Unraveling the Secrets of Lightning: A Possible Resolution Awaits

Posted on May 23, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

In the early days of scientific exploration, researchers observed natural phenomena and began to unravel the mysteries behind how lightning forms.

These brief yet incredibly bright bursts of radiation, referred to as Terrestrial Gamma Ray Flashes (TGF), were identified by a research team at Osaka University in Japan during a lightning event.

Interestingly, TGFs are typically observed in space, associated with supernovae and black hole jets. This raises the question: how does lightning produce the energy required to generate them?

Recent papers published in the journal Advances in Science potentially provide answers. While scientists previously believed that TGFs were caused by the rapid acceleration of electrons, testing this theory has proven challenging. The radiation often occurs in the final microsecond and is concealed by cloud cover.

This is why researchers involved in the new study employed innovative techniques to observe thunderstorms, utilizing a multi-sensor system that includes optical, radio frequency, and high-energy radiation sensors.

“The multi-sensor observations conducted here are unprecedented,” stated Dr. Harufumi Tsuchiya, the senior author of the paper. “While some mysteries persist, this approach has significantly deepened our understanding of these intriguing radiation burst mechanisms.”

So, what did they find? Collectively, the sensors unveiled two channels of charged particles known as the discharge pathway—one descending from the thundercloud to the TV tower, and the other ascending from the tower.

The scientists observed the formation of TGFs occurring 31 microseconds before the two pathways converged, resulting in a highly concentrated electric field where electrons accelerated at nearly the speed of light.

Once the two pathways merged, the burst continued for an additional 20 microseconds, yielding a lightning strike of -56 kiloamperes. (Don’t let the negative sign confuse you—it merely indicates the direction from cloud to ground. This current is exceptionally high, typical of lightning.)

Wada Yutaka, the lead author of the study, remarked, “The opportunity to examine extreme processes such as TGFs stemming from lightning enhances our understanding of the high-energy dynamics present in Earth’s atmosphere.”

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Study Finds One Nation Produces Its Entire Food Supply.

Posted on May 23, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

According to a recent study, out of 186 countries, only Guyana is capable of producing sufficient food for itself without relying on foreign imports.

This study, published in Natural Food, assessed how effectively countries can supply their populations with seven food groups: fruits, vegetables, dairy products, fish, meat, plant-based proteins, and starchy staples.

Globally, the research revealed that 65% of countries produce meat and dairy in alignment with their population’s dietary needs.

It also determined that Guyana, situated in South America, stands as the sole country achieving complete self-sufficiency, while China and Vietnam can sufficiently produce food across six out of the seven food groups.

However, only one in seven individuals in the surveyed countries was deemed self-sufficient in five or more categories.

Surrounded by lush greenery, Guyana was identified as the only nation in this study that produces enough food to nourish its people across all seven food groups. – Credit: Jonas Stehl, Nature Food 2025, doi: 10.1038/S43016-025-01173-4 Data published

Meanwhile, there is a global deficiency of nutrient-dense plants, as fewer than half of the countries involved in the study produce adequate plant-based proteins, such as beans, chickpeas, lentils, nuts, and seeds, as well as sufficient starchy carbohydrates and vegetables.

Europe and South America tended to be closer to achieving self-sufficiency compared to other regions. In contrast, small island nations, countries in the Arabian Peninsula, and low-income nations were more likely to depend on food imports.

Six nations—Afghanistan, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Macau, Qatar, and Yemen—produced inadequate food groups to be categorized as self-sufficient.

“Low self-sufficiency is not inherently negative,” stated Dr. Jonas Stehl, a researcher from Göttingen and the first author of the study, in an interview with BBC Science Focus. “There are effective and often advantageous reasons why a country may not meet all its food production needs.”

For instance, a country may lack sufficient rainfall, quality soil, or stable temperatures necessary for growing adequate food for its population.

Stehl added that importing food from suitable regions can also be cost-effective.

“However, low levels of self-sufficiency can compromise a country’s ability to respond to sudden global food supply shocks, such as droughts, conflicts, and export bans,” he noted.

A team from the University of Göttingen in Germany and the University of Edinburgh in the UK conducted the study, evaluating the food output of various countries.

The researchers compared this data to the nutritional needs of each nation’s citizens, referencing the World Wildlife Fund’s Livewell Diet.

The Livewell Diet recommends “a flexible eating pattern that emphasizes plant-based protein sources, consumes vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and limits foods high in fat, salt, and sugar.”

The Covid-19 pandemic and the onset of the Russia-Ukraine conflict have sparked discussions about the merits of self-sufficiency, as these global crises have disrupted consistent food supplies to importing countries.

Stehl concluded that “the increased attention on national food self-sufficiency may signal broader political changes.”

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About Our Experts

Dr. Jonas Stehl is a doctoral researcher at the University of Göttingen in Germany, focusing on the food system and its implications for sustainability, nutrition, and health from a global viewpoint. He is part of an interdisciplinary research training group named Sustainable Food Systems. Stehl’s research interests include development, health, the environment, group economy, nutrition, and food security.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Studies Suggest Common Vitamin Supplements May Help Slow Aging

Posted on May 23, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Recent studies indicate that daily vitamin D intake can assist in managing the effects of aging.

Research has shown that supplementing with vitamin D for four years could potentially offset the aging process by about three years.

Prior studies have suggested that vitamin D supplements may help mitigate some prominent aging signs linked to various age-related diseases, such as cancer, heart disease, and dementia.

To explore this hypothesis, researchers from Mass General Brigham and Georgia Medical University examined the findings of previous trials. In this experiment, over 55 women and more than 50 men participated, taking either Vitamin D, Omega 3, or a placebo daily for five years.

The recent study assessed telomere length, concentrating on 1,054 participants who underwent specific tests at the beginning of the trial, as well as in their second and fourth years.

Telomeres are repetitive DNA sequences that protect chromosomes. Professor Morten Schiebye-Knudsen from the University of Copenhagen, who was not involved in the study, noted in BBC Science Focus Magazine.

Telomeres safeguard chromosome ends and prevent fusion or degradation – Credit: Getty Images/Knopprit

“Consider them like the plastic tips on shoelaces. They prevent chromosomes from fraying and sticking to each other, which helps maintain genetic stability during cell division,” he explained.

With each cell division, telomeres shorten slightly. If they become too short, the cell loses its ability to divide, leading to cell dysfunction.

The study found that participants taking vitamin D exhibited significantly reduced telomere shortening, effectively preventing nearly three years of aging.

This finding could offer valuable insights into promoting longer health spans, as telomere shortening is linked to various age-related diseases.

“I often refer to these cells as angry old men. They lose functionality, become inactive, and worsen over time, negatively impacting their environment,” Schiebye-Knudsen remarked.

“Telomere shortening may lead to older, more dysfunctional cells, resulting in increased inflammation in our bodies, particularly in rapidly dividing cells, like those in bone marrow, skin, and hair.”

About our experts

Morten Schiebye-Knudsen serves as an associate professor at the Faculty of Cellular Molecular Medicine at the University of Copenhagen.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Scientists Unravel the Mystery of a 40-Year-Old Sea Creature

Posted on May 23, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

An unusual ancient marine reptile has been formally recognized, decades after its fossil was initially found in Canada.

This 12-meter creature, Traskasaura Sandrae, was a type of predator contemporaneous with dinosaurs. It resembled a long-necked plesiosaurus with peculiar anatomy and a distinct top-down hunting approach.

“The presence of its bizarre characteristics — it was an animal that appeared quite unusual — made it nearly impossible for researchers to classify it,” said Professor F. Robin O’Keefe, a paleontologist at Marshall University and the lead author of the study, as reported by BBC Science Focus.

The original fossil was found along the Pantledge River on Vancouver Island in 1988, having remained on the ground for 85 million years. Surprisingly, it was nearly complete, with the skull, neck, limbs, and tail, although one side had deteriorated. “It appeared well-preserved from a distance,” O’Keefe noted.

It wasn’t until certain elements were uncovered that the pieces began to align.

“The remarkable preservation allowed us to investigate some of the odd features of the adult fossils and to interpret what we were observing,” O’Keefe explained. “The discovery of this second skeleton permitted its classification as a new species.”

The juvenile fossilized remains aided scientists in identifying the new species. – Courtney and District Museum and Paleontology Center

Among its unique traits is its shoulder structure, which diverges from that of known plesiosaurs, facing downward.

In contrast, its flipper resembles an inverted airplane wing, featuring a more curved underside rather than the top. “This emphasized the animal’s upside during its unique hunting approach,” O’Keefe noted.

This is significant as it implies that Traskasaura hunted in an atypical manner: by descending upon its prey from above.

“Normally, reptiles swim in water where light comes from above, leading animals to hunt upwards as they spot prey silhouetted against the surface light,” O’Keefe explained. “This animal approached it differently.”

Its potential prey likely included creatures related to modern squids and octopuses, as well as extinct coiled-shelled ammonites, which were crushed with its sharp teeth.

Despite its formidable size and appearance, Traskasaura was by no means the apex of the ancient seas. “It was substantial, yet it didn’t possess a notably large neck or head,” O’Keefe remarked. “If a Mosasaur, known for its large teeth, were to seize it, it could inflict serious damage.”

Nevertheless, Traskasaura would have thrived in the ocean, feasting on abundant resources. Unfortunately, like all plesiosaurs, the species faced extinction during the mass extinction event approximately 66 million years ago.

“They were flourishing, and their ecosystems were relatively robust until an asteroid impact decimated all the large animals,” O’Keefe stated.

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About our experts

F. Robin O’Keefe received his Honorary Biology degree from Stanford University in 1992 and a Ph.D. in 2000, specializing in evolutionary biology at the University of Chicago. He has been a professor at Marshall University since 2006, teaching over 200,000 undergraduate students across various subjects, from human anatomy to comparative zoology and Earth’s history.

A recognized expert in marine reptiles from the age of dinosaurs, O’Keefe was awarded the 2013 Drinko Distinguished Research Fellowship for his work on the reproduction of plesiosaurs.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Gigantic Clifftop Boulder in Tonga Reveals Evidence of an Ancient Tsunami

Posted on May 23, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Locally referred to as Makarahi, meaning “big rock,” this boulder was displaced over 200 m inland by a tsunami approximately 7,000 years ago.

Limestone rock Makarahi. Image credits: Kohler et al. , doi: 10.1016/j.margeo.2025.107567.

The Makarahi boulder measures 14 x 12 x 6.7 m and weighs nearly 1,200 tons, making it the largest known boulder located atop a cliff and one of the largest vibration-transport boulders globally.

This limestone formation is situated 200 meters away from the coastline on the southern shore of Tongatapu, Tonga.

“Our research focused on the southern part of Tongatapu Island, examining coastal cliffs that show signs of past tsunamis,” stated Martin Kohler, a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Queensland.

“At the end of our fieldwork day, while conversing with some local farmers, they pointed us toward this rock.”

“I was truly astonished. It was found inland, outside our designated research area, indicating it must have been moved there by a massive tsunami.”

“It was remarkable to witness this large boulder enveloped in lush vegetation.”

“We created a 3D model before returning to the coast to identify a location from which boulders could be dislodged from cliffs over 30 meters high.”

Through numerical modeling, the researchers determined that a wave height of roughly 50 m lasting about 90 seconds would be required to transport the Makarahi boulder from its original cliff edge to its new location.

“The University of Queensland has provided a fantastic opportunity to explore the forces shaping our world,” remarked Dr. Annie Lau, a coastal geomorphologist at the institution.

“The recent tsunami in Tonga in 2022 resulted in six fatalities and extensive damage.”

“Gaining insights into extreme past events is crucial for preparing and assessing risks related to current and future hazards.”

“The findings concerning the Makarahi boulder offer evidence of Holocene Pacific tsunamis that have occurred since about 11,700 years ago.”

“This analysis will enhance our understanding of rock wave transport and improve coastal hazard assessments in tsunami-affected regions worldwide.”

The team’s study is published in the journal Marine Geology.

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Martin Kohler et al. 2025. Investigating the world’s highest boulder atop a cliff: preliminary insights and numerical simulations of transport on cliffs ranging from 30-40 m in Tongatapu (Tonga). Marine Geology 487, 107567; doi:10.1016/j.margeo.2025.107567

Source: www.sci.news

Discovery of a Compact Binary System: A Neutron Star Orbiting Within Another Star

Posted on May 23, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

This binary system comprises a PSR J1928+1815 along with a rapidly spinning millisecond pulsar known as the Helium Star Companion.

The AI impression of the compact binary system. Image credit: Gemini AI.

The millisecond pulsar consists of rapidly rotating neutron stars that emit radio waves.

These stars attain remarkable rotational velocities by harvesting material from surrounding stellar groups.

The development of such exotic binary systems remains partially understood, as it encompasses a range of complex processes.

The theory suggests that binary systems may undergo a common envelope phase, where a star orbits within the outer layer of its companion.

If the companion in this evolutionary phase is a neutron star, the theory indicates that the outer layer will be swiftly ejected, resulting in a binary system of recycled pulsars and stripped helium stars.

In the recent study, Dr. Zonglin Yang, a national astronomer at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, along with colleagues, examined the millisecond pulsar PSR J1928+1815.

Utilizing data from a high-speed 500-meter aperture spherical radio telescope, they discovered that the pulsar has a spin period of 10.55 ms and resides in a close binary system with companion helium stars, completing an orbit every 3.6 hours.

They employed a stellar model to demonstrate that this system originated following an unstable mass transfer from companion stars to neutron stars, leading to the formation of a common envelope around both stellar objects.

The neutron star approached the core of the other star, ejected the outer envelope, and released energy, resulting in a tightly bound binary system.

“The companion star has a mass between 1.0 and 1.6 solar masses, obscuring the pulsar approximately 17% of its orbit and is undetectable at other wavelengths, suggesting it is likely a stripped helium star,” the authors noted.

“We interpret this system as having recently undergone a common envelope phase to create compact binaries.”

“Such systems are thought to be rare, yet we anticipate the existence of others,” they added.

