The NASA DART probe, depicted on the upper right, is on a trajectory to collide with the asteroid Dimorphos, shown on the left.
Steve Gribben/Johns Hopkins APL/NASA/AP/ALAMY
Following the collision of NASA’s spacecraft with an asteroid, its orbit is expected to change gradually next month, leaving astronomers puzzled.
In 2022, the Double Asteroid Redirect Test (DART) sent a nearly 600-kilometer spacecraft towards a small asteroid known as Dimorphos.
Prior to the collision, Dimorphos completed an orbit every 11 hours and 55 minutes. Observations soon indicated that the impact shortened this orbital period by approximately 30 minutes, although in the following weeks and months, the orbital period diminished by an additional 30 seconds.
Astronomers have proposed that this phenomenon might be due to the release of small debris during the impact, which could gradually cause energy loss and result in a reduced orbital path.
Recently, Harrison Agrusa and Camille Chattanette from the University of Côte d’Azur in Nice, France, asserted that debris ejection cannot solely explain the observations.
“The boulders can be flung by Dimorphos, leading to a wider dispersion. This momentum will eventually revert and be transferred back to Dimorphos,” Agrusa explains.
Agrusa theorizes that a more plausible reason for Dimorphos’ shifting trajectory is that its impact affects its rotation in a complex manner, causing rocks on its surface to shift. The friction generated by these rocks could lead to heat production from their collisions. The resultant energy loss as heat might clarify the decrease in the asteroid’s orbital path, although this study has not modeled that aspect.
“When you rearrange materials on a surface, you’re altering the gravitational potential energy of Dimorphos itself,” Agrusa states. “This adjustment could feasibly slow down the orbital period within a month, as this would be a prolonged process.”
This highlights the challenges in predicting how asteroid orbits will alter post-impact, yet according to Agrusa, this phenomenon is less concerning when deflecting an asteroid heading towards Earth. This is because binary asteroid systems like Didymos and Dimorphos are quite uncommon, making it unlikely that similar effects will occur for a solitary asteroid orbiting the Sun.
Wildlife broadcaster Chris Packham developed a deep connection with nature long before he could articulate it. As a child in his parents’ modest Southampton backyard, he became captivated by tadpoles, snails, and ladybugs. His interests quickly flourished, transforming his bedroom into a sanctuary of jars and tanks, with the garden evolving into a habitat for foxes and kestrels.
Packham attributes part of his intense curiosity to autism, which he believes enhances his pattern-finding abilities while also necessitating refuge from overwhelming social interactions. Unreservedly vocal both on-screen and off, Packham champions environmental issues and animal rights, spearheading campaigns like one aiming to cease game shooting and industrial agriculture. These outspoken views have not been without consequences; in 2019, threats against him escalated to the point where a dead crow and a fox were left hanging from his gate.
Yet these acts of violence only fortify his resolve to advocate for the natural world. In a conversation with New Scientist, he shared insights about his ongoing campaign against fossil fuel advertising in the UK, his upcoming evolution television series, and strategies for fostering a sustainable future on Earth.
Thomas Luton: Your connection with nature is evident every time I watch BBC’s Spring Watch. Does your autism you have help forge this bond?
Chris Packham: My fascination with nature comes from my meticulous observation and rapid memorization skills, allowing me to identify behaviors and anatomical patterns. I found a comfort zone in the natural world, free from peer judgment. My father, a marine engineer, and my mother, the Attorney General, didn’t directly fuel my interest, but they offered support.
Walking through the forest is one thing people who don’t need to overconsume can do
Kevin Britland / Alamy Stock Photo
As a child, my room was filled with living specimens. However, everything changed when I turned 12 and received a pair of binoculars from my dad. My passion shifted from maintaining creatures to observing them in their natural habitats.
I had an intense interest in natural history, often jumping from one species to another. While it may now be termed “intense interest,” I prefer the term “obsession.” The greater your ability to concentrate on specific tasks, the easier it is to push aside distractions and delve deep into the subject matter, which becomes a driving force behind your curiosity.
Those are remarkable abilities. However, being neurodivergent has its challenges. How might you encourage others to consider how a neurodivergent individual with autism perceives the world?
It’s essential to focus not just on challenges but also on the opportunities and strengths that come with neurodiversity. As a child, I felt drawn to the forest to engage with the wonders I desired to see and capture. In truth, I found solace there, free from judgment.
I became completely immersed in the experience. While most can identify trees by looking at their shape, leaves, or bark, I can recognize them by the sound of raindrops on their leaves when I close my eyes. It’s not an extraordinary skill—anyone can learn it—but it reflects how deeply I wish to engage with the natural world.
You’ve dedicated a significant portion of your life to environmental protection. Why do you think you’ve faced backlash as an activist?
Like many, I’m asking essential sections of society to reassess their opinions and habits. Humans are remarkable creatures—intelligent, adaptable, and innovative—yet we often struggle to change our minds.
We burn the natural resources of the planet
Jim West / Alamy Stock Photo
However, it’s evident that if we don’t change our philosophies and practices, we will continue to dive deeper into crisis. There are opportunities to address these issues, and it’s vital we seize them while we can. Unfortunately, some segments of society resist this change, and that small minority can react aggressively.
Why do you think you’re confronted with such violence?
I genuinely don’t let it affect me. I’m a determined individual; if I believe in the cause, I won’t be deterred by threats. I don’t engage in a fight because I expect to win; I choose my battles based on what I believe is right. Winning isn’t about crossing the finish line; it’s about perseverance.
Currently, it can be quite challenging to unite activists, campaigners, and protestors in solidarity.
How can this be achieved?
In the UK, public protest is hindered by an unjust legal landscape. Sometimes, merely wearing a T-shirt or holding a sign can lead to arrest. We have to confront the ongoing atrocities related to environmental legislation, not just locally but especially regarding protections elsewhere in the world.
Nonetheless, I remain optimistic. Humanity possesses incredible tools, technologies, and capabilities to adapt to the challenges we’ve created. The key is to harness and deploy these resources effectively and swiftly.
Recently, you launched a petition to end fossil fuel advertising and sponsorships in the UK. Is this a significant hurdle to climate action?
In the UK, fossil fuel companies may not invest heavily in advertising, yet they cleverly target their efforts towards decision-makers and influential figures. This manipulation breeds skepticism.
Moreover, billions are funneled into sports sponsorships by these companies, subtly embedding themselves into daily life, thereby normalizing their practices.
Protesters fighting Shell’s British Cycling sponsorship
Andrea Domeniconi/Alamy Live News
Such sponsorships should not normalize corporations that harm our planet. The juxtaposition of cycling—an activity promoting health and reducing carbon emissions—with Shell’s sponsorship is nothing short of absurd. Additionally, allowing fossil fuel companies to sponsor institutions like the Science Museum and British Museum is unacceptable.
What does a sustainable future entail for you?
While technology presents challenges in forecasting, what I need is a shift in mindset. The prevalent focus on economic growth must be abandoned, as such growth often comes at the expense of our planet’s resources. Carefully managing these limited resources is essential for our future.
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I ask important parts of the population to change their minds and habits “
People need to reevaluate their desires. Does consuming more truly bring happiness? What genuinely enriches our lives—whether it’s nature, art, music, or dance—does not necessitate piling up possessions.
What additional changes are essential beyond mindset? Should we consider reducing population growth as part of achieving sustainability?
When discussing overpopulation, precision is essential. More people typically mean more consumption, but we must consider who is consuming. In many rapidly growing regions, consumption levels remain low.
If everyone consumed resources at the same rate as individuals in the US, we would require the resources of five planets to uphold that demand. Given the vast disparities in resource availability, equality is crucial for addressing climate change.
One of the most disappointing aspects of the Climate Summit discussions is the reluctance to subsidize poorer nations, which bear the brunt of climate change, due to selfish interests.
Shifting topics, you recently completed filming a BBC series on evolution, set to debut next year. How can humans benefit from understanding their place in the lengthy history of evolution?
We must first recognize how fortunate we are to exist. Mutations are random occurrences, and the conditions that foster success can be incredibly rare. The chances of human life evolving were slim, often hinging on serendipity.
Moreover, evolution offers critical insight into the harm humans inflict on nature. While examining historical extinction events, it’s important to remember that they aren’t always catastrophic for all life forms. For instance, while the extinction of dinosaurs presented hurdles for them, it opened up numerous ecological niches for mammals to thrive.
Today, we aren’t merely observing extinction events; we’re actively causing them. We must use accurate language to address this issue. No matter the harm inflicted on our planet, the resilience of life suggests it will endure, possibly evolving into forms more beautiful than before.
Women live longer than men in all countries on average
Peter Cabana/Aramie
The most extensive assessment of lifespan disparities between male and female mammals and birds has provided new insights
into why women generally outlive men.
They discovered that in 72% of mammal species, females live longer than males by an average of 12 to 13%. Conversely, in birds, males tend to outlive females in 68% of species, surviving approximately 5% longer.
Researchers posit that this trend supports the hypothesis that sex chromosomes may account for some lifespan differences.
In mammals, the presence of two X chromosomes in females grants individual genetic protection, unlike males who possess an X and a Y chromosome. This may provide women with a better safeguard against harmful mutations.
For birds, the sex determination system is reversed; females have one Z and one W chromosome while males carry two Z chromosomes. This discrepancy suggests that the gender on different chromosomes may incur different longevity costs.
“What’s particularly intriguing is when we identify exceptions,” says team member Fernando Colcello,
also at the Max Planck Institute. “These exceptions prompt further testing of evolutionary theories regarding gender differences in lifespan.”
Diving deeper into the data, the researchers found that mating systems might influence these outcomes. In polygamous mammals, where competition is prevalent among males, those individuals usually have shorter lifespans than females.
“In the race for mating opportunities, males often invest in characteristics favored in sexual selections, such as size or ornate features,” explains Nicole Riddle from the University of Alabama.
“These traits are costly to develop, and competition can lead to additional expenditures on aggressive behaviors.”
Such factors can result in reduced resources available for personal survival, she states.
Men who invest in expensive traits to acquire mates may have shorter lifespans
Rebius/Shutterstock
This phenomenon is also seen in polygamous birds. “Overall, this may explain the comparatively lower male dominance in bird species,” states Pau Carazo from the University of Valencia in Spain.
He explains that in mammals, both genetic factors and sexual selection influence shorter male lifespans, while in birds, strong sexual selection pressures on males and the varied costs for females may counterbalance the effects.
Stärk and her colleagues additionally found that those who invest more in offspring care tend to live longer, which is predominantly the case for females in mammals. In long-lived species such as humans and primates, this trait may confer an evolutionary advantage by ensuring that mothers survive until their offspring reach sexual maturity.
However, exceptions exist. “In predatory species, the opposite pattern emerges,” notes Stärk. “Females are typically larger and often take on roles in territory defense, yet they still exhibit longer lifespans,” leaving this phenomenon an ongoing enigma.
Carazo remarks that gender lifespan differences can lead to smaller populations in zoos compared to the wild. This controlled environment may also be a factor in the reduced lifespan discrepancies observed among human genders, though these differences are unlikely to vanish completely.
“Significant physiological and genetic differences between men and women remain,” explains Colcello. “The future trajectory of medical science is uncertain, but we generally do not anticipate these differences to fully eliminate.”
Hyperreactive oxygen can form in mitochondria within our cells
Kateryna Kon/Spl/Alamy
After many years, scientists are starting to understand how the chemical reactions in living cells and certain batteries produce odd and harmful forms of oxygen.
Oxygen molecules are not all the same. In some, the two highest energy electrons have opposing quantum spins, while in others, the spins are aligned. When they align, the molecule is termed “singlet oxygen.” This variant is highly reactive and can lead to harmful transformations in cellular proteins and fats, affecting some batteries too. Since the 1960s, chemists have sought to pinpoint when these perilous oxygen forms, which we normally appreciate as breathable, become problematic during chemical reactions. Stefan Freunberger from Austria and his research team at the Institute of Science and Technology have made significant progress in this area.
The team carried out various experiments starting with superoxide molecules. They studied the oxygen-dependent reactions utilized by mitochondria in energy production and its influence on the generation of both oxygen forms. While cells possess enzymes to facilitate this process, the team tested various “mediator” molecules, enabling them to observe a broader spectrum of reactions that could yield oxygen under varying energy conditions. They found that this specific energy requirement is crucial; it needs to be notably high for singlet oxygen to be produced.
“There has been considerable debate over whether singlet oxygen truly depends on the cellular environment for its formation. Up until now, this has not been clearly established,” remarked Freunberger.
Because mitochondria maintain elevated pH levels that limit their driving force, recent findings indicate that significant amounts of singlet oxygen are not generated within these cellular areas, effectively safeguarding them against damage.
Christopher McNeill from Eszürich, Switzerland, indicates that understanding singlet oxygen generation extends beyond biological implications. “Even if it forms, it can cause harm or react adversely with nearby elements,” he explains. The insights from this study could clarify certain battery types and may help elucidate why they occasionally degrade from the inside, McNeill notes.
Indicators of autism in children may involve excessive talking with peers and challenges in forming friendships.
Jagadeesh NV/EPA-EFE/SHUTTERSTOCK
The timing of an autism diagnosis in children seems to be influenced by genetic factors, which may also affect how the condition progresses.
“This reinforces the notion that autism could be a potentially multifaceted condition,” states Natalie Sauerwald from the Flatiron Institute in New York, who was not involved in this particular research.
Autism is classified as a neurodevelopmental disorder, characterized by challenges with social interactions and restricted behaviors and interests. The World Health Organization estimates that 1 in 127 individuals are diagnosed with autism.
“Our key inquiry was why some individuals are diagnosed with autism later in life?” posits Varun Warrier from Cambridge University.
To explore this, he and his research team gathered data from individuals diagnosed with autism between the ages of 5 and 17. Caregivers filled out a survey regarding their social, emotional, and behavioral growth, which aided the researchers in determining the correlation between these factors and the age of diagnosis.
Previous studies have linked children’s gender and socioeconomic status to the age of diagnosis, with autism being more frequent in boys and those from affluent backgrounds. However, the team’s analysis indicated that these influences were minimal, with “Typically, no single factor accounts for more than 10% of the variance,” Warrier observes.
Contrarily, the researchers discovered that children with autism displayed different developmental trajectories. “Our findings indicate that individuals with autism can be categorized into two broad groups,” Warrier explained. One group faced challenges from an early age that remained relatively constant, while the other group encountered fewer issues during childhood, but faced increased difficulties in later childhood or early adolescence—this represents “anywhere between 10-25% of the diagnosis age for autism.”
