The Limited Impact of the Tsunami on the U.S. Does Not Indicate an Inaccurate Forecast

Posted on July 31, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The 8.8 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula generated water waves traveling at jetliner speeds toward Hawaii, California, and Washington states on Wednesday.

Yet, when the tsunami reached the U.S., it appears not to have inflicted widespread devastation, with some areas where warnings were issued showing no signs of significant flooding.

This doesn’t mean the tsunami was a “bust” or poorly predicted, according to earthquake and tsunami researchers.

“When you hear ‘tsunami warning,’ people often think of dramatic scenes from movies, and when it arrives at just three feet, they might wonder, ‘What’s going on?’,” remarked Harold Tobin, director of the Pacific Northwest Earthquake Network and professor at the University of Washington. “We should view this as a success; we received a warning, but the situation wasn’t catastrophic.”

Here’s what you should know.

How intense was the Kamchatka earthquake? What caused the initial discrepancies?

Initially, the US Geological Survey assessed the Kamchatka earthquake at magnitude 8.0, which was later adjusted to 8.8.

“It’s not unusual for major earthquakes to see such adjustments in the first moments,” Tobin explained. “Our standard methods for calculating earthquake sizes can quickly saturate, akin to turning up the volume on a speaker until it distorts.

A buoy measuring the quake, located approximately 275 miles southeast of the Kamchatka Peninsula, gave the first signs of the earthquake, showing bigger waves than the initial report.

This buoy belongs to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s DART (Deep Ocean Assessment and Reporting) system and is connected to a submarine pressure sensor roughly four miles deep.

That sensor detected waves measuring 90 centimeters (over 35 inches), which caught the attention of tsunami researchers.

Vasily Titov, a senior tsunami modeler at NOAA’s Pacific Ocean Environment Research Institute, noted:

Titov reflected on the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, which tragically claimed nearly 16,000 lives in Japan.

Subsequent earthquake models confirmed the Wednesday earthquake’s magnitude as 8.8, as detailed by the USGS calculator.

In comparison, Tohoku was significantly larger.

Tobin estimated that the energy released during the Kamchatka quake was two to three times less than that in Japan, with the tsunami generated there being approximately three times as severe.

He further noted that the Tohoku event “created a notably large seafloor displacement.”

Tobin speculated that the Kamchatka quake likely had less seafloor displacement than what could occur in a worst-case 8.8 scenario, though more research is needed for substantiation.

Emergency services experts assess damage on Sakhalin Island in the Far East post-earthquake.Russia’s Ministry of Emergency via Getty Images / AFP

How did researchers generate predictions? How accurate were they?

Within two hours, researchers produced tsunami predictions for various “warning points” along both the Pacific and US coasts, forecasting tidal gauge and flood levels.

The tsunami took around eight hours to reach Hawaii and twelve hours to arrive at the California coast.

Titov, who assisted in developing the model used by predictors in the National Tsunami Warning Centers in Hawaii and Alaska, explained that the model relies on seismic data and a network of over 70 DART buoys along the Pacific edge. The U.S. operates more than half of these buoys.

Titov indicated that the model projected tsunami waves hitting Hawaii’s North Shore region at approximately two meters.

“Hawaii was predicted to have waves of about 2 meters [6.5 feet], and actual measurements were around 150 centimeters, or 1.5 meters (5 feet). That aligns perfectly with our expectations,” Titov stated.

A similar trend was observed in parts of California, according to Titov.

As assessments of flooding continue to come in, it takes time to determine how well the model performed.

“We know there were floods in Hawaii. We can’t ascertain the full extent yet, but initial reports seem to align closely with our predictions,” Titov shared.

On Wednesday at the Pacifica Municipal Pier Coastline in California, tsunami alerts were triggered following the earthquake.Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images

Why did residents in Hawaii evacuate for a 5-foot wave?

Yong Wei, a tsunami modeler and senior research scientist at the University of Washington and NOAA’s tsunami research center, indicated that 1.5 meters (5 feet) of tsunami waves could be highly perilous, particularly in Hawaii’s shallow waters.

Tsunami waves carry significantly more energy than typical wind-driven waves, possessing shorter wavelengths and durations between waves, resulting in slower speeds.

Wei noted that tsunami waves of this stature could surge several meters inland, producing hazardous currents and endangering boats and other objects.

Visitors stand on the balcony of the Alohilani Resort facing Waikiki Beach in Hawaii, responding to warnings of potential tsunami waves.Nicola Groom / Reuters

“People can get hurt. If you ignore the warning and stay, even a wave of two meters can be deadly,” Wei warned. “Being on the beach can expose you to powerful currents that may pull you into the ocean, which can lead to fatalities.”

Tobin expressed that he viewed the initial warning as conservative yet necessary.

“It’s essential not to belittle warnings. If nothing happens, people shouldn’t think, ‘Oh, we had alerts and nothing transpired.’ Warnings need to be cautious, allowing for some margin of error.”

Was this a significant event?

No. The Kamchatka Peninsula has a long history of seismic activity.

“This area has been slated for another earthquake, with several occurring recently, which indicates a heightened risk,” researchers noted.

In 1952, prior to a robust understanding of plate tectonics, a 9.0 magnitude quake struck the Kamchatka Peninsula in a similar location, resulting in a tsunami that impacted the town of Severokrilsk.

“The Russian populace was caught off guard. It was an immensely powerful quake, leading to a massive tsunami, and they were unprepared,” McInnes shared.

McInnes explained that the tsunami measured between 30 to 60 feet in height in the southern section of the peninsula.

“Thousands perished, and the town suffered considerable destruction,” stated Joanne Bourgeois, a professor emeritus of sedimentology at the University of Washington.

How will the tsunami warning system function if an earthquake threatens your area?

The Kamchatka tsunami arose from a massive earthquake along a subduction zone fault, where one tectonic plate is pushed below another. A comparable fault exists offshore the U.S. West Coast, known as the Cascadia Subduction Zone, stretching from Northern California to Northern Vancouver Island.

“It’s akin to a mirrored image of the Pacific Ocean,” remarked Tobin. “The relatively shallow depth of 8.8 in Cascadia is certainly plausible for a scenario here.”

In fact, Cascadia has the potential to produce significantly larger earthquakes, as modeling suggests it could generate tsunami waves reaching heights of 100 feet.

Typically, earthquakes in subduction zones yield tsunamis that reach the coast within 30 minutes to an hour, and predictions are developing better methods for estimating tsunami impacts along the U.S. West Coast before flooding occurs.

Titov emphasized that enhancing predictions will necessitate advancements in underwater sensors, improved computing infrastructure, and AI algorithms.

Tobin noted that the success of Tuesday’s tsunami warning should inspire more investments in underwater sensors and earthquake monitoring stations along the subduction zones.

“This incident highlights the significant role of NOAA and USGS. Many questioned these agencies’ relevance, but without NOAA, no alert would have been issued. The next warning could be for a more imminent threat. They truly demonstrated their importance,” he asserted.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Newly Discovered Science Stick Insects: Australia’s Heaviest Insects Yet!

Posted on July 31, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Stick insects from seeds Acrofera Alta

Angus Emmott/James Cook University

A recently identified giant stick insect species, discovered in the wet tropical rainforests of Australia, is poised to be recognized as the heaviest insect ever recorded on the continent.

Acrofera Alta weighs 44 grams, roughly equivalent to a golf ball, and measures around 40 cm in length. To date, only two female specimens have been collected, with a third individual photographed and released by surprised locals.

The genus of these insects has been known since 1835, yet this particular species remained hidden from scientific discovery, likely due to its elusive habitat, according to Angus Emmott from James Cook University in Townsville, Australia.

The lush, damp tropics of northeastern Australia serve as a pristine wilderness, rich with cool rainforests and home to other rare species like tree kangaroos.

So far, Acrofera Alta has only been found in tree canopies above 900 meters, specifically in the mountainous regions of Millaa Millaa and Mount Phypipamee in Queensland.

The species name Alta reflects both the altitude of the forests it inhabits and the height of the trees it commonly frequents.

“It has very large wings, but due to its bulky body, it can only use them to glide down to the ground,” Emmott explains.

Current population status remains uncertain. “We can’t really determine its rarity,” Emmott states. “It’s limited to small stretches of high-altitude rainforests and exists primarily in the canopy, making it less visible to observers unless they survive being affected by cyclones and birds.”

Insects and Ecosystem Expedition Safari: Sri Lanka

Explore the heart of Sri Lanka’s rich biodiversity on this unique expedition focused on entomology and ecosystem study.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Ancient Siberian Ice Mummies Adorned with Unique Tattoos

Posted on July 31, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Here’s a rewritten version of the content while preserving the HTML tags:

3D representation of a tattooed mummy. The upper image uses textures captured under visible light, while the lower image’s textures come from near-infrared photography.

M. Vavulin

The intricate tattoo, featuring motifs of tigers, birds, and mythical creatures, has been uncovered on an ice mummy dating back over 2000 years. This mummified female belonged to the Pasilic culture in Siberia, which is part of the broader Scythian civilization.

Assessing the prevalence of ancient tattoos is challenging, yet some exceptions exist, such as Ötzi “Iceman,” who lived around 3300 BC and was found preserved in ice.

Now, Gino Casparri from the Max Planck Institute for Geoanthropology in Germany and his team studied the remains of semi-nomadic Iron Age herders from the Altai Mountains of Siberia, who passed away in the 3rd or 4th centuries BC. This individual is among the few in the region whose deep burial sites remain frozen, preserving her skin’s dark and dry condition.

Tattoos featured creatures resembling both real and mythical species.

D. Riday

“When observing the mummy with the naked eye, the tattoo remains invisible,” explains Casparri. Hence, his team utilized high-resolution near-infrared imaging to uncover astonishing hidden visuals.

“We see herbivores being hunted by tigers and leopards, and in some cases, birds are depicted,” Casparri remarks. “Given their age and vivid artistic style, Pasilic tattoos are genuinely remarkable.”

One bird resembles a rooster, as noted by team member Aaron Deter-Wolf from the Tennessee Department of Archaeology, highlighting how the tattoos feature a blend of realistic and fantastical animals.

The researchers also uncovered the process behind creating these tattoos. “Our investigations reveal that tattoos were crafted using a direct puncture technique rather than being etched or stitched into the skin,” states Deter-Wolf.

One of the tattoos seems to depict a rooster.

D. Riday

Cross-cultural evidence indicates that the tattooing method used was a technique called hand-poking. In this method, the needle is dipped in ink and punctured into the skin to create dot patterns, with carbon pigments likely sourced from charcoal, soot, or ash.

The tattoos on the right forearm exhibited more intricate designs compared to those on the left, suggesting they may have been created by different artists with varying skill levels, according to Caspari. “Our research indicates that tattooing was not only a widespread practice across the Eurasian steppe over 2000 years ago but also a specialized craft requiring significant expertise and technique,” he concludes.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

COVID-19 and Flu Could Reactivate Dormant Lung Cancer Cells

Posted on July 31, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Lung tissue samples from mice, depicting cells (blue), cancerous cells (green), and proliferation markers (magenta)

Bryan Johnson

Respiratory viruses are capable of triggering the growth of dormant cancer cells that have metastasized to the lungs from other body areas. Infectious diseases, such as influenza, can instigate an inflammatory response that aids the immune system in combating pathogens, yet they may also adversely influence cancer progression.

Cancer fatalities frequently result from tumor cells migrating from their primary sites. These cells may remain dormant in new locations for extended periods—potentially years or decades—before forming detectable tumors.

While it is uncertain if these cells will eventually proliferate, previous studies have suggested that once cancer cells infiltrate the lungs, inflammation induced by respiratory virus infections might play a significant role. “Nevertheless, no comprehensive research has been conducted to establish a clear cause-and-effect relationship,” notes James DeGregori from the University of Colorado.

To address this research gap, DeGregori and his team employed genetically modified mice to develop tumors in their mammary glands. By two months of age, each mouse had developed a mammary tumor and fewer than ten dormant cancer cells in their lungs.

Subsequently, the researchers infected half of the mice with the H1N1 influenza strain, commonly referred to as swine flu, causing illness for approximately two weeks. During the nine days following the infection, the number of lung cancer cells surged by 100-fold, whereas uninfected mice exhibited minimal changes.

In complementary experiments, the team discovered that the SARS-CoV-2 virus, responsible for COVID-19, led to a tenfold increase in cancer cell numbers in the mice’s lungs, again with no significant alterations in uninfected counterparts.

The researchers hypothesized that this expansion occurred due to viral infections elevating the levels of inflammatory molecules known as IL-6.

To investigate this hypothesis, they conducted further experiments with genetically modified mice deficient in IL-6 and found significantly fewer lung cancer cells compared to typical mice with normal IL-6 levels.

Another experiment suggested that IL-6 seemed to rejuvenate dormant cancer cells that had already migrated to the lungs instead of promoting the dissemination of these cells from the breasts.

However, IL-6 levels wane when the infection subsides. At this juncture, the researchers observed that cancer cells in the mouse lungs had ceased to proliferate but had acquired alterations in gene expression typically associated with tumor metastasis, according to DeGregori.

These findings suggest a potential impact on individuals with undetected levels of cancer cells in the lungs who are believed to be in remission, as stated by Anne Zeuner at the National Institutes of Health in Rome, Italy.

To determine the relevance of these findings to humans, researchers analyzed health records from 36,800 women in the U.S. diagnosed with breast cancer before the COVID-19 pandemic, who were thought to be non-metastatic.

Women who tested positive during the initial three years of the outbreak were significantly more likely to receive a diagnosis of secondary lung cancer in that timeframe. However, some women may have avoided testing due to asymptomatic infections, while others might not have sought tests, thereby complicating the validation of this finding, notes DeGregori.

Further research is necessary to corroborate these findings and explore the interactions between various respiratory viruses and cancer types, according to Zeuner. “Individual factors are likely to significantly influence the relationship between respiratory infections and cancer recurrence,” she adds.

