A small gecko has been rediscovered on Rabida Island in the Galapagos, previously believed to have been eradicated by invasive rats.
The leaf-toed gecko (Phyllodactylus maresi) measures just 8 centimeters in length, with a fossil record indicating its presence on Rabida over 5,000 years ago. However, live specimens were collected during expeditions in 2019 and 2021, confirming its survival as a species.
The gecko’s reappearance is linked to a successful restoration project led by the US-based nonprofit Island Conservation, which commenced in 2011. Collaborating with Galapagos National Park, the Charles Darwin Foundation, and the Raptor Center, the initiative also targets 10 other islands in the Galapagos, employing helicopters for large-scale distribution of poison bait to control invasive species.
By 2012, rats were officially deemed eradicated on Rabida, enabling a rapid ecological recovery, including the return of the gecko species. “We conducted thorough monitoring before the removal of invasive rats and found none,” stated Paula Castaño, an island conservation officer. “Initially, we had a small population, and without invasive predators, we finally had the chance to restore and expand that population, marking one of the most significant comebacks in history.”
Using DNA analysis, Castaño and her team discovered that the Rabida population is closely related to P. maresi from a neighboring island, yet it is classified as a distinct lineage known as evolutionarily significant units, emphasizing the critical need for conservation efforts.
The case of Rabida exemplifies the advantages of island restoration and invasive species removal, says Castaño. “We found a ‘extinct’ gecko alongside the last identified snail species from 1906. Furthermore, two additional snail species, once thought to be lost, were rediscovered on the island. “Nature is remarkable. It allows for rebirth and regeneration.”
New species of Velociraptor – Similar to the dinosaurs found in Mongolia’s Gobi Desert, they boasted large claws and sturdy hands, enabling them to conquer larger prey.
The species is named Sri Lapax, inspired by the “intense characteristics we observe in our own hands,” explained Andrea Cow, a paleontologist from Italy.
Sri Lapax stretches approximately 2 meters in length and originates from the Judokta Formation, an expansive landscape of sand dunes and intermittent lakes dating back 75 million years.
Excavated in 2010, this fossil was illicitly transported into private collections in Japan and the UK before being returned to Mongolia. A collaborative study by CAU and colleagues uncovered bones that had been buried within rock layers, revealing remarkably preserved hands.
“The structure of the hand is notably robust, with particularly long and narrow claws,” remarked Tsogtbaatar Chinzorig from North Carolina State University. “This adaptation may have facilitated grasping and subduing relatively large prey.”
The primary claw measures 79.5 mm, nearly double the length of the corresponding claw in its closest relative, Velociraptor mongoliensis.
“When compared to Velociraptor – which is approximately the same size – the hands are 150% more robust, and the claws are elongated,” noted Cau. “[It] appears to have been adapted to pursue prey that was more formidable than what its relatives typically targeted.”
Strong nails of Sri Lapax
Royal Institute of Natural Sciences, Brussels
Despite the loss of the skull and some vertebrae prior to the repatriation, CAU and colleagues managed to reconstruct the missing parts digitally, utilizing CT scans of the fossils conducted in 2016. The findings suggest that the skull is likely short and robust, indicating a stronger bite compared to many of its contemporaries.
James Napoli from Stony Brook University in New York noted the significance of recovering the missing skull and vertebrae. “The skull is particularly crucial for understanding this animal’s lifestyle and its evolutionary significance among theropod dinosaurs,” he stated.
A four-day workweek can significantly enhance both your mental and physical well-being, which in turn boosts your performance. This is supported by a recent study conducted by researchers from the US and Ireland.
The most exciting part? Research published in the journal Natural Human Behavior ensured that participants did not experience any wage cuts during the trial. This is crucial, as pay reductions can lead to increased stress. Participants managed to maintain their typical productivity levels while experiencing fewer sleep disturbances and reduced fatigue, thanks to an improved work environment.
“Globally, we observe trends of burnout, long hours, and inadequate personal time for employees and their families—this issue is prevalent not only in high-income countries but also in many low- and middle-income nations,” noted study author Wenfang, an associate professor of sociology at Boston University in the United States, as stated in BBC Science Focus.
“Our four-day workweek could serve as a potential solution for rethinking work structures that not only benefit employees but society at large.”
The sociologists from Boston College and University College Dublin conducted a six-month study involving approximately 3,000 employees from 141 organizations across Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK, and the US. Participants were offered reduced working hours ranging from 1-4 hours, 5-7 hours, or 8 hours.
Over the six-month period, employee wellness was evaluated across four categories: burnout, job satisfaction, overall psychological health, and physical health—key indicators of mortality risk.
Concurrently, they compared the outcomes for 285 employees from 12 companies that implemented reduced work hours with those who maintained the traditional workweek.
Significant health advantages were noted for employees in all three reduced-hour groups, particularly in terms of burnout and job satisfaction. Those who cut their working hours by eight saw the most substantial benefits. Furthermore, 90% of the companies that participated continued their four-day workweek after the trial concluded.
Globally, initiatives are underway to assess the effects of shorter workweeks on employee health and organizational productivity. One notable program is the 4DWG initiative, which has seen participation from 375 companies worldwide, advocating for a six-hour workday or a 20% reduction in total hours.
A potential limitation of this study is that it relied on companies volunteering to take part, primarily involving small businesses in English-speaking countries. Future studies aim to include government-sponsored trials for more randomized assessments.
Additionally, the researchers are exploring the environmental impact of a four-day workweek, as some employees have volunteered to monitor their carbon footprints.
Wen posits that both workers and employers could benefit environmentally, particularly with decreased pollution from commuting. She stated: “Countries adopting shorter working hours often report improved environmental outcomes.”
Read more:
About our experts
Wen Huang is an associate professor in the Department of Sociology at Boston College, USA. Her research has been published in journals such as Natural Human Behavior, Social Forces, Jobs and Occupations, and Advances in Life Course Research.
Humanity is now closer to developing an inclusive “all theories” framework to explain the physical universe. A new paper has been published in PRX Quantum.
Three scientists from the US have designed an experiment they believe can bridge the gap between quantum mechanics and Einstein’s general theory of relativity.
Quantum Mechanics elucidates the physics of the subatomic realm, while General Relativity addresses the large-scale universe, encompassing the physics of space, time, and gravity. Unfortunately, the two theories do not align.
“Both quantum theory and Einstein’s gravity theory have undergone rigorous testing and perform exceptionally well,” stated Dr. Igor Pikovsky, an assistant professor of physics at the Stevens Institute in New Jersey, as reported by BBC Science Focus.
“However, one of the greatest challenges in modern physics is to unify these two theories into a single coherent framework. So far, such a joint theory remains elusive.”
Pikovsky, along with Dr. Jacob Coby from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, and Dr. Johannes Borlegaard from Harvard University, has conceived an experiment to elucidate how these two theories can coexist—an achievement that has never been accomplished before.
The goal? To uncover how quantum effects respond to the curvature of space-time.
The curvature of space-time, as described by Einstein, posits that gravity results from the bending of space and time around massive objects (like planets), causing time to pass more slowly closer to these objects.
Scientists have engineered atomic clock systems interconnected within quantum networks, demonstrating how they are influenced by curved space-time.
Atomic clocks are capable of measuring time with remarkable precision. Through a phenomenon known as entanglement, these quantum states can be interconnected, and the superposition principle allows clocks to experience multiple timeframes simultaneously, due to the unique property of existing in various states at once.
By situating these clocks in diverse locations, the quantum network can identify minute variations in time movement caused by the gravitational distortion of space-time.
“If successful, such a test would represent the inaugural assessment of the ‘quantum theory of curved space-time,’ shedding light on how quantum systems behave within the framework of Einstein’s gravity,” Pikovsky remarked.
Scientists are racing to develop quantum networks to enable future quantum internets that can connect quantum computers globally – credit: via Sakkmesterke
This experiment marks a crucial initial step in testing how these theories might be unified, relying on existing technology.
Pikovsky expressed hope that the paper would kindle “interest and excitement about the numerous mysteries that nature still holds.”
He added:
“Our findings indicate that quantum technology can be harnessed to address some of these questions through real-world experiments for the first time.”
Read more:
About our experts
Dr. Igor Pikovsky is an assistant professor of physics at the Stevens Institute in New Jersey, USA. He earned his PhD in Quantum Mechanics from the University of Vienna in 2014. His current research focuses on quantum phenomena, quantum fundamentals, and quantum information science.
The NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope has captured a stunning image of the Barred Spiral Galaxy NGC 3285b.
This Hubble image reveals NGC 3285B, a spiral galaxy approximately 137 million light years away in the Hydra constellation. The color images were generated from separate exposures in the ultraviolet and infrared regions using Hubble’s Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3), based on data collected through seven filters. Image credits: NASA/ESA/Hubble/RJ Foley, UC Santa Cruz.
NGC 3285b is situated around 137 million light years from the Hydra constellation.
It is also referred to as Leda 31293, ESO 501-18, or IRAS 10322-2723, with a diameter of 100,000 light years.
NGC 3285B boasts a disc and multiple swirling arms, characterized by a large, bright, golden nucleus, while its spiral arms exhibit a light, faint reddish hue.
It is part of the NGC 3312 Galaxy Group (LGG 210) and is a member of the Hydra I Galaxy Cluster.
“NGC 3285B is a component of the Hydra I Cluster, one of the largest galactic clusters in the nearby universe,” stated Hubble astronomers.
“Galactic clusters consist of hundreds to thousands of galaxies held together by gravity.”
“The Hydra I cluster is centered around two massive elliptical galaxies.”
“Each of these galaxies spans about 150,000 light years, roughly 50% larger than our Milky Way.”
NGC 3285B lies on the outskirts of the Hydra I cluster, distanced from the colossal central galaxy.
“This galaxy captured Hubble’s interest as it hosted a Type Ia supernova in 2023,” the astronomer noted.
“Type Ia supernovae produce a condensed star core known as white dwarf explosives, igniting a sudden fusion burst approximately five billion times brighter than the sun.”
The supernova, labeled SN 2023XQM, appears as a blue dot on the far left side of the galaxy’s disc.
“Hubble observed NGC 3285B as part of a campaign focused on Type Ia supernovae.”
“We aim to address the effects of distance and dust by examining each of these supernovae in ultraviolet, optical, and near-infrared light.”
“This initiative will enhance cosmic distance measurements that depend on observations of Type Ia supernovae.”
Researchers from Ames National Laboratory and Iowa State University have unveiled the emergence of Higgs echoes in niobium superconductors. These findings shed light on quantum behavior that could influence the development of next-generation quantum sensing and computing technologies.
Using Higgs Echo Spectroscopy, Huang et al reveal unconventional echo formation due to non-uniform expansion and soft quasiparticle bands, dynamically evolving under THZ drive. Image credit: Ames National Laboratory.
Superconductors are materials known for conducting electricity without resistance.
These superconducting materials exhibit collective oscillations referred to as the Higgs mode.
The Higgs mode represents a quantum phenomenon that occurs when the electronic potential fluctuates similarly to a Higgs boson.
Such modes manifest when the material experiences a superconducting phase transition.
Monitoring these vibrations has posed challenges for scientists for many years.
Additionally, they interact complexly with quasiparticles, which are electron-like excitations arising from superconducting dynamics.
By utilizing advanced terahertz (THZ) spectroscopy, the researchers identified a new type of quantum echo known as Higgs echo in superconductive niobium materials utilized in quantum computing circuits.
“Unlike traditional echoes seen in atoms and semiconductors, Higgs echoes result from intricate interactions between Higgs modes and quasiparticles, generating anomalous signals with unique properties.”
“Higgs echoes can uncover and reveal hidden quantum pathways within a material.”
By employing precisely-timed THZ radiation pulses, the authors were able to detect these echoes.
These THZ radiation pulses can also facilitate the encoding, storage, and retrieval of quantum information embedded in the superconducting material via echoes.
This study illustrates the ability to manipulate and observe the quantum coherence of superconductors, paving the way for innovative methods of storing and processing quantum information.
“Grasping and controlling these distinctive quantum echoes brings us closer to practical quantum computing and advanced quantum sensing technologies,” stated Dr. Wang.
a paper detailing these findings was published in the journal on June 25th in Advances in Science.
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Chuankun Huang et al. 2025. Discovery of unconventional quantum echoes due to Higgs coherence interference. Advances in Science 11 (26); doi:10.1126/sciadv.ads8740
Utilizing the speckle imager Alopeke from the Gemini North Telescope, part of the NSF’s International Gemini Observatory, astronomers captured direct images of Betelgeuse.
Betelgeuse (right) and its remarkable companions (left). Image credits: International Gemini Observatory/Noirlab/NSF/Aura/M. Zamani, Noirlab of NSF.
Betelgeuse is an 8-million-year-old red supergiant located about 724 light years away on the shoulder of the Orion constellation.
It ranks among the largest known stars, with a radius approximately 1,400 times greater than that of the Sun.
Also referred to as Alpha Orionis or Alpha Ori, Betelgeuse is one of the brightest stars in the sky, radiating more light than 100,000 suns.
The star is nearing the end of its life cycle, and when it eventually explodes, the event will shine brightly, becoming visible for weeks even during daylight.
Betelgeuse experiences a major variability period of roughly 400 days, accompanied by a longer secondary period of about six years.
In 2019 and 2020, a significant drop in Betelgeuse’s brightness occurred, known as the “big dimming” event.
This led to speculation about an imminent supernova explosion, but astronomers later found that a large cloud of dust ejected during the dimming was the true cause.