“We estimate that there could be between 16 and 84 undiscovered examples within the Milky Way.”

The findings are documented in a paper published in the journal Science.

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Zl Yang et al. 2025. A pulsar helium star compact binary system formed by common envelope evolution. Science 388 (6749): 859-863; doi: 10.1126/science.ado0769

Source: www.sci.news

NOAA Forecasts Above-Average Atlantic Hurricane Activity

Posted on May 23, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The National Marine and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) anticipates an active Atlantic hurricane season, expecting more storm activity than usual.

“We’re really monitoring a typical season,” stated Ken Graham, a meteorologist and director of the National Weather Service. “We’re expecting a range of storms with names, from 13 to 19.”

A storm receives its name when wind speeds reach 39 mph or more. The forecast indicates 6 to 10 storms may develop into hurricanes, with wind speeds exceeding 74 mph. NOAA also predicts the occurrence of major hurricanes in category 3 or higher.

While the forecast does not specify whether a hurricane will make landfall, where it will do so, or how many will impact the U.S. coast, it is crucial to prepare now, according to meteorologists.

“This is a good time to gather your supplies and prepare your kit,” Graham advised. “We need to be prepared; currently, there are no long lines for supplies, gas, plywood, or water.”

Graham noted that the above-average forecasts are influenced partly by warmer ocean temperatures, a trend linked to climate change.

“The warm ocean temperatures align with our expectation of a more active season,” he explained during a news conference.

Forecasters have also predicted increased activity from the West African monsoon, suggesting that storms may develop off the African coast and travel across the Atlantic towards the U.S.

This hurricane forecast arrives as many National Weather Service offices face staffing shortages, following staff cuts and voluntary retirement programs initiated during the Trump administration.

In the early months of 2025, nearly 600 personnel have left the National Weather Service, creating gaps in staffing. However, the agency’s leadership assured that the National Hurricane Center, a division of the National Weather Service, is adequately resourced.

“We are fully staffed at the Hurricane Center and prepared to respond; this is our top priority for this administration,” stated NOAA acting manager Laura Grimm.

The nation’s 122 local forecast offices have been significantly affected and face numerous vacancies. Many will be responsible for predicting regional impacts such as flooding and rainfall following hurricanes.

“Our office will ensure that the necessary resources are in place to issue warnings whenever there’s a hurricane threat,” Graham added, “and we are working on solutions to maintain long-term staffing.”

Hurricane season spans from June 1st to November 30th, generally peaking in late summer and early fall.

NOAA’s predictions are largely consistent with forecasts from various external research groups, including those from universities, government bodies, and private organizations.

On average, external research groups have forecasted eight Atlantic hurricanes for 2025. The website, managed by Colorado State University and the Barcelona Supercomputing Center, monitors and compiles annual forecasts.

Last year, NOAA projected a record hurricane season, which featured 18 named storms and 11 hurricanes. Five hurricanes made landfall in the U.S., including Hurricane Helen, which impacted Florida’s Gulf Coast and caused severe inland flooding in North Carolina, resulting in over 150 fatalities.

Additionally, Hurricane Milton made landfall as a Category 3 storm in Siesta Key, Florida, spawning 46 tornadoes.

Both hurricanes experienced rapid intensification, a phenomenon where a storm strengthens significantly right before hitting land.

This intensification is increasingly likely due to global warming. High sea surface temperatures can enhance rapid strengthening, similar to trends observed recently. A 2023 study found that tropical cyclones in the Atlantic are about 29% more likely to rapidly intensify from 2001 to 2020 compared to 1971 to 1990.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

The Giant Ground Sloth Developed Three Distinct Rotations for a Common Purpose

Posted on May 23, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The ancient sloths exhibited a variety of sizes

Diego Barletta

The cool and arid climate has shaped sloths into giants—before humans potentially drove these large animals to extinction.

Today’s sloths are small, well-known herbivores that navigate through the lush canopy of tropical rainforests. However, for tens of millions of years, South America was home to an astonishing variety of sloths, many of which were massive ground dwellers, with some giants weighing close to five tonnes.

This remarkable range of sizes is of particular interest to Alberto Boscani from the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina, and his colleagues.

“Body size is correlated with all biological characteristics of an animal,” states Boscaini. “This provides a promising avenue for studying sloth evolution.”

Boscaini and his team have synthesized data on physical attributes, DNA, and proteins from 67 extinct and extant sloth genera (groups of closely related species) to construct a family tree that illustrates their evolutionary relationships.

They then analyzed this evolutionary timeline, spanning 35 million years, incorporating insights on habitat, diet, and lifestyle for each sloth. They also examined evolutionary patterns in body size and made weight estimates for 49 ancient and modern sloth groups.

The findings indicate that the evolution of sloth body sizes was significantly influenced by climate change and shifts in habitat. For instance, certain sloth genera began adapting to arboreal living, much like today’s sloths, resulting in a reduction in body size.

Simultaneously, three separate lineages of sloths evolved the proportion of elephant-like features independently. This adaptation appears to have occurred in the last few million years as global cooling and the uplift of the Andes transformed South America into a drier environment.

“The giants are more closely associated with colder and drier climates,” remarks team member Daniel Casari from the University of Sao Paulo, Brazil.

A significant number of these various sloths went extinct in two catastrophic phases: one around 12,000 years ago and another approximately 6,000 years ago, according to Boscaini.

“This aligns with the expansion of Homo sapiens across the American Supercontinent and subsequently into the Caribbean,” he explains, noting that many giant sloths lived in these regions. The surviving sloth species primarily inhabit trees, making them less accessible to humans compared to larger sloths.

The hypothesis that humans played a significant role in the extinction of ancient megafauna is strongly supported, states Thaís Rabito Pansani from the University of New Mexico, who was not part of the research.

“However, solid evidence is necessary to substantiate this theory, especially concerning unresolved and highly debatable issues such as megafauna extinction,” she emphasizes. Recent evidence adds context to this narrative.

“Sloths flourished for much of their history,” says Casari. “[The findings] indicate how a once-successful group can quickly become vulnerable.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

A Newly Discovered Dwarf Planet at the Solar System’s Frontier

Posted on May 23, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Orbits of the potential dwarf planet known as 2017 OF201 and the dwarf planet Sedna

Tony Dunn

A newly discovered distant dwarf planet lies beyond Neptune, challenging the existence of the hypothetical Planet 9 or Planet X.

Sihao Cheng and colleagues first spotted this object, initially recognized in 2017, while reviewing data from the Victor M. Blanco telescope in Chile.

The 2017 OF201 measures roughly 700 km in diameter, qualifying it as a dwarf planet similar to Pluto, which is about three times larger. Currently, it is positioned approximately 90.5 astronomical units (AU) away from Earth, roughly 90 times the distance from the Earth to the Sun.

Classified as a Trans-Neptunian Object (TNO), 2017 OF201 has an average orbital distance from the Sun that exceeds Neptune’s orbit. It travels beyond Neptune and through the Kuiper Belt, a region of icy bodies on the outskirts of the solar system.

Researchers analyzed 19 observations collected over seven years at the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope. They determined that the next close approach of 2017 OF201 to the Sun would occur at perihelion, positioned at 44.5 AU, which is reminiscent of Pluto’s orbit. Its furthest point from the Sun lies at about 1600 AU, beyond our solar system.

This distant orbit may have resulted from an encounter with a large planet that ejected the dwarf planet from the solar system, according to researchers.

“This is a fascinating discovery,” says Kevin Napier from the University of Michigan. He explains that objects can interact with various stars in the galaxy as they move beyond our solar system and can also interact within our own solar system.

Many extreme TNO trajectories seem to be converging toward a specific direction, which some interpret as evidence for a hidden ninth planet within the Oort Cloud—a vast shell of icy rocks that surrounds the solar system. The speculation is that the gravitational pull of this ninth planet may be influencing TNOs into specific orbital paths.

However, the trajectory of 2017 OF201 does not align with this observed pattern. “This object is certainly an outlier among the observed clustering,” notes Erita Yang at Princeton University.

Cheng and his team also conducted simulations of object orbits concerning Planet 9. “With Planet 9, objects get ejected over hundreds of millions of years. Without it, they remain stable,” states Napier. “This is not evidence supporting the existence of Planet 9.”

Nevertheless, until more data is available, the matter remains unsettled, according to Cheng. “I hope that Planet 9 is real because it would be even more intriguing.”

This candidate dwarf planet takes approximately 25,000 years to complete its orbit, meaning we detect it for only about 1% of that time. “These objects are faint and very challenging to locate, and their elongated orbits make them visible only when they are near the Sun, resulting in a brief window for observation,” explains Napier.

It is possible that hundreds of such objects exist in the outer solar system. The upcoming Vera C. Rubin Observatory is expected to start operating later this year and may delve deeper into the universe to find more objects like this.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Despite Kennedy’s Assertions, CDC’s Childhood Lead Program Faces Discontinuation

Posted on May 22, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Amidst claims regarding funding, the federal government’s initiative to prevent childhood lead poisoning is currently inactive.

In April, the program’s 26 personnel went on administrative leave, with a shutdown slated for June 2 as part of a wider restructuring within the Department of Health and Human Services.

As of now, none of the team members have returned, and layoffs are expected to occur in two weeks, according to Eric Svenden, director of the Department of Environmental Health Sciences and Practices at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which encompasses the Childhood Lead Program.

In recent weeks, Kennedy has faced backlash from Democratic senators regarding the reduction of the program, as state and local health departments have stepped in to conduct blood lead testing and monitoring.

At a Senate Approval Committee hearing on Tuesday, Kennedy informed Sen. Jack Reed that the program is still funded. The previous week, he reassured Sen. Tammy Baldwin that he has no intentions of discontinuing it.

However, Svendsen stated that his entire division was disbanded by HHS, making it challenging to easily reassemble.

“There’s no other expert to do what we do,” he remarked. “The public health field is so specialized that you can’t just bring in new staff overnight.”

According to two CDC scientists aware of the situation, staff from the Childhood Lead Program have not been given directives on transitioning their responsibilities.

Even minimal lead exposure poses risks to children’s developmental progress, learning capabilities, and behavior. The CDC program delivered essential expertise to assist underfunded health departments in mitigating these risks. In 2023, it played a role in addressing a national lead poisoning outbreak linked to Cinnamon Applesauce and maintained frequent communication with the Milwaukee Health Department after lead hazards were identified in public schools.

“We have a team in Milwaukee,” Kennedy asserted to Reed on Tuesday, mentioning the provision of laboratory and analytical support to the health department.

However, the Milwaukee Health Department disputed Kennedy’s claim, stating there was no federal epidemiological or analytical assistance connected to the lead crisis.

“Regrettably, this is yet another instance of the secretary failing to provide accurate information,” commented city health commissioner Mike Traitis.

Caroline Reinwald, a spokesperson for the Milwaukee Health Department, explained that the only federal involvement during the major crisis was a “brief two-week visit from one CDC staff member this month, assisting us with lab verification measures.”

“This assistance was separately requested,” Reinwald noted, highlighting that Milwaukee Public Schools sought help due to the crisis and an existing need to enhance the lab’s long-term lead testing capacity.

HHS has announced its intention to continue efforts to eradicate childhood lead poisoning through a newly established department called the Administration for Healthy America. Nevertheless, Democratic lawmakers and environmental health organizations question the sustainability of this work without reinstating the staff.

“Although you mentioned last week that you wouldn’t cut this program, you dismissed the entire office responsible for it,” Baldwin confronted Kennedy during Tuesday’s hearing. “Your choice to terminate staff and eliminate offices endangers children, including thousands in Milwaukee.”

HHS has not responded to inquiries for comment.

At the hearing, Kennedy failed to provide updated information about his agency’s strategies, referencing a court order implemented by the Trump administration that halted federal government reductions.

The severity of Milwaukee’s crisis came to light in February when health officials identified alarming toxin levels in classrooms, corridors, and common areas, exacerbated by deteriorating lead-based paint.

Before the childhood lead program was affected, the CDC engaged with the Milwaukee Health Department weekly, collaborating on a strategy to screen tens of thousands of students for lead poisoning.

The health department reached out to the CDC for assistance on March 26, but Traitis noted that the agency dismissed the childhood lead team on April 1, subsequently denying Milwaukee’s request two days later.

“It’s quite unprecedented, as this marks the first time in at least 75 years that the CDC has rejected an EPIAID request,” he added.

To date, the Milwaukee Health Department has identified over 100 schools built before 1978, the year when federal regulations prohibited lead-based paints for consumer use. Approximately 40 of these have been tested, Traitis reported. Lead contamination has resulted in the closure of six schools since the beginning of the year, with only two reopening.

Currently, about 350 students in Milwaukee are screened for lead poisoning among a potential risk group of 44,000, as reported by Traitis. One case has been linked to the school’s environment, while two more cases stem from exposure in both school and home scenarios. The Health Department is investigating four additional cases that may involve multiple sources of exposure.

Totoraitis explained that while the department routinely investigates lead in residences and rental properties, they were counting on the CDC to aid in expanding inspection capacities for larger buildings. He noted that CDC staff were expected to assist in establishing lead screening clinics and tracing exposure sources.

The health department is managing these initiatives independently now, but Totoraitis expressed concerns about the ability to screen all cases promptly. He estimated that the department could handle approximately 1,000 to 1,200 pediatric lead poisoning cases annually. This encompasses blood lead level testing, chelation therapy for treating lead poisoning, and mitigating exposure by replacing contaminated windows and doors.

Totoraitis expressed hope for hiring two CDC employees who might return soon to clarify lingering questions about managing the crisis.

Ultimately, he remarked, “I hope to receive an email from them saying, ‘Hey, we’ve got our jobs back.’ ”

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Leading Scientists Acknowledge They Aren’t Creating Truly Miserable Wolves

Posted on May 22, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

One of the modified grey wolves created by Colossal

Giant Biology

On April 7, a prominent biological science organization announced that the genetically altered wolf is “the world’s first successful animal.” Many appeared to take this claim seriously. New Scientist was one of the few outlets to refute this assertion, clarifying that these were grey wolves enhanced through gene editing.

