Database of Small Fruit Flies

Posted on September 16, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

For over a century, humble fruit flies have paved the way for many significant scientific breakthroughs. This small insect has helped researchers understand that X-rays can cause genetic mutations, with genes being passed from parents to children through chromosomes. A gene known as period helps our bodies maintain time; disruptions to this internal clock can lead to jet lag and increase the risk of neurological and metabolic diseases. These findings, along with nearly 90,000 other studies, are part of an essential online database called FlyBase, which researchers utilize daily to design new experiments more quickly. These tests could help explore the underlying causes of diseases and develop new treatments. Science builds on previous insights, and a comprehensive repository of past advances serves as a catalyst for future discoveries.

The website receives approximately 770,000 page views each month from scientists around the world, facilitating the development of personalized treatments in rare cases, modeling neurodegenerative diseases in humans, and identifying candidates for screening conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease. However, its vital resources are now facing potential layoffs that threaten its future and the ability to enhance research efficiency. This spring, the Trump administration withdrew grants used to maintain FlyBase as part of a $2.2 billion budget cut at Harvard University.

“I use FlyBase every day, and it’s incredibly essential,” said Celeste Berg, a professor of genomic sciences at the University of Washington. “What we know about human genes and how they function comes from model systems like Drosophila.” Humans share about 60% of our genes with the fruit fly known scientifically as Drosophila melanogaster. FlyBase’s current stability underscores how interconnected and interdependent research efforts are, highlighting how funding for one institution can have global repercussions. Over 4,000 labs utilize FlyBase.

Harvard received approximately $2 million annually in federal funds to maintain FlyBase, which constitutes a majority of the website’s overall operating budget. However, the University of New Mexico, Indiana University, and the University of Cambridge in the UK are partners and beneficiaries in assisting Harvard with FlyBase management. “This doesn’t just affect Harvard,” stated Brian Calvi, a biology professor at Indiana University who is part of the FlyBase management team. “The ripple effects extend to the international biomedical research community.”

According to Norbert Perimon, a professor of developmental biology at Harvard, the Faculty of Arts and Sciences temporarily funded FlyBase, but that support will cease in October. Earlier this month, a judge ordered the Trump administration to restore funding for Harvard researchers who lost the grant, but the funds have not yet been allocated to FlyBase, Perimon noted. The administration has promised to appeal decisions that could block funding flows. The White House did not respond to requests for comment, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees the National Institutes of Health, declined to comment.

The Transmitter, a neuroscience news site, was the first to report the layoffs at FlyBase. The Harvard Crimson reported on the decision of Harvard’s School of Arts and Sciences not to extend provisional funding. Calvi mentioned that the FlyBase grant covered full or partial salaries for eight individuals at Harvard, three in Indiana, five in Cambridge, and one at the University of New Mexico. While Indiana and Cambridge have secured some funding to operate programs until next year, the New Mexico position ended in August.

Operating since 1992, FlyBase has been funded by the federal government for over three decades. It curates and summarizes research papers, organizes findings on specific genes, and catalogs information on genetically modified fruit flies to understand how particular genes lead to normal development. The fruit fly is the primary animal model for biomedical research as scientists have been able to map the brain to the genome, and it is relatively easy to handle. Berg, an avid FlyBase user and a professor at Genome Sciences, studies human development and how cells form organs. FlyBase allows researchers to search for and identify genes of interest for their experiments. Subsequently, they test how altering the expression of these genes affects cell placement. Thousands of fruit fly papers are added and summarized in FlyBase each year. Without FlyBase, Berg cautioned that researchers and clinicians could struggle to keep pace and miss crucial connections regarding specific genes.

Researchers from the Undiagnosed Disease Network employ FlyBase to determine whether pediatric genetic mutations contribute to rare, unknown diseases. They identify genetic mutations in patients and compare those with previous studies of those genes in flies. FlyBase also offers crowdfunding support on its website. “Given the importance of FlyBase to the broader U.S. and international scientific research community,” stated James Chisholm, spokesman for the Faculty of Arts at Harvard University. Two staff members from Harvard have already been laid off from FlyBase positions, with six more slated for layoffs in late September and early October, according to Perimon. “If we can’t retain key personnel, it’ll be very difficult to get people back with the knowledge necessary to keep the database operational,” Perimon remarked. “That would mark the end of FlyBase as we know it.”

Funding disruptions threaten plans to relocate FlyBase data to a new long-term home called the Genome Resource Alliance. The fruit fly, along with rats, mice, and worms, is one of several common “model organisms” used in labs to build the foundation for understanding human biology. The National Institutes of Health has allocated $5 million annually since 2017 to merge several databases, including FlyBase, WormBase, and Mouse Genome databases. Each of these contains information that human health researchers can cross-reference to study genes critical to human health more effectively. “If you’re studying human genes and need to access all existing information, you must visit all of these websites. I want one-stop shopping,” said Paul Sternberg, a professor of biology at the California Institute of Technology. The alliance’s budget expired on June 30, and Sternberg noted that they are awaiting a reclamation decision from the NIH. He mentioned that the funding disruption at FlyBase represents a new and unexpected challenge. “We need to move quickly, but with our staff and energy dwindling, we are at risk,” Sternberg expressed. “We can’t afford any additional obstacles.”

FlyBase had planned to merge with the Alliance in 2029. Now, Calvi and others are advocating for an accelerated merger before FlyBase’s financial runway disappears. Any donations the organization is soliciting are aimed at helping cover operational costs. “So far, we’ve raised under $100,000,” Calvi stated regarding the crowdfunding efforts. “We likely need a million.”

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Mars Once boasted a Thicker Atmosphere Than Earth’s Today

Posted on September 16, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Modern Mars has a minimal atmosphere

NASA/JPL/USGS

Mars’ atmosphere may have once been far thicker, providing a protective layer against the frequent asteroid impacts that destroyed other celestial bodies.

Our solar system began forming around 4 billion years ago, and by that time, Mars was nearly fully developed. The planet existed within a vast reservoir of hot gas and dust swirling around a youthful sun, known as the solar nebula, which some planets absorbed into their atmosphere. However, it was believed that as the solar nebula dissipated, Mars would lose this gas, resulting in a thinner atmosphere.

Recently, Sarah Jollett from Paris’ Collège de France and her team propose that Mars retained this gas for a longer period, forming a primordial atmosphere akin to a sustained soup.

Shortly after the nebula receded, it was believed that the orbits of significant planets like Jupiter and Saturn influenced each other, subsequently disturbing the paths of comets and asteroids that headed towards the inner solar system, impacting rocky planets. While chemical signatures of these impacts can be found on Earth, evidence on Mars remains limited.

“All terrestrial planets faced bombardments from comets during this time, and Mars was no exception, so we should observe remnants of this cometary assault on Mars,” Jollett stated at the Europlanet Science Congress held on September 11th in Helsinki, Finland.

Jollett and her colleagues suggest that the dense, hydrogen-rich atmosphere during this era may have diluted comet material that was available for absorption by Mars. By running simulations of the early solar system, they estimated the potential amount of material impacting Mars and compared it to the detectable quantity. They deduced that the original Martian atmosphere had a mass equivalent to 2.9 bars, around three times the atmospheric pressure we experience on the surface today.

However, this atmosphere dissipated relatively swiftly over about a million years, according to Raymond Pierre Hambart from Oxford University, who was not involved in the study. This loss primarily occurred before liquid water could come to the surface of Mars. The necessary clear atmospheric conditions, rich in carbon dioxide, were likely not present in that thick primordial atmosphere.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Modular Reactors: Promising, Yet Not Ready for Deployment Anytime Soon

Posted on September 16, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The XE-100 plant proposed in the US by X-Energy employs technologies akin to those being developed in the UK

Centrica

The UK government has unveiled plans to establish over a dozen small reactors nationwide, marking a new era for nuclear energy. A key objective is to help the country eliminate reliance on Russian energy within three years. But can a small reactor achieve both engineering feasibility and commercial success?

Before visiting London on September 16th, the US President and UK officials announced a partnership between Centrica and US startup X-Energy to build 12 small modular reactors in energy data centers, alongside a “micromodular nuclear power plant” developed by Last Energy at DP World’s London Gateway Port.

However, no timelines for commencing these projects were provided, and the Ministry of Energy Security and Net Zero did not respond to New Scientist‘s request for clarification.

This initiative aligns with the trend toward smaller reactors. According to Bruno Merck from the University of Liverpool, Rosatom, the Russian state nuclear agency, has recently completed a small nuclear reactor designed for use in nuclear-powered icebreaker ships. Notably, they continue to construct more reactors, suggesting either a demand for these devices or a commercial demonstration aimed at securing future sales despite ongoing sanctions post-Ukraine invasion.

China has also developed the Linglong One small reactor, though its commercial viability remains uncertain. Major tech companies like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft are investing heavily in these types of nuclear technologies.

David Dye from Imperial College London remarks that while small reactors are appropriate for remote military bases and Arctic locations, there is skepticism about their applicability for the needs of tech giants. He suggests that it’s considerably simpler to locate a data center next to a power source.

“For tech visionaries with significant financial resources, investing $50 million in such technology seems trivial,” Dye notes, pointing to the wealth of influential individuals in this field.

One potential motivation, indicates Michael Bluck from Imperial College, is reliability. “Data centers must operate 99.995% of the time,” Bluck explains. “Securing that electricity means having first access to it.”

Bluck asserts that there are no engineering or scientific barriers preventing the swift construction of small reactors. He highlights that many small experimental reactors function in universities and military submarines globally.

“It’s not about size. It’s about modularity, production line construction, and standardized components, which represent practical and sound engineering practices,” Bluck states.

However, the miniaturization of nuclear reactors does come with several drawbacks. Merck explains that scaling up usually yields greater efficiency in terms of cost and energy. Both large and small reactors require similarly thick concrete shielding, which adds safety considerations. Furthermore, while larger reactors achieve a better volume-to-surface area ratio, smaller reactors encounter challenges in neutron fission chain reactions, resulting in less energy production from the same fuel quantity.

“It’s just physics,” Merck states. “Anyone suggesting otherwise is probably mistaken. I don’t subscribe to magical thinking.”

That said, Merck highlights that traditional nuclear power facilities require years of planning, substantial political will for funding, and extensive resources for operations. “These facilities are costly to build,” he adds. “Smaller reactors may offer a more feasible alternative.”

Innovative Nuclear Designs

Bluck notes that the recent governmental announcement features two distinct designs. X-Energy is focusing on the XE-100, while Last Energy is using a relatively conventional pressurized water reactor known as PWR-20, which operates on similar fuel as the Sizewell B nuclear facility in the UK. The former may represent a longer-term vision, but the latter could achieve market readiness sooner.

Nevertheless, even with established fuels and technologies, Bluck estimates a minimum five-year timeline before a prototype reactor can be constructed in the UK. “Everyone desires results immediately,” he remarks, “but they must understand that energy development takes time.”

For plans to mass-produce and export these small reactors, obtaining regulatory approval is crucial, and this process will need to start from square one in the host countries.

Bluck suggests this is significant for US and UK announcements. The agreement aims to accelerate approvals across jurisdictions, allowing for cross-border sign-offs. For instance, Rolls Royce is working on a small modular reactor that is considerably larger than those proposed by US startups, resembling traditional power plants. If it gains UK approval, it could quickly enter the US market.

Despite this, Bluck cautions that the initiative carries inherent political risks. “For those against nuclear energy, questions will arise regarding trust, asking, ‘Are we simply accepting what’s offered?'” This partnership aims to alleviate some of those concerns. “We acknowledge the issue, and this is the first time two major manufacturing nations have come together in this regard,” he concludes.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

The Earliest Human Mummies: A 14,000-Year-Old Smoking Process

Posted on September 16, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Left: The remains of a middle-aged woman at the Liu Po site in southern China, where smoke was used before burial approximately 8,000 years ago. Right: Contemporary smoke-dried mummies of Dani individuals in West Papua, Indonesia.

Zhen Li, Hirofumi Matsumura, Hsiao-Chun Hung

SEI 265721258 — Left: The remains of a middle-aged woman at the Liu Po site in southern China, where smoke was used before burial approximately 8,000 years ago. Right: Contemporary smoke-dried mummies of Dani individuals in West Papua, Indonesia.

Zhen Li, Hirofumi Matsumura, Hsiao-Chun Hung

Carefully preserved through smoking practices up to 14,000 years ago, a human body has been found at archaeological sites in Southeast Asia, making it the world’s oldest known mummy.

This custom continues today among the Dani people in West Papua, Indonesia, who mummify their deceased relatives by exposing them to smoke and treat them with care and respect as part of the household. Many of these mummies are found in a tightly bound squatting position.

Similar “highly flexed” ancient remains have also been discovered in Australia, China, the Philippines, Laos, Thailand, Malaysia, South Korea, and Japan.

Hsiao-Chun Hung from the Australian National University in Canberra noted the striking similarities between burial remains excavated in relation to Dani traditions while working on ancient skeletons in Vietnam in 2017.

Hung and her team analyzed the burial practices of 54 hunter-gatherers from 11 archaeological sites across Southeast Asia dated between 12,000 and 4,000 years ago to uncover evidence of smoking. Most sites were based in northern Vietnam and southern China.

Numerous remains displayed clear signs of partial burning, though not enough to indicate cremation. The researchers utilized two analytical methods, X-ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopy, on several bone samples to assess thermal exposure.

Over 90% of the 69 skeletal samples displayed indications of heat exposure. The findings suggest that while human remains were not subjected to extreme temperatures, they likely endured lower temperatures, potentially from smoking for extended periods.

The oldest mummy examined by a Vietnamese team from Hang Cho dates back over 11,000 years. However, a tightly bound skeleton from another site, Hang Mooy, indicates practices recorded over 14,000 years ago. “We didn’t need X-rays or infrared to analyze this one because it’s evidently partially burned and visible to the naked eye,” explains Hung.

Previously, the oldest known mummy was believed to come from northern Chile, approximately 7,000 years ago, and ancient Egypt around 4,500 years ago.

Hung suggests that the evidence indicates this burial tradition likely spread across southern China and Southeast Asia at least 14,000 years ago, as agricultural societies became prevalent in the region around 4,000 to 3,500 years ago. The constricting bindings of mummified bodies may have facilitated their transport, she notes.

Ethnographic studies indicate that these traditions persisted in southern Australia until the late 19th and early 20th centuries, according to Hung. “Additionally, our literature review in the New Guinea highlands reveals that these practices continue among some communities today.”

“Our results signify a unique blend of techniques, traditions, culture, and a profound connection to ancestry that spans an extraordinary timeframe, covering vast regions from the Paleolithic era to the present,” she states.

Vito Hernandez from Flinders University in Adelaide suggests that this study challenges long-standing beliefs that such practices were exclusive to arid regions like Chile’s Atacama and Egypt’s Nile Valley. “It highlights the role of tropical environments in nurturing distinct mortuary traditions among early modern humans across the Far East and potentially into the Pacific,” he remarks.

“By extending the timeline of mummification by at least 5,000 years, the Chinchalo culture [of South America] emphasizes Southeast Asia’s role as a center for cultural innovation, demonstrating a deep continuity that connects early Holocene hunter-gatherers with present-day indigenous groups in New Guinea and Australia,” Hernandez adds.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Researchers are creating digital self-assessment tools for diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease.

Posted on September 15, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

A recent proof-of-concept study conducted by researchers at Lund University reveals that a brief self-management digital cognitive assessment called BioCog effectively detects cognitive impairments. When used alongside blood tests, it can accurately identify clinical Alzheimer’s disease in primary care settings.

In primary care, the BioCog test achieved 85% accuracy in identifying cognitive impairments with a single cutoff, significantly outperforming primary care physicians, who had a 73% accuracy rate. Image credit: Miroslaw Miras.

Alzheimer’s disease stands as the leading cause of dementia, marked by amyloid beta accumulation, tau aggregation, and progressive neurodegeneration.

Clinical presentations of Alzheimer’s typically begin with subjective cognitive decline, where individuals report memory issues and other cognitive challenges, although formal cognitive tests may not yet indicate impairment.

This initial phase advances to mild cognitive impairment, which is characterized by objective cognitive symptoms, ultimately evolving into dementia marked by significant functional limitations in daily life.

Diagnosing Alzheimer’s in its early stages, especially in primary care, can be particularly challenging.

There’s a considerable prevalence of both misdiagnosis and missed diagnoses, with 20-30% of cases incorrectly diagnosed in specialist environments and about 40% in general practice when Alzheimer’s is not corroborated by biomarkers.

“The BioCog digital assessment, designed to allow patients to perform with minimal healthcare worker involvement, will enhance primary care physicians’ ability to investigate potential Alzheimer’s pathology early through blood tests,” stated the researchers.