Although the “big dim” mystery has been resolved, it rekindled interest in studying the red supergiant, prompting new analyses of existing archival data.
One analysis suggested that the presence of companion stars might be responsible for Betelgeuse’s six-year brightness fluctuations.
However, searches conducted by the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope and the NASA Chandra X-ray Observatory did not detect these companions.
Dr. Steve Howell and his colleagues at NASA’s Ames Research Center investigated potential companions of Betelgeuse, referred to as Alpha Ori B or The Betelbuddy, using the Speckle Imager ‘Alopeke at the Gemini North Telescope.
“Speckle Imaging is an astronomical technique that employs very short exposure times to mitigate image distortion caused by Earth’s atmosphere,” they explained.
“This method allows for high resolution, and when combined with the light-gathering power of Gemini North’s 8.1m mirror, it enables the direct detection of faint companions of Betelgeuse.”
Analyzing the light from the companion stars allowed astronomers to identify their characteristics.
The companions appear to be A or B-type main-sequence stars, approximately six magnitudes fainter than Betelgeuse, with an estimated mass of around 1.5 solar masses.
The companion is situated relatively close to Betelgeuse, at about four times the distance between the Earth and the Sun.
This discovery marks the first detection of a close stellar companion orbiting a supergiant star.
Even more remarkably, the companions are within the extensive outer atmosphere of Betelgeuse, demonstrating the exceptional resolution capabilities of “Alopeke.”
“The speckle capabilities provided by the International Gemini Observatory prove to be a vital tool for astronomers across a wide range of applications,” stated Dr. Martin, NSF Program Director at the International Gemini Observatory.
“Providing solutions to the Betelgeuse mystery, which has persisted for centuries, is an exciting achievement.”
Survey results will appear today in the Astrophysical Journal Letters.
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Steve Howell et al. 2025. Possibility of direct imaging discovery of the stellar companion to Betelgeuse. apjl in press; doi: 10.3847/2041-8213/adeaaf
Submarine canyons are vast, deep formations located on the majority of the world’s continental margins. Antarctica plays a pivotal role in marine processes that significantly influence global climate and ocean circulation. The understanding of oceanographic, climatic, geological, and ecological importance is often hindered by the limitations in Canyon data. In a recent study, researchers from University College Cork and the University of Barcelona aimed to develop the most comprehensive catalogue of Antarctic submarine canyons and gullies. They discovered 332 drainage networks consisting of 3,291 river segments, which is nearly five times the number of canyons recorded in earlier research.
This map shows a network of 332 submarine canyons on the seabed of Antarctica. Image credits: Riccardo Arosio & David Amblas, doi: 10.1016/j.margeo.2025.107608.
Submarine canyons are prevalent features found along all continental margins.
These canyons are typically V-shaped valleys with narrow, flexible morphology, beginning at the edge of the continental shelf or continental slope and extending into either the continental rise or abyssal plains.
Short channels less than 10 km in length are referred to as submarine gullies, and they are commonly found within canyon systems on continental slopes.
Submarine canyons are crucial for transporting sediments and nutrients from coastal areas to deeper waters, establishing biodiverse habitats by linking shallow and deep marine environments.
While approximately 10,000 submarine canyons exist globally, only 27% of the ocean floor is mapped at high resolution, indicating a likely higher total number of canyons.
Despite their ecological, oceanographic, and geological significance, submarine canyons are often underrepresented, especially in polar regions.
“Similar to the submarine canyons in the Arctic, those in Antarctica mirror canyons found elsewhere in the world,” stated Dr. David Amblàs, a researcher at the University of Barcelona.
“Yet, they tend to be larger and deeper due to the prolonged effects of polar ice and the considerable volume of sediment that glaciers deposit onto the continental shelf.”
For their research, the authors utilized version 2 of the International Bathymetric Chart of the Southern Ocean (IBCSO V2), the most comprehensive and detailed seabed map for the region.
They employed new high-resolution seabed data alongside semi-automated methods to identify and analyze these canyons.
Overall, they described 15 morphometric parameters that displayed notable differences between the southeastern and western canyons.
“Some of the submarine canyons we examined exceed depths of 4,000 meters,” remarked Dr. Amblàs.
“The most impressive among them is located in East Antarctica and consists of a complex, divergent canyon system.”
“It originates from multiple canyons near the edge of the continental shelf and converges into a single main channel that descends steeply into deep water.”
Dr. Ricardo Arosio from Cork University commented:
“The canyons in East Antarctica exhibit more complexity and branching patterns, forming varied canyon channel systems characterized by the often typical U-shaped cross sections.”
“This indicates a significant influence of long-term development under persistent glacial activity alongside erosion and sediment deposition processes.”
“On the contrary, West Antarctic canyons are short and steep, featuring a V-shaped cross section.”
“This morphological distinction supports the hypothesis that the East Antarctic ice sheet developed earlier and underwent a longer maturation process,” explained Dr. Amblàs.
“This was previously suggested by studies of sedimentary records but lacked explanation through large-scale seabed geomorphology.”
“Thanks to the high resolution of the new seabed measurement database—500 m per pixel, compared to 1-2 km per pixel in earlier maps—we can effectively apply semi-automated technology for canyon identification, profiling, and analysis,” Dr. Arosio stated.
“The strength of our research lies in the integration of various methods previously used but now brought together into robust and systematic protocols.”
“We’ve also developed a GIS software script that enables the calculation of numerous canyon-specific morphometric parameters with just a few clicks.”
The team’s research will be featured in the journal Marine Geology.
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Riccardo Arosio & David Amblas. 2025. Topographic measurements of the Antarctic Submarine Canyon. Marine Geology 488:107608; doi:10.1016/j.margeo.2025.107608
Paleontologists have unearthed the skeletal remains of a completely new and unnamed Masopodan Sauropodmorph dinosaur in the Cretgau Formation of Canton Aargau, Switzerland.
Clear skull of a new Masopodian sauropod dinosaur in view on the right. Scale bar – 5 cm. Image credits: Lanier et al., doi: 10.1186/s13358-025-00373-6.
The newly found fossil is estimated to be from the late Triassic Epoch Norian period, around 206 million years ago.
This dinosaur was previously associated with an unidentified member of Masopoda, a vast group of Sauropodmorph dinosaurs that existed during the late Triassic to late Cretaceous epochs.
“Among Mesozoic terrestrial vertebrates, Sauropodomorpha stands out as one of the most successful dinosaur clades, becoming a dominant herbivore component in both Late Triassic and Jurassic paleoecosystems, with a wide global distribution from Antarctica to Greenland,” stated Dr. Alessandro Lania from the Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn and his Swiss colleagues.
“The origin of Sauropodmorph can be traced back to the early late Triassic on the Gondwanan continent, with the oldest examples found in Brazil, Argentina, South Africa, and North America.”
“Based on the South American fossil record, we offer a detailed understanding of the early evolution of sauropods, moving away from a limited number of strains characterized by small size, bipedal locomotion, and a carnivorous diet. This heralds a shift to medium and large body plans, quadrupedal dynamics, and a transition to herbivorous habits in the Norian-Flyzia period.”
Moreover, this notable increase in the diversity of Sauropodmorph in South Pangea during the Norian period is evident through the emergence of new major lineages like Masopoda and Sauropodiformo, marking a significant morphological divergence.
The partially complete skeleton of the new Masopodan Sauropodmorph was discovered in 2013 at the top of the fossil horizon within the Gruharde members of the Kretgau Formation in Flick, Canton Aargau, Switzerland.
“The Kretgau Formation represents one of the most extensive stratigraphic sequences of the Late Triassic in Europe, consisting of a diverse, petrologically heterogeneous series of deposits spanning approximately 26 to 30 million years, from early Karnians to late Lechan,” explained the paleontologist.
“The Kretgau Formation can be seen in various locations across Switzerland, documenting discontinuous sequences of varied Playa deposits influenced by river and oceanic processes, reflecting several lateral paleoenvironmental shifts throughout the stratigraphy.”
This new specimen signifies the first den Plate Saurus of the Canton Aargau sauropods and Swiss sauropods from the 4th Triassic, distinguishing them from non-Sauropodian Sauropodmorph.
“Osteologic investigations combined with morphological comparisons have clarified the anatomy of mosaic cranial cephalogenesis, integrating typical features of non-masopodian plasal aurians and Masopodian sauropods, like Coloradisaurus Brevis from Argentina,” the researcher commented.
According to the authors, this dinosaur represents the first non-Sauropod-type masopodian from Laurasia.
“Interestingly, this scenario raises the hypothesis of the European origins of early Jurassic Masopodans from late Triassic Asia, though more evidence is needed to substantiate this,” they stated.
“Additionally, these fossils enhance our understanding of cranial variability and body diversity in Norian sauropodomorphs in Laurasia, paralleling those in Gondwana, particularly in South America and Africa.”
The team’s paper was published this month in the Swiss Journal of Palaeontology.
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A. Rania et al. 2025. Cranial osteology of the new Masopodan Sauropodmorph (dinosaurs: saury) from the late Triassic period (latest Norian) of Switzerland. Swiss J Palaeontol 144, 39; doi:10.1186/s13358-025-00373-6
Some individuals believe that gluten can aggravate IBS symptoms, even though they consume proteins from wheat, barley, and rye without experiencing any discomfort.
IBS typically leads to abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. Although the exact mechanism remains unclear, many affected individuals claim that gluten and its sources, which include wheat, can worsen their symptoms.
To determine the true triggers of these symptoms, Premysl Bercik and his team at McMaster University in Canada enlisted 28 participants with IBS who reported relief on a gluten-free diet.
Participants followed a gluten-free regimen for three weeks and then assessed their symptoms based on a scale from 0 to 500, averaging a score of 183.
They were then randomly given one of three types of cereal bars: one containing wheat, another with gluten alone, and a third that was free of both. The first two bars included a gluten dose similar to that found in four slices of bread, according to Bercik.
Although participants were informed that the bars may worsen their symptoms, they were unaware of the specific ingredients they contained.
After one week, participants rated the severity of their symptoms again and returned to a gluten-free diet for two weeks to reverse the effects of the bars. The experiment was repeated twice, ensuring each participant tried all three types of bars.
Following the exposure to the placebo bar, participants indicated a symptom increase of 50 points. Conversely, 11 participants reported worsening after consuming the wheat bars compared to 10 after the gluten-only bars.
Bercik notes, “All three challenges elicited symptoms in a comparable proportion of patients.”
While gluten and wheat may trigger IBS for some individuals, the findings indicate that others might be experiencing a nocebo effect.
Commentary accompanying the study by Sigrid Elsenbruch from the University of Duisburg-Essen, noted that participants were cautioned that the bars could worsen their symptoms.
Analysis of stool samples revealed that participants often did not adhere to the bar consumption as instructed. This raises the possibility that they may not have ingested sufficient gluten or wheat to specifically impact their IBS symptoms.
Bercik added that the research team is exploring how gluten and wheat might trigger IBS symptoms in some individuals, potentially by altering gut microbiota.
The head of NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center announced her resignation on Monday.
Makenzie Lystrup, who has been at the helm of the Maryland facility since April 2023, will depart the agency on August 1st. As indicated in a statement from NASA, Goddard is responsible for many major missions, including the Hubble Space Telescope, the Solar Dynamics Observatory, and the Osiris Rex mission that retrieved samples from asteroids.
Lystrup’s resignation comes shortly after Laurie Leshin stepped down as the director of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Institute in Pasadena, California.
NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center Director, McKenzie Lystrup, at a panel discussion during the 2024 Artemis Suppliers Conference in Washington, DC Joel Kovsky / NASA
These departures come as NASA and other federal agencies face significant funding challenges and personnel reductions as part of a larger effort to streamline the federal workforce. Inside NASA, there are rising concerns on Capitol Hill regarding how space agencies can manage their duties with a reduced staffing structure and the rationale for implementing cuts before Congressional budget approval.
At the same time, more than 2,000 senior-level staff members are expected to exit NASA as part of workforce reduction initiatives. First reported by Politico, this group includes senior management and specialists, raising concerns about a “brain drain” within the agency.
NASA staff will need to make decisions on accepting “deferred resignation,” voluntary departures, or early retirement by the end of the week.
President Donald Trump’s proposed 2026 budget aims to cut approximately 25% from NASA’s budget, totaling over $6 billion. The most substantial reductions will impact the Space Science, Earth Science, and Mission Support divisions. As per budget outlines.
If passed by Congress, this budget could lead to the discontinuation of NASA’s space launch system rockets and the Orion spacecraft.
In reaction to the budget proposal, over 280 current and former NASA employees have signed a letter addressed to NASA’s interim administrator Sean Duffy, expressing that recent policies from the Trump administration “endanger public resources, compromise human safety, weaken national security, and undermine NASA’s essential mission.”
The letter, known as the Voyager declaration, states that these changes have had “devastating impacts” on the agency’s personnel and prioritize political goals over human safety, scientific progress, and the prudent use of public funds.
An internal communication obtained by NBC News indicates that before Duffy replaced Janet Petro, the former NASA deputy manager, she was compelled to justify how budget cutbacks and restructuring were in the agency’s best interests.
It remains unclear if the resignations of Lystrup and Leshin are connected to the ongoing turmoil at NASA and other federal institutions. NASA’s announcement about Leshin’s resignation stated her departure was “for personal reasons.”
NASA did not disclose any specifics regarding Lystrup’s resignation. In an internal message obtained by NBC News, Lystrup expressed confidence in Goddard’s leadership team and the future direction of the center.
“I feel privileged to have been part of this remarkable journey with you,” she mentioned in an email. “That was an honor.”
