Comet 3i/Atlas is the third interstellar object detected in the solar system
E. Guido, M. Rocchetto, J. Ferguson
Interstellar objects have been observed speeding through the solar system, prompting both amateur and professional astronomers globally to direct their telescopes toward them, refining their orbital models to confirm their status as visitors from other stars.
The comet was initially designated A11PL3Z and marks the third documented interstellar object. The first, ‘Oumuamua, was identified in October 2017, shortly after its closest approach to Earth. Its bizarre acceleration sparked numerous theories, including the possibility that it might be an alien spacecraft. The second interstellar object, Comet Borisov, was discovered in 2019, allowing for more extensive observations early in its journey through the solar system.
The A11PL3Z was first detected by NASA’s Asteroid Terrestrial Impact Last Alert System (ATLAS). Earlier images of the object, once overlooked, were identified in data collected on June 14. New observations are underway in Chile and beyond through the Deep Random Survey. The Minor Planet Center—charged with the observation and reporting of such entities—has now officially named it 3I/ATLAS, acknowledging both its classification as the third interstellar object and the discoverers.
The object measures approximately 20 km wide and is estimated to move at around 60 km per second, gradually accelerating due to the sun’s gravitational pull. By October, it will reach its closest point to the Sun, passing within two astronomical units (twice the distance from Earth to the Sun) before swinging away and exiting our solar system.
The anticipated trajectory of 3i/Atlas marks its position as only the third interstellar object to be recorded in the solar system
CSS, D. Rankin
This creates a limited window for studying 3i/Atlas, although its visibility offers more time for observation compared to other interstellar entities. “They move through the solar system at astonishing speeds,” states Mark Norris from the University of Central Lancashire, UK. “It’s a race against time to learn as much as we can about them.”
Unfortunately, the technology needed to launch missions to intercept and investigate these celestial visitors remains out of reach, according to Norris. “Even if we started today, it would be too late,” he concludes. However, this may evolve soon, as the European Space Agency (ESA) aims to deploy a comet interceptor mission into space in 2029, where it will await encounters with newly discovered comets and interstellar bodies.
For now, astronomers must depend on existing telescopes to observe 3i/Atlas from a distance. “As we can track it until the end of the year, we have sufficient time to refine its trajectory, and there’s still time to focus the spectrometer on it,” mentions Richard Moisle. Our team is already eager to pinpoint the earliest possible observations. Everyone is highly enthusiastic and ready for what’s ahead.”
World Capital of Astronomy: Chile
Explore the breathtaking astronomical sites in Chile. Visit advanced observatories and marvel at the breathtaking clear night skies.
Feedback, featuring the latest in science and technology news from New Scientist, invites readers to share captivating items. Email your suggestions to Feedback@newscientist.com.
Bleaker House
Feedback states that one of life’s great joys is encapsulated in the opening line of a book: “It was the day my grandmother exploded.” As the performance manager sat before the curtains in the hall, a profound melancholy enveloped him amidst the crowded scene. “Why not start at the end of the world?”
This sentiment has resonated with many, including ourselves, as we contemplate recent literature. An article in the New Yorker examines the impact of artificial intelligence on the reading experience. The assertion is that AI may render complex prose into something more accessible.
Writer Joshua Rothman illustrated this with a passage from Charles Dickens’ intricately worded opening in Great Expectations: “Gas lamps flicker in the mist of the street, just as the sun dips low, accompanied by her husband and the ploughboy returning from the field.” AI Claude rephrased it: “Gas lamps glow faintly through the mist in various parts of the street, just as the sun appears to farmers working in fog-covered fields.”
On some level, it seems Claude managed to capture an essence of Dickens’ intent, yet elements like cadence and rhythm profoundly affect the reading experience. The phrase “various spots” feels jarring when read. Additionally, I question whether the sole goal of the passage is simply to convey a misty atmosphere. In Great Expectations, the tension and evocative language—words like “loom” and “sponge”—convey a deeper mood.
But literary analysis aside, let’s ponder what other dense passages AI might simplify for easier understanding. Adam Sharp has already given some examples. Take, for instance, Sylvia Plath’s opening in The Bell Jar: “It was a strange, sultry summer, the summer they electrocuted Rosenberg, and I had no idea what I was doing in New York.” Sharp offers the following summary: “It was sizzling hot that summer, and so was Rosenberg.”
What about Jane Austen’s intro? Pride and Prejudice states: “It is a universally acknowledged truth that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.” We can certainly simplify it: “It’s well-known that wealthy single men are looking to marry.” We encourage readers to identify similar complex passages ripe for AI’s simplification.
I’ll Burn It Before I See It
Recently, Brian Darbell received a DVD of the movie Conclave, and a yellow sticker on the back caused him theological confusion: “Security: Remove before microwave.” Now that’s one way to create white smoke.
The Truth About Storks
Feedback was surprised when readers reminded them that correlation does not equal causation. What triggered this revelation?
Jim Handman highlighted two peculiar correlations. The number of pirates worldwide has decreased nearly in tandem with rising global temperatures, leading to the slogan: “Stop global warming: Become a pirate.”
Conversely, murder rates often increase alongside ice cream sales. Jim quipped, “This latter correlation seems silly. However, there’s a logical explanation.” Warmer climates encourage outdoor activities, fostering social interactions that inadvertently create more opportunities for both ice cream sales and crime. Notably, this rings true for me: I once went out for ice cream only to have it snatched by a seagull. Lesson learned—I’m now enjoying ice cream indoors, far from marauding seabirds.
The third correlation we discussed in a recent column involves the relationship between stork populations and the number of children born. Initially, we dismissed this correlation. Nevertheless, three readers offered insight.
Hilary Shaw suggested an environmental link: “Storks prefer nesting in elevated locations such as chimneys or church spires. Affluent societies with low birth rates often replace ‘unsightly pylons’ with buried cables and do not install chimneys in centrally heated homes.”
Paul Van echoed this thought, recalling his A-level statistics days, noting a positive correlation between the number of stork nests in Dutch neighborhoods and family size. His explanation? “Larger families tend to occupy bigger homes with more chimneys, thus providing more stork nesting options.”
Finally, Brian Lefin Smith noted a riverbank in Germany, known for its abundance of storks crouching to pick up items. Brian mentioned spotting an “unopened condom wrapper” twice, prompting the question: “Are storks pilfering to ensure more babies, thus creating a cycle of self-interest?” He provided a crucial insight: “Malicious intent is often absent from statistical correlations.”
Reflect on that and identify the most plausible correlation.
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Demis Hassabis, the CEO of Google DeepMind and a Nobel Prize Winner for his work in developing the AlphafoldAI algorithm that predicts protein structures, appeared on 60 Minutes in April. He asserted that, with the assistance of AI like Alphafold, we might reach the end of all diseases within the next decade.
This assertion is met with skepticism by those involved in drug development and disease treatment. For instance, Derek Lowe, an experienced drug chemist, reacted to Hassabis’ remarks by stating, “I want to quietly stare out the window and express words I don’t understand.” It’s not necessary to be an expert to see the hyperbole; the notion of entirely eliminating diseases in a decade is far-fetched.
Some speculate that Hassabis’ claim is yet another instance of tech leaders overstating their achievements to attract investors. Isn’t this reminiscent of Elon Musk’s outrageous predictions about Mars settlements or Sam Altman’s assertions regarding the impending arrival of artificial general intelligence (AGI)? While this cynical perspective has some merit, such experts may downplay the underlying complexities.
It seems like authorities occasionally make bold statements outside their expertise (consider Stephen Hawking on AI, aliens, and space travel). However, Hassabis appears to recognize his boundaries, as his Nobel comments highlight the potential for new drug development stemming from Alphafold’s predictions, which generated buzz about groundbreaking discoveries.
Similarly, another 2024 Nobel laureate, Jeffrey Hinton, previously an AI advisor at Google, emphasized that large-scale language models (LLMs) are similar to human learning. So, don’t worry about crying protests from cognitive scientists—or in some instances, AI too much.
These examples suggest that, oddly, some AI experts may mirror their creations—producing remarkable outcomes while acknowledging their limitations.
Another case is Daniel Kokotajiro, a researcher who departed from OpenAI over concerns regarding AGI and is now the executive director of the AI Futures project in California. He stated, “We’ve caught AIs lying, and I’m sure they knew what they were saying was wrong.” His knowledge, intentions, and anthropomorphic language reveal that Kokotajiro may be overlooking the true nature of LLMs.
The danger of assuming these experts are always right is highlighted by Hinton’s 2016 comment suggesting that, due to AI, “We should stop training radiologists now.” Fortunately, radiology experts dismissed this claim; there are doubts about a connection between his comments and growing concerns among medical students regarding the future of radiology jobs. Hinton has since revised that statement—but imagine the impact it could have had if he had already received a Nobel. The same applies to Hassabis’ comments about illnesses. The notion that AI could handle everything fosters overconfidence when it requires a far more nuanced, scientifically and politically-informed approach.
These “expert” predictions often go unchallenged in the media. I can personally attest that even some intelligent scientists are persuaded by them. Many governmental leaders seem to have bought into the hype generated by high-tech CEOs and Silicon Valley titans. We need to start scrutinizing their proclamations with the same skepticism we apply to the statements made by LLMs.
Philip Ball is a science writer based in London. His latest book is How Life Works.
Matalvira stones from Valencina, Spain, transported over 5,300 years ago
L. Garcia Sanjuan
A two-ton megalith located in southern Spain was moved by an unknown group of ancient seafarers over 5,300 years ago.
The Matalvira stones are sturdy plaster slabs, measuring approximately 1.7 meters in length and 1.2 meters in width, situated within a structure reminiscent of the Copper Age of Valencina, near Seville.
This megalith is housed in a circular chamber known as a tross, offering ample space for individuals to stand around it. Due to its distinctive composition and dimensions, this stone is believed to have been used for rituals, though its origin remains puzzling.
Lewis Caceres Paro from the University of Fuelva, along with his team, conducted chemical analyses alongside optically stimulated luminescence dating to estimate the age of the slabs.
The findings indicate that the megalith was transported to its present location between 4544 and 3277 BC. This new timeline suggests the stones were moved to Valencina well before the tunnel structure surrounding it was constructed.
