed,” Doster stated in an email.
The Hanford office of the Weather Bureau is situated in the San Joaquin Valley, not far from the site of the longstanding Lake Tulare reconstruction in 2023.
The Central Valley region is responsible for producing 40% of the country’s fruits and nuts, according to the US Geological Survey. Farmers in the Central Valley depend on accurate forecasts for making informed decisions about planting, irrigation, and harvesting.
In the meantime, Sacramento forecasters are predicting extreme heat and a heightened risk of wildfires this weekend, indicating an early onset of the wildfire season.
Representative Jim Costa, who represents parts of the San Joaquin Valley and has received forecasts from the Hanford office, facilitated a letter to NOAA. Other notable signatories include Councillors Nancy Pelosi, Eric Swalwell, and Doris Matsui, amongst the 22 others.
Pressure has been mounting for months, calling for reductions in weather services.
One external meteorologist reported that weather balloon launches have been curtailed to about 12 understaffed offices, noting that missed balloon releases hinder better understanding of tornado risks during thunderstorm events near Omaha, Nebraska.
Following this incident, Nebraska Representative Mike Flood intervened with the administration and obtained additional forecasters temporarily assigned to an office near Omaha.
Earlier this month, five former directors of the Weather Bureau cautioned that further staffing cuts could lead to unnecessary fatalities.
“Our greatest fear is that the weather offices are severely understaffed, resulting in unnecessary loss of life,” wrote a former superintendent who served from 1988 to 2022.
NOAA has attempted to address the staffing shortage by temporarily reallocating personnel to fill gaps in the workforce and exploring more permanent reallocations within the agency.
Approximately two weeks ago, NOAA considered transferring 76 meteorologists and a total of 155 staff members to play a vital role.
“I must set some rules for how time travel operates”… Kaliane Bradley
DreamcatcherDiana/Shutterstock
The awkward reality about time travel in my novels; Time Saving started as a mere device to thrust Victorian naval officers into the modern era, allowing them to grapple with washing machines and athletes. The initial concept was: “What if your favorite polar explorer resides in your home?”—he had to arrive in one of two ways. I could either freeze Graham Gore, the icebound captain, for 200 years in Arctic stasis or find a route to drag him into semi-obscurity in London. Of the two options, the latter required significantly less effort.
Even the early drafts of the book lacked a serious take on time travel consequences. The published work shows a government agency investigating historical “foreigners” to determine if time travel warps their body and mind. Initially, the narrative opens in medias res, depicting a baffled Gore asking the narrator how a refrigerator functions. The sequence of action and reaction was far from a priority for me; I simply aimed to amuse my friends.
However, as I continued writing, I realized the necessity of establishing guidelines for time travel mechanics, since comedy benefits from a defined universe. (It’s no joke—thrillers need stakes. A lack of tension is neither exciting nor engaging.) The primary rule: foreigners cannot return (or so the ministry claims). The ministry also doesn’t have the authority to leap forward (likewise). Expatriates have one-way tickets only. This framework was essential for the humor to resonate, explaining why dashing Gore and his reluctant companions were forced to cohabitate. If he could always return home, what significance would their increasingly complicated coexistence hold?
Time Saving is fundamentally a book about time travel, where such occurrences are rare. Across more than 350 pages, it happens only once. I often describe it as a narrative about people navigating bureaucracy in various settings. It’s astounding that readers embraced it.
I had to reflect on the implications for Gore and the other foreigners while adhering to this rule during writing. Moreover, even if they did travel, it would lead to their demise. To preserve the timeline, the ministry selects individuals who are destined to die, ensuring that their absence won’t alter history. Naturally, these foreigners shy away from returning to plague-ridden London or the Battle of the Somme or John Franklin’s ill-fated 1845 Arctic expedition. Who would want to revisit places where they met their end? Yet, they are also reluctant to feel like outsiders in a foreign land. Thus, I portrayed them as refugees.
At this point, I began to take my novels more earnestly. My obsession with the real figure of Graham Gore deepened, as I sought to imagine his life, thoughts, and emotions. I delved into periodicals and literature from his era, attempting to understand how he perceived the world—a world that I now see through different lenses based on location. Increasingly, I endeavored to capture the emotional and psychological essence of being a refugee in a system that treats you as grateful, obedient, and useful.
