Smartphones can benefit children if they steer clear of social media

Posted on March 25, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Smartphones help kids socialize

AYO Production/Shutterstock

A study of over 1,500 children suggests that smartphones are beneficial for mental and social well-being unless they begin using social media.

Justin Martin The University of South Florida surveys state children ages 11 to 13. 25 years of national research To explore the link between digital media and happiness.

The researchers found that 78% of the 1,510 children surveyed owned smartphones, and 21% of these reported symptoms of depression and anxiety. Children with phones were also more likely to report spending time in person with friends.

“We thought ownership of a smartphone was related to negative outcomes or negative measures,” Martin says. “But it wasn’t.”

The researchers found that children with low-income parents are more likely to own smartphones than children with rich parents. The highest prevalence of 87% smartphone ownership was found in children living in households collected between $50,000 and $90,000, while only 67% of children in households who own smartphones over $150,000 have a smartphone.

Martin suggests that this may reflect the school policies that children attended, in response to a greater awareness of negative headlines about the supposed risks of social media affecting their mental health.

But such a ban — Florida was the first US state to introduce in 2023 — could be in a volatile scientific position, Martin says. “We were careful to emphasize associations rather than causality, but children with smartphones probably use them for social purposes and like many adults,” he says.

However, not all smartphone use is a benefit of dirt. The researchers also found that children who said they were often posted on social media were twice as likely to report sleep problems or symptoms of depression or anxiety compared to people who never use these platforms. That said, the study failed to determine whether increased use of social media has led to mental health and sleep problems, or whether the opposite is true, says Martin.

“We recommend that parents and adults consider protecting their children from the social platforms that their children post frequently, or try to avoid posting on social platforms,” says Martin. “Of course, it’s hard to tell your kids. ‘You can use Instagram. You can use Tiktok, but don’t post it.” ”

Children surveyed are evenly divided on the merits of social media, with 34% agreeing that social media is more harmful than good, 33% disagreeing, and the rest are undecided about the issue.

“This is an attractive study that makes an important distinction, especially between smartphones and social media,” he says. Jess Maddox At the University of Alabama. “These two are synonyms for each other, but this study shows that they are not actually the same.”

“These are truly subtle findings and we hope that parents, educators and politicians will not be banned, but will encourage them to think more about their children’s education on smartphones and social media,” she says.

David Ellis At Bath University in the UK, this work confirms similar findings from previous studies, but understanding more work to understand what the data is directing us before deciding what to do about children’s smartphone use is that “the lack of analysis will strengthen conclusions that are more difficult to justify policy changes.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Former UK Cyber Chief believes it is “unrealistic” to demand Apple to break encryption

Posted on March 25, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Apple withdraws one of its crypto services from its UK customers

Slandstock / Alamy

The former cybersecurity chief called the UK government “naive” for Apple’s request to add a backdoor to its software. This allows the UK Intelligence Agency to search customer data.

Ciaran Martin He is the head of cybersecurity at the UK Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ), and was the first CEO of the National Cybersecurity Centre (NCSC) before joining Oxford University in 2020. New Scientist On reports that the UK government has made an unprecedented request to grant Apple access to data stored anywhere in the world, even if it is encrypted.

Such an order, made under the Investigation Powers Act of 2016, is intended to be made in secret, but Martin says it’s not surprising that details appear to have been leaked. “I think the idea that this type of order for companies like Apple would work secretly was probably naive,” he says.

Neither the Home Office nor Apple has confirmed the existence of requests. However, in February, Apple announced that it would do so. No longer provide advanced data protection servicesIt is designed to securely encrypt cloud data to new users in the UK. “As I’ve said many times before, we’ve never built a backdoor or a master key for our products or services and never would,” Apple said at the time. The same goes for the company Reportedly challenges British orders in legal cases that are likely to be heard secretly.

Martin says that while it’s not uncommon for governments and industries to collide with security issues, he is “not cumbersome, but susceptible to some form of compromise.” He says several times during his career at Intelligence Reporting Agency, technology companies have requested that malicious actors remove features used to harm national security or criminal enterprises. He refused to give details But they often said these are small specialized technology providers.

“They’ll have a new app or something, and it will become a criminal favourite for certain features, and you just say, ‘Look, you can’t do this,'” says Martin. “They are little niche technology, they are widely used. They are more misused than they are used.

At the end of the day, he says, the government must accept that non-crackable encryption will remain here. “The ship sailed,” says Martin. “I think the government has to agree to this in the end, and I think in the long run, I’m trying to force a global Titan. [US] The West Coast is not going well. ”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

The potential reasons behind teenage girls’ higher rates of depression compared to boys

Posted on March 25, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Researchers have discovered that certain chemical imbalances in the brain may help explain the higher risk of depression in teenage girls compared to boys.

They specifically highlighted the role of a chemical called tryptophan, an essential amino acid found in foods like turkey, chicken, eggs, milk, nuts, and seeds. Tryptophan is used by the body to produce serotonin, a brain chemical that influences mood, sleep, and happiness.

When tryptophan is broken down in the brain, it can lead to the production of beneficial chemicals like kynurenic acid, as well as harmful chemicals.

Tryptophan (the molecular structure shown here) is one of the 20 standard amino acids – Photo credit: Getty

A study by scientists from King’s College London analyzed blood and depression symptoms in Brazilian teenagers aged 14-16, linking these chemicals with depression in both genders.

According to Professor Valeria Mondeli, senior author and Kings’ clinical professor of psychoimmune, adolescence is a time of significant changes with little understanding of the biological factors contributing to depression differences between teenage boys and girls.

The researchers found that girls at high risk of depression had lower levels of brain health kynurenic acid compared to low-risk individuals, indicating potential harm from tryptophan breakdown.

Girls and women are twice as likely to experience depression compared to men, and the researchers suggested this may be linked to the unbalanced kynurenine pathway’s effects on the brain.

Dr. Nagum Nickhesrat, the first author of the study, expressed hope that the findings could lead to better support for teenagers with depression, possibly through drugs targeting the kynurenine pathway.

Understanding the kynurenine pathway’s role in depression development during teenage years could provide insight into better management strategies for depression.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Trekking from Cactus to Cloud Route in Palm Springs, California.

Posted on March 25, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

A steep trail near the top Aerial Trams in Palm Springs It was covered with a sponge-like fallen needle and wist-strung pine cone on its ankle. It was also shady, and although it was tough, it felt amazing after the first 7 miles Cloud hiking from cactus Not much was offered bird The value of the remedy of the Leaf.

I was already hiking 7,549 feet vertical feet, and had about 3,000 to get to the top of Mount San Jacinto, a granite rock mountain that towers just west of Palm Springs, California.

For this, I chose the third time from the cactus to the cloud hike, and I chose the day in mid-November, but the conditions were perfect. The 22-mile hike has risen from the desert floor to a 10,834-foot peak, then six miles and 2,400-foot vertical feet, reaching a $14 ride.

I started trekking at an altitude of 482 feet near the Palm Springs Museum Immediately after sunrise At 6:41am, carrying enough water to continue to the first water source, the 8,400-foot ranger station, I packed some jackets to deal with the swing of wild temperatures from bottom to top.

People have many reasons to try cacti on clouds. This is one of the most biodiversity hikes in the country. It is a rare wilderness experience on the edge of an urban area. But more than anything, there is the pure boldness of the hiking. In my previous ascension, each of them was motivated by the idea that, following the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, divorce and completion of treatment for stage 3 breast cancer, I was not sorry for myself by committing myself to this challenge. And what if I made it? Well, that was proof that I could handle anything.

This time my MS was in remission, my marriage was fulfilling, and I had been cancer-free for almost nine years. More than 15 years after the first cactus to the clouds, it was finally about the landscape, not me. I had hidden pocket guides to plants in the San Jacinto Mountains and had planned to take some time to stop the cedars and smell them.

The cloud route from full cactus is only very suitable, but you can also hike that section. Walk one mile from the trailhead to the picnic area and look back. Or take the tram and take the Top Station, then climb the summit on Mount San Jacinto. You can also trek to the top of the tram and then take it on and save the next day’s summit, as you did this time due to sudden leg pain. Each offers you the chance to find eternal views of the Coachella Valley, as well as the Cactus Lens, the Cooper Hawks and the Golden Eagles.

Heart-worthy shapes and smells

Mount San Jacinto is not particularly noticeable, but the difference in altitude from the base to the summit is the case. The mountain rises approximately 10,400 feet over approximately six horizontal miles. This sudden trend explains the unusual species of life of plants passing through four life zones, apart from the roughly climbing equivalent of Mount Everest.

The trail begins between desert species such as barrel cactus and creosote, and then Chaparal, Scrub oak and Manzanita. After that, the pine forests mix together. At the summit, the trees are shorter, collected and included by altitude and elements. Pines on the arms and legsthrives in places that are hardly anywhere else.

“The environment and lifestyle look very different from the top of Mount San Jacinto in the desert of Colorado Sonoran,” he said. Conservation Biology Center A few days before hiking at the University of California, Riverside. But the most interesting is the zones between the zones, she said. “That’s where it is the most biodiversity is.”

Davis was right. Between 7,000 and 8,000 feet, the green smelled a variety of things, resulting in an incredible array of shapes, textures, hues and sizes. It was like hiking a bowl of mixed salad greens: cedar, manzanita, oak, agave Jeffrey Pines Add a butterscotch hint into the air.

The burnt below, the above cold

Conditions that make cactus prominent towards the clouds dangerous. The trail hiker died of dehydration and exposure. “We take one deadly a year,” said volunteer Eric Holden. Riverside Mountain Rescueone of four search and rescue teams to deal with hikers suffering on the route.

To protect both hikers and rescuers, Mount San Jacinto State Park In summer, parts of the route were closed under authority (three digit temperatures at the bottom) and winter (snow and frozen conditions at the top). In 2024, the trail closed in early July and reopened on November 4th.

There is little shade for the first 7,000 feet and no ten miles of water. “One of the biggest killers is a hiker who has come to realize he has no physical fitness and is beginning to turn around,” Holden said. “It might be cool when it started at 3am, but now I’m not feeling well and I’m hiking to temperatures that could go above 100 degrees.”

In winter, snow can make it difficult to track. In particular, at 1,000 feet, 1,000 feet below the top of the tram, hikers are stuck on a cliff. I stayed on the path of this section by following my previous GPS tracks from cactus to cloud hiking.

A challenging “Super Day Hiking”

Backpacker magazine Call the cactus to cloud the hike on the fifth most difficult day in America. Most hikers take 12-16 hours. I tried to entertain myself from the relentless climb by identifying exactly which species of Manzanita was scratching my feet, but it did so much to deflect me. I sat down, sitting on a flat rock 6,000 feet above the trailhead, next to either a pink business or a green leaf manzanita.

At least I was hiking uphill. Most veteran hikers understand that while ascending is a tough job, going downhill is a real punishment. In fact, there are clouds from cactus to clouds. Because much of the descent occurs on the streetcars.

“We were dedicated to hikers and were always looking for challenges,” said Sue Birnbaum, one of the six members of the group. Coachella Valley Hiking Club He was the first person to complete the annual Cactus to Clouds Challenge in 1993.

The challenge linked three existing trails, which are “extraordinary super day hikes.” The Museum, Skyline and Mount San Jacin To Peak Trail go beyond a mixture of local, state and federal land and property owned by the Agua Caliente India reservations, which have been operating since 1963.

Above the world

One paradox of cactus to clouds: better if there are no clouds. They obscure the scenery and sometimes the trail itself. This rise held a different kind of paradox for me too. It was the first time I’d hiked separately on the summit trail, but as I listened to my body and spared my legs, I felt a surge in pride.

Against the Pacific panorama, sparkling Salton Sea, and the peaks of the terrible sacred Takitz, spectacular cauliflower-shaped clouds floated thousands of feet below. At about 90 minutes of sunset, they caught and reflected the shades you can usually see in a mango ice cream scoop.

Despite the warm orange radiating across the sky, the summit was frozen and gusts of wind had collapsed. I was tied up in three jackets containing a hooded, swollen coat and would have happily accepted another. So I wanted as much as I wanted to last longer, and I wanted even more to avoid frostbite.

I headed back from the rocks back onto the trail and turned myself towards the tram and across the cluster of things I had identified. Bush Chin Capin. My pocket guide said the fruit tastes like chestnuts. The next time you do the cactus on the clouds, always stop and try it.

If you’re going

The trail is located just north of the Palm Springs Museum, approximately 6.5 miles from the foot of the tram car. After the hike, you can use ride services such as Uber or Lyft to return to the trailhead parking lot.

Source: www.nytimes.com

The Fungal Pioneer: A Life Exhibition

Posted on March 25, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

On an early summer day of 1876 near Druid Hill Park in Baltimore, a middle-aged woman carrying three large, corrupt mushrooms repelled fellow travelers in horse-drawn carriages.

Even wrapped in paper, the foul smell of the aptly named Stinkhorn mushroom was overwhelming, but the woman suffocated her laughter as two other passengers griped about the surrounding flies. The smell didn’t bother her. All she cared about was to bring specimens home to study them, she would write later.

This is Mary Elizabeth Banning, a self-taught mycologist who has been doing creative research into Maryland fungi for nearly 40 years.

Miss Bunning characterized thousands of specimens she found in the countryside of Baltimore and its surrounding areas, identifying 23 new species in science at the time.

The talented artist has collected these observations into a manuscript called “Maryland Fungi.” It consisted of 175 stunning watercolor paintings, each with an accurate yet intimate portrait of a particular species, as well as detailed scientific explanations and anecdotes about the collection of mushrooms.

The manuscript was Miss Bunning’s life work, and she wanted to see it published. But it ended in the drawers of the New York State Museum in Albany and has been forgotten for almost a century.

Her watercolors make up the backbone Exhibition at the museum It will open this month and will run until January 4th next year. The exhibition, called “Outcasts,” recognizes not only the museum’s Mycology collection, but also the museum’s Mycology Collection, as well as the museum’s Mycology Collection.

Miss Banning is known as the fungus “vegetable exile.” At the time (and throughout 1969) fungi were classified as distinctive plants. Most botanists From the mid-19th century, their research was considered a backwater of research.

