Image Credit: NASA, ESA, Dennis Bodewits (Australia)
Recently, we were fortunate to observe Comet K1 just after it fragmented into four pieces. This event could offer crucial insights into the formation and evolution of our solar system.
John Noonan and researchers from Auburn University in Alabama had initially aimed to study a different comet using the Hubble Space Telescope. However, due to the spacecraft’s limitations in high-speed orbiting, they redirected their focus to a new target—comet C/2025 K1 (ATLAS). Upon directing Hubble towards K1, they were surprised to find it had already split into four distinct fragments.
“While we have observed comets break apart before, this was the first time we didn’t anticipate it occurring during our observations,” Noonan shared. “The ability to capture these images was incredibly fortunate.”
These unprecedented images of a freshly shattered comet provide invaluable data. Typically, it is challenging to predict when a comet will begin to splinter, let alone align a space telescope to capture the moment. However, the high-resolution images acquired allowed researchers to estimate that K1 began to fracture approximately a week prior to the images being taken.
Observations of Comet K1 Over Three Days
Image Credit: NASA, ESA, Dennis Bodewits (Australia)
Comets consist of primordial ice from the early solar system, yet their surfaces erode over time due to solar radiation and other cosmic effects. To uncover this primordial ice and gain insights into planetary formation, we must delve beneath the surface—a task that shattered comets facilitate.
As a comet disintegrates, it releases ice that transitions into gas, diffusing into space. “These extremely cold ice remnants are suddenly exposed to warmth for the first time in billions of years and should rapidly subliminate,” Noonan explained. Surprisingly, in the case of K1, it took about two days post-fragmentation for brightness to emerge, typically indicating sunlight interacting with sublimated gases and dust.
The reason for this unexpected delay remains unclear. Noonan and his team are currently analyzing the remaining data from K1, which is anticipated to clarify the delay in brightening and reveal the comet’s internal composition. “We are poised to embark on groundbreaking research regarding this comet and early solar system dynamics,” he stated.
Since British pop legend David Bowie posed the question in 1971, “Does life exist on Mars?”, NASA has successfully landed five rovers on the Red Planet. The Curiosity rover, which touched down in Gale Crater in 2012, uncovered rocks formed in a shallow lake approximately 3.6 billion years ago, indicating a once habitable environment. In 2021, the Perseverance rover began exploring Jezero Crater, where traces of ancient life may be found at the base of a lake dating back 3.7 billion years.
Both Curiosity and Perseverance have discovered evidence of complex carbon-containing molecules within Martian lakebed rocks. Organisms on Earth consist of similar organicmolecules, leading astrobiologists to speculate that these Martian compounds might indicate past life. However, it’s important to note that organic molecules can also arise from non-biological processes, such as interactions between gases and minerals at high temperatures. Thus, more conclusive evidence is needed to confirm the existence of ancient Martian life.
A recent study by researchers at the Center for Astrobiology in Madrid, Spain, explored whether DNA could function as a potential biomarker in Martian rocks. They posited that DNA is universal among Earth’s life forms and deemed it “the most crucial biological molecule for life.” Only life forms create this molecule. Furthermore, many conditions that degrade DNA quickly on Earth—such as the presence of water, heat, and microorganisms—are absent in the cold, dry climate of Mars.
One major obstacle in detecting ancient DNA on Mars is the planet’s surface, which is constantly bombarded by intense shock waves. Cosmic and solar radiation can rapidly degrade DNA and organic molecules. Prior research has indicated that DNA is more likely to survive radiation damage when protected within rock. Hence, the researchers aimed to examine whether Mars-like rocks could shield DNA from radiation levels equivalent to around 100 million years of exposure on the planet’s surface.
Scientists will not gain direct access to Martian lake rocks until future sample return missions, such as NASA/ESA’s Mars Sample Return or the Chinese Astronomy-3 mission, are conducted. The researchers collected samples from various rock ages formed in lakes and shallow marine environments worldwide. They specifically targeted rocks with remnants of an ancient microbial community known as microorganisms and a total organic carbon concentration similar to that of Martian rocks. The samples included 2,800-year-old lake rocks from Mexico, 541-million-year-old shallow-water rocks from Morocco, and 2.93-billion-year-old iron-rich rocks from Ontario, Canada, featuring minerals akin to those in Jezero Crater on Mars.
The team crushed the rocks, dividing them into six samples each, sealed in glass bottles. They exposed three samples to radiation levels equivalent to 136 million years on the Martian surface, while leaving the other three unexposed for comparison. DNA was extracted from each sample and examined using a technique that enables reliable identification of short DNA fragments known as nanopore sequencing. This method also generates quality scores for each DNA fragment to assess the accuracy of specific DNA sequences.
The analysis revealed that unirradiated samples contained higher quantities of DNA fragments, correlating with a greater presence of organic carbon. This suggests that the DNA originated from contemporary microbial communities residing in the rocks, while the organic carbon was derived from long-deceased microbes. Thus, the researchers inferred that modern microbes were consuming ancient organisms; the more food available, the larger the microbial populations grow. These findings support the proposition that rich organic carbon sites like ancient crater lakes are prime targets for future life-detection missions.
In irradiated samples, DNA quality diminished and fragmented due to radiation exposure. For instance, the DNA from irradiated samples of Mexican lake microorganisms exhibited quality scores that were, on average, 53% lower, with DNA reads averaging 85% shorter compared to unirradiated samples. Nevertheless, the research team managed to identify microorganisms that contributed around 2% to 9% of the DNA in the irradiated samples, despite significant degradation.
The researchers concluded that identifiable DNA fragments could persist in Martian rocks for over 100 million years. They proposed that this sensitive sequencing approach should be implemented in future Mars rovers to search for evidence of past life and evaluate the planet’s biological viability. While these results are promising for astrobiologists, challenges remain, such as the presence of toxic salts that could further degrade DNA and concerns regarding pollution from terrestrial life. The research team recommended developing stringent protocols for decontaminating Martian rock samples and addressing external contamination.
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API Key Leaks: A Major Threat to Business Security
Vertigo3d/Getty Images
Critical security credentials, including API keys, are mistakenly exposed on thousands of websites, putting organizations—ranging from small startups to large banks and healthcare providers—at significant risk.
These leaks could grant unauthorized users access to sensitive data, like RSA private keys, enabling attackers to impersonate servers, decrypt private communications, and potentially seize complete control over a company’s digital infrastructure. “This is a pressing issue impacting entities of all sizes,” states Nurula Demir from Stanford University, California.
Demir and colleagues conducted an analysis of 10 million web pages to identify the extent of exposed API credentials. API keys facilitate seamless communication between different software systems and serve as access tokens for cloud platforms, payment processing, and messaging services.
Through their web scans, the researchers validated 1,748 exposed credentials from 14 leading service providers, including Amazon Web Services, Stripe, GitHub, and OpenAI, found across approximately 10,000 compromised websites.
The accountability for these vulnerabilities lies not with the service providers, but with the developers and operators who misconfigured their websites. While the specific companies affected were not named, they reportedly include “global systemically important financial institutions,” firmware developers, and major hosting platforms.
“We have alerted all entities concerning identified exposures,” said DeMille. Approximately half of the organizations remedied their exposed API keys within two weeks; however, some did not respond.
On average, leaked credentials remain accessible for 12 months, with some lasting as long as five years. The majority (around 84%) of compromised credentials were located within the JavaScript environment, likely due to developers improperly using bundler tools for code packaging.
The remaining 16% originated from third-party resources, where misconfigured external plugins or scripts inadvertently exposed sensitive credentials online.
“None of these developers intended for their systems to be insecure,” explains Katie Paxton-Fear from Manchester Metropolitan University, UK. Issues arose due to programming intricacies, leading to accidental exposure. “They followed best practices, but vulnerabilities emerged during the development process,” she adds.
Leaking API keys is a “significant concern in modern software development,” notes Nick Nikiforakis from Stony Brook University, New York. “API keys replace user credentials, granting authorization without direct authentication. However, their misconfiguration can lead to serious security threats.”
DeMille emphasizes shared responsibility in addressing these vulnerabilities. “Developers must exercise caution in using API credentials,” he advises, alongside ensuring proper configuration of their development environments. He further suggests website-building tool creators should design systems to automatically hide private keys by default, rather than relying on developers to manage these protections manually, and that hosting companies should proactively monitor for exposed keys and disable them immediately.
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A spectacular fireball was observed over southeast Texas on Saturday afternoon, confirmed by NASA as a meteor likely breaking apart over the Houston area.
Residents in the greater Houston area reported sightings, including video from a doorbell camera and dashcam footage taken during a Little League baseball game, showing flaming balls of light traversing a clear blue sky. The meteor event was first noticed at 4:40 p.m. local time in Stagecoach, northwest Houston, according to NASA.
NASA reported that “it moved southeast at 35,000 miles per hour and broke apart 47 miles above Bummel, just west of Cypress Station.” The agency noted in a post on X.
Initial estimates suggest that the meteorite was approximately 3 feet in diameter and weighed around 1 ton. As it entered Earth’s atmosphere, the pressure waves generated a sonic boom audible in parts of the area.
Houston resident Shelley James reported that debris from the meteorite may have crashed through her home on Saturday afternoon. She was in the bathroom when loud thuds resonated from her daughter’s room.
“I went in to check and found a hole; the floor was caved in,” she described.
Next to her daughter’s bed, James discovered what she called a “big black rock.”
“I thought, ‘What is this?'” she recalled. “I called my grandson and asked, ‘Is that a meteorite?’ It was pitch black, which was the first thought that came to mind.”
While the meteorite was roughly the size of a baseball, James noted it felt heavier than one. Fortunately, despite the dramatic event, her family members were unharmed when the rock struck their home.
“It just looked like a rock. Rocks falling from the sky don’t mean anything,” James remarked.
The American Meteor Society monitors bolide events globally, recording over 140 meteor reports that Saturday, across regions in South Central and Southeast Texas, including Houston, Katy, College Station, San Antonio, and Austin.
NASA indicated that Doppler weather radar suggests a meteorite might have impacted an area of Houston between Willowbrook and Northgate Crossing.
This meteor sighting occurred just four days after another fireball was reported in northeastern Ohio and Pennsylvania. Bill Cook, head of NASA’s Meteor Environment Office, shared with NBC News that the earlier fireball likely resulted from a small asteroid weighing 7 tons and measuring about 6 feet in diameter. As the meteorite disintegrated, it released energy equivalent to 250 tons of TNT.
Preliminary data showed this previous meteor was traveling at 45,000 miles per hour before breaking apart over Valley City, Ohio. Cook illustrated that the fireball likely created several meteorites around Medina County.
While large meteors that create bright fireballs are infrequent, they do occur. Countless smaller space rocks, dust, and remnants from rockets collide with Earth daily, according to NASA. However, the majority burn up harmlessly in the atmosphere.
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Geoscientists have made a groundbreaking discovery by analyzing magnetic signals in 3.5 billion-year-old rocks in Western Australia. This research reveals the oldest direct evidence of global shifts in the Earth’s outer shell, pushing the origins of plate motion back into the planet’s early history.
Hadean Earth. Image credit: Alec Brenner.
“A wide range of ages has been proposed for tectonic activity,” said Dr. Alec Brenner, a researcher from Yale University.
“Our findings confirm that tectonic plates were actively moving on Earth’s surface 3.5 billion years ago.”
This significant study focused on the Pilbara Craton in Western Australia, known for its ancient and well-preserved rock formations dating back to the Archean era, a time when Earth sustained early microbial life and endured significant asteroid impacts.
The Pilbara region hosts some of the earliest signs of life, including stromatolites and microbial rocks formed by single-celled organisms like cyanobacteria.
The research team analyzed over 900 rock samples from more than 100 sites within the Arctic Dome region.
Using an electric drill with a hollow bit and diamond teeth, they extracted cylindrical core samples while cooling them with a hand-pumped horticultural sprayer.
An instrument equipped with a compass and goniometer was inserted into the drilled holes to accurately record the orientation of the samples.
The scientists then sliced the cores into thin sections and placed them into a magnetometer capable of detecting magnetic signals 100,000 times weaker than a typical compass needle.
These samples were measured multiple times while subjected to temperatures up to 590 degrees Celsius until the magnetite mineral lost its magnetization.
“We took a significant risk; demagnetizing thousands of cores took years. But it paid off—our results exceeded our expectations!” exclaimed Dr. Brenner.
In ferromagnetic minerals, the orientation of electrons acts like a compass needle pointing towards the magnetic poles, providing clues about the rock’s geographical position relative to these poles when they formed.
By analyzing a succession of rocks spanning 30 million years, the authors observed a shift of tectonic plates in the East Pilbara Formation, moving from 53 degrees to 77 degrees latitude and rotating clockwise by over 90 degrees at rates of tens of centimeters per year.
Because the magnetic poles can reverse, it remains uncertain whether this movement took place in the northern or southern hemisphere.
Movement slowed significantly within the following 10 million years, followed by a period of relative stability.
To compare these findings with Archean sites elsewhere, the researchers analyzed the Barberton Greenstone Belt in modern-day South Africa.
Previous paleomagnetic studies have indicated that the Barberton site is near the equator and remained nearly stationary during this period, suggesting differing drift patterns between these regions.
In contemporary times, the North American and Eurasian plates are moving apart at a rate of about 2.5 cm per year.
Many questions about the timing and nature of Earth’s current plate tectonics remain unanswered, with geophysicists referring to this as the “active lid,” as opposed to earlier theories of a stagnant, sluggish, or ephemeral lid.
This research dismisses the concept of a stagnant lid but doesn’t conclusively determine which model of plate movement is most probable.
“We’re examining tectonic plate movements, which require defined boundaries between plates, contrary to the notion of a continuous, crackless lithosphere,” Brenner explained.
“Instead, the lithosphere was segmented into various parts capable of moving relative to one another.”
Additionally, Brenner and his collaborators identified the oldest known geomagnetic reversals, where a planet’s magnetic field alternates its polarity. After such a reversal, a compass needle points south instead of north.
This phenomenon is associated with dynamo action in the Earth’s core, where molten iron’s convection creates electrical currents and magnetic fields. The last known reversal occurred about 780,000 years ago.
“New evidence suggests that geomagnetic reversals were less frequent 3.5 billion years ago compared to today,” noted Roger Hu, a professor at Harvard University.
“While not definitive, it implies that the mechanisms behind these reversals may have operated differently back then.”
The findings were published in the journal Science on March 19.
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Alec R. Brenner et al. 2026. Relative plate motion and paleomagnetic detection of a core dynamo with a rare reversal at 3.5 Ga. Science 391 (6791): 1278-1282; doi: 10.1126/science.adw9250
A severe heatwave has engulfed much of the western United States this weekend, plunging cities and residents into sweltering conditions typically reserved for mid-summer.
An unrelenting heat wave has gripped California and the desert Southwest, with temperatures expected to soar 20 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit above the seasonal average. This heat will spread eastward into the central United States in the coming days, as reported by the National Weather Service.
Since Tuesday, over 150 daily temperature records and nearly 50 monthly high records have been shattered. The weather bureau indicates that temperatures could climb even higher this weekend.
California has seen significant rises in temperatures as it heads into the weekend, with Death Valley hitting a record monthly high of 105 degrees on Thursday. Projections show that triple-digit highs will persist into next week, according to the National Weather Service.