The composition of the stone closely resembles that of a quarry located 55 km away, across the Guadalquivir River. At that time, a wide estuary separated the two sites, implying that the stone was likely transported by boat.
This marks the first evidence of megalithic stones being moved by boats on the Iberian Peninsula. It is theorized that larger stones from other megalithic sites in Europe, such as Stonehenge in the UK and Kerenca in France, were also transported similarly.
“In 4,000 BC, we observed rapid advancements in coastal navigation,” notes Leonardo Garcia Sanjuan from the University of Seville. “The stone basin at Matalvira is a significant piece of indirect evidence, suggesting that these people had developed advanced raft, canoeing, or sailing techniques.”
Excavations at other sites indicate that Mediterranean communities had already begun constructing sophisticated and seaworthy vessels.
“The transportation of these enormous stones further underscores the technical expertise of the Matalvira Builder,” remarks Ramon Fabregas Valkerse, who was not involved in this research at the University of Santiago de Compostela in Spain.
Valencina is recognized as one of Europe’s most extensive prehistoric sites, covering over 460 hectares. Unique artifacts at this location include items sourced from distant areas, such as amber, flint, cinnabar, ivory, and ostrich eggs.
“[Valencina] features megaliths, extensive ditches, large burial sites, and complex material cultures, hinting at interactions between Iberia, North Africa, and the Mediterranean,” explains Cacerespolo.
Prior research in this area has unveiled numerous details demonstrating the historical importance of the site, including the era from 2900 to 2650, during which it was predominantly led by women.
“The current analysis enriches the understanding of one of Valencina’s principal monuments,” asserts Alasdair Whittle from Cardiff University, UK.
He clutched memories of the trap tightly, and the previous summer, his front limbs were ensnared in sheer terror. As he came to, he recognized Usie’s presence and detected a horrifying human scent on his neck—he saw his brother shot before his eyes.
This young wolf is Slavc, using GPS to navigate a breathtaking journey from Slovenia to the Italian Alps, reaching Lothinian Plateau several months later.
With curiosity piqued, Adam Weymouth followed Slavc’s path, crafting his own epic tale intertwined with complex themes: the intricate relations of human interactions and their impacts, environmental challenges across the continent, and of course, the wolves themselves. A beautifully intricate narrative woven with affection.
Why are certain individuals more prone to becoming radical or aligning with extreme viewpoints? This book reveals how political neuroscience investigates our limitations and firmly held beliefs. A pivotal inquiry raised by neuroscientist Leor Zmigrod examines whether a person’s sensitivity is “rooted in cognition and biology.”
1 The experiment she references released in 2008, published in Science, suggested that politically conservative individuals have a stronger reaction to threatening stimuli than their more liberal counterparts. Moreover, an interesting correlation emerges between the ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances and one’s adherence to political or social ideologies.
Adding to the intriguing discoveries, Rebecca Lemov pens her work titled Truth Instability.
This book examines mind control and the complex dynamics of the 20th and 21st centuries, from the “invisible” manipulation techniques employed on North Korean prisoners during the 1950s to the “soft” brainwashing that occurs through interactions on social media.
The historical insights provided by Lemov, together with the ongoing revelations from political neuroscientists, prompt us all to be particularly cognizant—being conscientious is half the battle.
David Farrier contends that rapid changes in animal behaviors are occurring under human influence. He suggests that if we hope to thrive alongside these changes, we must also adapt our lifestyles. “Climate change is altering many of the ‘wild clocks’ governing movement, reproduction, and blooming cycles. Learning to synchronize our timing with nature’s rhythms can profoundly impact our political landscape.” His pursuit of human adaptability unfolds a daring vision.
In his review, Jacob Aron pointed out that determining the truth is fundamental to science. I admire books centered around proofs, and Adam Kucharski (a gifted statistician and epidemiologist) serves as a captivating guide in this realm. Abraham Lincoln utilized a well-known proof derived from Euclidean element, which exemplifies an approach to derive seemingly universal truths from foundational principles—one he used in his battle against slavery.
Corals, sponges, worms, jellyfish, clams, crabs, octopuses, and more—could invertebrates truly constitute 99% of marine diversity? Absolutely, asserts marine ecologist Drew Harbel, who looks forward to introducing us to these creatures and their remarkable capabilities from Hawaii to Indonesia. The book is also filled with stunning photographs for your enjoyment!
In the early 2000s, the largest global tech companies shifted their manufacturing to the world’s second-largest economy. The story of Apple’s presence in China is complex, far from being a straightforward narrative of wealth accumulation through low wages and minimal labor rights. This book unravels the paradoxes surrounding its subtitle, “Catching the World’s Largest Company.” While China “captured” Apple, the company subsequently altered the future of the U.S. by enhancing China’s technological sector and creating around 5 million jobs. In light of the increasingly authoritarian policies of Chinese leader Xi Jinping, the effects of Apple’s actions continue to resonate in the current global economic landscape.
Numerous books focusing on our food system suggest that the monolithic machines designed for mass-producing cost-effective calories are harming us. Originally, this system aimed to alleviate hunger, but it has unintentionally fueled health crises, including obesity and diabetes, as well as exacerbating climate change.
These books differ notably in their approach. What framework can sustain nourishing an ever-growing population of 8 billion while preserving the planet?
Stuart Gillespie appears more radical than many, arguing that transformation is impossible without political shifts and changes in power dynamics; the discussions at conferences often represent a “facade.” Genuine transformation necessitates systemic shifts.
His manifesto advocates for equitable nutrition and health upheld by law, not merely “paper” human rights. It could be a genuine game-changer.
When individuals fall ill, everyone wishes to understand the underlying issues without rushing, notes neurologist Suzanne O’Sullivan. Her book has garnered considerable attention due to its relevance.
O’Sullivan outlines the notable rise in diagnosis rates for ADHD, autism, and depression, alongside the increasing prevalence of conditions like Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and emerging genetic disorders. Other health issues, including cancer, diabetes, hypertension, and dementia, seem to be on the upswing. So, what’s actually happening?
O’Sullivan explores several significant case studies in her chapters, including Huntington’s Disease, Lyme disease, and long COVID, as well as conditions deemed unnamed syndromes—rare, elusive ailments that may take years to identify.
The issue of labeling is a substantial part of the problem, according to O’Sullivan. If labels only attract individuals with mild manifestations of an ailment, they lose their value. What, then, is the solution?
O’Sullivan’s recommendations include: ceasing the expectation that medications will alleviate our disappointments, reconsidering the reliance on medical interventions for ordinary life experiences, and urging patients to encourage their doctors to adopt a more generalized medical perspective. It’s not just about new technologies—it’s about investing in humanity. Provocative and inspiring.
This unique work—a rarity from economists—challenges conventional thinking. Economists often separate their economic decisions from moral implications, favoring utilitarian perspectives that emphasize the greater good achieved through maximizing benefits for the largest population. However, this perspective tends to overlook moral values like compassion and fairness.
In this book, the authors strive to ensure that moral values are considered alongside economic constraints. This ambitious project aims to form a framework for navigating ethical decisions without dismissing their costs.
In our quest to understand the universe’s origins—13.8 billion years ago—we often grasp at elusive concepts. This informative book succinctly summarizes nearly every prevailing hypothesis about the Big Bang.
The authors engage the reader across twelve chapters, tracing the “earliest memories of science” as the universe began to expand from an incredibly dense state. They suggest that understanding these origins not only illuminates our past but also highlights the need for new physics. Their objective is to evaluate the strengths and limitations of competing models, leading us into a new conceptual landscape forged by the scientific process. And of course, (without giving too much away) it all begins with your understanding of what the Big Bang truly signifies…
The metaphors we choose reveal much about our understanding. Thus, renowned naturalist Robert MacFarlane questions the vitality of a river and makes waves with his exploration.
As he traverses the globe considering this question along with others—such as whether forests can think, and whether mountains have memories—Rowan Hooper described the narrative as “beautiful, wild, and provocative.” MacFarlane might express concern that we are attempting to reestablish animism to navigate our interactions with the non-human world. Instead, Hooper advocates for a focus on sound ecological thinking and science!
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I’ve got a foolproof method that guarantees you’ll win the lottery you desire. Just follow my simple technique and you’ll capture the biggest jackpot imaginable. The only caveat? You need either millions yourself or a circle of wealthy friends.
Let’s use the US Powerball as an illustration. To participate, you must select five unique “white” numbers from 1 to 69, along with a sixth “red” number from 1 to 26. Notably, this last number can replace one of the white ones. How many unique lottery tickets can you create? To find out, we turn to a branch of mathematics known as Combinatorics, which helps calculate the number of potential combinations of items.
This situation is analogous to the “n choose k” problem in which n signifies the total number of objects available for selection (69 for the white Powerball numbers) and k refers to the number of objects you wish to pick. It’s essential to note that these selections occur without replacement—each winning number drawn removes it from the pool of available choices.
For this, mathematicians employ a useful formula for solving n choose k problems: n! /(k! ×(n – k)!). If this notation is unfamiliar, don’t worry! It’s simply a representation of the product of all whole numbers leading up to a given integer. For instance, 3! = 3×2×1 = 6.
Applying 69 for n and 5 for k results in a total of 11,238,513 combinations. While that sounds substantial, we’ll see shortly that it might not be enough. Enter the Red Powerball. Essentially, this means you’re effectively playing two lottery tickets at once, raising the stakes for winning the grand prize. Merely adding a sixth white ball, the combinations soar to 119,877,472 in total. However, since there are 26 possibilities for the red ball, you would multiply the white ball combinations by 26, yielding a grand total of 292,201,338 potential outcomes.
Now we’re talking about over 292 million possible Powerball tickets. The ultimate trick to guaranteed victory? Simply purchase every possible ticket. Of course, the logistics involved complicate this idea. Most importantly, you’d need over $5 billion on hand, as each ticket costs $2.
Is that enough to ensure a significant payout? It’s a bit complicated to answer. The Powerball jackpot accumulates weekly, often remaining unclaimed, which means the prizes can vary. However, there are about 15 instances of jackpots exceeding $584 million, which would not be worth pursuing under the buy-all-tickets approach. Profits are further diminished by the prospect of multiple winners choosing the same combination and approximately 30% of winnings being deducted for taxes.
