Latest orbital data indicates that Mars’ recently active volcanic system is more than just a one-time eruption. Long-lasting magma conduits under Mount Pavonis, one of Mars’ largest volcanoes, have reformed lava flows over time, illuminating distinct eruption stages and evolving chemical signatures. These findings enhance our understanding of Mars’ internal dynamics and the processes through which rocky planets mold and alter their surfaces.
This perspective map from ESA’s Mars Express displays three of Mars’ iconic giant volcanoes: Mount Arsia, Mount Pavonis, and Mount Askreus. Image credit: ESA / DLR / FU Berlin.
What seems to be a solitary volcanic eruption often stems from intricate processes occurring deep beneath the surface of Mars, where magma shifts, evolves, and transforms over an extended timeframe.
To comprehensively understand volcanic activity, geoscientists analyze volcanic ejecta from the planet’s surface, unveiling concealed magma systems that significantly influence eruptions.
This groundbreaking study, spearheaded by Bartosz Pieterek from Adam Mickiewicz University, demonstrates that such complexities are also applicable to Mars.
By integrating detailed surface mapping with orbital mineralogy data, researchers meticulously reconstructed the volcanic and magmatic evolution of the region south of Mount Pavonis in unprecedented detail.
“Our research reveals that even during Mars’ recent volcanic activity, the subsurface magma system remained intricate and dynamic,” stated Dr. Pieterek.
“Volcanoes did not erupt just once; they evolved in response to changing underground conditions.”
This study highlights that the volcanic system progressed through various eruptive stages, transitioning from early fissure-induced lava flows to late point-source activity that produced cone-shaped vents.
Despite the differing appearances of these lava flows, they all originate from the same foundational magma system.
Each eruption phase leaves distinct mineral signatures, enabling scientists to trace the evolution of magma over time.
“The variations in these minerals signify that the magma itself was undergoing evolution,” Pieterek noted.
“This likely reflects shifts in the depth of magma origins and the time it spent underground before erupting.”
“Currently, direct sampling of Martian volcanoes isn’t feasible, making studies like this essential for gaining insights into the structure and evolution of Mars’ interior.”
“This discovery underscores the power of orbital observations in revealing the hidden complexities of volcanic systems on Mars and other rocky planets.”
Find out more in the study published in the Journal of Geology on January 29, 2026.
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Bartosz Pieterek et al. Spectral evidence for magma differentiation within the Martian plumbing system. Geology, published online on January 29, 2026. doi: 10.1130/G53969.1
The European Space Agency’s (ESA) pioneering ExOPlanet satellite, CHEOPS, has uncovered a remarkable four-planet system. Notably, the outermost planet is a small rocky world instead of a gas giant, challenging previous assumptions about planet formation. This intriguing configuration surrounding the nearby red dwarf star LHS 1903 indicates that the outermost planet may have formed significantly later than its counterparts, providing compelling evidence that planets can develop in gas-poor environments—conditions once deemed impossible.
Artist’s impression of the four-planet system around LHS 1903. Image courtesy of ESA/ATG Europe.
LHS 1903 is an M dwarf star located approximately 116.3 light-years away in the constellation Lynx.
This star, also referred to as TOI-1730 or G 107-55, is cooler and less luminous than our Sun.
The planet sequence around LHS 1903 begins with the rocky planet LHS 1903b, followed by two gaseous planets, LHS 1903c and LHS 1903d—a pattern that aligns with expectations.
However, astronomer Thomas Wilson from the University of Warwick, along with his team, discovered a surprising fourth planet on the system’s outer edge, which is rocky rather than gaseous.
“This creates an inside-out planetary arrangement: rock → gas → gas → rock,” said Dr. Wilson.
“Typically, rocky planets are expected to form close to their host star.”
Current scientific models suggest that planets closest to a star are often rocky, as stellar radiation can strip away gaseous atmospheres, leaving behind dense, solid cores.
In contrast, gas giants form in cooler regions where they can retain gas.
However, LHS 1903e seems to have lost its gaseous atmosphere or may never have had one.
“The mystery surrounding planet formation and evolution remains significant,” stated Dr. Maximilian Günther, CHEOPS project scientist and ESA astronomer.
“Discovering clues like this is precisely what CHEOPS aims to achieve.”
The research team explored various hypotheses about the unusual formation of this rocky planet.
For instance, could it have been impacted by a giant asteroid or other large object that stripped away its atmosphere?
Or was there a gravitational exchange in the configuration of the planets over time?
Through simulations and orbital calculations, researchers ruled these scenarios out.
Instead, they presented a more fascinating explanation: the planets may have formed sequentially rather than simultaneously.
“By the time this exoplanet formed, the system may have been void of the gases typically necessary for planet formation, yet here we find a small, rocky world defying all expectations,” Dr. Wilson added.
“This could be the first evidence of planets forming in so-called gas-deficient conditions.”
A study detailing this groundbreaking discovery has been published in the latest issue of Science.
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Thomas G. Wilson et al. Formation of gas-deficient planets in a four-planet system around the red dwarf star LHS 1903. Science published online on February 12, 2026. doi: 10.1126/science.adl2348
In a recently submitted research paper to be published in the Planetary Science Journal, scientists from the SETI Institute, Southwest Research Institute, California Institute of Technology, and Paris Observatory propose a revolutionary theory regarding Saturn’s moons. Titan and Hyperion, previously thought to be primordial bodies, are actually the result of a dramatic merging of two ancient moons. This groundbreaking discovery could redefine our understanding of Titan’s thick atmosphere and possibly shed light on the formation of Saturn’s iconic ring system.
This mosaic of Saturn and its largest moon Titan combines six images (two each with red, green, and blue spectral filters) to create a naturally colored view. The image was captured using Cassini’s wide-angle camera on May 6, 2012, from approximately 778,000 km (483,000 miles) away. Image credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech / Space Science Institute.
In the upcoming paper, researchers including Matiya Chukku propose a new model describing the recent dynamical evolution of Saturn’s satellite system.
The scientists explain, “This phenomenon is driven by the youthful appearance of Saturn’s rings, the dynamic youth of its medium-sized moons, the rapid tidal migration of Titan, its changing tilt and eccentricity, and the recent escape from a postulated spin-orbit resonance with the planet.”
The study contends that Hyperion, a small, irregular moon in a 4:3 orbital resonance with Titan, is significantly younger than previously believed.
The moon’s current elongated orbit suggests Titan has migrated outward by approximately 4 to 5 percent since these two moons became gravitationally locked.
Researchers posit this gravitational resonance likely formed just 400 to 500 million years ago.
To explain Hyperion’s apparent youth, a scenario is proposed where an additional medium-sized moon, dubbed ProtoHyperion, once orbited between Titan and Iapetus.
As Titan’s orbit expanded, this system experienced instability, forcing Proto-Hyperion into a chaotic trajectory, ultimately leading to a collision with Titan.
This merging event disrupted the established spin-orbit resonance between Saturn and Titan, altering Saturn’s axial tilt.
Simultaneously, debris from this collision may have accumulated on modern-day Hyperion, whose low density and high porosity indicate it is likely a conglomerate of debris rather than a pristine structure.
Numerical simulations conducted by the research team indicated that such conditions would lead to frequent collisions between Titan and the hypothesized additional moon.
Throughout its evolution, Iapetus acquired orbital characteristics similar to those observed today, consistent with the gravitational disruptions during this dynamic instability.
These simulations further reveal that Titan’s orbit typically expanded during the merger, allowing ongoing tidal migration, potentially facilitated by resonant interactions within Saturn.
This instability may not have been confined solely to the outer regions of the Saturn system.
Scientists suggest that an eccentric Titan, influenced by this event, may have destabilized Saturn’s inner satellites through resonant interactions.
Collisions and re-accretion among these moons may have resulted in the material that constitutes Saturn’s current ring system.
Previous evidence has hinted at the relatively young age of Saturn’s rings, estimated to be hundreds of millions of years old, based on their mass, composition, and interactions with adjacent moons.
The new model aligns the timing of these events with the creation of Hyperion and the restructuring of Saturn’s external satellite system.
Cassini passed Hyperion on May 31, 2015, at a distance of approximately 21,000 miles (34,000 km). This image was captured during Cassini’s flyby on September 26, 2005, showcasing vivid details across Hyperion’s unique, rolling surface. Differences in color may indicate varying compositions of the surface material. Image credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech / Space Science Institute.
“Hyperion, the smallest of Saturn’s major moons, has provided crucial insights into the history of the Saturnian system,” said Dr. Chukku.
“In simulations where additional satellites became unstable, Hyperion was frequently lost and survived only under rare conditions.”
“Our research concluded that the gravitational locking between Titan and Hyperion is relatively recent, dating back just a few hundred million years.”
“This timeframe aligns with the disappearance of the hypothesized additional moon.”
“If this additional moon merged with Titan, it could have created debris in Titan’s vicinity, which aligns with where Hyperion eventually formed.”
The authors also evaluate Rhea’s history, noting that its rapid outward migration suggests crossing a so-called valgus resonance with the Sun in recent geological time.
Such dynamic indicators are more consistent with systems that have recently experienced large-scale transformations rather than those unchanged for billions of years.
“Although these events occurred hundreds of millions of years ago and are challenging to confirm directly, recent observations consistently challenge previous models and unveil new dynamical pathways,” the researchers concluded.
“Our hypothesis predicts a dynamically active and relatively young Saturn system, shaped by recent dramatic events.”
“Future orbital, geophysical, and geological data, especially from missions targeting Saturn’s moons, will be crucial in validating this scenario.”
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Matiya Chukku et al. 2026. Origin of Hyperion and Saturn’s rings in the Two-Stage Saturn System Instability. Planetary Science Journal in press. arXiv: 2602.09281
Utilizing archival data from NASA’s NEOWISE mission alongside information from various space and ground-based observatories, astronomers have uncovered a remarkable observational record of a massive star’s transition into a black hole—a phenomenon previously theorized but seldom witnessed.
The location and disappearance of M31-2014-DS1. Image credit: De et al., doi: 10.1126/science.adt4853.
In their final stages, massive stars often undergo instability, expanding and exhibiting significant fluctuations in brightness that can be observed by humans.
Typically, these stars meet their end in spectacular supernova explosions, which are incredibly luminous and readily detectable.
However, it is theorized that not all massive stars culminate in such explosive deaths.
In some cases, a star’s core collapses, causing the outer materials to fall inward, leading to the creation of a black hole.
These failed supernovae are particularly challenging to identify due to their weak energy signatures, often appearing as stars that simply vanish from sight.
Columbia University astronomer Kisharai De and colleagues leveraged lengthy infrared observations from the NEOWISE mission to investigate variable stars within the Andromeda Galaxy, leading to the discovery of the rare supergiant star M31-2014-DS1.
During 2014, this star brightened in mid-infrared light; however, from 2017 to 2022, it dimmed by around 10,000 times in optical light (rendering it undetectable) and about tenfold in total light.
Subsequent observations using Hubble and large terrestrial telescopes revealed faint red remnants detectable in near-infrared light, indicating the star is now heavily obscured by dust, or a shadow of its former supergiant self from years past.
Researchers interpret these findings as evidence of a failed supernova explosion, resulting in the birth of a stellar-mass black hole.
“The star’s dramatic and sustained dimming is extremely unusual, indicating the core did not explode as a supernova but collapsed directly into a black hole,” stated Dr. De.
“It was long assumed that stars of this mass always explode as supernovae.”
Their observations challenge the belief that stars of equivalent mass either necessarily explode or fail to do so, likely influenced by chaotic interactions between gravity, gas pressure, and powerful shockwaves within a dying star.
Dr. De and his fellow scientists identified M31-2014-DS1, another giant star that may have met a similar fate as NGC 6946-BH1.
This study advances our understanding of the fate of the star’s outer layers post-supernova failure and collapse into a black hole.
Interaction among these elements, particularly convection influenced by temperature variances within a star, plays a crucial role.
The internal regions are extremely hot compared to the cooler outer areas, resulting in gas movement from hotter to cooler zones.
Even after a star’s core collapse, gases in the outer layers continue to move rapidly due to convection currents.
Theoretical models suggest that these currents prevent most outer layers from plunging directly into the core. Instead, the innermost layer orbits the black hole, allowing for the ejection of the outermost layers in the convective region.
As the ejected material cools while moving from the surrounding heat of the black hole, it forms dust as atoms and molecules condense.
This dust obscures the hot gas orbiting the black hole, warming it and creating brightness observable at infrared wavelengths.
This lingering red glow remains visible long after the star has vanished.
“The accretion rate is significantly slower than if the stars collided directly,” asserted Andrea Antoni from the Flatiron Institute.
“This convective material possesses angular momentum, causing it to rotate in a circular motion around the black hole.”
“Consequently, the process takes decades instead of months or years to unfold.”
“All these factors contribute to a brighter source than otherwise anticipated, leading to a prolonged delay in the dimming of the original star.”
For further insights, refer to this paper. The findings are published in this week’s edition of Science.
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Kisharai De et al. (2026). Massive stars in the Andromeda Galaxy vanish due to black hole formation. Science 391(6786): 689-693; doi: 10.1126/science.adt4853
New genetic and proteomic analysis reveals that from 73,000 to 20,000 years ago, the Japanese archipelago was home to the cave lion (Panthera spelea). This insight contrasts with previous beliefs that the region was primarily a refuge for the Tiger (Panthera tigris).
A cave lion painted at the Chauvet Cave in France.
Lions and tigers were apex predators during the Late Pleistocene, playing vital roles in the East Asian megafauna ecosystem.
“Since their emergence around 2 million years ago, lions and tigers have been dominant apex predators, shaping the evolution of other carnivores and influencing herbivore populations through predation,” stated researchers Shu-Jin Luo and colleagues from Peking University.
“About a million years ago, as lions migrated from Africa, they expanded their ranges in Eurasia, becoming important competitors.”
“However, due to significant habitat contraction from anthropogenic activities in the early 20th century, their ranges no longer overlap, with the closest populations now over 300 km apart in India.”
“In contrast, during the Late Pleistocene, lions and tigers frequently coexisted within the lion-tiger transition zone, which extends from the Middle East through Central Asia to the Far East,” the researchers indicated.
The Japanese archipelago, the easternmost part of this zone, was historically viewed as a refuge for tigers, yet the identity of these big cat subfossils was uncertain.
To explore the origins and evolutionary history of Japan’s Pleistocene feline populations, researchers examined 26 subfossils unearthed from various sites in the Japanese archipelago.