NASA announced on Monday that Cynthia Simmons, the assistant director, will step in as the acting director of Goddard starting in August.
Plain-body octopus can be misled into believing false arms are their own
Kawashima and Yuzuku Ishima/Lucys University
Similar to humans, octopuses can be deceived by an illusion that leads them to believe that artificial arms are genuinely theirs.
This phenomenon, known as the rubber hand illusion, was first identified in the late 1990s, wherein a person’s hidden real hand is stroked alongside a fake hand placed before them. This trick was later found to impact other mammals, such as mice.
Recently, Kawashima and Samia, alongside Yuzuru Ikeda at the University of Ryukyu in Okinawa, Japan, discovered that octopuses are likewise susceptible to this illusion.
The experiment involved the plains of octopuses (Callistoctopus aspilosomatis) placed in a test tank. Soft gel fake arms, set atop an opaque partition, were placed over one of the octopus’s real arms, obscuring it from view. A researcher then stroked both the actual and fake arms simultaneously with a plastic caliper.
About eight seconds later, the researchers pinched the fake arm with tweezers. All six octopus subjects exhibited defensive behaviors, including color changes, arm retraction, and attempts to escape, across 24 trials.
The illusory effect diminished when the test was conducted without synchronized stroking, used non-synchronized stroking, or when the fake arm’s position didn’t align with the real arm.
During the experiment, the octopus could see false arms resting over a partition that obscured their actual arms
Kawashima and Yuzuku Ishima/Lucys University
According to Ikeda, the experiments reveal both advantages and disadvantages in the neural wiring of both octopuses and humans. “The illusion indicates an octopus’s ability to predict and anticipate, critical for survival,” he states. “Conversely, this capacity arises from neural conflicts and processing errors, suggesting a flaw.”
Kawashima asserts that this investigation will contribute to the understanding of octopus capabilities related to human experiences. “Our results imply that octopuses could serve as a vital model for studying the evolution of body ownership,” she mentions.
Peter Godfrey-Smith at the University of Sydney in Australia found the findings surprising. “This indicates that octopuses possess a complex body image,” he comments. “I was intrigued that the ‘positional mismatch’ scenario indeed worked—showing that the octopus didn’t perceive the rubber arm as its own in that specific situation.”
Farmers apply lime to pastures to enhance soil quality
Wayne Hutchinson/Alamy
The centuries-old method of distributing crushed limestone on farmland can enhance crop yields by lowering soil acidity. While this practice is typically viewed as a contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, recent studies indicate that “liming” might actually assist in sequestering substantial amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
“Liming can either act as a carbon source or as a carbon sink. Empirical evidence suggests it serves as a fairly effective carbon sink,” says Noah Pranabsky from Yale University. This revelation could motivate the global spread of limestone on farms, although liming does not produce this effect universally.
Each year, millions of tons of crushed limestone spread across fields are classified as emission sources. This classification arises because when alkaline materials dissolve in acidic soils, a significant portion of its carbon is released as CO2. However, this assessment is not entirely accurate. According to Tim Jesper Souhoff, also from Yale, the situation is more complex.
Today’s soils are highly acidic, resulting from extensive fertilizer use and pollution from fossil fuel combustion. Consequently, various other alkaline minerals in the soil dissolve and liberate carbon, even in the absence of limestone. “These CO2 emissions will happen regardless of whether lime is added or not,” Suhrhoff explains, emphasizing that this alteration of acidity can lead to unintentional consequences.
Suhrhoff advocates for a more accurate evaluation of emissions from this practice, suggesting that scientists should analyze CO2 emitted versus captured in scenarios both with and without liming.
As an illustration of this method, Suhrhoff, Planavsky, and their team focused on the Mississippi River basin, a region that gathers runoff from the majority of U.S. farmland. They calculated the net carbon impact of limestone applications from 1900 to 2015 across the area.
The researchers estimated emissions from the soil while utilizing geochemical models to assess how liming alters soil acidity. They also compared their model results with direct observations of alkalinity in the Mississippi, where limestone reacts with carbon dioxide.
By employing their innovative approach, the researchers determined that they had sequestered around 300 million tonnes of CO2 in the region, rather than enabling the release of hundreds of millions of tonnes of emissions. Souhoff presented these findings at the Goldschmidt Conference held in Prague, Czech Republic, on July 10th.
This practice can also be coupled with the increased use of crushed volcanic rocks on farmland to sequester even more CO2 from the atmosphere.
Wolfram Buss from the Australian National University suggests that while liming can act as a carbon sink, the success seen in the Mississippi River Basin may not apply universally. “There is a potential risk with lime application, which could result in net CO2 emissions in other systems, primarily due to the significant acidification of agricultural soils,” he warns.
The subsequent step is to determine where liming is most essential. “This presents the opportunity for us to foster improved crop yields, potentially leading to billions of tons of CO2 removal,” Planavsky remarks. Financial incentives can significantly aid low-income farmers who are unable to afford the optimal amount of lime needed for their crops.
To explore these changes, Wenfang from Boston College, Massachusetts, and her colleagues examined data from 141 companies across the US, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and Ireland that took part in a pilot initiative by the nonprofit 4 Day Global.
Prior to the trial, companies collaborated with external consultants to streamline their workflows and eliminate inefficiencies like unnecessary meetings.
After a six-month program, researchers compared self-reported productivity, health, and job satisfaction from approximately 3,000 employees at participating companies against 12 workers who were involved but opposed the trial.
Employees at companies that adopted a four-day work week reported lower rates of burnout and higher job satisfaction, alongside improvements in overall mental and physical health. These benefits were linked to better sleep quality, reduced fatigue, and enhanced work performance.
“Many individuals are concerned about a phenomenon called job intensification. If you’re required to complete all your work in four days instead of five, it might increase stress,” notes Fan. “Our findings indicate the opposite. When employees can reduce hours, they feel positive about themselves, contributing to greater happiness.”
The results were consistent across various employee demographics, including age and gender, regardless of whether they worked remotely or in-office. However, positions within the company appeared to impact results. Supervisors reported notable enhancements in overall well-being compared to non-supervisors.
The researchers indicated that participants did not clarify which specific aspects of the trial contributed to their perceived benefits, suggesting that the improvements might stem from reduced unnecessary meetings rather than merely switching to a four-day schedule, according to Ronnie Golden from Penn State University in Abington.
“If employees report higher happiness, could it be due to better treatment from their employer? They might trust their company more, benefit from fewer commuting days, or enjoy a few extended days for leisure,” states Golden. “Or is it simply a matter of increased productivity per hour with fewer distractions?”
Regardless, over 90% of firms that transitioned to a four-day work week chose to continue this model after the program ended, according to Fan.
When thick oil from tanker or pipeline accidents infiltrates the ocean, the clean-up process often generates more waste than oil removed. Traditional synthetic tools, such as polypropylene pads and oil dispersants, consist of toxic chemicals that decompose slowly. To offer a more eco-friendly solution, scientists are looking to natural materials like coconut shells, which can absorb oil without causing additional contamination. This Bio-based material is safe and decomposes naturally without harming the environment.
One category of bio-based materials under investigation for oil spill clean-up consists of long chains known as repeating molecules polymers. Researchers have combined various bio-based polymers to create what are called hybrid materials Composite Materials. These composites include a unique type of highly porous solids primarily made of air—Air Gel. Depending on the material composition, iPhone-sized aerogels can weigh less than small paper clips and are highly porous, allowing them to absorb significant amounts of oil, functioning like an overactive sponge!
Previously, scientists utilized chitosan (CS) derived from crustacean shells to construct bio-based aerogels with sodium alginate (SA) from brown seaweed. However, both CS and SA are water-attracting compounds, Hydrophilicity, causing them to dissolve in water. This makes it challenging to apply them for oil spill clean-ups in bodies of water, as they dissolve before capturing much oil. Additionally, CS-SA aerogels tend to be relatively weak and flexible, raising concerns about their reusability.
To address these issues, researchers at the National University of Singapore developed a new CS-SA aerogel. This enhanced aerogel not only repels water but is also lightweight, durable, and reusable through multiple oil absorption cycles.
To create the aerogels, researchers initially dissolved CS and SA in a solution and sent sound waves through it. The sound waves intertwine polymer chains, releasing and reassembling them into smaller chains of Nanofiber. To counteract the hydrophilic nature of CS and SA, researchers introduced water-repelling agents—Hydrophobicity chemicals such as Methyltrimethoxysilane or MTMS.
The mixture was then poured into a mold and placed in liquid nitrogen. This facilitated the formation of ice crystals within the solution, pushing the nanofibers towards the edges where they bonded to create honeycomb-like microstructures. The researchers then froze the mixture and directly sublimated it into steam to eliminate the water.
After producing the aerogels, researchers assessed their porosity and strength. They employed a high-powered microscope to examine the internal structure of the aerogels and determine how the nanofibers influenced porosity. They discovered that aerogels containing nanofibers are more porous than those without. An increase in nanofiber concentration from 0.5% to 2% resulted in aerogels that are up to 9.5 times stronger, albeit with lower porosity, increasing density by 2.5 times. The team settled on a 1% nanofiber concentration as the optimal formula to balance strength and porosity.
The researchers also evaluated the strength of each aerogel by stretching them and measuring how much deformation they could withstand without losing their shape—a concept referred to as Top yield strength and the force they could handle before failure—Ultimate strength. With increasing amounts of MTM, the aerogels became stronger, boosting yield strength by up to 300% and ultimate strength by 200%. They also tested the recovery of the aerogels after compression, showing that they could regain up to 96% of their original shape and exhibited 32% resilience to compression, with minimal bending or structural deformation.
Finally, researchers examined how effectively the aerogels repelled water and absorbed oils. When placed on the aerogel’s surface, water droplets retained a nearly spherical shape instead of spreading out. The droplets were observed moving across the surface and rolling off without leaving any residue, confirming the hydrophobic nature of the aerogel. To test oil absorption, researchers submerged the aerogels in an oil-water mixture, where the aerogels absorbed more than 90% of the oil volume and weighed 30-90 times their initial mass.
Researchers concluded that their new aerogels could be a powerful and sustainable alternative to synthetic materials for oil spill clean-up. They emphasized that designing materials at multiple scales—ranging from molecules to small fibers—can enhance their strength and performance. They proposed that further advancements could allow these aerogels to support reusable and eco-friendly solutions for oil spill remediation, particularly in sensitive coastal areas.
In the heart of the Milky Way, the stars appear younger than expected.
NASA, Caltech, Susan Stolovy (SSC, Caltech)
Stars in the core of our galaxy may indeed be nearly immortal, harnessing dark matter for energy.
Over two decades ago, astronomers observed oddities among the stars at the Milky Way’s center. Their emitted light suggests they are younger than their mass would indicate; this phenomenon is termed the “Youth Paradox.” Furthermore, there’s a surprising scarcity of older stars in this region, referred to as the “aging difficulty problem.”
Currently, Isabelle John from the University of Stockholm and her team employed computer simulations to propose that dark matter might hold the key to resolving both issues.
It’s established that the centers of galaxies possess high densities of dark matter. The researchers simulated the interactions of dark matter particles with stars and found that upon collision with a star’s atomic nucleus, a particle loses energy and can become trapped there. If other dark matter particles are also present at the same site, they can annihilate each other, generating bursts of energy that illuminate the stars.
Stars typically age due to a lack of fusion fuel, but dark matter could serve as an extra energy source, extending their longevity. Given the substantial amount of dark matter surrounding the galactic center, this mechanism may effectively grant stars a form of immortality, according to John.
She notes that the team’s simulations are based on broad assumptions regarding dark matter and align qualitatively with historical observations. However, further empirical data could enhance our understanding, prompting additional telescope observations to gather fresh insights on dark matter and verify if the stars at the Milky Way’s core can indeed achieve eternal life, as their nature remains poorly understood.
Mark Pinne from Ohio State University emphasizes the importance of interpreting simulations of stars situated away from the galaxy’s center. He points out that since there exists comprehensive observational data on stars near Earth, the anticipated impacts of dark matter should be cross-verified with this information.
Serene Lee/Sopa Images/Lightrocket via Getty Images
The emergence of AI chatbots introduces a significant turning point, suggesting that online content is increasingly unreliable in terms of human creation. How do people reflect on this transformation? Some are urgently striving to preserve “pure” data from the pre-AI period, while others advocate for documenting AI’s own contributions, enabling future historians to analyze the evolution of chatbots.
Rajiv Pant, an entrepreneur and former chief technology officer, notes in the New York Times and Wall Street Journal that he views AI as a potential risk to information integrity, particularly concerning news articles that constitute historical records. “Since the launch of ChatGPT, we’ve been grappling with this issue of ‘digital archaeology’, which is becoming increasingly pressing,” Pant remarks. “Currently, there’s no dependable way to differentiate between human-created content and that generated by large AI systems. This is a concern that extends beyond academia; it affects journalism, legal clarity, and scientific discovery.”
For John Graham-Cumming of cybersecurity company CloudFlare, data generated post-ChatGPT is akin to low-background steel, prized for its application in sensitive scientific and medical devices, devoid of residual radioactive contamination from the Atomic Age that disrupts measurements.
Graham-Cumming has established a website, Lowbackgroundsteel.ai, which has already demonstrated that Wikipedia reflects the impacts of AI contributions, aiming to archive data sources lacking AI contamination, such as the complete Wikipedia archive from August 2022.
“There were times we handled everything manually, but eventually, this process became significantly augmented by chat systems,” he explains. “You can view this as a type of pollution, or positively, as a way for humanity to advance with assistance.”