In a later interview, Colossal’s chief scientist, Beth Shapiro, seemed to concur, stating: “We cannot recreate anything that is identical to the extinct species. Our animals are grey wolves with 20 cloned gene edits,” as reported by New Scientist. “We’ve always communicated this. The term ‘miserable wolves’ irritates some people.”

Richard Grenier from Oxford University noted a significant shift from Colossal’s earlier messaging, interpreting Shapiro’s statement as a clear reflection of their scientific approach. “I see a stark contradiction between the statement’s content and their past communications and promotional efforts,” he remarked.

He referred to a major press release announcing the birth of a gene-edited wolf, which repeatedly labeled them as “miserable wolves.” Shapiro defended this characterization during an interview with New Scientist on April 7.

“We employ the concept of morphological species, asserting that if they visually resemble this animal, they are classified as such,” she explained at the time.

The appearance of gene-edited wolves as “miserable” remains uncertain. For instance, some evidence suggests that the original wolves had a reddish hue, contrary to the white coat depicted. Claudio Cirero from Oxford University pointed this out.

Despite statements from Cirero and other experts declaring that the gene-edited grey wolf is not a true representation of the extinct species, Colossal maintained its stance. “[W]E continue to support our designation of Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi as ‘disastrous wolves’,” they affirmed in a statement on X.

In a more recent interview, Shapiro reiterated that Colossal had always clarified that the animal in question was simply a gene-edited grey wolf.

“We did not obscure this fact. The backlash arose from our labeling them as miserable wolves,” she explained. “We clarified that they are grey wolves modified with 20 edits. We communicated this from the outset.”

Shapiro also attempted to distance the project from any implication that the possibility of bringing back extinct species might lessen the urgency for conserving endangered ones, a notion supported by some factions of the Trump administration. “Now it’s linked to the idea that we need not be concerned about extinctions. This is problematic,” she remarked.

“The crucial point here is ‘sudden’,” states Grenier. He indicates that it has been long recognized that if the public perceives de-extinction as feasible, support for conservation may dwindle. Colossal, he argues, should recognize this risk. Their website declares: “Extinction is a critical issue we face… and the solution is not simply to reverse it.”

While Colossal has made significant strides in scientific innovation, Grenier asserts that their claims are fundamentally flawed. “This is transformative, groundbreaking science. It goes beyond merely reversing extinction,” he concluded.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Penguin Droppings Contribute to Antarctica’s Cooling Effects

Posted on May 22, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Adelie penguins on the sea ice off the Antarctic Peninsula

Ashley Cooper Photo/Alamy

Ammonia emitted from droppings in a bustling Antarctic penguin colony contributes to cloud formation.

“This highlights the profound relationship between ecosystems and atmospheric phenomena,” remarks Matthew Boyer from the University of Helsinki, Finland.

The connection lies in how ammonia influences atmospheric particle counts. Cloud formation requires water vapor to condense around significant particles, which are scarce in the frigid, pristine air of Antarctica.

Typically, available cloud formation particles arise from dust, vegetation, or air pollution, primarily sulfate clusters generated by natural emissions from nearby phytoplankton. It has been established that high ammonia levels can enhance the creation of these clusters by up to a thousand times. But where does this ammonia originate in Antarctica? The droppings of penguins appear to be a significant source.

To verify this, Boyer and his team analyzed the concentrations of ammonia, sulfuric acid, and larger particles in the air around Pygoscelis adeliae on the Antarctic Peninsula. “They have a strong odor,” Boyer comments. “They are quite messy birds.”

When the wind blew from the direction of the colony, the ammonia concentrations were significantly higher compared to air from other directions. This uptick in ammonia prompted the formation of sulfuric acid particles large enough to attract condensation, potentially resulting in cloud formation. This phenomenon persisted for several weeks even after the penguins vacated the colony.

Increased cloud cover, particularly at sea, reflects sunlight away from the Earth’s surface, producing a cooling effect. Boyer also notes that declines in penguin populations could lead to warming trends in Antarctica by diminishing cloud cover, particularly due to climate change-driven ocean ice loss. However, current measurements do not adequately estimate the magnitude of this effect.

Other studies indicate significant implications; for instance, Jeffrey Pierce from Colorado State University and his peers have found ammonia in puffin droppings in the Arctic, leading to increased cloud cover during summer, estimating that this cooling effect could offset about one-third of warming caused by carbon dioxide in the region. “I’m confident it has some effect,” states Pierce.

Topics:

Antarctica/
Animal behavior

Source: www.newscientist.com

Enhanced Contact Lenses Enable Vision in Infrared Spectrum, Even in Darkness

Posted on May 22, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

New contact lenses can provide infrared vision

Olga Yasternska/Alamy

Contact lenses enable users to perceive beyond the visible light spectrum, detecting infrared flickers even in darkness or with closed eyes.

The lenses incorporate engineered nanoparticles that absorb and convert infrared radiation, particularly within the near-infrared range of 800-1600 nanometers. This technology functions similarly to night vision equipment, allowing visibility in low-light conditions, but the contact lenses are significantly lighter and do not need any external power source.

“Contact lenses grant military personnel a modest, hands-free nighttime capability, overcoming the challenges posed by cumbersome night vision [goggles or scopes]” stated Peter Rentzepis from Texas A&M University, who is involved in related research employing the same nanoparticles (sodium fluoride, ytterbium, erbium) for eyeglass lenses.

The innovative wearables developed by Yuqian Ma from the China University of Science and Technology and his team have not yet achieved detailed night vision. This limitation occurs because they can solely detect “high-intensity narrowband LED” light sources, as noted by Rentzepis, without capturing the ambient infrared light.

“While it’s an ambitious study, contact lenses alone cannot be employed for reading in infrared or navigating dark paths,” explained Mikhail Kats, who is not associated with the research, at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

In human-mouse studies, the contact lenses transformed an otherwise invisible flash of infrared light into what Kats describes as “a significant, colorful chunk of visible light.” These representations serve a purpose; for instance, MA and his team encoded and transmitted alphabetic characters by altering the frequency, quantity, and color of various light flashes.

This research builds upon previous studies where scientists directly injected nanoparticles into the eyes of mice to facilitate infrared vision. Wearable contact lenses present a “safer and more practical approach to human applications,” observes Rentzepis. However, he cautions that they still pose potential health and safety concerns, such as risks of thermal exposure from the photoconversion process or the leakage of nanoparticles into ocular tissues.

Topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Planetary Researchers Discover Wobble-like Atmosphere Similar to Saturn’s Hazy Moon Titan

Posted on May 22, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Titan is the sole moon in our solar system with a significant atmosphere, captivating planetary scientists for years. Recent analysis of archival infrared data from the composite infrared spectrometer (CIRS) onboard the NASA/ESA Cassini-Huygens mission reveals that Titan’s hazy atmosphere does not rotate uniformly with its surface but instead exhibits a wobbly motion akin to that of a seasonally shifting gyroscope.

This view of Titan is among the final images received from NASA’s Cassini spacecraft. Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/Space Science Institute.

“The dynamics of Titan’s atmospheric tilt are quite peculiar,” remarked Dr. Lucy Wright, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Bristol.

“Titan’s atmosphere acts similarly to a gyroscope and seems to maintain stability in space.”

“We suspect that certain historical events may have displaced the atmosphere from its spin axis, resulting in its wobbling motion.”

“More intriguing is the observation that the degree of this tilt varies with Titan’s seasons.”

Dr. Wright and her team analyzed the symmetry within Titan’s atmospheric temperature field, confirming their hypothesis that it is centrally located at the poles.

However, this symmetry alters over time, corresponding with Titan’s extensive seasonal cycles that span nearly 30 years.

“What complicates matters is that this phenomenon is unaffected by the Sun or Saturn; it remains stationary in space, while the slope direction is fixed,” noted Professor Nick Teenby from the University of Bristol.

“This presents us with a riddle instead of a solution.”

This discovery will impact NASA’s upcoming Dragonfly Mission, a rotorcraft set to reach Titan in the 2030s.

Dragonflies will descend into the atmosphere, subject to the rapid winds of Titan, which are approximately 20 times faster than the surface rotation.

Understanding how the atmosphere wobbles seasonally is crucial for accurately determining the landing trajectory of the Dragonfly.

The tilt influences the payload’s aerial trajectory, making this study vital for engineers in predicting landing sites.

“The Goddard Space Flight Center noted: ‘NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center plays a significant role globally.”

“This instrument travels across the solar system, continuing to yield valuable scientific insights.”

“The behavior of Titan’s atmosphere as a rotating top detaches from the surface prompts fascinating inquiries that enhance our understanding of atmospheric physics, applicable to both Titan and Earth.”

Survey results were published this week in the Journal of Planetary Science.

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Lucy Wright et al. 2025. Seasonal evolution of the stratospheric slope and temperature field of Titan at high resolution from Cassini/CIRS. Planet. SCI. J 6, 114; doi: 10.3847/psj/adcab3

Source: www.sci.news

Infrared Contact Lenses Enable Night Vision or Eyelid Closure

Posted on May 22, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Researchers have created prototype infrared contact lenses that enable users to see in the dark or even with their eyes closed.

The innovative prototype, developed by the University of Science and Technology in China, incorporates nanoparticles that transform infrared light into visible light.

Contact lenses infused with nanoparticles were provided to volunteers as part of the study recently published in the journal Cell. Participants successfully detected a flashing signal from infrared rays, which are normally invisible to the naked eye.

The transparent lenses permitted participants to perceive both visible and infrared light simultaneously.

“We discovered that when subjects close their eyes, near-infrared light penetrates the eyelids more efficiently than visible light, allowing us to capture this flickering information more effectively,” stated Tian Xue, the lead researcher from the University of Science and Technology in China.

These nanoparticles absorb near-infrared (NIR) light with wavelengths ranging from 800 to 1600 nanometers, which is beyond human visual perception. They then re-emit this light within the visible range of 400 to 700 nanometers.

Currently, near-infrared light is utilized in active night vision goggles, which illuminate the environment with infrared rays and convert that light into a visible format for users.

Active Night Vision Goggles illuminate the landscape with infrared rays and convert this into visible wavelengths – Credit: Getty Images/StockByte

However, if you’re hoping to see the world as “faithfully” portrayed in Predators, you may be disappointed—longer wavelengths are required for that effect.

At present, the contact lenses are sensitive enough to detect light emitted from infrared LEDs.

While the lenses initially struggled to capture fine details, the research team was able to enhance this capability by using an additional set of glasses.

Nanoparticles can be modified to emit light in various colors, improving the clarity and interpretation of infrared images. There may even be potential to alter visible light performance.

“By converting red visible light to green visible light, this technology could become invisible to those who are colorblind,” explains Xue.

Read more

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

The Massive Boulder at Clifftop, Tonga, Was Pulled by 50-Meter High Waves

Posted on May 22, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Martin Köhler in front of the Maka Rahi Boulder in Tonga

Martin Köhler/University of Queensland

The massive 1,200 tonne boulders of Tonga were carried inland as towering waves of 50 meters crashed against a 30-meter-high cliff.

“This is not just an ordinary boulder. It holds the title of the largest corrugated boulder found on a cliff and ranks as the third largest boulder globally, signifying that an immense force was needed to propel it from such a height,” said Martin Köhler from the University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.

Locally known as Maka Rahi, which translates to a large rock, this boulder had yet to be studied by scientists.

During fieldwork in Tonga in July 2024, the villagers pointed the researchers towards some intriguing rocks they might want to examine.

“We never anticipated discovering such a substantial rock at the finale of our field studies. It dawned on us quickly that we had stumbled upon a significant find,” Kohler explained.

Measuring 14 meters in length, 12 meters in width, and approximately 7 meters in height, it was described as a “remarkable” boulder, composed of limestone coral reef horn rec rocks. Previous satellite images missed this potential Monami Boulder, as vegetation had grown atop it, with surrounding forests extending into the woodland.

Upon observing the boulder, researchers identified a massive gouge believed to have been created at the cliff’s top, approximately 200 meters from the ocean.

The team utilized computer models to ascertain how this colossal boulder ended up above sea level.

Shifting it necessitated a wave with a minimum height of 50 meters and a duration of 90 seconds, implying it moved at a velocity exceeding 22 meters per second over a minute and a half, Kohler stated. Such a colossal tsunami is relatively localized and is thought to stem from nearby underwater landslides.

Dating indicated the boulder’s age to be 6,891 years, well before the settlement of humans on the island.

“It’s hard for me to fathom a 50-meter wave since I’ve never witnessed or heard of such massive waves before,” Kohler remarked. “However, the logic follows easily when one considers this enormous boulder positioned 200 meters inland on a 39-meter-high cliff.”

Only two rocks deposited by the tsunami have been found on land: one weighing 3,400 tons and another weighing 1,500 tons.

Topics:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Peer Review of the Egg Drop Experiment: A Critical Analysis

Posted on May 22, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Feedback is your go-to source for the latest news in science and technology from New Scientist. If you have intriguing items to share, please reach out to Feedback@newscientist.com.

Egg vs. Grind

Feedback takes us back to the early days of the 2020 lockdown, when we found ourselves learning alongside our children. This involved engaging in various science-related activities, including setting up experiments for “mini beasts,” which provided a diversion from the complexities of life. Thankfully, we avoided the mishaps of the egg drop experiment.

This hands-on activity challenges kids to create devices that protect eggs from breaking when dropped from a height onto a hard surface. Feedback humorously envisions using a cocktail umbrella as a makeshift parachute to soften the landing. However, there are more serious approaches to this experiment.

A study published in Communication Physics on May 8th highlights the peer-reviewed work of physicist Carmela Padavik Callaghan, who addresses the classic egg drop experiment.

The researchers challenge the common belief that eggs are strongest when dropped vertically from their edge. Traditional wisdom has suggested that the shell’s rigidity in this position reduces breakage. However, after conducting “hundreds of experiments” alongside “static and dynamic simulations,” they found that dropping eggs vertically increases the likelihood of breakage. Instead, they recommend dropping them horizontally for better results.

