AI Aids in Restoring Damaged Latin Inscriptions from the Roman Empire

Posted on July 23, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Roman Temple in Ankara, Turkey

PE Forsberg / Alamy Stock Photos

Latin inscriptions from ancient times provide insights into the proclamations of the Roman emperor the voices of the enslaved for those who understand them. Today, advancements in artificial intelligence assist historians in piecing together often incomplete texts, even allowing for predictions about the origins and contexts of specific inscriptions within the Roman Empire.

“Analyzing history through inscriptions resembles solving an enormous puzzle. There are tens of thousands of them,” stated Thea Sommerschield during a media briefing at the University of Nottingham, UK. “This is everything that has endured through the centuries.”

The AI tools developed by Sommerschield and her team can identify missing characters in Latin inscriptions and indicate that they relate to the same individual or location as similarly styled inscriptions. They named the tool Aeneas, after the legendary hero reputed to have fled the fall of Troy, eventually becoming an ancestor to the Romans.

“Aeneas can help restore unknown lengths of text that are missing,” remarked Giannis Assael, co-leader of Aeneas’s development at Google DeepMind. “This versatility is beneficial for historians, particularly with heavily damaged materials.”

The team trained Aeneas using the most extensive dataset of ancient Latin texts, comprising over 176,000 inscriptions and nearly 9,000 accompanying images. This training enables Aeneas to propose missing phrases. Furthermore, when tested against a set of known inscriptions, researchers found that Aeneas could estimate inscription dates within a 13-year range and achieved a 72% accuracy rate in discerning the origins of different regions in Rome.

“Inscriptions are crucial for understanding the lives and experiences of those in the Roman Empire,” noted Charlotte Tapman, a researcher at the University of Exeter, UK, who was not directly involved in this study. “They encompass a variety of topics including law, trade, military affairs, political life, religion, death, and personal matters.”

Such AI technologies “are poised to be implemented for studying inscriptions from other eras and adapted for various languages,” according to Tupman.

In tests involving intentionally damaged inscriptions, Aeneas achieved a 73% accuracy in filling gaps of up to 10 Latin characters. However, when the total length of missing text was unknown, accuracy dropped to 58%. Nonetheless, the AI’s logic for its suggestions enables researchers to evaluate the legitimacy of its findings.

When nearly 20 historians evaluated AI-assisted restorations on intentionally damaged inscriptions, those using AI outperformed both the individual historians and the AI itself. Furthermore, historians reported that the comparative inscriptions highlighted by Aeneas served as valuable starting points for 90% of their research.

“Utilizing this technology accelerates work related to inscriptions, especially when seeking to build broader analyses of local or empire-wide patterns and epigraphic traditions,” stated Elizabeth Meyer from the University of Virginia. “However, it remains essential for human scholars to examine the results and ensure their plausibility within the given historical context.”

“Employing a generic AI model to assist in ancient historical tasks often yields unsatisfactory results,” commented Chiara Senati from the University of Vienna, Austria. “Thus, the creation of tools specifically catered to Latin epigraphy research is greatly valued.”

The ultimate vision is for historians to be able to “redirect their energies towards museums and archaeological sites,” Sommerschield shared during a press event.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

A Simple Skincare Routine Can Prevent Eczema in Babies

Posted on July 23, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Daily moisturizing of your baby’s skin may provide lasting benefits

Nattrass/Getty Images

SEI 259862948 — Daily moisturizing of your baby’s skin may provide lasting benefits

Nattrass/Getty Images

Regular application of moisturizers to your baby’s skin can potentially lower the chances of developing eczema, though it largely depends on the individual’s risk factors.

Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is an inflammatory skin condition marked by intense itching and dryness, which can lead to blisters and bleeding. It often begins in early childhood, with many experiencing a decline in symptoms as they age.

To evaluate the effectiveness of moisturizers, Hywel Williams and his team at the University of Nottingham in the UK surveyed over 1,200 parents in the United States whose infants did not have eczema.

Among the infants aged 0-8 weeks, half had a family history of eczema, indicating a higher genetic predisposition to the condition.

The researchers randomly assigned about half of the parents to apply one of five available moisturizers, which were non-prescription options. Parents could select and swap moisturizers as they preferred.

The remaining parents were advised to only use moisturizers as needed, such as when their baby’s skin looked dry. More than half reported using them at least once weekly.

After two years, the research team reviewed the infants’ health records. They found that 43% of the non-moisturizer group had received an eczema diagnosis, compared to only 36% in the moisturizer group. “This represents a significant decrease,” said Michael Cork from the University of Sheffield, UK.

However, upon further analysis, the researchers discovered that moisturizers were effective primarily in babies without close relatives who had eczema. This finding aligns with previous research, highlighted in a study indicating that moisturizers may not benefit those at high genetic risk for the condition.

Individuals with lower genetic risk might develop eczema due to environmental influences like air pollution. Moisturizers are theorized to fill the gaps between skin cells, thus blocking irritants from penetrating the skin and triggering inflammation that manifests as eczema.

In contrast, those with a high genetic predisposition to eczema may already exhibit heightened levels of inflammation, which could limit the protective benefits of moisturizers, Cork noted.

The study did not determine which moisturizer was most effective as parents were not monitored for changing between different options. Further investigation is necessary, Cork stated.

There is a need to explore whether these findings hold true for populations in other countries, suggested Carsten Flohr from King’s College London.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

AI Outwits Goalkeepers by Anticipating Penalty Takers’ Shots

Posted on July 23, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Goalkeepers have difficulty predicting the direction of penalty shots

Javier Soriano/AFP via Getty Images

Trained with a dataset of over 1,000 penalty kicks, the deep learning model demonstrates superior predictive capabilities compared to actual goalkeepers.

“Penalty kicks are often decisive moments in football that can influence the results of important tournaments,” states David Freire-Obregón from the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain. “Yet, real-time support for goalkeepers mostly relies on intuition. We sought to determine if machine learning could effectively predict the direction of a shot based on the kicker’s movements.”

Freire-Obregón and his team analyzed 1,010 penalty kicks from televised matches in Spain. Out of these, 640 were deemed usable by the AI, while the remainder were excluded due to blurriness, being too brief, or other obstructions.

Each video clip was processed through 22 different deep learning models. The goal was to predict whether the penalty kick would go left, right, or center left, or lower right, depending solely on the player’s body posture and footedness.

The top-performing model was able to accurately identify the direction of the ball—right, left, or center—52% of the time. Excluding the middle option improved the model’s accuracy to 64%.

The researchers were astonished, stating, “We can uncover the intent behind subtle movements, which serve as clues before the ball is kicked,” says Freire-Obregón. He hopes this insight will aid training for goalkeepers, although he admits utilizing AI predictions in actual matches presents additional challenges.

“Our next goal is to determine if we can predict the outcome of a penalty kick solely based on the kicker’s pre-shot movements,” he adds. “If feasible, how quickly can such predictions be made while retaining acceptable accuracy?”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Neurological Disorders May Be Linked to Neanderthal DNA

Posted on July 23, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The intersection of anatomically modern Homo sapiens and Neanderthals thousands of years ago might contribute to Chiari malformation type 1, a serious neurological condition that affects an estimated 1% of today’s population.

Homo sapiens: Homo erectus, Homo heidelbergensis, and Homo neanderthalensis. Plomp et al. utilized 3D data and geometric morphometry to investigate this hypothesis. Image credit: Neanderthal Museum.” width=”580″ height=”618″ srcset=”https://cdn.sci.news/images/2014/04/image_1837-Neanderthal.jpg 580w, https://cdn.sci.news/images/2014/04/image_1837-Neanderthal-281×300.jpg 281w” sizes=”(max-width: 580px) 100vw, 580px”/>

In 2013, scientists surmised that Chiari malformation type 1 might arise from cranial development genes tracing back to three smaller extinct Homo species: Homo erectus, Homo heidelbergensis, and Homo neanderthalensis. Plomp et al. employed 3D data and geometric morphometry to evaluate this hypothesis. Image credit: Neanderthal Museum.

Chiari malformation type 1 occurs when the rear of the skull is insufficiently sized to accommodate the brain, causing a portion of the brain to protrude from the skull into the spinal canal.

This condition can compress the herniated brain tissue, resulting in symptoms such as headaches, neck pain, and dizziness. In severe instances, this can lead to life-threatening complications.

“In medicine, as in all sciences, clarifying the causal chain is vital.”

“The clearer the causal relationships, the greater the chances that the condition can be effectively managed or even resolved.”

“Further testing of the hypothesis is needed, but our study may bring us a step closer to understanding the causal chain that leads to Chiari malformation type 1.”

In 2010, genetic evidence emerged indicating that modern humans interbred with Neanderthals tens of thousands of years ago.

Individuals of non-African descent carry approximately 2-5% Neanderthal DNA, tracing back to these ancestral mating interactions.

The hypothesis suggesting that Chiari malformation type 1 may stem from ancient Homo genes entering the human gene pool through mating was first proposed by researcher Evens Barbosa Fernandez from the University of Campinas.

Dr. Fernandez hypothesized that the differences in skull structure between modern humans and other Homo species play a significant role in causing malformations.

In this study, Professor Mark Collado, PhD, Kimberly Promp at the University of the Philippines Diliman, and colleagues employed modern imaging techniques and advanced statistical shape analysis to compare 3D models of living humans with those of Homo sapiens, Neanderthals, Homo heidelbergensis, and Homo erectus.

The findings revealed that individuals with Chiari malformations exhibit more similar skull shapes to Neanderthals than those without such malformations.

Notably, all other fossil skulls align more closely with modern humans lacking Chiari malformation type 1, supporting the hypothesis that certain individuals today carry Neanderthal genes that influence skull shape, potentially leading to a mismatch between skull dimensions and the shape of the modern human brain.

This discrepancy could result in insufficient space within the skull, causing the brain to extend into the spinal cord, which is the only available outlet.

Given that various global populations possess different levels of Neanderthal DNA, this study suggests that certain European and Asian populations may be more susceptible to Chiari malformation type 1, although additional research is needed to validate this.

“The study of archaeology and human evolution is not merely fascinating,” Professor Collado remarked.

“It could offer insights into current health challenges.”

“In this instance, fossils have provided clarity about the condition, but numerous modern issues also help illuminate archaeological and paleontological findings.”

Study published in the journal Evolution, Medicine, Public Health.

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Kimberly Promp et al. 2025. An ancient hypothesis regarding Homo introduction and Chiari malformation type I Evolution, Medicine, Public Health 13(1):154-166; doi:10.1093/end/eoaf009

Source: www.sci.news

Ancient ‘Terror Birds’ Likely Not Comparable to Giant, Hungry Caiman

Posted on July 23, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Artist’s interpretation of the encounter between ancient caiman and terror birds

Julian Bayona Becerra

Approximately 13 million years ago, massive predators clashed in a sprawling South American wetland. Fossils of a giant flightless bird discovered in Colombia bear tooth marks from enormous caimans.

Andrés Link from the University of the Andes in Colombia and his team were examining crocodile fossils in the museum’s collection when they identified an unusual bone. This bone belonged to the Forsulhacid bird, commonly referred to as “terror birds.” These predators possessed hooked beaks and muscular legs equipped with sharp claws. The fossilized remains were from the lower limbs of a bird standing 2.5 meters tall, making it one of the largest terror birds ever found.

However, this predator likely faced a grim fate. Initially unearthed in Colombia’s Tatacoa desert by local paleontologist César Perdomo, the bones exhibited four distinct puncture marks.

Link and his research team sought to identify the predator that dared to bite such a formidable bird. They scanned the fossil’s surface to create a digital model of the tooth marks, finding striking similarities to the teeth of ancient predators in the region. The culprit was almost certainly not a mammal.

“There are no signs of gnawing, and the markings are rounded,” Link explains. “The lines closely resemble those attributed to alligators and caimans.”

Terror birds roamed the earth when northern South America was dominated by the Pebas System, a vast network of wetlands interspersed with tropical forests and grasslands. This flooded habitat supported a diverse range of crocodile species, leading the team to link the dental impression to the giant caiman Purussaurus neivensis, estimated to be around 4.5 meters in length.

“Terror birds were undoubtedly apex predators,” remarks Link. “However, this evidence indicates that when they ventured near large bodies of water, they could also fall prey to massive caimans, either in pursuit of prey or while navigating this complex ecosystem.”

The researchers speculate that the bird may have already been deceased when the caiman encountered it, with the tooth marks indicative of scavenging. There are no signs of bone regeneration surrounding the marks. Either way, the encounter proved fatal for the terror bird.

“These types of [tooth] impressions are more prevalent than one might assume,” states Carolina Acosta Hospitalce from La Plata National University in Argentina.

In a study published last year, she and her colleagues discussed tooth marks found on a smaller, older fossil terror bird—about 43 million years old—suggesting that ancient carnivorous marsupials also preyed upon these birds. These markings were also found on the lower limbs, leading Hospitalce to ponder whether this area of the bird’s anatomy is particularly vulnerable to predators.

“[Bite marks] offer fascinating glimpses into past life,” comments Stephanie Drumheller from the University of Tennessee.

When studying ancient environments, she notes there is a tendency to categorize extinct organisms into strict ecological roles. However, food webs can be quite intricate.

“This is an animal that thrived in aquatic environments, while another lived on land, entirely separate from one another. Yet, nature often defies our neat categorizations,” Drumheller observes.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Candidates Around Young Stars in VLT: Identification of Protoplanetary and Sub-Ceres Objects

Posted on July 23, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Using Enhanced Resolution Imagers and Spectrographs (ERIS) from ESO’s Very Large Telescope (VLT), two teams of astronomers have discovered a protoplanet candidate nestled within a spiral disk surrounding the young star HD 135344B.

This image depicts a spiral disk surrounding Young Star HD 135344b. The observations made using the Enhanced Resolution Imager and Spectrograph (ERIS) identified a candidate planet contributing to the spiral structure in the disk, marked by a white circle. Image credits: ESO/Maio et al.

