Newly Discovered Marsupial Species in Australia

Posted on September 9, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The newly identified Woylie species, Bettongia haoutharae, is likely already extinct, according to researchers from Curtin University, the Western Australian Museum, and Murdoch University.

Bettongia haoutharae. Image credit: Nelly Peas.

“Woylies act as ecosystem engineers, moving several tons of soil each year in search of their favorite mushroom snacks,” says Jake Newman Martin, a Curtin University student, along with colleagues.

“These adorable kangaroo relatives from Western Australia are among the most endangered mammals, as conservation efforts continue to save species at risk.”

In this recent study, the researchers examined fossils found in caves in southwestern Australia.

They uncovered an entirely new species and two new subspecies.

“This discovery unveils significant insights into the diversity of Woylies, also known as the brush tail veton,” explains Newman-Martin.

“Woylies are endangered marsupials that have been the focus of conservation initiatives for many years.”

“This new study officially recognizes it as a distinct species based on fossil evidence, along with two new variants of Woylies for the first time.”

“Regrettably, many of these species went extinct before we even became aware of them.

“Our findings categorize the endangered Woylie into two living subspecies, which are crucial for breeding and translocation strategies aimed at increasing population size and genetic fitness.”

Dr. Kenny Traboillon, curator of terrestrial zoology at the Western Australian Museum, stated:

“This research revealed various species and broadened the known diversity of Woylies by analyzing skull and body fossil materials that hadn’t been thoroughly examined before.”

“What our research highlights is that studying fossils alongside genetic tools can offer vital insights to aid conservation efforts for this endangered native species.”

A paper detailing the discovery was published in the journal Zootaxa.

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Jake Newman Martin et al. 2025. Taxonomic revision of Bettongia penicillata (Diprotodontia: Potoroidae) Description of species complexes and subfossil species Bettongia haoutharae sp. November. Zootaxa 5690(1); doi:10.11646/zootaxa.5690.1.1

Source: www.sci.news

Physicists Unveil the Concept of Neutrino Lasers

Posted on September 9, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Researchers from MIT and the University of Texas at Arlington suggest that supercooling radioactive atoms may enable the creation of laser-like neutrino beams. They illustrate this by calculating the potential for a neutrino laser using one million rubidium-83 atoms. Generally, the half-life of a radioactive atom like this is approximately 82 days, indicating that half of the atoms will decay and emit an equal number of neutrinos within that timeframe. Their findings indicate that cooling rubidium-83 to a stable quantum state could allow for radioactive decay to occur in only a few minutes.

BJP Jones & Ja Formaggio devises the concept of a laser that emits neutrinos. Image credit: Gemini AI.

“In this neutrino laser scenario, neutrinos would be released at a significantly accelerated rate, similar to how lasers emit photons rapidly.”

“This offers a groundbreaking method to enhance radioactive decay and neutrino output. To my knowledge, this has never been attempted before,” remarked MIT Professor Joseph Formaggio.

A few years ago, Professor Formaggio and Dr. Jones were each considering unique opportunities in this field. They pondered: could we amplify the natural process of neutrino generation through quantum consistency?

Their preliminary research highlighted several fundamental challenges to achieving this goal.

Years later, during discussions regarding the properties of ultra-cold tritium, they asked: could enhancing qualitatively the quantum state of radioactive atoms like tritium lead to improved neutrino production?

The duo speculated that transitioning radioactive atoms into Bose-Einstein condensates might promote neutrino generation. However, during quantum mechanical calculations, they initially concluded that such effects might not be feasible.

“It was a misleading assumption; merely creating a Bose-Einstein condensate does not speed up radioactive decay or neutrino production,” explained Professor Formaggio.

Years later, Dr. Jones revisited the concept, incorporating the phenomenon of Superradiance. This principle from quantum optics occurs when groups of luminescent atoms are synchronously stimulated.

It is anticipated that in this coherent state, the atoms will emit a burst of superradiant or more radioactive photons than they would if they were not synchronized.

Physicists suggest that analogous superradiant effects may be achievable with radioactive Bose-Einstein condensates, potentially leading to similar bursts of neutrinos.

They turned to the equations governing quantum mechanics to analyze how light-emitting atoms transition from a coherent state to a superradiant state.

Using the same equations, they explored the behavior of radioactive atoms in a coherent Bose-Einstein condensed state.

“Our findings indicate that by producing photons more rapidly and applying that principle to neutrinos, we can significantly increase their emission rate,” noted Professor Formaggio.

“When all the components align, the superradiation of the radioactive condensate facilitates this accelerated, laser-like neutrino emission.”

To theoretically validate their idea, the researchers calculated the neutrino generation from a cloud of 1 million supercooled rubidium-83 atoms.

The results showed that in the coherent Bose-Einstein condensate state, atoms can reduce radioactivity at an accelerated rate, releasing a laser-like stream of neutrinos within minutes.

Having demonstrated that neutrino lasers are theoretically feasible, they plan to experiment with a compact tabletop setup.

“This should involve obtaining the radioactive material, evaporating, laser-trapping, cooling, and converting it into a Bose-Einstein condensate,” said Jones.

“Subsequently, we must instigate this superradiance.”

The pair recognizes that such experiments will require extensive precautions and precise manipulation.

“If we can demonstrate this in the lab, it opens up possibilities for future applications. Could this serve as a neutrino detector? Or perhaps as a new form of communication?”

Their paper has been published today in the journal Physical Review Letters.

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BJP Jones & Ja Formaggio. 2025. Super radioactive neutrino lasers from radioactive condensate. Phys. Pastor Rett 135, 111801; doi:10.1103/l3c1-yg2l

Source: www.sci.news

Fossils from the Early Cretaceous Period at the Swiss Museum

Posted on September 9, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Paleontologists have identified a new species within the extinct turtle genus Craspedochelys, based on some remarkable fossil shells and subsequent bones discovered in Colombia.

Artistic reconstruction of Craspedochelys Renzi and the shallow marine ecosystem it inhabited. The flip-like shape of the forelimbs is inspired by the most complete known specimen of Thalassemys bruntrutana. Image credit: Juan Guilard.

Craspedochelys Renzi thrived during the early Cretaceous Hauterivian period, approximately 132 to 125 million years ago.

This ancient species belonged to the Thalassocheridia, a group of marine-adapted turtles from the Jurassic and Cretaceous eras.

“Throughout their evolutionary journey, various unrelated turtle groups have developed adaptations for marine and coastal habitats,” says Dr. Edwin Alberto Cadena, a paleontologist at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute of Natural History.

“One such group is the Thalassocheridia, traditionally classified into three Jurassic families: Eurysternidae, Plesiochelyidae, and Thalassemydidae, which have complex and often debated phylogenetic relationships.”

“Among these families, the ‘Plesiochelyidae’ is particularly diverse, encompassing at least ten species across four different genera: Craspedochelys, Plesiochelys, Portlandomys, and Tropidemys.”

“The shells of ‘Plesiochelyids’ can be distinguished from other thalassocheridians by their large size (40-55 cm in shell length), with adults lacking the thyroid cortex of the hanging skin, typically displaying only a thick layer of fontanel in the center.”

Craspedochelys Renzi is characterized by a distinct shell featuring several occipital bones. Image credits: Cadena et al. , doi: 10.1186/s13358-025-00394-1.

The fossil specimen of Craspedochelys Renzi was first discovered by Swiss geologist Otto Lenz during a field expedition in the Cunja de Cuisa region of Guazila Province, Colombia, in the 1950s.

This specimen included partial shells measuring 25.5 cm long and 23.1 cm wide, along with hind limb bones and caudal vertebrae.

It was later stored in the paleontological collection of the Naturhistorisches Museum Basel in Switzerland, where it remained unnoticed for over 60 years among the fossil invertebrate collection.

“Geological evidence connects these specimens to shallow marine sediments from the Moina Formation, dating to the Hauterivian,” the paleontologist explained.

This fossil represents the youngest known occurrence of Thalassocheridians globally during the Hauterivian, and it is the second record from a non-European group.

“The discovery of Craspedochelys Renzi will greatly enhance our understanding of Thalassocheridians, particularly the ‘Plesiochelyidae’, expanding their geographical range to North Gondwana and temporal range to the Hauterivian,” the researchers stated.

“This find underlines the significance of reevaluating historical collections and the potential for future discoveries in less explored areas such as northern South America.”

“The existence of Craspedochelys Renzi in the Moina Formation further underscores the intricate paleobiogeographic history of early Cretaceous coastal habitats and marine turtles.”

“It also offers new perspectives on the evolutionary dynamics of Thalassocheridia and the still unresolved, unstable phylogenetic relationships within the group, which necessitates further detailed investigation in future research.”

The discovery of Craspedochelys Renzi is discussed in a paper published in the Swiss Journal of Palaeontology.

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ea. Cadena et al. 2025. The first occurrence of the “Plesiochelyidae” turtle in the early Cretaceous period of South America. Swiss J Palaeontol 144, 52; doi:10.1186/s13358-025-00394-1

Source: www.sci.news

What Is the Origin of Deep Space Gamma Rays?

Posted on September 9, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Long before astronomers proposed the Big Bang theory, they understood that the universe is infinite, remains constant over time, and that there are no dark patches in the night sky if it is indeed filled with stars. If stars populate space uniformly, then starlight would illuminate every point in the sky. Consequently, if this light persisted over time, it would illuminate Earth equally, making the sky uniformly bright.

This insight is known as Olbers’ Paradox, which suggests that the universe is neither infinite nor static, as it contains gaps of darkness between stars. Instead, astronomers agree that the universe has evolved over time, originating from the Big Bang. These transformations prevent the sky from being completely filled with starlight because, even if the universe were infinite and abundant with stars, only some would have had enough time to reach Earth.

The sky is not merely filled with starlight; it is awash with various light types. The most prominent is the long-wavelength radiation remaining from the Big Bang, known as the Cosmic Microwave Background, or CMB. Additionally, short-wavelength radiation emanates from beyond our galaxy, termed the Extragalactic Gamma-Ray Background, or EGB. The origins of EGB are more elusive compared to CMB, with possible sources ranging from black holes in distant galaxies to reactions of subatomic particles and even dark matter.

Since the discovery of EGB in the 1970s, scientists have pinpointed specific large, high-energy objects such as active galactic nuclei, which comprise nearly half of the EGB. These entities produce bright spots of resolved EGB that are observable from Earth.

This accounts for only part of the EGB, leaving the other half unresolved. The unresolved EGB is distributed across the sky, with sources too distant to be identified by telescopes. To investigate unresolved EGB sources, a scientific team explored the hypothesis that galaxies are significant, if not the primary, contributors. They deduced that nearby galaxies may account for resolved EGBs, implying that distant galaxies could be sources of the diffuse, unresolved EGBs.

It is believed that galaxies generate gamma rays through a series of events; firstly, a star is formed, which may either explode or undergo a supernova event. Supernovae accelerate particles, such as protons and electrons, to high velocities, creating cosmic rays. These cosmic rays then collide, releasing energy and initiating a chain reaction that leads to the formation of high-energy gamma rays, existing within a specific energy range of approximately 0.01–1,000 Giga-electronvolts (GEVs).

Researchers have developed a model to estimate the gamma radiation that galaxies are capable of producing and the energy levels of that radiation. This model derives two equations to calculate how frequently a galaxy generates cosmic rays based on its star production rate. Physical attributes of the galaxy, including mass, radius, and star formation rate, were necessary to finalize the model.

Data was collected from 22,087 galaxies in the Goods-S Catalog using the Hubble Space Telescope. They utilized the model to estimate the gamma radiation contributions these galaxies could provide to small regions of the sky, comparing the model’s estimates with actual gamma radiation observations from each galaxy obtained through the Fermi Gamma-Ray Telescope.

The results indicated that within the 1-10 GEV energy range of gamma radiation, these galaxies might account for 50-60% of the unresolved EGB across all observed areas. Furthermore, the contribution from galaxies diminishes sharply below 1 GEV and above 10 GEV. Their findings suggest that earlier research into the star-forming galaxy hypothesis may have underestimated their contributions to the unresolved EGB.

The team concluded that beyond star-forming galaxies, other sources must account for the unresolved EGB found in deep space. They propose that future research focus on active galactic nuclei and millisecond pulsars as potentially fruitful candidates. This observation indicates the possibility of other unexplored phenomena, suggesting that galaxies may not be the primary sources of unresolved EGBs. The disappearance of dark matter could be a piece of this cosmic puzzle.

Where does Deep Space Gamma Ray come from? It first appeared in Sciworthy.

Source: sciworthy.com

Resistance Training Could Enhance Gut Microbiota Health

Posted on September 9, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Strength training can support your gut microbiome

Juliana Yamada/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

While noticeable muscle growth, like bulging biceps, is a clear advantage of weightlifting, research indicates that strength training can also be beneficial for your gut microbiota.

No singular cluster of microorganisms ensures good health, yet certain compositions are linked with enhanced medical outcomes, including a stronger immune system and healthier aging. Key players include faecalibacterium, Akkermansia, and Rose Buria Hominis, all of which generate short-chain fatty acids such as butyric acid that support the intestinal lining and combat inflammation.

