Being located in the Northern Hemisphere, my recommendations for observing the night sky are often limited by this perspective. Thus, in this edition, we shift our focus to the stunning views offered by the Southern Hemisphere, particularly the Milky Way during this time.
Every visible star belongs to our galaxy; when I gaze at the night sky, I’m encountering the Milky Way. Stargazers refer to the Milky Way as the luminous bands of stars and cosmic dust found toward the core of our spiral galaxy. This plane is tilted approximately 60 degrees relative to the solar system, enabling us to see the inner edge of the spiral arm that faces away from our location. Viewed in three dimensions, it resembles a curved arc across the sky.
This view is significantly enhanced in the Southern Hemisphere due to the Earth’s tilt. Stargazers in the southern part of the globe have the advantage of looking toward the galaxy’s center, while those in the north gaze away from it into a star-bereft region. This positioning allows for a clearer view of numerous constellations near the galactic core, including Centaurus and Sagittarius.
Regardless of your location on Earth, we share the same sunlit side, making this the optimum time for celestial observation. However, the Southern Hemisphere offers year-round visibility of the Milky Way—a perk of our planet’s tilt plus the benefits of darker nights during this season.
A decade-old study indicates that one-third of the global population is unable to see the Milky Way, a figure likely increasing due to growing light pollution. I encourage you to seek a remote location on a moonlit night; a new moon, around June 25th, would be ideal. It typically takes your eyes about 40 minutes to adjust to darkness, so if you’re in the Northern Hemisphere, you might need to wait until after midnight for optimal conditions.
Some of my most unforgettable nights under the stars occurred in the Southern Hemisphere. The first was at Mount Cook, New Zealand, in early June, and the second was at Warrumbungle National Park, Australia, in April. On both occasions, I was utterly amazed by the sight of the Milky Way, as captured in the image of Uluru, Australia.
If you’re stargazing in the Southern Hemisphere, make sure to look for the Milky Way. You might even spot two of our neighboring galaxies: the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds. Neither of these is visible from the Northern Hemisphere but can be located near the southern celestial pole.
Abigail Beall is the editor of New Scientist and author of Art of Urban Astronomy. Follow her @abbybeall
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Strategies to Prevent Nightmares, Such as Avoiding Scary Movies
Andrii Lysenko/Getty Images
Experiencing nightmares weekly may accelerate aging and significantly increase the chances of early death.
“Individuals with more frequent nightmares experience faster aging and a higher risk of premature death,” states Abidemi Otaiku from Imperial College London.
In collaboration with his team, Otaiku examined data from over 183,000 adults aged between 26 to 86 who participated in several studies, initially self-reporting their nightmare frequency over a span of 1.5 to 19 years.
The findings revealed that individuals reporting weekly nightmares are over three times more likely to die before reaching 70 compared to those who do not experience nightmares.
Moreover, the researchers noted that the frequency of nightmares is a more potent predictor of preterm birth than factors such as smoking, obesity, poor diet, or inadequate physical activity. Otaiku presented these findings at the European Neurological Society Conference 2025 held in Helsinki, Finland, on June 23rd.
The team additionally assessed participants’ biological ages by measuring telomere lengths, small DNA sequences at the ends of chromosomes that shorten with each cell division; short telomeres linked to premature aging. This segment of the study also included approximately 2,400 children aged 8 to 10, while adults contributed further biological age data using epigenetic clocks.
According to Otaiku, their research established a consistent connection between frequent nightmares and accelerated aging across various ages, genders, and ethnic backgrounds. “Even in childhood, those with frequent nightmares exhibit shorter telomeres, indicating faster cellular aging,” he remarked. In adults, this accelerated biological aging accounts for roughly 40% of their heightened risk of death.
Regarding the reasoning behind this association, Otaiku suggests two main factors. The first is the elevated levels of the stress hormone cortisol triggered by nightmares. These levels are linked to faster cellular aging. “Nightmares elicit a more intense stress response than what is typically experienced upon waking, often rousing us with pounding hearts,” he explained.
The second factor involves sleep disruption, which hinders the body’s overnight cellular repair processes. Poor sleep quality is associated with an increased risk of various health issues, including heart disease.
For those wishing to reduce their occurrence of nightmares, Otaiku suggests straightforward strategies, such as avoiding scary movies and addressing mental health issues like anxiety.
“This is a fascinating finding with a number of biological underpinnings,” said Guy Restiner from the NHS Foundation Trust at Guy and St. Thomas. However, he emphasized that further research is necessary to identify causal relationships, noting that nightmares can be associated with various medical conditions and medications that may impact the findings as individuals age.
Deep within the shadowy oceans, a variety of curious and enigmatic creatures inhabit the depths, such as the frilled shark (Chlamydoselachus anguineus), which has been known for over a century, yet much of its lifestyle remains elusive.
We gain insight into their appearance through the occasional specimens caught in deep-sea fishing nets across the globe.
These sharks typically measure about 2 meters (6.5 feet) in length, with smooth, tube-like brown or gray bodies and dorsal fins positioned lower on their backs, close to the tail of their elongated form.
The most peculiar characteristic is found at the front end. The frilled shark possesses six prominent gill slits, exceeding the number found in most other sharks.
Indeed, there are five other known species in the frilled shark taxonomic order, Hexanchiformes, which include the Sixgill and Seven Gill sharks.
The name “frilled shark” derives from the unique ruffled edges of its gill slits, with the extended tips of the gill filaments visible.
The first pair of gill slits connects beneath the throat, resembling a lacy collar.
Moreover, their mouths are larger, akin to those of lizards, compared to typical sharks. Inside, they feature a series of three-pronged teeth resembling tiny tridents.
Studies of the stomach contents from rare specimens reveal that frilled sharks employ their three-pronged teeth to capture soft-bodied squid.
They are also reported to occasionally consume fish and other shark species. Unlike many sharks, pregnant female frilled sharks do not lay eggs; rather, the eggs hatch internally.
The newborn sharks begin life as embryos, attached to egg yolks, which serve as a nutritional source during their development.
Photos of the frilled shark (Chlamydoselachus anguineus) were taken in collaboration with the University of the Zoological Museum in Hamburg. – Photo credit: Aramie
One mystery that remains unsolved is the duration of their pregnancy. If other deep-sea sharks are indicative, it could take several years before a frilled shark pup emerges into the ocean.
Often mischaracterized as “living fossils,” frilled sharks garnered significant attention in 2022 after a viral video showcased rare footage of live frilled sharks in Japan, prompting news outlets worldwide to clarify misconceptions.
These creatures likely exist for decades.
However, it is indeed true that the oldest known fossils of frilled sharks date back to the late Cretaceous period, approximately 80 million years ago, displaying surprisingly little change through time.
The fossils indicate that the ancestors of frilled sharks exhibited similar deep-sea swimming behaviors.
This suggests that these unusual-looking sharks have been gracefully navigating the oceans with their snake-like bodies for millions of years, and although their young are rarely observed, they continue to thrive today.
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You might have come across videos online featuring Donald Trump and Elon Musk. These clips recreate iconic scenes from shows like Breaking Bad. Additionally, you may have seen footage of them dancing to the classic hit “YMCA” at the Great Year Day Party.
The catch is that while one of these scenarios actually took place, the other is a fabrication created using artificial intelligence (AI). You may recall both events, but can you tell which one is *?
In psychological terms, the “source monitoring framework” illustrates how we identify the origins of our memories.
This framework treats the source of a memory as a cohesive unit of information, encoded alongside other elements of our experiences.
However, the “tags” that denote the origins of a memory can easily fade, leaving other aspects intact.
As a result, AI-generated clips may blur in our minds with actual events, which is a growing concern as the quality of AI videos continues to improve.
Many of us hold fragmented memories but often struggle to distinguish what’s real from imagined scenarios – Credit: Gary Yowell via Getty
This dissociation between memory content and its origin is a common occurrence. You may recognize the actor on screen, yet find yourself unable to recall any other films or shows he has appeared in.
Her research indicates that when certain ideas are suggested to us, we may foster them in our own minds but later forget their original source, leading us to confuse them with genuine experiences.
According to Loftus’s findings, AI can easily plant numerous false memories in our minds, particularly when we consume artificial content in environments similar to those where we consume authentic news.
This raises critical questions about how to label AI-generated content and how to help people remember that it is fictional.
*For clarification, the dance at the New Year’s Eve party was indeed real.
This article responds to the inquiry (posed by Christopher Wiley of Birmingham): “Does artificial intelligence give us false memories?”
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Groundbreaking research indicates that middle-aged individuals in the initial stages of Alzheimer’s disease may become more sociable.
Utilizing data from nearly half a million Britons over 40, the study revealed that those at a high genetic risk for Alzheimer’s are more likely to enjoy positive social lives, have happy family relationships, and experience less isolation.
“This finding was remarkable for us,” stated Dr. Scott Zimmerman, a senior researcher at Boston University. BBC Science Focus.
“We anticipated finding evidence of withdrawal from social networks, possibly due to changes in social activities and mood regulation. Instead, we encountered the opposite.”
Research published in American Journal of Epidemiology, concluded that individuals showing early signs of Alzheimer’s may engage more with family and friends, noting subtle changes in cognitive functions, and may receive additional support through daily interactions.
Dementia has often been linked to feelings of social isolation and loneliness. However, it remains unclear whether such loneliness is a risk factor for developing Alzheimer’s or if social withdrawal stems from the disease itself.
These findings imply that adults genetically predisposed to Alzheimer’s are unlikely to withdraw socially years prior to a formal diagnosis when significant symptoms emerge.
“Their social life may expand,” explained co-author Dr. Ashwin Kotwal, an associate professor of medicine at UCSF. He noted that this study does not contradict previous research on Alzheimer’s and social withdrawal but rather enhances the understanding of the relationship.
“This study suggests that the connection between social isolation and dementia risk, supported by other research, is not simply a result of early symptoms leading to withdrawal,” said co-researcher Dr. Louisia Chen, a postdoctoral researcher at Boston University. BBC Science Focus.
“This underscores the importance of maintaining social connections for better brain health.”
Adults in their 40s, 50s, and 60s with a genetic predisposition to dementia showed a greater tendency to thrive socially – Credit: Skynesher via Getty
In addition to genetic predispositions, various lifestyle factors can influence the development of dementia, including exercise habits, smoking, blood pressure, glucose levels, sleep patterns, mental health, and medication use.
These modifiable factors may explain around 30% of Alzheimer’s cases, with loneliness potentially being one of them.
“In an era marked by decreasing social engagement, we hope families, communities, and policymakers will explore ways to foster healthy social interactions throughout people’s lives,” remarked Dr. Jacqueline Torres, an associate professor of epidemiology and biostatistics. BBC Science Focus.
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About our experts
Dr. Scott Campbell Zimmerman is a senior researcher in epidemiology at Boston University’s Faculty of Public Health.
Dr. Ashwin Kotwal is an assistant professor of medicine in the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine’s Department of Geriatric Medicine. He co-leads UCSF’s social connection and aging lab, focusing on the health impacts of loneliness and social isolation among older populations.
Dr. Louisia Chen is a postdoctoral researcher in epidemiology at Boston University’s Faculty of Public Health. Her work focuses on how social determinants over the life course contribute to the risks and disparities related to dementia.
Dr. Jacqueline Torres is a social epidemiologist at the UCSF School of Medicine and an associate professor of epidemiology and biostatistics. Her current research examines how policies, families, and communities influence population health, particularly during middle and late stages of life.
In 2019, the Australian radio telescope detected a fascinating signal emanating from the vicinity of Proxima Centauri, the nearest star to Earth.
This signal, designated as breakthrough listen candidate 1 (BLC1), exhibited all the characteristics of a “technosignature,” which may suggest the presence of intelligent life.
The signal comprised a single discernible narrowband wavelength and displayed a Doppler shift (indicating movement), was precisely localized in the sky, and persisted for several hours, capturing the attention of researchers.
These features imply that the signals are unlikely to be attributed to natural phenomena.
Nonetheless, some complications have surfaced regarding the extraterrestrial explanation. It was discovered that the signal was present in other observations of Proxima Centauri during the same timeframe, and notably, even when the telescope was not aimed at the star.
A subsequent observation the following year failed to detect the signal. An analysis of all the data collected by the Breakthrough Listening Project later identified similar signals from various other targets, including blank sky. This strongly indicates that the source of the signal was probably radio interference.
The BLC1 mirrors another narrowband radio signal detected in August 1977, famously referred to as “Wow!”
This potential “technosignature” lasted a full 72 seconds and could not be readily explained by natural occurrences.
However, the precise location of the signal in the sky was never identified, and follow-up searches of the area yielded no further signals.
There is ongoing debate regarding the origins of “Wow!”, but no clear evidence exists yet to confirm it as a product of extraterrestrial civilizations.
However, scientists are not solely focused on alien signals.
NASA describes Oumuamua as “the first confirmed object from another star to visit our solar system.” Its name means “the first messenger to arrive from afar” in Hawaiian – Illustration Credit: Science Photography Library
Discovered in 2017, ‘Oumuamua (depicted above) was identified as an elongated, reddish rocky object traveling through the solar system at extraordinary speed.
Its peculiar shape and trajectory led some astronomers to speculate that it might be a “solar sail” from a distant alien civilization.
However, this theory is considered improbable, as its unusual characteristics can also be explained without resorting to alien hypothesis.
Still, scientists have yet to intercept or discover anything that definitively indicates an exciting “alien” origin.
This article addresses the query posed by Lester to Daniel Howell: “Have we ever intercepted anything from an alien?”
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Spider-like organisms dwelling near methane seepage seem to infiltrate the seabed, consuming microbes within their bodies that oxidize energy-dense gas. This discovery broadens the understanding of entities that rely on symbiotic associations with microorganisms in these alien settings.
Shana Goffredi from Occidental College, California, along with her team, has investigated marine arthropods named for their resemblance to ahinides, which thrive near three distinct methane seeps in the Pacific Ocean. They previously identified three new species from the sea spider genus Celico Sura, noted to be plentiful exclusively near these gas seepages.
In contrast, other sea spider species, which do not inhabit methane seep regions, primarily feed on various invertebrates. However, researchers have found that these newly identified sea spiders primarily acquire nutrition by ingesting a specific range of bacterial species residing in their bodies. These bacteria are capable of converting methane and methanol from the seepage into energy, something the sea spiders alone would not access.