“While we may never witness the formation of Earth, this is a significant finding,” says Francesco Maio, a doctoral researcher at the University of Florence in Italy and lead author of a paper published in the journal Astronomy and Astrophysics.

Maio and his colleagues identified protoplanet candidates in the surrounding protoplanetary disks of HD 135344b. This F8V star, approximately 11.9 million years old, is situated 135 parsecs (440 light-years) from the Sun, in the Lupus constellation.

The protoplanet is estimated to be twice the size of Jupiter, located at a distance from its host star comparable to that of Neptune from the Sun.

It has been observed maturing at the periphery of the protoplanetary disk as it evolves into a fully-fledged planet.

Similar protoplanets have been detected around other young stars, often exhibiting intricate features such as rings, gaps, and spirals.

Astronomers long suspected that these structures were sculpted by forming planets, clearing away material as they orbit their parent stars.

Until now, however, no one has identified a planet actively shaping these features.

In the discs of HD 135344B, previous observations of swirling spiral arms were made by another team using VLT’s Sphere instrument.

Yet prior observations did not find evidence of any planets forming within this disk.

Utilizing VLT’s ERIS instrument, Maio and his collaborators may have discovered their primary suspect.

They identified a planetary candidate located at the base of one of the spiral arms of the disk, aligning with theoretical predictions about potential planets responsible for such patterns.

“What marks this detection as potentially groundbreaking is our ability to directly observe the signal from the protoplanet, unlike many earlier observations,” he notes.

“This gives us greater confidence in the existence of this planet, as we can see the light it emits.”

This image illustrates possible sub-brown dwarf companions orbiting Young Star V960 Mon. Candidate objects were detected using ESO’s Very Large Telescope (VLT) and the new Enhanced Resolution Imager and Spectrograph (ERIS). The ERIS data is shown in orange, overlaid with prior dusty disk images from VLT’s Sphere instruments (yellow) and ALMA (blue). Image credits: ESO/A. Dasgupta/ALMA/ESO/NAOJ/NRAO/Weber et al.

In a separate study, Anuroop Dasgupta, a doctoral researcher at ESO and Diego Portales University, along with colleagues, observed another young star using the ERIS instrument. V960 is located 1637.7 parsecs (5,342 light-years) away in the Monoceros constellation.

Prior observations using Sphere equipment and large millimeter/sub-millimeter arrays (ALMA) revealed that the material orbiting V960 Mon is shaped into complex spiral arms.

These observations also indicated that large clumps of material around the star undergo gravitational instability, contracting and collapsing—each capable of forming a planet or larger body, thus fragmenting the material.

Dasgupta and his collaborators managed to identify a brown dwarf or sub-brown dwarf companion around V960 Mon.

“Using ERIS, we aimed to discover compact, bright fragments indicative of companions in the disk,” he explains. Their findings are detailed in a paper published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters.

“One potential companion object was found very close to one of the observed spiral arms in the Universe and in ALMA data.”

“This object could represent a planet or a brown dwarf—larger than a planet but lacking sufficient mass to shine like a star.”

“If confirmed, this companion could be the first clear identification of a planet or brown dwarf formed via gravitational instability.”

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F. Maio et al. 2025. Development of Protoplanet candidates embedded using VLT/ERIS on HD135344B disks. A&A 699, L10; doi:10.1051/0004-6361/202554472

Anuroop Dasgupta et al. 2025. VLT/ERIS observations for the V960 series: dust-embedded sub-brown dwarf objects formed by gravitational instability? ApJL 988, L30; doi: 10.3847/2041-8213/ade996

Source: www.sci.news

Discovery of a New Blue-Spotted Mussel Species in Fiji

Posted on July 23, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Marine researchers have discovered a new species of the genus Stingray Neotrygon residing in the waters of Fiji.

Vibrant colors of Neotrygon Romeoi from around Fiji. Image credit: Glaus et al., doi: 10.1111/jfb.70094.

Neotrygon is a genus of stingrays found extensively in the West Pacific region of India.

Commonly referred to as mask rays, these animals are uniquely identifiable within the family Dasyatidae by a dark band present in the interorbital area, which results in distinctive black and white banding towards the latter part of the tail and two nipple-like structures in the mouth.

Currently, there are 17 recognized species of Neotrygon, with ten of these described since 2016.

The majority of these species (14) are believed to belong to the blue-spotted maskray complex.

The newly identified species, found exclusively in Fiji’s waters, has been named Neotrygon Romeoi, previously confused with Neotrygon kuhlii and Neotrygon trigonoides.

“It is characterized by its broad, angular snout, long claspers in adult males, and a row of spine-like structures extending from the neck to the tail’s base,” explained Dr. Kelstin Grousse, a researcher at the University of South Pacific.

“The ray’s brown dorsal surface is adorned with dark, mask-like patterns around its eyes, and it features two large patches behind its spirals, along with numerous small black spots surrounding its face.”

The description of Neotrygon Romeoi is based on nine specimens (31-39.7 cm disc width) procured from the Suva fish market and collected by local fishermen. Notably, none of the rays were killed for research purposes.

“Rays are among the most threatened marine species,” stated Dr. Glaus.

“Considering their limited distribution, high catch volumes, and unknown life histories, it is advisable to evaluate them for protection under Fiji’s Endangered and Species Conservation Act. This act is particularly relevant for endemic sharks and rays, assisting in the preservation of native biodiversity by regulating trade and the protection of certain vulnerable species.”

“This discovery underscores Fiji’s unique natural heritage and the urgent necessity to enhance our understanding and conservation of marine species,” added Lavenie Tawake, team leader of the Pacific European Union Marine Partnership (PEUMP) program.

The discovery of Neotrygon Romeoi has been documented in a study published in the Journal of Fish Biology.

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Kirsten Grousse et al. A new species of blue-spotted maskray (Neotrygon, Dasyatidae) from Fiji. Journal of Fish Biology published online on June 9th, 2025. doi:10.1111/jfb.70094

Source: www.sci.news

Newly Discovered Aluminum Isotope: Aluminum-20

Posted on July 23, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The detection of previously unknown nuclear aluminum-20 was achieved by observing attenuation during its flight.

A three-proton release from aluminum-20. Image credit: Xiaodong Xu.

Currently, more than 3,300 nuclides have been identified, yet fewer than 300 are stable and naturally occurring. The remaining nuclides are unstable and undergo radioactive decay.

By the mid-20th century, researchers had discovered several common decay modes, including α-decay, β+ decay, electron capture, γ-radiation, and nuclear fission.

In the last few decades, advancements in nuclear physics experimental facilities and detection techniques have enabled the discovery of various exotic decay modes, particularly in nuclei that are far from stability, especially neutron-deficient nuclei.

In the 1970s, the phenomenon of single proton radioactivity was identified, where the nucleus was attenuated by releasing a proton.

In the 21st century, the discovery of bipolar radioactivity emerged, attributed to the decay of highly neutron-deficient nuclei.

Recently, even rarer disintegration events have been recorded, including those resulting in three, four, and five products.

“Aluminum-20 is the lightest aluminum isotope ever discovered,” states Dr. Xiaodong Xu, a physicist at the Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences.

“It resides across the proton drip line and has seven fewer neutrons compared to stable aluminum isotopes.”

Employing in-flight damping techniques with fragment separators at the GSI Helmholtz Center for Heavy Ion Research, physicists assessed the angular correlation of the damping products of aluminum-20.

Their detailed analysis of these angular correlations revealed that the ground state of aluminum-20 initially decays by releasing one proton into an intermediate ground state of magnesium-19, which subsequently collapses through the simultaneous release of two protons.

Aluminum-20 marks the first observed tripolar emitter, classified as a bipolar radionuclide.

The research also indicated that the damping energy of the aluminum-20 ground state is significantly lower than anticipated based on isospin symmetry, suggesting a potential breaking of isospin symmetry between aluminum-20 and its mirror partner, neon-20.

This conclusion is endorsed by advanced theoretical calculations predicting that the spin parity of the aluminum-20 ground state differs from the spin parity of the neon-20 ground state.

“This research will enhance our understanding of the proton evaporation phenomenon and provide insights into the structural dynamics and collapse of nuclei beyond the proton drip line,” Dr. Xu remarked.

The team’s paper was published this month in the journal Physical Review Letters.

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X.-D. Xu et al. 2025. Isospin symmetry revealed through the attenuation of the three-proton emitter aluminum-20. Phys. Rev. Lett. 135, 022502; doi:10.1103/hkmy-yfdk

Source: www.sci.news

New Research Suggests Arknid Originated in the Cambrian Seas

Posted on July 23, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Paleontologists have examined the fossilized characteristics of the brain and central nervous system of Mollisonia symmetrica, an extinct organism that existed during the mid-Cambrian period approximately 508 million years ago. Their findings indicate that the nervous system of Mollisonia symmetrica aligns with that of modern spiders and scorpions (arachnids). This revelation contests the long-standing theory that arachnid diversification occurred only after their common ancestors adapted to terrestrial life.

Mollisonia symmetrica is characterized by an undivided brain with a posterior fold. Image credit: Strausfeld et al., doi: 10.1016/j.cub.2025.06.063.” width=”580″ height=”580″ srcset=”https://cdn.sci.news/images/2025/07/image_14088-Mollisonia-symmetrica.jpg 580w, https://cdn.sci.news/images/2025/07/image_14088-Mollisonia-symmetrica-300×300.jpg 300w, https://cdn.sci.news/images/2025/07/image_14088-Mollisonia-symmetrica-150×150.jpg 150w, https://cdn.sci.news/images/2025/07/image_14088-Mollisonia-symmetrica-50×50.jpg 50w” sizes=”(max-width: 580px) 100vw, 580px”/>

Mollisonia symmetrica is characterized by an unsegmented brain with short nerves extending into pincer-like appendages, resembling the fangs of spiders. Image credit: Strausfeld et al., doi: 10.1016/j.cub.2025.06.063.

Previously, Mollisonia symmetrica was thought to represent an ancestor of a specific group of arthropods known as Chelicerata, which thrived during the Cambrian period and included the forebears of today’s horseshoe crabs.

Surprisingly, Professor Nicholas Strausfeld and his team at the University of Arizona found that the organization of the nerve structure in the fossilized brain does not resemble that of horseshoe crabs but is instead more akin to that of contemporary spiders and scorpions.

“A lively debate continues regarding the origin of arachnids, the type of progenitor they emerged from, and whether these progenitors were horseshoe crabs,” Professor Strausfeld noted.

Mollisonia symmetrica shares physical features with other early chelicerates from the lower and middle Cambrian periods, possessing a body divided into two main segments.

Some researchers have highlighted the anterior shell followed by a segmented trunk reminiscent of scorpions.

However, no one has claimed that Mollisonia symmetrica was more closely related to horseshoe crabs than to more basal arthropods.

What Professor Strausfeld and his co-authors found is that Mollisonia symmetrica, identified as an arachnid, exhibits a fossilized brain and nervous system.

Similar to spiders and other modern arachnids, the anterior portion of Mollisonia symmetrica (known as the prosoma) features a pattern of segmental ganglia that governs the movement of five pairs of appendages.

In addition to these arachnid-like traits, Mollisonia symmetrica also possessed an unsegmented brain with short nerves extending into pincher-like structures, reminiscent of spider fangs.

Critically, the unique feature defining arachnids is the specific arrangement of the brain, which contrasts with the structure found in current crustaceans, insects, centipedes, and even horseshoe crabs like Limulus.

“It’s comparable to the Limulus type brains in Cambrian fossils, or the ancestral brains of modern crustaceans and insects, which are similar to those of contemporary spiders,” Professor Strausfeld remarked.

“These findings may signify a crucial evolutionary advancement, as studies of modern spider brains indicate this arrangement allows for quicker neural control pathways.

This configuration may enhance efficiency in hunting, quick pursuits, and stealth in arachnids.

“This is a significant evolutionary milestone, seemingly exclusive to arachnids.”

“In Mollisonia symmetrica, we identified brain regions corresponding to extant species, which could reveal the underlying genetic framework common to all arthropods.”

“The arachnid brain implies that, unlike other brains on Earth, its tissues are linked to rapid calculation and motor action control,” Professor Strausfeld explained.

“The earliest terrestrial creatures were likely arthropods that resembled insects, possibly ancestral to crustaceans.”

“We can envision Mollisonia symmetrica—like arachnids—adapting to land, which may have given rise to early insects and their feeding strategies.”

“The first land-dwelling spiders could have played a vital role in developing essential defensive traits, such as insect wings, leading to flight and evasion.”

“The ability to fly provides significant advantages when being pursued by spiders.”

“Nonetheless, despite the agility conferred by flight, insects remain ensnared in the intricate silk webs spun by spiders.”

The results will appear in the journal Current Biology.

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Nicholas J. Strausfeld et al. Cambrian origin of the spider brain. Current Biology Published online on July 22, 2025. doi:10.1016/j.cub.2025.06.063

Source: www.sci.news

Ancient Fossilized Brains Prompt a Reevaluation of Spider Evolution

Posted on July 23, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Morrison, a marine creature from the Cambrian period, could represent an early arachnid

Junnn11 @ni075 CC BY-SA 4.0

Research indicates that the brains of ancient sea creatures, dating back over 500 million years, were structured similarly to those of spiders. This challenges past theories that arachnids originated on land.

Morrison reflects a time of significant biological diversity increase, known as the Cambrian Explosion, when various animal groups began appearing in fossil records. These creatures possessed chelicerae, pincer-like mouthparts likely used for tearing into small prey.

Previous beliefs suggested that modern relatives of Morrison, which include horseshoe crabs, were connected to spiders. However, Nicholas Strausfeld and his team at the University of Arizona propose otherwise.

The researchers reexamined specimens of Mollisonia symmetrica, collected in 1925 from British Columbia, Canada, and now housed at Harvard University’s Comparative Zoology Museum. Strausfeld and his colleagues identified a brain structure that had previously been overlooked.

