Key Insights on the “Forever Chemicals” in Drinking Water

Posted on May 16, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

On Wednesday, the Environmental Protection Agency unveiled plans to roll back restrictions on harmful “forever chemicals” in drinking water, roughly a year after the Biden administration implemented its first-ever national standards.

Last year, the Biden administration introduced regulations that could reduce PFA exposure for millions. This initiative was part of a broader effort to enhance drinking water quality by creating rules to mandate the removal of toxic lead pipes and tackle the forever chemical issue following years of activism.

During President Donald Trump’s administration, there were fewer environmental regulations and increased development in the oil and gas sectors. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin has actioned the agenda by announcing a significant rollback of regulations.

We have learned about plans to eliminate certain PFA restrictions and extend deadlines for two of the most prevalent types. Here are some key points about PFAS chemicals and the EPA’s role.

What is PFA?

PFAS, or Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl substances, have existed for decades and are a group of chemicals that have contaminated the air, water, and soil across the country.

Manufactured by companies like 3M and Chemours, they have made eggs slide out of non-stick pans, helped firefighting foams extinguish flames, and allowed textiles to repel water.

However, these chemicals do not break down easily, leading to enduring environmental presence.

Why are they harmful to humans?

Activists have long warned about the health risks associated with PFAS before the dangers were acknowledged publicly. The same properties that make PFAS valuable—such as their resistance to degradation—pose significant health risks.

PFAS can accumulate in the human body. Consequently, the Biden administration has established limits on two common types, PFOA and PFOS, which continue to be found in the environment despite being phased out of production.

Exposure to certain PFAS has been linked to various health issues, including kidney disease, low birth weight, elevated cholesterol levels, and even certain cancers, according to the EPA.

Guidelines for PFOA and PFOS have significantly evolved in recent years, reflecting new scientific discoveries. For instance, the 2016 EPA recommended that combined levels of these two substances should not exceed 70 parts per trillion, while the Biden administration later deemed this amount unsafe.

Understanding the EPA’s actions

The EPA is planning to roll back restrictions on three types of PFAS, including less commonly known substances like GenX found predominantly in North Carolina, as well as PFHXS and PFNA. Furthermore, limits regarding PFAS mixtures are also set to be withdrawn.

Few utilities currently would be impacted by the easing of restrictions on these specific types of PFAS. Recent sampling showed that nearly 12% of U.S. water utilities exceed the Biden administration’s limits. However, many utilities are still addressing PFOA and PFOS challenges.

For the more commonly found types, PFOA and PFOS, the EPA will maintain existing restrictions but will provide an additional two years—until 2031—for utilities to comply.

Reactions to the announcement

Environmental groups argue that the EPA’s move to weaken regulations may be illegal. The Safe Drinking Water Act empowers the EPA to limit water contaminants and ensures that new rules do not loosen previous standards.

“The law clearly states that the EPA cannot abolish or weaken drinking water standards,” noted Eric Olson, a senior strategist with the nonprofit Natural Resources Defense Council.

Activists are largely critical of the EPA for not upholding Biden-era standards, warning that this could worsen public health issues.

Industry responses have varied. The American Chemistry Council questioned the scientific foundation of the Biden administration’s stricter rules, asserting that the Trump administration had prioritized cost considerations and scientific foundations.

“EPA actions only partially address this issue and are necessary to prevent significant community impacts and unintended consequences,” the industry group stated.

The American Water Works Association, representing two major utility industry groups, expressed support for the EPA’s decision to withdraw the new approach to limiting chemical mixtures, though they cautioned that this change would not significantly alleviate compliance costs associated with PFAS regulations.

Some utilities expressed a desire for stricter PFOA and PFOS limits, according to Mark White, a drinking water expert at engineering firm CDM Smith.

However, they received the extension instead.

“This will require additional time to handle the current knowledge, demanding more resources. Some utilities are still determining their existing situation.”

Source: www.nbcnews.com

When the Heat Dome Strikes Texas, Certain Cities Sizzle Hotter Than the Sahara

Posted on May 16, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Some areas in Texas will experience temperatures hotter than the Sahara desert this Thursday. Intense heat domes are driving temperatures sharply up to triple digits.

In the central and southern regions of Texas, the combined measurement of temperature and humidity is expected to reach “feel-like” temperatures between 105 and 108 degrees Fahrenheit on Thursday. These temperatures are hotter than parts of the Sahara Desert, where several cities in Morocco are forecasted to hit the high ’90s F.

Cities like Houston, San Antonio, and Austin in Texas have a chance of breaking daily temperature records on Thursday, with minimal relief anticipated from the Heat Dome in the coming days.

The oppressive heat and humidity are projected to persist through the weekend and into next week, as noted by the National Weather Service.

While Texans are accustomed to high heat and humidity, the current conditions are more typical of summer rather than May.

Heat advisories are in effect for Atascosa, Bexar, Frio, Medina, Uvalde, and Wilson counties until 8 PM local time. The National Weather Service warns that high temperatures combined with humidity “can lead to heat-related illnesses.”

As reported earlier this week on X, the weather authorities stated that people “will not adapt to this level of heat within a year, increasing the risk of heat-related health issues.”

This early heatwave has already set multiple records, with new daily highs reported in Austin and Del Rio, San Antonio, on Wednesday. Austin Bergstrom International Airport hit a record high of 100 F, surpassing the previous May 14 record of 96 F set in 2003. San Antonio recorded 102 F, breaking its previous record of 97 F from 2022.

Although it’s challenging to link specific extreme weather events to climate change, research indicates that global warming is increasing the frequency, duration, and intensity of heatwaves globally. Every decade since 1850 has seen its hottest years within the last ten years, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, with the last two years setting new global temperature records.

The extreme heat is expected to continue affecting parts of Texas and the southern and central regions through Friday and the weekend. The National Weather Service predicts that heat index values in Texas will range from 100 F to 110 F over Saturday and Sunday.

“Whatever way you look at it, this weekend is set to be extremely hot in southern Texas,” according to the long-term forecast.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Pennsylvania Baby Becomes First to Receive Personalized Gene Therapy

Posted on May 16, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

A baby born with rare and perilous genetic disorders has flourished thanks to an experimental gene editing treatment tailored specifically for him.

Researchers detailed the situation in a recent study, explaining that he initially received a personalized therapy aimed at rectifying a critical genetic flaw responsible for the death of half of affected infants. While wider availability of similar tailored treatments may take time, doctors remain optimistic. They believe that as genetic medicine advances, it can assist millions still facing rare conditions.

“This represents a pivotal advancement in gene editing therapy, addressing various uncommon genetic disorders that currently lack effective medical solutions,” stated Dr. Kiran Musnoor, a gene editing specialist from the University of Pennsylvania and co-author of the study recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

KJ Muldoon, from Clifton Heights, Pennsylvania, is among the 350 million people globally grappling with genetic issues. Shortly after birth, he was diagnosed with severe CPS1 deficiency, a condition estimated to affect about one in a million infants. These babies are unable to produce the enzymes required to eliminate ammonia from their systems, leading to toxic accumulation in the bloodstream. For some, liver transplants are a viable option.

Understanding KJ’s circumstances, his parents, Kyle and Nicole Muldoon, aged 34, were understandably anxious about the possibility of losing him.

“We evaluated all available options and posed numerous questions about potential liver transplants,”

“We prayed, consulted others, collected information, and ultimately decided this was the best path forward,” Kyle added.

In just six months, the team at Philadelphia Children’s Hospital and Penn Medicine, in collaboration with their partners, devised a treatment aimed at correcting KJ’s faulty genes. They utilized GIRSPR, a technique for which the inventor received the Nobel Prize in 2020. Rather than cutting DNA strands like earlier CRISPR methods, doctors implemented a technique that alters the “letter” (or base) of the mutated DNA, transforming it into the correct version. This approach, known as “base editing,” minimizes the chances of unintended genetic alterations.

St. Hill Boupalan, a gene therapy researcher at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, who was not part of the study, remarked that it is “incredibly thrilling” how quickly the treatment was developed. “This genuinely establishes a new benchmark for this approach.”

In February, KJ received his first IV injection of the gene editing therapy, delivered through small fatty droplets called lipid nanoparticles, which are absorbed by liver cells.

The atmosphere was filled with excitement on that day, but “he slept through the entire procedure,” Dr. Rebecca Ahrens-Nicklas, a gene therapy expert at CHOP, recalled.

Following subsequent doses in March and April, KJ began eating normally and recovered well from minor illnesses, such as colds. He has been on economical medications for the past 9½ months.

Given his grim prognosis initially, “each small milestone he reaches feels monumental for us,” his mother expressed.

Nonetheless, researchers caution that only a few months have passed. They need years of observation.

“We’re still in the early stages of comprehending the effects this drug has had on KJ,” Ahrens-Nicklas stated. “However, he demonstrates signs of growth and well-being daily.”

Researchers are hopeful that KJ’s case could provide insights beneficial to patients with other rare diseases.

While developing gene therapies can be tremendously pricey, they often focus on more prevalent conditions for financial viability. A broader patient base can enhance sales, assisting in covering development costs and yielding more profit. For instance, the first CRISPR therapy approved by the US Food and Drug Administration addresses sickle cell disease, a painful blood disorder impacting millions worldwide.

KJ Muldoon with parents Kyle and Nicole Muldoon and siblings after a follow-up dose of experimental gene editing therapy in April 2025 at the hospital.
Chloe Dawson/Philadelphia Children’s Hospital via the Associated Press

Musnoor mentioned that his team’s efforts—partially funded by the National Institutes of Health—demonstrate that customizing treatments does not necessarily have to be prohibitively expensive. He indicated that costs are “not far off” from the $800,000 average for a liver transplant and associated care.

“As we continue to develop these treatments and shorten the timeframes, we anticipate economies of scale, which will drive costs down,” Musnoor noted.

Scientists also emphasized that it isn’t necessary to repeat all initial steps each time a customized therapy is created, as noted by Boupalan. This study “paves the way” for other rare condition treatments.

Carlos Mores, a neurology professor at the University of Miami who was not involved in the study, stated that such research paves the way for future advancements.

For other teams to apply insights and move forward, “breakthroughs like this can spur progress quickly,” he remarked. “Though there are challenges ahead, I predict we will overcome them in the next five to ten years, leading the entire field to advance collectively.”

Source: www.nbcnews.com

This Machine Solves the Rubik’s Cube Faster Than Most Humans!

Posted on May 16, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Blink and you’ll miss it: Purdue University’s engineering students have developed a robot capable of solving a Rubik’s Cube in just 0.1 seconds.

This robot, dubbed “Purdubik’s Cube,” set a Guinness World Record last month. The record for the fastest robot to solve puzzle cubes was achieved with a time of 0.103 seconds, surpassing the prior record of 0.305 seconds set by Mitsubishi Electric Engineers in May 2024.

Located on Purdue’s campus in West Lafayette, Indiana, these robots utilize custom algorithms optimized for machine vision, speed, and industrial-grade motion control hardware for color recognition, as stated in a press release from Purdue University.

The Purdubik’s Cube team features a rapid robotic system that can solve scrambled Rubik’s Cubes in 0.103 seconds, including members Junpei Ota, Aiden Hurd, Matthew Patrohay, and Brock Berta.
Purdue

Formed by engineering students Junpei Ota, Aiden Hurd, Matthew Patrohay, and Brock Berta, the robots were initially created for the December 2024 Spark Challenge organized by Purdue’s Elmore Family School of Electrical and Computer Engineering. After clinching first place, the team aimed to enhance their robots with support from Purdue’s Laboratory for Control, Optimization and Networking.

The innovative Purdubik’s Cubes aren’t just a novelty; high-speed robotic systems like these are already being utilized across various industries, including manufacturing and packaging.

The Rubik’s Cube first emerged as a cultural sensation in the 1980s, only to wane in popularity during the 1990s. However, a surprising revival occurred thanks to the internet, spurring the development of SpeedCubing, where participants race to solve a 3 x 3 puzzle as quickly as possible.

Today, enthusiasts frequently attend events dedicated to solving Rubik’s Cubes in numerous styles. Nonetheless, no human can match the speed of Purdue’s robot. The current world record for human solvers is held by Max Park, who completed a cube in 3.13 seconds in 2023.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

A Baby with a Rare Disease Receives the World’s First Personalized CRISPR Gene Therapy

Posted on May 16, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Baby KJ Rebecca Affles Nicklas and Kiran Musnul after gene editing injection with researchers

Philadelphia Children’s Hospital

A young boy afflicted with a serious genetic disorder is set to be the first recipient of personalized CRISPR gene editing treatments, offering a glimpse into the potential future of medicine.

This groundbreaking event marks the first instance of an individual receiving a gene editing therapy tailored to correct unique mutations contributing to their illness. Rebecca Ahrens-Nicklas explained during a press briefing held at Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, “He is showing early signs of progress,” though she noted that it’s premature to determine the complete effectiveness of the treatment.

Researchers released information promptly, aiming to motivate others, as stated by team member Kiran Musnur at the University of Pennsylvania. “We sincerely hope that demonstrating the feasibility of personalized gene editing therapy for one patient within a few months will encourage additional efforts in this area,” he remarked.

“When I refer to this as the future of medicine, I believe I’m stating a fact,” he emphasized. “This is a crucial step towards employing gene editing therapies to address a range of rare genetic disorders that currently lack viable treatment options.”

KJ inherited mutations on both alleles of a liver enzyme gene known as CPS1. The absence of this enzyme leads to ammonia accumulating in the bloodstream, posing a risk of brain damage during the breakdown of dietary proteins. According to Ahrens-Nicklas, over half of children born with CPS1 deficiency do not survive.

She and Musnur are developing therapies targeting this condition by focusing on the liver, allowing them to rapidly formulate a basic editing therapy that modifies one of KJ’s two CPS1 gene copies.

The team engaged with US regulatory bodies early in the process. “They recognized the exceptional nature of this situation,” Musnur stated. “KJ was critically ill and time was of the essence. Following our official submission to the FDA [Food and Drug Administration] when KJ was six months old, we received approval within just a week.”

KJ underwent initial low-dose treatment at six months in February 2025, followed by higher doses in March and April. He is now able to consume more protein than before, albeit while still taking other medications for his condition.

Ideally, children should receive treatment earlier to mitigate long-term damages linked to conditions like CPS1 deficiency. As reported by New Scientist, Musnur has ambitions to enable gene editing in humans prior to birth one day.

In contrast, other gene editing therapies are designed for broader applications, aiming to work for many individuals irrespective of the specific mutations causing their condition. For instance, the first approved gene editing treatment for sickle cell disease functions by enhancing fetal hemoglobin production, rather than altering the mutations in adult hemoglobin responsible for the disorder. Despite being a “one-size-fits-all” solution, it comes at a price of £1,651,000 per treatment in the UK, as noted by Each treatment course costs £1,651,000.

KJ with his family after treatment

Philadelphia Children’s Hospital

Custom treatments can be significantly more costly. Musnur mentioned that he cannot provide exact figures for KJ’s treatment due to the extensive pro bono work by the involved companies. However, he is optimistic about a decline in costs. “As we enhance our methods, we can anticipate economies of scale, leading to a substantial reduction in prices,” he stated.

One barrier to the development of personalized gene editing therapies has been the regulatory perspective, which previously treated therapies targeting different mutations within the same gene as separate entities. This necessitated restarting the approval process for each mutation individually. However, there’s a growing movement towards a platform approach, allowing broader approvals for treatments targeting various mutations.

“Platform-based methods, like CRISPR gene editing, offer scalable solutions for even the rarest diseases, as exemplified by KJ’s case,” stated Nick Mead from Genetic Alliance UK, a charity that advocates for individuals with rare conditions. “This development finally renders treatment a plausible possibility for countless families.”

topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Why Watch Eurovision When We Can Dance for Your PhD Contest?

Posted on May 15, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Feedback brings you the freshest updates on science and technology. To share intriguing items that you think will pique the interest of our readers, please email Feedback@newscientist.com.

Exciting News!

The grand finale of this year’s Eurovision Song Contest is set for Saturday, May 17th. However, there seems to be a lack of interest in this year’s Feedback JR, making it easier for some to skip the event altogether. We fully support the contest’s welcoming spirit, though many of the entries may be quite challenging for our ears.

But why bother with Eurovision when we have a winner from this year? The Dancing PhD contest invites researchers to present their findings through interpretive dance, and it has been a tradition since 2008. It might provide valuable inspiration for countries struggling to engage participants for Eurovision.