Scientists observed that bacteria remained confined to the spiders’ exoskeletons, resembling “microbial fur coats,” and formed clusters that Goffredi describes as “volcanic-like.” The bacterial layer exhibited patterns resembling marks from a lawnmower, indicative of feeding by the spider’s robust “lips” and three tiny teeth.
To confirm that ocean spiders were actually consuming the bacteria, researchers employed radioactive labeling techniques to monitor the assimilation of methane carbon by laboratory sea spiders. “I observed methane being absorbed into the microorganisms on the spider’s surface, and subsequently traced carbon molecules migrating into the spider’s tissues,” Goffredi explains.
Researchers believe that ocean spiders do not consume all microorganisms growing on their exoskeletons. The species inhabiting the exoskeleton differ from those typically found in their surroundings, indicating a selection process is at play, Goffredi remarks. “The spiders are clearly cultivating and nurturing a unique microbial community.”
Sea spiders are not the first to cultivate microorganisms for chemical energy. “With every observation of these ecosystems near methane seeps, this phenomenon becomes increasingly evident,” notes Eric Cordes from Temple University, Pennsylvania. He previously collaborated with Goffredi on related studies, revealing a similar symbiosis in tube worms. The rich biodiversity near methane seepage is sustained not by solar energy but rather through methane and other chemicals. “That’s truly remarkable,” he remarks.
Cordes emphasizes that bacteria might also be transported along the surface of sea spiders. Unlike livestock on a farm, they gain superior protection and access to pastures. For instance, if methane seepage shifts to another area of the seabed, sea spiders could transfer bacteria to new locales. “Sea spiders maintain these organisms in an ideal habitat,” he adds.
The discovery of Litoria Tylerantiqua indicates that Australian tree frogs (Perodrius) were already present in Australia when the continent was still attached to Antarctica and South America.
Artist Reconstruction of Litoria Tylerantiqua (right) alongside the previously described species Platyplectrum casca (left) from Margon in southeast Queensland. Image: Samantha Yabsley, https://www.instagram.com/shy_art.
Litoria Tylerantiqua lived in Australia during the early Eocene period, approximately 55 million years ago.
The fossilized frog bones were retrieved in the 1990s by paleontologists at the University of New South Wales while screenwashing clay samples from the Tingamara fossil frog site in Margon, Queensland.
“About 55 million years ago, Australia, Antarctica, and South America were connected as the last remnants of Gondwana,” stated Dr. Roy Furman and his colleagues at the University of New South Wales and the Australian National University.
“During this era, the global climate was warmer, facilitating forested corridors linking South America and Australia.”
“Previously, Australia’s oldest tree frogs were believed to have originated from the late Illuminocene (around 26 million years ago) and the early Miocene (approximately 23 million years ago).”
“Fossils from the late Illuminocene have been discovered in the Northern Territory’s kangaroo wells and the Etadunna formation in Lake Palancarina, South Australia. Furthermore, the Riversley World Heritage Area in Queensland unveiled an early Miocene tree frog.”
“This new species extends the fossil record of Perodrids by roughly 30 million years, bringing it closer to the timeframe when Australian tree frogs diverged from their South American counterparts,” they noted.
“Previous estimates based on molecular clock analyses suggest that Australian and South American frogs diverged approximately 33 million years ago.”
Litoria Tylerantiqua is the only other known frog from Margon, also identified as Platyplectrum casca (previously categorized as Lechriodus Casca), recognized as the oldest frog species in Australia.
Both have existing relatives in Australia and New Guinea, showcasing incredible resilience over time.
“Despite their fragile nature, these frogs have surprisingly thrived, surviving numerous major extinction events since their origin around 250 million years ago.”
“Current global extinction threats, fueled by human activities like rapid climate change and the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria, pose significant challenges for frogs. The fossil record reveals how certain frog groups have navigated past adversities, potentially by adapting to less-threatened habitats.”
“This insight might guide future conservation efforts, such as relocating endangered frogs to safer environments.”
“If fossil records show similarly structured frogs occupying very different habitats, today’s frogs could potentially benefit from reintroductions into comparable environments.”
The findings are detailed in a study published in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology.
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Roy M. Furman et al. New fossil discoveries for early Eocene perodrids from local faunas of Southeast Queensland, Margon, Tingamara, and frog molecular lineages. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology published online on May 14, 2025. doi:10.1080/02724634.2025.2477815
The primordial stars, known as group III, likely formed from the abundant gases present in the young universe. These stars were responsible for generating the first heavier elements, illuminating the universe, bringing an end to the cosmic dark ages, and ushering in the era of reionization. Due to the challenges of direct observation, the characteristics of these early stars are still largely unknown. Professor Anastasia Fialkov from Cambridge University and her team suggest that astronomers can infer the masses of these stars by analyzing the cosmological 21 cm signal produced by hydrogen atoms located between the regions where the stars formed.
Artist’s impression of a field of Population III stars that would have existed hundreds of millions of years post-Big Bang. Image credits: noirlab/nsf/aura/J. da silva/SpaceEngine.
“This presents a unique opportunity to understand how the universe’s first light emerged from darkness,” stated Professor Fialkov.
“We are beginning to unravel the narrative of the transition from a cold, dark cosmos to one filled with stars.”
Studies focused on the universe’s ancient stars rely on the faint 21 cm signal, an energy signature emanating from over 13 billion years ago.
This signal, influenced by the radiation from nascent stars and black holes, offers a rare glimpse into the universe’s formative years.
Professor Fialkov leads the Leach theory group dedicated to radio experiments analyzing space hydrogen.
“Leach is a radio antenna and one of two key projects designed to enhance our understanding of the dawn and reionization phases of the universe, when the first stars reactivated neutral hydrogen atoms,” explained the astronomer.
“While our abilities to capture radio signals are presently undergoing calibration, we remain dedicated to unveiling insights about the early universe.
“Conversely, the Square Kilometer Arrays (SKAs) chart variations in cosmic signals across extensive areas of the sky.”
“Both initiatives are crucial for probing the masses, brightness, and distribution of the universe’s earliest stars.”
In their current research, Professor Fialkov and co-authors formulated a model to predict the 21 cm signal for both REACH and SKA, discovering that the signal is sensitive to the mass of the first stars.
“We are the first group to accurately model how the 21 cm signal correlates with the mass of the first stars, factoring in ultraviolet starlight and x-ray emissions resulting from the demise of the first stars,” stated Professor Fialkov.
“Our findings stem from simulations integrating the primordial conditions of the universe, such as the hydrogen and helium composition formed during the Big Bang.”
In developing their theoretical framework, researchers examined how the 21 cm signal responds to the mass distribution of Population III stars.
They discovered that earlier studies underestimated this relationship as they failed to account for both the quantity and luminosity of x-ray binaries among Population III stars and their impact on the 21 cm signal.
While REACH and SKA cannot photograph individual stars, they do provide comprehensive data on stars, x-ray binary systems, and entire galactic populations.
“Connecting radio data to the narrative of the first stars requires some imagination, but its implications are profound,” remarked Professor Fialkov.
“The predictions we present hold significant value in enhancing our understanding of the universe’s earliest stars,” noted Dr. Eloi de Lera Acedo from Cambridge University.
“We offer insights into the masses of these early stars, suggesting that the light they emitted may have been drastically different from today’s stars.”
“Next-generation telescopes like REACH are set to unlock the secrets of the early universe. These predictions are vital for interpreting radio observations being conducted from Karu, South Africa.”
The research paper was published online today in the journal Nature Astronomy.
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T. Gessey-Jones et al. Determination of the mass distribution of the first stars from a 21 cm signal. Nature Astronomy Published online on June 20th, 2025. doi:10.1038/s41550-025-02575-x
Iran’s Arak Heavy Water Nuclear Facility was damaged by Israeli bombing
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Israel’s assault regarding Iran’s nuclear activities has raised concerns about potential radioactive incidents, according to experts, including the director of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). New Scientist While there have been reports of radiological and chemical contamination at one nuclear enrichment facility, the overall risk remains low.
Peter Bryant from the University of Liverpool notes that the terms “nuclear” and “radiation” understandably provoke fear, but despite extensive bombings, there have been no reported external leaks as of now.
Iran’s nuclear ambitions trace back to the 1950s, including attempts to develop nuclear weapons. The country pledged to allow IAEA inspections to verify that its energy facilities are not being utilized for weapon production; however, the agency recently issued a report criticizing Iran for failing to comply with non-proliferation obligations. Evidence of uranium traces at certain plants suggests that a covert nuclear weapons program might still be in progress.
Following reports regarding Iranian facilities responsible for uranium enrichment, Israel launched its strikes. Naturally occurring uranium exists in a mixture of three isotopes, but the enriched variant has a greater proportion of uranium-235, which can be used for both electrical generation in reactors and for nuclear arms. Given this dual-purpose potential, Iran has committed to restricting enrichment under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.
Philip Bleak from the Middlebury International Institute in California points out that the IAEA reports indicate Iran has already accumulated over 400 kilograms of uranium concentrated to 60%. This quantity is adequate for multiple rudimentary nuclear weapons, and Israeli intelligence suggests that the actual figures may be underreported to the IAEA. Even uranium at 60% purity significantly exceeds the requirements for fueling a power plant, implying that Iran harbors intentions to develop nuclear capabilities.
Iran maintains two primary enrichment sites: the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant (FFEP) and the Natanz Nuclear Facility. Israel’s strikes on Natanz resulted in internal radiation leaks; however, according to the IAEA, there have been no signs of external contamination.
In contrast, the Fordow facility remains operational due to its underground location, making it susceptible to destruction only by powerful US munitions. Only a powerful US bomb could destroy it. Former President Donald Trump has indicated he might assess support for Israel in this matter.
The Arak Heavy Water Reactor has also been targeted in bombings; however, it was never commissioned and housed no radioactive substances. If operational, it could have enabled the conversion of uranium into plutonium, a material viable for nuclear weaponry. Additionally, the Isfahan Nuclear Technology Center and certain missile sites designed for nuclear weapons launch were also bombed.
Bleak asserts that fresh uranium poses “very modest” health risks irrespective of enrichment levels. “A significant amount must enter your body to have a meaningful impact, similar to what uranium miners experienced,” he explains.
This is why the enrichment facilities targeted in strikes represent minimal risk outside their immediate vicinity, according to Bryant. Moreover, since these plants are built deep underground for resistance against attacks, any radioactive emissions would be further contained. “Uranium fuel can be handled without issue,” states Bryant. “You would need to physically ingest it to face health problems.”
Nonetheless, should a working reactor be targeted and operational for months prior to an attack, it may accumulate “dangerous fission byproducts,” which represent a more significant radiological threat. Bleak warns that if such materials escape, scenarios akin to Chernobyl or Fukushima could arise.
Bryant expresses confidence that such leaks are exceedingly unlikely, attributing this to advancements in reactor design that can withstand heavy bombardments. Furthermore, civilian power plants are not core to Iran’s nuclear weapons program and are unlikely to be prioritized targets for Israel, he says. Bushehr, Iran’s only functioning nuclear power facility, has not been targeted thus far.
Despite assurances from scientific experts, New Scientist reports that IAEA Director Rafael Grossi cautioned earlier this week about the real risks of harm.
“I have consistently stated that we should never attack nuclear facilities, irrespective of the circumstances, as they can pose hazards to both humanity and the environment,” he asserted.
The Zombie Apocalypse might sound like an ideal chance to eliminate your debts and catch up on reading 28 Years Later, but surviving in undead-infested wastelands isn’t a walk in the park.
When the Danny Boyle film debuted, we spoke with survival experts and professional preppers about what to do—and what not to do—and gathered their tips on navigating an apocalypse scenario. After all, the zombie apocalypse feels less like fiction now than it did a few years ago.
Stay Safe at Home
John Rammy, founder of The Prevent, a Survivalist Company, advises against investing in a bunker. “Instead of focusing on bunkers,” he explains,
“we should concentrate on reinforcing our current homes and communities. It’s essential that your doors can withstand multiple kicks. Your home is your fortress, providing a secure space during emergencies.”
He encourages contemplating how long one could stay inside their home. “If I had to lock myself in right now, how long could I last?” he asks.
“The initial goal should be a two-week supply, covering most emergencies like natural disasters. Some go further and prepare to last for six months. Personally, I am prepared to survive indefinitely, as I can grow food, find water, and purify it.”
As frightening as it sounds, being unprepared means being vulnerable. According to Ramey, stocking up on essential gear is crucial. “Consider Maslow’s hierarchy of needs: food, water, health, and communication,” he notes.
“First aid supplies are essential. Have sanitary products available—can you clean yourself properly? Water storage is vital. Generally, aim for one gallon of water per day.
“In the long run, do you know how to collect and store water? Make sure you have purification systems like filters or UV purifiers to ensure you can drink safely from natural sources.”
It’s also crucial to have a “bugout bag,” a pack of essential supplies ready for quick evacuation. Cameron Carlson, a survival expert and member of the Zombie Research Association, suggests the following items:
“Waterproof matches, an emergency blanket, a sleeping bag, freeze-dried food, a flashlight, batteries, a solar radio, a water purifier, a camping stove, a knife, a firearm, and a medical kit.”
“A useful tip is to include steel wool and a 9-volt battery. Touching the battery to the steel wool can ignite it, and steel wool is compact and lightweight.”
Ramey also recommends bicycles. “The bicycle is the ultimate bug-out vehicle,” he states. “It’s the most efficient human-powered machine ever made.
“Whenever experts watch The Walking Dead, one common complaint is that after eight years, people are still relying on gasoline vehicles. Gasoline tends to expire in six months. Though additives can extend its life, finding usable gasoline within a year can be challenging.”
Essential Skills
Having supplies is of no use if you lack the skills to utilize them effectively.
“Core skills include first aid and understanding how to treat injuries,” Ramey explains.
“Consider characters like Daryl from The Walking Dead. If he suffered an injury from a crossbow bolt, would you know how to assist? Modern society is advanced, yet we’ve lost centuries of survival skills over just a single century.”
“Many of our grandparents possessed at least rudimentary knowledge of treating wounds. Even standard first aid courses typically assume you can call for help—there’s often an expectation for emergency services to arrive promptly.”