In horseshoe crabs, the chelicerae exhibit a neural connection at the back of the brain; however, in Morrison, this structure was inverted, with chelicerae linked to two neural regions that offered a perspective on the forefront of the nervous system.

Strausfeld notes that this orientation is “characteristic of arachnid brains.” Unlike the brains of crustaceans and insects, which are folded inward, arachnids have crucial areas for planning agile movements situated at the back. This architecture likely contributes to the remarkable agility and speed seen in spiders.

While it was previously thought that arachnids evolved on land, the earliest existing land fossils of obvious arachnids will not appear for millions of years later, according to Strausfeld. “Perhaps the first arachnids inhabited tidal environments, like Morrison, in search of prey,” he mentions.

Mike Lee, a researcher at Flinders University in Adelaide, Australia, who was not involved in the study, suggests that Morrison may now be viewed as a primitive arachnid. “We now recognize it possessed a brain akin to that of a spider, indicating it was an aquatic relative of the early spiders and scorpions,” Lee states.

Nonetheless, he cautions that while researchers strive to extract as much insight as possible from a single fossil, there remains a degree of ambiguity in interpretation. “It’s akin to attempting to piece together a unique Pavlova after it has been dropped,” he explains.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

The pandemic might have accelerated brain aging, even before we contracted Covid-19.

Posted on July 22, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Changes in brain structure over time

Temet/Getty Images

The Covid-19 pandemic may have hastened brain aging, even prior to infection. Studies indicate that early in the outbreak, the brain may have undergone changes equivalent to 5.5 months of aging, potentially attributed to stress and shifts in lifestyle.

Many individuals suffering from long Covid report experiencing brain fog. However, the wider neurological implications of the pandemic are not completely understood a few years post-Covid-19’s emergence.

To investigate this, Ali-Reza Mohammadi-Nejad at the University of Nottingham, along with his team, trained machine learning models using 15,000 brain scans to analyze structural changes related to aging.

A model was then applied to brain scans from 996 volunteers participating in the UK Biobank Study. This comprised 564 individuals who underwent both scans prior to March 2020, which acted as the control group. The remaining 432 volunteers had one scan before March 2020 and another later, with scans averaging three years apart and a minimum gap of two years.

The research revealed that the pandemic may have induced an acceleration of brain aging by 5.5 months, as evidenced by structural changes in both white and gray matter. This effect was also observed in individuals who had recorded Covid-19 infections as part of the Biobank project.

This accelerated aging effect was notably more significant among men and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. However, the results may not be generalizable, as biobank participants typically exhibit better health, higher income, and less ethnic diversity than other demographics within the UK.

Researchers propose that these alterations might have been driven by the isolation and stress of lockdowns, alongside changes in lifestyle factors like physical activity and alcohol use during that period.

In their study, the authors indicate that these structural brain changes could be “at least partially reversible,” while also acknowledging limitations stemming from the study’s UK-based participant pool, suggesting that the findings may not accurately represent lockdowns’ impact elsewhere. “Our conclusions may actually underestimate the pandemic’s effects on more vulnerable populations,” Mohammadi-Nejad asserts.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

DeepMind and OpenAI Achieve Victory in the International Mathematics Olympiad

Posted on July 22, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

AIs are improving at solving mathematics challenges

Andresr/ Getty Images

AI models developed by Google DeepMind and OpenAI have achieved exceptional performance at the International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO).

While companies herald this as a significant advancement for AIs that might one day tackle complex scientific or mathematical challenges, mathematicians urge caution, as the specifics of the models and their methodologies remain confidential.

The IMO is one of the most respected contests for young mathematicians, often viewed by AI researchers as a critical test of mathematical reasoning, an area where AI traditionally struggles.

Following last year’s competition in Bath, UK, Google investigated how its AI systems, Alpha Proof and Alpha Jometry, achieved silver-level performance, though their submissions were not evaluated by the official competition judges.

Various companies, including Google, Huawei, and TikTok’s parent company, approached the IMO organizers requesting formal evaluation of their AI models during this year’s contest, as stated by Gregor Drinner, the President of IMO. The IMO consented, stipulating that results should be revealed only after the full closing ceremony on July 28th.

OpenAI also expressed interest in participating in the competition but did not respond or register upon being informed of the official procedures, according to Dolinar.

On July 19th, OpenAI announced the development of a new AI that achieved a gold medal score alongside three former IMO medalists, separately from the official competition. OpenAI stated the AI correctly answered five out of six questions within the same 4.5-hour time limit as human competitors.

Two days later, Google DeepMind revealed that its AI system, Gemini Deep Think, had also achieved gold-level performance within the same constraints. Dolinar confirmed that this result was validated by the official IMO judges.

Unlike Google’s Alpha Proof and Alpha Jometry, which were designed for competition, Gemini Deep Think was specifically crafted to tackle questions posed in a programming language used by both Google and OpenAI.

Utilizing LEAN, the AI was capable of quickly verifying correctness, although the output is challenging for non-experts to interpret. Thang Luong from Google indicated that a natural language approach can yield more comprehensible results while remaining applicable to broadly useful AI frameworks.

Luong noted that advancements in reinforcement learning—a training technique designed to guide AI through success and failure—have enabled large language models to validate solutions efficiently, a method essential to Google’s earlier achievements with gameplay AIs, such as AlphaZero.

Google’s model employs a technique known as parallel thinking, considering multiple solutions simultaneously. The training data comprises mathematical problems particularly relevant to the IMO.

OpenAI has disclosed few specifics regarding their system, only mentioning that it incorporates augmented learning and “experimental research methods.”

“While progress appears promising, it lacks rigorous scientific validation, making it difficult to assess at this point,” remarked Terence Tao from UCLA. “We anticipate that the participating companies will publish papers featuring more comprehensive data, allowing others to access the model and replicate its findings. However, for now, we must rely on the companies’ claims regarding their results.”

Geordy Williamson from the University of Sydney shared this sentiment, stating, “It’s remarkable to see advancements in this area, yet it’s frustrating how little in-depth information is available from inside these companies.”

Natural language systems might be beneficial for individuals without a mathematical background, but they also risk presenting complications if models produce lengthy proofs that are hard to verify, warned Joseph Myers, a co-organizer of this year’s IMO. “If AIs generate solutions to significant unsolved questions that seem plausible yet contain subtle, critical errors, we must be cautious before putting confidence in lengthy AI outputs.”

The companies plan to initially provide these systems for testing by mathematicians in the forthcoming months before making broader public releases. The models claim they could potentially offer rapid solutions for challenging problems in scientific research, as stated by June Hyuk Jeong from Google, who contributed to Gemini Deep Think. “There are numerous unresolved challenges within reach,” he noted.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Improved Air Quality Linked to Rise in Urban Heat Waves

Posted on July 22, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Heatwaves are increasing in frequency as global smog diminishes

Claudio Reyes/AFP via Getty Images

As the world works to eliminate harmful aerosol pollution, heatwaves are becoming more common, exposing the intensifying effects of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. This warming trend is particularly pronounced in densely populated areas where air pollution typically rises.

“Mitigating aerosol pollution is imperative for public health,” states Geeta Persad from the University of Texas at Austin. “However, we must acknowledge that this reveals specific risks that become magnified in populated regions.”

Aerosol pollution, primarily stemming from fossil fuel combustion, has effects that generally counteract those of greenhouse gases. While gases like carbon dioxide trap heat, aerosols tend to cool the atmosphere by reflecting sunlight either directly or by altering cloud behavior. Some estimates suggest that aerosol pollution masks half of the global warming effect of greenhouse gases.

This interplay means that cleaning up air pollution can inadvertently amplify climate warming effects. However, the specific ways in which aerosol variations impact heat in populous regions have remained unclear until now.

To analyze this more precisely, Persad and her team utilized climate models to evaluate how aerosol levels influence the occurrence of land heatwaves, examining both historical data and future projections. They defined a heatwave as three consecutive days where temperatures would rank among the hottest 10% for that time of year in a pre-industrial context.

Throughout most of the 20th century, the team discovered that aerosols mitigated the rise in heat wave occurrence driven by increasing greenhouse gases. However, since 2005, this trend has shifted as aerosol reductions have accelerated the growth of global heatwaves by nearly two days each decade.

The researchers also found that aerosols exert a more significant influence on heatwave frequency in densely populated regions compared to less populated areas. In certain regions, the reduction of aerosol levels has proven to be more than twice as impactful as the increase in greenhouse gas concentrations. “If you examine the spatial distribution of aerosol concentrations, they correlate strongly with areas of high population,” remarks Persad.

In a scenario where greenhouse gas emissions rise significantly while aerosol levels gradually decrease, the team predicts a notable escalation in the frequency of heatwaves. By 2080, the number of heatwave days in densely populated regions could surge from about 40 to over 110 days annually.

“What sets this study apart is its focus on daily timescale data. You can genuinely perceive the decrease in aerosol levels across different areas of the globe,” says Shiv Priyam Raghuraman at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, who was not involved in the study. He highlights that these results arise from a single model under the most severe greenhouse gas emission scenario.

“These findings are compelling and enhance existing literature on the significant role aerosols play in climate extremes,” states Daniel Westerbert from Columbia University in New York. “It will be fascinating to see how other models might differ in their findings, and whether past observations support these results.”

Another significant uncertainty lies in the future trajectory of aerosol concentrations in the coming years, adds Persad. “Current emissions scenarios could determine aerosol trends over the next three decades,” she remarks.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Rediscovery of a Tiny Elusive Gecko in the Galapagos Islands

Posted on July 22, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Leaf-toed Gecko from Rabida Island

Rory Stansbury/Island Conservation

A small gecko has been rediscovered on Rabida Island in the Galapagos, previously believed to have been eradicated by invasive rats.

The leaf-toed gecko (Phyllodactylus maresi) measures just 8 centimeters in length, with a fossil record indicating its presence on Rabida over 5,000 years ago. However, live specimens were collected during expeditions in 2019 and 2021, confirming its survival as a species.

The gecko’s reappearance is linked to a successful restoration project led by the US-based nonprofit Island Conservation, which commenced in 2011. Collaborating with Galapagos National Park, the Charles Darwin Foundation, and the Raptor Center, the initiative also targets 10 other islands in the Galapagos, employing helicopters for large-scale distribution of poison bait to control invasive species.

By 2012, rats were officially deemed eradicated on Rabida, enabling a rapid ecological recovery, including the return of the gecko species. “We conducted thorough monitoring before the removal of invasive rats and found none,” stated Paula Castaño, an island conservation officer. “Initially, we had a small population, and without invasive predators, we finally had the chance to restore and expand that population, marking one of the most significant comebacks in history.”

Using DNA analysis, Castaño and her team discovered that the Rabida population is closely related to P. maresi from a neighboring island, yet it is classified as a distinct lineage known as evolutionarily significant units, emphasizing the critical need for conservation efforts.

The case of Rabida exemplifies the advantages of island restoration and invasive species removal, says Castaño. “We found a ‘extinct’ gecko alongside the last identified snail species from 1906. Furthermore, two additional snail species, once thought to be lost, were rediscovered on the island. “Nature is remarkable. It allows for rebirth and regeneration.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

New Species of Stocky Dinosaurs Linked to Velociraptor Unveiled

Posted on July 22, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Sri Lapax fossil

Royal Institute of Natural Sciences, Brussels

New species of Velociraptor – Similar to the dinosaurs found in Mongolia’s Gobi Desert, they boasted large claws and sturdy hands, enabling them to conquer larger prey.

The species is named Sri Lapax, inspired by the “intense characteristics we observe in our own hands,” explained Andrea Cow, a paleontologist from Italy.

Sri Lapax stretches approximately 2 meters in length and originates from the Judokta Formation, an expansive landscape of sand dunes and intermittent lakes dating back 75 million years.

Excavated in 2010, this fossil was illicitly transported into private collections in Japan and the UK before being returned to Mongolia. A collaborative study by CAU and colleagues uncovered bones that had been buried within rock layers, revealing remarkably preserved hands.

“The structure of the hand is notably robust, with particularly long and narrow claws,” remarked Tsogtbaatar Chinzorig from North Carolina State University. “This adaptation may have facilitated grasping and subduing relatively large prey.”

The primary claw measures 79.5 mm, nearly double the length of the corresponding claw in its closest relative, Velociraptor mongoliensis.

“When compared to Velociraptor – which is approximately the same size – the hands are 150% more robust, and the claws are elongated,” noted Cau. “[It] appears to have been adapted to pursue prey that was more formidable than what its relatives typically targeted.”

Strong nails of *Sri Lapax*

Royal Institute of Natural Sciences, Brussels

Despite the loss of the skull and some vertebrae prior to the repatriation, CAU and colleagues managed to reconstruct the missing parts digitally, utilizing CT scans of the fossils conducted in 2016. The findings suggest that the skull is likely short and robust, indicating a stronger bite compared to many of its contemporaries.

James Napoli from Stony Brook University in New York noted the significance of recovering the missing skull and vertebrae. “The skull is particularly crucial for understanding this animal’s lifestyle and its evolutionary significance among theropod dinosaurs,” he stated.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

How a 4-Day Work Week Benefits Your Health and the Environment

Posted on July 22, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

A four-day workweek can significantly enhance both your mental and physical well-being, which in turn boosts your performance. This is supported by a recent study conducted by researchers from the US and Ireland.

The most exciting part? Research published in the journal Natural Human Behavior ensured that participants did not experience any wage cuts during the trial. This is crucial, as pay reductions can lead to increased stress. Participants managed to maintain their typical productivity levels while experiencing fewer sleep disturbances and reduced fatigue, thanks to an improved work environment.

“Globally, we observe trends of burnout, long hours, and inadequate personal time for employees and their families—this issue is prevalent not only in high-income countries but also in many low- and middle-income nations,” noted study author Wenfang, an associate professor of sociology at Boston University in the United States, as stated in BBC Science Focus.

“Our four-day workweek could serve as a potential solution for rethinking work structures that not only benefit employees but society at large.”

