Europa Clipper Presents a Distinct View of 3I/ATLAS

Posted on December 18, 2025 by

Utilizing the Ultraviolet Spectroscopy (UVS) instrument onboard NASA’s Europa Clipper spacecraft, scientists have made significant observations of 3I/ATLAS. This interstellar object is the third and only confirmed of its kind to have been detected entering our solar system from beyond it. While many telescopes on Earth and Mars struggled to track such interstellar visitors due to their proximity to the Sun, Europa Clipper was able to gather data from a distinct position as it advanced towards Jupiter.

This composite image of interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS was captured on November 6, 2025, by the UVS instrument aboard NASA’s Europa Clipper spacecraft from a distance of around 164 million kilometers (103 million miles). Image Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/SwRI.

Scheduled to launch in 2024 and reach the Jupiter system by 2030, Europa Clipper will orbit Jupiter and conduct 49 flybys of its icy moon, Europa.

The UVS instrument specializes in collecting ultraviolet light to analyze the composition of Europa’s atmospheric gases and the materials on its icy surface.

Dr. Curt Retherford, principal investigator for Europa-UVS and a research scientist at the Southwest Research Institute, remarked, “This unexpected opportunity to observe another target on its journey to Jupiter has us very excited.”

“Our observations offer a distinctive and detailed view of the comet.”

Discovered on July 1, 2025, by the NASA-funded ATLAS survey telescope in Rio Hurtado, Chile, 3I/ATLAS was traveling at a heliocentric distance of 4.51 astronomical units (AU) with an eccentricity of 6.13 at that time.

Within a week of its discovery, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory’s analysts had determined its trajectory through the solar system.

The Europa Clipper team quickly identified that their spacecraft could view 3I/ATLAS in November 2025, especially after Earth-based observations were largely obstructed by the Sun’s position and Mars observations became optimal.

During this period, the spacecraft provided crucial data between the Mars observations in September and upcoming Earth-based exams.

With the comet’s trajectory aligning between Europa Clipper and the Sun, the UVS team was able to observe it from a distinctive angle.

Comets feature a dust tail that trails behind and a plasma tail that extends away from the Sun.

The Europa-UVS’s unique sunward perspective enabled a rare downstream view of the comet’s two tails, primarily observing from behind the tail and toward the comet’s core and coma.

“We anticipate that this new perspective, together with data from Earth-based assets and other spacecraft, will enhance our understanding of the tail’s shape,” stated Dr. Thomas Greathouse, co-principal investigator for the Europa-UVS study.

The UVS instrument identified signatures associated with oxygen, hydrogen, and dust, reinforcing evidence of significant outgassing activity from 3I/ATLAS shortly after its closest approach to the Sun.

“Europa-UVS excels at measuring fundamental transitions of atoms and molecules,” remarked Dr. Retherford.

“We can observe gas being expelled from the comet, along with water molecules splitting into hydrogen and oxygen atoms.”

This capability allows Europa Clipper to closely analyze and measure these atomic species, offering deeper insights into the comet’s processes and composition.

“By understanding the chemical makeup of comets and how readily these gases are ejected, we can better comprehend their origins and evolution as they traverse from distant parts of the galaxy to our solar system,” explained Dr. Tracy Becker, co-principal investigator for Europa and UVS, also at the Southwest Research Institute.

“What chemical processes occur? How can we grasp the origins of comets within our solar system?”

“Are these processes akin to our theories about the formation of the solar system? That’s a key question.”

Source: www.sci.news

US Lab Closure Will Significantly Hinder Climate Research

Posted on December 18, 2025 by

National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, Colorado

Matthew Jonas/MediaNews Group/Boulder Daily Camera (via Getty Images)

The decision by the Trump administration to shut down the premier center for atmospheric research could jeopardize weather forecasting and climate modeling, increasing the risks posed by global warming.

In a statement to USA Today, White House official Russ Vought mentioned that the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) is viewed as a source of “climate change concerns” and will be disbanded. The plan includes the discontinuation of Green New Fraud Research, with “essential capacities” like weather modeling and supercomputing to be relocated.

NCAR’s models provide vital support for reports from the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which are crucial for countries in establishing measures to lower carbon emissions and adapt to severe weather.

“Ceasing operations would amplify uncertainty regarding our climate future and hinder our preparation efforts,” asserts Michael Meredith from the British Antarctic Survey. “It’s difficult to view this as anything other than silencing the messenger.”

Established in 1960 to advance atmospheric science, NCAR employs 830 individuals conducting research that spans “from the ocean floor to the core of the sun.” According to its unofficial motto, it manages programs monitoring everything from floods and wildfires to space weather.

NCAR developed the GPS dropsonde, a device equipped with sensors that is deployed into hurricanes, significantly enhancing our understanding of tropical cyclones. This has started a revolution in weather research. The researchers also designed a wind shear warning system for airports, saving numerous lives by preventing crashes.

However, one of its major contributions lies in providing data, modeling, and supercomputing resources to other researching entities. Weather Underground, one of the pioneers in offering localized weather forecasts online in the 1990s, credits its founding on the software and weather data developed by NCAR, according to meteorologist Jeff Masters.

NCAR is responsible for developing and managing weather research and forecasting models that are extensively utilized for daily forecasts and regional climate studies. They will continue to collaborate with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to enhance weather modeling aimed at predicting extreme storms.

If this critical work faces disruption, it could lead to a decline in the accuracy of weather apps and TV news forecasts at a time when abnormal weather patterns are increasingly frequent. Masters likens the situation to “halting weapons research and development on the eve of World War II.”

“Without knowledge of impending dangers, more lives will be at stake,” he warns.

NCAR oversees the Community Earth System Model (CESM), the first global climate model developed specifically for universities. CESM facilitates diverse research efforts, from estimating current global carbon emissions to predicting upcoming changes in ocean currents, heat wave frequency, and ice melt.

“This model is arguably the most utilized globally,” states Richard Rood at the University of Michigan.

Twice a year, NCAR organizes user meetings to gather insights on improving the model, which can be operated on a server or downloaded for local modifications. The closure may jeopardize the ongoing maintenance and development of CESM and its bug fixes.

Colin Carlson from Yale University was among numerous scientists who took to social media to highlight NCAR’s importance. He utilizes climate models to predict the requirements for cholera and yellow fever vaccines as the climate evolves and anticipates dengue fever outbreaks in Florida. “We need NCAR to perform our roles effectively,” Carlson emphasized in a recent post.

NCAR also operates a modified C-130 cargo plane and a Gulfstream business jet designed for research purposes, reaching the stratosphere and facilitating the operation of King Air propeller planes that study cloud physics.

From 2009 to 2011, the Gulfstream jet successfully conducted its inaugural comprehensive flight, traversing from the North to South Poles multiple times and reaching altitudes between 150 meters and 9000 meters. Their investigation measured CO₂ and other atmospheric gases. They also gathered data on solar corona during the 2017 solar eclipse.

Rood noted that the aircraft assists in monitoring air pollution and calibrating satellite instruments.

The research conducted by NCAR on aerosols is crucial for understanding geoengineering effects, especially proposals aimed at mitigating abrupt climate changes through aerosol diffusion to shield sunlight.

“Elimination of such climate research will lead to decisions regarding geoengineering and tipping points being made in a blind manner,” Rood cautioned.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Study Reveals Daily Cheese Consumption May Lower Dementia Risk

Posted on December 18, 2025 by

A recent study has revealed that high-fat cheese and cream might play a role in preventing dementia.

This research, published in Neurology The Medical Journal of the American Academy of Neurology, indicates that individuals consuming two servings of high-fat cheese daily as part of a balanced diet had a lower likelihood of developing dementia.

“For decades, discussions surrounding high-fat versus low-fat diets have influenced health guidance, often branding cheese as an unhealthy option,” remarked Dr. Emily Sonnestedt, the study’s lead author and an associate professor at Lund University in Sweden.

“Our findings suggest that certain high-fat dairy products might actually diminish the risk of dementia, thereby challenging longstanding beliefs about fat and cognitive health.”

The study evaluated data from 27,670 older adults, monitoring their health over an approximate span of 25 years to identify who developed dementia.

Researchers also requested participants to track their dietary intake for a week and assess any changes in their eating habits over recent years.

Results showed that individuals consuming a nutritious diet with at least 50 g (1.8 oz) of high-fat cheese per day had a 13 percent reduced risk of dementia compared to those who ingested less than 15 g (0.5 oz).

Focusing on vascular dementia, a condition characterized by insufficient blood flow to the brain, cheese consumers experienced a 29% lower risk.

Additionally, participants consuming 20 grams (0.7 ounces) of heavy cream—such as whipped cream, clotted cream, or double cream—had a 16 percent decreased risk of dementia.

Conversely, no similar association was found with low-fat cheese, cream, or other dairy products.

“These findings imply that not all dairy items equate when it comes to cognitive health,” stated Sonestedt.

Items like buttermilk, yogurt, and kefir show no impact on dementia risk – Credit: Getty

An essential factor in this study is its execution in Sweden, where cheese is frequently consumed uncooked.

When cheese is melted, its composition transforms and the fat separates, potentially influencing how our bodies absorb it.

The researchers advocate for similar studies in other nations since outcomes might differ in places like the United States, where cheese is often heated prior to consumption.

“Additional research is essential to verify our findings and explore whether specific high-fat dairy products truly offer some level of protection for brain health.”

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Likelihood of Catastrophic Asteroid Impact Rises Temporarily in 2025

Posted on December 18, 2025 by

Illustration of an asteroid passing near the moon

Mark Garlick/Science Photo Library

In 2025, the threat of a disastrous asteroid impact momentarily heightened when astronomers detected a building-sized asteroid on a collision course with Earth.

Known as 2024 YR4, this asteroid was initially identified by astronomers in late December 2024, with estimates placing its size between 40 and 90 meters. Any potential trajectory through our solar system would intersect a narrow zone that includes Earth, leading astronomers to initially assess a 1 in 83 probability of collision in 2032.

As they monitored the asteroid’s orbit more closely in early 2025, the likelihood of an impact was updated to a concerning 1 in 32 by February.

If it had impacted close to an urban area, the consequences would have been devastating, equivalent to several megatons of TNT. The asteroid was temporarily classified as a 3 on the Turin scale, where 0 means no threat and 10 signifies a global catastrophe. This raised alarms among several United Nations agencies, resulting in coordinated efforts for a global telescope campaign and discussions on the necessity of an asteroid deflection mission.

During this period, global space agencies convened regularly to share observations and enhance understanding of the asteroid. “2024 YR4 proved to be a significant learning experience for us,” stated Richard Moisle from the European Space Agency (ESA). “This served as crucial training to enhance our capabilities related to asteroid detection and understanding the overarching challenges.”

By February 20, astronomers had refined the trajectory of 2024 YR4, effectively removing Earth from the asteroid’s predicted path, and ESA subsequently reduced the collision risk to 1 in 625, or 0.16 percent. Weeks later, both NASA and ESA confirmed that there was no longer any risk of collision. “They are not considered a threat to our planet,” affirmed Moisle.

Nonetheless, astronomers still acknowledge a minor risk of a lunar impact, estimated at about 4% for 2032. “Should we hit the moon, it would provide a unique opportunity to observe the impact process from a safe distance,” commented Gareth Collins from Imperial College London.

Researchers are now assessing the potential ramifications of an asteroid impacting the moon, including the risk of debris cascading toward Earth. They are also exploring the feasibility of a deflection mission and strategizing on how to effectively dispatch a small satellite to an asteroid in an attempt to detonate it with a nuclear device. “We must tread carefully to ensure that a moon impact does not unintentionally lead to an Earth impact,” Rang Moisle.

The present 4 percent chance of a lunar collision is not sufficiently alarming to compel global space agencies to initiate a formal mission. This probability is unlikely to shift soon, as 2024 YR4 is currently obscured by the Sun and won’t be visible until 2028. However, due to its unique positioning in Earth’s orbit, there will be a rare opportunity to observe it with the James Webb Space Telescope in February 2026. Moisle indicated that since planning an asteroid mission can take years, data from these observations will represent the last realistic chance to determine whether a mission to visit or deflect the asteroid is warranted.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Proximity to Windows May Enhance Blood Sugar Control in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes

Posted on December 18, 2025 by

Another incentive to secure a window seat is its potential to help manage blood sugar levels.

Anton Dios/Shutterstock

SEI 278372481 — Another incentive to secure a window seat is its potential to help manage blood sugar levels.

Anton Dios/Shutterstock

Many of us prefer sitting by a window to enhance our mood, but exposure to natural light during the day may also be beneficial for blood sugar control in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Our cells and tissues operate on circadian rhythms, or 24-hour metabolic cycles that influence factors like blood sugar levels. Studies indicate that exposure to artificial light at night can disrupt these rhythms. This raises blood sugar levels, while individuals who spend more time outdoors in sunlight experience enhanced insulin response, a hormone crucial for regulating those levels.

Despite these findings, none of these studies explored the advantages of receiving natural light through windows, especially since most people spend significant time indoors, according to Joris Fuchs from Maastricht University in the Netherlands.

To investigate further, Fuchs and his team enlisted 13 participants with type 2 diabetes, averaging 70 years old, to spend 4.5 days in a room with only natural light from large windows from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Participants continued their usual diabetes medications and largely sat at desks with access to their mobile phones and computers, with their screens dimmed. In the evenings, they were exposed to soft artificial light and could use their devices until 11 p.m., then slept in complete darkness until 7 a.m. They consumed similar meals three times daily to maintain stable weight and followed consistent exercise routines over the 4.5 days.

The researchers conducted a similar experiment with the same group, this time in a windowless room under artificial light. This phase occurred either one month before or after the natural light segment of the study.

Throughout both experiments, participants wore devices to monitor their blood sugar levels continuously; however, due to technical difficulties, data was only obtainable from 10 individuals.

The results indicated that during weeks with more natural light, participants maintained their blood sugar levels within a healthy range 50% of the time, compared to only 43% in the artificial light experiment.

The researchers defined a healthy blood sugar range as 4.4 to 7.2 mmol per liter, aligning with guidelines from the UK National Health Service and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Although the difference between the two studies may seem minor, extended periods outside of a healthy range can impact an individual’s health significantly, increasing the risk of diabetes-related complications, including heart problems, according to Fuchs.

The positive impact of sunlight may stem from the fact that light-sensitive cells in the eye, crucial for regulating metabolic activity cycles, are particularly responsive to shorter wavelengths present in natural light, Fuchs explained.

Further research is essential to validate these findings; however, Fuchs suggests that many individuals with type 2 diabetes can benefit from increased exposure to natural light, even if it’s simply by sitting near a window. “It’s easy, free, and accessible to all,” Hoeks said. It remains uncertain whether individuals with type 1 diabetes or prediabetes gain similar benefits.

Glenn Jeffrey from University College London emphasizes the necessity for larger studies to substantiate these results. Nonetheless, he noted, “the significance of sunlight is gradually gaining recognition.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Research Reveals Swearing Might Provide an Unexpected Physical Edge

Posted on December 18, 2025 by

Many of us find joy in liberally using profanity. Why? Because it feels satisfying. Recent scientific findings have validated this common behavior, thanks to a new study conducted by researchers at Keele University in the UK.

The research indicates that swearing can enhance physical performance and lead to better results in strength and endurance tests.

According to Dr. Richard Stevens, who spearheaded the study: BBC Science Focus, “This study essentially confirms what we consider common sense: swearing when we need to can elevate our mood.” He described swearing as a “low-cost, easily accessible, non-drug self-help strategy.”

To explore this phenomenon, the research team performed two experiments involving 192 participants. During the first experiment, each volunteer shouted an expletive every two seconds while doing push-ups (raising their body using only their arms) on a chair.

Participants also completed the same task using neutral words instead. Some began with swearing, while others started with neutral terms.

The results were significant. Those who swore were able to maintain their weight support for longer periods.

Stevens attributes this enhancement in performance to people feeling less constrained when they swear. “You become more uninhibited, you push past your hesitations and go all out instead of holding back,” he explains.

This effect was later confirmed through a post-test questionnaire, showing that participants reported higher levels of “psychological flow” when swearing—a state where they were fully engaged and enjoying the activity.