Outdoor survival skills are equally vital. “Additionally,” Ramey adds, “many people no longer know how to navigate without technology. There’s a phenomenon known as ‘death by GPS.’ So, do you know how to read a map? Can you start a fire? Can you build a shelter for winter?
“Less obvious yet essential skills include conflict resolution and situational awareness. Are you aware of your surroundings? Do you know how to defuse a tense situation without resorting to violence?”
There may come a time when you need to leave your home in search of safety. But where should you head?
If you’re in New York or London during a zombie apocalypse, you might want to head to the countryside, away from the crowds, Rammy suggests. “Yet even in such a scenario, isolation may become undesirable, as community becomes essential.”
“Community cooperation generally proves more beneficial than the stereotype of the lone wolf wandering off into the sunset with a shotgun slung over their shoulder.”
The prevailing belief that humanity will descend into chaos after an apocalyptic event is challenged by Michał Zalewski, author of A Practical Ending: A User’s Guide to the End of the World, who argues against this notion.
“Most individuals will likely suffer in silence rather than harming innocents,” he asserts. “The real danger during times of uncertainty is the tendency to react against ‘outgroups.’ However, in a zombie scenario, we have a defined enemy.
“And as we slow down, we are not machines. We need rest and recuperation. It’s impossible to master every necessary survival skill against every potential disaster.”
Dealing with Zombies
What about the zombies themselves? According to zombie aficionado Cameron Carlson, it all hinges on their nature—whether they’re fast and rabid (think 28 Days Later) or sluggish (like in The Walking Dead).
“If they are fast, there’s no outrunning them,” he admits. “Stealth becomes imperative, enabling you to maneuver away from their line of sight. If faced with fast-moving zombies, tactics are essential.”
“Against slower zombies, your main task is evasion.”
Carlson also suggests utilizing dogs for their acute sense of smell, which is superior to ours. “Dogs serve as excellent early warning systems. If your dog starts acting oddly—growling, showing teeth, or restlessly pacing—it’s a signal that something’s wrong.
Interestingly, a significant contrast exists between the UK’s and the US’s gun ownership cultures. How might this affect survival outcomes in a zombie apocalypse?
“It has its pros and cons,” Rammy states. “In cases where zombies are approaching, having a shotgun could be your last line of defense. In that sense, American gun culture provides certain advantages.
“However, it also means that in a society breaking down, many people will be armed. We’ve witnessed over the past two years that even during milder emergencies, a significant portion of the population can become erratic and difficult to manage. So, it’s a double-edged sword.”
Meet Our Experts
John Rammy is the founder of The Prevent, a Survivalist Company. He leverages his Silicon Valley background to advise the US government and Department of Defense on emergency preparedness technologies.
Cameron Carlson serves as a spokesperson for the Zombie Research Association. Currently active in the US Navy, he specializes in anti-piracy operations while studying disaster relief effectiveness and outdoor survival.
Michał Zalewski is a computer security expert and author of A Practical Ending: A User’s Guide to the End of the World.
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The peak of sunshine has officially arrived in the Northern Hemisphere with the Summer Solstice.
This Friday marks the longest day north of the equator, ushering in the joy of astronomical summer. In contrast, the Southern Hemisphere experiences its shortest day and the onset of winter.
The term “bliss” derives from the Latin “sol,” meaning sun, and “stitium,” which translates to “stop.” This term encapsulates the sun’s annual journey, tracing its longest and most radiant arc in the sky. Unfortunately for sun enthusiasts, the days will gradually shorten until late December as the sun begins its retreat.
The solstice has been celebrated for centuries, with various traditions and monuments, such as Stonehenge, built to align with the solar path during this event. But what exactly occurs in the heavens? Here’s what you need to understand about Earth’s orbit.
Bliss signifies the extremes of day and night
As the Earth orbits the Sun, it tilts at an angle, causing uneven distribution of sunlight and warmth between the northern and southern hemispheres throughout the year.
The solstice represents a time when this tilt is most pronounced, leading to the greatest disparity between day and night.
During the Northern Hemisphere’s summer solstice, the upper half tilts toward the sun, resulting in the longest day and the shortest nights of the year, occurring between June 20th and 22nd.
In contrast, during the winter solstice, which transpires between December 20th and 23rd, the Northern Hemisphere turns away from the sun.
The equinox: a balance of day and night
The equinox occurs when the Earth’s axis and orbit align, granting both hemispheres an equal amount of sunlight.
The word equinox is derived from Latin, meaning equal and night, as it denotes the time when day and night are nearly identical in duration.
Spring in the Northern Hemisphere, or Vernal Equinox, can occur between March 19th and 21st, while the Autumnal Equinox can fall between September 21st and 24th.
At the equator, the sun is directly overhead at noon during the equinox, which is the only time when both the Arctic and Antarctic receive sunlight simultaneously.
Differentiating between weather and astronomical seasons
These represent two distinct interpretations of the year.
Astronomical seasons are based on Earth’s orbit around the Sun, while weather seasons are categorized by prevailing weather conditions. The latter divides the year into three-month periods based on temperature cycles, leading to spring starting on March 1st, summer on June 1st, followed by autumn on September 1st and winter on December 1st.
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In her five-year writing journey, Agatha Christie masterfully introduced a range of poison-related narratives, showcasing varied lethal substances and toxins often derived from living creatures or administered through injections.
Chemist Kathryn Harkup previously explored similar themes in her 2015 work A is for Arsenic. The follow-up, V is for Venom, delves deeper into the chemicals that played significant roles in Christie’s narratives, reinforcing her status as the quintessential “Queen of Crime.”
Christie’s murder scenarios gain credibility thanks to her scientific background. Before her writing fame, she worked as a pharmacist and further honed her knowledge of toxicology while serving as a nurse during World War I. Harkup offers a thorough yet accessible exploration of the substances central to her stories, many of which were not simply labeled “dangerous.”
Spoiler alert: In 1939’s Murder is Easy, the perpetrator used contaminated bandages originally applied for cat ear infections, while the antagonist in Sparkling Cyanide employed carbon monoxide from gas. Harkup elucidates the science behind each murder, carefully avoiding significant spoilers, such as the potential for “poison darts concealed in a modified cigarette” or the implications of ingesting toxic hat paint (both plausible yet perilous).
Harkup also examines fictional poisons crafted by Christie, like Benvo, introduced in the 1970s in Passengers to Frankfurt, which causes the victim to become fatally benevolent: “clearly, this is not ideal.”
The author outlines antidotes and their implications—CPR might have saved the lives of guests unknowingly consuming opioids in 1962’s The Mirror Cracked from Side to Side. Meanwhile, real-life cases that likely inspired Christie’s plots are discussed.
Drug-laced beverages emerge as a recurring murder technique in several of Christie’s works. Harkup references a dishonorable Scottish chemist who, in the 1870s, worked in a San Francisco bar and was notorious for slipping “knockout drops” into customers’ drinks, inadvertently giving rise to the term “Mickey Finn.”
Harkup emphasizes that many substances from Christie’s narratives remain widely accessible today. Barbiturates, as featured in the 1933 novel Edgware Lord Dies, are currently prescribed for epilepsy, such as Secondal. However, she cautions against using Christie’s methods as inspiration for murder, noting that toxicology has evolved since Christie’s writing era; any current attempts to replicate her fictional crimes are likely to be swiftly uncovered or could result in disaster.
Harkup’s analyses are scientifically rich yet engaging, intertwining real murder accounts that may have inspired Christie’s imagination. Discover tales of a wealthy individual who perished in 2011 after consuming a cat meat stew laced with Gelsemium, the same plant featured in the 1927 work The Big Four. Harkup also dissects a 1936 hydrochloric acid murder from Murders in Mesopotamia, drawing parallels to today’s corrosive attacks.
Christie’s innovative murders secured her legacy as a timeless bestseller. It is fitting that one of her favored quotes is highlighted, as Harkup notes in the Pharmaceutical Journal: her debut novel, responding to the 1920s Mysterious Events of Style, was recognized for its remarkable authenticity.
George Bass is a writer based in Kent, UK.
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Yurok Tribal member and biologist working with engineers to set up a fish trap on a tributary of the Klamath River in California
Vivian Wan
The essence of this image lies in restoring the traditional way of life, captured by Vivienne Wang, whose work is part of the series that earned the New Scientist Editor’s Award at the Earth Photo 2025 Competition.
The photograph illustrates the Yurok community collaborating with biologists and engineers to install a rotary screw trap on the Trinity River, a key tributary of the Klamath River in Willow Creek, California. The team employs fish traps to assess the health of the salmon and examine their migration behaviors.
The Klamath Basin is central to Yurok existence, holding significant cultural and spiritual importance through its rich waters that support Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha). However, 19th-century colonization displaced the Yurok tribe and depleted local resources through mining, logging, and damming efforts.
Climate change and diverted river flows have severely affected salmon populations. A new irrigation policy in 2002 resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of Chinook salmon in the Klamath River, adding urgency to the decades-long initiative to remove river dams. Notably, the last dam on this river was demolished last year.
For Wang, the mission was to illuminate how Indigenous communities could lead the charge for environmental justice. “We aspire for viewers to gain respect for the resilience, culture, and ongoing struggle of the Yurok people as they work to safeguard the Klamath Basin,” she remarks.
In the image below, Yurok Fisheries technician Hunter Mattz examines monitors that reveal enlarged salmon scales, gathering valuable insights into mortality factors sourced from fishing and natural causes. This information is crucial for determining sustainable catch limits and spawning goals, as well as assessing run sizes, which indicate the number of salmon entering a river or stream within a specific timeframe.
Mattz, a third-year Yurok fishery technician, inspects a monitor showing a magnified salmon scale
Vivian Wan
In this scene, Mattz holds a slender tag on a needle, contributing critical data to the fish monitoring research program.
Mattz displays a small fish tag providing essential data to fish monitoring initiatives
Vivian Wan
Mattz also manages the Net Harvest Project, which entails traversing over 70km from the Pacific Ocean to the estuary’s mouth and into the heart of the Klamath Basin, including stretches beyond Blue Creeks in California. Collecting data on fish species caught by local residents through nets has been pivotal in securing funding for conservation efforts in the Klamath region.
Hunter Mattz’ portrait, who is also collecting data on fish species caught by local residents
Vivian Wan
All winners of the Earth Photography Competition were chosen by a panel including New Scientist photo editor Tim Bodhuis and David Stock, director of editorial videos. Before touring the UK, make sure to visit the Earth Photo 2025 exhibition at London’s Royal Geographical Society until August 20th.
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Taking refuge in the shade is a simple way to steer clear of harmful UV rays from the sun.
Paul Biggins/Alamy
Since ancient Egyptian times, individuals have sought ways to shield their skin from the sun, as over a century ago, we recognized the link between ultraviolet (UV) light and skin injuries, including burns and cancers. Yet, there remains some uncertainty regarding the most effective methods to evade sunburn, how to remedy it, and whether each occurrence escalates the chances of developing cancer. It’s beneficial to grasp the cellular dynamics of tanning.
“Sunburn is an inflammatory response,” explains Leslie Rhodes from the University of Manchester, UK. UV rays inflict damage to proteins, fats, and DNA in skin cells located in the epidermis, triggering a cascade of inflammatory reactions resulting in redness, swelling, pain, and peeling.
Though UVB radiation is chiefly responsible for this damage, UVA rays, which have longer wavelengths, penetrate the skin more deeply. “Typically, UVB is approximately 1,000 times more effective than UVA for sunburning,” states Antony Young from King’s College London.
In reaction to UV injury, skin cells emit inflammatory molecules that enlarge blood vessels in the dermis, the layer of skin beneath the epidermis. Within hours, this increased blood circulation facilitates the influx of immune cells from the bloodstream into the skin, heightening inflammation.
For individuals with lighter skin tones, this augmented blood flow may cause sun-damaged skin to appear pink or red, while those with darker skin might notice skin changes in various shades including red, gray, brown, and black. The enhanced blood supply also results in greater fluid leakage from blood vessels to the skin, leading to swelling. Both swelling and inflammatory molecules activate the nerves, rendering the tanned skin hot and painful.
In extreme cases, blisters may form if patches of epidermal cells become severely damaged and begin self-destructing. As these dead patches detach from the underlying layer, the resulting spaces fill with liquid, creating a foamy structure within the skin.
How does tanned skin heal?
According to Rhodes, “A mild tan will diminish more rapidly than a severe burn if the effects persist beyond 72 hours.”
Healing initiates when skin immune cells start generating anti-inflammatory molecules a few days post UV exposure. “It’s a self-resolving inflammation,” Rhodes notes. “The various molecules and cells transition over time from pro-inflammatory to anti-inflammatory states.” Consequently, blood vessels cease to dilate, and the redness, swelling, and pain gradually subside.
Stem cells situated at the base of the epidermis accelerate healing by producing new skin cells at an increased rate. These cells replace the damaged ones, often shedding or peeling off in large sheets to facilitate growth. “You always shed skin, but UV damage accelerates the conversion of those cells,” says Young.
Regrettably, there is insufficient evidence to suggest that applying after-sun or aloe vera gels can hasten healing of tanned skin, according to Rhodes. Most of these lotions aim to alleviate pain by providing a cooling sensation. Cold showers, cool compresses, and over-the-counter pain relievers like paracetamol (acetaminophen) and ibuprofen may also be beneficial.
What are the long-term effects?
The sunburn subsides as inflammation lessens and damaged surface cells slough off. However, DNA damage to deeper stem cells in the epidermis may leave a lasting legacy.
“DNA damage occurs, and while cells attempt to repair it, their efforts are not flawless,” notes Young. This leads to genetic mutations that accumulate over time in genes governing cell growth and division, resulting in uncontrolled skin cell proliferation, heightening cancer risks.
Numerous studies indicate that experiencing five sunburns within a decade more than doubles the risk of melanoma, a type of skin cancer. However, these findings often rely on individuals’ recollections of their sunburn occurrences, which may not be precise, complicating the accurate assessment of how a single sunburn contributes to skin cancer risk.
What is the best method to prevent sunburn?
The skin pigment melanin encircles skin cell DNA, offering some level of protection from UV damage. Consequently, individuals with darker skin tones face a significantly lower risk of skin cancer compared to those with lighter complexions, though they are not immune to sunburn or DNA damage.