They note: “By orienting the eggs along the equator, there is a slight benefit, as they can survive a fall from about 0.3 mm above the vertical drop without cracking.”

For readers contemplating an egg toss at a celebrity, this research offers practical guidance for ensuring a successful impact!

Alien Mathematics

What exactly are Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP), previously known as UFOs? According to research by Karim Daghbouche of the German nonprofit Gridsat Stiftung, reverse engineering these phenomena is incredibly complex.

If an unidentified flying object is under scrutiny, reverse engineering its operation could unveil its mechanics. However, Daghbouche highlights the significant challenges, as data collection difficulties and “unknown physics” complicate the process of understanding unconventional propulsion systems.

The mathematical hurdles are formidable, with “NP Complete” signifying a specific type of intricate problem. It may even escalate to Pspace-hard or an entscheidungsproblem, the latter being virtually unsolvable for those unfamiliar with advanced mathematics.

News editor Jacob Aron calls it “incredible,” and Feedback concurs. If potential explanations range from extraterrestrial technology to time travelers and dimensions, narrowing down a single answer becomes problematic.

This might illustrate the notion of “no kidding, Sherlock,” as scientific inquiries often culminate in seemingly obvious conclusions. Yet, if NP is complete, does that really signify a non-solution?

Alternatively, we could ponder a human-centric interpretation of UAPs, attributing them to “honest mistakes.” In that framework, NP would no longer be incomplete, and the situation could become far more manageable.

Feedback was surprised by the concluding remarks in the paper’s summary, which stated that “UAP is deemed UAP because it behaves like modern smartphones in the hands of Neanderthals.”

Feedback believes Neanderthals could likely figure out how to use an iPhone. Thus, more nuanced interpretations of UAPs could emerge.

I’ve Squared

In our mathematical mindset, Brendan Ash notes that we are in a “squared year”: 2025 is 45². The next one won’t come until 2116.

This got Brendan reminiscing about a curious incident from a few years ago during a lengthy road trip. He and his son had fun looking up famous individuals who were born one year and passed the next. Not many fit that description, but Russian neurologist Ivan Pavlov (famous for his dog and bell experiments) was “born in 43 squared” [1849] and died at 44 squared [1936].

A darker thought struck Brendan— “I was also intrigued that Pope Francis was born in 44 squared and quickly predicted his death in 2025.”

For those of us who make such throwaway jokes, there exists a peculiar psychological torment in having such ideas materialize. “My predictions are now fulfilled. I cannot fathom how sinful I should feel,” Brendan reflects.

Have you shared your feedback?

You can send your stories to feedback@newscientist.com. Don’t forget to include your home address. Previous feedback can also be found on our website.

Source: www.newscientist.com

Scientists Discover the Genetic Region Responsible for Unsticking Blackberry Canes

Posted on May 22, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Stingless blackberries (Lubus subgenus Lubus) canes are highly favored by growers due to concerns regarding food and worker safety, as well as the potential damage to fruit caused by the mechanical injuries associated with stings.

John’s et al. We identified a single locus that regulates unstimulated cane. Image credit: Gerald Antonio Romero.

Blackberries represent a specialized crop that is capturing a larger portion of the fresh berry market.

The rising demand coupled with increasing production costs has created a need for cultivars adaptable to various environmental and management practices.

Stings pose a challenge in blackberry production systems, presenting food safety issues and causing mechanical damage to the fruit, thereby reducing its shelf life.

The primary aim of a fresh market blackberry breeding program is to introduce thornless cultivars. These terms are often used interchangeably in existing literature.

Stinging differentiates plant-based differentiation from thorns and spines due to the formation of cortical and epidermal cells.

“Blackberry breeders lacked the genetic information required to ascertain whether certain plants were devoid of what is technically called nausea, commonly referred to as thorns,” stated Dr. Margaret Worthington, a researcher with the Arkansas Agricultural Experimental Bureau.

“All fresh market blackberry varieties are Tetraploid, meaning they possess four copies of all chromosomes as opposed to the two copies found in humans.”

“The greater the number of copies, the more challenging it becomes to conduct genetic analyses.”

“Previously, the locus and positioning of genes on chromosomes linked to spine traits were unknown.”

The team’s findings introduced the first diagnostic markers related to any traits developed and documented in blackberries.

“These markers are the first publicly available tools developed for both fresh market and processed blackberries,” expressed Dr. Ellen Thompson, Global Rubus Breeding and Development Director at Hortifrut Genetics.

“Markers expedite the breeding process, saving time and resources, and facilitate faster decision-making before seedlings are introduced into the field.”

The authors utilized genome-wide association studies to pinpoint the loci responsible for the spineless traits.

They gathered DNA samples from a total of 374 blackberry varieties.

These samples underwent genotyping, which is a highly accurate method that scans and identifies genetic codes impacting stinging characteristics.

If these variants, known as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), show significant correlations with certain traits, it implies that genes in that area might influence those traits.

These SNPs, or markers, highlight regions associated with the characteristic in question.

“Genetic markers are currently being implemented in blackberries and raspberries, but the technology is more mature for row crops like rice and soybeans,” noted Dr. Worthington.

“Genetic markers are widely utilized in row crops to select for disease resistance, growth or flowering periods, and other desirable traits.”

Another significant discovery from this study indicates that the absence of genetic mutations around chromosome RA04 leads to linkage disequilibrium blocks, or regions where genetic markers are more likely to be inherited together than by chance.

For the genes that are spineless within this block, these traits are often inherited from parent to offspring along with various other genes, including those linked to high acidity, lack of cold resistance, and less desirable traits like canes that require support to remain upright.

“The focus on selecting for spineless plants has inadvertently resulted in the loss of genetic variation surrounding the locus,” Dr. Worthington commented.

“Crossbreeding with thorny plants can help restore this variation.”

The team’s paper has been published in the journal G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics.

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Carmen A. Johns et al. Genetic control of exhalation in tetraploid blackberries. G3: Genes, genomes, genetics Published online on March 20th, 2025. doi:10.1093/g3journal/jkaf065

Source: www.sci.news

Paleontologists Create a Digital Reconstruction of a 120-Million-Year-Old Dinosaur Trackway

Posted on May 22, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The extensive dinosaur trackways offer crucial insights into the behaviors of their creators, yet researchers frequently encounter logistical hurdles in documentation and analysis. In a recent study, paleontologists from the University of Queensland and the University of Earth Sciences in China tackled these issues by employing digital methods to reexamine China’s 70-meter long dinosaur trackway.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zx6_zrqfkzg

The 120-million-year-old trackway examined by the team is situated southwest of Hanukushi village in Sichuan Province, China.

Affectionately referred to as the “Siphenwo” or “Stone Phoenix Nest”, the trackway holds significant cultural importance. It was once believed by locals to have been created by the mythical Phoenix, as described in poetry from the late Qing Dynasty (1840-1911 CE).

This trackway, which represents the longest theropod trackway in East Asia, consists of 81 consecutive footprints, stretching over approximately 70 meters.

“The dinosaur’s movements were reconstructed in stages, revealing its walking patterns, pace changes, and responses to the environment,” stated Anthony Romilio, a paleontologist at the University of Queensland.

“The sequence of 80 consecutive footprints extends over 70 meters in Sichuan, China, capturing a fleeting moment in stone.”

“Through digital animation, we can observe these moments as they unfold, offering unparalleled insights into animal behavior and biomechanics.”

Reconstructing the life of a dinosaur based on Yutyrannus, scaled against a 175 cm human model. Image credit: Anthony Romilio & Lida Xing, doi: 10.3390/geosciences15050165.

Using measurements from the trackway, Dr. Romilio and colleague Dr. Lida Singh determined that the dinosaur was bipedal, standing approximately 1.13 meters tall at the waist and weighing up to 292 kg.

“The footprint indicates that the dinosaur moved at a steady 5.3 km/h, similar to a brisk human walk, occasionally accelerating to a light trot before resuming its normal pace,” Dr. Romilio explained.

“This was not merely a dinosaur meandering aimlessly; it was moving in a largely linear fashion with clear intent.”

The team concluded that the dinosaur’s size closely resembles that of the feathered dinosaur Yutyrannus, which lived in northeastern China during the early Cretaceous period.

“Trackways can reveal behavioral details and narratives that fossilized bones alone cannot,” remarked Dr. Romilio.

“However, the study of such extensive tracks has historically been challenging due to the complexities of on-site measurements.”

“Our entirely digital approach enables us to capture, interpret, and archive all measurements and calculations from fossil track sites on computers, providing insight into the dynamic lives of these ancient beings.”

The team’s findings will be published in the journal Earth Science.

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Anthony Romilio & Lida Xing. 2025. Digital analysis of the “Phoenix Trackway” at a Chinese Cretaceous dinosaur track site. Earth Science 15(5):165; doi:10.3390/geosciences15050165

Source: www.sci.news

Study: Eating Methyladaptogen-Rich Foods May Lower Epigenetic Aging Indicators

Posted on May 22, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

As we age, the likelihood of developing chronic non-infectious diseases increases, necessitating interventions that target the aging process. One of the measures used to assess biological aging in these interventions is an algorithm that analyzes DNA methylation patterns, referred to as epigenetic clocks. This new research focuses on identifying beneficial nutritional components such as green tea, oolong tea, turmeric, rosemary, garlic, and berries.

Villanueva et al. suggest that targeted food choices may help slow the aging process. Image credit: Sci.News.

“We have observed numerous individuals struggling with their health,” stated Dr. Jamie L. Villanueva, a researcher at Washington University and the National University of Natural Medicine.

“The DNA methylation pattern, which acts as a chemical marker in DNA, can reveal whether a person is aging faster or slower than anticipated.”

“This research employed Horvath’s epigenetic clock, a widely recognized method, to assess changes in epigenetic age.”

Researchers studied healthy men aged 50-72 who had previously undertaken an 8-week program featuring a plant-based, nutritious diet, complemented by guidance on exercise, sleep, and stress management.

The team investigated individual dietary variations to understand why some participants exhibited greater improvements in their epigenetic age compared to others.

The findings showed that participants consuming higher amounts of methyladaptogenic foods—like turmeric, rosemary, garlic, berries, green tea, and oolong tea—experienced a notable reduction in their epigenetic age.

These positive effects remained significant even after accounting for weight changes and initial epigenetic ages, indicating a direct impact of the foods on aging markers.

“In hierarchical linear regression analyses, foods assessed as polyphenol modulators of DNA methylation, previously categorized as methyladaptogens, demonstrated a significant linear association with changes in epigenetic age after controlling for baseline epigenetic age acceleration and alterations in body weight,” the researchers explained.

The natural compounds in methyladaptogenic foods are known to influence gene behavior through their effects on DNA methylation.

Prior research has indicated that these compounds may support healthy aging and lower the risk of conditions like heart disease and cognitive decline.

Though this study involved a relatively small cohort of middle-aged men, it contributes to the expanding body of global research suggesting that diets rich in polyphenols found in vegetables, fruits, and tea are linked to slower aging.

The results reinforce previous studies on Mediterranean and traditional Japanese diets, renowned for their health benefits.

“Future studies should involve a larger and more diverse population and explore these findings using updated tools for measuring epigenetic aging,” the author noted.

“Based on current findings, this study underscores practical, food-based strategies that can help mitigate epigenetic aging and promote long-term health.”

Study published in the journal aging.

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Jamie L. Villanueva et al. 2025. Dietary relationships with epigenetic age decline: secondary data analysis of methylated diet and lifestyle studies. aging 17(4):994-1010; doi:10.18632/aging.206240

Source: www.sci.news

Astronomers Observe Dramatic Galaxy Collision 11 Billion Light-Years Away

Posted on May 22, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Analysis from the ESO’s Very Large Telescope (VLT) and ALMA data indicates that intense radiation from a quasar within these galaxies affects the gas properties of other galaxies, reducing their ability to form new stars.

Artistic impression of a galaxy merger where the right galaxy hosts a quasar at its core. This quasar, containing a supermassive black hole, emits a powerful radiation cone that affects neighboring galaxies. This interaction can destroy gas and dust clouds, leaving behind only denser regions that may struggle to form stars. Image credit: ESO/M. Kornmesser.

“In the far reaches of the universe, two galaxies are entangled in an exhilarating conflict,” remarked Dr. Paschier Notardem, an astronomer affiliated with the Paris Astronomical Institute.

“On a collision course at speeds of 500 km/s, they collide multiple times, only to push one another away before gearing up for another round.”

“Thus, we refer to this system as the ‘space joust.’ However, these galactic contenders don’t fight fairly, utilizing quasars to strike with beams of radiation.”

Quasars are the luminous cores of certain distant galaxies powered by supermassive black holes, emitting substantial amounts of radiation.

The combination of a quasar with a galaxy was significantly more common during the universe’s first billion years, allowing astronomers to glimpse the remote past using powerful telescopes.

The light from this “joust of the universe” traveled over 11 billion years to reach us, providing a snapshot of the universe when it was merely 18% of its current age.

ALMA image showcasing the molecular gas content of two galaxies involved in a collision. Image credits: ALMA/ESO/NAOJ/NRAO/Balashev et al.

“According to Dr. Sergei Balashev from the Ioffe Institute,

the observations from the new VLT/ALMA indicate that radiation from the quasar J012555.11-012925.00 obliterates the normal gas and dust clouds in the surrounding galaxy, leaving only the densest regions.

These regions are likely too limited for star formation, causing a significant decline in stellar nurseries within the affected galaxy.

However, the transformed galaxies are not the only ones undergoing changes.

“These mergers are believed to funnel substantial amounts of gas into the supermassive black holes at the galaxies’ centers,” Dr. Balashev mentioned.

“In this cosmic arena, fresh supplies of fuel come within reach of black holes that power the quasar.”

“As these black holes are nourished, the quasar can persist in its destructive assault.”

A paper detailing these findings was published today in the journal Nature.