Concurrently, I sought to comprehend the ministry itself. I began crafting this book amid the fall of 2021, inspired by a decade of the UK’s hostile environment policy. Did the government genuinely believe that giving the means for time travel would result in a welcoming of asylum seekers? This theme echoes throughout the book, prompting readers to consider whether it’s a form of time travel.
Thus, my book is not a scientific exploration of time travel’s mechanics, but rather a narrative journey—a story about traveling through time. I genuinely believe that all fiction embodies time travel; it traverses through distinct timelines, a cherished gift of preserved moments we can revisit, stepping back into a past that hasn’t yet happened.
Kaliane Bradley’s protagonist receives surprising news at the Ministry of Time
andrey_l/shutterstock
The interviewer mentioned my name before interrupting my thoughts. I never say my name, not even internally. She got it right, but usually, it’s not the case.
“I’m Adela,” she introduced herself, sporting eye patches and blonde hair reminiscent of hay. “I’m the Vice President.”
“Of…?”
“I hold a position.”
This was my sixth interview. The role was an internal posting, involving Gausch’s use of top secret stamps for documents with salary bands, classified as “security clearance required.” Since I had never reached this security level before, I was puzzled as to why no one explained the job to me. I was thrilled, as my current salary was about to triple. I had to maintain impeccable grades that necessitated my role in emergency response, protecting vulnerable populations, all while managing my home office in the UK. I anticipated working closely with refugees, particularly those with high profit status and specific needs, without realizing the extent of their operations. I assumed they were primarily politically significant exiles from Russia or China.
Adela, the vice-director, held knowledge I could only imagine.
“Your mother was a refugee,” she initiated, a common opening for job interviews.
“Yes, ma’am.”
“From Cambodia,” she continued.
“Yes, ma’am.” I had faced this question repeatedly during the interview process. Typically, people don’t originate from Cambodia, so I posed my answer hopefully, wishing to adjust their perceptions. You don’t Look Cambodian, an earlier interviewer had remarked candidly, inferring I appeared bright like a pilot light under the gaze of camera monitors. I often received such comments, which implied: You resemble someone from a more Mediterranean background — perhaps Spanish — and you don’t reflect the weight of genocide.
There was no further inquiry regarding adaptation to genocide. (Family still there) Understand that? Have you ever traveled there? Sympathetic smile? A beautiful country yet shadowed by sorrow. When I visited I could see it in their eyes. They were exceptionally welcoming… Adela nodded. She requested an unusual fourth option and pondered if it was appropriate to say “dirty country.”
“She wouldn’t label herself a refugee, nor even a former refugee,” I mentioned. “It’s peculiar to hear people use that term.”
“The individuals you assist are unlikely to prefer such terms either. We prefer ‘foreigners.’ In response to your query, I am the deputy director of the expatriates.”
“And they are foreigners from…?”
“History.”
“Excuse me?”
Adela shrugged. “We have time travel,” she stated, as casually as one might explain the coffee machine. “Welcome to the Ministry.”
This excerpt is shared with permission from Kaliane Bradley’s Time Saving, Published by Scepter. This is the latest selection for the New Scientist Book Club. Join us and read along here.
A frenzy erupted across Germany’s Autobahn and highways at the onset of one of Thursday’s busiest holiday weekends, prompted by Google Maps erroneously suggesting that extensive sections were closed.
Navigators in major cities like Frankfurt, Hamburg, and Berlin encountered maps populated with glaring red dots, signaling stoppages on highways spanning western, northern, southwestern, and central Germany. The disruption also impacted areas of Belgium and the Netherlands.
Users dependent on Google Maps perceived a nationwide standstill. This confusion was intensified by the fact that numerous Germans were on the move for the four-day Ascension holiday.
Reports of closures created bottlenecks on alternative routes, as motorists sought detours, resulting in extended delays. Police and traffic control were inundated with inquiries from concerned individuals seeking assistance.
Motorists who used or switched to alternative applications like Apple Maps or Waze, or who tuned into radio traffic updates, received a vastly different perspective.
On social platforms, users inquired about the chaos and expressed their dissatisfaction. “They can’t close all the highways,” one user remarked. Another quipped, “It’s like the Autobahn system has broken out in acne.”
Some speculated on whether there had been a significant terrorist incident, while others speculated about foreign meddling in a cyberattack.
The cause behind the navigation failure remains unclear.