The research focused solely on swine flu and SARS-CoV-2, but DeGregori expresses hope that a spectrum of viruses will exhibit similar behaviors, as many are known to elevate IL-6 levels. He also underscores the importance of vaccination, stating, “As a cancer survivor, I would ensure I am protected against common respiratory viruses like influenza and COVID-19,” remarks DeGregori.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Lab-Grown Hexagonal Diamonds Now a Reality

Posted on July 31, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Crystal structure of hexagonal diamond

ogwen/shutterstock

SEI 260617479 — Crystal structure of hexagonal diamond

ogwen/shutterstock

Difficult-to-create diamonds, eluding scientists for years, can now be synthesized in labs, allowing the production of exceptionally challenging cutting and drilling tools.

Diamonds are known for their cubic atomic structure, yet for over 60 years, researchers have recognized the existence of a much tougher hexagonal diamond form.

Natural hexagonal diamonds are found in certain metamorphic rocks, referred to by the mineral name Ronzderate, but they only occur together with cubic diamonds. Earlier efforts to synthesize hexagonal diamonds yielded only minute quantities of impure variants.

Recently, Ho-Kwang Mao and his team at the Advanced Research Center for High Pressure Science and Technology in Beijing successfully produced relatively large hexagonal diamond samples measuring 1 mm in diameter and 70 micrometers thick.

While researchers have synthesized regular diamonds for some time, they state, “We explored various pressures and temperatures to identify optimal conditions for producing hexagonal diamonds. This includes 1400°C at a pressure of 20 Gigapascals, which is about 200,000 times the Earth’s atmospheric pressure.”

As these materials are unprecedented, Mao indicated a comprehensive investigation is necessary to ascertain their properties. “It’s extremely valuable,” he explains. “However, once the synthesis process is understood, anyone can replicate it. Thus, securing a patent and discovering ways to reduce production costs are critical.”

Predictions suggest hexagonal diamonds might be around 60% more rigid than conventional diamonds based on their structure. Cubic diamonds have a hardness rating of about 115, as measured by Vickers hardness tests. The hexagonal diamonds synthesized by Mao’s group exhibit a rating of 120 Gigapascals, which they believe could improve with further refinement of their techniques.

If hexagonal diamonds can be fabricated to sufficient thickness, they could be utilized to create more robust and resilient industrial tools for applications like geothermal energy drilling, according to James Elliott from Cambridge University. “Naturally, as you drill deeper, temperatures rise, which may enable exploration at greater depths.”

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diamond/
Materials Science

Source: www.newscientist.com

Surviving and Thriving in One of Earth’s Most Hostile Environments

Posted on July 31, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The deep-sea environment is largely dominated by marine tube worms

Institute of Deep Sea Science and Engineering, CAS

Marine tube worms in deep-sea habitats — The deep-sea environment is largely dominated by marine tube worms

Institute of Deep Sea Science and Engineering, CAS

Over 9,500 meters of ecosystems fueled by chemicals from tectonic plate interactions have been uncovered beneath the northwest Pacific Ocean.

“Their resilience and beauty captivated me,” says Mengrand Du from the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Sanya. “The striking crimson tentacles unfurl like delicate blossoms of the trench.”

Du and her team undertook 24 dives between July 8 and August 17, 2024, exploring 2,500 kilometers west of the Krill Kamchatka trench and Aleutian trench, at depths ranging from 5,800 to 9,533 meters. In a frozen section beyond 6,000 meters deep, the Hadal zone experiences crushing pressure and is devoid of light.

This region is referred to as the Hadal biosphere, which derives energy from nutrients descending from surface photosynthesis or exists via chemical bonds relying on chemicals as energy sources.

Taxonomic and genetic data gathered during the dives indicated that many organisms in the Hadal zone utilize compounds such as hydrogen sulfide and methane, which are released through fault lines formed as tectonic plates slide against each other.

“We have discovered a chemically-synthesized community thriving at an astonishing depth of 9,533 meters,” Du states. These findings, made during 19 dives, illustrate their extensive distribution.

The chemically-driven community was primarily composed of bivalve mollusks and marine tube worms known as ciboglinid polychaetes. Some populations consisted of thousands of individuals, sprawling for kilometers.

Numerous bivalve mollusks are also present.

Institute of Deep Sea Science and Engineering, CAS

A notable characteristic of many of these organisms is their dependence on chemical energy rather than sunlight, according to Du. “While other organisms, such as sea cucumbers and amphipods, might inhabit greater depths, they cannot harness chemicals like hydrogen sulfide for energy and must rely on organic matter instead.”

This finding indicates “the deepest and most extensive known chemical synthesis community on our planet.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Breast Milk Defends Against Infections Threatening Pregnancy

Posted on July 31, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

*Streptococcus* Bacteria are responsible for vaginal and urinary tract infections, as well as neonatal infections

Cavallini James/BSIP/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

SEI 260635215 — *Streptococcus* Bacteria are responsible for vaginal and urinary tract infections, as well as neonatal infections

Cavallini James/BSIP/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

The sugars found in breast milk play a significant role in combating common strains of Streptococcus Bacteria, which can cause complications during pregnancy if they infect the vagina.

Research on breast milk remains ongoing. “This is the second most crucial liquid in the universe after water, and yet its intricacies remain largely unexplored,” states Stephen Townsend from Vanderbilt University in Tennessee.

Investigators are starting to uncover the beneficial sugar structures unique to breast milk: human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs). While once regarded as trivial sugars, they are now believed to function as effective prebiotics.

Prior investigations into HMOs primarily focused on their advantages for gut microbiota. However, Townsend and his team shifted their attention to their impact on vaginal health, specifically how HMOs may assist in regulating the balance of beneficial bacteria while managing potentially harmful Group B Streptococcus (GBS).

“Group B Strep is a bacterium we all harbor,” Townsend notes. “It typically poses no harm, remaining undetected in most cases.” Nevertheless, GBS can lead to serious illnesses in immunocompromised individuals, including pregnant women and newborns, causing various complications such as preterm births. Thus, women with vaginal GBS infections are often prescribed antibiotics during pregnancy.

Townsend and his team monitored GBS and the growth of lactobacillus Bacteria when exposed to HMOs, conducting their research in three distinct scenarios: live mice and lab-created vaginal tissue. Across all three settings, HMOs were found to enhance beneficial bacterial growth while inhibiting GBS.

As a result, Townsend suggests the presence of a “small storm of positive effects.” He elaborates that GBS struggles to thrive in an HMO-rich environment, while healthy bacteria not only consume HMOs for nourishment but also multiply and flourish, further hampering GBS growth. Additionally, the metabolism of HMOs by beneficial bacteria leads to a more acidic environment and the generation of fatty acids that can kill more harmful bacteria.

This discovery opens pathways for regulating and restoring a healthy vaginal microbiome. “These insights present new tools and strategies of significant therapeutic value for women and their infants,” remarks Katie Patras from Baylor College of Medicine, Texas. However, she emphasizes that potential treatments are still in developmental stages.

Even if new therapies emerge, researchers maintain that the most effective strategy for treating GBS infections remains the use of antibiotics. “Our work is not intended to replace antibiotics,” insists Townsend. “Our research aims to preserve their efficacy.” This is crucial, considering that overuse of antibiotics can contribute to the issue of antibiotic resistance. Innovative therapies like HMOs to modulate microbiomes may ultimately reduce the volume of antibiotics required to combat GBS.

“These synergistic interactions can prove extremely beneficial,” he asserts. Lars Bode from the University of California, San Diego, cautions that the application of breast milk therapies should wait until further research validates their efficacy, as unprocessed milk may pose additional risks, including infections like HIV.

In the interim, Townsend aims to deepen understanding of the unique evolutionary adaptations humans have developed in their HMOs.

“It’s incredibly daunting that we have barely scratched the surface in recognizing the strength of breast milk,” Bode expresses.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Human Trials Illuminate Pathway for mRNA Vaccines Targeting HIV

Posted on July 31, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Electron micrographs of HIV pathogens

Scott Camagini / Alamy Stock Photo

Creating effective HIV vaccines may necessitate intricate formulations containing various viral proteins. Presently, two trials utilizing potential mRNA components have shown encouraging outcomes. The aim is to leverage mRNA technology for administering vaccines as a single dose rather than requiring multiple injections.

Typically, vaccines feature the virus’s outer protein, prompting the immune system to react against it. However, developing HIV vaccines poses significant challenges due to the virus’s proteins being heavily coated with sugars, which makes it tough for the immune system to generate antibodies. There’s also considerable variation across strains; therefore, even if an individual’s immune system can produce effective antibodies, these may only target a specific variant of the virus.

Nevertheless, a few individuals generate broadly neutralizing antibodies that are effective across multiple strains. Research in animals suggests that vaccines incorporating sequences of HIV proteins in various configurations can reliably elicit this broadly protective response, according to William Schief at the Scripps Institute in California.

The initial part of the vaccine comprises a modified viral protein aimed at stimulating the body to produce the essential B cells required for generating broadly neutralizing antibodies. The booster then encourages these cells to produce antibodies targeting external proteins.

This method highlights the advantages of mRNA vaccine technology, as mRNAs can be developed swiftly and conveniently, Schief states. “That’s a significant benefit.”

A single mRNA vaccine could encode multiple viral proteins simultaneously and has the potential to produce them in the body at different intervals, he adds. This implies that the mRNA HIV vaccine could potentially be administered as a single dose, even though several boosters typically follow. “Ideally, I’d prefer to administer one vaccine, with some components being released later,” Schief explained.

Earlier this year, his team shared promising results from preliminary human trials of the initial primers developed to stimulate B cells. Currently, his team is evaluating one of the subsequent boosters in another small study.

When volunteers received mRNA instructions for HIV external proteins integrated into the cell membrane, 80% generated antibodies shown to block infection in laboratory tests.

In this study, these antibodies were specific to one strain. Researchers anticipate that when boosters are administered sequentially, each component will be produced within the body in the correct order.

However, both trials reported a higher incidence of volunteers experiencing hive reactions, which have persisted for years. This reaction hasn’t been seen in any other mRNA vaccine trials or in non-mRNA vaccines incorporating HIV proteins, Schief notes. There appears to be an unknown factor related to delivering HIV proteins via mRNA that leads to this side effect. “It remains a scientific mystery at this time,” he states.

“The uncertainty surrounding the cause of this adverse effect makes it challenging to mitigate,” notes Hildegund Ertl, a vaccine expert associated with a company currently under exploration, Pharma5 in Morocco.

Ertl concurs that mRNA technology enables rapid testing of vaccine components but believes that the optimal final product could be delivered through different types of vaccines, such as those using empty viral shells. These alternatives can be stored at room temperature, unlike others that may require freezing, she points out.

Currently, there’s a medication called renacapavir, which offers nearly complete protection from HIV infection with two injections a year. Nevertheless, Schief believes a vaccine is still necessary. “We’re all striving to achieve this as quickly as possible,” he states, but even with the advancements in mRNA technology, an approved HIV vaccine may still be decades away.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Breakthroughs in Body Clock Measurement Help Reduce Shift Work-Related Illnesses

Posted on July 30, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

EMS's ambulance team delivers medical aid to injured individuals and transports them on stretchers. Emergency medical personnel arrived at the traffic accident site.

Cemetery shifts earn their name for a reason. Individuals working night shifts face heightened health risks, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and depression. The World Health Organization has identified shift work as a potential carcinogen, given the increased likelihood of cancer.

While the rest of us are asleep, these night workers often go unnoticed, yet their efforts are vital to the medical and emergency services on which we rely. Though we depend on them for our very survival, the irony lies in how their work impacts their own health.

This situation could evolve with the advent of a test that accurately measures one’s internal biological clock in relation to external time (see “How innovative new tests can unleash the power of your body clock”). Such advancements in medicine promise to benefit a larger population.

Research indicates that many frequently used medications affect the body’s system, which operates on a 24-hour cycle, and are more effective when administered in harmony with this rhythm. Surgeries and vaccinations also yield better results at specific times of the day. Initial strategies often rely on standardized biological clocks, but for those whose circadian rhythms are misaligned, this approach may prove ineffective or even detrimental. This is where the new tests come into play.

Night workers may remain in the shadows, yet they are the backbone of essential services we all rely on.

Fortunately, these tests are expected to become more affordable and widely accessible. However, there is a concern that they could be misused by those anxiously trying to optimize their health, perhaps alongside other fitness metrics like step counts (refer to page 16).

The genuine potential lies in using these tests to gain insights into the biological processes of those in challenging situations, ensuring that in the future, the effects of nighttime work and improved strategies for managing shift patterns are addressed. One day, your biological clock may finally align with the external clock.

This could mitigate the health repercussions associated with night shifts and provide these employees with a chance to revitalize their lives. Employers must recognize this opportunity.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Discover Your Heart’s True Age with This Easy Tool

Posted on July 30, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

A recent study conducted by researchers at Northwestern Medicine reveals that the cognitive aging of many American adults is occurring at a pace exceeding their chronological age, sometimes by more than a decade.

This study, published in the journal Jama Cardiology, utilized a cutting-edge calculator to estimate the “heart age” of over 14,000 U.S. adults devoid of prior cardiovascular diseases.

Available for free, these tools can be accessed online. By translating risk percentages into age, individuals can more easily reassess their risk scores and comprehend how their lifestyle and health choices influence their long-term heart health.

“Traditional percentage-based estimates can often feel abstract and hard to interpret,” noted senior author Professor Sadiya Khan in an interview with BBC Science Focus.

“We believe that presenting the risk of heart disease in terms of age serves as a valuable supplementary tool that is more intuitive. It’s simpler for individuals to grasp whether their heart age is ‘older’ or ‘younger’ than their actual age.”

The calculator leverages basic health metrics, such as blood pressure, cholesterol levels, smoking status, diabetes, and more to compute a person’s heart age, based on equations formulated by the American Heart Association.

In this study, women exhibited an average heart age that was 4.1 years older than their chronological age, while men showed an average gap of seven years.

However, the discrepancies were more pronounced among marginalized communities. For instance, Black men had a heart age that was 8.5 years older than their chronological age, compared to 6.4 years for white men.

Improving diet and incorporating exercise can help align your heart age with your actual age. – Credit: Getty

Hispanic and Black women exhibited heart ages significantly older than their white and Asian counterparts, and individuals with lower income and educational backgrounds were similarly impacted.