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S. Balashev et al. Quasar radiation transforms gas in a merged companion galaxy. Nature Published online on May 21, 2025. doi:10.1038/s41586-025-08966-4

Source: www.sci.news

New Research Reveals Clown Anemone Fish Shrink to Survive Heat Stress

Posted on May 22, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

You can identify it from its leading role in the film Finding NEMO: the Clown Anemone Fish (Amphiprion percula). This research addresses methods to minimize social conflict, as discussed in the paper published in the journal Advances in Science.

Versteeg et al. We studied the growth of individual clown anemone fish during marine heat waves. Image credit: Beatrice.

“The Clown Anemone Fish and its stunning sea anemone host, Radianthus magnificus,” expressed Melissa Verstegue, a doctoral researcher at Newcastle University, alongside her colleague Melissa Vertegue.

“Anemonefish inhabit coral reefs in the Indo-Pacific, where heat stress events are becoming increasingly frequent and severe, yet reef dwellers often approach their thermal limits.”

“These heat stress events can adversely impact both the anemones and the clownfish that reside within them.”

“The clown anemone fish exist in a social structure comprising dominant breeding pairs and several subordinate, non-breeding individuals.”

“The growth and size of clown anemone fish correlate with their environmental and social conditions, with dominant individuals growing to match the size of their anemone and the resources available. Subordinate fish maintain a specific size ratio to avoid conflict and potential eviction.”

In this research, Versteeg and co-authors measured the lengths of 134 clownfish over five months and tracked water temperatures every 4-6 days during increasingly common ocean heat waves exacerbated by climate change.

This collaboration was conducted with the Mahonia Na Dari Conservation and Research Centre in Kimbe Bay, Papua New Guinea.

The findings reveal that clownfish can adjust their body length, potentially shrinking in response to heat stress.

This reduction increases an individual’s chances of surviving heat stress events by up to 78%.

The study also indicates that coordination among clownfish is crucial, as they are more likely to survive heat waves when paired with their breeding partners.

This marks the first documented instance of coral reef fish reducing body length in response to environmental and social factors.

“This doesn’t merely lead to weight loss under stress; these fish genuinely become shorter,” notes Versteeg.

“We are still uncertain about the exact mechanisms behind this, but it’s known that a few other species can also exhibit similar shrinkage.”

“For example, marine iguanas can reabsorb some of their bone material and decrease in size during environmental stress.”

“We were astonished to observe these fish shrink; we rigorously measured each individual across five months.”

“Ultimately, we discovered size reduction was quite common within this population.”

“During our study, 100 out of the 134 fish observed shrank.”

“It was surprising to witness how rapidly clownfish can adapt to changing environments, showcasing their ability to alter size both as individuals and breeding pairs in response to heat stress, which serves as an effective survival strategy.”

The authors also highlight that individual size reduction may help explain the declining sizes of fish in our oceans.

“Our results affirm that individual clownfish can shrink in response to heat stress, potentially affected by social dynamics and exhibiting improved survival potential.”

“If this phenomenon of individual size reduction is widespread across various fish species, many could show decreased sizes, suggesting a viable hypothesis for further research in this area.”

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Melissa A. Verstigue et al. 2025. Individual clown anemone fish shrink to survive heat stress and social conflict. Advances in Science 11 (21); doi:10.1126/sciadv.adt7079

Source: www.sci.news

Enhanced Cancer Screening Could Detect Early Cases in Women with Dense Breasts

Posted on May 22, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

High-density breast tissue and tumors resemble each other on scans.

Golodenkov/Shutterstock

Recent research indicates that those with dense breast tissue may gain from an additional round of cancer screening, as a significant trial uncovered tumors that were overlooked in standard mammograms.

In the UK, mammograms—an x-ray scan used for breast cancer screening—are provided for individuals aged 50 to 71. These scans look for white spots that indicate cancer presence. However, around 50% of women in this age range have dense breasts, characterized by a high amount of fibrous and glandular tissue, also appearing white on the scans. This similarity complicates tumor detection.

“The challenge with dense breasts is that cancers may go unnoticed until they grow significantly large, which negatively affects prognosis,” said Thomas Hervich, who wasn’t a part of the study at the Medical University of Vienna in Austria.

To determine whether additional screenings can help, Sarah Vinnicombe and her colleagues at the University of Dundee recruited over 6,000 women aged 50-70 from across the UK. Participants were randomly divided into three groups, each receiving extra screening through advanced x-ray methods such as MRI, ultrasound, or contrast-enhanced mammography.

In this extended screening phase, MRI and contrast-enhanced mammography together identified 85 small tumors—three times as many as detected by ultrasound. Twelve of these tumors were located in milk ducts, suggesting a lower likelihood of spreading beyond the breast. Conversely, the other 73 tumors were invasive, increasing the risk that cancer could migrate into surrounding breast tissue and beyond.

“Detecting these cancers is crucial. They typically grow over time, and finding them within three to four years can lead to larger sizes,” stated Hervich. “Some tumors are aggressive, so I believe supplemental screening could save lives.”

However, it’s uncertain if this will hold true. For instance, a 2021 trial on ovarian cancer screening revealed a decrease in cases but did not correlate with increased longevity. Additionally, some tumors detected may not be cancerous or aggressive. Thus, unnecessary screening could lead to undue anxiety and treatment.

The researchers plan to continue monitoring participants to assess whether supplementary screenings result in saved lives.

topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Clownfish Will Endure and Adapt to Rising Ocean Temperatures

Posted on May 22, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

To endure Rising ocean temperatures, clownfish adapt by decreasing their size.

Research has shown that various orange-striped fish shrink during heat waves off the coast of Papua New Guinea. These smaller fish are more likely to survive.

Climate change is causing heat waves to become more frequent and severe underwater. Elevated water temperatures can lead to the bleaching of the sea anemones that clownfish rely on, prompting them to adapt in order to survive.

During the severe heat wave of 2023, scientists tracked 134 colorful clownfish in Kimbe Bay, discovering that 101 of them exhibited significant reductions in length due to heat stress.

“We were genuinely surprised at first when we observed them shrinking completely,” remarked Morgan Bennett Smith, a research author at Boston University. The findings were published on Wednesday in the Journal of Science Advances.

Two clowns next to an anemone in Kimbe Bay off the coast of Papua New Guinea.
Morgan Bennett Smith / AP

Researchers are still unsure about how clownfish shrink, but one theory suggests they may be reabsorbing their own bone material. Smaller fish need less food, allowing Kakulfish to conserve energy during stressful conditions by becoming smaller.

Certain clownfish breeding pairs also exhibited synchronized contractions that improved their survival. The females maintained the social hierarchy and adjusted their size to remain larger than their partners, according to the researchers.

Additionally, other species are also shrinking in response to heat. For instance, marine iguanas reduce in size during El Niño events, which warm waters in the Galapagos. However, this coping mechanism has not been reported in reef fish until now.

“This is an additional strategy that fish employ to adapt to a changing environment,” said Simon Thorold, a marine ecologist at the Woods Hole Marine Facility who was not part of the research.

A kakuru fish next to anemone in Kimbe Bay off the coast of Papua New Guinea.
Morgan Bennett Smith / AP

This strategy may help fish withstand heat waves in the short term, but it remains uncertain how they will cope if such conditions persist over the coming years, Thorold noted.

The researchers found that these reductions in size were temporary. Clownfish were able to “catch up” and grow again once the environment became less stressful.

“These natural systems are severely stressed, but they exhibit remarkable resilience,” Versteeg states.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Bourbon Chick: Cicadas Emerge in Kentucky After 17 Years of Slumber

Posted on May 22, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Kentucky is often referred to as the land of horses, bourbon, and bluegrass, and it will soon welcome a large influx of Cicadas.

Billions of these winged insects will begin to emerge from their infamous underground mating rituals, having spent weeks below the surface.

This year, Cicadas are expected to emerge in nearly 12 states, with the highest concentration occurring in Kentucky and Tennessee. They will also be spotted in parts of Illinois, Indiana, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and New York.

Some locals refer to them simply as “Chicada” this season due to their prominence in Kentucky.

“They’re the experts in entomology at the University of Kentucky,” noted Jonathan Larson, assistant professor of entomology.

Seven different types of cicadas can be found in North America, appearing every 13 or 17 years depending on their species.
USDA Forest Bureau

These are known as regular Cicadas, which spend a predetermined number of years underground before surfacing to find mates. Seven species of these cicadas exist in North America, emerging either every 13 years or every 17 years.

This year’s Cicadas belong to Brood XIV, which follows a 17-year cycle.

Larson remarked that the nickname “bourbon chick” fits well, as the lifecycle of these insects parallels the distillation process of Kentucky’s renowned whiskey.

“We let the bourbon age,” Larson explained. “It’s placed in barrels in the dark for an extended period, which is somewhat similar.”

Larson mentioned that sightings of Cicadas have already started in southern Kentucky counties, but the main event will kick off in the coming weeks as the soil temperature rises.

“I anticipate that in the next two weeks, we will really see them everywhere,” he said.

When that time comes, certain areas will be literally swarming with Cicadas. However, it’s not just their sheer numbers that create an unforgettable experience; it’s the distinct high-pitched noise they make as well.

Cicadas can produce sounds reaching up to 100 decibels, which is actually their mating call used to attract females. After emerging, females only have a few weeks to find mates and lay eggs before they die.

“It’s all wild and beautiful, strange and wonderful,” Larson enthused.

While Cicadas pose no danger to humans, they can become quite bothersome, particularly when large amounts of their bodies accumulate post-mortem.

“During the early stages, there’s no unpleasant odor, but about five weeks later, if enough die in one spot, a decomposing smell can develop,” Larson noted.

Although thousands of cicada species are found globally, regular cicadas are unique for spending the majority of their lives underground, feeding on tree roots, before surfacing every 13 or 17 years.

Typically, the first Cicadas surface in early to mid-May, but most often they emerge in June when temperatures rise. Larson stated that cicadas generally wait for the soil to reach approximately 64 degrees Fahrenheit before breaking through.

Their reliance on environmental signals raises questions about the impact of climate change on Cicadas and their mating rituals.

“If it’s warmer sooner this year, they might start emerging earlier than expected,” Larson explained, noting the potential for extreme weather events like flooding or freezing, which have been prevalent in Kentucky recently.

This area remains a focal point of research as scientists investigate the long-term effects of climate change on Cicada populations.

In the meantime, Larson and other entomology enthusiasts from various states are gearing up to witness this remarkable phenomenon.

“I hope people take the time to experience it,” Larson encouraged. “What’s happening here is unique; you won’t find this anywhere else, so we suggest engaging in Cicada tourism if you can.”

Citizen scientists can also contribute to research by snapping photos and recording geographical details of sightings using the CICADA SAFARI app.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Why China Could Claim the Climate Leadership Role – If It Chooses To

Posted on May 21, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Noel Celis/AFP via Getty Images

Nature despises a vacuum, and geopolitical vacuums are no exception. As Donald Trump sets the stage to confront global warming, he is poised for the climate leadership that awaits. If Chinese President Xi Jinping aims to claim that mantle, it’s within his reach.

China’s climate credentials are a mixed bag. Since 2006, it has held the title of the largest greenhouse gas emitter due to rapid industrialization. Conversely, it has emerged as a leading manufacturer of solar panels globally.

Xi himself appears to be distancing from the international climate arena. He has not participated in any climate summits since Paris in 2015, when China committed to keeping global warming below 1.5°C. While numerous countries interpret this as an obligation to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, China has pledged to reach carbon neutrality by 2060—a less ambitious target.

However, this landscape may be changing. As highlighted on page 10, China’s emissions seem to have peaked. Xi is also set to attend COP30 in Belem, Brazil this November. With a significant climate initiative emerging from China, what does this mean?

Due to a massive climate intervention from China, the work is falling into place, what is that?

The most probable announcement is the commitment to a provisional target by 2040, halfway to 2060. Yet, if Xi aspires to lead the global climate movement, he should set a more ambitious zero emissions target for 2050. Achieving this would complicate matters for other countries and catalyze advancements in green technology.

Will Xi take that step? Likely not. However, with reports suggesting that COP30 may not meet expectations (see “Does the COP30 Climate Summit already take six months, six months?”), Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula Da Silva may help persuade Xi, as he has previously indicated a desire to maintain a more robust relationship with China. Should China assume the climate leadership role, Brazil stands to benefit significantly.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

A Mysterious Planet Revolves Counter to Its Stars

Posted on May 21, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

We have confirmation that a strange planet orbits between two stars

Aaron Alien/Shutterstock

Following extensive observation, scientists are on the verge of unraveling how pairs of stars engage in stable orbital dynamics surrounding elusive planets.

In 2004, David Lamb from the University of Canterbury, New Zealand, identified a puzzling repeating signal while monitoring the motion of a star pair in the Nu Octantis system. This initiated an ongoing discussion about whether planets twice the size of Jupiter exist in that system. Now, along with Ram Mann Whiley from the University of Hong Kong and his colleagues, they present strong evidence suggesting that Nu Octantis is a trio rather than a binary system.

A significant discovery was that the Nu Octantis planet is moving in reverse. The planet and one star orbit the second star in opposite directions, with the planet maintaining a close orbit around the latter. Lee observes that this is an unusual occurrence, but the system is stable. His team reached this conclusion thanks to enhanced measurement tools, like the HARPS spectrometer on the 3.6-meter telescope at the European Southern Observatory in Chile. The persistence of the planetary signal across years of observation reinforced their findings. “We’re pretty sure [the planet] is genuine. If it were related to stellar activity, it shouldn’t exhibit such consistency over years of data,” remarks Lee.

Nonetheless, this retrograde planet is not an uncommon feature of Nu Octantis. Researchers utilized a large telescope at the Southern European Observatory to determine that one of the stars is a white dwarf. Lee explains this complicates the history of Nu Octantis, as it suggests that the planet’s current orbit was impossible when it was younger, larger, and brighter.

Thus, the planet initially orbited both stars simultaneously but fundamentally changed its trajectory when one of the stars became a white dwarf, or it formed from a mass expelled when the stars transitioned to white dwarfs. Continued observations and mathematical modeling may clarify which scenario occurred, but both possibilities are novel, notes Lee.