This year’s winning choreography was crafted by Slo Lucca from the University of Helsinki, who focuses on chemical research. Lucca’s work explores diverse sensations related to taste and smell, such as the heat of chili peppers and the coolness of menthol. A video showcases a performance set to an energetic tune reminiscent of “Lady Gaga,” highlighted by the recurring phrase “Hot! Hot! Hot!” The routine creatively incorporates laboratory settings, costume changes, acrobatics (with Lucca being lifted a la Kylie Minogue), and vibrant colors.

What on earth happened with the UK’s Eurovision entry?

What’s surprising about this routine is that it hasn’t competed in Eurovision yet. The only hurdle is that the song was inspired by Dr. Slo Lucca, Sanpo Marjama, and Ai Shaman Jami Piecilla, hinting at a potential AI composition, which might provoke concerns from Eurovision officials.

If Eurovision isn’t feasible, perhaps “dance your PhD” could make its debut on TikTok. Science recently shared a snippet of Roukka’s performance on their TikTok account, but the contest is largely absent from the platform, which is typically known for singing and dancing trends.

Is Watts in Charge?

An email from John Harper from Wellington’s Victoria University in New Zealand brought our attention to an intriguing case of “double nominal determinism.” The country’s Minister of Energy is Simon Watts, who sounds like he has his work cut out for him. Simon Watt.

“Both figures need more than just two watts to keep the lights on,” John observes.

Can you imagine their kids’ wedding?

The World’s Top Polymers

I view feedback as encompassing a wide array of interests: science, history, music, films, video games, and ASMR videos, unless they involve chewing sounds. It captures a blend of the vastness that occupies our minds. Naturally, this means that feedback isn’t truly an expert on anything aside from elongating simple concepts to fill paragraphs, regardless of clarity.

Yet, Bruce Dury certainly stands out. “I recently found out that I’m considered quite a significant polymer expert internationally,” he remarked. This revelation comes from receiving numerous invitations to conferences covering a wide range of topics, from chemistry to social studies.

For clarity, Bruce is undoubtedly a polymath. He is a genealogist and author who presents on BBC radio. What connects him to fields like chemistry and cancer research is a mystery to both him and us.

But that’s not all. His “Encyclopaedic Eminence” has led to invitations for submissions to many journals “aiming to feature the best contributions from noteworthy individuals just like you,” and to describe him as “one of the leading experts in the field” with “somewhat hyperbolic praise.”

Bruce provided a comprehensive list of these journals. Initially, we considered sharing his full list, but given the multitude of complex terms, it would have filled the columns. (Our lawyers advised against it.) They ranged from archaeology and family medicine to infrastructure and posthumanism.

Lastly, Bruce was offered yet another academic distinction: “I am ‘very invited’ to become the editor-in-chief of a new but obscure journal from the EuroAsia Academic Alliance. I could even start my own journal – a feat accomplished by 58 academics just last month.

Don’t overlook the molecular biologists like Richard Sever from the Cold Spring Harbor Institute in New York, who has been invited to join the editorial committee for the journal Behavioral Neuroscience Dance. As he noted on BlueSky: “I can’t envision anyone less qualified than myself – except perhaps those managing the journal…”

We are indeed in a remarkable new era where scientific journals and conferences are marketed much like Nigerian princes and cryptocurrencies.

As Bruce says, “Publication without oversight is one thing, but at least such predators should be subtle?”

Have you shared your thoughts?
You can send your stories to feedback@newscientist.com. Make sure to include your home address. This week’s feedback, along with past entries, can be accessed on our website.

Source: www.newscientist.com

When it comes to crime, safety can’t be solved by algorithms.

Posted on May 15, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Simone Rotella

The UK government has introduced an AI-driven crime prediction tool that identifies individuals deemed “high risk” for potential violence based on personal histories such as mental health and addiction, representing a controversial new development.

Meanwhile, in Argentina, authorities are launching an Artificial Intelligence Unit for Security aimed at utilizing machine learning for predicting crime and monitoring in real-time. In Canada, cities like Toronto and Vancouver employ ClearView AI’s predictive policing systems alongside facial recognition technology. In several U.S. cities, AI facial recognition is integrated with street surveillance to identify suspects.

The notion of predicting violence mimics the vision presented in Minority Report, which is compelling; however, …

Source: www.newscientist.com

Research on Modeling Unveils New Insights into Venus’ Crust

Posted on May 15, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Planetary scientists initially believed that Earth’s outer crust would become thicker over time, particularly due to the perceived absence of forces pushing it back into the planet’s interior. However, researchers from Open University, NASA’s Johnson Space Center, and the Lunar and Planetary Institute suggest that processes involved in crustal transformation, centered around rock density and melting cycles, offer a different perspective.

An artistic interpretation of active volcanoes on Venus illustrates a subduction zone where the foreground crust of a topographical groove descends into the planet’s interior. Image credits: NASA/JPL-Caltech/Peter Rubin.

The earth’s crust is rock-like and composed of massive, slowly migrating plates that fold and create faults through a process known as plate tectonics.

For instance, when two plates collide, a lighter plate can slide over a denser plate, forcing it downward towards the underlying mantle.

This phenomenon, referred to as subduction, plays a crucial role in regulating the thickness of the Earth’s crust.

As the rocks penetrate deeper into the planet’s interior, they undergo transformations due to increased temperature and pressure, a process known as metamorphosis, which is one contributing factor to volcanic activity.

“Conversely, Venus consists of a singular skin with no signs of subduction seen in Earth’s plate tectonics,” noted Justin Filibert, PhD, associate director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center for Astromaterial Research and Exploration Sciences.

Through modeling, Dr. Filibert and his team found that Venus’s crust averages about 40 km (25 miles) thick, with some areas reaching up to 65 km (40 miles).

“This is surprisingly thin compared to Earth’s conditions,” Dr. Filibert remarked.

“Our model suggests that as the crust thickens, it becomes so dense at the bottom that it either breaks off to merge with the mantle or heats up enough to melt.”

“Thus, while Venus lacks movable plates, its crust still goes through metamorphosis.”

“This finding marks a significant advancement in understanding geological processes and planetary evolution.”

“The breaking and melting of crustal materials can reintroduce water and elements back into the planet’s interior, fueling volcanic activity.”

“We are developing a new model for how materials are recycled within the planet, providing insights into the processes that can trigger volcanic eruptions of lava and gases.”

“It reshapes our understanding of how Venus’ geology, crust, and atmosphere interact.”

“The forthcoming phase involves gathering direct data on Venus’s crust to test and refine these models.”

“The extent of volcanic activity on Venus remains uncertain.”

“While we postulate numerous volcanic phenomena, research indicates a need for extensive data to validate our assumptions.”

Relevant survey findings will be published in the journal Nature Communications.

____

J. Semprich et al. 2025. The thickness of the earth’s crust and the transformation of Venus as a driver for recycling. Nat Commun 16, 2905; doi:10.1038/s41467-025-58324-1

Source: www.sci.news

How Intricate Plants Have Transformed the Oceans

Posted on May 15, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Over 350 million years ago, the initial forest began to emerge on Earth, transforming its planetary environment. Geologists refer to this time as the Late Paleozoic period. Recent studies have proposed that the development of land plants initiated a series of events that reconstructed atmospheric and marine oxygen levels, as well as marine ecosystems.

Multiple oxygenation events have been recorded throughout Earth’s history. A significant event, marked by the presence of photosynthetic aquatic bacteria known as Cyanobacteria, occurred around 2.4 billion years ago, releasing a substantial amount of oxygen into the atmosphere. Further neoproterozoic oxygenation events between 85 and 540 million years ago exhibited increases in atmospheric oxygen, creating conditions favorable for animals and multicellular life. Researchers suggest that oxygen levels remained low until land plants proliferated in the Devonian period, leading to the Paleozoic oxygenation events.

While scientists generally concur that the explosion of complex plant life elevated atmospheric oxygen through photosynthesis, the precise timing and causes of Paleozoic oxygenation events remain unclear. Biogeochemists who modeled this event produced inconsistent timing estimates due to limited data constraints. Without a defined timeline, it is challenging for researchers to determine the nature of these events.

To tackle this issue, researchers from Australia and Canada analyzed various coral reefs that formed at the edge of the seas during the Devonian period. They studied chemical records of oxidation and reduction reactions in Carbonate rocks, which preserve the chemical signatures of their marine environments upon formation. The focus was on chemical properties that can indicate ocean oxygen concentrations, specifically the oxidation and redox conditions, by examining various carbonate rocks from shallow and deep waters to assess oxygen alterations at approximately 200 meters deep (or 650 feet).

The research team developed a novel method for analyzing past marine redox conditions by measuring the presence of elements like cerium (CE) in carbonate rocks. This choice was made because cerium’s behavior in seawater varies with oxygen levels. Coral reef organisms construct carbonate rocks from carbonates dissolved in seawater. In oxygen-rich conditions, minerals such as magnesium oxide and oxides absorb cerium, lowering its concentration in seawater, leading to a negative cerium anomaly in associated carbonates. Conversely, when seawater lacks oxygen, these oxides fail to form, allowing CE to remain in the seawater and become incorporated into the carbonate. By analyzing cerium anomalies in carbonates, the researchers could estimate shallow marine oxygen level changes over time.

The researchers sampled coral reefs from the Cambrian period (541 to 485 million years ago), the period from 419 to 359 million years ago, and the Mississippi period (359 to 323 million years ago) across Australia, Canada, and Ireland. They measured the CE abundance in these rocks using techniques known as mass spectroscopy. Following this, CE anomalies were calculated for each sample.

Findings indicated that CE anomalies generally decreased from Cambrian to Mississippi samples, signifying an increase in shallow marine oxygen levels. The study also revealed that each period exhibited distinct CE profiles. The earliest carbonate samples from the Cambrian to Devonian periods displayed weak CE anomalies and low marine oxygen levels, whereas samples from the Upper Devonian to Mississippi revealed notable CE anomalies and higher oxygen levels. Within the Mississippi samples, variability in oxygen levels was highlighted, with differing CE anomalies reported.

The team suggested that the various CE anomalies from the late Mississippi period indicated unstable shallow water conditions. Their chemical analyses proposed that earlier oxygenation events were not permanent, resulting in climate fluctuations and low biogeochemical conditions deeper in the ocean. Consequently, when oxygen-depleted water surged to shallower regions, it led to mass extinctions by creating inhospitable conditions for the dominant fauna of the time. They speculated that extinctions could have resulted from increased nutrient runoff due to the expansion of deep-rooted land forests.

In conclusion, the researchers indicated that the evolution of land plants would lead to a reduction in atmospheric carbon dioxide and an increase in oxygen levels. This rise in marine oxygen would create a livable environment for oxygen-dependent species, including fish, setting the stage for complex evolutionary advancements and a diverse array of modern marine life.

Post view: 46

Source: sciworthy.com

Compounds in Chocolate and Tea Could Help Reduce Blood Pressure

Posted on May 15, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

A naturally occurring compound known as flavan-3-ol, present in cocoa, tea, apples, and grapes, has been shown to enhance blood pressure and vascular health, according to a recent meta-analysis conducted by researchers at the University of Surrey involving 145 prior studies.

Flavan-3-OL-rich foods and supplements, similar to medications, are regularly consumed, particularly by those with high blood pressure, to help lower blood pressure. Image credit: Lagou et al., doi: 10.1093/eurjpc/zwaf173.

“Flavan-3-ol found in cocoa, tea, and various fruits shows potential in enhancing blood pressure and vascular function, but is not yet utilized for cardiovascular prevention,” stated Professor Christian Heiss, the lead author of the study from the University of Surrey.

“Our meta-analysis evaluated how flavan-3-ol-rich interventions impact blood pressure and endothelial function.”

In the meta-analysis, the researchers examined data from 145 randomized controlled trials published between 1946 and 2024.

The findings indicated that regular intake of flavan-3-OLs could lead to reductions in blood pressure readings, particularly among individuals with elevated blood pressure or hypertension.

Some results showed that the average decrease in blood pressure was comparable to that produced by certain medications.

Additionally, flavan-3-ol was found to enhance endothelial function (the inner layer of blood vessels), which is crucial for overall cardiovascular health.

This improvement occurs independently of blood pressure changes, suggesting a broad positive impact on circulatory health.

“These results are promising for those seeking a simple way to manage blood pressure and support heart health through enjoyable dietary adjustments,” Professor Heiss added.

“Incorporating small amounts of commonly enjoyed foods such as tea, apples, dark chocolate, and cocoa powder into a balanced daily diet can provide beneficial flavan-3-ol levels.”

“While it should not replace prescribed medications or medical guidance, it can be a beneficial addition to a healthy lifestyle, particularly for individuals with high blood pressure, by incorporating flavan-3-ol-rich foods into their daily routine.”

“These encouraging findings warrant further research.”

A paper discussing the survey results has been published in the European Journal of Preventive Psychology.

____

Vasiriki Ragou et al. Effect of flavan-3-OL on blood pressure and endothelial function in various populations: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. European Journal of Preventive Psychology Published online on March 24th, 2025. doi: 10.1093/eurjpc/zwaf173

Source: www.sci.news

Weather Update from Titan, Saturn’s Moon: Partly Cloudy with Intermittent Methane Rain

Posted on May 15, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

With data from the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope and the Keck II telescope, astronomers have found signs of cloud convection in Titan’s northern hemisphere. The majority of Titan’s lakes and oceans are situated in this region, replenished by sporadic rains of methane and ethane. Webb has also identified essential carbon-containing molecules that offer insight into Titan’s intricate atmospheric chemical processes.

These Titan images taken by Webb on July 11, 2023 show the Keck II telescope on July 14, 2023 (lower row), showing methane clouds (white arrows) appearing at various altitudes in Titan’s northern hemisphere. Image credit: NASA/ESA/CSA/STSCI/KECK Observatory.

Titan is a fascinating world enveloped in a yellowish smog haze. Its atmosphere, primarily composed of nitrogen, experiences weather patterns similar to those on Earth, such as clouds and rain.

In contrast to Earth, where weather is influenced by the evaporation and condensation of water, Titan’s chilly environment features a methane cycle.

Methane evaporates from the surface, rising into the atmosphere to condense into clouds.

Occasionally, icy particles fall to solid surfaces as a form of cold, oily rain.

“The Goddard Space Flight Center involves astronomers,” stated Dr. Connn Nixon, an astronomer at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center.

Utilizing both Webb and Keck II telescopes, Dr. Nixon and his team observed Titan in November 2022 and July 2023.

These observations revealed cloud formations in the northern and high northern latitudes of Titan, coinciding with its current summer, and indicated that these clouds were gradually rising to higher altitudes.

Previous research identified cloud convection in southern latitudes, marking the first evidence of similar convection in the northern hemisphere.

This finding is crucial, as most of Titan’s lakes and oceans are located in the northern hemisphere, making evaporation from these bodies of water a primary source for methane.

On Earth, the troposphere, the lowest atmospheric layer, extends to about 12 km in altitude.

However, due to Titan’s low gravity, its troposphere stretches to approximately 45 km.

By utilizing various infrared filters, Webb and Keck explored different atmospheric depths on Titan, enabling astronomers to estimate cloud altitudes.

Researchers noted that clouds seemed to migrate to higher altitudes over a few days, although direct observation of precipitation remains elusive.

“Webb’s observation occurred at the end of Titan’s summer, a season we couldn’t monitor during the NASA/ESA Cassini-Huygens mission,” remarked ESA researcher Dr. Thomas Cornet.

“Combined with ground-based observations, Webb is providing us with valuable new insights into Titan’s atmosphere. This ESA mission could explore the Saturn system in greater detail in the future.”

Titan is of significant astrobiological interest due to its intricate organic (carbon-containing) chemistry, despite its frigid temperatures of minus 180 degrees Celsius.

Organic molecules are the building blocks of life on Earth, and studying them in an environment like Titan may help scientists uncover the processes that contributed to the emergence of life on our planet.

Methane serves as a fundamental component driving much of Titan’s chemistry.

In Titan’s atmosphere, methane is broken down by sunlight or energetic electrons from Saturn’s magnetosphere, leading to the synthesis of ethane-like substances alongside more complex carbon-containing molecules.

The data from Webb provided a crucial missing piece for comprehending these chemical processes: the definitive detection of methyl radicals (CH)₃, which form when methane breaks apart.