It was the exile who banned herself. “She was very much hoping to be part of the science community,” said John Haynes, a museum’s mycology curator until she retired in 2005 and a wide-ranging study of her history. But as a woman living in the 19th century, the path was largely closed to her.

Like her contemporaries like Beatrix Potter, she tried to make her mark in the emerging field of mycology.

One scientist gave her Charles Horton Peck, who worked at the museum as New York’s first national botanist from 1868 to 1913. A prominent American mycologic man, Peck has dedicated most of his career to fungi, gathering over 33,000 specimens in a New York survey, surpassing 2,700 New New Kachiuk reports.

“A lot of the fungi that people recognize from New York and the northeast are what Peck explained,” said Dr. Kaisian.

Miss Banning first wrote Mr. Peck in 1878, seeking feedback on her manuscript. Unlike the other scientists she tried to contact, he wrote back and they responded for nearly 20 years. Her letters are part of which are on display, providing a window into their relationship.

“You are my only friend on the debate land of the Official Gazette,” she wrote to him in 1879. She recorded her collection forays and scientific observations, and conveyed her dreams of the manuscript. “I have a strong will,” she wrote in 1889.

Miss Banning’s letters were often whimsical and passionate. None of Mr. Peck’s letters to her remained, but his tone in the other letters suggested he was much more restrained. Nevertheless, he treated Miss Vanning like a respected colleague – providing her scientific guidance, an account of the species with her support, and even an account of the species named after her. Their scientific bonds could not be denied.

“It’s a love story, but not between them. They both were in love with fungi,” Haynes said. The play he wrote about their relationship from Miss Bunning’s letter will take place at the exhibition’s gallery opening event on April 4th at the museum.

However, the love triangle tends to change particularly sourly. With no visible publishing prospects for her own, Miss Bunning sent her manuscript to Mr. Peck in 1890, hoping that he could publish it. “He would have had the resources to make it a permanent part of the mycologic record,” Dr. Kaisian said. But he never did.

She expressed how difficult it was to let go of her job and asked her to reassure her that she appreciated her contribution to the field, but she was not received that recognition. “In her letter, she seems to have passed away without really understanding the legacy, the value of her work,” Dr. Kaisian said.

In one of her final letters to Mr. Peck in 1897, six years before her death, Miss Bunning lamented the loss of the book as she fell into poverty alone in a room home in Virginia. “I hardly know that I’ve given up on an illustrated book,” she wrote. “To tell you the truth, I want to look at it and call it my own again, but this is by no means.”

“It still brings tears to my eyes,” Dr. Haynes said.

It was originally Dr. Haynes who revealed the manuscript of Miss Bunning.

The eccentric curator showed it to him in 1969 when he visited the museum for a job interview. He recalls being surprised by the colors that were beautifully preserved by the fact that pages had not been opened to sunlight for decades.

He exhibited some of the paintings in 1981, and they were on display several more times, including the birth of Miss Banenning, including Talbot County, Maryland. With the help of this spotlight, Miss Bunning was led to the Maryland Women’s Hall of Fame in 1994. However, since the mid-1990s, the photographs were packed in as pigments decompose quickly in light.

Beyond Miss Bunning’s work, “Outcasts” gives visitors a glimpse into the broader historical background of mycology. “Fungi are extremely important organisms, dating back hundreds of millions of years, they shape the very texture of the Earth,” Dr. Kaisian said. “But their stories are still mystical and often ignored.”

In addition to Miss Bunning’s watercolors and letters, the exhibition includes many other artifacts and experiences. Visitors can explore one of Peck’s microscopes and mushroom specimens, one of the recently collected by Dr. Kaysian, or marvel at the incredibly realistic wax sculpture of New York fungi, created for the museum in 1917 by artist Henri Marchand and his son Paul.

The murals, created by museum artists, show the biology of fungi, their role in ecosystems, and their evolutionary history. Rare Fossils of Prototaxite, a 30-foot-high fungus that lived during the Devonian period about 400 million years ago refers to how much the Earth has changed over time.

Overall, Dr. Kaysian said he hopes the exhibition will demonstrate why such natural history collections deserve public support and preservation.

The 150-year-old specimen, hidden in a cabinet where visitors rarely see scientists, maps the limits of a variety of organisms, both geographically and genetically.

“The Natural History Collection is an active repository for contemporary research,” Dr. Kaisian said. “We need more scientific communication about what’s going on here and why it’s important.”

Source: www.nytimes.com

The Best Foods for a Longer, Healthier Life: Anti-Aging Diet Research Unveiled

Posted on March 25, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Studies spanning three decades on eight popular diets have pinpointed the ones most likely to promote long-term health since the 1970s.

The Alternative Healthy Diet Index (AHEI) diets have shown slightly superior health benefits compared to the planetary health food index, Mediterranean diet, and healthy plant-based diets.

The AHEI diet focuses on increased consumption of vegetables, fruits, legumes, and nuts while limiting other foods like sugary drinks, red and processed meat, salt, and trans fats. Some meat, fish, and dairy products are allowed in moderation.

Other diets studied had similar characteristics but varied in terms of the amount of permissible meat intake for foods like olive oil, fish, and berries.

“This diet provides all the essential nutrients and food varieties necessary for maintaining a healthy life,” stated corresponding author Dr. Marta Guash Fere, an associate professor at the University of Copenhagen in an interview with BBC Science Focus. “It is a widely recognized dietary pattern focused on disease prevention.”

The study’s healthy diet emphasizes plant foods like vegetables, fruits, legumes, and nuts – Credit: Marcos Elif Castillo Ramirez via Getty

The study conducted by Harvard University’s Chan School of Public Health, Copenhagen University, and the University of Montreal analyzed data from over 105,000 middle-aged nurses and healthcare professionals.

Participants completed meal surveys over 30 years which were scored based on their adherence to eight different dietary patterns.

While only 9.3% of participants were categorized as healthy agers, those closest to the AHEI diet were found to be 86% more likely to reach 70 years of age in good health.

These individuals were also over twice as likely to reach 75 years of age in good health compared to those following diets less similar to the AHEI diet.

Healthy aging was defined as reaching 70 years of age with good cognitive, physical, and mental health without major chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

“This research focuses on healthy aging, aiming not just for longevity but for quality of life as well,” explained Guash Ferre. “We are concerned with maintaining overall health in various aspects – physical, cognitive, emotional, and mental.”

The second most effective diet was the Planetary Health Diet Index, promoting both human and environmental health by favoring plant-based diets.

Adherence to any of the eight diets was associated with improved aging, all emphasizing high plant food intake over meat, including vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and legumes.

Though they shared similarities, some diets were variations of the Mediterranean diet focused on longevity, while others were more plant-based or designed for specific purposes like reducing inflammation or safeguarding against cognitive decline.

Guash Ferre noted the intriguing aspect that the diet most conducive to healthy aging includes moderate incorporation of healthy animal-based foods.

She suggested that these proteins might benefit middle-aged and older populations by protecting against conditions like osteoporosis but may not be ideal for younger adults not addressed in the study.

Reduced consumption of ultra-processed foods was linked to improved aging, a finding detailed in Natural Medicine.

Read more:

About our experts:

Dr. Marta Guash Fere is an associate professor at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark and at the Department of Nutrition in Harvard Chan School of Public Health. She holds a PhD in nutritional epidemiology.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

The revolutionary US spaceplane that could reshape space warfare forever

Posted on March 25, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Earlier this month, a mysterious spaceship named X-37B landed at Vandenburg Space Force base near Santa Barbara, California. This experimental project, shrouded in secrecy, has been ongoing for over a decade.

Details about the X-37B and its mission are scarce, but fragments of information have been gradually unveiled over the years, allowing us to piece together the puzzle of what is happening in space.

While the public eye is fixed on the race to the moon by private companies and national space agencies, a more secretive competition is taking place in the background.

The X-37B is just one of many clandestine experiments conducted by countries like the US, Russia, and China. Recent revelations shed light on the features of this mysterious spacecraft and give a glimpse into the future of military space operations.

The X-37B is seen here on the runway after a successful completion of the sixth mission. – Staff Sergeant Adam Shanks / US Space Force

What do you know about the X-37B?

The X-37B, built by Boeing, is a cutting-edge spacecraft born out of NASA’s X-37 program. It embarked on its first flight in 2010 and has since been managed by various US military entities, including the US Space Force.

The US Space Force, established in 2019, recognizes the importance of space in future conflicts and aims to achieve space superiority through operations like space control.

The X-37B, despite not being a weapon itself, plays a crucial role in preparing the US for potential space warfare scenarios. Its capabilities are key in collecting data and testing new technologies in the space domain.

Recent maneuvers like the “aero brake” operation have showcased the agility and versatility of the X-37B, hinting at its potential role in future defense strategies.

While the specifics of the X-37B’s missions remain classified, its significance lies in its contribution to the US military’s readiness for an evolving space landscape.

War in Space: Where does the X-37B fit?

As space becomes increasingly congested with satellites and new technologies, the X-37B’s role in collecting data and testing capabilities is vital for understanding the evolving space environment.

The spacecraft’s ability to operate autonomously and perform complex maneuvers like aero braking sets it apart as a valuable asset in modernizing US space defense strategies.

While countries like China and Russia are also developing secretive space capabilities, the X-37B represents the US’s commitment to maintaining a competitive edge in space while adapting to new threats.

Overall, the X-37B serves as a reminder that space is no longer just a realm of exploration, but a frontier where countries must prepare for defense and strategic advantage.

About our experts

Vivienne Machi: Military space editor at Aviation Week, with a decade of experience covering international military and space technology.

Todd Harrison: Senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute specializing in defense strategy, budget, and space policy.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Why is it difficult to recall memories from the first year of life?

Posted on March 25, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Challenging assumptions about infant memory, a new Yale-led study shows that 12-month-old young infants can code memory. Findings suggest that infant amnesia – the inability to remember the first few years of our lives – is likely caused by impaired memory retrieval, rather than being unable to form memories in the first place.

Yates et al. The mechanical basis of this infant amnesia was investigated by scanning the brains of awake infants with functional magnetic resonance imaging. Image credit: Kang Heungbo.

Despite childhood being a period of rapid learning, memories from this point do not continue to later childhoods or adults.

In general, humans cannot remember events in the first three years of their lives. This is a phenomenon known as infant amnesia.

The reason why grown-up humans have long-standing blind spots in their episode memories during their early childhood remains the puzzle.

One theory suggests that this occurs. This is because the hippocampus, a brain region important for episodic memory, is not fully developed during infancy.

However, rodent studies challenge this idea that memory traces or sculptures are formed in the infant hippocampus, but are inaccessible over time.

In humans, infants exhibit memory through behaviors such as conditioned responses, mimicking, and recognition of familiar stimuli.

However, it remains unclear whether these abilities are dependent on the hippocampus or other brain structures.

“The characteristic of these types of memories we call episode memories is that you can explain them to others, but that’s off the table when you’re dealing with pre-language toddlers.”

For this study, researchers wanted to identify robust methods for testing temporary memory in infants.

Scientists used an approach that showed images of new faces, objects, or scenes in infants between four months and two years.

After that, after the infant saw several other images, they showed the previously seen images next to the new one.

“When the baby sees something previously, when they see it again, they’re hoping to see more of it,” Professor Torque Brown said.

“In this task, if the toddler is staring at a previously seen image more than the new one next to it, it can be interpreted as the baby perceives it as familiar.”

The authors have pioneered methods for performing functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) with awake infants over the past decade (has been historically difficult due to the short attention span and inability to remain stationary).

Specifically, we assessed whether hippocampal activity is related to infant memory strength.

They discovered that the greater hippocampal activity when infants are looking at new images, the longer they see it when the infant reappears later.

The posterior part of the hippocampus (near the back of the head) where encoding activity was most intense, is the same region that is most associated with adult episodic memory.

These findings were true across a sample of 26 infants, but were the strongest among infants over 12 months (half of the sample group).

“This age effect leads to a more complete theory of how the hippocampus develops to support learning and memory,” Professor Torque Brown said.

Previously, the team found that the hippocampus of a 3 month-old young infant exhibits a different type of memory known as statistical learning.

While the memory of the episode deals with certain events, such as sharing Thai meals with out-of-town visitors last night, statistical learning is to extract patterns across events, such as restaurants that look like restaurants, specific dishes found or typical appearances where they are served seated.

These two types of memory use different neuronal pathways in the hippocampus.

And in previous animal studies, researchers have shown that statistical learning pathways seen in the anterior part of the hippocampus develop faster than that of temporary memory.

Therefore, the authors suspected that episodic memories could appear in childhood for about a year or more.

This developmental progression makes sense when thinking about the needs of babies.

“Statistical learning is about extracting the structure of the world around us,” Professor Torque Brown said.

“This is important for the development of language, vision, concepts, etc., and so I understand why statistical learning is played faster than episodic memory.”

Still, new research shows that episode memories can be encoded by the hippocampus earlier than previously thought, long before the earliest memories that can be reported as adults. So what about these memories?

“There are a few possibilities,” Professor Torque Brown said.

“One thing is that it simply doesn’t last long because memory may not be converted into long-term storage.”

“The other thing is that memories are still there long after encoding and we don’t have access to them.”

“And we think that might be the latter.”

“In our ongoing work, we test whether toddlers, toddlers and children remember home videos taken from the perspective of (young) babies.

“The new findings provide important connections.”

“Human work is significantly compatible with recent animal evidence that infant amnesia is a problem of recovery.”

“We are beginning to track the durability of hippocampal memory throughout childhood and entertain the possibilities of radical science fiction.

study Published in the journal Science.

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Tristan S. Yates et al. 2025. Hippocampal encoding of human infant memory. Science 387 (6740): 1316-1320; doi: 10.1126/science.adt7570

Source: www.sci.news

Anomalies in the Universe: Massive spiral galaxies expel enormous pairs of relativistic jets

Posted on March 25, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

2MASX J23453268-0449256 (J2345-0449 for short), a very huge, rapidly spinning, jet lag spiral galaxy with approximately 947 million light years in the Aquarius constellation, a mass of billions of people billions that are billions of times the sun’s, and mounted on a massive radio jet spanning six million light years. This is one of the largest known in any spiral galaxy, and such powerful jets are almost exclusively found in elliptical galaxies rather than spiral, thus covering the conventional wisdom of galaxies’ evolution. It also means that the Milky Way can potentially create similar energetic jets in the future.