Mark Graham, who operates the Wayback Machine on the Internet Archive—an initiative that has been documenting the public Internet since 1996—expresses skepticism regarding the effectiveness of new data archiving initiatives, especially since the Internet Archive captures up to 160 terabytes of new information daily.
Graham aspires to develop a repository of AI outputs for researchers and historians in the future. He plans to pose 1,000 local questions each day and record the chatbot’s responses, even leveraging AI for this extensive task. This method helps document the evolving outputs of AI for future human inquiry.
“You ask a specific question, receive an answer, and the next day, you can re-ask the same question to receive a potentially different response,” Graham comments.
Graham-Cumming emphasizes he is not against AI; instead, he believes preserving human-generated content can actually enhance AI models. This is crucial since subpar AI outputs may harm the training of new models, leading to “model collapse.” Preventing this occurrence is a worthy endeavor, he asserts.
“At some point, one of these AIs is bound to contemplate concepts that humans haven’t considered. It will prove a mathematical theorem or innovate something entirely new.”
As treatment options for Alzheimer’s disease remain limited, researchers are exploring the repurposing of cancer medications to address cognitive decline.
The incidence of Alzheimer’s is on the rise due to an aging global population, yet no cure currently exists. Efforts to discover new therapies that can halt the progression of the disease instead of merely managing symptoms have often been unsuccessful.
At present, only two medications, Leqembi and Kisunla, have received FDA approval to slow the progression of early Alzheimer’s disease, and the extent of their effectiveness is considered limited.
Several pharmaceutical firms have either shelved or discontinued their Alzheimer’s drug development initiatives after encountering trial failures. Others are investigating the potential of established medications, including popular weight loss drugs in combating the disease.
In this context, researchers at the University of California, San Francisco, conducted extensive screenings of existing drugs that could be repurposed for Alzheimer’s treatment, aiming to shorten the time required for patient access to these drugs. They analyzed a database of over 1,300 different medications, spanning various drug classes such as antipsychotics, antibiotics, antifungals, and chemotherapeutics, and assessed their impact on gene expression.
Their recent study, published in the journal Cell, pinpointed two cancer drugs as the leading candidates to potentially mitigate the risk of Alzheimer’s in patients. When used in combination, these drugs demonstrated the ability to slow or even reverse Alzheimer’s symptoms in mouse models. One of the medications is typically used for breast cancer treatment, while the other targets colon and lung cancers.
Significant alterations in gene expression in the brain are characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease, leading to the increased synthesis of certain proteins and decreased production of others. These disruptions can impair brain functionality and result in symptoms such as memory loss.
According to the researchers, the two drugs, identified from a database of nearly 90, were able to reverse the expression of genes associated with Alzheimer’s in human brain cells. Furthermore, based on electronic medical records, five specific drugs appeared to lower Alzheimer’s risk among actual patients, ultimately leading the authors to select two FDA-approved cancer treatments for animal testing.
“We were not anticipating that cancer medications would emerge as strong contenders,” remarked Marina Sirota, interim director of the UCSF Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute.
The authors noted that letrozole, a breast cancer treatment, seems to modify gene expression within neurons, while irinotecan, a colon cancer medication, appears to influence gene expression in glial cells that support the nervous system. Alzheimer’s disease leads to nerve cell destruction, excess glial cell proliferation, and brain inflammation.
A 2020 study indicated that breast cancer patients treated with letrozole had a lower incidence of Alzheimer’s disease compared to those who did not receive the drug. Similarly, colorectal cancer survivors who were administered irinotecan exhibited a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease, as noted in research from 2021.
After evaluating the drugs in mice, the study authors discovered that the combination of the two medications reversed cognitive decline and enhanced memory in mice displaying traits of Alzheimer’s disease as they aged.
Given that results observed in mice do not always have a direct correlation with human outcomes, researchers aim to conduct clinical trials with Alzheimer’s patients.
“The development of new medications typically incurs costs in the millions, often billions, and can span over a decade. In contrast, repurposed medications may require only two to three years and carry significantly lower costs to reach clinical trial stages,” Sirota explained.
“Currently, we are not producing highly effective treatments that can significantly decelerate cognitive decline,” she added.
The challenge in developing Alzheimer’s treatments lies in the intricate nature of the disease, with its exact causes remaining largely elusive.
At this point, the authors admit that the precise mechanisms by which cancer drugs may be effective against Alzheimer’s are uncertain. One hypothesis suggests that breast cancer medications inhibit estrogen production—a hormone that regulates the expression of numerous genes. Colon cancer drugs might mitigate brain inflammation by preventing glial cell proliferation, yet Huang notes that there could be additional explanations.
Dr. Melanie McReynolds, a biochemistry assistant professor at Penn State University who was not involved in the research, offered another perspective.
She suggested that the study indicates various cancer drugs may prove beneficial in treating Alzheimer’s by modulating glucose metabolism, the process by which cells generate energy. McReynolds emphasized that this process is vital for communication among different brain cells.
“Aging, stress, and illness can disrupt that communication,” she stated.
McReynolds expressed that the drug combinations evaluated in the current research have the potential to reverse metabolic declines.
However, it is crucial to understand how Alzheimer’s patients will respond to these cancer drug combinations. Letrozole can induce hot flashes, while irinotecan is known for causing severe diarrhea. Both treatments may also lead to nausea and vomiting.
“These medications come with significant side effects, so it’s essential to weigh these risks carefully and determine whether such side effects are manageable for individuals with Alzheimer’s,” stated Sirota. “It’s not a straightforward solution.”
The threat of hurricanes in Florida is increasing, driven by anthropogenic climate change that warms our atmosphere and elevates sea surface temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico. Warmer conditions retain moisture, enhance hurricane intensity, and create more powerful storms, making Florida more susceptible to storm-related damage. During Hurricane Helen, extreme rainfall surged by 10%, with some regions in Florida receiving up to 26.95 inches of rainfall.
Jeremy Porter, a climate risk expert at the First Street Foundation, points out that soaring insurance costs reflect the significant effects of climate change in West Florida, where areas like Fort Myers Beach are grappling with recurring losses and expensive recovery efforts.
“In recent decades, we’ve been catching up with the reality of climate risks that weren’t adequately reflected in risk modeling. Now, as we reassess, premium costs are rising rapidly, impacting people’s household budgets,” Porter noted.
Due to a scarcity of home insurance options, residents are increasingly opting for coverage through Citizens Insurance Property Corp., a state-supported non-profit insurer in Florida.
Porter anticipates that by 2055, home insurance premiums in the Tampa Metro region could soar by 213% because of hurricane risks. Climate-related threats are similarly disrupting insurance markets in other states; for instance, Sacramento, California, may see a 137% rise due to heightened wildfire risks.
Porter also mentioned that declining home prices in Florida could influence insurance costs and accessibility. If property values fall below a certain threshold, insurers exposed to hurricane risks may view this as a warning sign, leading to increased scrutiny and potential hikes in premiums during the underwriting process.
Zillow data indicates that the value of homes in Fort Myers Beach has decreased by approximately $200,000 from pre-pandemic levels, with around 86% of last year’s sales reflecting this price drop.
Before Hurricane Ian, the average home value on Sanibel Island, a favored destination in Lee County, stood at nearly $1.3 million. Today, it has plummeted to $868,000, with 93% of homes having sold at reduced prices.
Joan Krempner, a part-time resident of Fort Myers Beach since 2016, stated that selling her home is not financially feasible after substantial rebuilding costs following Hurricane Ian. With few alternatives but to remain in Fort Myers Beach, Krempner expresses concern about the long-term implications of climate change on the community’s future.
“We must face that this is a long-term issue. The critical question is whether people want to keep investing in Fort Myers Beach,” Krempner remarked. “If there hasn’t been a hurricane in 30 years, the risk seems worthwhile for living in paradise. But if three major hurricanes strike within 18 months, doubt creeps in.”
Jacki Liszak, president and CEO of the Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce, asserts that Fort Myers Beach remains an attractive place to live and visit, highlighting community efforts toward resilient architecture and the construction of homes above flood levels.
“Homes must be built strong and elevated,” Liszak emphasized. “This is beneficial. People are already here, and they’ll continue to come. They cherish this lifestyle—it’s truly a beautiful part of the world.”
Many of us enjoy finding new ways to categorize individuals in our lives, and recently, there’s been a noticeable surge in discussions surrounding “dark empathy.” “They appear sensitive and caring, but their true intent is manipulation.” Guardian I previously shared how TikTok influencers often label it as “the most dangerous personality type.”
This month, I’ve received requests from readers seeking clarification on the science behind these trendy terms. What defines dark empathy? And how can one identify such individuals?
This notion emerged from research investigating the so-called dark triad of personality traits: psychopathy (cold, antisocial behavior), narcissism (excessive self-focus), and Machiavellianism (manipulative tendencies). Historically, the Dark Triad was associated with a lack of empathy for others.
However, this perspective shifted with a groundbreaking 2021 study by Najah Heim, a researcher at Nottingham Trent University in England. Analyzing nearly 1,000 participants, the study confirmed that many individuals with dark triad traits lacked the capacity for empathy. However, a significant subset of around 175 participants exhibited high levels of psychopathy, narcissism, and Machiavellianism while also scoring well on standard empathy measures. They noted, for instance, that they were sensitive to others’ discomfort and claimed that people’s emotions significantly affected their own moods.
Heim and her colleagues coined the term “dark empathy” to describe this group. Further studies indicated that these individuals were generally less aggressive and more extroverted than their less empathetic counterparts, yet they displayed more hostility than the average individual. The researchers concluded that, behind a seemingly genial facade, there lies a “partially hostile core.”
This discovery prompts several questions. Psychologist Distinguish distinguishes between cognitive empathy (the visceral response to witnessing others’ emotions) and emotional empathy (the ability to understand others’ perspectives). It’s still unclear if dark empathy signifies a distinct phenomenon. Researchers also remain uncertain about how the behavior of these individuals varies depending on the context.
I am eager to find answers to these inquiries, but the current literature offers little on how to effectively interact with these individuals. For now, I will remain vigilant for classical red flags of toxic behavior, such as attempts to wield emotional manipulation through flattery or threats, and work to establish clear boundaries. While terms like “Dark Empath” may sound intriguing, their behaviors can be as distressing as those exhibited by traditional bullies in your life.
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The latest nature documentary from Apple TV+, Wild Ones, offers an insider’s perspective, showcasing three expert efforts in a series that truly deserves attention.
The opening narration reminds us that nature faces dire threats, with around 150 species disappearing daily. The mission of the film is to “find, document, and protect” six of the most endangered species, aiming not only to raise awareness but also to prompt action from local officials to prevent extinction.
Camera Trap Specialists Declan Burley, Wildlife Cameraman Vianet Djenguet, and Expedition Leader Aldo Kane embark on a global journey to capture footage of the world’s rarest wildlife.
The first episode leads them into the Malaysian jungle, searching for a rare tiger. Subsequent episodes will take viewers to the Gobi Desert in Mongolia to find Gobi Bears, and onto tracking the Javan rhinos, the Gabon gorilla, and Caucasian leopards, in addition to marine life such as the North Atlantic right whale Eubalaena glacialis.
This series employs advanced technology like drones and thermal imaging to produce breathtaking visuals of the animals and their environments. The untouched rainforests of Malaysia—often further from human contact than places visited by astronauts—are just part of the previously unseen natural world that Wild Ones uncovers.
However, the success of the documentary hinges on Burley, Djenguet, and Kane’s emotional engagement, which keeps viewers invested in the animals’ fates. Their reactions, whether witnessing an elusive leopard or the plight of whales caught in nets, leave an indelible mark on the audience.
Seeing three on-screen experts doing their job will hook stubborn fans of the genre
In a poignant moment deep within Taman Negara National Park, Burley reviews footage from a hidden camera, initially excited about capturing a rare Malayan tiger, only to discover that the creature has been maimed by a poacher’s trap.
Burley shares the footage with Djenguet and Kane, his connection to the animals rendering him visibly emotional. Local experts point out that such striking images are vital, sparking action from viewers worldwide. The trio understands their role, but the distress it causes them is undeniable.
While the emotional weight is palpable, the episodes’ lengths and scripted interactions sometimes disrupt the flow. Occasional forced humor and dramatic elements can dilute the impact, making the experience feel less authentic.
Nonetheless, as the series progresses, Burley, Djenguet, and Kane become more at ease on camera, captivating dedicated fans with their expertise and drawing in audiences eager for authenticity.
This series stands out in the realm of nature documentaries, providing an intimate look at the emotional turmoil, physical challenges, and the enduring patience required to produce such content. With dozens of cameras stationed in perilous locations, team members must meticulously return for footage, sometimes after months.
Ultimately, capturing footage of these endangered animals in Wild Ones is not just a visual feast; it’s a compelling call to action aimed at preserving these species for future generations.
Gregory Wakeman is a Los Angeles-based author.
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Between mid-May and late June, Icechip Storm Chasers explore the Front Range of the Rockies and the Central Plains, often in vehicles fortified against falling ice. Equipped with drones, balloons, and mobile Doppler radars, they enhance methodologies previously perfected by Tornado Chasers.
While one team strategically positions mobile Doppler radars to monitor storms at close proximity, other researchers focus on deploying balloons and utilizing sensors to assess the size and velocity of hail strikes.
Amid various storms, researchers have embarked on the Tempest Path to observe the life cycle of hailstones, utilizing hundreds of ping-pong ball-like devices known as Heilsondos that melt and freeze.