It’s common to hear profanity at the gym as individuals strive for extra strength – Photo credit: Getty

“This paper builds on research from the 1960s indicating that shouting, loud sounds, alcohol, and similar stimuli enhance physical performance. It suggests that reducing inhibitions can boost fitness,” Stevens remarked.

But what is it about profanity that gives it such power? Stevens posits that it “must relate to their taboo nature.” He noted that many curse words are “double taboos,” meaning they aren’t just socially unacceptable, but often touch on other sensitive subjects, such as sex.

The research team plans to delve deeper into the influence of a word’s taboo nature by examining its effects on pain tolerance. Essentially, they’re searching for the ultimate swear word with the greatest impact.

For now, you might be wondering if you should incorporate more swearing into your life. According to science, the answer is affirmative.

“Our findings indicate that swearing diminishes inhibition and enhances performance, suggesting that this effect may extend to other scenarios where success relies on overcoming hesitation,” Stevens stated.

“Using curse words strategically during challenging moments, especially when we’re outside our comfort zone, can help us unlock our full potential and ultimately achieve greater success.”

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

New Research Discovers Titan Lacks an Underground Ocean

Posted on December 18, 2025 by

Data from NASA’s Cassini mission to Saturn initially suggested that Titan could possess a vast subterranean ocean of liquid water. However, when University of Washington scientist Baptiste Journeau and his team created models of a moon with an ocean, the findings did not align with the physical characteristics indicated by the data. What we likely observe instead resembles Arctic sea ice and aquifers, rather than an expansive ocean akin to those on Earth.

This composite image presents an infrared view of Titan. In this depiction, blue signifies wavelengths centered at 1.3 microns, green at 2.0 microns, and red at 5.0 microns. While visible wavelengths only reveal Titan’s hazy atmosphere, the near-infrared wavelengths enable Cassini’s vision to penetrate the haze, showcasing the moon’s surface. This perspective primarily focuses on the terrain in Titan’s hemisphere facing Saturn. Image credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech / Space Science Institute.

The Cassini mission, which commenced in 1997 and spanned nearly 20 years, yielded extensive data about Saturn and its 274 moons.

Titan is the only celestial body outside Earth known to feature liquid on its surface.

Temperatures on Titan hover around -183 degrees Celsius (-297 degrees Fahrenheit). Rather than water, liquid methane forms lakes and precipitates as rain.

As Titan orbits Saturn in an elliptical pattern, scientists noted the moon stretching or contracting based on its position relative to Saturn.

In 2008, they hypothesized that Titan must harbor a massive ocean beneath its crust to explain such notable deformation.

“The extent of deformation is influenced by Titan’s internal structure,” Journeau explains.

“When Saturn’s gravity acts on a deep ocean, it can bend the crust even more; however, if Titan is entirely frozen, the deformation would be less pronounced.”

“The deformations detected during the initial analysis of Cassini mission data might align with a global ocean scenario, but we now understand that there is more complexity involved.”

Schematic representation of Titan’s internal structure as revealed by Petricca et al.. Image credit: Petricca et al., doi: 10.1038/s41586-025-09818-x.

In this new study, Dr. Journeau and his co-authors introduce an additional layer of detail: timing.

Titan’s shape alteration lags Saturn’s peak gravitational influence by approximately 15 hours.

Similar to stirring honey with a spoon, manipulating a thick and viscous substance demands more energy compared to liquid water.

By measuring this delay, scientists were able to ascertain how much energy was required to alter Titan’s shape, facilitating inferences about its internal viscosity.

The energy loss, or dissipation, observed on Titan greatly exceeded what researchers anticipated in a global ocean framework.

“No one expected such significant energy dissipation to take place within Titan,” stated Dr. Flavio Petricca, a postdoctoral fellow at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

“This provided definitive evidence that Titan’s interior differs from our previous analyses.”

Consequently, the scientists proposed a model characterized by a greater presence of slush and significantly reduced quantities of liquid water.

This slush is sufficiently thick to explain the delay, yet still contains water, enabling Titan to deform under gravitational forces.

“Titan’s water layer is so dense and the pressure so great that it alters the physics of the water,” Journeau remarks.

“Water and ice behave differently compared to seawater on Earth.”

This study is published in today’s issue of Nature.

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F. Petricca et al. 2025. The dissipation of Titan’s powerful tidal forces prevents the formation of underground oceans. Nature 648, 556-561; doi: 10.1038/s41586-025-09818-x

Source: www.sci.news

Paleontologists Uncover Earliest Evidence of Ancient Honey Bees Nesting in Vertebrate Fossil

Posted on December 18, 2025 by

Bees exhibit an extraordinary range of species and behavior, from solitary types that nest in burrows to social variants that construct intricate nests. This nesting diversity is partially captured in the fossil record, with trace fossils dating from the Cretaceous to the Holocene. In a recent study, Field Museum paleontologist Lázaro Vignola López and his colleagues unveil novel nesting behaviors based on trace fossils unearthed from Late Quaternary cave deposits on the Caribbean island of Hispaniola. Osnidam Almontei was discovered within the cavity of a vertebrate corpse.

A reenactment of the life of bees with evidence of them building their nests in caves and using the bone cavities as housing chambers for several egg-laying cells. Image credit: Jorge Mario Macho.

“The initial descent into the cave isn’t very deep. You secure a rope to the side and rappel down,” Dr. Vignola López explained.

“Entering at night, you can spot the eyes of tarantulas residing there. As you navigate through the 10-meter-long underground tunnel, fossils start to emerge.”

Fossil layers were separated by carbonate deposits formed during rainy periods in antiquity.

Although rodents made up most of the fossils, remains of sloths, birds, and reptiles—over 50 species in total—were also found. Together, these fossils narrate a compelling story.

“We hypothesize this cave served as a home for owls over generations, potentially for hundreds or even thousands of years,” Dr. Vignola López remarked.

“The owl would venture out to hunt and return to the cave to regurgitate pellets.”

“We’ve collected fossils of the prey the owl consumed, its own remains, and even bones of turtles and crocodiles that may have inadvertently fallen into the cave.”

Dr. Vignola López and his colleagues observed that the sediments in empty tooth sockets of mammalian jaws didn’t accumulate randomly.

“The surface was notably smooth and slightly concave, which is unusual for sediment burial. I noticed this pattern across multiple specimens and thought to myself, ‘There’s something peculiar here.’ It reminded me of a hornet’s nest,” he noted.

Many well-known nests constructed by bees and wasps belong to social species that coexist in large colonies, raising their young together—like the bees in honeycombs or paper wasp nests.

“However, the majority of bee species are solitary. They deposit eggs in small cavities and leave pollen for their larvae’s nourishment,” Dr. Vignola López continued.

“Some bee species create nests in tree hollows, in the ground, or utilize vacant spaces. Certain species in Europe and Africa even nest within discarded snail shells.”

To investigate the possible insect nests within the cave fossils, the researchers conducted CT scans and X-rays of the bones, capturing 3D images of the compacted soil in the tooth sockets without damaging the fossils.

The shape and composition of the deposits bore similarities to mud nests created by some contemporary bee species. Some of these nests contained ancient pollen grains that mother bees had sealed for their larvae.

The researchers propose that bees combined saliva and soil to construct small nests for their eggs, smaller than the eraser on a pencil.

Nesting within larger animal bones provided protection for bee eggs from potential predators such as wasps.

While the bees themselves were not preserved, the unique characteristics of the nests allowed for a taxonomic classification.

They named the nests Osnidam Almontei, in honor of the scientist Juan Almonte Milan, who first discovered this cave.

“Since no bee remains were found, they may have belonged to a currently existing species. Our knowledge on the ecology of various bee species in these islands is limited,” Dr. Vignola López stated.

Scientists speculate that this behavior arises from a combination of factors. With little soil covering the limestone terrain in this region, bees may have opted for caves as their nesting sites, rather than digging into the ground like many other species.

Additionally, this cave had been home to generations of owls, with numerous owl pellets accumulating over the years, providing the bees with ample use of the bones the owls left behind.

“This finding illustrates the peculiarities of bees. They can be surprising, and it emphasizes the importance of meticulous examination when studying fossils,” Dr. Vignola López remarked.

of paper published today in Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences.

_____

Lazaro W. Vignola-Lopez and others. 2025. Fossil traces in mammal remains reveal a new nesting behavior for bees. R Soc Open Science 12(12):251748; doi: 10.1098/rsos.251748

Source: www.sci.news

Billionaire Entrepreneur Jared Isaacman Appointed as NASA Administrator

Posted on December 17, 2025 by

Jared Isaacman, the billionaire entrepreneur, was officially confirmed by the Senate as NASA’s new administrator on Wednesday, concluding a dramatic chapter that began over a year ago.

Initially nominated by then-President-elect Donald Trump in December 2024, Isaacman saw his nomination retracted just five months later following a comprehensive review of prior relations.

In an unexpected turn, President Trump renominated Isaacman in November, asserting that his enthusiasm and experience in the field of space make him “ideally suited to lead NASA into a new visionary era.”

This leadership transition occurs at a critical juncture for NASA, with ongoing concerns regarding the agency’s future funding and mission priorities. Similar to other governmental entities, NASA is recovering from significant budget cuts and workforce reductions implemented during the Trump administration.

The final vote for approval was 67-30.

The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee endorsed Isaacman’s nomination following a Dec. 3 hearing where he emphasized the urgency of returning NASA astronauts to the moon ahead of China.

Senator Ted Cruz, a Republican from Texas and committee chair, expressed hopes for Isaacman’s approval by year-end.

Isaacman, 42, is the founder and CEO of Shift4, a payment processing company, though he has not previously worked with NASA or in government. He will succeed Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who has been acting as NASA’s administrator since July.

During the Senate committee hearing, Isaacman articulated a commitment to lunar exploration and prevailing in a renewed space race with China. Both nations aspire to establish a permanent human presence on the moon, yet NASA’s Artemis program has encountered multiple delays and budget overruns, while China’s space efforts have made swift advancements.

NASA plans to send four astronauts around the moon next year in a vital test for its next-generation rockets and spacecraft. If successful, the agency aims to land a crew near the moon’s south pole by 2027. In parallel, China has announced plans to achieve its own lunar landing by 2030.

Beyond its lunar aspirations, NASA faces ambiguity regarding its funding and overarching purpose. Earlier this year, President Trump’s budget proposal suggested cutting over $6 billion, or roughly 24%, from NASA’s budget, but this met with considerable resistance in both the House and Senate.

Isaacman was subject to extensive questioning during his confirmation hearing regarding the leak of “Project Athena,” a document detailing his vision for NASA. The 62-page proposal, first reported by Politico, suggested significant alterations to NASA’s scientific agenda, such as prioritizing Mars missions, enhancing nuclear-electric propulsion, reforming certain NASA centers, and increasing commercial partnerships.

Isaacman stated in the hearing that Project Athena is a “draft document,” yet he affirmed support for its contents, asserting that they are “valid from all perspectives.”

The confirmation proceedings also spotlighted Isaacman’s ties with Elon Musk. Isaacman has made two space flights on commercial SpaceX missions, self-financed, without publicly disclosed costs. Musk, founder and CEO of SpaceX, previously aligned with Trump but supported Isaacman’s initial nomination.

The reversal of Isaacman’s nomination came during a public spat between Trump and Musk. Isaacman faced scrutiny regarding his connections with Musk, including how his business dealings relate to SpaceX.

Isaacman downplayed this connection, emphasizing that he chose SpaceX for his space travel due to its unique capability to transport astronauts to and from space.

He concluded, stating, “There are no photos of him at dinner, in a bar, on a plane, on a yacht, because they don’t exist.”

Source: www.nbcnews.com

In 2025, Humanity Discovers New Colors for the First Time

Posted on December 17, 2025 by

We perceive color using input from cone cells in the retina.

Shutterstock/Kytriel

SEI 272896748 — We perceive color using input from cone cells in the retina.

Shutterstock/Kytriel

In April, researchers announced that they developed a device that allows people to see vibrant green and blue colors previously unseen by humans. Following this revelation, numerous requests poured in from the public eager to experience these colors firsthand.

This device could potentially enable individuals with certain types of color blindness to experience typical vision, while also giving those with normal vision an opportunity to perceive a broader spectrum of colors. “Our aim is to enhance the color experience,” states Austin Rolda from the University of Waterloo in Canada.

The retina at the rear of most individuals’ eyes contains three types of cone cells identified as S, M, and L. Each of these cones detects different wavelength ranges of light, aiding the brain in forming color perceptions based on signals received from them.

The M cone cells’ sensitivity range overlaps with the other two types, meaning they typically receive combined signals from multiple cone types.

Roorda and his team employed a highly accurate laser to selectively target about 300 M cones in a small area of the retina, roughly the size of a fingernail when held at arm’s length.

When five team members tested the device, they encountered a vivid blue-green hue that exceeded anything they had seen so far, which they named “olo.” This discovery was validated through a color matching experiment that compared olo to the complete visible light spectrum.

“It was truly an incredible experience,” remarks Roorda, who has witnessed olo more frequently than anyone else due to his essential role in developing the system. “The most vibrant natural light appeared dull in comparison.”

After their findings attracted media attention, the team received numerous inquiries from various individuals, including artists, interested in seeing olo. However, Roorda explained that they were unable to fulfill these requests, as setting up the device for a new person requires several days.

Instead, they are concentrating on two ongoing experiments. The first experiment aims to determine whether the device can temporarily enable individuals with color blindness to experience typical vision. Certain color blindness types arise from having only two cone types rather than the typical three. “We manipulate the signaling from specific cones within a type to simulate the existence of a third cone type,” Roorda explains. The objective is for people’s brains to interpret these signals as colors they have never experienced before.

The researchers are also exploring whether a similar technique could allow individuals with three cone types to perceive the world as if they had four cone types, potentially expanding their color perception. Results from both studies are anticipated to be available next year, Roorda indicated.

Topic:

Neuroscience /
2025 News Review

Source: www.newscientist.com

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome May Have a Significant Genetic Influence.

Posted on December 17, 2025 by

Chronic fatigue syndrome has multiple influencing factors, with genetics starting to emerge as a key player.

Anusorn Nakdee/Getty Images

Recent research is illuminating how genetics contributes to the development of chronic fatigue syndrome, also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS). This latest study, the most extensive of its kind to date, identifies over 250 genes, significantly outpacing previous discoveries. The findings paves the way for targeted treatments for ME/CFS and enriches our understanding of how it varies from conditions like long COVID-19.

“We are exploring numerous possibilities, including new treatment options and repurposing existing medications,” remarks Steve Gardner of Precision Life in Oxford.

ME/CFS is a chronic and often debilitating illness characterized primarily by severe fatigue following even minor exertion. The cause is often linked to infections, yet not every individual exposed to these infections goes on to develop symptoms.

To deepen the understanding of this condition, Gardner’s team analyzed genomic information from over 10,500 individuals diagnosed with ME/CFS. This data originated from the DecodeME project, which notably found that patients with ME/CFS possess distinct genetic characteristics when compared to individuals without the disorder.

Subsequently, Gardner and colleagues cross-referenced this data with information from the UK Biobank, focusing on genetic variations known as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), which occur when one letter of the genetic code is altered.

While traditional analyses often evaluate one SNP at a time, Gardner notes, “The complexity of disease biology doesn’t operate that way. Multiple genes interact, with some enhancing and others diminishing each other’s effects.”

In a different approach, the researchers sought groups of SNPs linked to the risk of developing ME/CFS, uncovering 22,411 such groups drawn from 7,555 combinations of SNPs, out of an extensive dataset of over 300,000. They also discovered that individuals with a higher count of these SNP groups faced an increased likelihood of developing ME/CFS.

“This is where their progress begins,” adds Jacqueline Cliff from Brunel University, London.

The researchers proceeded to map the SNPs to 2,311 genes. Each gene plays a subtle role in an individual’s risk, culminating in the identification of 259 “core” genes that had a robust association with ME/CFS and contained the most frequently observed SNPs. This represents a profound advancement from the earlier August study, which identified only 43 genes.

“For drug discovery, it’s essential to focus on variants with greater prevalence and significant effect sizes,” Gardner states. While there are currently no specific medications for ME/CFS, symptomatic treatments like pain relievers and antidepressants may be offered, along with resources for energy management.