While diet is undeniably significant, studies suggest that aerobic exercise—like cycling and running—can create an environment favorable for these microbial species to thrive. This may occur via improved blood flow, hormonal shifts, or metabolic by-products associated with physical activity, including lactic acid. Research on resistance training has yielded mixed results; some studies indicate significant changes, while others show negligible effects. “Current research is somewhat limited,” notes Matieu Krauss from the Norwegian Sports Science School in Oslo.

For clarity, Sven Nahnsen, from the University of Tübingen in Germany, along with his team, studied a sizable group of 150 sedentary adults who underwent an eight-week training regimen that included a variety of resistance exercises like lateral pulls, seated rows, chest presses, and leg curls.

In contrast to past research, participants utilized an “intelligent” machine that automatically adjusted weights and range of motion based on individual performance, thereby keeping a meticulous record of progress. “The data is precise as every lift is digitally documented,” shares Nahnsen.

Prior to starting, and at intervals during the program, participants submitted stool samples, which researchers analyzed for genetic and metabolic fingerprints of commonly found gut microorganisms.

Across the group, there was no average alteration in microbiome composition post-program. The outcome seemed to vary based on each individual’s training response, showing a correlation between increased intensity and microbiota changes.

High-achieving participants who reaped significant muscle strength benefits exhibited an increased percentage of faecalibacterium and Rose Buria Hominis by the program’s conclusion. “These species were more abundant in those who gained substantially more strength,” summarized Nahnsen.

The reasons why some individuals responded better to the training compared to others remain ambiguous. One might assume it relates to their effort, yet compliance levels were similar across low and high performers. An alternative explanation could be that successful participants altered their diets following their exercise routines. This lifestyle adjustment could reasonably influence both microbiota and muscle strength. However, despite attempts to account for this through dietary assessments, researchers found no substantial differences in food intake, “a factor we couldn’t completely discount,” according to Nahnsen.

Another intriguing prospect is that the microorganisms themselves may partially facilitate the improvements in strength. In high-performing individuals, changes in the microbiome may enhance the production of short-chain fatty acids, enabling muscles to better respond to the eight-week training regimen. However, Nahnsen emphasizes that this warrants further investigation.

He aspires that this research will serve as a foundation for exploring potential mechanisms. “Our goal was to establish a ‘dictionary’ of microorganisms likely affected by resistance training to assist other researchers in uncovering the mechanisms,” he stated. Strategies to promote beneficial shifts in the microbiota post-training could represent a novel approach to enhancing exercise’s health benefits and sports performance.

It’s worth noting that the trial did not include a control group of participants who remained inactive. Nevertheless, Klaus, who did not participate in the study, is optimistic about the findings. “These results reinforce the idea that exercise positively impacts gut health, regardless of the specific type, and highlight that resistance training can induce microbiome-related changes tied to specific health benefits,” he remarked. “This underscores the importance of integrating both endurance and resistance training into health promotion strategies aimed at improving microbiome health.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Florida’s Anti-Vaccine Movement Poses Threats to Public Health Nationwide

Posted on September 8, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

General Joseph Ladapo, Florida surgeon, at an anti-vaccine event held in Sarasota, Florida

Dave Decker/Zuma Press Wire/Shutterstock

The movement against vaccines has gained significant traction in the US, prompting Florida officials to repeal all vaccine mandates, including those for schoolchildren. This decision may inspire similar actions in other states, potentially leading to a resurgence of long-eradicated pediatric diseases.

“If I were a virus, I would celebrate right now,” stated Cynthia Leifer from Cornell University in New York. “The potential elimination of all vaccine mandates in Florida could allow diseases that have been controlled for years to rear their heads again.”

Since the Covid-19 pandemic, the anti-vaccine movement has solidified its presence in the United States, with Florida being a prime example. In 2022, it was the first state to recommend Covid-19 mRNA vaccinations for most children, later expanding that guidance to include all individuals. Now, it might become the first state to entirely abolish vaccine mandates.

The announcement came from Joseph Ladapo, the state’s chief public health officer, on September 3. “This last mandate is fundamentally flawed,” he stated.

Like all states, Florida mandates certain vaccinations for children before they can enroll in school. However, under the authority of the Florida Department of Health led by Ladapo, there is considerable power to delegate vaccine requirements in schools. Ultimately, only state lawmakers can lift all vaccine requirements.

In a statement reported by the Associated Press, the state health department indicated that changes to existing regulations could impact required vaccines, including those for hepatitis B, chickenpox, influenza, HIB, and pneumococcal disease. Unless legislators revoke the laws, vaccines such as polio and measles will remain mandatory for school attendance under state law.

Vaccine requirements are a key factor in the US maintaining one of the highest vaccination rates in the world, which is crucial for preventing diseases like polio, diphtheria, and pertussis from becoming prevalent. Removing these mandates could jeopardize decades of public health achievements and put lives at risk. According to a 2024 CDC report, routine childhood vaccinations have saved approximately 1.13 million lives and averted about 508 million infections in children born from 1994 to 2023.

“Vaccines are victims of their own success; people no longer witness children suffering from preventable diseases,” Leifer remarked.

Much of the resistance against vaccines stems from concerns regarding side effects. However, research shows that the risks associated with vaccination are minor compared to those posed by infections. For instance, the likelihood of developing myocarditis or heart inflammation is seven times higher following Covid-19 infection than after vaccination. Additionally, one in 1000 individuals infected with measles may develop encephalitis, while one in one million vaccinated individuals experience the same condition.

During the press conference, Ladapo provided no scientific rationale for removing the vaccine mandates. The Florida Department of Public Health did not respond to inquiries from New Scientist regarding this matter, instead focusing on appeals to personal and religious freedoms.

“Should this individual dictate what goes into your body? Who decides what your child should receive in their body?” he questioned, emphasizing that each body is a gift from God.

This argument overlooks that over half the states, including Florida, permit exemptions from mandated vaccines for religious reasons. Furthermore, 16 states allow exemptions for personal beliefs, and all states have provisions for medical exemptions.

If school mandates are lifted, it is uncertain how significantly vaccination rates might drop. However, historical data suggests that enforcing requirements boosts vaccine uptake. For example, Maine eliminated personal and religious exemptions in 2019, resulting in over 95% of school-aged children receiving the vaccinations required by 2024, thus achieving herd immunity against measles.

In Florida, less than 89% of kindergarteners were vaccinated from 2024 to 2025. Achieving herd immunity requires a concerted effort to boost vaccination rates nationwide, rather than undermining them.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Carved Head Suggests Hair Trends of Ancient Hunter-Gatherers

Posted on September 8, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Engraved face from the French Amien Lannancourt 1 site

Stephen Lancelot/In-Rap

SEI 265224007 — Engraved face from the French Amien Lannancourt 1 site

Stephen Lancelot/In-Rap

Miniature sculptures estimated to be 27,000 years old from northern France may offer insights into how ancient hunter-gatherers styled their hair.

The figurine was unearthed in 2021 from a site known as Amien Lannancoeur 1, located roughly 140 kilometers north of Paris, and has recently been analyzed by researchers.

Notably, the long hair appears to be braided in a grid pattern, possibly representing hair nets or distinct hairstyles. This contrasts with figures found in Central and Eastern Europe, where hairdos are typically short and cover the majority of the head, according to Olivier Touse from the University of Liège, Belgium, who did not participate in the study.

The statuette’s distinctive hairstyles may indicate the period and local fashion trends. “This might represent a cultural uniqueness that would not have been highlighted without these scarce human representations,” states team member Clement Paris from the National Institute of Preventive Archaeology in France.

Radiocarbon dating of the rock layers at Amiens-Renancourt 1 indicates that the sculpted figure dates back to approximately 27,000 years ago and belongs to the Greybettian period, which spanned from 33,000 to 26,000 years ago across Europe. Following this era, the hunter-gatherer population vacated Northwest Europe for nearly 10,000 years due to the severe cold and arid conditions of the last Ice Age’s peak, notes Touzé.

“The intricate decoration and well-defined hairstyles underline the attention devoted to the craftsmanship of this statue,” remarks Gregory Abrams at the University of Ghent, Belgium, who was not involved in the study.

Other excavations at the site have uncovered several small fragments and over a dozen additional figurines, including Venus figurines that depict women. “This site has historical significance regarding sculptural production,” states Touse.

Yet, questions linger about what these figurines reveal about their creators. “Prehistoric thoughts and myths leave minimal evidence,” comments Paris. “And even when these statues provide insight, their significance remains obscure.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

40 Years of Light from Earth May Harbor Conditions Favorable for Life

Posted on September 8, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Artist’s Impression of the Planet TRAPPIST-1e

NASA/JPL-Caltech

Exciting indications suggest that one of the planets in the TRAPPIST-1 star system, located around 40 light-years away, may have an atmosphere suitable for life. However, scientists aim to obtain 15 additional images to confirm this.

TRAPPIST-1 is a small red star hosting at least seven planets. Discovered in 2016, it has become a focal point for astronomers hunting for extraterrestrial life, as three of its planets lie within the Goldilocks Zone, where liquid water can exist.

Ryan McDonald from St Andrews University, UK, states that the discovery of TRAPPIST-1 stirred considerable excitement among astronomers. However, subsequent imaging of three exoplanets—two of which are in the Goldilocks zone—did not identify any atmospheres, which was a letdown. Yet, McDonald and his team have maintained a focus on TRAPPIST-1e, situated at the center of this zone, and now hold a positive outlook.

In 2023, McDonald and colleagues utilized the James Webb Space Telescope to examine TRAPPIST-1e and have continued to enhance their images of this world. Through the analysis of starlight alterations as distant planets cross in front of stars, scientists can deduce the composition of atmospheres and identify beneficial life-sustaining chemicals.

Nonetheless, TRAPPIST-1’s classification as a red dwarf complicates these measurements due to its cooler nature compared to our sun. This cooling effect can lead to prevalent atmospheric chemicals like water also existing within the star itself. Consequently, it’s crucial to differentiate TRAPPIST-1e’s atmospheric signals from those of the star’s light. This challenging task requires innovative models and extensive effort. Initial findings suggest that TRAPPIST-1e may possess a life-friendly atmosphere, potentially representing a pivotal moment in the search for habitable conditions in the universe.

“The data exhibits fluctuations in accordance with atmospheric modeling, aligning well with nitrogen-rich atmospheres and possibly including methane,” remarks McDonald. “Among all the spectra collected from the TRAPPIST-1 system, this is the most promising, indicating potential atmospheric components.”

Should the nitrogen-rich atmosphere hypothesis be confirmed in subsequent analyses, McDonald states the next step will be to search for gases such as methane or carbon dioxide and utilize climate models to assess surface temperatures and the potential for liquid water.

However, the researchers caution that current data cannot entirely dismiss the possibility that TRAPPIST-1e is merely a barren rock. Additional observations are imperative. They have data from four JWST observations but aim for an additional 15 in the near future. “We need to minimize the error margins,” comments McDonald.

Matthew Jenge from Imperial College London notes that while many exoplanets are being discovered, astronomers are eager to pinpoint those with conditions conducive to life.

“Complexities arise because a planet can be in the right orbital zone but, with the wrong atmosphere, may become inhospitable like Venus. Astronomers are investigating numerous exoplanets, and eventually, one will likely be found with a nitrogen/oxygen-rich atmosphere. Photosynthesis may be key to achieving oxygen richness,” he says.

“If [TRAPPIST-1e] is habitable, consider what transpired on that planet over the past 7.6 billion years. The older the planet, the higher the likelihood of developing intelligent life,” he adds.

McDonald believes that by 2060, data may reveal multiple planets whose existence is hard to explain without including life forms, though he stresses that proving the existence of extraterrestrial life is still a distant goal. “We remain skeptical,” he concludes.

Source: www.newscientist.com

Unexpectedly Valuable Mathematical Patterns in Real-World Data

Posted on September 8, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

“When you search for stock market prices, you may see patterns…”

Muhla1/Getty Images

Flipping through the front page of a newspaper, one is greeted by a myriad of numbers—metrics about populations, lengths, areas, and more. If you were to extract these figures and compile them into a list, it might seem like a random assortment.

However, these figures are not as arbitrary as they may appear. In reality, the leading digit of many numbers, such as total revenues or building heights, tends to be predominantly the number 1. While true randomness would suggest that each digit has an equal chance of leading, the actual data shows that about one-third of the time, the first digit is a 1. The number 9, interestingly, appears as the leading digit in about 5% of cases, with other digits following such a trend.

This phenomenon is referred to as Benford’s Law, which illustrates the expected distribution of first digits within a dataset of a certain type—especially those spanning a wide, unspecified range. Although values like human height (where numbers are confined within a limited spectrum) or dates (which also have defined limits) don’t follow this law, others do.

Consider checking your bank balance, numbering a house, or analyzing stock prices (as displayed). Such numbers commonly exhibit a distribution with varied digit lengths. In neighborhoods with just a handful of houses, you might see a balance of numbers, whereas in larger towns, hundreds may share similar leading digits.

Picture a street hosting nine houses. The proportion of leading digits resembles an even split among the nine options. Conversely, on a street with 19 houses, a larger fraction—often over fifty percent—will begin with 1. As the housing number increases, this pattern persists. With 100 houses, you would observe a fairly uniform distribution across all digits, yet with 200 occupants, once again, more than half will typically start with 1.