“Primary care typically lacks the resources, time, or expertise to explore Alzheimer’s disease with the same thoroughness as specialized memory clinics.”

“This is where digital cognitive assessments can play a vital role.”

In contrast to the traditional pen-and-paper tests utilized for evaluating cognitive impairment, digital assessments offer a more comprehensive analysis.

They easily integrate novel variables and additional factors that were not previously measured.

“Most individuals experiencing memory loss first seek help at their local health center,” remarked Pontus Tideman, a doctoral student at the University of Rand and psychologist at Skone University Hospital’s memory clinic.

“Our new digital evaluations provide the initial objective insights needed, ensuring higher accuracy in identifying cognitive impairments related to Alzheimer’s disease.”

“This determines who should undergo a blood test that measures phosphorylated tau levels, which can reliably detect Alzheimer’s disease in the brain.”

Currently, these blood tests are available exclusively at hospital specialty and memory clinics.

In time, they are expected to be accessible in primary care; however, it is not intended for all patients with cognitive complaints to undergo blood testing.

Researchers assert the immense value of digital solutions, given the challenges of diagnosing Alzheimer’s during a typical 15-20 minute patient consultation.

This is where objective digital tools for assessing cognitive skills can significantly alter the diagnostic landscape.

“A distinctive feature of our BioCog assessments is their validation within primary care settings, unlike many other digital evaluations. These assessments are aimed at patients seeking treatment due to cognitive concerns, such as memory problems,” the researchers noted.

“The combination of digital assessments with blood test results can greatly enhance the diagnostic accuracy of Alzheimer’s disease.”

“The goal of this test is to simplify the process for primary care physicians.”

The BioCog test is detailed in a study published in the journal Nature Medicine.

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P. Tideman et al. Primary care detection of Alzheimer’s disease using self-administered digital cognitive tests and blood biomarkers. Nat Med. Published online on September 15th, 2025. doi:10.1038/s41591-025-03965-4

Source: www.sci.news

Inside the World’s Top Dark Matter Detector: What It’s Really Like to Operate

Posted on September 15, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Chamkaur Ghag plays a pivotal role in the Lux-Zeplin experiment, a leading dark matter detector

Nova

Deep underground in South Dakota, the most advanced dark matter detector on Earth awaits its moment of discovery. This is the Lux-Zeplin (LZ) experiment, highlighting a vast tank of liquid xenon. Physicist Shankaur Ghag from University College London is among the key leaders in this large scientific collaboration, which aims to unravel about 85% of the universe’s mysteries that still elude us.

Currently, Ghag and his team find themselves at a crucial juncture in the quest for this elusive substance. They are considering plans for a more significant detector called xlzd, which promises to be many times the size of the LZ and even more precise. However, if neither detector can uncover the dark matter, they may need to reassess their understanding of what dark matter is. As Ghag suggests, future dark matter detectors may not be massive underground structures but rather smaller, unassuming devices. He has already devised a prototype of such a detector ahead of his upcoming talks at New Scientist Live this October.

Leah Crane: To start, why is dark matter so essential?

Chamkaur Ghag: On one side, we have all the knowledge that particles and atoms, alongside particle physics, provide about the components of matter. On the contrary, we understand gravity as well. While this may seem comprehensive, a significant issue arises when attempting to merge gravity and particle physics. Our galaxy shouldn’t exist as it does. It remains intact through gravity, which seems to derive from unseen matter. This isn’t just a tiny glue; around 85% of the universe comprises this so-called dark matter.

Why have our efforts to find it been so prolonged, with little success?

At present, we hypothesize that dark matter likely consists of what we term “wimps”—massive, weakly interacting particles that originated in the early universe. Consequently, these rarely interact with other particles, providing only a faint signature, which necessitates a large detector for detection. The larger these detectors are, the greater the chance that dark matter particles will pass through them. Additionally, they must be extremely quiet since even slight vibrations can obscure the signal.

We discuss the theoretical landscape of dark matter, which encompasses the range of masses and characteristics such particles could possess. We’ve already excluded certain regions of this landscape, making it essential to delve even deeper underground with larger detectors to explore where dark matter may still exist.

This painstaking endeavor requires minimizing background noise. For instance, many metals emit small radioactive levels, necessitating rigorous efforts to reduce construction material noise. The LZ detector boasts the lowest background noise and the highest level of radio-purity on the planet.

The LZ is currently the most sensitive detector we have. How does it function?

In essence, it operates as a double-walled thermos, containing several meters of liquid xenon. This xenon resides within a reflective tank, equipped with light sensors positioned above and below. Additionally, an electric field exists within this tank. When a wimp collides with a xenon nucleus, it generates a brief flash of light. However, due to the electric field, it causes the electrons to split apart, producing a second flash from the nucleus.

This two-signal output enables us to ascertain the exact location of an event. The intensity of both the primary and secondary flashes informs us about the microphysics of whether the interaction was caused by a wimp or an unrelated phenomenon, such as gamma rays. To ensure optimal detection, we are positioned miles underground to shield against cosmic rays and also encapsulated in an aquarium to safeguard against the surrounding rock.

This endeavor is undoubtedly complex. What has been the most challenging aspect of making it operational?

In an earlier experiment with a smaller prototype called Lux, I understood what was required to create an instrument tenfold more sensitive. Bringing that theoretical knowledge into practice proved challenging. For me, the toughest challenge lay in ensuring the instrument remained clean and quiet enough to achieve required sensitivity. When deployed with the LZ, it occupies a vast area equivalent to a football pitch, where it must tolerate only a gram of dust spread across its surface.

What is it like working with such an ultra-clean detector underground?

The environment, once a gold mine, retains its industrial atmosphere. You don a hard hat, descend a mile down, and then trek to the lab. Upon entering the lab, you lose sense of the surroundings; it transforms into a clean room filled with computers and equipment—essentially a lab devoid of windows. But the journey underground feels otherworldly.

Outer Detectors of the Lux-Zeplin Experiment

Sanford Underground Research Facility/Matthew Kapust

Historically, wimps have been the primary suspect for dark matter. At what point do we consider the wimp hypothesis invalid if we find no evidence?

Should we construct the XLZDs, the larger detectors intended for this purpose, and reach a point where they fail to detect wimps, it would be hard to sustain the idea of a standard wimp existing if we must venture beyond the capabilities of those instruments. However, until that happens, wimps are still in the game. The void between our current findings and those of the XLZD remains intriguing.

We’ve also developed a much smaller, entirely different detector for dark matter. Can you tell me more about it?

We’ve engineered 150 nanometer wide glass beads coated with lasers. This highly sensitive force detector can determine interactions in three dimensions, allowing us to ascertain which direction an event originated from. This capability is significant as it enables us to filter out terrestrial background influence, such as radioactive decay from geological materials.

This concept seems far removed from large detectors like the LZ. What’s the logic behind its creation? Will we see further advancements in smaller detectors?

Large-scale underground experiments, while large and sensitive, can paradoxically limit sensitivity due to their size. For instance, when a dark matter particle collides with my xenon detector, it may produce 10 photons. A smaller tank can capture all of them, but in a larger tank, these photons could bounce around and only a few are detected.

Furthermore, when a dark matter particle interacts with my detector, it only generates two photons initially. In this scenario, the maximal signal from a detector akin to the LZ diminishes. This has spurred the motivation to search for low-mass dark matter particles beyond the LZ’s detection range, leading us toward alternative detection methods.

If dark matter were to be discovered, what implications would that hold for physics and our understanding of the universe?

The implications would be two-fold: it would conclusively provide answers to what constitutes 85% of the universe, and it would challenge the standard model of particle physics, which currently outlines the known components of reality. Thus, if we discovered dark matter, it may offer the first glimpse beyond this conventional framework. Up until now, we’ve had no solid evidence to deviate from the standard model—this would serve as the first ray of hope.

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Dark Matter/
Particle Physics

Source: www.newscientist.com

Hubble Captures the Stellar Core of Messier 82

Posted on September 15, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Astronomers utilizing the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope have captured a new image of the central region of the Edge-on-Starburst Galaxy Messier 82.

This Hubble image displays Messier 82, a starburst irregular galaxy located 12 million light years away in the Ursa Major constellation. Image credits: NASA/ESA/Hubble/WD Vacca.

Messier 82 is situated roughly 12 million light years from the northern Ursa Major constellation.

Initially identified by German astronomer Johann Erard Bord in 1774, this galaxy spans about 40,000 light years.

Known as the Cigar Galaxy, Messier 82 features an elongated oval shape due to the tilt of its starry disc relative to our view.

This galaxy is renowned for its remarkable pace in star formation, generating stars at a rate ten times faster than that of the Milky Way.

“Messier 82 is home to a stunning star that shines through clouds of gas, dust, and clumps,” remarked the Hubble astronomer.

“It’s not surprising to find that the galaxy is so densely packed with stars.”

“Galaxies that produce stars at a rate ten times faster than the Milky Way are classified as Starburst Galaxies.”

“This vigorous starbursts phase has led to the emergence of superstar clusters at the galaxy’s core.”

“Each of these stellar clusters contains hundreds of thousands of stars, surpassing the brightness of ordinary star clusters.”

Astronomers have employed Hubble to investigate these vast clusters and understand their formation and evolution.

“The image reveals features that were previously unseen in earlier Hubble images of galaxies: data from the Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS) high-resolution channels,” they noted.

“The high-resolution channel is one of three sub-instruments of the ACS, which was installed in 2002.”

“After five years of operation, the high-resolution channel provided stunning, detailed observations of a dense stellar environment like the heart of the Starburst Galaxy.”

“Unfortunately, an electronic failure in 2007 rendered the high-resolution channel inoperative.”

Source: www.sci.news

Stealth Radio Conceals Signals in Ambient Noise to Safeguard Drone Operators

Posted on September 15, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Drones are now crucial in the Russia-Ukraine conflict

Diego Herrera Charcedo/Anadolu via Getty Images

Stealth military radios, designed to mask signals from ambient noise, are exceptionally resistant to jamming and detection. This capability allows drone operators to function without being exposed.

With drones rapidly gaining prominence in warfare, electronic warfare has taken on a new intensity. In the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, both factions deploy jammers to disrupt drone communications, while also capturing radio signals to identify drone operators for coordinating artillery assaults.

We are a startup named Rampart News, and we’ve created a radio that features dual layers of protection, making it extremely hard to detect signals. The Stratawave Radio disperses its signal across a wide spectrum rather than encrypting it and broadcasting on a single frequency, rendering emissions subdued and harder to identify.

While similar methods have been employed in the past, Stratawave enhances this approach. By distributing the signal over the radio spectrum, interception becomes challenging, but the mere existence of radio transmissions remains apparent. To obscure this, Stratawave combines the entire broadcast, masking the presence of the radio signal amid ambient noise.

The first layer of protection resembles encoding a letter and then tearing it into substantial pieces. Even if adversaries can’t decipher the message, they can still perceive its existence. The second layer, however, is akin to reducing the letters to dust.

“Without the correct encryption key and algorithm, the signal manifests as noise on alternative receivers,” explains Aaron Correa from Rampart.

The company introduced Stratawave at the Pentagon Technical Preparation Experiment (TREX) event held in Camp Atterbury, Indiana, in August. During the event, the operator piloted the drone directly above the jamming system without encountering any disruptions.

The device manufacturer claims it has undergone over 60 diverse jamming trials. The counter-drone systems were unable to detect emissions from either the drone or its operator, nor could they triangulate their location.

Theoretically, StrataWave enables drone operators to use higher power levels without drawing fire, facilitating safer communication over long distances. Ukrainian commander from the Typhoon Drone Unit, Michael, asserts that they typically keep their power output as low as possible to evade detection.

“As soon as you activate a transmitter with a standard output of 1-5 watts, you increase both the signal strength and your exposure,” Michael states. “More potent, distinctive signals are easier to detect and pinpoint through triangulation.”

Electronic warfare resembles a cat-and-mouse dynamic, with advancements constantly evolving to counteract one another. In Ukraine, drone technologies are refreshed every few weeks to surpass existing jamming methods. Rampart asserts that when adversaries attempt to detect or jam Stratawave, they effectively start from scratch.

Thomas Withington, an electronic warfare specialist at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), a British defense think tank, suggests that this is not the definitive turn in the radio and jamming conflict. “Radio frequency engineers inform us that new systems seldom perform flawlessly.”

Withington highlights that cognitive radio systems incorporating AI and extensive datasets increasingly stand to uncover hidden signals cloaked in noise. However, deciphering Stratawave may take time. “This type of system undoubtedly offers a temporary advantage, which could be all you require,” he concludes.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

The Extinction of a Dinosaur: A Dramatic Transformation of Earth’s Landscape

Posted on September 15, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Large dinosaurs such as Titanosaurus significantly influenced their ecosystems

Christian Jegou/Science Photography Library

The extinction of dinosaurs had profound consequences for Earth, leading to significant alterations in the planet’s landscapes, including shifts in river systems.

There is a clear distinction between various rock formations in North America before and after the end of the dinosaurs during the Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-PG) extinction event approximately 66 million years ago, triggered by the Chicxulub asteroid impact in the Yucatan Peninsula.

For example, the Green Gray Mudstone, recognized as the Hell Creek Formation from the dinosaur period, transitions into the more vivid pajama-striped layers of the Fort Union Formation, which hosts many lignite-rich charcoals from plant material that surfaced with the rise of mammals.

This transition was initially attributed to the direct impacts of asteroid strikes, such as increased rainfall. However, Luke Weaver from the University of Michigan and his team propose another explanation.

They examined floodplain areas in the western United States, revealing abrupt geological changes around the K-PG boundary, particularly in the Williston Basin, stretching across parts of Wyoming, Montana, and the Dakotas.

The multifaceted colorful layers from the Post-dinosaur period are believed to be deposits formed by rising water levels, creating temporary ponds. However, Weaver and his colleagues did not find supporting literature on water level changes during this era.

“There’s no evidence of extremely high water tables or particularly wet conditions,” he says. While there was an intrusion of seawater inland, the nearest instance occurred at least 300,000 years after the K-PG boundary.

Weaver’s team argues that significant sandstone layers formed post-K-PG boundary are indicative of large, stable rivers, known as Point Bar deposits, instead of temporary pond deposits. These layers can exceed 10 meters in thickness, reflecting the stability of these rivers.

Researchers attribute these findings to the extinction of dinosaurs. They propose that, like today’s large herbivores, dinosaurs were ecological engineers, disrupting vegetation, trampling, and grazing seedlings, inhibiting new plant growth.

“These creatures were colossal compared to modern fauna,” Weaver notes. For instance, while a contemporary elephant weighs around 5,000 kilograms, a Triceratops could weigh at least double that.

As they moved through and destroyed vegetation, the rivers would have flooded periodically instead of winding through forests. This change ultimately led to the expansion of marshy mudstone, according to Weaver. Once the dinosaurs vanished, tree roots stabilized the sediments, allowing water to flow through a meandering riverbed, thus creating point bars.

“This illustrates a landscape where biology plays a crucial role,” Weaver observes. Animals, he argues, significantly modify their environments, much like humans have drastically altered Earth’s landscapes.

Christopher Doughty from Northern Arizona University believes this perspective better explains the observed geological transformations than earlier theories. “In contemporary studies where large animals are removed from ecosystems, tree cover significantly increases,” he mentions. “With the extinction of dinosaurs, there were no longer large animals capable of uprooting trees. This led to a decrease in herbivory and reduced the disturbance of seedlings giving rise to robust tree growth.”

However, Cat Schroder from the University of New Mexico remains skeptical. “While there seems to be a correlation between large dinosaurs and open nutritional landscapes, causality hasn’t been established yet,” she says. “Forests thrived before, during, and after the age of dinosaurs.”

Doughty is using isotopic analysis of fossil leaves to investigate how forest structures have shifted since the dinosaurs went extinct.

Dinosaur Exploration in the Gobi Desert, Mongolia

Experience an exhilarating and unique expedition exploring the remains of dinosaurs in the expansive wilderness of the Gobi Desert, renowned as one of the world’s premier paleontological sites.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

How to Select the Perfect Fertilizer for Your Varied Plants

Posted on September 15, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

“For most plants, a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer would be fine.”

ShutterStock/Encierro

Farmers providing granulated fertilizer to young tomato plants while wearing gloves and using excavators in an organic garden. — “For most plants, a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer would be fine.”

ShutterStock/Encierro

A visit to the garden center reveals a multitude of fertilizers lining the shelves. These vibrant bottles promise optimal results for a range of plants, from lawns and roses to ferns and Japanese maples. But do home gardeners truly require them? Let’s explore the science behind it.