Southern Nevada has also been experiencing summer-like conditions. Las Vegas recorded 96 degrees on Saturday and is forecasted to reach 93 degrees on Sunday. In response, more than 40 cooling stations have opened across the city to assist residents in coping with the extreme heat.
“Southern Nevada is accustomed to extreme heat, but we’re facing an unprecedented heat wave months before summer,” stated Clark County Commissioner Marilyn Kirkpatrick. The statement emphasizes that residents are not yet acclimated to such high temperatures, raising the risk of heat-related illnesses.
The Las Vegas branch of the National Weather Service is advising individuals to take necessary precautions to prevent heatstroke.
“When outdoors, remember to use sunscreen, consume light snacks, and steer clear of caffeine and alcohol,” the Bureau of Meteorology advised in a tweet.
Fort Collins, Colorado, reached a remarkable 91 degrees on Saturday, marking its highest March temperature since record-keeping began in 1893. This peak was two degrees higher than the historical April high in Fort Collins, as highlighted by the National Weather Service.
“Before 2026, the city hadn’t recorded a March high exceeding 81 degrees Fahrenheit,” stated the NWS Boulder office on X.
Denver also hit a new March record, reaching 86 degrees on Saturday. This extreme heat, combined with low humidity and strong winds, heightens the risk of wildfires across Colorado.
This week’s historic heat wave is attributed to a heat dome, a persistent ridge of high pressure that traps hot air over large areas in the western U.S., akin to a lid on a pot.
While it’s challenging to directly link specific extreme weather events to climate change, evidence shows that global warming is increasing the frequency, intensity, and duration of heat waves.
Numerous popular hiking trails in Phoenix were closed due to temperatures reaching 105 degrees on Friday and Saturday, setting a record for March. These closures were initiated earlier than usual to protect public safety.
The Phoenix Trail Thermal Safety Program, established in 2021, restricts access to local trails when a National Weather Service heat warning is active. This weekend, safeguards will be enforced at Camelback Mountain Preserve, Phoenix Mountain Preserve, and South Mountain Park and Preserve from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
A heat warning remains in effect for the region until Sunday. The Maricopa County Public Health Department advises residents to stay indoors in air-conditioned spaces throughout the extreme heat event.
“Stay hydrated, limit outdoor activities during peak heat, and check on vulnerable friends and family,” public health officials recommended in a Facebook post.
Outdoor events in the Phoenix area have been adjusted due to the heat. For instance, at least 10 Major League Baseball spring training games have rescheduled their start times to after 6 p.m. local time in order to avoid the extreme afternoon temperatures typical of the Cactus League announced in a statement.
The Glendale fire department reported that approximately 30 individuals were transported to nearby hospitals for heat-related issues during the Luke Days Air Show.
“Aside from these transports, our personnel attended to many others on-site suffering from heat-related symptoms,” a spokesperson from the Glendale Fire Department communicated to NBC News via email.
On Sunday, temperatures across the Southwest will hover between the 90s and 100 degrees, with the 80s expected in parts of Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico. The Great Plains will experience highs ranging from the 70s to the 90s, according to the National Weather Service.
Two Engineers Working on Kilimanjaro’s Quantum Computers
Credit: Qilimanjaro
Quantum computers, once viewed as futuristic devices, are now becoming more accessible. With DIY kits, individuals with sufficient resources and engineering expertise can assemble their own quantum systems.
The Barcelona-based quantum computing firm, Kilimanjaro, is revolutionizing access to this technology through their EduQit initiative. Inspired by the concept of “flat-pack furniture,” Kilimanjaro supplies all necessary components, allowing users to assemble their own quantum computing kits.
Each EduQit kit features a chip crafted from tiny superconducting circuits, which is essential for quantum computation. It includes a specialized refrigerator to install the chip, alongside electronics that utilize radio and microwave signals to govern the chip and interpret its calculations—all bundled with racks, power cables, and supplementary devices to construct the entire quantum computer.
While assembling the kit may seem challenging, comprehensive instructions are provided. As Marta Estarellas from Kilimanjaro states, their team offers training and support throughout the construction process. Training may take up to three months, with the complete system ready for operation in approximately ten months.
The EduQit quantum computer boasts five qubits and occupies less than one-tenth the space of cutting-edge models, yet is available for the relatively modest price of about 1 million euros. In contrast, most existing quantum computers are produced by major tech corporations or well-funded startups and research facilities. To illustrate, Google aims to reduce component expenses by a factor of ten, as current systems can cost less than $1 billion. See more about quantum computing costs in a recent study.
Kilimanjaro Quantum Chip
Credit: Qilimanjaro
While compact commercial machines are available, they usually don’t include complete kits. For instance, Rigetti, a California company, offers small superconducting quantum computers for research starting at around $900,000, which only encompass the main chip and a few components—akin to obtaining just a motherboard without peripherals.
Kilimanjaro aspires to furnish comprehensive kits to numerous research institutions, where access to quantum computing technology remains limited due to funding constraints. Their goal is to equip the next generation of researchers with hands-on experience in building and operating quantum systems.
Currently, students engage with quantum computers via cloud platforms or simulated models. However, EduQit aims to provide practical skills in quantum computing, potentially becoming the educational equivalent of the Raspberry Pi—small, easily customizable computers that evolved from learning tools into essential resources for hobbyists and scientists alike.
Quantum computing holds promise for performing complex calculations unattainable even by today’s top supercomputers. From breaking secure internet codes to simulating molecular behavior for drug discovery, the potential is vast. Yet, the fragility and susceptibility to errors of quantum chips pose significant challenges in realizing this technology’s full potential.
A quantum computer like EduQit would have competed with the most advanced lab systems a decade ago. Its availability as a DIY kit showcases the rapid advancements in quantum computing technology in recent years.
As Katia Moskovich notes, companies like Quantum Machines highlight the multitude of unanswered questions regarding the future of quantum computing, emphasizing that broader experimentation will enhance understanding and innovation in this field.
The Israeli military is leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) for target identification in the Gaza Strip, the U.S. is strategizing similarly against Iran, and Ukraine is innovating with advanced drones. AI warfare is not a distant reality; it is unfolding today.
Exploring the intricate global policies, potential advantages, challenges, and ethical dilemmas of military AI usage will occupy scholars for decades. However, Katrina Manson’s Project Maven takes a different approach, utilizing insights from over 200 interviews to narrate the U.S. military’s path toward AI warfare—a glimpse into one of the 800 AI initiatives housed within the Pentagon.
Initiated in 2017, Project Maven aims to develop systems that process and analyze extensive drone-collected data. With traditional human analysis lagging behind the data influx from drones, Manson notes that the project faced initial hurdles. Within eight months, it was deployed in Somalia, where the algorithm misidentified common objects—such as detecting school buses in clouds.
The narrative takes us back in time with a project leader reflecting on his experiences as an intelligence officer in Afghanistan, as he struggles to plan missions armed only with outdated technology. How do we define the enemy, ensure safety, and measure success in warfare?
In the chaos of war, human fallibility prevails; efficiency dwindles, fatigue mounts, and errors arise. Proponents of AI, including Project Maven architects, believe AI could mitigate these factors. Their vision extends even further—eliminating human deliberation from targeting decisions, allowing AI to execute missions with speed unmatched by human operators.
“Machines can’t be worse than humans,” remarks an insider. The Maven team refined its tools, attempting to persuade frontline operators to adopt these technologies. While improvements appeared, mistakes persisted.
Since then, the U.S. and NATO allies have integrated Maven into various conflicts. About 32 companies are now collaborating on this initiative, with 25,000 U.S. military personnel logging into the system regularly. It’s also been utilized in border security and drug trafficking operations throughout the Caribbean. This prompts a critical question: can a state wield such tools without infringing on citizens’ rights?
Perhaps most alarming is Manson’s assertion that efforts to automate warfare are advancing, with drones like the “Goalkeeper” and “Whiplash” capable of autonomously identifying and neutralizing threats. How will AI make decisions in high-stakes scenarios, reminiscent of Soviet Lieutenant Colonel Stanislav Petrov’s pivotal choice to avert nuclear war in 1983?
The insights presented in this work focus less on AI technology itself and more on the interplay of Pentagon bureaucracy and Silicon Valley’s readiness to engage in ethically controversial projects for profit. Access to Manson’s revelations is significant; however, military secrecy means the specific technologies developed and their applications may remain undisclosed for years.
Modern warfare has become dehumanized, where operators monitor deadly situations from thousands of miles away through screens and decide to strike. This detachment risks making the act of war less burdensome, allowing its ramifications to be more easily ignored.
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Goalkeeper flying drones and Whiplash naval drones can autonomously find and neutralize targets. “
It is imperative that the power bestowed by AI in warfare is approached with the seriousness it deserves. Yet, Manson shares a chilling anecdote about an interviewee expressing a desire to join Project Maven to “reduce the non-American population.”
This book draws critical parallels to the future of military AI, suggesting potential risks including heightened global tensions and the likelihood of warfare.
The ethics professor explores the complex issues surrounding the deployment of AI in military operations, touching on trust, control, and accountability in an era where machines might assume soldiers’ roles.
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CERN’s antimatter factory, located in a high-magnetic field environment and a vacuum more extreme than interstellar space, houses some of the most delicate matter found on Earth. Nestled in a compact box roughly the size of a filing cabinet and a few hundred kilograms lighter than a Ford Focus, lie antiprotons that have been quietly resting for weeks. Rather than being aggressively tested like most particles produced in this facility, these antiprotons have a singular purpose: awaiting their moment of transport.
Shortly, more than a hundred of these precious antimatter particles will be transported in trucks along a four-kilometer ring road around the CERN campus. This marks the inaugural demonstration of a future antimatter delivery service designed to transport antimatter to laboratories across Europe.
During my visit to CERN’s campus near Geneva, Switzerland, project leader Christian Smolla guided me through the facility, showcasing the final preparations for the “Symmetry Test in Transportable Antiproton Experiments (STEP).” “This represents a groundbreaking achievement in antimatter science,” he remarked. “While the theoretical framework for transporting antiprotons existed since the facility’s inception, this is the first practical implementation.”
Since the 1920s, scientists have acknowledged the existence of antimatter, particles with counterparts that possess opposite charges. However, antiprotons, being the simplest form of antimatter, often annihilate upon contact with their more plentiful proton counterparts, complicating their production and storage. It wasn’t until the 1980s that CERN successfully conducted the first experiments to confine antiprotons, generated by proton bombardment of metal targets.
Today, CERN’s Antimatter Factory is the only location globally capable of producing millions of antiprotons on demand and retaining them for research purposes. Several experiments, including the Baryon Antibaryon Symmetry Experiment (BASE), take place here, with STEP also participating.
Christian Smolla Making Final Adjustments
David Stock
These experiments meticulously test antimatter’s fundamental properties, examining deviations from normal matter. Insights gleaned could provide answers to why our universe predominantly consists of matter, seemingly devoid of antimatter.
To achieve the necessary precision in measurements, it is essential to mitigate noise from radiation that might disrupt data collection. When antiprotons enter the detection zone, they approach nearly the speed of light, necessitating a robust magnetic field for deceleration, although complete blockage remains unattainable.
In 2018, Smolla’s team recognized the need for a quieter environment for antimatter, resulting in a strategic escape plan. “Observing variations in the magnetic field made it clear we had to continue precision measurements elsewhere,” Smolla stated.
Containing antimatter is a formidable challenge, requiring superconducting magnets cool enough to sustain near absolute zero temperatures while consuming massive electrical power. The STEP design leveraged just a 30-liter liquid helium tank for magnet cooling, allowing its electronics to function on a standard diesel generator. Future test runs aim to transition to battery power.
Additionally, magnets needed to withstand start-stop movements during operation, and a custom vacuum system was essential to ensure the antiprotons remain uncontaminated by normal matter during their loading and unloading processes.
In 2024, Smolla’s team is set to showcase the STEP experiment. A truck will transport the device across the CERN campus to observe protons, a significant milestone in antimatter transport.
In the days leading up to my visit, approximately 100 antiprotons were slowed and positioned within a sophisticated network of vacuum and electromagnetic fields.
Since then, they’ve patiently awaited the next steps within a complex arrangement of electrical wires and liquid helium lines. With a small oscilloscope screen, Smolla’s team monitors the antimatter’s vital signs. The natural frequencies at which antiprotons vibrate manifest as double humps, affectionately adorned with googly eyes.
Detection Signals Indicating Antiproton Presence
David Stock
On an early Tuesday morning, a crane carefully hoists the entire 850-kilogram trap onto a specialized truck. The truck’s operator is trained to manage CERN’s sensitive equipment, ensuring smooth acceleration and braking.
The truck will then navigate a four-kilometer loop around the CERN campus before returning to the antimatter factory. Should the experiment prove successful, Smolla’s ultimate goal is to extend this antimatter transport service beyond CERN’s confines, delivering antimatter capsules to various European laboratories. A facility currently under construction at Heinrich Heine University in Düsseldorf, Germany, aims to study antimatter in a near-field-free environment.
However, this ambitious goal entails several years of work. CERN is scheduled to suspend extensive operations in July to upgrade its Large Hadron Collider for higher power outputs, a task slated for completion in late 2028.
Once operational, the antimatter delivery service could mean trucks transporting antimatter alongside ordinary vehicles on highways throughout Switzerland and Germany. Though it sounds alarming—given antimatter’s tendency to annihilate upon contact with regular matter—Smolla assures that the risk remains minimal.
“Transporting antimatter is safe, as the quantities we handle are extremely small,” Smolla explains. “You could easily lose 1,000 antiprotons without any noticeable impact.”
Our beloved dogs have been part of our lives for thousands of years. While they may not speak our language, they communicate extensively through tail wags, ear flicks, and expressive eyebrows. Understanding these signals can deepen the bond between you and your canine companion.
Many pet owners believe they know their dogs inside and out. However, research indicates that dogs are often better at reading our body language than we are at interpreting theirs.
To decode the intricacies of canine communication, we consulted animal behavior specialist Dr. Zazie Todd. From their tails to paws, she elucidates the hidden meanings behind your dog’s movements.
How to Read a Dog’s Facial Expressions
Just as we scrutinize each other’s faces for understanding, can we access our dogs’ thoughts similarly? According to Todd, “Some dogs are more expressive, while others, due to their facial structure, display fewer emotions. It’s beneficial to anthropomorphize with caution to gain insight into what your dog may be feeling.”
A relaxed jaw and slightly open mouth is akin to a dog’s version of a “smile”, indicating calmness, while exposing teeth can signal discomfort or the need for personal space.
Dogs may not laugh like humans, but a relaxed, open expression suggests they feel calm and safe. Photo credit: Getty
Contrarily, a dog displaying its teeth may indicate discomfort, signaling you to back off. Todd adds that the so-called “guilty look” dogs give after a mischievous act may not mean what you think.
A 2009 study published in Behavioral Processes showed that dogs often respond based on their perception of whether they could be in trouble, rather than a true understanding of guilt.
This information highlights an essential difference in dog psychology. However, eye contact remains significant; a dog that trusts you will maintain eye contact, while a scared dog may avoid it.
Furthermore, dogs use their ears to express emotions. Ears up and forward indicate interest, while ears pinned back often suggest anxiety. While floppy-eared dogs might not express this as clearly, a forward tilt can still indicate curiosity.
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How to Tell if Your Dog is Stressed
Todd points out that while happy dogs are easy to read—think wide tail wags—recognizing stress signals can be trickier. “We often misinterpret behaviors because we assume they mean something else.”