Moreover, the study found that differences between these two groups were observable in previously collected DNA samples. Those diagnosed with autism were more prone to have common genetic variations different from those diagnosed later, which accounted for 11% of the variance in autism diagnosis age. However, the researchers lacked the necessary data to identify rare variants or spontaneous mutations beyond inherited ones.
Despite these distinct trajectories, there is no clear separation between them, says Sauerwald. “The overlap between groups likely occurs because they are not entirely distinct,” she remarks. Warrier agrees, describing the categories as “gradients.”
He stresses that neither group should be regarded as having milder or more severe forms of autism. In July, Sauerwald and her team released a study indicating evidence of four moderately different groups whose symptoms, behaviors, and genetics differ.
Warrier’s research team also identified a higher likelihood of genetic mutations linked to other disorders, such as ADHD and PTSD, in children diagnosed later in life. Similarly, Sauerwald’s study found a connection between late autism diagnosis and ADHD. However, the reason for this link remains unclear, says Sauerwald. “The findings related to ADHD are not unexpected,” she comments, particularly concerning specific symptoms.
A deeper understanding of the potential subtypes of autism could ultimately enhance diagnostic practices and offer more personalized support for children with autism and their families. “Improving our understanding of their condition and how to assist them can only lead to a better quality of life for individuals,” asserts Warrier.
Since the inception of brain organoids by Madeline Lancaster in 2013, these structures have become invaluable in global brain research. But what are they really? Are they simply miniaturized brains? Could implanting them into animals yield a super-intelligent mouse? Where do we draw the ethical line? Michael Le Page explored these questions at Lancaster’s lab at the MRC Institute of Molecular Biology in Cambridge, UK.
Michael Le Page: Can you clarify what a brain organoid is? Is it akin to a mini brain?
Madeline Lancaster: Not at all. There are various types of organoids, and they are not miniature brains. We focus on specific parts of the human brain, and our organoids are small and immature. They don’t function like developed human brains with memories. In scale, they’re comparable to insect brains, lacking the necessary tissue present in those brains. I would categorize them closer to insect neural structures.
What motivated you to create your first brain organoid?
I initiated the process using mouse embryonic brain cells, cultivating them in Petri dishes. Some cells didn’t adhere as expected, leading to a fascinating outcome where they interconnected and formed self-organizing cell clusters indicative of early brain tissue development. The same technique was then applied to human embryonic stem cells.
Why is the development of brain organoids considered a significant breakthrough?
The human brain is vital to our identity and remained enigmatic for a long time. Observing a mouse brain doesn’t capture the intricacies of the human brain. Brain organoids have opened a new perspective into this complex system.
Can you provide an example of this research?
One of our initial ventures involved modeling a condition called micropathy, where the brain is undersized. In mice, similar mutations don’t alter brain size. We tested whether we could replicate size reduction in human brain organoids, and we succeeded, enabling further insights into the disease.
Madeline Lancaster in her lab in Cambridge, UK
New Scientist
What has been your most significant takeaway from studying brain organoids?
We are gaining a better understanding of what distinguishes the human brain. I’m fascinated by the finding that human stem cells which generate neurons behave differently from those in mice and chimpanzees. One key difference is that human development is notably slower, allowing for more neurons to be produced as our stem cells proliferate.
Are there practical outcomes from this research?
Much of our foundational biology research has crucial implications for disease treatment. My lab primarily addresses evolutionary questions, particularly genetic variances between humans and chimpanzees. Specific genes that arise are often linked to human disorders, implying that mutations essential for brain development could lead to significant damage.
What types of treatments might emerge from this work in the future?
We’re already utilizing brain organoids for drug screening. I’m especially optimistic about their potential in treating mental health conditions and neurodegenerative diseases, where novel therapies are lacking. Currently, treatments for schizophrenia utilize medications that are five decades old. Brain organoid models could unveil new approaches. In the longer term, organoids might even provide therapeutic options themselves. While not for all brain areas, techniques have already been developed to create organoids of dopaminergic neurons from the substantia nigra, which are lost in Parkinson’s, for potential implantation.
Are human brain organoids already being implanted in animal brains?
Yes, but not for treatment purposes; rather, these practices enhance human organoid research. Organoids usually lack vascularity and other cell types from outside the brain, especially microglia, which serve as the brain’s immune cells. Thus, to examine how these other cells interact with human brain matter, various studies have implanted organoids into mice.
Should we have concerns regarding the implantation of human organoids in animals?
Neurons are designed to connect with one another. So, when a human brain organoid is inserted into a mouse brain, the human cells will bond with mouse neurons. However, they aren’t structured coherently. These mice exhibit diminished cognitive performance after implantation, akin to a brain malfunction; hence, they won’t become super-intelligent.
Images of the color of brain organoids, showing their neural connections
MRC Institute of Molecular Biology
Is cognitive enhancement a possibility?
We’re quite a distance from that. Higher-level concepts relate to how different brain regions interlink, how individual neurons connect, and how collections of neurons communicate. Achieving an organized structure like this could be possible, but challenges like timing persist. While mice have a short lifespan of about two years, human development toward advanced intelligence takes significantly longer. Furthermore, the sheer size of human brains presents challenges; a human-sized brain cannot fit within a mouse. Because of these factors, I don’t foresee such concerns emerging in the near future.
Regarding size, the main limitation is the absence of blood vessels. Organoids start to die off when they exceed a few millimeters. How much headway has been made in addressing this issue?
While we’ve made strides and should acknowledge our accomplishments, generating brain tissue is relatively straightforward as it tends to develop autonomously. Vascularization, however, is complex. Progress is being made with the introduction of vascular cells, but achieving fully functional blood perfusion remains a significant hurdle.
When you reference ‘far away’…
I estimate it could take decades. It may seem simple, given that the body accomplishes this naturally. However, the challenges arise from the body’s integrated functioning. Successfully vascularizing organoids requires interaction with a whole organism; we can’t replicate this on a plate.
If we achieve that, could we potentially create a full-sized brain?
Even if we manage to develop a large, vascularized human brain in a lab, without communication or sensory input, it would lack meaningful function. For instance, if an animal’s eyes are shut during development and opened later, they may appear functional, but the brain can’t interpret visual input, rendering it effectively blind. This principle applies to all senses and interactions with the world. I believe that an organism’s body must have sensory experiences to develop awareness. Certain patients who lose sensory input can end up experiencing lock-in syndrome, an alarming condition. But these are individuals who have previously engaged with the world. A brain that has never engaged lacks context.
As brain organoid technology progresses, how should we define the boundaries of ethical research?
The field closely intersects with our understanding of consciousness, which is complex and difficult to measure. I’m not even certain I have the definitive answer about consciousness for myself. However, we can undoubtedly assess factors relevant to consciousness, like organization, sensory inputs and outputs, maturity, and size. Mice might meet several of these criteria but are generally not recognized to possess human-like consciousness, largely due to their size. Even fully interconnected human organoids won’t achieve human-level consciousness if they remain small. Establishing these kinds of standards offers more practical methods than attempting to directly measure consciousness.
For the first time, researchers have successfully visualized and quantified small protein clusters in the human brain that may signal the onset of Parkinson’s disease.
These clusters, known as alpha-synuclein oligomers, have long been implicated in some of the fastest-expanding neurological disorders worldwide but had never been observed in brain tissue until now.
To identify these elusive proteins, the research team utilized a novel imaging method called Advanced Sensing of Parkinson’s Disease (ASA-PD) aggregates, which renders these nanometer-scale (one billionth of a meter) oligomers visible.
For decades, clinicians could confirm a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease only by detecting larger deposits of proteins that build up in neurons. However, many researchers believe the disease actually initiates with these smaller oligomers.
“You can think of Lewy bodies as a sort of morbid gravestone,” stated Professor Stephen Lee from Cambridge’s Yusuf Hameed Department of Chemistry, who co-led the study. BBC Science Focus. “They indicate where the disease resides and its progression.”
To investigate the earlier phases of the disease, the team compared post-mortem brain samples from individuals with Parkinson’s disease to those from healthy individuals. Oligomers were present in both cohorts, surprising scientists, but were more abundant and vibrant in the brains of Parkinson’s patients.
“This marks the first occasion we’ve directly observed oligomers in human brain tissue at this scale, akin to spotting stars in daylight,” commented Dr. Rebecca Andrews, Co-First Author and former postdoctoral researcher in Lee’s lab.
The researchers also discovered subtle variations in the distribution of oligomers, which could signify the earliest stages of the disease prior to the onset of symptoms.
Scientists were able to visualize and count α-synuclein oligomers (shown in red) in brain tissue samples. Interestingly, these puncta were present in both Parkinson’s patients and healthy individuals, as depicted in the images of two Parkinson’s patients (top) and two healthy controls (bottom) – credits: Andrews et al. (2025)
Lee emphasized that while this study is a significant advancement, it should not be misconstrued as a means to directly find treatments. “We’re not at that stage,” he noted. “This research actually allows us to engage with the very early stages of the disease. From a therapeutic standpoint, it lays the groundwork for future developments.”
Currently, over 10 million people globally suffer from Parkinson’s disease, which lacks a treatment that addresses the underlying condition. Existing medications can manage symptoms like tremors, but none target the disease’s root cause or halt its progression.
A collaborative team from the University of Cambridge, the University of London, the Francis Crick Institute, and Polytechnique Montreal aims to utilize these findings to enhance methods for monitoring the efficacy of diagnostic tests and experimental treatments.
This imaging technique is also applicable beyond just Parkinson’s disease. “This approach provides more than just a snapshot,” said Professor Lucian Weiss from Polytechnique Montréal, who co-led the study. “It maps protein changes throughout the brain and similar techniques can be applied to other neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Huntington’s diseases.”
“Oligomers were once like needles in a haystack, and now that we know their precise locations, it enables us to target specific cell types in designated areas of the brain.”
Like many others, Ursula K. Le Guin is undoubtedly one of my beloved sci-fi authors. I’m thrilled about this month’s compilation of maps that I plan to use as inspiration for my story. Especially after enjoying It Was Confiscated. Join the New Scientist Book Club: Do Do Do Do and Jo, and share your insights on this classic with fellow readers!
This month not only brings back science fiction, but I eagerly anticipate it. Ken Liu will introduce a thriller based in the near future. I’m particularly interested in the tale of flooded Kolkata and the challenges faced by the mother, Megamajumdal. Additionally, there’s a story from astronaut Chris Hadfield and a new offering from author Mark Z. Danielewski, titled Leaf House.
Le Guin will venture into her great stories, promoting the Earthsea series (I recall the archipelago mentioned in those books) and I Always Go Home. This new collection features these maps alongside interviews, poetry, recipes, and contributions from various writers. It seems like a true treasure trove for fans like me of Le Guin.
Set in the not-so-distant future, this sci-fi thriller revolves around hacker Julia, who is tasked with rescuing a “dream artist” while uncovering the mysteries of virtual reality. This is the first in the Julia Z series, which has received the Hugo Award.
Reynolds once wrote fantastic sci-fi short stories for New Scientist. In one, we follow Yuri Gagarin, a private investigator observing a death aboard a spacecraft, weaving a tale through the vastness of space.
I’m not sure how far this fits within the realm of science fiction, but I believe there are many overlaps between sci-fi enthusiasts and those who adore Danielwski’s inventive works, particularly Leaf House. In fact, my colleague Jacob Aron selected it as one of the greatest sci-fi novels ever written. Therefore, I imagine quite a few people, myself included, are eager to hear about Danielewski’s latest novel this month. It ostensibly follows two friends who are trying to escape a massacre in a small town in Utah called Orbop, though I suspect there’s much more to it than that.
This dystopian narrative unfolds in a setting where a mysterious illness has stripped people of their memories, challenging how they interact and live. However, as “fragments of memory” start resurfacing, they threaten the center’s rigid structure, prompting students to question their reality. I love how they occupy their free time, watching old tapes and embodying characters like Chandler and Gunther, Maria and Chino!
Drawing comparisons to The Hunger Games, this story takes place in a dystopian world where individuals are evaluated based on their ability to fit in, centering on a woman caught in a love triangle. It highlights the perils of social and genetic engineering.
In Cold Eternity, a fugitive takes refuge on an abandoned spaceship
roman3dart/Getty Images
This slice of space horror is perfect for the Halloween season. Halley embarks on an adventure after uncovering an interplanetary conspiracy. She takes refuge in the Elysian Field, a drifting space vessel once believed to be a sanctuary by the wealthy until its inhabitants succumbed to death. After being abandoned for over a century, Halley now senses something amiss aboard…
Astronaut Chris Hadfield’s Cold War thriller is set in the 1970s during a space race involving the US, Soviet Union, and China. The narrative follows a new Apollo mission as it ventures into orbit. This marks the third entry in Hadfield’s series, following Apollo Murder and Exile.
This tale strikes me as a must-read. It unfolds in present-day Kolkata, where climate change and food scarcity have led to flooding and hunger. MA teams up with her husband in Michigan, bringing their 2-year-old daughter and elderly father. Just as they prepare to depart, MA realizes her immigration documents have been stolen. What ensues is a frantic one-week search for the thief. Meanwhile, the offender, Bulba, grapples with escalating crimes while trying to provide for his family. As disaster looms, what lengths will each individual go to protect their children?
European grey wolf (Canis Lupus) hunting in the forest
Arndt Sven-Erik / Arterra Picture Library / Alamy
Lucy, whose earliest memories date back to the Covid-19 pandemic, is now striving to restore lost species. Hester was born on the day of the Chernobyl disaster. In the words of Kim Stanley Robinson, this is “enduring” and “unforgettable.”
We receive two stories in one with this doubleheader. The first presents crime-laden narratives set in a futuristic scientific cosmos. Mirrors Red Star Hustle follows the adventures of a high-end escort entangled with a “noble clone of a murderous puppet monarch,” a unique blend that intrigues me. Kowal’s Anxiety also unfolds a tale of a grandmother whose grandchild is tempted into a terrorist group, all while a new planet harbors new challenges and possibilities.
If you enjoy Pride, Prejudice and Zombies, then Zenith (or Nadile) reimagines Jane Austen. This is an inventive remix of Pride and Prejudice and Frankenstein, depicting the lesser-known sister, Mary Bennett, as a brilliant scientist aspiring to revive the dead in search of her husband. But then she meets a remarkable young woman, leading her to reconsider her true desires.
What action should humanity take if an asteroid is heading toward the moon? Why not attempt to divert these celestial bodies before they collide? Should we neutralize it with a nuclear explosion?