For centuries, astronomers believed that all planets orbit the central star in the same direction, with regular intervals governing the orbital arrangement. However, Nu Octantis challenges these conventions, according to Manfred Kunz from the University of Texas at Arlington. “Scientists are urging us to broaden our understanding of star and planetary scenarios, in terms of both formation and evolution,” he states.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Why Do I Sleep with My Mouth Closed?

Posted on May 21, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

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Some social media videos suggest sealing your mouth completely with tape for better sleep, while others recommend only partially closing it

Sevda Ercan/Getty Images

There is limited high-quality evidence to support the trend on social media of taping or closing mouths at night to alleviate breathing challenges.

“This trend has gained traction on social platforms,” says Ken O’Haloran, who was not part of the recent research at University College Cork in Ireland. “Ultimately, there is scant evidence it is effective.”

In recent years, users on platforms like TikTok and Instagram have posted videos viewed millions of times, demonstrating the use of tape to seal their mouths during sleep. They claim this prevents mouth breathing and provides various health benefits, including alleviating breathing issues and enhancing sleep quality.

To investigate the validity of these claims, Brian Rotenberg from Western University in Ontario, Canada, and his team reviewed eight studies involving nearly 200 individuals with obstructive sleep apnea—a common condition characterized by intermittent breathing cessation or restrictions during sleep, often accompanied by snoring and frequent awakenings due to low oxygen levels.

The findings varied significantly. In two studies, researchers monitored participants’ breathing for two nights—once with tape and once without—and discovered that taping reduced instances of obstructed breathing or restricted airflow. “This occurred multiple times each hour,” Rotenberg notes.

Conversely, the other six studies—including one randomized controlled trial—indicated that mouth taping did not provide benefits for these issues. “The results were quite convoluted, leading to weak evidence, and the studies were generally of low quality, with only a dozen or so participants involved,” explains O’Haloran.

Rotenberg also cautioned that mouth taping could present risks. “If your nose is blocked and your mouth is sealed, the situation could lead to panic due to insufficient air intake.”

“While individuals can simply peel off the tape, I wouldn’t recommend it, as awakening in that state could be distressing,” warns David Garley from a better sleep clinic located in Bristol, UK.

Moreover, the variability in outcomes may relate to differences in how mouth taping was implemented. Some studies defined it as a complete horizontal strip covering the mouth, while others were less precise, occasionally resulting in only partial mouth closure.

Another limitation of the studies is that they did not assess daytime symptoms. “Many patients in the clinic experience fatigue and headaches during the day caused by obstructive sleep apnea, but these outcomes were not evaluated,” states Gurley.

He advises that individuals experiencing breathing difficulties should consult their doctor until further research clarifies the situation. Proven treatments, such as CPAP machines that gently supply air through masks to keep airways open, are effective for managing obstructive sleep apnea, according to Gurley.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

The Initial Teeth: Sensory Organs of Ancient Fish Skin

Posted on May 21, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

CT scan of the front of a skate depicting a hard, tooth-like dentition (orange) on its skin

Yara Haridi

Recent analysis of animal fossils suggests that teeth initially developed as sensory organs rather than for chewing. The earliest tooth-like structure seems to have originated as a sensitive nodule in the skin of primitive fish, allowing them to detect variations in the surrounding water.

The findings support the long-held belief that teeth originally evolved outside the mouth, as noted by Yara Haridi from the University of Chicago.

While some evidence exists to back this theory, significant questions remain. “What purpose do all these teeth on the exterior serve?” queries Khalidi. One possibility is that they functioned as defensive armor; however, Khalidi proposes an additional theory: “It’s beneficial to protect oneself with tough materials, but imagine if those materials could also enhance sensory perception of the environment?”

True teeth are exclusively found in vertebrates, such as fish and mammals. Although some invertebrates possess dental structures, their underlying tissues are fundamentally different. This indicates that teeth originated with the evolution of the earliest vertebrates: fishes.

Khalidi and her research team scrutinized fossils claimed to be the oldest examples of fish teeth, utilizing advanced synchrotron scanning techniques.

They examined fragments of fossils from the genus Anatrepis, which spanned from the late Cambrian (539 to 487 million years ago) to the early Ordovician period (487 to 443 million years ago). These organisms featured a hard exoskeleton with perforations.

These perforations were interpreted as dentin tubules, which are one of the hard tissues composing teeth. In human teeth, dentin serves multiple functions, including sensation and the detection of temperature and pain.

This led to the hypothesis that these tubules may be the precursors of teeth. Anatrepis represents early fish.

However, Haridi and her colleagues found no such evidence. “We observed the internal structure [of the tubules],” she states. Their examination revealed that the tubules most closely resemble structures known as sensilla, which are found in the exoskeletons of insects and spiders.

This means that Anatrepis are arthropods rather than fish, implying that their tubules do not directly lead to the evolution of teeth.

“Dentin likely emerged as a novel feature in vertebrates, but the hardened external sensory capabilities existed much earlier in invertebrates,” remarks Gareth Fraser from the University of Florida, who was not involved in the research.

Beyond Anatrepis, the earliest known true teeth belong to Ellipticus, which dates exclusively to the Ordovician period. These possess actual dentin found in the skin’s teeth.

Khalidi suggests that like the invertebrate Anatrepis, early vertebrates such as Ellipticus evolved independently to develop skin structures, where sensory nodules had undergone significant evolution. “These two entirely different organisms had to navigate the ancient ocean’s muddy terrain,” she explains. Significantly, the study also indicates that some modern fish skin still retains nerve endings, indicating sensory functionality.

As certain fish transitioned into active predators, they required a method for securing prey, leading to the evolution of hard teeth that moved to their mouths for biting.

“Based on the available data, tooth-like structures may have initially evolved in the skin of ancient vertebrates before migrating into the mouth, evolving into teeth,” Fraser concludes.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

West Nile Virus Identified in British Mosquito for the First Time

Posted on May 21, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

A fragment of the virus has been identified in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in Nottinghamshire, UK

IMV/ISTOCKPHOTO/GETTY IMAGES

The West Nile virus, marking the first potential fatal mosquito-borne disease in the UK, has been identified for the first time.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has announced that its research collaboration with the Animal and Plant Health Agency has Afa successfully identified a “fragment” of the virus in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes collected from the marshlands along the Idol River in Nottinghamshire in July 2023, indicating that these insects are carriers of pathogens.

According to Alanfolly from Apha, the virus was discovered somewhat by chance during routine testing by his team. He notes that further screenings will take place around that area later this year. Interestingly, Nottinghamshire typically does not fall into Afa’s primary testing regions, which are mostly centered in southern and eastern England, where warmer climates increase the likelihood of infections such as West Nile.

Humans and horses can become infected with the West Nile virus through mosquito bites. Approximately 20% of infected individuals exhibit symptoms such as fever, headaches, body aches, vomiting, and diarrhea. In rare instances, the virus can lead to severe inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, which can be fatal. Currently, there are no approved vaccines for humans.

UKHSA has reported the virus’s presence only in two mosquito samples, with no current evidence suggesting that humans or horses are infected in the UK. The organization’s assessment indicates a very low risk to the public, but healthcare professionals are advised to test encephalitis patients for unexplained causes.

“This is the first identification of the West Nile virus in British mosquitoes, though it doesn’t come as a surprise given the virus’s ongoing spread across Europe,” stated Meera Chand from UKHSA.

The West Nile virus has been increasingly observed in Africa, Europe, and North America. In Europe, recent years have seen its northern spread, reaching the Netherlands in 2020.

Factors contributing to the spread of the West Nile virus include elevated spring and summer temperatures, summer droughts, and milder winters, all of which are becoming more prevalent in Northern Europe. Although APHA has not detected the West Nile virus in mosquitoes or birds for 2024, the recent warm weather in the UK could change that. “We had an unusually warm May,” Folly noted. “If there is another case, we may see it in the coming weeks. This is just the beginning; more cases could follow.”

British researchers have been vigilant for the West Nile virus since 2020 when a related mosquito-borne virus (USUTU) was first found in London. The West Nile virus shares similar transmission characteristics with USUTU and requires comparable environmental conditions.

“I wouldn’t be surprised at all,” stated Matthew Baylis from the University of Liverpool. “I’ve been expecting this to happen every year. I believe that the West Nile virus will eventually be detected in the UK.”

He suggested that the virus likely arrived in the UK via birds and is probably circulating among various mosquito species in the region. However, he reassured that there is no immediate cause for alarm. “The risk remains low for most people. While a few horses are susceptible to West Nile disease, it’s quite rare,” he added.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Tianwen-2: China’s Upcoming Missions to Two Rocky Bodies in the Solar System

Posted on May 21, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Artist impressions of Earth’s semi-satellite Kamo`oalewa, designated as the initial target for the Tianwen-2 mission

Addy Graham/University of Arizona

China is making final preparations to launch a spacecraft aimed at exploring asteroids and comets, seeking to gain insights into these celestial bodies in our solar system.

The Tianwen-2 mission, orchestrated by the China National Space Agency (CNSA), plans to collect 100 grams of samples from the asteroid Chuan West and return them to Earth. Following the sample retrieval, the probe will utilize Earth’s gravity to propel itself towards the comet 311P/Panstarrs, which will be observed remotely.

The mission is set for launch from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan Province on May 29th. While NASA’s Osiris-Rex and JAXA’s Hayabusa missions have previously returned asteroid samples, this marks China’s inaugural asteroid mission, including the return of rock samples, and potentially the first mission aimed at a unique type of celestial body known as quasi-satellites.

Quasi-satellites, like Kamo`oalewa, do not orbit the Earth in a traditional manner; instead, they follow orbits around the Sun that are similar to Earth’s, creating an oval path relative to our planet. This intriguing scenario has led scientists to theorize that this may be a remnant lunar mass ejected by an asteroid impact millions of years ago.

In contrast, 311P/Panstarrs has an asteroid-like orbit, encircling the Sun within the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, yet possesses a tail that gives it a comet-like appearance. This is believed to be composed of dust and debris shed from its nucleus.

The CNSA has previously indicated that 311P/Panstarrs is a “living fossil,” crucial for studying the early material composition, formation processes, and evolutionary history of the solar system. Tianwen-2 aims to enhance our understanding of both Kamo`oalewa and 311P/Panstarrs. However, the findings will not be available immediately, as the spacecraft is expected to reach 311P/Panstarrs by 2034, and the Kamo`oalewa samples are anticipated to return to Earth in the latter half of 2027.

It remains uncertain what extent the CNSA will share these findings. Leah-Nani Alconcel from the University of Birmingham, UK, mentions that the mission outline is known but lacks detailed information. One of the objectives may involve examining the differences between asteroids and comets to gain better insights into the diverse bodies of our solar system; however, specific details remain elusive.

In her previous experience with CNSA’s Double Star Satellite, Alconcel expressed concerns about the institution’s ability to provide substantial scientific data. She states, “It was incredibly challenging to negotiate with [the CNSA]. There is no public repository for this data.”

She describes the mission as ambitious, noting that Kamo`oalewa is in a rotating behavior. Navigation algorithms may require powerful computing resources to process images and sensor data sent back to Earth for calculations. “If we always opt for favorable and stable objects, we won’t gain much knowledge,” she warns. “There are numerous potential challenges ahead.”

The CNSA has not responded to requests for comment from New Scientist.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Tropical Forest Losses Soared in 2024 Amidst Surge in Wildfires

Posted on May 21, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Forests have been cleared for mining in the Brazilian Amazon

Marcio Isensee e Sá/Getty Images

In 2024, the loss of tropical forests reached unprecedented levels, doubling the rate seen in the last two decades, primarily due to climate change making rainforests more vulnerable to uncontrollable fires.

A comprehensive annual analysis of satellite imagery conducted by Global Forest Watch and the University of Maryland revealed a staggering loss of 67,000 square kilometers of crucial tropical rainforests in 2024. Primeval forests, defined as mature woodlands that have not been subjected to logging, were particularly affected.

The report’s author indicated that the dramatic increase in forest loss can be largely attributed to the El Niño weather phenomenon alongside global warming, which has exacerbated conditions leading to catastrophic fires in rainforests.

“We don’t just have agricultural activities as the main cause of deforestation,” stated Rod Taylor from Global Forest Watch, an initiative of the World Resources Institute. “This new amplification effect constitutes a genuine climate change feedback loop, with fires becoming increasingly intense and destructive.”

Tropical forests play a vital role in regulating weather patterns, sequestering carbon, and cooling the planet. However, recent trends in deforestation have led to them releasing more carbon than they absorb, pushing them toward a critical tipping point.

The report also reveals that the area affected by wildfires in native forests during 2023 was five times greater than the losses registered in 2023, constituting 48% of all primary rainforest losses.

Globally, wildfires emitted greenhouse gases equivalent to 4.1 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide last year, significantly more than the total emissions from air travel in 2023.

Associated with warm and dry weather conditions in the tropics, the El Niño phenomenon officially ended in April 2024 but left lasting effects as rainforest soil and vegetation remained parched from earlier wildfires.

The context of global warming also played a significant role, making 2024 the driest year in Brazil in 70 years, as noted by Ane Alencar from the Amazon Environmental Research Institute in Belem, Brazil.

Brazil witnessed a loss of 28,000 square kilometers of its primary forest, the highest figure since 2016, accounting for 42% of all tropical native forest losses.

Fires in the Brazilian Amazon were responsible for 60% of the overall forest loss, as individuals exploited the dry conditions to clear land for agricultural purposes.

Elsewhere, countries such as Canada and Russia also reported significant wildfires beyond the tropical regions, contributing to a global forest loss of 300,000 square kilometers, a new record.

“Some experts argue that we are currently in a pyrocene, or age of fire, as opposed to the Anthropocene,” noted Erika Berenguer from Oxford University.

While bushfires pose a serious threat, Berenguer cautioned that the statistics might include degradation, where some trees were lost without complete deforestation, the latter being the total clearance of forests.