“These disparities are expected given the heightened risk of cardiac diseases in minority groups or those facing social disadvantages. However, they emphasize the urgent need for action,” Khan stated.

“Recognizing individuals with an ‘older’ heart age can prompt them to take immediate steps to prioritize preventive measures.”

Khan envisions that this tool will be integrated into primary care, facilitating discussions about health risks and encouraging healthier lifestyle choices. “The exciting aspect of this tool is the multitude of actions individuals can take,” she mentioned.

“We aim for this to empower people to optimize their heart health, promoting healthier aging and extended health spans.”

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About our experts

Sadiya S Khan is a professor of cardiovascular epidemiology at Northwestern University’s School of Preventive Medicine. She is board-certified in internal medicine and cardiovascular diseases and holds an active medical license in Illinois.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Ancient Pot Near Pompeii Holds Honey from 2,500 Years Ago

Posted on July 30, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Ancient Greek bronze jars displayed at the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford have been discovered to contain honey.

American Chemical Society

The findings from the ancient Greek pot located at a shrine near Pompeii serve as evidence of the lasting nature of honey jars.

In 1954, a Greek burial shrine dating back to around 520 BC was uncovered in Pestum, Italy, approximately 70 kilometers south of Pompeii.

The shrine contained eight pots with sticky residues, and their contents remained a mystery since their unearthing.

Honey was initially suspected in tests conducted on one of the pots between the 1950s and 1980s by Luciana Carvalho from Oxford University.

Three distinct teams analyzed the residue but concluded that the jars contained animal or vegetable fats mixed with pollen and insect parts, rather than honey.

At that time, researchers depended on significantly less sensitive analytical methods, focusing on solubility tests.

Carvalho and her team started by examining the infrared reflection of the residues to determine their overall composition.

Ancient honey residues from the interior of the pot

Luciana da Costa Carvalho

Initially, it was hypothesized that the contents could be decomposed beeswax due to its outward resemblance and high acidity.

To test this hypothesis, the team employed gas chromatography paired with mass spectrometry, which ultimately unveiled the presence of sugars like glucose and fructose, the primary sugars found in honey.

“We unearthed a remarkably intricate mixture of acids and broken-down sugars,” states Carvalho. “The clear indicator of honey was the detection of sugar at the core of the residue.”

Further examination by Elizabeth Pierce from Oxford University confirmed the presence of a protein called major royal jelly protein, secreted by honeybees, along with the detection of peptide traces from Tropilaelaps Mercedesae, a parasitic mite that consumes bee larvae.

“This parasite is believed to derive from an Asian beehive,” Pierce comments.

Carvalho mentions that the cork seal of the bronze jar eventually failed, allowing air and microorganisms to enter. “We believe these bacteria consumed most of the sugar remnants, leading to the production of additional acids and decomposition products. What was left was an acidic, waxy residue clinging to the walls of the jar.”

“Investigating the honey offerings at the shrines in Paestum elucidates how the people honored their deities and their perceptions regarding the afterlife,” Carvalho explains.

Historic Herculaneum – discover Vesuvius, Pompeii, ancient Naples

The journey through history and archaeology embarks on a fascinating exploration where the past comes alive through Mount Vesuvius and the remains of Pompeii and Herculaneum.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Meltwater Bursts Through Greenland Ice Cap

Posted on July 30, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Satellite image of the subglacial lake area post-outburst flood reveals damage to the ice sheets

10.1038/s41561-025-01746-9

Typically, when glaciers in Greenland melt, the water drains into the underlying bedrock before eventually reaching the ocean. However, in 2014, a significant surge of meltwater from a subglacial lake erupted through the Greenland ice sheet’s surface, creating a crevasse 25 meters deep.

“This phenomenon is unprecedented,” remarks Malcolm McMillan, a researcher at Lancaster University, UK. “While we are aware of the subglacial lakes in Greenland, witnessing the destruction caused as water erupts from the ice sheet’s surface is entirely new to us.”

McMillan and his research team initiated their study upon observing a sudden 85-meter deep crater on the ice sheet, captured by satellite imagery in August 2014.

They found that within a span of 10 days in late July and early August 2014, these craters formed following a rapid drainage of the subglacial lake. About a kilometer downstream from the crater, the team identified significant ice turbulence, with water surfacing.

The researchers theorize that the pressure from the subglacial lake increased sufficiently to force the water up through fractures in the ice, ultimately leading to its explosive emergence from the ice sheet, which resulted in a considerable crevasse and an ice tower along its path.

According to McMillan, the meltwater was compelled to surface due to being encased by frozen ice in the bedrock. “It seems that when water flows into a frozen environment, it can accumulate enough pressure to trigger this unforeseen outcome,” he elaborates.

McMillan aims to utilize satellite imagery in future research to ascertain whether similar eruptions have occurred and if this phenomenon is a consequence of rapidly melting ice sheets in the context of rising global temperatures.

“This marks the initial exploration of a phenomenon that we were previously unaware of, and the upcoming challenge is to comprehend its implications and underlying mechanisms,” he concludes.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Rust-Based Batteries Successfully Integrate with Electric Grid for the First Time

Posted on July 30, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Rust-based battery systems housed within standard 12-meter shipping containers

Ore Energy

SEI 260538204 — Rust-based battery systems housed within standard 12-meter shipping containers

Ore Energy

Iron-empty batteries that utilize a reversible rusting mechanism to store and release energy now stand as the first type linked to public power grids. Startup Ore Energy announced on July 30 that the battery developed by Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands is now grid-connected.

These batteries play a crucial role in maintaining a stable power supply by storing renewable energy generated from solar and wind sources, preventing immediate decreases in electricity availability during sudden changes in weather conditions.

“We need to effectively store the surplus of energy generated when the wind blows and the sun shines,” mentions John Joseph Mary from the Faraday Institute, a UK battery research facility. “Essentially, the battery stabilizes the energy output for grid usage.”

While most grid-connected batteries are lithium iron phosphate varieties produced in China, they tend to store only 4-6 hours of electricity and are quite costly, according to Mary. Conversely, the iron-empty batteries created by Ore Energy can store over 100 hours of electricity and are made from inexpensive, readily accessible materials.

“Iron is the most abundantly mined metal globally and is extremely affordable,” says Mary. “When combined with air, which is literally everywhere around us and essentially free, they are among the cheapest materials available.”

Battery systems utilize electricity to convert iron oxide (rust) back into metal iron for energy storage. The iron can discharge energy through a chemical reaction with oxygen from the air, reverting back to rust.

“During discharge, we transform the iron into an innovative kind of rust,” explains Aytac Yilmaz, CEO of Ore Energy. “When charging, we revert the rust to iron, repeating this process continuously while the battery breathes in and out atmospheric oxygen.”

The battery is housed in standard 12-meter shipping containers and holds multiple megawatt-hours of energy. One megawatt-hour can power an average US household for over a month.

Meanwhile, Massachusetts-based Form Energy is executing several iron battery projects across the US, set to be established in New England and the Midwest.

In addition to iron and air, these batteries utilize affordable, plentiful water-based electrolytes, significantly minimizing the risk of battery fires. “I hesitate to say this, but water is undeniably non-combustible,” remarks Mary.

Ultimately, the primary objective of this battery technology is to facilitate the transition of renewable energy resources to supplant fossil fuels within the electric grid.

“Energy companies are still heavily reliant on gas-fired power generation to ensure flexibility when solar and wind cannot provide enough energy,” states Bas Kil, Business Development Manager at Ore Energy. “However, a long-term solution will necessitate various types of flexibility, where these innovative batteries can significantly contribute.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Underground Microbial Life Could Endure on Mars, Europa, and Enceladus with the Help of Cosmic Rays

Posted on July 30, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

A recent study conducted by New York University Abu Dhabi suggests that radiolysis, triggered by cosmic rays in galaxies, may serve as a potential energy source for microbial metabolism within the subsurface environments of rocky celestial bodies such as Mars, Europa, and Enceladus.

NASA’s Cassini spacecraft captured this stunning mosaic of Enceladus as it flew past this geologically active moon of Saturn on October 5, 2008. Image credit: NASA/JPL/Space Science Institute.

While ionized radiation is known for its detrimental effects on biological systems, such as causing damage to DNA and generating reactive oxygen species, it can also yield biologically beneficial outcomes.

Though direct exposure to high radiation levels can be harmful to biological activity, ionizing radiation can create numerous biologically useful products.

One such process involves the generation of valuable biological products through charged particle-induced radiolysis.

“We investigated the consequences of cosmic rays striking surfaces containing water or ice,” noted Dr. Dimitra Atli, PhD, from New York University Abu Dhabi, alongside colleagues from Washington University, the University of Tennessee, Rice University, and Santander University.

“The impact of these rays breaks down water molecules and releases tiny particles known as electrons.”

“Certain bacteria on Earth are capable of utilizing these electrons for energy, akin to how plants harness sunlight.”

“This phenomenon, known as radiolysis, allows for life to persist in dark, cold environments devoid of sunlight.”

This newly reorganized color view presents a massive surface of Europa. The image scale is 1.6 km per pixel, with the northern part of Europa on the right. Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/Seti Institute.

Researchers utilized computer simulations to assess the energy output of this process on the icy moons of Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn.

These icy moons are believed to harbor liquid water beneath their thick ice crusts.

Findings indicate that Enceladus is the most promising candidate for supporting life in this manner, followed closely by Mars and Europa.

“This discovery reshapes our understanding of potential habitats for life,” Dr. Atri commented.

“Rather than confining our search to warm, sunlit planets, we can now consider cold, dark regions where water lies beneath the surface and is subjected to cosmic rays.”

“Life might exist in many more locations than previously thought.”

This image captured by Mars Express’s high-resolution stereo camera reveals an overview of Mars, with patches of yellow, orange, blue, and green on a muted gray background, depicting various surface compositions. Image credits: ESA/DLR/FU BERLIN/G. MICHAEL/CC BY-SA 3.0 IGO.

In their research, the authors introduce a new concept termed the Radiolysis Habit Zone.

Unlike the traditional “Goldilocks zone”—the region around a star where planets can sustain liquid water—this new zone emphasizes the potential for subsurface water that can be energized by cosmic radiation.

Given that cosmic rays are ubiquitous throughout the universe, this suggests that numerous additional locations may harbor life.

“These findings offer fresh directions for future space exploration,” remarked Reservers.

“Scientists can target the underground environments of these icy moons and Mars instead of solely searching for life on their surfaces.

“This study paves the way for thrilling new avenues in life exploration across the cosmos, implying that even the coldest and darkest regions may have conditions suitable for life.”

The study will be published in International Journal of Astrobiology.

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Dimitra Atri et al. 2025. Estimating the potential of ionizing radiation-induced radiolysis for microbial metabolism in Earth’s planets and moons with tenuous atmospheres. International Journal of Astrobiology 24:E9; doi:10.1017/s1473550425100025

Source: www.sci.news

New Study Illuminates the Evolution of Lava Planets

Posted on July 30, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Lava planets are rocky exoplanets that orbit extremely close to their host star, allowing for conditions that melt silicate rocks daily.

Boucale et al. We introduce a straightforward theoretical framework to explain the evolution of lava planets’ internal atmospheric systems. Image credit: Sci.News.

A lava planet is typically a super-Earth to Earth-sized world, orbiting its star in less than one Earth day.

Similar to the Earth’s moon, these planets are expected to be tidally locked, displaying the same hemisphere to their stars at all times.

With extreme surface temperatures, their rocks can reach melting or even evaporating points, creating a distinctive state within our solar system.

These unusual worlds are easily observable due to their pronounced orbital dynamics, offering valuable insights into the fundamental processes that drive planetary evolution.

“Due to the extreme orbital characteristics of lava planets, our understanding of rocky planets in the solar system does not apply directly, which leaves scientists uncertain about expected observations,” states Dr. Charles Eiduard Bukare from York University.

“Our simulations provide a conceptual framework for understanding their evolution and a way to investigate internal dynamics and chemical transformations over time.”

“While these processes are greatly intensified on lava planets, they fundamentally mirror those shaping rocky planets in our solar system.”

As rocks melt or evaporate, elements like magnesium, iron, silicon, oxygen, sodium, and potassium partition differently across vapor, liquid, and solid states.

The unique orbital dynamics of lava planets maintain vapor-liquid and solid-liquid equilibria for billions of years, facilitating long-term chemical evolution.

Using cutting-edge numerical simulations, the researchers predict the evolutionary status of two distinct categories.

(i) Fully melted interior (likely a younger planet): The atmosphere reflects the planet’s overall composition, with heat distribution within the melt ensuring a hot and dynamic nightside surface.

(ii) Nearly solid interior (likely an older planet): Only shallow lava oceans persist, while the atmosphere becomes depleted of elements such as sodium, potassium, and iron.

“We sincerely hope that with the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope, we will be able to observe and differentiate between young and old lava planets,” Dr. Boukaré expressed.

“Demonstrating this capability would signify a significant advancement beyond conventional observational methods.”

study was published today in the journal Natural Astronomy.

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cé. Boucale et al. The significance of internal dynamics and differentiation in the surface and atmosphere of lava planets. Nut Athlon Published online on July 29th, 2025. doi:10.1038/s41550-025-02617-4

Source: www.sci.news

Forests with Healthy Wildlife Populations Store Four Times More Carbon

Posted on July 30, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Capuchin Monkeys and Their Role in Seed Dispersal in Tropical Forests

Carlos Grillo/Getty Images/iStockphoto

Tropical ecosystems, rich in animal biodiversity that aids in seed dispersal, can sequester carbon at rates up to four times higher than fragmented forests lacking these animals or where their movements are limited.

“This underscores the connection between the loss of animal biodiversity and the processes that intensify climate change,” explains Evan Fricke from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. “We’ve lost the potential for tropical forest regeneration.”

While animals only store a fraction of the carbon in their environment, their activities significantly influence ecosystem carbon dynamics. Notably, species such as monkeys, birds, and rodents play a crucial role in dispersing a wide variety of seeds.

Fricke mentions that “linking this to a prolonged process like carbon capture across landscapes proved quite challenging.”