These queries are examined in a recent paper authored by more than a dozen researchers, including NASA scientists. These scenarios aren’t merely theoretical: the asteroid known as 2024 YR4 is estimated to have a 4% chance of impacting the moon in 2032.
Such collisions could “spike levels of background radiation up to 1,000 times higher in just a few days, posing threats to astronauts and spacecraft in low-Earth orbit,” the researchers noted in their paper. The preprint on arXiv was published on September 15th but has yet to undergo peer review.
To prevent a potentially hazardous debris field, one approach is to use nuclear energy to neutralize the asteroid or, as scientists term it, create a “robust mess” before it reaches the moon.
Cue references from the “Armageddon” movie.
However, this approach carries significant risks, as it has never been tested for asteroid destruction using nuclear forces.
Crucial information about asteroid 2024 YR4 remains unknown, including its mass, which is vital for determining the most effective way to “destroy” it without unintentionally creating greater problems.
“If an explosion isn’t sufficient, just create a debris field anyway,” remarked Julie Brissett, interim director of the Florida Space Institute.
Asteroid 2024 YR4 was first identified in December by Chile’s Asteroid Land Impact Trajectory Store Alt System Station. NASA estimates it could be up to 220 feet in diameter, large enough to be categorized as a “city killer,” since it could severely damage an urban area or region on Earth.
Experts initially estimated a slim chance of asteroids hitting Earth, with an impact probability of 3% predicted earlier this year. However, subsequent analyses ruled out collisions with our planet.
Given that Earth appears to be safe, asteroid 2024 YR4 is considered to have an estimated 4.3% chance of impacting the moon.
The authors of a recent paper suggested launching a reconnaissance mission to study the asteroid and then developing an explosive device before deploying it for a space lock.
Alternatively, if a nuclear detonation is deemed too extreme for destruction, researchers will provide detailed strategies for steering the asteroid off course.
NASA has relevant experience; in 2022, its DART probe successfully altered its orbit by crashing into a small asteroid called Dimorphos. This test occurred 6.8 million miles from Earth, successfully redirecting Dimorphos and reducing its orbital period by 33 minutes, according to NASA.
However, for deflection efforts to succeed, Brissett noted that it’s crucial to ascertain the mass of asteroid 2024 YR4.
In response to an NBC News inquiry regarding NASA’s recent paper, Kelly Fast, the agency’s Planetary Defense Officer, stated that there are currently no plans to deflect the asteroid or intervene in its course.
Nevertheless, she indicated that a study is planned for early next year using the James Webb Space Telescope, aiming to yield insights into its trajectory.
“If we observe it, additional data could enhance our understanding of the asteroid’s position in December 2032,” Fast mentioned, “possibly reducing the impact probability to 0%.”
Even if missions, such as those discussed in the paper, can be executed, there are political dynamics to consider.
Currently, no astronauts or long-term habitats exist on the moon, though this may change. China, for instance, intends to send astronauts to the moon by 2030 and has discussed establishing a nuclear power plant there to support lunar bases in partnership with Russia.
The U.S. plans to conduct regular missions to the moon before NASA eventually targets Mars, but future missions and objectives remain uncertain due to notable budget cuts exceeding $6 billion in the NASA budget plan proposed by President Trump.
The use of nuclear devices in space could escalate tensions among the U.S., China, and other space-faring nations, potentially leading to disputes over which countries and agencies would spearhead or contribute to such projects, noted Brissett.
“It’s likely a country with the technical capability to do that,” she said, “narrowing it down to three or four, but the question remains: do they want to collaborate?”
Drawing inspiration from Elton John, there’s an intriguing feeling as I craft this article. As I write, it feels like it’s brewing into a hit, much like blending ice and tonic water for a refreshing experience.
While I don’t feel bittersweet, there’s an unmistakable sensation—light and lively, akin to the sparkle of synapses firing.
I’m not the first journalist to indulge while working; however, I assure you, the drink beside me is not alcohol. It’s Sentia, a composition developed by pharmacologists and addiction researchers, including Professor David Nutt.
Certified as the future of drinking, Sentia is designed to have a neuroactive effect on those who consume it.
The aim is to replicate the relaxed, social, and carefree feeling associated with one or two alcoholic beverages without the hangovers or addictive qualities, and with minimal calories—double mine.
So how does Sentia work without alcohol or caffeine? The concept involves enhancing the activity of neurotransmitters in the brain known as GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid—though after a few drinks, that might be hard to remember).
GABA is often referred to as the brain’s off switch, slowing our neural impulses. The effects can lead to reduced anxiety, mood enhancement, and better sleep.
Stress Relief through Neurotransmitter Support
GABA is naturally present in our bodies and can be obtained through our diets.
There is a debate on whether ingested GABA is actively effective—some researchers are skeptical about its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier—hence, Sentia claims to boost the GABA levels circulating in the brain.
In contrast, herbal blends in the drink are thought to enhance the efficacy of natural GABA in the brain and aid in its absorption in the gut. Currently, peer-reviewed evidence for this is limited.
Researchers from the University of Exeter have conducted brain scans on individuals consuming Sentia, observing brain wave patterns consistent with relaxation and sociability. Nutt also conducts his own research, while Gabalabs, the company making Sentia, funds additional studies.
That GABA influences mood and behavior is hardly controversial. Andrew Scholey, a professor of human psychopharmacology at Northumbria, is not directly associated with Sentia but is well-versed in GABA research.
In a 2023 study, he examined individuals with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and found that GABA levels were lower in those with high anxiety.
“This population showed a significant correlation,” Scholey noted. In another study, Shorey reviewed existing literature on orally ingested GABA and its impact on stress and sleep quality.
Despite mixed findings, he remarked, “there’s an indication that GABA improves sleep quality, which can, in turn, reduce stress.”
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Personal Experience
I’ve been sampling Sentia for a week while tracking my sleep through my Apple Watch. It’s perhaps unsurprising that my device indicated Sentia promotes more and better sleep than alcoholic options.
What’s hard to quantify with wearable technology is the sensation experienced while drinking Sentia. For me, the effect feels subtle—almost too subtle, leading me to wonder if it’s just a placebo effect. Yet, there is something.
After a Sentia, I feel relaxed and satisfied. Scholey points out the challenges in measuring the effects of psychoactive substances.
“Many recreational drugs have distinct felt effects,” he stated, “making it difficult to differentiate between actual psychopharmacological actions and placebo expectations, especially with substances like alcohol.”
Anecdotally, Shorey knows individuals within the psychopharmacology community who have tried Sentia, reporting mixed outcomes—some feel significant effects, while others do not experience any.
I’d say I fall somewhere in between. Regardless of its effectiveness, consuming Sentia is an enjoyable experience. I tried two out of three flavors, each exhibiting complex herbal notes, resembling cocktails rather than typical soft drinks.
Photo credit: Sentia
Given the rising curiosity about relationships with alcohol, it’s easy to see why products like Sentia spark interest. In the UK, sales of No and Low Alcohol beverages more than doubled in 2024 compared to the previous year.
Sentia isn’t the only brand offering psychoactive effects. Impossibrew, another UK brand, offers non-alcoholic products claiming to help consumers unwind by affecting brain waves.
Scholey also collaborates with ārepa, a New Zealand brand producing “functional” beverages that promote cognitive function.
For Nutt, who understands the substantial long-term and societal damage alcohol can cause, Sentia presents a healthier drinking alternative.
As for me, I remain uncertain about its effectiveness, but I’m open to trying it again if given the opportunity.
Tasting Notes for Sentia
Chandra Sarkar, Doctor | Taste: Sentia Red
“The aroma reminded me of a Christmas candle, but I wasn’t fond of its smoothie-like texture. It didn’t mix well with tonic but was quite enjoyable over ice. After a couple, I certainly felt a light buzz.”
“The effects didn’t last long, but if I were to consume it in the evening, I would take it at my own pace. As a doctor, I recommend ensuring that the herbal ingredients do not interact with any medications.”
Gentian Dema, Law Enforcement | Taste: Sentia Black
“Having avoided alcohol for over two years, I seek refreshment, relaxation, and stress relief when I drink. However, this didn’t align with my preferences.”
“It felt a bit sticky, and my mouth was dry afterward. I had to eat some grapes to clear the taste. Unfortunately, I didn’t feel much at all.”
No blue pigments have been found in Paleolithic art. This absence is attributed to the scarcity of naturally occurring blue pigments and the subtlety of these colors. However, archaeologists employed various methods to uncover traces of the lively blue mineral pigment azurite in Paleolithic adhesive stone artifacts from Mühlheim-Dietesheim, Germany, marking the earliest known use of blue pigments in Europe.
Three areas of blue residues found in the sandstone formations of stone artifacts at Muhlheim Dieschetim, Germany. Image credit: Wisher et al., doi: 10.15184/aqy.2025.10184.
Both Neanderthals and Homo sapiens utilized mineral and organic colors; however, their palette seems confined to black and red-yellow pigments sourced from charcoal, manganese dioxide, and various iron oxides.
These pigments are well documented across continents for numerous applications.
During the Paleolithic Age (300,000-40,000 years ago) in central Europe, Neanderthals are thought to have employed ochres and manganese dioxide, likely for purposes ranging from cave art to functional applications like adhesive compounds and fire extinguishing agents, as well as for symbolic practices.
In Homo sapiens, the use of pigments correlates with the onset of “behavioral modernity,” which emerged over 100,000 years ago and is acknowledged as a hallmark of cognitive complexity.
The prevalence of pigment use in the Upper Paleolithic raises intriguing questions about the absence of blue pigments in their artistic practices.
So far, only one instance of a copper-based turquolithic pigment has been documented, originating from decorated anthropomorphic figurines in parts of Malta, dating back 19,000-23,000 years.
The presence of blue pigments has not been recognized in the Paleolithic period in Europe until now.
“Our findings challenge the conventional understanding of the use of Paleolithic pigments,” stated Izzy Wisher, an archaeologist at Aarhus University.
In their investigation, Dr. Wisher and colleagues discovered blue pigments in stone artifacts with concave bowl-like features dating from 14,000 to 11,700 years ago on Mullheim Dieche Island, Germany.
This discovery signifies the first known utilization of blue pigments during the Upper Paleolithic in Europe.
“The detection of azurite suggests that Paleolithic individuals possessed a profound understanding of mineral pigments and had access to a broader color spectrum than previously recognized.
“Stones previously thought to be open circuit lamps now appear to have served as a mixed surface or palette for preparing blue pigments. This indicates an artistic or cosmetic practice that has largely gone unnoticed.”
These findings prompt a reconsideration of Paleolithic art and color usage, paving the way for exploring how early humans articulated their identities, status, and beliefs through a far more diverse and vibrant array of materials than was once imagined.
“We hypothesize that azurite was likely used more extensively than we had anticipated, based on its presence in Muhlheim Dietesheim and its potential availability within the landscape,” the researchers noted.
“The use of azurite might have been confined to activities that are not well-preserved in the archaeological record.”
“Blue pigments were evidently not employed to adorn Paleolithic cave walls or portable art objects in Europe, but they may have been utilized for body decoration instead.”
“Our results invite a critical examination of color usage in the Upper Paleolithic to ascertain why certain hues were favored or neglected in different artistic endeavors.”
The results were published this week in the journal Ancient.
____
Izzy Wisher et al. The earliest evidence of the use of blue pigments in Europe. Ancient Published online on September 29th, 2025. doi:10.15184/aqy.2025.10184
The Nordic Nutrition Recommendations 2023 emphasize a decrease in meat consumption while encouraging an increase in the intake of vegetables, fruits, berries, grains, nuts, and pulses. Research from Aarhus University, Aarhus University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, and the University of Copenhagen indicates that adherence to these guidelines correlates with a reduction in mortality rates.
Food-Based Nordic Nutrition Recommendations 2023 consider the environmental impact of diet regarding greenhouse gas emissions, land use, water consumption, along with nitrogen and phosphorus usage. Image credit: SERP PAE.
Diets significantly contribute to climate change, accounting for approximately 30% of global greenhouse gas emissions stemming from food production and consumption.
The Nordic Nutrition Recommendations 2023 aim to balance human health with sustainability.
“Our research shows that middle-aged Swedish men and women who adhere to these guidelines enjoy a 23% reduction in mortality rates compared to those who do not, factoring in education, income, and physical activity,” stated Anne Baku Molch, a Ph.D. student at Aarhus University.
“Findings indicate a decline in mortality rates from cancer and cardiovascular diseases among individuals who strictly follow these guidelines.”
This study analyzed data from over 76,000 Swedish men and women through two large population studies: the Swedish mammography cohort and the Swedish male cohort.
Since 1997, these participants have documented their dietary and lifestyle habits, establishing a solid foundation for investigating the relationship between diet and health.
“The implications of these findings hold significance for both human and planetary health,” commented Dr. Christina Derm from Aarhus University.
“Given that national dietary guidelines are rooted in Nordic nutrition recommendations, our findings are applicable across Scandinavian and Baltic nations.”
“We demonstrate that adherence to the entire set of guidelines contributes positively to public health.”
“Our research extends further; as the guidelines account for both nutritional value and environmental impacts, our study reveals that sustainable Scandinavian diets can enhance public health and positively influence climate, serving as a model for dietary sustainability in other regions globally.”
“This research confirms that following a Scandinavian diet can benefit both health and the climate.”
“However, we have yet to investigate the dietary impact on other health conditions, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or cancer.”
“We aim to explore these areas further in future studies.”
Anne B. Molch et al. Development of Nordic Nutrition Recommendations 2023 Food-based Diet Scores and Their Relationship with All-cause Mortality in Two Swedish Cohorts. Journal of Nutrition Published online on July 3, 2025. doi: 10.1016/j.tjnut.2025.06.030
Astronomers utilizing the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope have found evidence of energy deposition in the upper atmosphere of the nearby brown dwarf SIMP J013656.5+093347.3 caused by auroras.
Artist’s impression of aurora and brown dwarf SIMP-0136. Image credit: Evert Nasedkin.
SIMP J013656.5+093347.3 (commonly referred to as SIMP-0136) is a low-mass brown dwarf located 20 light years away in the Pisces constellation, approximately 6.12 light years from Earth.
As part of the Carina-near Stellar Association, this celestial object is estimated to be around 200 million years old.
The mass of SIMP-0136 is roughly estimated to fall between 12.7 and 17.8 times that of Jupiter.
With a spectral type of T2.5 and a temperature nearing 1,100 K, it exhibits many atmospheric properties similar to those of directly imaged exoplanets, such as HR 8799B and AF Lep b.