Convection thunderstorms with substantial internal updrafts generate hail by circulating a mix of water and ice crystals into the freezing layer above. Hail typically forms at altitudes between 20,000 to 50,000 feet, where temperatures range from -22 to 14 degrees Fahrenheit. The same updrafts can obliterate ailsond at any hail-generating region of the storm.
This is situated on the roads of Oklahoma. Ice plants/farm
“By tracking that sensor over time, we can understand the precise path and trajectory that hail follows, at least for some storms,” stated Victor Gensini, a meteorology professor at Northern Illinois University and lead researcher at ICECHIP.
“We anticipate increased instability,” Gensini remarked, with researchers believing this could foster stronger updrafts.
Such powerful updrafts can sustain larger hail for extended periods, allowing ice balls or discs to gain mass before gravity pulls them down.
“If you use a hair dryer and direct it towards the edge, it’s easy to balance a ping pong ball with that airstream,” Jensee described. “But how do you balance a softball? A stronger updraft is necessary.”
Storm modeling indicates that more potent updrafts could increase the likelihood of large hail in the future, even though they may lower the overall chance of hail. Researchers predict smaller hail will diminish, as it possesses less mass and often dissolves before reaching the ground.
“There’s a sort of dichotomy. Yes, there are fewer people around, but warmer atmospheres with very strong updrafts yield even more significant hail,” Jensee explained.
Throughout their field campaign, researchers collected over 10,000 hailstones in dry ice chests to evaluate their computer models against observed growth dynamics.
Measuring the hail. Ice plants/farm
“The hail data is somewhat concerning,” Jensini remarked about previous records, noting an increase in reports of 2-inch, 3-inch, and 4-inch hail. However, it’s unclear whether this is due to more people chasing storms and discovering larger hail or if the atmosphere is genuinely producing larger hailstones.
Gensini conveyed that the new measurements will enable researchers to correlate airborne conditions with ground findings, leading to enhanced forecasts and reduced economic impacts.
In many regions where Icechip operates, agriculture is prevalent, according to Karen Kosiba, an atmospheric scientist with flexible radar teams at the University of Illinois.
“It influences their crops and machinery, prompting them to seek shelter,” she stated. “Weather holds numerous economic implications.”
Improving the quality of the air we breathe is a significant achievement for public health, but paradoxically, it also accelerates global warming. This is highlighted in a recent study published in Communication Earth and the Environment, which connects the recent efforts to clean up air pollution in East Asia to the intensified climate crisis.
In the last 15 years, global warming has surged dramatically, and until now, the reasons behind this surge were unclear to scientists.
Co-author Dr. Robert Allen, a professor of climate studies at the University of California, Riverside, stated:
To address this, a large team of international scientists examined simulations from eight major climate models.
The majority of the accelerated warming seen since 2010 is believed to stem from efforts to reduce air pollution in East Asia.
During this same period, China was implementing a significant air quality policy that led to a reduction of sulfur dioxide emissions by approximately 75%.
Dr. Bjørn Samset, the lead author of the research and a senior researcher at Norway’s International Climate Environmental Studies Centre, explained to BBC Science Focus that pollution has historically been effective in cooling the planet.
“Think back to a day when the air was polluted or hazy,” he mentioned. “Particles in the air block some sunlight from reaching the ground, effectively providing a cooling shade.
“For decades, air pollution has been helping to mitigate some of the warming caused by greenhouse gases.”
Samset elaborated that by eliminating air pollution, as China has done, some of that cooling effect has been lost.
However, simply allowing pollution to persist is not the answer. Allen noted that 2 and methane must both be addressed together.
Before China’s 2010 air quality policy, pollution was a leading cause of premature deaths in the country – Credit: Jack-Enjo Photography via Getty
In addition to cutting greenhouse gases, some scientists have proposed unconventional measures to slow the climate crisis, such as reintroducing artificial pollution into the atmosphere.
Samset explained that this approach “involves releasing particles into the stratosphere or clouds, which can mirror the cooling effects of air pollution without the harmful health impacts.”
To do this, planes could disperse gas from altitudes of 20 km—significantly higher than typical passenger flights.
However, co-author Professor Laura Wilcox, a meteorologist at the University of Reading, advised in BBC Science Focus that such solutions do not resolve the core issues.
“Similar to air pollution, these methods merely mask atmospheric problems without addressing the root causes,” she stated.
“Another viable strategy is to actively remove CO.2,” she added. “This process, known as carbon capture, is already underway but on a limited scale.”
Possible solutions include planting trees and seaweed, developing mechanical trees, and directly capturing CO2 from the air for storage in rock formations.
Nevertheless, the key solution remains to “reduce greenhouse gas emissions primarily by transitioning away from fossil fuels,” said Samset.
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About our experts
Dr. Bjørn Samset is a senior researcher at the Norwegian Centre for International Climate Research. A physicist and science communicator, he possesses extensive expertise in atmospheric science and global climate modeling, focusing on the impacts of air pollution on climate change through climate modeling.
Professor Laura Wilcox is a professor specializing in aerosol climate interactions at the University of Reading, UK. Her research interests encompass the effects of air pollution on climate and the impacts of aviation on the climate.
With three meteor showers occurring simultaneously this month, skywatchers have ample opportunities to spend their summer nights searching for shooting stars.
The annual Alpha Capriconids, South Delta Aquarids, and Perseid Meteor Showers are currently in action, each expected to last until mid-August.
Here’s what you need to know about these meteor showers and tips for spotting shooting stars.
Alpha Capriconid
The Alpha Capriconids and South Delta Aquarids will be visible overnight from July 29th to 30th, while the Perseids, often regarded as the most consistent shooting star display, will peak next month.
Skywatchers can expect favorable conditions for observing meteor showers this July, as noted by the American Meteor Society.
Typically, the Alpha Capricornids Meteor Shower doesn’t deliver a powerful show but can yield several bright fireballs while active, generating approximately 5 shooting stars per hour. Observations under dark skies enhance the experience, according to the American Meteor Society.
This shower derives its name from the constellation Capricornus, from which the meteors appear to radiate. This year’s peak features a moon phase of only 27%, giving both hemispheres an opportunity to observe the display.
The Alpha Capriconid meteor shower occurs when Earth traverses dust and debris from the comet 169p/Neat, which orbits the Sun approximately every 4.2 years. Fragments entering the atmosphere create bright streaks of light as they vaporize.
South Delta Aquarid
The Southern Delta Aquarids, as suggested by its name, is most clearly observed from the Southern Hemisphere. Under ideal conditions, this meteor shower can produce about 25 meteors per hour, though many tend to be faint.
According to NASA, the South Delta Aquarid shower is challenging to spot, but early morning hours provide the best chance for viewing.
This meteor shower is linked to Comet 96p/Machorz, which completes an orbit around the Sun approximately every two years.
Perseid
Lastly, the Perseid meteor shower is currently active and expected to peak overnight from August 12th to 13th. This event is highly anticipated as Perseids typically occur during the warm summer months in the Northern Hemisphere, often generating a high rate of shooting stars. Under optimal conditions, this shower can yield up to 100 meteors per hour.
However, this year, the moon will be approximately 84% illuminated, which may diminish visibility for meteors. “This will significantly impact the shower’s activity during its peak,” states the American Meteor Society.
“These conditions could reduce visible activity by at least 75%, leaving only the brighter meteors visible,” the society mentioned in its forecast.
The Perseid shower occurs as Earth passes through debris and dust left by the comet 109p/Swift-Tuttle.
This year, four individuals in Florida have succumbed to a bacterial infection that can lead to “carnivorous” wounds, as reported by the State Health Department this month.
The culprit is the bacterium Vibrio vulnificus, which flourishes in warm seawater. The fatalities occurred in counties along the Gulf Coast, stretching from Bay County to Hillsboro County, encompassing much of Florida’s coastline.
According to the state health department, Florida has recorded 11 instances of Vibrio vulnificus this year. The bacteria can infiltrate the body through open skin wounds, leading to tissue death, as noted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Additionally, consumption of contaminated food, especially raw oysters, can also result in infection. The exact means of infection for those affected in Florida remain unclear.
The CDC indicates that approximately one in five individuals infected with Vibrio vulnificus will die.
Antacarit Jutra, an engineering professor at the University of Florida, is investigating Vibrio bacteria and mentions that while infections are relatively uncommon, instances tend to rise following hurricanes. Last year, Florida reported a total of 82 cases, likely exacerbated by a “very active” hurricane season.
What is Vibrio vulnificus?
Rita Colwell, a microbiology professor at the University of Maryland, states that Vibrio vulnificus is among over 200 species of Vibrio bacteria.
Most Vibrio infections do not pose a threat to humans, Jutra notes. Some may only affect other animals.
Vibrio bacteria result in roughly 80,000 infections annually, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Most cases are gastrointestinal, with only 100-200 attributed to Vibrio vulnificus. Other Vibrio species, like Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio alginolyticus, usually cause gastrointestinal diseases, while Vibrio cholerae is responsible for cholera-related diarrhea.
Vibrio bacteria typically inhabit the southeastern coast of the United States where warm waters are prevalent, but they are also found along the west coast. As ocean temperatures rise, more cases have emerged further north in recent years, including areas like New York, Connecticut, and parts of Maryland, according to Jutla.
Who is at risk?
Dr. Norman Beatty, an infectious disease physician at the University of Florida Health, points out that Vibrio bacteria can enter through open wounds after exposure to salty or brackish water. While most cases he has encountered are linked to prolonged exposure, even short bouts can be sufficient.
Symptoms of infection may appear within just a few hours, including redness, swelling, and “bull” blisters at the site, which can be quite painful. If left untreated, the infection may spread into the bloodstream and lead to sepsis, which can be fatal. Symptoms of sepsis encompass fever, chills, and severe hypotension, as per the CDC.
Individuals with cirrhosis, weakened immune systems, and those over 65 years old are at the highest risk of infection, according to Jutla.
Antibiotics can effectively treat Vibrio vulnificus infections.
How to prevent vibrio infection
Beatty advises covering any open wounds before entering the ocean, noting that even waterproof band-aids can be effective.
If anyone suspects they have an infection, they should seek medical attention immediately, as delays can lead to severe complications.
“Late presentations to healthcare are often the reason some individuals experience more serious consequences than others,” he explains. “Those who present early with signs and symptoms of infection and receive antibiotics on the same day tend to fare better and avoid severe complications.”
There may be genetic explanations for why some women consistently give birth to boys or girls. This is the reasoning behind it.
According to a new study, women who have multiple children of the same sex are more likely to have another child of the same sex.
Factors such as maternal age and genetics can create bias in the “coin toss” of gender determination, rather than following a pure 50/50 chance for each child.
The gender of a child at conception hinges on the sperm’s X or Y chromosomes, suggesting that the metaphorical coin flip for determining a child’s gender isn’t entirely random.
However, doctoral researcher Xiwen Wang from Harvard pointed out that this might not be the complete picture.
“The project started from a casual chat among co-authors and friends about a family with only boys or only girls,” Wang noted in an interview with BBC Science Focus.
“It happened so frequently that we began to wonder: Is that really a possibility?
Wang and her team analyzed data from over 58,007 women who had more than two children.
They found that if a couple has three boys, they have a 61% chance of having another boy. Likewise, after three girls, there’s a 58% chance of having another girl.
This research identified various factors that might tip the scales towards families of exclusively girls or boys.
“Women who have their first child after the age of 28 are about 10% more likely to have only boys or only girls than those who start before 23,” Wang explained. “While this isn’t a huge difference, it is statistically significant.”
Though the study did not delve into the reasons for this association, Wang offered some theories.
“As women age, they go through physiological changes like a shorter follicular phase and lower vaginal pH,” she elaborated.
The follicular phase is the initial stage of the menstrual cycle, which generally favors Y chromosome sperm, while a lower vaginal pH is conducive to X chromosome sperm.
“These effects can vary among individuals; thus, depending on their specific biology, aging might shift the balance toward one gender,” Wang said.
Families with only daughters or only sons are more common than random chance alone would suggest – Credit: Getty Images/Pixdeluxe
Wang also proposed another potential connection.
“The age of pregnant mothers often correlates with that of older fathers. Unfortunately, we lacked father data for this study,” Wang mentioned.
Researchers also explored genetic markers for the 7,530 women involved in the study, discovering two SNPs: NSUN6 associated with all-female offspring and TSHZ1 correlated with all-male offspring.
The study examined whether behavioral factors, such as couples continuing to have children until a daughter is born following a series of sons, could account for patterns of same-sex offspring.
“We conducted an analysis that excluded the last child for each family, which is likely influenced by parents stopping once they have both genders. Even after this adjustment, we still observed a strong clustering of same-sex siblings,” Wang stated.
About our experts
Siwen Wang is a doctoral student specializing in nutritional epidemiology at Harvard University School of Public Health. Her research investigates how nutrition, lifestyle, and psychosocial elements affect the health of mothers and children.
Recent studies published in the journal reveal that Uranus emits approximately 15% more energy than it receives from the Sun, as documented in Monthly Notices from the Royal Astronomical Society and Geophysical Research Book.
Composite image of Uranus. Image credit: Marcos Van Dam/Wm Keck Observatory.
Uranus distinguishes itself from other planets in our solar system by rotating on its side, causing each pole to face the Sun for 42 consecutive years during its “summer.”
This planet also rotates in a direction opposite to all other planets except Venus.
Data from the 1986 Voyager 2 flyby mission showed that Uranus has an unusually cold interior, prompting scientists to reconsider how the planet formed and its evolution within the solar system.
