How AI Addiction Battles Bots Without Hoover Data’s Consent

Posted on August 12, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The landscape of the internet is shifting, moving away from traditional users and towards automated web-browsing bots. A recent report indicates that, for the first time this year, non-human web browsing bots make up the majority of all traffic.

Alarmingly, over half of this bot traffic stems from malicious sources, including those harvesting unsecured personal data online. Yet, there’s a rising trend in bots designed by artificial intelligence companies, aimed at gathering data for model training and responding to user interactions. Notably, OpenAI’s ChatGPT-User accounts for 6% of total web traffic, while Claudebot, created by Anthropic, represents 13%.

AI firms argue that data scraping is crucial for keeping their models updated, while content creators voice concerns about these bots being tools for vast copyright violations. Earlier this year, Disney and Universal took legal action against AI company Midjourney, claiming that its image generators were reproducing characters from popular franchises such as Star Wars and Despicable Me.

Given that most creators lack the financial means for prolonged legal battles, many have turned to innovative methods to protect their content. They implement online tools that complicate AI bot scraping, with methods like misleading bots, causing AI to confuse images of cars with cows. While this “AI addiction” tactic helps safeguard creators’ work, it may also introduce new risks on the web.

Copyright Concerns

Historically, imitators have profited off artists’ work, which is primarily why intellectual property and copyright laws exist. The advent of AI image generators like Midjourney and OpenAI’s DALL-E has exacerbated this issue.

A key concern in the U.S. is the fair use doctrine, allowing limited usage of copyrighted materials without permission under certain circumstances. While fair use laws are designed to be flexible, they hinge on the principle of creating something new from the original work.

Many artists and advocates believe that AI technologies blur the lines between fair use and copyright infringement, harming content creators. For example, while drawing an image of Mickey Mouse in The Simpsons universe for personal use may be harmless, AI can rapidly produce and circulate similar images, complicating the transformative aspect and often leading to commercial exploitation.

In an effort to protect their commercial interests, some U.S. creators have pursued legal action, with Disney and Universal’s lawsuits against Midjourney being among the latest examples. Other notable cases include an ongoing legal dispute involving the New York Times and OpenAI regarding alleged misuse of newspaper stories.

Disney sues Midjourney over its image generator.

Photo 12/Alamy

AI companies firmly deny any wrongdoing, asserting that data scraping is permissible under the fair use doctrine. In an open letter to the US Bureau of Science and Technology Policy in March, OpenAI’s Chief Global Affairs Officer, Chris Lehane, cautioned against strict copyright regulations elsewhere in the world. Recent attempts to enhance copyright protections for creators have been critiqued for potentially stifling innovation and investment. OpenAI previously claimed it was “impossible” to develop AI models catering to user needs without referencing copyrighted work. Google shares a similar stance, emphasizing that copyright, privacy, and patent laws create barriers to accessing necessary training data.

For now, public sentiment seems to align with the activists’ viewpoint. Analysis of public feedback on copyright and AI inquiries by the U.S. Copyright Office reveals that 91% of comments expressed negative sentiments regarding AI.

The lack of public sympathy for AI firms is attributed to the overwhelming traffic their bots create, which can strain resources and may even take some websites offline—and the content creators feel powerless to stop them. While there are methods to exclude content-crawling bots, like tweaking a small file on a website to prevent bot access, these requests are sometimes ignored.

Combatting AI Data Addiction

Consequently, new tools have emerged, empowering content creators to better shield their work from AI bots. This year, CloudFlare, an internet infrastructure company known for protecting users from distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, launched technologies to combat harmful AI bots. Their approach involves generating a labyrinth of AI-generated pages filled with nonsensical content, effectively distracting AI bots from accessing genuine information.

A tool called AI Labyrinth is designed to manage 50 billion requests per day from AI crawlers, according to CloudFlare. The objective of AI Labyrinth is to “slow, confuse, and waste the resources of AI crawls and other bots that disregard the ‘no crawl’ directive.” Following this, CloudFlare introduced another tool that compels AI companies to pay for accessing their websites or restricts raw content usage.

An alternative strategy involves allowing AI bots to access online content while subtly “poisoning” it, rendering the data less useful. Tools like Glaze and Nightshade, developed at the University of Chicago, serve as a focal point of resistance. Both tools are freely available for download from the university’s website.

Since its 2022 launch, Glaze defends by introducing imperceptible pixel-level modifications, or “style cloaks,” to artists’ works, causing AI models to misidentify art styles (e.g., interpreting watercolors as oil paintings). Launched in 2023, Nightshade degrades image data in a way that leads AI models to create incorrect associations, such as linking the word “cat” with images of dogs. Both tools have been downloaded over 10 million times.

Nightshade Tool alters AI perceptions of images.

Ben Y. Zhao

Tools designed to combat AI data addiction are empowering artists, according to Ben Zhao, a senior researcher at the University of Chicago involved with both Glaze and Nightshade. “These companies have trillion-dollar market caps, and they essentially take what they want,” he asserts.

Using tools like these allows artists to exert more control over the use of their creations. “Glaze and Nightshade are interesting, innovative tools that demonstrate effective strategies that don’t rely on changing regulations,” explains Jacob Hoffman Andrews from the Electronic Frontier Foundation, a U.S.-based digital rights nonprofit.

Self-sabotaging content to deter copycats is an old strategy, notes Eleonora Rosati from Stockholm University. “For instance, cartographers might include fictitious place names, making them evidence of plagiarism if rivals replicate them. A similar tactic was noted in music, where the lyrics website Genius claimed to have embedded unique apostrophes to prove Google’s unlicensed use of their content. Google denies this claim, and the lawsuit was dismissed.

The term “sabotage” raises eyebrows, says Hoffman Andrews. “I don’t view it as disruptive; these artists are modifying their content, which they have every right to do.”

It remains uncertain how many unique measures AI firms are implementing to handle data tainted by these defensive tactics, yet Zhao’s findings indicate that 85% of these methods maintain their efficacy, suggesting AI companies may deem dealing with manipulated data more troublesome than it’s worth.

Disseminating Misinformation

Interestingly, it’s not just artists experimenting with data poisoning tactics; some nation-states might employ similar strategies to disseminate false narratives. The Atlantic Council, a U.S.-based think tank, recently revealed that the Russian Pravda News Network has attempted to manipulate AI bots to spread misinformation.

This operation reportedly involves flooding the internet with millions of web pages masquerading as legitimate news articles, aiming to boost Kremlin narratives regarding the Ukraine war. A recent analysis by NewsGuard, which monitors Pravda’s activities, found that 10 out of 10 major AI chatbots have output text aligning with Pravda’s viewpoints.

The effectiveness of these tactics emphasizes the challenges inherent in AI technology: the methods employed by well-intentioned actors can inevitably be hijacked by those with malicious intent.

However, solutions do exist, asserts Zhao, though they may not align with AI companies’ interests. Rather than arbitrarily collecting online data, AI firms could establish formal agreements with legitimate content providers to ensure their models are trained on reliable data. Yet, such arrangements come with costs, leading Zhao to remark, “Money is at the heart of this issue.”

Topics:

artificial intelligence/
chatgpt

Source: www.newscientist.com

The True Cause Behind Our Loss of Vitamin C Production

Posted on August 12, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Humans require dietary Vitamin C

Chondros Eva Catalin/Getty Images

As per the textbook definition, we have lost the capability to synthesize vitamin C. However, studies on animals indicate that this loss may have actually provided a survival advantage by helping their ancestors combat parasitic infections.

Most animals produce vitamin C using an enzyme known as Gulo. Yet, in our primate ancestors, the Gulo gene underwent mutation approximately 60 to 70 million years ago, leading to the loss of this capability. Similar losses are observed in various other animal groups, including certain bats and rodents like guinea pigs.

The conventional theory posits that if an animal consumes adequate vitamin C in its diet, mutations affecting the Gulo enzyme do not pose a disadvantage, which is why natural selection hasn’t preserved the enzyme. This mutation is considered neutral.

Mikaris Agato Creos began contemplating this in 2017 after his team at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas discovered that Vitamin C plays a crucial role in blood-forming stem cells. He questioned why so many animals still retain functional enzymes if the loss of Gulo is indeed neutral.

It appears that there is an additional advantage. For animals with functional enzymes, blood levels of vitamin C stay stable, while in humans, these levels may drop significantly, especially if individuals go without food for several days.

If producing vitamin C carries benefits, why do some animals lose this ability? The common evolutionary explanation is that such losses could enhance protection against diseases and parasites.

A colleague of Agathocleous at UT Southwestern Medical Center later found that the parasite flatworm known as schistosoma produces more eggs when provided with extra vitamin C.

These freshwater parasites can penetrate the skin and develop within the host. Many symptoms associated with schistosomiasis stem from the immune response to the eggs laid by adult worms, causing the resulting disease.

To investigate whether vitamin C deficiency could bolster protection against parasites, Agathocleous and his colleagues deleted specific Gulo genes in mice.

When these mice were fed a low vitamin C diet, they did not exhibit the typical fecal symptoms or excrete feces after being infected with schistosoma. In contrast, mice with functional Gulo enzymes released numerous eggs, most of which did not survive.

“What we demonstrated provides evidence of a potential benefit,” Agato Creos states. Although it remains unproven that the loss of Gulo in our ancestors was a conscious evolutionary choice to fend off disease, these findings suggest that such a scenario is plausible.

“Many textbooks illustrate this as a ‘use or lose it’ case concerning a gene. Many scientists, including myself, contend that there is enough evidence to affirm this evolutionary advantage related to gene loss.” Deborah Good at Virginia Tech, who did not participate in the study, remarked, “Parasite protection could indeed be a factor in this.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

These Ants Are Among Nature’s Most Efficient Teams

Posted on August 12, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Weaver Ant Folding Paper

Dr. Chris Reid, Macquarie University

Weaver Ant chains can easily surpass all other creatures.

Weaver Ants (Oecophylla smaragdina), found from India to northern Australia, create long chains to gather leaves and construct nests. They grip one another by holding onto the abdomen of the ant in front using their mandibles.

To assess their strength, Chris Reed from Macquarie University in Sydney and his team provided the Weaver Ants with paper leaves instead of real ones for nesting. They attached a transducer to the tip of the paper leaf to measure the force exerted by a group of up to 17 ants while rolling the paper.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixamog0honi

Researchers discovered that individual ants could generate an average pulling force of 60 times their body weight, while in teams of 15, each ant was capable of pulling over 100 times their weight. Consequently, the average power contribution per ant nearly doubled in group settings.

This finding seemingly contradicts the well-established principle of teamwork known as the Ringelmann effect, which posits that larger groups tend to diminish individual productivity due to loss of coordination and motivation.

The researchers did not calculate how Weaver Ants compare to humans in terms of strength, but Reid noted that even without scaling up to human size, they would pose formidable opponents in a tug-of-war. “Even a guinea pig-sized Weaver Ant could outpull a human,” he remarked. “Their key advantage lies in having six legs, which provides excellent traction.”

This might explain their ability to counteract the Ringelmann effect, according to Reid. The precise mechanism behind their collective strength remains unclear, but one theory suggests that some ants are anchored to the ground while others are pulling, effectively creating a force ratchet.

“When comparing Weaver Ants with other species, their ability to exert force on the ground is extraordinarily high, significantly surpassing that of other ants,” Reed stated.

Insects and Ecosystem Expedition Safari: Sri Lanka

Embark on a journey to the heart of Sri Lanka’s diverse biodiversity on this unique entomology and ecosystem-focused expedition.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Climate Change Could Increase Tree Flammability

Posted on August 12, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Flammability assessments on western juniper trees (Juniperus occidentalis)

Rebecca Koll

In a laboratory at the University of Exeter, UK, Rebecca Koll is examining conifer species to explore critical questions related to future forest fire dynamics.

Wildfire severity is on the rise globally as temperatures continue to increase. This is largely attributed to heightened heat, prolonged drought, and stronger winds, all of which elevate the risk of igniting timber when sparks occur.

Yet, Koll is among a team of researchers who believe that factors beyond drought are influencing fire risk. “Is climate change actually altering the properties of the plants? I’m quite certain it is,” she shares.

She posits that climate stress factors could be modifying leaf chemistry. With an increase in UV radiation, plants may produce more volatile compounds as a stress response.

Research indicates that some crops and medicinal plants experience heightened UVB exposure, which increases volatile compound levels on their foliage. Studies show elevated volatility in conifer species such as pines, thereby enhancing their flammability.

While global initiatives aimed at restoring the ozone layer may mitigate UV radiation risks, studies indicate that climate change, especially the uptick in hot, clear days in Northern and Eastern Europe, has resulted in rising ground-level UVB levels in recent years. Models predict that this may escalate later in the century.

Koll is currently engaged in a project examining changes in leaf chemistry and flammability by exposing 87 conifer species to elevated UVB levels. Using climate-controlled chambers with optimal temperature and moisture regimens, they simulate exposure levels tripled compared to current conditions. After 4 to 8 weeks, the trees undergo analysis and combustion tests to evaluate their flammability.

“It’s designed to be an ideal environment. These plants are in a very favorable climate, except we bombard them with radiation,” Koll explains. “We’re observing early signs of yellowing in areas that should remain green. Their biochemical reactions during various tests are altering the chemistry of their leaves,” she elaborates.

The pivotal question remains whether these biochemical shifts will lead to heightened flammability and if they elucidate the increasing intensity of forest fires. “We’re already elevating UV levels in our natural settings,” Koll notes. “This may imply that the risk extends beyond drought to include the direct impacts on plant biology.”

Uncovering these insights could provide scientists with a clearer understanding of wildfire risks in the predominantly coniferous regions of the Northern Hemisphere. “This is fundamentally what leads to severe home destruction,” Koll states. “The natural surroundings are becoming increasingly flammable.”

This project is among the initial experiments conducted at the University of Exeter’s Global Weather Simulator, a newly established facility dedicated to plant research that opened this year. The climate control chambers can recreate variations in wind, precipitation, heat, and atmospheric variables to analyze how plants and insects respond to rapid climatic shifts.

Matthew Robson of the University of Cumbria emphasizes that this research may confirm the significance of leaf compound changes in determining certain tree species’ flammability. “The relative impact of these climatic factors on volatile and combustible carbon-rich compounds has not been thoroughly explored, which makes the current research at Exeter particularly intriguing,” he states.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

How FEMA’s Outdated Flood Maps Foster Risk-Negotiable Systems

Posted on August 12, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Lamer noted that detailed analyses and FEMA’s approximate maps can often exaggerate flood risk, which tends to be what clients typically seek.

“I was asked, ‘Please prove we aren’t in the flood plain.’ We’re working 30 feet above the river,” Lamer shared regarding FEMA’s initial mapping. “That’s the flaw in these maps.”

It’s a nationwide practice to adjust FEMA maps both before and after they are officially confirmed.