The sociologists from Boston College and University College Dublin conducted a six-month study involving approximately 3,000 employees from 141 organizations across Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK, and the US. Participants were offered reduced working hours ranging from 1-4 hours, 5-7 hours, or 8 hours.

Over the six-month period, employee wellness was evaluated across four categories: burnout, job satisfaction, overall psychological health, and physical health—key indicators of mortality risk.

Concurrently, they compared the outcomes for 285 employees from 12 companies that implemented reduced work hours with those who maintained the traditional workweek.

Significant health advantages were noted for employees in all three reduced-hour groups, particularly in terms of burnout and job satisfaction. Those who cut their working hours by eight saw the most substantial benefits. Furthermore, 90% of the companies that participated continued their four-day workweek after the trial concluded.

Globally, initiatives are underway to assess the effects of shorter workweeks on employee health and organizational productivity. One notable program is the 4DWG initiative, which has seen participation from 375 companies worldwide, advocating for a six-hour workday or a 20% reduction in total hours.

A potential limitation of this study is that it relied on companies volunteering to take part, primarily involving small businesses in English-speaking countries. Future studies aim to include government-sponsored trials for more randomized assessments.

Additionally, the researchers are exploring the environmental impact of a four-day workweek, as some employees have volunteered to monitor their carbon footprints.

Wen posits that both workers and employers could benefit environmentally, particularly with decreased pollution from commuting. She stated: “Countries adopting shorter working hours often report improved environmental outcomes.”

Read more:

About our experts

Wen Huang is an associate professor in the Department of Sociology at Boston College, USA. Her research has been published in journals such as Natural Human Behavior, Social Forces, Jobs and Occupations, and Advances in Life Course Research.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

This New Experiment Could Bridge the Gaps in Our Theories

Posted on July 22, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Humanity is now closer to developing an inclusive “all theories” framework to explain the physical universe. A new paper has been published in PRX Quantum.

Three scientists from the US have designed an experiment they believe can bridge the gap between quantum mechanics and Einstein’s general theory of relativity.

Quantum Mechanics elucidates the physics of the subatomic realm, while General Relativity addresses the large-scale universe, encompassing the physics of space, time, and gravity. Unfortunately, the two theories do not align.

“Both quantum theory and Einstein’s gravity theory have undergone rigorous testing and perform exceptionally well,” stated Dr. Igor Pikovsky, an assistant professor of physics at the Stevens Institute in New Jersey, as reported by BBC Science Focus.

“However, one of the greatest challenges in modern physics is to unify these two theories into a single coherent framework. So far, such a joint theory remains elusive.”

Pikovsky, along with Dr. Jacob Coby from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, and Dr. Johannes Borlegaard from Harvard University, has conceived an experiment to elucidate how these two theories can coexist—an achievement that has never been accomplished before.

The goal? To uncover how quantum effects respond to the curvature of space-time.

The curvature of space-time, as described by Einstein, posits that gravity results from the bending of space and time around massive objects (like planets), causing time to pass more slowly closer to these objects.

Scientists have engineered atomic clock systems interconnected within quantum networks, demonstrating how they are influenced by curved space-time.

Atomic clocks are capable of measuring time with remarkable precision. Through a phenomenon known as entanglement, these quantum states can be interconnected, and the superposition principle allows clocks to experience multiple timeframes simultaneously, due to the unique property of existing in various states at once.

By situating these clocks in diverse locations, the quantum network can identify minute variations in time movement caused by the gravitational distortion of space-time.

“If successful, such a test would represent the inaugural assessment of the ‘quantum theory of curved space-time,’ shedding light on how quantum systems behave within the framework of Einstein’s gravity,” Pikovsky remarked.

Scientists are racing to develop quantum networks to enable future quantum internets that can connect quantum computers globally – credit: via Sakkmesterke

This experiment marks a crucial initial step in testing how these theories might be unified, relying on existing technology.

Pikovsky expressed hope that the paper would kindle “interest and excitement about the numerous mysteries that nature still holds.”

He added:

“Our findings indicate that quantum technology can be harnessed to address some of these questions through real-world experiments for the first time.”

Read more:

About our experts

Dr. Igor Pikovsky is an assistant professor of physics at the Stevens Institute in New Jersey, USA. He earned his PhD in Quantum Mechanics from the University of Vienna in 2014. His current research focuses on quantum phenomena, quantum fundamentals, and quantum information science.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Hubble Space Telescope Captures a Mesmerizing Spiral Galaxy Spin

Posted on July 22, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope has captured a stunning image of the Barred Spiral Galaxy NGC 3285b.

This Hubble image reveals NGC 3285B, a spiral galaxy approximately 137 million light years away in the Hydra constellation. The color images were generated from separate exposures in the ultraviolet and infrared regions using Hubble’s Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3), based on data collected through seven filters. Image credits: NASA/ESA/Hubble/RJ Foley, UC Santa Cruz.

NGC 3285b is situated around 137 million light years from the Hydra constellation.

It is also referred to as Leda 31293, ESO 501-18, or IRAS 10322-2723, with a diameter of 100,000 light years.

NGC 3285B boasts a disc and multiple swirling arms, characterized by a large, bright, golden nucleus, while its spiral arms exhibit a light, faint reddish hue.

It is part of the NGC 3312 Galaxy Group (LGG 210) and is a member of the Hydra I Galaxy Cluster.

“NGC 3285B is a component of the Hydra I Cluster, one of the largest galactic clusters in the nearby universe,” stated Hubble astronomers.

“Galactic clusters consist of hundreds to thousands of galaxies held together by gravity.”

“The Hydra I cluster is centered around two massive elliptical galaxies.”

“Each of these galaxies spans about 150,000 light years, roughly 50% larger than our Milky Way.”

NGC 3285B lies on the outskirts of the Hydra I cluster, distanced from the colossal central galaxy.

“This galaxy captured Hubble’s interest as it hosted a Type Ia supernova in 2023,” the astronomer noted.

“Type Ia supernovae produce a condensed star core known as white dwarf explosives, igniting a sudden fusion burst approximately five billion times brighter than the sun.”

The supernova, labeled SN 2023XQM, appears as a blue dot on the far left side of the galaxy’s disc.

“Hubble observed NGC 3285B as part of a campaign focused on Type Ia supernovae.”

“We aim to address the effects of distance and dust by examining each of these supernovae in ultraviolet, optical, and near-infrared light.”

“This initiative will enhance cosmic distance measurements that depend on observations of Type Ia supernovae.”

Source: www.sci.news

Physicists Uncover Unusual Quantum Echoes in Niobium Superconductors

Posted on July 22, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Researchers from Ames National Laboratory and Iowa State University have unveiled the emergence of Higgs echoes in niobium superconductors. These findings shed light on quantum behavior that could influence the development of next-generation quantum sensing and computing technologies.

Using Higgs Echo Spectroscopy, Huang et al reveal unconventional echo formation due to non-uniform expansion and soft quasiparticle bands, dynamically evolving under THZ drive. Image credit: Ames National Laboratory.

Superconductors are materials known for conducting electricity without resistance.

These superconducting materials exhibit collective oscillations referred to as the Higgs mode.

The Higgs mode represents a quantum phenomenon that occurs when the electronic potential fluctuates similarly to a Higgs boson.

Such modes manifest when the material experiences a superconducting phase transition.

Monitoring these vibrations has posed challenges for scientists for many years.

Additionally, they interact complexly with quasiparticles, which are electron-like excitations arising from superconducting dynamics.

By utilizing advanced terahertz (THZ) spectroscopy, the researchers identified a new type of quantum echo known as Higgs echo in superconductive niobium materials utilized in quantum computing circuits.

“Unlike traditional echoes seen in atoms and semiconductors, Higgs echoes result from intricate interactions between Higgs modes and quasiparticles, generating anomalous signals with unique properties.”

“Higgs echoes can uncover and reveal hidden quantum pathways within a material.”

By employing precisely-timed THZ radiation pulses, the authors were able to detect these echoes.

These THZ radiation pulses can also facilitate the encoding, storage, and retrieval of quantum information embedded in the superconducting material via echoes.

This study illustrates the ability to manipulate and observe the quantum coherence of superconductors, paving the way for innovative methods of storing and processing quantum information.

“Grasping and controlling these distinctive quantum echoes brings us closer to practical quantum computing and advanced quantum sensing technologies,” stated Dr. Wang.

a paper detailing these findings was published in the journal on June 25th in Advances in Science.

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Chuankun Huang et al. 2025. Discovery of unconventional quantum echoes due to Higgs coherence interference. Advances in Science 11 (26); doi:10.1126/sciadv.ads8740

Source: www.sci.news

Astronomers Capture Direct Image of Betelgeuse’s Stellar Companion

Posted on July 22, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Utilizing the speckle imager Alopeke from the Gemini North Telescope, part of the NSF’s International Gemini Observatory, astronomers captured direct images of Betelgeuse.

Betelgeuse (right) and its remarkable companions (left). Image credits: International Gemini Observatory/Noirlab/NSF/Aura/M. Zamani, Noirlab of NSF.

Betelgeuse is an 8-million-year-old red supergiant located about 724 light years away on the shoulder of the Orion constellation.

It ranks among the largest known stars, with a radius approximately 1,400 times greater than that of the Sun.

Also referred to as Alpha Orionis or Alpha Ori, Betelgeuse is one of the brightest stars in the sky, radiating more light than 100,000 suns.

The star is nearing the end of its life cycle, and when it eventually explodes, the event will shine brightly, becoming visible for weeks even during daylight.

Betelgeuse experiences a major variability period of roughly 400 days, accompanied by a longer secondary period of about six years.

In 2019 and 2020, a significant drop in Betelgeuse’s brightness occurred, known as the “big dimming” event.

This led to speculation about an imminent supernova explosion, but astronomers later found that a large cloud of dust ejected during the dimming was the true cause.

Although the “big dim” mystery has been resolved, it rekindled interest in studying the red supergiant, prompting new analyses of existing archival data.

One analysis suggested that the presence of companion stars might be responsible for Betelgeuse’s six-year brightness fluctuations.

However, searches conducted by the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope and the NASA Chandra X-ray Observatory did not detect these companions.

Dr. Steve Howell and his colleagues at NASA’s Ames Research Center investigated potential companions of Betelgeuse, referred to as Alpha Ori B or The Betelbuddy, using the Speckle Imager ‘Alopeke at the Gemini North Telescope.

“Speckle Imaging is an astronomical technique that employs very short exposure times to mitigate image distortion caused by Earth’s atmosphere,” they explained.

“This method allows for high resolution, and when combined with the light-gathering power of Gemini North’s 8.1m mirror, it enables the direct detection of faint companions of Betelgeuse.”

Analyzing the light from the companion stars allowed astronomers to identify their characteristics.

The companions appear to be A or B-type main-sequence stars, approximately six magnitudes fainter than Betelgeuse, with an estimated mass of around 1.5 solar masses.

The companion is situated relatively close to Betelgeuse, at about four times the distance between the Earth and the Sun.

This discovery marks the first detection of a close stellar companion orbiting a supergiant star.

Even more remarkably, the companions are within the extensive outer atmosphere of Betelgeuse, demonstrating the exceptional resolution capabilities of “Alopeke.”

“The speckle capabilities provided by the International Gemini Observatory prove to be a vital tool for astronomers across a wide range of applications,” stated Dr. Martin, NSF Program Director at the International Gemini Observatory.

“Providing solutions to the Betelgeuse mystery, which has persisted for centuries, is an exciting achievement.”

Survey results will appear today in the Astrophysical Journal Letters.

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Steve Howell et al. 2025. Possibility of direct imaging discovery of the stellar companion to Betelgeuse. apjl in press; doi: 10.3847/2041-8213/adeaaf

Source: www.sci.news

Researchers Document Submarine Canyons in Antarctica

Posted on July 22, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Submarine canyons are vast, deep formations located on the majority of the world’s continental margins. Antarctica plays a pivotal role in marine processes that significantly influence global climate and ocean circulation. The understanding of oceanographic, climatic, geological, and ecological importance is often hindered by the limitations in Canyon data. In a recent study, researchers from University College Cork and the University of Barcelona aimed to develop the most comprehensive catalogue of Antarctic submarine canyons and gullies. They discovered 332 drainage networks consisting of 3,291 river segments, which is nearly five times the number of canyons recorded in earlier research.

This map shows a network of 332 submarine canyons on the seabed of Antarctica. Image credits: Riccardo Arosio & David Amblas, doi: 10.1016/j.margeo.2025.107608.

Submarine canyons are prevalent features found along all continental margins.

These canyons are typically V-shaped valleys with narrow, flexible morphology, beginning at the edge of the continental shelf or continental slope and extending into either the continental rise or abyssal plains.

Short channels less than 10 km in length are referred to as submarine gullies, and they are commonly found within canyon systems on continental slopes.

Submarine canyons are crucial for transporting sediments and nutrients from coastal areas to deeper waters, establishing biodiverse habitats by linking shallow and deep marine environments.

While approximately 10,000 submarine canyons exist globally, only 27% of the ocean floor is mapped at high resolution, indicating a likely higher total number of canyons.

Despite their ecological, oceanographic, and geological significance, submarine canyons are often underrepresented, especially in polar regions.

“Similar to the submarine canyons in the Arctic, those in Antarctica mirror canyons found elsewhere in the world,” stated Dr. David Amblàs, a researcher at the University of Barcelona.

“Yet, they tend to be larger and deeper due to the prolonged effects of polar ice and the considerable volume of sediment that glaciers deposit onto the continental shelf.”

For their research, the authors utilized version 2 of the International Bathymetric Chart of the Southern Ocean (IBCSO V2), the most comprehensive and detailed seabed map for the region.

They employed new high-resolution seabed data alongside semi-automated methods to identify and analyze these canyons.

Overall, they described 15 morphometric parameters that displayed notable differences between the southeastern and western canyons.

“Some of the submarine canyons we examined exceed depths of 4,000 meters,” remarked Dr. Amblàs.

“The most impressive among them is located in East Antarctica and consists of a complex, divergent canyon system.”