“Our observations have illuminated the activity of the robust aurora of SIMP-0136, which warms its atmosphere, much like the auroras on Earth and the powerful auroras found on Jupiter.”
“These measurements represent some of the most precise assessments of the atmospheres of extreme objects to this date, with direct measurements of atmospheric changes occurring for the first time.”
“Furthermore, with temperatures exceeding 1,500 degrees Celsius, SIMP-0136 will display mild heat waves this summer.”
“Our specific observations indicated that we could precisely record temperature variations of less than 5 degrees Celsius.”
“These temperature fluctuations were linked to minor alterations in the chemical makeup of this free-floating planet, hinting at storms akin to the Great Red Spot on Jupiter.
Another unexpected finding was the constancy of cloud variability in SIMP-0136.
Changes in cloud coverage might typically lead to atmospheric changes, similar to the variability observed with patches of clouds and clear skies on Earth.
However, astronomers discovered that cloud coverage remains stable across the surface of SIMP-0136.
At SIMP-0136’s temperatures, these clouds are distinct from Earth’s, primarily composed of silicate grains reminiscent of beach sand.
“Different wavelengths of light are associated with various atmospheric features,” stated Dr. Nasedkin.
“Similar to observing color changes on Earth’s surface, the color variations of SIMP-0136 are driven by alterations in atmospheric properties.”
“Utilizing advanced models enables us to deduce atmospheric temperature, chemical composition, and cloud positioning.”
“This work is thrilling as it showcases that by leveraging cutting-edge modeling techniques on Webb’s advanced datasets, we can understand the processes driving global weather throughout our solar system.”
“Understanding these meteorological processes is crucial as we continue discovering and characterizing exoplanets in the future.”
“Currently, such spectroscopic variability observations are limited to isolated brown dwarfs, but large telescopes and future studies, along with the eventual establishment of a habitable world observatory, will allow us to explore the atmospheric dynamics of exoplanets ranging from gas giants like Jupiter to rocky planets.”
The team’s survey results will be published in the journal Astronomy and Astrophysics.
____
E. Nasedkin et al. 2025. JWST Weather Report: Investigating temperature variations, aurora heating, and stable cloud coverage on SIMP-0136. A&A 702, A1; doi: 10.1051/0004-6361/202555370
Researchers from MIT and other institutions have discovered chemical fossils possibly left by ancient sponges on rocks dating back over 541 million years. These fossils consist of a distinctive type of sterlan, a stable variant of sterols found within the cell membranes of complex organisms. The team linked these sterlans to a category of sea sponges known as demosponges.
It highlights the picture representation of the ancient Stellan timeline, highlighting important compounds and their possible biological sources. Image credit: Shawar et al. , doi: 10.1073/pnas.2503009122.
“While I cannot precisely describe what these creatures looked like, I can assert they inhabited the ocean, had soft bodies, and likely lacked a silica skeleton,” stated MIT professor Roger Sammons.
In 2009, the researcher discovered the first chemical fossil believed to have originated from ancient sponges.
The team examined rock samples from outcrops in Oman and found an abundant sterlan they deduced to be a remnant of 30 carbon (C30) sterols—a rare steroid form attributed to ancient sea sponges.
Stellan was identified in very old rocks formed during the Ediacaran era (635-541 million years ago).
This era preceded the Cambrian period, which was marked by a sudden global explosion of complex, multicellular life forms.
The findings imply that ancient sponges may have existed far earlier than most multicellular organisms, potentially being one of the first animals on Earth.
Nevertheless, following the publication of these findings, alternative hypotheses emerged regarding the origin of C30 sterlan, suggesting that these chemicals could arise from other biological sources or non-organic geological processes.
The current study bolsters the initial hypothesis that ancient sponges produced this chemical record, as the researchers found new chemical fossils within the same promelat rock that were almost certainly biogenic.
Similar to previous studies, they searched for chemical fossils in rocks dating back to the Ediacaran period.
Samples were collected from drill cores and outcrops in Oman, West India, and Siberia, with analyses focused on the signatures of geologically stable sterols present in all eukaryotes (including plants, animals, and organisms with nuclear membranes).
“Without sterols or comparable membrane lipids, you cannot be classified as a eukaryote,” Professor Sammons remarked.
The chemical fossil identified in 2009 was 30-carbon sterols.
Additionally, the team deduced that these compounds could be synthesized due to distinct enzymes encoded by genes prevalent in demosponges.
“Finding sterols with 30 carbons is quite rare,” noted Dr. Lubna Shawar, a researcher at Caltech.
In this study, scientists concentrated on the chemistry of these compounds, observing that genes from the same sponge can produce even scarcer sterols with 31 carbon atoms (C31).
Upon analyzing rock samples of C31 sterlan, they discovered it was rich in the aforementioned C30 sterlan.
“These unique sterlans have been present all along,” Dr. Shawar remarked.
“We had to inquire the right questions to uncover them and truly comprehend what they signify and their origin.”
The researchers additionally procured samples of modern demosponges to examine for C31 sterols.
They determined that it is indeed a biological precursor of C31 sterlan found in rocks, observed in several species of contemporary demosponges.
Going further, they chemically synthesized eight different C31 sterols as reference materials to verify chemical structures.
The molecules were subjected to conditions simulating how sterols transform during deposition, burial, and pressurization over millions of years.
They found that two sterol-only products closely matched the structure of C31 sterols located in ancient rock samples.
The evidence from both substances strongly indicates that these compounds were created by living organisms rather than random non-biological processes.
Moreover, these organisms are likely ancestors of demosponges and still possess the capability to produce this set of compounds.
“It’s a blend of what’s present in the rock, what’s within the sponge, and what’s demonstrated in the lab,” explained Professor Sammons.
“Three supportive and concordant pieces of evidence strongly suggest these sponges are among Earth’s earliest animals.”
“This study illustrates how to authenticate biomarkers and confirm that the signals arise from life forms rather than contamination or abiogenic chemistry,” Dr. Shawar stated.
New Results were published this week in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
____
Lubuna Shawar et al. 2025. Chemical characterization of C31 sterols from the sponge and Neoproterozoic fossil star counterpart. PNAS 22 (41): E2503009122; doi: 10.1073/pnas.2503009122
Astronomers utilizing CSIRO’s Murchison Wide Field Array (MWA) telescope are on the quest to uncover the elusive period of reionization. This early stage in the universe’s history has been theorized but remains undetected by radio telescopes. This period marks the end of the universe’s dark ages, occurring approximately a billion years post-Big Bang, during which intergalactic gases transform from opaque to transparent, enabling light from the first stars and galaxies to permeate the cosmos.
A glimpse of the sky observed in radio waves by the Murchison Wide Field Array. Image credit: Nunhokee et al. / ICRAR / Curtin University.
“Our research was conducted in two phases,” stated Dr. Riddhima Nunhokey, an astronomer at Curtin University Node of the International Center for Radio Astronomical Research for All Sky Astrophysics (ICRAR).
“In the initial phase, we discovered the first signs of heating in the intergalactic gas—the intergalactic medium—around 800 million years after the Big Bang.”
“To examine this primordial phase of the universe, we must isolate faint signals from this epoch while eliminating all other sources of cosmic radio emissions.”
“These sources include emissions from nearby celestial bodies, interference from Earth’s atmosphere, and even noise generated by the telescope itself.”
“Only after meticulously subtracting these ‘foreground signals’ can we discern the signals from the era of reionization.”
“From this study, we have developed methods to manage foreground contamination and remove unwanted signals, thus enhancing our understanding of telescopes and improving the clarity of detected signals.”
“We are also able to integrate nearly a decade’s worth of MWA data, allowing us to make observations over a longer timeframe than before.”
“This is another reason we are closer than ever to detecting the signals.”
The team asserts that the enhanced quality and quantity of this new dataset made this discovery feasible.
The cold universe is producing signals that resemble these new data.
This absence of signals indicates that reionization must have commenced from a “cold start,” implying that the universe was “preheated” prior to the reionization phase.
“As the universe expands, intergalactic gases cool down, and thus we expect them to become extremely cold,” explained Professor Cathryn Trott, an astronomer at ICRAR’s Curtin University Node, associated with Astro 3D and the Curtin Institute of Radio Astronomy.
“Our measurements suggest that there is a certain level of heating present. While it may not be substantial, it does indicate that extremely cold reionization is unlikely, and that’s quite intriguing.”
“This study implies that this heating is probably influenced by energy from early black holes and primordial X-ray sources resulting from stellar remnants spread across the universe.”
CD Nunhokee et al. 2025. The 21 cm power spectrum limit of z = 6.5–7.0 based on Murchison wide field array observations. APJ 989, 57; doi:10.3847/1538-4357/adda45
Cathryn M. Trott et al. 2025. Utilizing Gaussian information to enhance the limit of the 21 cm signal at z = 6.5–7.0 using Murchison wide field array data. APJ 991, 211; doi: 10.3847/1538-4357/adff80
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The belly button, often overlooked, is both well-researched and under-researched. A recent study may have uncovered the reason most individuals have “innie” belly buttons, potentially linked to a previously unknown structure that pulls the belly button inward.
Researchers made this discovery while investigating optimal techniques for abdominal and hernia repair surgery.
The team’s goal was to minimize occurrences of what is known as an “uncised hernia of the umbilical,” a condition where muscle weakness from prior surgeries allows abdominal tissue to push outward, causing bulging around the belly button.
Satori Muro from the Japanese Institute of Science mentions that this issue often arises, despite the fact that the anatomical details of the umbilical area have not been extensively reported. The researchers conducted a meticulous microscopic analysis of the ventral buttons from five donated human bodies and subsequently created a 3D model of the structure.
The belly button is essentially the remnant of the fetal umbilical cord, which connects to the placenta until birth. Approximately 90% of people show a concave depression where the umbilical scar has healed. However, Muro’s team identified a “fibrous tunnel-like structure” just beneath the skin of the umbilical tissue, seamlessly extending into the deeper layers of tissue. This underlying tissue, known as the abdominal fascia, plays a critical role in stabilizing the abdomen and securing the organs.
This structure is composed of densely packed collagen fibers oriented circumferentially, resembling the umbilical cord. “This sheath seems to anchor the inward curl of the belly button to the deep fascia in multiple directions,” Muro explains, helping to maintain the unique inward shape of the belly button.
However, the team was unable to include individuals with “outie” belly buttons in their study, indicating that further research is necessary to explore the variations in umbilical cord structures among individuals.
“Differences in umbilical cord development or strength may contribute to whether someone’s belly button protrudes outward,” Muro adds.
Kat Sanders from the University of Sydney emphasizes that belly buttons are indeed vital anatomical features, but more extensive research is needed, as five subjects cannot provide a comprehensive understanding for all variations of belly buttons.
“This study reveals aspects of anatomy that are infrequently examined. Given that this area is frequently accessed during laparoscopic procedures, there’s substantial surgical interest,” Sanders states.
Michelle Moscova from the University of New South Wales believes this research will enhance understanding of the structural integrity of the abdomen.
“Umbilical hernias are a common complication after abdominal surgery, where contents such as intestines protrude through a weaker area in the abdomen, leading to inflating around the belly button,” Moscova notes.
Life-sized camel engraving at Jebel Misma, Saudi Arabia
Sahout Rock Art and Archeology Project
The ancient people of the Arabian Desert left behind impressive rock art, including a large depiction of a camel, likely marking a water source.
Michael Petraglia, from Griffith University in Brisbane, along with his team, uncovered 176 sculptures across 62 panels in the Nehod Desert of Saudi Arabia in 2023. This collection includes not only life-size camel images but also 15 smaller camel sculptures and two camel footprints.
One particular rock art site featured a 3-meter-high dromedary located over 40 meters high on a cliff, making it impossible for the research team to safely access it without using a drone.
“Creating these sculptures must have been perilous,” Petraglia remarked. “Reaching that height was unfeasible.”
Besides camels, the rock art also illustrates other large animals such as ibex, horses, gazelles, and aurochs, highlighting what must have been a once mild climate. The team also uncovered carved human figures and masks.
“This isn’t merely about inscribing or altering the landscape,” Petraglia emphasizes. “These sculptures hold significant cultural value.”
Researchers propose that these images may have served as warnings to outsiders about the land’s occupation or indicated temporary water sources. Such findings contribute to the understanding of the extensive prehistoric habitation of Saudi Arabia.
Natural varnishes forming over the sculpture suggest it has aged for about 8,000 years. However, since the artwork itself couldn’t be dated directly, the team excavated sediments beneath the rock art panel.
Excavation site and discovery of sculpture tools beneath Jebel Arnaan’s rock art panel
Sahout Rock Art and Archaeology Project
There, the team found stone points, beads, and objects linking back to the late Neolithic people of the Levant, as well as tools that were likely used for sculpting. These artifacts date back around 12,800 to 11,400 years.
Excavations also took place near a small temporary lake called Playa, which ancient people would have depended on. Evidence from sediment and pollen confirms that this area was once far more verdant and hospitable.
Nonetheless, Petraglia believes the environment remains harsh, making it unlikely that people could establish permanent settlements in the area.
“These were likely transient communities, showcasing innovation,” he notes. “These were adept hunter-gatherers, far from mere survivalists.”
Cairo and Alexandria: Scientific Innovators of the Ancient World
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The Internet loves cat videos, but how do cats feel?
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It appears to be quite amusing to give your cat or dog a genuine scare. At least, that’s the impression one gets from various viral videos on TikTok, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram.
As a science journalist specializing in animal behavior, I assure you I’m not joking. Owners post clips of themselves wearing Halloween masks or using stuffed predator toys, suddenly popping out from behind doors or sofas.
Yet my perception may be skewed. These videos genuinely amuse their viewers, racking up millions of views, filled with laughing emojis and enthusiastic comments highlighting favorite moments.
While watching such videos isn’t my preferred form of procrastination, I recently encountered research by Alina Cunoll from the German Veterinary Medicine Hanover and her colleagues in their analysis of 162 “funny” pet videos on social media. They discovered that 82% of these clips showed animals exhibiting clear signs of stress, with 30% indicating potential pain. Taken aback by these statistics, I decided to scrutinize my own viewing habits.
I’ve spent a considerable amount of time observing supposedly hilarious pet videos online. Regrettably, I can confirm that those researchers aren’t overstating their findings. There seems to be an abundance of content where individuals intentionally scare pets in terrifying “boo” pranks, alongside many clips where animals accidentally injure themselves.
Once, I raised a rescue kitten that tragically slipped off the couch and landed poorly, leading to paralysis that required euthanasia. We’ve witnessed dogs enduring horrific injuries from concussions, nerve damage, and collisions with glass. But hey, isn’t it funny?