It’s not surprising, really. If winning the lottery and making a profit were guaranteed, people would be doing this all the time, leading lottery operators to go bankrupt. Yet, surprisingly, poorly designed lotteries do appear, leaving savvy investors at a disadvantage.
One of the earliest noted incidents of this kind involved the writer and philosopher Voltaire, who collaborated with mathematician Charles Marie de la Codamine to create a syndicate aimed at buying all tickets in a lottery tied to French government debts. While the exact methods remain vague, there are suggestions of devious tactics employed that allowed them to circumvent the full ticket payment, resulting in the syndicate winning repeatedly before authorities shut down the lottery in 1730. In a letter to a colleague, Voltaire remarked, “The group that won the victory and purchased all the tickets triumphed over a million players.”
Modern lotteries have faced similar fates. A notable instance is the Irish National Lottery, which was taken over in 1992 by numerous syndicates. At the time, players had to select six numbers from 1 to 36. The n choose k formula indicates 1,947,792 possible tickets. With each ticket costing 50 Irishpense (the currency then), the conspirators managed to raise £973,896 and began acquiring tickets poised for an estimated £1.7 million prize pool.
Lottery organizers caught wind of this scheme and began restricting the number of tickets any one vendor could sell. This limitation meant the syndicate could only purchase roughly 80% of the possible combinations. The outcome was a shared jackpot with two other winners, leading to a loss of £568,682 for the syndicate. Thankfully, the lottery had introduced a £100 guaranteed prize for matching four numbers, bringing their total to £1,166,000.
In response to the incident, the Irish National Lottery quickly revised its rules. Players now must select six numbers from 47, elevating the total number of tickets to 10,737,573. Though the jackpot is capped at 18.9 million euros, the £2 price per ticket makes lottery investments unprofitable.
Despite ample awareness regarding the pitfalls of poorly structured lotteries, such phenomena may still arise. One extraordinary instance emerged in 2023, when a syndicate won a $95 million jackpot in the Texas lottery. Texas lottery tickets involved 54 choices, allowing for 25,827,165 possibilities, with each ticket priced at $1, making this a significant venture. However, there were speculations that the syndicate had possible support from the lottery organizers themselves. Fallout from this controversy is still ongoing, raising questions about legality. The syndicate may have collaborated through local retailers and acquired a ticket printing terminal from the Texas lottery, simplifying logistics. Organizers at the time deny any involvement in unlawful activities, and no criminal charges have been filed. As a lawyer representing the syndicate stated, “All applicable laws, rules, and regulations were adhered to.”
So there you have it. If you can secure an ample amount of upfront cash and the organizers fail to implement the n choose k formula effectively, you might just make a decent profit. Good luck!
Exposure to light at night significantly raises the risk of heart disease, according to extensive research.
Various environmental and behavioral signals synchronize the body’s circadian rhythms, the internal clocks that manage physiological functions. However, contemporary lifestyles often disrupt these biological mechanisms, heightening sensitivity to health issues.
Previous studies utilizing satellite data have indicated associations between residents of brightly lit urban areas and heart disease, focusing solely on outdoor light at night. Daniel Windred, from Flinders University in Adelaide, and his team sought to determine if overall light exposure impacts cardiovascular health.
They monitored approximately 89,000 individuals without pre-existing cardiovascular conditions, equipping them with light sensors for a week between 2013 and 2016. “This represents the largest research effort on personal light exposure patterns affecting cardiovascular health to date.”
The sensors captured both natural and artificial light sources, including emissions from mobile phones. Over the eight-year period, participants who experienced the brightest nights showed a 23-56% increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease compared to those exposed to darker nights.
For example, individuals in the highest light exposure category included those who activated overhead lights for an hour from midnight to 6 AM. “This scenario places them within the 90th to 100th percentiles of nighttime light exposure,” Windred noted. He emphasized that the body continues to react to artificial light even after it is turned off, and short exposures can disrupt circadian rhythms.
Researchers accounted for factors such as gender, age, smoking habits, and shift work. They also demonstrated that the connection between light exposure and heart disease risk remained constant, regardless of sleep duration, sleep efficiency, or genetic predisposition.
Interestingly, although women generally have a lower incidence of heart disease at the same age as men, exposure to bright nighttime light can neutralize this protective effect due to estrogen. Evidence suggests that women experience more significant melatonin suppression in response to bright light, making their circadian systems more sensitive compared to men.
Disruption of circadian rhythms can compromise glucose tolerance, elevating the risk for type 2 diabetes, which is a risk factor for heart disease. Such disruption also influences blood pressure and can increase the risk for abnormal cardiac rhythms due to conflicting signals between the brain and heart.
“The significance of these findings must not be understated,” stated Martin Young from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. “As a 24/7 society increasingly disrupts our circadian systems, this study underscores the notable health risks linked to such exposure.”
Windred suggests that individuals strive to maintain a darker nighttime environment. “Optimize your sleep schedule to ensure darkness during bedtime. If you awaken during the night, utilize dim lighting and avoid bright overhead lights.”
Approximately 100 million years ago, dinosaurs might have congregated to engage in a mating dance in a tidal area near Denver, Colorado. Recent research published in Cretaceous Research indicates that numerous intriguing scrape marks found in the stones of Colorado’s renowned dinosaur ridges are identified as Leks, potentially the largest known dinosaur mating display sites.
“Leks, or ‘Keeping Arena,’ refers to a location where numerous individuals come together to showcase courtship behaviors to attract mates,” stated Dr. Caldwell Bunting, the lead author of the study, in a conversation with BBC Science Focus.
Many contemporary birds, including knots and feathers—descendants of dinosaurs—exhibit similar behaviors, noted Bunting.
The hypothesis that dinosaurs engaged in such rituals was initially suggested by paleontologist Dr. Martin Lockley, who had observed comparable marks in the vicinity. This new study significantly strengthens that hypothesis, uncovering over 30 different scrape marks across various sediment layers.
These scratches found on Colorado’s dinosaur ridges may have been created during mating displays akin to those of modern birds. – Getty
The marks can be classified into two types: broad, shallow bowl-like impressions and narrow scrapes. It appears many were produced during movements involving rotation and kicking actions by both feet.
Drone imagery from the 2019 US Geological Survey and subsequent follow-up surveys enabled the team to map the site accurately, as access to the area was strictly controlled.
“This was a remarkable discovery,” remarked Bunting, who collaborated with Lockley until his passing in 2023.
“Our excitement was palpable. Upon reviewing the drone footage, we immediately spotted scuffs covering the entire screen. It truly felt like a ‘Eureka!’ moment for me.”
While the exact species responsible for these markings remains uncertain, Bunting speculates that based on nearby fossil footprints, Acrocanthosaurus—a predator similar to T. Rex—and ostrich-like ornithomimids could be possible contenders.
Bunting argues that it’s improbable T. Rex would engage in similar courtship behaviors, as such rituals necessitate complex social dynamics likely associated with group herding and movement.
Bunting aims to revisit other possible LEK sites in western Colorado to reassess initial interpretations of the scuff marks found there.
If verified, these marks could provide significant insights into the reproductive behaviors of dinosaurs, revealing not only their mating practices but also their competition for partners.
Read more:
About our experts
Dr. Caldwell Bunting is an alumnus of Old Dominion University. His research has appeared in journals such as Sedimentary Geology and Cretaceous Research.
[The world underwent a profound transformation when project scientists in Manhattan detonated the first atomic bomb on July 16, 1945.
The Trinity test created a radioactive legacy, much like the numerous ground nuclear tests that followed (with a total of 528 explosions), which introduced radioactive particles into the atmosphere.
As a result, the air we breathe now carries a slight level of radioactivity. This has led to unforeseen effects on various materials we produce.
For instance, steel is manufactured by pushing refined oxygen through molten iron ore. Given the radioactivity present in today’s air, the steel produced is subtly radioactive as well.
The fallout from nuclear tests reached its peak in 1963, with levels subsequently dropping over 95% as the radioactive particles in the atmosphere decreased. This decline occurred gradually.
While the steel produced today poses no health risks, its slight radioactivity can interfere with sensitive scientific instruments, particularly those designed for detecting dark matter.
Hence, scientists are on the lookout for materials with minimal radiation contamination. Steel made before the first nuclear explosion in 1945 is particularly valuable for particle physics research because it contains significantly fewer radioactive particles.
Much of this “low-radiation steel” has been salvaged from shipwrecks, including a fleet of 52 German battleships that sank in the shallow waters of Orkney, Scotland.
Even slight radioactivity can disrupt sensitive scientific instruments, like those made to detect dark matter. – Image credits: Science Photo Library
However, the rising demand for low-radiation steel has sparked controversy. In 2017, it was revealed that salvage divers had illegally looted up to 40 World War II warships near Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
This discovery triggered protests from veterans and historians, who regard these wrecks as sacred sites of underwater warfare.
Ancient Roman lead is also prized among physicists for its ability to shield ultra-sensitive experiments from background radiation. Naturally radioactive, lead ore can contain trace amounts of isotope lead 210, which has a half-life of 22 years.
While fresh lead suitable for particle physics takes centuries to produce, Roman-sourced lead had enough time to lose its radiation.
In 2010, Italy’s National Archaeological Museum celebrated a historic agreement to donate 120 lead ingots, recovered from a Roman ship that sank around 80-50 BC, to the Nuclear Physics Institute for use in future experiments.
This article answers the question posed by Henry Becker from Durham: “How does background radiation affect particle detectors?”
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A new study has unveiled the significant carbon footprint of the US military, indicating that even modest budget cuts can lead to substantial reductions in emissions.
Published in the journal PLOS Climate, the study reveals a strong correlation between spending by the US Department of Defense (DOD) and energy consumption, along with greenhouse gas emissions. The authors assert that lowering military expenditures could result in considerable environmental benefits.
The US military stands as the largest emitter of greenhouse gases globally, with an estimated output of 636 million tonnes of CO2 equivalents (a standard measure for greenhouse gas emissions) recorded between 2010 and 2019.
In fact, if the military were classified as a country, its emissions would surpass those of nations like Sweden and Portugal.
Moreover, this data only considers scope 1 and 2 emissions, which are the direct emissions from fuel combustion and purchased electricity. Indirect emissions (scope 3) from factors such as employee travel, waste disposal, and supply chains are not included, indicating that the military’s actual carbon footprint is even larger.