To assess the risk of burning on any given day, monitor the UV index, which measures ultraviolet radiation levels. Rachel Abbott from the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, advises applying sunscreen if the index reaches 3 or higher. Typically, UV indexes seldom exceed 3 early in the morning, evening, or between October and March in the UK. Nonetheless, UV rays are more intense near the equator and may necessitate sunscreen application at any time. Fortunately, free apps provide local UV index information. “I use one daily,” Abbott shares.
Most individuals don’t apply sunscreen with the thickness utilized in testing—2 milligrams per square centimeter—making an SPF 50 sunscreen a wise default choice, according to Young.
Nevertheless, one of the most effective strategies to prevent sunburn is to avoid direct sunlight when it is highest in the sky. In the UK, this window is between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., while in the US, it generally extends from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. During this time, sunlight takes a shorter route through the atmosphere, allowing more UVB radiation to reach the skin. When outdoors, donning a hat and long-sleeved clothing can further diminish the risk.
Ensure your passwords feature a diverse mix of characters. Avoid using your pet’s name and, crucially, never recycle your passwords. While we’re all aware of the guidelines for keeping our digital credentials safe, it’s easy to forget them.
The trade of stolen personal data is booming on the dark web, lying beyond the regular internet and accessible only through specific software. Tor was initially developed by the US Intelligence Agency for confidential communications. Not everything there is sinister; for instance, BBC News maintains dark web platforms for individuals facing oppressive surveillance.
To delve deeper, I consulted Rory Hattin, an ethical hacker from a firm dedicated to legally infiltrating companies to test security measures. He expressed a “remarkably slim” chance that my personal data hasn’t been compromised. Having reported on technology for years, I understand how prevalent data breaches are, but realizing I could be affected was a sobering wake-up call.
Hattin introduced me to a website called Have I Been Pwned, which consolidates usernames and passwords that have been leaked across the dark web into a searchable database. Upon entering my email address, I was alarmed to discover that I had been involved in 29 data breaches.
The most recent breach occurred in 2024 during an attack on internet archives, where my email and password were exposed. My information was also part of 122 gigabytes of user data scraped from various Telegram channels, including a database known as NAZ.API originally shared on hacker forums. Other breaches involved sensitive information such as email addresses, job titles, phone numbers, IP addresses, password hints, and birthdates from major platforms like Adobe, Dropbox, and LinkedIn.
In theory, these leaks might seem limited in value. For instance, if LinkedIn is hacked, and your username and password are compromised, your Facebook account remains unaffected—unless, of course, you’re among the over 60% who reuse the same password repeatedly. In such cases, hackers can exploit your credentials across various sites. Hattin warns, “You’re in serious trouble.”
This includes online shopping accounts with saved payment methods, PayPal accounts, or cryptocurrency wallets. Gaining access to one account could allow intruders to infiltrate others, with email accounts acting as a treasure trove. Once they access an email account, they can reset passwords on multiple platforms, jeopardizing everything from your utility accounts to online banking. Additionally, hackers can misuse access to social media and email to launch scams against friends and family, presenting believable emergencies that require money transfers. The fact that these messages come from real accounts lends them an unsettling credibility, often leading to unfortunate outcomes.
Compounding the problem, businesses that experience data breaches are sometimes slow to inform customers, leaving them exposed for extended periods. Hattin noted that in his previous role with a client, he observed ransomware incidents being treated as mere inconveniences. Companies often encrypt victim data and demand ransom, viewing such attacks as merely part of doing business.
“These companies face breaches two or three times a year,” Hattin stated. “They set aside funds for when things go awry. They pay the ransom and carry on with their operations. This cycle persists globally.”
As I grappled with the exposure of my personal data, I was struck by its resemblance to the mechanically processed meat found in chicken nuggets. Hattin explained that premium personal data is acquired when sophisticated hackers breach a website and collect fresh data to sell. Once the initial buyers extract what they need, the data can be resold multiple times. The most valuable data gets distributed, while the remainder may be offered for free on hacker forums, Telegram groups, or other obscure parts of the internet.
Hattin introduced me to a paid service named Dehashed, illustrating how the data supply chain operates. This service is named after a common security measure that “hashes” passwords to obscure them; dehashing reverses this process. My worst fears were confirmed when I discovered that at least one of the passwords associated with my email address was current. In theory, nothing was preventing a hacker from accessing at least one of my online accounts.
Dehashed costs $219.99 per year and claims to cater to “law enforcement agencies and Fortune 500 firms.” I reached out to the company to inquire whether they were concerned that tools designed to match leaked data might also aid hackers and cybersecurity professionals, but received no response.
I felt compelled to explore the dark web further. I spoke with Anish Chauhan from Equilibrium Security Services, who showcased findings from his team’s tailored software. They identified 24 passwords connected to my online accounts.
“Users might think, ‘I have a 200-character password; no one will crack it,'” Chauhan explained. “But if they’re using it across multiple sites, it could eventually be exploited, making it irrelevant. Unfortunately, as humans, we often choose the path of least resistance.”
Chauhan suggested a straightforward solution you’ve likely heard before: use unique passwords for each account. Given how widely my information has been circulated, the importance of this advice is painfully clear.
Fortunately, numerous tools exist to simplify this process. Most modern devices and internet browsers include password managers that generate strong, random passwords and remember them for you. If you’re concerned about your passwords already being compromised, it may be worth checking services like Have I Been Pwned or investing in more comprehensive tools that monitor the darker regions of the internet for leaks.
In recent years, I’ve relied on a password manager to create robust passwords and keep them organized. However, I noticed that some long-standing accounts have been neglected, housing old and breached logins. In light of this revelation, I plan to update my credentials before this article goes live.
That said, changing passwords isn’t something I do frequently. It’s understandable why many take shortcuts, overwhelmed by constant demands to create new login information. I’m certainly not the only one.
“I’m quite tech-savvy, yet I hardly change my passwords,” Hattin disclosed. “For work, I do, but in my personal life, I tend to be a bit lazy.”
Illustration of NASA’s Relay 1 satellite, in front of Relay 2
NASA
A long-dormant satellite unexpectedly emitted a powerful radio pulse, momentarily surpassing all other celestial signals. Astronomers speculate that this flash may have resulted from a rare micrometeoroid impact or a spontaneous discharge.
NASA’s Relay 2 satellite was among the earliest operational satellites, launched as an experimental communications tool in 1964. Its use was discontinued the following year, and by 1967, the satellite’s electronic components had ceased functioning, leaving its metal frame orbiting indefinitely.
So Clancy James from Curtin University in Australia and his team were puzzled nearly 60 years later when they detected a burst of short, intense radio waves emanating from the satellite’s suspected location.
Utilizing the Australian Square Kilometer Array Pathfinder (ASKAP), an array of 36 telescopes in Western Australia, James and his colleagues were searching the sky for signs of a mysterious radiation pulse from other galaxies.
On June 13th, they received a signal that seemed to originate from within our galaxy. “If it’s in close proximity, studying it through an optical telescope becomes quite feasible, so I was thrilled at the prospect of discovering a new pulsar or some other object,” Clancy remarks.
However, upon closer examination, the signal appeared to be quite close to Earth, which meant that ASKAP couldn’t focus on everything simultaneously. This indicated the source was likely within 20,000 kilometers of our planet, according to Clancy. The signal was notably short-lived, lasting less than 30 nanoseconds. “It was an exceptionally potent radio pulse that briefly outshone everything else in the sky,” Clancy explains.
When they traced the signal back to its source and compared it to known satellite positions, they concluded the only plausible explanation was Relay 2. Since that satellite is inoperative, Clancy and his team suspect that the signals may result from external events such as electrostatic discharges or micrometeoroids striking the satellite, creating clouds of charged plasma.
“It’s quite challenging to differentiate between these two scenarios,” says Karen Aplin from the University of Bristol in the UK. This difficulty arises because the radio emissions from both phenomena appear comparable. Yet, monitoring future electrostatic discharges from satellites could prove beneficial, she adds. “In an environment filled with space debris and numerous smaller, cost-effective satellites that lack sufficient protection from electrostatic discharges, this radio detection could ultimately lead to innovative technologies for assessing such discharges in space,” she concludes.
When TikTok declares it’s run out of bizarre ideas, enter the world of coffee enemas.
Indeed, people are brewing fresh coffee pots and introducing them into the colon via the rectum to stimulate bowel movements. This trend claims to “detox” the body, enhance energy levels, and improve digestion.
This isn’t a new phenomenon: coffee enemas have long been associated with the Gerson Therapy diet and energy-based cancer treatments since the 1950s.
Despite its TikTok resurgence, there’s scant credible evidence supporting its effectiveness, while reports of unpleasant and potentially harmful side effects abound.
Firstly, the rectum is not meant to handle coffee. Caffeine and acids can irritate delicate tissues, leading to inflammation, pain, and possible burns if the coffee is cold enough. Over time, frequent use can damage the mucosal lining, heightening the risk of chronic issues.
Although this trend touts “detoxification,” you don’t need to resort to such risky methods, as your liver and kidneys are already efficient at eliminating toxins.
Moreover, there are significant risks associated with DIY procedures. Engaging in invasive actions can result in injuries like infections and rectal tears. Severe infections can lead to sepsis, posing life-threatening consequences.
There is no credible evidence supporting the efficacy of coffee enemas – Illustration by Jessley
Thus, if you’re seeking to feel lighter or healthier, it’s best to rely on the basics: consume more fiber, stay hydrated, and stay active. If digestion troubles persist, consult a healthcare professional rather than an influencer.
Despite its newfound popularity, reliable evidence supporting the benefits of coffee enemas is lacking, and the associated risks are significant. “Bottom” line? Enjoy your coffee in a mug, not through a colon.
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A favorable perspective on life may safeguard against memory loss during middle age, as indicated by a recent 16-year study conducted by researchers from the UK, the US, and Spain.
Published in Aging and Mental Health, this study posits that a sense of happiness—which encompasses joy, confidence, purpose, and control over one’s life—is closely linked to improved memory recall.
Participants who rated their happiness levels higher tended to excel in memory assessments, regardless of whether they reported experiencing symptoms of depression.
“This study marks a vital advance in comprehending the relationship between happiness and memory over time,” stated the co-authors. Professor Joshua Stott, a Professor of Aging and Clinical Psychology at University College London, added, “It sheds new light on how self-reported happiness correlates with memory and vice versa.”
Researchers monitored 10,760 men and women over the age of 50 in the UK. Beginning in 2002, participants convened with the research team every two years to undergo memory evaluations.
During each session, they also completed a well-being survey, responding to prompts such as “I can do what I want to do” and “I feel that life is filled with opportunities.”
After 16 years, this data was examined by a team of 15 specialists to establish connections between cognition and memory.
“In light of an aging population, it’s vital to understand the factors that may protect and sustain healthy cognitive functions for the betterment of public health and policy development,” said Dr. Amber John, a lecturer in psychology at the University of Liverpool.
She noted that the study implies that overall well-being is more beneficial than merely better memory. If future research can demonstrate that improved health leads to Enhanced Memory, then prioritizing health could shield the brain from future deterioration.
Dementia and anxiety are commonly considered to accelerate cognitive decline in individuals with dementia. – Credit: J Studio via Getty
This study received partial funding from Alzheimer’s Disease Research UK. “We’ve observed significant financial support,” stated Emma Taylor, information services manager for the charity.
“It’s never too late to take measures to maintain our brain health throughout our lives and mitigate the devastating impacts of dementia.”
The authors of the study suggested that a decrease in psychological well-being could serve as an early indicator of potential cognitive decline, recommending strategies such as mindfulness as interventions to avert this trajectory.
Each time I interact with ChatGPT, I consume energy—what does that really mean? A new study has highlighted the environmental costs of using large-scale language models (LLMs) and provided insights on how users can minimize their carbon footprints.
German researchers evaluated 14 open-source LLMs, ranging from 14 to 72 billion parameters, administering 1,000 benchmark questions to assess the CO2 emissions generated in response to each.
They discovered that utilizing internal reasoning to formulate answers can result in emissions up to 50 times greater than those generated by a brief response.
Conversely, models with a higher number of parameters—typically more accurate—also emit more carbon.
Nonetheless, the model isn’t the only factor; user interaction plays a significant role as well.
“When people use friendly phrases like ‘please’ and ‘thank you,’ LLMs tend to generate longer answers,” explained Maximilian Dorner, a researcher from Hochschule München Applied Sciences University and the lead author of the study, to BBC Science Focus.
“This results in the production of more words, which leads to longer processing times for the model.
The extra words don’t enhance the utility of the answer, yet they significantly increase the environmental impact.
“Whether the model generates 10,000 words of highly useful content or 10,000 words of gibberish, the emissions remain the same,” said Dorner.
Being polite to an AI platform uses more power – Getty
This indicates that users can help reduce emissions by encouraging succinct responses from AI models, such as asking for bullet points instead of detailed paragraphs. Casual requests for images, jokes, or essays when unnecessary can also contribute to climate costs.
The study revealed that questions demanding more in-depth reasoning—like topics in philosophy or abstract algebra—yield significantly higher emissions compared to simpler subjects like history.
Researchers tested smaller models that could operate locally, yet Dorner noted that larger models like ChatGPT, which possess more than 10 times the parameters, likely exhibit even worse patterns of energy consumption.
“The primary difference between the models I evaluated and those powering Microsoft Copilot or ChatGPT is the parameter count,” Dorner stated. These commonly used models have nearly tenfold the parameters, which equates to a tenfold rise in CO2 emissions.
Dorner encourages not only individual users to be mindful but also highlights that organizations behind LLMs have a role to play. For instance, he suggests that they could mitigate unnecessary emissions by creating systems that select the smallest model necessary for accurately answering each question.
“I’m a big supporter of these tools,” he remarked. “I utilize them daily. The key is to engage with them concisely and understand the implications.”
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Maximilian Dorner, PhD candidate at Hochschule München Applied Sciences University.
Every spring, billions of Bogong moths (Agrotis infusa) migrate from their breeding grounds in southeastern Australia, covering distances of up to 1,000 km to reach previously unvisited locations.