Plants require approximately 16 essential mineral nutrients, most of which are needed in minor quantities. At the heart of plant nutrition—fertilizer—lies three primary macronutrients: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). The main distinction between various fertilizers is the proportion of these nutrients, denoted on the label after the letters “NPK”.

For lush grass, opt for fertilizers with high nitrogen content. However, for flowering and fruiting plants like tomatoes and roses, a greater amount of potassium is necessary. Fortunately, gardeners don’t need to pore over every label; most fertilizers are conveniently labeled to indicate their best uses.

Things become more complicated, however. I recently compared three “expert” plant foods from well-known brands designed for roses, strawberries, and tomatoes. All had the identical NPK ratio of 4-2-6, making their only real difference the packaging. Ultimately, plants synthesize nutrients from the soil as needed. In most cases, a balanced, general-purpose fertilizer is sufficient. Curiously, some specialized feeds are merely repackaged versions of generic fertilizers.

Stocking a wide array of specific fertilizers is not only costly and unnecessary but can also be detrimental. Fertilizers should only be used to replenish deficient minerals in the soil. For instance, excessive nitrogen can result in soft and pest-prone growth or lead to poor-quality crops. In contrast, excess phosphorus is often washed away, contributing to water pollution and causing environmental damage, particularly in fertile regions like the UK, where garden soils are richer compared to agricultural lands. Intensive management practices often exacerbate this issue.

So, what’s the takeaway? Invest in affordable, user-friendly home soil tests instead of unnecessary fertilizers. Of course, there are some exceptions. Acid-loving plants like rhododendrons may need an iron boost, and other nutrients that are harder to absorb from neutral soils. Similarly, container plants (particularly those grown in nutrient-poor media like peat) typically require fertilizer supplements during their growing season. Nonetheless, for most home gardeners—including houseplant enthusiasts—a single balanced fertilizer is enough, giving you more time (and money) to enjoy nurturing your plants.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

High Dosage of Wegovy: Impacts on Weight Loss and Side Effects

Posted on September 15, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Weekly Wegovy Injections Facilitate Weight Loss

James Manning/PA Images/Alamy

Testing reveals that a higher weekly dosage of Wegovy is linked to an increased risk of side effects.

Prior research indicates that individuals receiving the standard weekly doses of Wegovy, which contains the active ingredient semaglutide, can lose up to 15% of their body weight over a year when combined with a healthy diet and exercise regimen. This medication mimics the action of GLP-1, a hormone akin to glucagon, which aids in numerous ways such as delaying stomach emptying and signaling the brain to suppress appetite.

Produced by the pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk, Wegovy is approved for use among individuals with obesity or those who are overweight and possess at least one weight-related condition like type 2 diabetes. “However, some patients may not experience the desired level of weight loss or may seek more than the average 10-15% reduction,” says Lora Heisler, who was not part of the research team from the University of Aberdeen in the UK.

To explore the potential benefits of increased dosage, Shawn Wharton and colleagues, including scientists from the University of Toronto and Novo Nordisk, studied over 1,000 obese adults across 11 countries, including the United States, Canada, and parts of Europe.

Participants, all without diabetes, were randomly assigned to receive either a high dosage of 7.2 milligrams or the standard 2.4 milligrams of semaglutide, alongside a placebo injection mimicking Wegovy. Doses of semaglutide were gradually elevated over several weeks, and all participants were encouraged to maintain a caloric deficit of 500 calories per day and engage in physical activity for 150 minutes weekly.

After one year, those receiving the standard dosage lost an average of 16% of their body weight, while the high-dose group achieved about 19% weight loss. Conversely, the placebo group lost approximately 44% of their body weight.

One-third of participants in the standard dosage category experienced over 20% weight loss, compared to almost half in the high-dose group. Only 3% in the placebo group reached this threshold, indicating that higher dosages can significantly enhance weight loss outcomes, according to Heisler.

At the onset of the study, more than one-third of participants in each group had prediabetes, marked by elevated blood sugar levels without qualifying for type 2 diabetes. By the study’s conclusion, diabetes cases in the high-dose group decreased by 83%, while cases within the standard-dose group fell by 74%. “This is highly encouraging, as the main objective of weight loss is to enhance overall health,” Heisler remarks.

Nevertheless, there are noteworthy drawbacks. Bowel-related side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, were reported by 61% in the standard-dose group, while 71% in the high-dose category experienced similar issues. In comparison, 40% of those taking the placebo also faced these symptoms, which might not be directly related to the treatment, according to Heisler.

Moreover, over 20% of the high-dose group reported unpleasant skin sensations known as dysesthesia. As a result, four participants discontinued their treatment. By contrast, only 6% of the standard-dose recipients and just one in the placebo group reported this side effect, with no one ceasing treatment.

These findings indicate that the advantages of higher dosages may outweigh the associated risks for certain individuals, according to Heisler. “For those requiring substantial weight loss who don’t experience many side effects, the higher dose may facilitate their goals,” she states. However, it may not be appropriate for individuals achieving sufficient weight loss on standard doses or those enduring severe side effects. She emphasizes the need for additional trials to validate these results before clinical application.

In a separate trial, Wharton and his team suggest that higher dosages might yield greater weight loss and enhanced blood glucose levels in individuals with both obesity and type 2 diabetes. However, the results were not statistically significant, indicating a need for further investigation, says Simon Cork from Anglia Ruskin University in the UK.

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Weight loss drugs

Source: www.newscientist.com

Psychologists Warn: The Phrases You Should Avoid After a Death (and What to Say Instead)

Posted on September 14, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Experiencing bereavement is one of life’s toughest challenges. Offering love and support can truly make a significant impact, and it’s admirable to want to help those who are grieving.

Everyone’s sadness is unique, which complicates knowing what to say. In those raw moments, simply being present and offering your love and time may be the most valuable support you can provide.

Research indicates that empathizing with others can be more challenging than we realize. Avoid making assumptions about their feelings; instead, gently ask what they are experiencing.

If you’re uncertain whether they prefer solitude, give them an option. You might say, “Would you like me to come by later?” rather than simply texting, “Let me know how I can help.”

Since close relationships may benefit from practical support, offering to help with meals or tasks can be greatly appreciated. However, always provide an opt-out option, such as leaving food at the door instead of entering.

Additionally, prioritize emotional support over giving advice or trying to reframe the situation positively. Listen attentively to their feelings and what they need at that moment.

If appropriate, consider employing techniques related to “active listening.” For instance, paraphrasing or echoing their words can show that you genuinely understand their emotional state.

As time passes and if their emotional pain decreases, it might be suitable to transition to what psychologists refer to as “cognitive advice.”

This could involve helping them find constructive ways to express their sadness and discover hope, such as making positive changes to their routines.

We often think we understand someone else’s sadness, but research shows that isn’t always the case. Instead, it’s crucial to be curious, ask how they feel, and really listen – Credit: via Klaus Vedfelt

If the grieving person indicates they prefer solitude, don’t take that as a permanent preference. Make sure to check in regularly in a non-judgmental manner.

Reaching out occasionally can be incredibly meaningful, especially since it can be hard for them to re-engage.

Psychologists recommend expressing sadness as a helpful coping strategy, often best done with the support of others.

For instance, you might plan a memorial activity, reminisce about the loved one they’ve lost, commemorate a significant anniversary, or visit places that hold special memories.

So, when the time feels right, consider joining your friends and loved ones in commemorating and celebrating the lives of those they’ve lost.

Remember, there is no right or wrong way to grieve. Each person’s timeline for healing is unique.

However, if your loved one continues to struggle with their grief more than six months later, they may benefit from seeking professional help.

This article responds to the inquiry (Neil Myers, asked by Lincoln): “How should I talk to someone who just lost a loved one?”

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Mysterious Stonehenge Found Beneath Lake Michigan Stuns Archaeologists

Posted on September 14, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Stone circles are remnants of ancient rituals and druidic lore. Most people recognize the stone rings at Stonehenge, located near Amesbury, England; which dates back to 2500 BC (around 4,525 years ago). However, numerous examples of “menhills” (standing stones) and other ancient stone arrangements can be found globally.

In fact, some of these stone monuments predate Stonehenge. For instance, the Oyyu Stone Circle in Northern Japan is estimated to be about 3,500 years old, having been discovered in 1931. Additionally, there are various Aboriginal stone circles throughout Australia; some of which may be nearly 10,000 years old.

Conversely, stone monuments are uncommon in America. Thus, in 2007, archaeologists were thrilled to uncover what seems to be a human-made stone arrangement at the bottom of Lake Michigan.

One archaeologist, Mark Holly, has since been seeking funds to drill at the site while keeping its exact location confidential to prevent disturbances.

Currently, the origin of these stones remains unclear. One theory suggests that they may indicate “driving lanes” for caribou hunting, reflecting a different study. 9,000-year-old stone arrangements found on Lake Huron would have been visible when the lanes were marked.

Lake Michigan remained dry until approximately 15,000 years ago. Therefore, these stones might have been arranged significantly earlier than those found at Lake Huron or Stonehenge.

This article addresses the inquiry by John McPherson from Ripon: “Are there any other stoneworks?”

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The Most Terrible Space Suit Ever Created

Posted on September 13, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

When venturing beyond the Earth’s atmosphere, spacesuits become crucial. These human-sized miniature spacecraft are designed to shield astronauts from harmful solar radiation, extreme temperatures, low atmospheric pressure, and the impacts of micrometeorites.

The moon presents additional challenges, such as sharply defined lunar dust that can damage the suit’s joints and disrupt its materials.

It’s essential for spacesuits to provide remarkable freedom of movement, as astronauts frequently exit their spacecraft to conduct intricate repairs on equipment.

In emergencies, swift donning of the suit is beneficial. Furthermore, a full life support system should be integrated to regulate air supply and temperature.

Since astronauts may need to wear their suits for extended periods, considerations for food, hydration, and other bodily functions are vital.

Over the years, there have been Various designs, although not all have met these necessary standards accurately.

In 1962, the peculiar hard-shell suit known as the Grumman underwent brief testing. It resembled a fusion of a dustbin and a blender, but its limited mobility was a significant drawback.

Another design, the Hardshell “ax” suit, was also tested, primarily constructed from aluminum with rotary joints akin to futuristic armor, but it never made it to any missions.

Most functional spacesuits have been crafted from flexible multi-layer composite fabrics, with rigid shells reserved for specific areas like the helmet and upper torso.

Future suits may be even more advanced.

Biosuit proposed by Professor Dava Newman at MIT – Image credit: Dava Newman/Professor MIT/Guillermo Trotti/Douglas Sonders Photography

Researchers are currently focused on creating self-healing materials, ensuring that issues arising from extended missions to Mars are mitigated. One of the most innovative concepts is the Bio Suit, proposed by Professor Dava Newman at MIT.

Astronauts would wear suits made from flexible fabric that, when activated, reduces the embedded shape memory alloy coil, allowing the suit to conform perfectly to the skin, offering exceptional mobility and style.

Alternatively, the most intriguing designs feature proposed FO-RO (forward and reverse osmosis) systems.

Similar to a still suit from Sand Dunes, this suit can recycle astronaut urine into drinking water.

This article answers a question from Erica Morris via email: “What will the future spaceship look like?”

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Octopuses Prefer Specific Arms for Specific Tasks

Posted on September 12, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The latest research aims to thoroughly investigate how wild octopuses utilize their arms within their natural environments. This pioneering study correlates arm movements to the entire animal in intricate, real-world contexts by examining arm dynamics across various settings. The results indicate that all arms are capable of executing all types of actions, yet a distinct pattern of arm specialization was evident. The front arms primarily engage in movements that aid in exploration, whereas the rear arms focus on facilitating locomotion. Additionally, the octopus displayed remarkable adaptability, with a single arm executing multiple actions simultaneously, showcasing coordination among different arms—signifying advanced motor control.

Illustrations of 12 arm actions from various wild octopus behaviors. These cephalopods frequently employ multiple arm actions at once, either on one arm or across several. Image credits: Venice et al., doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-10674-y.

The structure of an octopus arm is intricate, comprising four distinct muscle groups oriented horizontally, vertically, diagonally, and circularly around a central nerve.

This arrangement allows the octopus’s arms to adapt in numerous ways, enabling a variety of actions essential for tasks such as hunting, locomotion, and self-defense.

Despite this complexity, there is still a limited understanding of how wild octopuses utilize and modify their arms.

In this new study, Chelsea Venice and her colleagues at Florida Atlantic University analyzed 25-minute video recordings of wild octopuses filmed in the Atlantic and Caribbean between 2007 and 2015.

The observed octopuses belonged to the species Octopus vulgaris or closely related species such as Octopus insularis and Octopus americanus.

The researchers documented which arms were used each time an octopus exhibited one of 15 distinct behaviors (like crawling).

They also noted the combinations of 12 different arm actions (e.g., curling) and four distinct deformations (e.g., extension) executed by each arm during these activities.

Researchers found that every octopus is capable of transforming all eight arms in four diverse ways, enabling every arm to perform all actions.

The study revealed that both sides of the body utilize arms equally, although the front four arms are more actively engaged than the rear four (64% versus 36%).

The front arms are primarily employed for exploring, while the rear arms primarily assist in movement.

Consequently, two actions are notably more frequent with the rear arms: rolling, where the arm glides along the seabed akin to a conveyor belt, and lifting, where the arm extends vertically downwards.

“Our findings are among the first to demonstrate that octopuses utilize specific limbs for designated tasks—a behavior previously only documented in primates, rodents, and fish,” stated the researchers.

“These discoveries could inform advancements in robotic arms designed to replicate the functionality of the octopus.”

This study was published this week in the journal Scientific Reports.

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Co Bennice et al. 2025. The flexibility of the octopus arm enhances complex behavior across various natural environments. Sci Rep 15, 31875; doi:10.1038/s41598-025-10674-y

Source: www.sci.news

What We Know About Interstellar Comet 3I/Atlas

Posted on September 12, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Following 1i/oumuamua and 2i/borisov, 3i/atlas is the third object and has been confirmed as the second comet originating from outside the solar system.

This image from the Gemini North Telescope Multi-Object Spectrometer (GMOS-N) depicts the interstellar comet 3i/Atlas. Image credits: International Gemini Observatory/Noirlab/NSF/Aura/K. Meech, Ifa&U. Hawaii / Jen Miller & Mahdi Zamani, Noirlab.

The comet 3i/Atlas was identified on July 1, 2025, by the Asteroid Land Impact Trastor Alt System (ATLAS), a project supported by NASA.

Also referred to as C/2025 N1 (ATLAS) and A11PL3Z, the comet is approaching from the direction of Sagittarius.

Its orbit is the most dynamically extreme among the objects documented within the solar system.

“While aliens may not be the first to engage with us, 3i/Atlas has much to teach us, as it is merely the third recorded interstellar entity to traverse our solar system,” stated Jacqueline McClary, an astronomer at Northeastern University.

“All comet-like interstellar bodies are unique in that they are the only ones that have provided us with physical observations coming from outside our solar system. They serve as messengers from afar.”

“Given how rare it is to detect interstellar objects within our solar system, each discovery is distinct,” remarked Adina Feinstein, an astronomer at Michigan State University.

“3i/Atlas presents an opportunity to examine other solar systems closely, without the necessity of traveling to them.”

From the moment 3i/Atlas was observed, it was evident that it deviated from typical comet behavior. Initially, it appeared to emit an unusual light.

Comets are generally very dark, which makes them challenging for astronomers to detect initially.

As they near the sun, solar radiation prompts volatile compounds and ice to sublimate from their surfaces.

This process leads to the formation of a coma, which ultimately evolves into the iconic tail associated with comets across the night sky.

“Jupiter is positioned 5 AU from the Sun, and most comets need to approach closer for solar radiation to generate enough intensity to form this melted tail,” Dr. McClary said.

“Comet 3I/Atlas developed its coma at a considerably greater distance than typical, remaining beyond Jupiter’s orbit.”

3i/Atlas began to emit light far from the sun, prompting initial speculation that it could be an extraterrestrial spacecraft. What else could emit light so rapidly?

However, later observations suggested that it not only possesses a comet-like tail but is also rich in carbon dioxide.

The NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope has ultimately unveiled that comets are remarkable for attributes beyond their interstellar heritage.

Not only was it composed primarily of carbon dioxide, but it also exhibited an extraordinary ratio of carbon dioxide ice to water ice, the best ever documented.

This discovery allows for insight into the conditions that prevail in other solar systems and how such systems were initially formed.

“Clearly, the parent system of 3i/Atlas may have had a wealth of carbon dioxide, or perhaps a unique radiative process occurred that led to the depletion of other materials, leaving abundant carbon dioxide,” Dr. McClary remarked.