“Using advanced techniques such as mitochondrial and nuclear genome hybridization, paleoproteomics, Bayesian molecular dating, and radiocarbon dating, we surprisingly discovered that all ancient remains identified as ‘tiger’ were actually cave lions,” the team said.
Despite the low endogenous DNA content in most samples, scientists successfully retrieved five near-complete mitochondrial genomes and one partial nuclear genome.
The phylogenetic analysis indicated that the Japanese specimens formed a distinct monophyletic group within the Late Pleistocene cave lion lineage, designated as Speller-1.
Nuclear genome analysis of well-preserved specimens confirmed these findings, clearly differentiating the lion lineage from tigers.
Paleoproteomic analysis identified unique amino acid variants in α-2-HS-glycoprotein associated with lions but not tigers.
The research team concluded that cave lions dispersed throughout the Japanese archipelago approximately between 72,700 and 37,500 years ago, facilitated by a land bridge connecting northern Japan to the mainland during the last ice age.
They inhabited areas previously believed to favor tigers, coexisting with wolves, brown bears, black bears, and early humans, forming a crucial part of the archipelago’s Late Pleistocene ecosystem.
The authors propose that Speller-1, the cave lion, may have survived in the Japanese archipelago for at least 20,000 years after its extinction across Eurasia, outlasting its last extinction event in eastern Beringia by more than 10,000 years.
“Future studies of lion and tiger subfossil sites across mid-latitude Eurasia are essential for understanding species range dynamics and clarifying the historical interactions between lions and tigers,” the researchers concluded.
Read the full study published on January 26, 2026, in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
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Shin San et al. 2026. “During the Late Pleistocene, the Japanese archipelago protected cave lions rather than tigers.” PNAS 123 (6): e2523901123; doi: 10.1073/pnas.2523901123
The Chandra team has unveiled a stunning new composite image of the Cocoon Nebula, a fascinating reflection and emission nebula located in the constellation Cygnus. This image artfully combines high-energy X-rays with optical and infrared light, showcasing a vibrant population of newborn stars emerging from the surrounding clouds of dust and gas.
This composite image of the Cocoon Nebula highlights a heart-shaped formation. X-ray data from Chandra reveals a new cluster of stars, complemented by optical light from astrophotographers Michael Adler and Barry Wilson, as well as infrared data from the WISE mission. Image credits: NASA / CXC / SAO / JPL / Caltech / WISE / M. Adler / B. Wilson / L. Frattare.
The Cocoon Nebula is located approximately 2,650 light-years away in the constellation Cygnus.
This nebula, also known as IC 5146 or Colinder 470, spans 15 light-years across.
The object was first discovered by American astronomer Edward Emerson Barnard on October 11, 1893.
Chandra astronomers noted, “This image depicts the Cocoon Nebula as a vibrant, glowing heart-shaped cloud amidst a backdrop of millions of stars in the Milky Way.”
“The core of this nebula features warm reds, oranges, and golds, forming a luminous cocoon of gas and dust, with soft, uneven edges that gradually fade into the surrounding darkness.”
“Within this illuminated cloud lies a multitude of young stars, some visible as bright white or bluish dots, while others remain hidden or only detectable through X-ray light captured by NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory.”
“These X-rays trace a population of newly formed, highly active stars clustered near the center of the nebula,” the researchers explained.
“The heart-shaped nebula glows from a combination of light emitted by these young stars and starlight reflected by the surrounding dust.”
“Optical data from two astrophotographers, along with infrared observations from NASA’s Wide Field Infrared Surveyor (WISE), add depth and texture, unveiling a shimmering starry landscape and the dense, dusty regions where new stars are continuously forming.”
A groundbreaking study by geoscientists at the University of Florida and the Paris Institute of Geophysics reveals the origin of Earth’s most severe gravity anomaly, known as the Antarctic Gravity Hole (or Antarctic Geoid Depression). This anomaly is attributed to millions of years of slowed underground rock flow.
Evolution of the Antarctic geoid cyclone. Image credit: P. Glišović & AM Forte, doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-28606-1.
According to Professor Alessandro Forte from the University of Florida, gaining a better understanding of how Earth’s interior influences gravity and sea levels can shed light on factors essential for the growth and stability of significant ice sheets.
“Variations in gravity due to differences in rock density beneath the surface, although small in absolute terms, can have a substantial impact on ocean levels,” he explained.
“In regions of reduced gravity, water tends to flow toward areas of higher gravity, causing sea levels to be relatively lower in those spots.”
“As a result of the Antarctic gravity hole, the sea level around Antarctica is significantly lower than it would typically be.”
In this research, Professor Forte and Dr. Petar Grišović from the Paris Institute of Geophysics have meticulously mapped out the Antarctic geoid cyclone, revealing its development throughout the Cenozoic Era, spanning from 66 million years ago to the present day.
The team utilized a global scientific initiative that integrates seismic data and advanced modeling techniques to reconstruct the 3D structure of Earth’s interior.
“It’s like performing a CT scan of the planet without the use of conventional X-rays,” Forte remarked.
“Earthquakes generate seismic waves, which act as the ‘light’ that reveals Earth’s inner structure.”
The researchers successfully created a global gravity map that aligns closely with satellite data, validating their underlying model.
The next challenge involved reversing the geophysical clock to examine how the Antarctic geoid cyclone has evolved over millions of years.
By employing physics-based reconstructions and sophisticated computer models, they retraced geological changes spanning 70 million years.
These historical analyses indicate that the Antarctic geoid cyclone began in a relatively weak state.
From approximately 50 to 30 million years ago, however, the gravity hole began to strengthen, coinciding with significant shifts in Antarctica’s climatic conditions, including the onset of a global ice age.
“We aim to test the causal relationship between this intensified gravity hole and the Antarctic ice sheet. Our new modeling will connect changes in gravity, sea levels, and continental elevation,” stated Professor Forte.
This research seeks to answer pivotal questions about the interactions between our climate and the processes occurring within Earth.
For more details, refer to the study published in December 2025 in the journal Scientific Reports.
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P. Grišović and A.M. Forte. 2025. Cenozoic evolution of Earth’s strongest geoid low reveals the dynamics of the Antarctic subsurface mantle. Scientific Reports 15, 45749; doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-28606-1
For the first time, astronomers utilizing NASA/ESA/CSA’s James Webb Space Telescope have detected hydrogen sulfide gas in the atmospheres of three gas giant exoplanets orbiting the star HR 8799, located in the Pegasus constellation and approximately 30 million years old. This significant finding indicates that the sulfur originated from solid materials in the protoplanetary disk where the planets formed.
Artist’s rendering of the HR 8799 planetary system during its early evolutionary stages, featuring a gas and dust disk around planet HR 8799c (Dunlap Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics/Media Farm).
HR 8799 lies about 129 light-years away from Earth and hosts a substantial debris disk alongside four super-Jupiter planets (HR 8799b, c, d, and e).
The smallest of these gas giants is five times the mass of Jupiter, while the largest exceeds ten times Jupiter’s mass.
These exoplanets reside far from their star, with the nearest planet being situated 15 times farther from its star than Earth is from the Sun.
Unlike many exoplanets discovered through indirect data analysis, the planets in the HR 8799 system can be directly observed using ground-based telescopes.
“HR 8799 is unique as the only imaged stellar system containing four gas giant planets, although other systems have one or two larger companion stars with formation processes yet to be understood,” explained Dr. Jean-Baptiste Ruffio, an astronomer at the University of California, San Diego.
Utilizing Webb’s unprecedented sensitivity, Dr. Ruffio and colleagues conducted detailed studies of the chemical compositions of the planets HR 8799c, d, and e.
Due to the faintness of these planets—approximately 10,000 times dimmer than their host star—the researchers developed innovative data analysis techniques to isolate weak signals in the Webb data.
“Prior studies of carbon and oxygen on these planets, conducted from Earth, could originate from ice, solids, or gas in the disk, making them unreliable indicators of solid material,” noted Dr. Jerry Xuan, a postdoctoral researcher at UCLA and Caltech.
“In contrast, sulfur is distinctive because, away from the star, these planets should harbor sulfur in solid form.”
“It’s impossible for these planets to accumulate sulfur in gaseous form.”
The identification of hydrogen sulfide indicates that sulfur was gathered in solid form from materials that existed in the disk surrounding the star during the planets’ formation. These solids were assimilated as the planet formed, and the intense heat of the young planet’s core and atmosphere caused them to vaporize into the sulfur gas present today.
Notably, the sulfur-to-hydrogen and carbon-to-oxygen-to-hydrogen ratios on these planets are significantly higher than those found in stars, hinting at a distinct planetary composition.
This puzzling consistency in the enrichment of heavy elements is also observed in Jupiter and Saturn.
“The uniform enhancement of carbon, oxygen, sulfur, and nitrogen in Jupiter is complex, but observing this in another star system suggests a universal trend in planet formation, where planets naturally integrate heavy elements in nearly equal proportions,” Dr. Xuan commented.
The findings could advance the search for Earth-like exoplanets.
“The techniques used here allow for the optical and spectral separation of planets from stars, enabling detailed studies of exoplanets located far from Earth,” Dr. Xuan stated.
“While currently limited to gas giants, as telescope technology and instruments improve, scientists aim to apply these methods to Earth-like planets.”
“Locating an Earth analog is the ultimate goal of exoplanet research; however, achieving this may take decades.”
“Nevertheless, within the next 20 to 30 years, we might obtain the first spectra of an Earth-like planet, allowing us to investigate biological markers such as oxygen and ozone in its atmosphere.”
J.B. Ruffio et al. “Jupiter-like homogeneous metal enrichment in a system of multiple giant exoplanets,” Nat Astron published online on February 9, 2026. doi: 10.1038/s41550-026-02783-z
For years, glaciologists have been intrigued by the peculiar plume-like structures hidden beneath the Greenland Ice Sheet. Recent research conducted by scientists from the University of Bergen, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, and the University of Oxford indicates that these enigmatic features are the result of thermal convection—an intriguing process typically associated with Earth’s mantle.
Location of a large plume-like structure (triangle) within the Greenland Ice Sheet. Credit: Leysinger Vieli et al., doi: 10.1038/s41467-018-07083-3 / Law et al., doi: 10.5194/tc-20-1071-2026.
“Typically, we perceive ice as a solid material, so the revelation that parts of the Greenland Ice Sheet experience heat convection—similar to cooking pasta— is both extraordinary and fascinating,” said study co-author Professor Andreas Born from the University of Bergen.
“The realization that thermal convection can occur within ice sheets defies our expectations,” remarked lead author Dr. Robert Loh, also from the University of Bergen.
“However, the ice is at least a million times softer than Earth’s mantle, making the physics align. It’s truly a remarkable phenomenon in nature.”
“These findings could play a crucial role in reducing uncertainties in models predicting ice sheet mass balance and sea level rise,” added Professor Born.
Deep ice is found to be approximately ten times softer than previously assumed, but this does not imply a faster melting rate.
“Enhancing our understanding of ice physics is vital for greater certainty regarding future conditions; nonetheless, softer ice alone does not guarantee accelerated melting or increased sea levels. Further studies are necessary to explore this,” Dr. Loh emphasized.
Although these findings do not predict imminent disasters in Greenland or elsewhere, they underscore the complex and dynamic nature of this region.
“Greenland and its ecosystem are indeed unique,” Dr. Loh commented.
“The ice sheet is over 1,000 years old and is the only one on Earth that coexists with a culture and established communities along its edges.”
“Understanding the processes beneath the ice will better equip us to handle the changes occurring along coastlines globally.”
Read more about the research in the upcoming publication in Cryosphere this month.
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R. Law et al. 2026. Investigating the conditions under which convection is likely to occur within the Greenland Ice Sheet. Cryosphere 20: 1071-1086; doi: 10.5194/tc-20-1071-2026
Paleontologists have discovered fossilized remains of one of the smallest sauropod dinosaurs from the Late Triassic period in southern Brazil. This remarkable find sheds light on early dinosaur development and physiology.
Massospondylus carinatus, a small sauropod dinosaur from the Early Jurassic of southern Africa. Image credit: Nobu Tamura, http://spinops.blogspot.com / Patty Jansen / Sci.News.
Dr. Luciano Artemio Real from the University of Sudoeste da Bahia and his team collected significant dinosaur material from the Cerro da Aremoa outcrop located in southern Brazil.
The Cerro da Aremoa outcrop serves as a crucial geological and zoological record within the Santa María Supersequence in central Rio Grande do Sul.
This recently recovered material dates to the Carnian period of the Late Triassic, approximately 237 to 227 million years ago.
The fossilized remains include small bones, each measuring less than 5.7 cm (2.2 inches), comprising parts of the humerus, metatarsals, nail phalanges, neural arch, and vertebral center.
A thorough phylogenetic and anatomical analysis positioned the specimen clearly within the basal sauropod clade.
“This specimen is a significant juvenile dinosaur,” noted the paleontologists.
“A combined analysis of its morphology, bone histology, and phylogenetic data indicates that it represents a basal sauropod from the Brazilian Triassic.”
Unlike later giant sauropods, this early version likely maintained a much smaller size during its developmental phases.
Notably, the bone microstructure exhibited signs of at least one complete growth interruption cycle, indicated by a line of growth arrest. This suggests that the dinosaur experienced a developmental pause early in its life, hinting at the potential for flexible growth strategies within early sauropods.
These findings may provide insights into the eventual gigantism characteristic of later sauropod species.
“These observed traits indicate that the individuals, still in development, have experienced their first growth arrest and are in the midst of a second cycle,” researchers commented.
“Our analyses suggest ontogenetic features typical of juvenile sauropods exhibiting a single growth arrest.”
“Our research unveils a new growth strategy in the early evolution of sauropods, illuminating the origins of small dinosaurs during the Triassic period.”
The full findings will appear in the April 2026 edition of the journal Paleo World.
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Leomir Santos Campos et al. 2026. A new small basal sauropod (Dinosauria: Saurischia) discovered from the Santa Maria supersequence in the Upper Triassic of southern Brazil. Paleo World 35 (2): 201064;doi: 10.1016/j.palwor.2025.201064
Keratin composites enable animals to walk with hooves, fly with wings, and sense their environment through their skin. Mammalian whiskers consist of elongated keratin rods attached to specialized tactile structures, enhancing the animal’s sensory perception. A recent study conducted by scientists at the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems aims to explore the structure, porosity, and stiffness of the whiskers found in the Asian elephant (Elephas maximus).
Schulz et al. investigated the whiskers of Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) to determine their geometric and mechanical adaptations for enhanced tactile sensitivity, which encodes contact location through vibrotactile signals. Image credit: Schulz et al., doi: 10.1126/science.adx8981.