This image shows the Spiral Galaxy 2Masx J23453268-0449256 and its huge radio jet. Image credit: Bagchi et al. /Giant Metrure Lave Radio Telescope.

“This discovery is more than just weird. It forces us to rethink the evolution of galaxies and how super-large black holes grow and shape the environment within them,” said Professor Joydeep Baguch of Christ University.

“If spiral galaxies can not only survive, but also thrive under such extreme conditions, what does this mean for the future of our own Milky Way galaxies?”

“Can our Galaxy experience similar high-energy phenomena that have serious consequences for the survival of precious lives within it?”

In a new study, astronomers have unraveled the structure and evolution of the Spiral Galaxy J2345-0449, three times the size of the Milky Way.

Using observations from NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope, Giant Metruh Rave Radio Telescope, Atacama’s Large Millimeter/Sub-Millimeter Array (ALMA), and multi-wavelength analysis, we detected the giant ultrafine black holes of its mind and radio jets in the largest radio jets by creating rare galaxies.

Traditionally, scientists believed that such huge, superimpression violent activities would destroy the delicate structures of spiral galaxies.

But for all possibilities, J2345-0449 retains its quiet nature with a well-defined spiral arm, bright nuclear bars and an uninterrupted ring of stars.

In addition to enigma, the galaxy is surrounded by vast halos of hot x-ray exhaust, providing important insights into its history.

This halo cools slowly over time, but the black hole jets act like space furnaces, preventing new star formation despite the abundant star-building materials present.

The authors also found that J2345-0449 contains 10 times the dark matter as the Milky Way.

“Understanding these rare galaxies could provide important clues about the invisible forces that govern the universe, such as the nature of dark matter, the long-term fate of the galaxy, and the origin of life,” says Ph.D. A student at the University of Christ.

“In the end, this research brings us one step closer to solving the mystery of the Cosmos and reminds us that the universe holds surprise beyond our imagination.”

Survey results It was published in Monthly Notices from the Royal Astronomical Society.

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Joydeep Bagchi et al. 2025. Announcing bulge disk structures, AGN feedback and baryon landscapes in a large helical galaxy with MPC-scale radio jets. mnras 538(3): 1628-1652; doi: 10.1093/mnras/staf229

Source: www.sci.news

New species of Miyashita found in China: Darwinopterus camposi

Posted on March 25, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

A new species of the turmeric gopterid pterosaur Darwinopterus It is identified from the almost complete skeleton found in West Riaon, China.

Impressions of the artist Darwinopterus camposi. Image credits: Maurilio Oliveira / Institute of Vertebrate Apleontology and Apeoanthrogology, Chinese Academy of Sciences.

The newly discovered species lived in what is now China in the mid-Jurassic period, about 160 million years ago.

This flying reptile is a member of the genus Darwinopterus internal Turmericthe important Pterosaur group of Yanliao Biota.

It has been named Darwinopterus camposithe species estimated wingspan was 75 cm (30 inches).

“China has been a hot spot for Pterosaur’s research for quite some time, presenting new discoveries that have encouraged the study of these extinct flight reptiles,” said Dr. Xin Cheng, a paleontologist at Jilling University and Dr. Xin Cheng, a paleontologist at the Nanjing Institute at Geology and Palaeontology.

“New areas have been reported, and many species have been discovered in the West over the past decade, some showing close connections with faunas from other continents.”

“One of the most interesting findings is a specimen called the Biota of Yangliao. Although it was distributed in about the same region as Jehoru’s biota, it is considered to be the middle to late Jurassic of age.”

“Perhaps the most prominent pterosaur in Yangliao’s biota is the Turmeric Gopteridae, which shows a combination of features of non-ocular oxygen and ocular pterosaurs.”

“So far, three genera and five species have been listed. wukongopterus lii, Darwinopterus modularis, Darwinopterus linglongtaensis, Darwinopterus robustodensand Kunpengopterus sinensisan unknown turmeric gopteride specimen. ”

“All these specimens were collected from the center of the Jurassic Tierjisian Formation in Lingonta, Zianchang Province, from the top to the top.”

“Potential members of this clade have been discovered in Europe, except for materials from China.”

Holotype of Darwinopterus camposi. Image credits: Chen et al. , doi: 10.1590/0001-3765202520240707.

Holotype specimen of Darwinopterus camposi It was found in a grey grey shale slab from the same tierage.

“The specimen consists of almost complete skeletons with a skull and mandible, including several displaced cervical vertebrae, posterior vertebrae, sacral vertebrae, anterior tail, anterior caudal, partial thoracic girdle and all the forelimbs from both sides, paleontologists said.

According to the author, Darwinopterus camposi Provides new information about the Wukongopteridae group.

” Among the main features that differ from other turmeric gopterides are the summit of the mushisari, which exhibits a completely distinct straight dorsal edge and a smooth outer surface, teeth counts, and short fourth wing phalanx compared to the first,” they said.

“Holotype skull Darwinopterus camposi Some cranial elements show that they are fused only at very late stages during ontogeny. ”

“To better understand the ontogeny of the species that make up this interesting pterosaur clade, we need to take a closer look at the fusion of more specimens and bones.”

a paper About discoveries of Darwinopterus camposi Published in the journal Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências.

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X.Chen et al. 2025. New species of Darwinopterus (Wukongopteridae, Pterosauria) New information from the West from the West provides some new information regarding the ontogeny of this clade. Acad Bras Cienc 97:e20240707; doi:10.1590/0001-3765202520240707

Source: www.sci.news

Susan Monares is Nominated to Lead the CDC by Trump

Posted on March 25, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

President Trump has selected Susan Monares, the acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to permanently lead the agency.

Replacing his initial choice, Dr. Dave Weldon, the president nominated infectious disease researcher Dr. Monares for the position, making her the first non-physician to lead the agency in over 50 years if confirmed by the Senate.

In an article for The Truth Society, President Trump explained that the CDC’s loss of trust was due to political bias and mismanagement, and expressed confidence that Dr. Monares, along with health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., would address the current disease outbreak and restore agency accountability.

Trump praised Dr. Monares as an exceptional mother and dedicated civil servant, underscoring her understanding of the importance of safeguarding children, communities, and the future.

Dr. Monares, who assumed the role of acting director shortly after Trump’s inauguration in January, previously served as the deputy director of a new federal biomedical research institute established during the Biden administration.

Initially expected to hold the position until Dr. Weldon’s confirmation, Dr. Monares now stands as Trump’s nominee after the withdrawal of Dr. Weldon, who reportedly failed to impress Senate Republicans with his plans.

Dr. Monares’ expertise in biosecurity, including her endorsement of the Covid vaccine, may signal a shift in attitudes toward anti-vaccine sentiments, differentiating her from Dr. Weldon, who raised concerns within the medical community.

Dr. George Benjamin, executive director of the American Public Health Association, commended Dr. Monares as a respected infectious disease expert with solid research credentials and a keen understanding of the role of public health in government.

While praised for her expertise, Dr. Monares faces criticism for her absence at the CDC’s headquarters in Atlanta, with concerns raised by employees regarding communication and agency operations.

Allegedly, the comment section on the agency’s internal website was removed after staff expressed a desire for more engagement from Dr. Monares, who reportedly follows presidential directives with minimal input from agency directors.

Reportedly serving as a conduit for directives from the White House and the Department of Health and Human Services, Dr. Monares has been involved in agency cost-cutting efforts and compliance with Trump administration orders.

During directives to remove specific content from CDC websites under the Trump administration, Dr. Monares allegedly complied without resistance or efforts to preserve valuable data.

Source: www.nytimes.com

The “Juliana” climate case denied appeal by Supreme Court

Posted on March 25, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The Supreme Court on Monday concluded its 10-year journey through the court, refusing to hear appeals in a groundbreaking climate case brought to the federal government by 21 young people.

However, the case provided a blueprint for many other climate-related lawsuits that have achieved greater success.

Juliana v. the United States alleged that the government violated the plaintiffs’ constitutional rights with policies that encourage the use of fossil fuels. However, it was dismissed by the U.S. Court of Appeals in the Ninth Circuit, and the judge ruled that the court was not the right place to deal with climate change.

“In fact, the impressive case of plaintiff relief must be presented to the political sector of the government,” wrote Judge Andrew D. Harwitz. Opinions for 2020.

The nonprofit law firm in Eugene, Oregon, which represents the plaintiffs, filed the final legal gambit in a lawsuit last year. Last year, she threw the Supreme Court’s decision back on the Court of Appeals and asked Juliana to go to trial in a lower court. The petition was rejected Monday.

Some observers also thought it was risky to ask the Supreme Court to consider appeals, given concerns that conservative courts might use the case to abandon long-standing environmental protections.

The plaintiff in the case is Kelsey Cascadia Rose Juliana, a now 29-year-old Oregon teacher, the environmentalist and longtime climate activist daughter. The story of how she became involved in the lawsuit was documented in the documentary “Youthv. Gov.”

Juliana’s legal framework has since been replicated in numerous lawsuits and legal actions across the country. And last year, our child’s trust, which submitted many cases, recorded two notable victories.

The group has reached a settlement between Navahine v. Hawaii Department. There, the state agreed to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide, the major greenhouse gas that warms the planet from its transport system within 20 years. And that’s a hold v. We won in Montana. There, the judge ruled that the state must consider climate change when approving a fossil fuel project. The Court of Appeals upheld the decision in December.

The plaintiff named in that case led to the decision to take part in the case as 23-year-old Ricky grew up on a cattle ranch in Montana and saw the effects of climate change firsthand. She is currently a science educator through the Peace Corps of Kenya.

On Monday, she said the Juliana incident paved the way for her. “Juliana left an indelible mark on the climate lawsuit landscape through the unwavering dedication of the plaintiffs and legal team,” she said.

Julia Olson, founder of Our Children’s Trust, had asked the Biden administration to discuss the settlement in the Juliana case. She said on Monday that Juliana “littles a legal movement.”

However, Justice Department lawyers argued that the court was not set up correctly to address climate change as judges were unable to order or enforce “viable relief” on the matter.

Some experts also raised concerns about the organization’s strategy in the Supreme Court, focusing on the risk that a conservative vast majority of courts could adopt Juliana’s case as a way to rethink legal precedents that will take root in environmental protection.

In an interview last year, Vermont law and graduate environmental law expert Patrick Derprue said: “If you need an answer to this question, you probably don’t like the answer you’re trying to get.”

However, he added that he still praises the efforts of the youth and their lawyers.

Olson said environmentalists should not move away from the courts. “If we don’t show up, don’t advance our claims, don’t shed light on injustice, then other forces will always win,” she said.

Source: www.nytimes.com

Proxima Centauri exhibits intense flare activity and recent Alma observations reveal new insights

Posted on March 24, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

While Proxima Centauri’s flaring activity is well known to astronomers using visible wavelengths, new observations on Atacama’s massive millimeter/sub-millimeter arrays (ALMAs) highlight the extreme activity of stars at radio and millimeter wavelengths.

The concept of violent star flare artists from Proxima Centauri. Image credit: S. Dagnello, nrao/aui/nsf.

Proxima Centauri is a red star, about 4.24 light years away from the constellation of Centaurus.

Discovered in 1915 by Scottish astronomer Robert Innes, the star is invisible to the naked eye.

Its average luminosity is very low, very small compared to other stars, only about one eighth of the mass of the sun.

Proxima Centauri is also known as the Alpha Centauri C, as it is actually part of the Triple Star system.

The separation of the stars from their larger companions, Alpha Centauri A and B, is about 0.2 light-years, equivalent to 400 times the orbit of Neptune.

Proxima Centauri hosts the terrestrial exoplanet Proxima B in a habitable zone of 0.0485 Au.

The stars are well-established as highly active stars and are the primary targets for investigating the effects of star activity on the habitability of planets orbiting Red War.

In the new study, astronomer Kiana Burton at the University of Colorado and astronomer Meredith McGregor at Johns Hopkins University, and colleagues used archival data and new Alma observations to study millimeter-wavelength flare activity.

The small size and strong magnetic field of the Proxima Centauri show that its entire internal structure is convection (unlike the sun, which has both convective and non-reliable layers).

The magnetic field will twist and develop tension, and eventually snap, sending energy and particle flow outwards to what is observed as flares.

“Our solar activity does not remove the Earth’s atmosphere and instead creates beautiful auroras because it has a thick atmosphere and a strong magnetic field to protect the planets,” Dr. McGregor said.

“But we know that Proxima Centauri’s flares are much stronger and there are rocky planets in their habitable zones.”

“What are these flares doing to their atmosphere? Are there any large fluxes of radiation and particles that are chemically altered or perhaps completely eroding at the atmosphere?”

This study represents the first multi-wavelength study using millimeter observations to reveal a new appearance in flare physics.

A total of 463 flare events were reported with 50 hours of ALMA observations using both the full 12-meter array and the 7-M Atacama Compact Array (ACA).^{twenty four} On 10²⁷ ERG, and a short period of 3-16 seconds.

“When you see the flare with Alma, you see electromagnetic radiation, that is, light of various wavelengths,” Dr. McGregor said.

“But this radio-wavelength flaring also gives us a way to track the properties of those particles and understand what is free from the stars.”

To this end, astronomers characterized the stars (so-called flare frequency distribution) and mapped the number of flares as a function of energy.

Typically, the gradient of this distribution tends to follow the power law function. More frequent (lower energy) flares occur more frequently, but larger, more energy flares do not occur regularly.

Proxima Centauri experiences so many flares, researchers have detected many flares within each energy range.

Furthermore, they were able to quantify the asymmetry of the highest energy flares of stars, explaining how the attenuation phase of the flare is much longer than the initial burst phase.

Radio and millimeter wavelength observations help to constrain the energy associated with these flares and their associated particles.