“It originates from multiple canyons near the edge of the continental shelf and converges into a single main channel that descends steeply into deep water.”

Dr. Ricardo Arosio from Cork University commented:

“The canyons in East Antarctica exhibit more complexity and branching patterns, forming varied canyon channel systems characterized by the often typical U-shaped cross sections.”

“This indicates a significant influence of long-term development under persistent glacial activity alongside erosion and sediment deposition processes.”

“On the contrary, West Antarctic canyons are short and steep, featuring a V-shaped cross section.”

“This morphological distinction supports the hypothesis that the East Antarctic ice sheet developed earlier and underwent a longer maturation process,” explained Dr. Amblàs.

“This was previously suggested by studies of sedimentary records but lacked explanation through large-scale seabed geomorphology.”

“Thanks to the high resolution of the new seabed measurement database—500 m per pixel, compared to 1-2 km per pixel in earlier maps—we can effectively apply semi-automated technology for canyon identification, profiling, and analysis,” Dr. Arosio stated.

“The strength of our research lies in the integration of various methods previously used but now brought together into robust and systematic protocols.”

“We’ve also developed a GIS software script that enables the calculation of numerous canyon-specific morphometric parameters with just a few clicks.”

The team’s research will be featured in the journal Marine Geology.

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Riccardo Arosio & David Amblas. 2025. Topographic measurements of the Antarctic Submarine Canyon. Marine Geology 488:107608; doi:10.1016/j.margeo.2025.107608

Source: www.sci.news

Triassic Sauropod Dinosaur Fossils Unearthed in Switzerland

Posted on July 22, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Paleontologists have unearthed the skeletal remains of a completely new and unnamed Masopodan Sauropodmorph dinosaur in the Cretgau Formation of Canton Aargau, Switzerland.

Clear skull of a new Masopodian sauropod dinosaur in view on the right. Scale bar – 5 cm. Image credits: Lanier et al., doi: 10.1186/s13358-025-00373-6.

The newly found fossil is estimated to be from the late Triassic Epoch Norian period, around 206 million years ago.

This dinosaur was previously associated with an unidentified member of Masopoda, a vast group of Sauropodmorph dinosaurs that existed during the late Triassic to late Cretaceous epochs.

“Among Mesozoic terrestrial vertebrates, Sauropodomorpha stands out as one of the most successful dinosaur clades, becoming a dominant herbivore component in both Late Triassic and Jurassic paleoecosystems, with a wide global distribution from Antarctica to Greenland,” stated Dr. Alessandro Lania from the Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn and his Swiss colleagues.

“The origin of Sauropodmorph can be traced back to the early late Triassic on the Gondwanan continent, with the oldest examples found in Brazil, Argentina, South Africa, and North America.”

“Based on the South American fossil record, we offer a detailed understanding of the early evolution of sauropods, moving away from a limited number of strains characterized by small size, bipedal locomotion, and a carnivorous diet. This heralds a shift to medium and large body plans, quadrupedal dynamics, and a transition to herbivorous habits in the Norian-Flyzia period.”

Moreover, this notable increase in the diversity of Sauropodmorph in South Pangea during the Norian period is evident through the emergence of new major lineages like Masopoda and Sauropodiformo, marking a significant morphological divergence.

The partially complete skeleton of the new Masopodan Sauropodmorph was discovered in 2013 at the top of the fossil horizon within the Gruharde members of the Kretgau Formation in Flick, Canton Aargau, Switzerland.

“The Kretgau Formation represents one of the most extensive stratigraphic sequences of the Late Triassic in Europe, consisting of a diverse, petrologically heterogeneous series of deposits spanning approximately 26 to 30 million years, from early Karnians to late Lechan,” explained the paleontologist.

“The Kretgau Formation can be seen in various locations across Switzerland, documenting discontinuous sequences of varied Playa deposits influenced by river and oceanic processes, reflecting several lateral paleoenvironmental shifts throughout the stratigraphy.”

This new specimen signifies the first den Plate Saurus of the Canton Aargau sauropods and Swiss sauropods from the 4th Triassic, distinguishing them from non-Sauropodian Sauropodmorph.

“Osteologic investigations combined with morphological comparisons have clarified the anatomy of mosaic cranial cephalogenesis, integrating typical features of non-masopodian plasal aurians and Masopodian sauropods, like Coloradisaurus Brevis from Argentina,” the researcher commented.

According to the authors, this dinosaur represents the first non-Sauropod-type masopodian from Laurasia.

“Interestingly, this scenario raises the hypothesis of the European origins of early Jurassic Masopodans from late Triassic Asia, though more evidence is needed to substantiate this,” they stated.

“Additionally, these fossils enhance our understanding of cranial variability and body diversity in Norian sauropodomorphs in Laurasia, paralleling those in Gondwana, particularly in South America and Africa.”

The team’s paper was published this month in the Swiss Journal of Palaeontology.

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A. Rania et al. 2025. Cranial osteology of the new Masopodan Sauropodmorph (dinosaurs: saury) from the late Triassic period (latest Norian) of Switzerland. Swiss J Palaeontol 144, 39; doi:10.1186/s13358-025-00373-6

Source: www.sci.news

Gluten May Not Be the Culprit Behind Many Cases of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Posted on July 22, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Gluten is a protein found in most types of bread.

Tono Balaguer/Getty Images

Some individuals believe that gluten can aggravate IBS symptoms, even though they consume proteins from wheat, barley, and rye without experiencing any discomfort.

IBS typically leads to abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. Although the exact mechanism remains unclear, many affected individuals claim that gluten and its sources, which include wheat, can worsen their symptoms.

To determine the true triggers of these symptoms, Premysl Bercik and his team at McMaster University in Canada enlisted 28 participants with IBS who reported relief on a gluten-free diet.

Participants followed a gluten-free regimen for three weeks and then assessed their symptoms based on a scale from 0 to 500, averaging a score of 183.

They were then randomly given one of three types of cereal bars: one containing wheat, another with gluten alone, and a third that was free of both. The first two bars included a gluten dose similar to that found in four slices of bread, according to Bercik.

Although participants were informed that the bars may worsen their symptoms, they were unaware of the specific ingredients they contained.

After one week, participants rated the severity of their symptoms again and returned to a gluten-free diet for two weeks to reverse the effects of the bars. The experiment was repeated twice, ensuring each participant tried all three types of bars.

Following the exposure to the placebo bar, participants indicated a symptom increase of 50 points. Conversely, 11 participants reported worsening after consuming the wheat bars compared to 10 after the gluten-only bars.

Bercik notes, “All three challenges elicited symptoms in a comparable proportion of patients.”

While gluten and wheat may trigger IBS for some individuals, the findings indicate that others might be experiencing a nocebo effect.

Commentary accompanying the study by Sigrid Elsenbruch from the University of Duisburg-Essen, noted that participants were cautioned that the bars could worsen their symptoms.

Analysis of stool samples revealed that participants often did not adhere to the bar consumption as instructed. This raises the possibility that they may not have ingested sufficient gluten or wheat to specifically impact their IBS symptoms.

Bercik added that the research team is exploring how gluten and wheat might trigger IBS symptoms in some individuals, potentially by altering gut microbiota.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

NASA Faces Another Leadership Departure Amidst Growing Tensions About Its Future

Posted on July 22, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The head of NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center announced her resignation on Monday.

Makenzie Lystrup, who has been at the helm of the Maryland facility since April 2023, will depart the agency on August 1st. As indicated in a statement from NASA, Goddard is responsible for many major missions, including the Hubble Space Telescope, the Solar Dynamics Observatory, and the Osiris Rex mission that retrieved samples from asteroids.

Lystrup’s resignation comes shortly after Laurie Leshin stepped down as the director of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Institute in Pasadena, California.

NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center Director, McKenzie Lystrup, at a panel discussion during the 2024 Artemis Suppliers Conference in Washington, DC
Joel Kovsky / NASA

These departures come as NASA and other federal agencies face significant funding challenges and personnel reductions as part of a larger effort to streamline the federal workforce. Inside NASA, there are rising concerns on Capitol Hill regarding how space agencies can manage their duties with a reduced staffing structure and the rationale for implementing cuts before Congressional budget approval.

At the same time, more than 2,000 senior-level staff members are expected to exit NASA as part of workforce reduction initiatives. First reported by Politico, this group includes senior management and specialists, raising concerns about a “brain drain” within the agency.

NASA staff will need to make decisions on accepting “deferred resignation,” voluntary departures, or early retirement by the end of the week.

President Donald Trump’s proposed 2026 budget aims to cut approximately 25% from NASA’s budget, totaling over $6 billion. The most substantial reductions will impact the Space Science, Earth Science, and Mission Support divisions. As per budget outlines.

If passed by Congress, this budget could lead to the discontinuation of NASA’s space launch system rockets and the Orion spacecraft.

In reaction to the budget proposal, over 280 current and former NASA employees have signed a letter addressed to NASA’s interim administrator Sean Duffy, expressing that recent policies from the Trump administration “endanger public resources, compromise human safety, weaken national security, and undermine NASA’s essential mission.”

The letter, known as the Voyager declaration, states that these changes have had “devastating impacts” on the agency’s personnel and prioritize political goals over human safety, scientific progress, and the prudent use of public funds.

An internal communication obtained by NBC News indicates that before Duffy replaced Janet Petro, the former NASA deputy manager, she was compelled to justify how budget cutbacks and restructuring were in the agency’s best interests.

It remains unclear if the resignations of Lystrup and Leshin are connected to the ongoing turmoil at NASA and other federal institutions. NASA’s announcement about Leshin’s resignation stated her departure was “for personal reasons.”

NASA did not disclose any specifics regarding Lystrup’s resignation. In an internal message obtained by NBC News, Lystrup expressed confidence in Goddard’s leadership team and the future direction of the center.

“I feel privileged to have been part of this remarkable journey with you,” she mentioned in an email. “That was an honor.”

NASA announced on Monday that Cynthia Simmons, the assistant director, will step in as the acting director of Goddard starting in August.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

An Octopus Embraces the Fantasy of Rubber Hands, Just Like Us

Posted on July 22, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Plain-body octopus can be misled into believing false arms are their own

Kawashima and Yuzuku Ishima/Lucys University

Similar to humans, octopuses can be deceived by an illusion that leads them to believe that artificial arms are genuinely theirs.

This phenomenon, known as the rubber hand illusion, was first identified in the late 1990s, wherein a person’s hidden real hand is stroked alongside a fake hand placed before them. This trick was later found to impact other mammals, such as mice.

Recently, Kawashima and Samia, alongside Yuzuru Ikeda at the University of Ryukyu in Okinawa, Japan, discovered that octopuses are likewise susceptible to this illusion.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8ajppo0qyy

The experiment involved the plains of octopuses (Callistoctopus aspilosomatis) placed in a test tank. Soft gel fake arms, set atop an opaque partition, were placed over one of the octopus’s real arms, obscuring it from view. A researcher then stroked both the actual and fake arms simultaneously with a plastic caliper.

About eight seconds later, the researchers pinched the fake arm with tweezers. All six octopus subjects exhibited defensive behaviors, including color changes, arm retraction, and attempts to escape, across 24 trials.

The illusory effect diminished when the test was conducted without synchronized stroking, used non-synchronized stroking, or when the fake arm’s position didn’t align with the real arm.

During the experiment, the octopus could see false arms resting over a partition that obscured their actual arms

Kawashima and Yuzuku Ishima/Lucys University

According to Ikeda, the experiments reveal both advantages and disadvantages in the neural wiring of both octopuses and humans. “The illusion indicates an octopus’s ability to predict and anticipate, critical for survival,” he states. “Conversely, this capacity arises from neural conflicts and processing errors, suggesting a flaw.”

Kawashima asserts that this investigation will contribute to the understanding of octopus capabilities related to human experiences. “Our results imply that octopuses could serve as a vital model for studying the evolution of body ownership,” she mentions.

Peter Godfrey-Smith at the University of Sydney in Australia found the findings surprising. “This indicates that octopuses possess a complex body image,” he comments. “I was intrigued that the ‘positional mismatch’ scenario indeed worked—showing that the octopus didn’t perceive the rubber arm as its own in that specific situation.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Applying Limestone on the Farm Could Lead to Surprising Environmental Benefits

Posted on July 22, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Farmers apply lime to pastures to enhance soil quality

Wayne Hutchinson/Alamy

The centuries-old method of distributing crushed limestone on farmland can enhance crop yields by lowering soil acidity. While this practice is typically viewed as a contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, recent studies indicate that “liming” might actually assist in sequestering substantial amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

“Liming can either act as a carbon source or as a carbon sink. Empirical evidence suggests it serves as a fairly effective carbon sink,” says Noah Pranabsky from Yale University. This revelation could motivate the global spread of limestone on farms, although liming does not produce this effect universally.

Each year, millions of tons of crushed limestone spread across fields are classified as emission sources. This classification arises because when alkaline materials dissolve in acidic soils, a significant portion of its carbon is released as CO2. However, this assessment is not entirely accurate. According to Tim Jesper Souhoff, also from Yale, the situation is more complex.

Today’s soils are highly acidic, resulting from extensive fertilizer use and pollution from fossil fuel combustion. Consequently, various other alkaline minerals in the soil dissolve and liberate carbon, even in the absence of limestone. “These CO2 emissions will happen regardless of whether lime is added or not,” Suhrhoff explains, emphasizing that this alteration of acidity can lead to unintentional consequences.

Suhrhoff advocates for a more accurate evaluation of emissions from this practice, suggesting that scientists should analyze CO2 emitted versus captured in scenarios both with and without liming.

As an illustration of this method, Suhrhoff, Planavsky, and their team focused on the Mississippi River basin, a region that gathers runoff from the majority of U.S. farmland. They calculated the net carbon impact of limestone applications from 1900 to 2015 across the area.

The researchers estimated emissions from the soil while utilizing geochemical models to assess how liming alters soil acidity. They also compared their model results with direct observations of alkalinity in the Mississippi, where limestone reacts with carbon dioxide.