“Since the Voyager 2 flyby, there’s been an assumption that Uranus lacks internal heat,” said Dr. Amy Simon, a planetary scientist and co-author from NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. First paper.
“However, explaining this has been challenging, particularly when compared to other giant planets.”
“The data regarding Uranus’s heat emissions originated from a single measurement made during the Voyager 2 mission,” Dr. Simon noted. “This reliance on one data point created a significant challenge.”
Through advanced computer modeling and analysis of decades of data, Dr. Simon and her colleagues discovered that Uranus does, in fact, generate internal heat.
To understand a planet’s internal heat, scientists compare the energy it receives from the Sun to the energy it radiates back into space as reflected light and emitted heat.
Other giant planets like Saturn, Jupiter, and Neptune emit more heat than they receive, suggesting that the excess heat originates from within.
The rate at which a planet releases heat can indicate its age; a planet that emits less heat than it absorbs is generally considered older.
Because Uranus was believed to emit an equal amount of heat to what it received, it was initially thought to lack internal heat.
This discrepancy puzzled scientists, leading them to speculate that Uranus might be significantly older than its neighbors, having completely cooled over time.
Some hypotheses suggested that a massive impact (possibly the same event that tilted the planet) may have stripped Uranus of its internal heat.
However, these theories did not satisfy researchers, motivating them to investigate what they termed the “Uranus cold case.”
“Did we mistakenly believe that Uranus has no internal heat?” asked Professor Patrick Irwin from Oxford University, the lead author of the first paper.
“We conducted extensive calculations to evaluate how much sunlight is reflected by Uranus, only to realize that it is actually more reflective than previously estimated.”
Researchers aimed to assess Uranus’s overall energy budget, exploring the total energy received from the Sun, the light reflected, and the heat emitted.
This required calculating the total light reflected from the planet from various angles.
“We need to consider light scattered across the planet’s surface instead of just direct reflections,” Dr. Simon explained.
To provide the most accurate energy budget estimate for Uranus, scientists created a computer model incorporating all available data on Uranus’s atmosphere from decades of ground- and space-based observations, including data from the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope and NASA’s infrared telescope in Hawaii.
This model accounts for factors like haze, cloud cover, and seasonal changes that influence how sunlight is reflected and heat escapes.
The findings reveal that Uranus emits about 15% more energy than it receives from the Sun, as reported in a second study.
These investigations suggest that Uranus possesses its own internal heat but emits more than twice the energy it receives, although still less than its neighbor, Neptune.
“Now we need to delve deeper into what the additional heat on Uranus signifies and improve our measurement techniques,” Dr. Simon concluded.
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Patrick GJ Irwin et al. 2025. Uranus’ bolometric binding albedo and energy balance. mnras 540(2): 1719-1729; doi: 10.1093/mnras/staf800
XINYUE WANG et al. 2025. Uranus’ internal heat flux and energy imbalance. Geophysical Research Book 52 (14): E2025GL115660; doi: 10.1029/2025GL115660
Nematode worms can learn to favor plastic-contaminated prey over cleaner food
Heiti Paves/Alamy
Predators can learn to prefer prey that is contaminated with microplastics, even when cleaner options are available. This behavior can impact the dietary habits and health of the entire ecosystem, including humans.
Researchers identified this preference for plastic by studying the dietary choices of small roundworms known as nematodes (caenorhabditis elegans) over multiple generations. Initially, first-generation nematodes opted for a cleaner diet when offered the usual bacteria and the same microorganisms tainted with microplastics. However, after repeated exposure to plastic-laden food across generations, their preferences shifted.
“They start to prefer contaminated foods,” notes Song Lin Chua from Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
Why did the worms develop a taste for plastic? As creatures without vision, nematodes depend on other senses to locate food, such as olfactory cues. “Plastics may influence those odors,” explains Chua. After enduring prolonged exposure, they might start to perceive microplastics as “food-like” and subsequently choose to consume them. He theorizes that other small species which rely heavily on scent for locating prey may also be similarly perplexed.
Chua emphasizes that this behavior could potentially be reversed since it “mirrors a learned response” rather than being a genetic alteration. “It’s akin to a taste preference,” he states. In theory, this could be undone in future generations, though further research is necessary.
As one of the most prevalent animal types globally, the dietary choices of nematodes could have far-reaching implications for ecosystem health. “The interactions of organisms consuming one another are crucial for the recycling and transformation of various forms of matter and energy,” asserts Lee Demi from Allegheny University in Pennsylvania, who describes this finding as a source of “anxiety.”
“This could move up the food chain,” Chua warns. “Ultimately, we might be affected too,” he concludes.
Solnhofen Archipelago refers to a collection of islands that thrived during the late Jurassic era in present-day Bavaria, Germany.
Life expressions of Sphenodraco scandentis in the ancient environment of the Solnhofen Archipelago. Image credit: Gabriel Ugueto.
The newly identified species Sphenodraco scandentis belongs to the earliest known clade of its sister group (lizards, snakes, and worm lizards), namely Rhynchocephalia.
Currently, this group is epitomized by a solitary extant species, the Tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus), although Rhynchocephalians were once as prevalent as modern lizards.
The fossil specimen of Sphenodraco scandentis is separated into two main slabs, as documented in literature, with previous assignments to Homoeosaurus maximiliani, along with a counterslab containing the majority of its skeletal remains.
These two segments were sold individually to museums in Frankfurt and London nearly a century ago.
“The breakthrough occurred while I was examining fossil reptiles at the Museum of Natural History in London,” remarked PhD candidate Victor Beccali from the Paleontology Museum in Munich.
“I observed a striking resemblance between the fossils in the museum’s collection and those I studied at the Senckenberg Museum of Natural History in Frankfurt.”
“It was revealed that they were not merely similar; they were two halves of the same fossil, likely split in the 1930s for a greater profit.”
Holotype of Sphenodraco scandentis. Left: Main slab featuring bone fragments and skeletal traces. Right: Counterslab showcasing most remains of the skeleton. Image credit: Beccali et al. , doi: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlaf073.
According to Beccari and colleagues, comparisons with modern lizards, including the Tuatara, indicate that Sphenodraco scandentis shared elongated limbs, toes, and compact bodies, suggesting these creatures may have inhabited the treetops of Jurassic forests.
“The deeper I delve into the historical study of these animals, the more I realize that species definitions are not always straightforward,” stated Beccali.
“Today’s islands host hundreds of reptilian species, so it’s plausible that ancient islands did too.”
“This research highlights the vital role that museum collections play in enhancing our understanding of ancient biodiversity.”
“Many of these fossils were unearthed nearly two centuries ago, yet they still hold significant insights to offer.”
“The Solnhofen region provides pristine, complete skeletons for many Rhynchocephalians, though their skulls may be crushed or some skeletons remain embedded in rock,” explained Dr. Mark Jones, curator of Fossil Reptiles and Amphibians at the Museum of Natural History in London.
“Until recently, this meant that Solnhofen’s specimens weren’t contributing to our understanding as much as they should have.”
“Utilizing micro-X-ray CT, and in this case, UV imaging, has helped clarify anatomical features.”
“This recent study underscores the necessity of investigating all available samples.”
The study was published on July 2, 2025, in The Linnean Society’s Journal of Zoology.
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Victor Beccali et al. 2025. The importance of the appendix skeleton for tumors in the tree-bark thoracic cube and scaly pidosaurs from the late Jurassic in Germany. The Linnean Society’s Journal of Zoology 204 (3): ZLAF073; doi: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlaf073
A woman’s age may influence whether she has only sons or daughters
Marko Pekic/Getty Images
Many people might think that the likelihood of women having sons versus daughters is split evenly, akin to a coin toss. However, it appears that some women tend to have children of only one gender.
“Based on my personal observations, I have friends who only have girls or boys,” states Xiwen Wang from Harvard University. “This prompts the question of whether it’s all mere chance or if there are underlying biological factors at play.”
At a broader population level, the ratio of boys to girls at birth is close to 50:50. This is largely due to the fact that male sperm have an approximately equal probability of carrying either X or Y chromosomes that ultimately determine the child’s sex.
Nonetheless, Wang and her colleagues were curious about whether mothers might also have an influence. To investigate, they reviewed data from over 58,000 mothers in the U.S. who were part of two distinct studies focusing on contraception and maternal health. Among these mothers, 61% had two children, 30% had three, 8% had four, and the rest had more than five children.
The researchers examined the gender of female offspring in relation to eight maternal traits: height, weight, race, hair color, blood type, chronotype (time of day they feel most alert), age of first menstruation, and the age at which they had their first child between the ages of 13 and 48.
The findings revealed that women who were over 28 at the time of their first birth had a 43% greater likelihood of having only children of the same sex compared to a 34% chance observed in mothers under 23.
“Our research indicates that the age at which a woman has her first child is correlated with [an increased chance of] her having only sons or daughters,” Wang explains. No other characteristics were found to be associated with the sex of the children.
However, these findings might also stem from behavioral elements. Joshua Wild from Oxford University suggests that older women may be more inclined to plan their family size. As a result, even if they desire children of both sexes, they may choose to stop after having two boys or two girls, whereas younger women might be less concerned with family size and therefore more likely to have children of different sexes.
Further investigations are necessary to explore how behavioral, environmental, and biological factors influence the sex of newborns, Wild notes.
Did the cosmos originate from a massive bounce from a different universe?
Vadim Sadovski/Shutterstock
Is it possible that our universe will continuously expand, then contract back into a small point, repeating the Big Bang? According to recent mathematical analyses, the laws of physics suggest that such cyclical behavior is unlikely.
A pivotal element in the concept of a cyclical universe is the “big bounce,” which reimagines the beginning of our known universe as an event following this bounce rather than the traditional Big Bang. The Big Bang is characterized by incomprehensibly dense concentrations of matter and energy where gravity becomes intense enough to alter physical laws, leading to an infinite outward expansion. Conversely, a universe beginning with a big bounce allows us to explore realities beyond what we perceive as the inception, potentially emerging from another universe that undergoes contraction into an extremely dense state, but not necessarily a singularity.
Thus, the essential inquiry about whether time began with a singularity becomes crucial for understanding our universe’s past and future. If the big bounce indeed marks the inception of our universe, it may also inform its prospective trajectory. The initial idea proposed by Oxford’s Roger Penrose in 1965 revolved around the inevitability of collapse under general relativity, the prevailing framework for understanding gravity, particularly related to black holes, which also represent scenarios where gravity can disrupt the fabric of space-time. Penrose concluded that if gravity intensifies sufficiently, singularities cannot be evaded.
Currently, Raphael Bousso of the University of California, Berkeley, has introduced critical insights enhancing these findings by elucidating the quantum properties of the universe.
While Penrose’s arguments didn’t incorporate quantum theory, Bousso indicates that prior explorations by Aron Wall from Cambridge University considered scenarios of very minimal gravity. However, Bousso’s analysis does not limit gravity’s intensity and asserts that it “decisively excludes” the possibility of a circular universe, reinforcing the singularity associated with the Big Bang as an unavoidable outcome.
Onkar Parrikar from the Tata Basic Research Institute in India asserts, “This represents a significant generalization of Penrose’s original theorem, further extended by Wall.”
Chris Akers from the University of Colorado, Boulder points out that this marks substantial progress, as it is “far more effective in quantum physics” compared to earlier studies. He suggests that this new research will impose stricter constraints on larger bounce models.
Bousso’s computations hinge upon a generalized second law of thermodynamics, expanding the conventional second law to address entropy behavior around black holes. This advanced perspective has yet to be rigorously validated, according to Surjeet Rajendran at Johns Hopkins University in Maryland.
In 2018, Rajendran and his team crafted a mathematical representation of the bouncing universe that circumvented constraints imposed by Bousso’s theorems. However, their model included more dimensions of space-time than have currently been observed, leaving some uncertainties unaddressed.
Akers emphasizes, “Understanding our universe’s history is undeniably one of the most crucial scientific endeavors, and alternative models like big bounces should be thoroughly evaluated.”
Jackson Fris from the University of Cambridge mentions that in bouncing scenarios, quantum effects might bolster the universe’s rebound from its dense states. Investigating these scenarios can further our understanding of how quantum gravity theory, which melds general relativity and quantum mechanics, may reshape our conception of the universe. “If quantum gravity is indeed essential for a comprehensive explanation of a black hole’s interior or a big bang,” he notes.
According to Rajendran, one of the most vital methods to ascertain whether our universe experienced a spatial bounce is through gravitational wave observations. These space-time ripples could carry identifiable signatures of the bounce but currently exist in frequencies outside the detection capabilities of existing gravitational wave observatories. Future generations of detectors may capture these frequencies, although the realization of several planned upgrades to U.S. detectors may be uncertain due to proposed budget cuts from the previous administration.
“It is a matter of whether there exists a universe capable of generating a signal strong enough for detection, and if our current world permits scientists to perform those experimental constructions,” Rajendran states.
Intensive erosion driven by human activities like livestock grazing and farming has nearly completely removed the soil that formed in the Alps since the glaciers receded. This soil, shaped over millennia by plants, microorganisms, and the elements, established the carbon-rich foundation for the mountains’ ecosystems.
“We’ve depleted it at a rate four to ten times greater than its natural regrowth,” states William Lupook from the French National Center for Science and Research.
He and his team investigated lithium isotopes in sediment collected from Lake Burgette in the French Alps to trace soil erosion patterns in the area over the last 10,000 years. The presence of specific lithium isotopes indicates the formation of clays and other minerals from the original rock, facilitating the determination of whether soil is accumulating or being lost, according to Rapuc.