“Millimeter flares look much more frequent,” Dr. McGregor said.

“It’s a different power law than what you see at optical wavelengths.”

“Looking only at the optical wavelengths is missing important information.”

“The Alma is the only millimeter interferometer that is sensitive enough to these measurements.”

Team’s Survey results It was published in Astrophysical Journal.

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Kiana Burton et al. 2025. Proxima Centauri Campaign – First constraint on millimeter flare rate from Alma. APJ 982, 43; doi:10.3847/1538-4357/ada5f2

Source: www.sci.news

Hubble’s Spectacular Images of NGC 5530

Posted on March 24, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

NASA has released a beautiful new image snapped by the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope on the “flocculent” Spiral Galaxy NGC 5530.

This Hubble image shows the NGC 5530, a spiral galaxy about 40 million light years away in the constellation of Lupus. Image credits: NASA/ESA/Hubble/D. Thilker.

NGC 5530 It is about 40 million light years away from the constellation of Lupus.

Also known as the IRAS 14152-4309 or ESO-LV 272-0030, this Galaxy has a diameter of approximately 60,000 light years.

First discovered by British astronomer John Herschel on April 7, 1837, the NGC 5530 is a key member of the NGC 5643 Galaxy Group.

“NGC 5530 is classified as a “coheterogeneous” spiral. This means that the spiral arm is patchy and obscure,” the statement said.

“Some galaxies have very bright centers that host ultra-high Massive black holes of feasts, but the bright source near the centre of NGC 5530 is not an active black hole, but a star
within our own galaxy, which is only 10,000 light years from Earth.”

“This chance alignment gives the star the appearance of the dense mind of the NGC 5530.”

2007, a labeled supernova event SN 2007it It occurred in this galaxy.

“If you had pointed to a backyard telescope on the NGC 5530 on the evening of September 13, 2007, you would have seen another bright spot of light adorned the galaxy,” the astronomer said.

“That night, Australian amateur astronomer Robert Evans discovered a supernova named SN 2007it by comparing the appearance of the NGC 5530 with a reference photograph of the galaxy from a telescope.”

“It’s worth noting that even one supernova can be discovered using this painstaking method, but Evans has actually discovered over 40 supernovaes like this.”

“This particular discovery was truly a coincidence. It is possible that light from the supernova completed its 40 million year journey to Earth a few days before the explosion was discovered.”

The color image of the NGC 5530 is Hubble Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3) UV, near-infrared, and optical parts of the spectrum.

The image is based on data obtained through five filters. Colors are attributed to assigning different hue to each monochromatic image associated with an individual filter.

Source: www.sci.news

What is the Formation Process of Super Jupiter?

Posted on March 24, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

scientist First discovered outside our solar systemcalled Planet1990s. Since then, scientists have found some strange systems. Turn robing from the first recorded exoplanet Neutron Star Jupiter-sized Exoplanet brings host stars into orbit Puts the sun in orbit nearly 20 times more than the Earthastronomers continue to find distant planetary systems that look very different from ours. It is a relatively easy exoplanet to find for astronomers. The gas giant is more than twice the mass of Jupiter, or more than 600 times the mass of Earth. Super Jupiter.

Astronomers have proposed two hypotheses on how some exoplanets can make this bigger. The first is that they form this size or grow from the gas and dust around the star’s first surroundings. Protoplanetary disc. The second is that it arises from collisions between two or more small gas giants. Scientists acknowledge that these hypotheses are not mutually exclusive, so some superjupiters can begin their size, while others can be formed by conflict.

However, scientists also say that the larger the Super Jupiter, the longer the longer, or Eccentric The formation mechanism should explain this observation, as its trajectory tends to be. They all agree that there is an answer to how planets interact. Collision advocates point out that hypothetical conflicts can distort Super Jupiter’s trajectory. Supporters of the high early mass say that gravitational pull from adjacent planets can also distort Super Jupiter’s orbit.

A team of astronomers recently tested these hypotheses on the Xplanet TOI-2145B and its host star TOI-2145. This exoplanet has a mass of about six times the mass of Jupiter and more than 1800 times the mass of Earth. They used accurate and detailed data collected by previous researchers from multiple sources. These included observations of the period, width, and distance from the star of the exporanet orbit. Passing an exoplanet survey satellite or Tess, and its mass and orbital eccentricity from Keck Observatory. High resolution Echelle spectrometer Or hire. This team collected their own data using Wiyn Telescope To enhance previous existing recruitment data. All the information was then combined to create a complete image of the stellar, orbital, and planetary properties of this system.

They discovered that TO-2145 stars are about 1.7 times the mass of the Sun, exceeding 1.5 billion years. Its exoplanet orbital is the Earth orbiting the Sun at a distance of over 1/10, causing a complete revolution in about 10 days, with a highly distorted orbit with an eccentricity of 0.2. For reference, Venus orbitalmost perfect circle and has an eccentricity of 0.007. Furthermore, the TOI-2145B’s trajectory is roughly aligned with the host star, with an axial tilt of approximately 7.o. For reference, the Earth has an axial tilt of 23.5othat causes our seasons. They also discovered that the system did not have any other measurable ex-man or nearby stars that could destroy the orbit of TOI-2145B.

The next step for astronomers was to use mathematical simulations to see if they could replicate a Super Jupiter with similar properties to the TOI2145B. Collision dynamics code was used rebound It models how a planetary system with a protranetary disc of a particular size and four starting planets has changed over 10 million years. They changed several parameters into the simulation, including the total mass of the four planets, how the masses were distributed between the planets, how far they were from each other, and the mass of the disc. They have the results of a few dozen simulations. Gaia Archives Check if you can replicate general trends in the Super Jupiter system.

To test the origin hypothesis of Super Jupiter, astronomers used simulations of relatively low protranetary disc masses to represent systems grown through collisions, and systems launched by Super Jupiter on a large scale using simulations of relatively high protranetary disc masses to represent systems started by Super Jupiter on a large scale. They found that the simulated Super Jupiter was consistently similar to the TOI2145B in terms of orbital size and eccentricity, whether the protranetary disc mass is high or low. However, their low-disk mass collision simulations replicated the trends of high-mass planets with more eccentric orbits, but at first, higher-disk mass simulations did not.

The team concluded that Super Jupiter is likely to originate from interplanetary collisions. However, they acknowledged that it is certainly possible for some exoplanets to begin their own lives several times larger than Jupiter.

Post view: 59

Source: sciworthy.com

Insights from Kat, the Lost-Pet Detective

Posted on March 24, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

In 1996, Kat Albrecht was a police officer and bloodhound handler in Santa Cruz, California. Her dog, AJ, is part of many search and rescue operations, sniffing and finding people lost in the woods.

However, when AJ escaped from Albrecht’s garden, there was no team of expert animal rescuers to rely on. There she sought help from her own chasing dog, a friend who had a golden retriever named Kea. “I knew that Care knew that he would ‘s smell this pillowcase and follow the scent of this missing person’,” recalls Albrecht. “Does she understand, ‘Stop this smelling blanket and find my smelly bloodhound?”

Within 20 minutes, Care spotted AJ relaxing on a stranger’s pouch. For Albrecht, it was a turning point. “We have all sorts of detection dogs: drug detection, bomb detection, termite detection,” she said. “Why don’t you have cat detection dogs? Why don’t we train dogs to follow the scent of lost dogs?”

Albrecht decided to do that, forged an unlikely career as a lost pet detective. Along the way, she worked with researchers to study the behavior of missing cats and set up a Missing Animal Reaction Network. She is no longer looking for a lost pet, but trains others to follow in her footsteps.

Albrecht spoke with the New York Times about her work. This conversation is condensed and edited for clarity.

What strategies and techniques do you use to find a missing pet?

One of the most basic things is the analysis of Lost-PET behavior. Dogs and cats are like apples and oranges. When lost, they behave differently from each other.

Cats hide when they are afraid, sick or injured. And it is often within their territory – one of your garden or your neighbor’s gardens. It’s fine to post a missing cat online, but you’ll need to get permission from your neighbor to go to the yard for a slow, orderly search. That’s because it has been shown to be researching what cats are most likely. They are close, but they are silent and hidden.

Another technique and tactic is the use of cat detection dogs. I choose a dog who wants to get a kitten but never “get” a kitten. You can share the story about one of these recovery. The handler’s name was Karen and her dog’s name was Hello. A skittish cat inside was running away. Hello is tracked from Escape Point to the neighbor’s house, then there is a cat under this deck.

When the owner raw her house, she couldn’t see the cat. However, Karen was very confident in her dog. She said, “My dog claims that there is a cat here.” So the owner was even raw behind her, and she found the cat.

Is there a risk that a skittish cat will be scared of the dog and hide deeper?

That’s exactly what the taste did. He went back further beneath the house. When Karen finds out that the cat is under the deck, she puts Hello in the car. So, yeah, there’s a risk. However, the ability of a dog to say that there is a cat under this house or that there is a cat in this tree pile is a very important clue.

Please back it up. Many people think that search dogs are the answer to finding missing pets. It’s one tool. Cameras are used to monitor traps and feeding stations. It also uses an amplified listening device. It’s innovative to see what technology is there.

How do missing dogs tend to differ from cats’ behavior?

There were cases where dogs were hiding, just like when fireworks were on. However, in general, dogs run.

What’s interesting about dogs is that their recovery is more dependent on people’s actions. When people see this dog running down the sidewalk, do they think this is a lost dog?

A dog found in a rural area – people assume it was abandoned. They are unaware that the dog may have escaped from his home or been involved in a rollover car accident. So even if there is an ID tag, they don’t call the number there because they think that if the owner cares about this dog they won’t loosen it.

What should people do if a dog goes missing?

You have to go out there and broadcast it. So you do things like posting on Facebook, making big neon posters, and more. There are five or more 5 plus 55 rules. If you are traveling 55 miles per hour, I would like to use five words that can be read in 5 seconds. For example, “Lost black poodle, blue colour.” And you place these at the main intersection.

You also need to physically search for your property. Because there have been so many cases in which owners think the dog is missing and the dog is right there.

Any other advice for pet owners?

It is the process of collecting a missing dog or missing cat. Don’t give up immediately.

Source: www.nytimes.com

I’ve Given Up Trying to Solve the Mystery of Your “Baby Amnesia”

Posted on March 23, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Many adults do not remember being a baby, with the earliest memories typically beginning around the age of four. The scientific community has long attributed this phenomenon, known as “infant amnesia,” to the ongoing development of the hippocampus, the brain region responsible for memory.

However, recent research from Yale University challenges this theory, suggesting that babies do form memories that are stored in the hippocampus, raising questions about why these memories are not accessible later in life.

“This study has significant implications for understanding infant amnesia,” said Professor Nick Turk Brown, the senior author of the study. “It suggests that the issue may lie in accessing stored memories rather than the inability to form memories initially.”

The study involved scanning the brains of babies aged between four months and two years and testing their ability to remember images. The results indicated that babies do retain memories, particularly in the hippocampus.

https://c02.purpledshub.com/uploads/sites/41/2025/03/Compressed-Baby-Amnesia-Video.m4v

A brief overview of the memory tasks conducted during a brain scan on babies, demonstrating the background, encoding trials, and test trials.

Exploring Different Types of Memory

The study specifically investigated episodic memory, which involves recalling specific events like conversations or outings. This type of memory is distinct from semantic memory, which involves learning over time, such as language acquisition.

Prior research had shown that both types of memory are stored in the adult hippocampus, challenging previous beliefs about its functionality in early childhood.

“We now know that the infant hippocampus is engaged in statistical learning as early as three months,” explained Turk Brown. This research aimed to determine whether this also applies to episodic memory.

Scanning Baby Brains in Motion

Conducting functional MRI scans on babies has been challenging due to their limited ability to remain still during the procedure. However, innovative methods have been developed to overcome these obstacles and study how baby memories are formed.

“Being able to conduct MRI experiments on infants is a significant achievement in unraveling the mysteries of early memories and cognition,” Turk Brown expressed.

Nick Turk-Browne (left) preparing child participants and parents for an infant MRI study at Yale University’s Brain Imaging Center. Credits: 160/90

Unraveling the Mystery of Early Memories

Researchers are now focused on understanding where early memories go and how long they last in the brain. By studying how memories are stored and accessed, scientists hope to shed light on the process of memory formation in infancy.

“There is a possibility that memories from early childhood can persist into adulthood if properly cued,” speculated Turk Brown. He emphasized the role of sensory cues like smells in triggering forgotten memories.

“By finding effective ways to trigger early memories, we may be able to unlock the mysteries of infant amnesia and uncover the full potential of the developing brain,” Turk Brown concluded.

Read more:

Meet Our Expert:

Professor Nick Turk Brown is a cognitive psychologist at Yale University and the director of Yale’s Wootsy Institute. With a background in Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence, Turk Brown has dedicated his career to understanding memory and cognition in both children and adults.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Big mistake found in large-scale insect research

Posted on March 23, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

French scientist Lawrence Gorm and Marion Deskill bet initially expressed concerns about the new international insect decline database. The database indicated an increase in some insect species, contrary to previous research findings that showed a decrease in insect biodiversity.

Upon further investigation, they discovered errors in the database that highlighted the challenges in measuring biodiversity accurately. This led to discussions on the validity of scientific discoveries and the importance of ongoing debate in the scientific community.

Over 1 million insects discovered by scientists – Photo credit: Getty

The database, called Insects, merged various datasets and was analyzed by scientists from Germany, Russia, and America. The analysis revealed that while land insects were declining, freshwater insects were thriving, indicating a more nuanced understanding of insect population trends compared to prior research.

However, some scholars raised concerns about the accuracy of the database, with more than 60 scientists publishing a letter expressing their reservations about the findings.

The team behind the database acknowledged the issues and began working on corrections to improve the accuracy of the data. Although Gaume and Desquilbet were invited to collaborate on the project, they declined, emphasizing the importance of addressing methodological and statistical errors in scientific research.

Hopping to conclusions

One of the main concerns raised by Gaume and Desquilbet was the inclusion of different types of data units and the manipulation of natural habitats in the dataset. These factors contributed to inaccuracies in measuring insect population trends.