Syracuse Professor Prall, who has researched flood policy, alongside academic Devin Lee, analyzed five years of data on modifying the FEMA map. They found over 20,000 buildings in 255 counties across the U.S. were remapped outside special flood hazard zones from 2013 to 2017 via various appeal processes. Despite this, more than 700,000 buildings remain within the special hazard flood areas in those counties.

According to Prall, the agency has approved the majority of map revisions, with Lamer, who has processed hundreds of applications, noting only one rejection. Thus, achieving a 92% success rate with the Camp Mystic exemption is actually standard.

“If it’s not likely to be approved, we won’t submit it,” Lamer remarked. There’s little financial motivation for clients to pursue the process further unless the data demonstrates reduced flood risks compared to FEMA’s findings.

FEMA’s high-risk flood zones often expand after agents finalize new maps; however, property owners and communities can subsequently mitigate those zones.

A study by Pralle and Lee in their work, Risks of Public Policy, Crisis, reveals that alterations to special flood hazard zones are increasingly frequent.

Their research indicates that the appeal system presents consistent incentives for decreasing federal flood map designations.

“FEMA lacks the resources to double-check everything,” Prall stated.

A FEMA spokesperson mentioned that the agency reviewed the Camp Mystic case and submitted elevation data following its protocol, asserting that the approval of the amendment “will not significantly alter the reality of flood risks and dangers.”

Storms like those that have impacted Camp Mystic are projected to occur more frequently in a warming world. To address existing knowledge gaps, independent organizations are creating data-driven tools for better predicting heightened heavy rain risks.

For instance, First Street utilizes a global climate model to anticipate extreme weather events and integrate this data into risk maps. The firm provides information and analysis notably to individuals, banks, investors, governments, and more.

The national analysis revealed that more than twice as many buildings fell within the 100-year flood plain when compared to FEMA’s mapping. Porter noted that this inconsistency stemmed from heavy precipitation risks that FEMA maps failed to capture.

The company’s 100 Years of Flood Zone mapping for Camp Mystic indicates that events like this will impact both old and new campsites. In certain locations, flood zones extend beyond both Hewitt and the FEMA’s unenforced 100-year flood plain, while in other spots, they are much narrower and closer to the engineering work of Hewitt.

Steubing from the flood plains association mentioned that indications suggest the July 4 flood was anticipated to be the first significant event in 800 years, but emphasized that more assessments are necessary, as some engineering firms continue to evaluate the flood’s extent. It’s still unclear how accurately the flooding corresponds to various risk maps.

While First Street’s mapping includes climate risks, it too has its limitations, lacking the detailed river analyses completed by Hewitt.

“I don’t have boots on the ground,” Porter remarked.

In an ideal scenario, flood mapping would merge comprehensive ground engineering, current rainfall and river flow data alongside forecasts of future climate risks. According to Steubing, flood plain managers need more adaptive tools to represent different flood scenarios accurately. These should differentiate between rapid surface run-offs and slow, sustained storms, ultimately leading to better risk assessment for individual communities.

Texas is working to address various historical data gaps to move toward this goal, Steubing explained.

However, many regions, including some near Camp Mystic, have never been thoroughly studied or mapped.

To fill these gaps, the state is funding a new FEMA program called Basic Level Engineering. This initiative aims to estimate basic flood levels in under-researched areas using high-resolution LIDAR data and contemporary modeling techniques. The new mapping is intended to complement existing FEMA maps rather than replace them, and the updated mapping is now accessible statewide, including regions near Camp Mystic, representing an advancement that will aid in mitigating future disasters.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Fossils from Tanzania and Zambia Illuminate the Permian Mass Extinction

Posted on August 12, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Paleontologists have discovered a variety of animals, including saber-toothed predators, burrowing foragers, and large salamander-like creatures that flourished in southern Pangaea about 252 million years ago, just prior to the mass extinction of the Permian period.

Artistic rendering of an evening about 252 million years ago during the Late Permian Epoch in the Luangwa Basin, Zambia. This scene features several sabertooth Golgonopsians and Dishnodons in the beak. Image credit: Gabriel Ugueto.

“The extinction at the end of the Permian was catastrophic for life on Earth,” stated Professor Christian Saidal of the University of Washington.

“Yet, we do not have a complete understanding of which species managed to survive.

“The fossils we gather in Tanzania and Zambia provide a broader perspective on this remarkable period in our planet’s history.”

All new fossils were uncovered in three basins in southern Africa: the Roof Basin in southern Tanzania, the Luangwa Basin in eastern Zambia, and the Zambezi Central Basin in southern Zambia.

The majority were found by team members during several month-long excavation trips to the region over the past 17 years.

Others were analyzed from specimens excavated decades ago, preserved in museum collections.

“These regions in Zambia and Tanzania are home to incredibly well-preserved fossils from the Permian era,” Professor Saidal remarked.

“They provide us with an unparalleled glimpse into terrestrial life leading up to the mass extinction.”

The Permian period marks the conclusion of what paleontologists term the Paleozoic era.

During this time, animal life, which first emerged in our oceans, began to colonize land and developed complex terrestrial ecosystems.

The Permian epoch saw a diverse range of amphibians and reptile-like creatures inhabit environments ranging from early forests to arid valleys.

The mass extinction at the End-Permian wiped out many of these ecosystems, paving the way for the Mesozoic era, which witnessed the evolution of dinosaurs, the first birds, flowering plants, and mammals.

For decades, scientists relied on the Kalu Basin in South Africa for their best understanding of the Permian, the corresponding extinction, and the onset of the Mesozoic Era, which boasts nearly complete fossil records from before and after that mass extinction.

However, since the 1930s, paleontologists have noted that the fossil records in the Tanzanian and Zambian basins are comparably pristine.

This excavation represents the most extensive analysis of the local fossil record from the period surrounding the Permian mass extinction to date.

“The quantity of specimens found in Zambia and Tanzania is extraordinarily high, and their condition is so exquisite that paleontologists are able to draw species-level comparisons with those in South Africa,” Professor Sidor explained.

“We recognize that there is no better location on the planet to make such precise conclusions and comparisons to glean sufficient detail about this era.”

In the Series of 14 Articles published in Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, researchers have detailed numerous new species of dicynodonts.

These small, burrowing, reptile-like herbivores first emerged during the Central Permian.

By the time of the mass extinction, the Dishnodons had beak-like snouts featuring two small tusks; many of them dug holes and became the dominant plant-eating animals on land.

The findings also uncover several large saber-toothed predators known as Golgonopsians, along with new species of amphibians, such as large salamanders.

“We can analyze two distinct geographical regions of Pangaea and observe the happenings before and after the Permian extinction,” Professor Saidal concluded.

“This allows us to explore critical questions regarding which species survived and which did not.”

Source: www.sci.news

Astrophysicists Suggest Interstellar Missions to Explore Black Holes

Posted on August 12, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

In a new paper published in the journal Iscience, astrophysicists at the University of Fudan have explored the potential for sending nanocrafts from Earth to black holes located 20-25 light years away. This mission aims to investigate the properties of strong gravitational fields and the fundamental aspects of physics.

Black holes represent the strongest gravitational fields known in the universe and serve as ideal laboratories for testing Einstein’s general theory of relativity under extreme conditions. Professor Bambi discusses the speculative nature and challenges of launching small spacecraft to the nearest black hole, yet emphasizes that it remains a plausible endeavor. Image credit: Cosimo Bambi, doi: 10.1016/j.isci.2025.113142.

“While we lack the necessary technology today, it may be feasible in 20 or 30 years,” stated Professor Cosimo Bambi, an astrophysicist and black hole specialist at the University of Fudan.

“Two significant challenges lie ahead: identifying a nearby black hole and developing a probe that can survive the journey.”

Currently, the closest recognized black hole to Earth is Gaia BH1, which was discovered in September 2022 and is located 1,560 light-years away.

However, it is anticipated that many undiscovered black holes may exist closer to Earth.

Simple estimations suggest that, despite significant uncertainties, the closest black hole could potentially be within only 20-25 light years.

“Our understanding of stellar evolution implies that black holes might be hidden just 20 to 25 light years from Earth, but detecting them is not straightforward,” noted Professor Bambi.

“Since black holes do not emit or reflect light, they are nearly invisible to telescopes.”

“Scientists typically rely on observing nearby stars and their interactions with light to identify and study these elusive objects.”

“New methods have been developed for detecting black holes, and I believe it is reasonable to expect the discovery of something nearby within the next decade.”

Once a target is located, the subsequent challenge will be reaching it.

Traditional spacecraft powered by chemical fuels lack the efficiency needed for such long journeys.

Professor Bambi suggests nanocraft as a promising solution—tiny probes consisting of microchips and light sails.

Lasers from Earth would propel the sails using photons, accelerating the craft to one-third the speed of light.

“At that speed, a craft could arrive at a black hole 20 to 25 light years away within about 70 years,” he explained.

“The data collected would then take roughly another 20 years to return to Earth, leading to a total mission duration of approximately 80-100 years.”

“When the craft nears a black hole, researchers could conduct experiments to answer some of the most pivotal questions in physics.”

“Does a black hole truly possess an event horizon? Can light escape the gravitational pull beyond that point?”

“Do the laws of physics alter in proximity to black holes?”

“Is Einstein’s general theory of relativity upheld in the universe’s most extreme conditions?”

“The laser system alone could cost 1 trillion euros, and currently, we lack the technology to fabricate nanocrafts,” Professor Bambi stated.

“Nevertheless, in 30 years, those costs might decrease, and technological advancements could align with these ambitious concepts.”

“While it may sound quite outlandish and resembles science fiction, past disbeliefs—like the detection of weak gravitational waves or imaging black hole shadows—have been proven wrong over time.”

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Cosimo Bambi. Interstellar missions to test astrophysical black holes. Iscience. Published online on August 7th, 2025. doi:10.1016/j.isci.2025.113142

Source: www.sci.news

Newly Discovered Mongolian Bird-like Dinosaurs boasted Strong, Robust Hands

Posted on August 12, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Paleontologists have discovered a new species of Dromaeosaurus dinosaur from a nearly complete and unique skeleton found in Mongolia during the 2000s.

Reconstruction of Sri Lapax. Image credit: Connor Ashbridge / CC by 4.0.

This newly recognized dinosaur lived during the Campanian stage of the Cretaceous period, approximately 75 million years ago.

Based on various derived traits of the skull, vertebrae, and overall skeletal structure, this species can be classified within a group of bird-like theropods known as Dromaeosauridae.

It has been named Sri Lapax, marking it as the second species in this genus, following Sri Devi, which was identified in 2021.

“Dromaeosauridae represents a clade of small to medium-sized theropod dinosaurs that have been found in various Cretaceous deposits across North America, Asia, Europe, South America, and extending as far as Antarctica and Madagascar.”

“Remnants of feather-like structures, true pennaceous feathers, and gastrointestinal remains can be observed in well-preserved Dromaeosaurus specimens from the Lower Cretaceous period, such as Daurong Wanggi, Sinornithosaurus millenii, and Micro Raptor Zhaoianus.”

“Together with Troodontids, Dromaeosaurids are generally acknowledged as the closest modern relatives of birds.”

The nearly complete skeleton of Sri Lapax was discovered in the Djadochta Formation in Mongolia.

“This Dromaeosaurus specimen was illegally collected prior to 2010 and subsequently passed through private collections in Japan and the UK before being obtained by a French company,” noted paleontologist Eldonia.

“The precise location of the discovery remains unknown.”

“We plan to propose a tentative origin for it in the Mongolian Ukhaa Tolgod region based on documentation relating to the specimen.”

Holotype of Sri Lapax prior to preparations at the Royal Institute of Natural Sciences in Belgium in 2010. The arrows denote single femurs reconstructed using parts from both original femurs (which were separated during preparation). Image credit: Moutrille et al., doi: 10.1080/08912963.2025.2530148.

Sri Lapax exhibits a unique combination of vertebral and pelvic characteristics along with notably robust hands.

“One of the most distinctive features of Sri Lapax,” the researcher remarked.

“When adjusted for equal length, the phalangeal elements of the Pollex are about 150% more robust laterally compared to homologous elements in other Djadokhtan Dromaeosaurids, and these hands are stockier than those found in other known Dromaeosaurids.”

“We propose that frequent interactions with the Serratopsians, along with aggressive behaviors from those species, may have driven the development of more robust forelimbs and stockier hands in several Djadokhtan velociraptorines.”

“Assuming that Sri Lapax shared predatory habits with its close relative Velociraptor mongoliensis, the more robust construction of its hands suggests an adaptation for hunting larger and sturdier prey compared to typical Velociraptor diets.”

A study detailing this discovery was published online in the journal Historical Biology on July 13, 2025.

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Léa Moutrille et al. New bird-like dinosaurs from the Mongolian Upper Cretaceous period indicate niche diversification among belosirapthrins with particularly robust hands. Historical Biology published online on July 13th, 2025. doi:10.1080/08912963.2025.2530148

Source: www.sci.news

Niger Probes $5 Million Sale of Earth’s Largest Martian Rock

Posted on August 12, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Dakar, Senegal – the largest meteorite discovered on Earth – a 54-pound (25 kilograms) rock that fetched over $5 million at a New York auction last month, setting a world record.

However, in a West African nation where rusty red rocks have been excavated from the Sahara desert, authorities have initiated an investigation into what they describe as “illegal international trafficking,” suggesting it may have been smuggled from the country.

Here’s what you should know about meteorites and legal controversies:

How was it discovered

According to Sotheby’s, the rock, designated NWA 16788, was dislodged from the surface of Mars by a massive asteroid collision and journeyed 140 million miles (225 million kilometers) to Earth.

It was uncovered in the Sahara, northwest Niger by an unnamed meteorite hunter in November 2023, as per the auction house’s report. The identities of buyers remain undisclosed.

In the arid regions of the Sahara like Niger, meteorite hunting is on the rise. While meteorites can fall anywhere on Earth, the Sahara has emerged as a prime location for their discovery due to its climate, which is conducive to conservation.

Hunters often seek space rocks to sell to collectors and scientists. The most coveted and valuable meteorites are from Mars and the Moon.

As reported by the Heritage Academic Journal, the rock was sold to international dealers and eventually made it to a private gallery in Italy. Last year, a team of scientists from the University of Florence examined the rock to determine its structure and origins before it fell to Earth.

The meteorite was briefly showcased in Rome before appearing at the New York auction last month.

Why Niger is investigating

Following the sale, Niger raised concerns about how the meteorite was made available for auction.

Last month, the Niger government launched an inquiry into the discovery and sale of meteorites, stating that it resembles “illegal international trafficking.”

Last week, President Abdullah Hamanetiani halted the export of precious stones, semi-precious stones, and meteorites to ensure proper traceability.

In a statement to the Associated Press, Sotheby’s maintained that the meteorite was exported from Niger and transported in line with all applicable international regulations.

“In selling this item, all necessary documentation was obtained at each stage of the journey, consistent with best practices and the requirements of the involved countries,” the statement indicated.

Niger authorities did not respond to inquiries from the Associated Press.

What international law says

Patti Garstenblis, a cultural heritage attorney and expert on illegal trade, noted that rare minerals like meteorites are recognized as cultural property under the UNESCO Cultural Property Treaty, which both Niger and the United States have ratified.