Identifying this compound signifies that scientists can now observe chemical reactions occurring on Titan for the first time, not just the initial ingredients or the end products.

“We are very enthusiastic about this world,” said Dr. Stephanie Millam, a researcher at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center.

This hydrocarbon chemistry will have lasting implications for Titan’s future.

As methane decomposes in the upper atmosphere, some of it recombines to form other molecules, eventually reaching Titan’s surface in one chemical form or another, while some hydrogen escapes into space.

As a result, methane reserves will diminish over time unless there is a source to replenish them.

A similar phenomenon has occurred on Mars, where water molecules were broken down, and the resulting hydrogen was lost to space, culminating in the arid desert planet we observe today.

“In Titan, methane is continuously consumable,” Dr. Nixon explained.

“It could be constantly replenished from the crust and interior for billions of years.”

“If not, eventually it will all disappear, leaving Titan as a desolate landscape of dust and dunes.”

These findings were published in the journal Natural Astronomy.

____

Kanixon et al. The atmosphere of Titan in late northern summer from JWST and Keck’s observations. Nature Astronomy Published online on May 14th, 2025. doi:10.1038/s41550-025-02537-3

Source: www.sci.news

Chimpanzee Medical Care and Hygiene Are More Common Than You Might Think

Posted on May 15, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Primatologists have recorded and examined both previously noted and newly observed instances of self-administered and socially oriented wound care, snare removal, and potential medicinal hygiene behaviors within the Sonso and Waibira chimpanzee communities of the Budonggo forests in Uganda. They documented self-directed wound care actions, such as licking wounds, slapping leaves, pushing fingers against wounds, applying plant material to injuries, and successfully removing snares. The researchers also noted self-guided hygiene behaviors, including cleaning genital areas with koital leaves and wiping foliage post-defense.

Social grooming between two chimpanzees in Budonggo forest, Uganda. Image credit: Elodie Freymann.

“Our research sheds light on the evolutionary origins of human medicine and healthcare systems,” stated the first author of the study, Dr. Elodie Freyman, a researcher at Oxford University.

“By observing how chimpanzees identify and utilize medicinal plants to care for others, we can gain valuable insights into the cognitive and social foundations of human medical practices.”

Dr. Freyman and his team focused their study on the Sonso and Waibira chimpanzee communities in Budonggo forest.

Like all chimpanzees, individuals in these communities face injuries from various causes, including human-instigated fights, accidents, or snares.

Approximately 40% of all Sonso individuals are observed with snare injuries.

The researchers dedicated four months to each community’s observation, employing video evidence from a comprehensive APE dictionary database, a logbook filled with decades of observational data, and research gathered by other scientists who have witnessed chimpanzees treating injuries and illnesses.

Chimpanzees have been noted to use specific plants for external treatment. Some have been identified to possess chemical properties that enhance wound healing and traditional medicinal applications.

During their field observations, scientists noted 12 injuries at Sonso, all likely resulting from group conflicts.

In Wyvila, five chimpanzees were documented as injured—one female from a snare and four males from combat.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Amnbsz6uvfq

Researchers also recognized that care was provided for their offspring rather than Waibira.

“This may be influenced by factors like variations in social hierarchy stability and greater observation opportunities in the well-acquainted Sonso community,” noted Dr. Freyman.

The scientists recorded a total of 41 care instances: seven instances of prosocial care and 34 instances of self-care.

These instances frequently involved various care behaviors, whether addressing different aspects of a wound or indicating the chimpanzee’s personal preferences.

“Chimpanzee wound care involves several techniques, which can remove debris and apply potentially antibacterial substances, possibly even antibiotics from their saliva.”

“All chimpanzees documented in our study exhibited recovery from their wounds, yet we are unable to determine the outcome had they chosen not to address their injuries.”

“We also recorded hygienic behaviors such as using leaves to clean the genitals post-mating and wiping the anus with leaves after defecation—practices that serve to prevent infections.”

Among the seven instances of prosocial care, the researchers noted four instances of wound treatment, two instances of assistance in snare removal, and one instance involving hygiene help for another chimpanzee.

Care was administered without preference towards a specific gender or age group. Attention was given to genetically unrelated individuals in four cases.

“These behaviors contribute to evidence from other areas where chimpanzees appear to acknowledge the needs and sufferings of others and take deliberate actions to alleviate them, even in the absence of direct genetic advantages,” Dr. Freyman stated.

The research team intends to delve deeper into the social and ecological contexts in which care is provided and which individuals are recipients of such care.

“There are some methodological limitations in our study,” Dr. Freyman added.

“The disparity in familiarity between the Sonso and Waibira communities introduces observational bias, particularly regarding rare behaviors like prosocial healthcare.”

“We have documented the plants used in healthcare contexts, but further pharmacological exploration is necessary to confirm their specific medicinal characteristics and efficacy.”

“The relative rarity of prosocial healthcare also complicates the process of identifying patterns related to when and why such care is provided, or when it is withheld.”

“These challenges underscore future research avenues in this burgeoning field.”

Study published in the journal Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution.

____

Elodie Freymann et al. 2025. Self-direction and prosocial wound care, snare removal, and hygienic behavior among Budongo chimpanzees. Front. Ecol. Evol. 13; doi:10.3389/fevo.2025.154092

Source: www.sci.news

Webb Discovers Crystallized Water Ice in Debris Disks Surrounding Young Sun-Like Stars

Posted on May 15, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Water ice plays a crucial role in the formation of giant planets and can also be delivered by comets to fully developed rocky planets. Utilizing data from the Near-infrared spectrometer (NIRSPEC), which is part of the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope, astronomers have identified crystallized ice on a dusty fragment disk surrounding HD 181327.

Artist impression of a debris disk around the sun-like star HD 181327. Image credits: NASA/ESA/CSA/STSCI/RALF CRAWFORD, STSCI.

HD 181327 is a young main sequence star located approximately 169 light years away in the constellation Pictor.

Also referred to as TYC 8765-638-1 and WISE J192258.97-543217.8, the star is about 23 million years old and roughly 30% larger than the Sun.

Astronomer Chen Zai and a team at Johns Hopkins University utilized Webb’s NIRSPEC instrument to study HD 181327.

“The HD 181327 system is highly dynamic,” Dr. Xie noted.

“There are ongoing collisions occurring within the debris disk.”

“When these icy bodies collide, they release tiny particles of dusty water ice, which are ideally sized for Webb to detect.”

Webb’s observations reveal a significant gap between the star and its surrounding debris disk, indicating a considerable area devoid of dust.

Moreover, the structure of the fragment disk is reminiscent of the Kuiper Belt within our Solar System, where we find dwarf planets, comets, and various icy and rocky bodies that may also collide.

Billions of years ago, the Kuiper Belt in our own Solar System could have resembled the HD 181327 debris disk.

“Webb clearly detected crystallized water ice not only present in the debris disk but also in places like Saturn’s rings and the icy bodies of the Kuiper Belt,” Dr. Xie stated.

The water ice is not uniformly distributed across the HD 181327 system.

The majority is found in the coldest and most distant regions from the star.

“The area beyond the debris disk contains over 20% water ice,” Dr. Xie explained.

Near the center of the debris disk, Webb detected approximately 8% water ice.

In this region, frozen water particles may form slightly faster than they are destroyed.

Closest to the star, Webb’s detection was minimal.

Ultraviolet radiation from the star can evaporate the nearby water ice deposits.

It is also possible that the interiors contain rocky bodies, referred to as planets, which are “confined” such that their frozen water remains undetectable by Webb.

“The presence of ice facilitates planetary formation,” said Dr. Xie.

“Icy materials can ultimately contribute to the delivery of resources to terrestrial planets that may form over hundreds of millions of years in such systems.”

Survey results were published in the May 14, 2025 issue of the journal Nature.

____

C. Xie et al. 2025. Water ice on debris disks around HD181327. Nature 641, 608-611; doi:10.1038/s41586-025-08920-4

Source: www.sci.news

Solar Storms Disrupt Communication and Power Systems

Posted on May 15, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The sun has unleashed its power with two significant flares occurring early Wednesday, just a day after NASA’s Observatory captured a stunning image of another solar flare.

These consecutive eruptions are among the strongest recorded, reportedly causing shortwave radio blackouts across at least five continents. This week’s explosive activity may signal an increase in solar activity.

The Sun Storm reached its peak around 4:25 AM ET on Wednesday, when a massive X-class flare ejected plasma streams and charged particles into space.

“Flares of this magnitude are uncommon,” stated an official from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Center. I included this information in the event summary.

Solar flares are categorized into five classes based on their intensity. The smallest flares are A-class storms, followed by B-class, C-class, M-class, and the most potent X-class. Each letter represents a tenfold increase in energy compared to the previous class, as explained by NASA.

In addition to the letter classification, scientists use a scale from 1 to 9 to describe the intensity of solar storms.

NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory captured this image of a solar flare on May 13, 2025.
NASA/SDO

During the solar tempest on Wednesday, the Space Weather Prediction Center recorded an X2.7 flare before 4:30 AM and an M5.3 flare just hours earlier.

Another X1.2 flare erupted the previous day around 11:38 AM ET, according to NASA. The Solar Dynamics Observatory, launched in 2010, captured a breathtaking image of this fiery event, showcasing the X-Class flares’ dramatic tendrils.

Intense solar storms pose dangers to astronauts in space and can disrupt GPS systems and satellites. If these storms are directed towards Earth, they send a surge of charged particles that can interfere with radio communications and even the power grid.

Since Tuesday, shortwave radio blackouts have been reported in parts of North America, South America, Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. According to Spaceweather.com, a website managed by astronomer Tony Phillips, the daily activities of the Sun are closely monitored.

Sean Dahl, a forecaster at NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center, noted that the X2.7 flare impacted the Middle East, resulting in disruptions of high-frequency radio signals in the area for about 10 minutes during the storm’s peak.

Aside from the potential for “[high-frequency] Communication Disruptions Due to shortwave fading issues, we are not aware of any other significant effects,” Dahl stated.

However, solar storms can also have more benign consequences for Earth, such as enhanced displays of the Aurora. When charged particles collide with the Earth’s magnetic field and interact with atoms in the upper atmosphere, they can create spectacular auroras at lower latitudes than usual.

Scientists indicated last year that we have entered a busy phase of the sun’s natural 11-year cycle. This period of heightened activity, known as the solar maximum, is expected to continue until this year, suggesting more solar storms may occur in the coming months.

Dahl mentioned that this Wednesday’s flare was the strongest so far, but not the largest in the current solar activity cycle. That title belongs to the Monster Flare – an X9.0 Eruption that occurred on October 3, 2024.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Ancient Reptile Footprints Challenge Theories on Land Animal Evolution Timing

Posted on May 15, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Researchers in Australia have discovered the oldest known fossil footprint of reptile-like animals, dating back roughly 350 million years ago.

This discovery implies that the first animals began emerging from the oceans around 400 million years ago and adapted to terrestrial life much quicker than previously thought.

Stuart Smida, a paleontologist from California State University, remarked, “I believed the transition from fins to limbs took more time.”

Before this, the oldest known reptile footprints were found in Canada and dated to 318 million years ago.

The ancient footprints were uncovered in sandstone slabs near Melbourne, revealing reptile-like feet with elongated toes and claws.

Scientists estimate that the creature was about 2.5 feet long (80 cm) and might resemble a modern monitor lizard. These findings were published on Wednesday in the journal Nature.

Co-authors and paleontologists, including Arlberg from Uppsala University in Sweden, indicated that the evidence showcases the identification of nails surrounding the footprint.

“It’s a walking animal,” he stated.

Located near Melbourne, Australia, sandstone slabs reveal fossil footprints of reptile-like creatures that roamed approximately 350 million years ago. The footprint is highlighted in yellow (front paw) and blue (back paw), indicating the movement of three similar animals, according to the researchers.
Grzegorz Niedzwiedzki / Prof. Per Per Erik Ahlberg via AP

Only animals that evolved to live entirely on land developed the claws seen in these fossils. Earlier vertebrates, such as fish and amphibians, did not have hard claws and depended on aquatic environments for laying eggs.

In contrast, branches of the evolutionary tree leading to modern reptiles, birds, and mammals, known as amniotes, developed feet equipped with claws suited for traversing dry ground.

Smida commented, “This is the earliest evidence we’ve encountered of animals with claws.”

During the time these ancient reptiles existed, the environment was warm and humid, with expansive forests beginning to take shape. Australia was then part of the supercontinent Gondwana.

The fossil footprints tell a story of a day in the life, Ahlberg explained. A reptile fled across the ground before light rain; some rain droplets lightly obscured the tracks. Subsequently, two more reptiles dashed in opposing directions before the ground hardened and became covered with sediment.

Co-author John Long, a paleontologist at Flinders University in Australia, stated:

Source: www.nbcnews.com

HHS Reinstates Hundreds of Healthcare Workers

Posted on May 15, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

On Tuesday, the Department of Health and Human Services reinstated 328 federal employees who were at risk of termination, including those working on coal miners’ “black lung” disease evaluations and those addressing health concerns for 9/11 first responders.

These reinstated employees are affiliated with the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), a branch of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, dedicated to preventing and managing work-related health issues.

The Trump administration had previously aimed to eliminate a significant portion of NIOSH’s 1,300+ staff as part of a broader initiative to downsize the federal workforce.

In April and May, numerous NIOSH employees received termination letters, although some were temporarily reassigned for specific tasks. A memo from NBC News indicated that HHS’s acting chief human resources officer, Tom Nagy, informed staff on Tuesday about the revocation of those termination notices.

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testifies Wednesday in Washington.
Samuel Column/Getty Images

During a House budget hearing on Wednesday morning, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. confirmed that 328 NIOSH employees had been reinstated. Approximately one-third of these employees are based in Morgantown, West Virginia, with another third located in Cincinnati where NIOSH has two facilities.

“Committee Kennedy has worked diligently to preserve key components of NIOSH,” stated a CDC spokesperson. “The Trump administration remains committed to supporting coal miners and firefighters, and under the Secretary’s leadership, NIOSH’s essential services will continue as HHS streamlines its operations. Ensuring workforce health and safety is a paramount concern for the department.”

The Morgantown facility houses the NIOSH Respiratory Hygiene Department, which manages programs that offer free x-rays to detect miners’ “black lungs” or lung damage caused by prolonged exposure to coal dust. A U.S. District Judge in West Virginia mandated HHS on Tuesday to restore the department and continue monitoring coal miners’ health. Representative Riley Moore, R-W.Va., noted during a House Budget hearing that 111 NIOSH employees in Morgantown were reinstated this week.

Among the 328 reinstatements, HHS has also brought back 15 employees within the World Trade Center Health Program, which addresses the treatment of cancer, asthma, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other illnesses linked to 9/11. The program has faced challenges in recent months due to staff layoffs and rehiring, complicating the registration of members and the assurance that their treatments are funded by federal resources.

“Our agents were faced with severe budget cuts, some of which should not have been enforced.

The program resumed processing registrations on May 1, as indicated by an internal email shared with NBC News regarding an extension of the James Zadroga Act, an advocacy group for 9/11 responders and survivors. Benjamin Shebat, the group’s executive director, is seeking more assurance.

“In light of the recent turbulent months, we need a public guarantee from our secretary that such disruptions will not occur again, and that the World Trade Center’s health program will remain unaffected,” Chevat expressed in an email.

In an agency email acquired by NBC News, NIOSH director John Howard mentioned that some positions within the institute are still being eliminated.

“We celebrate those who received reinstatement letters from HHS, while remembering that others have not,” Howard wrote. “I hope we can continue pushing for the return of everyone to NIOSH.”

Howard received his own termination notice in early April but later resumed his role. Bipartisan opposition from Congress members was voiced regarding his dismissal. An internal report of reinstated positions obtained by NBC News indicated that 56 roles in the NIOSH Director’s office were reinstated on Tuesday.

The original NIOSH layoffs were part of a large-scale restructuring intended to consolidate institutions into a new entity referred to as a healthy American administration. Kennedy mentioned on Wednesday morning that he could not share details of the restructuring due to a court order, which temporarily restricts further planning. A U.S. District Judge in San Francisco ordered the Trump administration last week to suspend the government overhaul, noting that any changes may require Congressional approval.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Earth Approaches a Second Year Exceeding the 1.5°C Climate Goal

Posted on May 15, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

A Sunset Over London in May 2025

Guy Corbishley/Alamy

The aim of restricting global warming to below 1.5°C faces challenges as recent climate data suggests global temperatures remain alarmingly high, with 2025 tracking closely to 2024’s record heat.