A spokesperson from Google informed German outlets that they are currently analyzing the situation to determine the cause. They began mending the false closure notifications after receiving user reports of suspicious errors.
The spokesperson stated, “We can’t comment on a specific incident.” They highlighted that information comes from three primary sources: public data, third-party providers, and user inputs. While map data is updated frequently, the frequency varies.
“Generally, these sources form a solid foundation for accurate and timely map information,” the spokesperson added.
Road users were recommended to consult multiple resources when planning their upcoming travels.
Book Club shares their thoughts on Larry Niven’s Ringworld
Eugene Powers/Alamy
Experiencing the vibrant world created by Michel Nieva in his dystopian vision was something special—even more so while exploring Larry Niven’s classic science fiction work, Ringworld. Initially published in 1970, it reflects the hallmark traits of that era’s science fiction writing. While not a negative experience, it certainly offers a jarring shift for the New Scientist Book Club. Revisiting Ringworld as an adult from my teenage years prompted me to reflect on how it held up over time.
It’s important to note that much of what I cherished from Ringworld remains intact. The novel still evokes a sense of wonder, showcasing the depth of imagination, the expansive scale of its universe, and the cosmic distances it portrays. I fondly remember our protagonist, Louis Wu, at the brink of a distant planet, captivated by the Longfall River cascading into the highest waterfall in known space. His gaze followed it through the foggy mist, enthralled by the allure of the unknown.
Its grand scope is a significant aspect of why science fiction resonates with me. What insights can one gain, and what remains uncharted? The haunting imagery of razor-sharp sunflowers on Ringworld—the crew’s exploration of its vastness—created indelible impressions. Ringworld encapsulates that sense of wonder perfectly with lines like, “Men can lose their souls among the white stars… They call it A distant look. It’s perilous.”
Furthermore, I appreciated Niven’s ability to weave historical breadcrumbs into the narrative, referring to influential figures like Freeman Dyson, who inspired the concept of the Dyson sphere, as “one of the ancient natural philosophers, predating even the atomic age.” Such details are enjoyable nuggets to uncover. Additionally, Niven’s portrayal of aliens—from speakers to creatures—brilliantly evokes their essence through clever naming and design, particularly the inspiring vision of the speaker as a colossal version of our domestic cat.
As I previously mentioned, the prose does feel distinctly rooted in its time—somehow dated—with sexist undertones amidst the engaging scientific elements and intricate mathematics. The characters tend to lack depth; Louis Wu, for instance, can be quite off-putting, while Teela, our sole female character, deserves more agency. The narrative often drifts rather than following a tightly plotted journey, with characters simply moving from one event to the next without clear direction.
Intense discussions have emerged within our Facebook group, with many sharing similar sentiments. “I found enjoyment, yet felt distracted by the slow progression and the scientific facets overshadowed by the pervasive sexism,” remarked Eliza Rose, who likened it to early spy films where attractive women exist merely as accessories to the male protagonists.
Alain Pellett expressed distinct discomfort regarding Louis Wu’s treatment of women, noting that his interactions come off as unsettlingly superficial.
Gosia Furmanik, who grew up during Niven’s era, pointed out the challenge faced by non-male authors in finding supportive literary spaces. She stated, “Returning to science fiction after discovering works by authors beyond this genre’s prevalent pitfalls has been crucial,” reflecting on Ringworld in her review.
Undoubtedly, the arc of Teela’s character drew significant criticism from many readers. “I was frustrated with the conclusion of Teela’s storyline, which suggested women can only achieve significance through male figures,” wrote Samatha Lane.
Samantha also addressed a pivotal critique regarding the notion that “human males stand as the most astute beings in the universe.” This hubris roots itself in traditional humanism, positioning humanity at the center of all. This echoes the ongoing narrative surrounding our historical conquests in space—just a year after landing on the moon.
On a positive note, Niall Leighton spoke highly of the sheer scale of the novel, noting it hasn’t aged as poorly as some science fiction from that time.
Some readers appreciated Niven’s rigorous incorporation of mathematics into the narrative, stating it added an enjoyable layer to the experience. Linda Jones noted, “It has certainly enriched my enjoyment,” whereas Darren Rumbold found Klemperer Rosettes “particularly appealing.” However, not all shared this enthusiasm, as Phil Gersky commented, “I was eager to delve into this classic sci-fi novel. Unfortunately, the technobabble often marred my experience.”