Danny Altman, a professor at Imperial College London, expresses optimism that investigations like this will highlight the severe impact of ME/CFS, a condition that has long been misunderstood. “We are gaining momentum in understanding genomics and pathophysiology.”

Previous studies have sought to pinpoint genetic risk factors for ME/CFS, but often duplicated findings. “It’s primarily about scale and statistical power,” explains Altman, emphasizing that inadequate sample sizes can overlook significant genetic signals.

In August, DecodeME researchers indicated several mutations in eight genomic regions, identifying 43 genes with links to ME/CFS risk, though not all could be validated in independent datasets. Nevertheless, PrecisionLife verified all eight regions, reinforcing their status as legitimate risk factors for the ailment.

ME/CFS is frequently compared to long COVID, given that both arise from infections and frequently result in post-exertional fatigue. In this recent study, researchers aimed to explore the connections between these conditions by analyzing gene lists associated with ME/CFS against those linked with long COVID-19. “Approximately 42 percent of the genes identified in long COVID-19 have been demonstrated in multiple cohorts of ME,” Gardner observes, underscoring the partially overlapping nature of these two diseases.

Despite this, Cliff cautioned that differing analyses of long COVID patients limit researchers’ confidence in the outcomes. The authors indicate that their genetic overlap findings represent a “minimal estimate,” implying a greater genetic similarity than previously assumed between these conditions.

Altman and his colleagues, including Rosemary Boyton, have recently secured £1.1 million in funding to explore the potential links between ME/CFS and long COVID-19. The focus will be on recruiting individuals with both conditions to conduct a comprehensive analysis that includes an overview of participants’ health, the immune system, and aspects such as latent viruses within the body and gut microbiome, believed to be contributors to these symptoms.

By delving into the mechanisms behind ME/CFS and long COVID, as well as individual variations, Altman aspires to create tailored interventions.

topic:

genetics/
chronic fatigue syndrome

Source: www.newscientist.com

An Unusual Lemon-Shaped Exoplanet That Challenges Planet Formation Theories

Posted on December 17, 2025 by

Artist impression of PSR J2322-2650b

NASA, ESA, CSA, Ralph Crawford (STScI)

Astronomers have identified what could be one of the most peculiar known exoplanets. This planet orbits a rapidly spinning neutron star known as a pulsar, which is just the beginning of its unusual characteristics.

Michael Chan and his team at the University of Chicago discovered this strange exoplanet located more than 2,000 light-years away from Earth using the James Webb Space Telescope. They quickly recognized that something was off when they analyzed the spectrum of light emitted by the planet. Instead of detecting the typical signatures of water or carbon dioxide, they unexpectedly found carbon molecules.

Carbon molecules are not commonly seen in planetary atmospheres as they typically bond with other elements rather than themselves. “For carbon to exist in the atmosphere, we would need to eliminate nearly all other elements, including oxygen and nitrogen, which is something we don’t understand how to achieve,” Zhang stated. “There aren’t any other known planetary atmospheres like this one.”

Due to its proximity to its star and the star’s significant mass, the pulsar’s gravity is believed to have distorted the planet into an elongated, lemon-like shape. A year on this exoplanet lasts just 7.8 hours, and even its coldest regions reach temperatures of approximately 650°C (1202°F). Unlike most gas giants, the winds on this planet blow contrary to its rotation. “You can envision this planet having graphite clouds in its atmosphere, giving it a striking red appearance, reminiscent of an ominous lemon,” Zhang remarked. “I consider it to be undoubtedly the most bizarre exoplanet known.”

These numerous anomalies pose a challenge in explaining the formation of PSR J2322-2650b, running counter to established models of planetary formation. For now, this utterly bizarre and remote world remains an enigma.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Trump Administration Set to Eliminate Key Climate Research Centers

Posted on December 17, 2025 by

The Trump administration has announced plans to dismantle Colorado’s National Center for Atmospheric Research, which is the largest climate research institute in the federal state.

Russ Vought, the White House Director of Management and Budget, revealed the proposal on Tuesday. In a statement on X.

“The National Science Foundation intends to dissolve the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Boulder, Colorado,” Vought stated. According to a USA Today report. “This facility is a core source of concern regarding climate change in our country. A thorough review is in progress, and vital activities related to climate research will be reassigned to another organization or location.”

This action could pose a significant blow to U.S. climate research, as United Nations and other global leaders indicate that time is running out to avert the dire consequences of global warming.

The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research, NCAR’s parent organization, issued a statement on Tuesday. They acknowledged awareness of the closures but had no further details.

“We are eager to collaborate with the administration to ensure the security and prosperity of our nation remains a top priority,” UCAR President Antonio Busalacci stated.

In response to an NBC News inquiry about NCAR’s fate, a senior White House official criticized Colorado Governor Jared Polis, a Democrat.

“Perhaps if Colorado had a governor willing to engage with President Trump, it would be more beneficial for voters,” said the official.

The official characterized NCAR as “a prominent research center perpetuating left-leaning climate change ideologies” and asserted that dismantling NCAR would “put an end to the research activities linked to the Green New Scam.”

Polis responded on Tuesday. He mentioned that Colorado has not received any communication about plans to dismantle NCAR, emphasizing that such actions would equate to an assault on science if confirmed.

“Climate change is a real issue, but NCAR’s contributions extend well beyond climate research,” Polis stated. “NCAR supplies crucial data on severe weather incidents like fires and floods, aiding our nation in safeguarding lives and property. If these cuts proceed, we risk losing our competitive edge against foreign adversaries in scientific exploration.”

Many within the climate and weather field expressed shock at this announcement.

Daniel Swain, a climatologist at UCLA, remarked: I commented on X that this would represent a “significant setback for American science.”

“This will disrupt not only climate research but also studies on weather, wildfires, and disasters that have supported decades of advancements in forecasting, early warnings, and resilience improvement,” Swain said, noting that the repercussions would cascade throughout the global weather and climate communities.

“NCAR has likely played an unparalleled role in enhancing weather forecasting and atmospheric modeling compared to any other organization worldwide,” he added.

Katherine Hayhoe, an atmospheric scientist and chief scientist at the Nature Conservancy, asserted that dismantling NCAR would be “akin to using a sledgehammer on the foundation of our scientific understanding of the planet.”

“Almost everyone studying climate and weather, not just in the U.S. but globally, has benefited from NCAR’s invaluable resources,” she mentioned on X.

Andy Hazelton, an associate scientist at the University of Miami’s Oceanic and Atmospheric Institute, described the decision to move resources as “incredibly shortsighted.”

Some Democratic representatives have pledged to fight against the closure of NCAR.

“This represents a dangerously blatant act of retaliation from the Trump administration,” stated Rep. Joe Neguse, D-Colorado, whose constituency includes the climate research hub. I posted on X. “NCAR is a leading scientific facility globally, with our scientists engaging in pioneering research every day. We will use every legal avenue to combat this reckless directive.”

Source: www.nbcnews.com

China’s Carbon Emissions Could Begin to Decrease by 2025

Posted on December 17, 2025 by

China’s swift transition to solar energy is contributing to lower emissions in the energy sector

Cost Photo/NurPhoto (via Getty Images)

The year 2025 could mark the beginning of a long-term decline in China’s greenhouse gas emissions, although achieving this objective still appears uncertain.

As the largest producer of carbon dioxide globally, China aims to reduce its emissions by 2030, a critical threshold to avert a climate emergency in the coming years.

With the first three quarters of 2025 completed, it’s premature to determine if emissions will see a slight rise or a decline for the entire year. An analysis by Lauri Milivirta presented by Carbon Brief at Finland’s Energy and Clean Air Research Center highlights these uncertainties.

Total emissions in China have remained steady or slightly decreased since March 2024. The significant expansion of solar and wind energy is central to this emissions reduction; however, fossil fuel demand continues to rise in various sectors, Millivirta noted.

“While emissions from the power, cement, and steel industries are declining, coal and oil consumption in the chemical sector is beginning to rise significantly again,” he stated.

From January to August, electricity demand surged by 320 terawatt-hours, marking a 4.9% year-on-year increase. In contrast, contributions from solar PV increased by 250 TWh, wind by 105 TWh, and nuclear by 30 TWh, resulting in a total surge of 385 TWh from these non-fossil sources.

The rate of solar energy growth in China is remarkable, according to Milivirta. “In just the first half of 2025, solar capacity installations were akin to setting up 100 solar panels every second,” he mentioned. “In the first nine months of this year, 240 gigawatts of solar capacity were added, reflecting a 50 percent increase compared to the previous year. This addition alone surpasses the total installed capacity in the United States.”

The trade tariffs enacted by former US President Donald Trump have yet to significantly influence China’s emissions; both the positive and negative aspects of the trade war have largely balanced each other out, Millibirta stated.

If emissions in China do begin to decline, it’s likely that global trends will follow suit, according to Li Shuo from the Asian Society Policy Institute in Washington, DC. “However, we require data from the upcoming years to verify trends, so we should be cautious about declaring a peak too early,” he added.

“The fate of the temperature targets outlined in the Paris Agreement relies on how swiftly China and developed nations advance their emissions reductions, alongside how developing nations manage to control emissions while promoting economic growth,” Li stated.

David Fishman expects emissions to decrease this year, but urges against excessive optimism. “Any number of events could unfold in the closing months of 2025,” he remarked.

“The rise in electricity demand has been fully met, and then partially addressed by renewable energy sources, slightly slowing or even reversing emissions growth in the power sector.”

Even if China’s emissions peak ahead of its 2030 target, a swift decline over the following five years seems unlikely, as consumers in China still utilize less energy per capita than those in higher-income nations, Fishman noted. “I anticipate that China’s emissions will likely stay flat until 2030, and we won’t witness any significant drop until post-2030.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Webb Discovers Unique Helium and Carbon-Rich Atmosphere on Exoplanet Orbiting Pulsar

Posted on December 17, 2025 by

PSR J2322-2650b, an enigmatic Jupiter-mass exoplanet orbiting the millisecond pulsar PSR J2322-2650, exhibits an unusual atmosphere primarily composed of helium and carbon, presenting a new phenomenon never observed before.

Artist’s concept of PSR J2322-2650b. Image credit: NASA/ESA/CSA/Ralf Crawford, STScI.

“This discovery was completely unexpected,” stated Dr. Peter Gao, an astronomer at the Carnegie Earth and Planetary Institute.

“After analyzing the data, our immediate reaction was, ‘What on Earth is this?’ It contradicted all our expectations.”

“This system is fascinating because we can see the planet lit by its star, yet the star itself is invisible,” explained Dr. Maya Bereznay, a candidate at Stanford University.

“This allows us to capture exceptionally clear spectra, enabling us to study the system in a much more detailed way than we typically do with other exoplanets.”

“This planet orbits a truly unique star—it’s as massive as the sun but as compact as a city,” remarked Dr. Michael Chan from the University of Chicago.

“This represents a new kind of planetary atmosphere never before observed. Instead of the typical molecules like water, methane, and carbon dioxide, we detected carbon molecules, particularly C.₃ and C₂.”

Molecular carbon is exceedingly rare; at temperatures exceeding 2,000 degrees Celsius, carbon typically bonds with other atoms in the atmosphere.

Out of around 150 planets studied both within and beyond our solar system, none have showcased detectable molecular carbon.

“Did this form as a typical planet? Certainly not, due to its starkly different composition,” Dr. Zhang stated.

“Could it have been created by stripping the outer layers of a star, like what happens in a conventional black widow system? Likely not, as nuclear processes do not yield pure carbon.”

“Envisioning how this drastically carbon-rich composition came to be is quite challenging. All known formation theories seem to be excluded.”

The authors suggest an intriguing phenomenon that might occur in such a unique atmosphere.

“As the companion star cools, the carbon and oxygen mixture within begins to crystallize,” explained Roger Romani, an astronomer at Stanford University and the Kavli Institute for Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology.

“What we observed was pure carbon crystals rising to the surface and blending with the helium.”

“Yet, there must be a mechanism to prevent the oxygen and nitrogen from mixing in. This is where the mystery deepens.”

“However, it’s intriguing not to have all the answers. I’m eager to uncover more about the peculiarities of this atmosphere. Solving these enigmas will be remarkable.”

For more information, refer to the paper published in Astrophysics Journal Letter.

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michael chan et al. 2025. The carbon-rich atmosphere of a windy pulsar planet. APJL 995, L64; doi: 10.3847/2041-8213/ae157c

Source: www.sci.news

Stellar-Mass Black Hole Triggers Record-Breaking Cosmic Burst by Collapsing Companion Star

Posted on December 17, 2025 by

Astronomers have utilized data gathered from a network of space and terrestrial telescopes to identify AT 2024wpp, the most radiant blue light transient (LFBOT) ever recorded. These uncommon, ephemeral, and exceedingly luminous outbursts have perplexed scientists for a decade, but the extraordinary brightness and comprehensive multiwavelength data from AT 2024wpp indicate that they cannot be attributed to typical stellar explosions such as supernovae. Instead, recent observations reveal that AT 2024wpp was generated by an extreme tidal disruption event, where a black hole, with a mass approximately 100 times that of the Sun, dismantles a massive companion star over the course of just a few days, converting a significant portion of the star’s mass into energy.

This composite image contains X-ray and optical data for the LFBOT event at 2024wpp. Image credits: NASA / CXC / University of California, Berkeley / Nayana others. / Legacy Survey / DECaLS / BASS / MzLS / SAO / P. Edmonds / N. Walk.

LFBOTs derive their name from their intense brightness, being visible from hundreds of millions to billions of light years away, and their ephemeral nature, lasting merely a few days.

They emit high-energy light across the blue spectrum into ultraviolet and X-rays.

The inaugural observation was made in 2014, but the first LFBOT with sufficient data for analysis was recorded in 2018, termed AT 2018cow, in accordance with standard naming conventions.

Researchers nicknamed it “cow”, alongside other LFBOTs dubbed “tongue-twisted koala” (ZTF18abvkwla), “Tasmanian devil” (AT 2022tsd), and “finch” (AT 2023fhn). AT 2024wpp is likely to be known as Wasp.

Researchers determined that AT 2024wpp was not a supernova after assessing the energy output of the phenomenon.

The energy was found to be 100 times greater than that produced by typical supernovae.

The emitted energy must convert roughly 10% of the Sun’s rest mass into energy over a brief period of weeks.

Specifically, observations from Gemini South disclosed excess near-infrared radiation emitted by a luminous source.

This marks the second instance astronomers have witnessed such an occurrence, with the first being AT 2018cow, which seemingly doesn’t occur in regular stellar explosions.

These observations establish near-infrared excess as a defining characteristic of FBOT, yet no model can adequately explain it.

“The energy released by these bursts is so immense that it cannot be accounted for by a nuclear collapse or any typical stellar explosion,” stated Nathalie LeBaron, a graduate student at the University of California, Berkeley.

“The main takeaway from AT 2024wpp is that the model we initially proposed is incorrect. This is definitely not an ordinary exploding star.”

Scientists suggest that the intense high-energy light emitted during this extreme tidal disruption stems from the black hole binary system’s prolonged parasitic behavior.

As they piece together this history, it appears the black hole has been gradually siphoning material from its companion star, enveloping itself in a ring of material too distant to be consumed.

Subsequently, when the companion star ventured too near and was shredded, the new material became ensnared in a rotating accretion disk, colliding with pre-existing material and releasing X-rays, ultraviolet light, and blue radiation.

Much of the gas from the companion star ended up spiraling toward the black hole’s poles, where it was expelled as material jets.

Authors calculated that the jet was traveling at about 40% the speed of light and emitted radio waves upon interacting with surrounding gas.

Similar to most LFBOTs, AT 2024wpp is situated in a galaxy characterized by active star formation, making the presence of large stars likely.

Located 1.1 billion light years away, AT 2024wpp is 5 to 10 times more brilliant than AT 2018cow.

The companion star that was torn apart was estimated to be over 10 times the mass of the Sun.

“It may have been what is referred to as a Wolf-Rayet star, a very hot evolved star that has depleted much of its hydrogen,” remarked the astronomers.

“This would account for the weak hydrogen emission observed from AT 2024wpp.”

The findings are published in two papers: Astrophysics Journal Letter.