“By understanding the composition of this comet and comparing it with other interstellar comets, we gain insight into solar system formation across different environments.”

The precise origin of 3i/atlas remains elusive.

“It likely hails from the Milky Way’s bulge, but pinpointing its exact source will be challenging,” Dr. McCleary commented.

“For it to have escaped its parent solar system, the comet must have undergone a gravitational disturbance that altered its trajectory, setting it on its current path into the solar system.”

Nevertheless, scientists have gained a more intricate understanding of the comet, having observed it crossing Jupiter’s orbit since October, elucidating more about its characteristics.

The Juno satellite orbiting Jupiter is ideally suited to observe these interstellar visitors.

“We may be able to observe this comet with remarkable clarity. It could prove particularly intriguing as it nears the sun, causing significant carbon dioxide vaporization, so we can assess what remains,” Dr. McClary stated.

Gaining more knowledge about 3i/Atlas assists not only in comprehending the nature of other solar systems, but also in exploring the conditions under which sentient life might arise, given the uniqueness of our solar system.

“This serves as a window into the primitive materials of other solar systems, which is invaluable for refining models of solar system formation,” Dr. McCullilia said.

“Is our solar system common or rare? It appears to be relatively uncommon, offering us a way to quantify its uniqueness.”

“Investigating other solar systems places humanity in a broader context,” Dr. Feinstein remarked.

“One of the most profound questions we face is, are we alone in the universe? Each NASA mission brings us a step closer to answering this monumental question.”

“Capturing numerous observations of these interstellar objects, especially as they approach the sun, is crucial for understanding their behaviors,” noted John Noonan, an astronomer at Auburn University.

“These interstellar objects may not have been significantly warmed in millions, if not billions, of years, making it fascinating to study how they react to early thermal exposure.”

Source: www.sci.news

Addressing Rising Childhood Obesity: Strategies Beyond Nutritional Deficiency

Posted on September 12, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Ultra-processed foods might contribute to the growing obesity epidemic in children

UNICEF/UN0846048/Florence Gou

For the first time, a significant number of children worldwide are experiencing obesity rather than malnutrition. This trend signifies a critical shift in childhood nutrition. While many strategies exist to combat hunger, few address obesity specifically.

“Despite years of attempts to prevent obesity, particularly in children and adolescents, we are not achieving satisfactory outcomes,” notes Andrea Richardson from RAND, a California-based nonprofit research organization.

A new report by Harriet Torres from UNICEF Belgium and her team utilized data from a comprehensive study to evaluate the nutritional status of children aged 5 to 19. This initiative, called the Collaboration of Non-Communicable Disease Risk Factors, encompasses over 160 countries and territories, representing more than 90% of the global child population.

The findings indicate that global childhood obesity rates have nearly tripled since 2000, with around 9.4% of children classified as obese versus 9.2% who are undernourished. This marks a significant moment, as obesity now outnumbers nutritional deficiencies in children.

Most troubling is the sharp increase in obesity rates in low- and middle-income nations. “Over 80% of children facing overweight and obesity globally are from these regions,” highlighting that this is no longer merely a high-income issue; it’s a pervasive global concern.

This situation necessitates that governments and organizations rethink their strategies regarding childhood malnutrition. “We are observing not just nutritional deficiencies but all forms of malnutrition,” asserts Shivani Ghosh from Cornell University, New York. Unfortunately, effective methods to combat obesity are still lacking, unlike those available for hunger.

The UNICEF report criticizes the prevalence of ultra-processed foods in contributing to rising obesity rates among youth. These foods, made using industrial processes, typically contain additives and preservatives and are high in fats, sugars, and salts. Common examples include packaged snacks, candies, chips, and sodas. The report claims that ultra-processed foods contribute to at least half of the calorie intake for children in Australia, Canada, the U.S., and U.K., and about a third in some low- and middle-income countries such as Argentina and Mexico.

Numerous studies indicate that ultra-processed foods correlate positively with obesity rates. However, the policies aimed at reducing their consumption have seldom led to significant declines in obesity.

For instance, Mexico was the first country to impose a tax on certain high-calorie foods and sugar-sweetened drinks in 2014. Following this, sales for these items decreased, particularly among lower-income families. Adolescent obesity rates experienced only minimal change, notably impacting only teenage girls, similar to the outcome in the U.K. after a tax was levied on sugary drinks in 2018.

Conversely, Chile has implemented some of the strictest regulations regarding ultra-processed products. In 2016, it limited marketing for these foods and mandated warning labels for those high in calories, salt, saturated fats, and sugars. As a result, obesity rates among children aged 4-6 decreased by 1-3 percentage points within a year. However, the figures reverted to baseline by 2018, and in 2019, obesity rates in 14-year-olds rose by 2 percentage points, underlining the ineffectiveness of these measures.

Torless provides a different perspective, stating, “No single intervention is sufficient. Some countries are imposing soda taxes, others are labeling foods. While these efforts are commendable, a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach is essential for meaningful change.”

Thus, the report advocates for policies that enhance the availability and affordability of nutritious food, including grants and school meal programs. Furthermore, it highlights the critical role of nutritional education and poverty alleviation. “The same factors contributing to undernutrition parallel those causing overnutrition,” Richardson elaborates. “These issues stem from unsafe drinking water, lack of financial resources, and inadequate access to nutritious food.”

No nation has fully adopted all of UNICEF’s recommendations, leaving the question of their effectiveness in reducing obesity unanswered. “The underlying assumption is an increased consumption of unhealthy foods correlating with rising overweight and obesity rates,” remarks Ghosh. “This could partially explain the trends we’re seeing.”

However, other factors may also play a role, including stress, pollution, and even genetic factors.

“This truly needs to be seen as a major public health crisis,” concludes Richardson. “Our children are our future, and they deserve to be healthy. If they are not thriving, our future looks bleak.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Jaguar Sets Records by Swimming Over 1.3 Kilometers

Posted on September 12, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Jaguars are known to be strong swimmers

Matthias Graben/ImageBroker RF/Getty Images

The camera trap captured footage of a jaguar swimming at least 1.3 kilometers on the island of Ceradam Saddam in central Brazil.

Interestingly, it’s suggested that the jaguar may have swum nearly twice that distance. To reach the island, it needed a 1 km swim to a smaller island, followed by a 1.3 km swim, or a direct 2.3 km swim from the mainland without a break.

“We speculate this cat used a small island as a stepping point,” said Leandro Silveira from the Jaguar Conservation Fund in Brazil. “In fact, I managed to swim a straight 2.3-kilometer stretch.”

Jaguar was snapped with a camera trap

Leandro Silveira/Jaguar Conservation Fund in Brazil

According to Silveira, this is the longest confirmed swim by a large cat documented through direct evidence. Jaguars are indeed powerful swimmers, adept at hunting caimans underwater. However, there have been no previous reports of them swimming beyond 200 meters at one time, according to Silveira.

In 2020, Silveira’s team placed multiple camera traps around Ceradam Saddam. In May that year, an adult male jaguar was recorded on the mainland. Fast forward four years to August 2024, and the same jaguar (recognized by its unique coat pattern) was detected on the island’s camera.

This adds to prior sightings, including a collared cougar that swam 1.1 km on Skaxin Island off the coast of Washington, indicating that local cougars might swim up to 2 km to various islands. Last year, two male lions were also photographed swimming in waterways in Uganda, with estimated distances of 1-1.5 km. Their motivation appeared to be reaching a woman calling from the other side.

The reasons behind the jaguar’s long swim remain unclear. “The island is relatively small,” Silveira explains. “As far as we are aware, it does not have an abundance of prey that would make it particularly appealing.”

The jaguar might have the capability to swim even further. Malaca – The Dipioca Islands are located over 5 km from the Brazilian coast. Potential mating with mainland jaguars.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Scientists May Need to Destroy the Brain to Upload It: Here’s Why

Posted on September 12, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Can scientists transfer animal brains to computers? The answer hinges on how we define “transfer” and “brain.” If we’re a bit flexible in our interpretation, it’s essentially already taking place.

Caenorhabditis elegans are minuscule worms found in soil and decaying plant matter. As multicellular eukaryotes, they technically qualify as animals.

This tiny worm never surpasses 1mm (0.03 inches) in length and is one of the most well-known organisms on Earth.

We have sequenced its genome and mapped all development, encompassing approximately 2,000 cells, including 300 neurons. The variations in this worm are minimal, but what differences do exist have been mapped.

Thus, scientists could model the entire brain on a computer, reproducing not just identical reflex behaviors as found in nature, but even training them to perform new tasks, such as balancing virtual poles (and yes, that’s true).

However, even if we liberally interpret our definitions, this scenario doesn’t entirely hold up.

The C. elegans brain was not uploaded in the conventional sense. Instead, it was replicated using data gathered from years of experiments involving thousands of these worms. There hasn’t been a method to accurately record and transfer the thoughts and memories of an individual creature to a computer.

Caenorhabditis elegans are tiny worms that thrive in soil and decaying vegetation – Image credit: Science Photo Library

Many believe brain uploads represent the future of humanity, viewing it as an “inevitable consequence” of advancements in neuroscience and artificial intelligence (AI), potentially leading to the ultimate solution to death.

Nevertheless, several significant challenges must be addressed before this can become a reality.

As our conscious minds are intricately constructed from the cells and chemicals within our skulls and nervous systems, we must find a way to fully interpret our brain states in exquisite detail.

Next, we need to create a software model that can accurately mimic brain behavior at the molecular, or perhaps even atomic, level.

Over a decade ago, scientists demonstrated that it was feasible to identify neurons and their connectivity in meticulously prepared mouse brains. These brains were stained, sliced to 70 nanometers thick, and then reconstructed into a 3D format using a computer. As expected, the mouse did not survive.

Many believe that brain uploads are the future of humanity – Image credit: Aramie

This serves as an example of a destructive scan. The methods many suggest as necessary for recording a brain in sufficient detail may lead to its destruction.

As medical imaging technology achieves higher resolutions, some speculate that we could one day scan all cell states non-destructively. However, such scans must be instantaneous; otherwise, parts of your brain could be considering new things before the scan finishes.

Could this be achievable with a recently deceased brain? Scientists indicate that it might be essential to scan the brain while it’s actively functioning to ensure all cells accurately model the intended behavior.

Today’s computers are remarkable, yet even the most optimistic futurists predict we may need a century before we can simulate at the atomic scale required.

Moreover, there’s a final profound question. If you can upload your brain non-destructively in 500 years…what happens next? You would exist in a virtual world as computer software, while the original version of you continues to think in your biological form, likely with a slight headache from the scan.

But if you are still alive, did you genuinely trick death? Clearly not. Instead, you’ve allowed for the creation of virtual duplicates that could be used according to their will. That’s a disconcerting thought.

This article answers the question posed by Darcie Walsh from Preston: “Can scientists upload animal brains to a computer?”

We invite you to send us your questions to Question @sciencefocus.com or Message Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram (don’t forget to include your name and location).

Explore more of our ultimate Fun facts and other fascinating science pages.

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Matt Richell Explores How Modern Life is Shaping Adolescence

Posted on September 12, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Social media can impact youth negatively.

Alice Tomlinson/Getty Images

How We Grow
Matt Richtel (Mariner Books)

The true narrative of How We Grow by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Matt Richtel raises significant concerns for parents observing their children approach adolescence.

Elanib was once a cheerful girl, but upon entering puberty, she underwent drastic changes seemingly without reason. Struggling to focus on her studies and battling depression, treatments proved ineffective. Despite her parents’ relentless support, her story ended tragically. “It wasn’t due to a lack of relationships or care,” her father recounts to Richtel. “I did everything I could to help her.”

In How We Grow, Richtel fuses interviews, scientific studies, historical context, and insights from prominent researchers to explore the roots of today’s potential mental health crisis among youth. This book highlights a sobering reality, painting a vivid picture of the profound changes that define this critical transition into adulthood.

Adolescence coincides with significant shifts in brain chemistry. As teens grapple with their identity, they often display rebellious, moody, and impulsive behaviours. Richtel also emphasizes that in many countries, adolescence is now beginning far earlier, with serious ramifications. For example, throughout the 19th century, American children typically entered adolescence four years later than they do today. Since 1900, the average age for American girls to start menstruating has dropped from 14 to 12, largely attributed to improvements in nutrition that accelerate bodily development.

The world has undoubtedly evolved. Our environments are now thoroughly mapped, technology ensures most people are physically safe and nourished. However, the spheres in which teenagers rebel have shifted towards their identities and ethics, increasingly occurring online, presenting more complex information and perspectives to navigate.

The noticeable decline in cases of bulimia and alcohol-related accidents among teenagers in the US may be attributed to this inward focus, yet the Covid-19 lockdown left many adolescents isolated at a time when personal interactions are crucial for developing emotional intelligence, disrupting their existing support networks.

This shift means the adolescent body matures faster while their brains remain underdeveloped, as Richtel notes. Generally, this does not lead to dire consequences, but the influence of the online environment is inconsistent.

While research on the effects of social media on mental health varies, How We Grow suggests it acts as a volume knob, amplifying pre-existing emotional states. Courtney, one interviewee who had her first period at age 10, encapsulates this notion perfectly.

Provocative yet reassuring, How We Grow offers insights into adolescence for both teens and parents, shedding light on the realities of growing up and how to navigate them more effectively. For me, navigating adolescent rebellion was less about striving for independence and more about reshaping the future for the next generation.

Chris Sims is an author based in Somerset, UK.

If you need someone to talk to, contact the Samaritans in the UK at 116123 (Samaritans.org); or the US Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 (988lifeline.org). You can also visit bit.ly/suicidehelplines for services in other countries.

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Jupiter: Smaller Than Anticipated and Facing Compression

Posted on September 12, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Artistic representations of the Juno spacecraft above Jupiter’s Antarctic region

NASA/JPL-Caltech

Recent findings suggest Jupiter is not as large as previously believed, based on over four decades of radius measurements.

As a gas giant, Jupiter lacks a solid outer shell like Earth. Nevertheless, astronomers determine its shape by examining how the gas height varies around Earth at a consistent pressure level.

The most accurate measurements of this gas pressure level date back to NASA’s Voyager and Pioneer missions over 40 years ago. These spacecraft utilized radio waves to transmit signals through Jupiter’s atmosphere to Earth, allowing scientists to gather data and compute gas pressure at specific altitudes, employing a method known as radio occultation.

Currently, Eli Garanti from the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel and his team have been measuring Jupiter’s radius since 2016, using radio occultation data obtained from NASA’s Juno spacecraft, which has been orbiting the gas giant since that year. They report that Jupiter’s average size is approximately 8 kilometers less than previously estimated, particularly at the poles.

“According to the Juno Radio occultation, Jupiter is smaller and more oblate, with a reduced size at the equator,” Garanti mentioned at the Europlanet Science Congress (EPSC) held in Helsinki, Finland on September 11.

Garanti and his team conducted 13 radio occultations with Juno, compared to the six combined by the Voyager and Pioneer missions, and calculated the diameter based on known wind speed measurements of Jupiter. For a pressure equivalent to one bar of gas (Earth’s sea-level atmospheric pressure), the planet’s diameter was measured to be 142,976 kilometers at the poles and 133,684 kilometers at the equator.

“Understanding the exact radius is essential, but it also aids in revealing the inner workings of the planet,” noted Oded Aharonson at the Weizmann Institute of Science, who did not participate in this study. “These new constraints will enable more accurate models of Jupiter’s interior, which are often complex and challenging to explore.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Indulgent Habits Can Make You a Magnet for Mosquitoes

Posted on September 12, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Mosquitoes may not bite indiscriminately

Hugh Sturrock/Alamy

Individuals who indulge in beer, practice poor hygiene, share beds, and skip sunscreen could be more attractive to mosquitoes, according to a study focused on festival attendees.

In their investigation of mosquito attraction, Sarah Lynn Blanken from Radboud University Medical Center in the Netherlands, along with her team, attended the 2023 Lowlands Festival near Amsterdam. They surveyed 465 festivalgoers on their health habits, dietary choices, hygiene practices, sunscreen usage, substance consumption, blood type, and whether they had slept alone the previous night.

The researchers established a makeshift lab inside a shipping container with mosquitoes that had previously survived 1,700 prisoners of war (Anopheles Stephensi), which are capable of transmitting malaria.

While the mosquitoes sought to land on the participants, they couldn’t actually bite; 20-35 of the insects were placed in transparent plastic containers with perforated dividers to separate the arms of the participants from the mosquitoes.

The team recorded the number of times mosquitoes attempted to land on the arms of the festivalgoers for three minutes, comparing this to cotton pad decoys soaked in glucose.