Ultimately, I believe our Book Club’s exploration of this science fiction classic serves as a fascinating exercise capable of resonating with modern readers. I’m contemplating a journey into another classic soon, with suggestions pouring in from members eager to explore works by Ursula K. Le Guin, NK Jemisin, and Joan D. Vinge.
Next, we’re diving into a more contemporary read: Karian Bradley’s bestselling time travel novel, Time Saving. Yes, it features a female lead, and indeed, it passes the Bechdel Test. You can visit Karian’s site to read more about her novel and explore the intriguing opener. Join us for the discussion and share your thoughts over at our Facebook page.
aAs far as I recall, my wife began her daily routine with a 30-minute Candy Crush session. From her perspective, I kicked off each day by declaring it a trivial pastime. Now that I’m writing for the Guardian, I feel the need to articulate my thoughts more elegantly. Please, for your own sake, don’t follow in my footsteps. Candy Crush Soda Saga nearly derailed my life in just a week.
I appreciate the game mechanics. As Oscar Wilde famously said, those who fail to appreciate contoured chains of matching candies truly miss out on life’s joys. Wrapped in charming candy visuals—think fizzy bottles and gummy bears—the game captivates visually. Match a color bomb with a candy fish, and suddenly the colors transform, with candies resembling animated eyes gobbling up everything, creating a delightful explosion of sensory joy.
“What’s that clicking sound?” my wife inquires.
“Would you prefer tactile feedback?” I respond.
“Yeah, I thought it was damaging my phone, so I turned it off.”
“How so?”
“I felt it was exerting too much… pressure.” She compares her phone to a USS company, and herself to Scotty, who diverts an alarming amount of power from the shields.
We’ve had countless discussions about Candy Crush while playing in bed. Our dialogue has evolved from printed broadsheets to matching Jelly Beans on our mobile devices. Fortunately, you can engage with one hand while the other repeatedly punches you in the face as you reflect on the futility of your existence.
Ultimately, this game serves no purpose in the grand scheme. There’s no compelling narrative or tangible outcome. I might climb the levels with a board game pass, but whether I’m at level 150 or my wife at 8,452 (gulp!), the patterns remain unchanged.
That’s when the game unveils its microtransactions. At that point, you’re ensnared by the mechanics and candy colors, ready to spend your money quicker than the children who grab their fixes. Truly, Candy Crush Soda Saga seems like a creation that Stringer Bell would’ve devised in business school. Once praised as the most effective delivery system for poison, it’s now outperformed.
This game “suggests.” Often it’s not a coincidence when the suggestions lead to failure. The design incentivizes spending money for enjoyment. While I understand the purchase, it isn’t outright gambling—though it feels akin to it, especially now that gaming companies are screaming about setting limits, while this game implores you to continue just one more time.
I’ve lost count of my many obsessions in life. (I’ve even struggled with counting addictions.) Yet, this ranks among the worst. It took me just three days to fall dangerously deep. Last Sunday, I devoted three hours to Candy Crush Pop Saga and nearly missed the Scotland Cup final. Unlike my wife, I was left reeling for the rest of the day.
A wave of self-loathing as an addict consumes me. I recognize the futility, yet I can’t detach. At least cocaine has a quick fix. In comparison? In a week, I wasted half the time of *Twilight Princess*, or a third of *Majora’s Mask*. And those games at least provide a narrative. Had it not been for this deadline looming over me, I might have contemplated burying my phone to escape the grip of Candy Crush.
Ironically, there’s little distinction between this and the arcade games I cherished as a child. Titles like Pac-Man, Frogger, and Space Invaders were all engineered to siphon another coin for another round. They were far more repetitive. Thus, examining Candy Crush critically, I’d argue those games were time-wasters too.
But why didn’t they feel that way?
Back then, all I had was time. In my 50s, however, it feels like a dwindling resource. Perhaps if I played Galaxian now, it would feel akin to Candy Crush: a descent into a hellish gaming experience, akin to watching that event horizon movie on a treadmill while donning LEGO pants. A game that offers nothing continuously. It’s waiting for Godot, but with gummy bears instead of humans. Nothing changes; no one arrives, and the emptiness is excruciating.
Nigel Farage has announced that he will accept donations via Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.