However, Garstenbliss pointed out that Niger needs to establish ownership and that the meteorite was stolen.

“I doubt Niger could reclaim the meteorite if it wasn’t stolen and was properly declared upon entering the U.S.,” she stated to the Associated Press.

Paleontologist Paul Sereno, who has spent years uncovering dinosaur fossils in Niger’s Sahara, is advocating for the return of the nation’s cultural and natural heritage, including meteorites.

“When laws clearly state that rare minerals like meteorites are cultural artifacts, unique and valuable items cannot just be claimed without consideration for the country,” he told the AP.

“We are no longer in a colonial era,” he added.

In certain countries, including Morocco, a major source of meteoritic specimens for international markets, if an object is found on their territory, compensation is required. Nonetheless, due to the expansive desert regions and the informal trading networks, enforcement remains challenging.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Shroud Review: David Cronenberg’s New Sci-Fi Film is Both Heart-Wrenching and Enigmatic

Posted on August 12, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Shroud’s Karsh (Vincent Cassel, left) and Molly (Guy Pearce)

Gravetech Productions Inc./SBS Productions

Shroud
David Cronenberg
Released in the UK and US

Myrna (Jennifer Dale) perhaps experienced a more favorable blind date. Her appetizer of edible flowers appear somber. The two tables are surrounded by an oddly shaped shroud of Vitrine covering the setting. After a brief conversation with her date, Karsh (Vincent Cassel), who owns the restaurant, it becomes evident that the environment is intricately linked to the cemetery in architectural, economic, and intellectual aspects.

This cemetery isn’t just a place; it includes gravestones equipped with screens. The deceased are enveloped in a technologically advanced, camera-laden shroud, allowing visitors to witness their loved ones from afar as they undergo life-changing events.

Over his five-decade career, David Cronenberg has perfected the craft of delivering narratives at an unconventional pace. On paper, as well as within the context of “Plesis,” his films might read as satire. Their whimsical nature is apparent, considering the characters’ last names—Karsh is “Relikh,” and Myrna is “Shovlin.” By treating this scenario earnestly, one can discern the potential for conversations with AI-created avatars of the deceased, engaging in various money-driven ventures alongside lists of “grief technology” startups.

Yet, Cronenberg seldom writes pure satire; he crafts narratives that resonate deeply with what we could genuinely experience.

Although Karsh’s date with Myrna is uneventful, he finds solace (and more) with Terry, a digital personification resembling his late wife, Becca. Diane Kruger portrays both the role and voice of the unreliable digital assistant, Honey, created by Terry’s ex-husband, Molly (played by the cunning Guy Pearce).

After many projects, it is evident that sorrow fuels the entirety of David Cronenberg’s artistic journey.

By night, Becca battles bone cancer, navigating her illness without arms. Are these nocturnal encounters mere reflections or figments of his imagination? Amidst everything, Karsh’s affections remain unwavering for his wife, raising the question: will he become more human? Or will they truly care for him?

Kirsh grapples with conflicting emotions—guilt, rage, and longing—as Becca might be deceiving him with her past professor and first love. Yet, these layers serve as mere facades, obscuring more significant, political conspiracies involving China, Russia, or Budapest. Meanwhile, Terry, who enjoys the unfolding drama, finds herself in the position of encouraging Kirsch’s obsessive behaviors.

Carolyn Zeyfman, Cronenberg’s spouse, passed away in 2017. Shroud emerges as a product of profound emotional sharing, delving into every stage of grief through an exceptional portrayal by Kassel—armed with unresolved, fantastical plot elements twisted by delusional technological visions. Is there a chance that China could exploit our physical forms for surveillance? Or did Morley code this metamorphosis?

Meanwhile, Shroud firmly establishes that sorrow remains the pivotal force driving Cronenberg’s cinematic catalog. It resembles a constructed film where characters articulate complex revelations to one another while maneuvering through intricate conspiracy theories, perpetually shrouded. Nothing significant evolves because, ultimately, we confront… death. It unfolds at a calm, steady pace, relentlessly.

This ranks among the catastrophic productions great directors occasionally create when they have nothing left to prove, and the only narrative to convey.

I would also recommend Simon’s works…

Asphyx
Peter Newbrook

The two Edwardian Tinkers (Robert Stephens and Robert Powell) attempt to invent a method for the Grim Reaper to freeze mid-strokes.

Ring
Nakata Fumi

No one consulted us about our desire to live. This thriller explores mortality through cursed videotapes that ensnare viewers within a week.

Simon Sings is a novelist and science writer. Follow him on X @simonings

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Does the Pepper Bump Indicate Sweetness? Not Really!

Posted on August 12, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

“Pepper fruit is the fertile ovaries of flowers.”

Gary Lenhart/Shutterstock

As a child, my Malaysian grandmother would take me to the local market. There, we would spend time inspecting every piece of fruit and vegetable, just as only an Asian grandmother knows how. She would weigh the papayas, analyze the patterns on every watermelon, and pull the leaves of pineapples to assess their quality.

Fast forward over 30 years, and I see $200 yoga pant influencers on social media using many of her techniques at farmer’s markets.

Nowadays, these techniques are not only simple but also scientifically sound. However, it’s the vibrant ones that tend to go viral. One popular tip circulating on my social media feed claims that the number of bumps at the base of a pepper is indicative of its flavor. Supposedly, “female” peppers with four bumps are sweeter and better raw, while “male” peppers with three bumps are sweeter and ideal for cooking.

To clarify, peppers are not strictly divided into “male” and “female” in a biological sense. Pepper fruits are the fertilized ovaries of flowering plants, which, like 90% of all plants, contain both male and female components.

However, this explanation doesn’t entirely negate the cultural aspect of categorizing these plants. In traditional remedies, numerous plant varieties are designated as “male” or “female.” Genetics suggests that various plants indeed appear subtly different.

Moreover, the number of lobes in a pepper is largely a genetic trait of the variety. While it is far from a strict binary classification, peppers can have anywhere from one to six or more lobes.

So, do four-lobed peppers really taste sweeter than those with three lobes? After extensively reviewing the literature, we were unable to find any studies correlating sugar content with the number of lobes in pepper fruits.

What we do know is that, like most fruits, their sweetness is closely linked to ripeness. Ripening, from green to red, affects flavor, and bitter-tasting alkaloids may mask sweetness as well.

Ironically, these bitter compounds are concentrated in the placenta, which is the white membrane found between the folds of each pepper. Thus, the more lobes a pepper has, the less likely it is to taste sweet. Sorry, influencers.

James Wong is a botanist and science writer with a keen interest in food crops, conservation, and the environment. Trained at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, London, he lives in a small flat filled with over 500 houseplants. You can follow him on X and Instagram @BotanyGeek.

For more projects, please visit newscientist.com/maker

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Which Mathematicians Have Developed the Best Strategies for Guessing?

Posted on August 12, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Should players identify a character from a set of 24 through guessing?

Shutterstock/Jayanthi Photo

You can enhance your odds of winning a board game. By employing a strategy crafted by mathematicians, you may encounter some challenging logical puzzles.

Originally launched in 1979, Zenkon allows players to secretly choose characters from a collection of 24 distinct figures. Players then take turns questioning each other to deduce a yes or no or make a guess about the hidden character.

Numerous individuals engage in a variant of the game, successfully narrowing down their opponent’s character to a single option to win. Mathematicians have explored the optimal approach for this variant, which involves posing two-part questions.

However, official game guidelines stipulate that victory can only be achieved by directly guessing the secret character, rather than merely eliminating incorrect options from the board.

David Stewart from The University of Manchester, UK, and his team devised techniques for winning within the parameters of official rules. They discovered that, in most situations, both players must utilize two-part questions to divide potential suspects into equal or unequal groups based on the remaining suspects. This approach results in the first player winning about 65% of the time. Nevertheless, certain scenarios exist where the number of remaining characters necessitates alternative strategies.

“Mathematics often presents peculiarities. What appears to be a straightforward setup, stripped of all visuals, turns into a mere collection of n objects; you’re striving for efficiency. It’s fascinating to uncover these exceptional cases.

To unearth the best strategy, he and his colleagues began with the most basic scenario, such as having two characters left for each player, calculating optimal strategies for each case, and progressively tackling more intricate scenarios through a method known as mathematical induction. They also created Online Games, a platform for applying the strategies outlined in their research.

The research team identified that when four, six, or ten characters remain on the board and only four players are left, specific rules must be followed—like asking questions that split the four possibilities into one and three. While this is a riskier approach, the potential rewards are significant in these situations.

“It’s intriguing that this isn’t always applicable to games where outcomes seem purely random,” remarked Daniel Jones at the University of Birmingham, UK.

Stewart and his collaborators also uncovered an even quicker method to win the game: “Is your character blonde? If the answer is no, and the character has brown hair, the opponent cannot respond with ‘yes’ or ‘no.’ This creates a contradiction, as the question’s response contradicts itself. By posing this type of question, players gain more insights than with standard two-part inquiries, though it bends the rule that all questions must yield a YES or NO answer.

This method may prove effective for professional mathematicians and computer scientists, yet tends to challenge amateurs. Brian Laverne, a software engineer who developed this clever tactic, notes, “It requires some effort and practice. While you can conceptualize each step, keeping everything organized in your mind simultaneously is the real challenge, even though each step is quite simple.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Intense Heat Leads to Significant Decline in Tropical Bird Populations

Posted on August 12, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The black-throated trogon of the Amazon is rapidly declining

Luismix/Getty Images

SEI 261516343 — The black-throated trogon of the Amazon is rapidly declining

Luismix/Getty Images

Several bird populations have seen declines of up to 90% in tropical regions like the Amazon and Panama, even in areas of the rainforest that remain largely untouched . Current research indicates that extreme heat is likely the primary factor driving these declines.

From 1950 to 2020, intense heatwaves led to a 25-38% decrease in bird populations inhabiting these biodiverse tropical regions, as reported by Maximilian Cotts and his team from Barcelona’s Super Computing Center.

The researchers have yet to utilize these findings to forecast future bird population trends as global temperatures continue to rise, but early indicators are concerning. “The situation looks grim,” Cotts remarks.

He and his team have initiated a comprehensive analysis of global bird populations using the Living Planet Database. This dataset, however, does not include seabirds. Additional data on habitat destruction was sourced from the Hyde database for global environments, along with historical weather and climate data from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts.

The researchers compared this information to identify correlations that could shed light on the observed changes in bird populations. Their findings suggest that habitat loss is a significant driver of decline, corroborating earlier studies, particularly in regions with latitudes between 21° and 43° north or south.

In contrast, extreme heat is the predominant factor affecting bird survival in tropical areas, where many species often exist at the edge of their heat tolerance limits. If these limits are exceeded, they risk mortality , explains Kotz. Even if they manage to survive an intense heat episode, their health is typically compromised, diminishing their reproductive success.

The team is also analyzing how the exacerbation of extreme heat is attributable to anthropogenic climate change, and how bird populations would behave in a scenario without warming. This approach enables researchers to gauge the impact of climate change on bird abundance.

Although such attribution studies have been traditionally employed to assess extreme weather events related to climate change, Kotz notes that this is the first instance of applying this methodology to evaluate ecological repercussions.

There remains a significant lack of data regarding bird population trends, particularly in tropical regions. Kotz acknowledges this deficiency but believes there is enough evidence to draw meaningful conclusions. He cautions that insufficient data in these areas may lead to an underestimation of the impacts.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Microwave Technology: A Game Changer for Mining Operations

Posted on August 12, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Nickel West, Australia, is among various mines that can use microwaves for CO2 storage in waste.

BHP

Mining produces billions of tons of waste rock annually. By reacting these unused rock piles with carbon dioxide, we can potentially eliminate considerable amounts of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. The current technique, however, involves burning fossil fuels to heat rocks to high temperatures. Our findings suggest that activating carbon removal could allow these rocks to require less energy when reacting with CO2.

“It’s akin to microwave popcorn,” says Shawn Laurie, a technology developer at Arca, Canada. Instead of heating the entire rock, microwaves target specific molecules. This mechanism differs from how kitchen microwaves pop corn by heating water within the kernel.

Rocks serve to absorb CO2 from the atmosphere, mitigating emissions from fossil fuel combustion. Some projects enhance rock weathering by spreading crushed volcanic rocks on farms, which mineralize CO2 as they dissolve. Others inject CO2 into similar underground rocks. Numerous companies, including ARCA, are focused on utilizing mine tailings from extracting metals like nickel and chromium.

These metals frequently arise from ores rich in magnesium-bearing serpentine, which reacts with CO2. According to an analysis by ARCA, approximately 28 billion tons of such tailings exist globally, with 3 billion tons produced each year. They estimate that current tailings can store up to 8.7 billion tons of CO2, roughly equivalent to two years’ worth of U.S. emissions.

However, serpentine does not react quickly under normal surface pressures and temperatures. Heating rocks to elevated temperatures significantly enhances their reactivity and accelerates CO2 mineralization. Yet, this process usually necessitates the burning of fossil fuels to generate heat.

Utilizing microwaves to heat the rocks brings various advantages, asserts Peter Schuman from Arca. Instead of burning fuel for heat, this method relies on clean electricity, using less energy than conventional heating. Additionally, the treatment time for rocks is significantly shorter. This potentially enables mining companies to incorporate microwave processes into tailing treatments or even utilize them as standalone systems, he notes.

An application for a patent from the company reveals that Schuman and his Arca colleagues have successfully treated serpentine with microwaves for several minutes, enhancing their reactivity to CO2, inducing chemical changes, and consuming less energy than traditional heat treatment.

“By energizing the rock, you break the bonds within that structure and release magnesium,” states Scheuermann, which then reacts with CO2. Treated serpentine has been shown to react with significantly higher amounts of CO2 than untreated rocks, mineralizing the gas at an accelerated rate.

“The improvements they demonstrate are quite remarkable,” comments Raphael Santos, who reviewed the patent application at the University of Guelph, Canada. However, he notes that it’s challenging to ascertain from the documentation alone the exact quantity of serpentine treated by microwaves and how these results might translate to practical scenarios.

Scheuermann has not specified the exact amounts expected from microwave treatment in terms of CO2 capture in serpentine but mentions, “It’s a tremendous increase—by several orders of magnitude in both reaction rate and capacity.”

Currently, the company is only testing its approach in the lab and has yet to sell any of its 700 tons of CO2 removal. However, Scheuermann indicates that the scaled-up process would include supplying rocks through a chute or conveyor belt. Additionally, they have developed an autonomous rover designed to mix the tailings for optimal air exposure. Once the reaction concludes, a fresh layer of tailings is applied.

“This preprocessing using microwaves significantly enhances the likelihood of CO2 storage,” states Quin Miller from the Pacific Northwest Research Institute in Washington. “It’s promising,” he adds, noting that the treatment process also aids in extracting nickel, an essential metal for battery production, from the rocks.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Continuing to Work Beyond Retirement Age Can Enhance Your Life Satisfaction

Posted on August 11, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Working later in life may not be a bad thing

Kelvin Murray/Getty Images Source: Stone RF

While many anticipate retirement, staying active in the workforce during later years can enhance your happiness—particularly for men.