Due to the diverse origins of data in real-world collections, the average likelihood of seeing numbers that start with 1 fluctuates between these two extremes. Similar calculations can be made for other digits, resulting in an overall frequency distribution observable in extensive datasets.

This characteristic is particularly useful in identifying potential data fabrication. When analyzing a company’s financial records, a Benford-like distribution is expected in their sales figures. However, when someone generates random numbers, the frequency distribution of the leading digits lacks a defined curve. This principle serves as one of the many tools forensic accountants employ to root out dubious activities.

The next time you examine your bank statement or compare river lengths, take note of how often those numbers start with 1.

Katie Steckles is a mathematician, lecturer, YouTuber, and author based in Manchester, UK. She also contributes advice to Brent Wister, a puzzle column for New Scientist. Follow her @stecks

For additional projects, please visit newscientist.com/maker

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Neuromancer Review: Does William Gibson’s Cyberpunk Classic Still Captivate in 2025?

Posted on September 8, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

William Gibson in 1985, a year after the groundbreaking work emerged

Aaron Rapoport/Corbis/Getty Images

Neuromancer
William Gibson (Orion Publishing (UK); Ace Books (US))

Neuromancer opens with, “The sky above the port was the color of the television, tuned to a dead channel.”

The book was released in 1984, in an era when very few individuals had access to computers. The esteemed William Gibson penned this work on a typewriter. Nevertheless, while data acts as currency and corporations craft striking depictions of the futuristic realm of “cyberspace,” they are also vulnerable to cyberattacks. There’s something intriguingly enchanting within the backdrop of AIS that exists beyond our grasp.

Neuromancer birthed the cyberpunk genre and reshaped literature 40 years later, establishing itself as one of the most prophetic texts ever created. It aligns with the Apple TV+ series. In a world where many of us carry computing devices in our pockets, how does this narrative endure? Is time spent in cyberspace (a term popularized by Neuromancer) still relevant? I decided to revisit it.

Having not read it in over two decades, I initially found it challenging. The distinctive style and the claustrophobic narrative of a former hacker navigating barrooms and gang troubles made me question if the novel had aged well. After all, its imagery and concepts are no longer shocking, having been endlessly replicated in television, literature, and film, often outpaced by reality.

Yet, I was drawn back in. There’s a moment when our protagonist receives a call in a hotel lobby, only for the next call to be an AI—an incident that sends chills down my spine and echoes the profound influence on The Matrix.

As action unfolds in virtual spaces, we get an intimate glimpse of AI. Upon reading, I recognized that the major themes in the book are as pertinent and thought-provoking today as they were in 1984. For instance, the concept of a power referred to as “Turing” foreshadows the rise of AI.

Ultimately, I grasped why readers like author Adrian Tchaikovsky constantly revisit Neuromancer: it demands slow attention, yet remains a classic with profound insights. The lingering question is how Gibson envisioned this world when he relied solely on a typewriter.

Fortunately, he has reflected on this extensively over the years. “I wrote Neuromancer without any knowledge of computers,” he shared with the Guardian five years ago. “I dismantled the poetic language of those already in the field, eavesdropping at the Seattle Science Fiction Convention where early computer programmers discussed their work.”

He recounted how this eavesdropping informed various abstract elements of the narrative at a time when Gibson couldn’t simply Google what a modem was.

In summary, the novel remains astonishing. I hope that the forthcoming TV adaptation does it justice.

I would also recommend Emily…

Burning Chrome
William Gibson (Orion Publishing (UK); Gollancz (US))

Gibson’s short story collection is truly remarkable. It was one of my favorites and remains vibrant today.

Emily H. Wilson is the former editor of the New Scientist and author of the Sumerian trilogy set in ancient Mesopotamia. The final installment, Ninshuval, is now available. Visit her at emilyhwilson.com or follow her on X @emilyhwilson and Instagram @emilyhwilson1.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Quantum Routers Can Accelerate Quantum Computing

Posted on September 8, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Misrepresented color images of quantum router circuits

MIT Squill Foundry

Quantum computers are poised to execute beneficial algorithms at an accelerated pace, thanks to advanced quantum routers that optimize data transmission efficiency.

Conventional computers mitigate slowdowns during complex program executions by temporarily storing information in random access memory (RAM). The essential component for developing QRAM, the quantum equivalent of RAM, is the router. This internal router manages information flow within the computer, distinct from a router that routes Internet queries to specific IP addresses.

Connie Miao, at Stanford University, along with her team, is actively creating these devices. “Our project originated from an algorithm that employs QRAM. Numerous papers have emerged. [experimentally]She remarks.

This innovative router is built using essential bits, the core elements of quantum computers, and quantum memory composed of miniature superconducting circuits, regulated by electromagnetic pulses. Similar to traditional routers, this Quantum One directed quantum information to a specific quantum address. What makes these devices unique is the ability to encode addresses not just through one superposition but through two. The research team tested this setup on three qubits and achieved approximately 95% fidelity in routing.

This implies that when integrated into QRAM, the device can embed information into quantum states. Once in this state, it becomes impossible to determine which of the two locations contains the preserved information.

Duan Luming from Tsinghua University in China notes that their previous quantum routers only operated intermittently, but this new device represents a significant advancement towards establishing practical QRAM, which may enable the execution of quantum machine learning algorithms.

Team Member David Schuster at Stanford states that while numerous unresolved questions remain regarding the practical impacts of precise quantum routing, applications are extensive, ranging from familiar algorithms to database searches, and even the creation of quantum IP addresses for future iterations of the Internet.

However, the current version of the router is still not reliable enough for all intended purposes; further work is needed to reduce errors and to incorporate additional qubits in future designs. Sebastian Legger was involved in this project at Stanford University.

Journal Reference: PRX Quantum, In print

Topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Paleontologists Discover Several New Fossil Coelacanths

Posted on September 8, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Recently discovered species of coelacanth, which thrived at the end of the Triassic period around 200 million years ago, have been identified from museum specimens excavated in the UK over a century and a half ago.

Reconstruction of the large Mausonian Coelacanth artist from the Lezians of England. Image credit: Daniel Phillips.

Coelacanths are unique fish that first appeared in the early Devonian epoch fossil record approximately 419 million years ago.

Since the Paleozoic and Mesozoic periods, over 175 fossil coelacanth species have been identified.

During the Mesozoic Era, these fish exhibited significant diversification, with some species developing unusual body shapes.

However, at the close of the Cretaceous period, around 66 million years ago, they inexplicably vanished from the fossil record.

It is believed that coelacanths went extinct due to a mass extinction event during the Cretaceous period. Nonetheless, in 1938, the first specimen of the living species Latimeria chalumnae was fortuitously captured in South Africa.

“Our team has encountered numerous fossils that were initially classified as small marine reptiles. Pachistrophius,” said Professor Mike Benton of the University of Bristol, who is a senior author of the study.

“Many Pachistrophius share peculiar similarities with coelacanth fossils, but we’ve traveled to collections nationwide and discovered that this misidentification has occurred repeatedly.”

“Notably, several of these specimens have been stored in museum facilities, including public collections, since the 1800s,” stated Jacob Quinn, a paleontologist at the University of Bristol.

“From four previous reports of coelacanths from the Triassic era in the UK, we identified more than 50 individuals.”

Paleontologists conducted X-ray scans of numerous specimens to verify their identification.

The specimens mainly belong to the extinct group Mawsoniidae of the coelacanth, while also being closely related to living fish.

“The materials we identified are isolated specimens, but we can see they originate from individuals of various ages, sizes, and species.”

Dr. David Whiteside, a paleontologist at the University of Bristol, remarked:

“Like modern coelacanths, these large fish are opportunistic predators, lurking along the seabed and likely preying on whatever they encountered, including small Pachistrophius marine reptiles, which have been misidentified as coelacanth fossils for decades.”

The study is set to be published in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology.

____

Jacob Quinn et al. 2025. British Triassic coelacanth fish. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology 45: E2520921; doi: 10.1080/02724634.2025.2520921

Source: www.sci.news

The Top Exercise for Lowering Blood Pressure

Posted on September 7, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Hypertension poses a significant health risk, elevating the chances of heart disease, stroke, and kidney issues. As a general practitioner, I frequently receive inquiries about its management, and I always stress the importance of exercise. But what is the ideal amount?

A 2021 study that tracked over 5,000 adults for three decades highlights the optimal “dose” of exercise for controlling blood pressure. Is this crucial? Yes, both the type and intensity of exercise, along with the total volume, are vital.

The findings suggest that engaging in moderately intense activities for 30 minutes on most days can significantly aid in blood pressure management. This encompasses exercises that allow for conversation while increasing your breath rate, like brisk walking, cycling, and vigorous household chores.

Recently, a 2023 analysis of 270 prior studies involving over 15,000 participants aimed to identify which forms of exercise were most effective in reducing blood pressure.

While various types of exercise produced positive outcomes, isometric exercises were particularly effective. These involve holding a static position (like wall squats) instead of dynamic movements.

Other beneficial exercises include running, walking, cycling, weight training, and high-intensity interval training.

Moreover, substantial reductions in blood pressure were observed among those exercising 3-5 times per week for a minimum of 4 weeks.

It’s not just about the kind of exercise, but the overall quantity that counts – Photo Credit: Getty

This underscores the necessity of consistency. While medication remains crucial for numerous individuals, these insights illuminate the impact of lifestyle adjustments.

Incorporating exercise, along with a nutritious diet and effective stress management, can help control blood pressure, potentially decreasing reliance on medications like beta blockers.

The evidence is compelling: if you aim to manage your blood pressure, incorporating regular moderate-intensity exercise is an excellent starting point. However, it’s just one piece of the larger puzzle.

Reducing salt intake, following a balanced diet, and effectively managing stress are also essential factors. For some, blood pressure medication is still a vital component of treatment.

The positive takeaway? Physical activity can enhance these approaches.

This article addresses the query from Connor Barrett in Salford, “How much does exercise control my blood pressure?”

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Here’s Why Using Your Phone on the Toilet Is a Mistake

Posted on September 6, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Using your phone while sitting on the toilet can pose serious health risks. According to recent research.

The findings indicate that this bathroom behavior is not only unhygienic but can also significantly elevate the risk of developing bleeding, commonly referred to as hemorrhoids.

In a study conducted by US scientists involving 125 adults undergoing colonoscopy (a procedure in which a doctor examines the intestine with a camera), participants were surveyed about their lifestyle and bathroom habits.

Subjects provided answers regarding their habits, and the doctors performing the colonoscopy assessed any bleeding present.

Remarkably, 66% of participants reported using their smartphones while having a bowel movement, primarily to scroll through social media and check the news. Toilet users were more likely to engage in this scrolling behavior than those who did not.

Researchers performed statistical analyses to account for additional factors that could influence bleeding risk, such as physical activity, age, and diet.

Eventually, it was revealed that those who brought their phones into the restroom faced a 46% greater risk compared to those who left their devices behind.

So, why is scrolling such a concern? It essentially boils down to the amount of time spent sitting in the bathroom, which can increase due to distractions from your phone.

In fact, 37% of those who scrolled in the toilet admitted to spending over five minutes per visit, in contrast to just 7.1% of non-scrollers.

Researchers suggested that this extended duration could put additional pressure on the anal region, increasing the likelihood of tissue swelling.

Dr. Trisha Pasricha, a Harvard Medical Instructor, stated in BBC Science Focus: “Avoid bringing your smartphone to the toilet! It diverts your attention from the task at hand.”

As a minimum precaution, she recommended setting a five-minute timer or opting for traditional reading material like magazines.

Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, are swollen tissue masses around the anal area that can lead to itching, pain, and bleeding – Credit: Sexan Monkon Kamusao

Bleeding results in nearly 4 million doctor visits or emergency room trips annually in the United States. In the UK, it is estimated that hemorrhoids affect 10% of the population.

Anecdotally, a correlation between phone use in the bathroom and bleeding has been noted, though few studies provide compelling evidence.

“I believe there’s still much to explore regarding the health impacts of constant phone scrolling,” Pasricha remarked. “In our study, we first identified a link between smartphone use in the bathroom and bleeding, but this is just the beginning of what promises to be more research in this area.”

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About our experts

Dr. Trisha Pasricha is a gastroenterologist and director of the Gut-Brain Research Institute at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. She is also a medical instructor at Harvard Medical School and has received the American Gastrointestinal Association’s Research Scholars Award. Pasricha is a recognized medical journalist and author of the forthcoming book You’ve All Pooped Wrong (Avery, £22).

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Your Spatial Awareness May Indicate Your Dementia Risk

Posted on September 6, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Misplacing your bearings in an unfamiliar setting may involve more than simply forgetting your location. A new study suggests that minor navigational challenges could serve as early indicators of Alzheimer’s disease, even before conventional memory assessments reveal any declines.

Researchers conducted tests involving approximately 100 older adults in a virtual reality experiment aimed at evaluating the brain’s innate sense of orientation.

The results indicate that individuals experiencing subjective cognitive decline (SCD)—a state where they sense their memory is deteriorating despite normal clinical evaluations—showed less directional awareness compared to their cognitively healthy counterparts.

“Individuals with SCD are recognized to be at a greater risk of progressing to dementia, which can ultimately develop into Alzheimer’s,” stated Professor Thomas Wolbers, one of the study’s authors.

During the experiment, participants aged between 55 and 89 donned VR headsets and traversed a barren digital landscape.