He made his appearance at the Bitcoin Conference in Las Vegas, where he was introduced as a “British presidential candidate.” Farage stated:
He mentioned that the reforms are set to introduce crypto assets and digital finance legislation, aiming to reduce the tax on cryptocurrency transactions from 24% to 10%, thereby transforming the UK into a “crypto powerhouse.” He further noted that the cryptocurrency framework established by his party includes the “Bank of England’s Bitcoin Digital Reserve.”
Farage asserted that the new bill would prohibit banks from criticizing customers who engage in cryptocurrency trading.
On Thursday, the reform website underwent updates to facilitate cryptocurrency donations, with a disclaimer specifying that all contributions must comply with Election Commission regulations, and anonymous donations are prohibited.
During the conference, Farage referred to the acceptance of political donations in digital currencies as “innovative” and later commended the United States for being a “pioneer” in its approach to digital assets.
“My message to the British public, especially the youth, is to help guide our nation into the 21st century,” he said. “We must acknowledge that cryptocurrency and digital assets are here to stay.”
In his address, Farage criticized the inaction of previous Conservative governments concerning the current Labour government and the cryptocurrency landscape. He remarked: “Rishi Sunak delivered one speech about cryptocurrency when he was briefly Prime Minister. What has changed regarding London’s status as a global financial hub? Just one speech and nothing more.”
A spokesman for Reform UK confirmed that the party will accept cryptocurrency donations, with further details anticipated to be disclosed on Friday.
Reform UK is categorized under corporate governance as a private entity led by individuals, rather than functioning as a member-driven association like other political parties. The organization overseeing Reform UK is identified as Reform 2025, a nonprofit with just two members and two directors.
Medical professionals have created an artificial intelligence tool capable of predicting which men diagnosed with prostate cancer are likely to benefit from treatment, potentially lowering the risk of mortality.
Abiraterone is regarded as a revolutionary treatment for the condition, which is the most prevalent cancer among men in over 100 countries. It has already enabled countless individuals with advanced prostate cancer to enjoy extended lifespans.
Nonetheless, some nations, including the UK, have ceased offering this “remarkable” medication to men whose cancer has not metastasized.
Currently, teams from the US, UK, and Switzerland are developing AI assessments that determine which men are likely to gain from Abiraterone. This “promising” advancement enhances the healthcare system to allocate medications more effectively to suitable candidates while allowing others to avoid unnecessary treatments.
The AI test was unveiled in Chicago at the annual conference of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the largest cancer conference globally.
Nick James, a professor specializing in prostate and bladder cancer research at the London Cancer Institute, serves as a consultant clinical oncologist at the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, where he leads the development team.
“Abiraterone has already greatly enhanced the prognosis for hundreds of thousands of men with advanced prostate cancer,” James stated. “We recognize that for many men whose cancer hasn’t spread yet, it can have significant implications.
“However, the treatment comes with side effects and necessitates additional monitoring for potential issues such as hypertension or liver abnormalities. It is extremely valuable to identify those most likely to truly benefit, as it may slightly elevate the risks of diabetes and heart complications.
“This research indicates that those who respond optimally to abiraterone, as well as those who fare well with standard treatments alone, can decide between hormone therapy and radiation therapy.”
The AI tool examines tumor images and identifies features that may not be discernible to the naked eye. Prostate Cancer UK, the Medical Research Council, and arterial funded teams analyzed biopsy images from over 1,000 men exhibiting high-risk prostate cancer that had not metastasized.
AI analysis pinpointed 25% of the men in the study who were most likely to gain from Abiraterone. For these individuals, the medication halved the risk of mortality.
In the study, patients received a score indicating a positive or negative biomarker. This was then compared with outcomes. Among those with biomarker-positive tumors, the risk of death was reduced from 17% to 9% after five years for one in four men.
For patients with biomarker-negative tumors, Abiraterone decreased the risk of death from 7% to 4%. The research team indicated this result was neither statistically nor clinically significant, meaning these men are better off with standard treatment alone and can avoid unnecessary therapies.
Professor Gert Attard, the research co-leader at UCL Cancer Institute, noted, “This study highlights that, within a sizable cohort of patients, new algorithms can be utilized to glean information from routinely available pathology slides to customize treatments to individual patients, thereby minimizing unnecessary interventions while maximizing the effectiveness of treatment.”