The sediment erosion patterns were analyzed alongside records of local climate variations and human influence. In the first thousand years post-glacier retreat, climate change could explain soil loss. However, around 3,800 years ago, a notable shift occurred. “What climate factors cannot explain must be attributed to human impacts,” Rapuc notes.
The researchers pinpointed three distinct periods of increased soil loss, each linked to various human activities. From 3,800 to 3,000 years ago, the surge was associated with high-intensity grazing. The next surge, seen between 2,800 and 1,600 years ago, was driven by agriculture at lower elevations, while the most recent increase—from 1,600 years ago to the present—corresponds to more advanced agricultural practices, including plowing. This ongoing soil loss in the Alps exacerbates erosion caused by wind and water, decreasing the area’s capacity to support vegetation and crops.
Researchers assert that this transition marks the advent of the “Soil Anthropocene” era, a time when human impact on soil became prevalent 3,800 years ago. However, according to Rapuc, the past consequences on soil pale in comparison to our current capabilities for disruption.
For instance, in the United States, where the effects of the Soil Anthropocene began centuries ago, soil is being lost at a startling rate—1,000 times faster than prior to the last ice age, explains Daniel Lass from the Natural Resources Defense Council, an environmental advocacy organization. “We are fundamentally altering the natural processes of soil formation and development due to agricultural practices.”
Feedback is your go-to source for the latest science and technology news from New Scientist. If you have intriguing stories for our readers, please reach out to us at Feedback@newscientist.com.
Sundown Showdown
Feedback has been aware for a while that there are numerous AI-generated music platforms, such as Spotify. I’ll admit, our familiarity was somewhat limited, as we still have a fondness for CDs.
However, we were surprised when New Scientist introduced us to Timothy Rebel, an indie rock band known as Velvet Sunset. Their track sounds like a blend of Coldplay and the Eagles, and their music appears to be generated by algorithms. The Instagram photos seem reminiscent of discarded concept art for Daisy Jones & Six.
Initially, the band denied any claims of being AI-generated. Their X Account discredited the theory that they are “generated,” insisting that their music was created during a long, sweat-filled night in a California bungalow.
Yet, there are no videos and none of the members have an online presence. Eventually, Rolling Stone interviewed Andrew Freron, identified as the band’s “creator.” He confessed it was all a form of “art hoax,” but then Frelon claimed this was also untrue, and the “band” released a statement distancing themselves from him. By now, Feedback has grown weary of this convoluted drama and simply wishes to express our confusion.
On that note, if you’re planning to create an AI band, consider Tim’s advice: “fully embrace the concept.” And if you decide to use a name reminiscent of Lou Reed, think twice. Tim suggests clever names like Rage I’m A Machine, The Bitles, TL (LM)c. Feedback adds playful ideas like pink floppy disks, Lanadel Array, Capchatonia, Alanis Microsoft, and Velvet.
Finally, the new generation of artists could certainly benefit from satirical acts, like a performer named Ai Yankovic.
Sodom Bomb
Science can be slow-paced, but occasionally, it leads to significant discoveries. Since September 2021, Scientific Report revealed some intriguing research claiming archaeological evidence of events influencing the biblical tales of Sodom and Gomorrah’s destruction.
According to the narrative, these cities were destroyed by divine intervention for their sins. In contrast, this study suggested a “. Tunguska-sized airburst,” akin to the 1908 explosion in Siberia, was responsible for the devastation.
This event purportedly occurred around 3600 years ago, annihilating the Bronze Age city of Elhammaum in present-day Jordan. Evidence included “a thick, carbon-rich destructive layer” across the city, alongside signs of “soot” and “melted metals like platinum, iridium, nickel, gold, silver, zircon, chromite, and quartz.”
However, on April 24th, the journal retracted this paper due to “methodological errors” and “misinterpretations.” Over four years, it faced considerable criticism and multiple revisions, as reported by Retraction Watch. Numerous images were manipulated in “inappropriate” ways, and it was noted that the burned and melted materials could have originated from smelting activities rather than explosions.
We found the comments on Pubpeer particularly amusing, with one commenter stating: “The north arrows and shadows in Figure 44C indicate that the sun is almost north-northeast, which is impossible in the Dead Sea.” This type of expert pedantry resonates with us.
In summary, someone produced a paper regarding two notorious cities, manipulated images contravening guidelines, and failed to properly assess alternate hypotheses. That’s quite the transgression.
Avocadon’t
Feedback receives numerous press releases, but we end up ignoring over 90%—mainly due to their irrelevance, like when we got inundated with wedding dress promotions. The primary issue is that most releases are rather dull.
However, one press release caught our attention on July 2nd with the subject line “Avocado is not an enemy.” This announcement was linked to the Wimbledon Tennis Tournament and addressed the decision to discontinue avocado services. The message contended, “It perpetuates myths unsupported by current data. In fact, avocados are among the most nutritious and environmentally friendly fruits available today.”
The release elaborated that avocados have a minimal water footprint and support small farms in places like Peru and South Africa, being rich in heart-healthy fats, fiber, and essential nutrients.
We found this proclamation rather impressive, and noticed the strong praise avocados receive from the World Avocado Organization.
As M. Rice-Davies once said in 1963, we can only add:
Have you spoken about feedback?
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We might finally grasp why weight loss methods, such as exercise, often don’t succeed for all individuals with obesity
Science Photo Library/Alamy
Understanding obesity is proving to be more complex than previously recognized, with various types potentially stemming from different biological mechanisms.
“It transcends just body mass index and physical appearance; it delves into the biology driving it and its connection to health risks,” says Akl Fahed from the Broad Institute in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
The World Health Organization defines obesity as accumulating fat that poses a health threat. Determining if someone is obese involves calculating their Body Mass Index (BMI), which compares weight to height.
Since not all individuals with obesity experience health issues, some researchers have recently suggested introducing a “preclinical” obesity category. This approach separates individuals with medical complications related to excess fat, such as breathing difficulties or heart conditions, from those who currently show no symptoms but may develop them in the future. Yet, according to research by Fahed and his team, these classifications are still evolving.
The scientists executed genome-wide association studies involving over 2 million obese individuals, seeking connections between genetics and metrics such as BMI, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratios, and hip circumference across diverse ancestry. They identified 743 genetic regions linked to obesity, with 86 of them being novel discoveries.
Subsequently, researchers investigated which tissues showed obesity-related effects from genetic alterations in these regions, focusing on processes like insulin production, the hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. They found that these genes fall into 11 distinct clusters, each linked to a unique biological pathway.
The pathways include: metabolically unhealthy obesity, metabolically healthy obesity, and six types associated with insulin secretion, immune system regulation, appetite control, body weight management, and lipid metabolism.
The team designates these clusters as “endotypes” rather than “subtypes” to highlight that while subtypes are typically mutually exclusive, endotypes reflect identifiable biological mechanisms that can coexist in individuals with varying impacts.
Using data from over 48,000 individuals, the researchers validated their endotypes through the Mass General Brigham Biobank.
“Clearly, there are numerous forms of obesity,” states Frank Greenway of Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. Some obese individuals may not lose weight even with GLP-1 medications like Ozempic or Wegovy.
Gaining a deeper understanding of obesity and its various forms might refine our approach to treatment. “Recognizing the diverse types of obesity may lead to more targeted interventions and personalized care,” says Laura Gray from the University of Sheffield, UK.
Six of the 11 endotypes relate to insulin regulation, suggesting that some interventions might be effective across multiple clusters, according to team member Min Seo Kim at the Broad Institute.
Gray suggests that there may exist more than 11 endotypes. This figure was constrained by the genetic regions currently known to affect obesity, she notes. Kim shares this sentiment, expressing the likelihood of discovering additional endotypes as genetic research progresses.
Conversely, Henriet Kirchner from the University of Lübeck in Germany believes there could be fewer than 11 endotypes. She emphasizes the need for further replication of these findings in the scientific community to enhance understanding. “The concept of obesity clusters is appealing, but it must be refined in the future to be beneficial in clinical settings,” she states.
As global temperatures continue to rise, the frequency and severity of wildfires are projected to increase.
Costas Metaxakis/AFP via Getty Images
When you tell a child to “stay far from the cliff’s edge,” how close can they get before you call them back? This dilemma is currently perplexing climate scientists: the risk of exceeding our global commitment to keep warming below 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels is increasing. Once we step into the danger zone, what consequences will follow?
“The government is aiming for a 1.5°C target, but understanding what this means in a world that’s already above that threshold is not straightforward,” says Robin Lambor from Imperial College London. “It would be beneficial if discussions became more defined and specific regarding the actual objectives we seek.”
These national objectives stem from the International Paris Agreement signed in 2015, which serves as a vague starting point for defining climate actions. The agreement officially commits to “pursuing efforts” to limit warming to 1.5°C, while also striving to keep increases “well below” 2°C. Yet, how do we define “below”?
“The wording of the long-term temperature goal in the Paris Agreement is both a solution and a challenge,” notes Jori Rogelgi from Imperial College London. “It provided common ground for nations to agree upon, but it also allows for considerable interpretation.”
Rogelj worries that if the phrase “down sufficiently” regarding the 2°C limit isn’t clarified soon, there’s a risk that it might be accepted as a new benchmark. Many scenarios projecting 2°C provide only a 50% chance of success, meaning that by targeting this limit, we could potentially overestimate our safety.
To address this uncertainty, Rogelj and Lamboll emphasize that international consensus is crucial for interpreting these terms accurately. They argue that if the Paris Agreement pledges to keep temperatures below 2°C, most people don’t foresee a significant chance of overshooting that promise.
Currently, one model predicts a 66% likelihood of staying below 2°C, while another claims a 90% chance. “People struggle with probabilities,” explains Lambor. “The difference between a 66% and a 90% chance is significant.”
This variation arises from differing assumptions within various scenarios; stricter emission control measures are more likely to remain under the 2°C threshold. The authors argue that identifying peak temperatures—expected to be the highest before mitigation measures cool the atmosphere—better captures the variations among scenarios and helps establish clearer climate goals.
In ongoing research, Rogelj and Lamboll explored four 2°C climate model scenarios and calculated the median peak temperatures necessary to remain below 2°C with 66%, 83%, and 90% probabilities, respectively. For instance, one scenario suggests that to maintain a 66% chance of staying under the limit, the temperature should peak at approximately 1.83°C, while a 90% success rate necessitates a peak of 1.54°C.
When examining all models, the authors argue that it’s essential to promise a temperature significantly below 2°C to achieve an 83% chance of remaining under that threshold.
Other researchers echo this conclusion. Gottfried Kirchengast and Moritz Pichler from Graz University in Austria recently suggested a limit of 1.7°C, aligning with predictions from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and offering an 83% chance of staying below 2°C—indicating that 1.7°C is the peak temperature cap for “well below 2°C.”
“A 1.5°C threshold serves as a clear guide. Determining 1.7°C will serve as another vital boundary well below 2°C,” observes Kirchengast. This newly established warming threshold will aid policymakers in calculating remaining emission budgets and planning their transition strategies accordingly.
How daunting is this goal? Given current policies, limiting warming to 1.7°C is indeed very ambitious when tracking global warming projected to reach 2.6°C by the century’s end; however, it’s not entirely out of reach. The most optimistic scenarios suggest a stabilization at 1.9°C if all nations fully meet their climate commitments, according to recent UN evaluations. To meet a 1.7°C goal, exceeding existing promises is essential.
Yet, even as some scientists propose that “well below” 2°C translates to a peak temperature around 1.7°C, many oppose formalizing targets beyond 1.5°C.
There’s still much we don’t understand about the climate system. Carl-Friedrich Schleussner from the Berlin Institute for Climate Science warns of considerable uncertainty regarding the Earth’s sensitivity to greenhouse gas emissions, indicating that the planet might warm more rapidly than anticipated. “We should be cautious not to overestimate our knowledge,” he warns. Setting a specific temperature target “could imply we have a clear trajectory, but that’s not the reality,” he adds.
Instead, Schleussner urges governments to take accountability for failing to meet the 1.5°C target by calculating their “carbon debt” accrued since surpassing that threshold. “Unless we establish accountability for not limiting warming to 1.5°C, the Paris Agreement isn’t achieving its objectives,” he says.
Vulnerable countries, especially small island nations, have fought to cement the 1.5°C target within the Paris Agreement and may resist any attempts to recalibrate global climate ambitions. Ilana Seid, the UN Ambassador for Palau and chair of the Small Island Developing States (AOSIS), states that rising sea levels and threatened coral reefs due to warming beyond 1.5°C pose existential threats to her country.
“For AOSIS, the standard is 1.5°C. That’s our unyielding position,” says Seid. “There’s a critical reason we stand firm at 1.5°C…everything else is just noise.”
Natalie Unterstell, a former UN climate negotiator in Brazil now with the climate policy think tank Thalanoa, asserts that shifting towards a global target of warming below 1.7°C “signals to governments and markets that failure is permissible.”
“If you change your goals mid-game, only lobbyists and special interests will benefit. This risks diluting political will, muddling public messaging, and normalizing climate degradation,” she explains. “Presently, new temperature targets create the cognitive dissonance that fossil fuel interests thrive on.”
“The 1.5°C limit isn’t merely symbolic; it represents billions of lives at stake,” states Unterstell. “If anything, this moment demands an escalation of our actions, not a relaxation of our targets.”
Beyond the ethical implications of adopting new global targets, she notes that concretizing 1.7°C will be exceptionally challenging under the UN climate framework, which relies on a rulebook governing the Paris Agreement requiring unanimous support from all over 200 member states—a feat unlikely to be achieved at the upcoming COP30 Summit in Belem, Brazil. However, the Brazilian presidency will face pressure to extract robust climate commitments from polluting nations and address the “ambition gap” between 1.5°C and current warming projections.