Utilizing public data from 1975 to 2022, Professor Ryan Tomb of Penn State University has examined the relationship between military spending, energy consumption, and consequently greenhouse gas emissions.
As expected, increased military spending leads to higher energy usage, while budget cuts result in decreased consumption. Interestingly, the study found that the reduction in spending had a more pronounced effect on energy consumption than increases did.
“Our findings show that spending reductions correlate with lower energy use, particularly from military facilities, vehicles, equipment, and jet fuel,” Thombs stated in an interview with BBC Science Focus.
“Although further research is required to explore specific mechanisms, these results imply that cutting spending may compel the military to diminish the scale, distance, and frequency of operations more than increased spending would push for expansion,” he added.
More than half of the fuel consumed by the national army is allocated to flying fighter jets. – Christopher Campbell, senior airline in the Air Force
Another potential reason for this trend could be that budget cuts may disproportionately limit aviation activities.
Globally, military jets rank among the most energy-intensive machines. In the US military, jet fuel has accounted for 55% of total energy usage over the last fifty years.
“Given the substantial share of energy consumption, prioritizing a reduction in aviation activities is critical,” Thombs commented. “Aviation is highly energy-intensive, and serious efforts to lessen military emissions should target this area.”
It is widely acknowledged that controlling aviation emissions is challenging. Both military and commercial aviation are often described as “hard-to-abate” sectors that cannot yet transition away from fossil fuels at the scale and energy density currently required.
This suggests that curtailing aviation operations is essential for achieving emissions reductions, according to Thombs.
The research team also outlined projections for various future budget scenarios. They discovered that if military spending were to decrease by 6.59% annually from 2023 to 2032, the DOD could save energy equivalent to the entire energy usage of Slovenia or Delaware. This represents a feasible reduction rate observed over the last 50 years, making it a plausible target.
While the scientific rationale is evident, the political landscape tells a different story. Governments worldwide are increasingly escalating their defense budgets amid a climate fraught with conflict and instability.
On June 26th, President Trump’s administration proposed a $1.01 trillion National Defense Budget for the upcoming fiscal year, marking a 13.4% increase from the previous year.
Despite this trend, Thombs remains hopeful. He believes that with the right framing, it is possible to achieve spending reductions. He pointed to previous proposals by Senators Edward Markey and Bernie Sanders to cut military spending by 10%, redirecting those funds toward jobs, healthcare, and education.
“Framing these reductions in such a manner could be an effective strategy, as reinvesting these resources could significantly enhance people’s lives,” Thombs remarked. “Ultimately, the most effective way to mitigate the social and environmental costs associated with the military is to scale it back.”
Researchers are currently planning to explore why spending cuts yield such exceptional energy savings and whether this trend holds for other major military forces.
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About our experts
Ryan Tomb serves as an assistant professor of rural sociology in the Faculty of Agricultural Economics, Sociology, and Education at Penn State University in the United States. His published research appears in American Sociological Review, Sociological Methodology, Journal of Health and Social Behavior, and Society, along with interdisciplinary journals such as Changes in the Global Environment, Energy Research and Social Sciences, Climate Change, and Environmental Survey Letters.
Astronomers utilizing ESO’s Extremely Large Telescope (VLT) have captured images of SNR 0509-67.5.
This image, obtained with the multi-unit spectroscopic explorer (Muse) located on ESO’s Extremely Large Telescope (VLT), displays the supernova remnant SNR 0509-67.5. The Calcium shown in blue is arranged in two concentric shells, indicating a double explosion of the star. Image credits: ESO/DAS et al. / Noll et al.
“White dwarfs—small, inert cores resulting from the demise of sun-like stars—are capable of producing what astronomers classify as type Ia supernovae,” states a PhD student from the University of New South Wales University of Canberra.
“Our understanding of the universe’s expansion hinges on these supernovae, which also serve as the primary source of iron on Earth, including in blood.”
“Yet, despite their significance, the mechanisms driving their explosions are still not fully understood.”
All theories surrounding Type Ia supernovae begin with pairs of white dwarf stars.
When one of the stars’ orbits is sufficiently close to its counterpart, it can siphon material from its companion.
According to the most prevalent theory regarding Type Ia supernovae, the white dwarf accumulates matter until it hits a critical mass and then experiences a singular explosion.
However, new research indicates that at least some Type Ia supernovae could be better explained by a series of double explosions occurring before the stars reach this critical mass.
The recent VLT images of SNR 0509-67.5 confirm these predictions.
In this alternative model, the white dwarf forms a helium layer through theft, which becomes unstable and can ignite.
This initial explosion generates a shockwave that moves inward, resulting in another explosion at the core of the star, ultimately leading to the supernova.
Until now, there had been no clear visual proof supporting the occurrence of a double explosion in white dwarfs.
Recent studies have suggested that this process creates identifiable patterns or “fingerprints” on the still-glowing debris from the supernova, surfacing long after the primary explosion.
Research proposes that the remains of such supernovae contain two distinct calcium signatures.
Das and his colleagues have found these fingerprints on the supernova remnants.
“The findings clearly indicate that white dwarfs can explode well before reaching the famous Chandrasekhar limit, demonstrating that the ‘double explosion’ mechanism naturally occurs,” remarks Dr. Ibo Seitenzar, an astronomer at the Heidelberg Institute.
Astronomers were able to identify these calcium layers in SNR 0509-67.5 by employing VLT’s multi-unit spectroscopic explorer (Muse).
This provides compelling evidence that Type Ia supernovae can occur prior to their progenitor white dwarfs reaching critical mass.
“This tangible evidence of double explosions not only aids in resolving historical mysteries but also offers a visual interpretation,” explains Das.
“It’s incredibly satisfying to reveal the intricate workings behind such colossal cosmic explosions.”
The team’s results are published today in the journal Nature Astronomy.
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P. Das et al. Calcium in the remnants of the supernova as fingerprints of the sub-Chandrasekhar explosion. Nature Astronomy Published online on July 2, 2025. doi:10.1038/s41550-025-02589-5
A global consortium of researchers has successfully sequenced the complete genome of adult male Egyptians from over four millennia ago, predating the unification of Egypt and enriching our understanding of the early dynastic period and prior kingdoms.
The Nevamun hunt in the swamp with his wife and daughter is part of a mural from Chapelle, the tomb of Nevamun in the New Kingdom, in 1350 BC. Image credit: Werner Forman Archive/Bridgeman Images.
Dr. Pontus Skoglund from the Francis Crick Institute stated:
“While Ancient Egypt offers a rich tapestry of history and archaeology, the challenges of DNA preservation have rendered the genomic records of early Egyptian ancestors largely unparalleled.”
“Recent advances in genetic technology have enabled us to transcend these barriers and mitigate DNA contamination, giving us the first genetic insights into potential migrations of Egyptian populations during this era.”
In this research, scientists obtained and sequenced DNA from individual teeth belonging to Nuway rats from a village located 265 km south of Cairo.
Through analysis of the genetic code, they discovered that a significant portion of the individual’s ancestry traced back to ancient populations in North Africa.
The remaining 20% of ancestry linked to ancient peoples from the fertile crescent, particularly from a region known as Mesopotamia (roughly corresponding to modern Iraq).
These findings provide genetic proof that populations migrated to Egypt, intermingling with the local populace—previously revealed only through archaeological artifacts.
However, researchers caution that additional genomic sequences are required to fully comprehend the variations among Egyptian ancestors during this period.
By examining the chemical markers found in teeth related to diet and environmental factors, they concluded that these individuals likely grew up in Egypt.
They also analyzed skeletal remains to estimate age, gender, height, and gather insights into their ancestry and way of life.
These markers indicated that the skeleton exhibited muscle markings suggestive of prolonged occupations, such as pottery or other trades requiring similar movements.
“By piecing together the evidence from this individual’s DNA, bones, and teeth, we were able to construct a detailed portrait,” remarked Dr. Adeline Mores Jacobs from Liverpool John Moores University.
“We anticipate that future DNA samples from ancient Egypt will enhance our understanding of this migration from West Asia.”
“This individual’s life story is remarkable,” noted Dr. Linus Girdland Flink, co-author from Liverpool John Moores University.
“He lived and died during a pivotal moment in ancient Egypt, with his skeleton excavated in 1902 and subsequently donated to the World Museum in Liverpool.”
“We are beginning to uncover this individual’s story, revealing ancestral connections to the fertile crescent and illustrating the intermingling of diverse groups during this time.”
“The skeletal markings provide significant clues about his personal life and lifestyle. His pelvic bones are enlarged, showing extensive activity, and his arms exhibit signs of repetitive motion, while his right foot displays notable arthritis.”
“These findings suggest a connection to ceramics, possibly involving the use of ceramic wheels in ancient Egypt.”
“Nonetheless, the elevated burial status associated with his remains is not typically expected for potters, indicating he may have achieved a higher social standing.”
The Hot-Jupiter exoplanet HIP 67522b revolves around its star, HIP 67522, frequently triggering flares from the star’s surface, which seem to heat and penetrate the planet’s atmosphere.
Artistic impression of the HIP 67522 young planetary system. Image credit: J. Fohlmeister, AIP.
HIP 67522 is a G0 star located approximately 417 light-years away in the constellation Centaurus.
This star is part of the Scorpius-Centaurus Stellar Association and is also known as HD 120411, 2Mass J13500627-4050090, and TYC 7794-2268-1.
At about 17 million years old, HIP 67522 is home to two young exoplanets.
The inner planet, HIP 67522b, completes an orbit around the star every seven days and has a diameter roughly ten times that of Earth, making it similar in size to Jupiter.
Using five years of data from NASA’s TESS and ESA’s CHEOPS telescopes, astronomer Ekaterina Ilin and her team studied the HIP 67522 system in detail.
They uncovered that the planet and its host star share a powerful yet destructive connection.
Although not completely understood, the planet becomes ensnared in the star’s magnetic field, resulting in eruptions on the star’s surface that transfer energy back to the planet.
When combined with other high-energy radiation from the star, these flares appear to significantly enhance the rapid inflation of the planet’s atmosphere.
This indicates that the planet might not remain within the size range of Jupiter for much longer.
Continuous exposure to intense radiation can lead to atmospheric loss over time.