April 2025 marked the second hottest April on record, losing out only to April 2024, as per reports from the European Union’s Copernicus climate service and the nonprofit Berkeley Earth. That month, global temperatures consistently exceeded 1.51°C above pre-industrial levels, marking 22 consecutive months over this critical threshold. Copernicus reports. The average temperature for April 2025 remained cooler than April 2024, still surpassing pre-industrial levels by 1.49°C.

This unrelenting warmth has astounded scientists. The year 2024 was deemed the hottest on record, with an average global temperature exceeding 1.55°C above the pre-industrial average. It marked a significant event as it was the first calendar year to surpass the 1.5°C threshold. Under the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement, nations pledged to limit global temperature increases to well below 2°C, ideally to 1.5°C.

Scientists had anticipated that the cooling effects of the La Niña weather pattern would emerge in January, offering some relief. However, global temperatures have remained persistently elevated, raising concerns about 2025 possibly following 2024 in exceeding the critical 1.5°C marker. “The recent La Niña event hasn’t provided the expected cooling relief,” stated Robert Rohde from Berkeley Earth during a briefing on May 13.

Data from Berkeley Earth suggests an 18% likelihood that 2025 will be the hottest year recorded, and a 53% chance of it being the second hottest. Rohde estimates a 52% probability of having an average temperature exceeding 1.5°C this year.

The trajectory of global temperatures for the remainder of the year relies heavily on whether new El Niño or La Niña patterns emerge in the Pacific, according to Rohde.

The ongoing hot streak has dashed hopes of capping global temperatures at the 1.5°C Paris target. Although targets are assessed over a 20-year average, researchers are increasingly worried that recent high-temperature streaks have led to a breach of this threshold. “It’s becoming inevitable that we’ll see a long-term average above 1.5°C in the next decade,” Rohde cautioned.

Last year, scientists warned that exceeding 1.5°C would result in a three-year period of significant temperature rise, effectively compromising the goals of the Paris Agreement. Similarly, a paper released earlier this year indicated that 12 consecutive months above 1.5°C have already signaled a long-term warming trend at that level.

Richard Allan from the University of Reading expressed surprise at the durability of the warmth. Findings from the past two years and new record temperatures have fundamentally altered the scientific perspective on the feasibility of limiting warming to 1.5°C. “Without substantial mitigation efforts or extraordinary volcanic events in the next 20 years, we expect we will be above the 1.5°C threshold,” he remarked.

Nevertheless, he maintains that the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting warming to below 2°C remains attainable. “It is crucial to strive for temperatures beneath that threshold,” he emphasized.

Topics:

Temperature/
Paris Climate Summit

Source: www.newscientist.com

China’s CO2 Emissions Are Declining: Is This the Turning Point?

Posted on May 15, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Floating solar farm in Huainan, China is part of the country’s renewable energy expansion

Imago/Alamy

As the world’s leading emitter of carbon dioxide, China has recorded a slight decrease in emissions over the past year, despite an increase in electricity demand. This development signals a promising shift towards cleaner energy sources replacing fossil fuels, although there remains the potential for emissions to rise again.

This information comes from an analysis of China’s economic and energy statistics conducted by Lauri Myllivirta of the Finnish research organization, Research Centre on Energy and Clean Air. A report published in Carbon Brief notes that China’s CO2 emissions dropped by 1% in the past 12 months, with a 1.6% decline reported in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the previous year.

This is not the first instance of reduced CO2 emissions in China; a similar drop occurred in 2022 due to the economic slowdown during the COVID-19 lockdown. However, this marks the first time emissions have decreased alongside increased electricity usage. “This significantly raises the likelihood that the current emissions reduction can be sustained,” said Myllivirta.

The primary driver for this trend is China’s significant expansion of solar, wind, and nuclear energy, which are gradually reducing the reliance on fossil fuel combustion for electricity production. Additionally, the shift away from carbon-heavy industries like cement and steel is contributing to this downward trend, along with a rise in electric vehicle use, which decreases oil demand.

If current trends continue, China’s carbon emissions may keep declining. This sustained drop suggests the country may have reached its peak emissions several years ahead of its 2030 target. According to Myllivirta, this represents significant progress in both tangible and psychological terms in the fight against climate change.

“If Chinese leaders recognize the importance of resolving emissions issues, it could position China as a stronger and more constructive participant in international climate discussions, inspiring other nations to follow suit,” he stated.

Nonetheless, various factors could lead to a resurgence in emissions levels. For example, extreme summer temperatures might drive up electricity consumption for air conditioning. Droughts, like those in 2022 and 2023, could impair hydroelectric output, necessitating increased reliance on coal and gas plants, as noted by David Fishman of the Lantau Group, a consulting firm in Hong Kong.

There is also uncertainty regarding the long-term impact of tariffs imposed during the Trump administration, which may introduce volatility to China’s emissions projections, as Myllivirta highlighted.

In the long run, China will need to harness hundreds of gigawatts annually to satisfy energy demand. Achieving these objectives will depend on the targets set by the Chinese government in its upcoming five-year plan, due in 2026, and on commitments made under the Paris Agreement leading up to this year’s COP30 Summit.

“The trajectory of global climate stability does not hinge solely on China’s actions this summer, but understanding what occurs with China’s emissions in the upcoming years and decades will be crucial,” Myllivirta concluded.

topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Fossil Trucks Redefine the Story of Terrestrial Animals, Departing from Aquatic Origins

Posted on May 15, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Tracks that form an impression of artists with lizard-like beings

Marcin Ambrozik

A discovery in Victoria, Australia has unearthed evidence of some of the earliest reptile-like ancestors, which are the forerunners to many modern creatures including birds, reptiles, and mammals. This finding could potentially alter the timeline of when such animals transitioned from aquatic environments to terrestrial habitats, marking a pivotal evolutionary milestone, though opinions remain divided.

In 2021, two amateur fossil hunters stumbled upon a sandstone slab while exploring the banks of a river near Mansfield, Victoria. This slab bore three distinct sets of tracks, believed to belong to the same type of tetrapod—four-legged creatures. Notably, two of these sets exhibited five-digit impressions with curved claws.

Fossils caught the attention of John Long from Flinders University in Adelaide, who, along with his team, dated the slab to around 356 million years ago. This predates the previously known oldest nail fossils by over 35 million years, which were discovered in Nova Scotia, Canada, according to research findings.

“These new trackways clearly illustrate beautiful five-fingered hands and hooked claws,” Long states. He describes these as “remarkable finds,” representing creatures that developed young in amniotic fluid or via egg-laying—this includes reptiles, mammals, and notably, humans.

Moreover, Long eliminates the possibility that these animals were amphibians since early amphibians were characterized by a larval stage of development. “None of the early amphibians possessed well-formed claws.” he affirms.

This implies that the fossilized tracks are likely the earliest known examples of land-dwelling reptiles. “This marks a profound change in evolution, as it suggests that hard-shelled eggs allowed these creatures to move onto dry land and populate new territories,” he explains.

Fossil tracks illustrate front footprints (yellow) and rear footprints (blue)

Grzegorz Niedzwiedzki

Additional evidence indicating that the tracks were made on land, rather than in water, includes the presence of raindrop impressions within the surrounding slabs, according to Long. While researchers remain cautious, he expresses a strong belief that “99% certainty points to early reptiles.”

Blake Dixon from the University of New South Wales in Sydney adds that both images and analyses suggest confidence that the fossils belong to clawed animals. “This represents the earliest evidence we have of advanced terrestrial movement,” he asserts.

However, trackway researchers Stephen Salisbury and Anthony Romilio from the University of Queensland acknowledge the significance of the new fossils but raise questions regarding whether the impressions are true nails or merely pointed digits.

“The discovery is on the cusp of understanding claws,” remarks Romilio. “If they are indeed nail impressions, that positions them closer to reptiles.” Long maintains that he believes these footprints do represent nails.

Salisbury also points out that the presence of raindrop impressions does not definitively indicate when the tracks were made; rather, it reflects conditions of the surface at the time. Long counters, stating, “The fact that raindrops left impressions signifies that they were present before the creature made its tracks, thus ruling out underwater creation.” The implications of these findings are extensive for understanding early terrestrial life.

Topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Norovirus Vaccine Pills Guard Against Winter Vomiting Bugs

Posted on May 14, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Illustration of Norovirus Particles

J Marshall/Tribaleye Images/Alamy

In a few years, vaccine pills for norovirus that lower infection risk may become available, following promising trials where participants were deliberately exposed to the virus.

This highly contagious virus affects the stomach and intestines, resulting in vomiting and diarrhea, usually subsiding within a few days. “The economic impact is significant, with billions lost globally annually due to work absences and hospital visits,” stated Sarah Cady from Cornell University in Ithaca, New York.

Shawn Tucker from the biotech company Vaxart in San Francisco and his team have developed an oral vaccine that appears to increase IgA antibody levels, which can block noroviruses from infecting cells.

The current study involves 141 individuals aged 18 to 49, with half receiving the vaccine pill and the others a placebo. One month later, all participants ingested a high dose of the Gi.1 strain of norovirus in liquid form during quarantine. “Typically, to infect someone in a real-world scenario, you need to introduce 10 to 100 virus particles; we used 1 million particles,” Tucker explained, ensuring a sufficient infection rate.

Results showed that 82% of the placebo group became infected, whereas only 57% of those vaccinated were infected.

“Most people seem interested in receiving the vaccine if it can reduce risks by [25 percentage points] and lessen debilitating symptoms,” said Cady, who was not part of the research.

Additionally, vaccinated participants expelled considerably less stool and viral particles compared to the placebo group. This indicates the vaccine may help slow the virus’s spread, but further testing is needed, according to Cady.

Another analysis suggested the vaccine possibly works by boosting IgA antibodies in saliva, intestines, blood, and nasal passages.

However, the duration of this protection remains uncertain. More research is required to explore its effects on young children and the elderly, who are particularly vulnerable to hospitalization, said Cady.

Most human-infecting noroviruses belong to two clusters known as GI and GII. Based on preliminary findings, Tucker believes the GI.1 vaccine will likely offer protection against other closely related GI variants. The team is also working on vaccines that could shield against both GI and GII viruses.

If everything progresses positively, Tucker anticipates the GI.1 vaccine could be released in two to three years.

Topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Half the Month Is Warmer Than All the Other Months

Posted on May 14, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Map illustrating anomalies in the lunar gravity field derived from data obtained by NASA’s GRAIL mission

NASA/JPL-CALTECH/MIT/GSFC

Research indicates that the moon’s gravitational pull suggests a warm, dense interior, hinting at structural irregularities beneath its surface.

The distinct appearance of the moon’s near side compared to its far side has intrigued observers since time immemorial. However, it raises questions about whether these differences provide insights into the deeper layers of the moon, as stated by Ryan Park from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California. Together with his colleagues, he is utilizing data from NASA’s GRAIL spacecraft to investigate.

The GRAIL mission gathered crucial data on the moon’s gravitational variations during 2011 and 2012, while two spacecraft orbited the lunar body. Since the gravity field is reflective of physical characteristics, researchers were able to analyze how it deforms based on both the moon’s shape and Earth’s tidal forces.

Despite this, the variations in the gravity field could not solely be accounted for by the observable features of the moon’s surface. Scientists contemplated the possibility of a heterogeneous interior. Previous findings suggested that the moon’s near side would exhibit more deformation compared to the far side due to Earth’s gravitational influence, as noted by Jeffrey Andrews-Hanna from the University of Arizona. This recent research validates that assertion, enabling a deeper understanding of the moon’s structure.

Using GRAIL data, Park and the team calculated that the moon’s susceptibility to Earth’s gravitational pull was 72% higher than what would be expected if the moon’s interior were entirely uniform.

The research team examined various factors contributing to this anomaly, including the moon’s chemical makeup. However, the model that closely aligned with the observed data was one indicating a temperature variation, suggesting that the moon’s interior is warmer than the far side.

Sean Solomon from Columbia University in New York noted that this model aligns with existing knowledge about the moon’s volcanic history and the distribution of radioactive elements, such as uranium and thorium, on its surface.

While the exact reasons for the moon’s irregular interior remain uncertain, Park suggests that some of these variations may result from its turbulent history of impacts with other celestial bodies. Moving forward, he and his team aim to utilize seismic data from lunar quakes to further explore the moon’s internal structure. These data will be gathered by the Far Side Earthquake Suite, which NASA plans to deploy in 2026.

Topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

A New Species of Cambrian Radiodont Discovered by Burgess Shale in Canada

Posted on May 14, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Mothra Fentoni resided in present-day Canada during the Cambrian period, approximately 506 million years ago.

Life reconstruction of Mothra Fentoni. Image credit: Daniel Dufour, Royal Ontario Museum.

Mothra Fentoni had a body similar in size to an index finger, featuring three eyes, distinctive articulated claws, a circular mouth lined with teeth, and a body adapted for swimming along its sides.

These features suggest that it belongs to the Radiodonta, the earliest diverging group of arthropods, including the well-known Anomalocaris canadensis, a one-meter-long predator that shared its habitat with Mothra Fentoni.

Nevertheless, this new species exhibited traits not observed in other radiodonts: regions of its abdomen resembling multiple segments at the rear.

“Mothra Fentoni is a fascinating example of evolutionary convergence with modern groups such as horseshoe crabs, wood lice, and insects, all sharing a series of segments that house respiratory organs at the rear,” stated Dr. Jo Moisiuk, a paleontology and geology curator at the Manitoba Museum and researcher at the Royal Ontario Museum.

“Radiodonts represent the first branch of arthropods on the evolutionary tree, providing crucial insights into the ancestral characteristics of the entire group,” explained Dr. Jean-Bernard Caron, Richard M. Ivy curator of invertebrate paleontology at the Royal Ontario Museum.

“The newly discovered species emphasizes that these early arthropods were remarkably diverse and adapted in ways comparable to their modern counterparts.”

General overview of the form of Mothra Fentoni. Image credits: Joseph Moysiuk & Jean-Bernard Caron, doi: 10.1098/rsos.242122.

Sixty specimens of Mothra Fentoni were collected over nine field seasons from 1990 to 2022, primarily at the Raymond Quarry in Yoho National Park, with additional finds in the areas of Marble Canyon and Tokumm Creek in Kootenay National Park.

The specimens reveal details about internal anatomy, including aspects of the nervous, circulatory, and gastrointestinal systems.

“Very few fossil sites globally provide such in-depth insights into soft internal anatomy,” Dr. Caron noted.

“We can observe traces representing bundles of eyes responsible for image processing, similar to living arthropods. The details are remarkable.”

Rather than arteries and veins like those in humans, Mothra Fentoni possessed an “open” circulatory system, which circulated blood into a large internal cavity known as a lacuna.

These lacunae are preserved as reflective areas throughout the body, extending into the fossil’s swimming flap.

“The well-preserved lacuna in the circulatory system of Mothra Fentoni aids in interpreting similar, although less distinct, features observed in other fossils. Their classification remains contentious,” said Dr. Moisiuk.

“The widespread preservation of these structures confirms the ancient origins of this circulatory system type.”

The discovery of Mothra Fentoni is detailed in a study published today in the journal Royal Society Open Science.

____

Joseph Moiszk and Jean Bernard Caron. 2025. Early evolutionary traits in arthropod tagmosis exemplified by the new radiodont from Burgess Shale. R. Soc. Open Sci 12(5): 242122; doi: 10.1098/rsos.242122

Source: www.sci.news

Trump Administration Backs Certain PFA Restrictions While Repealing Others

Posted on May 14, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

On Wednesday, the Environmental Protection Agency announced its support for drinking water standards concerning two hazardous “forever chemicals” that impact tap water for millions of Americans. However, it indicated plans to extend the deadline for relaxing regulations on four additional related substances.

PFAS refers to a vast category of chemicals commonly found in daily products, including non-stick cookingware, water-repellent clothing, stain-resistant carpets, and fire-fighting foams.

Research shows that exposure to PFAS, or Polyfluoroalkyl substances, may lead to metabolic disorders, lower birth rates in women, developmental delays in children, and a heightened risk of certain cancers such as prostate, kidney, and testicular cancers. As stated by the EPA.