“Mosquitoes showed a clear preference for individuals consuming hops and grapes, indicating a preference for well-hydrated bodies,” the researchers noted. “Those who drank beer experienced significantly more landings compared to individuals who were sober for at least 12 hours.”

Blanken highlighted, however, that this doesn’t mean she’s extending her beer consumption. “I just rely on long sleeves and insect repellent,” she stated.

The study also indicated that “participants who had companions in their tents the previous night seemed to attract more mosquitoes.” Sunscreen appeared to deter mosquitoes, likely by masking the scent of the skin or acting as a repellent. No evidence was found to suggest that different blood types influenced mosquito attraction or repulsion.

“Our findings indicate that mosquitoes were drawn to individuals who skimped on sunscreen, indulged in beer, and shared beds,” the team concluded. “They have a clear hedonistic preference among us.”

Festival participants place their arms in a partition where mosquitoes can try to land on them, but not actually do it

Roland Festival/National Wetenschapsagenda Netherlands

Cameron Webb from the University of Sydney mentioned that although it was an entertaining study, it involved only one species of mosquito, meaning the findings may not apply to others.

The researchers discovered that only four participants did not attract mosquitoes. “The key takeaway is that nearly all participants were alluring to mosquitoes seeking a blood meal, regardless of other variables,” Webb noted. “The reality is, as long as we focus on mosquito repellents and ponder why mosquitoes bite, we will still get bitten and increase our chances of encountering mosquito-borne diseases.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

How to Determine if Your Fatigue is Truly Caring Fatigue

Posted on September 12, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The concept of “compassion fatigue” was initially introduced in relation to nurses who provide care, demonstrate compassion, and occasionally witness traumatic events.

Compassion fatigue consists of two main aspects: emotional exhaustion and potential secondary trauma from observing the suffering of others.

Moreover, it isn’t limited to nurses; individuals in caring and related professions—those who must engage emotionally with others—are also vulnerable. Even outside professional settings, if you invest considerable emotional energy into supporting someone else and witness their pain, you may be at risk.

Research conducted on nurses has shown that compassion fatigue manifests in at least two primary forms.

First, it can present as a sort of emotional numbness (think of it as a defensive reaction to shield yourself from complete emotional exhaustion).

Secondly, it can lead to physical symptoms, which can include stomach issues, fatigue, and sleep disturbances.

A 2022 study featuring interviews with nurses yielded particularly noteworthy insights. For instance, one nurse described compassion fatigue as “a distinct type of exhaustion—cloudy, profound, like being enveloped in clouds or experiencing the fatigue of a hangover.”

Another nurse remarked about the emotional paralysis saying: “It’s akin to being a foil-covered person, deflecting everything… what is shared never truly reaches me… it just bounces off.”

Unfortunately, studies indicate that compassion fatigue can lead to a kind of façade. While one might outwardly appear caring and empathetic, internally, they may not genuinely feel these emotions.

This disconnection can be distressing and further intensify feelings of fatigue.

It can lead to questioning your own values (for instance, if I aspire to be a compassionate individual, why do I feel less concern for this person?).

The notion of “compassion fatigue” emerged in the context of nurses who provide care, compassion, and empathy – Credit: Getty Images

On a positive note, there is emerging research, though of varying quality, aimed at addressing and overcoming compassion fatigue.

A primary approach is to practice self-compassion, which involves allocating time for self-care and stepping back from the responsibilities of caring for others. This could include activities like walking in nature, practicing mindfulness, exercising, reading, watching television, or socializing with friends.

While this may sound straightforward, it can be challenging when you’re feeling emotionally depleted. A useful technique is to visualize the self-care advice you would give to a valued friend and apply that same counsel to yourself.

This article responds to the inquiry (from Yvonne Tevlin via email) “How can I overcome compassion fatigue?”

If you have questions, please email us at Question @sciencefocus.com or send a message Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram (please include your name and location).

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This Mysterious Skull Has Baffled Scientists for 60 Years—Until Now

Posted on September 12, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

A peculiar fossil skull discovered in a Greek cave over six decades ago may finally reveal some of its mysteries. Recent analysis indicates that at least 300,000 years ago, the early Homo sapiens coexisted with the first Neanderthals in Africa and Europe.

Unearthed in northern Greece in 1960, the Petrarona skull has long puzzled paleontologists, who are challenged to place it within the human lineage.

The fossil includes traits from Neanderthals and Homo erectus, yet it was found completely isolated, lacking artifacts or animal bones that could provide context for dating.

“The moment I examined and measured it, I realized it wasn’t a Neanderthal or Homo erectus,” stated Professor Chris Stringer, a paleontologist and co-researcher at the Museum of Natural History in London, in an interview with BBC Science Focus. “It was something unique.”

Stringer has long believed that the specimen belonged to our relative, Homo heidelbergensis, a robust human species that existed hundreds of thousands of years ago across Africa, Europe, and possibly Asia.

However, without a reliable date for the skull, understanding its place in the human narrative remained difficult.

A recent study utilized uranium series dating on the fossil’s calcite coating.

Calcite, one of the most common mineral forms of calcium carbonate, forms as water seeps into the pores and cavities, resulting in new mineral structures. This uranium series dating method estimates fossil ages by analyzing the calcite and measuring the decay level of uranium within it.

The findings suggest an age of approximately 286,000 years. Nevertheless, the methodology raises questions about the skull’s actual age.

“If fossil calcite forms swiftly after deposition in the cave, an age of around 288,000 to 290,000 years is plausible for the fossil,” Stringer noted.

“However, if the fossil was in the cave before the calcite developed, that age is a minimum estimate.”

The Petrarona skull, partially coated with calcite, is now estimated to be nearly 300,000 years old – Credit: Chris Stringer

Despite this caution, the timeline for Petrarona now closely aligns with another well-known Homo heidelbergensis skull from Kabwe, Zambia, which dates back about 300,000 years.

“Morphologically, they are similar and seem to be converging in their dating,” Stringer remarked.

This discovery underscores the idea that Homo heidelbergensis had a broad geographic presence and an extensive time span, overlapping rather than directly giving rise to other human species.

In simpler terms, contrary to earlier beliefs, they are not the common ancestors of modern humans and Neanderthals; Homo heidelbergensis was likely our contemporary for at least some time.

Stringer emphasized that this enriches our understanding of human evolution.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Scientists Find the Atlas Blue Butterfly Has 229 Chromosome Pairs

Posted on September 12, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Researchers from the Wellcome Sanger Institute and the Spanish Institute of Biology have mapped the female genome of the Atlas Blue Butterfly (Polyommatus atlantica), revealing 227 pairs of autosomes and four sex chromosomes, marking it as the organism with the highest chromosome count among all multicellular animals globally.

Atlas Blue Butterfly (Polyommatus atlantica). Image credit: Roger Villa.

The Atlas Blue Butterfly is native to the mountainous regions of Morocco and Northeast Algeria.

Previously suspected to have the highest chromosome count in the Animal Kingdom, this is the first instance where scientists have successfully sequenced the butterfly’s genome to confirm this assumption.

In comparison, the more commonly observed Common Blue Butterfly (Polyommatus icarus) has only 24 chromosomes.

Variations in chromosome numbers are believed to facilitate the formation of new species and assist in adaptation to changing environments.

The Atlas Blue Butterfly belongs to a group of closely related species that have evolved rapidly over a short geological timeframe.

“The genome is crucial for understanding how organisms develop and what the future may hold,” stated Professor Mark Blaxter from the Wellcome Sanger Institute.

“To narrate the stories of our planet, we must explore various tales and observe their interactions.”

“Insights gained from one genome can also enrich our understanding of others.”

“For instance, chromosomal rearrangements are also present in human cancer cells, and investigating these patterns in the Atlas Blue Butterfly could lead to methods for mitigating cancer cell growth in the future.”

In their research, Professor Blaxter and his team discovered that chromosomal structure was altered due to less tightly packed DNA.

This indicates that while the amount of genetic information remained similar, it was organized into smaller segments.

Except for the sex chromosomes, all chromosomes were found to be fragmented, leading researchers to estimate a dynamic range of 24 to 229 chromosomes emerging over approximately 3 million years, a brief period in evolutionary terms.

Generally, such drastic chromosomal modifications are considered detrimental; however, the Atlas Blue Butterfly has thrived for millions of years.

Its population faces threats primarily from climate change and human environmental impact.

This study opens numerous avenues for future exploration.

Chromosomal division is thought to enhance genetic diversity by allowing for increased genomic mixing or possibly offering other unforeseen advantages.

While this may enable butterflies to adapt quickly, possessing numerous chromosomes can also introduce complications, potentially making them more susceptible to extinction in the long run.

Further studies comparing other butterfly species will clarify whether genes are lost or retained, offering greater insights into butterfly biology and evolution.

“Observing chromosomal degradation at this level is uncommon, yet evident in butterflies of other species, hinting at a significant need for exploration in this area,” noted Dr. Roger Villa, a researcher at the Evolutionary Biology Institute in Spain.

“Moreover, chromosomes hold the secrets of species, and examining how these changes influence butterfly behavior could help us form a comprehensive understanding of species emergence.”

“When we embarked on studying butterfly evolution, we realized that sequencing the extraordinary Atlas Blue Butterfly was essential,” remarked Dr. Charlotte Wright from the Wellcome Sanger Institute.

“This research emphasizes the collaborative spirit of scientific inquiry.”

“By examining how the chromosomes of the Atlas Blue Butterfly have split over time in specific environments, we can begin to uncover the potential benefits of this phenomenon, how it influences adaptability, and whether there are lessons in the DNA that could aid our future conservation efforts.”

The findings have been published in this week’s edition of Current Biology.

____

Charlotte J. Wright et al. Chromosomal evolutionary constraints revealed by the 229 chromosome pairs of the Atlas Blue Butterfly. Current Biology, published online on September 10th, 2025. doi: 10.1016/j.cub.2025.08.032

Source: www.sci.news

Paleontologists Discover New Triassic Dinosaur Species

Posted on September 12, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The sizable jaws of the predatory alxaurus species from the latest Triassic period in South Wales, Zanclodon cambrensis, have long captivated researchers. Could it be the oldest large theropod dinosaur? In a recent study, paleontologists from the University of Bristol and Cardiff’s National Museum examined the specimens using advanced 3D digital reconstruction techniques. They first confirmed that the specimens dated to the late Triassic period, likely sourced from the sandstones of the Kotam members of the Lilstock Formation. Anatomically, these specimens exhibit characteristics typical of theropod dinosaurs, potentially representing early, novel therapy-footed species such as Newtonsaurus cambrensis.

Two separate blocks containing the impression of the jaw Newtonsaurus cambrensis. Image credit: Evans et al., doi: 10.1016/j.pgeola.2025.101142.

“This specimen has been mentioned in various scientific papers, yet its identity remains elusive. We were uncertain if it was even a dinosaur,” states Dr. Owain Evans, a paleontologist at the University of Bristol.

“Originally named Zanclodon cambrensis by Edwin Tully Newton in 1899, we learned that the name Zanclodon had been abandoned as it referred to a broad range of early reptiles.”

“Therefore, we honor Newton by naming it Newtonsaurus. It stands apart from all other dinosaurs of that time and warrants a unique designation.”

Newtonsaurus cambrensis roamed the Earth approximately 202 million years ago during the late Triassic.

The fossil was uncovered in a tempestuous area near Bridgend, Wales, UK.

The specimen represents the natural form of the left jaw, revealing both its interior (housed at the National Museum of Wales) and the outer surface (held at the British Geological Survey).

“The natural form of the inner and outer jawbone displays astonishing serrated details along the grooves, ridges, teeth, and even the edges of the teeth,” commented Professor Michael Benton from the University of Bristol.

“We opted to create a 3D model utilizing digital photography.”

“Our process began with surface scans of the fossils through photogrammetry.”

“Once I obtained a digital scan, I reversed it which provided a digital negativity.”

“It was simply a matter of merging both sides and analyzing the anatomy from there.”

“Digital reconstructions derived from specimens give us a considerably clearer understanding of the original structure of the bone.”

Now that the fossils have been examined, the team could utilize their anatomy to ascertain their positions in the reptile family tree, determining importantly whether they are dinosaurs.

“We can assert that this specimen is highly likely a member of the large predatory theropod dinosaurs that inhabited the South Wales coast during the late Triassic,” Dr. Evans remarked.

“The arrangement of the teeth exhibits a distinct, extraordinary dinosaur feature, identifying it as a carnivorous predator.”

“If it’s not a true dinosaur, it closely ties to the origins of the two major divisions of Coelophysis, namely Coelophysodia and Averostra.”

“The most surprising aspect is the size of the creature. The preserved jawbone measures 28 cm in length and constitutes just the front half; originally, it likely corresponded to dinosaurs measuring 60 cm in length, with a total body length of 5-7 m.”

“This size is exceptionally large for Triassic theropods, which predominantly were under half that size.”

“Such historical specimens are invaluable in paleontology, frequently yielding new and enlightening insights, even after years of dormancy in collections,” stated Dr. Cindy Howells, a paleontologist at the National Museum in Cardiff.

“Wales holds a treasure trove of fossil records, with a dense concentration of fossils across the UK.”

“Furthermore, Newtonsaurus cambrensis reiterates the significance of Wales in paleontological exploration.”

“These Triassic strata are scarce worldwide, but several can be found in Wales.”

“It’s quite plausible that another dinosaur may be discovered here.”

Survey results were published online today in Proceedings of the Geologists Association.

____

Owain Evans et al. A reevaluation of a large orxaurial dentistry from the Late Triassic in South Wales, England. Proceedings of the Geologists Association published online on September 11th, 2025. doi: 10.1016/j.pgeola.2025.101142

Source: www.sci.news

New Study Reveals Strategies to Alleviate the “Green Backlash”

Posted on September 11, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

“There are two fundamental causes of dissatisfaction with climate policy: economy and culture.”

Alex Ramsay/Alamy

I have previously discussed protests in my UK hometown. The local council proposed increasing parking fees to reduce driving in contaminated areas. Ultimately, the council faced opposition and raised fees far less than they initially planned.

This scenario illustrates “green backlash,” a term referring to the rising opposition against environmental policies in affluent nations. Such resistance is often tied to a surge in support for right-wing populist parties, like Reform UK. The effectiveness of this can be seen in how Reform leads recent polls among UK voters as the next general election approaches.

This trend poses a challenge for the environment. Without government action, achieving significant progress on climate change becomes unlikely, but such initiatives can inadvertently empower anti-environment parties. Research indicates that the presence of right-wing populists in Europe slows down policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and advancing renewable energy.

Recent studies published in Nature Climate Change suggest that there are strategies to counteract green backlash. Led by Valentina Bosetti at Bocconi University in Milan, researchers analyzed existing literature on green backlash to better understand its causes and potential remedies.

The findings reveal two primary sources of concern regarding climate policies: economic and cultural. Economic concerns arise from the financial burden of policies, such as increased parking fees in urban centers. Cultural concerns include a widespread mistrust of politicians and scientific authorities. Together, these factors significantly undermine support for parties promoting environmental policies, often driving voters toward opposing right-wing parties.

A notable case study that embodies both concerns occurred in Ontario, Canada. In 2009, the provincial government curtailed community input and halted the development of new wind power projects following protests from over 50 activist groups. Despite wind power’s popularity in Ontario, this localized backlash seemed to influence elections. In October 2011, the ruling Ontario Liberals lost their majority, particularly in districts with existing or proposed wind farms. Similar resistance to wind power has also occurred in Sweden and Germany.

“
Researchers discovered that opposition to wind power diminishes when subsidies are offered.
“

The shift towards encouraging electric vehicles has also faced backlash from those affected, particularly within the traditional automotive sector. In the 2016 US elections, Donald Trump garnered an average of 3 percentage points in counties with auto parts manufacturers. Researcher interviews with workers revealed that fears surrounding the EV transition influenced their support for Trump.

This paints a rather somber picture: governments attempting to implement positive environmental changes encounter resistance, which could lead to policy rollbacks or electoral losses. Often, they are supplanted by parties that neither pursue such policies nor recognize their urgency.

However, it’s important to note that while cultural factors may alienate some towards right-wing populism, they do not create a majority. Economic grievances, however, are addressable. For instance, Bosetti found that opposition to wind power significantly decreases when government subsidies are available and when local job creation hinges on such projects. Safeguarding jobs and upskilling workers may mitigate fears of unemployment and skill obsolescence, she suggests. It could be that straightforward.

Furthermore, there is considerable yet often underestimated support for policies that promote environmentally friendly practices. US researchers recently surveyed adults about their views on issues like reducing food waste, consuming less beef, installing home solar systems, adopting EVs, purchasing carbon offsets, and other climate-friendly behaviors. Most people expressed support for them. However, a significant gap exists between participants’ perceptions of overall support for these initiatives and the reality. Politicians often convey a distorted message; don’t let the appeal of green policies falter simply because of misinterpretations.