In about 100 million years, this could change the planet into a hot Neptune state or even result in more severe atmospheric reductions, with sub-Neptunes commonly observed in our galaxies, but lacking smaller planetary types than Neptune in our solar system.
“We found the first definitive evidence of the interaction between the flare star and the planet, demonstrating that the planet induces energy eruptions in the host star,” remarked Dr. Ilin, lead author of a paper published in the journal Nature.
“What is particularly thrilling is that this interaction persists for at least three years, allowing for in-depth study.”
“Such planetary interactions have long been anticipated, but these observations were made possible with this extensive spatial telescope dataset,” stated Dr. Katja Poppenhäger, an astronomer at Leibniz-Institut für Astrophysik Potsdam and Potsdam University.
“The planets are essentially subjected to intense bursts of radiation and particles from these induced flares,” explained Astron astronomer Dr. Harish Vedantum.
“The conditions in this self-inflicted environment are likely to expand the planet’s atmosphere and can significantly accelerate the rate at which the planet is losing its atmosphere.”
In a separate paper published in Astronomy and Astrophysics, astronomers confirmed that HIP 67522 is a magnetically active star emitting strong radio radiation along with a magnetic field.
They monitored the star at low radio frequencies for approximately 135 hours using the Australian Telescope Compact Array (ATCA), revealing it as a bright and explosive source of radio waves.
However, there were no indications of radio wave flares resulting from star-planet interactions.
“The lack of detection aligns with the notion that planet-driven flares may be too faint for ATCA to observe, corroborating the conclusions on magnetic star-planet interactions presented in our Nature paper,” they noted.
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Ekaterina Ilin et al. Nearby planets induce flares in their host star. Nature, published online July 2, 2025. doi:10.1038/s41586-025-09236-z
Ekaterina Ilin et al. 2025. Search for planetary-induced radio signals from the young exoplanet-host star HIP 67522. A&A, in press; doi: 10.1051/0004-6361/202554684
Topeka, Kansas – The US government is gearing up to breed billions of flies, which will be released from planes in Mexico and southern Texas to combat meat-eating maggots.
This may sound like a horror movie plot, part of the government’s strategy to safeguard the US from pests that threaten the beef industry, wildlife, and even household pets. This innovative method has proven effective in the past.
“It’s an excellent technique,” remarks Edwin Burgess, an assistant professor at the University of Florida, who studies animal parasites, particularly in livestock. “It’s the best method we have for translating science into solving significant problems.”
The targeted pests are the meat-consuming larvae of the New World Screwworm Fly. The USDA is set to ramp up the breeding and distribution of adult male flies that will mate with wild females, resulting in eggs that will not hatch. Consequently, the larval population will decline over time.
Workers drop New World screwworm fly larvae into trays at a facility that breeds sterile flies in Pacola, Panama last year. Copeg via AP file
This method is more effective and environmentally friendly than conventional pest control, which was used by the US and other countries north of Panama to eradicate these pests decades ago. Sterilized flies from Panama were effective for years, yet infestations resurfaced in southern Mexico late last year.
The USDA anticipates that a new Screwworm Fly Factory will begin operations in southern Mexico by July 2026. Additionally, a fly distribution center will be established in southern Texas by the end of this year, facilitating the import and distribution of flies from Panama as required.
Fried Live Meat
Most fly larvae consume dead flesh, feeding on decomposing matter from the New World screwworm as well as its counterparts from Asia and Africa, posing a significant threat to the American beef industry. Females lay eggs in wounds, which can sometimes expose the underlying tissue.
“A 1,000-pound cow could perish within two weeks,” stated Michael Bailey, the elected president of the American Veterinary Association.
Veterinarians have effective treatments for infested animals; however, an invasion can still cause significant discomfort and pain for affected animals.
Don Hineman, a retired rancher from Western Kansas, recalls an infected cow from his youth on the family farm.
“It had a terrible smell,” he recounted. “Like rotten meat.”
Utilizing Fly Biology Against Them
The New World Screwworm Fly is a tropical species that historically could not survive winters in the Midwest and Great Plains. However, from 1962 to 1975, the US and Mexico raised and released over 94 billion sterile flies, according to the USDA.
Workers hold two small containers of New World screwworm flies. Copeg via AP file
The numbers must be large enough so that wild females have no option but to mate with sterile males.
A unique biological characteristic gives fly fighters an edge: females mate only once during their adult life over a short period.
Reasons for Increased Fly Breeding
Concerns have been raised about the potential northward movement of flies. The southern border has been closed to imports of live cattle, horses, and bison, which won’t fully reopen until at least mid-September.
However, female flies can inflict wounds on warm-blooded animals, including humans.
Decades ago, the US operated fly factories in Florida and Texas, which were shut down after the pests were eradicated.
Panama’s fly factory can produce up to 117 million flies per week, but the USDA aims to boost production to at least 400 million per week. It plans to invest $8.5 million in a Texas facility and $21 million to transform it into a breeding site for screwworm flies and fruit flies in southern Mexico.
Methods for Cultivating Millions of Flies
Growing large populations of flies is relatively simple, according to Cassandra Olds, an assistant professor of entomology at Kansas State University.
She notes, however, that “you need to provide females with the necessary cues to lay their eggs, and the larvae must have sufficient nutrients.”
Previous USDA studies indicate that larvae were once fed horse meat and honey before transitioning to a blend of dried eggs and honey or molasses. The Panama facility eventually utilized a mixture of egg powder, red blood cells, and cow plasma.
Workers use machines to mix food for the sterile fly breeding program in Pacola. Copeg via AP file
In nature, larvae, akin to the pupal stage of butterflies, fall from their hosts to the ground, burrowing just below the surface to grow inside a protective casing resembling a dark brown tic-tac mint. In the Panama factory, workers place them into sawdust trays.
Security measures are crucial. According to Sonja Swiger, an entomologist at Texas A&M University’s Extension Services, breeding facilities need to prevent fertile adults from the breeding stock.
Aerial Fly Release
Dropping flies from aircraft presents certain risks. Recently, a plane releasing sterile flies crashed near the Mexican border, resulting in three fatalities.
Historically, during test runs in the 1950s, scientists placed flies in paper cups, which were then dropped from the planes using a specialized chute. These cups were loaded into boxes on a machine called the “whiz packer.”
The current method closely resembles this. Small aircraft equipped with wooden trays release the flies.
Burgess is recognized for developing the breeding and distribution of sterile flies in the 1950s and 60s, labeling it one of the USDA’s “greatest accomplishments.”
Some farmers now contend that new factories shouldn’t be closed after another successful eradication.
“What we perceive as full control — and declare victory — can always reemerge,” cautioned Burgess.
Fibroblast cells that play a role in forming connective tissue and are also involved in scarring
Dr. Torsten Wittmann/Science Photography Library
Recent discoveries about how mouth injuries heal without bruising could lead to treatment methods that prevent permanent scars and improve skin appearance.
“Millions of individuals experience injuries, surgeries, burns, and various other traumas,” states Ophir Klein from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, California. “This represents a significant issue not only in cosmetic terms but also functional terms,” he adds. For instance, he mentions that a major wound can restrict leg movement due to skin tightening.
To explore this, Klein and his team took advantage of the fact that mouth wounds heal without scarring. “Injuries inside the mouth heal more quickly and with fewer scars compared to skin injuries,” he explains.
Upon investigation, the researchers created 2.5mm wide wounds both in the mouth and on the face of mice. They collected tissue samples as these wounds healed over the course of a week.
The team analyzed cells known as fibroblasts that are associated with scarring and discovered that fibroblasts in the mouth exhibited higher activity levels for genes encoding proteins such as Gas6 and Axl than those in the skin. These proteins are known to promote cell growth, migration, and survival.
The Gas6-Axl pathway seemed to inhibit the levels of a protein called FAK, which is involved in depositing proteins on wounds, leading to scar formation. “We were aware of this pathway’s existence, but its role in non-scarring wound healing was unknown,” Klein notes.
The next step for the researchers was to assess whether enhancing the Gas6-Axl pathway could minimize skin scarring. They administered a solution containing Gas6 to freshly created facial scars on mice. After two weeks, these treated wounds exhibited reduced FAK levels and fewer scars compared to those in untreated mice. “They have successfully shown that stimulating this pathway can diminish scarring,” says Jason Wong at the University of Manchester, UK.
“This is certainly a significant step towards what could be a scar-free future,” states Ines Sequeira from Queen Mary University in London. However, he cautions that further research is needed with larger animals like pigs, which have skin more similar to humans, before moving towards human trials.
Neanderthal cooking abilities were more advanced than previously believed.
Gregoire Cirade/Science Photo Library
Almost 100,000 years ago, Neanderthals processed animal bones to extract fat, a practice that was also seen in modern humans around 125,000 years ago.
This discovery stems from a remarkable lakeside site in Neumark Nod, eastern East Germany, where over 100,000 bone fragments from at least 172 individual animals were uncovered, including horses, dogs, deer, foxes, large cats, and extinct twin rhinoceroses.
The bones exhibited clear signs of having been crushed into small pieces and heated to release the fat contained within the spongy tissues. This fat could have served as a rich source of high-calorie nutrition for hunter-gatherer groups.
Will Roebroeks and his team at Leiden University in the Netherlands described the site as a “fat factory” suggesting it was intensively used for a short period. “The fragmentation of the bones is distinctly artificial and not a result of natural predation or geological forces,” he states.
While there is no direct evidence of butchery by Neanderthals, they were the primary known human species in Europe at that time, Roebroeks points out.
Previously, the earliest evidence for grease rendering was located in Portugal, dating back only 28,000 years.
The labor-intensive process of breaking down large mammal bones into such tiny fragments only makes sense if it serves a purpose, Roebroeks notes.
The team lacks direct evidence of boiling; however, it is evident that the bones were heated. “Given the clearly heated bones, heated flint tools, and the presence of stones, it indicates that fire was utilized at the site,” he explains.
Since the earliest known pottery dates back around 20,000 years, the Neanderthals likely used other types of containers to boil the bones. Recent experiments indicate that containers made from materials like deer hides and birch bark can be placed directly over the fire, allowing sufficient water to heat up for cooking, according to Roebroeks.
“This adds yet another layer to the complex cultural practices of our distant relatives, suggesting that these hunter-gatherers may have engaged in forms of food preservation,” he concludes.