There’s also a trend of showcasing dogs’ “mysterious” actions. People snap pictures of piles of fluff taken from the couch while asking, “What did you do?” Although owners may revel in the social media success and their pets’ so-called “guilt,” the harsh truth is that destructive behavior often signals poor welfare, and a guilty expression in a dog is likely a reaction to anticipated punishment rather than true regret. In reality, the joke is on you, the owner.
Additionally, many pets depicted in these videos are severely overweight, struggling to navigate pet doors, and having difficulty moving or jumping onto furniture. Other animals showcased for entertainment are dealing with disorders like nerve damage, resulting in abnormal walking or movements.
Viewing these scenes, I can’t help but feel that modern technology has crafted a sick spectacle reminiscent of 19th-century circuses and sideshows, where audiences reveled in the fear, ridicule, and physical deformities of others.
It’s perplexing to consider the origins of this trend. I hope it stems from a significant misunderstanding—perhaps people don’t realize they are laughing at the suffering of other beings. Regardless, it raises significant concerns. Research suggests that repeated exposure to violence and cruelty online can dull our emotions. Such content may desensitize us to animal suffering while normalizing harmful scenes in our minds. (Indeed, this theory often plays out in reality, as those who comment against such content are frequently met with hostility and shame.)
The silver lining is that animals can be entertaining in their own right, without the need for pain, stress, or provocation. Just ask someone who’s witnessed a cat playing on a computer, splashing water from a sink faucet, or a dog joyfully leaping into a lake. It’s easy to find laughter in happy, healthy animals engaging in natural play and exploration without fear or discomfort.
Let’s suggest some new social media challenges instead. Show us videos of your pets having fun without stress, pain, or limitations. We dare you to make us laugh while you and your pets enjoy quality time together.
Laboratories enable modification of human egg cell genetic identity
Science Photo Library / Aramie
Human embryos arise from eggs that utilize the DNA from adult skin cells. This was accomplished with mice. This advancement may offer a pathway for same-sex couples or women facing fertility challenges to have biologically related children.
Researchers have successfully replicated animals through cloning techniques. This involves substituting the nucleus of an egg cell with the nuclei from somatic cells such as skin cells. However, in addition to the legal hurdles surrounding human cloning, many couples desire children that carry genes from both partners, necessitating both sperm and eggs. Shoukhrat Mitalipov of Oregon Health and Science University.
This scenario is complicated by the nature of eggs and sperm being haploid, meaning they contain only one set of chromosomes. The challenge lies in halving the complete set of chromosomes found within cells such as skin cells after selecting an optimal combination of the original genes.
Females develop all of their eggs while still in the womb, where the progenitor cells initially containing 46 chromosomes undergo a complicated process of replication, mixing, and division to reduce to 23 chromosomes.
Mitalipov was intrigued by the possibility of employing natural chemical processes that facilitate chromosomal division in mature human eggs both before and after fertilization to replicate this process in his laboratory.
Having achieved this with mice, Mitalipov and his team are now trialing the method with human subjects. They started by extracting the nuclei from hundreds of eggs donated by healthy women, which were left at a specific development stage linked to chromosomal division. Next, the nuclei of skin cells, known as fibroblasts, from healthy female volunteers were inserted into these eggs. Microscopic images displayed the chromosomes aligned on the spindle and the internal structures necessary for chromosomal separation.
The team then injected sperm from a healthy donor to fertilize some of the eggs, utilizing a method akin to that employed in creating babies using third-party mitochondrial DNA, which can also minimize the risk of specific genetic disorders.
This injection typically causes the eggs to undergo chromosome selection and eliminate duplicate DNA, preparing them for additional reception from the sperm. Nonetheless, in the case of the skin-derived eggs, this process was interrupted, with chromosomes aligning but not separating. Consequently, the researchers attempted again with a new batch of fertilized eggs, applying an electrical pulse that allowed calcium to surge into the egg, emulating natural signals triggered when sperm contact the egg’s outer layer, alongside an incubation period with a drug to activate them from their dormant state pre-fertilization.
Through a series of trials, the researchers successfully halved the chromosome counts in the eggs, discarding any excess. By the conclusion of the experiment, 9% of the fertilized eggs had developed into blastocysts — a dense cluster of cells at about 5-6 days post-fertilization, typically moving into the uterus during IVF treatments. However, the team did not pursue the transfer or sustain the blastocyst beyond six days.
Despite the progress made, the mixtures of genes forming the remaining chromosomes appeared particularly susceptible to defects. “I believe this method is still in its early stages and is not presently suitable for clinical applications,” stated MITINORI SAITOU from Kyoto University in Japan.
Lin from Osaka University noted that while the techniques are “very sophisticated and organized,” they remain “inefficient and potentially hazardous for immediate clinical use.” Nevertheless, Hayashi remarked that the team has achieved a “substantial breakthrough in reducing the human genome.” “This advancement will herald new technologies,” he stated.
Mitalipov acknowledged the validity of the criticisms, emphasizing that his team is actively working to address the existing flaws. “At the end of the day, we’re making progress, but we aren’t there yet,” he remarked.
This research indicates that approximately two-thirds of daily actions occur automatically, triggered by familiar surroundings, timing, or established routines. Essentially, much of our lives are lived on autopilot.
According to Professor Benjamin Gardner, one of the study’s co-authors, “Psychologists describe habits as associations of Cu and Bijavia.” As he noted in BBC Science Focus, “For instance, when I start a task, it automatically prompts me to make tea… Without these habits, we’d be overwhelmed by the need to think through every action we take.”
The research team monitored 105 individuals in the UK and Australia, sending them notifications six times a week to inquire about their activities and whether those actions were intentional or habitual.
Upon analyzing the data, they found that 65% of the actions were habit-driven, 88% were at least partially performed on autopilot, and 76% aligned with the individuals’ conscious goals.
This last statistic is crucial. Rather than diminishing our intentions, many habits actually support their achievement.
Gardner stated, “There’s nothing intrinsically good or bad about a habit itself. If it aids in achieving your goals, it’s a positive habit. If it hinders them, it’s a negative habit.”
The most frequently reported activities included work, educational or volunteer efforts, national or parenting responsibilities, and screen time. Interestingly, exercise was notable as an exception; while many initiated it automatically, conscious effort was still necessary.
Exercise often begins as a habit but is one of the few activities that requires conscious effort to complete – Credit: Getty
The findings point to the potential for using habits to enhance public health and individual well-being. For instance, pairing a new movement with a dependable cue—like exercising after work—can help establish that routine. Breaking old habits, such as substituting chewing gum after meals for smoking, may prove more effective than relying solely on willpower.
When attempting to change a habit, Gardner suggests keeping a record over several days of where you are, the time, and the environment when the habit starts. “Tracking this for a week should help reveal what triggers the habit.”
Ultimately, habits shouldn’t be seen as adversaries to free will. “Habits are incredibly beneficial; they conserve mental energy for other tasks,” Gardner explained. “Despite their negative image, it’s essential to realize that automating many of your desired actions is advantageous.”
Professor Grace Vincent, a sleep scientist at the University of Central Queensland and co-author of the study, agrees: “When you work on cultivating positive habits—whether it’s for sleep hygiene, nutrition, or general health improvement—you can depend on your internal ‘autopilot’ to help establish and maintain these habits.”
Jets erupting from the black hole at the heart of the Galaxy M87
Jan Röder; Maciek Wielgus et al. (2025)
Over a hundred years ago, Heber Curtis identified the inaugural black hole jet, a tremendous stream of heated plasma emerging from the supermassive black hole located in the core of the Galaxy M87. The James Webb Space Telescope is currently scrutinizing this jet with remarkable precision.
Since its initial observation in 1918, the M87 jet gained fame for being connected to the first imaged black hole in 2019; however, it has been analyzed by various telescopes and is arguably the most extensively studied black hole jet. Yet, many aspects of its behavior, like some intensely luminous regions and darker spiral-shaped sections, still lack thorough explanation. Astronomers suspect these may be the result of jet beam refocusing or varying chains that form upon interacting with new materials like the dense gaseous regions. Nonetheless, the fundamental mechanisms remain elusive.
Recently, Maciek Wielgus from the Institute of Astrophysics in Andalusia, Spain, along with his colleagues, utilized the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) to further unveil the famous luminous features of the M87 jets. They also succeeded in capturing a striking and less frequently observed counterjet that shoots out in the opposite direction from the other side of the black hole.
Wielgus and his team analyzed data retrieved from another project examining the M87 star, where JWST’s infrared sensors proved particularly effective. The overwhelming starlight complicated the jet analysis, necessitating the data to be re-evaluated to filter out the extraneous light. “This is a classic example of what astronomers often describe as using another’s discarded data,” notes Wielgus.
The first bright region identified in the jet is termed Hubble Space Telescope 1, in acknowledgment of the discovering telescope, and is believed to result from the jet’s compression entering a higher pressure environment. This phenomenon resembles the bright diamond-shaped patterns seen in rocket engine exhausts.
Researchers can also observe the far end of the jet on the opposite side of M87. As it propels away from us at speeds nearing the speed of light, Einstein’s theory of special relativity renders it much dimmer than it inherently is. However, when this beam encounters another area of gas with varying pressures, it expands and becomes perceptible.
This indicates the end of the material foam surrounding M87, alongside the visible termination of the jet nearest to us. With the imaging of the other end of the jet in such detail in infrared, astronomers can commence modeling the gas structures present within this bubble, states Wielgus.
The Mystery of the Universe: Cheshire, England
Join some of the leading scientific minds for a weekend exploring the enigmas of the universe. Engage in an exciting agenda that includes a visit to the renowned Lovell telescope.
The Hubble team has unveiled stunning images captured by the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope, showcasing half of the Barred Spiral Galaxy NGC 6000.
This Hubble image reveals NGC 6000, a barred spiral galaxy located around 102 million light years away in the constellation Scorpius. Image credits: NASA/ESA/Hubble/A. Filippenko/MHözsaraç.
NGC 6000 is approximately 102 million light years distant from the constellation Scorpio.
Also known as ESO 450-20, IRAS 15467-2914, or LEDA 56145, this spiral galaxy spans nearly 67,000 light years.
It was first observed by British astronomer John Herschel on May 8, 1834.
Classified as a Seyfert II Galaxy, NGC 6000 is the brightest galaxy in the constellation of Scorpio.
“The NGC 6000 showcases a luminous yellow center surrounded by a sparkling blue region,” stated Hubble astronomers.
“These colors signify variations in the average age, mass, and temperature of the stars within the galaxy.”
“In the galaxy’s core, the stars tend to be older and smaller.”
“Interestingly, fewer giant stars are cooler compared to their larger counterparts; cooler stars appear red, while hotter stars take on a blue hue.”
“Along the spiral arm of NGC 6000, the Brilliant Star cluster is home to a young, massive star that distinctly looks blue.”
Hubble’s instruments gathered data from new images of NGC 6000 while investigating the site of a recent supernova explosion in a nearby galaxy.
“NGC 6000 has witnessed two supernovas: SN 2007CH in 2007 and SN 2010 in 2010,” noted the astronomer.
“We were able to detect the faint glow of the supernova several years post the initial explosion.”
“These observations assist in determining the star mass of supernova progenitor cells and whether they possess stellar companions.”
“If you zoom in on the right side of the galaxy disc in this image, you may notice other yellow and blue formations, which are four thin lines.”
“These represent asteroids from our solar system transit across Hubble’s field of vision while observing NGC 6000.”
“The four streaks arise from varying exposures captured sequentially with brief pauses in between, which we merged to create this final image.”
“The colors appear in this manner: each exposure captures specific red and blue wavelengths, as we used filters to isolate light at very particular wavelengths.”
“Collecting these individual exposures is vital for studying and comparing star colors, though it makes inter-agency intrusions quite apparent.”
According to new research published in the journal Food, daily consumption of mango (Mangifera indica) over a period of 24 weeks has shown improvements in both short- and long-term glycemic control, reduced insulin resistance, increased insulin sensitivity, and favorable changes in body composition for pre-diabetic patients. These findings indicate that incorporating fresh mangoes into the diet may aid glycemic control for those at high risk for type 2 diabetes, offering a practical food-based strategy to enhance body composition.
Daily consumption of mangoes for 24 weeks significantly enhanced glycemic control, insulin sensitivity, and body composition in adults with diabetes, underscoring the potential of mangoes as an effective dietary strategy for metabolic health. Image credit: Mohan Nannapaneni.
Currently, over 130 million adults in the United States are living with diabetes or pre-diabetes, as reported by the CDC.
Predictions indicate that by 2030, nearly 40% of U.S. adults will be affected by prediabetes.
Early identification and prevention at the prediabetic stage is crucial, as many individuals remain unaware of their condition until complications arise.
Nutrition plays a vital role in glycemic control, and a balanced diet can promote both enhanced blood glucose regulation and overall long-term health.
In a diabetes prevention program, lifestyle interventions resulted in a 58% reduction in the incidence of type 2 diabetes, compared to a 31% reduction with metformin versus placebo. Thus, identifying accessible natural strategies to mitigate these risk factors is essential for delaying diabetes onset and minimizing associated complications.
Dietary practices enriched with fruits, vegetables, and bioactive compounds have shown beneficial effects on glycemic control and metabolic health.
Mangoes, being tropical fruits, are rich in several bioactive compounds such as carotenoids, ascorbic acid, dietary fiber, phenolic compounds, gallbladder acid, and quercetin.
“It’s not merely about the sugar content; the overall context of the food is crucial,” stated Dr. Raedeh Basiri, a Clinical Nutrition Researcher at George Mason University.
“This study stands as the first long-term clinical trial to showcase the metabolic and body composition benefits of mangoes for individuals with prediabetes.”
“Essentially, it’s about more than just the sugar present in food. The naturally occurring sugars in mangoes and other fruits are balanced by the fiber and other vitamins and nutrients that confer additional health advantages.”
“Foods with added sugars, like breakfast cereals and low-sugar snacks, often lack the same nutritional value and may even elevate the risk of diabetes.”
“The objective is to urge people to include whole fruits like mangoes in their dietary strategies for healthy eating and diabetes prevention.”
“Individuals at high risk for diabetes should emphasize not only the sugar content of their food but also how the sugar is delivered.”
Dr. Basiri and her team divided participants into two groups: one receiving fresh mangoes daily and the other receiving low-sugar granola bars.
Throughout the six-month study, researchers measured participants’ blood glucose levels, their insulin response, and body fat.