The Insectchange team, led by Roel Van Klink, recognized the need for improvements and committed to releasing an updated version of the database with the necessary corrections.

While controversies around the database continue, scientists like Manu Sanders emphasize the importance of ongoing debate and scrutiny in scientific research. Science is a process of continuous refinement and correction, where discussion and collaboration are essential for producing reliable results.

About our experts

Lawrence Gorm: Insect ecologist at the University of Montpellier, focusing on insect-plant interactions and biodiversity conservation.

Marion Deskill bet: Environmental economist at the Toulouse School of Economics, specializing in ecological economics and biodiversity policies.

Roel Van Klink: Ecologist at the German Center for Integrated Biodiversity Research, with expertise in insect population trends and biodiversity datasets.

Manu Sanders: Ecologist at the University of New England in Australia, researching insect conservation, ecosystem services, and scientific communication.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

The Fallacy of Depression: Exploring the Complexities Beyond Just Chemical Imbalances

Posted on March 23, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The prevailing belief regarding the cause of depression in the brain is centered around some form of chemical imbalance. Pharmaceutical companies often claim in their marketing that antidepressants work by addressing this imbalance. This notion was also embraced by mental health activists aiming to demonstrate that depression isn’t uniform across all individuals, but rather has a “real” biological root.

While many antidepressants do impact various chemical levels in the brain, particularly neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, noradrenaline, and glutamic acid, most experts now acknowledge that attributing depression to chemical imbalances is an oversimplified view.

The absence of a standard for defining the “correct” levels further complicates this theory. A significant review of literature published in 2023 has even asserted that there is insufficient evidence supporting a biochemical foundation for depression. While this review generated controversy, some critics argue it’s a far-reaching claim.

Other aspects of brain function also seem to influence a person’s susceptibility to depression and its onset. For instance, overactivation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis has been implicated in this condition. The HPA axis is a network of brain regions responsible for regulating responses to stress.

Several studies have indicated a complex relationship between biochemistry and depression. – Credit: Mary Long

Individuals with depression often exhibit an overactive HPA axis, potentially stemming from early life stress, and show elevated cortisol levels. Dysfunction in the HPA axis can also disrupt levels of other mood-related brain chemicals like serotonin.

Additionally, signs of dysfunction in the brain’s immune system are linked to depression. People with depression tend to have increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines in both the body and brain, with neuroinflammation posing a risk factor for depression.

There is evidence suggesting that stressful experiences can trigger this immune dysfunction, contributing to a higher risk of developing depression.

It’s evident that there isn’t a single cause of depression in the brain, but rather a complex interplay of factors. One plausible framework is the idea that depression results from a lack of neuroplasticity. Chronic stress and trauma seem to diminish the brain’s adaptability, leading to a negative bias in memory and thought processes.

Factors like altered brain chemicals, an overactive HPA axis, and neuroinflammation can all contribute to this inflexible state. Various treatments such as antidepressants, brain stimulation, therapy, and exercise can enhance neuroplasticity by promoting new neuron growth and better communication between pleasure and reward centers in the brain.

This article addresses the query “What actually causes brain depression?” from Chloe Reynolds in Bath.

Please send your questions via email to questions@sciencefocus.comor connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram (please include your name and location).

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

When will the clock change to UK 2025 and why is the move forward happening?

Posted on March 23, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

British Summer Time (BST) is back in England, meaning the clocks are about to move forward by one hour. But when exactly will this change happen in the UK in 2025? And why do we shift time twice a year?

When will the clocks change in 2025?

In the UK, the clocks will spring forward on Sunday, March 30th, 2025 at 1am, meaning the official time will instantly become 2am.

What does this mean practically? Evening sunlight will last longer – London’s sunset will shift from around 6:29pm on Saturday to 7:30pm on Sunday.

Then, in a different direction, the clocks will fall back on October 27, 2024, giving us an extra hour in bed. However, on this occasion, that extra hour will not be granted.

British Summer Time will remain until Sunday, October 26th, 2025, when we will revert back to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

Most devices nowadays automatically adjust for daylight saving time, but you might need to manually change older clocks and appliances.

Will the clocks go forward in March or will they fall back?

In March, the clocks will move forward – we lose an hour of sleep but gain longer evenings.

In October, the clocks will fall back, giving us extra time in bed and marking the return to shorter daylight hours. The phrase “Spring forward, fall back” is a handy way to remember this.

read more:

Why do we move the clocks forward?

While the concept may not have scientific roots, daylight saving time serves a practical purpose of maximizing the use of daylight during the summer months.

By moving the clocks forward, we extend daylight into the evening, which is beneficial for activities like evening walks, sports, and finishing work in daylight. This system is also used in parts of the Southern Hemisphere to align with the summer season.

Where did daylight saving time originate?

This idea is often credited to George Hudson, an insect enthusiast from New Zealand. He proposed the idea in 1895 to shift the clocks for more evening sunlight.

Germany was the first country to officially implement daylight saving time in 1916 during World War I. The UK followed suit shortly after, along with other countries involved in the conflict.

Why do some people want to stop changing the clocks?

Critics argue that daylight saving time can have negative effects including sleep disruptions, increased risk of heart attacks, and confusion in daily routines, especially for teenagers.

Disrupting morning sunlight can interfere with the body’s internal clock, affecting mood and alertness. Some believe that with more flexible working patterns and 24-hour lifestyles, daylight saving time is becoming less relevant.

Do all countries follow daylight saving time?

Of the 195 countries worldwide, only about 70 observe daylight saving time, and many are reconsidering its necessity. Equatorial countries tend to skip daylight saving time as they receive consistent sunlight throughout the year.

In Europe, the European Parliament proposed abolishing biannual clock changes in 2019, but the decision has yet to be finalized. For now, European countries continue to align their clocks with the UK.

Some research stations in Antarctica alternate between GMT and Central European Summer Time, making their timekeeping quite unusual.

How to adjust to clock changes?

To minimize the impact of losing an hour, consider adjusting your bedtime gradually leading up to the time change. Getting natural light early in the morning and staying active can help reset your internal clock.

If you have young children or pets, be prepared for disruptions in their routines. To learn more about minimizing the health impact of daylight saving time changes, check out expert tips on how to cope.

read more:

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Unearthing Puzzling Skeletons: How They Could Change the Narrative of Our Pyramids

Posted on March 23, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Throughout history, it was believed that only the elite were buried in the pyramids. Recent discoveries of ancient skeletons, however, have challenged this notion.

New research has revealed insights from analyzing the remains found in Tombos, an archaeological site in Sudan near Egypt.

About 3,500 years ago, Tombos, located in Nubia along the Nile River, was captured by Egyptian Pharaoh Tutmose I. Archaeologists studied the skeletons from various burial sites to identify muscle and ligament attachment marks, known as Entele’s Changes, discerning levels of physical activity.

“These changes don’t provide specific details of the individuals’ activities, but they indicate if they were more active or sedentary,” stated Dr. Sarah Schroeder, an Associate Professor of Archaeology at Leiden University, as reported by BBC Science Focus.

Some skeletons exhibited minimal marks, suggesting a sedentary lifestyle typical of wealthy nobles, while others showed signs of physical activity, indicating a working-class background.

This research challenges previous assumptions about the purpose of pyramids, indicating that not all occupants were elites. The study revisits an earlier discovery from 2012 and encourages reevaluation of other pyramid burial sites.

The Mystery of Active Skeletons

Active individuals in these graves may have been workers, servants, or individuals linked to high-status persons, possibly buried to sustain their masters in the afterlife. Alternatively, some speculate they were nobles assuming physical roles to solidify their status.

Dr. Roland Enmark of the University of Liverpool, not involved in the study, posits that non-royals were tomb occupants during that period, including pyramids in their structures.

Unveiling a Complex History

Tombos, a confluence of Egyptian and Nubian cultures, offered a unique setting for archaeological exploration. Discoveries challenge prior beliefs about the residents’ health and life expectancy, presenting a more nuanced social landscape.

The study raises questions for future research, prompting a reevaluation of existing knowledge about pyramid occupants.

About our Experts:

Dr. Sarah Schroeder is an Associate Professor of Archaeology at Leiden University, focusing on human bone archaeology and various aspects of ancient life, such as health, diet, and mobility.

Dr. Roland Enmark, an Egyptologist at the University of Liverpool, specializes in ancient Egyptian and Accadian studies, particularly literary lament.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Fossilized feathers of a gryphon vulture dating back 30,000 years discovered in Italy

Posted on March 23, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Fossil feathers are usually preserved or embedded in mber as impressions of carbonaceous membranes and lake sediments and marine sediments, but are rarely mineralized. In a new study, paleontologists have examined the mineralised feathers of 30,000 years old Griffon vultures preserved in ash-rich volcanic deposits of the Koli-Albani Volcanic Complex in Rome, Italy. Bird feathers were conserved in three dimensions, conserving tissue ultrastructures such as melanosomes. These ultrastructures are mineralized with nanocrystalline zeolites, a preservation mode that has not been previously reported in fossil soft tissue.

Fossil feathers from the 30,000-year-old Griffon vulture preserved in volcanic rocks at the Koli-Albani Volcanic Complex in Rome, Italy. Image credit: Edoardo Terranova.

The fossil vulture was discovered in 1889 near Rome by a local landowner who recognized its incredible preservation.

The entire body was preserved as a three-dimensional impression, with fine details such as the lid of the eye and wing wings.

The new study, led by University College Cork paleontologist Valentina Rossi, shows that feather preservation extends to the pigmented structure of small microscopic feathers.

“Fossil feathers are usually preserved in ancient mudstones laid in lakes and lagoons,” Dr. Rossi said.

“Fossil vultures are preserved in ash deposits, which is very unusual.”

“When analyzing the feathers of fossil vultures, we found ourselves in unknown territory.”

“These feathers are different from what we normally see in other fossils.”

The authors discovered that feathers are preserved in mineral zeolites by analyzing small samples of fossil feathers using electron microscopy and chemical testing.

“Zeolites are silicon and aluminum rich minerals and are common in volcanic and hydrothermal geological environments,” Dr. Rossi said.

“Zeolites can be formed as primary minerals (using clean crystals) or secondary during the natural changes in volcanic glass and ash, giving rocks a mudlock-like side.”

“The changes in ashes due to the passage of water induced precipitation of zeolite nanocrystals, replicating feathers to the details of the smallest cells.”

“Fine preservation of feather structures indicates that vulture corpses were buried in cold thermal clastic matter.”

“We are used to think that volcanic deposits are associated with high temperature, fast-moving thermal breaking flows that destroy soft tissue,” says Professor Dawid Iurino of the University of Milan.

“However, these geological environments are complex and can include cold deposits that can store soft tissue at the cellular level.”

“The fossil record is constantly amazed us with new fossil species, strange new body shapes, in this case a new style of fossil preservation,” said Professor Maria McNamara, a professor of Cork at the University.

“We never found any delicate tissues, such as feathers, preserved in volcanic rocks.”

“Discoveries like these broaden the range of potential rock types that can be found in fossils.

Read more. The findings were published in the journal Geological.

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Valentina Rossi et al. Fossil feathers from the Coralbani Volcanic Complex (central Italy, late Pleistocene) preserved in zeolites. GeologicalPublished online on March 18th, 2025. doi: 10.1130/g52971.1

Source: www.sci.news

Alma finds evidence of oxygen in the majority of known galaxies

Posted on March 23, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Astronomers using Atacama’s Large Millimeter/Sub-Millimeter Array (ALMA) detected oxygen in the most perilous confirmed galaxy ever discovered. This detection, made by two different teams, suggests that the galaxy is much more chemically mature than expected.

This is the impression of the artist Jades-GS-Z14-0. Image credit: ESO/M. Kornmesser.

Discovered in 2024, the Jades-GS-Z14-0 (GS-Z14 for short) is far apart, and its light took 13.4 billion years to reach us. This means that the universe was under 300 million years old, about 2% of its current age.

“It’s like finding adolescence you only expect from a baby,” said PhD Thunder Shues. Leiden Observatory Candidate and First Author of a paper Accepted for publication in Astrophysical Journal.

“The results show that galaxies are forming very rapidly, mature rapidly, and there is growing evidence that galaxies form much faster than expected.”

Galaxies usually begin life filled with young stars. This is mainly made of light elements such as hydrogen and helium.

As the stars evolve, they create heavier elements like oxygen, which will disperse into the host galaxy after exploding in supernova events.

Researchers thought 300 million years ago that the universe was too young to ripen galaxies with heavy elements.

However, two ALMA studies show that GS-Z14 has about 10 times more heavy elements than expected.

The inset of this image shows Jades-GS-Z14-0 seen in Alma. The two spectra arise from independent analysis of ALMA data by two teams of astronomers. Both discover oxygen radiation, making the universe the most distant detection of oxygen just 300 million years ago. Image credits: alma/eso/naoj/nrao/carniani et al. /schouws et al. /NASA/ESA/CSA/WEBB/STSCI/BRANT ROBERTSON… etc.

“They opened up a new perspective on the first stages of Galaxy’s evolution and were surprised by the unexpected results,” said Dr. Stefano Carniani, an astronomer at the Scola Normal Superore in Pisa and lead author. paper Published in the journal Astronomy and Astrophysics.

“Evidence that galaxies are already matured in the infantile universe raises questions about when and how they formed.”

Oxygen detection allowed astronomers to make distance measurements on the GS-Z14 more accurate.

“ALMA detection measures galaxy distances very accurately to just 0.005% uncertainty,” says PhD Eleonora Parlanti. A student at the Scola Normal Supers in Pisa.

“This level of accuracy is similar to being accurate within 5 cm at a distance of 1 km, but it helps to improve our understanding of distant galactic properties.”

“The galaxy was originally discovered by NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb’s space telescope, but Alma took it to see and accurately determine its huge distance,” said Dr. Leichard Boowens, an astronomer at the Leiden Observatory.

“This shows an incredible synergy between Alma and Webb, revealing the formation and evolution of the first galaxy.”