For example, a yawn doesn’t always signify sleepiness; research shows it can indicate fear. A 2017 study found that yawn may indicate anxiety when approached by strangers.
Licking lips can signal discomfort or distaste for a situation rather than hunger, emphasizing the importance of context. Other signs of stress include moving away, sniffing the ground, shaking, and leg lifting.
How to Read a Dog’s Posture
Understanding dog posture can be straightforward. A hunched, low body may indicate fear, while a stiff body with raised hackles shows aggression. Alternatively, a “play bow”, where a dog stretches with its front legs down while raising its rear, signals a desire to play.
The play bow is a friendly signal between dogs and can also include humans—an invitation to have fun! – Image credit: Getty
Understanding Dog Tail Wagging
Despite losing tails millions of years ago, dogs use theirs for numerous purposes, including balance, communication, and social signaling. Their tails play an essential role in conveying emotions.
A loose, wild wag usually indicates happiness, while a tight, vertical tail may suggest discomfort or stress. Paying attention to the direction of the wag can also provide insights; studies found that happy dogs tend to wag to the right.
How to Understand Barks and Growls
While some dogs use soundboards, most rely on barks, growls, and whines to communicate. Todd notes that different vocalizations can be parsed into categories based on context and emotional state.
A 2017 study highlighted that dogs may use growls to communicate their size and intent accurately. In contrast, growls during play may exaggerate aggressiveness, allowing dogs to express themselves without causing harm.
Participants in the study were surprisingly accurate in interpreting growls, especially women and seasoned dog owners. Dogs, conversely, are adept at distinguishing between various vocalizations, understanding the nuances that humans may miss.
Tragic news from Dawson’s Creek star James Van Der Beek, who recently succumbed to bowel cancer at just 48 years old, has brought attention to the alarming surge of early-onset cancer cases.
New research highlighted in Lancet Oncology indicates that the incidence of this disease among individuals under 50 has escalated in 27 out of 50 countries over the last decade—an increase that cannot be simply attributed to genetic factors.
“That’s very concerning,” states Dr. Trevor Rowley, a researcher at the Wellcome Sanger Institute. “While we have hypotheses we are examining, the need for additional data remains critical.”
It is yet unclear if a single factor is responsible for this rise or if a combination of elements is at play, but these are currently the leading theories.
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Obesity and Early-Onset Cancer
Adolescent obesity is among the recognized risk factors for early-onset colorectal cancer, along with conditions like type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome that can further heighten this risk. Onset of disease is increasingly attributed to these health issues.
“Obesity is a well-known risk factor for colorectal cancer across all age demographics,” asserts Dr. Peter Campbell, professor of epidemiology at Albert Einstein College of Medicine.
“Excess body fat leads to chronic inflammation and metabolic changes, which include elevated insulin levels and growth factor signaling—conditions that can foster the development of precancerous polyps and cancers in the colorectum.”
Excess body fat can trigger inflammation and hormonal changes, heightening your risk of colon cancer – Photo credit: Getty
However, Campbell notes that while the number of individuals under 50 who are overweight or obese is rising, this alone does not fully account for the increase in bowel cancer cases. One analysis revealed that obesity was a contributing factor in only about 13% of early-onset colorectal cancer cases.
Thus, other significant risk factors likely play a role, some of which manifest surprisingly early in life.
The Role of Intestinal Bacteria
Cancer does not develop overnight. The progression from initial DNA damage to tumor formation can take years or even decades. To unravel the origins of colorectal cancer, especially in young adults, Rowley and his team are investigating the microbiomes of infants.
The leading theory posits that a toxic enzyme known as colibactin may be a key contributor to early-onset colorectal cancer.
This enzyme is known to cause unique patterns of DNA damage in colon cells that are notoriously difficult to repair. A study published in Nature found that colibactin-related DNA mutations were 3.3 times more frequent among colorectal cancer patients under 40 compared to those over 70.
Certain gut bacteria produce toxins that can damage DNA in the colon, increasing cancer risk decades later – Photo credit: Getty
Numerous gut bacteria species are known to produce colibactin, including Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Citrobacter coseri.
It’s believed that some individuals acquire these pathogens in early life, setting the stage for future DNA damage and increased cancer susceptibility decades later.
“My lab has amassed a significant database of baby microbiomes from around the globe. For instance, about 25% of infants born in the UK have colibactin in their gut microbiome,” Rowley shares.
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The prevailing hypothesis is that more infants are acquiring pathogenic enteric bacteria in their colons compared to earlier generations. But why?
Some researchers point to the rising use of antibiotics in early childhood. These medications can unintentionally decimate significant portions of the beneficial gut microbiome, facilitating invasion by harmful bacteria.
Others speculate that increased C-section births, reliance on formula feeding, or other factors may be contributing to this trend. “These are all avenues we’re researching,” Rowley notes.
Ultra-Processed Foods
Complicating the situation is the fact that many people may carry colibactin DNA mutations without ever developing cancer.
This phenomenon could be attributed to their immune systems effectively identifying and eliminating malignant cells before tumor formation occurs. “While a mutation is necessary for cancer development, the immune system also plays a crucial role,” Rowley explains.
Consequently, another theory suggests that diets high in ultra-processed foods (UPF) may influence the development of colorectal cancer. A study published in Nutrition in 2021 indicated that regular intake of UPF may lead to immune system dysfunction.
Researchers suggest that a diet high in ultra-processed foods may promote abnormal growth in the intestines, leading to cancer – Photo courtesy of Getty
UPF may also encourage the growth of pro-inflammatory intestinal bacteria such as Fusobacterium nucleatum, which is believed to increase risk by enabling tumors to evade immune system surveillance.
Last year, a study conducted by researchers at Harvard Medical School, published in JAMA Oncology, found that women consuming up to 10 servings of UPF per day had a 45% higher risk of developing intestinal polyps compared to those who ingested just three servings daily. “Such polyps can precede colorectal cancer,” Campbell warns.
Environmental Toxins
While the three theories mentioned above have substantial backing, researchers continue to explore fresh hypotheses, including the potential impact of environmental toxins like microplastics and nanoplastics.
A study published last October recreated a gut microbiome model using stool samples from healthy participants, who were subsequently exposed to five common microplastics.
The findings suggested that particular plastic particles could alter microbiome composition.
Frank Frizell, a Professor of Colorectal Surgery at the University of Otago, speculates that plastic accumulation in the intestines may be linked to the rise of colorectal cancer among the youth.
“It’s plausible that they could penetrate the protective mucus layer of the intestinal lining, akin to poking a pinhole in a water balloon,” Frizell explains. “The plastics likely aren’t toxic in themselves, but they may act as vectors for harmful bacteria and chemicals or disrupt the mucus barrier.”
Potential Solutions
Ultimately, while many unknowns remain, further understanding of the causes behind early-onset colorectal cancer could pave the way for new solutions.
One avenue worth exploring is phage therapy, which involves introducing viruses into the intestine that target colibactin-producing bacteria, effectively halting toxin production. Another possibility is the development of probiotics designed to enhance the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, thereby counteracting harmful pathogens.
Phage therapy employs targeted bacteriophages to eliminate specific bacteria, with some firms aiming to utilize this approach to combat colibactin, a toxic enzyme known for causing DNA damage. – Photo courtesy of Science Photo Library
“Certain companies are exploring the use of phages to eliminate bacterial strains that produce colibactin,” Rowley notes.
“We’re leveraging a database of early childhood microbiomes to identify beneficial species and strains that could invade and prosper in babies with less diverse microbiomes during their initial months of life.”
Will we someday preserve our thoughts, emotions, and perceptions?
Thumbnail/Science Photo Library
Recent breakthroughs in brain preservation methods have enabled an entire mammalian brain to be successfully stored. This innovative technique will soon be accessible to terminally ill patients, aimed at gathering essential neural data to one day reconstruct the essence of the individual.
According to Boris Lobel of Nectome, a San Francisco-based company pioneering memory preservation, patients will need to donate their brains and bodies for scientific research. “Our vision is to preserve their bodies and brains indefinitely, with the hope that one day we can decode the information stored in their brains,” he stated.
Timing is critical for preserving the delicate structure of the brain; just minutes without blood flow can lead to irreversible damage as enzymes destroy neurons and cells begin self-digestion.
Typically, cryonics aims to preserve bodies at subzero temperatures post-mortem, allowing for the possibility of revival if future treatments are developed. However, rapid action is essential, as brain deterioration begins almost immediately following natural death.
To mitigate these challenges, Lobel and his team have created a physician-assisted protocol that allows terminally ill individuals to choose the timing of their passing. This ensures immediate intervention, enhancing the likelihood of maintaining the brain’s condition close to its living state.
Lobel’s team performed tests using pigs, which possess brain and cardiovascular systems similar to humans. The procedure involved inserting a cannula into the heart shortly after cardiac arrest, flushing out blood, and introducing a preservation solution. This concoction contains aldehyde chemicals that create molecular connections, effectively locking cellular activity.
A cryoprotectant is later introduced to replace water within the tissue, preventing ice crystal formation that could harm cells upon cooling. The treated brains are then cooled to approximately -32°C, allowing cryoprotectants to achieve a glass-like state for indefinite preservation.
To evaluate the technique’s success, researchers analyzed samples from the brain’s outer layer under a microscope. Initial trials commencing 18 minutes post-mortem indicated significant cellular damage, but when the delay was shortened to under 14 minutes, the tissue displayed excellent preservation of neurons and synapses.
Theoretically, Lobel suggested this protocol could aid in “reconstructing the three-dimensional map of neural connections,” referred to as the connectome, potentially illuminating how the brain generates thoughts, emotions, and cognitive functions. So far, scientists have achieved the mapping of only a fraction of the mouse brain, which took seven years to complete, as documented in this study.
Despite advancements in cryonics and computational technology, true “resuscitation” remains unfeasible. “Our method is akin to embalming, preserving the brain’s structural integrity without restoring biological viability,” explains João Pedro de Magalhães from the University of Birmingham. He further asserts that even a perfect mental replica would exist as a distinct entity.
Nonetheless, Lobel’s team is hopeful about the future, positing that human consciousness could eventually be recreated digitally or biologically. “We are open to various resurrection strategies, as we believe we can preserve all necessary information for this,” Wróbel asserts.
Nectome plans to invite terminally ill patients to Oregon, allowing them to spend time with family before undergoing the new preservation protocols. “They receive medications prescribed by an independent physician before we initiate the surgery,” Lobel notes.
This groundbreaking research brings forth profound philosophical inquiries regarding our understanding of death. “Declaring death based solely on the absence of blood circulation oversimplifies the complexities involved,” remarks Brian Wok, from 21st Century Medicine. “The ability to preserve the brain’s intricate structure and molecular makeup after circulation ceases raises essential questions about the nature of life and death.”
Credits: NSF–DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory/NOIRLab/SLAC/AURA/P. Mahlenfeld
The Vera C. Rubin Observatory in Chile has made a groundbreaking discovery: the fastest-spinning large asteroid ever observed. This remarkable asteroid rotates approximately every 1.9 minutes, despite being over half a kilometer in diameter, a speed that defies previous expectations.
Lead researcher Dmitri Vavilov and his team from the University of Washington in Seattle identified this asteroid and several other unexpectedly fast rotators during their observations in late April and early May of 2025. The findings were presented at the Lunar and Planetary Science Conference in Texas on March 17th, showcased in this study.
During their observation period, researchers cataloged 76 asteroids with reliably calculated rotation periods, 19 of which were categorized as hyperfast rotators, spinning more than once every 2.2 hours. This figure represents the maximum rotation speed for a “rubble heap” asteroid formed of small rocks loosely bound by gravity.
Typically, asteroids are thought to be composed of debris, so the newfound rapid spin of these celestial bodies was not anticipated. The fastest ultra-high-speed rotating asteroids are known to rotate roughly once every 13 minutes. Initially, the researchers were not looking for asteroids that spun faster than five minutes. Vavilov commented, “I thought it was incredible that they could spin any faster.”
Upon further investigation, the team discovered three asteroids that qualified as ultrafast rotors, with rotation periods of approximately 3.8 minutes, 1.92 minutes, and 1.88 minutes. The record holder, identified as 2025 MN45, measures about 710 meters in diameter and spins faster than any previously documented asteroid larger than 500 meters in diameter.
Given its astonishing speed, this asteroid is unlikely to be a loose conglomerate of debris. Its structure must be significantly more robust than that of typical space rocks. “If this asteroid has a rotational speed of less than 2.2 hours, yet spins faster than 2 minutes,” Vavilov explained, “then even clay wouldn’t suffice to hold it together; it’s likely a single solid mass or primarily composed of metal.”
The Vera C. Rubin Observatory is anticipated to unveil more about rapidly rotating asteroids throughout its planned 10-year survey of the southern sky, enriching our understanding of these intriguing cosmic objects.
Discover how duvet hogging affects your sleep quality and relationships.
Shutterstock/Vasylchenko Nikita
If you share a bed with your partner, it’s common to experience more nighttime awakenings than if you sleep solo. While many of these disturbances are fleeting and forgotten by morning, there are effective strategies to address them.
Research indicates that couples often believe they sleep better together, yet studies show that shared sleeping leads to more disrupted sleep patterns. According to Sean Drummond from Monash University, Melbourne, this discrepancy is significant.
To delve deeper into co-sleeping’s effects on sleep quality, Lionel Rayward from the Queensland University of Technology conducted a systematic review. Every study reviewed indicated interference from a partner, with 30-46% of couples’ movements correlated. This means every time one partner adjusts — whether pulling back covers or rolling over — the other feels it too.
In one noteworthy study, researchers found an average of 51 leg movements per night for solo sleepers compared to 62 when coupled, translating to 2 additional awakenings per night, as detected by brain activity monitoring.
Drummond’s team also equipped couples with movement-detecting smartwatches, revealing an average of 6 awakenings per night due to partner movements. Interestingly, most individuals only recall one of these disturbances the next day, suggesting minor impact on overall sleep quality. “If both partners are healthy sleepers, these awakenings often go unnoticed,” Drummond explains.
However, if one partner suffers from snoring or insomnia, it can exacerbate sleep issues. As Drummond points out, “Individuals with insomnia frequently toss and turn, making it difficult to maintain a peaceful night’s sleep and consequently disrupting their partner’s rest.”
This sleep disturbance can lead to what some refer to as “sleep divorces,” where partners opt for separate sleeping arrangements to minimize disturbances. “While sleeping apart isn’t inherently harmful, some may view it as a relationship failure. In my view, addressing the underlying sleep issues is the better approach,” remarks Drummond.
For instance, Drummond’s research demonstrates that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be highly effective, especially if both partners struggle with insomnia. Couples can attend sessions together, leading to improved sleep for both.
To resolve disputes over blankets or varying temperature preferences, Rayward suggests trying the “Scandinavian method,” which involves sharing the bed but using separate blankets.
Solutions for snoring include the use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines to keep airways open, as well as mandibular advancement devices that adjust the jaw position, making breathing easier and reducing snoring. According to Amal Osman from Flinders University, many individuals only snore when sleeping on their backs, which can sometimes be mitigated by using a backpack to encourage side sleeping.
In the UK and US, about 80-90% of married couples share a bed, while in Japan, many mothers sleep with their children and fathers often sleep separately to not disturb their families in another room.