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Natalie LeBaron others. 2025. Brightest known fast blue light transient AT 2024wpp: unprecedented evolution and properties from ultraviolet to near-infrared. APJL in press. arXiv: 2509.00951

AJ Nayana others. 2025. Brightest known fast blue light transient AT 2024wpp: unprecedented evolution and properties in X-rays and radio. APJL in press. arXiv: 2509.00952

Source: www.sci.news

As Atmospheric Rivers Persist, Washington’s Infrastructure Faces Collapse.

Posted on December 17, 2025 by

Numerous levees have collapsed, over a dozen highways have been shut down, and one fatality has been reported in Washington state as an atmospheric river storm continues to hammer the area, putting its infrastructure to the test.

Although the state’s dams and levees managed to withstand the initial wave of last week’s storms, the ongoing rainfall is beginning to overwhelm some levees.

Additionally, various low-lying areas in Western Washington remain inundated with slowly subsiding floodwaters.

During a news conference on Tuesday, Governor Bob Ferguson reported that there have been over 1,200 rescues across 10 counties since December 8. Thirteen state highways remain closed, and Highway 2, a key route across the Cascades, may remain shut for months. Interstate 90, the largest highway in the state, is also blocked due to a significant landslide.

“Our infrastructure is under significant strain,” Ferguson stated. “It has been compromised.”

Flooding occurred on Francis Road in Skagit County, Washington on Friday.
Evan Bush/NBC News

A 33-year-old man lost his life early Tuesday in Snohomish County, north of Seattle, when his car veered off into a ditch on a submerged rural farm road.

“We believe this marks the first fatality linked to this storm,” Ferguson commented, noting it was somewhat miraculous that there haven’t been additional casualties.

Courtney O’Keefe, public information director for the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office, stated that the man was driving a Chevrolet Tahoe that drove through a traffic stop as his car began to flood. He called a friend, prompting them to contact 911 for help.

“There’s a ditch right next to the road. During flooding, it’s challenging to determine where the road ends and the ditch starts,” O’Keefe noted, mentioning that the tragic accident is still being investigated.

In the last two days, two levees have failed in the suburbs of Seattle.

The latest incident occurred Tuesday morning in the town of Pacific, close to the White River.

“A leak as wide as a fire hose was detected last night around 12:30,” informed Sheri Badger, a spokeswoman for the King County Emergency Management Agency. “It has since increased to approximately 120 feet in length.”

The semi-permanent embankment was built with HESCO Barrier, a mesh and fabric structure filled with sand, earth, and gravel. Badger explained that barriers were stacked atop one another, with water seeping through the gaps.

An evacuation advisory has been issued for 1,300 residents in the area. Crews are actively adding sandbags and “super sacks” to reinforce the breach.

On Monday, a six-foot section of another levee gave way in Tukwila, a locality on the Green River south of Seattle. King County ordered an evacuation for around 1,100 individuals, but crews managed to promptly repair the breach, limiting the damage.

The embankment had been previously damaged by flooding about four years ago and remained partially unrehabilitated.

At least two dams are currently being monitored for cracks or potential failures, according to the state Department of Ecology. One such dam is Lake Sylvia Dam, which is classified as “poor condition” with “significant” risks as per the National Inventory of Dams, with the last inspection conducted in November 2024. It was built in 1918.

Spokesman Andrew Weinke indicated that several roads could be at risk in the event of a dam failure, but there would be no immediate repercussions for homes or residents.

Much of western Washington is traversed by rivers that flow steeply from the Cascade Mountains. These rivers, which drain into Puget Sound, historically meandered across wide floodplains, forming a complex network. However, over a century ago, much of it was dammed and straightened for potable water, flood control, and hydroelectric energy generation. As a result, streams evolved into channelized rivers, akin to superhighways for water flow.

Since that time, levee systems have been reinforced to contain the water, with homes and industrial buildings often constructed near the floodplain’s edges.

Certain areas that have experienced severe flooding previously are likely to be inundated again.

On Monday, a house was surrounded by floodwaters in Sumas.
Brandon Bell/Getty Images

Atmospheric rivers, such as the recent storm systems, appear like fire hoses on weather radar.

These storms are often referred to as the “Pineapple Express” as they can carry humidity and warmth from Pacific waters near Hawaii and other tropical regions.

The Pacific Northwest typically handles one or two of these storms without significant impact; however, three heavy rain events have occurred since December 8. Some parts of the North and Central Cascades received up to 16 inches of rain within three days, making them the steepest and most rugged mountains in the continental United States.

“The atmospheric river phenomenon was considerable, but not unprecedented,” stated state climatologist Guillaume Mauger. “What stands out is the consecutive nature of these storms.”

Members of a Sumas household were working on Monday to repair their homes, which were flooded during last week’s heavy rains.
Brandon Bell/Getty Images

He noted that more intense river flooding is anticipated in the future as rising temperatures will lead to increased rainfall rather than snowfall. As the climate warms, rainfall also tends to become more intense.

One study predicts flooding along the Skagit River by the end of this century, with potential volumes increasing by nearly 50% every 100 years by the 2080s. Given that the river already has dams, existing flood control measures are deemed “mostly ineffective,” the study found.

Mauger suggested that the best approach to mitigate future risks is to provide rivers with more space.

As more storms are on the horizon, dam operators are compelled to redirect water to upstream reservoirs to avert potential flooding.

John Taylor, Director of King County Natural Resources and Parks, mentioned that officials are closely monitoring several levees of concern and reinforcing those known to be weak.

“We’ve noticed that levees, which typically perform well during floods, are starting to fail due to saturation and significant pressure,” he explained.

The Skagit and Snoqualmie rivers are expected to reach or surpass major flood stage by Thursday morning.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Sea Cow Populations Have Shaped the Arabian Gulf Seagrass Ecosystem for Over 20 Million Years

Posted on December 16, 2025 by

Paleontologists have discovered a significant concentration of dugong fossils at Al Masjabiya, an early Miocene dam site in Qatar. These fossils indicate that the Arabian Gulf has undergone various species of sea cows over the past 20 million years. One of these species is Salvacillen catalensis.

An artistic rendering of a group of Salvacillen catalensis foraging on the ocean floor. Image credit: Alex Boersma.

It has a robust body and a downturned snout adorned with sensitive bristles. Dugongs (dugong dugong) are closely related to manatees.

A key distinction between these aquatic herbivores, often referred to as sea cows, is their tails. Manatees possess a paddle-like tail, whereas dugongs feature a fluke-like tail that resembles that of a dolphin.

Dugongs inhabit coastal waters stretching from western Africa through the Indo-Pacific to northern Australia.

The Arabian Gulf hosts the world’s largest dugong population, making sea cows critical to the ecosystem.

As they graze on seagrass, dugongs alter the ocean floor, creating feeding channels that release buried nutrients into the surrounding waters for use by other marine life.

“We uncovered a distant ancestor of the dugong in a rock formation less than 16 kilometers (10 miles) from a bay with seagrass meadows, which is currently the primary habitat for dugongs,” stated Dr. Nicholas Pienson, curator of fossil marine mammals at the National Museum of Natural History.

“This region has served as the main habitat for sea cows for the past 21 million years, with different species occupying this role over time.”

Few locations preserve as many bones as Al Masjabiya, a fossil site in southwestern Qatar.

The bone beds were initially identified in the 1970s during mining and oil exploration, when geologists found a large number of “reptilian” bones scattered across the desert.

Paleontologists revisited the area in the early 2000s and soon realized that these fossils belonged to sea cows, not ancient reptiles.

Using the surrounding rock layers as a guide, Dr. Pienson and his team dated the bone bed to the early Miocene, approximately 21 million years ago.

They found fossils indicating that this area was once a shallow marine habitat teeming with sharks, barracuda-like fish, prehistoric dolphins, and sea turtles.

Researchers identified over 170 different sites containing sea cow fossils throughout the Al Masjabiya location.

This renders the bone bed the richest trove of fossilized sea cow remains globally.

The fossilized bones from Al Masjabiya bore a resemblance to modern dugongs, although ancient sea cows still had hind limb bones, which contemporary dugongs and manatees have lost through evolution.

The prehistoric sea cows found here exhibited straighter snouts and smaller tusks compared to their living counterparts.

Researchers classified Al Masjabiya’s fossil sea cow as a new species: Salvacillen catalensis.

“Using a national name for this species seemed fitting, as it clearly indicates the location where the fossil was discovered,” said Dr. Ferhan Sakal, a researcher at Qatar Museums.

Estimated weight: 113 kg (250 lbs), Salvacillen catalensis would weigh as much as an adult panda or a heavyweight boxer.

Nonetheless, it was among the smaller sea cow species ever found, with some modern dugongs weighing nearly eight times as much as Salvacillen catalensis.

Based on the fossils, scientists theorize that the region was rich in seagrass beds more than 20 million years ago, during an era when the bay was a hotspot of biodiversity, supported by sea cows nurturing these aquatic meadows.

“The density of al-Mashabiya’s bone bed provides a significant clue. Salvacillen catalensis acted as seagrass ecosystem engineers in the early Miocene, much like dugongs do today,” Dr. Pienson added.

“Though the evolutionary agents have completely changed, the ecological roles have remained the same.”

The findings are documented in a published paper available at: Peer J.

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ND Pienson et al., 2025. The abundance of early Miocene sea cows from Qatar demonstrates the repeated evolution of eastern Tethyan seagrass ecosystem engineers. Peer J 13: e20030; doi: 10.7717/peerj.20030

Source: www.sci.news

Arctic Experiences Hottest Conditions in 125 Years Amid Record Low Sea Ice, According to NOAA Report

Posted on December 16, 2025 by

The previous season marked the highest temperatures in the Arctic for the past 125 years. March, typically the month with the greatest sea ice extent, recorded the lowest levels in 47 years of satellite data. The North American tundra exhibited unprecedented greenness, showing more vegetation than ever before.

These findings, released on Tuesday in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s annual Arctic Report Card, illustrate the swift and dramatic changes taking place in the region as global temperatures rise.

“The Arctic is warming at a pace that exceeds the global average, with the last decade being some of the hottest on record,” stated Steve Sarr, NOAA’s acting principal scientist and associate administrator for ocean and atmospheric research.

Due to this warming, “over 200 watersheds in the Alaskan Arctic are turning orange as permafrost thaws, ecosystems evolve, and elements like iron are released into rivers,” Thursday indicated. The research highlighted increased acidity and higher levels of toxic metals in these discolored streams.

This is just one of many consequences of climate change affecting the region detailed in the report. This marks the 20th year that NOAA has published the Arctic report card, which originally surfaced during President Donald Trump’s second term.

The Trump administration has worked to diminish or eliminate other climate change reports, including the National Climate Assessment and the extensive climate disaster database. President Trump has labeled climate change a “swindler” and is actively trying to reduce the Environmental Protection Agency’s power to regulate greenhouse gas emissions.

Matthew Druckenmiller, a writer of the report and researcher at the National Snow and Ice Data Center, affirmed during a Tuesday press conference that the team faced “no political interference concerning our findings.”

Independent scientists consulted by NBC News remarked that the report conveys a similarly urgent tone and message as in previous years, with a few minor distinctions.

“Frankly, we haven’t observed a significant shift in tone compared to prior Arctic report cards, which is encouraging,” commented Tom Di Liberto, a climate scientist and media director at Climate Central. “The implications of their conclusions remain consistent with earlier Arctic report cards. The Arctic acts as a warning sign.”

Di Liberto, who previously worked in NOAA’s communications office before his position was cut in March as part of staff reductions, noted that the previous year’s report emphasized reducing fossil fuel production, whereas this year’s report does not mention fossil fuels at all. Otherwise, he identified no major differences.

NOAA unveiled a report at the American Geophysical Union’s annual meeting in New Orleans, highlighting how climate change is disrupting ecosystems and threatening livelihoods in the Arctic. This event is one of the largest scientific gatherings of the year, attracting thousands of scientists.

Mark Alessi, a climate scientist and fellow at the Union of Concerned Scientists, remarked that the report card “effectively communicates the realities of what is occurring on the ground in the Arctic.”

“Anyone reading this will understand that we continue to raise the alarm,” he emphasized.

In strong language, the report’s authors point out that proposed budget cuts to scientific programs collecting data in the Arctic, including satellite programs monitoring sea ice, threaten to undermine the data collection essential for this report and related decision-making.

“Aging infrastructure, along with risks to funding and staffing, could further erode existing AONs.” [Arctic Observing Network] Gaps are forming that hinder long-term trend analysis and decision-making,” the report warned.

Specifically, the report highlights several satellites within the Defense Weather Satellite Program set to be decommissioned in 2026. The cessation of these satellites will restrict sea ice measurements. It also mentions that the tundra greenness dataset will remain unchanged due to NASA funding cuts, and other climate datasets may also be jeopardized by proposed federal budget cuts in fiscal year 2026.

The Arctic is warming two to four times quicker than the rest of the globe, a phenomenon known as Arctic amplification. This process alters ocean currents and the degree of sunlight absorbed by the Earth’s surface at the poles.

“This feedback loop leads to the loss of sea ice and land ice, increased absorption of sunlight, and consequently, more rapid warming,” explained Alessi.

Temperature records are categorized by the Arctic water year, with the latest data ranging from October 2024 to September 2025.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

New Study Suggests Remarkable South African Fossil Could Represent a New Australopithecus Species

Posted on December 16, 2025 by

A recent study conducted by researchers from the University of Cambridge and La Trobe University questions the classification of the Littlefoot fossil, Australopithecus prometheus.

Littlefoot fossil from Sterkfontein Cave, central South Africa. Image credit: Purdue University.

The Littlefoot fossils were found in 1994 within a cave in Sterkfontein, central South Africa.

This specimen, referred to as StW 573, drew its name from the four small leg bones discovered in a box containing animal fossils, leading to the uncovering of the skeleton.

In the 2010s, paleoanthropologist Ronald Clark proposed that Littlefoot belonged to a hominin species known as Australopithecus prometheus.

Others argued that it was Australopithecus africanus, a hominid species first identified by Australian anatomist Raymond Dart in 1925 and already well-known in the region and across South Africa.

However, a new investigation by Dr. Jesse Martin and his team at La Trobe University has determined that Littlefoot does not exhibit a distinct set of traits linked to either species, suggesting it may be a completely new species.

“This fossil represents one of the most significant discoveries in human history, and its identity is crucial for understanding our evolutionary background,” stated Martin.

“We believe it’s evident that it does not belong to Australopithecus prometheus or Australopithecus africanus. This is likely a previously unidentified ancestor of humans.”

“Dr. Clark deserves recognition for discovering Littlefoot and for being among the few to suggest the presence of two hominin species in Sterkfontein.”

“Littlefoot indicates that this is likely true; there are indeed two species.”

Another forensic facial reconstruction of Australopithecus species – afarensis. Image credit: Cicero Moraes / CC BY-SA 3.0.

The researchers now intend to determine which species Littlefoot represents and how it fits within the human evolutionary tree.

Professor Andy Herries, a researcher at La Trobe University and the University of Johannesburg, remarked: “Littlefoot is one of the most complete and significant fossils ever discovered, providing valuable insights into early human diversity and how our ancestors adapted to various environments in southern Africa.”

“It is distinctly different from the designated specimen of Australopithecus prometheus, a classification based on the notion that early humans mastered fire, which we now understand was not the case.”

“Its unique significance compared to other contemporary fossils clearly indicates the necessity of defining it as a distinct species.”

Regarding this research, a paper was published in the December 2025 issue of the American Journal of Biological Anthropology.

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Jesse M. Martin et al. 2025. StW 573 Littlefoot fossil is Australopithecus prometheus. American Journal of Biological Anthropology 188 (4): e70177; doi: 10.1002/ajpa.70177

Source: www.sci.news

Saturn’s Rings Create a Massive Dusty Donut Encircling the Planet

Posted on December 16, 2025 by

A stunning view of Saturn and its rings as seen by the Cassini spacecraft

NASA/JPL-Caltech/Space Science Institute

New findings indicate that dust particles from Saturn’s rings are extended farther above and below the planet than previously assumed, implying that the rings might be shaped like large, dusty donuts.

The central structure of Saturn’s rings is remarkably thin, stretching out for tens of thousands of kilometers while only measuring around 10 meters in height, which gives Saturn its iconic look from Earth. However, variations exist, such as the outer E-ring that is inflated and replenished by ice ejected from Saturn’s moon Enceladus, which has an ocean beneath its surface.