The Bogong Moth utilizes stellar cues and Earth’s magnetic fields to develop a precise navigation system for long-distance night travel. Image credits: Lucinda Gibson & Ken Walker, Museum Victoria / CC by 3.0.
“While we already knew that certain birds and humans can navigate by stars, this is the first evidence showing that insects can do the same,” noted Professor Eric Warrant from the Australian National University and the University of South Australia.
“Bogong moths are remarkably precise navigators. They use stellar patterns as compasses, adjusting their course according to seasonal changes and the time of night.”
“Each spring, billions of Bogong moths emerge from their breeding sites in southeastern Australia, traveling up to 1,000 km to specific caves and rocky outcrops in the Australian Alps.”
“The moths remain dormant in cool, dark shelters throughout the summer and then return in autumn to breed and die.”
Researchers utilized advanced flight simulators and recorded brain activity in a controlled, magnetically neutral environment to study the moths’ navigation under various conditions.
Even without the natural starry sky or magnetic fields, the moths consistently flew in the correct seasonal direction.
They reversed their flight path when the night sky was rotated by 180 degrees, but became disoriented when the stars were jumbled.
“This demonstrates they aren’t merely flying toward the brightest light or relying on simple visual indicators,” Professor Warrant remarked.
“They interpret specific patterns in the night sky to establish their geographical bearings, similar to migratory birds.”
Remarkably, when the stars were obscured by clouds, the moths relied solely on Earth’s magnetic field for navigation.
This dual navigational system guarantees reliable orientation in diverse conditions.
Professor Warrant and his team explored the neurological basis of this behavior and discovered specialized neurons in the moths’ brains that respond to star patterns.
These neurons, located in regions responsible for navigation and steering, are most active when the moth faces south.
“This directional tuning indicates that the Bogong moth’s brain encodes celestial information in an exceptionally sophisticated manner,” added Professor Warrant.
“This discovery exemplifies the complex navigational capabilities inherent in the brains of small insects.”
The findings could have implications for robotics, drone navigation, and conservation strategies for species threatened by habitat destruction or climate change.
Bogong moth populations have dramatically declined in recent years, prompting their listing as vulnerable.
This research underscores the necessity of protecting their migratory paths and the dark skies they depend on.
“This insight isn’t merely academic; it illustrates how animals perceive their surroundings,” Professor Warrant stated.
“The night sky has guided human explorers for millennia, and now we understand it also guides moths.”
This study was published this week in the journal Nature.
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D. Drayer et al. Bogong Moths utilize a star compass for long-distance navigation at night. Nature Published online on June 18th, 2025. doi:10.1038/s41586-025-09135-3
New findings from MIT indicate that early eukaryotes (complex life forms that eventually evolved into the diverse multicellular organisms we see today) may have thrived in meltwater ponds between 72 and 635 million years ago during a period referred to as Snowman Earth.
Impressions of the artist “Snowman Earth.” Image credit: NASA.
Snowman Earth is a colloquial term for a period in Earth’s history characterized by extensive ice coverage across the planet.
This term often refers to two consecutive glacial events that occurred during the Cleogen era, a timeframe geologists define as lasting from 635 million to 72,000 years ago.
The debate remains whether the Earth was akin to a solid snowball or a softer “slash ball.”
What is certain is that much of the planet experienced deep freeze conditions, with an average temperature of about 50 degrees Celsius.
The pressing question is how and where life managed to survive during this time.
“We aim to comprehend the essentials of complex life on Earth,” stated Fatima Hussain, a graduate student at MIT.
“We examine eukaryotic evidence before and after the Crazians in the Fossil Record, yet there’s limited direct evidence regarding their habitats.”
“The main mystery lies in how life persisted. We are working to uncover the specifics of how and where.”
Numerous theories suggest potential refuges for life during Snowman Earth, such as isolated areas of open ocean (if they existed), around deep-sea hydrothermal vents, and underneath ice sheets.
By examining meltwater ponds, Hussain and her team explored the idea that surface meltwater could have supported eukaryotic life during the planet’s early years.
“There are various hypotheses regarding potential survival habitats for life during the Crazians, but we lack comprehensive analogs,” Hussain remarked.
“Meltwater ponds are currently found on Earth, easily accessible, and provide a unique opportunity to focus on the eukaryotes inhabiting these environments.”
For their study, the researchers analyzed samples from meltwater ponds in Antarctica.
In 2018, scientists visited the McMurdo Ice Shelf region of East Antarctica, which is known for its small meltwater ponds.
In this area, water freezes all the way to the seabed, encompassing dark sediments and marine life.
The loss of wind-driven ice from the surface creates a conveyor belt effect, gradually bringing trapped debris to the surface, which absorbs solar warmth, melting surrounding ice and leading to the creation of shallow meltwater ponds.
Each pond is adorned with mats of microorganisms that have accumulated over time, forming sticky communities.
“These mats can be several centimeters thick and are vibrant, clearly demonstrating distinct layers,” Hussain explained.
These microbial mats consist of single-celled, photosynthetic organisms, such as cyanobacteria, which are prokaryotic and lack nuclei or other organelles.
While these ancient microorganisms are known to withstand extreme environments like meltwater ponds, researchers sought to determine if complex eukaryotic organisms—characterized by cell nuclei and membrane-bound organelles—could also survive in such harsh conditions.
To address this question, the researchers required more than just a microscope, as the defining traits of microscopic eukaryotes within microbial mats are often too subtle to discern visually.
The study involved analyzing specific lipids called sterols and a genetic component known as ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA). Both serve as identifiers for various organisms.
This dual analytical approach provided complementary fingerprints for distinct eukaryotic groups.
In their lipid analysis, the researchers uncovered numerous sterols and rRNA genes in microbial mats that align closely with certain types of algae, protists, and microscopic animals.
They were able to assess the diversity and relative abundance of lipid and rRNA genes across different ponds, suggesting that these ponds are home to a remarkable variety of eukaryotes.
“The two ponds exhibit differences. There’s a recurrent cast of organisms, but they manifest uniquely in different environments,” Hussain noted.
“We identified a diverse array of eukaryotic organisms spanning all major groups in every pond we studied.”
“These eukaryotes are descendants of those that managed to survive Snowman Earth.”
“This underscores how meltwater ponds during the Snowman period globally could have nurtured eukaryotic life, enabling the diversification and emergence of complex organisms, including ourselves, in later epochs.”
Study published in the journal Nature Communications.
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F. Hussain et al. 2025. Diverse eukaryotic biosignatures from the Earth-analogous environment of Antarctic Snowman. Nat Commun 16, 5315; doi:10.1038/s41467-025-60713-5
Influence of Uterine Hormones on Human Brain Development
Peter Dazeley/Getty Images
The human brain stands as one of the universe’s most intricate structures, potentially shaped by the surge of hormones released by the placenta during pregnancy.
Numerous theories have emerged regarding the evolution of the human brain, yet it remains one of science’s greatest enigmas. The social brain hypothesis posits that our expansive brains evolved to navigate complicated social interactions. This suggests that managing dynamics in larger groups necessitates enhanced cognitive abilities, and that species with strong social inclinations require increased brain development. Comparable highly social animals, like dolphins and elephants, possess significant brain sizes too; however, the biological mechanisms linking these features are still unclear.
Recently, Alex Tsompanidis from Cambridge University and his team propose that a placental sex hormone might be the key. The placenta, a temporary organ bridging the fetus and the mother, releases hormones crucial for fetal development, including sex hormones like estrogens and androgens.
“It may sound like a stretch, linking human evolution to the placenta,” notes Tsompanidis. “However, we’ve observed fluctuations in these hormone levels in utero and predicted outcomes regarding language and social development, among other areas.”
Recent studies indicate these hormones significantly impact brain development. For instance, a 2022 study revealed that administering androgens like testosterone to brain organoids—a simplified brain model derived from human stem cells—during crucial developmental stages led to an increased number of cortical cells and expansion in regions vital for memory and cognition. Other investigations involving brain organoids have highlighted the importance of estrogens in forming and solidifying neural connections.
Limited evidence suggests that humans experience greater exposure to these hormones during pregnancy compared to non-human primates. A 1983 study indicated that gorillas and chimpanzees excrete 4-5 times less estrogen than pregnant humans. Additionally, human placentas exhibit greater gene activity associated with aromatase—an enzyme converting androgens to estrogens—compared to macaques.
“These hormones appear crucial for brain development. Evidence indicates significantly elevated levels in humans, especially during pregnancy,” asserts Tsompanidis.
This influx of hormones may also clarify why humans form larger social networks. Some evolutionary biologists theorize that differences between sexes are subtler in humans than in other primates, fostering broader social connections. For instance, men and women exhibit greater size similarity in comparison to male and female Neanderthals, suggests Tsompanidis, likely a result of elevated estrogen levels in utero.
“High estrogen levels not only reduce masculinization but may also foster a more interconnected brain,” Tsompanidis explains. “Thus, the drive to elevate estrogen levels promotes social cohesion and interconnectedness, integral to human brain development.”
David Geary from the University of Missouri agrees that placental genes influence human brain development and its evolutionary path. However, he believes the significance of male-male competition in brain and cognitive evolution is often underestimated.
He notes that human males within the same groups tend to exhibit more coordination and less aggression compared to other primates—a trait that may have evolved due to intergroup conflicts. Enhanced teamwork and coordination could significantly benefit survival during life-threatening confrontations.
Our understanding of placental differences among primates remains limited. Many non-human primates, such as chimpanzees, consume their placenta post-birth, complicating research efforts, as Tsompanidis highlights.
Unraveling the factors that influenced human brain evolution is not merely an academic endeavor; it also brings insights into human nature.
“Not every human possesses extensive social or linguistic skills, and that’s perfectly acceptable—these traits don’t define humanity,” Tsompanidis remarks. Understanding the brain’s evolutionary journey can illuminate whether certain cognitive attributes come with trade-offs.
At the age of seven or eight, my father, an expert in biology, brought home what I initially assumed was just a jar full of sticks. To my surprise, when they began to move, he informed me they were actually stick insects. I found them fascinating; they may not have been cute, but they had a unique charm. They were undeniably cool.
It seems I was ahead of my time. Recently, two Belgian teenagers were released from a Kenyan prison after paying fines related to wildlife copyright violations. They admitted to trying to smuggle 5,000 ants out of the country. Such actions are part of the growing global trade in exotic pets, often reported as “booming”. Their catch included the giant African harvester ants (Messor cephalotes), which can sell for around £170 in the UK.
Ants are just one type of invertebrate being traded and kept as pets. Other creatures in this menagerie include spiders, scorpions, various beetles, cockroaches, grasshoppers, snails, slugs, and stick insects.
Recent research has identified that almost 1,000 invertebrate species are involved in the exotic pet market. Some are traded legally, while others are illegal. The giant African harvester ant is a protected species in Kenya.
Keeping invertebrates as pets might seem like an innocent hobby, but it can have serious implications for biodiversity. Estimates suggest that two-thirds of the arachnids sold are poached from the wild. In Mexico, the population of Brachypelma tarantulas has significantly declined due to overharvesting. Additionally, poachers targeting troglobionts—species adapted to living in caves—in the limestone karsts of southeastern Europe have pushed some insect populations towards extinction.
Unsustainable harvesting further disrupts ecosystems. Invertebrates serve as crucial food sources for many vertebrates and play significant roles in vital ecosystem functions like decomposition and nutrient cycling.
Poaching destroys habitats, harming not only the target animals but also the ecosystems where they reside. Many tarantulas inhabit bromeliads, which also provide shelter for frogs and other creatures. According to Caroline Sayari Fukushima from Tarantupedia, poachers damage these plants, killing them along with the animals relying on them. In some regions, pitfall traps set by poachers are responsible for the deaths of thousands of non-target species.
In Mexico, overharvesting of tarantulas has led to significant population declines.
Exotic invertebrates are also a threat to their new environments. Of the ant species currently being traded, 57 have been classified as invasive by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), with 13 identified as some of the worst invaders.
Halting this trade is exceedingly challenging. A Kenyan judge sentenced a Belgian national to a fine of 1 million Kenyan Shillings (£5,700) to signal that wildlife trafficking is intolerable. Nevertheless, smuggling persists. I have discovered numerous websites promoting the giant African harvester ant, which is native only to East Africa.
A Belgian teenager was caught attempting to smuggle invertebrates; as noted in a 2022 study on the global arachnid trade, smuggling these pets is relatively easier than trafficking other animals. They are small, easily concealed, and can evade detection by airport x-ray machines or thermal cameras. Customs officials often lack the necessary taxonomic expertise, allowing protected species to be misidentified as legal imports.
This situation exemplifies the age-old issues of greed, exploitation, and environmental destruction. However, it doesn’t have to remain this way. Biologists suggest that the invertebrate trade can be sustainable. By responsibly harvesting wild species, we can support the livelihoods of some of the world’s poorest communities while minimizing harmful practices like illegal logging. Increased awareness of the trade has spurred much-needed research on the conservation status of various species, bringing attention to those historically overlooked by organizations such as the IUCN.
Collectors often share a genuine interest in the incredible diversity of our planet and can play a role in conservation efforts. They should be encouraged to pursue their hobby within a well-regulated framework that ensures non-invasive and sustainably sourced invertebrates. While I won’t be acquiring any more stick insects, they certainly ignited my interest in nature.
Graham’s Week
What I’m reading
Many Things Under the Rock: The Mystery of the Octopus by David Scheel.
What I’m watching
Survivors on Netflix.
What I’m working on
The York Festival of Ideas is happening this week, so I’m exploring stories and events for inspiration… uh… ideas.
Graham Lawton is a staff writer for New Scientist and author of Must Not Grumble: The Surprising Science of Everyday Ailments. You can follow him @grahamlawton
The Lizard Peninsula in Cornwall has rocks capable of producing hydrogen gas
PIO3/SHUTTERSTOCK
Recent discoveries of small amounts of underground hydrogen gas have sparked a global search for a potential zero carbon fuel source, yet the UK has largely been overlooked by prospectors.
According to a Briefing from the Royal Society on natural hydrogen production, the lack of exploration is not due to geological factors. “There are rocks that could produce hydrogen, but no research has been conducted,” states Barbara Sherwood Lollar, who contributed to a report at the University of Toronto.