James mentioned that fewer men may require the medication than previously believed, suggesting that health services should contemplate administering it to men whose cancer hasn’t spread.
While it has been sanctioned for use within the NHS for advanced prostate cancer in England, it has yet to receive approval for newly diagnosed high-risk cases that have not metastasized. However, men with indications of high-risk cancer have had access to treatment in Scotland and Wales for two years.
“Abiraterone costs just £77 per pack compared to thousands for new treatments,” James remarked. “We sincerely hope this new research will clarify who truly benefits from this drug, especially given NHS England’s decision not to fund it for high-risk non-metastatic prostate cancer cases.”
Dr. Matthew Hobbs, research director at Prostate Cancer UK, termed the AI test as “promising.” He further elaborated:
Visualize your body as a large sugar container. At birth, this container is empty. As the years progress, you consume sugar and refined carbohydrates, gradually filling the container. Each time you eat again, if the container is already full, the sugar spills over the edges.
This scenario mirrors what happens in your body. When you consume sugar, your body releases the hormone insulin, allowing sugar to enter the cells for energy. If you don’t adequately burn off this sugar, your cells become saturated over time, and they can no longer effectively utilize it.
Upon consuming sugar again, there is so much present that insulin cannot transport any more, resulting in excess sugar entering the bloodstream. This sugar travels in the form of glucose, and an overload – known as hyperglycemia – is a primary indicator of type 2 diabetes.
When excess glucose exists in the bloodstream, insulin’s ability to facilitate the transfer of sugar to the cells diminishes. Many refer to this as insulin resistance, but the root issue is not with insulin itself; it’s that the cells are overflowing with glucose.
High blood sugar represents just one facet of the problem. Not only is there an excess of glucose in the blood, but there’s also too much in all the cells. Type 2 diabetes manifests as an overflow of glucose throughout the body.
In response to this excess, the body produces more insulin to combat resistance, pushing more glucose into the already overcrowded cells to maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
This approach is temporary, as it fails to address the root cause: the surplus sugar. Continuously transferring excess sugar from the bloodstream to the cells only worsens insulin resistance. Eventually, regardless of increased insulin levels, the body cannot force more glucose into the cells.
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So what happens if you don’t eliminate excess glucose? Initially, the body increases insulin production in an effort to drive more glucose into the cells, perpetuating a cycle of resistance.
Glycemic spikes occur when insulin levels cannot keep up with growing tolerance; that’s typically when a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes is made.
Doctors may recommend medications like insulin injections or the drug metformin, but these just continuously clear glucose from the blood, redirecting it into other organs like the kidneys, nerves, eyes, and heart, creating further issues without resolving the underlying problem.
Remember the container filled with sugar? Insulin has moved sugar from the blood into a body that cannot handle it. So once you eat again, more sugar spills into the bloodstream, prompting insulin to push it back into the body.
The more glucose your body accepts, the more insulin it needs to combat this resistance. Yet, this insulin will lead to increased resistance as cells expand.
Eventually, if your body surpasses its natural insulin production, you may need medication. Initially, one drug is sufficient, but this can escalate to multiple drugs at higher doses.
The concerning truth is: if you require increasingly larger doses of medication to maintain stable blood sugar, your diabetes is actually worsening.
Type 2 diabetes is reversible and preventable…without medications
Recognizing that type 2 diabetes stems from excess sugar in the body points to the solution: eliminate the sugar. Don’t just hide it—remove it altogether. There are essentially two ways to achieve this.
Reduce sugar intake.
Burn off the remaining sugar.
That’s all there is to it. The best part? It’s natural and completely free—no medications, no surgeries, and no costs involved.
Step 1: Reduce sugar
The initial step is to completely eliminate all sugar and refined carbohydrates from your diet. Added sugars lack nutritional value and can be safely omitted. Complex carbohydrates, which are essentially long chains of sugar, and highly refined carbs like wheat flour, digest rapidly into glucose.
The best approach is to minimize or eliminate bread and pasta made from white rice and potatoes, as well as those crafted from white flour.
It’s important to maintain a moderate, rather than high, protein intake. Once ingested, dietary proteins such as meat break down into amino acids. While protein is essential for health, excess amino acids cannot be stored in the body, leading the liver to convert them into glucose. Thus, consuming too much protein can also increase sugar levels, making it advisable to avoid highly processed protein sources like protein shakes, bars, and powders.