President Joseph R. Biden Jr. is asking water providers for the first time to reduce the levels of six PFAS chemicals as close to zero as possible. He has imposed particularly stringent limits of four parts per 2 trillion units for two chemicals, known as PFOA and PFOS, which are frequently detected in drinking water systems.

The Trump administration endorsed these two PFAS regulations but allowed water providers to push back the deadline for compliance to 2031 by two additional years.

The EPA also announced the revocation of restrictions on four other chemicals.

“We are working to uphold national standards to safeguard Americans from harmful PFOAs and PFOS,” said EPA administrator Lee Zeldin in a statement. “At the same time, we aim to provide common-sense flexibility by allowing more time for compliance,” he added. “The EPA will continue utilizing regulatory and enforcement mechanisms to hold polluters accountable.”

Some efforts to relax PFAS regulations followed legal challenges from trade organizations and water providers connected to the chemical industry against the Biden administration’s restrictions.

These chemicals are so widespread that they can be detected in the blood of nearly every individual in the United States. Government studies have shown that PFAS chemicals are present in almost half of the country’s tap water.

In 2022, the EPA reported that these chemicals can cause harm at exposure levels “much lower than previously understood,” indicating that current exposure levels are nearly unsafe.

Under Biden-era regulations, water operators were mandated to monitor PFAS levels in the water supply. They also needed to inform the public and take action to lower contamination levels if they exceeded the prescribed limits: four parts for PFOA and PFOS, with 10 trillion parts for the other four chemicals.

These four chemicals include GenX, once deemed a safer alternative to PFOA, but now associated with liver, kidney, and immune system damage, along with developmental issues and cancer in animal studies. The other chemicals—PFHX, PFNA, and PFBS—are also linked to various negative health outcomes.

The agency intends to initiate a new rule-making process for these four chemicals in the fall, with plans to finalize new regulations by next spring.

The government’s initiative was first reported by the Washington Post.

Health and environmental advocates criticized these actions.

“We are committed to collaborating closely with our customers,” stated Emily Donovan, co-founder of Clean Cape Fear, an environmental organization focused on GenX and PFAS pollution in the Cape Fear River of North Carolina.

“This administration has promised voters to ‘make America healthy again,’ yet it seems inconsistent to rescind some PFAS drinking water standards,” she said. “This is disrespectful to communities affected by PFAS contamination who are suffering from severe health issues and losses.”

Eric D. Olson, Senior Strategy Director for Health at the Natural Resources Defense Council, remarked that the EPA’s approach offers “reassuring but conservative comfort.”

However, he also pointed out that the agency’s attempts to roll back drinking water standards contravene the no-backsliding provisions stipulated in the Safe Drinking Water Act.

“The law clearly states that the EPA cannot eliminate or undermine drinking water standards,” he emphasized. “This behavior is not only damaging but is also against the law.”

Industry groups that have filed lawsuits against the Biden administration’s PFAS rules, including the American Water Association, the American Chemical Council, and the National Manufacturers Association, did not provide immediate comments.

In a statement accompanying the EPA’s announcement, Alan Roberson, executive director of the Association of State Drinking Water Managers, expressed his support for the Trump administration’s framework. This association represents drinking water program managers across all 50 states.

Roberson noted that states and water systems are “struggling with tight timelines” under Biden-era regulations to test for PFAS and to establish the infrastructure needed to filter these chemicals from the water supply.

This announcement follows Zeldin’s recent disclosure of a series of initiatives to combat PFAS contamination.

The agency mentioned plans to create guidelines on the permissible PFAS discharge volumes from plants and to collaborate with Congress on how to hold polluters accountable.

Documents from the Trump administration highlighted strategies to transition away from paper straws, while also stressing the health dangers posed by PFAS.

Maintaining stringent regulations for PFOA and PFOS is expected to impose a significant financial burden on water operators. The EPA estimates compliance costs could reach approximately $1.5 billion annually, while utilities believe this figure could double, ultimately impacting the public through increased water bills.

James L. Ferraro, an environmental attorney representing several water companies, stated that while the Trump administration’s stance represents a middle ground, “one utility didn’t necessarily agree with it.”

The chemicals PFOA and PFOS, which are under strict EPA oversight, remain “the most frequently detected due to their widespread use over many years,” and pose an ongoing challenge for numerous utilities, he explained.

Many environmental organizations argue that the costs associated with cleaning up PFAS should ultimately be borne by the chemical manufacturers. They note that evidence indicating the risks of PFAS has been hidden by chemical companies for decades, as revealed by lawsuits, industry documents, and litigation. According to peer-reviewed research.

Source: www.nytimes.com

Fossils Indicate That Feathered Creatures Flew Like Chickens

Posted on May 14, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

In 1861, researchers found Archeopteryx, a feathered dinosaur, in 150-million-year-old limestone in Solnhofen, Germany. At that time, they were unaware that this fossilized skeleton—and subsequent finds—would provide critical evidence for evolutionary theory, demonstrating that birds indeed descended from dinosaurs.

“They’re maximizing their existence,” remarked Jinmai O’Connor, a paleontologist at Chicago’s open-air museums.

For more than 164 years, scientists have closely examined all available specimens. Thus, one might assume that such well-researched fossil species would yield no further surprises. However, a recent paper published in the journal Nature on Wednesday by Dr. O’Connor and his research team unveiled new details about soft tissues and skeletal structures from a newly identified specimen dubbed the Chicago Archeopteryx. Their findings could offer insights into short flights and clarify how feathered dinosaurs evolved to move from the ground.

Dr. O’Connor noted that for a long time, it has been challenging to understand the flight capabilities and environmental adaptations of Archeopteryx. Many specimens are flattened due to geological processes, which complicates the identification of key skeletal details. While earlier researchers and most modern experts agree the species likely achieved flight, certain anatomical features prompt paleontologists to seek additional data.

The latest specimens acquired by the Field Museum in 2022 and published in 2024 have enabled Dr. O’Connor’s team to begin addressing some of the anatomical uncertainties.

When the fossil arrived at the museum, it was not clearly visible. The specimen matched the color of the surrounding rocks, making most of the soft tissues difficult to discern, according to Dr. O’Connor.

Researchers illuminated the fossils using CT scans and created digital maps of the skeleton to aid in preparing the slab. They also employed special techniques; chemical treatments made soft tissues glow under UV light, helping the team avoid accidentally damaging feathers and skin textures while exposing bones. Such methods weren’t available to fossil preparers in the 1800s.

Unlike other specimens, the bones of the Chicago Archeopteryx are preserved in three dimensions, allowing Dr. O’Connor’s team to closely analyze the skull palate. This revealed the oldest signs of evolutionary trends toward the more flexible skulls of modern birds compared to their ancient counterparts, Dr. O’Connor explained.

In another stroke of fossilization luck, the wings of the specimen were detached from the body and “preserved in detail,” Dr. O’Connor noted. Upon closer examination, the team confirmed that instead of having the previously observed two layers of wing feathers, the Archaeopteryx actually boasts three. In modern birds, this third layer helps connect shorter forearms to the body, creating a continuous lifting surface critical for maintaining flight.

Dr. O’Connor noted that the structure of the wings stands in contrast to other feathered, non-avian dinosaurs, whose long wings remain rigid at the elbows, making them useful but ultimately ineffective for flight.

The absence of a sternum suggests these birds were likely less adept at flying. However, the toe pads found in the Chicago specimen provide additional evidence that these creatures were well-adapted for life on the ground, resembling a Jurassic-era chicken or road runner. They could achieve brief flights if necessary, but generally preferred to sprint.

The newly reported characteristics enhance the current understanding of Archeopteryx and directly support ongoing theories regarding the relationship between the species’ abilities and the origins of flight, according to Michael Pittman, a paleontologist from the University of Hong Kong who was not part of the study.

“This study truly underscores the importance of uncovering new fossils, even in well-known and thoroughly examined specimens,” he stated.

Dr. O’Connor concurred.

“This specimen will keep me engaged for years,” she remarked.

Source: www.nytimes.com

Chemists Uncover “Anchapis” That Enhances Chili Pepper Heat

Posted on May 14, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Piri Piri or African Bird’s Eye Chilli Peppers

Steidi/Alamy

Have you ever made your food too spicy? In the future, there might be “anti-spice” seasonings, inspired by compounds in chili peppers that could help mellow the heat.

The spiciness in chili peppers is due to a compound called capsaicinoids, which activate receptors in the mouth’s nerve fibers, sending signals to the brain that create a burning sensation similar to that of actual heat or painful injuries.

Chilean enthusiasts have developed a Scoville scale to measure the heat levels in various pepper strains based on capsaicinoid concentrations. However, some peppers do not always match their Scoville ratings accurately. To explore this, Devin Peterson from Ohio State University and his team employed liquid chromatography mass spectrometry to analyze the capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin levels in 10 different chili powders, including Chile de árbol, African bird’s eye, and Scottish bonnet peppers.

They then mixed these powders with tomato juice and presented it to a panel of tasters, ensuring each sample had equal amounts of capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin, expected to yield a mild heat level of about 800 Scoville units.

However, the tasters perceived the heat levels differently among the 10 types of peppers. This led Peterson and his team to conduct further chemical analyses, revealing that three compounds—capsianoside I, balasoside, and ginger glycolipid A—were present in larger quantities. Interestingly, these compounds did not exhibit the expected heat intensity according to Scoville ratings. All three compounds contain glucosides and glucose.

A group of 37 tasters was then asked to evaluate two samples simultaneously. One sample contained these newly discovered compounds, while the other did not. The placement of each on different sides of the tongue was intended to counteract the burning sensation in the second taste test. The feedback indicated that these compounds reduced perceived heat strength by an average of 0.7 to 1.2 points on a 15-point scale.

“These compounds act as effective ‘anti-spicing’ agents,” Peterson notes. Although the exact mechanism remains unclear, it’s hypothesized that they could alter the nerve receptor responses in the mouth, thereby diminishing the burning sensations.

Understanding the nature of these anti-spice chemicals could enable growers to breed and genetically modify plants, nurturing varieties that produce both fiery and mild fruits.

Peterson believes that utilizing these compounds could lead to the development of consumer products that alleviate excessive heat in dishes, offering relief from intense pain by blocking nerve signals.

“When dining with kids, if the food is too spicy, it can be a deal-breaker,” Peterson says. “The idea of having a natural compound to dial down the heat could be quite intriguing.”

The research methodology, which involved half-tasting, was praised by Barry Smith from the University of London’s Advanced Research School, who added that the Scoville scale isn’t always the most accurate tool for measuring chili heat.

Smith speculates that the perceived intensity of cooling agents like menthol might similarly be diminished by such compounds, much like how capsaicinoids trigger a burning sensation.

topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Smart Devices Can Accurately Measure Breastfed Babies’ Intake

Posted on May 14, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Measuring the Amount of Breast Milk in Breastfeeding

Lebedinskaia Natalia/Getty Images

Parents may soon be able to monitor how much breast milk their baby consumes through devices that provide real-time notifications to their smartphones.

“The anxiety surrounding breastfeeding often stems from the uncertainty about how much milk a baby is receiving,” explains Daniel Robinson from Northwestern University, Illinois. “This can heighten stress for nursing mothers, parents, and healthcare professionals.” Insufficient nutrition can lead to slower weight gain in infants and, in severe cases, dehydration.

Clinicians typically evaluate breastfeeding effectiveness by comparing weights before and after feeds and monitoring diaper changes. However, these methods are somewhat cumbersome and imprecise, according to Robinson.

To create a more precise measurement system, he and his team engineered a device featuring four electrodes, each 4 cm wide, that attach to the breast away from the nipple. Two electrodes transmit a very low electrical current across the breast, while the other pair receives it.

This device relays recordings to a smartphone app, leveraging the weaker electrical signals produced as milk is released, enabling real-time calculations of milk volume, Robinson shares.

Researchers tested this system with breastfeeding mothers who expressed milk into a bottle for approximately 15 minutes. The device’s average milk collection was within 2 ml of the actual amount, as each participant expressed about 50 ml.

This innovation could allow parents to monitor their baby’s nutrition more effectively, potentially leading to timely adjustments such as supplementing with formula under medical guidance, Robinson notes.

The device consists of sticky electrodes that adhere to the breast

Northwestern University

In another trial, a woman used the device while nursing, and the app reported that her baby consumed 24 ml of milk. This closely matched the 20 ml estimation derived from traditional weight measurements taken before and after feeding, Robinson notes.

“A prevalent reason many mothers discontinue breastfeeding is the belief that their milk supply is inadequate, making this technology crucial for determining its accuracy,” states Mary Fewtrell from University College London.

However, to ensure the credibility of this device, further research is necessary to understand any potential impacts on milk production, long-term side effects, and whether parents find it desirable, observes Amy Brown from Swansea University, UK.

Topics:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Life-Threatening Symptoms of Benzodiazepine Withdrawal

Posted on May 14, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Tasha Hedges used Xanax for two decades to manage her anxiety and panic attacks, following her psychiatrist’s recommendations. However, in 2022, her doctor passed away unexpectedly.

Although the general practitioner continued the prescription, he retired shortly thereafter. The next physician moved to Canada, leaving Hedges to eventually find another psychiatrist.

“The first thing he did was yell at me for being on Xanax for too long,” she recounted from W.Va.

Typically, discontinuing the medication requires a gradual reduction of dosage over several months or years, referred to as tapering. However, Hedges stopped abruptly, facing severe withdrawal symptoms such as hot flashes, cold sweats, restlessness, shaking, and teeth grinding.

“It was a nightmare,” she described. Two years after ceasing the medication, she still grapples with repercussions. “My brain wasn’t the same.”

Online support groups and platforms like Benzobuddies indicate that individuals like Hedges are physically dependent on benzodiazepines. Many encounter serious and potentially dangerous withdrawal symptoms when their medication is abruptly ceased or tapered too quickly, leading to extended periods without treatment. Some healthcare providers hesitate to prescribe these medications due to associated risks and stigma.

“They’re often seen as highly addictive,” noted Ronald M. Winchell, a clinical psychiatry professor at Columbia University, who posed several questions to consider: “Would I initiate this treatment? Is it appropriate? Is it safe? Could my patients misuse it? What do my peers think?”

Prescriptions for benzodiazepines such as Xanax, Ativan, and Klonopin have declined since 2016 due to provider concerns. Nonetheless, these medications remain quick and effective solutions, often being among the most prescribed in the country for anxiety and sleep disorders. In 2019, around 92 million benzodiazepine prescriptions were issued in the U.S., according to the Food and Drug Administration.

Current guidelines advise prescribers to use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration, typically less than four weeks. However, many patients remain on these medications for longer periods. An FDA review in 2018 indicated that approximately half of patients had used the drugs for over two months. Dr. Edward K. Silverman, a professor emeritus of psychiatry at Tufts University School of Medicine, highlighted that some patients stay on these medications without regular consultations.

Patients can develop physical dependence within weeks of stable benzodiazepine use. Stopping the medication, even after a brief period, necessitates a carefully managed process. Unfortunately, many healthcare providers lack adequate training in tapering prescriptions. To clarify the process, an expert from the American Society of Addiction Medicine released new guidelines in March for dosage reduction developed with FDA funding.

“It’s absolutely reckless to force people into rapid tapering,” Dr. Silverman stated.

Jodie Jerlow, 60, began using Klonopin for insomnia 25 years ago while in Dallas. After her psychiatrist retired for health reasons, she found another doctor who recommended two additional benzodiazepines, Xanax and Ativan, while working towards withdrawing from Klonopin.

After about six months on all three medications, Jerlow grew frustrated and decided to take matters into her own hands. She successfully tapered off Klonopin and Xanax.

She is still working to discontinue Ativan with assistance from her general practitioner and a coach at the nonprofit Benzodiazepine Information Coalition.

Initially, Jerlow noted she tapered too quickly, experiencing headaches, nausea, and agoraphobia. However, one of the most distressing withdrawal symptoms was suicidal ideation.

“It felt like background noise. ‘It’s going to be easy,’” she recalled.

These were feelings she had never encountered before reducing her medication.

In 2023, advocates for those harmed by benzodiazepines reported various long-term symptoms that may arise during use, tapering, or discontinuation, including benzodiazepine-induced neurological dysfunction or binding.

While not everyone experiences binding, experts agree that with a well-planned tapering strategy, side effects can be lessened.

Dr. Carl Zalzman, a psychiatry professor at Harvard Medical School and former president of the American Psychiatry Association’s Benzodiazepine Task Force, commented on the issue.