Whiskers in mammals, resembling elongated keratin rods, serve as sophisticated sensory tools.
While the keratin material itself does not directly sense touch, whiskers are housed within hair follicles, surrounded by dense sensory neurons that translate subtle mechanical vibrations into nerve signals.
Previous research primarily focused on the shape and movement of whiskers, often assuming a uniform mechanical structure along their length.
However, emerging evidence suggests that the stiffness and internal composition of whiskers can differ from root to tip, highlighting the importance of material properties in tactile sensation.
Unlike many other mammals, elephants possess numerous immobile whiskers distributed over the thick skin of their highly skilled trunks.
Though these whiskers cannot move independently, they frequently interact with objects, enabling elephants to perform precise tasks, from delicate manipulations to food handling.
Given the immobility of their whiskers, Dr. Andrew Schultz and colleagues hypothesized that elephants rely on variations in the shape and material structure of their whiskers to enhance tactile perception.
The researchers employed techniques such as micro-CT imaging, electron microscopy, mechanical testing, and functional modeling to examine the shape, porosity, and stiffness of whiskers in both juvenile and adult Asian elephants.
Findings reveal that the material properties of elephant whiskers transition from thick, porous, and rigid roots to thin, dense, and soft tips.
Dr. Schultz noted, “Tapping the handrail with different parts of the whisker wand felt soft at the tip and sharp at the base. I could easily feel where contact occurred without even looking.”
These functional gradients significantly influence how mechanical vibrations are relayed to sensory neurons, enhancing the clarity and strength of tactile signals.
Specifically, the transition from a firm base to a softer tip amplifies signal power, aiding elephants in accurately determining contact locations along the whisker, which is crucial for navigation and fine manipulation.
In this manner, elephant whiskers exhibit a type of built-in or “physical” intelligence, optimizing sensation through intelligent material design without needing active movement.
This exciting discovery is driving the authors’ efforts to apply natural insights into advancements in robotics and intelligent systems.
“Bio-inspired sensors that replicate elephant-like stiffness gradients could provide precise information with minimal computational cost, simply by leveraging intelligent material design,” Dr. Schultz stated.
The team’s groundbreaking research was published in the Journal on February 12, 2026, in Science.
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Andrew K. Schultz et al. 2026. Functional gradients drive tactile sensation in elephant whiskers. Science 391 (6786): 712-718; doi: 10.1126/science.adx8981
Scientists have discovered Cyclobacter cryohalorentis seeds in the 5,000-year-old ice of the Scalisoara Ice Cave in Romania. The strain, designated SC65A.3, exhibits remarkable resistance to 10 widely used antibiotics, including treatments for severe infections like tuberculosis and urinary tract infections.
Isolated colony of Cyclobacter SC65A.3 on R2A medium at 4°C (A) and on TSA medium at 15°C (B). Image credit: Ioana Paun et al., doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2025.1713017.
Cyclobacter is a genus that comprises approximately 50 bacterial species adapted to cold and saline environments.
First identified in 1986, Cyclobacter immobilis is recognized as the type species and has a broad distribution.
This species forms cream to orange colonies and is capable of growing at low temperatures, withstanding a range of 35-37°C and various salinities. Some species are known to be pathogenic to humans and animals.
Characteristically, they are strictly aerobic, catalase, and oxidase-positive, utilizing amino acids and organic acids as carbon sources, albeit demonstrating limited biochemical diversity.
“Despite its ancient origin, the SC65A.3 strain isolated from the Scalisoara Ice Cave is resistant to modern antibiotics and possesses over 100 resistance-related genes,” stated Dr. Cristina Purcarea, a researcher at the Biological Institute of the Romanian Academy in Bucharest.
“Moreover, it has demonstrated the ability to inhibit the growth of several prominent antibiotic-resistant ‘superbugs’, showcasing significant enzymatic activity with considerable biotechnological potential.”
Cyclobacter SC65A.3 was isolated from a 5,000-year-old ice layer within a 25.33-meter ice core in the Scalisoara Ice Cave.
“Our research on Cyclobacter SC65A.3, retrieved from ancient cave ice deposits, sheds light on how antibiotic resistance evolved naturally in the environment long before modern antibiotics were introduced,” Dr. Purcarea added.
Researchers sequenced the Cyclobacter SC65A.3 genome to pinpoint genes that allow bacteria to endure extreme cold and those that support antimicrobial resistance and activity.
They tested the strain against 28 antibiotics, including 10 commonly prescribed for bacterial infections, many of which are known to encounter resistance due to specific genes or mutations that diminish their effectiveness.
“The 10 antibiotics to which we found resistance are widely utilized in oral and injectable therapies for various serious bacterial infections in clinical settings,” Dr. Purcarea explained.
The resistance profile of this strain indicates that cold-adapted bacteria may act as reservoirs for resistance genes.
“As the ice melts and releases these microorganisms, the resistance genes could spread to contemporary bacteria, exacerbating the global challenge of antibiotic resistance,” Dr. Purcarea remarked.
“Conversely, they produce unique enzymes and antimicrobial compounds that could lead to the development of new antibiotics, industrial enzymes, and other biotechnological advancements.”
These findings were published in the journal Frontiers in Microbiology.
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Victoria Ioana Paun et al. 2026. First genome sequence and functional profiling of Cyclobacter SC65A.3 preserved in 5,000-year-old cave ice: Insights into ancient resistomes, antimicrobial power, and enzyme activity. Frontiers in Microbiology 16; doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2025.1713017
For decades, triceratops and their relatives were known only through fossils. Now, groundbreaking research by Japanese paleontologists has mapped the soft tissue anatomy of these iconic horned dinosaurs, unveiling unexpected structures that may shed light on their ability to regulate body temperature and breathe effectively.
Triceratops‘ nasal cavity. Image credit: K. Sakane.
The ceratopsians, a group that includes the famous triceratops, represent one of the most diverse and successful dinosaur lineages of the Late Cretaceous period.
Their skulls are among the most intricate structures ever formed through vertebrate evolution, featuring a beak, distinctive horns, frills, an elongated snout, and a compact tooth row specifically adapted for processing tough vegetation.
Researchers have traditionally concentrated on the functionality of their cranial features—chiefly the horns, beaks, and frills—since these characteristics likely contributed to their ecological dominance on land.
In contrast, the evolutionary significance of the enlarged nasal region of these dinosaurs remains largely uncharted.
“Since my master’s studies, I have focused on the evolution of reptilian heads and noses,” said Dr. Seishiro Tada, a paleontologist affiliated with the University of Tokyo Museum.
“The triceratops possessed an unusually large and complex nose. While I knew the fundamental reptilian structure, I struggled to understand how the internal organs fit within it,” he remarked.
This curiosity led Dr. Tada deeper into the study of nasal anatomy, its functions, and its evolutionary implications.
In this recent study, Dr. Tada and his team meticulously examined various cranial specimens of the triceratops.
“Using advanced CT scan data, akin to our understanding of contemporary reptilian snout morphology, we discovered several unique attributes within the snout. This research presents the first comprehensive insight into the soft tissue anatomy of horned dinosaurs,” explained Dr. Tada.
“The nasal structures of triceratops exhibited atypical ‘wiring.’ In most reptiles, nerves and blood vessels navigate from the jaw to the nostrils. However, the shape of the triceratops skull reroutes these pathways through the nasal branches,” he added.
“Essentially, the soft tissue evolved to support their prominent noses. I noted this while assembling 3D-printed skull segments of triceratops like a jigsaw puzzle,” Dr. Tada continued.
The researchers identified specialized structures within the triceratops nasal cavity, known as respiratory turbinates. This anatomical feature is underrepresented in other dinosaurs but common in birds and mammals, descendants of modern-day dinosaurs.
These delicate, coiled nasal surfaces enhance the interaction between air and blood, facilitating temperature regulation through effective heat exchange.
While triceratops probably wasn’t entirely warm-blooded, the team believes these structures assisted in controlling temperature and humidity levels, crucial for managing the heat generated by their large skulls.
“Although we’re not entirely certain, we note that while most dinosaurs lack evidence of respiratory turbinates, some birds display similar ridges of these structures, and horned dinosaurs may exhibit analogous features in equivalent nasal locations,” Dr. Tada stated.
“This leads us to hypothesize that triceratops possessed respiratory turbinates akin to those found in birds.”
“Horned dinosaurs represent the last group in which we investigated head soft tissue, effectively completing the puzzle of dinosaur anatomy,” Dr. Tada concluded.
The team’s paper is published in the journal Anatomical Records.
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Seishiro Tada et al. Soft tissue anatomy of the nose in triceratops and other horned dinosaurs. Anatomical Records, published online on February 7, 2026. doi: 10.1002/ar.70150
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The recently discovered dark galaxy candidates, particularly Candidate Dark Galaxy-2 (CDG-2), are primarily composed of dark matter and emit minimal light. This intriguing object features four globular clusters and is part of the Perseus galaxy cluster. The identification of CDG-2 presents significant implications for astronomers’ understanding of galaxy formation and evolution within the cosmic web, offering fresh insights into dark matter—an elusive substance that significantly outweighs ordinary matter yet remains invisible.
CDG-2 (dashed red circle) showcases its dominance in dark matter with only a sparse scattering of stars. Image credit: NASA/ESA/Dayi Li, Toronto/Joseph DePasquale, STScI.
“In the expansive fabric of the universe, most galaxies emit brilliant light across cosmic time and space,” stated University of Toronto astronomer David Lee and his research team.
“However, a rare subset of galaxies remains mostly hidden: those with low surface brightness, primarily dominated by dark matter and containing only a sparse collection of faint stars.”
“Detecting dark galaxies of this nature poses significant challenges.”
Dr. Li and his collaborators employed advanced statistical techniques to uncover 10 previously known galaxies with low surface brightness, in addition to identifying two new dark galaxy candidates by analyzing concentrated groupings of globular clusters.
These clusters may reveal the existence of faint stellar populations that are not easily observed.
To validate one of the dark galaxy candidates, they utilized NASA/ESA’s Hubble Space Telescope, ESA’s Euclid Space Observatory, and the ground-based Subaru Telescope in Hawaii.
High-resolution images captured by Hubble unveil four globular clusters closely packed within the Perseus Cluster—a large galaxy cluster located approximately 240 million light-years away in the constellation Perseus.
Further follow-up surveys using Hubble, Euclid, and Subaru revealed a faint, diffuse glow surrounding the cluster, providing compelling evidence of the underlying galaxy.
“This marks the first detection of a galaxy identified solely through its globular cluster population,” remarked Dr. Lee.
“Under conservative assumptions, these four clusters represent the entirety of the CDG-2 globular cluster.”
Preliminary assessments indicate that CDG-2 possesses brightness equivalent to about 6 million Sun-like stars, with globular clusters constituting 16% of its visible content.
Remarkably, approximately 99% of its mass is believed to be dark matter, encompassing both visible and dark constituents.
Much of the normal matter that facilitates star formation may have been stripped away due to gravitational interactions with neighboring galaxies in the Perseus cluster.
“CDG-2 stands out as the most globular cluster-dominated galaxy and may be among the most dark matter-dominated galaxies ever discovered,” the astronomers concluded.
Read their research paper published in June 2025. Astrophysics Journal Letter.
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Dai (David) Lee et al. 2025. Dark galaxy candidate-2: Verification and analysis of nearly dark galaxies in the Perseus cluster. APJL 986, L18; doi: 10.3847/2041-8213/adddab
Planetary scientists have identified thousands of Small Oceanic Ridges (SMRs) across the Moon’s maria, indicating active tectonic movements that could influence the next era of space exploration. These SMRs are geologically young, dating between 50 million and 310 million years, and are widely distributed across the lunar surface.
Small Mare ridge in northeast Mare Imbrium, captured by the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera. Image credit: NASA/GSFC/Arizona State University.
Both the Moon and Earth experience active crustal movements, yet the tectonic forces shaping each celestial body differ significantly.
The Earth’s crust is segmented into plates that converge, diverge, and slide against one another, creating vast mountain ranges, deep ocean trenches, and a ring of volcanoes surrounding the Pacific Ocean.
Conversely, although the Moon’s crust isn’t divided into plates, internal stresses generate distinctive landforms.
Among these are foliated scarps, which arise when compressive forces push materials along faults, forming ridges. These cliffs, visible in the lunar highlands, have formed within the last billion years, representing the most recent 20% of the Moon’s geological timeline.
In 2010, researcher Tom Watters from the Smithsonian Institution discovered that the Moon is gradually shrinking, leading to the development of these foliated cliffs.
However, the creation of foliated scarps does not account for all the recent contractional topography observed on the Moon.
A newly identified category of tectonic landform is the SMR, caused by similar forces to those that form foliated cliffs. While foliated cliffs exist at high altitudes, SMRs are exclusive to the Moon’s maria.
In the latest study, Dr. Watters and his team aimed to map the SMRs in the lunar maria and assess their correlation with recent tectonic activity.
“Since the Apollo missions, we’ve known that foliation is prevalent throughout the lunar highlands, but this study marks the first documentation of similar features across the lunar maria,” stated Dr. Cole Nipaver, also affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution.
“This research will enhance our understanding of recent lunar tectonism, providing deeper insights into the Moon’s interior, its thermal and seismic history, and the potential for future lunar earthquakes.”
The researchers compiled the first comprehensive catalog of SMRs on the Moon’s far side, identifying 1,114 new SMR segments, bringing the total known SMRs to 2,634.
They discovered that the average age of these SMRs is 124 million years, aligning with the average age of foliation stumps at 105 million years.
These findings suggest that, akin to foliated scarps, SMRs are some of the Moon’s youngest geological features.
Additionally, our analysis indicates that SMRs form due to the same types of faults as foliated scarps, and that the highland foliated scarps often transition into SMRs, suggesting a shared geological origin.
The new SMR data, alongside the high-altitude foliation scarps, provide a comprehensive view of the Moon’s recent crustal contraction activities.
“Our identification of the Moon’s young SMRs and understanding their formation contributes to the global perspective of a dynamically contracting Moon,” said Watters.
For further details, view the result published in Planetary Science Journal.
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C.A. Nye Paver et al. 2025. A new global perspective on recent tectonism in the lunar maria. Planetary Science Journal 6, 302; doi: 10.3847/PSJ/ae226a
NASA/ESA/CSA’s James Webb Space Telescope has made groundbreaking observations of a galaxy featuring gaseous “tentacles” within a galaxy cluster at a redshift of 1.156. This remarkable finding allows us to observe the universe as it was approximately 8.5 billion years ago.