What about dietary fats? Natural fats found in avocados, nuts, and olive oil—key components of the Mediterranean diet—are known to minimally affect blood sugar or insulin and have beneficial effects on heart disease and diabetes. Eggs and butter also serve as excellent sources of natural fats.
Dietary cholesterol associated with these foods has proven harmless to human health. Consuming nutritional fats doesn’t contribute to type 2 diabetes or heart disease; rather, it fosters feelings of fullness without introducing sugar into the body.
To limit sugar intake, focus on consuming whole, natural foods. Aim for a diet low in refined carbohydrates, moderate in protein, and high in natural fats.
Step 2: Burn remaining sugar
Exercise—both tolerance training and aerobic activity—can positively impact type 2 diabetes, although dietary adjustments are typically more effective. Fasting is one of the easiest and most reliable methods for burning sugar in the body.
Fasting is essentially the absence of eating. When you eat, your body stores the energy from food. In contrast, when you fast, your body needs to burn stored energy, with glucose being the most accessible energy source. Longer fasting durations can burn away stored sugar.
This may sound drastic, but fasting is the oldest known dietary practice and has been embraced throughout human history without issues. Those on prescription medications should consult their healthcare providers before making changes.
The bottom line? If you don’t eat, your blood sugar will drop. If you refrain from eating, you will lose weight. So, what’s the problem? Largely, it’s unfounded.
A popular fasting strategy includes fasting for 24 hours, 2-3 times a week, or doing 16-hour fasts 5-6 times weekly. The key to reversing type 2 diabetes lies within our reach.
What is essential is an open mind and the courage to challenge conventional beliefs and paradigms.
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This text has been extracted from Diabetes Code: Prevent and Reverse Type 2 Diabetes Naturally by Dr. Jason Fung—Out Now (£14.99, Greystone Books).
The Atlantic hurricane season has yet to commence, but forecasters are already raising concerns. Indeed, the 2025 season, which officially spans from June 1st to November 30th, is anticipated to be remarkably busy.
As per the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the likelihood of below-average activity stands at 60%. They foresee up to 19 named storms, with as many as 10 hurricanes and between 3 to 5 major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher).
Meanwhile, private forecasting firm Accuweather has a similar outlook, but adds another concerning prediction: up to six storms could directly impact the U.S. coastline.
This news comes on the heels of the destruction wrought by Hurricanes Helen and Milton in 2024. “Overall, it looks like it will be an even busier year,” said Alex Dasilva, Accuweather’s lead hurricane expert, to BBC Science Focus.
So, what gives scientists such confidence? While accurately predicting the timing and location of a storm remains elusive, there is increasing clarity regarding the broader factors that influence each season. This year, numerous climate indicators are aligning unfavorably.
The Atlantic is Storing Energy – A Lot of It
Hurricanes derive their power from warm ocean waters, and this year, the Atlantic is exceptionally heated.
“Sea surface temperatures are again significantly above average,” explains Dasilva. While 2025 may not match the record warmth of 2023 and 2024, conditions across most of the Atlantic Basin remain notably high.
However, it’s not just about surface temperatures; the ocean’s heat content plays a crucial role in driving the most formidable storms. This metric reflects how deeply the warm water extends beneath the surface.
“It’s truly impressive,” notes Dasilva. “When you’re at the surface, the water feels pleasantly warm. Now, imagine it extending hundreds of meters below in a region like the Western Caribbean, where mid-season temperatures can reach 80°F [27°C].”
The depth matters. Hot water serves as high-octane fuel for hurricanes; the deeper it extends, the more energy available for storms. This explains the “rapid strengthening” observed in many recent hurricanes, which can intensify dramatically within just a few hours.
“When you observe a storm rapidly intensifying, it’s something that explodes—because it encounters the highest oceanic heat, particularly off the Gulf Coast, Western Caribbean, or the southeast coast,” Dasilva adds.
Scientists now recognize that climate-driven ocean heat is on the rise yearly. As our planet warms, much of the additional heat gets absorbed into the ocean, creating a reservoir of deep energy for storms to utilize.
This doesn’t automatically mean more hurricanes overall, but those that do form are more likely to rapidly gain strength and achieve greater intensity.