Individuals who incorporate emojis in their messages to friends demonstrate greater attentiveness and responsiveness, independent of the specific emoji used.
Globally, emojis are utilized over 10 billion times daily, infusing emotional depth into digital exchanges. Nevertheless, the true impact these symbols have on conversational interpretation remains uncertain. While they are often seen in a positive light, emojis can sometimes lead to miscommunication. Recently, Eun Huh from the University of Texas at Austin sought to evaluate how emojis shape the perceptions of their senders.
In her research involving 260 U.S. participants, subjects viewed 15 text-based interactions and were prompted to envision them as dialogues with their closest friends. These conversations either featured emoji-enhanced responses or were solely text-based. After reviewing these exchanges, participants were surveyed on their sentiments toward the message sender.
Participants tended to perceive messages containing emojis as being more engaging compared to text-only responses. This perception of heightened responsiveness contributed to a more favorable view of the sender and suggested a stronger relational bond. Interestingly, this effect was consistent regardless of the emoji type, with no significant distinction between those representing emotions, like facial expressions, and neutral emojis.
“Emojis wield considerable power in either bridging or widening the psychological gap between the sender and the receiver,” stated Shubinyu from HEC Paris. However, his findings reveal that while emojis enhance casual exchanges among friends, their use in serious contexts can misfire, making the sender appear less competent.
Nonetheless, Yu suggests that this issue is minimal in China, where “even during significant crises, sending emojis is acceptable.” He argues that emojis hold more significance in East Asian cultures, where nonverbal cues are essential for gauging tone in face-to-face conversations, contrary to more literal Western communication styles. Thus, in China, utilizing emojis during emergencies can convey warmth and make individuals feel more at ease.
Bioplastic vessels in chambers mimicking Martian conditions
Wordsworth et al., Sci. Adv. 11, EADP4985
Future habitats on Mars could support operations utilizing algae grown locally. Initial experiments have demonstrated a functional circulation system simulating Martian conditions in the lab, aiding future explorers in establishing habitats on the Red Planet.
What materials will you take to Mars for this initiative? Robin Wordsworth from Harvard University has created flask-like bioclastic vessels using various algae, small bioreactors, 3D printers, and plant materials. According to Wordsworth, they cultivate algae within these vessels, employ bioreactors to convert the algae into further bioplastic material, and use 3D printing to produce more algae containers.
“The objective is to utilize materials to create habitats sourced from biology. We can develop self-sustaining systems,” he states. Wordsworth and his team have successfully demonstrated the initial phase of this cycle.
They cultivated green algae, Dunaliella tertiolecta, in a vessel made from 1 millimeter thick PLA bioplastic. Each container was placed in a simulated Martian environment, where conditions replicated approximately 0.6% of Earth’s atmospheric pressure, with over 98% carbon dioxide in the air. Over a span of 10 days, researchers observed algae growth and photosynthesis rates comparable to those found in more Earth-like settings.
The concept of 3D-printed bioplastic habitats originated about a decade ago, but new experiments indicate their potential to sustain life, according to Amor Menezes at the University of Florida. “This is thrilling. Our journey to Mars and the duration of stay will last several years, meaning we cannot transport everything,” he explains. “This suggests that bioplastics may feasibly support living under Martian-like conditions, and many essential items during their stay could be bioplastic-based.”
The team’s achievements were the result of several years of testing various container designs and bacterial strains, as explained by team member Rafid Quayum from Harvard University. “Physicists, engineers, and planetary scientists collaborated to bring our minds together and enhance our external environment’s habitability,” he shares.
Looking ahead, the team aims to incorporate more extraterrestrial elements into their experiments, testing materials in a vacuum to simulate atmosphere-free environments found on other planets and moons, as well as launching them into low-Earth orbit spacecraft.
“This presents a genuinely compelling and fundamental research question, essential for enabling human habitation beyond Earth in the future.”
A lifeline has been extended to the residents of Tuvalu, a low-lying Pacific nation grappling with the impacts of rising sea levels. Each year, Australia permits 280 Tuvaluan individuals to reside there. This agreement anticipates a relocation of the entire population within the next few decades.
The Australian Tuvalu Farapili Union, regarded as the world’s first climate migration agreement, also allocates funds for adaptation to aid those who are lagging behind.
Could this serve as a prototype for managing climate migration gracefully before calamities ensue? However, the situation is far from ideal. In order to secure this deal, Tuvalu had to concede to Australia having a voice in future security and defense matters. Few nations may find such terms acceptable.
Moreover, Tuvalu’s population is minuscule. In a country like Australia, which has 28 million residents, accepting around 10,000 climate migrants is relatively insignificant. It’s estimated that between 25 million and 1 billion people could face forced displacement by 2050 due to climate change and other environmental pressures. Where will they go?
Environmental factors could force 1 billion people to move by 2050
Many assert that wealthy nations, historically the largest emitters of carbon dioxide contributing to global warming, have a moral duty to assist those affected by climate change. However, discussions on these matters have yet to translate into the legal recognition or acceptance of forced climate migration. In fact, many high-income nations seem increasingly resistant to various forms of immigration.
There have been some progressions in creating funds for “loss and damage” to aid affected countries dealing with the aftermath of global warming. This could potentially curtail the necessity for future climate migration, yet the promised financial support to date is only a fraction of what is essential.
The foremost action that any nation should undertake is to limit future warming through emission reductions, but global emissions continue to rise. Regrettably, the Farapili Union symbolizes a decline into the ocean, not a turnaround.
Devi Sridhar argues that we have misaligned health priorities. Many of us obsess over personal choices like diet and exercise while ignoring the crucial role of government in health outcomes. This crucial factor: effective governance.
Public health initiatives—including universal healthcare, access to clean drinking water, breathable air, and safe transportation—actually have a far greater effect on longevity than individual commodities like gym memberships or health food. As a professor of global public health at the University of Edinburgh, Devi has authored a new book titled How Can I Not Die (Too Early), which builds a compelling case that emphasizes both personal endeavors and public health as keys to a long, healthy life.
In her interview with New Scientist, she tackles the illusion of personal responsibility for health, discusses how to elevate public health appeal, and shares her vision if she were in a position of authority.
Graham Lawton: Are you suggesting that focusing on our own health is futile?
Devi Sridhar: Not at all! Personal health initiatives can be highly effective if resources, time, and education are available. However, placing sole responsibility for health on individuals ignores the broader societal factors at play. The environment and circumstances you reside in profoundly impact your lifespan. Society often forgets the systemic issues tied to health, where individuals’ agency is critical. Yet, large-scale health improvements typically originate from governmental initiatives.
How did we come to believe that health is solely our responsibility?
This belief is empowering. People think, “What can I do today?” and “If I’m disciplined enough, I can succeed!” However, broader structural barriers often limit their ability to make changes. We’re inundated with self-help narratives while less attention is paid to systemic factors, which many perceive as not directly relevant to their own lives. Additionally, there’s significant skepticism about politicians, with a prevailing notion that nothing will change.
What’s the right balance between personal and public health measures?
The answer varies by the specific issue. Individual efforts can influence areas like diet and exercise, but for critical areas such as air quality and water safety, individuals are often at the mercy of governmental decisions.
Are celebrity diets and social media influencers further skewing this balance?
Absolutely. It’s all about marketing. We tend to believe that products with the right branding are more effective. Public health struggles with marketing challenges. Recent years have not helped, as public health messaging often comes across as oppressive rather than liberating.
How can we reshape perceptions of public health?
We need to shift the narrative around public health. It shouldn’t just be about societal benefits, but also about simplifying life. People want to understand, “How does this benefit me?” This may sound cynical, but it’s the reality we operate within.
Vaccinating children for measles is a lifesaver, but social media influencers may spread doubts
Morwan Ali/EPA/Shutterstock
Given the misinformation surrounding vaccinations, why do many people fall prey to such fallacies?
A lot of this is rooted in social media culture, where popularity seems to supersede accuracy. For example, when Joe Rogan discusses his experiences with measles on his podcast—where he asserts it was commonplace during his childhood—this message carries more weight than that of actual health experts. Despite being neither a medical professional nor a public health authority, his influence is substantial. If I claimed that the secret to longevity was gin and tonics, it would go viral, posing a significant challenge for credible health messaging.
Implementing effective public health policies seems complicated, isn’t it?
Change often meets resistance. Consider the initial pushback against smoking bans in pubs or seat belt laws. Though there’s resistance early on, over time, people adapt, and these measures become normalized.
Your book presents various instances of successful government interventions. Which one stands out to you?
As someone in Scotland, I have to mention the Dunblane gun laws enacted following a tragic school shooting in 1996. The resistance to these laws was fierce, yet they have effectively prevented mass shootings in British schools, saving countless lives and establishing a model for other nations.
In high-income countries, 20% of deaths are preventable. What insights can we draw from nations with lower preventable mortality rates?
Countries like Japan, which have high cancer survival rates and low chronic disease prevalence, serve as models for what can be achieved. In Japan, preventable mortality rates are estimated at about 10%, showcasing the potential for better outcomes.
Our objective should be to extend life expectancy, ideally reaching ages of 80, 90, or even 100. If one can age successfully and die of natural causes, that signifies a healthy approach to living.
However, longer lifespans mean an older population. How should we respond to this shift?
Aging should be perceived as a strength, not a detriment. The focus should be on encouraging healthy aging, allowing individuals to maintain independence without overwhelming healthcare systems.
How realistic is it to align preventable mortality rates with those of Japan?
It will likely take a decade or two, as changing urban design and reversing childhood obesity cannot be done overnight. Nevertheless, the return on investment can be considerable over time. A significant challenge is the current governmental tendency to prioritize short-term headlines over long-term planning.
Typically, there is initial resistance to new public health regulations, such as the essential use of seat belts, but people will adapt over time.
CrackerClips Stock Media/Alamy
If you were in charge of the UK National Health Service (NHS), what reforms would you prioritize?
I believe there’s a strong need for focus on preventive care. Currently, the UK invests significantly in acute care while neglecting prevention. The emphasis right now is on addressing hospital and ambulance waiting times, which will worsen as the population ages. My approach would be to prioritize preventive measures. Identify and invest in cost-efficient strategies to detect health issues early. What are the prevalent reasons behind hospital admissions, and how can we tackle them?