This web image highlights the jellyfish galaxy COSMOS2020-635829, with dashed circles marking four out-of-plane sources in its tail. Image credit: Roberts et al., doi: 10.3847/1538-4357/ae3824.
“The jellyfish galaxy derives its name from the long, tentacle-like streams trailing behind it,” explained Dr. Ian Roberts of the University of Waterloo and his team.
“As it travels quickly through the hot, dense galaxy cluster, the gas within the cluster acts like a powerful wind, pushing the jellyfish galaxy’s gas backward and forming a visible trail.”
“This phenomenon is referred to as ram pressure stripping.”
The research team discovered a new jellyfish galaxy through deep-space data captured by the Webb Telescope.
Named COSMOS2020-635829, this galaxy resides in the COSMOS field, a well-explored area of the sky studied extensively by various telescopes.
“While sifting through vast amounts of data from this thoroughly investigated region, we aimed to uncover previously undocumented jellyfish galaxies,” Dr. Roberts noted.
“Early in our analysis, we stumbled upon a distant, uncharted jellyfish galaxy that piqued our interest.”
COSMOS2020-635829 exhibits a typical galactic disk coupled with bright blue nodes in its trajectory, indicative of very young stars.
The ages of these stars suggest they formed in gas trails stripped from their host galaxy, a behavior characteristic of jellyfish galaxies.
Insights from this study challenge established beliefs regarding the conditions in deep space during that era.
Scientists previously thought the galaxy cluster was still in formation and that ram pressure stripping was a rare occurrence.
Dr. Roberts and his co-authors identified three further discoveries that could reshape our understanding of the cosmos.
“The first discovery indicates that the cluster environment was already intense enough to strip galaxies away. Second, the cluster can significantly alter galaxy properties sooner than anticipated,” Roberts explained.
“Finally, these dynamics might play a crucial role in forming the populations of inactive galaxies we observe in today’s galaxy clusters.”
“These findings offer pivotal insight into the evolution of galaxies in the early universe.”
For more details on this discovery, check out the paper published in the Astrophysical Journal.
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Ian D. Roberts et al. 2026. JWST reveals candidate jellyfish galaxy at z = 1.156. APJ 998, 285; doi: 10.3847/1538-4357/ae3824
As human space exploration delves deeper into the cosmos, the urgency for sustainable methods to harvest local resources grows, rendering frequent resupply missions increasingly impractical. Asteroids, particularly those abundant in valuable metals like platinum group elements, have become key targets. Recently, scientists conducted a groundbreaking experiment aboard the International Space Station (ISS), utilizing bacteria and fungi to extract 44 elements from asteroid materials in microgravity.
NASA astronaut Michael Scott Hopkins conducts microgravity experiments on the International Space Station. Image credit: NASA.
In this innovative project, known as BioAsteroid, Professor Charles Cockell and his team at the University of Edinburgh utilized the bacterial species Sphingomonas desicabilis and the fungus Penicillium simplicissimum to explore which elements could be extracted from L-chondrite asteroid materials.
Understanding microbial interactions with rocks in microgravity is equally essential.
“This is likely the first experiment of its nature using a meteorite on the International Space Station,” states Dr. Rosa Santomartino, a researcher at Cornell University and the University of Edinburgh.
“Our aim was to customize our methodology while ensuring it remained broadly applicable for enhanced efficacy.”
“These two species behave uniquely and extract varied elements.”
“Given the limited knowledge on microbial behavior in space, we aimed to keep our results universally applicable.”
These microorganisms present promising solutions for resource extraction, as they generate carboxylic acids—carbon molecules that bind to minerals and promote their release through complex formation.
Nonetheless, many questions linger regarding this mechanism, leading researchers to conduct a metabolomic analysis. This analysis involved examining liquid cultures from completed experimental samples, focusing on the presence of biomolecules, particularly secondary metabolites.
NASA astronaut Michael Scott Hopkins conducted experiments aboard the ISS to examine microgravity’s effects, while researchers performed controlled experiments on Earth for comparative data.
Substantial data analysis yielded insights into 44 different elements, 18 of which were biologically derived.
Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of L-chondrite fragments under two gravity conditions. Image credit: Santomartino others., doi: 10.1038/s41526-026-00567-3.
“We drilled down to a single-element analysis and began to question whether extraction processes differ in space versus Earth,” notes Dr. Alessandro Stilpe from Cornell University and the University of Edinburgh.
“Do more elements get extracted in the presence of bacteria, fungi, or both?”
“Is this merely noise? Or do we observe coherent patterns? Differential outcomes were modest but intriguing.”
The analysis highlighted significant metabolic changes in microorganisms, particularly fungi, in space, leading to increased production of carboxylic acids and promoting the release of elements like palladium and platinum.
For several elements, abiotic leaching proved less effective in microgravity compared to Earth, while microorganisms demonstrated consistent extraction results across both environments.
“Microorganisms do not enhance extraction rates directly but maintain extraction levels regardless of gravity,” explains Dr. Santomartino.
“This finding is applicable to not just palladium but many metals, though not all.”
“Interestingly, extraction rates varied significantly by metal type, influenced by microbial and gravitational conditions.”
For detailed insights, refer to the results published in npj microgravity.
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R. Santomartino others. Microbial biomining from asteroid material on the International Space Station. npj microgravity published online on January 30, 2026. doi: 10.1038/s41526-026-00567-3
Recent dating of fossilized skulls from the Early Pleistocene site at Unzen, China, indicates that early Homo erectus inhabited East Asia around 1.77 million years ago. This finding suggests that human history in the region extends back at least 670,000 years, raising intriguing possibilities of rapid migration from Africa.
Reconstruction of Homo erectus.
The earliest known fossil of Homo erectus, dating from 1.78 million to 1.85 million years ago, was discovered in Dmanisi, Georgia (Sakartvelo).
However, the earliest evidence of Homo erectus in further eastern regions has long been a subject of debate.
“Historically, Homo erectus, our ancient ancestor, is believed to have originated in Africa before migrating into Eurasia, but the timing of their arrival in East Asia was previously unclear,” said Dr. Christopher Bay from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
“By utilizing findings from Unzen, along with fossil and burial dating techniques, we can now establish a more precise timeline for when these hominins first appeared in East Asia.”
Researchers employed aluminum-26 (Al-26) and beryllium-10 (Be-10) burial dating methods to determine the ages of the Unzen fossils.
“When cosmic rays penetrate quartz minerals, they produce Al-26 and Be-10 isotopes,” explained Dr. Hua Tu from Shantou University and Nanjing Normal University.
“Isotope production ceases once the material is buried deep underground, leading to radioactive decay.”
“By analyzing the decay rates of aluminum and beryllium isotopes and measuring their proportions in sediment surrounding the fossil, we can accurately estimate how long the fossil has been buried.”
This method is significant because the Al-26/Be-10 dating technique allows for accurate dating of materials dating back as far as 5 million years, unlike traditional carbon-14 dating, which is limited to the last 50,000 years.
Earlier dating attempts estimated the Unzen fossils to be approximately 800,000 to 1.1 million years old.
“Our results fundamentally challenge the long-standing beliefs regarding when the earliest human migrations from Africa to Asia occurred,” noted Dr. Bay.
“Although these findings are pivotal, the exact timeline remains a mystery regarding when Homo erectus first and last appeared in this region.”
“If Homo erectus was not the first species to establish residency in Asia, then alternative species must be considered. The latest chronology from Yunxian is a crucial step in resolving these debates.”
For more details, refer to the findings published in the February 20, 2026, issue of the journal Scientific Advances.
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Hua Tu et al. 2026. The oldest Homo erectus skulls in East Asia: The Unzen site is approximately 1.77 million years old. Scientific Advances 12 (8): eady2270; doi: 10.1126/sciadv.ady2270
Paleontologists Discover the First Distinct Species of Fish-Eating Dinosaur Spinosaurus mirabilis in Over a Century
Spinosaurus mirabilis — One of the last surviving spinosaurids. Image credit: Dani Navarro.
Recently identified as Spinosaurus mirabilis, this remarkable new species thrived during the Cretaceous period, approximately 95 million years ago.
The dinosaur fossil was unearthed by University of Chicago professor Paul Sereno and his team in a remote fossil site located in Jengeb, Niger, deep within the central Sahara desert.
One of the most striking characteristics of Spinosaurus mirabilis is its large, scimitar-shaped skull, which is unprecedented within this group.
“The scimitar-shaped skull was so substantial and surprising that when we first excavated it along with some jaw fragments in November 2019, we didn’t immediately recognize it,” they explained.
“Upon returning in 2022 with an expanded team, we uncovered two additional skulls, confirming the distinctiveness of this new species.”
“Based on the surface texture and internal blood vessels, we believe the skull was once covered in a layer of skin.”
“This display likely featured vibrant colors during its lifetime, curving upward like a blade to attract attention.”
Spinosaurus mirabilis capturing a coelacanth Mawsonia approximately 95 million years ago, near a river in what is now Niger. Image credit: Dani Navarro.
The discovery of Spinosaurus mirabilis challenges longstanding beliefs regarding the habitat and behavior of spinosaur dinosaurs.
Until this finding, most spinosaur fossils had been located in coastal sediments, leading to speculation about their fully aquatic lifestyle.
However, the new fossils from Niger are situated 500 to 1,000 kilometers away from the nearest ancient coastlines.
The researchers suggest that Spinosaurus mirabilis likely inhabited forested inland areas interspersed with rivers.
“I envision this dinosaur as a sort of ‘hell’s heron.’ With its robust legs, it could easily wade through two meters of water but likely spent the majority of its time stalking through shallow waters in search of large fish,” said Professor Sereno.
This pivotal research is detailed in a recently published article in the journal Science: paper.
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Paul C. Sereno et al. describe the new scimitar-shaped Spinosaurus species and its role in the evolution of spinosaurids. Science, published online on February 19, 2026. doi: 10.1126/science.adx5486
Astronomers have successfully mapped the vertical structure of Uranus’ ionosphere for the very first time, uncovering unexpected temperature peaks, a decline in ion density, and enigmatic dark regions influenced by the planet’s unique magnetic field. These groundbreaking findings, achieved through nearly a full day of observations using the NIRSpec instrument aboard NASA/ESA/CSA’s James Webb Space Telescope, confirm a decades-long cooling trend in Uranus’ upper atmosphere and offer an unprecedented look at how this ice giant interacts with its surrounding space differently than other celestial bodies in our solar system.
Tiranti et al. mapped the vertical structure of Uranus’s upper atmosphere, revealing variations in temperature and charged particles across different heights. Image credits: NASA / ESA / CSA / Webb / STScI / P. Tiranti / H. Melin / M. Zamani, ESA & Webb.
Uranus’s upper atmosphere remains one of the least understood components in our solar system, despite its critical role in elucidating the interactions between the giant planet and its space environment.
Astronomer Paola Tiranti from Northumbria University and her team dedicated nearly an entire day to observing Uranus with Webb’s NIRSpec instrument.
They successfully measured the vertical structure of the ionosphere, the electrically charged layer of the atmosphere where auroras occur.
“This is the first time we’ve been able to visualize Uranus’s upper atmosphere in three dimensions,” Tiranti remarked.
“Utilizing Webb’s sensitivity, we can investigate how energy migrates upward through the planet’s atmosphere, even observing the effects of polarized magnetic fields.”
Measurements revealed temperature peaks at approximately 3,000 to 4,000 km above the surface, while ion density peaked around 1,000 km, significantly weaker than previously modeled predictions.
Webb also identified two bright bands of auroral emission located near Uranus’s magnetic poles, along with an unexpected area of depleted emission and density, likely tied to the planet’s unusual magnetic field geometry.
These discoveries confirm a long-term cooling trend in Uranus’ upper atmosphere and highlight new structures shaped by its magnetic environment.
These findings offer critical benchmarks for future missions and enhance our comprehension of how giant planets—both within and beyond our solar system—maintain the energy balance in their upper atmospheres.
“Uranus’ magnetosphere is one of the most peculiar in the solar system,” Tiranti emphasized.
“Its tilt and offset from the planet’s rotational axis cause its auroras to be distributed in a complex fashion across the surface.”
“Webb has provided insights into how deeply these effects penetrate into the atmosphere.”
“By detailing Uranus’s vertical structure so thoroughly, Webb aids in our understanding of the energy balance of the ice giant.”
“This represents a significant step toward characterizing giant planets beyond our solar system.”
For further details, refer to the results published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters.
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Paola I. Tiranti et al. 2026. JWST uncovers the vertical structure of Uranus’ ionosphere. Geophysical Research Letters 53 (4): e2025GL119304; doi: 10.1029/2025GL119304
Cancer disrupts multiple layers of the biological blueprint, including the order of DNA sequences and the chemical markers on DNA known as DNA methylation. In cancer patients, tumor samples obtained from areas like the colon or skin contain a blend of healthy cells, which exhibit normal levels of methylation, alongside cancer cells that show abnormal methylation patterns. This mixture complicates doctors’ efforts to differentiate between the two and identify which methylation signals are genuinely sourced from the tumor.
Moreover, harvesting tumors directly often necessitates painful surgical procedures. Some scientists propose using blood samples as an alternative for initial diagnosis. However, blood samples generally face the same challenge, frequently containing only minute traces of cancer DNA.
Traditionally, scientists have averaged the methylation levels of numerous DNA fragments from patient samples to estimate the proportions of cancerous and normal DNA present. Unfortunately, this conventional approach overlooks valuable insights regarding rare and subtle disruptions to DNA. Researchers in Germany and Belgium contend that this missing information is vital for the early detection and diagnosis of cancer. Consequently, they have introduced a new analytical tool named Methylvert to tackle this issue. This tool examines individual DNA sequences to analyze DNA methylation, ensuring these subtle details are preserved.
The team developed MmethylBERT, utilizing the same technology that powers modern language models, such as ChatGPT, with a transformer architecture. They re-engineered this technology to interpret the language of DNA and its methylation signals rather than human language. Each DNA sequence served as a concise “sentence” for the model to analyze and discern the differences between tumor and normal DNA.
The researchers trained MmethylBERT in two phases. Initially, they exposed it to a template dataset derived from the human reference genome. This dataset was used to help the model recognize patterns in DNA sequences, independent of methylation or disease information. This step is akin to teaching students to read using only the letters that form words, without additional context. The model became adept at distinguishing various three-letter DNA combinations, recognizing that certain bases, particularly C and G in ATCG, manifest in specific patterns. The pre-training step proved crucial; omitting it would prevent the model from accurately classifying cancer cells versus normal cells.