Co-sleeping is potentially the most prevalent form of sleep throughout human history, offering warmth and security. For example, archaeologists discovered a 77,000-year-old plant mattress in South Africa, large enough to accommodate an entire family.
Even in pre-industrial times, communal sleeping was standard practice. The Hadza people of Tanzania, for instance, sleep closely together in family units. Research indicates that Hadza adults awaken regularly; they engage in nighttime vigilance, with 40% often remaining alert or dozing at various times through the night. Despite these nightly awakenings, they report no sleep issues.
This suggests you shouldn’t be overly concerned about occasional disturbances from your partner. As Drummond notes, “Everyone wakes up several times a night. It’s unrealistic to expect continuous sleep.”
Contrails Major Contributors to Air Travel’s Global Warming Impact
Tuck/imageBROKER/Shutterstock
A comprehensive study examining thousands of flights between the United States and Europe revealed that contrails—those vapor trails left by aircraft—are less likely to form when planes follow artificial intelligence (AI)-recommended flight paths aimed at minimizing their global warming impact.
Contrails, created from soot particles emitted by aircraft engines, are believed to contribute significantly to warming, potentially surpassing the effects of carbon dioxide alone. Recent research indicates that certain icy areas in the upper atmosphere are more prone to contrail formation, and AI technology can predict these zones using detailed weather forecasts.
Despite the promising results from small-scale trials where aircraft avoid these high-contrail areas, such practices have not yet been widely implemented in commercial aviation.
In the study, Dinesh Sanekom and colleagues from Google utilized an AI-controlled contrail prediction tool to advise on flight routes in a randomized controlled trial involving over 2,400 flights with American Airlines.
This trial included overnight flights from the U.S. to Europe and spanned approximately 17 weeks, from January to May 2025. These flights specifically targeted nighttime, as contrails have an intensified warming effect during these hours due to reduced sunlight that reflects back into space during the day.
Flight routes between certain city pairs were randomly divided into two groups. The first group had the option to select an AI-optimized route that would result in fewer contrails, while the second group received no alternative route suggestions.
Although dispatchers were offered the opportunity to choose contrail-minimizing routes within the first group, only 112 of the 1,232 flights opted for these alternatives, primarily due to operational considerations such as cost and safety, Sanecom noted.
Analysis using satellite imagery of the flight paths indicated that flights adhering to AI-suggested contrail-optimized routes experienced a remarkable 62% reduction in visible contrails. When considering all flights that could have chosen these optimized routes, the overall decrease in contrail formation reached 11.6% compared to the control group.
“This supports our hypothesis that there is a scalable approach to implementing contrail avoidance across numerous flights if we can integrate it effectively and safely into flight planning,” Sanecom asserts.
Researchers calculate the global warming impact of air travel was diminished by 13.7% for the entire group utilizing the suggested routes, while flights using the optimized routes saw a substantial 69.3% decrease. Notably, no significant variations in fuel consumption were recorded between the groups.
“This approach is currently the most effective with the tools available,” states Edward Griespeerdt from Imperial College London. “The observed 62% reduction in contrails is unlikely to have occurred by chance.”
However, due to the intricacies of flight planning, it’s uncertain how much the 11.6% reduction could be realized in actual commercial operations, he added. “Scaling this to achieve a 60% reduction in contrails on every flight isn’t straightforward, but even a 10% reduction could yield a meaningful impact.”
Article updated on March 20, 2026
This article has been revised to reflect more accurate information regarding flight path modifications.
In 2029, when the asteroid Apophis makes its close pass by Earth, it will be joined by two landers from a private U.S. company.
Measuring around 400 meters in diameter and discovered in 2004, Apophis initially had a concerning 2.7% chance of colliding with Earth in April 2029, which could devastate an area the size of a city. However, updated studies now indicate there’s no risk of impact for at least the next century.
On April 13, 2029, Apophis will fly at a mere 32,000 kilometers from Earth—closer than geostationary satellites. This historic event will allow it to be visible to the naked eye, marking a once-in-a-millennium opportunity for asteroid observation. Multiple spacecraft from the USA, Europe, Japan, and China are slated to observe the asteroid before, during, and after its flyby.
Among these missions, US-based ExLabs has announced its flagship spacecraft, Apophis ExL, has successfully passed a critical review stage. The planned launch in 2028 will carry up to ten different landers and equipment from various clients, including a lander from an undisclosed source and two from Japan’s Chiba Institute of Technology.
“Our goal is to capture images from the asteroid’s surface,” states Miguel Pascual, chief scientific officer and co-founder of ExLabs. “This could lead to groundbreaking scientific discoveries.”
No private company has successfully landed on an asteroid to date, but US asteroid mining firm Astroforge intends to initiate a mission for such a landing this year.
ExLabs plans to deploy Chiba Institute of Technology’s shoebox-sized lander from an altitude of 400 meters above Apophis. It will descend at approximately 10 centimeters per second and land quietly on the surface after an hour, capturing images with onboard cameras.
The landing is strategically scheduled for up to a week post-close-approach to mitigate the risk of altering Apophis’s orbit. Pascual notes that the gravitational influences during the flyby could amplify impacts significantly.
Additionally, the European and Japanese Ramses mission (Rapid Apophis Mission for Space Safety) will also deploy a lander. Led by project scientist Patrick Michel of the University of the Cote d’Azur, this mission aims to land a few days prior to the flyby to measure landslide activity induced by Earth’s gravity, potentially documenting ExLabs’ lander as it descends.
“The chance to physically interact with the surface and assess its texture is remarkable,” says Michel.
However, Michel emphasizes the need for seamless communication among all missions to prevent any operational conflicts. “It’s crucial that we adapt accordingly,” he adds. “The world will be observing us. We must ensure success.”
Insects certainly deserve more acclaim, which is why I was thrilled to experience a circus performance focused on these fascinating creatures at London’s Royal Albert Hall before heading to a venue in Europe.
OVO, a production by Cirque du Soleil, translates to “egg” in Portuguese. The show features a whimsical narrative about an eccentric fly that, with the help of an insect clown, navigates a bustling ecosystem to win the affection of a ladybug. While the storyline might be simple, the breathtaking acrobatics are nothing short of spectacular.
One memorable scene showcases an acrobatic spider balancing a stick in its mouth, while another features an ant juggling fruit with its legs. The thrilling finale of the first act includes acrobats throwing each other high into the air with impressive precision. A standout moment also includes a cricket performing trampoline jumps over a wall.
This performance promises to captivate audiences of all ages and foster a greater appreciation for the remarkable insects with whom we share our planet.
Space, the vast emptiness that captivates our imagination, has inspired an enduring fascination. In his compelling book, Space Journal: Art, Science, and Space Exploration, presenter Dallas Campbell curates iconic imagery that highlights the wonders of space exploration alongside intriguing details.
Among the most captivating visuals featured in Space Journal are recreations from a time when humanity’s understanding of the universe was limited, filled instead with imaginative guesses. A striking example includes a Belgian cover from H.G. Wells’ Space War from 1906, depicted below with a plundering tripod.
From H.G. Wells, La guerre des mondes (Brussels: L. Vandamme & Co., 1906)
However, astronomers began to expand their knowledge base shortly after. Around 1897, a pioneering telescope financed by industrialist Percival Lowell marked a significant breakthrough in observational astronomy, depicted below.
Percival Lowell Observing Through the Clark Telescope, Circa 1897
Courtesy of Lowell Observatory Archives, Flagstaff, Arizona.
Recently, the remarkable James Webb Space Telescope made headlines for its innovative design, which features intricate origami-style folding necessary for its launch—a prototype is displayed in the opening image.
Born just after NASA’s Apollo missions reshaped our understanding of the moon and space, Campbell embodying the impact of those journeys and the indelible marks astronauts left on the lunar surface.
View of the Moon
JSC/NASA
“On Earth, footprints may fossilize in rock or wash away quickly. However, on the Moon, they remain for eternity,” Campbell reflects. “The Sea of Tranquility harbors no current to erase them — these are the remnants of humanity’s first migration from Earth to another celestial body.”
Astronomy and Culture Along the Silk Road: Uzbekistan
Embark on an enthralling journey through Uzbekistan’s astronomical heritage, where rich scientific contributions and breathtaking landscapes intersect. Discover how astronomy influenced cultural exchanges along the Silk Road, linking Eurasia and beyond.
Rebecca Solnit: “We have so much power and so many victories.”
Albert Llop/NurPhoto/Shutterstock
Rebecca Solnit, a renowned activist and author of over 25 books, is celebrated for her insightful essays, including her latest work, The Beginning Comes After the End.
This book emphasizes how societal transformations in rights and consciousness have unfolded over the past 50 years, driven by a newfound appreciation for the interdependence of humanity and nature. Rebecca recently shared her insights on New Scientist’s podcast The World, the Universe, and Us, discussing her writing journey and future directions.
Rowan Hooper: Let’s start with a quote from your work by scholar Thomas Berry. In 1978, he mentioned that the Earth faces challenges due to a lack of compelling narratives. This resonates with ecologist David Abram’s assertion that we cannot restore our planet without reimagining its story. Why is a new narrative essential?
Rebecca Solnit: Many new narratives might be unfamiliar to those shaped by industrial capitalism. For numerous Indigenous cultures, these stories have long been told. Berry’s statement came at a time when colonial culture seemed all-encompassing, yet we now recognize the crucial role many old narratives are playing as they resurface.
Watching Native American communities reclaim their land, language, and pride has been incredibly inspiring. They are redefining human-nature interactions and assume key roles in the climate movement, changing our global perspective.
This period of colonialism and industrialism might be viewed as an unfortunate detour—now confronted with consequences, such as climate chaos. We must integrate old stories with new scientific understandings of interconnectedness.
One major theme in your book is our intrinsic connection to nature and the growing scientific recognition of this fact.
I wrote this book to highlight how many live in an eternal present, forgetting the dramatic changes our world has undergone. In my youth, the separation of nature and culture was the norm. Today, captivating research showcases our inseparability from nature.
Lynn Margulis’s groundbreaking work in microbiology illustrates how cooperation and symbiosis shape life, challenging traditional competition-based narratives.
Every element in an ecosystem contributes to the whole, and removing one can be detrimental—this contrasts sharply with the mechanical view of managing nature that often leads to disastrous practices.
Indeed, addressing the relentless capitalism that strains our planet will require concerted effort.
Yet, it’s crucial to acknowledge that research consistently shows a strong global desire for climate action and environmental protection, with only a minority benefiting directly from fossil fuels resisting necessary transitions.
We are making strides with innovative agricultural practices and renewable energy initiatives, but these changes aren’t happening fast enough. Climate action requires urgency as historical human rights movements illustrate.
“
Many people seem to live in an eternal present where they don’t remember how the world has changed “
Your previous work, Hope in the Darkness, during the George W. Bush era, highlighted activist efforts for change. Given recent shifts under President Trump’s administration, is your new book a sequel?
Hope in the Darkness aimed to reshape expectations of change, illustrating that activism often involves slow, indirect progress. We must appreciate culture and grassroots movements as essential forces in transforming our world.
This book underscores how much has changed; we inhabit a distinctly different world than before. I strive to provide a deeper, long-term outlook to inspire ongoing efforts. Recognizing our collective power is crucial, as power and responsibility are inexorably linked.
Every generation reflects on past conditions, yet recent transformations have been rapid. Residing in San Francisco, a city once synonymous with counterculture, now embodies technological dominance. What has this shift cost us?
Living in the birthplace of the Sierra Club, I’m pained to see the environmental ethos overshadowed by capitalist ambitions. Technologies could have been developed with public welfare in mind rather than profit, especially in AI and social media.
California’s commitment to solar energy is robust, according to Solnit.
MediaNews Group/Orange County Register via Getty Images
Your insights mirror climatologist Tim Lenton’s recent work, Positive Turning Point, which discusses how small actions culminate in significant change. You highlight often-ignored victories.
Throughout my life, some suggested that feminism had failed, demanding to undo millennia of patriarchy in mere decades. Yet we’re making impressive progress, and the fight continues. The observable backlash reflects fear of change, not its absence.
I grew up in times when environmental negligence was rampant. Today, California leads in renewable energy, often producing over 100 percent of its daily electricity from solar sources. The scale of this revolution is breathtaking, contrasting the mayfly’s short-term perspective.
By reclaiming our history, we can appreciate the significant strides in rights and equality. The narrative is ongoing—we are at a pivotal chapter where uncertainty can foster hope. Even amidst challenges, we must acknowledge our achievements and the power that lies within.
This interview has been edited for clarity and length.
At 56 years old, I’m becoming increasingly aware of the physical implications of aging and the societal challenge of ageism. No one has openly critiqued me yet, but I sense a growing perception among younger generations that I’m outdated. Unfortunately, research indicates that ageism is on the rise; a recent study involving 1,915 adults aged 50-80 revealed that nearly all participants experience daily age discrimination. Over two-thirds reported witnessing age-related stereotypes, including jokes targeting older individuals. About half of them have experienced interpersonal ageism, with societal assumptions labeling them as tech-illiterate, forgetful, or helpless.
Perhaps most alarming is the finding that over 80% of older adults also face a form of internalized ageism. This suggests that as we age, our expectations concerning mental and physical health become increasingly negative due to societal biases.
These manifestations of ageism are prevalent, particularly in Western societies—only 6.5% of surveyed individuals reported no negative experiences. Internalized ageism is particularly concerning as it has been linked to an accelerated aging process. Research by Becca Levy from the Yale School of Public Health suggests that individuals harboring negative sentiments about aging tend to face poorer health outcomes.
For instance, a recent Harvard study found that older adults with positive perceptions of aging experience slower cognitive, physical, and emotional decline, maintain better nutritional habits, and engage in more physical activity compared to their less-optimistic peers. Interestingly, attitudes at the study’s outset seemed to forecast subsequent life trajectories, indicating that negativity surrounding aging can indeed accelerate its onset.
Additionally, Levy’s research indicates that older adults who develop mild cognitive impairment (MCI) are significantly more likely to recover if they maintain a positive outlook on aging. Within the population of MCI patients, approximately half show signs of recovery, suggesting that fostering positive attitudes could improve outcomes.
The cumulative effects of these negative attitudes toward aging, both personally and collectively, are striking. Dr. Levy’s research indicates that age discrimination contributes directly to 3.2 million annual cases of eight major geriatric diseases among Americans over 60, costing an astounding $11.1 billion in healthcare resources.
The conclusion is evident: internalized ageism represents a widespread yet underrecognized public health challenge that significantly impacts individuals and healthcare systems.
Understanding the Roots of Age Discrimination
Internalized ageism doesn’t solely arise from personal beliefs; it is reinforced by systemic discrimination, which operates through mutual feedback loops. When older individuals experience ageism, it reinforces internal beliefs, shaping personal interactions, media narratives, advertising strategies, and even healthcare encounters.
This unrelenting barrage of negative stereotypes is termed institutional ageism. Much like institutional racism, it permeates various cultures, often going unnoticed. The World Health Organization, in a recent report on age discrimination, stated: “Often, people are unaware that such institutional ageism exists because the rules, norms, and practices of the system are long-standing, ritualized, and considered normal.”
Institutional age discrimination can permeate workplace relationships.
AJ_Watt/Getty Images
It’s essential to reiterate that ageism is a counterproductive bias. We all age daily, and many of us will encounter the challenges of old age. Those who engage in age-related prejudices will ultimately find themselves victim to the very beliefs they uphold.