Increasing numbers of people are extending their careers. According to a report from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), 28.9% of individuals aged 65 to 69 across 38 member countries were still employed in 2023, up from 15.9% in 2000. However, the overall effects on well-being remain largely unexplored.

To delve into this topic, Alisa Lewin from Haifa University and Haya Stear from Tel Aviv University analyzed social survey data from Israel’s Central Bureau of Statistics. They compared the experiences of over 3,300 women and more than 2,000 men who reached 62 and 67 years of age, respectively.

The researchers found that individuals with lower household incomes were more inclined to work full-time. Notably, the men reported financial, family, emotional, and overall life satisfaction levels that were equal to or exceeded those who were not employed.

This trend held true regardless of the nature of their full-time employment. Meanwhile, women showed an increase in family and economic satisfaction.

Researchers suggest this phenomenon may stem from the idea that women could derive a sense of purpose and fulfillment from various life aspects. “Women may find emotional support and social engagement from other sources rather than relying solely on their jobs,” Lewin explains.

“Men, even today, still recognize their responsibilities in providing for their families and achieving workplace success,” notes Carrie Cooper from the University of Manchester, UK.

Results concerning the happiness of participants working part-time were more variable. Outcomes differed based on job type, satisfaction metrics, and participant gender.

Those who began with higher happiness levels tended to work full-time later in life, which could have influenced the findings. Cooper cautions that the results may not be applicable to other cultures or countries.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Remains of Researcher Discovered on Antarctic Glacier After 66 Years

Posted on August 11, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Dennis “Tink” Bell (far right) during a Christmas celebration at Admiralty Bay Station in 1958

D. Bell; Archive REF: AD6/19/X/20/18

The remains of a meteorologist who perished on an Antarctic glacier 66 years ago have been unearthed and returned to England.

At just 25, Dennis “Tink” Bell embarked on a two-year mission to Antarctica in July 1959 to study the climate of the Falkland Islands, which was the predecessor of the British Antarctic Survey (BAS).

Bell encountered a crevasse but managed to call out for assistance. He secured a rope to his belt and was pulled to safety, although the belt broke, causing him to fall again. This time, he did not call out for help.

His colleague made it back to base, but worsening weather conditions jeopardized further rescue efforts.

Ieuan Hopkins noted that working in Antarctica during the 1950s and 1960s was perilous, and fatalities were tragically common. Many bodies of other BAS staff remain lost today.

“There was an average 1% chance that you wouldn’t return,” remarks Hopkins. “It’s an extremely hostile environment. We’re at risk of losing people.”

Earlier this year, a team from the Arkdowsky Poland Antarctic Station on King George Island discovered numerous bone fragments on the glacier’s surface, having been exposed as they shifted over time.

“It’s a large, dynamic glacier, so things are perpetually moving,” explains Hopkins. “The presence of bone fragments suggests significant forces at play.”

The remains were transferred to the Falkland Islands and subsequently returned to Britain by the Royal Air Force aboard an Antarctic research vessel alongside Sir David Attenborough.

Denise Syndercombe Court at King’s College, London, identified the body through DNA comparisons with samples from his older brother David Bell and younger sister Valerie Kelly, as Bell commented in a statement.

The Polish team also uncovered many personal belongings believed to belong to Bell, including radio equipment, flashlights, ski poles, engraved wristwatches, knives, and pipe stems made of ebonite.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Ibogaine: A Psychedelic Drug That May Alleviate PTSD by Slowing Brain Waves

Posted on August 11, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Ibogain, a psychedelic substance, is derived from the roots of the Iboga plant

Farmer Dods / Alamy

The psychedelic substance ibogaine has been shown to slow brain wave activity in individuals with traumatic brain injuries, potentially accounting for its effectiveness in treating symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

A study conducted last year revealed that ibogaine, sourced from the African Iboga plant, significantly enhanced the overall mental and physical well-being of military veterans suffering from traumatic brain injuries. Yet, the precise mechanisms behind these effects were previously unknown.

To investigate further, Jennifer Lismore from Stanford University and her team examined brain imaging of 30 individuals involved in the initial study. During a 5-day treatment session at a facility in Mexico, participants received a dosage of 12 milligrams of ibogaine per kilogram of body weight and participated in supportive activities like yoga, meditation, and therapy.

As part of the study, the researchers collected EEG data that recorded participants’ brain electrical activity. These scans were taken 2-3 days prior to and 3.5 days following the ibogaine treatment.

By comparing the EEG findings, Lismore and her team observed an overall deceleration in brain wave activity post-treatment, particularly in the gamma waves—the fastest brain waves—which exhibited nearly a 16% reduction in strength in the occipital region after ibogaine therapy. While gamma wave intensity saw a slight rebound after one month, levels remained significantly below those recorded prior to treatment.

Additionally, the intensity of slow theta waves rose by approximately 17% in the back of the brain and 13% at the front 3.5 days post-treatment. However, this increase lost its significance after one month.

Lismore suggests that the observed reduction in brain wave activity may clarify why ibogaine is effective for alleviating PTSD symptoms in many patients. “The deceleration of brain function has allowed patients, particularly those experiencing hyperawareness and sensitivity associated with PTSD, to find relief,” she noted. “One way to understand this slowing process is as a mitigation of the heightened distress often seen in PTSD cases.”

The temporary spike in slow theta waves could also indicate that ibogaine promotes neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to adapt and rewire itself. Previous studies in animals have associated theta wave activity with brain adaptability, Lismore explains. By inducing a short-term increase in theta wave presence, ibogaine may create conditions conducive to improving mental health.

“Ibogaine essentially addresses the chaotic, restless nature of the brain, facilitating a sort of normalization,” remarked Conor Murray from the University of California, Los Angeles. “Ultimately, it instills a sense of security for participants, reassuring the brain.”

However, he cautions that these findings don’t fully reveal the mechanisms through which ibogaine effects these brain changes.

Another challenge is the absence of control measures, complicating the assessment of the influence from other treatment components, points out Lismore. Nonetheless, she asserts that these insights represent “a significant first step toward understanding why this treatment is so impactful.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Ancient Conch Shell Blowing May Benefit Those with Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Posted on August 11, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Recent studies have indicated significant enhancements in daytime alertness, overall sleep quality, and reductions in apnea paralysis index, suggesting that respiratory muscle training using blown shanks (conch) could become a novel approach for alleviating obstructive sleep apnea symptoms in the future.

Upper airway muscle training through shank blowing enhances subjective assessments of daytime drowsiness and sleep quality by improving objective indicators of obstructive sleep apnea severity. Image credit: Sharma et al., doi: 10.1183/23120541.00258-2025.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent sleep disorder characterized by repeated breathing interruptions during sleep due to airway obstructions.

This condition leads to excessive snoring, disrupted sleep patterns, and daytime fatigue, while also heightening the chances of hypertension, cardiovascular issues, and strokes.

Blowing the shell of a conch or shank has been an integral part of Indian culture for centuries.

Recent research revealed that individuals with moderate OSA who engaged in shank blowing experienced improved sleep quality, greater daytime alertness, and fewer nighttime breathing disturbances.

Dr. Krishna Sharma, a researcher at the Eternal Heart Care Center and Research Institute in Jaipur, stated:

“The standard treatment for OSA involves a continuous airway pressure machine (CPAP), which keeps the airways open by delivering airflow through a face mask throughout the night.”

“While effective, many patients find it uncomfortable and struggle to adhere to its use.”

“In my clinical practice, several patients reported feeling more refreshed and experiencing fewer symptoms after regularly practicing shank blowing, a traditional yoga breathing technique that involves expelling air through the conch shell.”

“These insights prompted us to design scientific research to rigorously evaluate whether this ancient technique serves as a substantial treatment for those suffering from OSA.”

The study included 30 participants aged 19-65 diagnosed with moderate OSA, who were evaluated at the Eternal Heart Care Center and labs between May 2022 and January 2024.

Polysonography was utilized for assessment, where participants were monitored during sleep and questioned about their sleep quality and daytime alertness.

They were randomly assigned to either practice blowing conch shells (16 patients) or engage in deep breathing exercises (14 patients).

Participants were provided with traditional shanks used in yoga and received in-person training from the research team before commencing home practice.

They were encouraged to practice at home for at least 15 minutes, five days a week. After six months, participants were re-evaluated.

Those practicing shank blowing exhibited a 34% reduction in daytime sleepiness compared to those doing deep breathing exercises.

Additionally, they recorded higher blood oxygen levels during sleep.

“The technique of blowing the shank is distinct,” Dr. Sharma explained.

“It incorporates deep inhalation followed by a powerful, sustained exhalation through tightly pursed lips.”

“This method generates strong vibrations and airflow resistance, which can fortify the upper airway muscles, such as the throat and soft palate.

“The unique spiral design of the shanks may also create acoustic and mechanical effects that assist in stimulating and regulating these muscles.”

“For individuals living with OSA, particularly those who find CPAP uncomfortable, costly, or inaccessible, our findings present a promising alternative.”

“Shank blowing is a simple, low-cost breathing technique that can enhance sleep and mitigate symptoms without reliance on machines or medicine.”

study Published in ERJ Open Research.

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Krishna K. Sharma et al. 2025. Effectiveness of shank blowing on moderate sleep apnea: a randomized controlled trial. ERJ Open Research 00258-2025; doi:10.1183/23120541.00258-2025

Source: www.sci.news

Hubble Space Telescope Captures Stunning Detail of NGC 45’s Outer Arm

Posted on August 11, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Astronomers utilizing the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope have captured breathtaking new images of sections of the spiral galaxy known as NGC 45.

This Hubble image depicts the outer arm of the NGC 45, a spiral galaxy approximately 22 million light-years distant in the Cetus constellation. This color image was generated from individual exposures taken in both visible and near-infrared light using Hubble’s Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3). The colors have been produced by assigning different hues to each monochromatic image captured through various filters. Image credits: NASA/ESA/Hubble/D. Calzetti/R. Chandar/Mhözsaraç.

NGC 45 is located about 22 million light-years away within the constellation of Cetus.

Also referred to as DDO 223, ESO 473-1, or Leda 930, this galaxy spans roughly 81,000 light-years in diameter.

The discovery of NGC 45 dates back to November 11, 1835, by British astronomer John Herschel.

“The data from Hubble utilized to create this portrait of NGC 45 was obtained from two complementary observational programs,” stated Hubble astronomers.

“Initially, we leveraged Hubble’s capability to capture light from ultraviolet to near-infrared ranges to broadly observe galaxies and examine star formation within them.”

“In the second program, we focused on many of the same nearby galaxies as the first, narrowing down to a specific wavelength of red light known as H-alpha.”

“Star-forming nebulae emit strong H-alpha light, and several of these areas can be identified by their bright pink red color throughout NGC 45.”

“These observational programs aim to investigate star formation across galaxies of varying sizes, structures, and separations, making NGC 45 a particularly compelling target.”

Though it may appear to be an ordinary spiral galaxy, NGC 45 is actually a remarkable low surface brightness galaxy.

“Low surface brightness galaxies are more intriguing than the evening sky and are incredibly challenging to detect,” articulated the researchers.

“They possess relatively fewer stars in relation to the amount of gas and dark matter they contain, making them appear unexpectedly faint.”

“Since the accidental discovery of the first low-surface brightness galaxies in 1986, scientists have learned that 30-60% of all galaxies may fall within this category.”

“Investigating these elusive galaxies is crucial for understanding the formation and evolution of galaxies, and Hubble’s sensitive instruments are well-suited for this task.”

Source: www.sci.news

Severe Storm Warning for Portions of the Southeastern Midwest This Weekend

Posted on August 9, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

This weekend, powerful and destructive thunderstorms are anticipated in the Midwest, Central Plains, and Southeast, leading to heavy rain and flash flooding in the upcoming days.

By early Saturday, rain and strong wind gusts had already left over 50,000 residents in Nebraska without power. Poweroutage.us. The National Weather Service warns that severe weather may still be unfolding.

The agency forecasts “massive nocturnal thunderstorms” affecting parts of the Midwest from the weekend through Monday.

Clusters of thunderstorms, especially during nighttime, are likely to produce “very heavy rain” along corridors extending from northern Missouri to southern Iowa and southern Wisconsin. The National Weather Service reports.

“We expect localized rainfall totals to reach 9 inches over several days,” stated the agency. Saturday’s short-distance forecast discussion noted.

Consequently, there is a significant flash flood threat across the region.

In the Southeast, storms are expected to persist, particularly in northern Florida and southern Georgia this weekend, accompanied by heavy rainfall.

“The daily heavy rains on already saturated ground present localized flooding risks, especially along the coast in southeastern Georgia,” the local NWS branch in Jacksonville, Florida, stated in their weekend predictions.

Central and South Florida may experience numerous showers and slow-moving storms, leading to damaging winds and heavy downpours, according to the NWS.

Meanwhile, the Southwest is grappling with record-breaking heat. Triple-digit temperatures are widespread in Arizona, Nevada, and New Mexico, with Phoenix hitting 118 degrees Fahrenheit on Thursday, breaking the city’s daily record. Other Arizona cities, including Scottsdale, Yuma, Bryce, and Deer Valley, have also reported similar daily temperature records. The National Weather Service confirmed.

Although the weekend temperatures in Arizona and other areas of the Southwest Desert are expected to be less extreme than recent highs, the NWS indicates that high temperatures above 110 degrees Fahrenheit are still possible.

In Albuquerque, Friday’s high of 101 degrees Fahrenheit shattered the previous record of 98 degrees F set in 2011. The NWS reported. A heat advisory remains in effect until Saturday evening, just before a storm moves through central and northeastern New Mexico on Sunday.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Evacuation Orders Lifted as California Canyon Fire Reaches 28% Containment

Posted on August 9, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

On Friday evening, evacuation orders were lifted in portions of Southern California as firefighters effectively managed the Canyon fires, which have consumed approximately 5,400 acres and are currently at 28% containment. This information comes from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Prevention (Cal Fire).

Evacuations that impacted thousands in Ventura and Los Angeles counties have been reduced to warnings, indicating ongoing risks to life and property.

The Canyon fires are active in the hilly areas north of Los Angeles and are progressing towards the Castatic community in LA County.

Officials from Ventura County reported on Friday that the use of water and fire retardant has significantly hindered the fire’s spread, supported by the consistent efforts of ground crews.

Despite this progress, the fire remains a considerable threat and is continuing to extend eastward.

In a Friday update on X, the LA County Fire Department noted that three firefighters sustained minor injuries while combating the blaze and were transported to a local hospital “out of an abundance of caution.” They are expected to make a full recovery.

The South Coast Air Quality Control District has issued advisories concerning wildfire smoke for parts of LA County, particularly along the I-5 corridor near Lake Castaic. Air quality issues are anticipated to persist until Sunday morning, as reported by the agency that tracks air quality for Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties.