Fricke and his team examined over 3,000 plots in tropical forests where trees are returning and successfully reabsorbing carbon following disturbances. They then assessed the degree of movement and diversity disruption of seed-dispersing animals in each plot, with findings influenced by forest fragmentation and data from monitored animals.

They discovered that increased disruption in seed disperser movement correlated with lower rates of carbon accumulation. The forests with the most disturbed animal behaviors grew four times faster than those with minimal disruption.

On average, disturbances in animal diversity and movement patterns that disperse seeds halved the carbon accumulation potential of affected plots. This indicates that such disruptions had a more detrimental impact than other factors inhibiting tree regrowth, such as fires and livestock grazing.

In contrast, forests experiencing the least disruption sequestered carbon more rapidly than monoculture wood farms. “Natural growth enhanced by animal activity presents a cost-effective and biodiversity-friendly recovery method,” states Fricke.

Earlier ecological models indicated that seed dispersers might significantly influence carbon storage; however, this study further elucidates the critical role these animals play, according to Oswald Schmitz from Yale University. “It highlights their importance now and into the future.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

California Invests in Iron Salt Batteries to Safeguard Against Wildfires

Posted on July 30, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Batteries created from iron and salt in ceramic tubes present a reduced fire risk compared to lithium-ion batteries

Inlyte Energy

Batteries utilizing iron and salt can deliver emergency power without fire hazards, located near one of California’s historic redwood forests.

The 200-kilowatt battery will be integrated with solar panels at the Alliance Red Woods Conference Ground in Sonoma County, California. This site is situated in a high wildfire risk zone of Redwood Forest, merely 16 kilometers from Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, and is home to California’s tallest and oldest trees. During severe weather and wildfires, conference facilities often assist firefighters and evacuees, yet they are also prone to power grid outages.

“Our view of technology revolves around establishing a secure, cost-effective energy storage solution.” Ben Kaun from Inlyte Energy in California stated. “This perspective guided us toward developing large cells with affordable and plentiful active materials such as iron and salt.”

The battery projects are expected to provide up to two weeks of emergency backup power, operational by 2027. This capability will enable lighting within the conference grounds and supply power to local firefighter water pump stations without jeopardizing the iconic redwood trees.

This is attributed to the non-flammable nature of these easily sourced battery components (powdered iron and salt contained in ceramic tubes). “These batteries and their cells can be positioned closely together without the typical fire or explosion risks associated with lithium-ion batteries,” says Kaun.

Lithium-ion batteries, commonly used in smartphones and electric vehicles, can ignite under certain conditions, and this risk escalates when batteries are concentrated in large storage facilities. For instance, in January 2025, a fire at California’s largest battery storage site obliterated 300 megawatts of energy storage. Conversely, Inlyte’s iron-salt batteries possess significantly lower risk profiles. The Iron-Salt Battery initiative has secured nearly $4 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Energy to enhance energy resilience in wildfire-prone areas near Redwood Forest.

“These non-flammable batteries are a prudent choice for project developers considering energy storage installations in remote or drought-prone regions or near forests vulnerable to frequent drought,” says Dustin Mulbany from San Jose State University. “Energy technology and infrastructure have historically contributed to wildfires, and utilizing non-flammable batteries offers a way to mitigate some of these risks.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

New Research Uncovers That Congo Basin Peatlands Are Over 42,000 Years Old

Posted on July 30, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The Central Congo Basin boasts the largest variety of tropical peatlands globally, covering 16.7 million hectares. Previously, radiocarbon dating of ancient peat was confined to just 14 samples, which poorly represented the area, indicating that peat development typically commenced during the Holocene. However, recent findings indicate that peat began forming in multiple locations during the late Pleistocene. The earliest date identified by the author is 42,300 years before present, highlighting that this peatland is one of the oldest in the world, twice as ancient as previously thought.

The swamp of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Image credit: Greta Dargie.

The central Congo Basin, which spans the equator, encompasses 360,000 km.² This wetland is shared by the Republic of the Congo and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Out of this wetland area, it is estimated that 167,600 km² have a median thickness of 1.7 m.

These peatlands rank among the most carbon-dense ecosystems worldwide, storing an average of 1712 mg c ha^-1 with a total of 29 pg c^-1 stored in peat.

Although research into the formation and expansion of this vast carbon reservoir is in its early stages, it includes studies on peat initiation and basin-wide development dynamics.

“These peat marshes serve as crucial global carbon reservoirs, equivalent to three years’ worth of fossil fuel emissions,” said Greta Dargie, a researcher from the University of Leeds.

“We now know that these are the oldest tropical peatlands on Earth.”

The research initiated with the team trekking through the inaccessible peat marshes of Congo, collecting peat samples up to 6 m deep on the forest floor using surgical tools.

Upon returning to the lab, they dated small samples of peat to ascertain when peat formation began at each sampling site.

Over a decade, researchers successfully collected and dated more than 50 cores from throughout the Central Congo Basin, reconstructing the development of the peatlands over time.

Scientists were surprised not only by the great age of these peatlands.

“One of our unexpected discoveries was that some of the older peatlands in central Congo started forming during periods when the region’s climate was considerably drier than today,” stated a researcher.

“The earlier hypothesis suggested that peat began forming in response to a wetter climate at the onset of the Holocene around 12,000 years ago.”

“We now understand that non-climatic factors must have helped saturate the soil enough for peat formation to occur.”

“This raises important questions about how climate change in the 21st century will impact peatland landscapes and the substantial carbon stored within them.”

The Congo Basin peat marshes provide essential resources for local communities, including fish, bushmeat, and building materials.

Due to their remoteness, these swamps also serve as crucial habitats for species such as forest elephants, Nile crocodiles, lowland gorillas, and bonobo chimpanzees.

While Congolese peatlands have largely avoided threats such as deforestation and drainage compared to many tropical regions, the push for improved local livelihoods and extraction of resources like oil can conflict with biodiversity and carbon conservation objectives.

Dr. Pauline Gulliver, a researcher at the University of Glasgow, remarked:

“These peatlands meticulously draw carbon from the atmosphere, safely storing it for at least 40,000 years.”

“The dynamics of peat cannot be understood within a timeframe that aligns with societal expectations.”

“If peatlands are compromised, they could release a significant amount of carbon into the atmosphere, worsening global warming.”

“It’s crucial to manage the carbon within the Congo Basin peatlands carefully to prevent such occurrences.”

Survey results were published in the journal Environmental Survey Letter.

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Greta C. Dargy et al. 2025. The timing of peat initiation throughout the central Congo Basin. environment. res. Rent 20, 084080; doi:10.1088/1748-9326/ade905

Source: www.sci.news

What to Know About CTE Following NYC Shooting Suspect’s Possible Targeting of NFL Headquarters

Posted on July 29, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

On Monday, a gunman in midtown Manhattan took four lives before turning the weapon on himself, leaving behind a note that made several references to “CTE,” according to sources involved in the investigation who spoke to NBC News.

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a brain condition typically resulting from recurrent head injuries over an extended period.

Officials indicated that the shooter specifically targeted the National Football League headquarters, where the incident occurred.

A report from 2024 highlights that CTE can only be definitively diagnosed post-mortem, yet around one-third of former NFL players believe they may be affected. The NFL acknowledged the connection between CTE and football in 2016.

Former NFL athlete Philip Adams was found to have severe CTE after committing a shooting that resulted in six deaths in South Carolina in 2021 before he ended his own life.

NBC News consulted with Dr. Aaron Lord, chief of neurology at NYU Langone, specializing in brain injuries, about how CTE alters not only brain function but also behavior.

What is chronic traumatic encephalopathy?

Initially identified in boxers and referred to as “punch drunk syndrome,” CTE can lead to neurological issues such as early onset dementia, memory problems, personality changes, and disorders similar to Parkinson’s disease.

CTE can affect individuals who experience repeated head trauma.

“It’s about the cumulative shock waves in the brain,” he explained.

Research is ongoing regarding the correlation between CTE and suicide, as there seems to be an unexpectedly high incidence of CTE among athletes who have taken their own lives.

However, experts have not yet determined “the incidence and prevalence of the disease in both the general population and specific athletic groups,” he noted.

“We’re still in the process of defining this condition,” he added.

How is CTE diagnosed?

CTE cannot be diagnosed without an autopsy, as there are no established criteria for its diagnosis. Hence, it remains challenging to identify, according to Dr. Lord. An autopsy must reveal tissue degeneration with abnormal aggregations of specific proteins around the brain’s blood vessels.

Patients and their physicians may suspect CTE when significant mood and behavior alterations occur, especially following known head impacts and their severity.

Dr. Lord mentioned that an MRI of the brain may show changes consistent with the disease, but this alone is insufficient for a diagnosis.

The symptoms of CTE may overlap with various mental health disorders, including major depressive disorder, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder, he noted.

Dr. Lord has also observed connections between CTE and behaviors such as increased aggression and impulsivity, along with other personality alterations.

While CTE is frequently observed in older individuals, possibly due to years of repeated trauma, even a single head injury can lead to brain damage, even without resulting in CTE.

“Even someone who has experienced a single car accident resulting in a frontal lobe injury may undergo permanent changes in personality, impulse control, and psychiatric states,” he concluded.

Is there a treatment for CTE?

Currently, there is no direct treatment for CTE, but Dr. Lord points out that psychiatric medications can assist in managing behavioral issues and other associated symptoms.

Not every individual who experiences a concussion develops CTE; according to the Mayo Clinic. Prevention remains key; employing seat belts or helmets to avoid head injuries can reduce the risks associated with CTE and other brain-related complications, according to Dr. Lord.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Solar-Powered Ambush Drones Capable of Lurking for Targets Like Land Mines

Posted on July 29, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Russian ambush drone with solar panels uncovered in Ukraine

Serhii Beskrestnov

The small racing quadcopter, known as first-person view drones or FPVs, has emerged as the primary weapon in the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine. Some of these drones are equipped with solar cells, enabling them to lie in wait for extended periods to ambush targets and act as a new kind of land mine.

“Drones can position themselves near roads and chokepoints, and when a target appears, they can rapidly accelerate toward it,” says Robert Bunker, a consultant with the US firm C/O Futures.

Drone ambush tactics have already become standard strategy for both Russian and Ukrainian forces, with devices hidden alongside roads and buildings waiting for targets. However, even if the engine is off, the camera and radio communications drain the drone’s battery, reducing their wait time to just a few hours.

Currently, Russian FPV ambush drones have been spotted utilizing solar panels for charging. While these panels can’t power the drones during flight, they can recharge other devices. Ukrainian drone warfare expert Serhii “Flash” Beskrestnov has shared images of this solar setup on his Telegram channel, highlighting these advancements.

Sold as camping equipment for approximately $50, these panels efficiently charge phones and other portable devices. Enthusiasts online have already posted guides on modifying drones to include solar cells.

“The initial generation of solar technology may be bulky, but it serves as a useful proof of concept,” Bunker remarks.

A 5-watt solar charger weighs several hundred grams and provides power to the drone while on the ground. Future models are expected to be sleeker and more efficient.

“The drone could feature a solar roll that unfolds after landing, creating a charging surface. You could then disconnect it when entering combat mode,” Bunker notes. “Future iterations will likely include improvements we haven’t yet considered.”

With solar assistance, drones can lie in wait for their targets as long as the sun is shining, recharging their systems at dawn for continuous operation. The solar cells can also gradually recharge the drone’s batteries for over a day, enabling a cycle of flying, landing, recharging, and flying again.

Both Russia and Ukraine have developed drones with artificial intelligence that can identify and engage targets autonomously. When combined with solar energy, these drones can saturate the battlefield with lethal units, autonomously navigating to find and track targets.

“It’s an evolution of the point land mine,” says Bunker.

Unlike traditional minefields, the network of solar-powered drones can self-repair, filling gaps where drones have been used or destroyed. Alternatively, this field might slowly advance towards enemy positions over several days through successive charging cycles.

Today’s solar drones are often experimental prototypes, with only a limited number currently deployed. However, the widespread availability of components suggests that these designs could proliferate rapidly, much like other small drones. With their affordability and ease of assembly, ambush drones may soon become commonplace.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Seven Home Office Gadgets to Boost Your Productivity

Posted on July 29, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

With less than half of us still working from home to some degree, consider investing in products that enhance both your health and productivity.

SIT Comfortably with Aeron Office Chairs

Herman Miller Aeron Office Chair – Photo Credit: Herman Miller

Prolonged sitting can be hazardous. Personally, I’ve dealt with three office chair-related injuries in my career, including tennis elbow.

However, ever since purchasing the Herman Miller Aeron chair (with my own money), I’ve remained injury-free.

The secret to this comfort lies in its pellicle mesh. It supports your body as if you’re receiving a massage from a skilled therapist.

Aeron Office Chair

Rock Out with ELAC Debut Connex

ELAC Debut Connex Adsum Speaker – Photo Credit: ELAC

Desktop speakers provide a break from headphones, and around here, loud music triggers happy hour (5 PM to 6 PM).

If you’re looking for audio that’s both pleasing to the ears and the eyes, ELAC’s Debut Connex is a top contender.

They come with various ports for connectivity and also support Bluetooth for wireless use.

ELAC Debut Connex Adsum

KeyChron Q14 Max: A Mechanical Marvel

KeyChron Q14 Max Mechanical Keyboard – Photo Credit: KeyChron

In the mechanical keyboard realm, keyclones can be both a gateway drug and a controversial choice, given that they’re preassembled.

As someone who types for a living, I was hesitant until I discovered the Q14 Max.

The unique “Southpaw” layout aids left-handers with number entry, while the extra space ensures better wrist position and comfort.

KeyChron Q14 Max

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Experience Ultimate Flexibility with Jarvis Standing Desk

Herman Miller’s Fully Jarvis Standing Desk – Photo Credit: Herman Miller

Sitting too long can lead to serious health issues, including early onset diabetes and potential longevity concerns, according to NHS data.

While regular breaks can help, I prefer not to take any chances.

There are various standing desk options available, from risers to full-sized desks, but I appreciate the sleek design and eco-friendliness of the Fully Jarvis bamboo standing desk.