Despite their existence since the 1960s, many healthcare providers are still at a loss regarding how to help patients discontinue these medications effectively. There is no one-size-fits-all tapering strategy. Some patients experience withdrawal symptoms, and others require continued access to medications while tapering slow.

Dr. Silverman recalled a patient who had to meticulously slice pills with a razor blade to gradually decrease dosage and mitigate severe side effects.

The new guidelines from ASAM, which address the limited studies available on effective tapering, mainly rely on clinical experience. They advise clinicians to review the risks and benefits of benzodiazepine prescriptions at least every three months, recommending a dosage reduction of 5-10% every 2-4 weeks. The guidelines stress that long-term users may need to taper for over a year and should be monitored post-discontinuation.

“Most of us were never informed of the potential for dependency and long-term complications,” said De Foster, an advocate for those suffering from benzodiazepine complications, who contributed to the new guidelines. He emphasized, “A slow taper can be challenging, but a sudden withdrawal is perilous.”

ASAM’s guidance came too late for Ratasha Marberry, 49, a New York resident who became physically dependent on Klonopin. In 2022, she entered an addiction detox center, desperate to stop the medication she had been prescribed for insomnia. The facility’s provider took her off the medication in just five days.

She shared that it felt like collapsing as she faced nights filled with turmoil akin to “a lion in the room that you can’t see but are fighting against.” She later visited another facility in Florida where she was prescribed antidepressants. Within weeks, she began to feel a significant improvement.

Now she states, “I’m sleeping like a strange baby.”

She reflects, “Should I have been prescribed this drug for an extended period rather than a benzodiazepine?”

“When I think back to my experiences, I cry,” she confessed. “It wasn’t physical pain, but rather emotional suffering. I’m thankful to be alive.”

If you are in crisis or contemplating suicide, reach out to 988 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline; visit Speaking of Suicide for additional resources.

Source: www.nytimes.com

Study Finds Men More Prone to “Hard Heart Syndrome” Mortality

Posted on May 14, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Following traumatic experiences, such as a divorce or the loss of a loved one, individuals may encounter symptoms like chest pain and shortness of breath.

This phenomenon, clinically termed takotsubo cardiomyopathy, is believed to arise from emotional or physical stress that triggers a surge of hormones, including adrenaline, which hampers the heart’s ability to contract effectively. While most individuals recover swiftly, a minority may face heart failure.

Wounded heart syndrome predominantly affects women; however, men have a mortality rate that is more than double that of women. A study published recently in the Journal of the American Heart Association highlights this disparity.

The research examined data from around 200,000 adults in the U.S. who were hospitalized for this condition between 2016 and 2020. It found that nearly 11% of men in this group died, compared to about 5% of women. This was supported by previous studies indicating a higher mortality rate among men.

“It’s consistently noted that men generally do not experience takotsubo syndrome as frequently, but when they do, the outcomes tend to be worse,” explained Dr. Harmony Reynolds, director of NYU Langone Health’s Center for Women’s Cardiovascular Research, who was not part of the study.

The differences between men and women could be tied to the triggers of their conditions, according to the cardiologist. In men, the syndrome is often instigated by physical stressors like surgery or stroke, whereas in women, the triggers tend to be emotional, such as job loss or the death of a loved one.

“Individuals facing emotional stressors tend to fare better,” noted Dr. Iran Wittstein, a cardiologist at Johns Hopkins Medicine who was not involved in the study.

“Men appear to have a higher risk of severe outcomes or mortality, suggesting that a more dangerous trigger is necessary for syndrome onset.”

Dr. Mohammad Movahed, the principal investigator of the study, added that men may also struggle more with recovery from takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Research indicates lower social support for men to help them cope with stress.

“If the stressor is transient and then removed, there could still be damage to the heart or diminished recovery chances,” Movahed, a cardiologist at the University of Arizona Sarver Heart Center, explained.

However, scientists continue to explore the underlying mechanisms of the syndrome and why fatalities occur in rare instances.

“Researchers are still pursuing to uncover the definitive causes of this condition,” Wittstein remarked.

Is stress the only trigger?

To diagnose takotsubo cardiomyopathy, physicians look for certain hallmark signs. Typically, in affected patients, parts of the heart muscle balloon out, but there are usually no blocked arteries, which would indicate a heart attack. Most patients can also identify stressors that led to their episodes.

“During these moments, we feel the weight on our hearts,” stated Dr. Matthew Tomey, a cardiologist at Mount Sinai St. Luke’s Hospital in New York City. “It’s as if heartache manifests physically.”

However, Wittstein cautioned that stress alone may not suffice to trigger takotsubo syndrome.

“Some individuals might have minor work-related frustrations, engage in a slightly intense jog, or experience irritation at a red light,” he described.

Reynolds shared that one of her patients had four instances of the syndrome, each stemming from a mild stomach bug that caused vomiting.

“She is quite averse to vomiting, which likely contributed to her incidents,” she noted.

Wittstein now posits that certain individuals may harbor an inherent sensitivity to takotsubo syndrome. His findings suggest that stress hormones narrow small blood vessels around the heart, limiting blood flow and making some individuals, especially those with high blood pressure or cholesterol, more vulnerable.

Research indicates that postmenopausal women are at an elevated risk of developing this syndrome, potentially due to decreased estrogen levels, which facilitate the dilation of small blood vessels around the heart.

However, Reynolds emphasized that further research is needed to fully understand these mechanisms.

“There’s a suggestion that sex hormones may play a role, but establishing that link is still an ongoing challenge,” she said.

It’s complex to manage and prevent

The intricate nature of takotsubo cardiomyopathy can complicate its prevention and treatment.

Doctors often seek ways to alleviate stress, sometimes prescribing medications intended for other heart conditions, such as beta blockers, or recommending meditation and mental health support.

“To date, we have not identified any preventive drugs that effectively reduce complications, mortality rates, or specific therapies,” Movahed stated.

The new study found that mortality rates associated with takotsubo syndrome remained relatively stable from 2016 to 2020.

However, Wittstein noted that the study relies on diagnostic codes assigned to hospitalized patients, which might overlook broader circumstances influencing a patient’s death, particularly regarding strokes or other neurological issues.

“I suspect many individuals recover from takotsubo syndrome but subsequently succumb to other complications,” he remarked.

The cardiologist advises patients to seek immediate medical attention if they experience chest pain or shortness of breath, rather than attributing it solely to stress.

“Only through a comprehensive evaluation at the hospital can we differentiate between this condition and a traditional heart attack,” Reynolds cautioned. “Thus, it’s critical not to ignore chest pain.”

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Scientists Reveal That Objects in Our Universe Dissipate Faster Than Previously Believed

Posted on May 14, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

A 2023 study by Professor Haino Falk and his team at Ladbou University revealed that not just black holes, but all cosmic entities can “evaporate” through a mechanism akin to Hawking radiation. Following the publication, the researchers were inundated with inquiries regarding the duration of this process. Their latest findings estimate that the universe’s conclusion is approximately 10⁷⁸ years away. If only radiation, similar to Hawking radiation, is taken into account, the timeline shortens to just a few years. This represents the time required for a white dwarf—the most stable astronomical object—to collapse through a Hawking-like radiation process. Previous research, which overlooked this effect, had estimated the lifespan of white dwarfs to be around 10¹¹⁰⁰ years.

An artistic depiction of neutron stars undergoing gradual ‘evaporation’ through Hawking-like radiation. Image credits: Daniëlle Futselaar/Artsource.nl.

“Thus, the ultimate conclusion of the universe will arrive significantly sooner than anticipated; however, rest assured, it will still take an incredibly long time,” noted Professor Falk.

In 1975, physicist Stephen Hawking proposed that particles and radiation could escape black holes, challenging the conventional framework of relativity.

Near the edge of a black hole, two transient particles emerge; one gets drawn into the black hole while the other successfully escapes.

A notable outcome of Hawking radiation is the gradual disintegration of black holes into particles and radiation.

This finding stands in opposition to Albert Einstein’s theory of relativity.

Professor Falk and his co-authors determined that the process of Hawking radiation applies to various objects with theoretically significant gravitational fields.

Their further calculations indicated that the “evaporation time” for an object is contingent entirely upon its density.

Surprisingly, neutron stars and stellar black holes have an identical decay time of 10⁶⁷ years.

This result was unexpected, given that black holes possess a more intense gravitational field.

“However, black holes lack a surface,” remarked Dr. Michael Wandrack, a postdoctoral researcher at Radboud University.

“They reabsorb parts of their own radiation, which inhibits the process.”

“We also explored how long it would take for humans and the moon to evaporate via Hawking-like radiation: about 10⁹⁰ years,” the researcher added.

“Naturally, other mechanisms could lead to faster disappearance for humans and the moon.”

“This research exemplifies an exciting interdisciplinary collaboration, merging astrophysics, quantum physics, and mathematics to yield new insights,” stated Professor Walter Van Suisilecom from Radboud University.

“By pursuing these inquiries and examining extreme scenarios, we aim to enhance our understanding of the theory. Hopefully, one day, we will unravel the enigma surrounding Hawking radiation.”

The new paper is set to be published in Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics.

____

Haino Falke et al. 2025. The lifetime limit of the star remnants from gravity pair generation. jcap in press; Arxiv: 2410.14734

Source: www.sci.news

New Species of Herrerasaurus Discovered in India

Posted on May 14, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

A newly discovered species fills the temporal gap between South American Herrerasaurus dinosaurs and their younger relatives in North America.

Reconstructing the life of Maleriraptor Kuttyi with the Unayasaurid Sauropodomorph Jaklapallisaurus asymmetric, both from the Norian Upper Maleri Formation in southern central India. Image credit: Márcio L. Castro.

Maleriraptor Kuttyi existed in present-day India during the Norian period of the Triassic, approximately 220 million years ago.

These ancient reptiles are part of the Herrerasauria, a small to medium-sized group of carnivorous animals that appeared in the fossil record around 228 million years ago and went extinct by the end of the Triassic period.

“Herrerasaurus is a representative of the earliest radiation of predatory dinosaurs,” stated Dr. Martin Ezcala, a paleontologist from the University of Birmingham and the Concejo Nacional de Investigative Sciences, alongside his museum colleagues.

“Previously, their records were predominantly limited to four nominal species found in the Norian Formation in the central area of Karnia in northwestern Argentina and the lower section of the Candelaria sequence in southern Brazil (dated 233-229 million years ago).”

“These species are bipedal, with a total length ranging from 1.2 to 6 m (3.9 to 19.7 feet).”

In particular, Herrerasaurus ischigualastensis stands out as the most abundant dinosaur in the lower third of the stratigraphic sequence of the Ischigualasto Formation within the region.

“The possibility of Herrerasaurus existing outside South America was first suggested in the mid-1990s with the discovery of Chindesaurus bryansmalli, from the Norian levels of the mid-upper Sinru formation in North America.”

Fossil materials of Maleriraptor Kuttyi were collected over 40 years ago from the Upper Maleri Formation in the Pramhitagodabari Valley, located about 1 km south of Anamam village in southern India.

“The Upper Maleri Formation where Maleriraptor Kuttyi was found is particularly significant in illuminating the early evolution of dinosaurs, as it retains a collection of dinosaurs that are slightly younger than the earliest radiation in Karnia,” remarked the paleontologist.

According to the research team, Maleriraptor Kuttyi provides the first evidence that Herrerasaurus also survived in Gondwana, related to the turnover of tetrapods in the early Norian period (227-220 million years ago), coinciding with the global extinction of a group of herbivorous alxaurmorph reptiles known as Linchaurus.

“The discovery of Maleriraptor Kuttyi indicates that Herrerasaurus persisted at least during the early Norians after the extinction event that wiped out Rinchaurus.”

“The presence of Herrerasaurus in the early Norians of India might be climatically influenced, as it suggests that India experienced different average annual temperatures and precipitation compared to North America’s Norian regions.”

“A more comparable paleoclimate between India and Southern North America might explain the presence of fauna components that are uncommon or absent in southern South America, such as phytosaurs, Herrerasaurus, Protopycnosaurus, and Marellisaurus alocotosaurus.”

“The deposition of the Upper Maleri Formation occurred shortly after the extinction event affecting Linchaurus, which is well-documented in the lower Maleri Formation.”

“The faunistic similarity between the Upper Maleri Formation and the upper section of the Brazilian Santa Maria Supersequence suggests they share a similar age, dating back to approximately 225 million years, which includes the presence of Unayasaurids.”

Thus, Maleriraptor Kuttyi helps bridge the early Norian gaps in the Herrerasaurus record.

The team’s paper has been published in the journal Royal Society Open Science.

____

Martín D. Ezcurra et al. 2025. A new Herrerasaurus dinosaur from the Upper Triassic Upper Marelli Formation in southern India. R. Soc. Open SCI 12(5): 250081; doi: 10.1098/rsos.250081

Source: www.sci.news

Study Uncovers Aztec Preference for Sierra de Pachuca’s Green Obsidian

Posted on May 14, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Researchers have explored the significance of obsidian, a crucial resource in the Aztec empire, utilized for tools and ritual items, as well as its broad importance in the pre-Columbian period. They examined 788 obsidian artifacts, representing various objects and contexts excavated from the mayor of Tenochtitlan (c. 1375-1520), the empire’s core located in present-day Mexico City. Their findings revealed that the Aztecs favored Green Obsidian from Sierra de Pachuca, while also sourcing this material from seven other locations. These results indicate a complex economy that depended on extensive long-distance trade, influenced not only by conquests but also internal rivalries.

Obsidian artifacts from Tenochtitlan. Image credit: mirsa islas/ptm-inah.

“While the Mexica preferred Green Obsidian, the variety of obsidian types, especially in non-ritual artifacts, indicates that these tools came from multiple markets rather than being directly acquired from sources,” noted a candidate from Tulane University.

“By tracing the origins of this material, we can examine the distribution of goods across Mesoamerica.”

Analysis revealed that nearly 90% of the obsidian artifacts sampled were produced from Sierra de Pachuca Obsidian.

Most ritual items discovered within the buried offerings at Mayor Templo were crafted from this type of obsidian, including small weapons, gemstones, and decorative inlays for sculptures.

A modest yet significant portion of obsidian was sourced from regions like Otonba, Tulanche, Ucaleo, and El Paraiso, with some being beyond the control of the Mexica Empire.

These materials were typically used for tool-making and found in construction fill, suggesting their availability through local markets rather than strict state control.

This study traced the evolution of obsidian use from the city’s early days up to its fall in 1520 AD.

In the initial phases of the Empire, there was greater diversity in obsidian sources present in both ceremonial and daily items.

Following the consolidation of Aztec power around AD 1430, obsidian was primarily sourced from Sierra de Pachuca, indicating a trend towards religious uniformity and centralized oversight.

“This type of compositional analysis enables us to track the evolution of empire expansion, political alliances, and trade networks over time,” remarked Matadamas Gomora.

“This research highlights the vast scope and intricacy of the Mexica Empire and demonstrates how archaeological science can illuminate ancient artifacts and provide insights into past cultural practices.”

Survey results will be published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

____

Diego Matadama Gomora et al. 2025. A compositional analysis of obsidian artifacts from the mayor of Tenochitlan, the capital of the Mexican Empire. pnas 122 (20): E2500095122; doi: 10.1073/pnas.2500095122

Source: www.sci.news

Study: Flamingos Utilize Beaks and Flexible Legs to Generate Water Tornadoes for Catching Prey

Posted on May 14, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

A recent study conducted by researchers from the University of California, Berkeley, and Georgia Tech has uncovered that flamingos are not mere passive filter feeders; instead, they are active predators that employ flow-guided traps to catch nimble invertebrates.

Flamingos feed by dragging their flattened beaks forward along the shallow lake bottom. To enhance feeding efficiency, they stomp their feet to stir up the bottom, create swirling vortices with their heads, and repeatedly slap their beaks to catch food like brine shrimp. Image credit: aztli ortega.

“Flamingos are predators actively seeking out moving animals underwater. The challenge they face is how to concentrate these prey items to attract and capture them.”

“Consider how spiders spin webs to catch insects. Flamingos utilize vortices to trap creatures such as brine shrimp.”

Dr. Ortega Zimenez and his team conducted the study using Chilean flamingos (Phoenicopterus chilensis) sourced from the Nashville Zoo, where they were kept in aquariums for several weeks.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbkrxu7n6kw

Utilizing high-speed cameras and particle image velocity measurements, the researchers documented and analyzed feeding behaviors, employing flow visualization techniques involving fine food particles and oxygen bubbles.