Wildfire smoke is a significant pollution concern, as it contains fine particles smaller than 2.5 micrometers—about 4% of the width of an average human hair. Such pollution is hazardous, as these particles can penetrate deep into the lungs, exacerbating conditions like asthma, lung cancer, and other chronic respiratory diseases.

The Canyon Fire ignited near Holster Canyon on Thursday afternoon, rapidly consuming over 1,500 acres within a few hours.

This blaze is one of several significant fires currently affecting California, including the massive Gifford Fire, which started on August 1st in the Rospadres National Forest, burning over 100,000 acres and achieving only 21% containment. As per Cal Fire.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Potential for Major Earthquakes Beneath North America, Study Indicates

Posted on August 9, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Recent research suggests that the concealed structural weaknesses in the Yukon, Canada, may be primed to trigger a significant earthquake of at least magnitude 7.5, as outlined in the latest study.

The Tintina Fault, stretching from northeastern British Columbia to central Alaska, has been silently accumulating tension for over 12,000 years. A new investigation previously deemed relatively harmless indicates that it remains very active.

Regrettably, scientists are unable to predict when the next major quake will strike.

“Our findings indicate that the fault is active and continues to build strain,” said Dr. Theron Finley, the lead author of the study published in Geophysical Research Letters, in a statement to BBC Science Focus. “I expect it will eventually rupture again.”

The Tintina Fault is classified as a “right-lateral strike-slip fault,” where two blocks of the Earth’s crust slide horizontally past each other. If one side moves to the right during an earthquake, it’s identified as right-lateral.

Over the ages, one side of the fault has shifted approximately 430 km (270 mi), during a geological period that spanned roughly 560 to 33.9 million years ago, predominantly in the Eocene epoch.

The Tintina Fault extends 1,000 km (600 mi) from northeastern British Columbia to Alaska. – Credit: National Park Bureau

While minor earthquakes occasionally occur in the region, the Tintina Fault has generally been considered dormant.

“There have been small earthquakes in the 3-4 magnitude range detected along or near the Tintina Fault,” Finley noted. “However, nothing has strongly indicated that a larger outbreak is likely.”

This perspective changed when Finley and his team revisited the fault with advanced technology. By integrating satellite surface models with drone-mounted Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data, researchers uncovered hidden seismic activity within the dense Yukon forests.

The landscape revealed cliffs associated with the fault, forming long, narrow terrains created when a quake pushed material to the surface, often collapsing in the process. These features can span dozens or even hundreds of kilometers, but are typically only a few meters tall and wide.

“In the case of the Tintina fault, these features appear as a series of intriguing mounds,” Finley stated.

By dating these surface formations, researchers determined that the fault has ruptured multiple times over the last 2.6 million years, though no significant earthquakes have occurred in the past 12,000 years.

Fortunately, the region is sparsely populated. However, if the fault does rupture, Finley cautioned that major landslides, infrastructure damage, and impacts on nearby communities would be highly probable.

“We want to emphasize that we don’t have a precise sense of how imminent an earthquake is,” he noted. “Our observations indicate it has been a long time since the last significant quake, but there’s no way to know if one is more likely in the near or distant future.”

Finley remarks that the fault has been confirmed as active, and the next step is to better estimate the frequency of large earthquakes in the area. This could help provide a more reliable timeline, even though scientists cannot accurately forecast when the next rupture may happen. Stay tuned.

“Earthquakes don’t necessarily occur on a regular basis, but they can give us a clearer understanding of how often we can expect significant events,” Finley explained. “Regardless, when the Tintina fault finally releases, it won’t be inconsequential.”

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About our experts

Theron Finley is a geologist at the Yukon Geological Survey. He recently obtained a doctorate from the University of Victoria in Canada and has conducted research on active faults in Western Canada, utilizing remote sensing, structural geology, and paleoseismology.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Research Discovers Unusual Glow Emitted by the Human Brain

Posted on August 9, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Our brains are glowing. While this phenomenon isn’t visible to the naked eye, scientists have the ability to detect faint light that permeates the skull. Recent studies indicate that this light varies based on our activities.

All living tissues generate a subtle light known as Ultraweak Photon Emissions (UPE). This emission ceases once the organism dies. The human brain, however, emits a considerable amount of this light due to its high energy consumption, accounting for around 20% of the body’s total energy.

“Ultraweak photon emissions, or UPE, are extremely faint light signals produced by all types of cells throughout the body—trillions of times weaker than the light from bulbs,” stated Dr. Nirosha Murugan, an Assistant Professor of Health Sciences at Wilfrid Laurier University in Ontario, Canada. BBC Science Focus.

“Although UPE is a weak signal, the energy expenditure of the brain generates more light than other organs,” she explained. “Consider the hundreds of billions of brain cells; each one emits a weak light signal, but together they create a measurable collective glow outside the head.”

Murugan’s research team aimed to explore whether this glow fluctuated with brain activity and if it could be utilized to assess brain functions.

To investigate, scientists equipped participants with caps containing electrical sensors to track both electrical impulses and light emitted from the brain. Twenty adults were invited to sit in a darkened room.

Participants were directed to open and close their eyes and follow simple audio instructions.

Comparisons were made between the captured electrical signals and UPEs, revealing notable correlations.

“We discovered that the optical signals detected around the head correlate with electrical activity in the brain during cognitive tasks,” Murugan noted. “These patterns of light emission from the brain are dynamic, intricate, and informative.”

The brain emitted this light in a slow, rhythmic pattern, occurring less than once per second, creating the illusion of stability throughout the two-minute tasks.

All living cells emit ultrawave light as a byproduct of chemical reactions such as energy metabolism – Credit: Sean Gladwell via Getty

Murugan indicated that measuring this brain light could offer scientists and medical professionals a novel method for brain imaging, potentially identifying conditions like epilepsy, dementia, and depression.

This light is not merely a by-product; it might also play a functional role in the brain. Murugan emphasized that examining it could “uncover hidden dimensions” of our cognitive processes.

“I hope that the possibility of detecting and interpreting light signals from the brain will inspire new questions previously deemed unfathomable,” she stated. “For instance, can UPEs permeate the skull and influence other brains within the vicinity?”

This study serves as a preliminary exploration, suggesting that plenty remains to be uncovered about our illuminating brains.

Nonetheless, Murugan expressed hope that the team’s discoveries will “ignite a new discussion regarding the significance of light in brain functionality.”

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About our experts

Dr. Nirosha Murugan is an assistant professor in the Department of Health Sciences at Wilfrid Laurier University, Ontario, Canada. She was recently appointed as Tier 2 Canada Research Chair of Biophysics at the University of Algoma in Ontario.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

The Negative Impact of Excessive Fiber on Gut Health

Posted on August 9, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

You might have come across the term “fibremaxxing.” This recent health craze, popularized on platforms like TikTok, involves individuals significantly increasing their daily fiber intake. The recommended amount is 25-30g (0.9-1 oz) per day with the goal of enhancing gut health.

Influencers are now dubbing fiber as the “new protein,” promoting high-fiber foods such as beans, lentils, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Some even resort to fiber supplements to meet their daily targets.

This theory suggests that such increases have potential health benefits, including improved digestion, more regular bowel movements, increased gut bacteria, and relief from symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

This trend arises from the belief that modern diets often lack sufficient fiber, and there is certainly some truth to this.

Current data indicates that 91% of individuals in the UK, and likewise in the US, do not meet the recommended fiber intake. 95% of people lack adequate fiber.

So, ramping up fiber consumption must be beneficial, right? However, it’s not that straightforward, particularly in relation to diet and health.

Intestinal Reactions

Fiber plays a crucial role in gut health for several reasons.

Though it is a carbohydrate, fiber differs from other carbs like starch and sugar; it is not digested in the small intestine. Instead, it travels to the large intestine where gut bacteria utilize it. These bacteria offer various health benefits by producing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that contribute positively to our health.

Non-decomposable fibers absorb liquid, increase stool bulk, and make elimination smoother. Thus, boosting fiber intake can help prevent constipation and regulate bowel movements.

Individuals with IBS often believe enhanced fiber intake soothes symptoms, particularly if they experience more constipation than diarrhea.

Vegetables offer a variety of fibers, both soluble and insoluble, beneficial for gut health.

Research suggests that adequate fiber intake can reduce the risk of colon cancer. One SCFA produced in the large intestine, butyrate, is believed to have anti-inflammatory and protective properties for colon cells.

By facilitating stool passage, fibers minimize the contact time colon cells have with harmful substances, potentially explaining the rising incidence of colon cancers worldwide. Particularly among young individuals who consume insufficient fiber-rich foods.

Nonetheless, while incorporating more fiber into your diet is generally beneficial, “fibremaxxing” requires a nuanced understanding of nutrition. It’s akin to running a marathon without proper training for your gut.

The Risks of Overconsumption

The gut is a complex ecosystem, finely tuned to maintain balance, and introducing excessive specific nutrients can lead to unintended consequences. Some proponents of “fibremaxxing” advocate for fiber intakes exceeding 50g (1.8oz) daily, possibly resulting in side effects such as bloating, cramps, and diarrhea.

There’s also a variety of fiber types to contemplate. Soluble fibers absorb water and slow digestion, while insoluble fibers pass through largely intact, hastening digestion. Moreover, fermentable fibers feed bacteria in the large intestine.

A healthy gut requires a balance among these fibers. Excessive insoluble fiber (found in wheat bran and some vegetables) may bulk up stool but irritate sensitive digestive organs. Certain fermentable fibers, like oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (known as FODMAPs), can complicate absorption and potentially aggravate IBS symptoms.

To effectively support gut health, a balance of different fiber types is essential. By aiming excessively high, such as 50g (1.8oz) daily, “fibremaxxers” might confine their diet to a limited array of fiber-rich foods.

For example, high-fiber breakfast cereals provide 12.4g of fiber per 100g (0.5 oz per half cup); to reach their lofty goals, individuals may feel compelled to consume multiple bowls throughout the day. However, cereal mainly offers insoluble fiber, lacking soluble and fermented fiber.

Consequently, excessive fiber can lead to increased digestive discomfort and disrupt the delicate equilibrium required for a healthy gut, particularly if individuals neglect to consider how to balance their nutrient intake.

Cleansing Trends

By prioritizing one nutrient for specific health benefits, fibremaxxing fits into a long tradition of cleansing and detox trends targeting digestive health.

While various gut cleansing rituals frequently trend on social media and appear enticing, they often cause more harm than good. For instance, juice cleanses can strip away vital nutrients, and “detox” teas and laxatives may result in dehydration and long-term harm to the intestinal lining.

Additionally, recent trends involving enemas can disrupt the natural rhythm of the intestines and eliminate beneficial bacteria.

Juice cleansing is neither a healthy nor a safe dieting approach.

Experts advise caution regarding trendy supplements and extreme elimination diets that exclude entire food groups without proper oversight, as these may reduce microbial diversity and impair digestion. Your gut won’t appreciate these drastic resets; what it truly needs is ongoing, careful, and balanced support.

Monitoring Your Fiber Intake

How can you determine if you’re consuming enough fiber in your diet and if you need to increase your intake?

Signs such as fatigue and weight gain are often early warnings. Soluble fiber slows digestion, contributing to prolonged feelings of fullness while gradually releasing sugar into the bloodstream.

In its absence, blood sugar levels can fluctuate unpredictably, leading to fatigue shortly after meals. Such energy dips can tempt you into snacking, resulting in weight gain.

While fibremaxxing may have begun as a sincere effort to boost well-being, like many health trends that go viral, it oversimplifies complex bodily processes and poses risks by overdoing things.

It’s evident that most individuals will benefit from increasing fiber consumption, especially from plant-based foods, which can aid digestion, lower disease risk, and help maintain healthy weight. However, this must be done cautiously; excessive, sudden, or unbalanced increases can be detrimental.

Your gut is a finely tuned ecosystem that flourishes through diversity, consistency, and balance—not through drastic changes or quick fixes.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Images of Giant Exoplanet Candidates in Alpha Centauri’s Habitable Zone

Posted on August 9, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The planetary candidate, Alpha Centauri AB, may be a gas giant orbiting at a distance of one to two times that of the Earth from the Sun, as indicated in two research papers. Astrophysics Journal Letter. If verified, this planet would be the closest known to Earth within the habitable zone of a Sun-like star. Nonetheless, since it is a gas giant, astronomers do not believe it could support life as we understand it.

Artist’s rendering of the gas giant Alpha Centauri A. Image credits: NASA/ESA/CSA/STSCI/Robert L. Hurt, Caltech & IPAC.

Alpha Centauri resides in the Centaurus constellation and represents the nearest star system to Earth.

Also referred to as Rigil Centaurus, Rigil Kent, and Griese 559, this system includes a bright binary star pair, Alpha Centauri A and Alpha Centauri B, alongside a fainter red star known as Alpha Centauri C.

The two prominent stars are approximately 4.35 light-years away, while Alpha Centauri C, commonly called Proxima Centauri, is slightly nearer at about 4.23 light-years.

In comparison to the Sun, Alpha Centauri A is a G2-type star similar in nature, but slightly larger (1.1 times the size of the Sun and around 1.5 times its luminosity).

Alpha Centauri B, classified as a K1-type star, is slightly smaller and less luminous (approximately 0.9 times the mass of the Sun, with about 45% of its visual brightness).

These two stars orbit around a common center of gravity approximately every 80 years, maintaining a minimum distance of about 11 times that of the Earth-Sun distance.

Astronomers study these stars closely along with our nearest interstellar neighbor, Proxima Centauri, making them prime targets in the search for potentially habitable planets.

“This proximity offers the best chance to gather data on planetary systems beyond our own,” stated Dr. Charles Beichman from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the Exoplanet Science Institute at IPAC Astronomy Center in California.

“However, the brightness and swift motion of these stars present significant challenges in observation, even for the world’s most advanced space telescopes.”

The Alpha Centauri star system captured by different terrestrial and space-based observatories: DSS, Hubble Space Telescope, and James Webb Space Telescope. While the DSS shows the triple system as one light source, Hubble distinguishes between Alpha Centauri A and B. Webb’s Milimask image mitigates glare from Alpha Centauri A via a coronagraphic mask. Image credits: NASA/ESA/CSA/ANIKET SANGHI, CALTECH/CHAS BEICHMAN, NEXSCI, NASA & JPL-CALTECH/DIMITRI MAWET, CALTECH/JOSEPH DEPASQUALE, STSCI.

The first observations of this system occurred in August 2024, employing a Coronagraphic Mask with Webb’s Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) to reduce the brightness of Alpha Centauri A.

The presence of nearby companion star Alpha Centauri B added complexity to the analysis, but astronomers successfully subtracted the light from both stars, uncovering objects that were more than 10,000 times dimmer than Alpha Centauri A.

On the other hand, an initial detection was promising, but further data was required for a definitive conclusion.

However, subsequent observations in February and April of 2025 did not unveil any objects akin to those detected in August 2024.

“We are facing a case of disappearing planets,” remarked Dr. Aniket Sangi from Caltech.