In the second phase, they fine-tuned the pre-trained model using DNA sequences from actual cancerous and healthy samples, teaching the model to identify known tumor-specific methylation patterns. This strategy parallels instructing students on grammar, which adds context and meaning to words. The model learned that certain DNA regions exhibit high methylation levels in tumors and low or negligible methylation in normal cells, or vice versa. They devised a system that generates a probability score, indicating how likely each DNA fragment originates from tumor or normal tissue.
The team evaluated MmethylBERT against existing methods by employing simulated DNA sequence data of varying complexity. Their findings demonstrated that their method accurately detects cancer DNA, even while analyzing DNA fragments at genomic locations with minimal sequence reads—where traditional methods often falter. They successfully identified very small quantities of tumor DNA in the blood of colorectal and pancreatic cancer patients, further validating its applicability in non-invasive cancer detection.
Scientists noted that training models on human genome data is time-consuming, so they assessed whether a model trained on the mouse genome could analyze human cancer samples. Remarkably, the mouse-trained model performed nearly as well as the human-trained model when applied to human cancer data, resulting in only minor differences in the probability distribution. The researchers attributed this efficacy to the consistent organization of DNA across mammals, enabling models to transfer knowledge from one organism to another.
The researchers concluded that MethylBERT can identify cancer DNA in sequence data obtained from any sequencing platform, irrespective of the complexity of the methylation signal or the size of the tumor DNA in the sample. They also cautioned that the current version requires substantial computational resources for training and operation and have already commenced development on a more efficient iteration.
Beneath the Earth’s surface lies a largely unexplored ecosystem known as the critical zone. This unique area of soil stretches from the Earth’s surface to the base of the groundwater zone, acting as a dynamic interface where rock, water, air, and life converge. Despite their low content of carbon and nutrients compared to surface soils, the microbial communities found in these deep soils are remarkably diverse. Scientists are still uncovering how these microorganisms manage to thrive under such nutrient-scarce conditions.
To explore how microbes survive in the critical zone, researchers focused on a little-known group of bacteria identified globally in deep soils. Known as CSP1-3 Gate, these bacteria were first discovered in 2006 within a geothermal system in Yellowstone National Park. Since then, they have been found in various oxygen-limited and nutrient-poor environments, yet their exact role and characteristics remain mysterious.
Researchers collected soil samples from seven deep soil cores spanning 20 meters (approximately 65 feet) in Shaanxi province, China, and western Iowa, USA. By extracting and sequencing environmental DNA from these samples, they pieced together draft genomes of the microorganisms inhabiting these depths. Through metagenomic analyses, they aim to uncover where CSP1-3 microbes live, their dietary habits, their nutrient cycling processes, and the adaptations that facilitate their survival.
Analysis revealed CSP1-3 bacteria were abundant in deeper soils, comprising over 10% of all microorganisms found in 30 out of 86 soil layers below 5 meters (16 feet). In some layers, such as those at 17 meters (56 ft) and 22 meters (72 ft) deep, CSP1-3 accounted for up to 60% of the microbial population. Using DNA copy-counting methods, researchers estimated that nearly 50% of CSP1-3 cells in these deep soils were actively replicating.
Based on the assembled metagenomes, the research indicated that CSP1-3 bacteria utilize a flexible metabolism to thrive in deep soils. They identified genes that allow these bacteria to alternate between two methods of obtaining energy: autotrophy, which involves producing their own food, and heterotrophy, which entails consuming organic matter from their environment. This adaptability, referred to as mixotrophy, allows them to respond to varying nutrient availability.
Additionally, researchers uncovered genes enabling CSP1-3 bacteria to utilize diverse energy sources such as carbon monoxide (CO) and diatomic hydrogen (H2), both prevalent in deep soils. They also identified genes allowing these microbes to generate energy under varying oxygen conditions, providing an advantage in environments where oxygen levels fluctuate. Genes related to sugar synthesis, such as trehalose, contribute further to their endurance in resource-limited conditions, alongside genes linked to carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur management.
The team analyzed 521 genomes from diverse environments globally, including aquatic habitats, topsoil, and deep soil, to trace the evolutionary lineage of CSP1-3. Genome analysis indicated that these bacteria’s ancestors originated in aquatic settings before transitioning to topsoil and ultimately to deep soil, with significant genomic changes that augmented their carbohydrate and energy metabolism to facilitate adaptation to terrestrial ecosystems.
The researchers concluded that CSP1-3 bacteria are evolutionarily suited to thrive in deep, nutrient-poor soils due to their specialized metabolism and low-energy survival strategies. They posited that CSP1-3 plays a crucial role in energy and nutrient cycling, potentially influencing global environmental processes by enhancing soil fertility and nutrient availability, thereby stabilizing deep soil ecosystems. The ability of these microorganisms to utilize gaseous energy in nutrient-deficient environments offers compelling insights into their survival strategies under extreme conditions, contributing to ongoing planet protection efforts. However, further investigations are necessary to fully comprehend how these deep soil microbes impact soil chemistry and ecosystem functions over time.
Detecting decay in meat is often challenging. Fresh-looking meat inside a sealed package can conceal harmful microorganisms. Annually, food poisoning impacts millions globally, with 200 diseases linked to unsafe food consumption.
Consumers unknowingly ingest spoiled meat containing biogenic amines (BAs). Food inspectors traditionally detect these compounds through direct sampling and extensive lab analysis. However, once meat is packaged for retail, such testing becomes time-consuming and impractical, making spoilage hard to identify.
Researchers from the China Institute of Food Science and Technology have devised a novel approach for visually detecting spoilage inside sealed food packages. They utilized a tiny carbon-based material known as carbon dots, which are mere thousandths of a human hair in width. These nanoscale dots possess a unique ability to absorb ultraviolet light and emit visible fluorescence, with color variations contingent on their chemical environment. Although most carbon dots emit blue-green light, researchers are striving to shift this fluorescence to a noticeable red hue for easier identification.
The team synthesized these carbon dots using ethanol, which dissolves citric acid and a nitrogen-rich compound, o-phenyldiamine (OPD) known for enhancing red fluorescence. By heating this mixture at 220 °C (428 °F) for six hours and subsequently purifying it via centrifuge and filtration, researchers incorporated various elements to fine-tune the fluorescence properties of the carbon dots, developing OPD variants containing fluorine, chlorine, bromine, and iodine.
For sensitivity testing, researchers added up to 50 milligrams per liter (mg/L) of BAs to each carbon dot solution. They noted distinct fluorescence color changes after mixing for five minutes, with the chlorinated variant displaying the most pronounced transformation from orange-red to yellow. This reaction is attributed to BAs interacting with chlorinated carbon dots, altering their surface properties and resulting in color changes. Consequently, chlorinated carbon dots were identified as optimal indicators for visual BA detection. The biosensor was created by soaking filter paper in a 5 mg/mL chlorinated carbon dot solution for 30 minutes, followed by a 15-minute drying process at 37 °C (99 °F).
To evaluate real-world effectiveness, the researchers placed pork, beef, and mutton in separate plastic trays, attaching the biosensor underneath the lid. They sealed the trays and stored them at 25 °C (77 °F) under ultraviolet light. As a control, a similar tray was prepared containing only a moist sponge and the biosensor, without meat. Results indicated that the biosensors in pork and lamb trays turned bright yellow after 24 hours, while beef biosensors showed a color change after 36 hours. The control biosensor exhibited no noticeable changes.
Additionally, the team developed a smartphone app for color analysis, allowing for image processing and reporting of color values. This app computes numerical ratios between red, green, and blue color components, facilitating objective assessments of color changes linked to spoilage. They further compared these values with the globally acknowledged meat spoilage index, Total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), a commonly used indicator for meat freshness. The researchers found a strong linear correlation between TVB-N values and their data, confirming that biosensor color changes reliably indicated spoilage.
In conclusion, the research team successfully created an efficient process to produce color-changing carbon dots functioning as visual spoilage sensors. Integrating these into food packaging enables real-time freshness assessment of meat, simply using ultraviolet light and a smartphone. This innovative technology holds potential to enhance food safety, better supply chain management, and reduce food waste.
A significant, long-term study indicates that engaging in brain-training video games may provide protection against dementia for decades. Experts deem this the most compelling evidence to date that cognitive training can yield enduring alterations in brain function.
“This is quite unexpected,” remarked Marilyn Albert, director of the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center at Johns Hopkins University. “It’s not at all what I anticipated.”
This groundbreaking study, published Monday in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia: Translational Research & Clinical Interventions, follows the Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Older Adults (ACTIVE) trial.
The researchers discovered that participants who engaged in up to 23 hours of a specialized cognitive training known as speed training over a three-year span exhibited a striking 25% decrease in the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia during a follow-up period of 20 years.
The ACTIVE study was a comprehensive randomized controlled trial funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), involving around 3,000 participants aged 65 and older, hailing from six geographic regions and showing no prior major cognitive impairment. About 25% of participants were minorities, and the majority were women.
Women are especially vulnerable to Alzheimer’s disease, developing dementia at nearly double the rate of men.
Initially, study participants were assigned to train bi-weekly for 60 to 75 minutes per session for a maximum of 10 sessions over five weeks. Approximately half of each training group received an additional 23 hours of booster training over three years.
Researchers monitored medical records through Medicare to track dementia diagnoses in participants throughout the 20-year follow-up. Various forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, and frontotemporal dementia, were aggregated into one category.
Participants who underwent speed training along with booster sessions exhibited a 25% lower risk of being diagnosed with dementia compared to the control group, while those who did not receive additional training showed no benefits.
“The findings suggest that a relatively small input of effort can yield substantial benefits over the long term,” stated Dr. Richard Isaacson, a preventive neurologist at the Neurodegenerative Disease Institute in Boca Raton, Florida, who was not involved in this study.
Dr. Thomas Wisniewski, chair of the Department of Cognitive Neurology at New York University Langone Health, praised the study results as “remarkable,” asserting this is the strongest evidence to support cognitive training’s efficacy.
“This is the first conclusive documentation in a randomized controlled trial indicating that some forms of cognitive training can diminish dementia risk,” added Wisniewski, who was also not involved in the study.
Participants were assigned to one of three cognitive training programs: speed training, memory training, and reasoning training, with a control group that received no training.
Dr. Sanjla Singh, a physician-scientist and lecturer in neurology at Harvard Medical School, explained that speed training focuses on enhancing the brain’s ability to process visual information quickly and effectively. This involves quickly identifying items on a screen and making corresponding decisions.
Albert compares this thought process to the situational awareness required when driving. “When we’re driving and must pay attention to multiple things happening around us, we need to discern what’s relevant and what’s not,” she elaborated.
In memory training, participants learned to memorize a series of words and strategies for retaining story details, such as creating mental images and associations.
Reasoning training involved exercises aimed at enhancing problem-solving skills based on identifiable patterns, such as recognizing sequences in letters or numbers.
However, no significant protective effect against dementia was observed in those who participated in memory and reasoning training alone.
Researchers remain uncertain about why speed training proved beneficial while the other forms did not; one theory relates to the distinction between implicit and explicit learning.
Implicit learning refers to acquiring unconscious habits and skills, like riding a bike. In contrast, explicit learning entails consciously memorizing facts, such as vocabulary from flashcards.
Albert noted that implicit and explicit learning processes engage different regions of the brain.
“Once the brain adapts to these skills, the changes can persist even without ongoing practice,” Singh remarked. “For example, a child can learn to ride a bike in around 10 hours, and that skill lasts a lifetime.”
Screenshot from the Double Decision game.Brain Head Office
Speed training is similarly thought to foster long-term alterations in the brain, a phenomenon defined by neuroplasticity—the brain’s capacity to adapt and reconfigure itself in response to lifelong learning.
Dr. Kellyanne Niotis, a preventive neurologist and clinical assistant professor of neurology at Weill Cornell Medical College, stated that speed training can significantly impact cognitive reserve—the brain’s ability to withstand dementia’s effects, which builds over time through various factors, including education, mentally engaging activities, and social engagement.
“We believe this visual processing speed training engages broader neural networks, thereby enhancing the brain’s resilience and cognitive reserve,” she explained.
Another hypothesis for the efficacy of speed training is its adaptive nature, meaning the difficulty escalates according to an individual’s performance. Those who initially excelled quickly progressed to more challenging tasks, a feature not seen in other forms of training.
Should I start speed training?
The speed training used in this study was devised by psychologists Carlene Ball and Daniel Loncar, with support from an NIH grant. This program has since been refined and is now available as a tool named “Double Decision” via BrainHQ, an online subscription platform.
BrainHQ’s Double Decision game (available in various difficulty levels).Brain Head Office
Based on the study results, Albert recommends this training for individuals aged 65 and older, akin to the study’s demographic.
However, early signs of Alzheimer’s disease can reportedly emerge decades before onset, indicating that those in their 40s or 50s could also experience protective benefits. She cautioned against making early conclusions regarding the advantages for younger individuals.
While these trial results are promising, experts emphasize that Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia are multifaceted, and no singular solution exists.
“Every individual possesses a brain that can be at risk for Alzheimer’s disease, and it’s crucial to prioritize brain health,” Isaacson urged.
Fortunately, various factors correlated with a decreased risk of developing dementia exist. In fact, one report suggests that nearly half of all dementia cases could be deferred or mitigated by addressing specific risk factors, according to the Lancet Commission Report 2024.
Niotis advises individuals to take the following steps:
Ensure regular hearing assessments.
Manage metabolic risk factors such as cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure.
Correct vision issues, as vision loss is a known risk factor for dementia.
Regular exercise enhances blood circulation and nourishes the brain. Isaacson may also suggest combining cognitive-stimulating activities with exercise, such as walking during meetings or engaging in cognitive training while using a stationary bike.
Emerging research also indicates that the shingles vaccine might protect the brain against cognitive decline.
A comprehensive study from 2025 published in Nature revealed that individuals vaccinated against shingles were 20% less likely to develop dementia over a seven-year follow-up period than those who were unvaccinated.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on Tuesday that it is taking steps toward potentially banning BHA, a food additive used in various processed foods, including meats and breads.
Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) has been a part of our food supply for decades. The FDA first designated this chemical as “generally recognized as safe” in 1958 and approved it as a food additive in 1961. BHA is primarily used to prevent fats and oils from spoiling and can be found in products like frozen foods, breakfast cereals, cookies, ice cream, and certain meat items.
The FDA has stated that it will initiate a new safety review of BHA, addressing long-standing concerns regarding its potential carcinogenic effects in humans.