It offers programmable height options, organized cable management, and operates quietly.

Recent studies suggest that standing can enhance focus and productivity.

Fully Jarvis Standing Desk

Connect Seamlessly with ASUS ProArt Monitors

ASUS ProART Display PA279CRV Computer Monitor – Photo Credit: ASUS

If you don’t have an AI assistant yet, are you truly working efficiently? While I’m still skeptical about AI-generated writing, I find it incredibly useful for tasks such as data organization and automated coding.

That’s why my next desk upgrade will likely include an additional monitor.

This ProArt model is affordable and performs exceptionally well, making it a fantastic first monitor for creative professionals. The display is sharp, bright, and color accurate.

Featuring a 27-inch (69cm) screen and versatile connectivity options, it’s also ergonomically designed for easy rotation into portrait mode, making it an ideal companion for digital assistants.

ASUS ProART Display PA279CRV

Elevate Your Setup with Hexcal Studio

Hexcal Studio Monitor Stand – Image Credit: Hexcal

Most monitors and their standard stands fail to align with eye level, which can lead to neck strain and lower back pain.

While monitor arms are an option, they can be cumbersome to install. A desktop shelf that elevates your monitor to a comfortable height not only alleviates strain but also provides additional desk space.

This premium monitor stand serves a dual purpose as cable management and a docking station, offering extra USB ports for your workstation.

With adjustable feet and wireless charging capabilities, it even includes eight power sockets on the back for streamlined connectivity.

Hexcal Studio

Enjoy the Blessings of Apple AirPods Pro 2

Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earphones – Photo Credit: Apple

If you’re part of the Apple ecosystem, the AirPods Pro 2 are essential for a productive work routine.

They effectively drown out the noise of a bustling environment.

With transparency mode, you can stay aware of your surroundings by reducing noise cancellation when someone addresses you.

The AirPods offer seamless switching between devices at the touch of a button.

Additionally, they come with adaptive equalizer features, spatial audio, and hearing aid capabilities. Plus, the sound quality is exceptional.

AirPods Pro 2

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

This Adorable Footage Captures a Baby Turtle Responding to Its Mother’s Call

Posted on July 29, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Emerging from the darkness, slimy nails break through the murky barrier, reaching towards the light. Thunder rumbles as the ground cracks.

This is not a scene from a horror film featuring the undead rising from their graves. Rather, it showcases one of nature’s most endearing spectacles, Parent-child relationship: a forthcoming BBC series exploring the struggles of nurturing the next generation of wildlife, specifically the hatching of the magnificent Amazon River Turtle in Guapoi, South Brazil.

https://c02.purpledshub.com/uploads/sites/41/2025/07/Parenthood-turtle-hatchlings.mp4

Giant Amazon River turtles featured in the new BBC series Parent-child relationship

According to Sir David Attenborough’s narration, the tiny turtles await the perfect conditions to break free. When rain falls, it softens the sand enough for them to dig their way out. If there’s insufficient rain, the layer of sand above becomes too baked in the sun. They are numerous, making their survival seem effortless.

“There’s always that anxiety. You never know how it will turn out,” says series producer Elizabeth Orcham to BBC Science Focus. “As we sit with the crew, we hope everything works. The moment it rains or doesn’t rain, the tension rises. Is it too much rain?”

The rain arrived early during the filming, but the turtles managed to emerge just in time. “Seeing most of the turtles succeed and not lose too many is really comforting. It’s just wonderful.”

Despite the challenges posed by the weather, two million turtles hatched successfully, overcoming what seemed like insurmountable odds.

“Sometimes, it’s a wonder how they survive. It’s fascinating to see just how clumsy they can be,” she notes.

This clumsiness, however, is part of a finely tuned process. Scientists have been investigating communication among these turtles for over a decade. A 2014 study found that mothers likely communicate with their hatchlings to guide them into the water. According to Oakham, this is the only turtle species known to exhibit parental care post-hatching.

The female giant Amazon River turtle (Podocnemis Exagna), also known as the Arrau turtle, grows to a remarkable 76cm (30 inches) in shell length and weighs up to 91kg (200 pounds), while the male measures at 48cm (19 inches). The hatchlings are merely 5cm (2 inches) long. – Photo credit: Getty

The team even managed to capture charming moments featuring the hatchlings helping each other dig out.

“We were thrilled to showcase this new research on turtle communication,” Oakham explains. The filmmakers even accessed the nest to record the hatchlings’ emergence.

Childcare challenges

Climate change poses the greatest threat to the otherwise stable lifecycle of the giant Amazon River turtle.

“Warmer air due to climate change retains more moisture, leading to two outcomes,” she elaborates. “Firstly, it makes the environment drier, but when it finally rains, the moisture simply drips off.”

Severe floods that once occurred every 20 years have now happened twice in the last five years, jeopardizing the hatching process during critical seasons.

Before hatching, the turtles must absorb some of their yolk sac. If they haven’t done so before floods arrive, they will not survive. Thus, when mother turtles lay eggs, they risk a significant gamble regarding the weather – a gamble that is increasingly hard to predict.

They typically lay their eggs two to three months before the rainy season, allowing the sand to solidify and form a protective layer. At this time, the mothers leave the river for the sandbanks, coinciding with the largest congregation of freshwater turtles on the planet, and one of the few instances the species ventures onto land.

“Water can be life-sustaining but also perilous,” Oakham states. “With climate change, this duality has become even more pronounced, making the environment more unpredictable for these parents. Navigating this uncertainty while caring for their young is a delicate balance.”

This episode is the fourth in a five-part series on parental life in freshwater habitats, Parent-child relationship. All five episodes will be available on BBC iPlayer from August 3, 2025.

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About our experts

Elizabeth Orcum is a producer and director with a deep commitment to environmental storytelling and natural history. She is widely recognized for her work on the fifth episode of Green Planet, titled “The Human World,” which delivers a compelling narrative on the interconnectedness of plants and humans. She is now eager to share the stories of animal parents worldwide through the BBC series Parent-child relationship.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

New Challenge: Enhance Your Memory Skills

Posted on July 29, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Challenging Worlds

From shimmering sapphire waterfalls to rain made of lava, these distant planets redefine the boundaries of possibility. Discover ten exoplanets that are overturning the Cosmic Rulebook.

Surgical Scratches No More

While still in the womb, we all have the ability to heal without scars… yet we’ve never experienced birth. Outside the uterus, healing comes at the cost of scars, which serve as painful reminders of past injuries. Currently, researchers are exploring methods for achieving scar-free healing.

Ancestral Journeys

Our forebears encountered and mingled with more diverse groups than previously thought during their migrations from Africa. As Homo sapiens spread across the globe, they explored more broadly than earlier estimates indicated. Recent findings are painting a richer, more complex picture of our early human history.

Hearing Loss and Dementia

Research is increasingly highlighting potential connections between hearing loss and dementia. Addressing hearing loss can bring significant advantages, delving into how it influences the risk of dementia development.

Additionally

Gene-Edited Foods: GMO pork has been approved in the U.S. Here’s what you need to understand.
Strategies for Longevity: From intermittent fasting to low-protein diets, emerging research is shedding light on dietary restrictions as pivotal to a longer life.
Q&A: Your questions answered! This month: Why do dogs enjoy playing with trash? Should I try a banana facial? How much of our lives do we spend blinking? What will the future of space exploration look like? Can anything on Earth endure conditions like those on Mars? What’s the most unusual satellite in the universe? How do you determine when to move on from past aspirations? Why is there an increase in ADHD diagnoses among women nearing menopause? And more…

Issue 422 Launching Tuesday, July 29th, 2025

Don’t forget that BBC Science Focus is also available on all major digital platforms. You can find it on Android, Kindle Fire and Kindle e-readers, as well as on the iOS App for iPad and iPhone.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Increasing Economic Impact of Wildfires, Severe Storms, and Earthquakes

Posted on July 29, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

A report published on Tuesday by German multinationals revealed that weather-related disasters in the first half of this year caused $93 billion in damages within the United States. insurance company.

An analysis from Munich RE, the largest reinsurer in the world, indicated that over 70% of the global damages from this year’s weather disasters occurred in the United States, leading to a burden of $22 billion on uninsured Americans and their local governments.

The report underscores the increasing economic impact of wildfires, severe storms, and other extreme weather events both in the US and globally. It also highlights the escalating insurance crisis in nations frequently afflicted by such disasters.

“Approximately 90% of all industry losses were observed, with $72 billion out of $80 billion occurring in the US,” stated Tobias Grimm, chief climate scientist at Munich RE. “That is remarkable.”

The catastrophic wildfires in Southern California in January ranked as the most expensive disaster in the country during the first half of 2025. The two major fires, responsible for at least 30 fatalities and displacing thousands, swept through the Pacific Ocean’s Pallisad and Altadena neighborhoods.

Munich RE estimated the wildfire losses at $53 billion, including costs affecting uninsured residents. The reinsurer noted that these flames in the Los Angeles area resulted in “the highest wildfire loss ever recorded.”

The significant economic and social impacts of wildfires can be partly attributed to the increasing development in fire-prone areas.

“In many instances, losses are growing due to property developments causing damage,” Grimm explained. “People continue to reside in high-risk zones.”

Urbanization in disaster-prone areas can similarly escalate the costs associated with other weather-related events, like hurricanes and floods, which are becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change.

Research indicates that climate change is becoming increasingly frequent as temperatures rise and drought conditions worsen. Consequently, the intensity of wildfires is also increasing.

A report by the World Weather Attributes Group issued in late January found that high temperatures, along with dry and windy conditions conducive to fire spread in Southern California, could be approximately 35% more likely due to human-induced global warming.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

This Easy Walking Trick Could Help You Live Longer, According to Research

Posted on July 29, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Recent findings reveal that walking briskly for just 15 minutes daily can significantly lower the risk of premature death, particularly among low-income and Black populations. A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine supports this claim.

Researchers analyzed data from nearly 80,000 participants, discovering that active walking was linked to a 20% decrease in overall mortality rates.

This reduction is especially pronounced for deaths related to cardiovascular issues, demonstrating the distinct advantages of maintaining an active pace, independent of other physical activities.

“While the health benefits of daily walking are well-documented, there has been limited research on how variables like walking speed influence mortality, particularly in low-income and Black/African-American communities,” noted Chief Investigator Dr. Wei Zheng from Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

“Our study indicates that a brisk 15-minute walk correlates with nearly a 20% reduction in total mortality.”

In comparison, slower walking for over three hours a day is associated with only a modest 4% decline in mortality, indicating that intensity matters.

The participants, primarily low-income and Black individuals across 12 states in the southeastern U.S., reported their average daily “slow” and “fast” walking. Their health outcomes were monitored over a median follow-up period of 16.7 years.

This study suggests that walking enhances cardiovascular efficiency and mitigates risk factors like weight. – Credit: Getty

The advantages of brisk walking persisted even after controlling for other lifestyle factors such as diet, smoking, and alcohol consumption.

Fast walking confers numerous cardiovascular benefits, including improved cardiac function and a reduction in risk factors like obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

The researchers emphasized that this activity is low-cost and low-impact, making it accessible to individuals at all fitness levels and an effective intervention in communities with limited healthcare and recreational resources.

To raise awareness, Dr. Lili Liu from the Public Health Campaign and Community Programme stated, “We highlighted the significance and accessibility of brisk walking to enhance health outcomes, and the need to provide resources and support that facilitate easier and faster walking.”

“Individuals should aim to incorporate more intense physical activities into their daily routines,” he added.

Read more:

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Hubble Captures Stunning Images of NGC 1309

Posted on July 29, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The Hubble team has unveiled a breathtaking new image captured by the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope, showcasing the Facon Spiral Galaxy NGC 1309.

Hubble’s image reveals NGC 1309, a spiral galaxy situated about 100 million light years away in the Eridanus constellation. This color representation is a result of observations from Hubble’s Advanced Camera (ACS) and Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3), utilizing multiple filters to explore ultraviolet, infrared, and optical wavelengths. Each color corresponds to a specific filter’s monochromatic image. Image credits: NASA/ESA/Hubble/L. Galbany/S. Jha/K. Noll/A. Riess.

NGC 1309 is located about 100 million light years away in the constellation Eridanus.

Commonly referred to as IRAS03197-1534, LEDA 12626, or TC 470, this galaxy has a diameter of 75,000 light years.

NGC 1309 was first discovered on October 3, 1785, by the German-British astronomer William Herschel.

The galaxy is the brightest member of the NGC 1309 group, which also includes MCG -03-09-027 and UGCA 71.

“The mesmerizing Hubble images capture the bluish tones of NGC 1309, alongside dark brown gas clouds and shimmering white centers, interspersed with hundreds of remote background galaxies,” remarked Hubble astronomers.

“Almost every dot, stripe, and cluster of light in this image represents an individual galaxy.”

“The sole exception in this vast extragalactic scenery is a star, identifiable near the top of the frame due to its distinctive diffraction spikes.”

“This star is relatively nearby, merely thousands of light years away within our Milky Way galaxy.”

Significant scientific interest in NGC 1309 arises from two supernovae. SN 2002fk and SN 2012Z, which occurred in 2002 and 2012, respectively.

“The SN 2002fk exemplified the type Ia supernova, occurring when a white dwarf’s core explodes,” the astronomer explained.

“Conversely, SN 2012Z displayed a more unique behavior, classified as a type IAX supernova. Its spectrum resembled that of a type Ia supernova, yet its brightness was unexpectedly dim.”

“Hubble’s observations revealed that the explosion did not fully annihilate the white dwarf, resulting in a ‘zombie star’ that shone even more brightly than before the supernova event.”

“Hubble’s extensive observations of NGC 1309 over several years enabled the identification of supernova progenitor cells within images taken prior to the explosion.”

Source: www.sci.news

Research Links Low Vitamin D Levels to Higher Risk of Covid-19 Hospitalization

Posted on July 29, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

A recent analysis utilizing data from the UK Biobank revealed that vitamin D deficiency is linked to a higher risk of COVID-19 hospitalization, though there is only a weak association with the risk of infection.