They discovered that the birds use their floppy, swaying feet to disturb the bottom sediment and propel themselves forward in a swirling motion. Additionally, the flamingos convulse their heads upward like plungers while creating mini-tornados to draw food from the water’s surface.

As the birds keep their heads inverted in a watery vortex, their angled beaks create small vortices that direct sediment and food into their mouths, enhancing their feeding efficiency.

The unique structure of the flamingo’s beak, with its flattened shape and angled front, enables a technique known as skimming. This involves the bird extending its long, S-shaped neck to push its head forward while rapidly beating its beak, generating a sheet-like vortex (von Karman vortex) that captures prey.

“These complex active feeding behaviors challenge the long-held belief that flamingos are merely passive filter feeders,” noted Dr. Ortega Zimenez.

“While they may appear to be filtering only passive particles, these birds are actively preying on moving organisms.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdziufdf3ka

The authors also applied computational fluid dynamics to simulate the 3D flow around the beak and feet of the flamingos.

They confirmed that the vortices indeed concentrate particles, similar to experiments that used a 3D printhead with aggressively swimming shrimp and passively floating brine shrimp eggs.

“We observed that when we placed 3D printed models in the water to replicate skimming, they generated symmetrical vortices along the sides of the beak, cycling particles in the water effectively,” Dr. Ortega Zimenez shared.

The team’s findings will be published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

____

Victor M. Ortega Zimenez et al. 2025. Flamingos use their L-shaped beak and morphing legs to induce vortex traps for prey capture. pnas 122 (21): E2503495122; doi: 10.1073/pnas.2503495122

Source: www.sci.news

Chimpanzees Utilize Healing Plants for Wound Care

Posted on May 14, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

New research has revealed that wild chimpanzees are capable of self-medicating their wounds with plants, assisting injured companions, and freeing others from traps set by human hunters.

This behavior, documented in a study published in the journal Frontiers of Evolution and Ecology on Wednesday, offers new insights into the evolutionary roots of human medicine.

Over approximately eight months, the study combined video footage and photographs with historical data, revealing that chimpanzees engage in actions like biting plants, applying leaves to wounds as makeshift bandages, and grooming wounds of fellow animals. Observers noted a chimpanzee pressing a leaf against its wound for treatment.

The findings contribute to ongoing discussions about whether altruistic behaviors are exclusive to humans, as they show that even chimpanzees without familial ties can exhibit care toward one another.

Wild chimpanzees in Uganda grooming.
Elodie Freymann

“Humans often pride themselves on being unique in their capacity for empathy and altruism,” says Elodie Freyman, a postdoctoral researcher at Oxford University and the study’s lead author. “These animals demonstrate that they can identify others in need and respond appropriately.”

Chimpanzees and bonobos, the closest genetic relatives to humans, bolster the argument that healthcare concepts may have existed millions of years prior to the emergence of Homo sapiens.

“Our shared ancestors likely exhibited these caring behaviors,” Freyman stated.

An increasing number of studies indicates that various animal species can self-medicate with differing levels of sophistication. For instance, elephants have been observed to consume specific leaves for medicinal purposes, hinting that animals might be addressing health issues like digestion.

As research on animal medicinal behaviors expands, experts believe it provides crucial insights into our own evolutionary past.

“Evidence of healthcare behaviors exists among our ancestors, dating back to pre-Neanderthals, but the evolutionary pathways of such explorative behaviors remain unclear,” remarked Alessandra Mascaro, a primate researcher and doctoral candidate at the University of Osnabrueck in Germany. “We are only beginning to uncover these complexities.”

In 2022, Mascaro published findings illustrating that Gabonian chimpanzees applied insects to their own wounds and anticipates that further observations will clarify how these behaviors evolved.

Studying chimpanzee self-medication poses challenges due to the rarity of such behaviors.

Freyman dedicated two months to researching chimpanzees in Budongo Forest, Uganda, where observing these animals can be both physically taxing and demanding.

Wild chimpanzees in Uganda grooming.
Elodie Freymann

“Some days involve sitting at the base of a tree for hours, while others might have you stuck in a muddy hole while trying to observe them. The day’s tasks depend heavily on the group’s activities.

During her fieldwork, Freyman noted numerous instances of care behaviors among chimpanzees. She also discovered historical observational records from previous studies that revealed behaviors not documented until now, indicating a pattern of medicinal practices dating back to the 1990s.

“Collating these observations paints a remarkable picture of chimpanzee care,” she remarked.

From her findings and historical records, Freyman documented 41 instances of chimpanzee wound care, including four cases involving unrelated individuals.

“These results suggest that prosocial behaviors among nonkin may be more widespread than previously recognized,” noted Isabel Laumer, a cognitive biologist at the Max Planck Institute for Animal Behavior in Germany, who was not part of this study. “Further research is essential.”

Mascaro, who has studied chimpanzee healthcare behaviors in Gabon, acknowledged that the new findings from Uganda show similar medicinal behaviors across different populations of chimpanzees.

“Prior to this, we had limited knowledge about chimpanzees in that part of Africa,” Mascaro stated.

The phenomenon of self-medication has also been observed in other primates. Last year, Laumer documented that Indonesian orangutans apply leaves to facial wounds as a remedy for injuries sustained during conflicts. The plants they utilize often possess pain-relieving properties recognized by humans.

This body of research broadly indicates that primates are capable of identifying and utilizing plants with medicinal qualities.

“Chimpanzees consider forests not only as a food source but also as a repository for medicinal resources,” Freyman emphasized, underscoring the importance of preserving forest ecosystems.

She suggested that humans may have learned about medicinal plants from these primates, and that pharmaceutical companies could benefit from studying animal behavior to discover valuable medical compounds in the future.

“If you wish to refine the knowledge of these remarkable medicinal resources, observing and learning from animals is an effective, ethical, and responsible approach,” Freyman concluded.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Rescue of 2,600-Year-Old Stones Unearthed from Ancient Nineveh

Posted on May 14, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The preservation of ancient stones is illustrated in the context of Ashurbanipal. A team of archaeologists from the University of Heidelberg has discovered depictions of two gods and other figures representing the rulers of the Neo-Assyrian Empire, spanning from 699 to 631 BC.

A fragment of a 2,600-year-old stone relief from the archaeological site of Nineveh. Image credit: Aaron Schmidt.

Two artifacts, dating back 2,600 years, were unearthed at the archaeological site of Nineveh, located in modern-day Mosul, northern Iraq.

Nineveh served as the capital and largest city of the Neo-Assyrian Empire, and for almost 50 years, it was the largest city in the world.

“The ancient city of Nineveh is recognized as one of the most significant cities in North Mesopotamia. King Sennacherib established it as the capital of the Assyrian Empire in the 8th century BC,” stated Professor Aaron Schmidt from the University of Heidelberg and his team.

The recently unearthed relief from the throne room of King Ashurbanipal’s North Palace stands out not only for its dimensions but also for the intricate scenes it portrays.

This enormous stone slab measures 5.5 m (18 feet) long and 3 m (10 feet) tall, weighing approximately 12 tons.

3D model of stone relief from the archaeological site of Nineveh: dark gray marks the fragments, while light gray areas indicate reconstructions based on findings. King Ashurbanipal is depicted in the center, flanked by the god Ashur (left) and the guardian goddess of Nineveh (right), followed by fish spirits and skilled attendants. Image credit: Michael Rummel.

“Among the various reliefs found in the Assyrian palace, this is the first to prominently feature the major gods,” commented Professor Schmidt.

“At the center of the newly uncovered relief is King Ashurbanipal, the last major ruler of the Assyrian Empire.”

“He is positioned next to the two greatest deities: Assur and Ishtar, along with the guardian goddess of Nineveh.”

“Surrounding them are fish spirits, symbolizing divine life and sovereignty, as well as armed supporters, potentially depicted as scorpions.”

“The evidence implies that a large winged solar disk may have originally adorned the relief.”

Researchers will continue to analyze the depictions meticulously and aim to publish their findings in an academic journal.

“This relief was originally located in a niche opposite the front entrance of the throne room, indicating its significance within the palace,” Professor Schmidt elaborated.

“We discovered a fragment of the relief in an earth-filled hole behind this niche.”

“It’s possible it was buried during the Hellenistic period around the 3rd or 2nd century BC.”

The burial of these fragments is likely one reason why British archaeologists failed to locate them over a century ago.

Source: www.sci.news

Paleontologists Discover First Fossils of Extant Tropical Tree Species

Posted on May 14, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Fossils of the giant rainforest tree Dryobalanops rappa have been found in Brunei (officially known as Brunei Darussalam), an island nation in Borneo. This discovery marks the first fossil evidence of a living, endangered tropical tree species, opening up new avenues for fossil research and underscoring the importance of Southeast Asian heritage and its preservation.

Leaf architecture from living (C, D, FH) compared to fossils (A, B, E) of Dryobalanops. Image credit: Wang et al, doi: 10.1002/ajb2.70036.

Locally referred to as Kapur Paya, Dryobalanops rappa is a tall tree species that exists today but is threatened with extinction in Borneo’s carbon-rich peatlands, including Brunei.

Fossil leaves estimated to be 2 million years old were uncovered in Kampong Rugh within the Chuton district of Brunei.

“This discovery provides a unique glimpse into the ancient history of Asian tropical wet forests,” noted researchers from Pennsylvania.

“We now have fossil evidence that this remarkable tree species has been integral to Borneo’s forests for millions of years, emphasizing its ecological significance and the urgency to protect its remaining habitats.”

According to Professor Peter Wilf of Pennsylvania, “Fossil records of wet tropical forests in Asia have been surprisingly limited compared to those in the Amazon and Africa.”

Paleontologists identified these fossils by examining the microscopic features of the preserved leaf cuticles, down to the cellular level of Dryobalanops rappa.

“Our findings underscore that these forests are not only thriving with biodiversity today but are also home to iconic tree species that have existed for millions of years,” Wang stated.

“Conservation efforts should not only focus on current species but also aim to preserve the ecological legacy that has endured over millennia.”

“The dominant tree family in Asian rainforests, the bi-pterocarps, plays a crucial role in carbon storage and biodiversity,” the researchers highlighted.

“However, these trees face increasing threats from deforestation and habitat loss.”

“By unveiling the deep historical roots of these trees, this discovery offers a fresh perspective on conservation strategies,” Wang added.

“These findings add a new dimension to conservation, as we strive to protect not only modern species but also ancient survivors that are pivotal to our ecosystem,” Wang concluded.

“This historical context makes both the endangered tree species and their habitats even more critical for conservation efforts.”

“Our research demonstrates how fossil evidence can inform conservation strategies for endangered species and ecosystems, grounded in their historical importance,” Professor Wilf remarked.

“Understanding the history of tropical forests is vital for conservation, especially as numerous key species face rapid decline.” Professor Wilf emphasized.

“Our discovery lays an essential historical foundation for the conservation of keystone trees in tropical Asia, particularly the rapidly diminishing bi-ptery species.”

Details of these findings are documented in a paper published in the American Journal of Botany.

____

Teng-Xiang Wang et al. Fossils of the endemic giant dual-pterocarp species open a historic portal into Borneo’s disappearing rainforest. American Journal of Botany, published online on May 8, 2025. doi:10.1002/ajb2.70036

Source: www.sci.news

Internal Departments Are Declining in Influence While Extraction Is Rising

Posted on May 14, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The Trump administration is suggesting a significant reevaluation of how public lands across the U.S. are utilized and managed, based on an Interior Department document released in late April. This draft strategic plan outlines objectives for the next five years, focusing on maximizing economic benefits through resource extraction, such as oil and gas, while minimizing emphasis on conservation.

“This serves as a roadmap for industrializing public land,” stated Taylor McKinnon of the Center for Biodiversity. McKinnon expressed skepticism regarding the administration’s ability to achieve these goals, signaling potential lawsuits from his organization and others.

Many ambitious proposals are being floated that are specific to Washington, DC, and are unlikely to materialize. However, Donald J. Trump is commencing his second presidential term with determined momentum, reshaping federal agencies at a speed previously unseen.

“I am fully committed to implementing the directives of Project 2025,” remarked Jacob Malcolm, who recently led the Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Policy Analysis. Project 2025, a 900-page document published by the Heritage Foundation in 2023, acts as a guiding framework for various policies, including those regarding public land. Much of the section related to the Department of the Interior was authored by William Perry Pendley, a conservative activist.

Among the numerous objectives highlighted in the strategic plan released on April 22, coinciding with Earth Day, “Restoring America’s Prosperity” is a focal point. To realize this goal, the Department of the Interior aims to “open Alaska and other federal lands for mineral extraction,” “boost revenues from grazing, timber, precious minerals, gravel, and other non-energy resources,” and “enhance production of clean coal, oil, and gas with expedited permitting processes.”

The newsletter discussing public domain initiatives first reported this documentation. In a statement via email, a spokesperson for the Interior Department criticized the leak, which seemingly prepares environmental groups, including McKinnon, for legal challenges. The statement labeled the leak as “unacceptable” and claimed it is “irresponsible for media outlets to publish draft documents.” They assured that the leak of internal pre-decision documents would be taken “very seriously,” and an investigation would follow, although no further details were provided by the department’s media office.

The plan does touch upon more conventional goals, such as enhancing “resilience against natural disasters,” improving infrastructure like dams and bridges, and promoting recreation, particularly hunting and fishing. However, the overarching outlook reflected in the 23-page document aligns with long-held Republican views that regard federal land protection as overly burdensome and intrusive—beliefs that gained traction during the late 1970s and the early Reagan administration. After the Sagebrush Rebels began advocating for privatization over conservation, these ideas became more mainstream. (Pendley identifies himself under the handle @sagebrush_rebel on social media, with an avatar featuring Ronald Reagan in western attire.)

“The strategic plan clearly prioritizes the extraction and sale of public land,” stated Aaron H. Weiss, Deputy Director of the Western Priority Center, a nonpartisan nonprofit advocating land protection. “Conservation, protection, recreation, and tribal responsibilities are all deprioritized.” (The Department of Interior sometimes overlaps with “all other departments,” such as the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, Fish and Wildlife Bureau, and Bureau of Indian Affairs.)

A significant component of the 2030 plan is already rolling out. Interior Secretary Doug Burgham is moving forward to expedite environmental review processes necessary for approving mines, wells, pipelines, and other industrial infrastructure. Recently, the Trump administration greenlit the construction of homes on federal land. Pendley previously led the Bureau of Land Management during Trump’s first term. Moreover, on May 2, Burgham announced the opening of 87,000 acres managed by his department. for enhanced hunting and fishing opportunities.

Burgham’s strategic plan also includes a provision suggesting the return of federal lands to the states, termed policy diving. As Weiss pointed out, “History teaches us that states often lack the resources to manage such lands, resulting in closures, sales, and increasing privatization. This is the ultimate endgame.”

Still, the vision laid out by the new Home Office may only be partially realized, particularly as courts continue to halt central components of Trump’s agenda. “Much of what they’re doing seems to be illegal,” Dr. Malcolm articulated, referencing the large-scale layoffs instituted by the Trump administration in the Department of the Interior and legal challenges to renewable energy projects. Nevertheless, this document starkly indicates how modern GOPs have significantly diverged from Theodore D. Roosevelt’s legacy of protecting public lands.

Mr. Roosevelt was responsible for implementing the Antiquities Act of 1906, which empowers the president to protect lands of cultural or historical significance. Subsequent Democratic presidents, including Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, and Joe R. Biden Jr., have utilized this legislation, often leading to accusations of executive overreach from conservative critics.

Burgham’s strategic plan suggests implementing “right-sized monuments,” referring particularly to the Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments, which were both downsized during his initial term. While Biden reinstated those changes in 2021, there remains the possibility of additional reductions for these or other monuments.

Additional proposals contemplate restoring historic names, potentially reassigning Native American names, like Denali, Mountain Alaska, back to Mount McKinley. The department also seeks to revoke behavioral protections for certain endangered species and eliminate “unnecessary” electric vehicle policies.

Overall, the vision presented by Burgham sharply contrasts with the 2022-2026 Strategic Plan released by the Biden administration, which emphasized objectives related to “climate change,” “environmental management,” and “environmental justice.” The Biden-era plan celebrated initiatives for diversity, equity, and inclusion—concepts actively dismissed by the Trump administration.