By employing their innovative approach, the researchers determined that they had sequestered around 300 million tonnes of CO2 in the region, rather than enabling the release of hundreds of millions of tonnes of emissions. Souhoff presented these findings at the Goldschmidt Conference held in Prague, Czech Republic, on July 10th.

This practice can also be coupled with the increased use of crushed volcanic rocks on farmland to sequester even more CO2 from the atmosphere.

Wolfram Buss from the Australian National University suggests that while liming can act as a carbon sink, the success seen in the Mississippi River Basin may not apply universally. “There is a potential risk with lime application, which could result in net CO2 emissions in other systems, primarily due to the significant acidification of agricultural soils,” he warns.

The subsequent step is to determine where liming is most essential. “This presents the opportunity for us to foster improved crop yields, potentially leading to billions of tons of CO2 removal,” Planavsky remarks. Financial incentives can significantly aid low-income farmers who are unable to afford the optimal amount of lime needed for their crops.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

A Four-Day Workweek Could Boost Your Health and Job Performance

Posted on July 21, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Reduced commuting days appear to reflect some workers’ sentiments

2024 Getty Images

Shifting to a four-day workweek without impacting salaries seems to enhance employee wellness and job satisfaction.

The Covid-19 pandemic changed workforce dynamics. With a transition to remote or hybrid work environments, some companies have adopted a four-day work schedule while maintaining pay.

To explore these changes, Wenfang from Boston College, Massachusetts, and her colleagues examined data from 141 companies across the US, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and Ireland that took part in a pilot initiative by the nonprofit 4 Day Global.

Prior to the trial, companies collaborated with external consultants to streamline their workflows and eliminate inefficiencies like unnecessary meetings.

After a six-month program, researchers compared self-reported productivity, health, and job satisfaction from approximately 3,000 employees at participating companies against 12 workers who were involved but opposed the trial.

Employees at companies that adopted a four-day work week reported lower rates of burnout and higher job satisfaction, alongside improvements in overall mental and physical health. These benefits were linked to better sleep quality, reduced fatigue, and enhanced work performance.

“Many individuals are concerned about a phenomenon called job intensification. If you’re required to complete all your work in four days instead of five, it might increase stress,” notes Fan. “Our findings indicate the opposite. When employees can reduce hours, they feel positive about themselves, contributing to greater happiness.”

The results were consistent across various employee demographics, including age and gender, regardless of whether they worked remotely or in-office. However, positions within the company appeared to impact results. Supervisors reported notable enhancements in overall well-being compared to non-supervisors.

The researchers indicated that participants did not clarify which specific aspects of the trial contributed to their perceived benefits, suggesting that the improvements might stem from reduced unnecessary meetings rather than merely switching to a four-day schedule, according to Ronnie Golden from Penn State University in Abington.

“If employees report higher happiness, could it be due to better treatment from their employer? They might trust their company more, benefit from fewer commuting days, or enjoy a few extended days for leisure,” states Golden. “Or is it simply a matter of increased productivity per hour with fewer distractions?”

Regardless, over 90% of firms that transitioned to a four-day work week chose to continue this model after the program ended, according to Fan.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Innovative Aerogels Provide Eco-Friendly Solutions for Oil Spill Cleanup

Posted on July 21, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

When thick oil from tanker or pipeline accidents infiltrates the ocean, the clean-up process often generates more waste than oil removed. Traditional synthetic tools, such as polypropylene pads and oil dispersants, consist of toxic chemicals that decompose slowly. To offer a more eco-friendly solution, scientists are looking to natural materials like coconut shells, which can absorb oil without causing additional contamination. This Bio-based material is safe and decomposes naturally without harming the environment.

One category of bio-based materials under investigation for oil spill clean-up consists of long chains known as repeating molecules polymers. Researchers have combined various bio-based polymers to create what are called hybrid materials Composite Materials. These composites include a unique type of highly porous solids primarily made of air—Air Gel. Depending on the material composition, iPhone-sized aerogels can weigh less than small paper clips and are highly porous, allowing them to absorb significant amounts of oil, functioning like an overactive sponge!

Previously, scientists utilized chitosan (CS) derived from crustacean shells to construct bio-based aerogels with sodium alginate (SA) from brown seaweed. However, both CS and SA are water-attracting compounds, Hydrophilicity, causing them to dissolve in water. This makes it challenging to apply them for oil spill clean-ups in bodies of water, as they dissolve before capturing much oil. Additionally, CS-SA aerogels tend to be relatively weak and flexible, raising concerns about their reusability.

To address these issues, researchers at the National University of Singapore developed a new CS-SA aerogel. This enhanced aerogel not only repels water but is also lightweight, durable, and reusable through multiple oil absorption cycles.

To create the aerogels, researchers initially dissolved CS and SA in a solution and sent sound waves through it. The sound waves intertwine polymer chains, releasing and reassembling them into smaller chains of Nanofiber. To counteract the hydrophilic nature of CS and SA, researchers introduced water-repelling agents—Hydrophobicity chemicals such as Methyltrimethoxysilane or MTMS.

The mixture was then poured into a mold and placed in liquid nitrogen. This facilitated the formation of ice crystals within the solution, pushing the nanofibers towards the edges where they bonded to create honeycomb-like microstructures. The researchers then froze the mixture and directly sublimated it into steam to eliminate the water.

After producing the aerogels, researchers assessed their porosity and strength. They employed a high-powered microscope to examine the internal structure of the aerogels and determine how the nanofibers influenced porosity. They discovered that aerogels containing nanofibers are more porous than those without. An increase in nanofiber concentration from 0.5% to 2% resulted in aerogels that are up to 9.5 times stronger, albeit with lower porosity, increasing density by 2.5 times. The team settled on a 1% nanofiber concentration as the optimal formula to balance strength and porosity.

The researchers also evaluated the strength of each aerogel by stretching them and measuring how much deformation they could withstand without losing their shape—a concept referred to as Top yield strength and the force they could handle before failure—Ultimate strength. With increasing amounts of MTM, the aerogels became stronger, boosting yield strength by up to 300% and ultimate strength by 200%. They also tested the recovery of the aerogels after compression, showing that they could regain up to 96% of their original shape and exhibited 32% resilience to compression, with minimal bending or structural deformation.

Finally, researchers examined how effectively the aerogels repelled water and absorbed oils. When placed on the aerogel’s surface, water droplets retained a nearly spherical shape instead of spreading out. The droplets were observed moving across the surface and rolling off without leaving any residue, confirming the hydrophobic nature of the aerogel. To test oil absorption, researchers submerged the aerogels in an oil-water mixture, where the aerogels absorbed more than 90% of the oil volume and weighed 30-90 times their initial mass.

Researchers concluded that their new aerogels could be a powerful and sustainable alternative to synthetic materials for oil spill clean-up. They emphasized that designing materials at multiple scales—ranging from molecules to small fibers—can enhance their strength and performance. They proposed that further advancements could allow these aerogels to support reusable and eco-friendly solutions for oil spill remediation, particularly in sensitive coastal areas.

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Source: sciworthy.com

The Eternal Planet Sustains Itself by “Consuming” Dark Matter

Posted on July 21, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

In the heart of the Milky Way, the stars appear younger than expected.

NASA, Caltech, Susan Stolovy (SSC, Caltech)

SEI 259312434 — In the heart of the Milky Way, the stars appear younger than expected.

NASA, Caltech, Susan Stolovy (SSC, Caltech)

Stars in the core of our galaxy may indeed be nearly immortal, harnessing dark matter for energy.

Over two decades ago, astronomers observed oddities among the stars at the Milky Way’s center. Their emitted light suggests they are younger than their mass would indicate; this phenomenon is termed the “Youth Paradox.” Furthermore, there’s a surprising scarcity of older stars in this region, referred to as the “aging difficulty problem.”

Currently, Isabelle John from the University of Stockholm and her team employed computer simulations to propose that dark matter might hold the key to resolving both issues.

It’s established that the centers of galaxies possess high densities of dark matter. The researchers simulated the interactions of dark matter particles with stars and found that upon collision with a star’s atomic nucleus, a particle loses energy and can become trapped there. If other dark matter particles are also present at the same site, they can annihilate each other, generating bursts of energy that illuminate the stars.

Stars typically age due to a lack of fusion fuel, but dark matter could serve as an extra energy source, extending their longevity. Given the substantial amount of dark matter surrounding the galactic center, this mechanism may effectively grant stars a form of immortality, according to John.

She notes that the team’s simulations are based on broad assumptions regarding dark matter and align qualitatively with historical observations. However, further empirical data could enhance our understanding, prompting additional telescope observations to gather fresh insights on dark matter and verify if the stars at the Milky Way’s core can indeed achieve eternal life, as their nature remains poorly understood.

Mark Pinne from Ohio State University emphasizes the importance of interpreting simulations of stars situated away from the galaxy’s center. He points out that since there exists comprehensive observational data on stars near Earth, the anticipated impacts of dark matter should be cross-verified with this information.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Should We Preserve the Pre-AI Internet Before It’s Contaminated?

Posted on July 21, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Wikipedia already shows signs of huge AI input

Serene Lee/Sopa Images/Lightrocket via Getty Images

SEI 259648162 — Wikipedia already shows signs of huge AI input

Serene Lee/Sopa Images/Lightrocket via Getty Images

The emergence of AI chatbots introduces a significant turning point, suggesting that online content is increasingly unreliable in terms of human creation. How do people reflect on this transformation? Some are urgently striving to preserve “pure” data from the pre-AI period, while others advocate for documenting AI’s own contributions, enabling future historians to analyze the evolution of chatbots.

Rajiv Pant, an entrepreneur and former chief technology officer, notes in the New York Times and Wall Street Journal that he views AI as a potential risk to information integrity, particularly concerning news articles that constitute historical records. “Since the launch of ChatGPT, we’ve been grappling with this issue of ‘digital archaeology’, which is becoming increasingly pressing,” Pant remarks. “Currently, there’s no dependable way to differentiate between human-created content and that generated by large AI systems. This is a concern that extends beyond academia; it affects journalism, legal clarity, and scientific discovery.”

For John Graham-Cumming of cybersecurity company CloudFlare, data generated post-ChatGPT is akin to low-background steel, prized for its application in sensitive scientific and medical devices, devoid of residual radioactive contamination from the Atomic Age that disrupts measurements.

Graham-Cumming has established a website, Lowbackgroundsteel.ai, which has already demonstrated that Wikipedia reflects the impacts of AI contributions, aiming to archive data sources lacking AI contamination, such as the complete Wikipedia archive from August 2022.

“There were times we handled everything manually, but eventually, this process became significantly augmented by chat systems,” he explains. “You can view this as a type of pollution, or positively, as a way for humanity to advance with assistance.”

Mark Graham, who operates the Wayback Machine on the Internet Archive—an initiative that has been documenting the public Internet since 1996—expresses skepticism regarding the effectiveness of new data archiving initiatives, especially since the Internet Archive captures up to 160 terabytes of new information daily.

Graham aspires to develop a repository of AI outputs for researchers and historians in the future. He plans to pose 1,000 local questions each day and record the chatbot’s responses, even leveraging AI for this extensive task. This method helps document the evolving outputs of AI for future human inquiry.

“You ask a specific question, receive an answer, and the next day, you can re-ask the same question to receive a potentially different response,” Graham comments.

Graham-Cumming emphasizes he is not against AI; instead, he believes preserving human-generated content can actually enhance AI models. This is crucial since subpar AI outputs may harm the training of new models, leading to “model collapse.” Preventing this occurrence is a worthy endeavor, he asserts.

“At some point, one of these AIs is bound to contemplate concepts that humans haven’t considered. It will prove a mathematical theorem or innovate something entirely new.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Could Cancer Medications Pave the Way for Alzheimer’s Treatment?

Posted on July 21, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

As treatment options for Alzheimer’s disease remain limited, researchers are exploring the repurposing of cancer medications to address cognitive decline.

The incidence of Alzheimer’s is on the rise due to an aging global population, yet no cure currently exists. Efforts to discover new therapies that can halt the progression of the disease instead of merely managing symptoms have often been unsuccessful.

At present, only two medications, Leqembi and Kisunla, have received FDA approval to slow the progression of early Alzheimer’s disease, and the extent of their effectiveness is considered limited.

Several pharmaceutical firms have either shelved or discontinued their Alzheimer’s drug development initiatives after encountering trial failures. Others are investigating the potential of established medications, including popular weight loss drugs in combating the disease.

In this context, researchers at the University of California, San Francisco, conducted extensive screenings of existing drugs that could be repurposed for Alzheimer’s treatment, aiming to shorten the time required for patient access to these drugs. They analyzed a database of over 1,300 different medications, spanning various drug classes such as antipsychotics, antibiotics, antifungals, and chemotherapeutics, and assessed their impact on gene expression.

Their recent study, published in the journal Cell, pinpointed two cancer drugs as the leading candidates to potentially mitigate the risk of Alzheimer’s in patients. When used in combination, these drugs demonstrated the ability to slow or even reverse Alzheimer’s symptoms in mouse models. One of the medications is typically used for breast cancer treatment, while the other targets colon and lung cancers.

Significant alterations in gene expression in the brain are characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease, leading to the increased synthesis of certain proteins and decreased production of others. These disruptions can impair brain functionality and result in symptoms such as memory loss.

According to the researchers, the two drugs, identified from a database of nearly 90, were able to reverse the expression of genes associated with Alzheimer’s in human brain cells. Furthermore, based on electronic medical records, five specific drugs appeared to lower Alzheimer’s risk among actual patients, ultimately leading the authors to select two FDA-approved cancer treatments for animal testing.

“We were not anticipating that cancer medications would emerge as strong contenders,” remarked Marina Sirota, interim director of the UCSF Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute.

The authors noted that letrozole, a breast cancer treatment, seems to modify gene expression within neurons, while irinotecan, a colon cancer medication, appears to influence gene expression in glial cells that support the nervous system. Alzheimer’s disease leads to nerve cell destruction, excess glial cell proliferation, and brain inflammation.