In a recent study, Frank Postberg and his team at the Free University of Berlin examined data from NASA’s Cassini spacecraft, which completed 20 orbits in its final year of operation in 2017. During these orbits, the spacecraft took a steep trajectory through the rings, starting from a distance up to three times Saturn’s radius and moving downwards towards three times Saturn’s radius.

At the height of Cassini’s orbital path, its spectrometer, known as the Cosmic Dust Analyzer, detected hundreds of tiny rock particles with a chemical makeup similar to those found in the iron-deficient main rings. “This spectral type is genuinely unique within the Saturn system,” Postberg stated.

“While more material is near the surface of the rings, it is still astonishing that these particles are found so far above and below the ring surface,” he added.

Postberg and his collaborators determined that to reach heights greater than 100,000 kilometers from the main ring, the particles must be traveling at speeds exceeding 25 kilometers per second to break free from Saturn’s gravitational and magnetic forces.

Postberg noted that the exact mechanism achieving such speeds remains uncertain. The simplest explanation might be that a minor meteorite strikes the ring, scattering particles; however, this does not generate debris quickly enough.

New research suggests that when micrometeorites impact Saturn’s rings, they could generate sufficiently high temperatures to vaporize the rocks, implying that Saturn’s rings are older than once believed. Postberg and his team propose that this vaporized rock could exit the ring at much higher speeds than expected and then condense far from the planet.

It is surprising to find dust at such distances from the main ring. According to Frank Spahn from the University of Potsdam in Germany, who was not part of the study, this is significant because the particles in Saturn’s primary rings are small, collide rarely, and are sticky, leading to collisions that behave more like snowballs colliding than like billiard balls.

Micrometeorite impacts are prevalent throughout the solar system; hence, similar processes might be occurring on other ringed planets like Uranus. “If a ring of ice experiences a high-velocity impact, this phenomenon could be widespread; we would expect analogous dust rings above and below the other rings,” Postberg concluded.

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Collision Clock Indicates Satellite in Orbit Faces Disaster in 3 Days

Posted on December 16, 2025 by

An artistic representation of a satellite in Earth’s orbit

Yusery Yilmaz/Shutterstock

In the event that all satellites ceased their ability to maneuver, a collision would likely happen in just 2.8 days, underscoring the dense nature of Earth’s orbital space.

Over the past seven years, the number of satellites has more than tripled, soaring from 4,000 to nearly 14,000. A significant factor driving this surge is SpaceX’s Starlink program, which currently includes over 9,000 satellites situated in low Earth orbit between 340 and 550 kilometers above our planet.

This dramatic rise necessitates that satellites frequently adjust their positions to avoid collisions, which could create thousands of metal fragments and make parts of Earth’s orbit unusable. This process is referred to as a collision avoidance maneuver.

Between Dec. 1, 2024, and May 31, 2025, SpaceX executed 144,404 collision avoidance maneuvers within the constellation, averaging one every 1.8 minutes, per company reports. Notably, there has only been one documented orbital collision. In 2009, a functioning satellite from Iridium Communications collided with a defunct Russian Cosmos satellite, leaving hundreds of debris scattered in orbit.

Sarah Thiele and researchers from Princeton University utilized publicly available satellite tracking data to simulate the impact of increasing satellite numbers on collision risk. They introduced a novel measure named the Collision Realization And Significant Harm (CRASH) Clock to evaluate this risk. The title draws parallels to the well-known Doomsday Clock, which symbolizes the imminent threat of nuclear warfare. “We discussed it extensively,” he notes. Samantha Lawler, another team member from the University of Regina in Canada, contributed to this effort.

Their findings revealed that if all satellites in orbit as of 2018 (prior to the inaugural Starlink launch in 2019) suddenly lost control, a collision would have been imminent within 121 days. Presently, due to the surge in operational satellites, this timeframe has drastically reduced to a mere 2.8 days.

“We were astonished by how short it was,” Thiele comments.

The 2.8 days assumes a scenario where an event—such as a severe solar storm—renders all satellites incapable of altering their trajectories. In May 2024, a significant solar storm caused some Starlink satellites to react dramatically. A recurrence of the Carrington Event, the strongest solar storm on record from 1859, might bring serious challenges; Wind Vatapally from Luxembourg’s SES Satellites believes not all satellites would be incapacitated at once. “It would be implausible for all of them to fail simultaneously,” he states.

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Indicators like the crash clocks serve to emphasize the congested state of Earth’s orbit, he remarks. Hugh Lewis from the University of Birmingham in the UK questions, “Can we keep piling on this precarious structure?” He adds, “The more elements you introduce, the greater the risk of a collapse when problems arise.”

With plans for tens of thousands more satellites to be launched in the coming years by SpaceX, Amazon, and various Chinese enterprises for their extensive constellations, it’s plausible that the CRASH clock will indicate an even shorter timeframe, raising the potential for collisions. “It’s quite frightening to consider,” Thiele adds.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Hubble Space Telescope Revisits NGC 4388

Posted on December 16, 2025 by

The NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope has captured breathtaking new images of the intriguingly tilted spiral galaxy NGC 4388.

This Hubble image showcases spiral galaxy NGC 4388, located about 59 million light-years away in the constellation Virgo. Image credits: NASA / ESA / Hubble / S. Veilleux / J. Wang / J. Greene.

NGC 4388 is situated roughly 59 million light-years away in the constellation Virgo.

This galaxy was first identified by British astronomer Sir Wilhelm Herschel on April 17, 1784.

Also referred to as LEDA 40581 and IRAS 12232+1256, it has a diameter of 120,000 light-years.

NGC 4388 is among the brightest galaxies in the Virgo Cluster, which comprises over 2,000 galaxies.

Classified as an active galaxy, NGC 4388 features a bright and energetic core.

“NGC 4388 is tilted at a steep angle relative to our viewpoint, appearing almost face-on,” Hubble astronomers mentioned in a statement.

“This angle allows us to observe intriguing features that were not visible in earlier Hubble images of the galaxy released in 2016. A gas plume is seen emanating from the galaxy’s core, extending outward from the galaxy’s disk towards the bottom right corner of the image.”

“But where did this outflow originate? What causes it to shine?”

“The answer seems to lie in the vast spaces that separate the galaxies within the Virgo Cluster.”

“Though it may seem like the void between galaxies is empty, this area is actually filled with clusters of hot gas known as the intracluster medium.”

“As NGC 4388 traverses the intracluster medium, it punches through this gas.”

“The pressure from the hot intracluster gas forces material out of NGC 4388’s disk, trailing it as the galaxy moves.”

“The origin of the energy that ionizes this gas cloud and produces its glow remains uncertain,” the researchers observed.

“We suspect that some energy may originate from the galaxy’s center, where a supermassive black hole accelerates the surrounding gas to create a superheated disk.”

“The intense radiation emitted from this disk could ionize the gas nearest to the galaxy, while shock waves could cause filaments of gas farther out to become ionized.”

Source: www.sci.news

How Menstruation Can Intensify Sports Injuries

Posted on December 16, 2025 by

goal! Researchers examined the FC Barcelona women’s team players

Eric Alonso/Getty Images

The notion of tailoring lifestyle habits according to the phases of the menstrual cycle is gaining momentum both in scientific fields and on social media. Recent studies indicate that when athletes incur sports injuries during their menstrual periods, recovery times are notably extended compared to other cycle stages.

#cyclesyncing has been widely featured across social media, advocating for adjustments in both dietary choices and physical activity based on the fluctuations in hormones throughout the menstrual cycle. However, the scientific backing for these dietary modifications remains limited, while research regarding exercise provides mixed results. Still, teams such as the American and British rugby squads have already adapted their training to align with players’ menstrual cycles.

To investigate this further, Eva Ferrer and her team at Sant Joan de Deu Hospital in Barcelona monitored 33 professional athletes from FC Barcelona’s women’s team over a four-season span from 2019 to 2023.

During their standard training routines, the athletes documented their menstrual cycle days. All injuries sustained during the season were classified by severity by medical professionals applying a standardized assessment scale.

The findings revealed that while the athletes did not experience injuries specifically during their menstrual days, those incurred during this period appeared to be more severe. For instance, soft tissue injuries sustained while menstruating led to over three times the duration of training lost compared to injuries incurred at other times.

These outcomes may be influenced by decreased estrogen levels during menstruation. This hormone is vital for muscle recovery and rehabilitation. “The combination of reduced estrogen, potential iron depletion, increased symptom severity [like cramps], and heightened fatigue during this phase can negatively affect injury recovery,” notes Ferrer.

However, Stuart Phillips from McMaster University in Canada emphasizes that the intricacies of estrogen’s role in muscle repair remain unclear. “Estrogen is believed to offer protective and reparative qualities [for muscles],” he states, “but much of this evidence derives from animal studies rather than human experiments.” Furthermore, their study did not account for possible confounding variables like women’s iron levels or fatigue.

Ferrer acknowledged that while they recorded a total of 69 injuries on non-bleeding days, only 11 occurred during menstruation. “When you overlook sample sizes and confidence intervals, a small number of critical injuries can distort the overall results,” she explains. Additionally, it remains uncertain if these findings are applicable to less competitive athletes or casual sports participants, according to Ferrer.

She hopes that future research will elucidate these issues and possibly lead to exercise recommendations tailored to various menstrual cycle stages. “The most prudent approach is to make individualized decisions regarding training loads and types of exercise during menstruation. Ongoing research will consider each athlete’s symptoms alongside objective data (internal and external workload, injury histories, health metrics, etc.), while also integrating hormone measurements, iron levels, sleep patterns, nutrition, and other factors that may enhance these recommendations,” Ferrer asserts.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Theobromine: A Dark Chocolate Compound That May Offer Anti-Aging Benefits

Posted on December 16, 2025 by

Researchers at King’s College London have found significant connections between theobromine, a widely-known plant compound from cocoa, and measures of epigenetic aging, indicating that theobromine may be associated with human aging.

third others. We illustrate that the documented beneficial relationship between health and aging and theobromine intake extends to the molecular epigenetic level in humans. Image credit: Sci.News.

“Coffee and cocoa are popular foods and are linked to lower rates of cardiovascular disease and mortality,” commented lead author Ramy Saad, Ph.D., along with colleagues.

“They contain several significant alkaloids, including theobromine, caffeine, theophylline, paraxanthine, and 7-methylxanthine.”

“Theobromine and 7-methylxanthine are partial metabolites of caffeine, yet both exist in much greater concentrations in cocoa as unprocessed primary metabolites.”

“Theobromine has long been associated with various health benefits and aging. For instance, studies in model organisms have confirmed a link between theobromine and extended lifespan.”

“Moreover, various human cohort observational studies have reported clear links between theobromine intake and multiple aspects of improved health.”

“Nonetheless, the exact impacts of theobromine on health and aging remain unclear, and the molecular pathways behind these effects are largely unknown.”

In the research, scientists analyzed the levels of theobromine in individuals’ blood against blood-based indicators of biological aging.

Across two European cohorts, which included 509 participants from TwinsUK and 1,160 from KORA, individuals with elevated levels of theobromine in their bloodstream exhibited a lower biological age compared to their chronological age.

“Our research discovered a correlation between key components in dark chocolate and prolonged youthfulness,” stated the study’s senior author, Professor Jordana Bell.

“While we’re not advocating for increased dark chocolate consumption, this study sheds light on how common foods might offer insights into healthier, longer living.”

The researchers also explored whether other metabolites found in cocoa and coffee reflected similar associations.

However, they concluded that the effect appears to be unique to theobromine.

Two different assessments were used to measure the biological age of participants.

Some researchers examined chemical alterations in DNA to estimate an individual’s aging rate.

Other scientists assessed the length of telomeres, the protective end caps of chromosomes, as telomere shortening is linked with aging and age-associated diseases.

“This is a fascinating finding, and the next crucial question is: What drives this association, and how can we further explore the interactions between dietary metabolites and the epigenome?” Dr. Saad remarked.

“This strategy could unveil significant discoveries about both common and rare diseases, as related to aging and beyond.”

“This study has uncovered another molecular mechanism through which natural compounds present in cocoa promote health,” noted study co-author Dr. Ricardo Costeira.

“Although further investigation is warranted, the findings highlight the importance of population-level analysis in the fields of aging and genetics.”

of findings Published in a journal on December 10th aging.

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Ramy Third others. Theobromine is associated with delayed epigenetic aging. aging published online on December 10, 2025. doi: 10.18632/aging.206344

Source: www.sci.news

New Fossil Discovery Indicates Mosasaurs Could Thrive in Freshwater Environments

Posted on December 16, 2025 by

Paleontologists have discovered a 66-million-year-old Mosasaurus tooth within the Hell Creek Formation in North Dakota, USA. This find reinforces the idea that mosasaurs, often viewed as marine reptiles, also hunted in freshwater rivers.

Artist’s reconstruction of the Hell Creek Mosasaurus. Image credit: Christopher DiPiazza.

“Mosasaurs were apex predators in marine environments, diversifying during the Late Cretaceous and dominating a range of ecological niches,” stated paleontologist Melanie Dooling from Uppsala University and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam alongside her team.

“The mosasauridae family is divided into three subfamilies: mosasauridae, plioplatecarpinidae, and tylosauridae, each showcasing unique adaptations that allow them to exploit various ecological opportunities.”

“Although mosasaurid fossils are often linked to shallow marine environments, findings of fossils in estuarine and freshwater settings challenge the notion that they were solely marine creatures.”

In 2022, a significant mosasaur tooth was unearthed from a multi-species fossil site in the Hell Creek Formation.

This area, once part of the ancient Western Interior Seaway, is well-known for a scarcity of marine species, primarily housing fossils of terrestrial and freshwater organisms.

The fossil was found in river sediments alongside an ancient tooth from a tyrannosaurus rex and a crocodile jawbone, indicating a rich ecosystem that included fossilized dinosaurs like edmontosaurus.

This specimen is related to the mosasaurid family prognatodontini, as its surface texture resembles that of other members in this group.

Researchers also studied isotopes within the tooth enamel to deduce the habitat of mosasaurs, discovering oxygen and strontium isotopic signatures indicative of freshwater conditions.

This may imply that mosasaurs preyed on freshwater animals, suggesting they could thrive and hunt away from oceanic environments.

“The carbon isotopes in teeth generally reflect the diet of the organism,” Dr. Dühring explained.

“Many mosasaurs exhibit low ¹³C values, allowing for deeper dives.”

“The teeth of Mosasaurus, in contrast, have higher ¹³C values compared to those of all known mosasaurs, dinosaurs, and crocodiles, indicating they likely did not dive deeply and may have occasionally consumed drowned dinosaurs.”

“Isotopic data suggest this mosasaur inhabited freshwater river environments.”

“When we examined two additional mosasaurus teeth from a nearby, slightly older site, we noted similar freshwater isotopic signatures.”

“These analyses indicate that mosasaurs inhabited fluvial environments for about the last million years before their extinction.”

Further examination of older mosasaurus teeth and other fauna from the Western Interior Seaway suggested isotopic concentrations more aligned with freshwater rather than saltwater habitats.

This points to a gradual decrease in salinity in the region over time.

The authors propose that members of Prognathodontini might have been opportunistic predators inhabiting niches similar to modern species, akin to the saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus), believed to have adapted to freshwater systems in response to the receding salinity of the Western Interior Seaway, gradually moving into the Hell Creek channel.

“We also analyzed fossils from other marine species and found distinct differences,” stated Dr. Per Ahlberg, a paleontologist at Uppsala University.

“Gill-breathing animals possessed isotopic signatures linked to brackish or saltwater, while all lung-breathing organisms did not.”

“This indicates that mosasaurs, which required surface access to breathe, lived in the upper freshwater layer rather than the saltier deeper layers.”

The team’s paper was published in the Journal on December 12, 2025, in BMC Zoology.

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in the midst of chaos others. 2025. King of the Riverside offers a fresh perspective on pre-extinct mosasaurs through a multi-proxy approach. BMC Zuhl 10, 25; doi: 10.1186/s40850-025-00246-y

Source: www.sci.news

Astronomers Uncover Direct Evidence of Supermassive Stars in the Early Universe

Posted on December 16, 2025 by

Astronomers utilizing the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope have identified the chemical signature of a protostar with a mass between 1,000 and 10,000 times that of the Sun in GS 3073, an early galaxy with a redshift of 5.55 (approximately 1 billion years post-Big Bang).