In one of his first actions upon returning to the White House, Trump declared a “national energy emergency.” This move comes in response to the Interior Department’s stated intent to expedite the permitting process for new oil and gas leases.

Experts, however, argue that no such crisis exists. According to the Energy Information Administration, the United States is currently the “world’s largest producer of crude oil and natural gas.” Moreover, with the increasing affordability of renewable energy options, supporting the opening of federal land to excavation appears to lack justification. “We’ve witnessed significant advancements globally,” commented Mark Squilas, a natural resource expert at the University of Colorado Law School in Boulder, who also described claims of a national energy emergency as “absurd.”

Dr. Scrice raised concerns regarding the limited opportunities available for public input on the strategic plans set to be finalized by October. “This essentially circumvents the comprehensive engagement process,” he remarked. “This is not a genuinely thorough process.”

Mary Joe Rugwell, who leads the Public Land Foundation, previously served as the state director of Wyoming’s Bureau of Land Management. She noted that land use policies oscillate between ideological extremes, often leading to legal disputes.

“They’re bound to face lawsuits,” she stated regarding the Trump administration. “And the thing is, once litigation starts, progress comes to a halt; all that arises is a barrage of legal counsel.”

Source: www.nytimes.com

3M to Pay Up to $450 Million for Water Contamination Settlement

Posted on May 14, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

3M is expected to pay New Jersey between $400 million and $450 million over the next 25 years. The company is implicated in the contamination of drinking water across the nation with harmful “forever chemicals,” known as PFAS.

The Minnesota-based chemical corporation has produced PFAS for decades at the Chambers Works site in Deepwater, New Jersey, situated along the Delaware River. This facility was previously owned by the competitor DuPont.

Officials have stated that this settlement marks the largest single clean water agreement in New Jersey history. In 2019, New Jersey launched a lawsuit against 3M, DuPont, and other PFAS manufacturers, citing contamination of the drinking water supply from the facility.

PFAS, or polyfluoroalkyl substances, are found in numerous everyday products, such as nonstick cookware, water-repellant clothing, and stain-resistant carpets. Exposure to these chemicals is associated with metabolic disorders, reduced birth rates in women, delayed child development, and higher risks of certain cancers, including prostate, kidney, and testicular cancers.

As part of the settlement announced on Tuesday, 3M will allocate between $400 million and $450 million to New Jersey over 25 years, aimed at damages and improving drinking water treatment.

New Jersey noted that DuPont and its spinoff, Kemoul, which operates the facility, are not included in the settlement. The remaining parties are anticipated to take the matter to trial. DuPont chose not to comment.

“Businesses that contaminate our water supply must be held accountable,” stated New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin. “For years, 3M was aware its PFAS chemicals were permanently polluting the New Jersey environment, yet they evaded responsibility. That time is over.”

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the Chambers Works facility historically produced gunpowder and materials for nuclear purposes, aiding in the development of the atomic bomb. Recently, the site has manufactured a range of chemicals, including PFAS.

New Jersey Environmental Protection Commissioner Sean M. Latourette remarked that the pollution issue extends far beyond drinking water. “PFAS are present throughout New Jersey, even reaching soil in forests distant from landfills,” he noted.

New Jersey is only the second state to settle with 3M regarding PFAS-related drinking water pollution claims, following Minnesota, which saw 3M agree to pay $850 million in 2018 for similar issues affecting natural resources.

In 2023, 3M also reached a nationwide settlement of up to $12.5 billion with public water suppliers to tackle PFAS contamination in drinking water.

3M characterized the agreement as a “crucial step toward mitigating risks and uncertainties” related to historical PFAS contamination. The company indicated that it had begun phasing out the production of two major PFAS substances in 2000 and aims to stop all PFAS production by 2025.

3M clarified that the settlement should not be seen as an admission of guilt and noted that it would incur a pre-tax charge of $285 million in the second quarter.

This week, the EPA was set to announce whether it will uphold the stringent PFAS drinking water standards established by the Biden administration last year.

Chemical companies and utilities have sued the agency over this decision. The Trump administration was due to inform the court on Monday whether it would continue to support these standards but instead requested a 21-day extension to determine its next steps.

Source: www.nytimes.com

This Fossilized Creature Has Three Eyes, Yet Everything Else Seems Familiar

Posted on May 14, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Over 500 million years ago, Matt Groening and The Simpsons introduced us to Blinking, mutated fish with extra eyes that swam from an old fish hole in Springfield, pursuing their prey through Cambrian seas. Once you catch a quarry, a circular mouth lined with teeth will do the rest.

This creature, named Mothra Fentoni, is a remarkable addition to the peculiar fossils preserved in the Burgess Shale, a significant fossil deposit in the Canadian Rockies. However, findings published in the journal on Wednesday Royal Society Open Science suggest that Mothra may not be as alien as it initially appears.

The first Mothra specimens were unearthed over a century ago by paleontologist Charles Walcott, who discovered Burgess Shale in 1909. In recent years, paleontologists at the Ontario Museum in Toronto have unearthed “layers of seabeds revealing a plethora of Mothra fossils.”

Although they were not fish, it was evident that the masses from the sea related to Radiodonts, the group of ancestral arthropods dominating the Cambrian food chain. However, comprehensive examinations of these animals only began in 2012 when numerous Mothra specimens were found at Marble Canyon, an outcrop of Burgess Shale.

“The collection of both old and new specimens motivated us to finally understand this animal,” said Joseph Moiszk, a paleontologist who studied the Marble Canyon fossils during his doctoral research.

Dr. Moiszk collaborated with advisors at the Royal Ontario Museum, including Jan Bernard Carron, to analyze approximately 60 ocean specimens. Like other Burgess Shale creatures, many Mothra specimens are well-preserved, showcasing features such as the gastrointestinal tract and circulatory system. Some even exhibited traces of nerve bundles in each of the creature’s three eyes.

The team meticulously documented the detailed anatomy of the flat fossils by photographing Mothra specimens under polarized light.

A defining characteristic of living arthropods is their body division into specialized segments. For instance, crustaceans like crabs have varying appendages suited for different functions such as feeding and locomotion. Fossils of early arthropod ancestors, including other Radiodonts, display relatively simple body plans. Consequently, researchers have long theorized that segmentation evolved slowly over time.

Mothra supports this trend. Though measuring only 2.5 inches in length, the creature’s body was divided into as many as 26 segments.

“This feature has never been observed in this group before,” remarked Dr. Moisiuk, currently at the Manitoba Museum in Winnipeg.

Along with its broad swimming flaps, the animal had a highly segmented trunk behind its body. Researchers note that this area resembles abdominal structures used by crabs, woodlice, and various insects for respiration.

Optimizing oxygen intake was crucial for active predators like Mothra. Researchers believe the animal hunted small prey in open waters while needing to distance itself from larger contemporaries, such as the 2-foot-long, oddly-shaped titanocory.

Since no other Radiodont displayed such a specialized trunk, researchers have classified Mothra in its unique group. Instead of naming the creature after that three-eyed cartoon fish, the team drew inspiration from another pop culture icon, Mothra, Godzilla’s winged adversary. Dr. Moysiuk stated that the name pays homage to the creature’s nickname while celebrating the lasting appeal of Japanese Burgess Shale creatures.

The team also identified other notable features in Mothra, such as dark, reflective patches and swimming flaps within the animal’s body. Researchers speculate these could indicate spaces for blood vessels, possibly linked to the heart’s pumping system.

However, some scientists remain skeptical that these features represent fossilized blood vessels. Joanna Wolf, a paleontologist at Harvard University who wasn’t involved in the study, suggested they might represent other structures, such as the digestive tract.

While some of Mothra’s attributes may stir scientific debate, Dr. Caron believes the body segments of this ancient sea creature reveal ties to modern arthropods. “It certainly is a very unique animal,” he concluded.

Source: www.nytimes.com

Inside the Museum: Beetles Feeding on Meat for Scientific Research

Posted on May 14, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Navigating past the enormous hanging blue whales and the Alaska brown bear on the ground floor of the American Museum of Natural History, you’ll stumble upon an unassuming, concealed door. Above it are small signs.

“Bug colony.”

Behind this door, accessible solely to a select group of museum staff, thousands of carnivorous skin beetles tirelessly work around the clock, carrying out specimen preparation tasks that even the museum’s most skilled professionals cannot manage.

They consume the flesh from animal skeletons, leaving only pristine bones behind.

Many skeletons are too intricate for human cleaning, so the museum’s osteologic preparation team turns to these six-legged workers to ready specimens for research and display.

The operation takes place in three gray wooden boxes, about the size of a foot locker, which house the colony. These boxes are lined with stainless steel, and their flexible tops unveil a range of small creatures, including beetles, feasting on the remnants of primarily birds. They devour morsels of flesh still attached to the carcasses.

The room resonates with soft, crackling noises. “Adding milk makes it sound like frying food or cooking rice,” mentioned Rob Pascocello, a colony caretaker.

The beetles are tiny—only a few millimeters long—capable of entering the narrowest crevices in animals and nibble away without damaging fragile skeletal structures, according to Scott Schaefer, the overseer of the museum’s vast collection of specimens and artifacts, which comprises over 30 million items.

“They do an exceptional, meticulous job that human hands cannot replicate due to delicacy,” Schaefer explained. “It’s gentler than boiling the specimens or subjecting them to chemicals or acids.”

Museum representatives state that this industrious colony has processed countless carcasses, including a significant portion of the over 30,000 bird skeleton specimens housed for decades. “They slip into tiny spaces and go unnoticed, continuing to feed until there’s nothing left,” Schaefer noted.

On a recent weekday, Paul Sweet, the collection manager for ornithology, stood in the bug room, pointing out that the name is misleading from a scientific standpoint.

True bugs, known scientifically as Hemiptera, have mouthparts designed for piercing and sucking. In contrast, beetles—known as Coleoptera—typically have a cylindrical shape with chewing mouthparts.

The colony has effectively reduced the once vibrant pink flamingos into mere bundles of bones. The majestic snowy owl was similarly transformed. Among the remnants was a tiny skeleton in a canister, with bones smaller than a toothpick.

“That’s a songbird,” Pascocello remarked.

Skin beetles are scavengers commonly found in the wild, nests, and animal burrows, feasting on deceased animals.

Museum officials mentioned that this dermatological colony, introduced from Africa in the 1930s, has remained self-sufficient. Sweet noted that the current beetle population has been at the museum for 35 years, though it remains uncertain whether they are descendants of the original colony.

Regardless, beetles only live for six months, leading Pascocello to humorously state, “they’re all related.” He also mentioned having a backup colony in his bedroom during the museum’s closure due to the coronavirus pandemic.

On this particular day, Sweet was preparing to feed the colony a Northern Gannet, a seabird recovered from Midland Beach on Staten Island. It had already been stripped, dried, and had most of its meat removed by researchers before being handed over to the beetles for final preparation.

Within minutes, the bodies were swarming with beetles. While smaller birds can be entirely cleaned in just a couple of days, a larger skeleton, like that of a gannet, may take up to two weeks.

Pascocello once provided beetles to feed orangutans, while Sweet had given them the remains of an emu. However, the size of the specimens presented determines how they are handled; larger ones must be provided in pieces, such as the remains of a Cuban crocodile named Fidel, sourced from the Bronx Zoo in 2005.

Before pristine skeletons are boxed and cataloged, they are soaked in water and frozen for several days to eliminate any residual beetles and eggs.

Beetles pose no threat to humans, but an infestation within the museum’s specimen collection is undesirable. A sufficient quantity of beetles means strips of petrolatum jelly at the top of the box and sticky patches on the room’s doorway.

If the supply of specimens falls short, Pascocello will resort to chicken as an emergency food source. Sweet mentioned providing the colony with pig feet during the pandemic, as it was the least expensive meat available at the supermarket.

The beetle’s voracious appetite serves as a reminder that significant scientific work doesn’t always happen in spotless laboratories. Above the door, beneath the “Bug Colony” sign, a handwritten note reads:

“The unpleasant odor emanating from behind this door is perfectly normal.”

Source: www.nytimes.com

Trump’s Attention Shifts to Targeting Drug Dealers

Posted on May 13, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Former President Trump has been vocal in his battle against drug traffickers for quite some time. He proposed the death penalty for their “heinous acts,” asserting this measure on the first day of his second term. A Presidential Order categorizes cartels as “terrorist organizations.”

Nonetheless, public health and addiction specialists express concern that his budget and policy proposals may inadvertently penalize individuals grappling with drug abuse and addiction.

The Trump administration pledged to combat overdose deaths, a pressing public health crisis, by enhancing law enforcement efforts, bolstering border security, and imposing tariffs on China and Mexico to curb the influx of fentanyl and other hazardous substances. However, the administration also proposed substantial cuts in programs aimed at reducing the demand for drugs.

The budget introduced to Congress this month seeks to eliminate over $1 billion allocated for local and domestic treatment and preventive services. Major federal agencies involved in addressing substance use, such as Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services, have already experienced substantial staff reductions due to layoffs during the Trump administration. Critics warn that this will lead to a collapse of the necessary frameworks for a healthy America, extending far beyond just mental health and substance use issues.

If Republican talks about Medicaid cuts are implemented, millions of Americans may be unable to maintain or initiate treatment.

The White House did not provide any comments regarding the situation. The proposed budget highlights a stance on drug trafficking, stressing a commitment to secure boundaries and law and order while advocating for the reduction of redundant or insufficiently impactful addiction services.

Public health experts argue that these reductions are detrimental, particularly at a time when the nation is making meaningful advancements in combating fentanyl fatalities. Various interventions, including increased access to overdose-reversing naloxone, more treatment facilities, stable housing, and peer counseling, have been credited with this progress. Nonetheless, a clear consensus on which interventions merit further focus and funding remains elusive.

“It will be a tragedy if we dismantle these programs without a full understanding of their effectiveness, leading to a potential resurgence of overdose rates,” warns Dr. Matthew Christiansen, an addiction specialist from Huntington, West Virginia, a city once labeled as facing a severe opioid crisis.

A letter signed by over 320 behavioral medicine experts was sent to Congressional leaders, criticizing the proposed cuts, which affect crucial programs such as “community-based naloxone distribution, peer outreach initiatives, prevention programs for drug-related infectious diseases, and drug testing strip programs.”

The president’s budget proposes the termination of grants aimed at “harm reduction,” a strategy that helps curb the spread of disease and maintains the health of drug users, which has gained widespread acceptance among mainstream addiction treatment providers.

The budget questions federal financial backing for “dangerous activities” termed “harm reduction,” which includes providing “safe smoking kits and consumables” and “syringes” for users.

Such rhetoric harkens back to distorted reports from 2022, which suggested that $30 million in federal harm reduction grants would fund crack smoking and meth pipes. In reality, a small portion of the grants, designated as a “Safer Smoking Kit,” comprised alcohol swabs and lip balm while also supporting state programs for sterile syringe exchanges that have been shown to effectively reduce hepatitis C and HIV infection rates.

“Many individuals have faced significant health challenges,” remarked Dr. Christiansen, who previously directed drug management policies in West Virginia. “These tools are essential for minimizing opioid-related harm while fostering long-term recovery.”

According to the latest annual substance use survey by federal entities, 2023, approximately 27.2 million Americans over 12 years old faced substance use disorders, 28.9 million struggled with alcohol use disorders, and 7.5 million experienced both.

The budget maintains block grants for states to combat addiction and mental health issues; however, without additional grants and resources, the capacity for states to deliver necessary medical and social services for addiction prevention and treatment may fall short, as stated by Dr. Christiansen.

David Hertzberg, a Professor of Drug Policy and History at the University of Buffalo, noted that this governmental approach echoes 19th-century America, when the government was heavily intertwined with border issues tied to drug use, particularly regarding opiates and Chinese immigrants. Fearing foreign influence, Congress enacted severe restrictions on immigration from China amid hysteria over opium use among Chinese men.

Currently, as Hertzberg observed, political conservatives have recognized the targeting of foreign drug suppliers as a strategic avenue to bolster their broader agendas.

This stands in stark contrast to the frequently boasted about drug seizures, while chronic substance abuse often goes overlooked and is typically perceived as a personal failing rather than a broader social issue. Elected officials advocating for welfare are often branded as excessively lenient on crime.

“If politicians are truly willing to advocate for these individuals, I would be genuinely surprised,” Hertzberg concluded.

Source: www.nytimes.com