“To unravel this mystery, we employed computer models simulating millions of potential orbits, taking into account the insights gained from observing planets and their absence.”

In the simulations, the team incorporated the 2019 sightings of potential exoplanet candidates reported by the ESO’s Very Large Telescope, alongside new data from Webb, considering the gravitational stability of orbits influenced by Alpha Centauri B.

“The non-detections in the second and third rounds with Webb were not unexpected,” stated Sangi.

“In many simulated orbits, the planet was positioned too close to the star, rendering it invisible to Webb during both February and April 2025.”

“Based on mid-infrared observations of planetary brightness and orbital simulations, this gas giant could have a mass similar to Saturn, orbiting Alpha Centauri A at a distance one to two times greater than that between the Sun and Earth.”

“If confirmed, the potential planets identified in Webb’s Alpha Centauri images will represent a significant milestone in exoplanet imaging efforts,” Sangi added.

“Of all directly imaged planets, this would be the closest star we have ever observed.”

“Moreover, it would be the nearest to our home, with gas giants in our solar system that are similar in temperature and age to Earth.”

“The mere existence of two closely separated star systems poses intriguing challenges to our understanding of planetary formation, survival, and evolution within chaotic environments.”

If substantiated by further observations, these findings could reshape the field of exoplanet science.

“This will become a pivotal object in exoplanet research, offering multiple opportunities for detailed characterization by Webb and other observatories,” Dr. Beichman concluded.

____

Charles Beichman et al. 2025. The Neighbor World: Imaging a giant planet candidate, orbital and physical properties of CEN A, and habitable zones at the exozodiacal upper limit. ApJL in press; Arxiv: 2508.03814

Aniket Sangi et al. 2025. The Neighbor World: Imaging a giant planet candidate in the habitable zone of Cen A. II. Binary Star Modeling, Planetary and Exozodiacal Search, and Sensitivity Analysis. ApJL in press; Arxiv: 2508.03812

Source: www.sci.news

Mysterious Viscous Stars Might Be Imitating Black Holes

Posted on August 9, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Could the gravitational wave signal be from a black hole or something more peculiar?

Titoonz / Alamy

Exotic viscous stars might emulate signals from black holes, mirroring the ripples in spacetime.

Since 2015, scientists have been uncovering the universe’s secrets by monitoring both light waves and gravitational waves, the ripples in the cosmos. Jaime Redondo-Yuste from the Neals Bohr Institute in Denmark and his team found that they can reflect gravitational waves, similar to light waves, but only from unusually viscous celestial objects.

The researchers began exploring the possibility of creating a gravitational wave mirror. While earlier studies hinted at its feasibility, developing equations that adhere to physical laws proved challenging. They eventually understood that reflectors don’t need to be flat.

“We can have a spherical mirror, and we need stars,” explains Redondo-Yuste. However, these stars must possess an extraordinarily high viscosity akin to molasses. Their calculations indicated that such stars could indeed reflect gravitational waves, as they are too rigid to be disturbed by passing waves.

Daniel Kennefick from the University of Arkansas highlights that this behavior is rare since most materials are transparent to gravitational waves, just as glass is to light. “Even when we are very near sources of powerful gravitational waves, they pass through us without any noticeable effect,” he remarks.

In addition to their strangeness, stars capable of deflecting gravitational waves must be compact and on the brink of collapsing into black holes. Redondo-Yuste notes that black holes themselves are very viscous. Therefore, when gravitational wave signals reach Earth, other highly viscous objects could be misidentified as black holes, with subtle differences in their signals. For instance, collisions between viscous stars and black holes would yield slightly distinct gravitational wave signatures due to tidal influences.

Researchers have previously detected celestial bodies believed to have heightened viscosity, such as extremely hot neutron stars formed from the merger of others. However, it’s still uncertain whether these stars possess sufficient viscosity to align with the team’s mathematical model, according to Paolopani from the University of Sapienza in Rome, Italy.

He suggests that forthcoming gravitational wave detectors will enhance our understanding of the viscosity of known objects and assist in discovering new ones. “This serves as a prelude to what we should be searching for,” Kennefick says.

To date, observational data hasn’t provided strong evidence for classifying what scientists identify as a black hole as an exotic star. All three researchers agree that the likelihood of observing these viscous stars has been minimal thus far.

“However, it’s our responsibility to continue these investigations,” insists Redondo-Yuste. “Only in this way can we compile a complete catalog of the entities populating our universe.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Scientists Suggest a Black Hole 300 Million Times the Sun’s Size Could Be a Gateway to the Universe’s Dawn.

Posted on August 9, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Spectroscopy enables astronomers to detect traces of matter in stars, galaxies, and other cosmic entities. Black holes consume dust and encounter various phenomena around them; as material spirals into a black hole, it compresses and heats up. Stephen Finkelstein, a co-author and professor of astronomy at the University of Texas at Austin, noted that all of this can be observed through spectroscopy.

“We’re searching for these signatures of extremely fast gas,” Finkelstein explained. “We’re discussing speeds of 1,000, 2,000, and at times even 3,000 kilometers per second. There’s nothing else in the universe that moves this quickly, so we can confirm it must be the gas surrounding a black hole.”

Scientists have pinpointed a potential distant black hole candidate, which stands as the oldest candidate confirmed via spectroscopy, he added.

Researchers also find galaxies containing new black holes to be intriguing discoveries. According to Taylor, these galaxies belong to a class known as “Little Red Dots.”

While not much information is available about Little Red Dots, they were first detected by the James Webb Space Telescope. Some have been found relatively close by, but Finkelstein indicated that they are likely more prevalent in the early universe.

Investigating the Capers-Lrd-Z9 Galaxy may offer insights into the rarity of red dots and what defines their unique coloration, researchers noted. It could also shed light on the growth of these ancient black holes during the universe’s formative stages.

In subsequent studies, researchers aim to locate more black holes in the distant cosmos.

“We’re just going to examine a very limited section of the sky using the James Webb Space Telescope,” Finkelstein stated. “If we discover one thing, there ought to be more.”

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Discovering Connection: Why Biodiversity Needs Neurodiversity

Posted on August 9, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

For many anxious individuals, the outdoors is a more manageable and calming space

westend61/getty images

France, Provence, a woman caressing lavender in a blooming field during summer — For many anxious individuals, the outdoors is a more manageable and calming space

westend61/getty images

Neurodivergent, essentially
Joe Harkness (Bloomsbury)

Kick off with Moth Genitalia. Joe Harkness originally intended to write a book centered on “The Benefits of Niche Nature.” Ecologists, naturalists, and conservationists often have a fondness for squirrels or even peculiar genitalia for identification purposes. However, a suggestion from his editor redirected him. What if the themes of these niche interests overlap with feelings of anxiety?

Harkness, diagnosed with ADHD, reflects that upon returning to interviewees, it’s not surprising to find that many have also been diagnosed with autism, ADHD, or other “DYS” conditions (like dyslexia, dyspraxia, or dyscalculia).

The book, Neurodivergent, essentially: Why Neurodiversity Needs Biodiversity, presents a crucial and engaging exploration of the significance of “nature” for the neurodivergent community, thoroughly examining how neurodiversity interacts with the conservation sector in the UK.

Readers are introduced to striking and unexpected contrasts. Harkness and his interviewees often describe the wild outdoors as “safe spaces” and “non-judgmental” environments where sensory stimulation can occur without overwhelming the senses. Yet, it becomes clear that many of Harkness’s subjects work in highly competitive fields characterized by high demands and low earnings. “We cannot overlook the evident exploitation that happens in this field,” he states, especially when taking into account neurological conditions.

Defining neurodivergent experiences can be a tricky and potentially foolish endeavor. Harkness opts for a more open-ended approach, stressing that the “unique neural skillset” possessed by many in conservation work often goes unrecognized and unutilized.

He highlights an intense focus, heightened sensory awareness, and a moral compass directed solely towards nature. Conversely, he also addresses the drawbacks—hyperfocus might lead to excessive literal thinking.

Harkness acknowledges the ongoing tension many neurodivergent conservationists face. “We prefer to invest our energy in safety rather than dealing with chaos. However, we need to attract these individuals for them to drive positive change.”

While the book occasionally shifts focus, particularly when addressing the challenges faced by women, youth, and individuals from ethnic minorities, it serves as a helpful reminder of how neurodiversity intertwines with a myriad of social, economic, political, and environmental issues. There are no easy resolutions here.

Harkness is a charismatic and passionate guide in familiar territories, engaging with a wide array of voices. His conversations are often exhilarating, sometimes distressing, and frequently humorous, yet there’s a desire for more personal narratives from those he interviews.

Though Harkness critiques the employment practices and workplace culture of certain conservation organizations from a neurodivergent perspective—some aspects may feel diluted later on—the work remains captivating and essential. Addressing our climate and ecological crises requires perspectives from all sides.

Richard Smith is a writer and crossword compiler for New Scientist

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Saturn-Sized Planets Can Orbit the Closest Sun-Like Star

Posted on August 8, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

What might the artistic concept of a gas giant in orbit around Alpha Centauri A resemble?

ESA/Webb Copyright: NASA, ESA, CSA, STSCI, R.

A massive planet comparable to Saturn is potentially identified orbiting a sun-like star in our nearest stellar system, Alpha Centauri.

Located just four light-years from Earth, Alpha Centauri is the closest star system to us, comprising three stars: Alpha Centauri A, Alpha Centauri B, and the Red Dwarf Star Proxima Centauri. Scientists have long speculated that planets akin to those in our solar system could exist in such systems, and whether planets can reside at distances similar to our Sun’s “habitable zone” around binary stars has been a matter of intrigue. “These stars are very bright, relatively close, and move quickly across the sky,” mentions Charles Baichman from Caltech in a statement.

Recent observations gathered by the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) mid-infrared instrument suggest that a gas giant possibly as substantial as Saturn is orbiting the sun-like star, Alpha Centauri A. This discovery has come as a surprise. “Webb was specifically designed to identify the most distant galaxies, not exoplanets,” remarked Beichman, underscoring that such an identification must be meticulously coordinated through numerous observations, evaluations, and computer simulations, which “can yield remarkable insights.”

While previous methodologies for detecting planets relied on indirect measurements, the JWST executed a “more ambitious” approach by actually gathering light from potential planets, according to Alan Boss of Carnegie Science in Washington, DC, who was not involved in this particular study. Nevertheless, visibility of the potential planets was lost in subsequent observations.

“We’re encountering a case of a disappearing planet!” exclaimed Aniket Sanghi, also at Caltech, in a statement. The research team ran simulations of millions of possible trajectories to solve this conundrum, determining that “in half of the possible simulated orbits, the planet would have been too close to the star, making it undetectable by Webb in both February and April 2025,” he said.

As a gas giant, this planet wouldn’t support life as we know it. However, if this finding is validated, it could significantly enhance our understanding of planet formation around stars. “The mere existence of two closely situated stars within a stellar system will challenge our comprehension of how planets form, survive, and evolve under such chaotic circumstances,” Sangi pointed out. “This is also crucial for Earth, as it is our closest neighbor, beside the giant planets in our solar system, with a temperature and age somewhat akin to Earth.”

This revelation has been documented in two accepted papers for publication in Astrophysics Letters.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Two Unwelcome Viruses Could Be Disrupting Honeybee Flight

Posted on August 8, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Honeybees battle infectious fungi, bacteria, mites, and viruses daily.

Anthony Brown/Alamy

Two non-threatening viral infections in adult honeybees are surprisingly covert and might disrupt their flying ability. One virus enhances speed, while the other acts as a brake.

Bees face a continual fight against infectious fungi, bacteria, mites, and viruses, many of which pose a threat to entire colonies. However, not all pathogens are equally harmful. For instance, both the deformed wing virus (DWV) and the sacbrood virus (SBV) can lead to severe symptoms if they infect honeybees during their early development. Despite being linked to increased mortality and a decrease in colony size, infection in adult honeybees is often viewed as asymptomatic. Michelle Flenniken from Montana State University and her team questioned whether these viruses were truly harmless.

The researchers studied bee health through their flight capabilities and infected bees with either DWV or SBV. After three days, the bees were tethered to a device resembling a set of small balls, forcing them to fly in circles. A total of 240 bees were observed, and the team measured their flight speed, duration, and distance.

Flenniken and her colleagues found that bees infected with DWV flew at slower speeds compared to uninfected counterparts. Conversely, those infected with SBV exhibited enhanced flight performance. The team predicts that bees with high DWV levels will cover 49% shorter distances than healthy honeybees. In contrast, severely infected SBV bees could experience a flight range increase of up to 53%. “SBV infections are detrimental to larvae and typically harm overall colony health,” says Flenniken.

This research reshapes our understanding of the subtle and odd impacts stealth infections can have on honeybee behavior. Other pathogens are known to influence bee actions. For instance, the Kako virus, a distinct variant of DWV, may provoke more aggressive behavior in bees, as noted by Eugene Riabov, who was not part of this research at the James Hutton Institute in the UK.

“It’s fascinating to observe how members of both DWV and SBV, which are closely related, exhibit such contrasting effects on honeybee aerodynamics,” remarks Riabov.

By disrupting bees’ ability to fly and collect nectar, viruses like DWV could negatively affect their pollination of nearby plants, complicating their foraging efforts. Consequently, as bees struggle, the implications reverberate throughout the entire ecosystem.

Science Advances doi: doi:10.1126/sciadv.adw8382

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Astronomers Uncover New Clues About Interstellar Comet 3I/Atlas

Posted on August 8, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Hubble Space Telescope Image of Interstellar Comet 3i/Atlas. The telescope tracked the comet, causing background stars to appear as streaks.

NASA, ESA, David Jewitt (UCLA)/Joseph DePasquale (STScI)

The telescope’s observations of the Interstellar Comet 3i/Atlas have shown it resembles a comet found beyond our solar system. Intriguing aspects, like the substantial amounts of water detected even far from the sun, may shed light on the ancient stellar system from which it originated.

Objects from other solar systems that pass through ours are extremely rare. Discovered in July, 3i/Atlas is the third such interstellar visitor, following Oumuamua in 2017 and Borisov in 2019. Remarkably, its visit has only been a few months long.

Scientists speculate that its high speed may indicate that it originates from a star system billions of years older than our own. Initial estimates suggested it has a diameter of approximately 20 kilometers, but details about the extensive plume of water and gas remain limited.

Toni Santana Ross from the University of Barcelona and colleagues have utilized ground-based telescopes to observe the comet and its tail, finding it contains moderate amounts of dust. Notably, the dust appears to increase as the comet approaches the sun, mirroring patterns seen in comets from our outer solar system. “It’s a typical object; there’s nothing particularly strange about it,” states Santana Ross.

Astronomers have also monitored comets via space. Researcher collaborating found that the Hubble Space Telescope might estimate the comet’s size between 320 meters and 5.6 kilometers, and it likely started off much smaller.