A primordial supermassive star in the early universe. Image credit: Gemini AI.

In 2022, it was suggested by astronomers that supermassive stars formed naturally within turbulent flows of rare cold gas during the early universe, thus accounting for the existence of quasars less than a billion years after the Big Bang.

“Our recent finding helps to unravel a cosmic enigma that has persisted for two decades,” stated Dr. Daniel Whalen of the University of Portsmouth.

“GS 3073 offers the first observational proof of these colossal stars.”

“These astronomical behemoths would have radiated intensely for a brief period before collapsing into enormous black holes, leaving behind chemical imprints detectable billions of years later.”

“Much like Earth’s dinosaurs, they were massive and rudimentary, with lifespans spanning just 250,000 years—an ephemeral moment in cosmic time.”

The cornerstone of this discovery involved assessing the nitrogen-to-oxygen ratio in the GS 3073 galaxy.

This galaxy presents a nitrogen-to-oxygen ratio of 0.46, significantly exceeding what can be accounted for by any known type of star or stellar explosion.

“Chemical abundances serve as the universe’s fingerprints, and the pattern from GS 3073 is unlike that produced by typical stars,” remarked Dr. Devesh Nandal, an astronomer at the University of Virginia, Harvard University, and the Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics.

“This unprecedented nitrogen concentration aligns with a single known source: protostars that are thousands of times more massive than the Sun.”

“This suggests that the first generation of stars included genuine supermassive objects that contributed to the creation of early galaxies and may have planted the seeds for contemporary supermassive black holes.”

The researchers performed modeling of stars with masses between 1,000 and 10,000 solar masses to predict their evolution and the elements they would produce.

They identified a specific mechanism for generating substantial nitrogen. (i) These colossal stars fuse helium, forming carbon in their cores. (ii) Carbon seeps into the outer shell, where hydrogen is undergoing fusion. (iii) Carbon merges with hydrogen, resulting in nitrogen through the carbon/nitrogen/oxygen (CNO) cycle. (iv) Convection disseminates nitrogen throughout the star. (v) Eventually, this nitrogen-rich material is expelled into space, enriching the surrounding gas.

This mechanism spans millions of years during the star’s helium burning phase, leading to the excess nitrogen observed in GS 3073.

The team’s models predict that upon demise, these massive stars do not explode. Instead, they collapse directly into gigantic black holes with masses reaching thousands of solar masses.

Interestingly, GS 3073 harbors an actively feeding black hole at its core, which could potentially be the remnant of one of these supermassive first stars.

If validated, this would simultaneously clarify two mysteries: the origin of nitrogen and the formation of black holes.

The study also revealed that this nitrogen signature is exclusive to specific mass ranges.

“Stars below 1,000 solar masses or above 10,000 solar masses do not generate chemical patterns suitable for this signature, indicating a ‘sweet spot’ for such enrichment,” scientists noted.

of study Published in Astrophysics Journal Letter.

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Devesh Nandal others. 2025. A protostar between 1000 and 10,000 MSun created a nitrogen surplus in GS 3073 at z = 5.55. APJL 994, L11; doi: 10.3847/2041-8213/ae1a63

Source: www.sci.news

Paleontologists Uncover a New Species of Massive Saber-Toothed Tiger

Posted on December 16, 2025 by

A novel genus and species of mid-Oligocene nimuravid has been identified from fossil remains unearthed in northern China. This finding enhances our understanding of Nimurabiidae in eastern Eurasia.

Reimagining the life of Taotienimravus songi in a Chinese painting style. Image credit: Yuefeng Song.

Taotienimravus songi inhabited what is now China during the mid-Oligocene period, around 28 million years ago.

This ancient species is part of the Nimuravidae family, an extinct group of saber-toothed hypercarnivores, often referred to as pseudosaber-toothed cats.

“Carnivora demonstrates the broadest range in body sizes among mammals, with the smallest weasel weighing roughly 50 g. Pinnipeds average over 3 tons,” stated Dr. Qigao Jiangzuo of the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, Chinese Academy of Sciences.

“With few exceptions, such as the bear family, large terrestrial carnivores, particularly those exceeding 20 kg, generally maintain a macrocarnivorous diet, targeting large prey of similar size or larger.”

“Often called pseudosabertooths, the Nimurabiidae represents one of the earliest diverging lineages within the Carnivora order, noted for their large size, hypercarnivorous craniodental features, and potentially macrocarnivorous behaviors,” the researchers added.

“The earliest fossils from this family, dating back to the mid-Eocene, belonged to highly specialized species exhibiting cat-like craniodental characteristics.”

“Nimuravidae underwent radiation during the Eocene to Oligocene, with the best-preserved specimens found primarily in North America, where numerous skulls and complete skeletons have been discovered.”

“Eurasia also contains numerous fossil remains, though they tend to be poorly preserved.”

“As the first lineage within Carnivora to develop large body sizes, this family is an excellent model for studying the evolution of early large carnivorous niches in an environmental context vastly different from that of today.”

The skeletal remains of Taotienimravus songi were discovered in the Qingshuiying Formation in northern China.

Specimen analysis indicates that this new species uniquely displays non-saber-toothed morphology with bone-cracking adaptations within the Nimuravidae family.

This animal likely engaged in a killing behavior distinct from other feline carnivores, possibly employing a tearing bite akin to that of hyenas.

“The defining characteristics of the new Nimuravid include exceptionally short and robust upper canine teeth along with a notably wide palatal area,” the paleontologists noted.

“The rostrum is exceedingly wide, probably the widest of any known Nimravid.”

“In contrast to many feline carnivores, the premolars do not diminish in size; rather, they increase, eliminating the gap between the canines and cheek teeth.”

“This contrasts with most feline carnivores, which almost invariably exhibit diastema.”

“We interpret this absence of a gap as an indicator of a strong canine bite, allowing for deep penetration into prey.”

Phylogenetic analysis positions Taotienimravus songi within the Nimravinae, creating a sister lineage to those in Europe and North America, such as Nimravus and Dinahelurus.

This clade shares a close relation to the European lineage encompassing Iofelis, Denailictis, and Quercyllus.

“The increase in size within Nimuravidae seems to align with the extinction of another carnivorous group, Oxyaenidae, during the Paleogene,” the researchers stated.

“The initial emergence of large carnivorous traits within the Carnivora order likely reflects competitive interactions driven by ecomorphic dynamics.”

“Nimuravidae effectively occupied ecological niches unavailable to Felidae, probably due to the lack of competition within Carnivora for much of their evolutionary history.”

“This study emphasizes the impact of both abiotic and biotic factors in shaping niche availability for these animals and underscores the need to discuss niche evolution and change within this framework.”

A study detailing this discovery was published on November 26, 2025, in Proceedings of the Royal Society B.

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Qigao Jiangzuo et al. 2025. A new ecomorph of the Nimravidae and the exploration of early large carnivores within the order Carnivora. Proc Biol Sci 292 (2059): 20251686; doi: 10.1098/rspb.2025.1686

Source: www.sci.news

The Destiny of Rotating Giant Stars – Sciworthy

Posted on December 16, 2025 by

At its core, a star is formed when gravity gathers matter tightly enough to facilitate nuclear fusion in its center while also ensuring it doesn’t generate enough energy to disintegrate. The equilibrium between the gravitational forces pulling inward and the radiative forces pushing outward is referred to as: hydrostatic equilibrium. This balance constrains the size that stars can attain. This limit is known as the Eddington mass limit, which is believed to range between 150 and 300 solar masses.

When stars rotate, they have an enhanced ability to maintain their structure because a rotating body generates a force directed inward from its outer edges. This force is called centripetal force. As the star spins, it applies a centripetal force that acts alongside gravity, balancing the radiation pressure. Recently, a group of scientists investigated how the rotation of giant stars impacts their lifetimes throughout cosmic history. Massive stars contribute significantly to key cosmic phenomena, and understanding their end stages can shed light on the universe’s formation, including the creation of black holes and supernovae.

The researchers employed grid-based modeling software called the Geneva Stellar Evolution Code, also known as Genec. This tool helped simulate stellar behavior and long-term evolution based on initial characteristics. GENEC treats a star as a multi-layered system and tracks the movement of matter across these layers over time.

Two primary variables in their simulations were the star’s rotation status and its initial mass, which ranged from 9 to 500 solar masses. The researchers indicated that current science portrays very massive stars, those exceeding 100 solar masses, as inherently unstable and unpredictable. To clarify this, the team analyzed results for these colossal stars, utilizing 2 other models.

To understand how the fates of giant rotating stars have evolved, the researchers examined the ratio of stars containing elements heavier than hydrogen and helium ( metallic). They argued that since the early universe after the Big Bang had few metals, the modern universe must contain significantly more, allowing metallicity to serve as a proxy for stellar evolution. By analyzing spinning stars with low metallicity, they sought insights into the lifespan of the early universe’s rotating stars.

Following the GENEC simulations, the researchers observed distinct differences in the fates of rotating versus non-rotating stars. Spinning massive stars were more likely to collapse into black holes while being less prone to massive supernova eruptions or transitioning into dense neutron stars. The research indicated that very massive, non-rotating stars with low metallicity tend to explode as supernovae, whereas those with high metallicity collapse into black holes.

The researchers proposed that this intricate relationship arises because rotating stars tend to have more of their material mixed, increasing the fusion potential in their cores. However, this rotational dynamic can also lead to the ejection of more outer material, ultimately reducing the fusion resources available in the core.

An additional complicating factor arises from the frequent occurrence of multiple massive stars in close proximity, forming a binary system. In these scenarios, stars can exchange mass, either gaining or losing material. The researchers suggest that because massive stars in binary systems may shed mass before their lifetimes conclude, their model could underestimate the frequency of massive stars evolving into neutron stars rather than exploding or collapsing into black holes.

In summary, the team concluded that rotation intricately influences star evolution. While rotation increases the likelihood of a massive star undergoing certain outcomes, such as collapsing into a black hole, factors like composition and initial mass significantly affect its destiny. Acknowledging the multitude of variables, the researchers emphasized that the next phase in understanding massive stars’ fates should focus on identifying stars in binary systems.

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Source: sciworthy.com

The World Faces the Loss of 3,000 Glaciers Annually

Posted on December 15, 2025 by

The flow of melted snow creates channels through a glacier cave at the Morteratsch Glacier in Switzerland.

Lander Van Tricht

Currently, approximately 1,000 glaciers are disappearing each year, and if nations fulfill their carbon emission reduction goals, this could escalate to 3,000 glaciers lost annually by 2040.

Over the past two decades, at least 4,000 glaciers have melted. Lander Van Tricht and researchers at ETH Zurich in Switzerland utilized climate models to forecast the fate of the globe’s 211,000 glaciers in the coming century under various global warming scenarios.

If current climate targets remain unchanged, the planet is predicted to warm by 2.7 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels this century. This projection implies that 79% of the world’s glaciers will vanish by 2100. Conversely, if humanity manages to limit climate change to 2 degrees Celsius, 63% of glaciers will disappear.

“While we are destined to lose many glaciers, we still have the potential to protect a significant number,” observes David Rounce, who conducted research at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

If countries fail to meet their emissions targets and global warming escalates to 4°C, a staggering 91% of glaciers will be lost.

The forecast for glacier melting is predicted to accelerate sea level rise this century by 25 centimeters. Additionally, it will diminish the summer snowmelt water supply that many regions depend on for irrigation. Approximately two billion individuals live in watersheds nourished by mountain snow and ice, with many residing near rivers originating from Himalayan glaciers.

Moreover, melting ice poses a higher risk of flooding caused by sudden water releases from glacial lakes. In a 2023 incident in India, flooding resulted in the deaths of 55 individuals.

Previous studies have indicated that even if warming is restricted to the Paris Agreement’s most ambitious goal of 1.5 degrees Celsius, half of all glaciers will still melt this century. The recent research suggests that up to 55% may be lost at this level of warming.

The study also outlines the annual glacier loss rate by region. This rate is expected to peak around the mid-century and then decline as smaller glaciers disappear, leaving behind larger ones, particularly in the North and South Poles.

“Large ice takes time to melt, so they will take longer to disappear,” Van Tricht explains.

According to current climate goals, western Canada and the continental United States are likely to lose nearly all their glaciers by 2100. This is a significant setback for tourism, as Montana’s Glacier National Park is expected to lose the majority of its glaciers, although some may endure as small glaciers or ice remnants, based on future studies from the U.S. Geological Survey.

Similarly, the Alps are projected to be largely devoid of glaciers. Local communities are already holding glacier funerals, chronicling the stories of global glacier losses at a dedicated website. In 2019, around 250 individuals, including professors from ETH Zurich involved in this research, trekked to the remnants of the Pizol glacier.

They gathered not only to bid farewell but also to convey to the public that “we are connected to the glacier,” stated Matthias Hass. “When they are gone, it will be a significant loss for us.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Upcoming Stargazing Events in 2026

Posted on December 15, 2025 by

Witnessing the solar eclipse in Menan, Idaho in 2017

Natalie Behring/Getty Images

As the year comes to a close, I find joy in marking my calendar in anticipation of the astronomical events ahead. My highlights for 2026 include a lineup of planetary alignments, various eclipses, and the frequent meteor showers visible across both hemispheres, barring any special notes.

January continues with active solar flares, promising darkened skies in the Northern Hemisphere and ample chances to see the aurora borealis. The Quadrantids meteor shower will peak on January 3, but be aware that the full moon that night may hinder visibility of some of the dimmer meteors.

Throughout January, Jupiter will be shining brightly when it reaches opposition, situating it directly opposite the Sun from Earth’s perspective. This is an excellent opportunity to view this magnificent planet using binoculars or a telescope.

On February 28, you’ll have the chance to view a remarkable six-planet alignment, featuring Mercury, Venus, Neptune, Saturn, Uranus, and Jupiter all visible together shortly after sunset.

A total lunar eclipse will grace parts of North and South America, Asia, Australia, and the Pacific Islands on March 2 and 3. As the moon slips into Earth’s shadow, it will take on a darker, red hue, earning the title Blood Moon.

Noteworthy meteor showers on the calendar include the Lyrids peaking on April 22, the Perseids on August 12, the Leonids on November 17, and the Geminids on December 14.

Alongside these showers, don’t miss the total solar eclipse on August 12. Observers in select locations will see the moon blocking the sun entirely, reminiscent of the scene captured in Menan, Idaho, in 2017.

The totality phase, when the sun is completely obscured by the moon, can last up to 2 minutes and 18 seconds. This solar spectacle will be visible in northern Spain, the Balearic Islands, parts of Russia, Greenland, and Iceland, while a partial solar eclipse will be observable from many other regions worldwide. Following this, a partial lunar eclipse, or Blood Moon, is slated for August 28.

If you possess a powerful telescope, mark September 25 as the prime opportunity to observe Neptune, as it will be at its closest to Earth, fully illuminated by the Sun. Additionally, on October 4, Saturn reaches opposition, making it the optimal time for observing Saturn and its rings through small telescopes all night.

Concluding 2026 are two supermoons; the Beaver Moon on November 24 and another supermoon gracing the sky on Christmas Eve. Enjoy your stargazing experiences!

These articles will be shared weekly at:
newscientist.com/maker

Abigail Beer serves as the special features editor of New Scientist and is the author of The Art of Urban Astronomy. Follow @abbybeall

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Amidst Adversity: Scientific Breakthroughs of 2025

Posted on December 15, 2025 by

Aaron Schwartz/Sipa USA via Reuters Connect

In 2025, science faces numerous challenges, ranging from vaccine skepticism within the U.S. government to the ongoing global inertia in addressing climate change. Those who value logic and empirical evidence must rally against this growing adversity. New Scientist not only highlights these issues but also celebrates the awe and curiosity elicited by space exploration.

As you prepare to indulge in the joyful festivities represented in our Double Vacation issue, it’s essential to recognize the threats encountered by those passionate about science. The past year has been riddled with stark instances of scientific principles being distorted and misapplied.