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Thunder Shues et al. 2025. Detecting [OIII]88μm with Jades-GS-Z14-0 at Z = 14.1793. APJin press; Arxiv: 2409.20549

Stefano Carniani et al. 2025. The eventful life of a bright galaxy at Z = 14: metal enrichment, feedback, and low-gas fractions? A&Ain press; doi: 10.1051/0004-6361/202452451

Source: www.sci.news

Eating fruit, fiber, caffeine, and dairy products linked to reduced risk of tinnitus

Posted on March 23, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The key underlying mechanisms may include the protective effects of these diets on blood vessels and nerves, and their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, according to new systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

Increased consumption of fruit, dietary fiber, dairy products and caffeine may be associated with a lower risk of tinnitus. Image credit: SERP PAE.

Tinnitus is characterized by perceived sounds such as buzz, cicada, and currents, and occurs without external auditory stimuli.

It is associated with pain, depression, anxiety, stress, and in severe cases suicide, which has a major impact on the overall quality of life.

Recent epidemiological data suggest a globally pooled prevalence of approximately 14.4% in adults and 13.6% in children and adolescents.

The prominent prevalence of tinnitus and its major impact on life and mental well-being is becoming increasingly important medical and social concerns.

The origin of tinnitus remains elusive and involves a variety of factors.

Some researchers suggest neurological dysfunction or circulation problems in the inner ear, abnormal neural activity in the central auditory pathways, and irregular activity in nonauditory brain regions such as the anterior edge, anterior cingulate cortex, and thalamus.

Dieting can have a major impact on tinnitus, but it remains unclear which specific foods will aggravate or alleviate tinnitus symptoms.

In their review and meta-analysis, Dr. Menni Chang and his colleagues at the traditional Chinese Medical University University University searched a research database looking for research linking tinnitus and diet in adults published by May 2024.

They found eight observational studies, including 301,533 individuals who evaluated 15 dietary factors using a quality questionnaire suitable for inclusion in the analysis.

Dietary factors include carbohydrates, caffeine, eggs, fruits, fiber, fat, meat, protein, sugar, fish, vegetables, and dairy products.

The combined findings revealed that increased consumption of fruit, dietary fiber, dairy products and caffeine is associated with a decrease in the incidence of tinnitus.

These reductions were 35% for fruit intake, 9% for dietary fiber, 17% for dairy products, and 10% for caffeine intake.

Although no association was found between other dietary factors and tinnitus, the results were inconsistent after further analysis, the authors point out that the association between caffeine intake and tinnitus is controversial.

The authors acknowledge that the observational design of the included studies did not establish causal relationships, and that a relatively small number of included studies may have led to certain traditional beneficial dietary factors (such as vegetables and eggs) not showing significant differences.

“The major underlying mechanisms may include the protective effects of these diets on blood vessels and nerves, as well as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties,” they said.

“A further extensive research is needed to complement and verify the relationship between dietary intake and tinnitus.”

Their paper It will be displayed in the journal BMJ Open.

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M.Chan et al. 2025. 15 common dietary factors and tinnitus relationships: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. BMJ Open 15: E091507; doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2024-091507

Source: www.sci.news

A push to eliminate food dyes gains momentum nationwide, according to RFK Jr.

Posted on March 23, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The movement to ban synthetic dyes in food across the US is gaining momentum, driven by critics who argue that these dyes pose a problem that should not be ignored.

States like West Virginia are referencing the Make America Healthy Movement, led by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., as a key driving force. There is no established monitoring for this issue.

In the first three months of the year, 20 states, including Oklahoma, West Virginia, and New York, have introduced nearly 40 bills aimed at restricting artificial dyes and other food additives, the highest number in any year according to the Environmental Working Group, a food safety advocacy group.

Advocate Brandon Cowd, who with his wife Whitney created the film “Documentary” cited by West Virginia lawmakers, expressed optimism about the progress being made. “We have bills on the table in states like Oklahoma, Tennessee, Florida, New York, Texas, and Arizona. There is a strong showing from all these states,” Cowd said.

The FDA has approved 36 color additives, including nine synthetic dyes used in food and beverages. Despite their approval, concerns have led to bans on certain dyes like Red No. 3 in January due to potential cancer risks.

These synthetic dyes are commonly found in products marketed to children such as candies, breakfast cereals, and soda, due to their bright and eye-catching colors.

Recently, West Virginia lawmakers passed a bill to ban seven dyes, including Red 40 and Green 3, effective 2028 upon the governor’s signature. This follows a previous ban on six dyes from foods served in public schools, similar to actions taken in California.

Lawmakers in Arizona also discussed a bill to ban certain chemicals, including synthetic dyes, from foods served in public schools.

Kennedy advocates for the elimination of artificial dyes

While the FDA has not established direct links, some government officials and groups claim a connection between these dyes and health issues.

Harvard nutrition professor Jerrold Mande noted the increasing attention to this issue and credited grassroots movements for the shift in focus. Studies have suggested possible links between dye consumption and behavioral issues in children.

Kennedy has been a vocal advocate for the elimination of artificial dyes, citing reports that indicate these dyes could disrupt normal behavior in children. He also plans to address major food company executives on this issue.

While scientific evidence regarding the effects of artificial dyes on health is inconclusive, many state lawmakers have taken action based on precautionary principles, pointing to stricter regulations in European countries.

Consumers like Wendy Bacos and Liz Dent have taken the initiative to avoid foods containing artificial dyes for their children, citing health concerns and seeking out alternatives to these additives.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Pistachio Genome Sequenced by Scientists

Posted on March 23, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Researcher of University of California, Davis We generated the chromosomal scale reference genome of the most widely grown pistachio variety, “Kerman.”

pistachio(Pistasia Bella) A sustainable nut crop with exceptional climate resilience and nutritional value. Image credit: NONAME_13.

pistachio(Pistasia Bella)) Along with cashews and mangoes, it belongs to the family of the Anacardia family and is the only species of the genus. Pistasia It is grown for edible fruits.

Although commonly known as nuts, pistachio fruit is a plant-based heat-deficient collision consisting of leathery exomesocarps, inner stone inner membrane (shell), and edible seeds (kanel).

Pistachios are rich in unsaturated fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamins.

Given the highly resilient resilience to abiotic stress, particularly drought and salt, pistachio trees are predicted to be an important source of sustainable nutrition in the face of next-generation climate change, with global production of pistachios more than doubled in the past 20 years.

“Scientists have previously sequenced pistachio DNA, but the new genetic maps are very detailed and accurate,” says Dr. J. Greymonroe, a researcher at the University of California, Davis.

“Improved accuracy of the new reference genome is like moving from hand-drawn maps of the landscape to satellite images from Google Earth.”

The authors also identified four important stages of nut growth from flower to harvest, providing a complete physiological assessment, including shell hardening and kernel growth.

“Knowing how nuts change through development will help farmers make better decisions, such as when to water the trees, leading to more sustainable pistachio production,” said Dr. Bárbara Blanco-lute, University of California, Davis.

“A more accurate assessment of its development will also provide growers with a better strategy for harvesting and help avoid problems such as insect damage and fungal infections.

“It was important to detail not only the physical changes in pistachios, but also the genetic and molecular drivers of those properties.”

“Genome sequencing contains precedent configuration information on how different genes behave in nuts over the growing season.”

Researchers also identified genes and pathways that affect the nutritional value of pistachios.

This includes insight into how proteins and unsaturated fatty acids accumulate. This is important for both shelf life and dietary benefits.

“We get information on how all of these nutritional properties can be obtained with pistachios and how they can be improved from a management perspective,” Dr. Blanco Raul said.

Survey results Published in the journal New Botanist.

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Jaclyn A. Adaskaveg et al. In short, the development of the pistachio genome and kernel. New BotanistPublished online on March 19, 2025. doi: 10.1111/nph.70060

Source: www.sci.news

Fossils of Miyashita from 147 million years ago found in the UK

Posted on March 23, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Paleontologists discovered and described the new ctenochasmatid pterosaurian mandible from the late Jurassic Portland limestone formations in southern England.

Reconstruction of the life of ctenochasmatid pterosaur Gladocephaloideus jingangshanensis. Image credit: Zhao Chuang.

“In the Upper Jurassic Formation of England, poverty is rare and consists primarily of isolated bones and bone fragments,” said Roy Smith and David Martill, paleontologists at Portsmouth.

“Many records of the late Jurassic Palace in England are merely historical interests, and now contain species named. Nomina Dubeer. ”

“Nevertheless, some materials are diagnostic and some species stand the test of time.”

“Most of the Upper Jurassic palaces in England come from the Kimmeridge Clay Formation in southern England, with events from the Oxford portion of Oxford clay formation in southern and eastern England, and one event from the Kinmeridge Clay Formation in Scotland.”

“In spite of this lack of material, there was a near-complete skull with some of the associated materials. Cuspicephalus scarfi In areas of the Kimmeridgian stage type. ”

The new Pterosaurus specimen is the mandible with at least two, perhaps three teeth.

The fossils date back to the Titonian period, in the late Jurassic period, about 147 million years ago.

It represents the youngest geologically in the UK Jurassic palace.

“The specimen is an isolated mandible that lacks most of the post-Simfisil section of the lam,” the paleontologist said.

“Because of the mandible, which is very thin and compact and elongated, it has been identified as Pterosaurus.”

New specimens found in Portland Limestone Formations in Dorset, southern England.

This represents the first pterocortic material documented, described and proposed from this layer.

“The specimens are likely first discovered when the stones were divided using a standard “feather and wedge” procedure,” the researchers said.

“This caused damage to the central part of the specimen, but the jaw split along its length also damaged the specimen. It appears that the counterpart has not been recovered.”

The lack of diagnostic function prevents introduction to known or new species of fossils, but it can be confidently assigned to the Pterosaur clade Ctenochasmatoidea.

“The ctenochasmatoids are a diverse group of pterosaurs with prominent, most genus, as they are prominent in long, sometimes dorsal curved jaws and elongated, thin teeth,” the scientist said.

“It’s true, one form, South America Pterodaustrois in the longest teeth in terms of the diameter length ratio of the tetrapod. ”

“Basal anthelminthus bacterium” Pterodactylus antiquus and ctenochasmatoid Ardeadactylus longicolumBoth have short conical teeth with wider alveolar spacing than the Titonian period. ”

“The elongated, thin mandible bone and numerous closely spaced alveoli suggest that it is a member of Ctenochasmatidae.”

“The faint central ridge of the occlusal surface between the two grooves converges to the anterior groove, and the lack of a distinct anterior chamber suggests that the specimen is part of the mandibular intermembranes.”

“This is the first documented record of the wing glands from the Portland group in England.”

Survey results It was released this month Proceedings of the Geologists Association.

____

Roy E. Smith and David M. Martill. ctenochasmatid pterosaur from the Portland Limestone Formation (Late Jurassic, Titonian) in southern England. Proceedings of the Geologists Associationpublished online 20255l doi: 10.1016/j.pgeola.2025.101100

Source: www.sci.news

France Claims US Refuses Entry to French Scientists Due to Disagreement Over Trump’s Policies

Posted on March 23, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

According to the French government, the opinion he expressed about the Trump administration’s policies on academic research prevented French scientists from entering the United States this month.

French Minister of Higher Education and Research, Philip Baptist explained that the move is worried.

“Freedom of opinion, free research and academic freedom are values that we continue to proudly support,” Baptist said in a statement. “I defend the possibility that all French researchers can be faithful to them in compliance with the law, wherever they are in the world.”

Baptist did not identify the scientist whose backs were turned away, but said the academic works at the publicly funded National Science Research Center in France, where he was traveling to a conference near Houston when border officials stopped him.

US authorities refused to enter the scientist and later deported him as his phone included exchanging messages with colleagues and friends.

It was not immediately clear why border authorities forced the scientists to stop, why they looked up the contents of his phone, or why they found the conversation undesirable.

Customs officials are permitted to search for mobile phones, computers, cameras or other electronic devices from travelers across the border. According to US Customs and Border Protectionthough agents say such cases are rare. In 2024, less than 0.01% of international travelers who arrived searched for electronics, according to the agency.

Baptist’s office declined to provide further details regarding the incident. A spokesman for the US Embassy in Paris also declined to comment.

A spokesperson for the National Center for Science and Research said the scientists who were turned away did not want to talk to the media and declined to comment further.

Agence France-Presse News Agency Reported previously The scientist refused to enter the United States.

Minister Baptist has been particularly vocal over the past few weeks by denounceing the threat to academic freedom in the United States. There, the Trump administration’s funding cuts and layoffs target higher education, scientific research and the federal government’s own scientific workforce.

Baptist urges French universities and research institutions to welcome researchers looking to leave the United States.

“Europe must be there to protect research and welcome talent that can contribute to its success,” Baptist said. I wrote it on social media After meeting with his European counterparts in Warsaw on Wednesday, he dealt with the “threat to free research in the United States.”

Jennifer Jones, director of the Center for Science and Democracy at the American advocacy group, the Union of Concern Scientists, said he was worried that incidents involving French scientists would have a calm effect on cross-border research cooperation.

“My fear is that these are more and more early cases,” Dr. Jones said. “I’ve heard from my network that people are very concerned about all sorts of international travel in either direction.”

“It should be worrying for all of us,” she added. When scientists restrict movement to conferences and other events designed to advance research, she said “it’s the masses that suffer.”

Segoren le stradic Reports of contributions.

Source: www.nytimes.com

The Trump administration postpones regulations for companies to monitor contaminated food

Posted on March 23, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The Food and Drug Administration said Thursday Requirements are delayed by 30 months Its food companies and grocery stores quickly track and pull contaminated food through their supply chains and pull them off the shelf.

The rule, which aimed to “limit food-borne illness and death,” required businesses and individuals to maintain a better record to identify where food was cultivated, packed, processed and produced. It is expected to come into effect in January 2026 as part of the groundbreaking food safety law passed in 2011, and progressed during President Trump’s first term.

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has shown interest in food chemical safety, moving to ban food dyes and making public debuts that people can move to ban food dyes. Track toxins in food. However, other actions in the Trump administration’s first months have undermined efforts to tackle the bacteria and other contaminants of diseased food. The administration cut its way through the company closed down jobs for major food safety commissions, frozen scientists’ credit card spending, and routine testing was conducted to detect food pathogens.