Read more:
Changing Pacific Patterns Could Elevate Season End
The Pacific will serve as the puppeteer while the Atlantic supplies the fuel.
Key players include El Niño and the Southern Oscillation (ENSO)—the natural cycle of warming and cooling in the tropical Pacific Ocean. This cycle has a substantial influence on hurricane activity in the Atlantic.
A comprehensive book could be written about ENSO, so let’s summarize it briefly. During El Niño, warm waters from the tropical Pacific migrate eastward toward the Americas. During La Niña, the reverse holds true, with warm waters moving westward toward Asia and cooler waters prevailing near the Americas.
These shifts not only affect the Pacific but also change wind patterns worldwide, including in the Atlantic, either facilitating or hindering hurricane development.
At present, the Pacific is in the ENSO neutral phase, indicating that the warm waters are balanced. However, this isn’t necessarily good news.
“Research indicates that La Niña typically produces more storms, but neutral years are nearly as active,” says Dasilva. “The only time we’ve seen a significant reduction in storms is during El Niño.”
Why is this the case? During El Niño, robust upper winds from the Pacific often inhibit storms as they form in the Atlantic. Conversely, during neutral or La Niña years, these winds lessen, enabling hurricanes to form and strengthen more easily.
Moreover, a return of La Niña conditions later this year could set the stage for a busier end to the season.
“There’s a possibility for La Niña to resurge later in the season,” Dasilva notes. “If that happens, the latter part of the season could see heightened activity, so it’s important to keep a close eye on developments.”
With recent seasons demonstrating a trend towards more frequent storms, this increased warmth and favorable atmospheric conditions are notable.
Storm Trajectories Depend on Who’s at the Helm
While ocean temperature and ENSO conditions are crucial players, they aren’t the only factors at play.
Features such as the Bermuda-Azores high-pressure system—dominant over the Central Atlantic—greatly influence the final destination of storms once they form.
“This high-pressure zone in the Atlantic deflects storms around it,” Dasilva explains. “Most storms ultimately curve away towards the ocean and head toward Europe, but if this high pressure is particularly strong, it can stretch and push storms westward.”
However, the Bermuda-Azores system is dynamic and can shift throughout the season, making it challenging to accurately predict storm trajectories beyond a few days. “These dynamics can change rapidly, often hinging on timing,” Dasilva adds.
This season is also impacted by waters off West Africa.
Many of the most powerful Atlantic storms initiate as clusters of disturbed thunderstorms sweeping off the coasts of Africa as summer ends. In fact, around 85% of major hurricanes originate here.
However, this system is sensitive. Last year, unanticipated cooling off the West African coasts near the equator disrupted the jet stream, impeding the northward movement of storms and curtailing their development.
“Many believed the Atlantic was broken,” Dasilva said. The culprit was a pattern known as the Atlantic Niño, an obscure climate cycle that paradoxically has an opposing effect on hurricane activity compared to its namesake in the Pacific.
Dasilva anticipates a similar mid-summer slowdown again this year, but this doesn’t signify the season’s end.
The aftermath of a catastrophic flood caused by Hurricane Helen in North Carolina on September 28, 2024.
Inland Impacts
Another trend affecting the Atlantic hurricane season is the increasing influence of storms further inland.
A study published in Nature revealed that hurricanes making landfall have been slowing their rate of weakening over the past 50 years, with a 94% decrease in weakening rates. Essentially, this means that as storms travel inland, they often retain their strength, increasing the risk of damage far from coastal areas.
In 2024, Hurricane Helen struck Florida, triggering deadly floods in the southern Appalachian mountains. The storm was responsible for 94 fatalities and contributed to over 100 additional deaths. Furthermore, Hurricane Beryl spawned a tornado in western New York after making landfall in Texas.
“2024 was one of the most costly hurricane seasons on record, largely due to inland effects,” Dasilva states. “It’s critical for those living inland to monitor hurricane forecasts as closely as those living on the coast.”
Thus, whether you reside on the coast or inland, science signals a clear message: conditions are lining up for enhanced activity in 2025. Stay alert to forecasts.
About Our Experts
Alex Dasilva is a seasoned meteorologist and hurricane forecaster at Accuweather, specializing in long-range predictions and tropical weather. He currently serves as Accuweather’s lead hurricane predictor and frequently appears in broadcasts and live events to inform the media and the public about upcoming significant storm events.
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