Their task was to follow floating balls along meandering paths and indicate their starting point. They then had to turn back to face the direction they were in at the beginning of the first pass.

While all participants performed within normal limits on traditional memory and cognitive tests, those with SCD consistently made significant errors in navigation tasks.

Participants followed a virtual reality ball to test their sense of orientation – Credit: Getty

“These navigational difficulties were not attributed to movement dynamics, such as an increased awareness of the ground while walking,” explained Dr. Vladislava Segen, the study’s lead author. “The misdirected orientation stemmed from cognitive factors, not movement-related issues.”

According to the researchers, the SCD group’s subpar performance might have been linked to “memory leaks,” as participants faced challenges in tracking past locations necessary for real-time navigation updates.

The team posits that this could be attributed to dysfunction in grid cells—specialized neurons responsible for constructing an individual’s mental coordinate system.

The researchers hope that this style of spatial testing may eventually enhance existing diagnostic tools for Alzheimer’s disease.

“In the long run, we foresee the potential for this method to be incorporated into clinical practices, particularly for the early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s,” Wolbers noted. “However, further testing and simplification of this technique are necessary first.”

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Research Suggests Artificial Sweeteners May Accelerate Brain Aging

Posted on September 6, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

New research suggests that artificial sweeteners may have unexpected risks for brain health.

In a study published in Neurology, researchers analyzed the diets of over 12,700 adults in Brazil, revealing that individuals who consumed higher amounts of calorie-free sweeteners experienced a more rapid decline in memory and cognitive abilities over an eight-year period.

This decline was especially notable among diabetic patients and those under the age of 60.

The study examined seven sweeteners commonly found in diet sodas, flavored waters, yogurt, and low-calorie desserts: aspartame, saccharin, acesulfame-K, erythritol, xylitol, sorbitol, and tagatose.

All except tagatose were linked to cognitive decline, particularly affecting memory and verbal fluency.

Participants were categorized into three intake groups. Those with the highest consumption—approximately 191 milligrams daily, similar to a single can of diet soda for aspartame—demonstrated cognitive aging equivalent to 1.6 additional years, at least 62% faster than those with lower consumption.

“Low and no-calorie sweeteners are often regarded as healthier alternatives to sugar, but our findings indicate that certain sweeteners may negatively impact brain health over time,” stated Professor Claudia Kimmy Sumoto from the University of Sao Paulo.

“Prior research linked artificial sweeteners to conditions such as diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and depression, but the effects on cognition were previously unexplored.”

Consumption of artificial sweeteners similar to daily cans of diet soda was associated with accelerated cognitive decline, akin to 1.6 years of brain aging – Credit: Getty

Interestingly, the link was primarily observed in adults under 60 years old.

“We anticipated that the association would be more pronounced in older adults due to their increased risk of dementia and cognitive decline,” Sumoto noted. “Conversely, our findings suggest that exposure to sweeteners during middle age could be particularly detrimental, which is crucial as this period is vital for establishing long-term brain health.”

The findings do not conclusively prove that sweeteners are the direct cause of cognitive decline, with limitations including reliance on self-reported dietary habits and the absence of control over sweetener usage in the research.

Nevertheless, Sumoto emphasized the need for further investigation, including brain imaging and studies examining gut health and inflammation.

Her team is already conducting neuroimaging studies to better understand these associations, although results are not yet available.

“More research is essential to validate our findings and to explore whether alternative sweeteners like those from the apple family, honey, maple syrup, and coconut sugar provide effective options,” Sumoto concluded.

About our experts

Claudia Sumoto is an assistant professor at the University of Sao Paulo, Brazil. She is a trained physician with research published in journals such as The Lancet, Nature Neuroscience, and Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Research Indicates Space Travel May Accelerate Stem Cell Aging by Up to 10 Times

Posted on September 6, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Transitioning to space poses significant challenges for the human body.

Astronauts can experience loss of bone density, swollen nerves in their brains and eyes, and alterations in gene expression. Research indicates that time spent in space can accelerate aging.

Groundbreaking research by NASA’s twin astronauts Mark and Scott Kelly monitored aging indicators in both siblings, with Mark remaining on Earth while Scott spent 340 days in space.

Six months later, several changes in Scott persisted, including DNA damage, cognitive decline, and telomere shortening that affects chromosome protection. This was highlighted in the Journal Science.

Recent research published in Cell Stem Cell reveals that stem cells also show signs of aging due to stress from space flight.

According to Dr. Catriona Jamieson, director of the Sanford Stem Cell Institute at UC San Diego, these cells are “aging ten times faster in space than on Earth.”

Stem cells are unique cells capable of differentiating into various tissue types. Their accelerated aging poses a concern as it diminishes the body’s natural ability to repair tissues and organs.

This new research comes at a time of increasing interest in space exploration, with government plans for long-term lunar missions and private companies sending consumers and celebrities into space. Understanding these health risks is crucial for safer space travel. Additionally, studying the acceleration of intracellular aging aids researchers in comprehending biological processes at a slower pace.

Astronauts and twin brothers Scott and Mark Kelly at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in 2016.
Houston Chronicle /Hurst Newspaper /Houston Chronicle by Getty Image

Researchers utilized bone marrow stem cells sourced from individuals who underwent hip replacement procedures. These cells were cultivated in “nanobioreactors,” essentially small, clear blood bags no larger than an iPhone that facilitate biological processes. The nanobioreactor was housed in a monitored environment known as cubelabs.

Samples from each patient were divided into two cubelabs; one was sent to space, while the other remained on Earth.

The samples intended for space travelled aboard the International Space Station across four commercial resupply missions conducted by SpaceX. Overall, the samples experienced microgravity for 32-45 days, the weightlessness found in orbit. For comparison, the Earth-bound cells were maintained in a cube lab setup.

Cubelabs monitored cell conditions throughout the journey and terrestrial duration, capturing daily images using a microscope. Upon the return of the space-stressed stem cells to Earth, researchers conducted comparisons against ground controls, sequenced the genome, and performed additional analyses.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

The Doctor Says This Is the Ideal Sleep Environment.

Posted on September 6, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Many theories exist around the “ideal” sleeping position. One common belief suggests that sleeping on the left side aids digestion.

This notion stems from basic anatomical structure. The stomach is positioned on the left, and its outlet (pylorus) tilts slightly to the right, leading into the small intestine.

Some studies indicate that sleeping on the left side could help decrease acid reflux compared to sleeping on the right, as this position may prevent stomach acid from rising into the esophagus.

If you experience reflux or heartburn, it may be worth experimenting with this position.

That said, digestion occurs regardless of your sleeping posture. So unless you have a specific digestive issue like reflux, your position likely won’t make a significant impact.

Additionally, sleep involves more than just digestion. Sleeping on your back is often recommended to alleviate pressure on the neck and hips. However, this position may contribute to snoring and sleep apnea as it can cause the tongue to fall backward and partially obstruct the airways.

Side sleeping is the most prevalent choice, as it tends to keep airways open, reducing snoring and sleep apnea.

Pregnant women frequently sleep on the left side to enhance blood flow to the baby and alleviate pressure on the liver, though sleeping on the right side is usually acceptable as well.

For those experiencing back or pelvic pain (especially during pregnancy), placing a pillow between your knees can help reduce pressure on the lower back.

So, what is the best sleeping position?

In the end, there is no single best position for everyone. While left-side sleeping may offer benefits for reflux and pregnancy, comfort, spinal support, and the quality of sleep should take precedence for most individuals.

Honestly, no matter how meticulously you position yourself at bedtime, you often wake up drooling on your pillow in a completely different stance!

This article answers the query posed by Tim Hatley of Lincoln: “What is the best place to sleep?”

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The Moon Could Soon Be the Site of Humanity’s Wildest Experiments

Posted on September 6, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

What would occur if a Super Collider encircled the moon? Surprisingly, scientists and engineers are intrigued by the concept of a Super Collider of the Moon.

This type of machine operates similarly to the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN near Geneva, which is the world’s most extensive and highest-energy particle accelerator. These “atomic smashers” generate two beams of particles that travel in opposing directions through ultra-high navigational rings.

A robust superconducting electromagnet propels the beams to nearly the speed of light. When these beams collide with detector instruments, they produce a cascade of additional particles that can be measured and analyzed.

The greater the energy of the particles involved, the more substantial the mass of the collider’s “products”.

Numerous inquiries in contemporary particle physics necessitate exploring this high mass parameter space. Consequently, physicists are eager to construct larger, more powerful colliders. The moon, in this case, serves as an ideal location.

One study from 2022 explored the concept of atomic smashers surrounding the moon, spanning approximately 11,000 km (6,835 miles). This collider could operate at 1,000 times the energy of the LHC, enabling physicists to search for new particles and phenomena.

The Large Hadron Collider has enabled us to deduce important properties of dark matter. A nuclear clock may further illuminate this enigmatic material that constitutes most of the universe. – Photo Credit: Getty Images

While it is challenging to foresee the discoveries that such an enormous accelerator might yield, scientists hope it could provide insights into the evolution of the universe and its colossal structures.

But why construct these machines on the moon instead of Earth? Essentially, it boils down to real estate. Colliders exceeding 10,000 km (6,214 miles) in diameter present numerous geological, technical, and political challenges on our planet.

Conversely, the moon offers several advantages. Building a circular tunnel beneath its surface and maintaining the essential superconducting ring would be easier (and more cost-effective).

Additionally, the moon is more geologically stable than Earth and has a plentiful supply of solar energy.

Engineers estimate that establishing a Super Collider on the moon would take over 20 years, assuming human presence is established there. Thus, the prospect of a “Mega-Collider” materializing in this century appears slim.

This article addresses the question posed by Faye Holmes via email: “What if we made a Super Collider around the Moon?”

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The Most Intoxicated Animals and Its Effects on Them

Posted on September 6, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Finding tales of animals getting tipsy isn’t hard. A Swedish moose was discovered with its head trapped in a tree after indulging in fermented apples, creating a surprisingly enchanting sight.

In Botswana, elephants revel in the fruits of Marula. My pet mouse eagerly taps into my homebrew and laps up the spills. They all appeared intoxicated — or did they?

If you know where to look, nature offers a vast pub that serves up alcoholic delights in the form of fermented fruits, sap, and nectar. Unlike humans, different animals exhibit varying levels of tolerance.

Generally, humans who frequently consume fermented foods metabolize alcohol faster and are less impacted by it.

Consider the Malaysian pentailed shrews, which have adapted to thrive on the fermented nectar of Beltum Palm. Despite consuming amounts equivalent to 10-12 glasses of wine (relative to their size), they show no signs of addiction.

The same holds true for certain native bats in Central and South America. They often feast on fermented fruits and nectar, and can maintain flight even when their blood alcohol concentrations exceed three times the legal limit for humans.

However, cedar waxwings in North America have a different story. These birds savor a variety of berries but occasionally overindulge on the fermenting berries of Brazilian chili pepper trees. This rarely ends well.

A Swedish moose is found with its head trapped in a tree after consuming fermented apples – Photo credit: Getty

These birds struggle to fly straight, often crashing into windows and fences.

Tests conducted on deceased birds like these revealed that their livers can reach a blood alcohol concentration of up to 1,000 parts, which is deadly for humans.

So, for any waxwing out there, remember three crucial tips: never “drink” and fly, know your limits, and alcohol-free berries are always within reach!

This article answers the question posed by Joshua Newman from Peterborough: “Can animals get drunk?”

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Ancient Mammoth Remains Yield the Oldest Host-Related Microbial DNA on Record

Posted on September 6, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

In a recent study, researchers examined the ancient microbial DNA of 483 mammoths, preserved for over a million years. This included 440 newly analyzed unpublished samples from Steppe Mammoths dating back 1.1 million years. Through metagenome screening, contaminant filtering, damage pattern analysis, and phylogenetic inference, they identified 310 microorganisms linked to various mammoth tissues.

Ginet et al. Partial genome reconstruction of erysipelothrix, representing the oldest confirmed host-related microbial DNA from the oldest mammoth samples. Image credit: Ginet et al., doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2025.08.003.

“Envision a mammoth tooth from a million years ago,” stated Dr. Benjamin Ginette, a postdoctoral researcher at Stockholm’s Paleogenetic Centre and the Swedish Museum of Natural History.

“Imagine if it still harbors traces of ancient microorganisms that existed alongside this mammoth?”

“Our findings push the boundaries of microbial DNA research beyond a million years, unlocking new avenues for understanding how host-associated microorganisms evolved in tandem with their hosts.”

The team discovered six microbial groups consistently linked to mammoth hosts, including relatives of Actinobacillus, Pasturella, Streptococcus, and erysipelothrix. Some of these microbes may have been pathogenic.

For instance, one Pasturella bacteria identified in this study is closely related to the pathogens responsible for a fatal outbreak among African elephants.

Given that African and Asian elephants are the closest living relatives of mammoths, these results raise concerns about whether mammoths could also be susceptible to similar infectious diseases.

Remarkably, scientists have reconstructed a partial genome of erysipelothrix from a Steppe Mammoth that lived 1.1 million years ago, marking the oldest known host-related microbial DNA ever recovered.

This advances our understanding of the interactions between ancient hosts and their microbiota.