The results showed that the high-sugar content in mangoes (32 grams of sugar) was more beneficial than the low-sugar granola bars (11 grams of sugar).
The group consuming mangoes daily exhibited improved glycemic control, heightened insulin sensitivity, and reduced body fat.
“Our findings reinforce and broaden the emerging evidence on the metabolic advantages of consuming fresh mango daily among pre-diabetic individuals,” the researchers noted.
“Participants who ate an average of one mango each day for 24 weeks recorded lower fasting blood glucose levels compared to the control group.”
“Future studies should utilize objective dietary biomarkers (like plasma carotenoids and urinary polyphenols) to enhance accuracy and credibility.”
“Additionally, exploring the mechanisms underlying these observed effects, including the role of bioactive compounds in mango on insulin signaling and inflammation, is essential, especially across diverse populations.”
“Longer follow-up periods and comparisons with other fruits and dietary strategies could provide clarity on the specific benefits of mangoes for metabolic health.”
“Final investigations should delve into broader health advantages of mango consumption beyond glycemic control and body composition, including potential impacts on metabolic pathways and variations in gene expression, as individual responses to the same foods can differ.”
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Raedeh Basiri et al. 2025. Daily mango intake improves blood glucose and body composition outcomes in prediabetic adults: a randomized controlled study. Food 14 (17): 2971; doi: 10.3390/foods14172971
Astronomers utilizing the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope have identified a carbon-rich disk encircling CT Cha B, a massive exoplanet located approximately 620 light years from Earth in the Chamaeleon constellation. This discovery offers the first direct insights into the chemical and physical characteristics of the gas giant and the materials that might contribute to its potential lunar system.
Artistic rendering of dust and gas discs surrounding a young exoplanet CT Cha b. Image credits: NASA/ESA/CSA/STSCI/G. CUGNO, University of Zurich & NCCR Planets/S. Grant, Carnegie Institution for Science/J. Olmsted, Stsci/L. Hustak, Stsci.
CT CHA, also referred to as PDS 44 and TIC 454259409, is merely 2 million years old and continues to accumulate materials for its formation.
However, the disks identified by Webb are independent of the larger accretion disks surrounding the central star.
“We can observe signs of disks around companion celestial bodies and explore their chemistry for the first time,” remarks Dr. Sierra Grant, an astronomer at the Carnegie Institution for Science.
“We are not merely observing the moon’s formation; we are witnessing the planet’s formation as well.”
“We are investigating the materials involved in forming planets and moons,” added Dr. Gabriele Kuno, an astronomer from the University of Zurich and the National Center for Capacity for Research Planets.
An initial examination of Webb’s archived data revealed evidence of molecules in the surrounding disk, prompting deeper analysis of the data.
The planet’s faint signal is obscured by the glare of its host star, requiring astronomers to utilize high-contrast techniques to separate the star’s light from that of the planet.
“We detected molecules in the planet’s vicinity, indicating there was something significant to delve into within the data, which took us a year of dedicated effort. It truly required a lot of patience,” Dr. Grant stated.
Ultimately, researchers identified seven carbon-containing molecules within the disk, including acetylene (C2H2) and benzene (C6H6).
This carbon-rich chemistry contrasts sharply with that found in the disks around the host star, where water was detected alongside carbon.
The disparity between the two disks suggests rapid chemical evolution occurring within just 2 million years.
“We aim to better understand how our solar system formed its moons. This necessitates examining other systems that are still in the process of development. We are striving to comprehend all the underlying mechanisms,” Dr. Cugno explained.
“What do these moons resemble? What are their components? What physical processes are in action, and what are the associated timescales?”
“Webb is capturing the narrative of moon formation, enabling us to explore these questions observationally for the very first time.”
The survey results were published today in the Astrophysical Journal Letters.
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Gabriele Cugno & Sierra L. Grant. 2025. A carbon-rich disk surrounding the planetary mass ally. ApJL 991, L46; doi: 10.3847/2041-8213/ae0290
Researchers have discovered a new species within the marsupial genus Marmosa from a single specimen found on the eastern slopes of the Andes in the San Martin region of Peru.
Marmosa Chachapoya. Image credit: Pedro Peloso.
Marmosa is a relatively small genus of neotropical mammals belonging to the family Didelphidae.
It represents one of three genera commonly referred to as mouse opossums, with the others being Tamarins and Tracuatine.
Marmosa Professor Sylvia Pavan from California Polytechnic University and her team stated:
“In addition to the naming of this species Marmosa, phylogenetic analysis has recently identified two potential new species from northern Peru. One has been classified under the subgenus Stegomarmosa, while the other is situated among the species of the subgenus Mikureus.
The new Marmosa species was found at altitudes where no other species of this genus had previously been recorded.
Designated as Marmosa Chachapoya, these animals exhibit reddish-brown fur and distinct mask-like facial markings.
They have a combined body and tail length of up to 25 cm (10 inches), with the body measuring approximately 10 cm (4 inches).
Researchers note that Marmosa Chachapoya is closely related to two species in the subgenus Stegomarmosa: Marmosa Repida and Marmosa Undersoni.
“I quickly realized this was an extraordinary find,” said Professor Pavan.
“Currently, we know very little about this species, as only a single specimen has been collected.”
To verify its classification as a new species, scientists analyzed its DNA and physical characteristics, concentrating on notable features such as the elongated nose and slender body.
“Marmosa Chachapoya is not the only new species discovered during our expedition,” Professor Pavan remarked.
“We have collected several other specimens, including new semi-aquatic rodents that have yet to be officially described.”
“These discoveries are crucial for biodiversity and conservation efforts, underscoring the ongoing mysteries of biodiversity in this region.”
“The results suggest that there are additional undiscovered species, many of which may be at risk without proper protection.”
“It emphasizes the significant role of scientific exploration and conservation in areas like the Rio Abysseo.”
The team’s paper was published in the journal Novitate at the American Museum on June 19, 2025.
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Sylvia E. Pavan et al. 2025. New species of Marmosa (Mammals, Didelphimorphia, Didelphidae) from Peru’s Parque Nacional del Rio Abysseo. Novitate at the American Museum 4037
The newly identified species, scientifically named Garga Draco Zephilius, marks a significant similarity between species from the Hayeg Basin in Romania and the well-known Brazilian Azdaltid pterosaur.
Reconstruction of the life of Garga Draco Zephilius in the late Maastrichtian environment, highlighting the nostalgia of the Serada Gargaziosite. Image credit: Matheus Gadelha.
Garga Draco Zephilius thrived in what is now Brazil approximately 70-67 million years ago, during the late Cretaceous period.
These flying reptiles belong to the Azdaltid family, renowned for hosting some of the largest flying creatures known to date.
“The Azdalcidae family represents the most diverse and widespread clade of pterosaurs during the Turonian Maastrichtian interval (94-67 million years ago),” they noted.
“This context underscores the anticipation surrounding the discovery of Azdaltid in the fossil-rich Baul group of Brazil.”
“Prior to our research, it was widely believed that no pterosaurs existed within the Baul group, despite its extensive tetrapod fauna richness and diversity.”
“Moreover, the discovery of Garga Draco Zephilius bridges a significant temporal gap in the regional pterosaur records, tracing its lineage back to the Lower Cretaceous Kaia group.”
Paleontologists found fragmentary jaws of Garga Draco Zephilius within the Serada Garga layer.
“The specimen originated from the Serada Gargaziosite in Serada Garga (Garga Hill), located 25 km north of Uberaba County,” they reported.
“This site is home to regions typical of the sauropod Titanosaur uberabatitan ribeiroi and is also recognized as the BR-050 site.”
Garga Draco Zephilius was a medium to large pterosaur with a wingspan ranging from 4-5 m (13-16 feet).
This species signifies the first Brazilian azdaltide and shows notable similarities to Albadraco Tharmisensis from Romania.
“Despite being fragmentary, the specimen exhibits distinct morphological characteristics that set it apart from other azdaltids,” the researchers concluded.
“It showcases a unique set of traits that allow it to be categorized as a relative of the European azhdarchids, particularly Albadraco Tharmisensis, which include features like the V-shaped cross-section, low/rounded tomial edges, symmetrically paired rows of occlusal holes, and a high-hole index.”
“The phylogenetic analysis provides support for the relationship between this new form and its sister taxon, Albadraco Tharmisensis.
“Ultimately, the discovery of these rare small specimens with potential hatching remains holds significant importance.”
The findings are detailed in a study published this month in Paleontology Papers.
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Ariovaldo A. Giaretta et al. 2025. The first pterosaur from the Baul group: Azdalcid from the upper Cretaceous period of Brazil. Paleontology Papers 11(5): E70039; doi: 10.1002/spp2.70039
Bubbles formed in water can generate electric sparks powerful enough to ignite methane.
In marshy areas, observers sometimes notice a mysterious flash of blue light hovering above the surface. A plausible explanation for these “Will-o’-the-wisps,” or Ignis Fatuus, is that the flashes originate from the combustion of gases such as methane and phosphine, produced by decomposing organic matter in the murky waters below. However, the ignition source for these gases remains uncertain, with theories suggesting causes ranging from static electricity to lightning strikes.
Recently, Richard Zare from Stanford University and his team have observed spontaneous electrical sparks occurring between methane bubbles and air submerged underwater, dubbing them microlites. They assert that these occurrences have sufficient energy to ignite methane gas.
“We are continually uncovering new phenomena about water. They seem obvious once we grasp them, but prior to that, they appear entirely bizarre,” Zare remarks. “People typically associate water with extinguishing fires, not igniting them. Instead, it can generate sparks that light a fire. This concept is revolutionary.”
Zare and his team previously documented water droplets, comparable to the size of salt grains, generating sparks spontaneously. This led them to hypothesize that similar effects could arise from methane bubbles in water. They employed nozzles to inject microbubbles of methane combined with air into water and utilized a high-speed camera, photon counter, and spectrometer to monitor bubble interactions.
As the bubbles ascended through the water, they altered their shape and merged. Upon collision, the contrast in charge between the bubbles sparked flashes, which Zare’s team successfully recorded using both the camera counter and the photon counter.
They also analyzed the light frequency from the flashes, finding it consistent with signatures of specific chemically excited compounds. This indicates that the sparks are potent enough to ignite gases like methane.
Microlight between air and methane-containing foam
Yusia
“[The Italian physicist Alessandro] Volta was the first to assert that these ignis fatuus exist and speculated on their nature. In some ways, he was correct, but not for the reasons he thought. They actually originate from the droplets.”
“This is incredibly intriguing,” states Detlef Lohse from the University of Twente in the Netherlands. While this does not definitively resolve the mystery of Will-o’-the-wisps, it presents a credible explanation, and the findings are likely to stimulate further research.
Alexander Grothendieck was a towering figure in mathematics
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When you ask someone to name the top 20 physicists of the 20th Century, Albert Einstein will likely be at the forefront of their thoughts. However, a similar inquiry regarding mathematics may leave you with silence. Let me introduce you to Alexander Grothendieck.
Einstein, known for formulating the theory of relativity and playing a pivotal role in the advancement of quantum mechanics, became not only an influential physicist but a cultural icon. Grothendieck, too, revolutionized mathematics in profound ways, but he withdrew from public and academic life before his passing, leaving behind a legacy characterized solely by his groundbreaking contributions.
In contrast, while both Grothendieck and Einstein brought complexity to their respective fields, the former’s approach lacked the narrative charm that made Einstein’s theories, such as the twin paradox, more accessible. Grothendieck’s work, on the other hand, often veers into intricate and abstract concepts. I will endeavor to shed light on some of these profound ideas, even if my coverage is necessarily superficial.
To begin, Grothendieck is primarily renowned among mathematicians for revolutionizing the foundations of algebraic geometry, a domain examining the interplay between algebraic equations and geometric shapes. For instance, the equation x² + y² = 1 creates a circle of radius one when graphed.
Rene Descartes, a 17th-century philosopher, was among the first to formalize the relationship between algebra and geometry. This intersection, nevertheless, is far more intricate than it appears. Mathematicians are keen on generalizing, allowing them to form connections that were not previously evident. Grothendieck excelled in this endeavor—his life was depicted in a book recounting “the search for the greatest generality,” a hallmark of his mathematical ethos.
Taking our previous example, the points satisfying the equation and forming the circle are referred to as “algebraic varieties.” These varieties may reside not only on a Cartesian plane but also in three-dimensional space (like a sphere) or even in higher dimensions.
This foundational idea was merely the beginning for Grothendieck. As an illustration, consider the equations x² = 0 and x = 0. Each has a single solution where x equals 0, meaning the set of points (algebraic varieties) is identical. However, these equations are distinct. In 1960, during his quest for broader generality, Grothendieck introduced the notion of “schemes.”
What does this entail? It involves another concept, the “ring.” Confusingly, this term has no relation to circles. In mathematics, “rings” represent collections of objects that remain within that set when added or multiplied. In many respects, a ring is self-contained, akin to its namesake.
The simplest form of a ring is the integers: all negative integers, positive integers, and zero. Regardless of how you operate with integers, whether through addition or multiplication, you will remain within the integers. Moreover, a defining feature of a ring is the presence of a “multiplicative identity.” For integers, this identity is 1, since multiplying any integer by 1 results in that integer remaining unchanged. We also gain insight into what does not constitute a ring.
Through the introduction of schemes, Grothendieck effectively combined the notion of algebraic varieties with that of rings, addressing the missing elements for equations such as x² = 0 and x = 0 while utilizing geometric tools.
Handwritten notes by Alexander Grothendieck in 1982
University of Montpellier, Grothendieck Archives
This leads to two significant challenges that became pivotal for mathematicians. The first concerns four conjectures proposed by mathematician Andre Weil in 1949 regarding counting the number of solutions to certain types of algebraic varieties. In the context of the circle example, an infinite number of values satisfy the equation x² + y² = 1 (indicative of a circle containing infinite points). However, Weil was focused on varieties that permit only a finite number of solutions and speculated that the zeta function could likely be employed to count such solutions.
Utilizing the scheme, Grothendieck and his colleagues validated Weil’s three conjectures in 1965. The fourth was proved by his former student Pierre Deligne in the latter half of 1974 and is viewed as one of the 20 most significant outcomes in 20th-century mathematics, addressing challenges that had puzzled mathematicians for 25 years. This success underscored the profound power of Grothendieck’s schemes in linking geometry with number theory.