For instance, hypertension is known as a silent killer. Regular annual blood pressure checks could lead to early detection. Though the initial costs may be higher, savings can accumulate over the years. Regular assessments of waist circumference, abdominal fat, blood sugar, cholesterol levels, and grip strength should also be incorporated.
I interviewed you during the COVID pandemic, when you mentioned that it was an opportunity to address long-standing public health challenges. Did we capitalize on that?
No, quite the opposite. If anything, there has been a backlash against public health and government intervention. Strict lockdowns and mask mandates led to significant pushback. Rather than seizing the opportunity for systemic change, the focus has shifted back to individual responsibility.
Do you feel we’ve learned valuable lessons from the pandemic, and is the world better prepared for the future?
It depends on the perspective. In terms of public health, I would say no; we’ve regressed. The UK’s testing infrastructure has been dismantled. However, in terms of scientific advancement, yes, we’re now better equipped for vaccine development and more efficient research processes. If a bird flu strain spreads among humans, the UK government already has a vaccine ready for distribution.
A quote from your book resonates: “We don’t need to conduct any more studies.” Is that your position?
Yes. We have a wealth of knowledge already. Perhaps 90% of what we need to know to improve population health is already available. While there’s always room for further research, repeating studies that confirm what we already know can become a distraction and delay necessary actions.
Are we evolving positively on a global level regarding public health?
Overall, yes. Life expectancy is increasing, and quality of life is better than it was a century ago. Progress may not be rapid or uniform, and in some regions, there are setbacks, but the overall trend shows significant advancement.
What message do you want readers to take from your book?
Politicians have the power to effect change. Take the NHS, for example; its establishment was a deliberate decision, not a coincidence. Everything we have today is the result of policy choices made decades ago, and we are currently reaping the benefits. While the improvements from today’s decisions may not be immediate, future generations will benefit from them. My aim is to inspire hope for what is possible.
Fresco from the Theban Necropolis showcasing an ancient Egyptian potter
DeAgostini/Getty Images
In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers sequenced the complete genome of an ancient Egyptian individual for the first time. The DNA was sourced from the remains of an elderly man, possibly a potter, who lived over 4,500 years ago.
The analysis revealed that this ancient Egyptian had inherited roughly 20% of his DNA from ancestors residing in the fertile crescent, situated more than 1,000 kilometers east of Egypt. This indicates a connection between Egyptian and Mesopotamian cultures, despite the considerable distance.
The remains were unearthed in the early 1900s from Nuweyrat, a necropolis located near Beni Hasan, Egypt. They were discovered within a ceramic vessel placed in the tomb of Iwage. Currently, these remains are housed at the World Museum in Liverpool, England.
“We successfully dated this individual’s remains using radiocarbon analysis,” states Adeline Morez Jacobs from Liverpool John Moore University. He lived between 2855 and 2570 BC, making him one of the earliest individuals from ancient Egypt, whose history spans from 3150 to 30 BC.
Both the skeleton and DNA confirm that the individual was male. Signs of arthritis and other physical indicators suggest he was between 44 and 64 years old. “He was likely in his 60s at the time of death, which is quite advanced for that period,” says Joel Eilish at Liverpool John Moore University.
The man’s social status remains uncertain. “He might have been buried in a manner associated with the upper class,” observes Ireland. However, his skeletal structure indicates a struggle with physical activity. Evidence suggests he frequently looked down or leaned forward, and that he sat on hard surfaces for extended periods. Researchers speculate that his probable profession was as a potter, based on preserved representations of various ancient Egyptian occupations.
Using samples collected from his tooth roots, the team was able to sequence the entire male genome. Previously, only partial genomes from three ancient Egyptians who lived in the region over 1,000 years ago had been achieved.
“There are few genetic sequences available from ancient Egypt,” remarks Shirly Ben-Dor Evian from Haifa University, Israel.
This scarcity is largely attributed to the warm climate, which accelerates DNA degradation. “The conditions are simply too hot,” avers team member Pontus Skoglund from the Francis Crick Institute in London, referring to the sequence as a ‘long shot.’
“We speculated that pot burials would create a stable environment, complementing the rock-cut tombs where these burials occurred,” explains Linus Girdland-Flink from the University of Aberdeen, UK.
As expected, around 80% of the genetic lineage of this male individual corresponds to North African ancestry. However, the remaining 20% aligns with populations from the fertile crescent covering parts of modern-day Iraq, western Iran, Syria, and Turkey.
There are multiple theories regarding this finding, according to Ben-Dor Evian. “Explorers often speculate about these connections,” she comments. Even after agriculture became prevalent, “there always existed a segment of the population that remained nomadic or semi-nomadic,” which may account for DNA migration between the fertile crescent and Egypt.
Archaeological evidence has previously indicated a link between ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia. “A significant cultural connection existed between the two, sharing artistic motifs,” states Ireland, noting that items like Lapis Lazuli were traded between the regions.
This connection might also have influenced the inception of writing systems. “Initial writing appeared almost simultaneously in both areas,” he explains, “with the development of Mesopotamian and Egyptian hieroglyphics taking place just 300 years apart.”
“Was it a local invention originating in both regions? [or] Did they influence each other in some manner?” queries Ben-Dor Evian. “This theory could suggest interaction through the movement of individuals.”
Vegan cheese faces challenges against dairy products
Aamulya/Getty Images
If you’re passionate about cheese but concerned about its significant environmental effects, there’s promising news. The key milk proteins used in cheese and yogurt production can be synthesized directly from non-animal sources, beginning with bacteria and utilizing plant-based materials.
“This will considerably lower the carbon footprint,” says Suvasini Balasbramanian from the Institute of Technology Denmark.
While dairy products consist of intricate chemical combinations, the primary component in cheese is casein, a protein that forms micelles, enclosed in calcium structures.
Initially produced in mammary cells, casein undergoes phosphorylation, adding phosphate to its base, which interacts with calcium and is crucial for micelle formation.
Creating casein proteins without genetic alteration in bacteria is straightforward; however, achieving effective phosphorylation has been a challenge. “We have not yet succeeded in adapting cow enzymes for bacteria,” Balasbramanian indicates. “It has been a longstanding challenge among startups and businesses.”
Her team has now successfully produced a specific type of phosphorylated casein using E. coli bacteria and bacterial enzymes. Although this variant has additional phosphates, Balasbramanian believes the phosphorylation process might differ by cow species. “I don’t think it will hinder protein function,” she assures.
Researchers are extending their work to develop cheese and other dairy alternatives from protein sources. As Balasbramanian points out, there’s potential for success; however, other types of casein may also be required. Notably, kappacasein can be modified through sugar addition rather than phosphate.
Currently, they are in the process of producing several kilograms of cheese. Approximately 24 kilograms of carbon dioxide emissions are associated with traditional production, a stark contrast to under 2 kilograms from most plant-based foods. The vision is to significantly diminish emissions and environmental effects through techniques like precision fermentation or cellular agriculture, addressing both ecological and animal welfare concerns.
The carbon footprint of cellular agriculture varies based on the feedstock for the microorganisms and the energy consumed in production. Balasbramanian mentions that her team is experimenting with ingredients derived from alfalfa grass.
Illustration of NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft navigating the outer solar system.
Joe Olmsted/STScI
After departing from our solar system, NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft finds itself considerably distant from Earth, causing the stars of the Milky Way to appear in notably different positions compared to our terrestrial views. Astronomers are harnessing this altered perspective to determine the location of galaxy probes, marking the first instance of intergalactic navigation.
Launched in 2006, New Horizons initially observed Pluto before continuing beyond, traversing the Kuiper Belt—an immensely expansive region of rocky debris and dust billions of miles from the Sun. Currently, the spacecraft is hurtling through space at tens of thousands of kilometers per hour.
When gazing at the night sky from Earth, stars seem widely spread apart, so unless equipped with a strong telescope, their positions appear constant from various locations. In contrast, the New Horizons perspective reveals a significant shift in star positions due to the parallax effect. This phenomenon was demonstrated in 2020 when the probe captured images of two nearby stars, Proxima Centauri and Wolf 359.
Now, Todd Lauer from the U.S. National Institute of Light Change Astronomy in Arizona and his team have utilized this effect to gain a new perspective. They accomplished this by comparing images of Proxima Centauri and Wolf 359 taken by the probe with measurements from the Gaia Space Telescope.
“There’s a three-dimensional map of the galaxies around us, allowing you to see your position,” says Lauer. “Using your own camera on a spacecraft offers incredible accuracy.”
To determine the spacecraft’s location, Lauer and his team analyzed the star positions detected by the New Horizons camera, tracing their lines back to the closest intersection point. They then referenced the precise locations of both stars from the Gaia star map to ascertain this point’s relation to the solar system.
This two-frame animation illustrates the changing position of Proxima Centauri as observed from Earth and New Horizons.
Nearly every spacecraft utilizes NASA’s Deep Space Network (DSN) to determine its position within a margin of tens of meters through a network of radio transmitters on Earth. In contrast, the parallax method provides a less precise estimation, determining New Horizons’ location within a 6,000-kilometer sphere, roughly half the distance from Earth to the Sun.
“We don’t aim to replace the Deep Space Network; this is merely a proof-of-concept demonstration,” Lauer notes. Yet, advancements in cameras and equipment could enhance accuracy by up to 100 times.
Employing this technique for interstellar navigation could yield superior location accuracy compared to the DSN. This not only facilitates the spacecraft’s journey further from Earth but also provides more reliable location tracking, enabling autonomous operations without relying on radio signals from the solar system. Massimiliano Vasile from Strathclyde University in the UK emphasizes this potential.
“When we venture to real stars, we’re talking about light-years,” Vasile explains. “The signal from the Deep Space Network must traverse all the way there, moving at light speed, taking years to reach its destination.”
However, Vasile points out that no agency currently has a mission aimed at deeper exploration of interstellar space, limiting the immediate utility of this technique.
The predicted trajectory of A11PL3Z marks it as the third interstellar object observed in the solar system
CSS, D. Rankin
Potential interstellar bodies are now observed zipping through our solar system, and both amateur and professional astronomers globally are racing to direct telescopes towards these phenomena, refine their trajectory models, and ultimately validate their status as visitors from another star.