“As microorganisms evolved rapidly, acquiring reliable DNA data spanning over a million years has felt like tracing a path that continually rewrites itself,” noted Dr. Tom van der Bark of the Paleobiological Centre and the Museum of Natural History in Sweden.

“Our discoveries illustrate that ancient artifacts can retain biological insights far beyond the host genome, offering a perspective on how microorganisms influenced Pleistocene ecosystem adaptation, disease, and extinction.”

Determining the exact impact of the identified microorganisms on mammoth health is challenging due to DNA degradation and limited comparative data, but this study provides an unparalleled view into the microbiota of extinct megafaunas.

The findings suggest that multiple microbial lines coexisted with mammoths for hundreds of thousands of years, spanning vast geographical areas and evolutionary timescales, from the extinction of woolly mammoths on Lengel Island over a million years ago to their decline around 4,000 years ago.

“This research opens a new chapter in understanding the biology of extinct species,” says Professor Love Darren, a researcher at the Swedish Museum of Natural History and the Paleogenetic Centre at Stockholm University.

“Not only can researchers study the mammoth genome itself, but they can also begin to explore the microbial communities that cohabited with it.”

This study was published this week in the journal Cell.

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Benjamin Ginet et al. Ancient host-related microorganisms recovered from mammoths. Cell published online on September 2, 2025. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2025.08.003

Source: www.sci.news

Junho Analyzes the Ultraviolet Satellite Footprint of Jupiter’s Moon Callisto

Posted on September 6, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Jupiter showcases the most brilliant and magnificent auroras in the solar system. Near its poles, these shimmering lights provide insight into how its moons and planets engage with the solar wind propelled by Jupiter’s magnetic field. In contrast to Earth’s auroras, the largest of Jupiter’s moons generates its own unique auroral signature within the planet’s atmosphere. The auroras linked to these moons, referred to as satellite footprints, illustrate the interactions of each moon with its immediate spatial environment.

Junho captures the mark on Jupiter in all four Galilean Moons. The aurora associated with each are labelled IO, EUR (europa), Gan (for Ganymede), and Cal (for Callisto). Image credits: NASA/JPL-CALTECH/SWRI/UVS TEAM/MSSS/GILL/Jónsson/Perry/Hue/Rabia.

Prior to NASA’s Juno Mission, three of Jupiter’s largest moons—Io, Europa, and Ganymede—were known to produce distinct auroral signatures.

However, the farthest moon, Callisto, remained an enigma.

Despite numerous attempts using the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope, Callisto’s footprints were faint and difficult to detect, often overshadowed by the bright Main Auroral Oval, the region where auroras are prominently observed.

NASA’s Juno Mission has been in orbit around Jupiter since 2016, providing an unprecedented close-up view of these polar light displays.

To capture Callisto’s footprint, the main auroral oval needs to be bypassed while imaging the polar regions.

Additionally, to incorporate it into the suite of instruments analyzing the fields and particles within Juno’s payload, the spacecraft’s path must cross the magnetic field line linking Callisto to Jupiter.

These necessary conditions coincidentally occurred during Juno’s 22nd orbit of the giant planet in September 2019, leading to the discovery of Callisto’s Auroral Footprint and offering samples of the magnetic fields related to particle populations, electromagnetic waves, and interactions.

Jupiter’s magnetic field extends far beyond its largest moon, forming a vast area (magnetosphere) where solar wind flows from the sun.

Just like solar storms on Earth can push the Northern Lights to lower latitudes, Jupiter’s auroras are also influenced by solar activity.

In September 2019, a significant and dense solar stream impacted Jupiter’s magnetosphere, causing the auroral ellipse to shift towards the equator, revealing a faint yet distinct feature associated with Callisto.

This finding confirms that all four Galilean moons leave their imprint on Jupiter’s atmosphere, with Callisto’s footprints closely resembling those of its inner companions, thus completing the family portrait marked by Galilean Moon Auroras.

“Our observations substantiate the electrodynamic coupling between Callisto and Jupiter,” stated Dr. Jonas Lavia, a researcher at Astrophysics-Planetology and CNRS, along with colleagues.

“This combination will undergo further examination by NASA’s JUICE mission, which was successfully launched in April 2023. This mission will facilitate repeated explorations of Callisto and its local environment, enhancing our understanding of the magnetospheric interactions between Callisto and Jupiter.”

“Reported in situ and remote observations complete the family portrait of the footprints of Galilean Moon Auroras, addressing a long-standing question about whether Callisto’s electromagnetic interactions differ fundamentally from the inner three Galilean satellites.”

“The observed similarities in both the auroral structure and the in situ characteristics of electrons point to the universal physical mechanisms at play in the magnetospheric interaction of moons and stars, akin to other binary systems accessible within the solar system and beyond.”

The team’s paper was published this week in the journal Nature Communications.

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J. Ravia et al. 2025. in situ Remote observation of Callisto’s UV footprint by Juno spacecraft. Nat Commun 16, 7791; doi:10.1038/s41467-025-62520-4

Source: www.sci.news

Remarkable Discovery: Two Fossils of Young Individuals Tragically Lost to a Catastrophic Storm in Germany

Posted on September 6, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Paleontologists from the University of Leicester studied two immature fossilized skeletal remains of Pterodactylus antiquus, individuals whose wings were damaged and were discovered in Solnhofen limestone, southern Germany. Their findings reveal that these creatures were sadly victims of a powerful Jurassic storm, which created the perfect conditions for fossilization, leading to the preservation of hundreds of similar specimens.

Artistic representation of the hatchling Pterodactylus antiquus, inspired by fossil discoveries, struggling through a tumultuous tropical storm. Image credit: Rudolf Hima.

“Dating back 153-148 million years, the Jurassic Solnhofen limestone deposits in Bavaria, southern Germany, are renowned for their remarkably preserved fossils, including many examples of various pterosaurs, flying reptiles from the Mesozoic era.”

“A puzzling aspect of this site is that while Solnhofen is home to hundreds of pterosaur fossils, almost all are small, immature specimens that are remarkably intact.”

“In stark contrast, larger adult pterosaurs are infrequently found and typically represented by isolated fragments, such as skulls or limbs.”

“This trend contradicts expectations, as larger, more resilient animals should theoretically have a greater chance of fossilization than fragile juveniles.”

In their latest study, the researchers examined the fossilized remains of two immature pterosaurs from the Solnhofen limestone.

These individuals belong to Pterodactylus antiquus, a species that inhabited Germany during the late Jurassic period.

With a wingspan of under 20 cm (8 inches), these hatchlings represent the smallest known pterosaurs.

Both specimens exhibit identical injuries: a clean, sloping fracture in the humerus.

Newborn specimens of Pterodactylus antiquus from Solnhofen limestone, Germany. Scale bar – 20 mm. Image credit: Smyth et al., doi: 10.1016/j.cub.2025.08.006.

One specimen’s left wing and another’s right wing appear broken in a manner consistent with a strong twist, likely caused by a sudden gust of wind rather than impact with a hard object.

The unfortunate pterosaur was likely submerged beneath the lagoon’s surface, overwhelmed by storm waves, and swiftly sank to the seabed, where it was quickly buried by a fine layer of mud stirred up by the tempest.

This rapid entombment facilitated the exceptional preservation observed in the fossils.

It’s reminiscent of a scene only days or weeks after the animals’ demise, with preservation so remarkable that while no significant skeletal trauma is evident, many other small, very young pterosaurs are found within the Solnhofen limestone.

These juvenile pterosaurs, unable to withstand the storm’s ferocity, were also drawn into the lagoon.

This discovery clarifies why smaller fossils are so well preserved—due to the direct aftermath of the storm, which was a common cause of death for pterosaurs in the region.

“For centuries, scientists believed the Solnhofen lagoon ecosystem was primarily composed of small pterosaurs,” stated Dr. Smith.

“However, we now recognize that this perspective was quite skewed; many of these pterosaurs were not lagoon dwellers.”

“Most were likely immature individuals that lived on nearby islands, inadvertently caught in a powerful storm.”

A study detailing these findings was published today in the journal Current Biology.

____

Robert S. Smith et al. Fatal incidents in juvenile pterosaurs and selective sampling within fossil Solnhofen communities. Current Biology, published online September 5th, 2025. doi:10.1016/j.cub.2025.08.006

Source: www.sci.news

Interim NASA Chief Aims to Outpace China in Lunar Exploration

Posted on September 6, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

NASA is moving full steam ahead, at least according to Sean Duffy, the agency’s agent manager.

During an internal employee town hall on Thursday, Duffy cautioned that he could “make safety an adversary of progress” in the quest for a new space race, as reported in meeting notes acquired by NBC News.

“We must prioritize safety, collaborating with FAA and DOT, yet sometimes that same safety focus can obstruct our progress,” said Duffy, who is also the Secretary of Transport.

“We need to embrace some risks and encourage innovation to carry out this mission. There’s always a balance, but we cannot hold back due to fear of risk.”

A spokesperson from NASA stated the agency remains committed to safety.

Duffy’s remarks arise amidst ongoing turmoil at NASA, where questions about the agency’s budget and priorities have persisted for years. Since the Trump administration began, NASA and other agencies have experienced significant funding and personnel cuts in an effort to downsize the federal workforce.

At a Senate hearing this week, Duffy expressed his frustration about the “shadows cast on everything happening at NASA.”

Image of the moon, captured on February 15, 2025, by Lunar Lander, resilience of Ispace from an altitude of 14,439 km.
iSpace via business wire via AP file

“If that’s the narrative we crafted, I’ll be in trouble,” Duffy remarked. “We beat the Chinese to the moon. We’ll ensure it’s done safely, quickly, and accurately.”

Facing a Time Crunch

He emphasized that time is not in NASA’s favor.

“We are under pressure to perform effectively, rapidly, and safely,” Duffy stated.

NASA’s Artemis program plays a critical role in American efforts to return astronauts to the moon, aiming for regular lunar missions before eventually heading to Mars.

The U.S. previously dominated the Moonshot era during the Apollo program from the 1960s to 1970s, yet its long-standing advantages are now at risk. Competitors like China, Russia, India, and Japan are also aspiring for lunar missions, igniting a new space race.

China, in particular, is swiftly advancing its human spaceflight initiatives. Recently, they tested new lunar mission equipment and rockets, a key step towards realizing their ambitions.

China aims to land astronauts on the moon by 2030, and has announced plans to potentially build a nuclear power plant on the moon in collaboration with Russia to provide electricity.

In the U.S., President Trump’s budget proposal suggested cutting NASA’s funding by over $6 billion.

Despite a proposed budget reduction of about 24%, Duffy maintained that the Artemis program will proceed, although “cost-cutting is vital.”

Around 4,000 NASA employees have taken a voluntary retirement plan as part of the Trump administration’s initiative to decrease the federal workforce.

In July, Reuters reported that over 2,000 senior employees from NASA are expected to exit due to the recent cuts.

Currently, Duffy believes NASA possesses the necessary resources and talent to accomplish its missions in the near future.

“If we fall short, I assure the President 100% that I will approach OMB, the House, and Senate to request additional funding,” Duffy declared.

“More funding doesn’t guarantee success, but I will seek it if needed,” he added.

Duffy stated that he plans to lead initiatives in government space exploration “in the near future.”

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Walking Regularly Could Lower the Risk of Chronic Lower Back Pain

Posted on September 6, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

In recent research published in the journal Jama Network Open, it was found that daily walking volume and intensity are inversely related to the risk of chronic lower back pain. The results indicate that walking volume may provide more substantial benefits compared to walking intensity.

Individuals who engage in regular walking experience less back pain than those who do not walk frequently. Volume is more crucial than intensity. Image credit: Tung Lam.

Back pain impacts individuals of all ages and is a leading cause of functional health loss, accounting for an estimated 7.7% of all years lived with disability.

In the United States, lower back pain is the most prevalent form of chronic pain, contributing significantly to medical costs alongside neck pain.

The burden of back pain is expected to rise over the coming decades, presenting a major challenge for the sustainability of healthcare systems.

To mitigate this burden, it is important to identify modifiable factors that can be addressed through policies and preventive strategies.

Physical activity is advised in guidelines for managing chronic low back pain.

However, explicit recommendations for physical activity aimed at the primary prevention of chronic low back pain remain unclear.

Walking, a popular form of leisure physical activity among adults, is linked to a reduced risk of various non-communicable diseases and conditions.

Nevertheless, the relationship between walking and the risk of chronic lower back pain has been largely underexplored.

“Individuals who walk for over 100 minutes daily have a 23% lower risk of lower back issues compared to those who walk for 78 minutes or less,” explained PhD candidate Rayane Haddadj from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology.

“While it’s likely not shocking that physical activity benefits your back, until now, we lacked clarity on whether low-intensity walking could help.”

“Strength is also a factor in the risk of chronic back issues, but daily walking volume plays a more significant role.”

A total of 11,194 individuals took part in the Trøndelag Health Study (The Hunt Study).

This study is distinctive as it measured daily walking volume and strength through sensors worn on the participants’ thighs over the course of a week.

“These findings highlight the importance of allocating time for physical activity to prevent chronic back problems and other health issues,” remarked Professor Paul Jarl Mork of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology.

“In the long run, this can result in substantial savings for society.”