The UK also doesn’t lack interest in gas. The latest Hydrogen Strategy highlights its crucial role in achieving the ambition of becoming a clean energy superpower through low-carbon production methods for heavy industry and transportation, yet natural hydrogen is not mentioned as a potential source.
Novelty plays a role in this oversight, according to Philip Ball, who contributed to the report and invests in natural hydrogen firms at Keele University. “Essentially no one is paying attention. There’s no regulation for this emerging sector, and there’s a lack of understanding.”
However, the situation may be changing. Ball notes that several companies have obtained rights to explore hydrogen in parts of the UK, including Devon in the southwest, while multiple universities conduct related research. The UK Geological Survey is also delving into the country’s potential for natural hydrogen, drawing on a wealth of existing geological data.
There is reason to believe that natural hydrogen exists beneath the surface. A report by the Royal Society notes that certain types of rocks, particularly iron-rich super-solid rocks, can generate hydrogen when interacting with water. Such formations are found in locations like the Lizard Peninsula in Cornwall and Scotland’s Shetland Islands. Geoplasms in areas like the North Pennines could also yield hydrogen through the breakdown of water molecules via natural radioactivity.
“It will definitely be found in the UK,” Ball asserts. “The question remains whether it will be economically viable.”
If hydrogen is discovered in the UK, expectations should be tempered; Sherwood Lollar emphasizes that one of the report’s goals was to correct some exaggerated claims about natural hydrogen, such as the concept of massive quantities of gas continually rising from the Earth’s mantle and core.
Nonetheless, it is critical to consider conservative estimates of the hydrogen production within the Earth’s crust. The report indicates that around 1 million tonnes of hydrogen permeates the crust annually. “Even capturing a fraction of this could significantly contribute to the hydrogen economy,” Sherwood Lollar states.
Afforestation Initiative in British Columbia, Canada
James McDonald/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Achieving sufficient tree planting to counterbalance the climate effects of fossil fuel combustion is nearly unfeasible. The land required to offset around 182 billion tonnes of carbon contained in the reserves of the world’s leading fossil fuel companies exceeds the available area of North and Central America combined.
In a study, Alain Naef from France’s Essec Business School, along with his team, assessed the economic viability of offsetting the carbon emissions originating from the oil, gas, and coal reserves owned by the top 200 fossil fuel firms.
The research indicates that newly planted trees must cover an area greater than 24.75 million square kilometers, equivalent to all land in North, Central, and South America, to mitigate the effects of burning these fossil fuel reserves.
Such a scale of afforestation is impractical, necessitating significant relocations of communities, agricultural lands, and other existing ecosystems.
“There isn’t enough available land to accommodate the requisite planting needed to offset emissions tied to fossil fuels,” states Rich Collet White, a British energy analyst at Carbon Tracker. “Attempting to achieve such extensive planting could drive food prices up due to farmland being converted to forest, or lead to deforestation elsewhere.”
Simultaneously, the financial implications of implementing such widespread planting initiatives are staggering. The cost to plant trees is approximately $16 per tonne equivalent of carbon offset. At this rate, it was calculated that offsetting emissions from fossil fuel reserves using trees could negate the entire market value of 64% of the largest fossil fuel corporations, excluding the costs associated with land acquisition.
If higher carbon prices highlight the adverse social and economic effects of burning fossil fuels, the results indicate that many companies might face bankruptcy.
Naef and his associates recognize the slim probability of fossil fuel companies opting to voluntarily offset reserve emissions. They assert that their study is more of a thought experiment aimed at indicating why offsets shouldn’t be leveraged to allow the fossil fuel industry to persist. “The crucial takeaway from this paper is that oil and gas should remain untapped underground,” Naef emphasized during a press briefing on June 18th.
Tim Leyden, representing Trillion Trees, a UK-based tree planting initiative, concurs. “Tree planting should not serve as a substitute for the urgent cessation of fossil fuel use nor as a strategy for decarbonizing our economy,” he asserts.
Illustration of CAR T-cell therapy targeting multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer
Nemes Laszlo/Alamy
CAR T-cell therapy has the potential to transform cancer treatment. This innovative treatment genetically alters immune cells to combat diseases but is both complex and costly. Researchers have recently achieved the ability to develop personalized therapies within the bodies of non-human animals.
This form of treatment is primarily accessible in the UK and the US for select patients with various blood cancers, such as certain leukemias, where B cells—crucial immune components—grow uncontrollably. The process entails extracting T cells from a patient’s blood, genetically modifying them to target and destroy B cells, then duplicating and reintroducing these modified cells back into the patient’s body.
Nonetheless, this method is time-intensive. “You need to take the blood and send it to the Central Manufacturing Institute before it can be returned,” explains Carl June from the University of Pennsylvania. “This makes scaling the process challenging.” Additionally, the treatment comes at a steep price: over $500,000 per patient.
In search of a more efficient method, June and his team focused on gene molecules that deliver instructions to produce proteins that target B cells. They encapsulated these molecules in fat droplets, allowing entry into T cells, where they can identify and eliminate B cells. However, this effect is temporary, as the RNA code degrades within a week.
The researchers injected cancerous human B cells and healthy T cells into mice lacking an immune system. After a week, they administered five fat droplets to these mice over a span of two weeks, with some receiving higher doses.
Three weeks later, the mice that received the highest dose displayed no detectable tumor cells and no side effects. “The level of tumor cells was as minimal as we could measure,” remarks June.
The team also administered fat droplets to 22 healthy monkeys, resulting in the production of CAR T cells within their bodies and completely eradicating all B cells within just one day. Although B cells are essential for antibody production, the treatment was well tolerated by all but one monkey, which experienced a severe inflammatory response.
“This is truly remarkable,” says Karin Straathof from University College London. This could represent a significantly easier and more affordable method for implementing CAR T-cell therapy, she asserts.
However, one downside of standard CAR T-cell therapies is their ability to provide long-lasting protection, notes Straathof. The newly developed technique temporarily produces these cells; if cancer returns, additional treatments will be necessary. Furthermore, the effectiveness and safety of this approach in humans remain unverified, pending clinical trials.
June confirms that the team is currently testing the method in healthy humans. “The first patient was treated in the past few weeks,” he states.
How does the brain encourage us to make up for our sleep loss?
Connect Images/Getty images
Researchers have identified mouse neurons that assist the brain in managing and recovering from sleep debt. Similar pathways exist in humans and could enhance treatments for conditions associated with sleep disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease.
Everyone knows the struggle of sleep debt — the difference between the sleep one needs and what one gets. However, the mechanisms through which the brain tracks sleep loss have remained largely unclear.
Mark Woo from Johns Hopkins University and his team investigated the brain pathways of mice associated with sleep by injecting tracers into 11 brain regions known to promote sleep. The tracers revealed connections to 22 regions linked to four sleep-promoting areas.
Previous studies concentrated on a limited number of unidentified regions. A method known as chemogenetics was utilized, administering specialized drugs to the mice that activated particular areas of the brain. The mice were divided into 11 groups of 3-4 and different regions were stimulated in each group.
Interestingly, an area called the thalamic nuclear reuniens proved to be significant. Stimulation of neurons in this region resulted in a substantial increase in REM sleep for the mice — about twice as much as non-stimulated counterparts. However, it took a few hours for the stimulated mice to fall asleep, during which they exhibited signs of readiness to rest.
“When you go to sleep, you likely engage in routines like brushing your teeth, washing your face, or fluffing your pillow. Mice do something similar; they groom themselves and prepare their nests,” says Wu. This suggests that these neurons are not simple on/off switches for sleep but rather promote drowsiness.
Support for this theory came from another experiment where deactivating thalamic nuclear cells in six sleep-deprived mice resulted in decreased drowsiness. These mice were more active and nested less than the control group, averaging 10% less non-REM sleep.
Additional tests have indicated that these neurons activate during sleep deprivation and become silent when sleep begins.
Collectively, these findings indicate that this brain region not only triggers sleepiness but also facilitates recovery sleep following sleep loss, according to Wu. Targeting these neurons could lead to new therapies for sleep disorders characterized by excessive drowsiness after rest, as well as conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, where individuals struggle with sleep.
However, it’s uncertain if equivalent brain circuits exist in humans. William Gialdino from Stanford University expresses caution, stating that while the immediate effects of sleep deprivation are being studied, the long-term consequences may differ significantly from those observed in humans experiencing chronic sleep loss.
The renowned “Harbinclanium” dates back at least 146,000 years, previously classified as a distinct species: Homo Longhi.
Reconstruction of Harbin’s individuals in his habitat. Image credit: Chuang Zhao.
The skull of Harbin was unearthed in 1933 during the construction of a bridge over the Songhua River in Harbin city, Jiangxi Province, China.
Due to systematic recovery processes over extensive periods, precise locations and data pertaining to the fossil layers were unfortunately lost.
The fossils are notably large, surpassing all other archaic humans, exhibiting a low and elongated shape that lacks the rounded contours typical of modern human crania.
Features include a large, nearly square eye socket, a pronounced brow ridge, a wide mouth, and prominent teeth.
The cranial capacity is estimated at 1,420 mL, aligning within the ranges of Homo sapiens, Neanderthals, and surpassing earlier Homo species.
This specimen, often referred to as the “Dragon Man” fossil, likely represents individuals under the age of 50.
In a recent study, Dr. Qiaomiei Fu from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and his colleague from the Institute for Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleontology performed a detailed analysis of the fossils and their dental calculus.
They identified over 308,000 peptides, around 20,000 proteins, and confirmed the presence of 95 endogenous proteins.
Additionally, they found 122 single amino acid polymorphisms (SAPs) unique to humanity, reaffirming the classification of the Harbin specimens within the Homo genus.
Significantly, three variants unique to Denisovans were identified, establishing a phylogenetic connection between the Harbin fossil and Denisova 3, small fragments from Denisova Cave.
“Prior to this discovery, Denisovan fossils were sparse and fragmented, complicating our understanding of their morphology and evolutionary background,” the researchers stated.
“The Harbin Fossils, identified as a new species Homo Longhi, exhibit crucial morphological similarities to Denisovan remains found elsewhere.”
Harbin’s personal portrait. Image credit: Cicero Moraes, doi: 10.6084/m9.figshare.24648591.
The researchers also successfully extracted mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) from the dental calculus of the fossil.
The findings confirmed that Harbin individuals belonged to the early mtDNA lineage of Denisovans.
“The mtDNA aligns with the variability observed in Denisovan mtDNA and is associated with the lineage carried by early Denisovan individuals in southern Siberia, previously identified in Denisova Caves,” the authors mentioned.
“This indicates that Denisovans occupied a broad geographical range across Asia during the mid-Pleistocene.”
The detection of Denisovan mtDNA in Harbin’s skull aids in linking Denisovans with distinct morphological traits and recognizing other specimens as Denisovan, particularly when ancient DNA is either poorly preserved or challenging to procure.
For instance, fossils from Dali, Jinniushan, and Hualongdong display comparable morphological features to the Harbin skull, suggesting they may represent the Denisovan population.
“The connection between Denisovan mtDNA and Harbin skull morphology enhances our understanding of the morphological relationships between Denisovans and other central Pleistocene fossils in East Asia,” the researchers concluded.
“Moreover, exploring host DNA from dental calculus opens new avenues for genetic research related to the mid-Pleistocene.”
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Qiaomei Fu et al. Harbin’s personal proteome from the late Pleistocene. Science published online on June 18th, 2025. doi:10.1126/science.adu9677
Qiaomei Fu et al. Denisovan mitochondrial DNA from the dental calculus of the Harbin skull, over 146,000 years old. Cell published online on June 18th, 2025. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2025.05.040
The finest science is not just intelligent—it’s extraordinary. Don’t take our word for it! For 28 years, Wellcome has hosted its annual photography competition, showcasing impactful images that highlight health, science, and medicine.
The Wellcome Photography Prize delves into various topics, including mental health care and the everyday experiences of living with disabilities. This year, we’re thrilled to reintroduce the biomedical imaging category, offering a chance to appreciate the beauty of science alongside intricate medical visuals. Additional categories include “Solo Photography” and “Storytelling Series.”
Among the highlights is the first non-invasive image of microplastics buried within human skin and a poignant journey to the Peruvian Andes, where Indigenous farmers combine traditional wisdom with innovative science to combat water pollution.
The winners will be unveiled on July 16th, 2025, followed by a free public exhibition at the Francis Crick Institute in London from July 17th to October 18th.
A total of 25 images have secured the prestigious top prize this year. And here’s our favorite.