A 2020 study indicated that breast cancer patients treated with letrozole had a lower incidence of Alzheimer’s disease compared to those who did not receive the drug. Similarly, colorectal cancer survivors who were administered irinotecan exhibited a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease, as noted in research from 2021.

After evaluating the drugs in mice, the study authors discovered that the combination of the two medications reversed cognitive decline and enhanced memory in mice displaying traits of Alzheimer’s disease as they aged.

Given that results observed in mice do not always have a direct correlation with human outcomes, researchers aim to conduct clinical trials with Alzheimer’s patients.

“The development of new medications typically incurs costs in the millions, often billions, and can span over a decade. In contrast, repurposed medications may require only two to three years and carry significantly lower costs to reach clinical trial stages,” Sirota explained.

“Currently, we are not producing highly effective treatments that can significantly decelerate cognitive decline,” she added.

The challenge in developing Alzheimer’s treatments lies in the intricate nature of the disease, with its exact causes remaining largely elusive.

At this point, the authors admit that the precise mechanisms by which cancer drugs may be effective against Alzheimer’s are uncertain. One hypothesis suggests that breast cancer medications inhibit estrogen production—a hormone that regulates the expression of numerous genes. Colon cancer drugs might mitigate brain inflammation by preventing glial cell proliferation, yet Huang notes that there could be additional explanations.

Dr. Melanie McReynolds, a biochemistry assistant professor at Penn State University who was not involved in the research, offered another perspective.

She suggested that the study indicates various cancer drugs may prove beneficial in treating Alzheimer’s by modulating glucose metabolism, the process by which cells generate energy. McReynolds emphasized that this process is vital for communication among different brain cells.

“Aging, stress, and illness can disrupt that communication,” she stated.

McReynolds expressed that the drug combinations evaluated in the current research have the potential to reverse metabolic declines.

However, it is crucial to understand how Alzheimer’s patients will respond to these cancer drug combinations. Letrozole can induce hot flashes, while irinotecan is known for causing severe diarrhea. Both treatments may also lead to nausea and vomiting.

“These medications come with significant side effects, so it’s essential to weigh these risks carefully and determine whether such side effects are manageable for individuals with Alzheimer’s,” stated Sirota. “It’s not a straightforward solution.”

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Hurricane Risks in Florida Are Growing: Challenges in Securing Flood Insurance

Posted on July 21, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The threat of hurricanes in Florida is increasing, driven by anthropogenic climate change that warms our atmosphere and elevates sea surface temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico. Warmer conditions retain moisture, enhance hurricane intensity, and create more powerful storms, making Florida more susceptible to storm-related damage. During Hurricane Helen, extreme rainfall surged by 10%, with some regions in Florida receiving up to 26.95 inches of rainfall.

Jeremy Porter, a climate risk expert at the First Street Foundation, points out that soaring insurance costs reflect the significant effects of climate change in West Florida, where areas like Fort Myers Beach are grappling with recurring losses and expensive recovery efforts.

“In recent decades, we’ve been catching up with the reality of climate risks that weren’t adequately reflected in risk modeling. Now, as we reassess, premium costs are rising rapidly, impacting people’s household budgets,” Porter noted.

Due to a scarcity of home insurance options, residents are increasingly opting for coverage through Citizens Insurance Property Corp., a state-supported non-profit insurer in Florida.

Porter anticipates that by 2055, home insurance premiums in the Tampa Metro region could soar by 213% because of hurricane risks. Climate-related threats are similarly disrupting insurance markets in other states; for instance, Sacramento, California, may see a 137% rise due to heightened wildfire risks.

Porter also mentioned that declining home prices in Florida could influence insurance costs and accessibility. If property values fall below a certain threshold, insurers exposed to hurricane risks may view this as a warning sign, leading to increased scrutiny and potential hikes in premiums during the underwriting process.

Zillow data indicates that the value of homes in Fort Myers Beach has decreased by approximately $200,000 from pre-pandemic levels, with around 86% of last year’s sales reflecting this price drop.

Before Hurricane Ian, the average home value on Sanibel Island, a favored destination in Lee County, stood at nearly $1.3 million. Today, it has plummeted to $868,000, with 93% of homes having sold at reduced prices.

Joan Krempner, a part-time resident of Fort Myers Beach since 2016, stated that selling her home is not financially feasible after substantial rebuilding costs following Hurricane Ian. With few alternatives but to remain in Fort Myers Beach, Krempner expresses concern about the long-term implications of climate change on the community’s future.

“We must face that this is a long-term issue. The critical question is whether people want to keep investing in Fort Myers Beach,” Krempner remarked. “If there hasn’t been a hurricane in 30 years, the risk seems worthwhile for living in paradise. But if three major hurricanes strike within 18 months, doubt creeps in.”

Jacki Liszak, president and CEO of the Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce, asserts that Fort Myers Beach remains an attractive place to live and visit, highlighting community efforts toward resilient architecture and the construction of homes above flood levels.

“Homes must be built strong and elevated,” Liszak emphasized. “This is beneficial. People are already here, and they’ll continue to come. They cherish this lifestyle—it’s truly a beautiful part of the world.”

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Understanding Dark Empathy: The Science Behind the Buzzword

Posted on July 21, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Luc Kordas/Millennium Images, UK

Many of us enjoy finding new ways to categorize individuals in our lives, and recently, there’s been a noticeable surge in discussions surrounding “dark empathy.” “They appear sensitive and caring, but their true intent is manipulation.” Guardian I previously shared how TikTok influencers often label it as “the most dangerous personality type.”

This month, I’ve received requests from readers seeking clarification on the science behind these trendy terms. What defines dark empathy? And how can one identify such individuals?

This notion emerged from research investigating the so-called dark triad of personality traits: psychopathy (cold, antisocial behavior), narcissism (excessive self-focus), and Machiavellianism (manipulative tendencies). Historically, the Dark Triad was associated with a lack of empathy for others.

However, this perspective shifted with a groundbreaking 2021 study by Najah Heim, a researcher at Nottingham Trent University in England. Analyzing nearly 1,000 participants, the study confirmed that many individuals with dark triad traits lacked the capacity for empathy. However, a significant subset of around 175 participants exhibited high levels of psychopathy, narcissism, and Machiavellianism while also scoring well on standard empathy measures. They noted, for instance, that they were sensitive to others’ discomfort and claimed that people’s emotions significantly affected their own moods.

Heim and her colleagues coined the term “dark empathy” to describe this group. Further studies indicated that these individuals were generally less aggressive and more extroverted than their less empathetic counterparts, yet they displayed more hostility than the average individual. The researchers concluded that, behind a seemingly genial facade, there lies a “partially hostile core.”

This discovery prompts several questions. Psychologist Distinguish distinguishes between cognitive empathy (the visceral response to witnessing others’ emotions) and emotional empathy (the ability to understand others’ perspectives). It’s still unclear if dark empathy signifies a distinct phenomenon. Researchers also remain uncertain about how the behavior of these individuals varies depending on the context.

I am eager to find answers to these inquiries, but the current literature offers little on how to effectively interact with these individuals. For now, I will remain vigilant for classical red flags of toxic behavior, such as attempts to wield emotional manipulation through flattery or threats, and work to establish clear boundaries. While terms like “Dark Empath” may sound intriguing, their behaviors can be as distressing as those exhibited by traditional bullies in your life.

For more projects, please visit newscientist.com/maker

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Wild Ones Review: New Nature Documentary Urges Action to Protect Six Endangered Species

Posted on July 21, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Panthera Pardus Taliana, a white leopard found in Armenia

Apple TV+

Wild Ones
Apple TV+

The latest nature documentary from Apple TV+, Wild Ones, offers an insider’s perspective, showcasing three expert efforts in a series that truly deserves attention.

The opening narration reminds us that nature faces dire threats, with around 150 species disappearing daily. The mission of the film is to “find, document, and protect” six of the most endangered species, aiming not only to raise awareness but also to prompt action from local officials to prevent extinction.

Camera Trap Specialists Declan Burley, Wildlife Cameraman Vianet Djenguet, and Expedition Leader Aldo Kane embark on a global journey to capture footage of the world’s rarest wildlife.

The first episode leads them into the Malaysian jungle, searching for a rare tiger. Subsequent episodes will take viewers to the Gobi Desert in Mongolia to find Gobi Bears, and onto tracking the Javan rhinos, the Gabon gorilla, and Caucasian leopards, in addition to marine life such as the North Atlantic right whale Eubalaena glacialis.

This series employs advanced technology like drones and thermal imaging to produce breathtaking visuals of the animals and their environments. The untouched rainforests of Malaysia—often further from human contact than places visited by astronauts—are just part of the previously unseen natural world that Wild Ones uncovers.

However, the success of the documentary hinges on Burley, Djenguet, and Kane’s emotional engagement, which keeps viewers invested in the animals’ fates. Their reactions, whether witnessing an elusive leopard or the plight of whales caught in nets, leave an indelible mark on the audience.

Seeing three on-screen experts doing their job will hook stubborn fans of the genre

In a poignant moment deep within Taman Negara National Park, Burley reviews footage from a hidden camera, initially excited about capturing a rare Malayan tiger, only to discover that the creature has been maimed by a poacher’s trap.

Burley shares the footage with Djenguet and Kane, his connection to the animals rendering him visibly emotional. Local experts point out that such striking images are vital, sparking action from viewers worldwide. The trio understands their role, but the distress it causes them is undeniable.

While the emotional weight is palpable, the episodes’ lengths and scripted interactions sometimes disrupt the flow. Occasional forced humor and dramatic elements can dilute the impact, making the experience feel less authentic.

Nonetheless, as the series progresses, Burley, Djenguet, and Kane become more at ease on camera, captivating dedicated fans with their expertise and drawing in audiences eager for authenticity.

This series stands out in the realm of nature documentaries, providing an intimate look at the emotional turmoil, physical challenges, and the enduring patience required to produce such content. With dozens of cameras stationed in perilous locations, team members must meticulously return for footage, sometimes after months.

Ultimately, capturing footage of these endangered animals in Wild Ones is not just a visual feast; it’s a compelling call to action aimed at preserving these species for future generations.

Gregory Wakeman is a Los Angeles-based author.

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Every Chaser: Meet the Weather Detective Unraveling the Growing Hail Crisis

Posted on July 20, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

I will pursue

Between mid-May and late June, Icechip Storm Chasers explore the Front Range of the Rockies and the Central Plains, often in vehicles fortified against falling ice. Equipped with drones, balloons, and mobile Doppler radars, they enhance methodologies previously perfected by Tornado Chasers.

While one team strategically positions mobile Doppler radars to monitor storms at close proximity, other researchers focus on deploying balloons and utilizing sensors to assess the size and velocity of hail strikes.

Amid various storms, researchers have embarked on the Tempest Path to observe the life cycle of hailstones, utilizing hundreds of ping-pong ball-like devices known as Heilsondos that melt and freeze.

Convection thunderstorms with substantial internal updrafts generate hail by circulating a mix of water and ice crystals into the freezing layer above. Hail typically forms at altitudes between 20,000 to 50,000 feet, where temperatures range from -22 to 14 degrees Fahrenheit. The same updrafts can obliterate ailsond at any hail-generating region of the storm.

This is situated on the roads of Oklahoma.
Ice plants/farm

“By tracking that sensor over time, we can understand the precise path and trajectory that hail follows, at least for some storms,” stated Victor Gensini, a meteorology professor at Northern Illinois University and lead researcher at ICECHIP.

“We anticipate increased instability,” Gensini remarked, with researchers believing this could foster stronger updrafts.

Such powerful updrafts can sustain larger hail for extended periods, allowing ice balls or discs to gain mass before gravity pulls them down.

“If you use a hair dryer and direct it towards the edge, it’s easy to balance a ping pong ball with that airstream,” Jensee described. “But how do you balance a softball? A stronger updraft is necessary.”

Storm modeling indicates that more potent updrafts could increase the likelihood of large hail in the future, even though they may lower the overall chance of hail. Researchers predict smaller hail will diminish, as it possesses less mass and often dissolves before reaching the ground.

“There’s a sort of dichotomy. Yes, there are fewer people around, but warmer atmospheres with very strong updrafts yield even more significant hail,” Jensee explained.

Throughout their field campaign, researchers collected over 10,000 hailstones in dry ice chests to evaluate their computer models against observed growth dynamics.

“The hail data is somewhat concerning,” Jensini remarked about previous records, noting an increase in reports of 2-inch, 3-inch, and 4-inch hail. However, it’s unclear whether this is due to more people chasing storms and discovering larger hail or if the atmosphere is genuinely producing larger hailstones.

Gensini conveyed that the new measurements will enable researchers to correlate airborne conditions with ground findings, leading to enhanced forecasts and reduced economic impacts.

In many regions where Icechip operates, agriculture is prevalent, according to Karen Kosiba, an atmospheric scientist with flexible radar teams at the University of Illinois.

“It influences their crops and machinery, prompting them to seek shelter,” she stated. “Weather holds numerous economic implications.”

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Research Reveals That Lowering Pollution Might Not Compromise Deeper Climate Stability

Posted on July 19, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Improving the quality of the air we breathe is a significant achievement for public health, but paradoxically, it also accelerates global warming. This is highlighted in a recent study published in Communication Earth and the Environment, which connects the recent efforts to clean up air pollution in East Asia to the intensified climate crisis.

In the last 15 years, global warming has surged dramatically, and until now, the reasons behind this surge were unclear to scientists.

Co-author Dr. Robert Allen, a professor of climate studies at the University of California, Riverside, stated:

To address this, a large team of international scientists examined simulations from eight major climate models.

The majority of the accelerated warming seen since 2010 is believed to stem from efforts to reduce air pollution in East Asia.

During this same period, China was implementing a significant air quality policy that led to a reduction of sulfur dioxide emissions by approximately 75%.

Dr. Bjørn Samset, the lead author of the research and a senior researcher at Norway’s International Climate Environmental Studies Centre, explained to BBC Science Focus that pollution has historically been effective in cooling the planet.