____

Rayane Haddadj et al. 2025. The amount and intensity of walking and the risk of chronic lower back pain. Jama Netw Open 8 (6): E2515592; doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.15592

Source: www.sci.news

Solar-Powered Devices Harvest Lithium Sustainably

Posted on September 5, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Lithium-rich brine from an evaporation pond in the Atacama Desert, Chile

John Moore/Getty Images

The extraction of lithium for batteries, essential for the electric vehicle movement and renewable energy utilization, poses significant environmental risks. Nonetheless, innovative solar-powered techniques for generating fresh water and lithium might improve sustainability.

Currently, most lithium is sourced from subterranean salt lakes in the Andes. The brine undergoes a concentration process through evaporation in outdoor ponds for several months, followed by the extraction of lithium carbonate, which consumes a substantial amount of freshwater. Additionally, when salty water is removed from the reservoir, freshwater from the surrounding rock can trickle down to fill the gap, leading to a decline in the water table, highlighting the negative impact of mining on water availability.

Numerous research initiatives are exploring Direct lithium extraction methods that bypass field evaporation. A notable approach, developed by Yu Tang and her team at Lanzhou University in China, has successfully generated usable freshwater and allowed for recovery back into the underground aquifers.

The team utilizes the unique structure of manganese oxides, which exhibit two crucial characteristics: they can convert a significant amount of sunlight into heat and selectively bond with lithium ions.

In their method, a thin stream of salt or seawater flows over a layer of manganese oxide exposed to sunlight. As the sun heats the material, water evaporates and lithium ions adhere to the oxide. Once these layers are saturated, acidic solutions can extract the ions, enabling the reuse of the material.

This process operates within a sealed environment that captures and condenses evaporated water for collection. The research team has tested small prototypes that successfully completed five cycles of lithium adsorption and release, with the collected water meeting the World Health Organization’s drinking water standards.

According to Ugo Bardi from the University of Florence, Italy, the approach is “very clever.” He suggests it could potentially offer a more sustainable lithium source.

“The paper appears credible,” Bardi notes. “One possible concern could be the material’s stability. How many cycles can it endure under real-world conditions?”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

The Galaxy Potentially Discovered by JWST Might Be the Earliest We’ve Ever Observed

Posted on September 5, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

A potentially newly discovered galaxy from the James Webb Space Telescope

NASA, ESA, CSA, CEERS, G. Gandolfi

SEI 264756217 — A potentially newly discovered galaxy from the James Webb Space Telescope

NASA, ESA, CSA, CEERS, G. Gandolfi

Astronomers might have found galaxies that formed very early in the universe, approximately 200 million years apart from their closest counterparts, but they caution that alternative explanations could exist.

Giovanni Gandolfi from the University of Padua, along with his team, examined data from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) in search of distant cosmic formations from the universe’s 13.8 billion-year timeline.

The greater the distance of a galaxy from Earth, the longer it takes for its light to reach us, and it will be redshifted due to the universe’s expansion.

Until now, the earliest confirmed galaxy identified by JWST, named Mom-Z14, has a redshift of 14.4, indicating that it has been moving toward us since the universe was just 280 million years old. Gandolfi and his colleagues, however, have reported finding 32 intriguing objects with redshifts, placing them at a time when the universe was merely 90 million years old. They have named this discovery Capotauro after the Italian mountains.

“Capotauro could represent the most distant galaxy we’ve encountered,” states Gandolfi.

The team derived their conclusion from observing minor fluctuations in a deep JWST survey of the sky that resemble a distant galaxy. By utilizing various filters on the telescope, they were able to determine the redshift of the light emitted by the galaxy, arriving at a count of 32.

If validated, this object might represent a very young galaxy in formation, or potentially a primitive black hole enveloped by a dense atmosphere.

Nonetheless, this presumed galaxy appears uncommonly bright, akin to those observed in later redshift instances like Mom-Z14, suggesting it has a mass approximating a billion times that of the Sun.

For a galaxy to reach such mass, its efficiency in converting gas into stars must be near 100%, according to Nicha Reese Chawarit from the National Institute of Astronomy in Thailand, indicating that the stars cannot explode. Modelling, however, suggests that achieving 10-20% or even lower is plausible. “I believe there’s something amiss,” she remarks.

If this is not a galaxy, Gandolfi and his team propose that the object could alternatively be a brown dwarf (a star that didn’t ignite). These alternative theories are also compelling, Gandolfi notes, particularly if it is a cold brown dwarf or distant planet, possibly 6000 light years away and at room temperature.

“It could represent one of the first substellar objects ever formed in our galaxy,” adds Gandolfi.

To confirm this, the team requires additional observing time on the JWST to precisely analyze the light from the object. Leethochawalit supports the notion that it may not be a galaxy but also states that such follow-up research could still be worthwhile.

“If it turns out to be a galaxy with a redshift of 32, then a lot of our previous assumptions might be entirely wrong,” she states.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Hot Glue Gun: A Surprising Solution for Repairing Broken Bones

Posted on September 5, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Broken bones often need a material to fill the void

Sopone Nawoot/Alamy

Researchers have discovered that with slight modifications, hot glue guns, typically used in crafting, can effectively and affordably mend damaged bones.

While bones can often heal themselves after minor injuries, serious trauma or tumor removal may leave cavities that require a synthetic plug to stimulate bone cell growth.

Although 3D printing can create tailored scaffolding to fill these gaps, the method necessitates scanning and remote fabrication, taking at least a week. While this pre-planned approach works for worn joints, it’s unfeasible for emergency surgeries.

To tackle this issue, John Seung Lee from Sungkyunkwan University in Korea and his team have created a solution that can be employed immediately during a single procedure.

They modified hot glue guns to lower their operating temperature from above 100°C to approximately 60°C and developed biological adhesive materials composed of hydroxyapatite (which makes up 50% of natural bone) and a biodegradable thermoplastic known as polycaprolactone.

During surgery, surgeons can utilize hot glue guns to rapidly fill bone voids, enabling bone cells to access these gaps and ultimately heal the injuries permanently over time.

“It’s essentially created from a standard hot glue gun,” Lee explains. “It significantly reduces time and costs.”

Lee and his colleagues assessed the glue gun’s effectiveness by repairing a 1 cm gap in a rabbit’s femur. Twelve weeks later, samples showed no complications or signs of separation between the adhesive and the bone, with bone mass being more than double that of control animals treated with traditional cement.

Furthermore, researchers found that two antibacterial agents can be integrated into the filaments to decrease infection risk, releasing the drugs gradually to the surgical site over several weeks.

Benjamin Olivere from the University of Nottingham in the UK is investigating 3D-printed scaffolds for bone repair but expresses skepticism, suggesting hot glue guns might become a more practical alternative compared to slower scanning and printing methods.

“Is it an intriguing idea? Absolutely. Is it feasible? Yes. Do I believe it’s plausible? Yes,” he states. “However, the practical application may be a different matter.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Baby Palace Took Flight Immediately After Hatching, But Crashed in the Storm

Posted on September 5, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Artist’s impressions of a pterodactyl hatchling battling a tropical storm

Rudolf Hima

The young pterodactyl appeared to have taken flight just days post-hatching, yet some individuals suffered broken wings during a turbulent storm that struck their lagoon habitat.

This immature pterodactyl possessed an adult-like wing configuration, showcasing strength and aerodynamic traits conducive to flight. However, paleontologists have long questioned whether newly hatched individuals were capable of flying.

At the Solnhofen site in southern Germany, countless plant fossils are trapped in limestone. During an examination using ultraviolet light at Haassov’s Museum Bergel, David Unwin and Robert Smith from the University of Leicester, UK, identified a fractured wing of a Pterodactylus antiquus specimen. They soon discovered another hatchling exhibiting the same wing fracture.

“We were astounded,” stated Unwin. “We are not easily shocked. Under UV light, it practically leapt out of the rock. Our immediate reaction was, ‘Bloody hell!’

Unwin and his team estimated that these two specimens, both measuring just 20 cm and still in their growth phase, lived around 150 million years ago, approximately two million years apart. At that time, the location was part of an archipelago, featuring numerous islands and saltwater lagoons, where intense tropical cyclones occasionally triggered rapid underwater landslides that helped preserve fossilized remains.

The hatchling’s bones exhibited a healthy structure without signs of rotation or healing, apart from clean, angled breaks in the humerus (the upper arm bones supporting the wings). These injuries resemble the typical wing damage that adult birds and bats sustain when navigating through oceanic storms.

Juvenile *Pterodactylus antiquus* skeletons from Solnhofen, Germany

University of Leicester

“The most plausible explanation for these unfortunate pterosaurs with fractured wings is that they were airborne during the incident,” Unwin notes.

“In calm conditions, they could potentially float, but turbulent, wave-driven surfaces would cause them to sink.”

These findings bring valuable evidence to the long-standing debate regarding flight capabilities in hatchling pterosaurs, according to researchers.

“I don’t believe they hatched and simply leapt into the air,” Unwin stated. “However, they were likely airborne almost immediately post-hatching. This is one reason why these very young specimens are represented in the fossil record today.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Observing a Group of Young Giant Stars in the Lobster Nebula

Posted on September 5, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Astronomers utilizing the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope captured stunning new images of the Star Cluster Pismis 24, located in the heart of the nearby Lobster Nebula.

This web image showcases Pismith 24, with young stars clustering around the 5,500 light-year-old star in the Psycholpius constellation. Image credits: NASA/ESA/CSA/STSCI/A. PAGAN, STSCI.

Pismis 24 is located roughly 5,500 light years away from the Scorpius constellation.

This cluster, part of the Lobster Nebula, is the largest known star cluster to date.

“As a vibrant stellar nursery and one of the closest locales for the birth of a massive star, Pismith 24 provides unusual insights into the characteristics of large-scale stars,” Webb astronomers noted in a statement.

“This region serves as an excellent venue for exploring the traits of hot, young stars and their evolutionary paths.”

“It’s remarkable to be at the center of this dazzling cluster Pismith 24-1.”

“Within a mass of stars towering above the jagged orange peak, the tallest spire points directly at it.”

“Initially appearing as a massive single star, Pismis 24-1 was once considered the largest known star.”

“In reality, it comprises at least two stars, which cannot be resolved in a Webb image.”

“With respective masses of 74 and 66 solar masses, the two known stars rank among the largest and brightest ever observed.”

This latest image from Webb’s Nircam (near-infrared camera) reveals thousands of gem-like stars of varying sizes and colors.

“The largest and most astonishing, with six diffraction spikes, is the biggest star in the cluster,” an astronomer commented.

“The numerous small members of the cluster appear as white, yellow, or red, differing by star type and surrounding dust levels.”

Webb also highlights tens of thousands of stars positioned behind clusters that belong to the Milky Way galaxy.

A very hot infant star—almost eight times the temperature of the Sun—creates powerful winds and radiation, shaping a cavity in the walls of the star-forming nebulae.

The nebula far exceeds what Nilkham can observe.

Only a few of these are visible at the bottom right and top right of the image.

“Streams of hot ionized gas from the nebula ridge and a faint veil of star-lit gas and dust surround the towering peak,” the researchers explained.

“A dramatic spire protrudes from the glowing gas walls, resisting the relentless radiation and winds.”

“These spires resemble fingers pointing towards the hot young stars that carved them.”

“The intense forces that shape and compress these spires will likely lead to the formation of new stars within them.”

“The tallest spire measures approximately 5.4 light years from its tip to the bottom of the image.”

“Over 200 solar systems in Neptune’s orbit could fit within its tip, which is 0.14 light-years wide.”

“In this image, cyan represents hydrogen gas that has been heated or ionized by a large young star.”

“Dust molecules akin to Earth’s smoke are depicted in orange. Red signifies cold, dense molecular hydrogen; the darker the red, the thicker the gas. Black indicates dense gas that does not emit light.

Source: www.sci.news

The Bird is Astonished by the Breathtaking New Photos

Posted on September 5, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Capturing birds in photographs can be quite challenging. Their speed, grace, and unpredictable nature can pose difficulties for photographers. Yet, their vibrant colors and iridescent feathers have long captivated those behind the camera. Today, a stunning array of images, showcasing the talent of over 50 photographers from across the globe, takes center stage in the Bird Center.

Birds: Modern Photographic Birds is a remarkable 200-page journey through the enchanting world of birds. Unlike typical bird books that categorize by species or habitat, Aviary adopts a fresh perspective. It presents six thematic chapters that explore the bond between humans and birds through imaginative performances such as “sanctuary” and “meetings.” The collection blends several disciplines, including art, fashion, documentary filmmaking, and ornithology.

Mario CEA, The Blue Trail, 2015.

Mario CEA

Some photographs astound with their simplicity, while others impress with their dynamic capture of movement and intricate details. For example, a striking image freezes a Kingfisher mid-dive, its vibrant blue stripes contrasting with the calm waters (as shown above), masterfully captured by Mariocia.

Red-crowned Crane Courtship.

Alan Walker

In Alan Walker’s image (above), two of the rarest and largest birds, the red-crowned cranes, engage in a courtship display, their heads elegantly arched as soft snow falls around them. Meanwhile, the radiant flamingos captured by Robert Clark appear to rest peacefully, their heads tucked into their feathers, evoking the essence of a traditional oil painting.

Aviary by Danáe Panchaud and William A. Ewing will be available September 11th, with official release on October 14th.