In the 1990s, the National Toxicology Program identified BHA as “reasonably expected to be a human carcinogen” based on animal studies. Moreover, it is recognized as a known carcinogen under California’s Proposition 65, which can be viewed here.
Although studies linking BHA to cancer primarily focus on animal data from the 1980s and 1990s, there are not many studies involving human subjects.
As part of its review, the FDA is issuing information requests, inviting both the public and industry to submit data regarding the use of BHA and its safety profile.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stated, “This reassessment signifies the end of the ‘trust us’ era in food safety.”
This review is consistent with President Kennedy’s “Make America Healthy Again” policy, which aims to reduce harmful chemicals present in the food supply.
Last year, President Kennedy announced intentions to eliminate all artificial colors from the food supply by the year’s end, citing claims that these colors contribute to behavioral issues in children, including hyperactivity. The FDA notes this connection is monitored but not established.
In response, the FDA has approved more extensive use of “natural” dyes such as beetroot red and spirulina extract, a color additive sourced from algae.
Marion Nestle, a professor emeritus at New York University specializing in nutrition and public health, expressed her desire to understand how the FDA plans to assess the safety of BHA.
Nestle noted that previous toxicity studies on BHA largely depended on laboratory tests and animal studies, which may not effectively translate to human health outcomes.
She added that conducting research directly on human subjects would be impractical, costly, and ethically challenging.
Despite these challenges, Nestle commended the FDA’s decision to initiate a new safety review of BHA, highlighting that it has been on the public interest bureau’s “avoid” list for years, an organization that tracks food safety.
“It’s time for the FDA to address it,” said Nestle. “It will be intriguing to see what the reviewers conclude.”
As of now, the Consumer Brands Association, an industry group, has not responded to requests for comment.
On Thursday, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is set to repeal the legal framework that empowers it to regulate greenhouse gas emissions.
“President Trump and Secretary Lee Zeldin will officially rescind the 2009 Obama-era endangered status designation,” said White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt during a press briefing on Tuesday. “This marks the largest deregulatory initiative in American history, projected to save Americans $1.3 trillion from regulatory burdens.”
The EPA’s 2009 decision, known as the Endangered Findings, identifies greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane as key contributors to global warming, which poses risks to public health and welfare. This finding is crucial for establishing regulations under the Clean Air Act. It also underpins mandatory emissions reporting for fossil fuel companies, among other regulations.
If upheld against anticipated legal challenges from environmental groups, this measure could dismantle a majority of U.S. policies aimed at mitigating climate pollution.
Details of the rule that revokes this certification have not yet been released. However, in a draft rule issued in August, the EPA proposed eliminating all greenhouse gas emissions standards for vehicles. Leavitt indicated that this deregulation would lower the prices of cars, SUVs, and trucks, hinting that the final version might also reduce vehicle emissions requirements.
Additional climate regulations may also face repeal: In June, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin proposed a rule to revoke carbon dioxide standards for power plants. The EPA is also re-evaluating other policies linked to endangerment findings, including methane regulation, a potent greenhouse gas.
In 2025, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin participated in an event at the White House. Jacqueline Martin File / AP File
In a briefing last month prior to the EPA’s announcement, Manish Bapna, President and CEO of the Natural Resources Defense Council, labeled the expected repeal as “the largest assault on federal authority to combat the climate crisis in U.S. history.”
“From the devastating floods in Texas and North Carolina to the catastrophic fires around Los Angeles and the unprecedented heat waves every summer, more individuals are experiencing the consequences of human-induced disasters,” Bapna remarked. “A ruling negating endangered studies would represent a complete denial of these incidents and the reality of climate change.”
Conversely, the Heartland Institute, a conservative think tank, commended the impending regulatory changes.
“The Obama administration’s assertion that carbon dioxide endangers human health is scientifically flawed and is pure political maneuvering,” claims the think tank’s president, James Taylor.
The endangerment study conducted during President Barack Obama’s first term is now under scrutiny, with the EPA stating that it “improperly analyzes the scientific record” and that its scientific basis is overly pessimistic and unsubstantiated.
In a preliminary draft of the rule, the EPA argued that the endangerment study amplifies the risk of heat waves, overpredicts warming trends, and overlooks the benefits of increased carbon emissions, such as enhanced plant growth. Many scientific organizations refute these claims.
The agency has also noted that court rulings since 2009, like West Virginia v. EPA, have already curtailed its ability to regulate greenhouse gases. This Supreme Court decision stated that the EPA lacks broad authority to transition energy production from coal to cleaner alternatives.
Much of the discussion surrounding the interim rule is based on a contentious report ordered by Energy Secretary Chris Wright. Recently, a judge determined that Wright and the Department of Energy violated transparency laws in creating and managing the working group involved.
It remains unclear whether the final rule will maintain the same rationale or modify its justification based on public feedback.
Scientific organizations opposing the EPA’s draft rule concentrated on a DOE report suggesting that rising carbon dioxide levels could promote a “greening” effect. The report also indicated that discernible trends in extreme weather events are lacking, complicating the attribution of such events to climate change due to various factors, including “natural climate variability and data limitations.”
“Human actions are altering the climate more rapidly than ever, leading to severe impacts on individuals and the ecosystems we depend on,” the union added, highlighting that greenhouse gas emissions are at their highest levels in the past 800,000 years.
“Climate change is a direct catalyst for rising global temperatures, heat waves, sea level rise, ocean acidification, and is intensifying extreme weather events such as hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and droughts.”
Additionally, a collective of 85 climate scientists released a report claiming that previous rebuttals to DOE reports illustrate a pervasive issue of misrepresentation, failing to meet appropriate standards for informing policy decisions.
According to Copernicus, the European Union’s climate monitoring service, last year was the third warmest on record. The last 11 years have marked the warmest period in modern recorded history.
During President Donald Trump’s administration, the EPA aggressively rolled back numerous environmental protections. Zeldin previously promised in a Wall Street Journal editorial that he was “putting a dagger into the heart of the religion of climate change.”
However, reversing the endangered status is likely to instigate a significant legal confrontation.
The Natural Resources Defense Council has vowed to battle the EPA “every step of the way.” David Doniger, an attorney with the agency, asserted that defending the rule change in court would be “impossible” given the overwhelming evidence indicating that greenhouse gas pollution is exacerbating climate change and intensifying disasters like wildfires, floods, and heat waves.
On Thursday, President Donald Trump declared that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is revoking a critical certification that has been in effect for almost 20 years, aimed at reducing heat-trapping pollution from vehicles, refineries, and factories.
This significant reversal of the so-called endangered finding could drastically alter U.S. policies designed to combat climate change.
The 2009 EPA study indicated that global warming, driven by greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane, threatens the health and welfare of both present and future generations.
“We are officially ending the so-called endangered study, a catastrophic Obama-era policy,” President Trump stated during a press conference. “There was no factual or legal basis for this decision. Fossil fuels, in fact, have saved millions of lives and lifted billions out of poverty globally.”
Prominent environmental organizations are challenging the government’s revocation of the endangered status designation and are gearing up for legal action.
Traffic moves along a road near Royal Dutch Shell and Valero Energy’s Norco refinery during a power outage caused by Hurricane Ida in LaPlace, Louisiana, in August 2021. Luke Charette/Bloomberg from Getty Images File
The findings substantiated the EPA’s capabilities in regulating greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles and power plants while mandating companies to report their emissions, advocating for climate change action consistent with the Clean Air Act.
The Supreme Court’s 2007 ruling affirmed the EPA’s authority to regulate greenhouse gases, highlighting the severe and well-recognized harms linked to climate change, and led to the 2009 endangered finding.
According to the White House and EPA, this reversal marks “the largest deregulatory action in U.S. history.”
This initiative is one of the Trump administration’s most significant efforts to unwind climate action, coinciding with the U.S. retreat from the 2015 Paris Agreement and its expected withdrawal from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
President Trump has previously labeled climate change a “swindle” and cut nearly $8 billion in funding for renewable energy projects in October, though a court later found some cancelations illegal. Recently, the Department of Energy announced a $175 million investment to extend the lifespan of six coal-fired power plants, highlighting continued support for coal.
According to the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Agency, last year was the third warmest on record, and the past 11 years have been the hottest ever documented.
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin engages with residents and business owners impacted by the Palisades fire in Los Angeles on February 4. Mario Tama/Getty Images
President Trump and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin also announced the elimination of all greenhouse gas emissions standards for vehicles.
“We are reversing the unreasonable hazard findings and abolishing unnecessary emissions standards imposed on vehicle models and engines from 2012 to 2027 and beyond,” President Trump affirmed.
The EPA intends to continue regulating pollutants from tailpipe emissions that affect air quality, including carbon monoxide, lead, and ozone.
Former President Obama emphasized that failing to maintain these standards could make Americans “less safe, less healthy, and hinder efforts against climate change,” benefitting only the fossil fuel industry.
The U.S. Climate Alliance, headed by California Governor Gavin Newsom and Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers, criticized the repeal for being “illegal, dismissive of fundamental science, and disconnecting from reality.”
Multiple organizations, including the American Lung Association and the American Public Health Association, have pledged to sue in response to this unlawful repeal.
“As an organization dedicated to public health, we reject this unwarranted repeal,” they declared in a statement.
Manish Bapna, president of the Natural Resources Defense Council, remarked that the repeal is “a windfall for the fossil fuel sector” and that they are prepared for a legal fight.
“We will oppose this action because it lacks scientific support, is economically detrimental, and is illegal. We’ll see the government in court,” he stated.
This legal struggle could extend for years, as the government attempts to justify the repeals in the face of robust scientific evidence regarding climate change’s dangers.
Michael Gerrard, founder of Columbia University’s Sabin Center on Climate Change Law, noted that the future of this repeal could hinge on the Supreme Court, which may need to overturn 16 years of established precedent.
“The 2007 ruling was a 5-4 decision; all five justices in the majority are no longer in office. Of the dissenting justices, three are still serving,” Gerrard explained. “Typically, courts require a comprehensive explanation and supporting documentation when an agency makes such significant changes.”
Megan Greenfield, a partner at Jenner & Block who oversaw EPA rulemaking during the Biden administration, stated that the current administration may face challenges in court due to existing legal precedents and compelling scientific evidence highlighting climate change’s effects. She emphasized that the administration must demonstrate adherence to proper procedures when issuing regulations.
“Regulatory processes usually require around three years, but this rule was finalized in about a year,” she mentioned. “Only after rigorous compliance can more complex legal issues be addressed.”
As of 4 p.m. ET Thursday, the EPA had yet to publish the final text of the rule and did not respond to inquiries regarding its expected release.
The agency contended that a draft proposal released in August overstated the risks of heat waves, predicted accelerated global warming, and underestimated the advantages of increased carbon emissions, like enhanced plant growth. Most independent scientific organizations have dismissed these claims.
“EPA’s 2009 Endangered Findings stem from extensive research,” stated the American Geophysical Union on Thursday. “To override such a landmark scientific and legal determination is a denial of conclusive science, an ignorance of current struggles, and a direct threat to our collective future.”
The administration has also signaled plans to revisit other regulations reliant on endangered findings, including methane regulations, a potent greenhouse gas.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum proclaimed on FOX Business that the findings’ reversal would breathe new life into the coal industry.
“CO₂” [carbon dioxide] “was never a pollutant; this whole situation is an opportunity to rejuvenate clean, beautiful American coal,” he stated.
Four new crew members, including two from the United States, received a warm welcome upon their arrival at the International Space Station (ISS) on Saturday.
The spacecraft, transporting NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, European Space Agency astronaut Sophie Adenot, and Russian cosmonaut Andrei Fezyaev, docked with the ISS at 3:16 p.m. ET.
“Everyone arrived safely. We have been looking forward to this moment for a long time,” commented Sergei Kud Sverchkov, a current member of the Russian Federation’s Roscosmos crew on board.
The Dragon spacecraft was propelled into orbit by a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket early Friday morning.
“We’re thrilled to be here and ready to get to work,” Meir said after meeting the ISS crew. “We made it. We’re here. We love you.”
Later, Adenot mentioned how much she enjoyed the journey.
“It was quite a ride, but it was a lot of fun,” she remarked. “Seeing the Earth from above is mesmerizing; you can’t distinguish any lines or boundaries.”
They arrived at an unusually quiet orbital laboratory.
Originally, the four crew members were expected to overlap in space with the departing team on Mission Crew 11. However, that group had to return to Earth early due to medical issues. (NASA has maintained privacy regarding the identities of the affected astronauts.)
The Crew-11 astronauts departed on January 14, leaving behind NASA astronaut Chris Williams and Russian cosmonauts Kudo Sverchkov and Sergei Mikayev on the ISS.
The four new arrivals will be designated Crew 12, increasing the ISS’s occupancy to seven astronauts.
“Floating in zero gravity is an incredible experience,” Hathaway said after greeting fellow passengers. “The journey was fantastic, shared with great friends from Crew 12.”
A time-exposure shot of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch from Pad 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on Friday. John Rau/AP
The crew launched from SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket at 5:15 a.m. ET from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida.
NASA delayed the launch by two days due to high winds affecting the flight path earlier in the week. The agency continuously monitors weather conditions for safe ascent and emergency scenarios.
Recently, a Falcon 9 incident during an unmanned mission to deploy SpaceX’s Starlink satellites prompted NASA to review safety findings before this launch.
Following the Feb. 2 incident, SpaceX paused launches for an investigation with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The FAA later permitted SpaceX to resume operations, successfully deploying Starlink satellites thereafter.
NASA officials confirmed in a recent press conference that there have been no significant issues while the ISS has been understaffed, allowing a relaxed timeline for the arrival of new crew members.
“We anticipate additional support soon, but will launch when ready,” stated Dina Contera, NASA’s deputy director of ISS programs at the Johnson Space Center.
Crew-12 members, from left, Andrei Fezyaev, Jack Hathaway, Jessica Meir, and Sophie Adenot during a press conference at NASA. NASA
The Crew-12 mission members are slated to stay at the ISS for approximately eight months, where they will conduct scientific research including food production in space, examine how microgravity impacts blood flow, and study bacteria linked to pneumonia. NASA states these endeavors will enhance research for future missions to the Moon and Mars and will provide benefits for humanity on Earth.
This mission marks Hathaway and Adenot’s first spaceflight, while Fezyaev is on his second journey. Meir has previously spent 205 days aboard the ISS starting in July 2019 and made history with fellow astronaut Christina Koch during NASA’s first all-female spacewalk. They are also part of the Artemis II lunar orbit mission set to launch in March.
On Saturday, Meir expressed her surprise at the collaborative spirit that has turned the ISS into a beacon of human achievement.