“Think back to a day when the air was polluted or hazy,” he mentioned. “Particles in the air block some sunlight from reaching the ground, effectively providing a cooling shade.

“For decades, air pollution has been helping to mitigate some of the warming caused by greenhouse gases.”

Samset elaborated that by eliminating air pollution, as China has done, some of that cooling effect has been lost.

However, simply allowing pollution to persist is not the answer. Allen noted that ₂ and methane must both be addressed together.

Before China’s 2010 air quality policy, pollution was a leading cause of premature deaths in the country – Credit: Jack-Enjo Photography via Getty

In addition to cutting greenhouse gases, some scientists have proposed unconventional measures to slow the climate crisis, such as reintroducing artificial pollution into the atmosphere.

Samset explained that this approach “involves releasing particles into the stratosphere or clouds, which can mirror the cooling effects of air pollution without the harmful health impacts.”

To do this, planes could disperse gas from altitudes of 20 km—significantly higher than typical passenger flights.

However, co-author Professor Laura Wilcox, a meteorologist at the University of Reading, advised in BBC Science Focus that such solutions do not resolve the core issues.

“Similar to air pollution, these methods merely mask atmospheric problems without addressing the root causes,” she stated.

“Another viable strategy is to actively remove CO.₂,” she added. “This process, known as carbon capture, is already underway but on a limited scale.”

Possible solutions include planting trees and seaweed, developing mechanical trees, and directly capturing CO₂ from the air for storage in rock formations.

Nevertheless, the key solution remains to “reduce greenhouse gas emissions primarily by transitioning away from fossil fuels,” said Samset.

read more:

About our experts

Dr. Bjørn Samset is a senior researcher at the Norwegian Centre for International Climate Research. A physicist and science communicator, he possesses extensive expertise in atmospheric science and global climate modeling, focusing on the impacts of air pollution on climate change through climate modeling.

Professor Laura Wilcox is a professor specializing in aerosol climate interactions at the University of Reading, UK. Her research interests encompass the effects of air pollution on climate and the impacts of aviation on the climate.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

This Summer, the Night Sky Dazzles with Shooting Stars: Essential Tips for Enjoying the Meteor Shower.

Posted on July 19, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

With three meteor showers occurring simultaneously this month, skywatchers have ample opportunities to spend their summer nights searching for shooting stars.

The annual Alpha Capriconids, South Delta Aquarids, and Perseid Meteor Showers are currently in action, each expected to last until mid-August.

Here’s what you need to know about these meteor showers and tips for spotting shooting stars.

Alpha Capriconid

The Alpha Capriconids and South Delta Aquarids will be visible overnight from July 29th to 30th, while the Perseids, often regarded as the most consistent shooting star display, will peak next month.

Skywatchers can expect favorable conditions for observing meteor showers this July, as noted by the American Meteor Society.

Typically, the Alpha Capricornids Meteor Shower doesn’t deliver a powerful show but can yield several bright fireballs while active, generating approximately 5 shooting stars per hour. Observations under dark skies enhance the experience, according to the American Meteor Society.

This shower derives its name from the constellation Capricornus, from which the meteors appear to radiate. This year’s peak features a moon phase of only 27%, giving both hemispheres an opportunity to observe the display.

The Alpha Capriconid meteor shower occurs when Earth traverses dust and debris from the comet 169p/Neat, which orbits the Sun approximately every 4.2 years. Fragments entering the atmosphere create bright streaks of light as they vaporize.

South Delta Aquarid

The Southern Delta Aquarids, as suggested by its name, is most clearly observed from the Southern Hemisphere. Under ideal conditions, this meteor shower can produce about 25 meteors per hour, though many tend to be faint.

According to NASA, the South Delta Aquarid shower is challenging to spot, but early morning hours provide the best chance for viewing.

This meteor shower is linked to Comet 96p/Machorz, which completes an orbit around the Sun approximately every two years.

Perseid

Lastly, the Perseid meteor shower is currently active and expected to peak overnight from August 12th to 13th. This event is highly anticipated as Perseids typically occur during the warm summer months in the Northern Hemisphere, often generating a high rate of shooting stars. Under optimal conditions, this shower can yield up to 100 meteors per hour.

However, this year, the moon will be approximately 84% illuminated, which may diminish visibility for meteors. “This will significantly impact the shower’s activity during its peak,” states the American Meteor Society.

“These conditions could reduce visible activity by at least 75%, leaving only the brighter meteors visible,” the society mentioned in its forecast.

The Perseid shower occurs as Earth passes through debris and dust left by the comet 109p/Swift-Tuttle.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Meet the Individual Linked to Four Deaths from Carnivorous Bacteria in Florida

Posted on July 19, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

This year, four individuals in Florida have succumbed to a bacterial infection that can lead to “carnivorous” wounds, as reported by the State Health Department this month.

The culprit is the bacterium Vibrio vulnificus, which flourishes in warm seawater. The fatalities occurred in counties along the Gulf Coast, stretching from Bay County to Hillsboro County, encompassing much of Florida’s coastline.

According to the state health department, Florida has recorded 11 instances of Vibrio vulnificus this year. The bacteria can infiltrate the body through open skin wounds, leading to tissue death, as noted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Additionally, consumption of contaminated food, especially raw oysters, can also result in infection. The exact means of infection for those affected in Florida remain unclear.

The CDC indicates that approximately one in five individuals infected with Vibrio vulnificus will die.

Antacarit Jutra, an engineering professor at the University of Florida, is investigating Vibrio bacteria and mentions that while infections are relatively uncommon, instances tend to rise following hurricanes. Last year, Florida reported a total of 82 cases, likely exacerbated by a “very active” hurricane season.

What is Vibrio vulnificus?

Rita Colwell, a microbiology professor at the University of Maryland, states that Vibrio vulnificus is among over 200 species of Vibrio bacteria.

Most Vibrio infections do not pose a threat to humans, Jutra notes. Some may only affect other animals.

Vibrio bacteria result in roughly 80,000 infections annually, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Most cases are gastrointestinal, with only 100-200 attributed to Vibrio vulnificus. Other Vibrio species, like Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio alginolyticus, usually cause gastrointestinal diseases, while Vibrio cholerae is responsible for cholera-related diarrhea.

Vibrio bacteria typically inhabit the southeastern coast of the United States where warm waters are prevalent, but they are also found along the west coast. As ocean temperatures rise, more cases have emerged further north in recent years, including areas like New York, Connecticut, and parts of Maryland, according to Jutla.

Who is at risk?

Dr. Norman Beatty, an infectious disease physician at the University of Florida Health, points out that Vibrio bacteria can enter through open wounds after exposure to salty or brackish water. While most cases he has encountered are linked to prolonged exposure, even short bouts can be sufficient.

Symptoms of infection may appear within just a few hours, including redness, swelling, and “bull” blisters at the site, which can be quite painful. If left untreated, the infection may spread into the bloodstream and lead to sepsis, which can be fatal. Symptoms of sepsis encompass fever, chills, and severe hypotension, as per the CDC.

Individuals with cirrhosis, weakened immune systems, and those over 65 years old are at the highest risk of infection, according to Jutla.

Antibiotics can effectively treat Vibrio vulnificus infections.

How to prevent vibrio infection

Beatty advises covering any open wounds before entering the ocean, noting that even waterproof band-aids can be effective.

If anyone suspects they have an infection, they should seek medical attention immediately, as delays can lead to severe complications.

“Late presentations to healthcare are often the reason some individuals experience more serious consequences than others,” he explains. “Those who present early with signs and symptoms of infection and receive antibiotics on the same day tend to fare better and avoid severe complications.”

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Why Having Only Sons or Daughters May Run in the Family

Posted on July 19, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

There may be genetic explanations for why some women consistently give birth to boys or girls. This is the reasoning behind it.

According to a new study, women who have multiple children of the same sex are more likely to have another child of the same sex.

Factors such as maternal age and genetics can create bias in the “coin toss” of gender determination, rather than following a pure 50/50 chance for each child.

The study also indicated that older mothers tend to have children of the same sex; we identified two genes that can increase the probability of having all daughters or all sons.

The gender of a child at conception hinges on the sperm’s X or Y chromosomes, suggesting that the metaphorical coin flip for determining a child’s gender isn’t entirely random.

However, doctoral researcher Xiwen Wang from Harvard pointed out that this might not be the complete picture.

“The project started from a casual chat among co-authors and friends about a family with only boys or only girls,” Wang noted in an interview with BBC Science Focus.

“It happened so frequently that we began to wonder: Is that really a possibility?

Wang and her team analyzed data from over 58,007 women who had more than two children.

They found that if a couple has three boys, they have a 61% chance of having another boy. Likewise, after three girls, there’s a 58% chance of having another girl.

This research identified various factors that might tip the scales towards families of exclusively girls or boys.

“Women who have their first child after the age of 28 are about 10% more likely to have only boys or only girls than those who start before 23,” Wang explained. “While this isn’t a huge difference, it is statistically significant.”

Though the study did not delve into the reasons for this association, Wang offered some theories.

“As women age, they go through physiological changes like a shorter follicular phase and lower vaginal pH,” she elaborated.

The follicular phase is the initial stage of the menstrual cycle, which generally favors Y chromosome sperm, while a lower vaginal pH is conducive to X chromosome sperm.

“These effects can vary among individuals; thus, depending on their specific biology, aging might shift the balance toward one gender,” Wang said.

Families with only daughters or only sons are more common than random chance alone would suggest – Credit: Getty Images/Pixdeluxe

Wang also proposed another potential connection.

“The age of pregnant mothers often correlates with that of older fathers. Unfortunately, we lacked father data for this study,” Wang mentioned.

Researchers also explored genetic markers for the 7,530 women involved in the study, discovering two SNPs: NSUN6 associated with all-female offspring and TSHZ1 correlated with all-male offspring.

The study examined whether behavioral factors, such as couples continuing to have children until a daughter is born following a series of sons, could account for patterns of same-sex offspring.

“We conducted an analysis that excluded the last child for each family, which is likely influenced by parents stopping once they have both genders. Even after this adjustment, we still observed a strong clustering of same-sex siblings,” Wang stated.

About our experts

Siwen Wang is a doctoral student specializing in nutritional epidemiology at Harvard University School of Public Health. Her research investigates how nutrition, lifestyle, and psychosocial elements affect the health of mothers and children.

read more

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Uranus May Be Warmer Than Previously Thought

Posted on July 19, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Recent studies published in the journal reveal that Uranus emits approximately 15% more energy than it receives from the Sun, as documented in Monthly Notices from the Royal Astronomical Society and Geophysical Research Book.

Composite image of Uranus. Image credit: Marcos Van Dam/Wm Keck Observatory.

Uranus distinguishes itself from other planets in our solar system by rotating on its side, causing each pole to face the Sun for 42 consecutive years during its “summer.”

This planet also rotates in a direction opposite to all other planets except Venus.

Data from the 1986 Voyager 2 flyby mission showed that Uranus has an unusually cold interior, prompting scientists to reconsider how the planet formed and its evolution within the solar system.

“Since the Voyager 2 flyby, there’s been an assumption that Uranus lacks internal heat,” said Dr. Amy Simon, a planetary scientist and co-author from NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. First paper.

“However, explaining this has been challenging, particularly when compared to other giant planets.”

“The data regarding Uranus’s heat emissions originated from a single measurement made during the Voyager 2 mission,” Dr. Simon noted. “This reliance on one data point created a significant challenge.”

Through advanced computer modeling and analysis of decades of data, Dr. Simon and her colleagues discovered that Uranus does, in fact, generate internal heat.

To understand a planet’s internal heat, scientists compare the energy it receives from the Sun to the energy it radiates back into space as reflected light and emitted heat.

Other giant planets like Saturn, Jupiter, and Neptune emit more heat than they receive, suggesting that the excess heat originates from within.

The rate at which a planet releases heat can indicate its age; a planet that emits less heat than it absorbs is generally considered older.

Because Uranus was believed to emit an equal amount of heat to what it received, it was initially thought to lack internal heat.

This discrepancy puzzled scientists, leading them to speculate that Uranus might be significantly older than its neighbors, having completely cooled over time.

Some hypotheses suggested that a massive impact (possibly the same event that tilted the planet) may have stripped Uranus of its internal heat.

However, these theories did not satisfy researchers, motivating them to investigate what they termed the “Uranus cold case.”

“Did we mistakenly believe that Uranus has no internal heat?” asked Professor Patrick Irwin from Oxford University, the lead author of the first paper.

“We conducted extensive calculations to evaluate how much sunlight is reflected by Uranus, only to realize that it is actually more reflective than previously estimated.”

Researchers aimed to assess Uranus’s overall energy budget, exploring the total energy received from the Sun, the light reflected, and the heat emitted.

This required calculating the total light reflected from the planet from various angles.

“We need to consider light scattered across the planet’s surface instead of just direct reflections,” Dr. Simon explained.

To provide the most accurate energy budget estimate for Uranus, scientists created a computer model incorporating all available data on Uranus’s atmosphere from decades of ground- and space-based observations, including data from the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope and NASA’s infrared telescope in Hawaii.

This model accounts for factors like haze, cloud cover, and seasonal changes that influence how sunlight is reflected and heat escapes.

The findings reveal that Uranus emits about 15% more energy than it receives from the Sun, as reported in a second study.

These investigations suggest that Uranus possesses its own internal heat but emits more than twice the energy it receives, although still less than its neighbor, Neptune.

“Now we need to delve deeper into what the additional heat on Uranus signifies and improve our measurement techniques,” Dr. Simon concluded.

____

Patrick GJ Irwin et al. 2025. Uranus’ bolometric binding albedo and energy balance. mnras 540(2): 1719-1729; doi: 10.1093/mnras/staf800

XINYUE WANG et al. 2025. Uranus’ internal heat flux and energy imbalance. Geophysical Research Book 52 (14): E2025GL115660; doi: 10.1029/2025GL115660

Source: www.sci.news