The good news is that solutions may be within reach. Research from 2014 by Levy and colleagues demonstrated that our perspectives on aging can improve through exposure to positive, subliminal messages about aging. However, implementing this approach on a large scale presents significant challenges.
The struggle against systemic ageism, much like the battle against systemic racism, requires long-term commitment and perseverance, with inevitable setbacks. While I may not live to see institutional ageism eradicated, I aim to embrace aging with a sense of humor and positivity.
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Recent research analyzed 31 ancient societies from Europe, Asia, and the Americas, revealing that democratic institutions were more prevalent than previously thought and not solely dependent on factors like population size or geography.
Acropolis of Athens by Leo von Klenze.
The term “democracy” originated in ancient Greece, where it was defined as the power of the people (demo = people, kratos = power).
This definition transcends specific institutional frameworks, framing democracy as an overarching goal.
Traditionally, scholars rooted in Western social science have viewed the core elements of democratic governance—such as power centralization and national inclusiveness—as products of the classical Mediterranean world, which lay dormant for over a millennium until the Renaissance reinvigorated these ideals in Europe and its colonies.
Yet, this prevalent perspective that democratic governance emerged exclusively in the West has rarely undergone systematic scrutiny.
“Many believe that democracy first flourished in Greece and Rome,” says Dr. Gary Fineman, MacArthur Curator of Mesoamerican and Central American Anthropology at the Field Museum’s Negaunee Center for Integrative Research.
“However, our research indicates that numerous societies around the globe devised methods to limit the authority of rulers and empower ordinary citizens.”
In contrast to democracies, dictatorships centralize power in a single individual or a small group, examples of which include absolute monarchies and authoritarian regimes.
In a democracy, decision-making is a collective process among the populace. While elections often correlate with democratic practices, this association is not always accurate; many dictators are elected through popular votes.
“Elections alone do not serve as the best indicators of democratic value, thus our study emphasized historical instances of political organization,” Dr. Fineman noted.
“We identified two critical governance aspects: the concentration of power within individuals or institutions, and the degree of inclusiveness, reflecting how accessible power is to significant segments of the population.”
The current study evaluated 40 cases from 31 distinct political entities across Europe, North America, and Asia over numerous millennia.
Due to varying record-keeping methods, not all societies maintained written archives, necessitating innovative approaches to infer their governance structures.
“The spatial arrangement of societies is particularly revealing,” Dr. Fineman remarked.
“Urban areas featuring open spaces and public structures that facilitate community gatherings tend to exhibit more democratic tendencies.”
Conversely, architectural remnants suggesting concentrated power—such as pyramids with limited upper space or urban designs funneling into a ruler’s residence—signal more authoritarian regimes.
The researchers developed an “authoritarianism index” to classify each society along a continuum from highly authoritarian to highly democratic.
“Many archaeologists maintain that Athens and the Roman Republic represent the only democracies of the ancient era, while governance in Asia and the Americas was predominantly autocratic,” stated Dr. Fineman.
“Our analysis reveals that various regions possessed democratic structures comparable to those of Athens and Rome.”
“These results indicate that both democratic and authoritarian governance existed widely in the ancient world,” commented David Stasavage, a professor at New York University.
“Societies innovated ways to democratize power and enhance inclusivity, suggesting that democratic principles have profound and unexpected historical roots,” added Dr. Linda Nicholas of the Field Museum.
The study also challenges the notion that population size and political complexity inherently lead to authoritarian rule, highlighting how funding mechanisms shaped authority.
“Societies reliant on income controlled by leaders—such as mines, trade routes, or warfare gains—tended to be more authoritarian,” Dr. Fineman explained.
“On the contrary, societies that primarily derived funds from community labor or domestic taxes were more likely to decentralize power and uphold shared governance.”
Furthermore, the research found that societies with more inclusive political frameworks generally exhibited lower economic inequality.
“These insights contradict the belief that dictatorship and high inequality are inevitable outcomes of socio-economic complexity and growth,” Dr. Fineman stated.
“Historical evidence shows that people globally have developed inclusive political systems, even under challenging conditions.”
For more information, check out the research paper, recently published in Scientific Progress.
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Gary M. Feynman et al. 2026. Distribution of power and inclusiveness over deep time. Scientific Progress 12(12); doi: 10.1126/sciadv.aec1426
This week, an early-season heatwave has shattered multiple temperature records in California and Arizona, hitting unprecedented highs on Wednesday and Thursday.
Summer-like weather conditions are anticipated to persist and extend towards the eastern regions.
Currently, nearly 38 million individuals in Southern California and the desert Southwest are under heat warnings, with temperatures regularly reaching the low 90s and even exceeding 100 degrees. This extreme heat is attributed to a massive heat dome that remains stagnant over the Western U.S.
In Palm Springs, California, Thursday’s temperature soared to an astonishing 107 degrees Fahrenheit, marking a new record for March. The previous record of 105 was set just a day earlier.
Additionally, the Coachella Valley city of Indio experienced record-breaking temperatures, reaching 108 degrees on Thursday—the highest ever recorded for March.
California witnessed numerous daily records, including a Thursday high of 101 degrees in Riverside. The day prior, a high of 95 degrees was established. Anaheim saw 88 degrees, while Sacramento recorded 85 degrees, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
Over in Yuma County, Arizona, temperatures reached a remarkable 110 degrees on Thursday, setting a new record for the hottest March temperature ever recorded in the U.S., as confirmed by the National Weather Service.
Phoenix also recorded a high of 102 degrees on Wednesday, marking the earliest occurrence of triple-digit temperatures. On Thursday, temperatures escalated to 104 degrees.
“This is not just the first 100-degree day of 2026 but also the earliest recorded in Phoenix—previously occurring on March 26, 1988,” the NWS field office noted in a post on Wednesday.
Looking ahead, Phoenix is expected to see temperatures reach 106 degrees on Friday and Saturday, with a heatwave warning in effect until Sunday.
Las Vegas is also experiencing a surge in temperatures, setting a new March record of 95 degrees on Thursday. Local offices of the NWS predict temperatures could soar to 100 degrees on Friday, as reported by officials.
Regions in Oregon, Idaho, and Wyoming are also witnessing unusually warm conditions. The NWS office in Boise recorded a high of 80 degrees on Wednesday afternoon, marking the earliest date in history to reach that temperature since records began in 1875.
According to the NWS, this also marks only the second time Boise has reached 80 degrees in March since March 19, 1997, as stated in a post on X.
The extreme heat is forecasted to intensify over the weekend, moving eastward into the Rocky Mountains and the South-Central Plains.
“High temperatures are predicted to remain in the mid to upper 90s across Texas, while areas as far north as Nebraska and South Dakota could experience temperatures in the low to mid 90s,” the NWS stated on Thursday.
Skiers on the snowy slopes of Breckenridge Ski Resort in Colorado donned lighter attire as temperatures soared to 50 degrees on Wednesday. Michael Ciaglo/Getty Images
In Colorado, new temperature records are on the horizon, with Friday’s forecasted highs at 84 degrees in Denver, 86 degrees in Fort Collins, and 83 degrees in Boulder. The NWS has warned of increasing temperatures over the weekend.
This week’s heatwave is driven by a persistent ridge of high pressure that effectively traps hot air over the western United States.
While assessing the exact impacts of climate change on specific weather patterns is complex, it’s evident that global warming will lead to more frequent, intense, and prolonged heatwaves.
The rain-soaked Hawaiian Islands are preparing for another potential flood this Thursday, just days after record-breaking storms wreaked havoc, buckling roads and damaging buildings.
While this impending storm is expected to be weaker than its predecessors, the National Weather Service (NWS) warns that flooding could return quickly. A majority of Hawaii remains under a flood watch.
“Due to the high soil saturation from the recent Kona storm, even moderate rainfall poses a risk of rapid runoff and flooding,” stated NWS forecasters on Thursday.
Kona storms are pivotal weather patterns in Hawaii, responsible for delivering heavy rain to the island’s typically dry leeward regions. The rainfall anticipated this week is attributed to a new Kona storm.
These storms significantly interact with Hawaii’s wildfire concerns. The areas receiving the Kona storm’s heavy rains have historically also been wildfire-prone. Rainfall in these fire-affected regions increases runoff and erosion, exacerbating flooding and rising landslide risks.
Lahaina, where over 100 lives were lost in the 2023 Maui fires, is significantly impacted by the recent flooding. Joseph Puruta, a Lahaina resident who lost his home in the fire, lamented the debris washing down the burn scar.
“Debris is flowing down the hill into homes, the ocean, and the streets. It’s a dire situation,” Puruta stated.
The extreme rainfall in Hawaii coincides with widespread weather chaos across the U.S. On Wednesday and Thursday, California and Arizona recorded unprecedented high temperatures, with some areas hitting the 90s and even triple digits. Previously, heavy snow impacted Nebraska, which is also battling severe wildfires.
Hawaii is no stranger to rain, primarily caused by a phenomenon known as “orographic lift,” where trade winds encounter the island’s mountainous terrains. This interaction forces air upwards, leading to cooling and cloud formation. Typically, the winds blow from the northeast, keeping most precipitation confined to the upwind regions.
“In upwind areas, the annual average is about 400 inches,” remarked Thomas Giambelka, a professor emeritus at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
Conversely, the southern and western parts of the island generally stay relatively dry.
However, during Kona Arashi, this norm reverses. Storms arise due to shifts in the jet stream, a high-altitude air flow moving from west to east. In a Kona storm, low pressure drifts away from the jet stream and gathers northwest of the island, pulling moist tropical air toward Hawaii. This results in winds blowing from the south, delivering heavy rainfall to normally dry regions.
Maui County spokesperson Lakshmi Abraham indicated that the impact is “unlike anything we’ve encountered in our lifetimes.”
A boat runs aground off the coast of Kihei, Hawaii, during heavy rain on March 13th. Maui County (via AP)
The Kona storm impacts Maui areas where wildfires are increasingly common. This trend is linked to the spread of non-native, highly flammable grasses, especially on previously cultivated lands.
According to Clay Trauernicht, a wildland fire expert at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, the dangers posed by these invasive grasses have been a longstanding concern. The 2023 Lahaina fire brought this issue to the forefront.
However, many people still fail to recognize the close relationship between fires and floods, Trauernicht noted.
Flooding can facilitate the growth of non-native grasses, which subsequently die during droughts.
“This cycle adds more fuel to the situation,” remarked Camilo Mora, a climate scientist and professor at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
Concurrently, rain can rapidly run off the recently scorched slopes, intensifying flooding risks, Trauernicht explained. Additionally, areas filled with unburned non-native grasses have shallower water tables that are less absorbent than native forests.
“The root structure tends to be matted with shallow roots,” Trauernicht observed. “This contributes to more water flowing over the surface.”
Locations like Lahaina are “extremely vulnerable due to their fire history,” Trauernicht emphasized.
Historically, many areas were susceptible to flooding, even before the wildfire issue escalated. Portions of South Maui are situated in federally designated floodplains, including parts of Kihei. Reports indicate apartment collapses and road deterioration during the recent storm, according to Hawaii News Now.
Maui County Public Works Director Jordan Molina commented on the ongoing upgrades to the region’s drainage systems to enhance resilience against flooding, although recent storms have stressed existing infrastructure.
“Creating an infrastructure capable of entirely mitigating flooding during extreme storms, like this Kona storm, would necessitate a vast and costly system that is financially impractical,” Molina stated via email.
The Department of Public Works prepared equipment on Wednesday and Thursday in anticipation of the next storm, clearing debris from roads and inspecting drainage channels for blockages.
“It’s worrisome, but we are prepared for flooding,” Giambellucci remarked. “Handling this repeatedly could be detrimental.”
Utilizing data from ESA’s Gaia mission and NASA’s Exoplanet Archive, astronomers at Cornell University have discovered 45 rocky exoplanets in the habitable zone and 24 within the more specific 3D habitable zone. This groundbreaking research aids scientists in their quest for extraterrestrial life.
Artist’s impression of a planetary system around a star slightly hotter than the Sun. Image credit: Gillis Rowley.
“With over 6,000 known exoplanets from successful ground and space investigations, the research landscape has evolved significantly,” said Professor Lisa Kaltenegger of Cornell University and colleagues.
The expanding catalog of exoplanets enables astronomers to compile a targeted list for examining the boundaries of the habitable zone empirically.
This study reveals the identification of 45 rocky worlds that could potentially support life in the habitable zone, with an additional 24 in the narrower 3D habitable zone, suggesting a more cautious view on the heat a planet can endure.
Highlighted exoplanets include notable names such as Proxima Centauri b, Trappist 1f, and Kepler 186f, alongside lesser-known entities like TOI-715b.
Noteworthy planets include TRAPPIST-1d, e, f, g located 40 light-years from Earth, and LHS 1140 b, which is 48 light-years away. The possibility of liquid water on these planets hinges on their capacity to retain atmospheres.
Planets that receive light similar to that of Earth from the Sun are among the transiting candidates TRAPPIST 1e, TOI-715b, Kepler 1652b, Kepler 442b, and Kepler 1544b, as well as the star-wobble planets Proxima Centauri b, Gliese 1061d, Gliese 1002b, and Wolf 1069b.
The researchers also anticipate that planets on the edge of the habitable zone might clarify the limits of habitability and validate current scientific theories.
“Though the habitable zone concept has evolved since the 1970s, new observations are critical for determining whether adaptations are necessary,” stated Professor Kaltenegger.
Diagram displaying the boundaries of habitable zones across various star types, including rocky exoplanets. Image credit: Gillis Lowry / Pablo Carlos Budassi.
Moreover, exoplanets with unique elliptical orbits can monitor how variations in heat affect habitability, providing insights into whether a planet must remain in the habitable zone to sustain life.
Transiting planets useful for assessing habitability at the inner edge include K2-239d, TOI-700e, K2-3d, along with the star-wobble planets Wolf 1061c and Gliese 1061c.
On the outer edges of the habitable zone, planets like TRAPPIST-1g, Kepler-441b, and Gliese 1002c will be critical to exploring colder environments.
“Determining the factors that enhance the likelihood of life is complex, but narrowing down the best targets for observation is an essential first step,” remarked Gillis Rowley, a graduate student at San Francisco State University.
The research team has categorized optimal planets for observational techniques to maximize the chances of detecting signs of life.
This curated list will direct astronomers in their investigations using advanced instruments like the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope, the future Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, the Very Large Telescope, the Habitable World Observatory, and the proposed Large Interferometer for Exoplanets (LIFE) project.
“Observing these small exoplanets is crucial to understanding their atmospheres and refining theories about their habitable zones,” concluded Lowry.
The research team’s paper is published today in the Royal Astronomical Society Monthly Notices.
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Abigail Ball et al. 2026. Exploring the boundaries of the habitable zone: A catalog of rocky exoplanets in the habitable zone. MNRAS 547 (3): stag028; doi: 10.1093/mnras/stag028
A newly discovered species of small herbivorous dinosaur has been unveiled from a partial skeleton of a juvenile found in South Korea.
Artist’s interpretation of Durisaurus humini. Image courtesy of Jun Song Yi.
Durisaurus humini, a dinosaur species that thrived in what is now Korea during the mid-Cretaceous period, approximately 113 to 94 million years ago.
This prehistoric species belongs to the Thescelosauridae family, a group of bipedal dinosaurs known to populate East Asia and North America during the Cretaceous.