Monroy-Iglesias et al. The nested case-control study was based on individuals with serum vitamin D level measurements in Baseline (2006-2010) within the Biobank Cohort, documenting COVID-19 PCR results and prior cancer diagnoses.

The widespread impact of COVID-19 on healthcare services has sparked considerable research interest aimed at understanding the potential pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the disease.

At the onset of the pandemic, numerous studies were conducted to examine various risk factors influencing rates of COVID-19 infection, severity, and mortality.

Factors that have consistently emerged include age, male sex, smoking status, obesity, specific ethnic backgrounds, and immune system compromise, which all contribute to severe disease and a heightened likelihood of mortality.

Vitamin D is essential for regulating both innate and adaptive immune responses.

Deficiency in vitamin D has been linked to a higher susceptibility to respiratory infections and is considered a risk factor for the development of severe, persistent inflammation, which may precede acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Consequently, several investigations have focused on the correlation between vitamin D levels and the risk of COVID-19 from the beginning of the pandemic.

Emerging evidence suggests a connection between vitamin D deficiency and both the likelihood of COVID-19 infection and the severity of the disease.

“Our goal was to utilize UK Biobank data to explore the relationship between vitamin D levels and the risks of both COVID-19 infection and hospitalization,” stated Dr. Maria Monroy Iglesias of King’s College London.

“We also assessed these associations across the general population, a subset of cancer patients, and examined potential differences related to ethnicity.”

The authors analyzed data from over 150,000 participants in the UK Biobank to ascertain whether the risk of COVID-19 was elevated among those with vitamin D deficiency (<25 nmol/L in blood) and vitamin D insufficiency (25-49 nmol/L).

Additionally, they compared hospitalization risks due to COVID-19 across these three groups.

“These findings can help identify at-risk individuals and inform future public health guidance,” noted Dr. Kerri Beckmann, a researcher with the University of South Australia.

“Given vitamin D’s important role in immune regulation, it is possible that low levels may influence responses to infections like COVID-19.”

“Our study indicated that individuals with vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency had a higher likelihood of being hospitalized due to COVID-19 compared to those with adequate vitamin D levels; however, they were not necessarily more prone to contracting the virus in the first place.”

The research team also explored the association between vitamin D and COVID-19 outcomes among cancer patients across different ethnic backgrounds.

It was found that individuals of Asian or African/Afro-Caribbean descent had a marginally increased risk of infection at lower vitamin D levels, while the link between vitamin D and severe illness was predominantly observed in individuals of white backgrounds.

Although no significant correlation was detected between vitamin D levels and COVID-19 outcomes among individuals previously diagnosed with cancer, researchers cautioned that this may stem from smaller sample sizes.

“While the overall risk of COVID-19 has diminished over time, the virus continues to pose a public health challenge,” Dr. Beckmann remarked.

“COVID-19 may not be the threat it once was, but it continues to impact individuals’ well-being.”

“Understanding which populations are most vulnerable enables those individuals to take necessary precautions, such as keeping track of their vitamin D levels.”

“Individuals already in poor health may naturally have lower levels of vitamin D.”

“As such, it’s still unclear whether vitamin D supplementation can mitigate the severity of COVID-19.

“This remains a topic worthy of further investigation, especially as we adapt to living with the virus.”

Survey results will be published online in the journal PLOS 1.

____

MJ Monroy-Iglesias et al. 2025. The effects of vitamin D on COVID-19 risks and hospitalizations in the UK Biobank. PLOS 1 20(7): E0328232; doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0328232

Source: www.sci.news

Paleontologists Uncover First Evidence of a Multi-Species Dinosaur Herd

Posted on July 29, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Paleontologists have uncovered footprints that are 76 million years old, belonging to a dominant group of Ceratopsian dinosaurs, in Dinosaur Provincial Park, Alberta, Canada. This remarkable finding is the first indication of herd behavior among mixed dinosaur species, reminiscent of how modern wildebeests and zebras flock together on the African savannas.

Salatopsian herd (Styracosaurus albertensis) accompanied by ankylosaurus (Euplocephalus tutus) walking through old river channels under the watchful eyes of two Tyrannosaurus (Golgosaurus libratus). Image credit: Julius Csotonyi.

Dinosaur Provincial Park, located in southern Alberta, Canada, is one of the premier regions in the world for studying late Cretaceous terrestrial ecosystems.

The park yields hundreds of dinosaur skeletal remains and a vast array of bones and teeth, making it a prime location for exploring dinosaur evolution, behavior, biological introduction, and paleoecology.

Despite the wealth of skeletal remains, dinosaur footprints and trackways are surprisingly uncommon.

“In 2024, we discovered a new track site, a skyline track site containing ‘typical’ natural mold tracks that had not been identified in the park before,” stated Dr. Phil Bell and his colleagues at the University of New England.

At this site, paleontologists uncovered 13 Seratopsia (horned dinosaurs) tracks, showing at least five animals walking side by side, along with an ankylosaurus (armored dinosaur) that might have been walking among them.

They were also intrigued to find two large Tyrannosaurus tracks alongside the group. Additionally, a footprint from a smaller meat-eating dinosaur was also discovered.

View of the Skyline Track Site immediately after its discovery (a) and during excavation (b). Image credits: Bell et al., doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0324913.

“I have been collecting dinosaur bones in Dinosaur Provincial Park for nearly two decades, but I had never given much thought to footprints,” remarked Dr. Bell.

“The edge of this rock had a mud-like appearance that caught between my toes, which immediately intrigued me.”

“The Tyrannosaurus tracks give the impression that they are truly observing the herd.”

“It was thrilling to see them walking in the footprints of dinosaurs 76 million years after they went extinct,” said Dr. Brian Pickles from Reading College.

“Using innovative search techniques, we were able to locate several additional track sites throughout the park’s diverse terrain. We will provide further details on how these captivating creatures interacted and behaved in their ecosystems.”

“This discovery highlights the vast amount left to uncover in dinosaur paleontology,” noted Dr. Caleb Brown, PhD, from the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology.

“Dinosaur Park boasts one of the world’s most comprehensive dinosaur collections and studies, with over a century of dedicated research. Only now are we beginning to fully explore the potential of dinosaur trackways.”

The findings are published in a paper in the journal PLOS 1.

____

PR Bell et al. 2025. A track site controlled by Ceratopsids from the Campanian in Dinosaur Provincial Park, Alberta, Canada. PLOS 1 20(7): E0324913; doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0324913

Source: www.sci.news

Breakthrough Study Unveils First Accurate Explanation of Lightning Formation in Nature

Posted on July 29, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

A recent study by Professor Victor Pasco from Pennsylvania and his team reveals the method for determining the robust electric field associated with thunder, which collides with molecules such as nitrogen and oxygen, resulting in x-rays that trigger intense storms through additional electrons and high-energy photons.

NASA’s high-population ER-2 plane is equipped with instruments for the fly-eye Earth Intake Mapper Simulator and the Ground Gamma Ray Flash (ALOFT) Mission, which records gamma rays from ThunderClouds (illustrated in purple). Image credit: NASA/ALOFT team.

“Our research provides an accurate and quantitative explanation of the initial processes leading to lightning,” stated Professor Pasco.

“It connects the underlying physics of X-rays, electric fields, and electron avalanches.”

In their study, Professor Pasco and colleagues employed mathematical modeling to validate and elucidate field observations related to photoelectric phenomena within the Earth’s atmosphere.

This phenomenon, known as terrestrial gamma-ray flashes, consists of invisible, naturally occurring bursts of x-rays along with their associated radio emissions.

“By creating a simulation that mirrors the observed field conditions, we offered a comprehensive explanation of the x-rays and radio emissions occurring inside Thunderclouds,” added Professor Pasco.

“Our research illustrates how electrons, accelerated by lightning’s strong electric field, can generate x-rays upon colliding with air molecules like nitrogen or oxygen, leading to an avalanche of electrons that create high-energy photons to initiate lightning.”

Through their model, the researchers analyzed field observations gathered by various research teams utilizing ground-based sensors, satellites, and high-altitude surveillance platforms to simulate thunderstorm conditions.

“We elucidated the mechanisms of photoelectric events, the triggering conditions for electron cascades in thunder, and the sources of diverse radio signals detected in clouds preceding a lightning strike,” explained Professor Pervez.

“To validate the lightning initiation explanation, I compared our findings with previous models, observational studies, and my own investigations into lightning bolts, specifically intercompact cloud discharges that typically occur within limited regions of Thunderclouds.”

This process, termed photoelectric feedback discharge, models the physical conditions where lightning is likely to happen.

The equations employed to develop the model are available in the published papers, enabling other researchers to apply them in their own studies.

Besides elucidating the onset of lightning, the scientists clarified why ground-level gamma-ray flashes can often occur without the accompanying light and radio emissions that signify lightning in rainy conditions.

“In our simulations, the high-energy X-rays generated by relativistic electron avalanches create new seed electrons driven by photoelectric phenomena in the air, rapidly amplifying these avalanches,” Professor Pasco remarked.

“Moreover, while this runaway chain reaction is generated in a compact volume, it can happen across a varied range of intensities, often with minimal optical and radio emissions but detectable X-ray levels.”

“This explains why these gamma-ray flashes originate from regions that are visually dim and appear silent in wireless frequency.”

The team’s findings will be published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres.

____

Victor P. Pasco et al. 2025. The photoelectric effect in the air accounts for the initiation of lightning and the occurrence of terrestrial gamma rays. JGR Atmosphere 130 (14): E2025JD043897; doi: 10.1029/2025JD043897

Source: www.sci.news

Ancient Herbivorous Dinosaur Discovered in Argentina, Dating Back 95 Million Years

Posted on July 29, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Paleontologists from Argentine Patagonia have unearthed parts of the posterior skull from the previously unknown sauropod dinosaur, Levvatissaurus.

Reconstruction of the life of Astigmasaura genuflexa. Image credit: Mattia Yuri Messina.

The newly identified dinosaurs thrived in what is modern-day Argentina during the late Cretaceous period, around 95 million years ago.

This species has been scientifically named Astigmasaura ungflexa and measured approximately 18 meters (59 feet) in length, weighing over 10 tons.

These ancient giants belong to the Rebbachisauridae, a large family of sauropod dinosaurs within the superfamily Diplodocoidea.

“Rebbachisaurids are medium to large, non-selective, ground-level browsers, characterized by highly specialized skulls, elongated axial elements, and gracile appendicular skeletons.”

“Fossils from Levubatisaurus, spanning the early to late Cretaceous, are particularly diverse within the ancient supercontinent Gondwana, with numerous specimens discovered in North Africa and South America.”

“Notably, Patagonia has produced more than half of all known rebbachisaurids, including the earliest forms and the most recent Rebbachisaurus.”

Fieldwork in the El Orejano region of the Huncul Formation in Patagonia, Argentina. Image credit: Flavio Bellardini.

Fossilized remains of Astigmasaura ungflexa were found in the El Orejano area of the Huncul Formation within the Neuquén Basin in Patagonia, Argentina.

The material type of Astigmasaura ungflexa was described by paleontologists.

This new species represents one of the last Levubatisaurus dinosaurs before it went extinct around 90 million years ago.

“Astigmasaura ungflexa shares a variety of traits with other rebbachisaurids, including anterior caudal vertebrae with tall neural spines and tetrameric nerve layers, an asymmetrical neural arch, a mesolaterally compressed proximal tibia, and medially tilted distal condyles and femurs,” the researchers noted.

“Furthermore, Astigmasaura ungflexa displays a unique combination of diagnostic features that set it apart from all other sauropods.”

“This new finding not only enhances our understanding of the previously unexplored caudal and pelvic girdle anatomy of Rebbachisauridae but also indicates greater taxonomic diversity within the family during the late stages of evolutionary history than previously recognized.”

The team’s paper was published online in the journal Cretaceous Research.

____

Flavio Berardini et al. 2025. Alongside the Titans: a new Levuvacisaur dinosaur from the Huncul Formation (Upper Cenomanian) of Patagonia, Argentina. Cretaceous Research 176:106188; doi:10.1016/j.cretres.2025.106188

Source: www.sci.news

The Emergence of Freshwater on Earth: A Sciworthy Exploration

Posted on July 29, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The name Hadian Ion is derived from Hades, the Greek god of the underworld, and is used by geologists to describe Earth’s first 600 million years. While scientists initially believed that a sea of lava engulfed the Earth during the Hadean Eon, recent discoveries have revealed minerals from that era in newly formed rocks. These minerals, known as Zircon, indicate that Hadean Earth likely featured solid land, oceans, and possibly even an active water cycle.

Researchers from the United Arab Emirates, Australia, and China have been investigating whether freshwater existed on Hadean Earth. They collected sandstone samples from Jack Hills in Australia, which contained grains eroded from ancient rocks that housed weather-resistant zircon. Previous studies have shown that 7% of the zircon grains from Jack Hills date back to the Hadean Eon, making them among the oldest materials available today.

The team noted that zircon grains are ideal for this study because they retain the same chemical composition as crystallized Hadean magma. This allows researchers to analyze zircon grains to discern the original magma’s composition. To select the appropriate grains, researchers photographed the zircons and illuminated them with an electron beam using a method called Casodoriminesense.

The researchers focused on zircon particles that were structurally intact and exhibited homogeneous color and fluorescence. They measured uranium abundance and analyzed lead atoms with varying neutron counts. Using a technique called Mass analysis, they examined isotopes in the zircon. The ratio of these isotopes, ²³⁸U and ²⁰⁶Pb, provides insight into the age of the crystal and its origins.

The researchers also assessed the ratios of two oxygen isotopes, ¹⁸O and ¹⁶O, within the zircon. They explained that these oxygen isotope ratios are highly sensitive to interactions between liquids and rocks, allowing them to trace the variations in the Jack Hills Zircons’ O-isotope ratios to determine when the hydration cycle began. Their findings confirmed that the zircon grains originated from a primary magma source.

Next, the researchers analyzed how different oxygen isotope ratios in zircon were generated. They explained that ¹⁸O is heavier than ¹⁶O due to its additional two neutrons. Typically, zircon crystals formed in magma share oxygen isotope ratios similar to those in modern seawater. Higher heavy oxygen isotope ratios indicate the incorporation of more ¹⁸O fragments from the Earth’s crust rather than from seawater.