The scheme also played a crucial role in solving the infamous Fermat’s Last Theorem, a problem that confounded mathematicians for over 350 years, ultimately resolved by Andrew Wiles in 1995. The theorem states that there are no three positive integers a, b, and c that satisfy the equation an + bn = cn for any integer value of n greater than 2. Fermat had paradoxically written of a proof that was too vast to fit within the margin of his book, although he likely had no proof at all. Wiles’ solution incorporated methods developed post-Grothendieck, utilizing algebraic geometry to reformulate the problem in terms of elliptic curves—a particularly important class of algebraic varieties—which were studied through the lens of the scheme, inspired by Grothendieck’s innovative approach.
There remains a wealth of Grothendieck’s work that I have not explored, which forms the foundational tools many mathematicians rely on today. For instance, he generalized the concept of “space” to encompass “topoi,” introducing not only points within a space but also additional nuanced information, enriching problem-solving approaches. Alongside his collaborators, he authored two extensive texts on algebraic geometry which now serve as the essential reference works for the discipline.
Despite the magnitude of his influence, why does Grothendieck remain somewhat obscure? His work is undeniably complex, demanding considerable effort to understand. He also became a lesser-known figure for various reasons. A committed pacifist, he publicly opposed military actions in the Soviet Union, and notably declined to attend the prestigious 1966 Fields Medal ceremony, famously stating that “fruitfulness is measured not by honors, but by offspring,” indicating a preference for his mathematical contributions to stand on their own merit.
In 1970, Grothendieck withdrew from academia, resigning from his role at the French Institute for Advanced Scientific Research in protest against military funding. Though he initially continued his mathematical pursuits independent of formal institutions, he grew increasingly isolated. In 1986, he penned his autobiography, Harvest and Sowing, detailing his mathematical journey and disillusionment with the field. The following year, he created a philosophical manuscript, The Key to Dreams, sharing how a divine dream influenced his outlook. While both texts circulated among mathematicians, they were not officially published for some time.
Over the ensuing decade, Grothendieck further distanced himself from society, residing in a secluded French village, severing ties with the math community. At one point, he even attempted to subsist solely on dandelion soup until locals intervened. He is believed to have continued producing extensive writings on mathematics and philosophy, though none of these works were released to the public. In 2010, he began sending letters to various mathematicians. None were demands for engagement. Despite the myriad connections forged within mathematics, he ultimately chose to disengage from them personally. Grothendieck passed away in 2014, leaving behind an immeasurable mathematical legacy.
Cannabis extracts tested for chronic pain treatment
Cappi Thompson/Getty Images
Extracts from cannabis have shown potential in relieving chronic low back pain, offering an alternative to traditional painkillers with minimal risk of serious side effects or addiction.
At present, treatment options for chronic pain are limited, forcing many patients to rely on opioids, which carry a substantial risk of addiction.
The experimental drug VER-01 is derived from the cannabis plant and contains 5% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main active ingredient.
In a clinical trial, 820 participants with chronic low back pain were randomly assigned to receive either VER-01 or a placebo over a 12-week period. The results indicated an average pain score reduction of 1.9 for those taking VER-01 on a scale of 0-10, compared to a reduction of 1.4 for those on placebo. No adverse events signaling risks of withdrawal or abuse were reported.
This study stands out as one of the most rigorous to validate a cannabis-based treatment for chronic pain, contributing to the increasing interest in cannabis as a legitimate pain management option.
“This is among the first high-quality research initiatives on medical cannabis that many have been anticipating, both researchers and patients alike,” states Winfried Meissner, a researcher at Jena University Hospital in Germany. “Previous evidence has been weak, with past studies lacking in quality and participants.”
Participants taking VER-01 also reported marked improvements in sleep quality and physical functioning, with mild side effects such as dizziness, fatigue, dry mouth, and nausea. Patients were able to gradually increase their dosage to 13 times per day during the treatment.
This treatment proved particularly effective for lower back pain originating from nerve damage, classified as neuropathic pain. Meissner emphasizes that patients with chronic pain should initially pursue physical therapy, while painkillers can assist those unable to engage in movement. “Even a modest degree of pain relief can motivate patients to exercise,” he explains.
Although the pain reduction was not dramatic, significant reductions in chronic pain are uncommon. Marta Di Forti from King’s College London, who was not involved in the study, notes, “The improvement in sleep quality, a secondary outcome of the research, can profoundly influence daily functioning.” “In chronic pain instances, substantial effects are rare.”
Di Forti added that the study showed no signs of drug dependence among the participants, hoping this could pave the way for a prescription. She frequently hears from patients who find cannabis effective but resort to purchasing it from dealers. She highlights the variability in THC levels in cannabis products, which can lead to excessive consumption and increase the potential for substance misuse.
“In an environment where claims about cannabis proliferate, we are rigorously testing it through randomized controlled trials,” she asserts. “In my opinion, the evidence that it alleviates pain is excellent news.”
While we can’t physically pivot our ears towards sounds, our brains excel at honing in on them
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Many mammals, such as dogs, cats, and deer, possess the ability to direct their hearing. Humans lost this capability around 25 million years ago. Nonetheless, new findings suggest that although we lack these physical ear adjustments, our brains have developed compensatory skills to discern the most intense sounds in particular directions.
This study utilized mobile EEG to observe brain electrical activity as participants moved. Previously, EEG techniques involved participants sitting still with electrodes attached to their scalps. However, advancements in lighter, wireless EEG technology now enable measurements of brain activity during movement, creating links between behavior and brain function.
Research indicates that movement significantly influences brain function. “Active exploration enhances perception, fosters spatial mapping, and integrates multisensory information into a cohesive spatial awareness,” says Maren Schmidt Kassow from Goethe University in Frankfurt, Germany, who was not part of this study. “Cognition is fundamentally tied to behavior.”
Studies from Barbara Handel at the University of Würzburg, Germany, demonstrate that walking improves visual information processing, increasing the likelihood of noticing nearby objects. This enhancement typically diminishes when one is stationary. Her team has found that a similar principle applies to auditory perception; the brain continuously adjusts its focus to prioritize the most salient sounds.
During the experiment, 35 participants were outfitted with mobile EEG and motion sensors and instructed to navigate a figure-eight path while listening to a continuous audio stream through in-ear headphones.
The EEG data revealed significant boosts in auditory processing when participants moved compared to when they were standing still. As they turned, their brains further adapted, prioritizing sounds from the direction they were facing. Continuously along the path, the brain’s focus shifted from side to side as they turned, either panning from one speaker to another or physically orienting towards the sound source.
Team member Liyu Cao from Jiang Province, Hangzhou, China, speculates that this internal ear mobility may be an evolutionary adaptation for enhanced safety. “This could facilitate quicker reaction times and safer navigation in changing environments,” he states.
The findings could lead to advancements in filtering background noise based on a person’s walking direction, thereby improving navigational aids for visually impaired individuals and enhancing hearing aid functionality, according to Haendel.
Moreover, this research could shed light on why exercising outdoors seems to confer greater benefits for brain health and cognitive function compared to activities performed on treadmills or stationary bikes. “Movement dynamics extend beyond just muscle activity,” Handel remarks. “Your brain adapts not only how you move but also how it functions. It’s about harnessing that interaction for optimal performance.”
The above image displays untreated E. coli bacteria, with the lower image showing the effects of polymyxin B after 90 minutes.
Carolina Borrelli, Edward Douglas et al./Nature Microbiology
High-resolution microscopy unveils how polymyxins, a class of antibiotics, penetrate bacterial defenses, offering insights for developing treatments against drug-resistant infections.
Polymyxins serve as a last-resort option for treating Gram-negative bacteria responsible for serious infections like pneumonia, meningitis, and typhoid fever. “The priority pathogens identified by the top three health agencies globally are predominantly Gram-negative bacteria, highlighting their complex cell envelopes,” states Andrew Edwards from Imperial College London.
These bacteria possess an outer layer of lipopolysaccharides that functions as armor. While it was known that polymyxins target this layer, the mechanisms of their action and the reasons for inconsistent effectiveness remained unclear.
In a pivotal study, Edwards and his team employed biochemical experiments combined with nuclear power microscopy, capturing details at the nanoscale. They discovered that polymyxin B, amongst other treatments, actively targets E. coli cells.
Shortly after treatment commenced, the bacteria rapidly began releasing lipopolysaccharides.
Researchers observed that the presence of antibiotics prompted bacteria to attempt to assimilate more lipopolysaccharide “bricks” into their protective walls. However, this effort resulted in gaps, allowing antibiotics to penetrate and destroy the bacteria.
“Antibiotics are likened to tools that aid in the removal of these ‘bricks’,” Edwards explains. “While the outer membrane doesn’t entirely collapse, gaps appear, providing an entryway for antibiotics to access the internal membrane.”
The findings also elucidate why antibiotics occasionally fail: they predominantly affect active, growing bacteria. When in a dormant state, polymyxin B becomes ineffective as these bacteria do not produce armor strong enough to withstand environmental pressures.
E. coli images exposed to polymyxin B illustrate changes to the outer membrane over time: untreated, 15 mins, 30 mins, 60 mins, and 90 mins.
Carolina Borrelli, Edward Douglas et al./Nature Microbiology
Interestingly, researchers found that introducing sugar to E. coli could awaken dormant cells, prompting armor production to resume within 15 minutes, leading to cell destruction. This phenomenon is thought to be applicable to other polymyxins, such as polymyxin E, used therapeutically.
Edwards proposes that targeting dormant bacteria with sugar might be feasible, though it poses the risk of hastening their growth. “We don’t want bacteria at infection sites rapidly proliferating due to this stimulation,” he cautions. Instead, he advocates for the potential to combine various drugs to bypass dormancy without reactivating the bacteria.
What is the quantum nature of time? We may be on the verge of discovering it
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How does time manifest for a genuine quantum entity? The most advanced clocks can rapidly address this query, enabling us to test various ways to manipulate and alter the quantum realm, thereby delving into the uncharted territories of physics.
The notion that time can shift originates from Albert Einstein’s special theory of relativity. As an object approaches the speed of light, it appears to experience time more slowly compared to a stationary observer. He expands upon this with a general theory of relativity, which demonstrates a similar temporal distortion in the presence of a gravitational field. Igor Pikovsky from the Stevens Institute in New Jersey and his team aim to uncover whether a similar effect occurs within the microscopic quantum landscape, utilizing ultra-cold clocks constructed from ions.
“The experiments we’ve performed until now have always focused on classical time, disregarding quantum mechanics,” says Pikovsky. “We’ve observed a regime where conventional explanations falter with an ion clock,” he continues.
These clocks consist of thousands of ions cooled to temperatures nearing absolute zero via laser manipulation. At such low temperatures, the quantum state of an ion and its embedded electrons can be precisely controlled through electromagnetic forces. Thus, the ticks of an ion clock are governed by the electrons oscillating between two distinct quantum states.
Since their behavior is dictated by quantum mechanics, these instruments provided an ideal platform for Pikovsky and his colleagues to investigate the interplay between relativistic and quantum phenomena on timekeeping. Pikovski mentions that they’ve identified several scenarios where this blending is evident.
One example arises from the intrinsic fluctuations inherent in quantum physics. Even at ultra-low temperatures, quantum objects cannot be completely static and instead must oscillate, randomly gaining or losing energy. Team calculations indicated that these fluctuations could lead to extended clock time measurements. Although the effect is minute, it is detectable in current ion clock experiments.
The researchers also mathematically analyzed the behavior of ions in a clock when “compressed,” resulting in “superpositions” of multiple quantum states. They found that these states are closely linked to the motion of the ions, influenced by their internal electrons. The states of ions and electrons are interconnected at a quantum level. “Typically, experiments necessitate creative methods to establish entanglements. The intriguing aspect here is that it arises organically,” explains team member Christian Sanner from Colorado State University.
Pikovski asserts that it is intuitive to think that quantum objects existing in superposition cannot simply perceive time linearly, though this effect has yet to be experimentally confirmed. He believes it should be achievable in the near future.
Team member Gabriel Solch from the Stevens Institute of Technology mentions that the next step is incorporating another crucial aspect of modern physics: gravity. Ultra-cold clocks can currently detect temporal extensions caused by significant variations in the Earth’s gravitational pull, such as when elevated by a few millimeters, but the exact integration of these effects with the intrinsic quantum characteristics of the clock remains an unresolved question.
“I believe it is quite feasible with our existing technology,” adds David Hume from the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology, Colorado. He highlights that the primary challenge is to mitigate ambient disturbances affecting the clock to ensure it doesn’t overshadow the effects suggested by Pikovsky’s team. Successful experiments could pave the way for exploring unprecedented physical phenomena.
“Such experiments are thrilling because they create a platform for theories to interact in a domain where they could yield fresh insights,” remarks Alexander Smith at St. Anselm College, New Hampshire.
Humans are inherently social beings. Our evolution took place within communities, leading to the creation of the complex civilizations we know today. At a fundamental level, we crave the company of others.
So, why might you occasionally wish for some time alone on this planet?
I consider myself a humanist, a pluralist, and generally a pleasant individual. However, there are moments—though I seldom admit it—when I yearn for the mass of humanity to fade away, at least for a while.
After all, with a global population of 8 billion, I can’t be the only one. The urge to find solitude can be just as powerful as our innate need for companionship.
Research highlights this desire: Loneliness. It reflects the negative feelings and emotional states that arise when you don’t carve out some personal time for yourself.
Introverts like myself are particularly attuned to this, though we are not alone in our feelings.
Advantages of Spending Time Alone
Parents grappling with long school holidays can find this challenge overwhelming. Those who live in bustling shared spaces or work in hectic environments, like schools and hospitals, share similar sentiments.
Interestingly, the concept of solitude fascinates many. Dr. Thuy-vy Nguyen, a Professor of Psychology at Durham University, emphasizes its importance through her research. She asserts that spending time alone facilitates recovery from stress.
“Our research consistently shows that being alone is beneficial for emotional regulation,” she explains.
“Initially, we induce stress in participants during experiments. Following this, we allow them to spend time alone in a room, where they experience noticeable calm in just 15-30 minutes.”
Remarkably, this emotional calming effect diminished when participants were with others, possibly because solitude offers essential opportunities for rest and renewal.
Engaging in activities like hiking in nature or pursuing creative hobbies can be fulfilling—Credit: Ipei Naoi via Getty
Feelings of anger, anxiety, and excessive excitement are often accompanied by cognitive burdens, which appear to dissipate when we allow ourselves to be alone.
Nguyen has even observed physical changes. “We track cortisol levels, which indicate stress, and see it decrease with solitude,” she notes.
This gentle feeling of relief is just one of the benefits. Research during the Covid-19 lockdown showed that solitary time could boost creativity. Other studies indicate that time spent alone can enhance self-compassion and resilience.