“This represents a commitment from five nations, underpinned by trust, collaboration, and powered by science, innovation, and curiosity that has been upheld for decades,” she stated before entering the ISS. “Looking back at Earth from these windows, we are reminded that cooperation is not just possible, but essential. There are no borders in space, and hope transcends all.”
The **wet dress rehearsal** officially commenced on Tuesday evening and extended into Wednesday, with the team powering up both the rocket and spacecraft components while charging flight batteries. The crucial part of this test began on Thursday morning when mission managers approved the fueling of the **Space Launch System (SLS) rocket**.
At around **10:30 a.m. ET**, liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen were initiated into the rocket’s core stage. The booster housed over **700,000 gallons of cryogenic propellant**, and mission managers executed a countdown leading up to a simulated launch time of **8:42 p.m. ET**.
The **refueling test** appeared to proceed smoothly, with NASA performing two walkthroughs during the last 10 minutes of the countdown. A pause occurred at approximately **T minus 1 minute and 30 seconds**, followed by a reset of the countdown clock to **T minus 10 minutes** near **T minus 33 seconds** for the final moments before liftoff.
These pauses were meticulously designed to demonstrate that the rocket’s systems were functioning as anticipated during critical countdown phases, when automated systems assume control of the booster. Additionally, these moments allowed mission managers to rehearse various scenarios, including resolving issues that necessitate investigation or aborting a launch due to technical difficulties or adverse weather conditions.
NASA announced significant findings on Thursday regarding a failed Boeing flight to the International Space Station (ISS) in 2024, which left two astronauts stranded for months.
The investigation outcomes were critical of both Boeing and NASA, highlighting issues such as inadequate testing, communication breakdowns, and leadership failures.
The report categorized these incidents as a “Type A disaster,” which is NASA’s highest classification, reserved for accidents that pose severe risks, including significant economic loss and potential fatalities. This designation was previously applied to the tragic loss of Space Shuttle Columbia and its seven crew members in 2003.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, who assumed office in December, stated at a press conference, “We brought our crew home safely, but the path we took did not reflect the best of NASA.” He noted that this incident has fostered a “culture of mistrust.”
The Starliner mission, designed to last approximately eight days, aimed to validate Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft for transporting NASA astronauts to and from the ISS. Launched in June 2024 with astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams aboard, the mission quickly encountered issues.
Shortly after liftoff, mission managers identified a helium leak within the capsule’s propulsion system, leading to multiple thruster failures as the spacecraft attempted to dock with the ISS.
After extensive testing, NASA decided to return the Starliner capsule to Earth without crew. Consequently, Wilmore and Williams remained aboard the ISS for over nine months, awaiting an opportunity for recovery.
NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida, before boarding Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner in 2024.Miguel J. Rodriguez Carrillo/AFP – Getty Images File
NASA’s comprehensive report illustrates the growing distrust between NASA and Boeing, citing a “chaotic meeting schedule” during the mission and a willingness among managers on both sides to overlook risks.
While the investigation highlighted Boeing’s shortcomings in producing and testing the Starliner spacecraft, Isaacman emphasized that NASA’s civilian crew program also bears responsibility.
“While Boeing constructed the Starliner, NASA permitted and launched two astronauts into space,” he clarified, stating that NASA “must acknowledge our mistakes to ensure they are not repeated.”
NASA Deputy Administrator Amit Kshatriya further emphasized that both NASA and Boeing’s actions compromised the safety of Wilmore and Williams.
“The authorities have failed them,” Kshatriya asserted at a news conference. “We must recognize our responsibility to them and all future crews.”
In response, Boeing expressed gratitude for NASA’s thorough investigation, noting that significant progress has been made in addressing the technical challenges and cultural changes within the team since the incident.
To safely return Williams and Wilmore, NASA enlisted SpaceX, which transported them in a Dragon capsule alongside NASA astronaut Nick Haig and Russian cosmonaut Alexander Gorbunov, concluding their six-month mission on the ISS. They landed safely in March.
Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft successfully docks at the ISS on July 3, 2024.NASA (via AP)
Wilmore retired from NASA in August 2024 after 25 years, having spent 464 days in space. Williams announced her retirement last month after a remarkable 27-year career and 608 days in space.
In late 2024, NASA officials confirmed they were collaborating with Boeing to enhance the Starliner’s thrusters and that corrective actions would follow the investigation’s release.
Isaacman stated that NASA “will not allow new crew members aboard Starliner until the underlying technical problems are identified and resolved.”
Boeing developed the Starliner spacecraft as part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, initiated in 2011 to ensure safe civilian transport following the retirement of NASA’s space shuttles. Competing company SpaceX has been regularly flying its Crew Dragon spacecraft to the ISS since 2020.
The recent report is the latest in a series of challenges faced by Boeing. Prior to the Starliner crisis in 2024, the company dealt with issues concerning its 737 Max 9 planes, which saw critical failures leading to accidents and extensive scrutiny.
Boeing’s Starliner program experienced a difficult start; its unmanned debut in 2019 was aborted due to a software error that prevented docking at the ISS. Following delays caused by fuel valve issues, Boeing eventually demonstrated successful docking and return to Earth in 2022.
NASA is set to launch four astronauts on the highly anticipated Artemis II mission, scheduled for March 6. This groundbreaking flight will take astronauts around the moon, marking a historic return to lunar exploration.
The launch date was confirmed after NASA successfully filled the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket with over 700,000 gallons of cryogenic propellant and completed a comprehensive refueling test. This test simulated nearly every countdown step and launch-day procedures.
A successful wet dress rehearsal indicates that astronauts could be just two weeks away from visiting the moon for the first time in over half a century.
The Artemis II mission will be historic, as it will be the first time NASA’s Space Launch System rocket and Orion capsule carry humans. The mission is set to last 10 days, during which astronauts will journey farther from Earth than any humans have ever traveled.
Thursday’s extensive refueling test signaled significant progress for NASA. This was the second attempt at a wet dress rehearsal; the first was halted on February 2 due to a hydrogen fuel leak detected in the rocket’s rear. This issue led mission managers to abandon all launch windows for February.
Lori Glaze, acting deputy administrator for NASA’s Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate, emphasized that the March 6 launch depends on completing necessary work on the launch pad and the thorough evaluation of the wet dress rehearsal results.
The mission team plans to hold a flight readiness review next week, where NASA managers and executives will officially certify the rocket and spacecraft for flight.
“Everything is set in front of us,” Glaze stated at a press conference on Friday. “If we can get through these final preparations, we are in a strong position to target March 6.”
In the interim between the first and second wet dress rehearsals, engineers addressed earlier leaks by replacing two seals in the fuel supply line and conducting repairs and tests on the launch pad. Artemis launch director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson reported that the seals are now “rock solid” after the recent repairs.
“Overcoming this wet dress rehearsal milestone was crucial for our progress,” she noted.
The Artemis II crew consists of NASA astronauts Reed Wiseman, Christina Koch, Victor Glover, and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen. While they did not participate in the wet dress rehearsal, several crew members were present at Kennedy Space Center, Florida, during the test.
“I had the opportunity to speak with Reid Wiseman, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen,” Glaze shared. “They are extremely enthusiastic about the possibility of a March launch.”
To ensure their health ahead of the mission, the astronauts will undergo quarantine in Houston starting Friday afternoon. They will arrive in Florida about five days before the launch and continue their pre-flight quarantine at Kennedy Space Center.
“While space travel serves as a backdrop, it is not central to the Star Trek narrative.” A scene from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
Everett Collection Inc/Alamy
The current socio-political landscape in America is filled with contrasts. As I reflect on my day, thoughts arise concerning the potential call of construction workers to government projects. Meanwhile, dinner plans loom, prompting me to suggest to my partner that he pick up some fresh vegetables, all while he frets about being intercepted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on his way home. I am meant to engage in scientific inquiry and broadcast the marvels of the universe, yet my focus often shifts to grim realities like children in detention camps. Despite attempts to slash NASA’s funding, it has managed to withstand the cuts, though the workforce has significantly dwindled over the years.
The very week this article circulates, NASA is poised to launch astronauts on an unprecedented mission around the Moon, part of the Artemis program leading to potential human landings on the Moon and beyond. This program is widely viewed as a crucial milestone towards sending humans to Mars. At a SpaceX event, with U.S. Department of Defense officials present, Elon Musk expressed his vision of sending humans to new planets, closely aligning with the aspirational themes found in the Star Trek universe. Enthusiasm is high, as we anticipate that these missions will propel us towards a utopia in space exploration.
What a captivating idea! However, the reality may be starkly different. In the realm of Star Trek, one might argue that many fans attending conventions deeply misunderstand the series, revealing an apparent disconnect with its core messages. If they truly grasped the themes of the Star Trek universe, they would recognize that the 2020s parallel a disheartening chapter in human history. The fictional 2024 Bell Riot reflects a rebellion against oppressive governance amid staggering wealth inequality, while the Trekkian outlook foresees humanity surviving another world war, where soldiers are coerced into committing atrocities.
Strikingly, the parallels between past fiction and current events resonate. In this narrative, the figures promoting militarized space endeavors are not the heroes, but rather the villains. Misplacing their roles, these proponents fail to understand that the core essence of Star Trek is not about reaching distant planets but about humanity’s journey towards self-improvement through collaboration, grappling with substantial ethical dilemmas, and fostering a society nurtured by principles similar to socialism, where the needs of all are attended to.
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In Star Trek, the individuals advocating for militarized corporate strategies are depicted as the antagonists. “
Could venturing to Mars pave the way for this enlightenment? Perhaps, in another dimension, such endeavors would embody a quest to embrace “the infinite variety in infinite combinations,” a concept that resonates with the Vulcan philosophy. We have successfully dispatched numerous unmanned missions to Mars, unveiling a wealth of astonishing discoveries about the planet’s past and the potential for other life forms.
Nonetheless, Mars presents challenges as a habitat for humans. It is inhospitable, cold, and dry, which poses formidable obstacles should we aim to establish a presence there. Even amidst the hopeful vision of a peaceful human expedition, it’s vital to acknowledge the harsh reality—Mars is fraught with dangers. The thin atmosphere makes breathing impossible, and any attempts to alter it could still prove hazardous. Dust and silica in Martian soil can inflict severe damage to human lungs, mirroring the afflictions experienced by miners.
Many might dismiss this, thinking, “I won’t be inhaling dirt!” However, Mars is notorious for its colossal dust storms that would infiltrate any human habitat. Such conditions would make it increasingly difficult to maintain a livable environment. The sheer volume of resources required to create a sustainable habitat on Mars is staggering, as launching these supplies into space is a monumental task.
In conclusion, the pursuit of colonizing Mars may not be a practical endeavor. Instead, let us cherish our own remarkable planet, Earth. While we may not have treated it with the respect it deserves, there is still time for change. This vision is at the heart of Star Trek: not about fleeing to a technologically advanced future, but about cultivating the capacity to honor the extraordinary vessel we call home.
What I’m Reading I found Farah Daboiwala’s “What is Free Speech? A History of Dangerous Ideas” fascinating.
What I See I admire Gina Yashea and Kelis Brooks’ work titled “Star Trek: Starfleet Academy.”
What I’m Working On Currently, we’re navigating the complexities of daily life amidst governmental turbulence.
Chanda Prescod-Weinstein is an Associate Professor of Physics and Astronomy at the University of New Hampshire, and the author of Turbulent Universe as well as the upcoming book The Ends of Space and Time: Particles, Poetry, and the Boogie of Cosmic Dreams.
How can I ensure my data is protected? As a young Black physician engaged in clinical research, this question arises frequently in discussions with Black communities in Africa and the Caribbean regarding genetic research participation. The roots of mistrust are not hard to find.
Consider the notorious Tuskegee syphilis study where Black men were left untreated to observe disease progression, even after effective treatments were available. Additionally, Henrietta Lacks’ cells were taken without her consent, fueling extensive research worldwide and generating profit without compensating her family for healthcare needs. This historical context has contributed to the perception of Black individuals as mere research subjects.
In research, it’s understood that quality data is crucial for effective medicine. Unfortunately, Black individuals, along with other underrepresented populations, including non-Europeans and older adults, are often underrepresented in clinical studies. Comprehensive disease understanding requires research across all affected groups to develop inclusive tests and treatments.
Looking ahead, the medical system is shifting towards a genetics-centered approach in patient care. This precision medicine paradigm opts for individualized treatment based on genetic information to enhance prevention and therapeutic efficacy.
However, institutional initiatives from institutions like the University of Exeter and Queen Mary University of London reveal significant gaps in our genetic understanding, particularly in relation to non-European populations. Their findings suggest certain genetic traits in Black people could hinder the accuracy of standard diabetes diagnostic tests, potentially delaying treatment. To bridge this gap, it’s essential to foster trust and increase Black participation in research.
Current research frameworks often unintentionally exclude certain demographics. For instance, if recruitment materials are only available in English or if hiring occurs solely during conventional business hours, valuable contributors may be overlooked. Additionally, relying exclusively on hospitals and universities ignores community hubs like churches and barbershops where people congregate. Recognizing social contexts is vital for effective outreach.
Academic institutions now acknowledge that varying communities necessitate tailored approaches that merge cultural proficiency with scientific rigor. This balance empowers communities and enables research to translate into actionable changes through informed policy and accessible healthcare. It’s essential for researchers to resonate with the communities they serve, fostering trust and relevance through shared experiences.
To address these challenges, researchers must prioritize community involvement from inception rather than merely soliciting input at the end of the process. Funding organizations should integrate community engagement into their budgets, ensuring that incorporating patients and communities becomes a staple in research. This participatory approach can enhance representation among underrepresented groups and ultimately benefit public health. Moreover, researchers must demonstrate reciprocity by contributing to community wellbeing through shared resources and programs.
If you’re interested in participating in research, there are many ways to get involved, from clinical trials to surveys. Every contribution counts.
Dr. Drews Adade – Clinical researcher based in London.
The Beauty From Ryan Murphy and Matthew Hodgson, exclusively on Disney+/FX
The series Beauty (Disney+/FX), created by acclaimed producer Ryan Murphy and co-creator Matthew Hodgson, reveals its intentions from the very first scene. Amidst glamorous models on the Paris catwalk, one character, Ruby (played by Bella Hadid), becomes dangerously desperate for hydration, resorting to shocking measures to quench her thirst.
This plot twist may intrigue some viewers, but may also deter others. Murphy’s established fame for groundbreaking shows like Glee and American Horror Story sets a high expectation for this series. In Beauty, FBI agents uncover a deadly drug and a new sexually transmitted disease within the fashion industry’s glamorous facade. However, the series ultimately falls short.