Meanwhile, interactions between magma and liquids produce distinct oxygen isotope ratios. Some zircons exhibited lighter oxygen isotope ratios of ¹⁸O, more than found in contemporary seawater. For such ratios to form, the magma must be at high temperatures and in contact with liquid. The researchers identified zircon crystals that crystallized with very light oxygen isotopic ratios between 200 million and 4 billion years ago, suggesting that the original melt interacted with surface water. These ratios imply that land emerged above the oceans, allowing water to accumulate on Earth’s surface.

To further investigate, the researchers employed computational models to determine the type of surface water that influenced the extreme oxygen isotope ratios in zircon particles. They tested whether the zircon oxygen isotope ratios result solely from interactions with seawater, freshwater, or a mix of both. Their findings indicated that magma interacting only with seawater could not account for the observed oxygen isotope ratios, suggesting a combination of influences. Consequently, researchers proposed that freshwater interacted with early Hadean crust over tens of millions of years to generate light oxygen isotopic ratios.

The researchers concluded that an active water cycle existed on early Earth. They noted that this revised timeline for the onset of the water cycle could significantly impact the emergence of life on Earth. The presence of land above sea level, freshwater, and an active water cycle implies that the building blocks for life may have been present just 550 million years after Earth’s formation. They theorized that life could have potentially originated in freshwater reservoirs in exposed crust. Ongoing research into geological materials from this period may yield further insights into the early processes that facilitated the emergence of life.

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Source: sciworthy.com

Fame: A Clever and Thrilling Journey Over 30 Years

Posted on July 29, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Angier (Hugh Jackman) shines in the cinematic adaptation

AJ Photos/Alam

fame
Priest Christopher (available in the UK and the US)

fame is perhaps most recognized for Christopher Nolan’s 2006 film adaptation of “The Prestige.” However, the accompanying books have captivated audiences and are often celebrated as literary masterpieces.

I only picked up this book recently, as I initially thought it revolved around stage tricks. Many claim to delight in the magician’s artistry, but I’d rather invest my evening enjoying something else. I was skeptical about reading a book focused on stage magicians from the late 19th century.

However, a conversation with science fiction writer Adam Roberts last year led me to ask him for his favorite sci-fi authors, to which he quickly included Christopher Priest. fame, no matter your stance on stage magic.

This sparked my interest, despite my reluctance towards the flashy white gloves and top hats. Plus, Tor’s republishing of the novel marks 30 years since its initial release, complete with a new introduction by John Clute. (Priest sadly passed away last year.)

Within the story are two distinct but closely related stage tricks and their mechanisms. Our primary protagonist (a loose term) is Magician Alfred Borden, known for his trick named The Transported Man. In essence, it features Borden entering one side of the stage and reappearing in a booth on the opposite end to thunderous applause.

If you appreciate complex and skillfully designed puzzle mysteries, this book is definitely for you.

However, Borden has a rival named Rupert Angier, who becomes obsessed with deciphering Borden’s transportation tricks. Angier then creates his own magical marvel, seemingly appearing instantly from within a blinking machine to another part of the theater.

Now it is Borden who grapples with unraveling the mystery of Angier’s performance, teetering on the edge of madness in his quest to uncover it. This intense rivalry culminates in a generational cycle. Consequently, Borden and Angier share narration duties with their respective descendants.

The novel is genuinely gripping, pulling you in like a magician enthralling an audience. Yet, it’s much more sophisticated than it seems at first glance.

I’ve yet to test this theory, but I believe you can read various sections in almost any order, and it remains engaging and comprehensible. In essence, it’s surprisingly well-constructed.

Concerning genre, it won the World Fantasy Award upon its initial release, but it incorporates elements of science, including real-life figures like inventor Nikola Tesla, and is often classified as science fiction today. The book’s atmosphere has gothic and steampunk influences, with a vintage style fitting for its period.

So if you’re a fan of intricate and beautifully crafted puzzle mysteries, this book is certainly worth your time. It triumphs in both plot and expertly managed suspense. I’m excited to see Nolan’s film adaptation, which is reportedly quite different from the book, but Priest himself praised the film and believed Nolan executed it well.

I would also suggest Emily…

World War
HG Wells (various publishers)
Given that Christopher Priest served as Vice President of the HG Wells Association, it seems fitting to recommend reading (or re-reading for many) this significant work. Originally published in 1898, it’s astonishingly modern in many ways. It’s a cornerstone of classic science fiction, even before the genre was officially recognized. I recommend it simply because it’s a classic worth revisiting.

Emily H. Wilson is the former editor of the New Scientist and author of the Sumerian trilogy set in ancient Mesopotamia. The final book in the series, Ninshuval, is set for release in August. You can find her online at emilyhwilson.com or follow her on x @emilyhwilson and instagram @emilyhwilson1

New Scientist Book Club

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Source: www.newscientist.com

You Could Potentially Share Near-Infinite Quantum Entanglement

Posted on July 28, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Quantum entanglement can be treated as a shareable resource

Peter Julik/Aramie

Quantum entanglement, an enigmatic connection between particles, serves as a crucial asset for quantum computing and communication, and in some instances, can be shared almost limitlessly.

Numerous quantum operations, including the secure transfer of encrypted quantum data and computations on quantum systems, depend on multiple entangled particles. Ujjwal Sen and his team at the Harish Chandra Research Institute in India have inquired whether entanglements can be shared rather than created anew.

“We imagined a scenario where someone possesses an abundance, like money or treats, willing to distribute it among children, employees, or others,” he explains.

To explore this idea, his team formulated a mathematical model featuring two hypothetical researchers, Alice and Bob, who share entangled particles. When additional researchers, Charu and Debu, require entanglement but cannot generate their own, the first pair must assist.

Their calculations indicated that if Charu’s particles interacted with Alice’s, and Debu’s with Bob’s, the initial pair could transfer part of their entanglement to the latter pair. Kornikar Sen, another researcher at the Harish Chandra Research Institute, clarified that although Charu and Debu couldn’t interact with each other, they could utilize a shared “entanglement bank.”

In fact, the researchers concluded that this procedure for sharing entanglement could potentially accommodate an infinite number of successive pairs of researchers unable to create their own entangled states. Ujjwal Sen expressed that this revelation was surprising, as they had not anticipated the ability to share entanglement across so many pairs when they commenced their calculations.

Moreover, the team pinpointed how the experimenters would need to modify their operations on the particles to facilitate this sharing mechanism, although these specific methods have yet to undergo experimental validation.

Chirag Srivastava from the Harish-Chandra Research Institute added that each new experimenter obtaining entanglement from Alice and Bob would acquire a diminishing share, as some entanglement dissipates during interactions.

Consequently, while the sharing methodology could theoretically continue forever, in practice, it would sooner or later cease when some researchers receive insignificantly small portions of entanglement.

How this situation unfolds—and how it measures against other methods by which researchers can obtain entanglement from a single source—remains to be explored through ongoing experiments.

topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Immobilized Lifestyle Changes Are the Most Common Approach to Combat Cognitive Decline

Posted on July 28, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Regular exercise aids in maintaining cognitive sharpness

Yoshikazu Tsuno/AFP via Getty Images

Engaging in structured exercise programs, dietary changes, cognitive activities, and social interactions has proven more efficient in combating cognitive decline than casual, self-initiated efforts.

The brain’s capabilities for memory, language use, and problem-solving typically diminish with age, often resulting in dementia. Nevertheless, studies indicate that up to 45% of global dementia cases are preventable by addressing 14 risk factors, which include inadequate education, social isolation, and brain injuries.

To explore strategies for preventing cognitive decline, Laura Baker from Wake Forest University School of Medicine in North Carolina and her team studied the American Pointer Study.

They involved over 2,100 individuals deemed at high risk for cognitive decline aged between 60 and 79, who led sedentary lifestyles, had suboptimal diets, and met at least two criteria related to dementia, such as a family history of memory issues.

Participants were randomly placed into one of two groups. Both were designed to promote physical and cognitive activity, healthy eating habits, and social interaction, although their methods varied.

One group followed a highly structured format, with 38 small group sessions across two years, led by trained facilitators who devised plans. This regimen also incorporated regular exercise at a community center along with weekly online brain training exercises.

The other group was less structured, participating in only six group meetings over the same two-year period. They were provided with public education materials and $75 gift cards aimed at encouraging behavioral changes, like attending gym classes.

After two years, both groups demonstrated enhancements in cognitive assessments measuring memory, executive function, and processing speed. The structured group saw an improvement of 0.24 standard deviations per year compared to their initial scores, while the self-guided group improved by 0.21 standard deviations per year.

“It’s remarkable that the structured care group has shown improvement,” remarks Gil Livingston from University College London. However, she points out the absence of a control group that received no intervention, making comparisons challenging between structured and self-directed participants.

Baker estimates significant declines in cognitive scores would have occurred without either regimen, claiming the benefits are significant. “A two-year structured intervention can effectively delay cognitive aging by nearly one to two years,” she states.

Baker mentions that improvement in both groups aligns with a placebo effect, suggesting that participants might have expected positive outcomes regardless of their group assignments.

Claudia Sumoto from the University of São Paulo in Brazil suggests the minor differences in cognitive scores between groups are likely imperceptible to participants and their families, given that dementia progresses gradually; clear effects may take more than two years to manifest.

Baker notes the team will continue monitoring participants for a total of six years, as the US Pointer Study has a four-year extension. “We’re observing subtle changes because they are cognitively normal individuals, and we are effectively slowing the rate of decline over time. We’re genuinely excited about empowering individuals at risk of dementia to take control of their health,” she remarks.

She believes that a structured approach is practical beyond the study context, emphasizing the need for caregivers and health professionals to motivate individuals rather than assuming high public expenditure is necessary to instill healthy habits.

“Overall, dementia care can be highly costly, and mitigating the burden can save expenses,” Livingston adds. “This study is crucial because lifestyle enhancements have shown benefits, and while guided support aids improvement, it’s not the only approach.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Puppies and Cheetahs: An Unlikely Sibling-in-Law Pair

Posted on July 28, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=svke-k2h9ve

A charming duo, Rozi the Cheetah Cub and Ziggy the Labrador-Kelpie-Collie mix, demonstrate that the bonds of brotherhood can cross species lines.

Logi was brought into the world via an emergency cesarean section in late February at the Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo, Australia, after her mother, Siri, went into labor ahead of schedule.

Unfortunately, Siri was unable to produce milk. Rozi struggled with health issues during her initial weeks, which necessitated the separation of mother and cub.

As Rozi’s two siblings were stillborn, she became the only surviving cub, facing at least 18 months before she could participate in the zoo’s breeding program.

The zookeepers determined that in order for Rozi to grow and socialize adequately, thus improving her chances of breeding in the future, she would need companions.

Ten years prior, Logi’s mother had a dog for companionship, along with a puppy. This created a successful dynamic with the American Cheetah Cubs, according to Jordan Michelmore, Cheetah Keeper at Dubbo Zoo.

Domestic cats wouldn’t be suitable, she notes, as Logi’s playmates need to be sturdy enough to engage with a cheetah for at least a year.

“Dogs possess greater resilience and energy. Their size also aligns more closely with the cheetah as she matures,” Michelle adds.

3 Months of Ziggy and Logi

Sharon McDreddie

When both were about two months old, Ziggy and Logi were gradually introduced. Initially, Ziggy needed careful quarantine and vaccination, but after two weeks, they were playing and cuddling together.

“Their energy levels, play styles, and sizes complement each other well,” says Michelmore. “The liveliness and playfulness of puppies mesh nicely with Logi’s current stage.”

As female cheetahs tend to become solitary after 12-18 months, Michelmore anticipates a future separation for Ziggy, which will involve placing him in a new home.

“We will take cues from their relationship and can start to transition Ziggy out when Logi shows she doesn’t desire his company as much,” shares Michelle.

However, she is also considering the possibility of keeping Ziggy around. This way, Rozi and Ziggy could maintain their bond. Several zoos in the United States have found that cheetahs and their adopted siblings can coexist into adulthood.

She likens Ziggy to a “nuisance brother,” stating, “The joy she expresses upon his return to her space is unmistakable.”

“I also want Ziggy to grow into a well-rounded dog. His upbringing is truly unique for a puppy.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

How to Locate This Month’s Delta Aquarid Meteor Shower

Posted on July 28, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

John Chumack/Science Photo Library

One of my favorite pastimes is stargazing with friends, spending hours watching the stars and hoping for meteors to race across the sky. Summer nights in the Northern Hemisphere are ideal for this, especially as two meteor showers reach their peaks.

A meteor is simply a flash of light created when small dust particles burn up as they enter Earth’s atmosphere. Occasionally, larger rocks disintegrate, with some pieces reaching the ground as meteorites. Each year, as Earth orbits the Sun, it passes through trails of dust and debris left by comets and asteroids, leading to stunning meteor showers.

The Delta Aquariids Meteor Shower originates from Comet 96P/Machholz, a short-period comet that orbits the Sun approximately every five years. Discovered in 1986, it last made its closest approach to the Sun in 2023.

This meteor shower is considered medium strength. On clear, dark nights, you could witness up to 20 meteors per hour, peaking on July 30th. However, the Delta Aquariid Shower (depicted in the image) spans from mid-July to mid-August and offers a gentler display compared to other meteor showers, making it less critical to observe it at peak times.

While Delta Aquariids are typically more spectacular in the Southern Hemisphere, they’re visible worldwide.

The optimal time to observe them is during a moonless night around the end of July. This year, the lunar phase aligns perfectly with the new moon on July 24th, offering an excellent opportunity for viewing until the first quarter on July 31st.

To see the meteors, find a location as far from light pollution as possible. Allow your eyes to adjust to the darkness for at least 40 minutes before gazing upward. The Delta Aquariids appear to radiate from the constellation Aquarius, from which their name is derived, but these meteors can be seen traversing in all directions across the sky.