Comets usually contain ice, which vaporizes as they near the sun, creating water vapor in their tails. Utilizing the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory Satellite, Zexi Xing from Auburn University has detected water in the comet’s tail located significantly farther from the sun than is typical for comets. The amount of water detected suggests that about 20% of the comet’s surface is responsible for this production, exceeding typical solar system comet proportions.

Such prolific water generation may indicate that 3i/Atlas originates from a star system much older than ours, hypothesizes Cyrielle Opitom at the University of Edinburgh. This is due to older stellar systems generally having higher water content compared to other molecules. “It might be that because it formed earlier, it retains more water than other molecules, but it’s premature to reach a conclusion,” she remarks.

Astronomers are also scouring historical data to determine if the telescope mistakenly detected a comet. Adina Feinstein and her team at Michigan State University have found that the transit exoplanet survey satellite (TESS) was operationally searching for planets around other stars and incidentally captured a comet between May 7 and June 3. “It just happened that we were observing the exact region where 3i/Atlas was at that moment,” says Feinstein.

The comet was found to be surprisingly bright at that time, suggesting it was releasing significant amounts of water or gas even at considerable distances from the sun. “We didn’t detect transits in regions of our solar system where water would typically start to react,” highlights Feinstein.

In this distant region, the likelihood of finding water is low, with gases such as carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide being more common, according to Opitom. “This is a pattern seen in comets from our solar system; they can exhibit activity at much greater distances due to these volatile materials.”

Yet, the fact that it was active so far from the sun could indicate that this comet has not been significantly exposed to starlight throughout its life, notes Matthew Jenge from Imperial College London.

“What this implies is that this comet was ejected from the fringes of another solar system,” Genge describes. While the exact cause of its ejection is uncertain, it’s possible that gravitational forces from a nearby star could have set it on a trajectory towards us, he explains.

Opitom mentions that the James Webb Space Telescope has recently conducted its observations and that astronomers will analyze the data in the upcoming weeks, promising more insights into 3i/Atlas soon.

As comets approach their closest point to the sun in October, astronomers will have the opportunity to measure the gases they emit. This will provide important insights not only into the characteristics of the comet itself but also into the composition of the molecules in its active tail, which may reveal details about the formation of 3i/Atlas, according to Opitom.

Similar to previous interstellar objects, speculations about potential alien technology exist, but Santana Ross has found no supporting evidence. “If you take a holiday photo and see something tall with a long neck and four legs, you might think of it as an alien, but it’s most likely a giraffe,” he quips. “There’s no reason to believe this is anything unusual or evidence of something extraordinary.”

World Capital of Astronomy: Chile

Discover Chilean astronomical wonders. Visit some of the world’s most advanced observatories and admire the starry skies beneath some of the clearest skies on the planet.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

How Super Heavy Chemistry Can Transform the Periodic Table

Posted on August 8, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The heaviest atoms that form the molecule were observed

David Dixon, Sarah Sprouse/University of Alabama; Jennifer Pore/Berkeley Lab

Scientists have observed the heaviest atoms participating in chemical reactions and forming molecules. This groundbreaking discovery could potentially reshape the periodic table, advancing “super heavy” chemistry, which encompasses large-scale radioactive elements.

Some rare chemical elements are challenging to study, complicating their placement in the periodic table. For instance, the radioactive element copernicium is situated among transition metals but behaves like elements from various groups.

This challenge also affects the lower elements of the table. Heavy radioactive atoms known as actinides can be examined by Jennifer Pore at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in California. To better understand the properties of actinides, she and her team initiated a chemical reaction to produce a molecule featuring Nobelium, the heaviest actinide and element 102.

The researchers employed a particle accelerator to bombard highly energetic calcium atom beams into lead clusters. The collision resulted in the formation of Nobelium atoms, which subsequently reacted with nitrogen and water molecules present in the air. A swiftly operating detector, akin to a mass spectrometer, more accurately identified the resulting molecules than any prior chemical attempts.

Next, the team replicated the experiment using thorium instead of lead, creating an actinide called actinium (element 89). By comparing the reactions of actinium and nobelium, the researchers confirmed that these two elements behave similarly as they reside in the same column of the periodic table.

Nobelium not only has a rightful place in the periodic table, but it has also become the heaviest element directly observed forming new molecules. However, the heaviest element ever synthesized remains Oganesson, element 118. The techniques used to synthesize molecules containing nobelium and accurately identify them may open new avenues in research.

According to Sofia Heinz from the GSI Helmholtz Center for Heavy Ion Research in Germany, this new experiment marks a significant technological leap in hyperheavy chemistry. Although molecules containing elements heavier than nobelium have been synthesized in the past, researchers were unable to directly identify them. “Being able to study a single molecule directly is a key advancement,” she states.

Peter Schwerdtfeger from Massey University in New Zealand remarked that this novel experiment “opens the door for future experiments involving a diverse range of superheavy elements.”

Even prior to conducting new experiments, the findings have already made an impact. Pore and her researchers originally believed that additional molecules were needed to facilitate reactions with actinium and nobelium. However, unexpectedly, the superheavy element reacted with substances already present. Anastasia Bolshevski at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands suggested that this could prompt scientists to reevaluate past experimental data that assumed they were examining single atoms. “This will keep theorists busy for some time,” Schwerdtfeger adds.

For Pore, the next hurdle involves studying even heavier elements like dubnium, which is element 105. To accomplish this, teams may need to accelerate the procedures to accommodate the heavier elements.

“If all goes well, I aim to explore larger elements at the end of the periodic table. We have yet to explore their heaviness limits with this methodology,” Pore remarks. Unlike nobelium, some of these larger elements may require a new positioning within the standard table.

Topics:

Chemistry /
Nuclear Physics

Source: www.newscientist.com

Europe Could Experience Record Temperatures of 40°C in a Worst-Case Scenario

Posted on August 8, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Volunteers engage in efforts to combat wildfires near Stamata, Greece in 2024

Nick Paleologos/Bloomberg via Getty Images

In light of current climate trends, Europe may grapple with summer heatwaves and severe droughts that could leave large parts of the continent enduring weeks of extreme temperatures, water shortages, and soaring energy costs.

Recent research aims to delineate the “worst-case scenario” regarding heat and drought potential during summer months in Central and Western Europe.

Laura Suarez-Gutierrez from Switzerland’s ETH Zurich and her team initiated their research with seven simulations based on climate models representing heatwaves. They systematically introduced minor variations to the initial atmospheric conditions of the models and assessed different potential outcomes, utilizing a method called ensemble boosting, resulting in more severe heat waves in each simulation.

“Each iteration generates numerous events with slight adjustments in the initial model state,” noted Vicki Thompson from the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute, which did not participate in the research. “The most severe scenarios they present suggest that such outcomes could occur right now.”

While many simulations failed to produce heatwaves, some resulted in significantly harsher heatwaves and droughts compared to historical records.

In the most extreme scenario, temperatures may soar to 45°C (113°F) for over a month in certain regions, accompanied by severe droughts. Events of this nature far exceed the heat and drought phenomena experienced in 2003 or 2018.

Additionally alarming is that this modeling implies that the most intense heat waves tend to follow each other closely, potentially leaving Europe in a cycle of extreme summers that heavily burden both humans and ecosystems. This increases the likelihood of wildfires, drought, energy and food shortages, and ecosystem collapse, experts warn.

“Our findings illuminate the potential effects of unprecedented combinations of heat, fire weather, and soil drought,” the researchers remarked.

This cycle of persistent heat waves and prolonged drought may be partly attributed to soil drying out due to extreme heat, explains Pascal Iu from the Institute for Climate and Environmental Sciences in France. One heatwave can deplete soil moisture and exacerbate extreme heat, stating, “Drier soil conditions can foster atmospheric systems that persist for extended periods.”

While Yiou collaborated with Suarez-Gutierrez, he was not part of the study. He emphasized that these worst-case scenarios are feasible outcomes given current climatic conditions. “They are not suggesting these events will definitely occur, rather they are indicating that such scenarios are possible,” he mentions. He drew a parallel with the 2021 heatwave in western North America, which shattered temperature records and became the deadliest weather event in Canadian history, made possible by very atypical atmospheric conditions that caused extraordinary heat levels.

“The goal is to establish optimal conditions for extreme events,” said Jana Sillmann at the International Climate Research Centre in Norway. This aids decision-makers in refining their emergency response plans, preparing for potential occurrences of record-breaking heatwaves in a single summer.

Topics:

Source: www.newscientist.com

The Rising Threat of Carnivorous Bacteria in Florida and Louisiana

Posted on August 8, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The number of fatalities linked to “carnivorous” bacteria is increasing along the southeast coast of the US. Five individuals in Florida, Four in Louisiana, and One in the Outer Banks have succumbed this year to infections that can lead to necrotic wounds.

The culprit, the bacterium Vibrio vulnificus, thrives in warm seawater. According to the state health department, Florida has reported 16 cases so far this year. Louisiana has reported 17 cases, exceeding last year’s average. North Carolina has recorded seven incidents, confirmed by its Department of Health and Human Services, while Mississippi has filed three lawsuits this year, as per the state’s health department.

The initial fatalities in Florida were documented in Bay County along the Gulf Coast, as well as Hillsboro County and regions in Broward and St. John’s Counties, located just south of Jacksonville in southeastern Florida.

Bacteria can enter the body through skin wounds, resulting in tissue necrosis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, vibrio vulnificus can also be contracted via the consumption of contaminated food, particularly raw oysters. The exact means of infection for those in Florida remains unclear.

As reported by the CDC, approximately one in five individuals infected with Vibrio vulnificus will die.

Antalpreet Jutt, a professor of engineering at the University of Florida, noted that while infections are still relatively rare, “something feels off this year.” Nevertheless, he mentioned the uncertainty around the reasons behind the spike in infections.

“This is definitely not normal,” Jutt expressed. “We haven’t encountered this many cases early in the summer in quite some time.”

Jutt explained that cases of Vibrio vulnificus tend to rise following hurricanes. Last year, Florida registered a total of 82 cases, potentially worsened by an “extremely active” hurricane season when bacteria can persist in floodwaters.

“This year, it seems there are a higher number of pathogens than usual,” he remarked.

The current hurricane season is still projected to be above average as the US enters its peak period, as reported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Jutt’s research group is examining why there are elevated concentrations of plankton and chlorophyll (indicators of Vibrio) throughout the Florida panhandle, which he describes as a concerning trend.

What is Vibrio vulnificus?

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

Most Vibrio infections are not harmful to humans, according to Jutt. Some may only impact marine life.

However, Vibrio bacteria are responsible for around 80,000 infections annually, as reported by the Cleveland Clinic. The majority of these cases are gastrointestinal, with only 100-200 cases arising from Vibrio vulnificus. Other Vibrio species, such as Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio alginolyticus, are more commonly associated with stomach illnesses, while another, Vibrio cholerae, is known to cause cholera.

Vibrio bacteria are primarily found along the southeastern coast of the United States, favoring warmer waters, but are also present on the west coast. With rising sea temperatures, cases have increasingly been reported further north, including areas in New York, Connecticut, and parts of Maryland, Jutt noted.

Who is at risk?

Dr. Norman Beatty, an infectious disease specialist at the University of Florida Health, mentioned that spending time in salty or brackish waters can lead to Vibrio bacteria infiltrating open wounds. Most cases he has encountered are associated with extended exposure to the water, though even short contact can be sufficient.

Visible symptoms of infection can develop within hours, including redness, swelling, and the formation of “bull” blisters. This site can become painful. If the infection progresses, it may enter the bloodstream, potentially leading to sepsis, which can be fatal. According to the CDC, symptoms of sepsis include fever, chills, and dangerously low blood pressure.

Jutt mentioned that individuals with cirrhosis, weakened immune systems, and those over 65 are particularly vulnerable to infections.

Infections caused by Vibrio vulnificus can be treated with antibiotics.

How to prevent Vibrio infection

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

Individuals who suspect they have an infection should seek immediate medical attention, Beatty cautioned. Delays can significantly increase the risk of severe complications compared to milder cases.

“Late presentations to healthcare are why many individuals suffer more serious consequences than others,” he stated. “Those who seek treatment shortly after the onset of symptoms, and are given antibiotics promptly, are likely to fare better and avoid severe complications.”

Source: www.nbcnews.com

New Research Reveals Larger Dinosaurs Don’t Have Stronger Bites Than Expected

Posted on August 8, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

It’s not that the enormous, carnivorous dinosaurs weren’t the terrifying, bone-crushing predators we envision.

A new study published in the journal Current Biology reveals that a variety of bipedal carnivorous dinosaurs, including Tyrannosaurus Rex, Spinosaurus, and Allosaurus, have evolved to possess the necessary skull strength for powerful bites.

Utilizing 3D scanning and computer modeling, the researchers examined the skull biomechanics of 18 species of theropods.

The findings indicated that while T. Rex and other giants had skulls designed to deliver immense bite forces capable of breaking bones, they actually possessed relatively weak jaws and employed diverse hunting strategies.

“The skull of a T. Rex was specifically optimized for high bite force, which led to significant skull stress,” stated the lead author, Dr. Andrew Lowe from the University of Bristol, UK. “In contrast, stress patterns in other giants like Giganotosaurus suggested they had relatively mild bites. This implies a variety of evolutionary pathways for these carnivorous giants.”

Giganotosaurus is larger than T. rex, reaching 13m (43 feet) long and weighing almost 14 tons – Credit: Getty

Instead of adhering to a singular evolutionary path to apex status, large carnivorous dinosaurs evolved various skull shapes and feeding strategies. Some, like T. Rex, would bite down akin to a crocodile, while others, such as Allosaurus and Spinosaurus, employed thrashing or ripping techniques reminiscent of modern Komodo dragons and big cats.

“The Tyrannosaurus took a different approach,” remarked Steve Brusatte, a professor and paleontologist at the University of Edinburgh who was not part of the study, as reported by BBC Science Focus. “They developed immense bite strength, allowing them to crush the bones of their prey. This created a perilous lifestyle, subjecting the skull’s bones and muscles to significant stress.”

The results also challenge the belief that larger dinosaurs necessarily had stronger bites. Some smaller species may actually exert more stress on their skulls due to increased muscle mass, indicating that size alone isn’t the key factor in bite power.

The variability in bite strength and skull architecture hints at a more specialized ecological landscape in dinosaur ecosystems, offering multiple strategies for dominance in the prehistoric food chain.

“There wasn’t a singular ‘best’ skull design for being a predatory giant. Various designs proved effective,” noted Lowe. “This biomechanical diversity implies that dinosaur ecosystems supported a more extensive range of giant carnivorous ecological niches than we typically consider, with less competition and greater specialization.”

Read more:

About our experts

Steve Brusatte is a professor and paleontologist at the University of Edinburgh, and author of the book Mammal Ascending and Governing (20 pounds, Picador), focusing on 325 million years of mammalian evolution and fossils.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Astronomers Uncover the Largest Black Holes Yet

Posted on August 8, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Astronomers have discovered and quantified the largest black hole ever found. This colossal black hole approaches the theoretical maximum size allowable in the universe and is approximately 10,000 times the mass of Sagittarius A*, the supermassive black hole located at the center of the Milky Way.