But should this discussion be framed as a competition between 1.5°C and a newly proposed, slightly more lenient goal? For Rogelj, the aim of limiting warming to 1.5°C remains a fundamental global target, despite the possible introduction of new temperature thresholds. “The target of 1.5°C continues to exist,” he affirms. “This is because the objective to ‘pursue efforts’ to limit warming to 1.5°C is still intact, even above that level.”
At the conception of the Paris Agreement in 2015, a limit of 1.5°C was seen as ambitious yet attainable. Most climate models have since eroded to the point where they no longer represent a viable path to this goal without “overshooting.” Temperatures have been above 1.5°C for decades, yet technologies such as carbon capture are posited to bring us back below this threshold by century’s end. Clarifying the exact meaning of being “well below 2°C” doesn’t negate the target of 1.5°C but rather establishes a higher bar for warming in a world that overshoots and aims to ultimately revert to that level, according to Rogelj.
Now, the policymakers must ask themselves: if 1.5°C serves as our safety line and 2°C marks the cliff’s edge, just how close should we dare to approach?
The International Space Station (ISS) glides across the sun, with spectacular close-ups of comets and exotic trees amidst rotating stars all selected as contenders for this year’s ZWO Astronomical Photographer of the Year Contest.
The image above is from Zhang Yanguang titled Meet Within 1 Second: It features a series of silhouetted shots of the ISS as it passes directly between Earth and the Sun. The expansive solar panels on the spacecraft, collecting energy from the very same star, are vividly visible. The photographer utilized dual optical filters to isolate specific wavelengths, showcasing the sharp details of the sun’s surface.
The image above showcases a close-up of comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-atlas) captured by Gerald Leman and Michael Jäger in Namibia. The comet displays two distinct tails of dust and gas, which appear to be nearly overlapping due to solar wind effects.
The last image presented is titled Dragon Tree Trail, taken by Benjamin Barakat in the Famihin forest on Socotra Island, Yemen. The iconic Dragon’s Blood Tree (Dracaena Cinnabari) stands prominently, framed by a stellar background crafted from 300 individual exposures.
This year’s competition saw more than 5,500 submissions from 69 nations. The top entries in nine categories, alongside two special awards and the overall victor, will be revealed on September 11th and displayed in an exhibition at London’s National Maritime Museum starting September 12th.
J1025+1402, one of three small red dot galaxies up to 2.5 billion light years apart
Digital Legacy Survey/d. Lang (Permieter Institute)
A new analysis shows that peculiar galaxies, once only identified in early cosmic formations, have surfaced more recently, raising intriguing questions about their origins.
Recent observations made by astronomers utilizing the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) have revealed compact red entities from the universe’s first billion years, dubbed Little Red Dots (LRD). These were initially believed to be associated with phenomena in the early universe, like the formation of supermassive black holes at the cores of galaxies, including our own.
Xiaojing Lin from China’s Tsinghua University, along with her research team, has discovered LRD in a much younger universe, about 12 billion years post-Big Bang. “This finding demonstrates that the conditions fostering small red dots are not solely confined to the early universe,” states Lin.
The researchers employed a telescope based in New Mexico to analyze images captured during the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. They pinpointed three objects that appeared as LRD, but significantly, they were merely 2.5 billion light years apart.
“They meet all criteria for classification as small red dots,” remarks Xiaohui Fan from the University of Arizona. “I believe there’s no doubt regarding their similarity.”
Each LRD is estimated to be approximately one million times the mass of the Sun, with dimensions comparable to the solar system. One of these LRDs is nicknamed the “egg” due to its elongated structure. The team also identified a few other potential LRD candidates awaiting confirmation.
These findings are exhilarating, says Anthony Taylor from the University of Texas at Austin, as they provide unique insights into the characteristics of LRDs. These objects are faint enough that telescopes like the JWST and Hubble can analyze them significantly easier than their early universe counterparts, potentially unveiling their true nature.
“They’re much closer to us, making them appear much brighter,” adds Taylor.
A schematic diagram showing what the local small red dots might be, depicting a black hole at the center, encircled by a significant gas envelope (yellow), streams of gas, clouds, and dust.
Xiaojing Lin with Cass Fan
A potential explanation for LRDs is that they signify the nascent phases of extraordinarily massive black holes maturing within the galaxy, possibly marking their initiation as they begin consuming matter voraciously.
It’s currently unclear whether local LRDs are dormant galaxies that have recently awakened or if they have just formed and are starting to consume significant amounts of material. “At this point, it is premature to discuss that aspect,” Taylor points out.
The team is eager to utilize Hubble and JWST to delve deeper into these local LRDs. “I have a proposal for Hubble pending approval,” Fan comments.
LRDs have the potential to exist not just in contemporary and ancient universes but throughout cosmic history. “They may have been lurking, camouflaged, amidst the cosmos,” Fan remarks. “People haven’t known what to look for.”
The Caves of Amdo and Kebara in northern Israel date back to the central Paleolithic period, approximately 70,000-50,000 years ago. Both are situated in the Southern Levant’s Mediterranean region. The Neanderthals occupying these sites left behind a wealth of stone tools, evidence of fire usage, and a variety of animal and human fossils. A recent study from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem indicates that despite their proximity and the use of similar resources and tools, Neanderthals at these sites employed markedly different methods for processing their food.
Jaron et al. Despite comparable occupational strengths, similar stone tool techniques, and access to similar food resources, we propose a unique slaughter strategy among Neanderthal populations in the caves of Amdo and Kebara.
“The distinct variations in cut mark patterns between Amdo and Kebara might reflect local customs in animal processing,” stated Anal Jaron, a doctoral candidate at Hebrew University in Jerusalem.
“Though the Neanderthals at both sites experienced similar environments and challenges, they seem to have developed a distinct butchering strategy potentially passed on through cultural learning and social traditions.”
“These two sites present an extraordinary opportunity to investigate whether Neanderthal slaughter methods were standardized.”
“If butchering techniques differ between sites or over time, it could suggest that factors like cultural practices, dietary preferences, or social structures have influenced self-sufficiency activities, including slaughter.”
The Neanderthals resided in the caves of Amdo and Kebara during the winters between 70,000 and 50,000 years ago.
Both groups utilized the same flint tools and primarily preyed on gazelles and fallow deer.
However, it appears that the Kebara Neanderthals hunted larger game compared to their counterparts in Amdo and opted to perform the slaughter in caves rather than at the kill sites.
In Amdo, 40% of the animal bones show signs of burning, with most being fragmented, possibly resulting from intentional cooking or accidental damage afterward.
Conversely, in Kebara, only 9% of the bones are burned, suggesting they were cooked with less fragmentation.
Amdo’s bones seem less impacted by carnivores than those found in Kebara.
To compare food preparation techniques at Kebara and Amdo, researchers selected bone samples from corresponding layers at both sites.
These samples were analyzed macroscopically and microscopically to assess various cut mark characteristics. Similar patterns might suggest consistent slaughter practices, while differing patterns may highlight distinct cultural customs.
The cut marks were notably clear and intact, with minimal alteration from carnivorous activity or later damage from desiccated bones.
The profiles, angles, and widths of these cuts were akin across both groups and their toolkits.
Nonetheless, the cut marks at Amdo were found to be more densely packed than those at Kebara, and exhibited a less linear shape.
Scientists have proposed several potential reasons for this observation. It could be due to differing demands in processing various prey species and types of bones—most of the bones found in Amdo are short, yet similar distinctions appeared when examining small, straight bone fragments present in both sites.
Experimental archaeology indicates that this pattern cannot be solely attributed to the skills of butchers or heightened slaughtering efforts to maximize food yield.
Instead, the varying cut mark patterns likely reflect intentional butchering choices made by each group.
One hypothesis is that Neanderthals in Amdo treated meat differently prior to slaughter—perhaps opting to dry it or allow it to decay.
We posit that managing decomposing meat poses challenges, which may explain the strong cut marks and less linear characteristics observed.
The second possibility is that the organization of the groups (e.g., the number of butchers involved in a particular kill) contributed to the variance in practices between these two Neanderthal communities.
However, further research is needed to explore these theories.
“There are some limitations to consider,” Jaron noted.
“Bone fragments can be too small to provide a complete understanding of the butcher marks present on the remains.”
“We have made efforts to mitigate biases caused by fragmentation, but this may limit our ability to fully interpret the findings.”
“Future research involving more experimental work and comparative studies will be vital to address these uncertainties. Eventually, we might be able to reconstruct Neanderthal recipes.”
Survey results published in the journal Frontiers of Environmental Archaeology.
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Anal Jaron et al. 2025. Comparing Neanderthal Treatment of Faunal Resources in the Amdo and Kebara Caves (Israel) Through Cut Mark Analysis. Front. Environ. Archaeol 4; doi:10.3389/fearc.2025.1575572
Identified during a significant survey of a large sloping object (lido) and classified as 2020 VN40, this TransNeptunian entity is the first confirmed object that completes one orbit around the Sun for every ten orbits of Neptune. This discovery, detailed in a paper published in the Journal of Planetary Science, aids researchers in comprehending the behavior of distant objects in the outer solar system and their formation. It lends support to the theory that various remote objects are momentarily “captured” by the gravitational pull of Neptune as they traverse space.
Artist’s impressions of the Transneptunian object. Image credits: NASA/ESA/G. Bacon, stsci.
“This marks a major advancement in our understanding of the outer solar system,” remarked Dr. Rosemary Pike, an astronomer at the Harvard & Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics.
“It demonstrates that even the most remote areas influenced by Neptune can harbor objects, offering fresh insights into the evolution of the solar system.”
“This is merely the beginning,” commented Dr. Katherine Bolk, an astronomer at the Institute of Planetary Science.
“We are opening new windows into the history of the solar system.”
The discovery of 2020 VN40 was facilitated by the Lido Survey, which focused on identifying unusual objects in the outer solar system.
This research utilized the Canadian French Hawaii Telescope for primary observations, with supplemental observations conducted by the Gemini Observatory and Magellan Bird.
The study aimed to locate remnants with orbits extending well above and below the plane of Earth’s orbit around the Sun—an area of the outer solar system that has not been thoroughly examined.
“We’ve witnessed considerable effort and extensive results,” stated Dr. Samantha Lawler, an astronomer at the University of Regina and a member of the Lido team.
The average distance of VN40 in 2020 is approximately 139.5 times that of Earth’s distance from the Sun, following a notably tilted trajectory around the solar system.
The object becomes even more intriguing when considering its relationship with Neptune.
Unlike most objects that, based on their orbital duration ratios, are nearest to the Sun when Neptune is distant, the 2020 VN40 reaches its closest point to the Sun when Neptune is relatively nearby, based on its positional perspective above the solar system.
The inclination of the object’s orbit indicates that it is not positioned closely, as the 2020 VN40 is significantly lower than the general level of the solar system.
All other known resonant TransNeptunian objects have orbits that prevent such alignment when approaching the Sun, even from a flat perspective.
“This new discovery is like uncovering hidden rhythms in familiar songs,” expressed Dr. Ruth Murray Clay, an astronomer at the University of California, Santa Cruz.
“It has the potential to alter our understanding of the movement of distant objects.”
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Rosemary E. Pike et al. 2025. Lido: Discovery of a 10:1 resonator with a new, obsolete state. Planet. SCI. J 6, 156; doi:10.3847/psj/addd22
This summer has been notably impacted by intense rainfall and flooding. States including Texas, New Mexico, North Carolina, Illinois, New York, and New Jersey have faced significant flood events recently. Earlier this month, the nation experienced at least four rainfall events classified as 1,000-year storms within a single week.
In June, flash floods claimed at least nine lives in West Virginia after 2.5 to 4 inches of rain fell in parts of Ohio County in just half an hour.
In early July, over 120 people lost their lives in Central Texas’s Hill Country when heavy rains caused the Guadalupe River to surge near Carville in just 90 minutes.
A few days later, a devastating flash flood in a remote village in Ruidoso, New Mexico, resulted in at least three fatalities.
Earlier this week, Central Park in New York City recorded more than two inches of rain within an hour, marking the second-highest hourly rainfall in the city’s history, according to New York City’s emergency management.
Las Schumacher, the director of Colorado State University and the Colorado Climate Center for State Climate Scientist, noted that the recent flash floods can partly be attributed to the summer months being the peak time for storms.
“From June to October, we often see significant rainfall in various parts of the country,” he mentioned, highlighting that the Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1st to November 30th.
However, studies indicate that climate change is likely to exacerbate storm frequency and severity, increasing the chances of heavy rains and flooding.
“A warmer atmosphere holds a greater amount of water vapor, which contributes to rainfall,” Schumacher explained. “The evidence supporting this is very compelling.”
Despite this, the surge in warnings today compared to the past can be attributed to advancements in the ability to detect and track weather systems.
Over the past four decades, radar technology and meteorological models have seen substantial improvements, leading to an increase in the number of warnings issued during extreme weather situations.
“The systems we had in the ’80s are not comparable to those we use today,” he remarked. “With enhanced radar and a broad array of data sources, it’s expected that we’ll see more warnings simply because our technology is evolving.”
These warnings are vital not only for saving lives but also for safeguarding infrastructure like susceptible dams, levees, and drainage systems during flood events, Aghakouchak stated.
“It serves as a reminder that such events can lead to catastrophe,” he said. “The floods in Texas were a significant disaster, and we must always be prepared.”
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