Source: www.newscientist.com

Review of “Internet Storage”: Nick Clegg’s New Tech Book Lacks Substance

Posted on September 5, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

At the time, Nick Clegg, an executive at Meta, addressed the Technology Summit in Portugal in 2021.

Hugo Amaral/SOPA Images via Zuma Press Wire/Alamy

Nick Clegg, vice president of Global Affairs and Communications at Meta, speaks via web broadcast from the Altice Arena during the 2021 Web Summit in Lisbon, Portugal, attended by approximately 40,000 participants. (Credit: Hugo Amaral/SOPA Images via Zuma Press Wire) — At the time, Nick Clegg, an executive at Meta, addressed the Technology Summit in Portugal in 2021.

Hugo Amaral/SOPA Images via Zuma Press Wire/Alamy

How to Save the Internet
Nick Clegg (Bodley Head (UK, Now, US, November 11))

There were moments when my brain struggled to engage with Nick Clegg’s new book, How to Save the Internet.

After a dull depiction of future families benefiting from artificial intelligence, I found myself flipping to page 131, encountering lengthy quoted segments, first from a Massachusetts tech professor, followed by an excerpt from an NPR article. Overwhelmed by monotony, I had to set the book aside.

However, Clegg, a former executive at Facebook’s parent company Meta and UK’s deputy prime minister from 2010 to 2015, prompted me to revisit it, sensing that valuable insights awaited.

During his tenure, Clegg experienced pivotal moments at Meta, including the two-year suspension of Donald Trump in 2021. His reflections on Meta’s policies are revealing. Despite rising authoritarianism, How to Save the Internet posits that Big Tech is responsible for shaping our online realities.

Yet, wisdom is scarce throughout the book, which is littered with passages from other journalists and researchers. When Clegg does offer his perspective, it often comes across as uninspired and bland: “If businesses can enhance productivity during work hours and glean insights swiftly, it will promote efficiency.” Hardly thrilling.

The book’s concluding chapter, where Clegg presents his grand vision to “save the Internet,” is equally underwhelming, claiming that the US should avoid business as usual while the Chinese AI model Deepseek caused significant market turmoil. He suggests a global agreement to counteract China, but fails to dive deeply into the implications.

What struck me more was Clegg’s explanation of Meta’s response after supporters of Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol, resulting in a presidential ban. CEO Mark Zuckerberg allowed Clegg to make a crucial decision regarding the suspension. This was significant for private firms, yet the process seemed unclear. We were informed of the events, but left without a thorough understanding.

Given Clegg’s background, I’m left wondering why the book lacks a lasting impact. His experiences as a politician and tech executive are evident, yet he shares little of himself, which diminishes engagement with his audience. Questions surrounding AI’s socioeconomic implications and its potential to deepen inequality are posed but left unanswered.

The core issue with How to Save the Internet is its failure to convey substantial ideas. Politicians often shy away from firm stances. The Internet’s origins stretch back to military ARPANET, AI lacks true intelligence, and while social media connects us, it also leads to toxicity.

This reads more like a post-dinner speech or a polished think tank report, adorned with flashy aesthetics. If you’re interested in saving the Internet, proceed with caution.

Chris Stokell Walker is a technology writer based in Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.

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L-Theanine: Can Matcha and Other Tea Compounds Alleviate Anxiety and Enhance Focus?

Posted on September 5, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Black and green teas including matcha exhibit various levels of L-theanine

inna finkova / alamy stock photos

L-theanine is a naturally occurring amino acid found in tea leaves. Its association with the calming effects of tea dates back to the 1940s, and it is now available as a supplement aimed at alleviating stress, enhancing focus, and improving sleep quality. Although studies on its effectiveness are still somewhat limited, there are intriguing insights that may suggest advantages for brain health, particularly for those experiencing anxiety.

What are the potential benefits of L-theanine?

Research on L-theanine shows promise but remains in the preliminary stages. “The research is limited, the sample sizes are small, and the results can vary,” says Crystal Haskell-Ramsay from Northumbria University, UK.

Nonetheless, findings from minor trials indicate that L-theanine may help reduce blood pressure during attention-demanding tasks, and during stressful periods, it might mitigate heart rate surges associated with cortisol, the stress hormone. Some evidence also points to its potential for enhancing relaxation and concentration.

How does L-theanine influence the brain?

Upon entering the bloodstream through the intestine, L-theanine is capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier. It shares similarities with brain glutamic acid and GABA, neurotransmitters responsible for regulating signals in the brain. Studies on rodents suggest that L-theanine may elevate levels of dopamine and serotonin, chemicals linked to various cognitive functions, including mood and reward.

Furthermore, L-theanine is known to increase alpha brain wave activity, which is associated with a calm yet alert state. “When you close your eyes, alpha waves increase instantly,” remarks Manuel Gomez Ramirez from Rochester University in New York.

Does it contribute positively to mood and well-being?

Generally, heightened alpha brain wave activity can enable better focus and diminish distractions, and L-theanine may amplify this effect. “The greater the alpha activity, the better the brain coordinates its surroundings,” explains Gomez Ramirez. The synergy between caffeine and L-theanine likely enhances this effect.

The influence of L-theanine on alpha waves appears to be more pronounced in individuals who are already experiencing anxiety. Studies on stressed rodents reveal that L-theanine can affect dopamine and serotonin levels in certain brain regions, correlating with a reduction in symptoms akin to depression. However, human studies yield inconsistent results, with some indicating a lack of efficacy for generalized anxiety disorder, while others report reductions in stress and anxiety levels.

If L-theanine alleviates anxiety, this could elucidate its benefits for sleep. A review found that it may help individuals fall asleep more swiftly and enhance their overall sleep quality.

Is there sufficient L-theanine in tea?

Teas, particularly green varieties like matcha, contain varying amounts of L-theanine, averaging between 5-40mg per cup. While this could provide a mild effect, most research studies utilize dosages around 200 mg, akin to those commonly found in supplements.

How robust is the evidence for L-theanine?

Many studies involve small participants, focus on short-term outcomes, and frequently test just single doses or limited supplementation periods. “There’s certainly potential, but further work is required in this area,” states Amanda Bluman from the University of Canberra in Australia.

A noteworthy complication is that L-theanine is often studied in conjunction with other components, which complicates the interpretation of results. “It’s challenging to ascertain whether L-theanine is solely responsible,” mentions Haskell-Ramsay. “Disentangling which elements are effective is problematic.”

Moreover, Haskell-Ramsay cautions, “Many people take it consistently for long durations, so long-term data is lacking.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Planetary Scientists Suggest Mission to Investigate Upcoming Interstellar Comet

Posted on September 5, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Researchers at the Southwest Research Institute have completed a study outlining how the proposed spacecraft could fly by interstellar comets, offering valuable insights into properties of these bodies throughout the solar system. Leveraging recent findings from interstellar comet 3i/Atlas, they explored mission concepts and concluded that the proposed spacecraft could potentially intercept and observe 3i/Atlas.

Hubble captured this image of 3i/Atlas when it was 446 million km (277 million miles) from Earth on July 21, 2025. Image credits: NASA/ESA/David Jewitt, UCLA/Joseph Depasquale, Stsci.

In 2017, interstellar object 1i/’oumuamua became the first interstellar comet identified within the solar system.

Following that, the second interstellar comet, 2i/Borisov, was discovered in 2019, and recently, 3i/Atlas was identified this year.

“These novel types of objects present the first true opportunity for humanity to closely examine bodies formed in other star systems,” said Dr. Alan Stern, a planetary scientist at the Southwest Research Institute.

“Flybys of interstellar comets could yield unparalleled insight into their composition, structure, and characteristics, significantly enhancing our understanding of the solid body formation process in diverse star systems.”

Scientists estimate that numerous interstellar objects from distant origins cross Earth’s orbit each year, with up to 10,000 potentially entering Neptune’s orbit in certain seasons.

Dr. Stern and colleagues tackled unique design challenges while defining the costs and payload requirements for interstellar comet missions.

The hyperbolic trajectories and high velocities of these bodies present challenges for current avoidance methods, but this study indicated that Flybee reconnaissance is both feasible and cost-effective.

“The trajectory of 3i/Atlas falls within the intermittent range of missions we designed, and the scientific observations taken during such flybys would be groundbreaking,” stated Dr. Matthew Freeman from the Southwest Institute.

“The proposed mission would involve a rapid, frontal flyby, allowing us to gather substantial valuable data while also serving as a blueprint for future missions to other interstellar comets.”

The research establishes a significant scientific objective for its mission targeting interstellar comets.

Understanding the physical characteristics of a body sheds light on its formation and evolution.

Investigating the composition of interstellar comets may aid in explaining their origins and how evolutionary forces have shaped them since their inception.

Another objective is to thoroughly examine the coma of an object, the escaping atmosphere emanating from its center.

To devise mission orbital options, researchers created software to generate representative synthetic populations of interstellar comets, calculating the minimum energy trajectories from Earth to each comet’s pathway.

Software analyses have indicated that low-energy rendezvous trajectories are achievable, often requiring fewer resources during launch and flight compared to other solar system missions.

Scientists utilized the software to determine the trajectory the proposed spacecraft may have taken from Earth to intercept 3i/Atlas.

They found that the mission could potentially have reached 3i/Atlas.

“It’s incredibly promising regarding the emergence of 3i/Atlas,” noted Dr. Mark Tapley, an orbital mechanics expert at the Southwest Research Institute.

“We have demonstrated that there’s no need to launch any existing technology or mission frameworks that NASA has already employed to engage these interstellar comets.”

Source: www.sci.news

Interstellar Comet 3i/Atlas Exhibits Expanding Tail and Broad Coma

Posted on September 5, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Astronomers utilized a Gemini Multi-Object Spectrometer (GMO) at the Gemini South Telescope, part of the NSF’s International Gemini Observatory in the Chilean Andes, to capture new multi-color images of the interstellar comet 3i/Atlas.

This image of 3i/Atlas was captured by the Gemini Multi-Object Spectrograph (GMO) on August 27, 2025 at the Gemini South Telescope. Image credit: International Gemini Observatory / NSF / AURA / Shadow The Scientist / J. Miller Array / M. M. Rodriguez, nsf/crask of rects Anchorage & Noirlab/M. Zamani, NSF’s Noirlab.

3i/Atlas was identified on July 1, 2025, by a NASA-supported Atlas (Asteroid Ground Shock Last Alert System) Survey Telescope in Riojartad, Chile.

The comet is anticipated to approach the Sun at a distance of 1.4 AU (210 million km, or 130 million miles) around October 30, 2025.

The latest images from Gemini/GMOS reveal a broad coma and tail extending roughly 1/120th of a degree across the sky, away from the Sun.

These features appear significantly more pronounced compared to earlier images of the comet, indicating that 3i/Atlas is becoming increasingly active as it traverses the inner solar system.

Recent observations also imply that the dust and ice from the comet closely resemble those of solar comets, suggesting a commonality in the processes that govern the formation of planetary systems around other stars.

“As 3i/Atlas journeys back into the depths of interstellar space, these images serve as both scientific milestones and enigmatic clues,” states Dr. Karen Meech, an astronomer from the Institute of Astronomy at the University of Hawaii.

“They remind us that our solar system is merely a fragment of a vast, dynamic galaxy, where even transient visitors can leave a lasting impact.”

Alongside capturing a stunning image, the primary scientific aim of the observation session was to obtain the comet’s spectrum, which corresponds to the wavelengths of the emitted light.

The resulting spectra provide critical insights into the composition and chemistry of the comet, enabling scientists to understand its changes as it navigates through the solar system.

“The main goal was to observe the color of the comet to glean information about the composition and size of the coma dust particles, as well as to obtain the spectrum for direct chemical analysis,” noted Dr. Mace.

“We were thrilled to witness the growth of the comet’s tail and to see our first hints of chemistry from the spectrum, indicating particle changes since earlier Gemini observations.”

“These observations yield both awe-inspiring visuals and invaluable scientific data,” asserts Dr. Bryce Bolin, a researcher at Eureka Scientific.

“Each interstellar comet acts as a messenger from another stellar system, and by examining its light and color, we can begin to appreciate the diversity of worlds beyond our own.”

Source: www.sci.news

White House Funding Cuts Endanger AI Weather Forecasting Institute

Posted on September 5, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Funding for a $20 million artificial intelligence lab aimed at enhancing weather forecasts has been halted by the Trump administration. This decision threatens both the pipeline of scientists and the nation’s capability to evaluate the effects of hurricanes and other weather-related disasters.

According to Amy McGovern, the director of the Institute for AI2ES (AI Institute for Heather and Weather, Climate, and Coastal Oceanography), the National Science Foundation (NSF) informed the institute last month that it would not extend its five-year grant.

McGovern, who serves as a professor of meteorology and computer science at the University of Oklahoma, stated:

She emphasized that, without private funding, the institute may have to close its doors next year.

AI2ES collaborates with various universities to integrate AI into weather forecasting while evaluating its reliability.

This move to shut down AI2ES occurs as the Trump administration is heavily investing in AI and accelerating the establishment of data centers. The administration’s own AI plan advocates for the development of AI systems and programs aimed at fostering AI vocational training programs and specialized AI labs across various scientific fields.

In July, the administration unveiled an ambitious plan to achieve “global dominance” in artificial intelligence, emphasizing both innovation and its implementation—key areas of focus for AI2ES.