The degradation of U.S. scientific integrity under President Donald Trump is glaring, even for those outside the country (see “Donald Trump and Elon Musk jeopardize science in 2025”). For many years, the U.S. has been a significant funder of scientific research, benefiting both the nation and many others. However, that narrative shifted dramatically this year. By severely cutting funding (or, in Elon Musk’s case, going as far as using a chainsaw), numerous breakthroughs will remain undiscovered, essential medicines will go untested, and technological advancements will stagnate, ultimately impoverishing us.

While government funding is crucial, it’s not the sole source. Two articles this year underscore the risks inherent in relying on corporate interests for scientific funding. If you are a regular reader of New Scientist, you may have encountered Colossal Biosciences, a U.S. company that claims to work on “de-extinction” of endangered species (see “De-extinction of endangered species captivated 2025, yet fell short of expectations”). One of their most talked-about acts this year was the introduction of genetically modified gray wolves named Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi.

“
Results may take time, but science exists to serve, save, and delight us all.
“

Colossal asserted that these were the first extant dire wolves since their extinction 10,000 years ago—a claim fervently endorsed by global media despite backlash from independent scientists. In the ongoing struggle between fact and spectacle, it seems the latter continues to prevail.

A similar scenario unfolded in a British documentary that aired in November, entitled Hitler’s DNA: The Dictator’s Blueprint. Although the scientists succeeded in identifying and sequencing the genome of the infamous dictator, the sensationalistic interpretations asserting potential schizophrenia or autism cast doubt on the credibility of their findings. While the documentary and its distressing headlines have faded, the scientific paper that would allow us to critically assess the study’s conclusions is still forthcoming.

On another front, progress in climate action is evident. Science and public policy have been effectively aligned since the Paris Agreement, which was designed to limit global warming to below 1.5°C. Unfortunately, it appears this goal is not being realized.

The Paris Agreement includes a “ratchet” mechanism aimed at holding nations accountable for making new commitments every five years to combat climate change. Regrettably, about 95% of countries failed to meet their deadlines by February, with only around 60% making progress before the COP30 climate summit in Belem, Brazil, in November.

The retreat didn’t stop there. As we approached the end of 2024, we urged Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva to “take the stage with solemn world leaders who have concrete plans to improve and publicly recognize the failures of the COP process thus far.” Yet, countries could not even reach a consensus on the inclusion of “fossil fuels” in the final COP30 document.

But let’s shift focus from the gloom for a moment. After all, it’s a festive time, and there’s much to celebrate! Another significant theme of 2025 is the centennial of quantum mechanics, extensively covered in our special issue in April. The year concludes with the exciting revelation that a thought experiment conceived by Einstein and Bohr has come to fruition (see “Quantum experiment resolves century-long tension between Einstein and Bohr”). This certainly confirms the strangeness of quantum mechanics!

Other delightful news in 2025 includes the ongoing success of GLP-1 medications not only aiding weight loss but also treating a myriad of conditions (see “The transformative potential of GLP-1 drugs skyrocketed in 2025”) and, in perhaps a playful twist, individuals being able to perceive entirely new colors (see “New colors witnessed by people for the first time in 2025”).

This issue offers an enticing array of content to please both your palate and your intellect during the holiday season. If you’re in the mood for a fresh take on Charles Dickens, explore “How Three Imaginary Physics Demons Tear the Laws of Nature Apart,” which tells the tale of three demons haunting a physicist. As you unwind after another frenetic year, consider a novel approach to meditation for those with limited time (see “Too Busy to Meditate? Microdosing Mindfulness Packs Major Health Benefits”). Learn about the top careers in science at the Touch and Tickle lab, with insights on “What the Evolution of Tickling Reveals About Being Human.” Finally, why not quench your thirst with the world’s oldest beer (see: “Did ancient peoples begin farming to increase their beer consumption?”)?

As we set our sights on 2026 and the challenges that lie ahead, let’s not forget the immense power and wonder that science holds. Despite skepticism and negativity, scientific research and the knowledge it imparts remain unrivaled in understanding and improving our world. Though it may take time to witness results—much like the century-spanning gap between Einstein and Bohr’s debate and its resolution—science exists to serve, save, and bring joy to us all.

Here’s to hoping for better fortune in the coming year, or at the very least, a more advantageous outcome from random chance.

Source: www.newscientist.com

AI Companies Will Face Legal Consequences from Copyright Holders Starting in 2025

Posted on December 15, 2025 by

Disney stated that its AI image generator Midjourney was developed using films like ‘The Lion King’

Maximum Film/Alamy

Since the launch of ChatGPT, OpenAI’s generative AI chatbot, three years ago, we’ve witnessed dramatic shifts across various aspects of our lives. However, one area that remains unchanged is adherence to copyright law. We still strive to uphold pre-AI standards.

It’s widely recognized that leading AI firms have developed models by harvesting data from the internet, including copyrighted content, often without securing prior approval. This year, prominent copyright holders have retaliated, filing various lawsuits against AI companies for alleged copyright violations.

The most notable lawsuit was initiated in June by Disney and Universal, claiming that the AI image generation platform Midjourney was trained using their copyrighted materials and enabled users to produce images that “clearly included and replicated Disney and Universal’s iconic characters.”

The proceedings are still underway, with Midjourney’s recent response in August asserting, “The limited monopoly granted by copyright must yield to fair use,” suggesting that the outcome would be transformative, permitting AI companies to educate models with copyrighted works.

Midjourney’s statements highlight that the copyright debate is more complex than it might seem at first glance. “Many believed copyright would serve as the ultimate barrier against AI, but that’s not entirely true,” remarks Andres Guadams from the University of Sussex, UK, expressing surprise at how little impact copyright has had on the progress of AI enterprises.

This is occurring even as some governments engage in discussions on the matter. In October, the Japanese government made an official appeal to OpenAI, urging the company behind the Sora 2 AI video generator to honor the intellectual property rights of its culture, including its manga and beloved video games like those from Nintendo.

Sora 2 is embroiled in further controversy due to its capability to generate realistic footage of real individuals. OpenAI recently tightened restrictions on representations of Martin Luther King Jr. after family representatives raised concerns about a depiction of his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech that included inappropriate sounds.

“While free speech is crucial when portraying historical figures, OpenAI believes that public figures and their families should ultimately control how their likenesses are represented,” the company stated. This restriction was only partially effective, as celebrities and public figures must still opt-out from having their images utilized in Sora 2. Some argue this remains too permissive. “No one should have to tell OpenAI if they wish to avoid being deepfaked,” states Ed Newton Rex, a former AI executive and founder of the campaign group Fairly Trained.

In certain instances, AI companies face legal challenges over their practices, as highlighted by one of the largest proposed lawsuits from the past year. In September, three authors accused Anthropic, the firm behind the Claude chatbot, of deliberately downloading over 7 million pirated books for training its AI models.

A judge reviewed the case and concluded that even if the firm had utilized this material for training, it could be considered a sufficiently “transformational” use that wouldn’t inherently infringe copyright. However, the piracy allegations were serious enough to warrant trial proceedings. Anthropic ultimately decided to settle the lawsuit for at least $1.5 billion.

“Significantly, AI companies appear to be strategizing their responses and may end up disbursing a mix of settlements and licensing deals,” Guadams noted. “Only a small number of companies are likely to collapse due to copyright infringement lawsuits,” he adds. “AI is here to stay, even if many established players may fail due to litigation and market fluctuations.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Harnessing Green Hydrogen: Fueling Industries from Steel Production to Agriculture

Posted on December 15, 2025 by

Green hydrogen offers numerous potential applications

Bernat Armangue/Associated Press/Alamy

Hydrogen, the most prevalent element in the universe, generates energy when it reacts with oxygen, producing only water as a by-product. This is why it is being hailed by politicians as a versatile solution to combat climate change, potentially powering the multitude of vehicles and industries that currently depend on fossil fuels.

However, 99% of the hydrogen in circulation today is “gray” hydrogen, derived from processes that decompose methane or coal gas, subsequently releasing carbon dioxide. To attain net-zero emissions, many nations are now pivoting towards “blue” hydrogen, which captures this CO2 before releasing it into the atmosphere, or “green” hydrogen, generated by using renewable energy to split water molecules.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has remarked that green hydrogen represents a significant opportunity for Western nations to contend with China in the clean technology sector This was articulated at a press briefing on December 3rd.

The challenge is that low-carbon hydrogen costs at least double that of gray hydrogen. To boost production and reduce prices, government incentives are essential. While the European Union and others are backing the sector, former President Donald Trump has begun to dismantle proposed low-carbon hydrogen initiatives. This effort is ongoing in the US via a $7 billion initiative.

As a result of these obstacles, the analytics company BloombergNEF has revised its prediction for low-carbon hydrogen production down to just 5.5 million tonnes by 2030, amounting to around 5% of current gray hydrogen usage. Experts suggest that, given the limited availability of supplies, governments and organizations ought to concentrate on utilizing clean hydrogen where it is most beneficial for both the environment and the economy.

“Hydrogen can do nearly everything, but that doesn’t mean it should,” states Russell McKenna from ETH Zurich, Switzerland.

Recent studies conducted by McKenna and his team evaluated the CO2 emissions associated with producing and transporting low-carbon hydrogen for projects globally in 2000, contrasting it with the CO2 emissions this hydrogen could displace. Their findings indicate that hydrogen could significantly impact the climate in the manufacturing of steel, biofuels, and ammonia.

Conversely, employing hydrogen for road transport, electricity generation, and home heating sees limited emissions reductions.

Steel

In a blast furnace, coke made from coal serves the dual purpose of generating heat to melt iron oxide ore and supplying the carbon needed for chemical reactions that remove oxygen from the ore. Therefore, merely heating the metal using renewable electricity is insufficient. The reaction requires a carbon alternative, and hydrogen can produce water instead of CO2.

“The current technology allows for the production of iron from iron ore at an industrial scale without CO2 emissions, and that technology is hydrogen,” asserts David Dye from Imperial College London. “Any alternative would require substantial advancements in technology.”

Green steel startup Stegra is in the process of establishing a facility in northern Sweden, which aims to be the first carbon-neutral steel factory by the end of 2026, utilizing electric furnaces and green hydrogen generated from local river water. Similar projects are also being developed in Europe, Asia, and North America.

Nevertheless, generating green hydrogen and powering arc furnaces demands affordable renewable electricity. This year, the multinational steel producer ArcelorMittal declined a €1.3 billion subsidy aimed at transitioning two German steel mills to hydrogen, citing elevated electricity costs.

Ammonia

Crops require nitrogen in the form of nitrates to thrive, yet the soil contains limited nitrates. In the early 20th century, chemists Fritz Haber and Carl Bosch created a process that combines nitrogen, abundantly available in the air, with hydrogen to synthesize ammonia, which can then be transformed into various fertilizers.

This innovation fueled the agricultural revolution and the expansion of the global population, and today, hydrogen is primarily utilized in oil refining and ammonia production. Approximately 70% of all ammonia is used as fertilizer, while the remainder is employed in producing plastics, explosives, and other chemicals.

“You can’t electrify this… because it’s a chemical reaction requiring that input,” explains McKenna. “Thus, we need hydrogen, but it has to be decarbonized.”

Countries like Saudi Arabia are beginning to construct facilities that will leverage solar and wind energy to produce hundreds of thousands of tons of green ammonia, primarily for export. Simultaneously, a startup is working on compact, modular plants to generate green hydrogen and ammonia directly at US agricultural sites. However, at present, all these methods depend on governmental funding and tax incentives.

Alternative Fuel

Ammonia can also be burned in engines. While passenger vehicles and many trucks can efficiently operate on electricity, long-range transport methods, such as large trucks, ships, and airplanes, face challenges with battery storage and charging. Hydrogen holds potential as a key element in generating low-carbon fuels for this segment.

Research led by McKenna and his team has identified that manufacturing hydrotreated vegetable oils is one of the most advantageous applications of hydrogen. This involves treating used cooking oil with hydrogen to break down fats into combustible hydrocarbons.

Both ammonia and hydrotreated vegetable oil are being explored as substitutes for marine heavy fuel oil, which contributes to 3% of global emissions. The aviation sector, with a comparable carbon footprint, may also transition to ammonia.

Since hydrogen is produced independently of oil and closely resembles kerosene, it could also be harnessed to create synthetic aviation fuel compatible with existing aircraft.

In the long term, research teams at institutions like Cranfield University in the UK are conceptualizing aircraft featuring powerful tanks designed to store compressed hydrogen. Hydrogen and ammonia, which generate nitrogen oxide pollution when combusted, could alternatively be combined with oxygen in fuel cells, resulting in electricity and water. Ultimately, a fuel cell-powered aircraft represents a significant objective. Phil Longhurst from Cranfield University remarks.

“Hydrogen is the cleanest, zero-carbon fuel accessible, so it’s essentially the holy grail,” he concludes.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

AI Language Bots Shape Our Thoughts, But What’s Next Will Think and Act on Our Behalf

Posted on December 14, 2025 by

In the tech sector, there are few instances that can be dubbed “big bang” moments—transformative events that reshape our understanding of technology’s role in the world.

The emergence of the World Wide Web marked a significant “before and after” shift. Similarly, the launch of the iPhone in 2007 initiated a smartphone revolution.

November 2022 saw the release of ChatGPT, another monumental event. Prior to this, artificial intelligence (AI) was largely unfamiliar to most people outside the tech realm.

Nonetheless, large-scale language models (LLMs) rapidly became the fastest-growing application in history, igniting what is now referred to as the “generative AI revolution.”

However, revolutions can struggle to maintain momentum.

Three years post-ChatGPT’s launch, many of us remain employed, despite alarming reports of mass job losses due to AI. Over half of Britons have never interacted with an AI chatbot.

Whether the revolution is sluggish is up for debate, but even the staunchest AI supporters acknowledge that progress may not be as rapid as once anticipated. So, will AI evolve to become even smarter?

What Exactly Is Intelligence?

The professor posits that determining if AI has hit a plateau in intelligence hinges on how one defines “intelligence.” Katherine Frik, Professor of AI Ethics at Staffordshire University, states, “In my view, AI isn’t genuinely intelligent; it simply mimics human responses that seem intelligent.”

For her, the answer to whether AI is as smart as ever is affirmative—because AI has never truly been intelligent, nor will it ever be.

“All that can happen is that we improve our programming skills so that these tools generate even more convincing imitations of intelligence. Yet, the essence of thought, experience, and reflection will always be inaccessible to artificial agents,” she observes.

Disappointment in AI stems partly from advocates who, since its introduction, claimed that AI could outperform human capabilities.

This group included the AI companies themselves and their leaders. Dario Amodei, CEO of Anthropic, known for the Claude chatbot, has been one of the most outspoken advocates.

AI chatbots are helpful tools, but they lack true intelligence – Credit: Getty

The CEO recently predicted that AI models could exceed human intelligence within three years, a claim he has previously made but was ultimately incorrect.

Frik acknowledges that “intelligence” takes on various meanings in the realm of AI. If the query is about whether models like ChatGPT or Claude will see improvements, her response may differ.

“[They’ll probably] see further advancements as new methods are developed to better replicate [human-style interaction]. However, they will never transcend from advanced statistical processors to genuine, reflective intelligence,” she adds.

Despite this, there is an ongoing, vibrant debate within the AI sector regarding the diminishing effectiveness of AI model improvements.

OpenAI’s anticipated GPT-5 model was met with disappointment, primarily because the company marketed it as superhuman before its launch.

Hence, when a slightly better version was released, reactions deemed it less remarkable. Detractors interpret this as evidence that AI’s potential has already been capped. Are they right?

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Double Track System

“The belief that AI advancements have stagnated is largely a misconception, shaped by the fact that most people engage with AI through consumer applications like chatbots,” says Eleanor Watson, an AI ethics engineer at Singularity University, an educational institution and research center.

While chatbots are gradually improving, much of it is incremental, Watson insists. “It’s akin to how your vehicle gets better paint each year or how your GPS keeps evolving,” she explains.

“This perspective overlooks the revolutionary transformations happening beneath the surface. In reality, the foundational technology is being reimagined and advancing exponentially.”

Even if AI chatbots operate similarly as they did three years ago for the average user who doesn’t delve into the details, AI is being successfully applied in various fields, including medicine.

She believes this pace will keep accelerating for multiple reasons. One is the enormous investment fueling the generative AI revolution.