In recent years, there have been several well-known outbreaks, including cases related to last year’s fatal listeria of wild boar headmeat and E. coli in the onion of MacDonald’s quarter pounders.

The postponement issued an alarm among several advocacy groups on Thursday.

“The decision is extremely disappointing and consumers are at risk of getting sick with unsafe foods as small segments of the industry are seeking delays despite their 15 years of preparation,” said Brian Ronholm, Food Policy Director for the Advocacy Group’s Consumer Report.

Many retailers have already taken steps to adhere to the rules. Still, food industry trade groups lobbyed to delay the implementation of the December regulations. To the Los Angeles Times.

In a letter to President Trump in December, food manufacturers and other corporate trade groups cited many regulations that they said were “strangled our economy.” They asked Food traceability rules stored and delayed.

“This is a huge step towards food safety,” said Sarah Sosher, director of regulatory affairs at the advocacy group, Science Center for the Public Interest. “The surprising thing about that is that this was a bipartisan rule.”

Sosher said there is widespread support for the measure to protect consumers and businesses.

Source: www.nytimes.com

Government websites may soon remove scientific data.

Posted on March 23, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

During a flurry of executive orders signed by President Trump, significant changes were made affecting the content on government web pages and public access to data related to climate change, the environment, energy, and public health.

In the past two months, hundreds of terabytes of data have been removed from government websites, raising concerns about potential deletions. While the underlying data still exists, tools for public and researcher access have been taken down.

Now, hundreds of volunteers are actively recreating digital tools to gather and download as much government data as possible, making it readily available to the public.

Volunteers working on the project Public Environment Data Partner have already recovered over 100 datasets that were removed from government sites and aim to store a growing number of 300 datasets.

Efforts to download climate, environmental, energy, and public health data began in 2017 amidst fears about its future under a president who dismissed climate change as a hoax. Federal information has since disappeared, prompting a new response.

Environmental scientist Gretchen Gerke emphasized the importance of resilient public information in the digital age, expressing concern over the removal of vital data access tools. The need for data like climate measurements collected by NOAA is crucial for various parties, yet efforts to restrict public access continue.

The technology director at the Center for Environmental Policy Innovation highlighted the removal of public access and emphasized the taxpayer-funded nature of these tools.

Requests for two essential data tools, Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool (CEJST) and Environmental Justice Screening Tool (EJScreen), have been frequent. These tools, crucial for addressing environmental justice and climate change issues, were removed from access.

The removal of these tools has hindered efforts to address structural racism and disproportionate impacts on communities of color, as highlighted by Dr. Geke.

Source: www.nytimes.com

Kennedy urges anti-vaccine groups to take down fake CDC pages

Posted on March 23, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

National Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Saturday instructed leaders of the nonprofit organization he founded to mimic the design of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention site, but to remove web pages that mimic cases where the vaccine causes autism.

The page was published on a site that is clearly registered in the Child Health Defense of the nonprofit Anti-Vaccination Group. Kennedy’s actions came after the New York Times asked about the page and then it bouncing off all over social media.

The page was taken offline on a Saturday night.

“Committee Kennedy has directed the Advisory Bureau to send formal demand to children’s health defenses requesting the removal of their website,” the Department of Health and Human Services said in a statement.

“At HHS, we are dedicated to restoring the institutions to a tradition that supports science based on gold standard evidence,” the statement said.

It was not clear why the anti-vaccine group released a page mimicking the CDC. The organization did not respond to requests for comment, and Kennedy said it cut ties with the presidential election in 2023.

The fake vaccine safety page was virtually indistinguishable from what is available on CDC’s own site. The layout, typeface and logo were the same, and probably violated federal copyright laws.

The CDC’s own website refutes the relationship between vaccines and autism, but fraudsters leave the possibility of existence open. The bottom included a link to video testimony from parents who believed their child was harmed by the vaccine.

The page was first published Reported on Substack by E. Rosalie LiFounder of Information Epidemiology Lab. The nonprofit did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

For many years, Kennedy has argued that there is a link between vaccines and autism. He held that stance during the Senate confirmation hearing despite extensive research exposing the theory.

Under his direction, the CDC recently announced plans to review the evidence. This is a waste of money from Senator Bill Cassidy, a Louisiana Republican and chairman of the Senate Health Committee.

Online at Mock Web Pages is the familiar blue banner from CDC above, featuring the agency’s blue and white logo and the term “vaccine safety.” The headline read “Vaccinations and autism.”

The text supported the link between vaccines and autism, laid out both the exposed research, but left it announced the possibility that it had been countered by scientists.

This included citations to research by Brian S. Hooker, chief science officer for child health defense, as well as other studies critical of vaccination.

“This is a mix of legally peer-reviewed and fake,” said Dr. Bruce Guerin, who oversaw HHS’ vaccine programs for the Bush and Obama administrations.

“Footnotes give the impression that it’s a legitimate scientific work,” he added.

The series of testimonies at the bottom of the page featured videos with titles such as “Mother of 3: I Will Will Will Wild Again” and “We Signed His Life.”

This is in stark contrast to CDC officials. Autism and Vaccine Websitewhich is primarily devoted to exposing connection ideas, clearly saying, “study shows no links.”

Recently, Children’s Health Defense has faced the outbreak of measles in West Texas.

The organization’s CHD.TV channel posted an on-camera interview with the parents of a six-year-old girl who was declared dead from measles by the state health department.

The child was not vaccinated and had no underlying medical conditions. According to the health organization. However, they claimed that children’s health defenses had obtained hospital records that conflict with the cause of death.

The organization also handled the girl’s siblings and interviewed Dr. Ben Edwards, one of two Texas doctors.

In response to the video, Covenant Children’s Hospital in Lubbock, Texas issued a statement this week that “recent videos are circulating online and contain misleading inaccurate claims,” saying the confidentiality law does not prevent hospitals from providing information specifically relating to cases.

Source: www.nytimes.com

Officials warn that Texas measles outbreaks may persist for a year

Posted on March 23, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

As containment efforts weaken, Texas health officials say the outbreak of measles in West Texas is likely to last a year, possibly even retreating the country’s fierce battle against the virus.

As of Friday, more than 300 outbreaks have become ill in Texas since January. 40 people are hospitalized. One child died of illness, and this was his first death in 10 years. Related cases have been reported in New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Chihuahuas in Mexico.

“This is going to be a big outbreak,” said Katherine Wells, director of public health in Lubbock, Texas, in a recent news briefing. “And we’re still on the side that’s increasing the number of cases.”

“I really think this will be a year,” she added.

Some doctors in West Texas said in an interview that they had given up hope that vaccination campaigns could end the outbreak.

Dr. Ron Cook, who is also a state health official in Lubbock, said he resigned to the fact that the outbreak could infect more children and kill more children again.

“You just have to burn the community,’ Dr. Cook said. “That’s where we are.”

So far, cases have been concentrated in the large Mennonite community in Gaines County, which has historically had low vaccination rates. But experts fear that the longer the outbreak will last, the more likely it will spread to other unvaccinated communities around the country.

In New Mexico, authorities have reported 42 cases and one death. In Oklahoma, there were four cases of measles.

There is a particular concern that potentially infected children in West Texas will begin traveling for spring break, according to Dr. Phil Fan, director of the Dallas County Health and Human Services.

Measles has been considered “excluded” in the United States since 2000. Cases are generally linked to international travel, and if the virus attacks unvaccinated communities, the outbreak cannot last for more than a year.

The US almost lost its exclusion status in 2019, when a major outbreak spread across parts of New York for nearly 12 months. It was essentially useful as mostly due to aggressive vaccine orders. Increased vaccination rates in childhood In the community.

In Texas, where the obligation is deeply unpopular, vaccination efforts are “fighting,” Wells said. Public health officials have set up vaccination clinics in the area and are encouraging attendance in flyers and signs. It’s hardly succeeded.

In Seminole, Texas, it is the epicenter of the outbreak, with about 230 residents receiving shots at vaccination clinics.

“They’ve given out some vaccines in their community, but certainly not many,” Dr. Cook said.

“It doesn’t help that HHS secretaries aren’t actually continuing to intensify their vaccinations,” he added.

Local efforts to encourage shots were bumped into by a confused message from the country’s top health authorities, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

In his first official statement on the outbreak, Kennedy faced a fierce backlash to minimize the threat, saying the outbreak was not “unusual” and falsely claimed that many hospitalized people were there “mainly due to quarantine.”

He later changed his approach, offering calm recommendations for vaccines to Western Texas, while also raising horrific concerns about vaccine safety.

To the frustration of local doctors and health officials, he also promoted unproven treatments such as cod liver oil and vitamins, and promoted a “nearly miraculous and instantaneous” recovery with steroids or antibiotics.

There is no treatment for measles, only medications that help manage symptoms. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent infection.

Texas health officials say measles patients rely on these unproven treatments and are worried that they will delay serious medical care as a result.

Source: www.nytimes.com

Kilmer McCurry, a pathologist known for his groundbreaking theory on heart disease, passes away at age 91

Posted on March 22, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

In the 1960s and 1970s, Kilmer S. McCurry, a pathologist at Harvard Medical School, was controversially expelled into the basement. He claimed that the amino acid homocysteine had been overlooked as a potential risk factor for heart disease.

His daughter, Martha McCurry, later revealed that he passed away due to metastatic prostate cancer. His death was not widely reported at the time.

Dr. McCurry’s theory, which is still debated, suggested that inadequate vitamin intake could lead to high homocysteine levels in the blood, causing plaque buildup and artery stiffening. This challenged the prevailing cholesterol-centric view supported by the pharmaceutical industry.

Although Dr. McCurry acknowledged the importance of cholesterol, he believed homocysteine should not be ignored. However, his superiors at Harvard disagreed, leading to his lab being moved underground and eventually being told to leave.

In a 1995 interview, Dr. McCurry described his experience as “very traumatic.” He felt isolated and misunderstood by his peers.

At a medical conference in Boston, Dr. McCurry learned about Homocystinuria, a genetic disorder linked to high homocysteine levels. This discovery sparked his interest in the role of homocysteine in disease.

One case involving a young girl with homocystinuria who had a family history of the disease stood out to Dr. McCurry. This prompted him to further investigate the connection between homocysteine and artery stiffness.

“How did an 8-year-old die in the way an elderly man?” Dr. McCurry wrote in The Heart Revolution, recalling the incident that led to his controversial research.
credit…HarperCollins

After studying tissue samples, Dr. McCurry found evidence that homocysteine could lead to artery stiffening without cholesterol or fat buildup. This discovery further fueled his research into homocysteine’s role in heart disease.

The rejection of Dr. McCurry’s theory in the 1960s and 1970s took a toll on his career. He struggled to find employment for years after leaving Harvard.

Despite facing resistance, Dr. McCurry continued his research on homocysteine and its impact on heart health. His persistence ultimately paid off, as studies in the 1990s confirmed his earlier findings.

Dr. McCurry’s work shed light on the importance of homocysteine as a marker for cardiovascular disease risk. His perseverance and dedication to his research have since been acknowledged by the medical community.

Dr. McCurry’s early research laid the foundation for later studies linking homocysteine levels to heart disease risk. Subsequent investigations have supported his initial claims, validating his work and legacy in the field of cardiology.

Despite initial skepticism, Dr. McCurry’s contributions to the understanding of homocysteine have been recognized by the medical community. His insights have paved the way for further research into the role of this amino acid in cardiovascular health.

Dr. McCurry’s groundbreaking work continues to inspire researchers and clinicians to explore the complex relationship between homocysteine and heart disease. His legacy lives on in the ongoing pursuit of innovative approaches to cardiovascular care.

Source: www.nytimes.com

Increasing Risks to EPA Investigations of Severe Contamination

Posted on March 22, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Refineries in New Mexico are blaming the federal government for severe air pollution issues.

A chemical plant in Louisiana is under investigation for gas leaks from storage tanks.

An Idaho rancher is accused of polluting wetlands.

Under President Biden, the Environmental Protection Agency took a strong stance on environmental enforcement against pollution and waste violations. On the other hand, the Trump administration aims to shift the EPA’s focus from environmental protection to reducing costs related to transportation, heating, and business operations. The stability of long-term research initiatives is now uncertain due to recent EPA policy changes.

A memo from March 12 states that EPA enforcement actions will not intervene in energy production unless there is an immediate health risk. The memo also undermines President Biden’s efforts to address pollution disparities affecting low-income communities. It emphasizes that no consideration should be given to the affected individuals’ minority or economic status.

EPA Administrator, Lee Zeldin, believes these changes enable agents to focus on their core mission and contribute to a successful American resurgence.

David Ullman, who oversaw enforcement at the EPA during the Biden administration, criticized the recent memo for absolving corporations, especially in the oil and gas industry, of responsibility for breaking the law.

He expressed concern that these changes harm communities across the United States.

EPA spokesperson, Molly Vaseliou, refrained from commenting on ongoing investigations. The Justice Department, facing internal issues and budget cuts, also chose not to comment.

Conservatives argue that EPA regulations hinder economic growth and investment, while supporters believe that deregulation efforts will boost American energy and reduce costs for families.

Despite ongoing enforcement cases initiated by the Biden administration, the direction of the EPA’s objectives is shifting under the Trump administration, including the removal of key environmental regulations.

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Source: www.nytimes.com

Everyone in the city must have a noise canceling device or perhaps even a pet spider.

Posted on March 22, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

When you’re about to have a nice meal, nothing worse than a noisy neighbor. Even if the meal is made up before it liquefies the inside of the prey.

New research shows that some spiders living in cities somehow weave soundproofing designs into the web structure to manage unnecessary noise.

“The University of Nebraska Lincoln” has announced that Irene Hebetz, author of the paper led by University of Nebraska-Lincoln biologist and university postdoctoral researcher Brandi Pessman.

Funnel web spiders are becoming more common in North America. These quarter-sized spiders, with their legs stretched, attach nets to everything, whether they are rocks, grass or human objects. They weave a kind of funnel into a web that usually hides from predators. Their silk is not sticky, so they rely on speed and ambush. After detecting prey into their nets, they burst and attacked, injected the victim with venom, then liquefying the inside for easy digestion.