Blooming Barrier by Lucy Holland
Tissue samples taken from infants affected by Hirschsprung’s disease, a condition impacting goblet cell development and leading to long-term digestive issues. – Photo Credit: Lucy Holland/Wellcome Photography Prize 2025
From Butterflies to Humans by Amaia Alcalde Anton
This image captures the brain of a metamorphosing butterfly, where new neurons are generated through neurogenesis—a process observed in various species during growth and maturity. – Photo Credit: Amaia Alcalde Anton/Wellcome Photography Prize 2025
I Have You Under My Skin: Microplastics in Mammalian Tissues by P Stephen Patrick and Olumide Ogunlade
This groundbreaking non-invasive image reveals the presence of turquoise plastic particles deep within a living mouse. Biomedical researchers Patrick and Ogunlade have pioneered photoacoustic imaging techniques that utilize laser interactions with samples to visualize microplastics. – Photo Credit: P. Stephen Patrick and Olumide Ogunlade/Wellcome Photography Prize 2025
Liver Cholesterol by Steve Gschmeissner
This depiction by Steve Gschmeissner illustrates blue cholesterol crystals in a human liver, with lipid cell structures. The lipid droplet measures approximately 12 micrometers wide. – Photo Credit: Steve Gschmeissner/Wellcome Photography Prize 2025
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Submarine Heat by Jander Matos and Joaquim Nascimento
Captured by researchers Jander Matos and Joaquim Nascimento at the Bioimaging Lab in Brazil, this image reveals the egg (0.56 mm wide) of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, a known carrier of diseases such as dengue and Zika. The yellow details in the egg indicate nodules that provide nutrients for survival in water. – Photo Credit: Jander Matos and Joaquim Nascimento/Wellcome Photography Prize 2025
Organoids by Oliver Mex and Nicole Ottawa
Photographed by Oliver Mex alongside biologist Nicole Ottawa, this organoid mimics the uterine lining and is colored for realistic representation. The organoid measures 0.2 mm in width. – Photo Credit: Oliver Mex and Nicole Ottawa/Welcome Photography Award 2025
Brixton Road, Lambeth in Southern London by Marina Vitaglione
Created by Marina Vitaglione in collaboration with Joseph Levermore and scientists from the Imperial College Environmental Research Group, this image visualizes contaminating particles (less than 0.01 mm) magnified from Brixton Road, London. It highlights these “invisible killers.” – Photo Credit: Marina Vitaglione/Wellcome Photography Prize 2025
Ice and Fire Record by Ingrid Augusto, Kildare Rocha de Miranda, and Vania Da Silva Vieira
This image illustrates the internal structure of *Trypanosoma cruzi*, the parasite responsible for Chagas disease, which is transmitted through contaminated food or bites from certain insects. Untreated, it can lead to serious cardiac and digestive conditions. – Photo Credit: Ingrid Augusto, Kildare Rocha de Miranda, Vania Da Silva Vieira/Wellcome Photography Prize 2025
Nemo’s Garden by Giacomo D’Orlando
Nemo’s Garden is the pioneering underwater greenhouse system located in Liguria, Italy, designed to explore agricultural solutions for regions facing challenges in plant cultivation. The findings showcase how submerged plants possess higher antioxidant levels than their land-grown counterparts, aiding in drug development. – Photo Credit: Giacomo D’Orlando/Wellcome Photography Prize 2025
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Ciril Jazbec’s Dream of Curing Water
This series by Slovenian documentary photographer Ciril Jazbec investigates the health impacts of rapidly melting glaciers in the Cordillera Blanca Mountain Range, threatening water supplies with heavy metals accumulated over centuries. Peru houses most of the world’s tropical glaciers, vital for mountain farming communities. Climate change has led to a 40% reduction in glacier surface area since the 1970s. – Photo Credit: Ciril Jazbec / Wellcome Photography Prize 2025
Stereo EEG Self-Portrait by Muir Vidler
This self-portrait by UK photographer Muir Vidler captures his experience after electrode implantation into the brain for epilepsy treatment—a procedure used when medication fails. He documented this photo on the first day following electrode insertion, which he had to keep for a week. – Photo Credit: Muir Vidler / Wellcome Photography Prize 2025
Find a Life by Sandipani Chattopadhyay
This poignant image shows locals gathering water from the riverbed in Purulia, West Bengal, India. Climate change has disrupted the monsoon patterns, leading to dry rivers and forcing many communities to search for drinkable water. – Photo Credit: Sandipani Chattopadhyay / Wellcome Photography Prize 2025
This Is Endometriosis – 2014 – 2022: Five Years by Georgie Wilman
This self-portrait by UK photographer Georgie Wilman notes the dates of her scars resulting from endometriosis surgery. Affecting one in ten women and females assigned at birth, endometriosis is often downplayed as “painful periods,” a phrase that fails to encapsulate its severity, which causes internal bleeding and damage to organs. Wilman’s imagery powerfully conveys the struggles and impacts of living with endometriosis. – Photo Credit: Georgie Wileman / Wellcome Photography Prize 2025
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Beautiful Disasters by Alexandru Popescu
This aerial view depicts a former village in the Loopa area, Transylvania, Romania. In 1977, Nicolae Ceaușescu forcibly relocated its 1,000 residents to create a toxic waste lake linked to Roșia Poieni copper mine. The lake grows approximately 100 cm annually, jeopardizing local groundwater quality. – Photo Credit: Alexandru Popescu / Wellcome Photography Prize 2025
A recent study by paleontologists integrated data on the ancient climate of a specific region with fossil distribution information regarding Triassic eye pteraurauromorphs (pterosaurs + lagerpetids).
Foffa et al. Lagerpetids, alongside overall pterygoid morphospace, likely thrived in southwestern Pangaea (i.e. modern-day South America), indicating that pterosaurs may have originated at lower latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere. Image credit: James Kuether.
“Pterosaurs were the first vertebrates to evolve powered flight more than 60 million years ago—the oldest known birds,” stated Davide Foffa, a paleontologist from the University of Birmingham.
“Nevertheless, our comprehension of early pterosaur evolution is constrained by significant temporal and anatomical gaps separating these highly adapted flying reptiles from their closest terrestrial relatives.”
“The fossil records for pterosaurs and their related species remain incomplete, and fundamental aspects of early evolution, including timing, domains of existence, initial radiation, and the ecological context of paleontology, are not well understood compared to other contemporary groups such as dinosaurs.”
The researchers concentrated on the distribution of two closely related groups: Pterosaurs and Lagerpetids.
“Lagerpetids existed roughly 240 million years ago as a group of agile reptiles that lived in smaller land areas and among trees,” they noted.
“These small terrestrial reptiles are now recognized as the closest relatives to pterosaurs, and this study shows they endured a wider range of climatic conditions than their aerial counterparts, including the arid landscapes of ancient Pangaea.”
“This adaptability resulted in a broader distribution of this group.”
“Conversely, pterosaurs seemed to be restricted to humid environments found in limited regions of the ancient world, as evidenced by fossils discovered in modern-day Italy, Austria, and the southwestern United States.
During the late Triassic period, global climatic conditions began to change, with an increase in warm and humid environments outside the equatorial region.
This shift provided an opportunity for flying reptiles to expand across the globe, including present-day high-latitude areas such as Greenland and South America.
“While dinosaurs roamed the Earth, I find it fascinating to envision that these formidable reptiles ruled the skies during that era,” remarked Dr. Foffa.
“However, the origins of pterosaurs remain cloaked in mystery. Our research contributes new insights into this puzzle, proposing that early evolution among groups was likely influenced by shifting climates and environments during the Triassic.”
“Climate change significantly affects biodiversity, both today and throughout geological history,” stated Dr. Emma Dunn, a paleontologist at Friedrich Alexander Universitat Erlangen Nurnberg.
“Recent advancements in modeling techniques have enabled paleontologists to better understand how climate change has shaped the biodiversity of significant fossil groups like pterosaurs in just the past few years.”
“The combination of ecological models and fossil data is emphasized by Dr. Alessandro Chiarenza, paleontologist at University College London, who noted:
“Lagerpetids flourished as generalists, while pterosaurs, initially constrained to a humid tropical niche with possibly limited flight capabilities, occupied equatorial territories.”
“As the climate transformed and forest corridors emerged, their wings propelled them to every corner of the planet, ultimately allowing them to survive one of Earth’s greatest extinctions.”
“What started as a tale of lost fossils is evolving into a paradigmatic example of how paleoclimate, past climate, and evolutionary innovations intertwine, illuminating the complex history that has fascinated paleontologists for over two centuries.”
Study published in the journal Natural Ecology and Evolution.
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D. Foffa et al. Paleobiogeography of climate drivers and lagerpetids and early pterosaurs. Nat Ecol Evol published online on June 18th, 2025. doi:10.1038/s41559-025-02767-8
While silicon has propelled advancements in semiconductor technology through miniaturization, the need for new materials is essential due to scaling challenges. Two-dimensional (2D) materials, characterized by their atomic thickness and high carrier mobility, offer an exciting alternative. A leading researcher in Pennsylvania has successfully created a basic computer utilizing 2D materials.
This conceptual diagram of a 2D molecule-based computer features an actual scanning electron microscope image of a computer developed by Ghosh et al. Image credit: Krishnendu Mukhopadhyay/Penn State.
“Silicon has been at the forefront of significant electronic advancements for decades by enabling the ongoing miniaturization of field effect transistors (FETs),” states Professor Saptalcidas of Pennsylvania.
“FETs utilize an electric field to manage current flow, activated by applied voltage.”
“Nevertheless, as silicon devices shrink, their performance tends to decline.”
“In contrast, two-dimensional materials retain outstanding electronic characteristics at atomic thickness, making them a promising avenue forward.”
In the complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) architecture, Professor Das and his team have engineered transistors from two different 2D materials to manage current flow effectively.
“In CMOS technology, coordination between N-type and P-type semiconductors is critical for achieving high performance with low energy consumption. This challenge has posed significant obstacles in surpassing silicon,” remarked Professor Das.
“Previous investigations have showcased small circuits using 2D materials, yet scaling these findings into complex, functional computers has proven challenging.”
“This marks a significant achievement in our research. We are the first to create a CMOS computer entirely constructed from 2D materials.”
Researchers have synthesized extensive sheets of disulfide and tungsten diselenide through metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). This manufacturing technique involves evaporating materials, initiating chemical reactions, and depositing them onto a substrate to fabricate each type of transistor.
Meticulous adjustments in device fabrication and post-processing steps enabled us to fine-tune the threshold voltages for both the N and P transistors, which facilitated the creation of fully operational CMOS logic circuits.
“Our 2D CMOS computers function at low supply voltages with minimal power usage and can execute basic logic operations at frequencies reaching 25 kilohertz.”
“Although the operating frequency is lower than that of traditional silicon CMOS circuits, a computer known as a single instruction set computer can perform fundamental logic operations.”
“We have also devised computational models calibrated with experimental data, accounting for inter-device variations and predicting the performance of 2D CMOS computers in comparison to top-notch silicon technology.”
“While there remains room for further optimization, this work represents a crucial milestone in harnessing 2D materials to propel advancements in electronics.”
The team’s research was published this month in the journal Nature.
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S. Ghosh et al. 2025. One instruction set computer based on complementary two-dimensional material. Nature 642, 327-335; doi:10.1038/s41586-025-08963-7
Recently discovered fossil specimens of the Monsters include new genera and species, Borguamondor, found in southern Utah’s magnificent Kaiparowitz Formation at Escalante National Monument. These specimens highlight the remarkable diversity of these large lizards during the late North American period.
Reconstruction of Borguamondor‘s life. Image credit: Cullen Townsend.
Borguamondor existed in North America during the Cretaceous Campania period, approximately 72 million years ago.
These ancient reptiles represent a portion of the evolution of large-bodied lizards known as the Monsters. One of the most notable examples is the Gira monster, which still inhabits deserts where new species have been rediscovered.
“According to Monster Aurus Hank Wooley, a paleontologist at the Dinosaur Institute:
“They have a lineage spanning about 100 million years, but their fossil records remain largely incomplete. Discoveries like Borguamondor are significant in understanding these remarkable lizards, which would have appeared monstrous to us.”
“With an estimated length of about 1 m (3 feet), depending on the size of the tail and body, it may have been even larger.”
“In comparison to modern lizards, it was a large creature, akin to a monitor lizard inhabiting the savanna.
Related skeletal remains of Borguamondor, including skulls, vertebrae, girdles, limbs, and osteoderm fragments, were discovered starting in 2005 at the Kaiparowits Formation in Utah.
“Dr. Randy Ilmith, a paleontologist at the University of Utah, commented on Borguamondor:
Other fossils retrieved by the team include heavily armored skull bones, suggesting that ancient, seasonally tropical forests in southern Utah were home to at least three distinct types of large predatory lizards.
“Despite their size, the skeletal remains of these lizards are incredibly rare; most fossil records are based on isolated bones and teeth,” noted Dr. Joe Celtic, a paleontologist at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute and Colorado State University.
“The exceptional fossil record of large lizards from the Grand Stair Escalante National Monument may indicate that they were a typical part of the dinosaur-dominated ecosystem in North America, playing a vital role as small predators hunting for eggs and smaller animals in Lalamidia forests.”
“The identification of this new species within the Monsters category suggests the potential for undiscovered large lizards from the late Cretaceous period,” the researchers remarked.
“Moreover, this discovery underscores that there remains untapped diversity yet to be uncovered both in the field and within paleontological collections.”
“The closest known relatives of Borguamondor are found across the planet in the Asian Gobi Desert.”
“It has been widely recognized that these creatures traversed the former Cretaceous continents, which were once interconnected. The discovery of Borguamondor suggests that smaller animals also migrated, indicating a broader biogeographical pattern among terrestrial vertebrates during this era.”
Survey results will be published in the journal Royal Society Open Science.
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C. Henrik Woolley et al. 2025. New specimens of Monstaurus from the Kaiparowitz Formation in Utah reveal the unexpected diversity of ancient large lizards in late North America. R. Soc. Open SCI 12(6): 250435; doi: 10.1098/rsos.250435
Few can easily embrace the desire for revenge, yet it’s undeniable that some of us are drawn to it.
From President Donald Trump’s advocacy against what he perceives as the “cancel culture” in social media, to the potential motivation behind the cutting down of the iconic British Sycamore Gap Tree, the concept of revenge certainly appears to be more influential than love as a force for change in the world. One might even ponder if it borders on an addiction.
James Kimmel Jr. is passionate about uncovering solutions. Convinced that if our world cannot become more compassionate, we must take action. His new book, The Science of Revenge: Understanding the World’s Most Fatal Addiction – and How to Overcome It, represents a culmination of his efforts over the past decade to delve deep into the neuroscience of revenge and its devastating costs.
One cannot overlook Kimmel’s impressive credentials as a psychiatry instructor at Yale University, where he leads research on motivation and behavioral control. As a former civil litigator who dealt with non-criminal disputes, he witnessed firsthand how the legal system can be manipulated to settle personal scores and punish perceived adversaries, particularly by those in positions of wealth and influence.
Kimmel gained insight into these impulses through his experiences. Growing up in rural Pennsylvania during the early 1980s, he faced bullying and had his family extorted. Their dogs were killed, and after an explosion involving their mailbox, a teenage Kimmel found himself grappling with these pressures, though he refrained from acting violently.
Nevertheless, he admits that his unresolved grievances led him to pursue a career in law—a “professional revenge business.” Following a mental breakdown, he began to study what he refers to as “revenge addiction,” ultimately shifting his focus toward psychiatric treatment.
Today, Kimmel identifies as a “recovering revenge addict” and a determined researcher aiming to present a case for viewing “obsessive revenge” as both an addiction and a neurological disorder.
Kimmel posits that the desire for revenge is experienced in some brains similarly to the effects of drugs.
He argues that such cravings activate the brain’s reward pathways, blunting impulse control and acting as a biological response akin to pain relief and pleasure. This notion not only clarifies the “urge to retaliate” but also implies a possible method to mitigate violence. By identifying individuals who often feel victimized, professionals may preemptively address grievances, potentially curbing mass shootings and other tragic acts of violence.