In York, the upcoming local election in 2027 is anticipated to focus on parking fees as a critical issue, with concerns about green backlash influencing voter decisions.

Graham’s Week

What I’m reading

Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett.

What I’m watching

Revisiting the BBC adaptation of Dracula on Netflix in preparation for my upcoming trip to Transylvania.

What I’m working on

An article for the Christmas issue. Honesty is key.

Graham Lawton is a staff writer at New Scientist and author of Don’t Complain: The Incredible Science of Everyday Illnesses. Follow him on Twitter @grahamlawton.

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Climate Change

Source: www.newscientist.com

Why Simple Tasks Like Charging Rely on Mobile Phone Measurements

Posted on September 11, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Mobile phone chargers require precise quantum measurements

ShutterStock/Zoomik

If you’re anything like me, your smartphone is almost always connected to a charger. What we often overlook is that the capacity to safely conduct intricate quantum measurements in cutting-edge physics hinges on safety standards.

To grasp this, consider what occurs when you connect the charger to a standard socket. The electricity flowing from the outlet exceeds 100 volts, yet the charger is engineered to reduce it to around a dozen volts as it reaches the phone. Without this voltage reduction, the device would be damaged.

Essentially, the precise voltage matters in a specific way. But how can one truly know the value of a single volt? Moreover, when reporting voltages, can we fully trust the manufacturers of phone chargers?

This may appear to be merely a scientific query; however, in the U.S., the volt has a legal definition established in 1904, governed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Various countries maintain their own national measurement units for the same purpose, such as the UK’s National Physics Institute.

For volts, NIST’s definition has relied on quantum devices for over three decades. In this process, the metrologist begins with a series of superconducting junctions—like crosswalks in narrow superconducting regions separated by insulation—and exposes them to microwaves of extremely specific frequencies. This stimulates a purely quantum phenomenon that creates voltage differences across junctions. The number of volts contributing to this difference is directly linked to two of the universe’s fundamental constants. This allows scientists to define a volt based on what we understand as foundational to our physical reality.

Specifically, the two constants involved are Planck’s constants that connect the charge of an electron—a fundamental quantum particle—to the energy of a photon (a quantum particle of light) and its frequency. Remarkably, the connection between charging a mobile phone and the most basic elements of the quantum realm is quite brief.

However, volts are not solely entrenched in the quantum realm. In fact, in 2018, metrologists globally unanimously voted to redefine several entries in the International System of Units (SI Units) with close ties to microscopic details.

Some unit changes were quite radical. For instance, kilograms are now defined in terms of a combination of Planck’s constant, the speed of light, and the frequency at which electrons in a specific type of atomic clock “click,” derived from platinum alloy polished only by the hide of endangered European goats. If you’ve recently stood on a scale at your doctor’s office, you’re witnessing how quantum physics influences the numbers displayed there.

The shift towards quantum-based definitions of units underscores the remarkable scientific advancements achieved in the past decades concerning our understanding, control, and exploration of the microscopic world. For example, I spoke in January with Alexander Epri at the University of Colorado Boulder, a key player in developing some of the most accurate clocks globally. “Frequency measurements have reached unprecedented levels of precision,” he noted. The frequencies from these clocks are linked to the electron transitions between energy levels within atoms, governed by quantum physics.

This extraordinary control over quantum systems places humans at the “top tier” of quantum measurements, yielding benefits beyond merely defining time. For example, atomic-based clocks may play vital roles in next-generation early warning systems for earthquakes and volcanic activities.

Moreover, the move towards quantum methodology could democratize access to the world’s premier metrics. Before the 2018 SI unit redefinition, manufacturers, researchers, and technicians needing to validate the accuracy of their devices often had to seek certification at local Metrology Institutes, where certified experts operated. The current standard for certification essentially requires sophisticated labs. “As we’ve mentioned previously, the aim is to put ourselves out of business,” Richard Davis from the International Bureau of Weights and Measures stated, which oversees SI systems. “The entire system has become more adaptable and significantly less Euro-centric.”

“We possess ample equipment, so individuals come to us. However, this redefinition is one of our focal points since people aren’t sending their instruments to us; we’re teaching them how to measure independently,” Jason Underwood explained to me in August. “Currently, this framework operates under the new SI. Our aim is to develop instruments that can establish traceability to the basic constants of the universe.”

He and his team recently introduced a prototype of a quantum device capable of measuring three distinct electrical units simultaneously, including volts. By offering this three-in-one functionality, such devices could make it much simpler and more cost-effective to compare electronic devices against relevant standards, assuming they remain portable.

As we have evolved our understanding of units, what might the future hold? For electrical units like those designed by Underwood and his team, the Quantum Standard has yet to achieve international acceptance akin to the second or kilogram, with further experiments necessary to reach that milestone. Similar innovations are emerging in other parts of the world, including the EU-based Quahmet Consortium.

The concept of the second, too, is fluid, reflecting researchers’ ongoing endeavors to refine atomic-based clocks and redefine our understanding of time measurement. In April, I reported on some cutting-edge timepieces created by an international team on a mission to compare models from Japan, Germany, and other nations. This research is ongoing, and I look forward to sharing more about quantum clocks in the future.

Despite metrologists’ pursuit of stability in definitions, measurement work is inherently variable, tied closely to national funding strategies and international relations. This was evident in 1875, as representatives of the first international measurement treaty confronted political tensions between France and Germany following the Franco-Prussian War. This remains relevant today—as I reported on NIST’s work in August, discussions included the institutional infrastructure’s challenges, highlighted by a proposed 43% budget cut by the Trump administration earlier this year. Though Congress ultimately dismissed this proposal, it underscores the complexities of disentangling Metrology Institute operations from national politics.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Mysterious Clouds on Mars Appear Annually—Here’s the Explanation.

Posted on September 11, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Unusual clouds form on the Arcia Mon, a volcano on Mars every year.

ESA/DLR/FU Berlin/J. Cowart CC by-sa 3.0 Igo

Arciamon's clouds — Unusual clouds form on the Arcia Mon, a volcano on Mars every year.

ESA/DLR/FU Berlin/J. Cowart CC by-sa 3.0 Igo

The delicate clouds that appear on Mars annually have intrigued astronomers since their initial discovery, likely stemming from a water-rich atmosphere that seems implausible.

Each winter, clouds spanning 1,800 kilometers form near the Arsia Mons, located in the southern hemisphere of Mars, emerging and dissipating daily for nearly three months. The atmospheric conditions on Mars vastly differ from Earth’s, notably with an abundance of fine dust particles that can cause water vapor in the atmosphere to condense into cloud particles. This results in cloud patterns unique to Mars, yet simulations accounting for these high dust levels do not replicate the distinct features of the Arsia Mons Cloud.

Now, Jorge Hernandez Bernal from the University of Sorbonne in France and his team propose that an exceptionally high amount of water vapor in the atmosphere could recreate these cloud characteristics. Elevated levels of water vapor aid in cloud particle formation through alternative dust-free processes known as homogeneous nucleation.

When researchers conducted atmospheric simulations around Arsia Mons that featured increased water content, the resulting cloud formations bore a striking resemblance to the actual clouds.

“Uniform nucleation necessitates much greater water levels on Mars. [Water] saturation is required. Initially, I believed this to be improbable or extremely unlikely on Mars,” said Hernandez Bernal at the Europlanet Science Congress (EPSC) on September 10th, held in Helsinki, Finland. “However, over the last decade, we’ve discovered that Mars can indeed exhibit supersaturation.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Early Neanderthals Pursued Ibex on Steep Mountain Terrain

Posted on September 11, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Ibex can navigate gracefully across steep mountain terrains

Serge Goujon/Shutterstock

Nearly 300,000 years ago, Neanderthals had already devised strategies for hunting goats on vertical cliffs and managing them in well-structured camps.

Typically recognized for ambushing large animals in flat meadows and forests of Western Europe, Neanderthals seemed to adapt to the hilly landscapes of Eastern Europe by incorporating the lightweight ibex into their hunting practices. Early humans skinned these animals in nearby caves, but only after the bones had been covered and fractured. Stephen Milosevic from the University of Belgrade in Serbia.

“The approach to hunting ibex is entirely distinct since they inhabit robust, steep, and barren terrains,” he explains. “Now we observe primitive Neanderthals who barely distinguish themselves as a separate species, already utilizing an ecological niche previously unexploited by humans.”

Neanderthals evolved approximately 400,000 years ago, yet most of our knowledge stems from sites in Western Europe that are under 150,000 years old. According to Marie Helen Monsel, who was not involved in this research at the National Museum of Natural History in Paris, it’s crucial to uncover clues that can bridge the gaps in our understanding of Neanderthal timelines, habitats, and cultures.

In 2017, archaeologists uncovered evidence that Neanderthals inhabited the layers of Belikabaranica Cave in Serbia, which date back roughly 290,000 years, making it the oldest remains of Neanderthals found in Eastern Europe.

Since that discovery, Milosevic and his colleagues have excavated hundreds of stone tools and analyzed the bone fragments of approximately 30,000 animals within the cave. Almost three-quarters of these fragments are less than two centimeters long, with the majority traceable to ibex and red deer hunted in spring and summer, indicating that Neanderthals likely resided in the cave seasonally.

Some bones, particularly those from the legs of larger deer, exhibited burn marks and were cracked open. This suggests that these early Neanderthals may have liquefied the bones, leaving remnants scattered on the walls surrounded by the grease that fueled their fires. Others may have shown signs of tendon harvesting for use in ropes or nets.

The deer remains indicate the presence of older youths and adults, pointing to selective hunting practices that would promote herd survival, according to Milosevic. However, ibex were hunted at all life stages. Neanderthals seemed to be “novices” when it came to hunting goats, implying they likely relied on sharp sticks and rudimentary traps. “They must have experienced a significant number of failed attempts,” he notes.

Apart from these favored food sources, researchers have also found several remains from wild boars, cave bears, wolves, foxes, leopards, and even various birds.

The arrangement of the bones in various sections of the cave indicates a clear division of tasks. For instance, the hearth was located centrally, with discarded bones stacked behind it, while the entrance appeared to function as a tool workshop.

In summary, the findings suggest “notable cognitive flexibility,” states Jose Carrion from the University of Murcia in Spain. “This confirms that Neanderthals are creative problem-solvers who effectively navigate complex habitats with ingenuity and skill. Neanderthals were indeed human. They were intellectual, social, and highly adaptable.”

“The discoveries from Baranica provide a glimpse of Neanderthals who not only display resilience but are experimenting with strategies and social structures typically associated with later periods,” commented Antonio Rodriguez Hidalgo from the Archaeological Institute in Merida, Spain. “This reminds us that Neanderthal sophistication is not a gradual developement but rather a deep-rooted flame that ignited early in human history.”

Neanderthals, ancient humans, cave art: France

Join new scientist Kate Douglas on an enchanting journey through time as she explores significant Neanderthal and Upper Paleolithic sites across southern France, from Bordeaux to Montpellier.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

No Need to Panic: Giant Radioactive Bees Are Not Present!

Posted on September 11, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Feedback brings you the latest science and technology news, featuring intriguing articles that pique the interest of our readers. If you have something you believe deserves attention, you can reach us at Feedback@newscientist.com.

Super Hornet

One of my preferred categories in news stories is “events that echo the first five or ten minutes of a disaster flick.” Titles like “Tremors near Major City” and “Scientists Develop an Aging Robot with Machine Guns for Arms” come to mind. For example, a giant mysterious black sarcophagus discovered in Egypt (yes, this one is real).

So, when we glimpsed a headline from the BBC news on July 31st, we were understandably concerned: “Radioactive hornet nest discovered at an old U.S. nuclear weapons site.”

The nest was identified on the Savannah River grounds close to Aiken, South Carolina, a location previously known for producing nuclear bomb components during the Cold War and currently housing millions of gallons of liquid nuclear waste. Investigators, however, calmed down concerns by stating none of the tanks were leaking. Rather, the nest was discovered to be harboring “onsite legacy radioactive contamination,” which refers to leftover contamination from past plutonium production.

Notably, the nest was sprayed to eliminate any wasps, subsequently bagged as radioactive waste. Thankfully, no bees were found, leading to speculations that they might have perished from radiation exposure and mutated into some chaotic form. However, I’ve watched enough Godzilla films to know that radiation typically causes creatures to grow rather than disappear. Let’s hope 2025 doesn’t bring a giant radioactive hornet invasion along the East Coast.

As a precaution, we dug out our aging copies of New Scientist‘s book Do You Eat Wasps? to learn that various creatures, including badgers and birds (of course), prey on striped insects, along with other insects like dragonflies. We consider sending badger families to the Savannah River site due to the substantial radiation; it seems like the only effective solution.

What to do if Your Dog Takes Cocaine

Reporter Matthew Sparks was combing through a press release when he stumbled upon a intriguingly phrased title. “What to do if your dog takes cocaine?” Instantly, the first suggestion from Feedback was to “take it for a walk,” but that’s neither a solution nor appropriate.

This press release referred to a Clinical Report relating to a case of a Chihuahua who experienced “acute onset of lethargy and a temporary episode of unresponsiveness.” It was revealed that the dog’s urine contained “cocaine, cocaine metabolites, norfentanyl, and trace amounts of fentanyl.” This mixture appeared to slow the dog’s heartbeat, an issue that was effectively managed by the attending veterinarian.

While the dog is fine now, it’s challenging to envision how bewildered the Chihuahuas must have been.

Upon further exploration, I found that dogs have a “history of culinary indifference.” This makes sense. I recall a rather dim spaniel we had that ate everything she discovered on the ground, despite its unsanitary nature and the chaotic aftermath on her digestive system. Living where we did, this predominantly consisted of discarded takeaway boxes and heaps of fox excrement. Still, one wonders what she might have sampled if we’d taken her for a stroll around Soho, London.

Curtailing Academic Jargon

Feedback often finds themselves perusing the references list at the end of academic papers, seeking crucial context. Many of these appear as structures like “Thomas, Richard & Harold, “The Very Complex Things”, Nature Vol. 13 P 666 (1984).”

In an effort to save space, academic journal titles are frequently abbreviated, and these can often be perplexing. For example, we were recently bemused to discover a journal abbreviated simply as Fish fish. Was the editor particularly enthusiastic about vertebrates that inhabit freshwater? Turns out the complete title is actually Fish and Fisheries.

Our curiosity sparked, leading us to wonder if this was indeed the most absurd abbreviation of a journal title.

There are evident trends. For instance, “analysis” tends to be abbreviated to “anal,” which can lead to unfortunate titles such as Advances in Risk Analysis becoming ADV risk anal and Accident Analysis and Prevention being shortened to Before the Accident Analysis. Similarly, many journal titles include library-related terminology, helping to explain why Zeitschrift Für Bibliothekswesen und Bibliographie is humorously abbreviated as Z bibl bibl.

Several abbreviated titles may risk creating confusion. The American Chemical Society has launched a whole series titled Advances in Arsenic Research, but it certainly didn’t yield what we anticipated.

The sheer number of journals paired with feedback’s limited lifespan means it’s nearly impossible to locate the most ridiculous abbreviation. Therefore, we’d like to invite a broader audience to help in our quest for the funniest journal title abbreviations.

Have you shared your feedback?

You can send your stories to feedback at feedback@newscientist.com. Don’t forget to include your address. Explore past feedback on our website.

Source: www.newscientist.com

How Your Nose Can Reveal Insights into Your Mental State

Posted on September 11, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

It’s no surprise that stress is a key factor in various health issues, including mental health disorders like anxiety and depression, as well as physical ailments such as heart disease. There’s an urgent need for a straightforward, objective, and non-invasive method to study and assess stress. Interestingly, the temperature of an individual’s nose might provide valuable insights.

Our stress levels are shaped by our mental perceptions of situations and our physical responses to them. Factors such as genetics, social influences, and cultural backgrounds contribute to our unique stress responses.

Traditionally, stress has been measured in two ways. First, surveys are commonly used, typically administered after stress has occurred, which can disconnect participants from their immediate experiences. These surveys are also subjective; not everyone accurately identifies or articulates their feelings.

The second approach involves monitoring physical indicators like blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory patterns. While these measures can appear more objective, they require specialized equipment in clinical settings, which can disrupt daily life. Ironically, the process of testing can itself induce stress, leading to an increase in the very markers being measured.

Exciting advancements in science suggest that thermal imaging, originally designed for identifying heat loss in structures, is now proving invaluable in tracking medical conditions related to temperature variations, such as infections, inflammation, and tumors. Researchers are now utilizing thermal cameras to assess stress levels based on facial temperature changes. Their research explores how temperature variations in the face can indicate stress.