Spiders don’t have human ears, so they don’t necessarily listen to things in the traditional way. However, sound produces vibrations that travel through the ground into the net through the chains of silk.

“They really rely on those exact vibrations to determine where their prey is, what their prey is, and whether they’re going to attack,” Dr. Pessman said.

“The sense of vibration tends to be forgotten in nature,” added Beth Mortimer, a biologist who studied noise pollution and was not involved in the study at Oxford University. This species builds both urban and rural nets at home. And Dr. Pessman began to wonder whether noise pollution might plague spiders enough to change their web weaving strategies.

in study Presented in the Journal Current Biology last week, Dr. Pessman and Dr. Hebets rounded up Arachnid City Slickers and Country Bumbkins and took them to the lab. They placed each spider in a container with the speakers on the bottom and played loud or quiet white noise for four days.

The researchers then analyzed the webs constructed by each spider by transmitting measured vibrations at different points.

Dr. Hebbets and Dr. Pessmann could not find any major differences in the way urban spiders and farm spiders communicate vibrations when they play quiet noises.

When they played loud noises on urban spiders, they discovered that their web was less sensitive and less vibrations to the funnel. “Their web was inherently quiet,” Dr. Pessman said. Researchers didn’t know how the web differed structurally, but Dr. Pessman said it was clear that “it reduces the constant noise approaching where they sit.”

Conversely, when the country’s spiders heard a loud noise, they created a more sensitive web. Researchers speculated that they were not used to such rackets and were desperately trying to feel the incoming prey. It’s like turning up a TV as the lawnmower passes by the window.

Meanwhile, city spiders essentially filled the wall because everything was boring. This is an adaptation that puts you at a disadvantage to hear your prey and potential companions, using vibrations to communicate availability. But it may help animals save their energy and not respond to all the city sounds they detect.

“If you have masking noise, that means you’re less likely to detect small items coming into your web,” said Dr. Mortimer, who said the study “doesn’t really well.”

The study highlights the refinement of spiders, Hebbets said, because despite the problems with big cities, he came up with solutions to find food and companions.

“Animal sensory systems can certainly adapt to changes in environmental conditions over time, but this takes time,” Dr. Hebbets said. “However, behavioral changes can be immediate.”

Source: www.nytimes.com

Trump and Doge urge VA mental health systems to innovate

Posted on March 22, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

In late February, as the Trump administration stepped up its quest to transform the federal government, the psychiatrist treating veterans was turned to her new workstation, which was incredible.

She had to perform virtual psychotherapy with patients from any of the 13 cubicles of large open office spaces used for call centres under the Return Office Policy from the New Office. Other staff could overhear the session, appear on patient screens, or be handed over to the toilet or break room.

The psychiatrist was unsure. Her patient suffered from disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It took months to get their trust by dealing with them from her home office. She said the new arrangement violated a central ethical doctrine of mental health care: guarantees of privacy.

When doctors asked how they would expect to protect the privacy of their patients, the supervisor suggested buying a privacy screen and a white noise machine. “I’m ready to leave once it comes,” she wrote to her manager in a text message shared with the New York Times. “I got it,” replied the manager. “Many of us are ready to leave.”

These scenes have been unfolding at veteran affairs facilities nationwide in recent weeks as treatment and other mental health services have been disrupted amid the dramatic changes ordered by President Trump and driven by Elon Musk’s government efficiency.

Among the most consequential orders is the requirement that thousands of mental health providers, including many who have been hired for completely remote positions, currently work full-time from the federal government. space. This is the reversal of the VA’s harsh policy that pioneered virtual medicine practices as a way to reach isolated veterans 20 years ago, long before the pandemic made telehealth a favorable treatment for many Americans.

As the first wave of providers report to offices simply lacking room for them, many have found no way to ensure patient privacy, healthcare workers said. Some have filed complaints and warn that the arrangement violates ethical regulations and the Health Privacy Act. At the same time, layoffs of at least 1,900 probation employees are diluting the already stressful services that support homeless or suicides.

…

said Matthew Hunnikat, 62, a social worker who retired in late February nearly 15 years later at Jesse Brown VA Medical Center in Chicago.

When staff were ordered to close the diversity initiative, Honeycutt decided to speed up his retirement. He said care at the VA was improved during that time with community outreach, shorter waiting times and same-day mental health appointments.

“It’s extreme to just destroy this kind of thing,” he said.

Alain Delacheriere and Kirsten Neus Contributed research.

Source: www.nytimes.com

The disappearance of Saturn’s ring is only temporary this weekend

Posted on March 22, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Saturn’s iconic ring appears to “disappear” for several days starting this weekend, at least from a vantage point on Earth.

The ring does not actually disappear, but for a while the angle between Earth and Saturn creates something like an illusion of the universe, making it seem impossible to see the planetary ring from our perspective.

The reason this happens is related to the specific tilt of both planets. Saturn’s axis tilts 26.73 degrees from vertical to orbit the Sun. This is similar to the 23.5 degree tilt of the Earth. According to NASA. Therefore, as each planet rotates on its axis and orbits the Sun, the appearance of Saturn, including the ring, differs from what you see through a telescope or a powerful observatory on Earth.

Occasionally, Saturn’s tilt angle to Earth makes the ring accurately edge-on and appear to have no thin bands.

“They literally almost disappear,” said Sean Walker, associate editor of Sky & Telescope, a monthly magazine on science and amateur astronomy. “You can usually see the ring around Saturn, but with an edge-on view, your hair looks like a thin line of light lying around.”

A Saturn ring photographed by NASA’s Cassini spacecraft on May 15, 2017.Cassini-Huygens / NASA / JPL-Caltech / Space Science Institute

Over the last few months, Saturn’s vast rings have gradually appeared thinner when viewed through a ground-based telescope. By Sunday, the ring will reach its exact edge-on angle.

The illusion is temporary and lasts only a day or two before the ring slowly appears in vision again.

Events are relatively rare. Ring plane crossing – as the phenomenon is known – usually occurs twice during 29.4 years. This means that it can be seen from the Earth once every 13-15 years.

But unfortunately, Saturn is too close to the sun to see what Skywatcher looks like without the ring this weekend. However, another opportunity this year will be the ring will almost be edge-on on November 23rd later this year (not exactly).

Walker said he used a backyard telescope to witness the intersection of the ring plane in 1995.

“It was great,” he said. “It looked like another planet. I spent most of the night just drinking in that view.”

He said at the time he had only just begun to become interested in astronomy.

A Saturn ring photographed by NASA’s Cassini spacecraft on November 28, 2016.Cassini-Huygens / NASA / JPL-Caltech / Space Science Institute

In addition to being a quirky product of geometry, the ring plane crossing occurs due to the structure of Saturn’s ring rings. The iconic accessory consists of billions of swirling rocks and ice blocks, but is relatively flat, making it appear that the ring disappears into thin lines when tilted to the earth.

Edge-on views also make Saturn’s moon more visible, Walker said.

“When there is an intersection of these ring planes, the light that normally reflects the ring of Saturn is no longer glancing towards Earth,” he said. “That means we can detect more small moons.”

Walker said that with a regular backyard telescope, people often can find four to six months around Saturn. People may be able to detect almost 12 people during the ring plane traversing the dark sky.

“The really faint things are on the near perfect line, so it becomes clear,” he said.

After this weekend’s Ring Plain intersection, the next complete will take place in 2038. The event, according to Walker, should be visible to Earth.

“I want to see it again,” he said. “I’ll wait a little bit.”

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Kennedy commends the school ban on mobile phones for scientifically supported reasons

Posted on March 22, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. focused on school mobile phones as part of his “American Health Again Again” agenda this week.

In an interview with “Fox & Friends” on Thursday, Kennedy praised the restrictions on mobile phones in schools, citing health risks associated with phone use among children and teenagers supported by scientific research.

Kennedy pointed out the link between social media use and depression and poor school performance, as well as the potential neurological damage caused by electromagnetic radiation emitted by cell phones that could lead to cancer.

Studies have shown that excessive social media use on smartphones negatively impacts teens’ mental health, increasing the risk of depression and anxiety while the use of cell phones in schools can lead to poor academic performance, including lower grades.

Despite most studies finding no direct link between cell phone use and cancer or DNA damage, Kennedy’s statements have mixed misinformation with scientific facts. The issue of limiting school cell phone use has bipartisan support, with nine states already implementing restrictions and 15 states and Washington, DC considering legislation to do the same.

While concerns about the health effects of cell phone radiation exist, there is currently insufficient scientific evidence to definitively link cell phone use to cancer. Kennedy’s claims about the physical harms of cell phones have been met with skepticism from many experts.

Despite the pros of mobile phones, such as being able to call 911 in emergencies, concerns about mental health risks and distractions in classrooms have led to debates over appropriate school policies regarding cell phone use.

Kennedy’s support for limiting school cell phone use aligns with efforts in some states to create a healthier learning environment by reducing phone distractions among students.

Before his role as HHS secretary, Kennedy emphasized the importance of parents and teachers making their own decisions regarding communication strategies without government interference.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Vivid glimpse into Mesopotamian life through ancient clay tablets

Posted on March 22, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Relief from the palace of Ashbanipal showing him in a tank

British Museum/Odey Hussein

It is one of the oldest and greatest stores of knowledge. This is a huge library of texts accumulated by Assyrian king Ashrbanipal, who ruled ancient Mesopotamia around 2,700 years ago. However, after his death it was plundered and burned to the ground. Luckily, the text was written on clay tablets, so it was burned and preserved by heat.

Fragments of *Gilgamesh’s Epic*

British Museum/Cumringed

When the library ruins were discovered in today’s Iraq during the Victorian period, the incredible wealth of this lost world became apparent. New book, Ancient Wisdom Library Serena Wysnom of the University of Leicester in the UK can create vivid portraits of Mesopotamian life from the shattered remains of around 30,000 tablets in the library in Ashbanipal.

Written in Cuneiform, the world’s oldest form of writing, the tablet not only brings back the kings and queens to life, but also brings to the lament of priests, traders and professionals. It also includes magic spells and letters of complaints. Our lives are influenced by ripples of this ancient world, with 60 minutes of time, mathematical discoveries and the invention of constellations.

Clay Prism with an account for Ashurbanipal’s military campaign

Anthony Huan/CC by-sa 2.0

Photo from above: Relief from the palace of Ashrbanipal shows him in a tank. Fragments of Gilgamesh’s Epictells the story of the Great Flood. According to a letter by his brother, the royal game of Urboard games that Ashrbanipal enjoyed as a boy. Clay prisms containing descriptions of Ashurbanipal’s military campaign. And a letter in which his sister blames his wife for her poor mucus.

A letter in which his sister criticizes his wife for poor mucus.

Odey Hussein

Ancient Wisdom Library It is currently being released in the UK and will be released in the US on May 12th.

Human Origin: Neolithic and Bronze Age Turkeys

embark on a fascinating journey through Türkiye. Turkey is a land rich in historical treasures that illuminate stories of human origin.

topic:

Archaeology/
Ancient humans

Source: www.newscientist.com

AI Predicts Weather Instantly Without a Supercomputer

Posted on March 22, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Thunderstorms in Indonesia seen from the International Space Station

NASA EARTH OBSERVATORATORY / INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION (ISS)

Its creators claim that AI weather programs running for a second on the desktop can match the accuracy of traditional predictions that take hours or days on a powerful supercomputer.

Weather forecasts rely on physics-based models that extrapolate from observations made using satellites, balloons and weather stations since the 1950s. However, these calculations, known as numerical weather forecasts (NWPs), are highly concentrated and rely on vast, expensive, energy-hungry supercomputers.

In recent years, researchers have tried to streamline this process by applying AI. Last year, Google Scientists created an AI tool that could replace a small chunk of complex code in each cell of a weather model, dramatically reducing computer power. DeepMind later went further by doing this, using AI to replace the entire prediction. This approach is adopted by European Medium-Range Weather Forecast (ECMWF). The tool has been launched Last month it was called the Artificial Intelligence Prediction System.

However, this gradual expansion of the role of AI in weather forecasting has not replaced the calculation of all traditional figures – the new model created by Richard Turner Cambridge University and his colleagues are looking for change.

Turner says that previous work was limited to prediction and passed a step called initialization. There, data from satellites, balloons and weather stations around the world is collated, washed, manipulated and integrated into an organized grid where predictions can begin. “It’s actually half the computational resource,” Turner says.

The researchers created a model called Aardvark Weather. This replaces both the prediction and initialization stages for the first time. It uses only 10% of the input data that existing systems make, but achieves results comparable to the latest NWP predictions. Turner and his colleagues report in a study assessing the method.

Generating a perfect prediction that takes hours or days on a powerful NWP prediction supercomputer can be done in about a second on a single desktop computer using Aardvark.

However, Aardvark uses a grid model of the Earth’s surface with a square cell of 1.5 degrees, while ECMWF’s ERA5 model uses a grid with cells. 0.3 degrees smaller. This means that Aardvark’s model is too rough to pick up complex and unexpected weather patterns, David Schultz At the University of Manchester, UK.

“There are a lot of unresolved things that could blow up predictions,” Schultz says. “They don’t represent any extremes at all. They can’t solve it on this scale.”

Turner argues that Aardvark can actually beat some existing models. However, he acknowledges that AI models like him also rely entirely on these physics-based models. “It’s absolutely not working just to steal training data and train with observational data,” he says. “We tried to do that and did a complete modelless physics, but it didn’t work.”

He believes the future of weather forecasting could be scientists working on more accurate physics-based models. This is used to train AI models that replicate output faster and with less hardware. Some are even more optimistic about the AI outlook.

Nikita Gouryanov At Oxford University, we believe that AI will eventually be able to produce weather forecasts that actually exceed NWP. They are trained solely on observational and historical weather data, and produce accurate predictions that are completely independent of the NWP, he says. “It’s a matter of scale, but also a matter of smartness. You have to be smart about how you deliver data and how you build the structure of a neural network.”

topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com