To substantiate his assertions, Kimmel references numerous studies on reward, revenge, and forgiveness. He takes an insightful approach toward their limitations and addresses skepticism from experts.
However, his interpretation of revenge as a catalyst for “all wars, murders, and assaults throughout human history” could polarize readers and spark debate.
Kimmel acknowledges the role of “genetic predispositions, early traumas, or psychosocial factors,” asserting that revenge addiction shouldn’t excuse violent behaviors. Yet, this notion can mistakenly arise, particularly when he compares a potentially lethal “yearning for revenge” to the seriousness of heart attacks.
This perspective may be perplexing and insensitive. Kimmel is most compelling when recounting stories of individuals who have freed themselves from lives dominated by hatred. Yet, his fixation on revenge as the sole origin of evil tends to overlook the complexities of other contributing factors, such as misogyny and childhood abuse.
His analysis of the motivations behind the actions of mass murderers and historical figures like Adolf Hitler, Joseph Stalin, and Mao Zedong feels overly simplistic when framed solely through the lens of revenge addiction. While revenge has undoubtedly appeared as a motivating force throughout history, Kimmel might be too close to his central theme to fully appreciate its multifaceted nature.
Elle Hunt is a writer based in Norwich, UK
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What are your plans for later? Will you explore the Van Gogh landscapes, embark on a journey through ancient Egypt, or attend posthumous performances of your favorite musicians? These “immersive” experiences are increasingly prevalent, offering the tantalizing promise of placing us at the center of their narratives. The global immersive entertainment market is expected to be around $114 billion by 2024, and it could nearly quadruple to approximately $442 billion by 2030.
As both a journalist and a devoted fan of pop culture, I am captivated yet apprehensive about immersive entertainment. My most unforgettable experiences have been deeply personal and emotionally charged, leading to exhilaration, tears, and even moments of “cybersickness.” When immersed in these stories, particularly those conveyed through headsets, we find ourselves escaping the constraints of real time, a significant part of their allure.
However, my concern lies not just in escapism—great culture liberates us from the confines of daily life—but in the sense of isolation it can foster. Immersive events can often heighten individual experiences while diminishing the communal energy that nurtures a sociable atmosphere. As a result, even crowded immersive shows can feel like solitary pursuits, with fellow attendees resembling non-playable characters (NPCs) from video games.
Cultural scholar Kellen Zionz coined the term “narcissistic spectatorship”, which sharply critiques how we consume immersive entertainment. A study found that 83.9% of VR users experienced dissociative symptoms. While the long-term effects remain unclear, research highlights the recurring theme of experiencing and relying on isolation, as seen in a study focused on VR tourists.
One new immersive exhibition at the Barbican Centre in London, Feel the Sound, features imaginative and personalized installations. The “Your Inner Symphony” Sensing Stations generate unique visuals based on your physical responses to music. Luke Kemp, head of Barbican’s immersive programming, notes that these experiences fulfill the need for a “playful” cultural space accessible to everyone, regardless of prior knowledge.
Robyn Landau, co-developer from Kinta Studios of “Your Inner Symphony,” emphasizes a connection to our perception and inner senses. “These transformative experiences that link us to our individual selves fundamentally alter how we view the world and connect with others,” she explains.
Psychologist Sophie Janik Bowles suggests that immersive experiences challenge our processing capabilities, making them engaging. This can have profound restorative effects on our minds, allowing us to detach from everyday worries and become immersed in something cognitively, emotionally, and even physiologically different.
Inspired by the club scene, I was particularly struck by an immersive experience that captured the essence of the dance floor. An exhilarating Pursuing a Repeat Beat event, a multiplayer VR tribute to the UK rave scene, facilitates real-time interaction among groups of participants.
Yet, I sense a paradox within immersive entertainment; the rapidly evolving landscapes raise questions about their ultimate direction. While they offer opportunities for self-tuning, I question whether they enhance our connections with those around us. If we remain entrenched in self-reflection, we risk missing the broader perspective. Immersive entertainment may create a personal VIP experience, but culture ideally should unite us.
Human DNA within cells in its natural state (left) contrasted with its state eight hours after cold sore virus infection (right)
Esther Gonzalez Almera and Alvaro Castells Garcia
Viruses that typically cause herpes can reform their genome within an hour following infection, potentially allowing scientists to address severe cases more effectively.
Billions globally are infected by Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1), often without their knowledge. Transmission occurs via contact with infected saliva or skin around the mouth.
Upon invading a host cell, the virus replicates within the nucleus, where genetic material is preserved among the strands of DNA. These strands surround proteins, with some sections tightly coiling to deactivate genes while others form looser loops where genes remain active. In these less dense areas, proteins can transcribe DNA into messenger RNA, encoding for a protein essential for cellular function.
For further details, consult Alvaro Castells-Garcia at the genome regulatory center in Barcelona, Spain, whose team employs advanced microscopy to investigate HSV-1, infecting human lung cells and observing structures that are 3,500 times thinner than a hair. “This offers a higher resolution than most prior studies,” notes Castells-Garcia.
They discovered that within an hour post-infection, transcription factors were already pilfered from the human genome, corroborating previous findings.
Moreover, this thievery is what appears to cause the host’s DNA to coil more tightly, compressing it to 30% of its volume within 8 hours of infection.
The virus also interacts with specific areas of the host genome that encode the stolen transcription factors, inhibiting activity in those regions and enhancing the expression of genes that facilitate its own growth.
“Previously, I thought the virus made random contacts with the genome,” comments team member Esther Gonzalez Almera at the genome regulation center. “However, it’s clear that viruses specifically target certain regions of their genome, which often contain genes critical to sustaining the infection and producing viral RNA and proteins.”
In another segment of the study, researchers found that utilizing experimental cancer treatments to obstruct one of the transcription factors taken by HSV-1 inhibited its replication in human lung cells in the laboratory. This suggests that such medications could assist in treating HSV-1 in individuals suffering from severe herpes outbreaks and those at higher risk for complications, as González-Almela explains. Mild cases typically resolve without intervention.
This treatment may also be effective against other pathogens, such as adenoviruses that lead to colds, and noroviruses associated with gastroenteritis. “Other viruses similar to HSV-1 may employ analogous strategies,” states Benjamin Krishna from Cambridge University. “These could represent [potential types of experimental drugs] for addressing such cases as well,” he adds.
This VLT/Muse image displays a detailed multi-colored view of NGC 253. Image credit: ESO/Congiu et al.
NGC 253 lies approximately 11.5 million light-years away in the Sculptor constellation.
Commonly referred to as the Silver Coin, Silver Dollar Galaxy, or Sculptor Galaxy, this galaxy was discovered on September 23, 1783, by Caroline Herschel, the sister of William Herschel.
It is one of the brightest members of the Sculptor group of galaxies.
Characterized as a starburst galaxy, it experiences unusually rapid star formation and stellar explosions.
“NGC 253 is one of the largest star-forming galaxies near the Milky Way,” noted ESO astronomer Enrico Kong and his team.
“It also ranks among the largest galaxies in the sky, with apparent dimensions of 42 x 12 arcminutes2.
“With its distinct stellar bars, well-defined spiral arms, and widespread star formation, NGC 253 exemplifies a classic spiral galaxy near the main sequence.”
To create a new image of the galaxy, astronomers dedicated over 50 hours observing it with the VLT’s Muse Instrument.
They needed to stitch together more than 100 exposures to encapsulate an area of approximately 65,000 light-years.
“You can focus on individual regions where stars form at a scale of individual stars, or you can zoom out to view the entire galaxy,” explained Dr. Kathryn Kreckel, an astronomer at the University of Heidelberg.
In their initial data analysis, researchers identified 500 planetary nebulae and regions of gas and dust within NGC 253.
“In areas outside our galaxy, we typically find fewer than 100 detections per galaxy,” remarked Fabian Schuerman, a doctoral student at Heidelberg University.
“Due to the properties of planetary nebulae, they serve as distance markers for host galaxies.”
“By locating the planetary nebulae, we can confirm the distance to the galaxy, which is crucial for other galaxy research.”
“Future projects utilizing maps will investigate gas flows and how their composition influences star formation across this galaxy.”
“It remains a mystery why such a minor process can significantly influence galaxies that are thousands of times larger,” stated Dr. Kong.
Pre-contact Central and South American dogs (Canis Familiaris) – These are all dogs that existed prior to the arrival of European settlers, originating from a single maternal lineage that spread into North America. A recent study led by researchers at Oxford University indicates that the divergence times of dog breeds in North, Central, and South America align with the agricultural expansion occurring between 7,000 and 5,000 years ago, particularly highlighting the adoption of corn in South America.
Manin et al. Illustrating the gradual southward spread of dogs alongside early agricultural societies. Artwork by John James Audubon and John Bachman.
“Dogs traveled with the initial waves of people entering North America at least 15,000-16,000 years ago,” stated Oxford University researcher Aurely Mannin and colleagues.
“They were the only type of livestock brought to America from Eurasia before the arrival of European settlers.”
“Archaeological and physical evidence suggests that Arctic dogs were utilized for sledding, aiding groups of humans traversing the frigid tundra of Siberia.”
“Analysis of ancient DNA indicates that all dogs before contact with European settlers possess mitochondrial DNA from a lineage unique to the Americas.”
“Dogs from this lineage disseminated throughout the Americas, with the exception of the Amazon Basin, suggesting they became known only following the arrival of Europeans in the 16th century.”
In this latest study, the authors sequenced 70 complete mitochondrial genomes from both archaeological and modern dogs collected from Central Mexico to Central Chile and Argentina.
The findings indicate that all pre-contact dogs in Central and South America descended from a singular maternal lineage that diverged from North American dogs when humans initially settled the continent.
Instead of a rapid spread, dogs exhibited a slower pattern known as “segregation by distance,” gradually adapting to new environments and migrating with people between 7,000 to 5,000 years ago, coinciding with the rise of corn cultivation in early agricultural communities.
The influx of Europeans brought new dog breeds that predominantly replaced indigenous strains; however, researchers discovered that modern Chihuahuas still retain maternal DNA from pre-contact Mesoamerican ancestors.
These rare genetic traces underscore the enduring legacy of the first American dogs and the deep roots of this iconic breed.
“This research emphasizes the significant role that early agricultural communities played in the dispersal of dogs worldwide,” Dr. Manin remarked.
“In the Americas, it reveals that dogs were able to adapt slowly enough to develop genetic distinctions between North, Central, and South America.”
“This is quite unusual for livestock and unveils new avenues for research into the relationships between dogs and early agricultural societies.”
“This study contributes a new chapter to the extensive shared history of dogs and humans, influenced by migration across continents, survival, and lasting relationships,” the scientists concluded.
Survey results are set to appear in Proceedings of the Royal Society b.
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Aurely Manin et al. 2025. Ancient dog mitogenomes support the double dispersion of dogs and agriculture into South America. Proc. R. Soc. b 292 (2049): 20242443; doi: 10.1098/rspb.2024.2443
LAS VEGAS – The severe heatwave plaguing the Southwest is anticipated to move eastward in the coming days, with temperatures surpassing 90 degrees Fahrenheit expected in the northeast, particularly in parts of New England later this week.
Around 15 million individuals are currently facing extreme heat advisories in eastern California, Nevada, Arizona, and western Texas. Triple-digit temperatures are projected to become widespread throughout the area by Wednesday.
In southern Nevada, temperatures this week may rise up to 12°F above the seasonal average, as reported by the National Weather Service. Nearby Arizona is predicted to see highs reaching 115°F across its southern and central regions.
As the week progresses, this heat will extend into the Midwest and Great Lakes, leading to the region’s first significant heat wave this weekend.
The Weather Service has indicated that record high temperatures are possible from Northern and Eastern Colorado to Nebraska and South Dakota on Thursday, affecting parts of the Great Basin and western South Dakota.
Research indicates that climate change may contribute to more frequent, intense, and prolonged heat waves.
Warm temperatures combined with high humidity will affect the East Coast this weekend and into next week. In major cities like New York City, Boston, and Washington, DC, the thermal index (the combined effect of temperature and humidity on how hot it feels) is expected to reach the mid-90s or higher.
“Starting early next week, we will see a stretch of prolonged hot and humid weather beginning Sunday and lasting through at least mid-week,” according to the New York branch of the Weather Bureau, as noted in a post on X.
Meanwhile, extreme heat is forecasted to persist across southwestern desert regions, including Death Valley, for the remainder of the week, as per the weather services.
Honda’s newest initiative is literally reaching new heights.
On Wednesday, the Japanese automaker revealed that it has successfully developed its own “experimental reusable rocket,” which has completed a landing. According to company representatives, the roughly 21-foot tall booster achieved an altitude of 890 feet before landing vertically.
These test flights indicate that the global landscape of space operations is expanding towards the commercial sector, moving beyond a handful of government agencies.
While Honda has not yet shared specific plans on how it aims to commercialize its rocket technology or the intended applications of its boosters, the initiative is part of Honda’s commitment to “sustainable transport.”
“We view rocket research as a substantial endeavor that leverages Honda’s technological capabilities,” stated Toshihiro Mibe, Honda’s global CEO in a statement.
The test launch and landing occurred on Tuesday at a Honda facility located in Taika Town, Hokkaido Prefecture. The flight duration was 56.6 seconds, with the rocket landing within approximately 15 inches of the designated target area.
Honda aims to achieve a suborbital launch by 2029. This type of flight does not achieve a complete orbit around Earth, but reaches the edge of space at altitudes exceeding 65 miles.
Although Honda initially announced its foray into the space industry in 2021, details about ongoing projects or potential applications remain scarce. The company indicated that this endeavor builds on other Honda initiatives, including efforts related to automated driving systems.
“We are witnessing an exponential increase in data consumption, and the proliferation of satellites has raised expectations for utilizing data systems in space,” noted a company representative in a news release. “Considering this trend, the demand for satellite launch rockets is anticipated to rise significantly in the coming years.”
Reusable rockets are increasingly viewed as a method to enhance the sustainability and cost-efficiency of space launches. US company SpaceX continues to lead the industry with its reusable Falcon 9 rocket, while also developing a next-generation booster known as Starship, which is expected to be fully reusable.
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