Murphy’s work has long been associated with body horror, revealing uncomfortable truths hidden within its provocative themes. Unfortunately, Beauty merely glosses over these issues, reducing its critical commentary to superficial critiques, especially regarding the use of medications like Ozempic.
The series struggles to embody the transgressive essence of body horror. Its unoriginality stems not only from its comic-book origins but also from its predictable narrative.
Comparisons can be drawn between Beauty and David Cronenberg’s iconic film The Fly, despite their differing storylines. In The Fly, scientist Seth Brundle (played by Jeff Goldblum) embarks on romantic and scientific pursuits, ultimately leading to horrifying transformations.
Jeff Goldblum as Seth Brundle in David Cronenberg’s The Fly
Photo: 20th Century Fox/Album/Alamy
The Fly masterfully explores themes of intimacy and horror, deftly blending romance with the grotesque, while also addressing underlying societal issues. In contrast, although Beauty attempts to engage with similar themes, its execution often felt forced and lacking in depth.
Characters in Beauty navigate discussions about health and identity, reminiscent of Seth Brundle’s plight, yet the messaging comes across as overly didactic.
In conclusion, while Beauty touches on vital topics, it lacks the profound narrative power found in Cronenberg’s work, ultimately emphasizing the necessity of original storytelling in tackling contemporary issues.
Recommended: Material…
Material Coralie Ferguito
While I had mixed feelings about this film, a standout scene featuring Elizabeth Sparkle (Demi Moore) transforming through the titular drug makes it worth a watch. Despite its shortcomings, it revitalized themes of beauty that were otherwise faltering.
Bethan Ackerley is an associate editor at New Scientist. Passionate about science fiction, comedy, and all things spooky. Follow her on Twitter @inkerley
Cornflowers and Poppies: Once Regarded as ‘Nuisance Weeds’
Credit: Heather Drake/Alamy
One prevalent myth in traditional gardening is that weeds thrive only in poor soil. The belief is that enhancing soil fertility will banish weeds, offering a simple solution for gardeners—just enrich the soil with nutrients. This notion is appealing; however, let’s examine the facts.
Firstly, what is the actual definition of “weed”? The term “weed” encompasses any plant species growing in undesirable areas, rather than a specific group of related plants. This classification can seem arbitrary and culturally influenced.
Many infamous weeds serve dual purposes, being both valued plants in certain contexts and unwanted ones in others. Take dandelions, for example. They are the most recognized species on herbicide labels in the UK, yet in Singapore, where they are deemed invasive, seeds can fetch nearly $100 in online auctions.
In fact, many of the world’s most invasive plant species were initially introduced as ornamental garden plants. This overlap complicates the clear distinction between “weeds” and decorative plants, suggesting that the term may be losing its relevance.
Commonly recognized weeds often share a vigorous growth pattern. Their rapid establishment, easy reproduction, and adaptability to diverse conditions enable them to flourish in unwanted places. These traits often make them the first colonizers in disturbed or neglected soils, where other species struggle to establish themselves. However, thriving in poor environments doesn’t mean they prefer it.
So, where does the idea that weeds signify poor fertility originate? Like many gardening myths, there’s a kernel of truth here. Enhancing soil fertility can allow for a broader variety of plants to thrive, diminishing the competitiveness of resilient pioneer species. This was notably observed in European farmlands during the 20th century, when synthetic fertilizers boosted grass growth, driving out troublesome weeds like cornflowers and poppies, leading some of these species to the brink of extinction, as seen in England. Ironically, these same plants are now cherished as attractive wildflowers.
So where does this perspective leave us? Given our ever-evolving views on plants, it’s clear that weeds are not reliable indicators of soil quality but rather reflect human preferences and societal trends.
James Wong is a botanist and science writer with a focus on food crops, conservation, and environmental issues. With training from the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, London, he has over 500 houseplants in his compact apartment. Follow him on X and on Instagram @botanygeek.
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The realm of personalized medicine has witnessed considerable hype but minimal tangible benefits. Numerous companies aim to analyze your biomarkers and suggest tailored nutrition plans, all at a premium price. However, genuine advancements in personalized medicine are still on the horizon.
Despite this, the concept holds significant potential. Each individual possesses unique genetics and microbiomes, influencing health outcomes widely. Additionally, personal habits play a critical role in overall wellness.
This week’s articles highlight two pertinent examples. Nearly everyone encounters the Epstein-Barr virus during their lifetime. However, as our reports indicate, certain genetic mutations inhibit some individuals from effectively clearing the virus, potentially linking it to autoimmune conditions like multiple sclerosis. Concurrently, some people show resistance to protein misfolding associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
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Identifying individuals most likely to respond to treatment is crucial. “
Grasping these disease mechanisms necessitates a comprehensive understanding of human biological diversity. This involves gathering extensive data, ranging from DNA analysis to immune responses, to unveil the underlying mechanisms affecting various individuals.
Furthermore, precision in clinical trial planning is essential. A one-size-fits-all approach to treatment is no longer feasible, as patient reactions can vary significantly. Therefore, pinpointing those who are most likely to benefit from specific treatments is paramount.
Progress is already being made in cancer treatment. Although we generally label tumors as “cancer,” they are distinctly different and require tailored treatment strategies. There isn’t a singular “cure for cancer”; multiple solutions exist.
Although these challenges are considerable, now is the opportune moment to tackle them for the advancement of treatments for diseases like Alzheimer’s and multiple sclerosis.
Ancient Inuit Circular Tents Found on Isbjørne Island
Credit: Matthew Walls, Marie Christ, Pauline Knudsen
4,500 years ago, early humans embarked on a historic journey to a remote island off Greenland’s northwest coast. This daring expedition entailed crossing over 50 kilometers of open sea, marking one of the longest maritime voyages by Arctic indigenous peoples.
Archaeologists assert that these intrepid sailors were the first to reach these isolated islands. Notably, John Derwent from the University of California, Davis, contributed insights but was not involved in this study.
In 2019, Matthew Walls and a team from the University of Calgary, Canada, explored the Kittisut Islands, also known as the Carey Islands, located northwest of Greenland. These islands lie within the Pikiarasorsuaq polynya—an open ocean region surrounded by sea ice, which has been present for approximately 4,500 years.
The research focused on three main islands: Isbjörne, Mellem, and Nordvest, revealing five sites with a total of 297 archaeological features. The most significant findings were at Isbjörne beach terraces, where they uncovered the remnants of 15 circular tents, each with a central hearth and divided by stones. These distinctive “bilobed” structures are emblematic of the Paleo-Inuit—the first settlers of northern Canada and Greenland.
Radiocarbon dating of a long-billed murre’s wing bones found within one of the tent rings indicated they are between 4,400 and 3,938 years old. This confirms that humans occupied the Kittisut Islands shortly after the formation of the polynya.
“We have nesting colonies of long-billed murres,” Walls noted. The early settlers likely harvested their eggs and hunted them for food, and they likely pursued seals as well.
The Old Inuit had already reached Greenland at this time and likely journeyed to Kittisut from the west, covering a minimum distance of about 52.7 kilometers. However, due to prevailing winds and currents, they most likely set sail from a more northerly location, resulting in a longer, safer journey. To the west of Kittisut lies Ellesmere Island, which is further but presents challenging navigational conditions.
The only comparable journey known in Arctic prehistory was the 82-kilometer crossing of the Bering Strait from Siberia to Alaska, likely first accomplished over 20,000 years ago, with the Diomede Islands serving as a midway stopping point.
“Crossing that expanse required advanced watercraft,” Derwent emphasizes. The population on Kittisut likely necessitated larger vessels rather than single-person kayaks. “You can’t transport children and the elderly safely in a kayak,” he explained. The Old Inuit likely used larger boats capable of carrying nine or ten individuals.
Despite extensive studies, no boat wrecks have yet been uncovered on Kittisut Island, and few such finds exist in the Arctic region. “Their vessels would have been skin-on-frame designs similar to those utilized by later Inuit communities,” noted Walls.
The initial Paleo-Inuit settlers likely played a vital role in shaping the Kittisut ecosystem. By transporting marine nutrients onto land, they fertilized the barren soil, fostering plant growth on the islands. “There’s initially a diverse plant life there, reliant on human involvement in nutrient cycling between marine and terrestrial systems.”
Arctic Cruise with Dr. Russell Arnott: Svalbard, Norway
Join marine biologist Russell Arnott for an unforgettable ocean expedition to the North Pole.
Even the smoothest surfaces can exhibit friction due to electron interactions. However, recent advancements present a technique for reducing or completely eliminating this electronic friction, empowering the development of more efficient and durable devices.
Frictional forces, in various contexts, can hinder movement, waste energy, and can be beneficial in everyday tasks like walking or striking a match. In mechanical systems, such as engines, friction not only expends energy but also accelerates wear, necessitating the use of lubricants and surface treatments. Nevertheless, as every object harbors numerous electrons that interact, some degree of friction may always exist regardless of mitigation strategies.
According to Xu Zhiping, researchers from Tsinghua University in China have developed an innovative method to manage this “electronic friction.” Their apparatus consists of dual layers of graphite paired with a semiconductor crafted from molybdenum and sulfur or boron and nitrogen.
These materials excel as solid lubricants, showcasing near-zero mechanical friction when in motion against each other. This focus allowed researchers to explore a less apparent factor: electronic friction, which contributes to energy loss during the layers’ movement. Xu elaborated, “Even with entirely smooth surfaces, mechanical activity can disturb the ‘sea’ of electrons within the material.”
To confirm their focus on electronic friction, the team initially analyzed how the electronic state of the semiconductor reacted to energy depletion during sliding. They subsequently explored various methods for controlling this phenomenon.
By applying pressure to their device, they succeeded in halting the ocean of electrons by allowing the electrons between layers to share states, minimizing energetically costly interactions. Additionally, introducing a “bias voltage” enabled them to fine-tune the motion of these electrons.
By adjusting the voltage across different segments of the device, researchers could influence electron flow, effectively reducing electronic friction and allowing for a dynamic control mechanism instead of a simple on-off switch.
Jacqueline Krim noted that the initial study on electron friction dates back to 1998 when her North Carolina State University team utilized superconducting materials—perfect electrical conductors at extremely low temperatures—to observe energy loss. Research has since evolved, offering new avenues for modulation without necessitating material replacement or additional lubricants, she commented.
Krim envisions a scenario akin to adjusting the friction of your shoe soles via a smartphone app when transitioning from icy sidewalks to carpeted rooms. “Our objective is real-time remote control, eliminating downtime and material waste. Achieving this goal necessitates materials that react to external magnetic fields producing the desired levels of friction,” she explained.
Xu acknowledged the complexities involved in managing all forms of friction within a device, noting that a rigorous mathematical model correlating these frictions is yet to be established. Nevertheless, he expressed optimism regarding their findings, suggesting that if electronic friction primarily drives energy waste and wear, their approach could hold considerable promise.
Striking Resemblance between Paul Erdős and Jeff Goldblum
Public domain; Matt Baron/BEI/Shutterstock
In my latest mathematics column, I present an exciting idea: Hollywood should create a comedic biopic about Paul Erdős, one of history’s greatest mathematicians.
Why does Erdős, pronounced “air-dish,” deserve such recognition? With approximately 1,500 published papers, he is arguably the most prolific mathematician of all time. Known for his innovative collaborations, Erdős made significant contributions to various mathematical fields, including probability, number theory, and graph theory.
Born in Hungary in 1913, Erdős had a nomadic lifestyle, often traveling without a permanent residence. Following the rise of Nazism in Europe, he relocated to the United States in 1938. However, due to his connections to communist sympathizers, he faced entry issues in the 1950s and 1960s. He famously carried a suitcase of his belongings and visited fellow mathematicians, offering to collaborate with the phrase “My brain is open.” His unique approach allowed him to work on groundbreaking mathematics.
Many fascinating stories about Erdős are chronicled in A Man Who Loved Only Numbers, a biography by Paul Hoffman. I first encountered this book as a teenager and believe its potential to captivate a broader audience is unfortunately overlooked. Therefore, I’m launching a campaign to cast Jeff Goldblum in the lead role.
Why Goldblum? Both he and Erdős have striking similarities, and Goldblum has successfully portrayed mathematician Ian Malcolm in the Jurassic Park franchise. More than that, Goldblum’s quirky eccentricity aligns perfectly with Erdős’ unique lifestyle.
Erdős had unconventional views on religion; he described himself as an atheist yet often spoke about God, referring to Him as “the best fascist” or “science fiction.” He sought to uncover the evidence of a magical book that he believed contained proofs for every mathematical theorem.
His linguistic quirks were equally captivating. He called children “Epsilon,” a nod to the Greek letter representing small quantities in mathematics. Friends who left mathematics were, in his eyes, “dead,” while those who actually passed away were simply “gone.” He humorously remarked, “A mathematician is a device that turns coffee into theorems,” a quote borrowed from colleague Alfred Rényi. I can easily envision Goldblum delivering those lines.
An intriguing aspect of Erdős’ legacy is the concept of the “Erdős number.” This measure indicates the collaborative distance between mathematicians, where those who co-authored with him have an Erdős number of 1, and others have higher numbers based on collaboration distance. My Erdős number is 3, having quoted Terrence Tao from UCLA in my writing.
This concept mirrors the “Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon” game. Goldblum also holds a Bacon number of 1 because they both appeared in the mockumentary Tour de Pharmacy. I only discovered this connection while advocating for my biopic project.
Some individuals hold both Erdős and Bacon numbers, bridging the worlds of mathematics and film. The minimum recorded Erdős-Bacon number is 3, held since 1997 by mathematician Daniel Kreitman, who appeared in Good Will Hunting.
While Erdős’ eccentricities paint a charming picture, it’s important to acknowledge his flaws. A Man Who Loved Only Numbers touches upon his problematic attitudes towards gender, as he often referred to women and men in derogatory ways. However, he was more than willing to collaborate with female mathematicians.
While dreaming of an Erdős biopic raises the concern of reinforcing the “absent-minded professor” stereotype, I argue that current mathematical biopics, like A Beautiful Mind, are serious dramas. A comedic portrayal has yet to be attempted.
Moreover, Erdős left behind numerous open mathematical problems, many offering monetary rewards for solutions. A film could inspire a new generation of puzzle enthusiasts and spark interest in mathematics—an endeavor Erdős would surely endorse. Jeff, if you (or your agent!) are reading this, let’s connect. I’m ready to collaborate on this exciting project!
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