If you’re stargazing towards late July or August, keep an eye out for the Perseid meteor showers, which are known for their brilliance and peak around August 12th. This year, the Perseids will reach their peak the evening of August 12th-13th, making it worthwhile to stay up late if you can.

So gather your friends, grab a cozy blanket or a hot water bottle, and see how many meteors you can spot at the end of July or the beginning of August. I’m certainly planning to do so.

Abigail Beall is the editor of New Scientist and the author of Art of Urban Astronomy. Follow her @abbybeall

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Source: www.newscientist.com

The Indicators of Alien Life on Exoplanet K2-18b Have Nearly Vanished

Posted on July 28, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Artistic Depictions of K2-18b

A. Smith/N. Mandhusudhan

Hope for discovering alien life on K2-18B is diminishing. Recent observations have not revealed clear evidence of biomolecules suggested by earlier studies. While many scientists concur that this casts doubt on past claims, one researcher involved in those earlier findings argues that the new data may actually bolster their conclusions.

In April, Nick Madhusudan at Cambridge University and his team proposed that K2-18B, a rocky planet larger than Earth and located around 124 light years away, shows signs of atmospheric molecules dimethyldimethylsulfide (DMS) and dimethyldisulfide (DMD). On Earth, these compounds are exclusively produced by living organisms. At the time, Madhusudhan described these as “the first hints we see about this alien world, possibly a home for life.”

However, subsequent analyses of the same JWST data by other researchers using different statistical methods found no substantial evidence for these molecules. Madhusudhan later stated that his team conducted a more in-depth reanalysis of their data. In an interview with New Scientist, he expressed “increased confidence” that DMS could be the best explanation for the findings. Without further observations of K2-18B, astronomers remain divided on the potential for life on the planet.

Recently, Renyu Hu from Caltech and his colleagues collaborated with Madhusudhan’s team to examine new JWST observations of K2-18B. They found no statistical evidence supporting the detection of DMS. “This paper does not present conclusive evidence regarding the presence of this molecule in the atmosphere,” remarked Hu.

Madhusudhan, Hu, and their teams utilized JWST’s near-infrared camera to observe the light from K2-18B’s star. This camera captured light at wavelengths differing from the mid-infrared measurements used in the earlier analysis conducted in April. The researchers then assessed their findings using various atmospheric models for K2-18B. Each model had different assumptions regarding the molecular composition and the presence of water vapor in its atmosphere.

Some models incorporating DMS provided slightly better explanations for the data than those without, but this does not necessarily indicate a firm detection, falling short of the threshold for statistical evidence. “The models suggest that if there is a signal, it is quite weak,” stated Hu. “I remain cautious.”

Madhusudhan acknowledged the lack of strong evidence for detection, but contended that it is more reasonable to compare this data with recent observations from JWST’s near-infrared cameras taken in 2023, as opposed to April’s mid-infrared results. “Statistically, the data does seem to show slightly stronger evidence for DMS than what we discussed in our paper,” said Madhusudhan.

“There could still be other molecules mimicking DMS,” he added, but he believes that signals produced by unknown compounds exhibit specific traits best accounted for by DMS. “However, we cannot make confident assertions.”

“This study clearly states that there is no evidence of dimethyl sulfide. No statistical support exists for these gases,” stated Lewis Wellbanks of Arizona State University. Sarah Seager from MIT remarked that her team views the statistical significance presented by the researchers as “not enough to be considered a detection.”

“It seems we may be nearing the end of the discussion regarding whether DMS can be detected at viable levels. [K2-18b] conditions are not conducive enough for more critical detection,” remarked Jake Taylor from Oxford University.

In a further setback for biosignature proponents, Hu and his team discovered that specific hydrogen-rich atmospheres in planets like K2-18b can generate DMS through chemical pathways devoid of biological influence. “This helps narrow down which molecules may serve as biosignatures in exoplanetary atmospheres, implying that DMS is not exclusively indicative of life,” noted Taylor.

However, he emphasized that additional mid-infrared observations with JWST, akin to those undertaken in April, could yield more specific data, as DMS characteristics and other intricate molecules target distinct light regions that are detectable.

What is widely accepted by astronomers is that K2-18B is rich in water. Hu and his team have gathered robust evidence for the existence of methane and carbon dioxide, suggesting the presence of water. However, it remains unclear whether this water exists as oceans, atmospheric vapor, or is confined inside the planet.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

The Expansive Bubbles Surrounding the Dying Star Defy Comprehension

Posted on July 28, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Gas bubbles surrounding red supergiant DFK 52

Alma/Mark Siebert et al. 2025

A dying star is shedding a massive sphere of dust and gas approximately half the size of our solar system. Astronomers are puzzled by this phenomenon as there’s no known process capable of producing such an extensive amount of material from a single star.

Red supergiants are the universe’s largest stars, representing the final stages of a massive star that has exhausted most of its fuel before it eventually goes supernova. During this brief phase, the star expands rapidly, releasing copious amounts of gas and dust and forming bubbles around it.

Mark Siebert from the Chalmers Institute of Technology in Sweden and his colleagues found that the red supergiant star DFK 52 possesses the largest known environment for such celestial bodies, creating a bubble 50,000 times wider than the distance between Earth and the Sun. Curiously, these stars are relatively dim, suggesting they have less energy than what would typically be needed to generate such a vast debris field. “I can’t ascertain how I can disperse so much material in that timeframe,” Siebert remarks.

Previously, DFK 52 had been observed by various telescopes, allowing astronomers to conclude that it expelled a normal quantity of gas. However, when Siebert and his team used the Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA) in Chile, they detected light at longer wavelengths from older, much cooler materials.

“It reveals an extensive environment around DFK 52 with a very complex geometry that’s not entirely understood yet,” Siebert explains. “We don’t grasp the precise structure, but we acknowledge its immense scale.”

Similar to the intricate flow of bubbles throughout the structure, Siebert and his team observed ring-like formations at the core of the overall sphere, expanding at approximately 30 kilometers per second. They estimate that this activity likely stemmed from a significant event that occurred around 4,000 years ago, potentially key to understanding how the star generated so much material.

Location of DFK 52 observed by the Spitzer Space Telescope

NASA/JPL-CALTECH/IPAC

A potential explanation for the extensive environment is that these stars may have briefly increased in brightness and then dramatically faded, although red supergiants are not typically known for such fluctuations, according to Siebert. Alternatively, another star may be orbiting a larger star, stripping material from DFK 52, but this would likely result in a more symmetrical bubble, Siebert asserts. “It is evident that some additional energy sources must contribute to this phenomenon, but we remain uncertain about what they are,” he comments.

“The explosion won’t alter the star’s overall evolution, but it may significantly influence the future appearances of supernovas,” says Emma Beads from John Moores University, Liverpool, UK. “This is an intriguing development that enhances our understanding of unusual supernovae.”

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Intermediate-Mass Black Hole Devours Stars in NGC 6099

Posted on July 27, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Researchers have identified a newly found intermediate mass black hole designated NGC 6099 HLX-1, situated in a dense star cluster at the edge of the elliptical galaxy NGC 6099, nearly 40,000 light-years from the galaxy’s core.

X-ray and infrared imagery of NGC 6099 HLX-1. Image credits: NASA/CXC/Inst. Astronomy, Taiwan / YC Chang / ESA / STSCI / HST / J. Depasquale.

NGC 6099 is roughly 450 million light-years distant from the constellation Hercules.

Astronomers first detected an unusual X-ray source in a photo of the galaxy captured by NASA’s Chandra X-Ray Observatory in 2009.

This source has since been studied further with ESA’s XMM-Newton Space Observatory.

“X-ray sources exhibiting such high luminosity are uncommon outside a galaxy’s nucleus and can be significant indicators for locating elusive central black holes,” states Dr. Yi-chi Chang, an astronomer at the National Tsing Hua University.

“These objects bridge a critical gap in the understanding of black holes, linking stellar mass black holes and supermassive black holes.”

The X-ray emissions from NGC 6099 HLX-1 reach a temperature of 3 million degrees, which aligns with events of tidal disruption.

Utilizing the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope, astronomers discovered signs of a small cluster of stars encircling the black hole.

This cluster feasts on matter as the stars are densely grouped, just a few months away (approximately 500 billion miles).

The intriguing intermediate mass black hole peaked in brightness in 2012, after which its luminosity steadily decreased until 2023.

However, the optical and X-ray observations across this timeframe do not align, complicating interpretation.

The black hole may have disrupted captured stars, creating a plasma disk that exhibits variability, or it might have birthed a disk that flickers as gas spirals inward.

“If an intermediate mass black hole is consuming a star, how long does it take to digest the gas?” questions Dr. Roberto Soria, an astronomer from the National Institute of Astrophysics in Italy.

“In 2009, HLX-1 was relatively bright. By 2012, it was approximately 100 times brighter, but then its brightness declined again.”

. “Now, we need to observe and see if it enters multiple cycles and identify any peaks in activity.

The researchers stress the importance of examining central mass black holes to reveal the origins of larger supermassive black holes.

Two alternative theories are suggested. One posits that large galaxies grow by merging with other substantial galaxies, positioning intermediate mass black holes as components that help formulate even larger black holes. Intermediate mass black holes in galactic centers also expand during these collisions.

Hubble’s observations indicated a correlation: the larger the galaxy, the larger the black holes residing within. One fresh insight from this discovery suggests that galaxies may host intermediate mass black holes, existing within the halos of galaxies without necessarily spiraling toward the center.

Another theory suggests that gas clouds in primordial dark matter halos might collapse directly into supermassive black holes without first forming stars.

Observations indicating Webb’s distant black holes often appear disproportionately large compared to their host galaxies lend support to this hypothesis.

However, since smaller sizes are elusive, there may exist an observational bias toward detecting very large black holes in the early universe.

In truth, there’s considerable diversity in the methods by which black holes are generated in our dynamic universe.

Ultra-massive black holes collapsing within dark matter may evolve distinctly from those within dwarf galaxies, where accretion could be the primary growth mechanism.

“If fortune favors you, you might spot a wandering black hole suddenly brightening in X-rays due to a tidal disruption event,” Dr. Soria remarked.

“Conducting statistical studies will elucidate the frequency of these intermediate mass black holes, how often they consume stars, and the mechanisms by which galaxies have expanded through the amalgamation of smaller galaxies.”

Survey findings were published in the Astrophysical Journal.

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Yi-chi Chang et al. 2025. Multi-wavelength studies of high-light X-ray sources near NGC6099: A powerful IMBH candidate. APJ 983, 109; doi:10.3847/1538-4357/adbbee

Source: www.sci.news

After Years of Speculation, Science May Have Discovered a Genuine Hangover Remedy

Posted on July 27, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Scientists don’t need reminding that hangovers are unpleasant. Excessive alcohol intake can trigger a cascade of headaches, nausea, fatigue, and inflammation.

While the long-term health hazards of alcohol consumption are well-known, it’s surprising that research on hangovers is quite limited.

“When I searched for ‘hangovers’, I found about 600 articles since 1945,” notes Professor J Leigh Leasure, who maintains a database of biomedical and lifestyle research. “It’s astonishing how little has been explored on this topic.”

Leasure, a neuroscientist at the University of Houston studying the effects of alcohol, is among the researchers striving to enhance our understanding of this unclear condition.

As a participant, she has experimented with various hangover remedies—from traditional eggs and bacon to electrolytes, vitamin mixes, and caffeine infusions.

High-Intensity Exercise to Sweat Out Hangovers

Meanwhile, some individuals tackle their hangovers through high-intensity workouts. Whether it’s a run or a spin and kettlebell class, the goal remains the same: to sweat out the “toxins” from the previous night.

“Interestingly, many people swear by sweating it out,” says Leasure.

In 2024, she and her colleagues released their first study examining whether exercise can alleviate hangover symptoms. Published in the journal Addictive Behavior, the research involved approximately 1,600 university students who had experienced at least one hangover in the past three months.

Participants completed a survey regarding their alcohol consumption, activity levels, and the frequency and severity of hangovers.

Some findings were unsurprising: increased drinking correlated with more severe hangovers.

However, the study also revealed that students who engaged in intense exercise during the previous three months reported fewer and less severe hangovers compared to those who were less active.

It’s worth mentioning that this was a retrospective study. The students were not tested in a controlled setting, so the results should be viewed with some caution.

This study suggests that vigorous exercise might generally mitigate the worst hangover effects, rather than alleviating them in the immediate aftermath.

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Reduced Inflammation from Elevated Endorphins

There’s reason to believe that training after a hangover can be beneficial. Endorphins released by rigorous exercise act as natural painkillers, which could help alleviate headaches.

One study indicates that high-intensity exercise is particularly effective at boosting endorphin production compared to lighter workouts.

Leasure posits that exercise may also have anti-inflammatory properties.

“One prevailing idea is that alcohol, especially in large amounts, elevates short-term inflammation, while exercise tends to counteract this,” she explains.

Research has shown that regular exercise can reduce the likelihood of chronic inflammation. In 2023, Harvard Research identified one mechanism involving the release of regulatory T cells that modulate the body’s inflammatory response.

Earlier studies suggest that moderate exercise for just 20 minutes can trigger an anti-inflammatory response.

However, don’t expect to break personal records on your morning run. While exercise can help with hangovers, the hangover itself can impair performance, says Leasure.

“As one might expect, hangovers don’t improve athletic performance. Research indicates they make physical activity more challenging.”

One significant idea is that alcohol increases inflammation, while exercise has the opposite effect – Illustrated Credit: Jamie Coe

Another unexpected finding emerged from Leasure’s study.

“There is a substantial body of literature examining the connection between exercise and alcohol consumption,” she states. “Physically active individuals tend to drink, which seems somewhat paradoxical.”

One theory from Leasure and her colleagues suggests that people often have a debit and credit mindset regarding health. Engaging in unhealthy habits like drinking might lead some to compensate by pursuing healthier activities, such as an intense workout on a Sunday morning.

As this study continues, the effects on hangovers will become clearer.

About Our Experts

Professor J Leigh Leasure is a neuroscientist and associate professor in the Department of Biology and Biochemistry, focusing on the effects of alcohol at the University of Houston in the United States. She has published in multiple scientific journals including Alcohol, Neuroplasticity, and Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com