The Difference Between Loneliness and Solitude
It might sound odd to some, especially those who view solitude as detrimental. It’s often linked to poor mental health, increased cardiovascular risks, and a higher likelihood of early mortality.
However, it’s crucial to differentiate between loneliness and solitude. Loneliness can feel imposed, but solitude is something one can embrace and nurture.
Nguyen suggests introducing structure into your alone time, stating, “Empty time can be daunting for many. Give yourself a task.”
In one experiment, she found that participants who sorted hundreds of pencils preferred this engaging activity over simply sitting idle. Another study revealed that some individuals would choose to self-administer mild electric shocks rather than endure the discomfort of doing nothing.
In her free time, Nguyen enjoys crafting miniature models, a healthier alternative to mindless screen time. Other fulfilling options could include reading, gardening, tackling jigsaw puzzles, or sketching.
“Opt for a hands-on activity,” she advises, but avoid jumping straight to your phone.
Nguyen is currently exploring how distracting devices might disrupt the cognitive processes that solitude can stimulate.
“When we are alone, we gain the chance to reflect on our days,” she remarks. “However, smartphones often divert our attention and push us into multitasking instead.”
Another tip is to get outside when possible, especially if you feel overwhelmed.
“If you’re constantly surrounded by stress, you might struggle to leave that environment when alone,” Nguyen explains. “That’s why many parents feel the need to step outside their homes. There’s a marked difference between just being alone and dedicating time to oneself.”
When lonely parents express a need for space during busy holiday seasons, they’re speaking a universal truth.
“Individuals who feel a lack of belonging are significantly more prone to experience impostor syndrome.”
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As September draws near, a new academic year begins. Many students, including one of my readers, are transitioning from the comfort of their family homes to university life. She is the first in her family to pursue higher education and is anxious about fitting in.
In recent decades, psychologists have identified various reasons why individuals may feel disconnected. Attribution can impact their happiness. Thankfully, research presents multiple strategies to help mitigate these feelings—methods that could be helpful for those battling impostor syndrome, where one feels unworthy of their achievements.
First, it’s essential to recognize that emotions can be quite variable. Studies suggest that those lacking a sense of belonging often grapple with impostor syndrome. One moment you may feel like you’ve found your place; the next, you may question your abilities after receiving negative feedback.
Stanford University’s Gregory Walton has explored various strategies aimed at bolstering students’ sense of belonging. One intervention involves sharing narratives from past students, highlighting their anxieties and how they managed to overcomes them. Participants are then asked to articulate their own concerns and the steps they take to foster a sense of home. Positive outcomes can be observed both in the short and long term, boosting grades and overall well-being over time.
As Walton discusses in his book Normal Magic, we can all apply these insights. A valuable first step is identifying experiences that challenge our sense of belonging. Then, it’s important to articulate those feelings to others without self-judgment, followed by considering alternative perspectives.
For example, if you feel socially ignored, you might speculate that it stems from elitism about your background. However, it’s equally plausible that the individual who snubbed you is merely having a poor day, or could even be possessing a difficult personality. Ultimately, their behavior is not reflective of everyone’s opinion around you.
As you build your confidence, you can enhance your involvement with the community in question.
David Robson is a celebrated science writer and author of Laws of Connection: 13 Social Strategies that Change Your Life
Alongside exploring the psychology of attribution, Gregory Walton’s famed work, Normal Magic: The Science of How to Achieve Great Change in Small Acts, offers actionable strategies to overcome mental hindrances in both our personal and professional spheres.
For more projects, please visit newscientist.com/maker
Combination Asthma Inhalers are likely the best treatment choice for individuals of all ages
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Inhalers, providing both immediate and long-term relief, are already the standard treatment for mild asthma among individuals over 12 in the UK, US, and other regions. A recent study involving nearly 400 children in New Zealand indicates these inhalers are even more effective for younger kids, nearly halving the number of asthma attacks.
Team members have stated that whether these findings will prompt changes in national and international guidelines remains uncertain. Andy Bush from Imperial College London asserts that the evidence is compelling. “If you’re a child with asthma, I have those combinations,” he remarks.
The traditional treatment for mild asthma involved an inhaler containing salbutamol, which relaxes airway muscles for about 3-4 hours. These “rescue” inhalers were to be used as needed.
If the rescue inhaler was inadequate, patients were provided with a separate inhaler containing steroids that help reduce inflammation caused by asthma. These “preventive” inhalers required regular usage to ensure protective benefits. Bush comments, “Previously, I had to take inhaled steroids twice a day for them to work, but it’s now evident that’s not always necessary.”
Studies involving teenagers and adults have indicated that combination inhalers outperform the previous treatment method, even when used on an as-needed basis. The steroids found in these combination inhalers are budesonide, while the reliever is formoterol, which acts similarly to salbutamol but lasts for 12 hours.
Concerns regarding the use of combination inhalers by children have emerged due to potential growth effects from steroid components; however, the latest research showed no negative impact during the trial period. The study involved 360 children randomly assigned to use either budesonide-fluticasone or steroid fluticasone twice daily, with additional relief administered as required during severe asthma episodes.
In other studies, the use of combination inhalers led to a decrease in overall steroid intake, according to Bush. This is because using the inhalers on an as-needed basis causes the dosage of inhaled steroids to adapt according to symptom severity. Fewer attacks mean fewer individuals need to “step up” to the combination inhaler two times daily or rely on steroid pills.
Long before dinosaurs roamed the Earth, peculiar creatures abandoned their journeys across the ocean floor. They resembled beings adorned with spiked helmets and had eyes positioned on top, along with sharp tails extending behind them.
Today, horseshoe crabs still exist and belong to the animal order known as Xiphosura, derived from ancient Greek, meaning “sword” and “tail.” Despite their name, they are more closely related to spiders than to crustaceans.
Fossils of horseshoe crabs date back to the Upper Ordovician period, approximately 450 million years ago. Their descendants—four existing species—have undergone significant changes in appearance, earning them the title of “living fossils.”
Despite their ancient lineage, horseshoe crabs are crucial in today’s world. Most people eventually come into contact with life-saving doses of bright blue blood derived from these creatures.
Importantly, it also harbors their blood. Amebocytes, a powerful immune cell are exceptionally sensitive to harmful toxins produced by bacteria. Endotoxins, prevalent in the environment, are resistant to standard sterilization methods.
Should a vaccine contain endotoxins, it could trigger a dangerous reaction historically known as “injection fever.”
Previously, tests were conducted by injecting a vaccine batch into a living rabbit; if any exhibited a fever, it signified contamination.
In the 1960s, American marine biologists observed that the blue blood of horseshoe crabs coagulated instantly upon contact with fever-inducing endotoxin. This mechanism allows horseshoe crabs to encapsulate bacteria by forming clots around them, proving beneficial for human applications.
Now, rather than injecting rabbits, hundreds of thousands of horseshoe crabs are harvested from the ocean each year, with a third of their blood extracted to test for endotoxins in intravenous medications and medical implants.
Many people eventually encounter the vibrant blue blood of a life-saving horseshoe crab – Image credit: Jurgen Freund/Naturepl.com
The demand for blue blood has surged, especially with the competition surrounding the development of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Not all horseshoe crabs survive the blood collection process; approximately 15-30% do not. Conservationists are advocating for synthetic alternatives to blood tests.
In the 1990s, researchers in Singapore developed a method to create synthetic endotoxin detection using a compound based on horseshoe crab DNA. Currently, various alternative compounds mimic this reaction without utilizing horseshoe crab blood.
Although regulatory processes have been sluggish, these new compounds received approval for use in Europe in 2016 and 2024. Nowadays, pharmaceutical companies are increasingly opting for synthetic methods.
This development bodes well not just for horseshoe crabs but also for other species reliant on them. Each year, thousands of horseshoe crabs come ashore on sandy beaches along North America’s East Coast, particularly in Delaware Bay, where eggs are laid near Philadelphia.
A single female lays around 4,000 eggs, many of which become vital sustenance for migratory birds like the red knot, which journey between South America and the Canadian Arctic.
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Small towns in South Texas are urgently seeking alternative drinking water sources as persistent droughts threaten to deplete their main supply.
Mattis City typically relies on Lake Corpus Christi for its drinking water; however, the intensifying drought is projected to drop levels too low for safe extraction, according to Cedric Davis from the city.
“It’s not about completely running out of water,” said Davis. “It’s just challenging to access clean water from the lake, as the extraction process brings up sediment.”
That sediment can harm urban filtration and treatment systems, he noted. According to 2020 data from the US Census Bureau, Mattis has a population of approximately 4,300.
The situation in Texas underscores the escalating challenges faced in drought-affected areas nationwide, as climate change alters rainfall patterns and reduces the availability of safe drinking water.
In 2023, New Orleans experienced a drinking water emergency when saltwater infiltrated upstream due to unusually low levels in the drought-impacted Mississippi River.
Last year, ongoing drought and years of low precipitation led to alarmingly low reservoir levels in Mexico City, resulting in significant water shortages for North America’s most populous urban areas.
South Texas has a long history of dry spells, with much of the region categorized as facing “moderate” or “severe” drought conditions. The US Drought Monitor publishes updated color-coded maps weekly to illustrate the extent and severity of droughts nationwide.
Extreme dryness has resulted in falling water levels in Lake Corpus Christi.
“There isn’t enough rain to restore the lakes and reservoirs in South Texas,” said Davis, indicating that several municipal and small community areas will need to seek emergency solutions.
Davis mentioned that projections indicate lake levels may become critically low by late December. Thus, the city is initiating the drilling of two emergency wells to ensure a continued supply of drinking water.
Although the project is still in the planning stages, Davis expressed hope that the permitting process and lease agreement with the Texas Parks and Wildlife division could be expedited. If all goes well, excavation may commence by the end of October.
“If everything goes as planned and we can install the wells by late December, we should be fine,” stated Davis.
Nonetheless, city officials are exploring additional contingency options, including potentially expensive desalination plants and wastewater treatment and reuse systems.
Paleontologists have identified a new species, Eurhinosaurus—a genus of Longirostrin Ikchosaurus from Europe, notable for its remarkable overbite found in Bavaria, southern Germany.
“Iktiosauria is a varied group of reptiles excellently adapted to marine environments, thriving from the early Triassic to the early Cretaceous,” stated Dr. Gael Spicher, a researcher at the Jurassica Museum, Fribourg University, and Reinish Friedrich Willells-un Universetita Bonn and Kokog.
“Fishes show morphological traits like fin-modified limbs, elongated snouts, deep bisexual spines, and developed caudal fins, confirming their complete adaptation to aquatic life.”
“Uoshima had a widespread distribution during its existence.”
“Particularly, southern Germany is renowned for its rich fossil record of Uoshima from the Lower Jurassic, specifically the Posidonianscifer formation, which has yielded thousands of specimens.”
“In these Lower Jurassic ichthyosaurs, Eurhinosaurus is a relatively scarce creature,” they noted.
“Its paleogeographical range is confined to modern-day Europe, with fossil records from Germany, the UK, France, Luxembourg, and Switzerland.”
“This genus is distinguished by its unique, elongated, slender snout with pronounced overbites, resulting from significantly shorter mandibles compared to the upper jaw (over 60%).”
The newly identified species Eurhinosaurus exhibits a typical maxillary extension characteristic of its genus.
It has been named Eurhinosaurus Mistelgauensis, which existed during the Jurassic period approximately 180 million years ago.
Three specimens of the new species were unearthed at the Mistelgau Clay Pit, part of the Jurensismismergel Formation in southwestern Bailos in northern Bavaria, Germany.
“The fossil includes two nearly complete skeletons and a partial snout, preserved in three dimensions in a semi-articulated state, showcasing elements from multiple angles,” explained the paleontologist.
“Their preservation is exceptional, displaying bones in three dimensions, which is a remarkable find and highlights the significance of documenting such specimens.”
According to the author, these specimens belong to the Eurhinosaurus genus.
“The well-preserved fossils from Mistelgau offer invaluable insights into Eurhinosaurus and significantly enhance our understanding of this historically important Uoshima,” they concluded.
Survey results were published this week in the journal Fossil Record.
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Ge Spicher et al. 2025. New Eurhinosaurus (Ichthyosauria) species from the Lower Jurassic (Toarcian) in Mistelgau (Bavaria, southern Germany). Fossil Record 28(2): 249-291; doi: 10.3897/fr.28.154203
The persistent appeal of books may hinge on more than their narratives
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What causes certain novels to be forgotten over time while others achieve bestseller status upon release only to vanish later? This research suggests the answers may lie within the intricacies of their language and sentence structure.
Prior studies have delved into the attributes that elevate certain books to bestseller status. Charming male protagonists often dominate; however, we know little about the factors that sustain a novel’s popularity a century later.
For deeper insights, refer to Leyao Wang from York University in Toronto, Canada. She and her colleagues examined 300 English novels published between 1909 and 1923. Half of these titles have made it to the top 10 bestseller lists. Publishers weekly commenced its trade in 1872 with titles like Lucky Young Man by William John Locke and Black Cow by Gertrude Thurston.
However, these novels don’t appear in readers’ top 10 read lists—past, present, or future. This data reflects the publication year of the novels. The other half, which includes titles like The Mysterious Affair at Styles by Agatha Christie and Anne of Avonlea by Lucy Maud Montgomery, regardless of their bestseller status at the time, continue to gain traction on Goodreads today.
The research team employed AI models to classify these two categories based on 70% of the selected novels. When these models analyzed the full text for word patterns, it was observed that bestsellers were generally longer and incorporated more colloquial expressions like “yeah,” “oh,” and “okay.” These books also made greater use of punctuation.
Researchers assert these characteristics don’t carry the same weight in capturing today’s readers’ interest, yet they significantly enhance readability and overall appeal.
Notably, modern favorites tend to be concise yet feature more complex sentences and vocabulary. This prompted researchers to question whether this necessitates greater attention from readers.
When the AI models were evaluated against the remaining 30% of books, they successfully categorized them with approximately 70% accuracy.
“Numerous other factors likely influence longevity, such as themes, marketing strategies, and author recognition, yet our findings indicate that aspects of the text alone can potentially predict timelessness without considering these more apparent external factors,” the researchers noted. Gaining an understanding of what elements render literature both captivating and enduring “could prove crucial for both publishers and authors.”
However, Dorothy Hale at the University of California, Berkeley cautions that the impact of a novel should be assessed over a century before deeming it timeless. She highlights that the popularity of well-established classics also varies over time. “While many might regard Shakespeare as the quintessential timeless author in English literature, there’s a current trend in American institutions to drop Shakespeare requirements from English majors,” she observes.
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