When we experience stress, blood flow is redirected within our bodies. The nervous system prioritizes blood flow to vital sensory organs, such as the eyes and ears, while reducing blood circulation to the nose. This reduction in blood flow is detected as a decrease in temperature by thermal cameras. This phenomenon, known as “nose dip,” isn’t exclusive to humans; it has also been observed in both adults and children, as well as in nonhuman primates, suggesting an evolutionary connection to stress responses.

While undergoing stress, our nervous systems can redirect blood flow to heighten sensory awareness, resulting in a cooler nose. Since the nose remains relatively still, these temperature changes can serve as a clear indicator of stress.

The integration of thermal imaging with existing stress measurement techniques could revolutionize stress research. This method offers continuous monitoring in a non-intrusive manner, eliminating the need for lab environments or stressful questionnaires.

In the future, we may be able to utilize nose temperature as a form of biofeedback to help manage stress levels. This approach could support individuals—especially those who struggle to communicate their stress—by allowing for the monitoring of stress levels in high-pressure environments such as emergency rooms, trading floors, or even zoos.

Studies indicate that recognizing stress responses can enhance stress management. Making stress visible allows individuals to better understand its impacts on their mental and physical well-being before, during, and after stressful situations. The future of stress research promises to be groundbreaking.

Gillian Forrester is a professor of comparative cognition at the University of Sussex, UK. Tune in to hear her speak at New Scientist Live on October 18th.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Tim Spector’s Comprehensive and Compelling Fermentation Guide

Posted on September 11, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Fermented foods like kimchi can support your body and brain

Anthony Wallace/AFP via Getty Images

fermentation
Tim Spector (Jonathan Cape (UK); US publication date TBC)

Humans are drawn to fermentation for two primary reasons: preservation and pleasure. Before the advent of refrigeration, fermentation allowed beverages like meads to be stored for months when untreated water could pose dangers. Additionally, milk that would spoil within a day could be transformed into yogurt or cheese, lasting for weeks. This evolution led us to develop a taste for these tangy flavors. The microorganisms responsible for creating these delights not only produced unique drinks but also offered numerous health advantages.

Today, foods like kimchi and sauerkraut are mostly solid. However, Dr. Tim Spector asserts in his upcoming book Fermentation: The Power of Microorganisms to Change Your Life that this trend is not novel; we have evolved to incorporate these items into our diets.

He begins with the fundamentals, explaining that fermentation is essentially the transformation of food by microorganisms. This process is complex, affecting not only the taste and durability of food but also our health. Even inactive microbes can influence our bodies and minds.

Fermentation closely ties to our microbiota. Fermented foods provide substrates for intestinal microorganisms, transforming into nutrients and active compounds like short-chain fatty acids that assist in regulating nutrition and immune responses. These foods bolster the beneficial microbes that uphold the gut’s mucosal barrier and reduce inflammation.

Fermented foods also introduce millions of probiotics to our bodies. Spector notes that a diverse microbiota correlates with better health, supported by numerous studies. He suggests that enhancing this diversity through fermented foods could even influence the efficacy of cancer treatments.

“
Improving gut microbiota diversity may even play a role in how well cancer treatments work
“

The most compelling aspect of Fermentation is its exploration of this “microbial pharmacy,” with preliminary studies indicating that fermented products are tied to improvements in everything from irritable bowel syndrome to anxiety and immune health.

Spector’s own investigations, reflecting trends in nutritional studies, suggest that those who consume fermented products regularly report approximately 14% less severe symptoms compared to individuals taking other supplements.

This book includes fascinating information. For instance, despite attempts to cultivate around 30 distinct microorganisms found in natural kefir grains (ideal for making kefir), laboratories haven’t successfully replicated them.

Throughout Fermentation, it becomes apparent how crucial microorganisms are to our lives, merely scratching the surface of their interactions with us. Access to Spector’s health data often supports further research, although his company’s gut supplements are mentioned, potentially hinting at marketing motivations.

At its best, the book strikes a balance between science, medical anecdotes, and Spector’s personal fermentation journey, offering practical advice. During these moments, the writing appears genuine and accessible, especially when guiding readers on food choices, like opting for kefir made from whole milk grains, which include numerous microorganisms and yeast.

Nevertheless, Fermentation can occasionally feel repetitive, and knowledge sometimes overshadows storytelling. Despite Spector’s caution against overgeneralizing animal studies, the infancy of research in this area means he often relies heavily on his own conclusions. Still, this is a compelling and meticulously researched work. The final chapter is particularly intriguing, and I eagerly anticipate a future rich with understanding individual microorganisms— for instance, how cheese or yogurt might aid in alleviating depression or managing menopause.

Initially hesitant to ferment at home, I was encouraged to embark on my own experiments by around page 40. By the book’s conclusion, I had a jar of kombucha and some sauerkraut stashed away in my pantry.

Helen Thomson is a London-based author

New Scientist Book Club

If you love reading, consider joining a welcoming community of fellow book enthusiasts. Every six weeks, we explore exciting new titles, giving members complimentary access to excerpts, author articles, and video interviews.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Safely Deflecting a Deadly Asteroid is Now Possible

Posted on September 11, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

A collision with an asteroid in an incorrect spot can increase the likelihood of it hitting Earth unintentionally.

Bladaki/Shutterstock

If an asteroid were on a collision course with Earth, is it possible to alter its trajectory without worsening the predicament? Indeed, thanks to a new system designed to identify the optimal strike point on incoming asteroids.

Diverting an Earth-bound asteroid is a high-stakes operation, and we have little practical experience with it. In 2023, NASA’s Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) demonstrated for the first time that it’s possible to divert asteroids by impacting them with spacecraft.

However, engaging in such missions carries risks. Altering an asteroid’s orbit can push it through a narrow window, known as a gravity keyhole, where the gravitational pull from a larger body like Earth may alter its trajectory enough to eventually cause a collision with our planet.

Now, Rahir Macadia from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and his team have devised a system to determine the best impact sites for satellites to reduce this risk. By analyzing data from the DART mission along with the asteroid’s shape, mass, and rotation speed, they were able to project how different impact points would alter the asteroid’s trajectory. This leads to the creation of a probability map for the asteroid’s surface, identifying various locations with differing chances of pushing the asteroid through a gravity keyhole, allowing scientists to select those with lower probabilities for a strike.

“It’s feasible to map these keyholes to asteroids, and the only cost involved is computational power before the mission is launched. So, on September 9th, during the Europlanet Science Congress (EPSC) in Helsinki, Finland, we should be able to pinpoint the optimum targeting point on the asteroid’s surface for a kinetic impact.

Macadia and his team have tested this approach on the asteroid Bennu, discovering over 2,000 potential keyhole locations and identifying safe spots for a spacecraft to impact.

While gathering specific data on a single asteroid is optimal with bespoke probes designed for the task, it might not always be practical if the asteroid is located close to Earth at the time of its detection. However, Macadia asserts that a rough analysis should still be achievable using data from terrestrial telescopes.

Artistic renderings of NASA’s double asteroid redirection test mission

NASA/JOHNS HOPKINS APL/JOSHUA DIAZ

A practical trial for collecting this data will occur when asteroid Apophis passes close to Earth in 2029. Astronomers have determined there is no risk posed by this 450-meter-long asteroid, but close encounters are considered rare, occurring only once every 7,500 years.

“We’ve observed many asteroids, but never one subjected to the kind of stress and natural vibrations due to Earth’s gravity.” Richard Binzel remarked at the EPSC on September 8th, representing the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Nobody knows how NASA’s Osiris Apex spacecraft, which initially visited asteroid Bennu, will fare when redirected to study Apophis in proximity to Earth’s passing European Space Agency’s Ramses spacecraft.

Apart from orbiting asteroids at safe distances to gather crucial details about their composition and shape, astronomers aim to monitor the small kilogram-scale spacecraft on the surface, including long-anticipated seismic activity when it’s near a massive body like Earth, to investigate internal conditions.

According to Binzel, understanding these characteristics is vital for asteroids that may pose future threats to Earth. “If you’re addressing an actual asteroid hazard posed by Apophis or other similar objects, you’ll need to be well-informed about characteristics such as angular momentum and tumbling behavior of the asteroid.”

Paolo Martino, the project manager for the mission, indicated that the trajectory of Apophis is excellently mapped, eliminating the danger of deviation since the Ramses spacecraft is equipped with sensors that enable it to autonomously avoid collisions, and its low mass means any impact would minimally affect Apophis.

Source: www.newscientist.com

The Prosperity of the British Economy Following the Fall of the Roman Empire

Posted on September 11, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Excavations near Aldborough in the UK reveal insights into life after Roman occupation

RFellerby & MJ Millet

When the Roman Empire withdrew from Britain, it didn’t lead to chaos or total economic failure. Archaeological evidence reveals that metalworking pollution indicates the metal industry in northern England not only continued but thrived in the ensuing centuries.

“The prevalent theory was that the absence of state transportation systems and military equipment would cause the local economy to collapse,” explains Christopher LaBlack from the University of Nottingham, UK. However, archaeology tells a different story. “We see a significant increase in metal-contaminated products.”

La Brack is part of a research team that excavated Roman artifacts from Aldovallo, North Yorkshire, England. Under Roman rule, this area was known as Isurium Brigantum, where metals such as iron and lead were mined and processed.

The team found that aerosol contamination from metalworking practices was preserved in sediment layers accumulated in ancient riverbeds at archaeological sites. By analyzing these layers, they could chart the changes in pollution levels from 345 to 1779 AD.

“This extensive chronology allows for quite a comprehensive view of fluctuations,” notes Jane Carshaw from Oxford University, who did not participate in the research but has studied early medieval metal mining.

In the late 300s and early 400s, with the Roman Empire’s retreat from Britain, it was believed that all forms of government support would vanish, along with tax collection and new currency, leading to the withdrawal of military forces from the region,” says La Brack. Over the following centuries, few written accounts exist, and certain industries, particularly those producing wheel-thrown pottery, experienced a steep decline. This has often been interpreted as indicative of “the collapse of British society in the fifth century,” according to Loveluck.

However, the riverbed records paint a different picture. Lead pollution was minimal during the Roman era, slightly dipping in the late 300s to early 400s, but then increasing steadily until the mid-500s. Correspondingly, pollution from ironworking also saw a rise in the early 500s.

This points to the sustained large-scale production of essential goods, supporting Loveluck’s claims.

The uptick in metal production may have been spurred by internal conflicts, suggests Kershaw. “This was a time of consolidation among various Anglo-Saxon kingdoms,” she explains. “There was considerable fighting between these different factions,” with many fallen warriors buried with swords and knives.

Production levels of metal then sharply dropped in the mid-500s and remained low for several decades. The research team posits this could be linked to the Justinian Plague, which swept through the Mediterranean region between 541 and 549 AD. Ancient DNA evidence from cemeteries in East England supports the arrival of the plague in England. However, the extent and severity of its spread remain uncertain. “There isn’t a significant mass grave filled with plague victims, as we observe in later plague episodes,” explains Kershaw.

The resilience of metal production in Aldborough amidst the Roman retreat aligns with other findings that suggest economic and political continuity. “For instance, Droitwich in Worcestershire has maintained a continuous sequence of salt production from Roman times through to the present day,” notes La Brack.

The aftermath of Rome’s withdrawal has often been labeled the Dark Ages due to the scarcity of written documentation and assumptions of a decline in intellectual life. However, historians argue that this characterization is overly simplistic.

While certain practices, such as the manufacturing of wheel-turned pottery and stone structures, faded, this era also saw the production of copper metalworks, which were widely utilized. “If this period was truly so dire, why are there exquisite brooches and vibrant beaded necklaces?” inquires Kershaw.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Why Your Boss Should Replace It with AI—Not You

Posted on September 11, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Elon Musk has been consistently making headlines lately. Widely regarded as the richest person in the world, he also manages several prominent companies.

However, some of these businesses have been facing significant challenges recently.

Twitter (now rebranded as X) reportedly has seen a decrease of around 75% in its value under his leadership.

Meanwhile, Tesla’s sales of electric vehicles, another company where Musk serves as CEO, have been reported as declining despite a general rise in electric vehicle registrations.

One major Tesla investor has publicly urged Musk to resign as CEO, and there have been rumors (which the company denies) that the board might seek to replace him. But who can confidently claim they would perform better in his position?

Perhaps Musk is doing the best a human can under the current circumstances. Perhaps humans fall short when weighed against the demands of the role. But could artificial intelligence (AI) pose a challenge?

To explore this, I directly consulted a Large Language Model (LLM) AI with the following prompt.

“You are the CEO of an electric car company selling nearly 2 million vehicles a year with over 100,000 employees, generating $100 billion in sales. What will your strategy be for business growth over the next five years?”

Almost instantly, AI generated a 350-word response: “…I introduced a five-year growth strategy that effectively scales, enhances ecosystem control, and prioritizes pioneering innovation, while navigating geopolitical, environmental, and technological shifts.”

It then detailed what it termed the “Strategic Blueprint across Six Core Pillars,” emphasizing sales growth in non-invasive markets.

Although I possess limited knowledge about running an automotive company (I am a robotics professor at a university in the UK), the strategy seemed sound, reflecting the outlook and scale of multinational enterprises while adapting to global opportunities.

I found it impressive, albeit I am accustomed to assisting LLMs with similar challenging inquiries.

Additionally, while I am a robotics professor and co-founder of two UK robotics startups, I am not a CEO myself.

Given this context, I decided to query AI once more with a different prompt.

“You are the CEO of a small robotics startup with a budget sufficient to cover the next 12 months of operations. Should you invest in research and development or focus on increasing sales with your existing product?”

Once again, AI provided a prompt and sensible response: “As the CEO of a small robotics startup with only 12 months of runway, my priority must be customer validation and sales traction with current products, rather than significantly diverting into R&D. Here’s how to implement an effective strategy.”

I found this advice more relatable and felt it was reliable concerning what actions I should take and how to execute them.

Returning to the main question: can AI effectively perform CEO responsibilities? Or, alternatively, is extraordinary human intuition and experience essential for success, regardless of any artificial intelligence involved?

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Intangible Skills

According to McKinsey, a leading international consulting firm, 2023 published insights on qualities that contribute to CEO success. As McKinsey observes, a CEO’s primary task is to formulate the company’s strategy and ensure resources are effectively allocated for its implementation.

This role is fraught with challenges, and many human CEOs struggle. McKinsey reported that only three out of five new CEOs met their company’s expectations during the first 18 months in their role.

We have already seen that AIs can be strategic and can develop plans based on the right information. Thus, they may be capable of addressing that vital aspect of a CEO’s responsibilities. But what about the other competencies necessary for effective corporate leadership?

Traits like creativity and social intelligence are often viewed as critical attributes that ensure humans retain leadership positions.

Furthermore, McKinsey has identified a creative perspective that remains largely absent from AI, particularly since it has predominantly learned from our datasets.

While several companies already utilize AI for strategic development and execution, they must guide this process with pertinent inquiries and critically assess the outcomes. For this reason, real-world experience continues to be invaluable.

Calculated Risk

Another angle on the debate about AI versus human CEOs is to consider what disqualifies a CEO, as opposed to what qualifies one.

If AI could perform better than some ineffective CEOs (remember, two out of five fall short of expectations), it could present a solution for many organizations struggling with inadequate leadership.

Sometimes the very traits that help individuals ascend to corporate leadership, such as narcissism, can actually hinder their effectiveness as a good CEO.

People skills and the ability to evaluate situations and think strategically are vital characteristics of CEOs – Photo Credit: Getty Images

Such strong confidence may certainly help in climbing the corporate ladder, but once you reach the CEO position, it’s crucial to adopt a broader perspective for the good of the entire organization.

Growing scientific literature suggests that those who rise to the highest levels of corporate management are more likely to exhibit psychopathic tendencies (some believe that the 2007 global financial crisis was partly caused by risk-taking behavior and poor corporate ethics stemming from mental health issues).

In this framework, AI leadership could provide a safer alternative with a more calculated approach to risk-taking.

Additional research has explored biases in corporate leadership selection. For instance, AI could reduce bias in hiring new executives, focusing on qualifications and skills without favoring gender or ethnicity.

Nevertheless, we must remain vigilant since AI trained on human data can inadvertently inherit our biases.

The ideal CEO is also a generalist, requiring flexibility and swift problem analysis.

In my book, Psychology of Artificial Intelligence, I posited that AI excels in specific domains but that more fundamental advancements are needed before AI can match the adaptable, general intelligence of humans.

In other words, while certain components may exist to support the creation of an AI CEO, assembling them remains a significant challenge.

Interestingly, most human CEOs express enthusiasm for AI.