“The fossil record of dinosaur skeletons in South Korea has historically been limited in abundance and completeness,” stated paleontologist Dr. Jeong-yoon Jeong from the University of Texas at Austin and Chonnam National University.
“Currently, only two dinosaur species from South Korea have been recognized, both characterized by partial posterior skulls from the late Cretaceous period: Coriaceratops fasongensis and the newly identified Collenosaurus bosongensis from the Senso Zaibatsu.”
The fossilized remains of Durisaurus humini were uncovered in 2023 within mid-Cretaceous rocks, specifically in the Nishiroyama layer on the southwestern coast of the Korean Peninsula.
The specimen encompasses a skull, vertebrae, hind limbs, and multiple bezoars (digestive stones).
Advanced X-ray micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) allowed researchers to reveal hidden anatomical details of the dinosaur’s interior embedded within the rock.
With a fuzzy coat, the dinosaur was likely about the size of a turkey but still a juvenile. Durisaurus humini may have eventually reached double this size.
Histological analysis suggests that this individual was very young, possibly around 2 years old.
“It would have been incredibly cute, resembling a young lamb,” commented Julia Clark, a paleontologist at the University of Texas at Austin.
Durisaurus humini marks the first new dinosaur species discovered in South Korea in 15 years, and it is the first dinosaur fossil with a partial skull to be found in the country.
“Upon discovering the specimen, we immediately noted some preserved leg bones and vertebrae,” Dr. Jung said.
“We were pleasantly surprised to find parts of the skull and other bones hidden within the rock blocks, creating significant excitement among the team.”
The clusters of gastroliths and their dimensions suggest that Durisaurus humini may have had a more omnivorous diet than previously assumed.
“The morphology of the gastroliths associated with Durisaurus humini and other early neoplacolates may imply a generalized or omnivorous dietary approach for this group,” the researchers noted.
“However, variations in gastric anatomy and bezoar use observed in modern birds indicate a cautious approach is necessary when interpreting dietary habits of non-avian dinosaurs.”
This groundbreaking discovery emphasizes the potential for further skeletal finds in South Korea, particularly at paleontological sites like Afed, where environmental conditions differ from those at locations known for rich trace fossil deposits.
Durisaurus humini suggests a greater diversity of Cretaceous dinosaurs in Korea than currently reflected in the trace fossil record,” the authors concluded.
For detailed insights, refer to their paper, published today in the online journal Fossil Record.
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J. Jung et al. 2026. A new species of dinosaur discovered in Korea and its implications on the diversity of early-diverging neoplates. Fossil Record 29 (1): 87-113; doi: 10.3897/fr.29.178152
Most of the global warming effect from aviation is attributed to contrails.
Tack/imageBROKER/Shutterstock
A recent study involving thousands of flights between the United States and Europe indicates that contrails—a factor in global warming—are significantly reduced when aircraft follow AI-recommended flight paths.
These condensation trails, formed by soot particles from aircraft engines, are suspected to contribute more to global warming than the carbon dioxide emissions from airplanes. Additionally, research indicates that specific icy regions in the upper atmosphere are more prone to contrail formation, and AI can effectively utilize detailed weather forecasts to identify these areas.
Initial small-scale trials demonstrate that rerouting planes can diminish contrail formation, yet this method has not been extensively implemented for commercial flights.
In a collaborative study, Dinesh Sanekom and his team at Google employed an AI-based contrail prediction tool to optimize flight routes during a randomized controlled trial involving over 2,400 American Airlines flights.
This examination spanned approximately 17 weeks from January to May 2025 and included eastbound flights from the U.S. to Europe at night, when contrails are known to exert a stronger warming influence. During daylight, contrails tend to reflect solar radiation, thus generating a cooling effect.
Each flight path between two cities was randomly allocated to one of two groups. The first group had access to an AI-optimized route in their flight planning software, allowing them to select paths with fewer contrails; in contrast, the second group received no such suggestions.
Though dispatchers in the first group had the choice of selecting contrail-optimized routes, logistical concerns led only 112 out of 1,232 flights to opt for alternate paths, according to Sanecom.
AI analysis using satellite imagery revealed that flights utilizing contrail-optimized routes suggested by air traffic controllers experienced a 62% decrease in visible contrail formation. When considering all flights with access to contrail-optimized routes, the overall contrail reduction compared to the control group was 11.6%.
“These findings validate our hypothesis that scalable routes can effectively mitigate contrail formation on numerous flights, provided we safely and accurately integrate this process into flight planning,” says Sanecom.
Researchers estimated that the overall global warming impact of flights was reduced by 13.7% for the group utilizing the suggested routes, and by as much as 69.3% for flights that implemented the optimized routing. Notably, there was no significant difference in fuel consumption between the two groups.
“This approach may represent the most effective solution available today,” states Edward Grisspeed from Imperial College London. “The observed 62% reduction in contrails identified by satellite is unlikely to be coincidental.”
However, due to the intricacies of flight planning, the extent of the 11.6% reduction may not entirely reflect real-world operations, as Grisspeed notes: “It’s challenging to extrapolate this to achieve a 60% reduction in contrails for every flight. Even a 10% reduction, though, would create a meaningful impact.”
Probiotic Creams: A Safer Approach to Frigid Environments
Credit: Aurora Photos, USA
Polar explorers and deep-sea divers may soon benefit from probiotic creams that help prevent frostbite and hypothermia. This revolutionary idea stems from groundbreaking research that genetically modified skin bacteria to detect temperature changes and generate additional warmth as needed.
As stated by Harris Wang from Columbia University, who was not directly involved with the research, “This is very creative work. Such a cream could be pivotal in preventing frostbite.” He notes potential applications in keeping warm during winter or protecting against frostbite on expeditions, including deep-sea diving.
Guillermo Nevoto Sanchez and his research team at Pompeu Fabra University in Barcelona have engineered a strain of C. acnes, commonly found on healthy skin, to produce double the usual amount of heat. Using the CRISPR genetic editing tool, they modified a protein called arcC that plays a crucial role in energy production.
The team also leveraged CRISPR to adjust the expression of heat-sensitive genes within various batches of C. acnes. This modification enables these microorganisms to sense temperatures exceeding 32°C (90°F) and emit a fluorescent signal as an alert.
Nebot-Sanchez remarks that this research provides a foundational concept demonstrating that skin bacteria can be engineered for greater heat production in reaction to temperature variations. Future work must focus on merging these capabilities to also identify dangerously low temperatures, not just the high ones.
Nebot-Sanchez shared insights from an unpublished experiment indicating that the modified strain of C. acnes can thrive when incorporated into creams.
“We may develop probiotic creams to cover significant body areas, which could help prevent hypothermia during cold hikes,” Nebot-Sanchez mentioned at the Synthetic Biology for Health and Sustainability conference held in Hinxton, UK, on March 12. This innovation could also benefit individuals residing in harsh, cold climates.
However, Wang emphasizes that further research is necessary to assess how effectively these creams warm human skin samples in laboratory conditions or in mice. Additionally, strategies to eliminate bacteria when needed—such as utilizing a secondary cream—are crucial to mitigate potential side effects like overheating, according to Nebot-Sanchez.
A groundbreaking discovery of 142 beads and pendants from five archaeological sites in Israel’s Natufian period (15,000 to 11,650 years ago) indicates that clay was first utilized for symbolic purposes and identity rather than for tools or cooking. Remarkably, many of these artifacts bear the fingerprints of children, suggesting that young makers played a vital role in this ancient artistry. These findings illuminate the origins of art, education, and social expression well before the advent of agriculture.
Late Natufian period butterfly clay beads from Einan Maraha in the upper Jordan Valley. Colored ocher red and bearing the fingerprints of a child (approximately 10 years old) who crafted it 12,000 years ago. Image credit: Laurent Davin.
“This discovery fundamentally alters our understanding of the relationship between clay, symbolism, and the emergence of sedentary life,” stated Laurent Davin, an archaeologist at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
The study analyzed a collection of 142 beads and pendants from five Natufian sites, revealing over 3,000 years of continuous occupation.
Each bead, small enough to fit in a child’s hand, was meticulously shaped into cylinders, disks, and ovals using unbaked clay.
Many beads featured a coating of red ocher applied using a technique called engobe, signifying the oldest known usage of this coloring method.
The extensive variety and quantity of beads discovered indicate that this was not an isolated venture but rather a rich cultural tradition.
Evidence suggests that clay served as a medium for visual communication long before being utilized for practical objects like bowls and jars.
The researchers identified 19 distinct bead types, many inspired by plants central to Natufian life, including wild barley, einkorn wheat, lentils, and peas—key crops that would later form the foundation of agriculture.
Fascinatingly, traces of plant fibers found on several beads provide insights into how these ornaments were worn and strung, highlighting organic materials that typically vanish from the archaeological record.
This eclectic collection strongly implies that nature, especially the plant kingdom, served not only as a food source but also as a foundation for cultural significance.
Perhaps the most astonishing revelation comes from the fingerprints preserved on the beads. A total of 50 prints were recovered, allowing scientists to identify the ages of their makers—children, youths, and adults alike.
This marks the first instance where archaeologists have successfully identified the creators of Paleolithic ornaments, showcasing the largest collection of fingerprints from this era.
Some artifacts appear to have been designed for children, such as a small clay ring measuring only 10 mm in diameter.
This suggests that crafting ornaments was a prevalent activity, playing an essential role in learning, imitation, and the transfer of social values through generations.
For decades, researchers believed that the symbolic use of clay in Southwest Asia arose solely from agricultural practices and Neolithic lifestyles.
This pivotal study, alongside the recent discovery of clay figurines at Nahal Ein Geb II, challenges that assumption.
Instead, it indicates that a symbolic revolution began during the early phases of sedentarization, when communities were transitioning to settled lifestyles while still hunting and gathering.
Clay ornaments emerged as a means of visual and public expression of identity, belonging, and social connections.
“These objects reveal that significant social and cognitive transformations were already taking place,” noted Leore Grossman, a professor at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
“The roots of the Neolithic period run deeper than we once realized.”
“By documenting one of the world’s oldest traditions of clay decoration, our study repositions the Natufians not just as agricultural pioneers, but as innovative cultural personalities who employed clay to convey their identities and aspirations.” Read the full study, published in the journal Science Advances.
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Laurent Davin et al. 2026. Modeling identity in the first settled communities: The emergence of clay ornaments in Paleolithic Southwest Asia. Science Advances 12(12); doi: 10.1126/sciadv.aea2158
U.S. and German researchers have discovered a unique fungal protein capable of freezing water at relatively warmer subzero temperatures. This breakthrough opens up exciting possibilities for safer cloud seeding, enhanced climate models, and innovative advancements in food preservation and medicine.
Mortierellomycetes and Umbelopsidomycetes fungi from freshwater ecosystems in Korea. Image credit: Goh et al., doi: 10.4489/kjm.20230018.
In cloud seeding, particles known as ice nucleators are introduced into clouds to promote the transformation of cloud water into ice crystals.
As more water molecules adhere to these crystals, they grow in size.
This process creates a snowball effect, where ice crystals become heavier, descend to the ground, and melt into rain as they traverse the atmosphere.
Typically, conventional ice nucleators like silver iodide are used, which are highly toxic.
Professor Boris Binatzer and his team at Virginia Tech suggest that these fungal protein molecules could present a safer alternative.
“If we can efficiently produce these fungal proteins in large quantities, we could enhance cloud seeding safety,” Professor Binatzer stated.
The researchers also uncovered that the fungal genes responsible for ice nucleation proteins likely originated from bacterial species through horizontal gene transfer, a process that occurred hundreds of thousands of years ago.
“While we know fungi can acquire bacterial genes, this isn’t commonplace,” explains Professor Binatzer.
Since the early 1990s, researchers have been aware of fungi’s ability to form ice nuclei. Recent advancements in DNA sequencing and computational biology have enabled the sequencing of genomes from a specific fungal family, Mortierellaceae, revealing the genes coding for ice nucleation proteins.
The function of the acquired genes for fungi is still unclear, but it is evident they have enhanced their capabilities over time.
This genetic modification offers significant human benefits.
The ice-nucleating proteins produced by fungi are distinct from those produced by bacteria in that they are cell-free and water-soluble.
These characteristics make fungal molecules highly attractive for bioinspired refrigeration technologies and artificial weather manipulation.
For instance, in frozen food production, fungal molecules present a safer option compared to bacterial ones since fungi only secrete ice-nucleating proteins, eliminating the need for entire bacterial cells.
“This is a major advantage in food production, allowing use of a single well-defined protein while omitting unnecessary components,” Professor Vinatzer added.
“We have the potential to create safe and effective additives for frozen food preparation.”
Additionally, fungal ice nucleation may prove beneficial in the cryopreservation of cells such as tissues, sperm, eggs, and embryos.
“Utilizing fungal ice nucleators—relatively small molecules—enables faster freezing of water around cells, safeguarding delicate cellular structures,” stated Professor Binatzer.
“This approach is not feasible with bacteria since the entire bacterial cell must be added.”
Ice nucleation plays a crucial role in climate models, impacting predictions of how much radiation is reflected back into space by clouds versus what reaches Earth. Ice presence in clouds allows more radiation to reach our planet.
With the identification of these fungal molecules, determining their quantity in clouds becomes more manageable.
In the long term, this pioneering research could significantly enhance climate modeling accuracy.
For further details, refer to the study findings published in the journal Scientific Progress.
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Rosemary J. Eufemio et al. 2026. A previously unrecognized class of fungal ice nucleoproteins with bacterial ancestry. Scientific Progress 12(11); doi: 10.1126/sciadv.aed9652
When scientists analyze complex human diseases, such as cancer, a crucial step involves comparing the DNA sequence of a diseased individual to a reference genome from a healthy individual. This analysis helps identify genetic variations that may contribute to the disease, enabling researchers to accurately categorize the illness and understand its treatment responses.
Since the year 2000, the standard human reference genome has been incomplete, limiting researchers’ ability to access certain challenging genomic regions. This resulted in false positives, complicating the identification of true genetic variants responsible for tumor growth.
In 2022, the Society of Scientists announced a groundbreaking achievement: the first truly complete human genome, generated using advanced technology that minimizes fragmentation. This development has prompted extensive research into the benefits of utilizing new genomes in the study of complex genetic diseases, including cancer.
Researchers based in Canada and the United States proposed that employing the complete human genome could enhance the detection of structural variants, allowing for more accurate cancer diagnosis compared to traditional reference genomes. This analogy likens genomic mutations to missing or altered paragraphs in a textbook; structural mutations can lead to cancer by duplicating oncogenes, causing abnormal gene fusions, and inactivating tumor-suppressor genes.
To validate their hypothesis, researchers utilized established cancer cell models, specifically cancer cell lines alongside the cancer-free control known as COLO829. This particular cell line serves as a benchmark for evaluating new mutation detection methods. They analyzed multiple samples of the COLO829 cell line sequenced by different laboratories, as well as tumor samples from patients diagnosed with blood cancer, brain cancer, and ovarian cancer, thereby ensuring a real-world context for their findings.
The complete human reference genome incorporates approximately 200 million additional base pairs, effectively filling in gaps and rectifying missing regions from the previous standard. When the COLO829 sample was examined, the number of structural variants incorrectly identified using the outdated reference genome significantly decreased, from 225 to just 83 with the new genome. This advancement greatly enhances our capability to detect structural variations.