“Degradation diminishes carbon storage, undermines biodiversity, and increases susceptibility to future fires, but it’s not equivalent to transforming land into soy fields or pastures,” she explained.

The report highlights how ongoing degradation and a warming climate have rendered rainforests increasingly vulnerable, according to Alencar.

“Typically, if a fire breaks out in the Amazon, you can witness some degradation, but the forest has the potential to recover,” she stated. “However, this report indicates that during extreme droughts, forests can burn intensely, fostering conditions that may lead to complete loss of the forest.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Factors That Truly Influence Your Prostate Cancer Risk

Posted on May 21, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Prostate cancer is the most prevalent cancer among men, with roughly one in eight men receiving a diagnosis in their lifetime. Nevertheless, not all prostate cancers are life-threatening; in fact, many develop slowly and remain harmless.

“There are essentially two categories of prostate cancer,” Dr. Haley Luxton, who studies the impact of prostate cancer in the UK, explains. “I refer to them as ‘pussycats’ and ‘tigers.’ Pussycats are the slow-growing types, which typically do not lead to death.”

“On the other hand, tigers are highly aggressive forms of prostate cancer, and these men require immediate treatment to prevent mortality.”

Autopsy research indicates that over 50% of men over 90 have prostate cancer cells, many of whom were never diagnosed during their lifetime.

“Most men will eventually have prostate cancer cells,” adds Dr. Cody Watling, a postdoctoral researcher at the National Cancer Institute. “However, whether it becomes clinically significant—causing symptoms or spreading—is an entirely different issue.”

Three Key Risk Factors

What really increases your risk of prostate cancer?

According to science, there are three major factors—sadly beyond your control:

Age – The risk increases significantly after age 50, with most diagnoses occurring in men over 70.
Ethnicity – Black men are twice as likely to develop prostate cancer as their white counterparts. The reasons remain unclear, although genetics may play a role.
Family History – If your father, brother, or grandfather had prostate cancer, your risk is elevated—especially if the diagnosis occurred before age 60. The BRCA2 gene is a contributing factor.

Watling notes that these risk variables are generally linked with both prostate cancer and more aggressive forms of the disease. “Evidence suggests that age, family history, and being Black increase the overall risk of aggressive prostate cancer.”

More than 50% of men over 90 have prostate cancer cells, but many are benign. – Getty

Lifestyle Considerations

While some reports suggest that lifestyle choices can reduce risk, the situation is complex.

Watling, who researched diet and prostate cancer risk at Oxford University, stated, “To date, strong evidence has been elusive.”

Some studies indicate a potential link between high consumption of dairy, particularly milk, and slight increases in prostate cancer risk, likely due to a growth factor known as IGF-1. However, Watling emphasized, “The evidence remains ambiguous, and there is no robust connection.” More research is necessary to clarify these relationships.

One possible exception is obesity. “There is some evidence suggesting that being overweight correlates with a higher risk of aggressive or fatal prostate cancer,” says Watling. “However, it’s challenging to determine if this is biological or due to less frequent early screening in heavier individuals.”

Luxton concurs: “Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet and engaging in some form of physical activity—even just a ten-minute walk—can be beneficial.”

Recommendations

If you are over 50, or over 45 with a higher risk (due to family history or being Black), Prostate Cancer UK advises initiating a conversation with your GP.

You can assess your risk in just one minute with the Prostate Cancer UK Online Risk Checker.

Your doctor may then conduct various screening tests, including prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood tests, examinations, and MRI scans as necessary.

In Conclusion

Joe Biden’s diagnosis understandably alarmed many, but it also led to a surge of misleading or overly simplistic guidance. Here are the facts:

The risk of prostate cancer cannot be entirely eliminated.
Most risks are linked to age, family history, and ethnicity, rather than diet or lifestyle factors.
Nevertheless, healthy habits remain important for reducing the risk of aggressive prostate cancer and other diseases.
If you are at high risk, it’s crucial to speak with your doctor.

About Our Experts

Hailey Luxton is the Head of Research Impact and Engagement at Prostate Cancer UK, tasked with identifying initiatives that can significantly influence the charity’s research program and expedite research projects. Previously, he conducted research at University College London and Cancer Research UK.

Cody Watling is a postdoctoral researcher at the National Cancer Institute. His research has been featured in publications such as BMC Medicine, Clinical Nutrition, and British Journal of Cancer.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Study Suggests All Humans Emit Subtle Light Until Death

Posted on May 21, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

All living beings, including you, emit subtle, etheric, semi-visible light that continues until death. Recent research supports this idea.

This mysterious luminescence might lead one to believe it is an indication of an aura or something similar.

However, Dr. Daniel Oblak, a physicist from the University of Calgary and the study’s lead author, explained to BBC Science Focus that while the concept of an aura is metaphysical and unscientific, the emitted light is not. Known as Ultraweak Photon Emission (UPE), it is a natural byproduct of metabolism.

“I would like to emphasize that UPE usually results from biochemical processes and is thus akin to what occurs with glow sticks.”

“UPE is so faint that it is imperceptible to the human eye and can be completely obscured by other light sources unless in total darkness.”

Don’t think that you can observe your own sparkle simply by closing the curtains and turning off the lights; this light is 1,000 to 1,000,000 times dimmer than what the human eye can detect.

These four mice emitted significantly more ultrweak photon emissions (UPEs) while alive (top) compared to after death (bottom). – Credits: Salari et al, The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters, 2025

UPE arises when a chemical within a cell creates an unstable molecule, known as a reactive oxygen species (ROS), which is essentially a byproduct of metabolic activity.

As ROS levels increase, other molecules become “excited,” meaning they carry excess energy, and it is this energy that emits light.

The primary factor driving this phenomenon is oxidative stress, a kind of cellular damage caused by aging and disease. The greater the oxidative stress experienced by the body, the more ROS—and consequently, more light—is produced.

“When an organism ceases to live, it halts metabolism, thereby stopping the emission of ultrawave photons,” he remarked.

To investigate UPE, scientists in Calgary measured the UPE generated by immobilized and deceased mice and damaged leaves.

Using specialized cameras, they found that living mice emitted significantly more light than their deceased counterparts. Conversely, the leaves released more light in areas that were damaged compared to intact regions.

This is due to increased oxidative stress in the scratched areas. However, the dead mice did not emit light as their bodies no longer underwent metabolic processes.

The leaves of St. Stwhere were illuminated by scratches and chemical damage. – Credits: Salari et al, The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters, 2025

Dr. Oblak highlighted that the significance of UPE lies in its ability to provide a non-invasive method to assess the health of living organisms.

“This technology could be utilized to monitor tissue status, such as in transplants, or to gauge crop and forest health, especially regarding the stress levels in organisms,” he explained.

Nonetheless, this field remains rife with uncertainties. For instance, Oblak pondered: “Perhaps UPE is not merely a byproduct of metabolic processes; it may also serve a purpose,” although scientists have yet to reach a consensus.

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About our experts

Dr. Daniel Oblak is an associate professor in the Faculty of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Calgary. He earned his PhD in Quantum Optics from the University of Copenhagen in 2010, having previously completed his Bachelor of Science and Master’s degrees at Aarhus University. Currently, his research interests encompass quantum information science, long-range encryption, quantum networks, and quantum light interfaces.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Studies Indicate Diverse Hand Grips Used by Australopithecus sediba and Homo naledi

Posted on May 21, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Australopithecus sediba – This small human species, which existed around 2 million years ago, displayed a blend of ape-like and human-like traits. Homona Lady – A recent study led by Dr. Samar Syeda from the American Museum of Natural History reveals that this newly identified species, dating back approximately 335,000 to 236,000 years, shows a distinct pattern of bone thickness, indicating diverse load applications and potential grip types.

A reconstruction depicting the life of Australopithecus sediba commissioned by the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History. Image credit: Elisabeth Daynes/S. Entressangle.

Dr. Syeda and her team explored variations in phalanx morphology, discovering that South African hominins might exhibit different dexterities along with varied climbing abilities.

They focused on two nearly complete fossil hand skeletons discovered in South Africa: the hands from Australopithecus sediba, dated at 2 million years old, and hand skeletons from the newly identified star cave system from 250,000 years ago.

While no direct associations with stone tools have been established for either species, certain aspects of their hand and wrist morphology imply a level of dexterity that aligns more closely with human hands than with those of chimpanzees and gorillas.

“Stone tools have been found in South Africa dating back at least 2.2 million years (and potentially as far back as 3.3 million years),” stated Dr. Tracy Kivell, a researcher at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology and Witwatersrand University. “Many primates are adept stone tool users, as are Australopithecus sediba and Homona Lady.

“However, the exact nature of their tool usage and interaction remains unclear.”

Furthermore, both Australopithecus sediba and Homona Lady exhibit ape-like characteristics, especially within their upper limb bones, which could be advantageous for climbing.

The ongoing debate in paleontology considers whether these traits indicate actual climbing behaviors or if they are simply evolutionary remnants from climbing ancestors.

Reconstruction of Homona Lady‘s head by artist John Gurche, who spent around 700 hours recreating it from a bone scan, published in collaboration with the University of Witwatersrand, the National Geographic Society, and the South African National Research Foundation in the journal Elife. Image credits: John Gurche / Mark Thiessen / National Geographic.

To explore these inquiries, researchers examined variations in the internal composition of the fingers (cortical bone) in both Australopithecus sediba and Homona Lady.

Bones are dynamic tissues that can modify their structure based on usage and loading throughout life, thickening in high load areas while thinning in regions subjected to lesser loads.

As such, variations in internal cortical thickness can shed light on how these two hominin fossils utilized their hands during their lifetimes.

“Our findings indicate that both Australopithecus sediba and Homona Lady exhibit a range of functional signals within the cortical bone structure of their fingers,” remarked Dr. Syeda.

In Australopithecus sediba, the distribution of cortical bones within the proximal and intermediate phalanges of most fingers closely resembles that of apes. However, the thumb and pinky bones are more akin to human bones.

“These two digits appear to represent potential functional signals because they experience less frequent or lower loads during climbing or suspension,” noted Dr. Syeda.

“Combining these findings with a human-like thumb suggests that Australopithecus sediba employed its hands not just for climbing, but also for tool use and other dexterous activities.”

Homona Lady, in contrast, displays an unusual pattern where the proximal phalanx (the bone supported by the palm) shows human-like traits, while the intermediate phalanx (the bone in the middle of the finger) reflects ape-like characteristics.

Fossil hands of Australopithecus sediba and Homona Lady indicating that these South African hominins may have exhibited varying degrees of dexterity and climbing proficiency. Image credit: Tracy Kivell.

“This distinct pattern was unexpected and suggests that Homona Lady may have engaged different parts of its fingers for varied loading,” Dr. Syeda noted.

This unique loading pattern resembles certain grip types observed today, such as crimp grips used by rock climbers, where the surface is primarily grasped by the tips of the fingers.

Homona Lady also features unusually curved phalanges, particularly notable since this species coexisted with early members of our own species, Homo sapiens, indicating potential usage of hands for climbing.

Further research is necessary to ascertain whether Homona Lady utilized crimp-like grips for climbing; however, it is evident that throughout human evolution, there has been an ongoing requirement for using tools with enhanced dexterity for food processing on trees and rocks within the ancient South African landscape.

“This research offers greater evidence that human evolution is characterized by various ‘experiments’ balancing the demands of manipulation and movement within these historical environments, rather than a straightforward transition from upright walking to increasingly advanced tool use,” Dr. Kivell stated.

Survey results will be published this week in the journal Advances in Science.

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Samar M. Syeda et al. 2025. Bone distribution in the Faranjour cortex reveals variations in dexterity and climbing behaviors in Australopithecus sediba and Homona Lady. Advances in Science 11 (20); doi:10.1126/sciadv.adt1201

Source: www.sci.news

Planetary Scientists Discover New Evidence of Venus’ Geological Activity

Posted on May 21, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Often referred to as the Earth’s “twin planet,” Venus presents a stark contrast in surface conditions, atmospheric composition, and structural characteristics. Gaining insight into the internal mechanisms that shape Venus’s surface remains a key objective in planetary science.

An artist’s impression of a volcanic eruption on Venus. Image credit: ESA/AOES Mediaab.

The Earth’s surface is perpetually reshaped through the continual movement and recycling of vast sections of the crust, known as tectonic plates, which float above the viscous mantle.

Unlike Earth, Venus lacks tectonic plates, but its surface is still influenced by molten material rising from beneath.

To better comprehend the processes underlying these transformations, scientists have examined structures known as corona.

With sizes ranging from dozens to hundreds of kilometers, coronae are primarily formed where hot, buoyant mantle material ascends and pushes against the lithosphere above.

These features generally exhibit an oval shape and are surrounded by a concentric fracturing pattern.

Researchers estimate that hundreds of coronae are present on Venus.

Utilizing archival data from NASA’s Magellan mission, Dr. Gael Cascioli from the University of Maryland and colleagues identified signs of surface or subsurface activity that significantly shaped many of Venus’s coronae.

“Coronae are not observable on Earth today. However, it is conceivable that our planet’s early history included formations before the advent of plate tectonics,” stated a recent paper published in the journal Advances in Science.

“By integrating gravity and topographical data, this research has provided critical new insights into the subterranean processes that likely continue to influence Venus’s surface today.”

Launched in 1989, Magellan employed a radar system to penetrate Venus’s dense atmosphere and create detailed maps of its mountainous and plain terrains.

Among the various geological features mapped, coronae were notably enigmatic, with their formation remaining initially unclear.

Since then, planetary scientists have detected numerous coronae in regions where the lithosphere is thin and geothermal activity is high.

“Coronae are plentiful on Venus, representing significant features, and over the years, multiple theories have been proposed concerning their formation,” remarked Dr. Anna Gürcher, a researcher at the University of Bern.

“The exciting aspect of our research is that we can now assert that ongoing activity processes driving their formation are highly probable.”

“We hypothesize that similar processes may have also taken place early in Earth’s history.”

Researchers have developed advanced 3D geodynamic models illustrating different scenarios for the formation of plume-induced coronae, which were then compared with Magellan’s gravity and topographic data.