In 2025, a CEO survey by consulting firm PWC revealed that over half (56%) of AI-derived information [those types surfacing in 2022 that can engage in conversation] enhanced employee efficiency, while around a third reported increases in revenue (32%) and profitability (34%).

Thus, it appears that CEOs are keen to leverage AI, albeit perhaps not in boardrooms. A PWC report from 2018 indicated that “higher officials and managers” were the least likely of nine occupational categories to be automated.

Returning to Elon Musk, his position as Tesla’s leader seems secure for the moment. However, those contemplating stepping into his shoes may wonder if the real competitor for CEO should be AI rather than a human peer in the boardroom.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Patience Reveals Potential Chemical Signatures of Ancient Martian Microbes

Posted on September 11, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

NASA’s diligent rover has been investigating and sampling igneous fields and sedimentary rocks within the Ezero Crater, providing insights into the geological processes and intriguing characteristics of early Mars, while also searching for potential biological signatures. Upon entering Neretvavalis, on the western edge of Jezero Crater, the rover examined the distinct mudstone and con rock outcrops of the Bright Angel formation. A new paper published in the journal Nature details extensive geological, petrological, and geochemical studies of these rocks.

The impression of this artist shows how Mars looked about 4 billion years ago. Image credit: M. Kornmesser/ESO.

“Upon the rover’s arrival at the Bright Angel formation and while analyzing the local rocks’ composition, our team was notably surprised by their distinctiveness compared to previous findings,” stated Dr. Michael Tice, a geoscientist and astrobiologist at Texas A&M University.

“These findings offer evidence of chemical cycling that organisms on Earth can utilize to harness energy.”

“As we delved deeper, we observed phenomena that could easily be attributed to early Martian life, yet remain challenging to rationalize purely through geological processes.”

“Living organisms conduct chemistry that is naturally prevalent, provided there’s sufficient time and suitable conditions.”

“To optimize our understanding, the chemistry leading to these rocks necessitates either elevated temperatures or biological involvement, and we find no signs of high temperatures here.”

“Nonetheless, these results warrant experimentation and eventually lab studies of the samples collected to completely rule out non-biological explanations.”

The Bright Angel layer comprises mudstone (fine-grained sedimentary rocks composed of silt and clay) and water-laid sedimentary rocks featuring layered beds indicative of a lively environment with flowing rivers and stagnant water.

Employing various instruments from Perseverance, such as Sherloc and PIXL spectrometers, scientists identified organic molecules and small mineral arrangements likely formed through chemical processes related to redox reactions and electron transfers. On Earth, these processes are frequently driven by biological activities.

The most notable characteristics include small nodules and “reaction fronts” – referred to as “poppy seeds” and “leopard spots” by the rover team – consisting of iron phosphate (likely vivianite) and iron sulfide (probably greygeite).

These minerals typically arise in cold, water-laden settings and are frequently associated with microbial metabolism.

“The structural arrangement suggests that they formed through the redox cycling of iron and sulfur along with associated minerals,” Dr. Tice commented.

“On Earth, such formations often occur in sediments where microorganisms consume organic material and ‘breathe’ rust and sulfate. “

“Their existence on Mars provokes an intriguing question: Could a similar process have occurred there?”

The artist’s concept depicts the perseverance of NASA’s Mars Rover on the surface of the red planet. Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech.

The Sherloc instrument identified a Raman spectral feature known as the G-band, indicating the presence of organic carbon, in certain Bright Angel rocks.

The most substantial signal originated from a location called Apollo Temple, which exhibited high concentrations of both Vivianite and Greygeite.

“The concurrent presence of this organic matter and redox-sensitive minerals is quite compelling,” Dr. Tice noted.

“This implies that organic molecules might have facilitated the chemical reactions responsible for forming these minerals.”

“It’s crucial to recognize that ‘organic’ doesn’t invariably imply life creation.”

“This suggests the presence of numerous carbon-carbon bonds.”

“Alternative processes can yield organic compounds without biological involvement. The organic compounds identified here could have been synthesized either by or as a result of biological activity.”

“If they originated from an organism, decomposition through chemical reactions, radiation, or heat would have been required to yield the G-band we observe today.”

This research outlines two potential scenarios: Firstly, these reactions might be abiotic (driven by geochemical mechanisms) while microorganisms, similar to those on Earth, could have influenced these reactions.

Interestingly, although some features of the nodules and reaction fronts can be produced by non-biological reactions between organic matter and iron, established geochemical processes that can generate sulfur-related features tend to require relatively high temperatures.

“Every observation we’ve made regarding these rocks indicates that they haven’t been subjected to heat capable of producing leopard spots and poppy seeds,” Dr. Tice remarked.

“If that’s accurate, we must genuinely contemplate the possibility that such formations were created by bacteria-like life forms existing in the Martian lake sediments over 300 million years ago.”

Views of Perseverance path through Neretva Vallis and the formation of Bright Angels. Image credit: Hurowitz et al., doi: 10.1038/s41586-025-09413-0.

The research team underscores that while the evidence is not definitive proof of past life, the findings align with NASA’s criteria for potential biosignatures. This characteristic paves the way for further inquiries to ascertain the biological or non-biological origins.

Perseverance has collected core samples from a Bright Angel layer named Sapphire Canyon, which are currently housed in sealed tubes onboard the rover.

This sample is prioritized for future return to Earth in a prospective mission.

“Once we return this sample to Earth, we can investigate it using far more sensitive instruments than those we can deploy on Mars,” Dr. Tice explained.

“We could analyze the isotopic composition of organic materials, fine mineralogy, and conduct searches for microfossils if they exist.”

“More tests can also help determine the maximum temperatures these rocks were subjected to, and whether high-temperature geochemical processes are the most plausible explanations for any potential biological signatures.”

“The similarities between processes on Mars and Earth are indeed remarkable. However, there’s one crucial distinction.”

“It’s fascinating to note that life employs some of the same processes on both planets around the same epochs.”

“We observe signs of microorganisms in Earth’s rocks of similar ages where iron and sulfur interact with organic matter in comparable ways, but we don’t encounter the exact features seen in Mars’ ancient stones.”

Due to tectonic activities, the majority of Earth’s rocks have been altered significantly, making it unique and spectacular to witness this phenomenon on another planet.”

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Ja Hurowitz et al. 2025. Redox-driven minerals and organic associations at Jezero Crater, Mars. Nature 645, 332-340; doi:10.1038/s41586-025-09413-0

This article is based on a press release provided by Texas A&M University.

Source: www.sci.news

Study: Brain Signals in the Visual Area Can Indicate the Colors Observers Are Viewing

Posted on September 11, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Do different observers experience similar neural activity in response to the same color? Does color produce distinct response patterns in specific brain areas? To explore these inquiries, researchers at the University of Tübingen utilized existing knowledge of color responses from various observers’ brains to predict the colors an individual is perceiving based on their brain activity. By estimating general brain commonality and responding to achromatic, spatial stimuli, the authors successfully aligned disparate brain responses within a common response framework linked to the retina. In this framework, derived independently of specific color responses, the perceived color can be decoded across individuals, revealing distinct spatial color biases between regions.

Using a sample of male and female volunteers, Michael M. Bannert & Andreas Bartels examined whether spatial color biases are shared among human observers and whether these biases differ among various regions. Image credit: Vat Loai.

Employing functional MRI scans, researchers Michael Banert and Andreas Bartels from the University of Tübingen captured images of subjects’ brains while they viewed visual stimuli, identifying various signals related to red, green, and yellow colors.

Remarkably, the patterns of brain activity appeared similar among subjects who had not participated previously. This suggests that the colors perceived can be accurately predicted by comparing them to the brain images of other participants.

The representation of color in the brain proves to be much more consistent than previously believed.

While it was already feasible to identify the colors an individual observed using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), this was only applicable to the same brain.

“We aimed to investigate whether similar colors are encoded across different brains,” Dr. Banert stated.

“In other words, if we only have neuronal color signals from another person’s brain, can we predict the colors they’re perceiving?”

“It’s well established that different brains exhibit roughly similar functional structures.”

“For instance, specific areas are more active when viewing faces, bodies, or simply colors.”

During the color experiment, researchers employed specific classification algorithms to analyze fMRI data, systematically differentiating signals originating from the brains of various groups of individuals by color.

Subsequently, data from new subjects were utilized to ascertain the colors they were perceiving using neuronal signals.

To frame each brain’s orientation, scientists spatially mapped how they responded to stimuli at different locations within their visual field using fMRI measurements.

“At this stage, we did not incorporate colors to avoid any bias in our results—only black and white patterns,” Professor Bartels explained.

“By simply merging this mapping data with color information from another person’s brain, we ensured we correctly identified the ‘new’ brain activity related to what the person was observing at that moment.”

“I was surprised to discover that even subtle variations in individual colors show remarkable similarity across brain activity patterns in specific visual processing regions, something previously unknown.”

Spatial color coding in the brain is domain-specific and organized consistently among individuals.

“There must be functional or evolutionary factors contributing to this uniform development, but further clarification is needed,” the authors noted.

The study was published this week in the Journal of Neuroscience.

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Michael M. Bannert and Andreas Bartels. Large-scale color biases in the functional architecture of the retina are domain-specific and shared throughout the human brain. Journal of Neuroscience Published online on September 8th, 2025. doi: 10.1523/jneurosci.2717-20.2025

Source: www.sci.news

The UK’s Oldest Known Lepidosaurus Fossil Discovered

Posted on September 11, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Paleontologists have discovered the complete skull and skeleton of the Triassic Lepidosaurus species – Agriodontosaurus Helsbypetrae – from the Hellsby Sandstone Formation in Devon, England.

Agriodontosaurus Helsbypetrae. Image credit: Bob Nichols.

Lepidosauria is the most species-rich group of terrestrial vertebrates.

This group comprises around 12,000 species of lizards and snakes, along with a single species of Rhynchocephalia, the Tuatara (Sphenodon Punctatus) from New Zealand.

Collectively known as Squamata, these lizards and snakes not only range in size but also possess highly mobile skulls that enable them to capture large prey effectively.

These vital features of their skulls are absent in tuatara, making the understanding of their common ancestor essential.

The scalypidosaurs thrived during the Triassic period, 252 to 201 million years ago, but incomplete fossils have led to some confusion. Many are general scale pidosauromorphs that lack squamous epithelium or Rhynchocephalians.

“It was always expected that the earliest scalypidosaurs would exhibit some lizard characteristics, such as partially hinged skulls, open lower bars, and numerous teeth on the palate.”

“All of these traits are found in modern lizards and snakes, enabling them to grasp large prey by extending their mouths and using palate teeth to seize smaller prey.”

“The lower bar acts akin to the cheekbone, situated between the cheek and the jaw hinge, and is absent in present-day lizards and snakes.”

“Snakes and many lizards possess all these traits while enhancing skull flexibility.”

“Only the tuatara features a completely low temporal bar, presenting an archaic appearance reminiscent of some early reptiles, coupled with some substantial palate teeth.”

The fossil remains of Agriodontosaurus Helsbypetrae were found in 2015 on a beach in Devon, UK.

The specimen is dated to 242 million years ago (middle Triassic epoch), just prior to the emergence of dinosaurs.

It is approximately 3 to 7 million years older than the oldest known Lepidosaurus, Wirtembergia, from the Erfurt Formation.

“The new fossils revealed characteristics we didn’t anticipate,” remarked Dan Mark, a paleontologist at the University of Bristol and the University of Edinburgh.

“There are no teeth on the palate nor indications of hinges. While there is an open bar on the side, it’s not just one of the three, but also features a grand, large tooth in comparison to its closest relatives.”

Agriodontosaurus Helsbypetrae measured about 10 cm in length and showcased a unique combination of traits.

“When you observe the fossil, the entire skeleton fits in the palm of your hand,” said Professor Michael Benton from the University of Bristol.

“However, thanks to student efforts in cleaning up and scanning the data, we are uncovering remarkable details.”

“This new species possesses relatively large triangular teeth, likely adapted for slicing through the tough exteriors of insect prey, similar to modern tuataras.”

“The discoveries challenge our understanding of the evolutionary pathways of lizards, snakes, and tuataras,” Mark concluded.

The study results were published today in the journal Nature.

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D. Marche et al. The origins of feeding adaptations in the oldest known Lepidosaurus. Nature Published online on September 10, 2025. doi:10.1038/s41586-025-09496-9

Source: www.sci.news

Scientists Identify Potentially Habitable Planet 40 Light Years Away with Ideal Atmosphere

Posted on September 11, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Rocky, Earth-sized planets in our Milky Way may be surrounded by atmospheres, with new research indicating a strong possibility of liquid water on their surfaces, supporting the potential for life.

Two separate papers, to be released on Monday in the Astrophysical Journal Letters, focus on the TRAPPIST-1 system, which contains seven rocky planets orbiting a single star. Both studies present initial findings from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope, suggesting that one planet, TRAPPIST-1e, could possess a nitrogen-rich atmosphere, although further research is necessary to confirm this.

These findings represent significant progress in the search for extraterrestrial life both within our solar system and beyond.

Recently, NASA revealed that rock samples from Mars may harbor evidence of ancient microorganisms. Presently, Mars has a thin atmosphere made primarily of carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and argon, but billions of years ago, it likely possessed a much thicker atmosphere that allowed liquid water to exist on its surface.

For quite some time, scientists have maintained that water is a crucial element for life.

For a planet or moon to retain water in liquid form, it must have an atmosphere that prevents instant evaporation into space. This makes the search for exoplanet atmospheres one of the most exciting and promising areas of astronomical research.

“Ultimately, our goal is to identify planets that can support life,” stated Ryan McDonald, an exoplanet astronomer at St Andrews University, Scotland, and co-author of both studies. “To do this, we first need to identify whether these planets have atmospheres.”

The TRAPPIST-1 system is located 40 light-years from Earth and has been extensively studied since its discovery in 2016, as some of its planets may have conditions suitable for extraterrestrial life.

One light year is approximately 6 trillion miles.

Specifically, TRAPPIST-1e is thought to reside in the so-called “habitable zone,” where liquid water could be present on the surface—not too close to the star to be scorching hot and not too far to freeze.

In a recent study, astronomers utilized NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope to observe four “transits” of TRAPPIST-1e, which occur when the planet passes in front of its star. While the telescope did not directly detect the planet’s atmosphere, it measured how light passing through the atmosphere was absorbed, if one is present.

Like a prism, light can be split into different color bands across the spectrum, and variations in how particular colors are filtered or absorbed can help identify the presence of specific atoms or gas molecules.

For instance, if a specific color is absorbed, it may indicate a high concentration of carbon dioxide, while other color changes could suggest the presence of hydrogen, oxygen, methane, or nitrogen.

“If no color variation is present, the planet is likely just a barren rock,” McDonald noted. “Barren rocks won’t show any color changes in response to light.”

During the four transits, researchers found no signs of a hydrogen-rich atmosphere surrounding TRAPPIST-1e, nor did they observe any indications of a carbon dioxide-rich atmosphere. However, observations from the Webb telescope suggest a potential nitrogen-rich atmosphere.

“This is an exciting development that will significantly narrow down the prospects for a more Earth-like atmosphere,” remarked Caroline Piaulett Graeb, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Chicago who was not involved in the new research.

Earth’s atmosphere is composed of a significant amount of nitrogen gas. Titan, one of Saturn’s moons, has an atmosphere primarily made of nitrogen and is believed by NASA to harbor a vast underground sea. Although it may be habitable, the methane-rich environment of the moon differs greatly from conditions on Earth.

Piaulet-Ghorayeb, the lead author of a study published last month in the Astrophysical Journal, focused on another planet in the TRAPPIST-1 system, TRAPPIST-1d. This planet is also located within the habitable zone, but the study found no evidence of common Earth-like molecules such as water, carbon dioxide, or methane.

Studying these distant worlds poses significant challenges.

The TRAPPIST-1 star is small and exceptionally active, producing considerable background noise that complicates researchers’ efforts. McDonald and his team dedicated over a year to analyzing data from the Webb telescope in order to isolate and identify chemical signatures from TRAPPIST-1e and its star.

To confirm the presence of an atmosphere, McDonald and his colleagues plan to observe TRAPPIST-1e during an additional 15 transits over the coming years.

They are also looking into three other planets, TRAPPIST-1f, TRAPPIST-1g, and TRAPPIST-1h, which are located further out in the system.

This research aims to bring scientists closer to answering some of the most persistent questions regarding exoplanets and the existence of life.

“We have not yet reliably confirmed the atmosphere of rocky planets outside our solar system, but it opens the door to studying temperate planets,” said Piaulett-Ghorayeb. “However, there is still much to explore.”

Source: www.nbcnews.com