This Hubble image features a horseshoe-shaped gravity lens (from center to right). Behind it is a blue galaxy, distorted into a horseshoe-shaped ring by the space-time distortion caused by the massive orange galaxies in the foreground. Image credits: NASA/ESA/Hubble.

The newly identified ultramassive black hole resides in the Space Horseshoe Gravity Lens System, which is among the largest known strong gravitational lenses.

This lens system, referred to as SDSS J1148+1930 and CSWA 1, lies 5 billion light years away in the Leo constellation.

“Typically, mass measurements of black holes in such distant systems can only be done when they are active,” remarks PhD Carlos Melo from Universidade Federativa do Rio Grande do Sul.

“However, these estimates based on accretion are often fraught with significant uncertainty.”

“Our method integrates strong gravitational lenses with stellar dynamics to yield more direct and reliable measurements, even in these distant systems.”

“The black holes we discovered rank among the top 10 largest black holes known, possibly even the largest,” adds Professor Thomas Collett from the University of Portsmouth.

“Most existing mass measurements for black holes are indirect and come with high uncertainties, so I can’t definitively say which one is the largest. But our new method provides much greater confidence in the mass of this black hole.”

The research team employed a synergy of gravitational lenses and stellar motions to locate the space horseshoe-shaped black holes.

This technique is considered the gold standard for black hole mass measurement, but galaxies are often too small in the sky to resolve areas containing these supermassive black holes, limiting effectiveness in distant contexts.

“The inclusion of a gravitational lens allowed us to explore further into the cosmos,” noted Professor Collett.

“We observed the influence of a black hole in two specific ways: it alters the path light takes as it navigates through the black hole, and stars in the galaxy’s core are observed moving incredibly fast (almost 400 km/s).”

“By correlating these two measurements, we can confidently establish the black hole’s authenticity.”

“This discovery pertains to a ‘dormant’ black hole, which does not actively consume material at the time of observation,” Melo explained.

“The detection relied solely on its immense gravitational pull and its effects on surrounding matter.”

“What’s particularly thrilling is that this method enables us to identify and gauge the masses of these elusive supermassive black holes across the universe, even when they lie completely dormant.”

An intriguing aspect of the Cosmic Horseshoe system is that its host galaxy is classified as a fossil group.

Fossil groups represent the final phase of the universe’s most colossal gravitationally-bound structures, formed from the collapse of a single, large galaxy devoid of bright companions.

“It is plausible that the supermassive black holes originally found in the companion galaxy contributed to the formation of the supermassive black holes we have identified,” Professor Collett noted.

“Thus, we can observe both the conclusion of galaxy formation and the cessation of black hole growth.”

The team’s paper was published today in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.

____

Carlos R Melo-Carneiro et al. 2025. We are pleased to announce the discovery of a 36 billion solar-mass black hole at the core of the Cosmic Horseshoe Gravity Lens. MNRAS 541(4): 2853-2871; doi: 10.1093/mnras/staf1036

Source: www.sci.news

Research Shows Cocoats Have a Repertoire of At Least 30 Distinct Dance Moves

Posted on August 8, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Recent findings suggest that captive parrots display dancing behaviors in response to music, which involves complex cognitive functions such as imitation, vocal learning, and rhythm. This dance behavior in parrots might be indicative of a positive welfare state, increasing the likelihood of using music as an environmental enrichment tool. In a recent study, researchers examined the dance movements of cockatoos through online video analysis and playback experiments, identifying a total of 30 distinct dance moves from 45 videos featuring five different cockatoo species. Notably, 17 of these moves had not been previously documented in scientific literature.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=of7kql3lsam

Cockatoos have been informally observed dancing to music in captivity.

This dance results from intricate brain processes, including imitation, learning, synchronization, and rhythmic movement.

While spontaneous dance has been exclusively reported in humans and parrots in sync with music, some wild birds also exhibit rhythmic movements during courtship displays.

However, it remains unclear what motivates these captive birds to dance.

In this new study, Dr. Natasha Loveke from Charles Sturt University and her team analyzed 45 videos shared on social media platforms like YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram.

From their analysis, they identified a total of 30 unique dance movements, 17 of which had not been documented before.

Among these newly recognized moves were headbanging, side steps, and body rolls.

The researchers noted that some birds also executed their own unique dance sequences, often blending various movements creatively.

Interestingly, closely related species did not exhibit more similar dance styles, while a diverse range of dance moves appeared among the top 10 unique patterns.

Illustrations of the 10 most common recorded dance movements by Cockatoos. Image credit: Lubke et al. , doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0328487.

Following this, the scientists investigated dance behavior in six cockatoos, representing three species, housed at Wagga Wagga Zoo in Australia.

They played music specifically designed for birds, as well as audio podcasts, and found that all birds engaged in dance movements, regardless of the type of audio played.

The study revealed that dancing behavior was present in at least 10 out of 21 cockatoos studied.

Cockatoos seem to display a broad repertoire of dance moves, many of which resemble the courtship rituals observed in wild parrots.

This suggests that their dance abilities may have evolved from courtship behaviors directed towards their human caretakers.

“By analyzing the dance behavior of cockatoos from 45 videos and at Wagga Wagga Zoo and Aviary, we demonstrated that dancing is more prevalent in cockatoos than previously recognized, with 10 out of the 21 cockatoos exhibiting such behavior,” stated Loveke.

“My analysis demonstrates that the spectrum of dances is much more complex and diverse than has been understood, documenting 30 different movements across multiple birds, with an additional 17 seen in other birds.”

“This study supports the notion of positive emotional states in birds and highlights dancing behavior as an effective model for exploring parrot emotions. It also implies that playing music for parrots may positively influence their welfare and serve as an excellent avenue for enhancing their lives in captivity.”

“The parallels to human dance make it challenging to overlook the development of cognitive and emotional processes in parrots, suggesting that musical interaction could enhance their wellbeing.”

“Further research is needed to explore whether music can stimulate dancing behavior in captive birds, making it a potential form of environmental enrichment.”

The findings are detailed in a study published in the journal PLOS 1.

____

N. Loveke et al. 2025. Dance behavior in Cockatoos: impact on cognitive processes and welfare. PLOS 1 20(8): E0328487; doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0328487

Source: www.sci.news

Hubble Reveals Stunningly Detailed Image of Interstellar Comet 3i/Atlas

Posted on August 8, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Recent analysis of new images from the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope reveals that the nucleus of 3i/Atlas measures between 320 m (1,000 ft) and 5.6 km (3.5 miles).

Hubble captured this image of 3i/Atlas, which was located 446 million km (277 million miles) from Earth on July 21, 2025. Image credits: NASA/ESA/David Jewitt, UCLA/Joseph Depasquale, Stsci.

3i/Atlas was discovered on July 1, 2025, by the Asteroid Land Impact Trastor Alt System (ATLAS) funded by NASA.

Its orbit is the most dynamically extreme among recorded solar system objects.

New observations from Hubble have provided astronomers with a more precise estimation of the comet’s solid icy nucleus size.

“The maximum diameter of the nucleus is 5.6 km, but it averages around 320 m,” stated David Jewitt, an astronomer from UCLA, along with his colleagues.

“Hubble’s images offer tighter constraints on the nucleus’s size compared to earlier ground-based measurements, although the solid core of the comet is not currently visible directly even with Hubble.”

“Data from other NASA missions, like Webb, TESS, Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, and WM Keck Observatory, will further enhance our understanding of comets, including their chemical composition.”

Hubble also detected indications of dust plumes ejected from the sun-warmed side of the comet, along with dust tails drifting away from the nucleus.

The new findings indicate a dust loss velocity that aligns with the first comet observed at roughly 480 million km (300 million miles) from the Sun.

This behavior closely resembles the characteristics of a previously seen sun-bound comet observed within our solar system.

A notable difference is that this interstellar visitor originates from planetary systems beyond our Milky Way galaxy.

3i/Atlas speeds through the solar system at an astonishing rate of 209,000 km (130,000 miles) per hour, marking the highest speed ever recorded for visitors to our solar system.

This remarkable velocity indicates that comets have been traversing interstellar space for billions of years.

The gravitational pull from countless stars and nebulae has contributed to its increased speed.

The longer 3i/Atlas journeys through space, the faster it moves.

“No one knows the origin of this comet; it’s like catching a glimpse of a bullet for a thousandth of a second,” Dr. Jewitt observed.

“You can’t accurately trace that back to determine where you commenced your path.”

“This latest interstellar traveler represents a previously undetected group of objects, enriching the narrative that has gradually unfolded.”

“This achievement is now possible due to the powerful Sky Survey capability we previously lacked. We’ve reached a new milestone.”

The team’s paper will be published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters.

____

David Jewitt et al. 2025. Observations of the Hubble Space Telescope of Interstellar Interloper 3i/Atlas. apjl in press; Arxiv: 2508.02934

Source: www.sci.news

NW Rehires Employees Following Deep Doge Layoffs

Posted on August 8, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The administration under Trump intends to reverse most of the cuts made to the National Weather Service earlier this year aimed at improving government efficiency.

According to Mike Flood of R-Neb, Eric Sorensen, D-Ill., along with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, has received approval to fill 450 roles, which include meteorologists, hydrologists, and radar engineers for the National Weather Service.

This decision is part of an initiative to rehire for these crucial roles. CNN was the first to report that following a summer filled with severe and deadly weather, scrutiny arose over the NWS cuts, prompting bipartisan calls for their cancellation.

An official cited by NBC News noted that NWS staff were involved during the Texas Flood that resulted in over 130 fatalities. This has spurred agencies to rehire hundreds of essential personnel, raising concerns about the reliability of NWS forecasts. This information came from a source who spoke on the condition of anonymity due to restrictions on discussing HR matters.

Both Sorensen and Flood expressed their satisfaction with this “postponed news” in a joint statement. They co-hosted discussions around layoffs and early retirements, focusing on safeguarding National Weather Service employees while reclassifying their roles as vital to public safety. Although the bill was presented in the House of Representatives, it has yet to be voted on.

“For months, Congressman and I have been advocating for the necessary support for NOAA and NWS employees who are facing staff reductions,” stated Sorensen in a press release. “The lack of skilled positions has forced NWS offices nationwide to cancel weather balloon launches, abandon overnight staffing, and overburden the remaining meteorologists.

Rep. Mark Alford from R-Mo. also expressed support for the initiative.

A spokesperson for the National Weather Service declined to provide comments.

Officials from NOAA, who were not authorized to speak publicly, informed NBC News that filling the hundreds of vacant positions would take several months. Currently, USAJOBS.GOV lists only nine open roles across NOAA, the parent organization of the National Weather Service.

The NOAA and NWS were not impacted by the controversial cuts implemented during the early months of the second Trump administration, which included job terminations, rehiring, and restructuring of certain employees. The Commerce Department and NOAA dismissed over 600 probationary staff on February 27th, encompassing hurricane hunters, meteorologists, and storm modelers.

Five former directors of the National Weather Service have cautioned that a shortage of staff could cause “unnecessary loss of life.”

Source: www.nbcnews.com

I strongly suggest checking out the edgy videos on YouTube.

Posted on August 8, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Feedback delivers the latest in science and technology news, providing insights into what captivates readers. Email Feedback@newscientist.com to share items you think might intrigue our audience.

Cleaning Chronicles

While at times seemingly unproductive, Feedback finds a way to engage with what may appear as idleness. Recently, we spent more time than expected watching online videos, and here’s what we gleaned.

Diving into the depths of YouTube, we ventured down a path filled with carpet and rug cleaning videos. This might sound dull, yet one company’s use of the R2-Clean2 and Dirt Reynolds intrigued us.

Strangely enough, we found a soothing pleasure in watching dirt layers being lifted and the rug’s patterns emerge once again. Time faded away. The stress dissipated. Feedback embraced a Zen-like state; our minds were clear and receptive. There was no demand, no stress, just the simple act of cleaning a rug.

Once we snapped back to reality, we observed the fascinating interplay between humans and technology. Amidst the myriad cleaning YouTubers, there’s an army dedicated to capturing the messiest rugs in the most dramatic ways possible. After all, if your rug-cleaning video doesn’t attract millions of views, the revenue won’t match the effort.

Consequently, it’s tough to find a video that merely shows a dirty rug. A typical cleaning video appears as if a rug was pulled from a muddy abyss, taken over by fungi, and processed through the digestive system of a stray animal. Sometimes, maggots make an appearance. One can watch hours of labor spent with buckets and sprays to restore cleanliness.

This quaint subculture reflects our society: even mundane tasks like rug cleaning become exaggerated to the extreme, driven not by their inherent value but by the quest for attention and profit.

Enough philosophy. I certainly don’t plan on watching someone speedrun Super Mario Odyssey.

Rumblings

Alongside many readers, Feedback grapples with the ongoing controversies surrounding bestselling author Raynor Winn. Her book Salt Path and other works on extensive walking journeys faced scrutiny after Observer published accusations that she misled the public regarding her and her husband’s period of homelessness, as well as his health during their trekking on England’s southwest coast. Winn denies any wrongdoing.

This revelation surfaced shortly after the film adaptation of Salt Path caused embarrassment for all parties involved, but in the realm of Feedback, the most shocking realization was that Winn’s real name is Sally Walker.

Literary Innovations

In July, Feedback addressed the potential applications of generative AI tools like ChatGPT to simplify challenging literary texts. I’ve observed soft rewrites of renowned opening lines that retain their essence. This resonated with many of you.

Eric Bignell highlighted Macbeth’s poignant soliloquy from Act 5, scene 5: “Tomorrow and tomorrow, tomorrow / creeping up at a daily pace from day to day / to the final syllable of recorded time. I’m stupid now, full of sound and rage / meaning nothing.” Eric simplified it through ChatGPT to: “Life is short, meaningless and full of noise.”

Numerous readers contributed their suggestions on how AI might reinterpret famous passages. For instance, consider George Orwell’s foreboding opener in 1984: “It was a bright, cold day in April, and the clock struck thirteen.” David Aldred aptly proposed, “It was a well-defined afternoon on a bright, cold April day.” Nothing essential was lost!

The favorite rewrites included the opening line of Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…” Ian Glendon comically suggested a literal version: “When I bought it, the watch was fine, but it doesn’t work anymore.” However, Simon Byrd, David Strachan, and Rod Newberry each proposed a variation with the same essence: “On average, it was fine.”

Simon even came up with an alternative to Edward Bulwer-Lytton’s infamous first line from Paul Clifford: “It was a dark and stormy night,” suggesting the creative twist: “Welcome to Scotland.”

Ultimately, Stuart Bell concluded with a bold suggestion to loosen AI’s constraints when engaging with James Joyce’s famously perplexing text Ulysses. Not due to enhancement, but rather because the work should “break AI, or at the very least, induce a headache.”

Have thoughts on Feedback?

Feel free to reach out by emailing feedback@newscientist.com. Remember to include your home address. You can find this week’s feedback and past editions on our website.

Source: www.newscientist.com