The research team noted that while the new human reference genome improves the precision of DNA change identification, it contains less labeled medical information compared to the older genome. To address this, they employed a tool called Levio SAM2 to align results from new and previous genomes, thereby combining the enhanced accuracy of new genomes with the extensive medical knowledge of older references, yielding optimal results.
The team applied this integrated approach to three patient samples and discovered that the number of cancer-specific mutation candidates needing manual clinical review was significantly reduced compared to using traditional reference genomes. This reduction streamlines the labor-intensive process of identifying true cancer-causing mutations, with one large variant, 609,000 base pairs in length, identified in a patient’s sample. This variant exhibited minimal signals in the old reference genome but displayed clear evidence in the new genome.
In conclusion, the researchers’ approach enhances structural mutation detection in cancer by minimizing false positives, allowing physicians to prioritize clinically significant mutations. They emphasized that lowering false positives is crucial in analyzing patient samples, and filtering out spurious mutations to isolate genuine cancer drivers requires considerable time and expertise. Although their liftover strategy increased analysis time by approximately 50% compared to solely using the old reference genome, researchers deemed this trade-off acceptable due to the considerable improvements in accuracy.
NASA is set to return its colossal moon rocket to the launch pad at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Thursday night, gearing up for the much-anticipated lunar journey with four astronauts aboard.
The impressive 322-foot-tall Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, carrying the Orion capsule, is on track for a launch that could initiate a 10-day mission as early as April 1. Before this, the rocket and spacecraft must conduct a meticulous four-mile trek from the hangar to the launch pad.
This journey is expected to commence at 8:00 PM ET and wrap up approximately 12 hours later.
This marks the second rollout for the 11-million-pound rocket. Initially rolled out to the launch pad in mid-January, it returned to the vehicle assembly building for necessary repairs after engineers identified a helium flow blockage a few weeks ago.
Utilizing a mobile platform known as a crawler transporter, the rocket will be moved back to its launch pad, progressing at a steady pace of about 1 mile per hour.
The upcoming mission, titled Artemis II, will mark the first time humans are launched aboard NASA’s Space Launch System and Orion spacecraft. This mission follows the 2022 unmanned Artemis I mission, which orbited the moon. The crew, including NASA astronauts Reed Wiseman, Christina Koch, Victor Glover, and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen, could achieve unprecedented distances from Earth as they navigate around the moon.
NASA successfully resolved the helium flow issue while the rocket was in the hangar by replacing a crucial seal in the helium supply line. Engineers also changed batteries on both the rocket and Orion spacecraft, conducting rigorous tests to ensure readiness.
The helium issue came to light during extensive refueling tests and a launch-day rehearsal known as a wet dress rehearsal. This was the second rehearsal for the SLS, as the first had to be halted due to a hydrogen leak detected at the rocket’s rear end.
Last week, NASA officials conducted a comprehensive two-day Flight Readiness Review, bringing together mission managers, four astronauts, and key representatives to evaluate the upcoming flight, assess risks, and outline the necessary steps ahead. The agency confirmed its decision in April to proceed with launch preparations, officially certifying the rocket and spacecraft for their historic mission.
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Maggie Aderin has hosted BBC’s The Sky at Night since 2014
Photo by Paul Wilkinson
Maggie Aderin, renowned as one of Britain’s leading scientists, grew up inspired by Star Trek, dreaming of venturing into space. Currently, she plays a pivotal role in astrobiology, and her impressive career includes working on significant projects like the James Webb and Gemini telescopes. In a recent New Scientist podcast titled The World, The Universe and Us, she discussed her autobiography Starchild: My Life Under the Night Sky and her remarkable journey.
Rowan Hooper: Maggie, as the host of The Sky at Night and President of the British Science Association, you have profoundly influenced science education. Your book, Starchild, effectively communicates, “I did this, so you can too.” Is inspiring youth a central theme behind this?
Maggie Aderin: Absolutely! I often encourage children to reach for the stars. Inspired by childhood shows like Power Rangers and Star Trek, my ambition has driven me to achieve things I once thought impossible. The idea of dreaming big made me want to share my story through this book.
Incredible! You attended 13 schools in 12 years. How did that experience shape you?
Interestingly, I didn’t realize this unusual circumstance wasn’t common. My parents’ divorce led to constant changes in my environment.
At just four years old, your father asked you which Oxbridge university you planned to attend. What was his motivation?
My father, an immigrant from Nigeria, understood the importance of education. Despite facing challenges in Britain in the late 60s, he emphasized the value of education to his four daughters from an early age.
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This is another crazy dream. I want to walk beside Neil Armstrong’s footsteps. “
Your journey includes building your own telescope and being the only Black woman in your physics class. Now, you even have a Barbie doll made in your likeness. How does your book encapsulate this journey?
Indeed! Everything I’ve done connects beautifully, like a telescope coming into focus. Inspired by The Sky at Night, I built my first telescope at age 14 with guidance from an educational magazine.
Your love for the moon comes through in the book. Can you share your connection?
In my family, I’m the self-proclaimed ‘lunatic.’ My father equated the moon with friendship, guiding his path on dark nights. Although stars are often obscured in inner-city London, the moon shines brightly, symbolizing connection and guidance in my life.
During your Royal Institution Christmas Lecture, you addressed the question of life beyond Earth. What insights did you share?
After desiring to give a lecture for 57 years, I explored our planet, our solar system, and beyond, discussing exoplanets and biosignatures. The evolution of our understanding surrounding these concepts is profound.
Were you involved in the advancements at the James Webb Space Telescope?
Yes! I worked with the Near-Infrared Spectrometer, which, alongside the Hubble Space Telescope, has transformed our understanding of the universe, raising many questions and expanding our knowledge base.
What message resonates most with children during your school visits?
I emphasize that you don’t have to be perfect to serve as a role model. My own challenges of dyslexia and ADHD demonstrate that imperfections do not hinder achievement. Everyone has a unique light to shine, and that diversity enriches our world.
“
Science thrives on diversity. A monotonous group yields uniform thinking. “
Your book includes instances of being mistaken for a cleaner. Has progress been made regarding diversity in your field since your student days?
It’s difficult to assess, but while there has been some progress, challenges remain. Overall, I believe society is moving in a positive direction, yet there’s still work to be done.
As the only woman or Black person in the room, I feel a unique responsibility, but it’s essential that organizations recognize the need for diversity. Breakthroughs in science require a tapestry of perspectives for true innovation.
Throughout your career, have you noticed a growing skepticism toward science? Is astronomy affected by this?
There’s a noticeable distrust towards experts, driven by skepticism. During climate change lectures, I’ve faced claims of scientists manipulating data for funding. However, astronomy often transcends this skepticism; it is a pure quest for knowledge, feeding into humanity’s age-old curiosity about the cosmos.
This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity for the New Scientist podcast.
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Contrails are the primary contributor to the global warming impact of flights.
Credit: Tuck/imageBROKER/Shutterstock
A groundbreaking study involving thousands of flights between the United States and Europe reveals that contrails are less frequent when airplanes follow AI-recommended flight paths designed to minimize global warming impacts.
Research indicates that contrails, formed by soot particles from aircraft engines, may cause more warming than the carbon dioxide emitted by airplanes. Certain icy regions in the upper atmosphere are particularly conducive to contrail formation, and AI tools can leverage detailed weather forecasts to identify these areas.
While initial trials suggest rerouting aircraft can effectively reduce contrail formation, this practice has yet to be implemented on a large scale for commercial flights.
Researcher Dinesh Sanekom and his team utilized an AI contrail prediction tool in a randomized controlled trial, examining over 2,400 real-world American Airlines flights.
This study, which included an eastbound flight from the U.S. to Europe, was conducted over approximately 17 weeks from January to May 2025. The flights took place at night, a period when contrails are known to exert a more pronounced warming effect, contrasting with daytime flights that reflect sunlight and create a cooling effect.
Each flight route was randomly allocated to one of two experimental groups. In the first group, air traffic controllers could opt for an AI-optimized route with fewer contrails, while the second group received no alternative route suggestions.
Despite the availability of contrail-optimized routes in the first group, only 112 out of 1,232 flights actually chose a different route due to factors such as costs, safety, and operational constraints, as noted by Sanekom.
AI analysis of satellite images demonstrated that flights utilizing contrail-optimized routes suggested to air traffic controllers saw a remarkable 62% reduction in visible contrails. Overall, considering all flights with the option to select a contrail-optimized route, the effective reduction in contrail formation was 11.6% compared to the control group.
“This validates our hypothesis that this approach can be scaled to enhance contrail avoidance across many flights, provided we can safely and accurately integrate it into existing flight planning systems,” says Sanekom.
Estimates suggest that the overall impact of these flights on global warming was reduced by 13.7% for the entire group employing the proposed routes, with a staggering 69.3% reduction for those using the optimized routes. Fuel consumption showed no statistically significant differences between the groups.
“This methodology appears to be the most effective approach available today,” states Edward Grisspeed from Imperial College London. “The 62 percent reduction in contrails observed suggests this is not a random occurrence.”
However, the intricacies of flight planning make it challenging to predict how much the initial 11.6% reduction might improve in real-world scenarios. According to Grisspeed, “While we cannot simply scale this up to achieve a 60% reduction in contrails on every flight, even an overall reduction of 10% represents a significant environmental benefit.”
Have you ever wondered how many times you can fold a delicious crêpe without it flipping over? A new study reveals the fascinating physics behind crepe folding dynamics.
In a quest to uncover the nuances of this culinary art, a physicist from France explored this phenomenon. He discovered that a single key number can explain the folding limits.
Tom Marzin, a research student at Cornell University, was inspired during a trip to his hometown of Brittany, France, a region known for its crêpes. He observed that while simply folding the tip of a crêpe causes it to flip, further folds create a delicate balance of gravity and friction that keeps it stationary. What scientific principles govern this behavior?
Marzin turned his curiosity into a research project, and he plans to present his findings at the upcoming American Physical Society meeting on March 20 in Denver.
Unlike traditional studies focused on permanent origami-style folds, Marzin’s work delves into what he terms “soft creases,” a competition between the element of gravity and material elasticity.
To observe this fascinating competition, Marzin conducted an experiment using pancake pieces. By attaching a section to a tabletop, he measured the flex it experienced when the opposite end hung over the edge. He found that all behavior regarding crepe folding can be predicted based on a single value known as the elastic gravity length, which factors in material density, stiffness, and gravitational forces. Marzin speculates that this concept could apply to various flexible materials beyond just crêpes, supported by computer model simulations.
To test his theories in a practical setting, Marzin experimented with plastic discs, store-bought tortillas, and crêpes. Finding homemade crêpes unreliable for experiments due to thickness variability, he enlisted his mother to procure commercial crêpes that ensure consistent thickness.
Marzin’s experiments confirmed that all aspects of crêpe folding are dictated by this elastic gravity length. For instance, by controlling the folded area’s dimensions, one can determine if there’s sufficient surface area left for subsequent folds.
His equation accurately predicts that a crêpe measuring 26 centimeters in diameter and 0.9 millimeters thick can be folded up to four times. In contrast, a similarly sized tortilla at 1.5 millimeters thick, exhibiting an elastic gravity length of 3.4 times, can withstand just two folds. “This length encapsulates the essential physics,” Marzin concludes.
Gerd Faltings has been awarded the prestigious 2026 Abel Prize, often regarded as the “Nobel Prize of Mathematics,” in recognition of his revolutionary proof that reshaped mathematics in 1983. His seminal work laid the foundation for arithmetic geometry, a crucial domain in contemporary mathematics.
Faltings’ landmark achievement was his proof of the Mordell Conjecture, for which he was honored with the Fields Medal in 1986. This theorem, initially proposed by Louis Mordell in 1922, asserts that complex equations yield fewer solutions as their complexity increases.
Based at the Max Planck Institute for Mathematics in Germany, Faltings expressed his honor upon receiving the award, maintaining a modest view of his contributions. “Someone remarked that climbing Mount Everest was a challenge merely because the mountain exists,” Faltings stated. “While solving the Mordell Conjecture is a significant achievement, it doesn’t lead to cures for cancer or Alzheimer’s; it merely expands our understanding.”
The Mordell Conjecture pertains to Diophantine equations—an extensive category encompassing renowned equations like a² + b² = c², associated with the Pythagorean theorem, and aⁿ + bⁿ = cⁿ, pivotal to Fermat’s Last Theorem. The conjecture investigates which of these equations have infinitely many solutions and which possess only finite solutions.
Mordell suggested that by rewriting these equations as complex numbers, essentially two-dimensional numbers plotted on surfaces, the number of solutions is influenced by the number of “holes” in those surfaces. He postulated that surfaces with more holes than a donut could only possess a finite number of rational solutions but lacked proof for this hypothesis.
Faltings’ validation of Mordell’s intuition over six decades later astonished the mathematical community—not only for its findings but also for the innovative methods employed. His proofs harmonized concepts from distinct mathematical realms, including geometry and arithmetic. “It’s remarkably concise, almost miraculous,” states Akshay Venkatesh from the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton. “Spanning just 18 pages, it intricately navigates various techniques and perspectives.”
Faltings attributes his success to his ability to embrace uncertainty and take bold risks based on unverified hunches. “Sometimes, you’re ahead of those who attempt to prove everything immediately, yet you may also err,” he observes.
“One remarkable aspect of his argument is its extensive coverage and coherence,” Venkatesh notes. “One wonders how he could trust the interconnection of these pieces before knowing how they would align.”
Many conjectures that Faltings resolved, along with the methodologies he pioneered, now underpin the most significant areas of mathematical research. For instance, p-adic Hodge theory explores the relationships between the geometry of shapes and their underlying structure while utilizing an entirely different number system. His work paved the way for Andrew Wiles’ proof of Fermat’s Last Theorem and mentored Shinichi Mochizuki, the prominent mathematician credited with resolving the ABC conjecture.
Faltings admits that his aim was never to tackle phenomena with such monumental implications. “My philosophy is that you shouldn’t pursue fame or wealth, but rather pursue what you love,” he concludes. “It’s far more enjoyable to work in a field that you are passionate about.”
Feedback is New Scientist A trusted source for the latest updates in science and technology. To provide feedback on topics of interest to our readers, please email us at feedback@newscientist.com.
Shooting Towards the Moon
It has been 54 years since humans last walked on the lunar surface. In that time, numerous robotic missions have explored the Moon, with some landing successfully while others have met disastrous ends. Currently, there are no humans residing on the Moon.
NASA’s Artemis program is projected to land astronauts on the Moon by early 2028. As more missions follow, the Moon’s human population may increase from zero to a small number.
Interestingly, accounting firm PwC released a report in January titled Monthly Market Rating, which declares, “The Moon is rapidly emerging as a potential center for future global economic activity in space.”
This statement raises questions: What opportunities exist for monetizing the Moon? PwC emphasizes that there are “ambitions centered around a sustainable human and commercial presence” on the lunar surface, exploring how expansive this new market could be.
The report adopts a scenario-driven approach to forecast market opportunities for lunar surface activities from 2026 to 2050, analyzing five vital areas: mobility, communications, housing, energy, and water. Each sector is assessed for investment requirements, technological advancements, and potential revenue streams.
Lunar entrepreneurs could see substantial financial returns, with cumulative projected revenues from lunar activities estimated between $93.9 billion and $127.3 billion by 2050—exceeding the GDP of many countries.
However, the future of the lunar economy hinges primarily on the intensity of exploration missions, both crewed and uncrewed, as noted by PwC.