According to the International Energy Agency, electricity demand to power AI systems is projected to surpass that of steel, cement, chemicals, and all other energy-intensive products combined by 2030.

London’s water-cooled servers symbolize the AI boom, with computing power predicted to increase tenfold in two years – Image courtesy of Getty Images

Tech companies are investing heavily in data centers to process AI tasks.

In 2021, prior to ChatGPT’s debut, four leading tech firms — Alphabet (Google’s parent company), Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta (the owner of Facebook) — collectively spent over $100 billion (£73 billion) on the necessary infrastructure for these data centers.

This expenditure is expected to approach $350 billion (£256 billion) by 2025 and to surpass $500 billion (£366 billion) by 2029.

AI companies are constructing larger data centers equipped with more dependable power resources, and they are also becoming more strategic regarding their operational methodologies.

“The brute-force strategy of merely adding more data and computing power continues to show significant benefits, but the primary concern is efficacy,” Watson states.

“The potency of models has increased tremendously. Tasks that once required extensive and massive systems can now be performed by less voluminous, cheaper, and faster systems. Capacity density is also growing at an incredible rate.”

Techniques such as number rounding or quantizing inputs to the LLM (which involves reducing information precision in less critical areas) can enhance model efficiency.

Hire an Agent

One dimension of “intelligence” where AI continues to evolve is the area of “agentic” AI, particularly if understood as “efficiency.”

This involves modifying AI interactions and behavior, an endeavor still in its infancy. “Agent AI can handle finances, foresee needs, and establish sub-goals toward larger objectives,” explains Watson.

Leading AI firms, including OpenAI, are incorporating agent AI tools into their systems, transforming user engagement from simple chats to collaborative AI partners, enabling users to complete tasks independently while managing other responsibilities.

These AI agents are increasingly capable of functioning autonomously for extended periods, and many assert that this signifies growth in AI intelligence.

However, AI agents pose their own set of challenges.

Research has revealed potential issues with agent AI. Specifically, when an AI agent encounters seemingly harmless instructions on a web page, it might execute harmful commands, leading to what’s termed a “prompt injection” attack.

Consequently, several companies impose strict controls on these AI agents.

Nonetheless, the very prospect of AI carrying out tasks on autopilot hints at untapped growth potential. This, along with ongoing investments in computing capabilities and the continuous introduction of AI solutions, indicates that AI is not stagnant—far from it.

“The smart bet is continued exponential growth,” Watson emphasizes. “[Tech] leaders are correct about this trajectory, but they often underestimate the governance and security challenges that will need to evolve alongside it.”

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Catch the Peak of the Geminid Meteor Shower This Weekend: Watching Tips

Posted on December 13, 2025 by

This weekend, the yearly Geminid meteor shower is set to reach its peak, providing stargazers with an opportunity to witness what is often regarded as the most impressive and reliable shooting star event of the year.

Although the meteor shower has been active for over a week, it is anticipated to hit its peak activity on Saturday and Sunday nights. As reported by NASA.

Shooting stars can be observed in both the northern and southern hemispheres. However, the Geminid meteor shower tends to be brighter and more frequent in the northern hemisphere due to its trajectory in the night sky.

Under perfect conditions with clear skies and little light interference, skywatchers may be able to see as many as 120 Geminid meteors per hour, according to NASA.

The Geminid meteor shower is famed for its vibrant, colorful fireballs that blaze across the night sky.

For optimal viewing, venture outside between midnight and early morning local time, and gaze towards the eastern sky in the direction of the constellation Gemini.

When the moon rises, it will be just 26% illuminated, which means it won’t disrupt this year’s Geminid meteor shower experience.

Meteor showers occur when Earth travels through clouds of small rocks, dust, and debris, which ignite upon entering the planet’s atmosphere. While most meteor showers are linked to comet debris, the Geminid meteor shower is derived from debris left by an asteroid known as 3200 Phaethon.

The Geminid meteor shower showcases striking colors ranging from yellow and red to even greenish hues, attributed to the chemical makeup of the asteroid debris.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Gemini North Telescope Unveils New Images of 3I/ATLAS

Posted on December 13, 2025 by

On November 26, 2025, astronomers utilized the Gemini Multi-Object Spectrograph (GMOS) on the Gemini North Telescope located on Mauna Kea, Hawaii, to capture images of the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS. Recent observations demonstrate how this comet has evolved since its closest approach to the Sun.

This image, taken with GMOS on the Gemini North Telescope, depicts 3I/ATLAS traveling among stars and galaxies. Operating as part of the International Gemini Observatory, it is funded in part by NSF and managed by NSF’s NOIRLab. Image credit: International Gemini Observatory / NOIRLab / NSF / AURA / B. Bolin / J. Miller & M. Rodriguez, International Gemini Observatory & NSF’s NOIRLab / TA Rector, University of Alaska Anchorage & NSF’s NOIRLab / M. Zamani, NSF’s NOIRLab.

3I/ATLAS reached its closest approach to the Sun, termed perihelion, on October 30, 2025.

Having emerged from behind the Sun, this interstellar body was observed near Zania, a triple star system situated in the Virgo constellation.

On November 26, 2025, researcher Bryce Bolin from Eureka Scientific, along with colleagues, obtained new images of the comet as part of a public outreach initiative by NSF NOIRLab in partnership with Shadow the Scientist.

“Providing the public with a viewing experience under optimal conditions allows for a genuine front-row glimpse of interstellar visitors,” Dr. Bolin stated.

“Offering the public insight into our work as astronomers and our methodologies also serves to demystify science and the data collection process, enhancing transparency in the study of this captivating astronomical entity.”

The 3I/ATLAS image, captured using GMOS, highlights the comet’s coma—a cloud of gas and dust that forms around its icy center when approaching the Sun. Image credit: International Gemini Observatory / NOIRLab / NSF / AURA / B. Bolin / J. Miller & M. Rodriguez, International Gemini Observatory & NSF’s NOIRLab / TA Rector, University of Alaska Anchorage & NSF’s NOIRLab / M. Zamani, NSF’s NOIRLab.

The recent GMOS image comprises exposures taken through four different filters: blue, green, orange, and red.

“During the exposure, the comet remains stationary in the center of the telescope’s field of view,” the astronomers explained.

“However, the background stars shift in relation to the comet, creating colorful streaks in the final image.”

“Initial images of the comet from the Shadow the Scientist session at Gemini South, Chile, exhibited a red hue.”

“In contrast, the new images released today display a subtle greenish glow.”

“This phenomenon results from light emitted by gases in the comet’s coma containing diatomic carbon, a reactive molecule made of two carbon atoms that emits light at green wavelengths. This gas evaporates as the comet heats up.”

“What remains uncertain is how comets behave as they move away from the Sun and cool down.”

“Many comets respond slowly to the Sun’s heat, as it takes time for the warmth to penetrate the comet’s interior.”

“Such delays could accelerate the evaporation of new compounds or potentially lead to the comet’s disintegration.”

Source: www.sci.news

XMM-Newton Delivers Incredible X-Ray Images of Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS

Posted on December 12, 2025 by

Astronomers utilizing ESA’s XMM-Newton Observatory have captured X-ray images of 3I/ATLAS, the third confirmed interstellar object to traverse our solar system, following 1I/Oumuamua and 2I/Borisov.

This XMM-Newton image displays an X-ray visualization of the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS. The center features a bright red dot against a dark backdrop, resembling a burning lighthouse. Surrounding this core is a soft gradient of purple and blue, forming a slightly rotated rectangular frame divided by a thin horizontal line, indicating the detector gap. Red represents low-energy X-rays, while blue signifies regions with minimal X-rays. Image credit: ESA / XMM-Newton / C. Lisse / S. Cabot / XMM ISO Team.

On December 3, 2025, XMM-Newton tracked the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS for approximately 20 hours.

During this observation, the interstellar object was about 282-285 million kilometers away from the spacecraft.

XMM-Newton utilized the European Photon Imaging Camera (EPIC)-PN, its most sensitive X-ray camera, to observe the comet.

“This XMM-Newton image highlights the comet radiating in low-energy X-rays. The blue regions indicate voids with nearly no X-rays, while the red areas showcase the comet’s X-ray emissions,” stated members of the XMM-Newton team.

Astronomers anticipated this glow, as gas molecules emitted from comets generate X-rays upon colliding with the solar wind.

“These X-rays can originate from the interaction of the solar wind with gases such as water vapor, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide, and have previously been detected by telescopes like NASA/ESA/CSA’s James Webb Space Telescope and NASA’s SPHEREx,” added the researchers.

“However, these telescopes possess distinct sensitivities to gases like hydrogen and nitrogen.”

“They are almost undetectable by optical and ultraviolet instruments, such as the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope and ESA’s JUICE camera.”

“This makes X-ray observation an exceptional resource,” they emphasized.

“Researchers will be able to identify and examine gases that are difficult to detect with alternative instruments.”

“Multiple scientific groups suggest that the first observed interstellar object, 1I/’Oumuamua, may have been composed of unusual ices like nitrogen and hydrogen.”

“Although 1I/Oumuamua is currently too distant to study, 3I/ATLAS provides fresh opportunities to investigate interstellar bodies. X-ray observations will supplement other data and assist scientists in understanding the composition of these objects.”

Source: www.sci.news

Challenge Your Mind with These Astonishing Scientific Riddles!

Posted on December 12, 2025 by

(1) You are invited to join the periodic table. The legendary figures and the elements named after them comprise the 12 Titans (titanium), Prometheus (promethium), and Thor (thorium). Additionally, Nobel laureates and their elemental counterparts include Ernest Rutherford (Rutherfordium), Marie and Pierre Curie (Curium), and Albert Einstein (Einsteinium). The “noble gases” are uncommon gases situated at the far right of the periodic table.

(2) The inscription on the card reads Noel (or more precisely NO)eL). N signifies Newton, O represents the most prevalent blood type, e denotes a mathematical constant, and the L. on the label points to Carl Linnaeus as the namer of the species.

(3) Element 47 has been utilized since ancient days. Silver halide is prevalent in photography, and silver itself is employed in mirrors. Silver ions or compounds are often found in wound dressings for their antibacterial qualities. Silverware contributes calories through the use of utensils like knives, forks, and spoons. If your festive tree displays shiny glass ornaments, the luster likely originates from a fine layer of silver on the inside.

(4) The reference is to the carol of the bells. These figures also highlight astronomer Jocelyn Bell Burnell, physicist John Stewart Bell, and inventor Alexander Graham Bell.

(5) Gingerbread could be a valid guess. Our dishes share the first two letters with the most frequent letters. metric prefix, which is a term that modifies a number by a power of 10, regularly scales up from diminutive (nano) to massive (giga). They include: nano (10^-9), micro (10^-6), mm (10^-3), det (10⁰ – equal to 1), km (equal to 10³), mega (10⁶), and giga (10⁹).

(6) These are descriptions of Ada Lovelace, Mary Anning, Hannah Fry, and Mitochondrial Eve. Notably, Mary Anning is the only individual without a palindromic first name. Hence, she will not be returning next year as her name reads the same forwards and backwards.

(7) Integrate the energy symbol E and the unit symbol eV (electronvolt) with Mendel to arrive at Mendeleev. Gregor Mendel demonstrated the inheritance of traits through a sequence of pea breeding experiments in the 1850s and 1860s, while Dmitri Mendeleev formulated the initial periodic table by organizing elements according to their atomic weights.

(8) Three clues pertain to Makemake, Tweet, and Meme. Each of these terms consists of repeating components that decrease by one letter each time, logically succeeding MM (2000 in Roman numerals).

(9) The Christmas pudding is aflame! The brandy should be heated before pouring so that the ethanol vapors from the alcohol do not ignite and scorch the pudding.

(10) The central theme of Grandma’s show was music. Hints include classical, rock, pop, and ultimately, punk and emo.

(11) The answer is cheese. Humans have produced cheese in various forms for over 7000 years. Its flavor and texture arise from the many bacteria, molds, and yeasts that inhabit it.

(12) The answer is bizarre. Each clue leads to a word containing “nuts”: star nuttation, nutria, minute, nutrition. These items might end up in your stocking or be present on the festive table post-dinner.

Source: www.newscientist.com

Extinction Made Headlines in 2025, But Failed to Meet Expectations

Posted on December 12, 2025 by

Colossal’s so-called dire wolf

huge life science

Colossal Biosciences, which advertises itself as “the world’s first and only anti-extinction company,” has garnered significant attention this year, although much of the buzz is detached from the truth.

Initially, the company made headlines with its woolly rat, allegedly “engineered to express several mammoth-like traits.” Victoria Herridge from the University of Sheffield observed that the long-haired mice featured in media reports were not created through genetic modifications drawing from mammoth DNA; rather, geneticists have been producing long-haired mice for years. Mice with mammoth-related genetic alterations showed less resemblance to their extinct counterparts.

Subsequently, major news broke with a corporate press release. Colossal announced the “resurrection” of the direwolf (Aenocyon Dylas), a wolf-like creature that was extinct in the Americas approximately 10,000 years ago. However, Colossal’s actual achievement was making 20 minor adjustments to the genome of gray wolf cells (Canis lupus), only 15 of which were informed by the direwolf’s genome, resulting in the cloning of these modified cells to create three wolf pups.

With millions of genetic differences existing between both species, this step merely nudges gray wolves closer to their ancient relatives. It remains an incredibly long journey to achieve anything resembling an exact genetic replica akin to something from Jurassic Park.

Most media outlets reported on the de-extinction claims without skepticism. New Scientist had the headline: “No, the direwolf is not coming back from extinction.”

Colossal’s Chief Scientist, Beth Shapiro, tried to provide justification based on appearance, stating “We use the concept of morphological species and assert that if it looks like this animal, then it is that animal,” as reported by New Scientist on April 7th.

Despite genetic distinctions, it remains uncertain if cloned gray wolves truly resemble the extinct species. The International Union for Conservation of Nature’s canine expert group stated on April 18, “There is no evidence that genetically modified animals are phenotypically different from gray wolves or similar to dire wolves.”

In a subsequent interview with New Scientist, Shapiro appeared to acknowledge this fact. “It’s impossible to resurrect the same species that existed. Our animal is a cloned gray wolf with 20 edits,” she clarified. “And we’ve been transparent about that from the start. People informally refer to them as direwolves, which understandably frustrates some.”

Following our article that cited Shapiro, Colossal reaffirmed its assertions: “With these edits, we are reviving the direwolf.”

However, apart from those directly involved with Colossal, New Scientist reports that no biologist believes the direwolf has truly returned. “As far as I’m aware, there’s no justification for labeling these genetically altered gray wolves as direwolves,” claims Vincent Lynch from the University at Buffalo, New York. “At least within my network, there is complete consensus that these assertions are unfounded.”

Lynch suspects that many people, outside the realm of biology, might accept these claims due to ongoing media portrayals that frequently present them as fact. He and others are concerned that the notion of reviving extinct species could detract from crucial efforts to protect endangered animals.

“People have genuinely bought into these assertions, but forecasting their impact on long-term conservation strategies is quite challenging,” Herridge stated.

In July, Colossal announced intentions to resurrect the flightless moa bird from New Zealand. Critics, including Nick Lawrence, a professor at the University of Otago in New Zealand, remarked that the company might only be able to create something resembling a “Frankenmore” rather than an authentic extinct bird.

Meanwhile, Lawrence, Lynch, Herridge, and other notable critics of Colossal’s de-extinction endeavors have become targets of an enigmatic smear campaign, a situation the company denies involvement in. Anonymous online posts and videos have surfaced, criticizing their expertise and credentials. Lynch stated this is excessive. New Scientist reported on July 31 about an additional attack on Lawrence, published on September 5, while Herridge encountered yet another dubious article.

Even critics concur that Colossal is making impressive progress. However, Richard Grenier, a professor at the University of Oxford, insists that discussions surrounding the de-extinction of endangered species are distractions from the more significant challenge posed by humanity’s growing capability to alter animal genomes on a large scale. “We will need to have another societal conversation regarding what we find acceptable and what we don’t,” he remarked.

“There might be specific instances where such technology could assist in the genetic rescue of bottleneck populations, adding some conservation benefit, but it will always be highly specialized and costly.”

topic:

extinction/
2025 News Review

Source: www.newscientist.com