Alan Gerald, the former director of the National Intensive Storm Institute at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, described the cut as “dissonance” in light of this trend toward advancing technology.

The White House has not responded to requests for comments regarding this matter.

The institute was established in 2020 under the previous Trump administration as part of the NSF’s AI research labs, having received around $20 million in funding over the past five years. An NSF spokesperson, Michael England, stated that the agency holds the AI Institute’s groundbreaking work in high regard.

The National Science Foundation is fully committed to advancing artificial intelligence research through the National AI Research Institute Program, a pivotal aspect of the administration’s strategy to reinforce the US’s leadership in transformative AI.

NSF and its collaborating partners have provided funding for a network of 29 AI institutes. This year, AI2ES was one of five labs updated through the NSF, with three labs having received updates, while the status of the fourth remains pending, according to McGovern.

The Trump administration has proposed a 55% budget cut for the NSF; however, Congress has not yet ratified the budget. Senate and House appropriations have diverged from the Trump administration’s proposals, suggesting smaller cuts to scientific institutions like the NSF.

“We were an AI lab, so we believed we were secure, given our alignment with the president’s priorities,” McGovern noted.

The Trump administration’s AI plan aims for NSF and other organizations to expose K-12 students to AI careers, develop industry-driven training programs to generate AI jobs, and bolster workforce initiatives to enhance the nation’s AI talent pool.

“They desire a more robust AI-trained workforce. We were doing a significant amount of work,” McGovern emphasized.

She expressed concern that private AI firms are “poaching talent constantly,” as the institute funds around 70 positions each year at various universities, creating a talent pipeline. Among the institute’s achievements are over 130 academic publications and the development of AI tools used by the government today.

The center aided in the creation of AI tools that predict weather events potentially endangering sea turtles near Corpus Christi, Texas, making these animals susceptible to hazards onboard vessels.

Additionally, the institute developed an application enabling forecasters to “see” within hurricanes, even without a polar orbit satellite equipped with a microwave sensor capable of penetrating storm clouds. This application utilizes data from Earth-measuring satellites that cannot penetrate clouds and simulates the internal structure of a hurricane.

The center is also investigating how forecasters evaluate the reliability of AI tools developed by private companies, including Google.

“We have social scientists who engage with end-users to comprehend their trust in AI, their reservations, and what improvements are necessary,” remarked McGovern.

According to Gerald, if the center were to shut down, it wouldn’t adversely affect current weather forecasting but could limit innovation and place the nation at a disadvantage.

“Many other countries are heavily investing in AI-related weather research, like China. They risk falling behind many nations committed to enhancing weather forecasting,” Gerald concluded.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

LCD Lenses: Enhancing Your Divine Glasses Experience

Posted on September 5, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The inaugural prototype of LCD BeforeCal

Lin et al./APS 2025

Glasses featuring LCD lenses offer a convenient way to switch between correcting for near and distant vision.

Bifocal glasses have a history stretching back to the 18^th century, with designs that haven’t changed significantly over time. Typically, the lower section of the lens is shaped for nearby viewing, while the upper section is designed for distance, requiring wearers to shift their gaze frequently. A team led by Yi-Hsin Lin at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University and Chuo Tung University in Taiwan has developed a pair of glasses that can toggle between two modes at the press of a button.

Rather than traditional glass lenses, these new lenses utilize a thin layer of liquid crystals controlled by an electric field, which alters the arrangement of the molecules to bend light in different ways depending on their function.

The concept of adjustable glasses using this principle, which produces the necessary electric field through thin electrodes embedded in the frame, is nearly 50 years old. However, advancements have been slow due to various technical obstacles. Lin and her colleagues have addressed some of these challenges, creating a wearable prototype.

The current iteration of these glasses offers a limited power range, boasting a functional viewing area of about 10 millimeters (3 to 4 times larger than traditional bifocals) and a switch time of approximately 5 seconds upon pressing the button on the frame. Nonetheless, Lin’s team has successfully identified the physical principles enabling these glasses to function effectively, and they are optimistic about future improvements in areas such as reducing switching times through electronic optimization. “Almost everyone will need prescription eyewear at some point, so the market potential is enormous,” claims team member Victor Reshetnyak from Taras Shevchenko National University in Kiev, Ukraine.

Viola Kanevsky, an optometrist in New York, notes that those most likely to benefit from these adaptive glasses are in technical fields where small objects may occupy significant visual focus or in professions requiring a broad perspective—such as architects evaluating long, straight lines or stockbrokers monitoring multiple large screens both near and far without needing to constantly adjust their heads.

However, these new prototypes are still far from being ready for clinical application due to the limited operational areas of the lenses, according to Mark Rosenfield from SUNY Optometry University in New York. The inclusion of electronic components also raises both the cost and complexity of manufacturing LCD glasses. Similarly, Joshua Silver from Oxford University highlighted that in 2004, he and his colleagues developed alternative self-adjustable eyeglass designs utilizing liquids.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Single Doses of LSD Appear to Alleviate Anxiety

Posted on September 5, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Can psychedelics be effective against common anxiety disorders?

Science Photo Library/Alamy

SEI 264621700 — Can psychedelics be effective against common anxiety disorders?

Science Photo Library/Alamy

Research indicates that a single dose of LSD may alleviate anxiety without causing lasting side effects.

“We are conducting the first modern examination of LSD and its effects on common anxiety disorders,” says Dan Carlin from Mindmed in New York.

This disorder is marked by persistent worry about various issues, including work and relationships. Standard treatments often involve mood-enhancing medications and therapies, like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and other antidepressants.

However, approximately half of patients do not respond to these treatments. “SSRIs are ineffective for many; they can produce side effects, such as emotional numbness, and must be taken daily to have any effect,” Carlin explains.

Previous studies propose that LSD might serve as an alternative treatment. Psychedelics are frequently used for their mind-altering hallucinations in recreational contexts. Carlin believes they may operate by enhancing serotonin levels in the brain, which improve mood, and may also encourage the brain’s capacity for rewiring and developing new thought patterns.

Nonetheless, so far, trials directly comparing LSD with a placebo have not specifically evaluated its effects on generalized anxiety disorder.

To address this issue, Carlin and his team recruited 198 adults with this condition. Participants gradually reduced their current anxiety medications, while those receiving psychotherapy continued their sessions.

In a standard clinical assessment, participants rated the intensity of 14 symptoms, including worry, tension, and difficulty focusing, on a scale from 0-4.

The team then randomly assigned participants into five groups—those receiving LSD (in doses of 25, 50, 100, or 200 micrograms) or placebo tablets. The following day, those who received doses of 100 and 200 micrograms reported greater symptom relief compared to other groups, according to Karlin.

One month later, participants who took the 100 and 200 microgram doses noted an average anxiety reduction of 21 and 19 points, respectively, with improvements sustained until the study’s conclusion three months later. Approximately 46% of these individuals were in remission.

In contrast, those receiving placebo and the lower doses experienced a 14-17 point reduction in anxiety over the same period, with about 20% achieving remission. This indicates that the lower doses did not yield significant benefits beyond the placebo effect.

The enhancements seen with the higher doses are significantly greater than those produced by the placebo, states Sunjeev Kamboj from University College London. “This marks a clinically meaningful improvement in terms of distress and disability,” he notes.

The progress observed in the placebo group is a common occurrence in anxiety studies, likely influenced by factors such as participants’ enthusiasm and attention during the trial, Kamboj adds.

The team noted that they could accurately ascertain whether most participants received LSD or placebo. Psychedelics typically produce hallucinations, which can affect many individuals. Across all groups, participants experienced nausea and headaches about 12 hours post-treatment.

At lower LSD doses, those on placebo reported hallucinations significantly less frequently than at higher psychedelics doses. This complicates the assessment of whether the benefits observed are due to individual expectations based on perceived effects or the direct influence of the drug on the brain, Kamboj explains.

Despite these caveats, the study offers compelling evidence that LSD could be a viable anxiety treatment, he states. “It’s a promising finding, indicating it can quickly alleviate symptoms. This is highly relevant for patients.”

The results have led the US Food and Drug Administration to classify MindMed’s LSD formulations as a breakthrough therapy, expediting the drug development process. Karlin mentions that the team has conducted thorough follow-up trials for over three months, with anticipated results forthcoming in the next few years.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Discovering a New Type of Black Hole: Insights from Mirror Technology and Insect-Inspired AI

Posted on September 4, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Gravitational waves result from colliding black holes

Victor de Schwanberg/Science Photography Library

Researching the universe can be enhanced by AI created by Google DeepMind. With an algorithm capable of diminishing unwanted noise by as much as 100 times, the Gravitational Wave Observatory (LIGO), equipped with laser interferometers, can identify specific black hole types that are affecting our separation.

LIGO aims to detect gravitational waves generated when entities like black holes spiral and collide. These waves traverse the universe at light speed, yet the spacetime fluctuations are minimal—10,000 times smaller than an atomic nucleus. Since its initial detection a decade ago, LIGO has recorded signals from nearly 100 black hole collisions.

The experiment comprises two U.S. observatories, each with two perpendicular arms measuring 4 km. A laser is directed down each arm and bounced off precise mirrors, where an interferometer compares the beams. As gravitational waves pass through, the lengths of the arms fluctuate slightly, and these changes are meticulously documented to help visualize the signals’ origins.

However, achieving such precision is challenging, as even distant ocean waves or clouds can interfere with measurements. This noise can overwhelm the signal, rendering some observations unfeasible. To counterbalance this noise and accurately adjust the mirrors and other equipment, numerous critical tweaks are essential.

Lana Adhikari from the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena stated that his team has collaborated with DeepMind to innovate new AI methods. He mentions that even automating these adjustments can sometimes introduce noise. “That control noise has puzzled us for decades. All aspects in this space are hindered,” Adhikari explains. “How can you stabilize a mirror without creating noise? If left uncontrolled, the mirror tends to oscillate unpredictably.”

Laura Nuttall from the University of Portsmouth, UK, was involved in manually executing these adjustments at LIGO. “Changing one element causes a cascading effect; one change leads to another,” she points out. “It feels like an endless cycle of fine-tuning.”

DeepMind’s new AI, known as Deep Loop Shaping, aims to minimize noise by making up to 100 adjustments to LIGO’s mirrors. The AI is trained via simulations before being implemented in real-world scenarios, focusing on achieving two main objectives: limiting the number of adjustments it performs. “Over time, as it repeatedly operates, it’s like conducting hundreds or thousands of trials in a simulation. The controller learns what strategies work and identifies the best approach,” says Jonas Buchli from DeepMind.

Alberto Vecchio from the University of Birmingham, UK, expressed enthusiasm for the AI’s role in LIGO but mentioned that many challenges remain. The AI currently operates effectively for only an hour under real conditions, necessitating longer-term validation. Additionally, it’s only been applied to one control aspect, while many hundreds, if not thousands, of factors could assist in stabilizing the mirrors.

“This is clearly an initial step, but it’s certainly a fascinating one. There’s considerable scope for significant advancement,” Vecchio remarked.

If similar enhancements could be replicated elsewhere, it’s possible to detect medium-sized black holes—those around 1,000 times the mass of our sun—a category that has yet to see confirmed observations. Improvements are typically seen with the low-frequency gravitational waves generated by large bodies, where noise can obscure the signals.

“We’ve observed black holes up to 100 solar masses and more than a million solar masses in galaxies. What’s out there in between?” Vecchio pondered. “There’s a perception that black holes exist across a spectrum of masses, yet clear experimental evidence remains elusive.”

Nuttall commented that this new methodology could enhance identification of known black hole types. “This appears quite promising,” she stated. “I’m thrilled about this development.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Powerful Image Captures the Hidden Struggles of Southeast Asia’s Fishing Industry

Posted on September 4, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Fishermen unload their catch in the Philippines

Nicole Tung

These striking images capture the efforts of photographer Nicole Tung, who dedicated nine months to documenting the human and environmental toll of overfishing in Southeast Asia. Since the 1950s, fishing has rapidly evolved from a traditional craft into a global industry, primarily in developed nations. The rise in overfishing and illegal catch practices is alarming, driven by the increasing demand from a growing population.

Tung emphasizes the significance of the region as a vital part of the global fisheries market. Her project received funding from the €50,000 Kaminyak Photojournalism Award for fieldwork, which shifted her perspective on seafood consumption. Rather than suggesting complete abstention, she advocates for greater awareness and informed choices from consumers.

She expressed her distress over harrowing accounts from Indonesian fishermen, who detailed the violence and dreadful conditions they encounter at sea.

The image above illustrates a fisherman delivering a catch of tuna at General Santos fishport in the Philippines after a month at sea, including Bigger Tuna and Blue Marlin.

In other scenes, dock workers from Myanmar sort fish species being offloaded in Ranong, Thailand. Below, the indigenous Ulak Roy people and Thai villagers from Koh Lipe gather wood from nearby islands during a festival celebrating the end of the fishing and tourism season. They utilize the materials to construct ceremonial boats as offerings to their ancestors.

Indigenous Urak Lawoi people and Thai villagers sail their boats in Thailand

Nicole Tung

In this concluding image, a family of Filipino fishermen prepares bait for their fishing line in Quezon, Palawan, Philippines.

Family preparing to fish in the Philippines

Nicole Tung

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Source: www.newscientist.com