Gravity data has proven instrumental in enabling researchers to detect low-density regions below the surface and identify buoyant structures at elevated temperatures, something that topographical data alone cannot reveal.

Of the 75 coronae analyzed, 52 exhibited buoyant mantle materials beneath them, suggesting potential for significant structural processes.

One critical process is subduction. On Earth, this occurs when one tectonic plate is pushed beneath another.

Friction between plates can induce earthquakes, and as older rocky material descends into the hotter mantle, those rocks melt and re-emerge at the surface through volcanic activity.

On Venus, various forms of subduction are suspected to happen around several coronae.

In this context, hot rock buoyancy within the mantle forces material into the lithosphere, resulting in surface material rising and spreading outward, colliding with surrounding areas and pushing some material back down into the mantle.

Additionally, another structural process known as lithosphere drip may exist, with denser cold materials sinking from the lithosphere into the heated mantle below.

Several locations have also been identified where a third process might be occurring, where molten rock plumes beneath thicker areas of the lithosphere could potentially drive volcanic activity above.

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Frog Casioli et al. 2025. Spectra of structural processes in Venus’ coronae revealed by gravity and topography. Advances in Science 11 (20); doi:10.1126/sciadv.adt5932

Source: www.sci.news

New Research Reveals Asian Elephants Have Larger Brains Than Their African Relatives

Posted on May 21, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Elephants are fascinating creatures. Despite their allure, our understanding of the elephant brain remains limited, and there are notable neuroanatomical differences between the Asian (Elephas Maximus) and African elephants (Loxodonta africana), which have largely gone unexplored. In a recent study, researchers from Humboldt Universität in Berlin and the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research collected numerous elephant brains to investigate the macroanatomical features that differentiate the species. Surprisingly, they found that Asian elephants possess a larger brain and greater grey matter volume than African elephants, an intriguing contrast given the smaller body size of Asian elephants.

Asian elephant in Myanmar. Image credit: John Jackson.

“The morphological distinctions among elephant species are well-documented,” stated Dr. Marav Schah from Humboldt Universität Berlin and his colleagues.

“For instance, African savanna elephants are larger and have bigger ears than their Asian counterparts.”

“It is also noted that only female African elephants grow larger tusks compared to the minimal tusks found in Asian females.”

“These disparities indicate significant genetic divergence between savanna elephants in Asia and Africa, believed to have arisen 50,000 to 8 million years ago.”

In this research, the team examined the brain weights and structures of both Asian and African elephants via dissections, existing literature, and MRI scans from wildlife and zoo animals.

The findings revealed that adult Asian elephants are significantly heavier than their African counterparts, whose brains average just over 4,400 grams.

This specific finding could not be definitively validated for male elephants, as data for the brain weights in Asian males is limited.

However, the cerebellum appears proportionately heavier in African elephants (22% of total brain body weight) compared to Asian elephants (19%).

Researchers also demonstrated that elephants undergo extensive postnatal brain growth.

By adulthood, an elephant’s brain is roughly three times heavier than at birth.

This indicates that elephants experience notably more brain growth than all primates; except for humans, where the brain weighs only about one-fifth of its final weight at birth.

A boy African elephant in Kenya. Image credit: George Wittemyer.

“The variance in brain weight is likely the most significant difference among these two elephant species,” Dr. Shah noted.

“This accounts for the behavioral variations observed between elephants in Asia and Africa.”

“For instance, the two species display markedly different interactions with humans.”

“Asian elephants have been partially domesticated for millennia and serve as working animals across various cultures and regions.”

“Conversely, only a handful of cases of partial domestication have been somewhat successful with African elephants.”

“It is considerably harder to integrate an African elephant into human society compared to an Asian elephant.”

The study was published today in the journal pnas nexus.

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Marav Shah et al. 2025. The larger and relatively small cerebellum of Asian elephants compared to the African savanna elephants. pnas nexus 4(5): PGAF141; doi: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgaf141

Source: www.sci.news

House Democrats to Propose Legislation Aimed at Saving NOAA

Posted on May 21, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

House Democrats are focusing on staffing issues at the National Weather Service field office, aiming to pass legislation swiftly to thwart further funding and staffing cuts from the Trump administration affecting the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, especially following severe storms nationwide.

As reported by NBC News, the proposed amendment to the Republican Budget Adjustment Bill safeguards NOAA from disbandment and prevents its responsibilities from being shifted to other federal entities, as well as protecting its website and datasets.

Democratic representatives including Eric Sorensen from Illinois, Joe Negas from Colorado, and Wesley Bell from Missouri are poised to introduce these amendments early on Wednesday.

This legislation underscores Congressional worries about staffing levels at the National Weather Service, particularly after the Trump administration’s layoffs of prosecutors and the offering of early retirement packages to long-serving employees. Recently, a short-staffed weather room managed severe thunderstorms and tornado outbreaks during a weekend that resulted in at least 28 fatalities in the Midwest and South.

“With hurricane season on the horizon and extreme weather becoming more frequent, we cannot afford to jeopardize NOAA,” said Moskowitz, a former director of Florida Emergency Management, in an emailed statement.

Sorensen, the sole meteorologist in Congress, emphasized:

“As a meteorologist who has reported on severe thunderstorms and tornadoes, I understand the critical need for the National Weather Service to be fully staffed at all times.”

Rep. Eric Sorensen, D-Ill, of Rockford, Illinois, in 2023.
Chris Nieves/USA Today Network

However, the amendment faces significant opposition from Republicans who control the House. The Trump administration’s initial budget proposal proposed cutting over $1.5 billion from NOAA.

The National Weather Service is working to address staffing shortages this spring. Recently, NOAA initiated a “period of reallocation” to recruit 76 meteorologists for critical roles that were left vacant due to budget cuts.

At least eight of the nation’s 122 weather forecast offices, including in Sacramento, California; Goodland, Kansas; and Jackson, Kentucky, anticipate reducing or discontinuing overnight operations within the next six weeks, according to Tom Fahy, director of the National Weather Service employee organization. He noted that over 52 of the weather forecast offices in the U.S. are experiencing staffing shortages exceeding 20%.

The National Weather Service has not provided additional details regarding staffing levels at its various offices.

“The National Weather Service remains committed to its mission of delivering life-saving forecasts, warnings, and decision support services to the public,” stated NOAA’s communications director, Kim Dester, in an email. “In the near future, NWS will update its service level standards for weather forecast offices to adapt to changes in human resources while prioritizing mission-essential operations.”

Last weekend, the Jackson office of Kentucky was put to the test during dangerous storms statewide. Fahy mentioned in an interview that staff worked overtime to manage the situation with “every available hand,” although the challenges were anticipated ahead of time.

“We had sufficient lead times in monitoring supercells,” Fahy explained, adding that unforeseen serious events could arise at any moment. “A severe thunderstorm has the potential to generate tornadoes and multiple tornadic activity, which can be difficult to predict.”

Meteorologists outside of the agency noted that forecasters in Jackson and other offices performed admirably during the tumultuous weekend but expressed concerns that operational pressures could overwhelm the already stretched staff.

“The tornado warnings were issued very effectively,” remarked Chris Vaguski, meteorologist and research program manager at Wisconet, a network of weather stations in Wisconsin, though he emphasized the uncertain long-term impact of staff fatigue.

“How do forecasters recover physically, mentally, and emotionally? Will this affect the quality of their warnings?” he inquired.

Vaguski noted that the warning time for tornadoes issued by the Jackson office exceeded 15 minutes, which is an improvement over the average performance.

Victor Gensini, a meteorology professor at Northern Illinois University, stated that while assessing the impact of staffing shortages is challenging, meteorological services may face declines in performance as fewer meteorologists are available for critical tasks.

“It’s challenging to evaluate performance based on a single significant event,” Gensini stated. “But we should prepare for a gradual decline in performance, though quantifying that impact may be difficult.”

Source: www.nbcnews.com

New Deep-Sea Flapjack Octopus Species Found Near Australia

Posted on May 21, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The Carnarvon Flapjack, known scientifically as opisthoteuthis carnarvonensis, is a newly identified species of octopus. This small, gelatinous octopus measures approximately 4 cm in diameter and features large eyes and vibrant blood-red tentacles.

Carnarvon Flapjack Octopus (opisthoteuthis carnarvonensis). Image credit: TJ Verhoeff, doi: 10.54102/ajt.c46g9.

The Flapjack Octopus belongs to the Opistrotidae family, making it a deep-sea octopod and part of the finned octopod sub-order known for its liver-like characteristics.

Globally, around 50 species are recognized, with 15 of them recorded in Australian waters.

These octopuses have the remarkable ability to flatten their bodies resembling pancakes or flapjacks, hence their common name, or they can appear as small, gelatinous umbrellas.

With disproportionately large eyes, they are well-equipped to spot prey in the dimly lit depths they inhabit.

Their diet mainly consists of worms and small crustaceans, which they catch using their tentacles.

Dr. Tristan Werhev, a systematic taxonomist from the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, stated, “The octopods of the Opistrotidae family are characterized by a distinct combination of external and internal features.”

He further described their anatomy, noting, “The very short dome-like mantle and terminal fins look visually different compared to their proportionately large eyes and thick arms.”

“Internally, they have branched optic nerves and an inner shell reminiscent of leaves (Gradius remnant). These features are shared only with the Cirroctopodidae family, which differs by having relatively large fins, no enlarged male suckers, and unique pallial intubation.”

Opisthoteuthis carnarvonensis is the 10th and latest species described based on specimens collected during the 2022 voyage of the Research Vessel (RV) Investigator.

During the month-long expedition, researchers employed advanced cameras, nets, and sleds to gather samples and capture images from deep-sea environments thousands of meters below the surface.

Five specimens used for the species description were collected from depths ranging between 1,044 and 1,510 m near Carnarvon Canyon and Gascoyne Marine Parks in Western Australia.

Dr. Venetia Joscelyne, a researcher at CSIRO Marine National Facilities, stated, “The 2022 voyage off Western Australia was crucial for enhancing our understanding of the region’s undersea habitats and biodiversity.”

She added, “For the first time, Carnarvon Canyon and Gascoyne Marine Park have been meticulously mapped and explored down to over 5,000 meters.”

“Conducting research in remote offshore or deep-sea environments is typically challenging; the RV Investigator provides researchers with an impressive array of tools for this purpose.”

“During just this single research voyage, we have observed many new species being identified.”

“Incredibly, scientists estimate that more than 1,000 new species remain to be described from specimens collected during RV Investigator voyages over the past decade.”

“These findings are crucial for aiding our understanding of the conservation needs of marine parks and for helping Australia preserve the natural value of its marine environments in the future.”

Dr. Verhoeff noted, “Australia exhibits a higher biodiversity of Dumbo octopus species compared to other nations, with many of these species documented or described in recent years.”

“The Carnarvon Flapjack Octopus is named after the location of its discovery and is solely known from the Carnarvon Canyon and Gascoyne Marine Parks off the coast of northwest Australia.”

“Their presence enhances the ecological significance of these recently established marine parks.”

“Such discoveries have greatly contributed to our knowledge of Australia’s deep-sea ecology and biodiversity.”

“Describing new species is also vital for future ecological research and assessing conservation populations.”

Dr. Lisa Kilkendale, a researcher at the Western Australian Museum, pointed out that a paper detailing the discovery was published this month in Australian Taxonomy.

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TJ Verhoeff. 2025. Flapjack Australia’s Octopod (Cephalopoda: opisthoteuthidae), Part II: Northwest Australia and adjacent seas. Australian Taxonomy 92:1-28; doi:10.54102/ajt.c46g9

Source: www.sci.news

Cretaceous Marine Deposits Reveal Evidence of a Massive Ancient Tsunami

Posted on May 20, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Significant amber deposits found in northern Japan may have been propelled from the forest into the sea by tsunamis occurring between 116 million and 114 million years ago during the early Cretaceous period. This is according to a recent study conducted by geological surveys at Japan and Chuo University.

Amber deposits from Sichuan Quarry in Hokkaido, northern Japan. Image credit: Kubota et al. , doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-96498-2.

Identifying traces of ancient tsunamis can be challenging, as the powerful waves tend to reshape coastlines. The sediment left behind often resembles deposits created by other high-energy events, like storms.

Nevertheless, amber, which originates on land and is then transported to the sea, acts as a historical record of tsunami occurrences, illuminating the physical processes influencing sediment movement during these events.

“A tsunami is a destructive ocean wave primarily caused by significant changes in submarine or coastal crust, as well as impacts from asteroids,” explains Dr. Aya Kubota, a researcher at geological surveys at Japan and Chuo University.

“They have been extensively studied during the Holocene (the last 11,700 years) due to their relevance in disaster prevention.”

“Aside from asteroid sediments, accurately identifying ancient tsunamis before major vegetation growth is extremely difficult for two key reasons.”

“First, coastal tsunami deposits are easily eroded in their dynamic environments. Second, well-defined criteria for identifying tsunami deposits have not been established, as they can be difficult to differentiate from other high-energy coastal events, such as cyclones.”

In their research, Dr. Kubota and colleagues examined amber-rich silica deposits from the Shiko River Quarry in northern Hokkaido, which formed during the early Cretaceous period around 115 million years ago.

Using fluorescence imaging, the authors discovered that the amber samples exhibited clear deformation in what is known as the flame structure. This occurs when the amber is still pliable at the time of deposition, allowing it to change shape before solidifying.

This suggests that a substantial quantity of amber was swiftly transported from land into the open ocean due to the backwash from one or more tsunamis, experiencing minimal exposure to air.

The amber then settled at the seabed, becoming covered with a layer of silt, which helped to preserve it.

“Other terrestrial sediments carried into open water could be instrumental in studying significant ancient catastrophic events, such as tsunamis,” the researchers concluded.

Their study was published in the journal Scientific Reports on May 15th.

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A. Kubota et al. 2025. Amber, a deep-sea sediment from the Cretaceous period, reveals a massive tsunami. Sci Rep 15, 14298; doi:10.1038/s41598-025-96498-2

Source: www.sci.news