While these projections may seem overly ambitious, particularly with the Artemis mission yet to launch, it’s compelling to consider that this is the second edition of PwC’s Monthly Market Review. The first edition, released in 2021, forecasted revenues totaling $170 billion by 2040.
We remain uncertain about changes over the past five years that might affect the lunar economy’s prospects, yet it’s disappointing to find our dreams of investing in lunar opportunities not yet realized.
Stranger Than Fiction
In February’s diary, the journal Pediatrics and Child Health issued two corrections, which is not unusual; journals frequently amend errors in scientific literature.
However, these corrections were noteworthy. One correction involved 15 papers, while another touched on 123 papers. The headlines indicated they were intended “to add a disclaimer.”
As readers delve through the extensive list of papers requiring disclaimers, they encounter this sentence: “All clinical vignettes featured within the CPSP Highlights section of the magazine are fictional scenarios created for educational purposes relating to Canadian Pediatric Surveillance Program (CPSP) research.”
This phrasing may obscure its importance initially, but the insightful journalists at Retraction Watch clarified that “A medical journal admits that case reports published over 25 years were indeed fictitious.”
Since 2000, the journal has presented case studies that appeared to depict real patients, some of which informed clinical guidelines and urged further medical investigations. However, these studies were fabrications, with no indication given until now.
This feedback suggests that the disclaimer about the fictional nature of these case studies should have been included all along. But perhaps this highlights a broader issue: Science often struggles for media attention, yet devoid of objective truth, it might truly captivate audiences. Imagine headlines like, “Dark Matter is Actually the Flatulence of a Cosmic Whale”: such claims are sure to resonate.
Drink Time
Feedback often revisits the theme, “Well, they would say that, wouldn’t they?” This skepticism persists as spokespersons send press releases that masquerade as objective scientific insight but often slip in ulterior motives.
Recently, another email landed in our overflowing inboxes: “In anticipation of World Sleep Day (March 13, 2026), we’re sharing expert insights on an often-overlooked factor impacting sleep quality: hydration.” The message elucidated that “even mild dehydration can contribute to discomfort, including headaches, dry mouth, muscle cramps, and general restlessness,” suggesting that it can also lead to next-day fatigue.
This press release originated from a company that produces water-soluble electrolyte tablets.
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Ultra-processed foods are often high in fat and sugar.
Anastasia Krivenok/Getty Images
In recent years, health experts, scientists, and media outlets have increasingly highlighted the dangers of ultra-processed foods (UPFs). These foods are often linked to a surge in chronic diseases in today’s society. But what exactly are UPFs? Why should you be concerned about them? Let’s delve deeper.
Defining UPFs can be surprisingly challenging. Historically, humans have modified foods such as grains through processes like milling, salting, and fermenting for better taste and preservation. The concept of ultra-processed foods was coined in the late 2000s by Carlos Monteiro at the University of São Paulo, Brazil. UPFs are those derived from breaking down whole foods into parts like sugar, fat, and fiber, which are then chemically modified and often contain various additives. Common examples include breakfast cereals, biscuits, fish fingers, ice cream, mass-produced breads, and sugary drinks.
Until recently, dietary advice focused primarily on nutritional content. We’ve been instructed to limit foods high in salt, sugar, and saturated fats while opting for fiber-rich, vitamin-packed alternatives. The UPF concept has shifted this conversation, suggesting that the level of processing matters more than just nutrient content. Countries like Brazil, Belgium, and New Zealand have revised their dietary guidelines to discourage the consumption of UPFs.
Is there substantial evidence that UPFs harm health? Research indicates that diets rich in UPFs correlate with severe health risks, including cancer, diabetes, dementia, heart disease, and obesity. However, many of these studies only show correlation, not causation. Assessing the specific impacts of diet against other lifestyle and environmental factors—like poverty and pollution—can be complex. Furthermore, many studies rely on surveys, which can lead to inaccuracies in dietary reporting.
One of the most credible pieces of evidence comes from a 2019 randomized trial. This short-term study involved 20 participants consuming diets high in either UPFs or unprocessed foods over two weeks, then switching diets. Both types matched in caloric content and nutritional composition. Participants were provided with meals and snacks, allowing them to eat freely.
The results were striking: those on UPF diets consumed around 500 additional calories daily, gaining nearly 1 kilogram over two weeks, whereas those on unprocessed diets lost just under a kilogram. This suggests that the appeal of UPFs often leads to excessive caloric intake due to enhanced flavor and palatability.
Some experts suggest that UPFs could pose other health risks, such as contamination from factory processes. Furthermore, many contain additives like emulsifiers, which may potentially be harmful. Studies indicate that UPFs can disrupt the microbiome and promote inflammation. Advocates argue for stricter regulations on UPFs, akin to those for tobacco products, including clear warnings on packaging and advertising limitations.
However, critics claim the evidence isn’t robust enough to justify such measures. They argue that the UPF classification is too broad, potentially labeling some healthy foods, like yogurt and whole-grain breads, as unhealthy. Nutrition experts often struggle to categorize foods by processing levels, leading to confusion among the public. Additionally, not everyone can consistently prepare healthy meals, and harsh criticism of UPFs might eliminate accessible nutrition options.
So, how concerned should we be about UPFs? While they do encompass many unhealthy foods and tend to encourage overeating, most individuals could benefit from minimizing UPF intake while increasing whole food consumption. However, complete avoidance is likely impractical and unnecessary. Aim to reduce intake, diversify your diet, and prepare your meals when possible—yet enjoy the convenience of ready-made options occasionally without guilt.
Anxiety can be debilitating, making it hard to get through the day. However, both mild and severe anxiety can be managed effectively. When you feel an anxiety attack coming on, there are methods to regain your sense of calm.
For those who experience anxiety regularly, long-term strategies exist. Here are eight science-backed ways to reduce anxiety in both the short and long term.
1. Distance Yourself from Anxiety
Anxiety attacks often stem from catastrophic thoughts about future events. You might envision embarrassing yourself on a first date or fear failing in an interview.
To reduce anxiety, calm these racing thoughts without force. Simply trying to suppress them may be counterproductive. Instead, distance yourself from these thoughts to recognize their unreliability.
For instance, tell yourself, “I’m afraid I’ll embarrass myself on this first date.” (Of course, tailor this to your specific worries.) Once you’ve developed that distance, weigh the actual evidence regarding your fears, and recall past successes in coping with anxiety.
Read More:
2. Ground Yourself
Photo: Joe Waldron
When your mind races with catastrophic thoughts, your body mirrors that tension. The sympathetic nervous system prepares you for perceived threats, causing rapid breathing and muscle tension.
To combat this, activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes relaxation. Grounding exercises, for instance, help you connect with the present moment. Try pausing to observe five things you can see, four you can feel, three sounds you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste.
Another effective method involves standing comfortably, leaning forward to touch your toes for a minute, sending a signal that everything is safe.
3. Breathe Properly
Calm your body and enhance parasympathetic nervous system activity through controlled breathing techniques. One effective method is “box breathing.” This technique involves equal durations for inhaling, pausing, and exhaling.
Inhale for 4 seconds
Pause for 4 seconds
Exhale for 4 seconds
Repeat for at least 30 seconds.
This exercise helps regulate your breathing rate and depth, promoting overall calm.
4. Plan for a “Worry Period”
After calming your mind and body, persistent worries can feel overwhelming. Trying to “solve” them often results in unhelpful beliefs, such as needing to worry to prevent bad outcomes.
Instead, designate a “worry window” of about 30 minutes (preferably not before bedtime). During this time, allow yourself to express your worries. For the rest of the day, remind yourself you’ll address them later, breaking the cycle of anxiety.
Read More:
5. Face Your Fears
Photo: Joe Waldron
Avoidance may seem appealing, but it can amplify anxiety over time. Dodging anxiety-inducing situations can deny you valuable life experiences and reinforce negative beliefs.
Confronting fears allows for a “reality check” which can dispel irrational fears. Start gradually with manageable tasks, and if needed, visualize facing your fears in your imagination first.
6. Exercise Regularly
Integrating physical activity into your daily routine is not only beneficial for your body but also enhances your mental well-being. Research shows that exercise can improve mood and reduce the risk of anxiety disorders.
Physical activity provides distractions, fosters companionship, and improves overall health. Engaging in exercise familiarizes you with physical sensations that may otherwise trigger anxiety, making them less intimidating over time.
7. Avoid Caffeine
Caffeine is prevalent in our daily lives, from morning coffee to energy drinks, but it can worsen anxiety symptoms. By blocking the calming effects of the brain chemical adenosine, caffeine can lead to heightened anxiety responses.
Photo: Joe Waldron
A long-term adjustment to consider is reducing caffeine intake, as excessive consumption can significantly contribute to anxiety. Be aware that caffeine is also present in chocolate and tea.
8. Consider Your Long-Term Relationship with Anxiety
Believing that anxiety is a permanent part of who you are can lead to avoidance and increased discomfort. Alternatively, viewing anxiety as a fleeting state allows you to confront the discomfort more effectively.
Psychologists refer to this perspective as a “growth mindset.” Remember, anxiety is manageable and can change over time.
Kepler-51 is a young G dwarf star located approximately 2,615 light-years away in the constellation Cygnus. It remarkably hosts three superpuffs and one low-mass non-transiting exoplanet, making it a fascinating subject in the field of astronomy. Among these, Kepler-51d stands out as the system’s coolest transiting planet and is recognized as one of the least dense superpuffs discovered to date. However, it is enveloped in an extremely dense atmospheric fog, leaving scientists pondering its origin and formation.
This diagram illustrates Kepler-51 and its three giant planets. Image credit: NASA / ESA / L. Hustak, J. Olmsted, D. Player & F. Summers, STScI.
Also referred to as KOI-620, Kepler-51 is an intriguing star hosting four exoplanets, out of which at least three are classified as Saturn-sized “superpuff” worlds. Kepler-51d is the coolest and least dense planet within this unique system.
Jessica Libby Roberts, an astronomer at the University of Tampa, notes, “The three inner planets orbiting Kepler-51 have small cores and large atmospheres that are thought to possess densities similar to cotton candy.”
She adds, “These ultra-low-density, super-puff planets are rare and challenge conventional theories regarding the formation of gas giant planets. It’s not just one but three in this system, raising critical questions.”
Typically, gas giant planets boast dense cores, resulting in strong gravitational forces that attract and retain gas. They usually form farther from their stars, much like our solar system’s gas giants, which reside beyond the asteroid belt.
In a twist, Kepler-51d does not feature a dense core and orbits similarly to the distance Venus is from the Sun.
Interestingly, Dr. Libby Roberts mentions, “Kepler-51 is a relatively active star, and its stellar wind should easily blow gas away from the planet. However, we are still uncertain about the extent of Kepler-51d’s mass loss over its lifespan.”
There are theories suggesting that Kepler-51d may have migrated inward after forming farther away, but numerous questions remain about the origin of this planet and its companions.
“What specific processes in this system led to the formation of these three unusual planets? It’s an extreme combination that hasn’t been observed elsewhere,” Dr. Roberts reflects.
Due to their ultra-low density, researchers suspect that these super-puff planets are rich in the lightest elements, hydrogen and helium, while also possessing other elements.
Analyzing the atmospheric composition of Kepler-51d will provide valuable insights into its formation environment.
Although direct imaging of such distant planets is not feasible, scientists can analyze the starlight that diminishes as the planet transits in front of its host star.
Dr. Libby Roberts explains, “Starlight passes through the planet’s atmosphere before reaching our telescopes. Similar to how different colors on Earth absorb various wavelengths, certain atmospheric molecules can block specific wavelengths of light.”
“By examining spectral data, we can create a unique fingerprint that reveals the atmospheric composition of the planet.”
Dr. Libby Roberts and her team previously observed Kepler-51d using the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope, focusing on near-infrared wavelengths of approximately 1.1 to 1.7 microns. Enhanced technology in the Near Infrared Spectrometer (NIRSpec) aboard the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope has permitted scientists to extend observations down to 5 microns, potentially offering a more detailed atmospheric “fingerprint.”
However, no obvious decrease in the star’s intensity was detected at any specific wavelength. Subrath Mahadevan, a professor at Pennsylvania State University, states, “The thick fog surrounding the planet absorbs the observed wavelengths, obscuring underneath features.”
He compares it to the haze found on Saturn’s largest moon, Titan, which contains hydrocarbons like methane, but on a much grander scale.
“Kepler-51d seems to possess a massive fog layer, nearly equivalent to Earth’s radius—one of the largest we’ve seen alongside our planet.”
For a detailed exploration of this groundbreaking research, please visit the result published in this week’s Astronomy Magazine.
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Jessica E. Libby Roberts et al. 2026. NIRSpec-PRISM transmission spectrum of the James Webb Space Telescope Superpuff, Kepler-51d. A.J. 171, 221; doi: 10.3847/1538-3881/ae33c0
Recent research highlights that birch bark tar—historically recognized as a natural tool adhesive—can effectively inhibit harmful bacteria like: Staphylococcus aureus. This suggests that Neanderthals may have utilized it to treat wounds and manage infections during the Ice Age.
Neanderthals likely employed birch tar for various applications, including wound care. Siemsen et al. confirmed that birch tar possesses selective antibacterial properties and effectively inhibits Staphylococcus aureus.
Birch tar is frequently discovered at Neanderthal sites, where it is known to have served as an adhesive for crafting tools.
Recent inquiries suggest that Neanderthals may have had additional uses for this versatile substance.
For instance, indigenous communities in Northern Europe and Canada have utilized birch tar to treat injuries. Increasing evidence indicates that Neanderthals also engaged in various medicinal practices.
To explore the medicinal capabilities of birch tar, Dr. Tjaark Siemssen and his team from the Universities of Cologne and Oxford extracted tar from birch tree bark, particularly species identified at Neanderthal sites.
The researchers employed multiple extraction techniques, including distillation in clay pits and condensation on stone surfaces—methods that Neanderthals could also have accessed.
All tested tar samples showcased effectiveness in inhibiting bacterial growth against various strains, including the notorious Staphylococcus bacteria responsible for wound infections.
These findings not only reinforce the efficacy of indigenous medicinal practices but also lend credence to the possibility that Neanderthals used birch tar for therapeutic purposes.
The researchers note that birch tar, alongside other available plants, may serve additional roles, such as an insect repellent.
Further investigations into the diverse applications of these natural substances will enrich our understanding of Neanderthal culture.
“Our findings demonstrate that birch tar produced by Neanderthals and early humans possesses notable antibacterial properties,” the researchers stated.
“This discovery has significant implications for how Neanderthals managed disease burdens during the last Ice Age and contributes to the expanding knowledge of medicine among early human communities.”
“Integrating research in indigenous pharmacology and experimental archaeology enhances our understanding of the medical practices of our early ancestors and their closest relatives.”
“Moreover, this paleopharmacological research could assist in rediscovering antibiotic treatments as we confront a rising crisis of antimicrobial resistance.”
“The intricate processes involved in birch tar production are noteworthy.”
“Each stage of production was a sensory journey, and the challenge of cleaning tar from my hands after hours by the fire was a central experience every time.”
For more detailed insights, refer to the study published in the journal PLoS ONE.
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T. Ziemsen et al. 2026. Antibacterial properties of experimentally produced birch tar and its medicinal efficacy in the Pleistocene. PLoS One 21 (3): e0343618; doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0343618
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