The object provisionally named A11PL3Z represents the third interstellar entity detected to date. The asteroid ‘Oumuamua was first seen in October 2017, just three days after it passed closest to Earth, and its unusual acceleration sparked a variety of hypotheses, including the possibility of it being an alien spacecraft. The second identified object, Comet Borisov, was observed in 2019, allowing for closer examination given its early passage through the solar system.
A11PL3Z was first identified by the Deep Random Survey in Chile, a group of amateur astronomers. However, a review of earlier observations by other teams revealed that it was initially spotted on June 14 by NASA’s Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS). It is estimated to measure approximately 20 km in width and is currently traveling at around 66 km/s, accelerating as it gets pulled in by solar gravity. In October, it will reach its closest point to the Sun, passing within two astronomical units (the Earth is twice the distance from the Sun) before swinging away and exiting the solar system.
This provides a limited window for studying A11PL3Z, though it’s more than that available for previous interstellar objects, which were seen hurtling towards the solar system. “These objects move through the solar system at incredible speeds,” remarks Mark Norris from the University of Central Lancashire. “They are quite transient, which restricts our ability to learn about them.”
Sadly, the prospect of sending missions to intercept and study A11PL3Z is beyond the reach of current technology, notes Norris. “If we were to launch a mission today, it would be too late,” he states. However, the European Space Agency (ESA) is planning a comet interceptor mission set for launch in 2029, which would remain in space to await the arrival of newly discovered comets and possibly interstellar objects.
For the time being, astronomers are relying on existing telescopes to observe A11PL3Z from a distance. “We anticipate we will be observing it by the end of the year, giving us ample time to prepare our spectrometers once we finalize the trajectory,” shares Richard Moisle. When will our observers discern its visibility? There’s a palpable excitement as everyone is prepared and looking forward to this opportunity.
At the time of this writing, over 100 observations of A11PL3Z have already been logged, and the Minor Planet Center—the official body responsible for monitoring and reporting such celestial entities—is expected to confirm its interstellar classification later today.
Two concentric rings surrounding the supernova remnant SNR 0509-67.5 indicate it underwent two explosions.
ESO/p. Das et al. Background stars (Hubble): K. Noll et al.
A white dwarf star located approximately 160,000 light years away has been observed to have exploded not once, but twice. Astronomers have discovered the first proof of a supernova being linked to dual explosions.
The White Dwarf Star represents a dead stellar body, much like our Sun, which has exhausted its nuclear fuel, leaving an Earth-sized core. When a white dwarf siphons material from a companion star, it can accumulate enough mass to trigger an explosion as a Type IA supernova.
The process by which a white dwarf becomes a supernova remains largely unclear. Some astronomers have theorized that two separate explosions might occur, but until now, there has been no concrete evidence supporting this.
Priyam Das, from the University of New South Wales in Canberra, along with colleagues, examined spectra acquired by a large telescope at the European Southern Observatory in Chile. Their studies of the supernova remnant in the Large Magellanic Cloud reveal two distinct concentric shells resulting from the explosions.
Das theorizes that the white dwarf must have amassed helium on its surface, potentially from a nearby helium-rich white dwarf or a giant helium-rich star, leading to its eventual explosion.
“We witness the initial helium explosion occurring very quickly, within a mere few dozen seconds; it all happens in an instant,” states Das.
The material ejected during the first explosion was recorded to be traveling at 25,000 kilometers per second. Hence, despite the second explosion taking place only seconds later, the two events are still separated by a significant distance.
The light from this cosmic explosion is believed to have reached Earth somewhere between 310 and 350 years ago. It would have shone brightly in the southern hemisphere’s night sky, but human records indicate there was no sighting, likely due to it being obscured by the Sun.
Astronomers utilized the mid-infrared instrument (Miri) on the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope to capture breathtaking infrared images of the heart of Messier 82, an edge-on starburst galaxy located approximately 12 million light-years away.
This Webb/Miri image highlights the central region of the Starburst Galaxy Messier 82. Image credits: NASA/ESA/CSA/Webb/A. Bolatto.
Messier 82 is positioned higher in the Northern Spring Sky, situated within the Ursa Major constellation’s direction.
The galaxy was first identified by German astronomer Johann Erard Bord in 1774 and is estimated to be around 40,000 light-years old.
Messier 82 is also referred to as the Cigar Galaxy due to its elongated oval shape, a result of the tilt of its stellar disk relative to our perspective.
Known for its exceptional rate of star formation, galaxies like Messier 82 generate stars ten times faster than our Milky Way.
“Though smaller than the Milky Way, Messier 82 is five times as luminous and creates stars at a rate 10 times greater,” the Webb astronomers noted.
“Classified as a Starburst Galaxy, Messier 82 is particularly active in its center, producing new stars at an accelerated pace compared to other galaxies of its size.”
In visible light images, the central region’s intense activity is concealed by a thick veil of dust clouds, but Webb’s infrared capabilities allow it to penetrate this obscuring layer and unveil the hidden dynamism.
“The reason for the star formation surge in Messier 82 likely lies with its gravitational interactions with the neighboring Spiral Galaxy Messier 81,” the astronomers remarked.
“These interactions directed gas towards the center of Messier 82 millions of years ago.”
“This influx of gas supplied essential materials for new star formation, resulting in Messier 82’s distinct structure! The galaxy boasts over 100 superstar clusters.”
“Superstar clusters are larger and more luminous than normal star clusters, each containing approximately 100,000 stars.”
Earlier Webb images of Messier 82, utilizing data from the telescope’s near-infrared camera (Nircam), were made public in 2024.
These images concentrated on the galaxy’s core, where individual clusters of young stars contrasted with gas clumps and tendrils.
The latest images from Webb’s Miri instruments provide an astonishing, almost starless view of Messier 82.
“Instead, these images highlight warm dust and a complex cloud of sooted organic molecules known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs),” the researchers explained.
“Emissions from PAH molecules trace the expansive runoff of the galaxy, propelled by intense radiation and winds from the hot young stars within the central superstar cluster.”
“Superstar clusters are responsible for Messier 82’s powerful galactic winds, which may signal the conclusion of the galaxy’s Starburst period. These winds, transforming into massive waves in intergalactic space, carry the cool gas necessary for further star formation.”
A recent study involving 1,082 students at Macewan University explored sleep quality, dietary habits, and the perceived connection between the two, revealing a notable relationship between nightmares and lactose intolerance.
Nielsen et al. The research indicates a link between lactose intolerance, dairy consumption, nightmares, and sleep deprivation. Image credit: Micya HNBS.
“The intensity of nightmares shows a strong correlation with lactose intolerance and various food allergies,” noted Dr. Torre Nielsen, a researcher at the University of Monttoriol.
“These findings suggest that modifying dietary habits for individuals with food sensitivities may help alleviate nightmare occurrences.”
“This also explains why many attribute dairy consumption to their unpleasant dreams!”
In this study, 1,082 students from Macewan University were surveyed regarding the perceived connections among sleep duration and quality, dreams, nightmares, and various food items.
Participants’ relationships between their mental and physical well-being and their diet were also examined.
About a third of the respondents reported experiencing regular nightmares. Women were noted to reminisce about their dreams more and were nearly twice as likely to report sleep deprivation and nightmares compared to men.
Roughly 40% of those surveyed admitted to eating late at night or believing certain foods might disrupt their sleep. Around 25% felt that specific foods had a negative impact on their sleep quality.
Interestingly, those who adhered to healthier eating habits tended to report more negative dreams and were less likely to remember them.
“Journalists frequently inquire, especially around food-centric holidays, about the effects of food on our dreams. Now we have some insights,” Dr. Nielsen explained.
The majority of participants who criticized certain foods for causing sleep disturbances pointed to sweets, spicy foods, or dairy products.
A relatively small segment—5.5% of participants—believed their eating habits influenced the nature of their dreams, with many citing sweets and dairy as making their dreams more vivid or bizarre.
Researchers discovered a link between lactose intolerance, gastrointestinal issues, nightmares, and poor sleep quality, comparing reports of food intolerances with reports of nightmares and sleep deprivation.
Consuming dairy products can trigger gastrointestinal problems, leading to discomfort that affects one’s dreams and quality of sleep.
“Nightmares are particularly troubling for those with lactose intolerance, especially those experiencing severe gastrointestinal symptoms that disrupt their sleep,” stated Dr. Nielsen.
“This aligns with the understanding that various physical sensations can significantly impact our dream experiences.”
“Frequent nightmares can be highly disruptive, often waking individuals in uncomfortable states.”
“This may also lead to behaviors aimed at avoiding sleep.”
“Both issues contribute to a lack of restful sleep.”
Survey results will be published in the journal Frontiers of Psychology.
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Torre Nielsen et al. 2025. More Dreams of the Rarebit Devil: Correlation between Food Sensitivity and Food in Sleep and Dreams. Frontiers in Psychology 16; doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1544475
By manipulating fundamental physics, researchers can enhance energy-harvesting devices like solar cells
M2020/Shutterstock
Researchers have challenged long-standing principles of physics, paving the way for more efficient energy harvesting technologies, such as solar cells.
Linxiao Zhu from Penn State University has aimed to break Kirchov’s law of thermal radiation for nearly ten years. Established in the 1800s, this law states that the amount of thermal radiation emitted by an object is proportional to the heat it absorbs, linking to the fundamental principles of thermodynamics. Historically, it was believed that these constraints were absolute.
“In standard physics literature, it’s indicated that Kirchov’s law is a fundamental requirement of the second law of thermodynamics. However, this is not entirely accurate,” explains Zhu.
Previous breaches of this law were seen, but only concerning specific wavelengths of radiation. Zhu and his team have achieved a more significant departure from the norm.
This breakthrough required two significant elements: precisely structured materials and magnetic fields. Both the arrangement of the material and the magnetic environment play crucial roles in the behavior of the particles making up the radiation, like photons, and the energy they carry.
The researchers developed thin-layered semiconductors from indium, gallium, and arsenides, meticulously organizing the atoms. They positioned this setup near a strong electromagnet, illuminating it with lights of various colors at distinct temperatures, angles, and magnetic field strengths.
This combination of material structure and ongoing magnetic influence led to a significant disparity between the radiation absorbed and emitted—up to 43% more radiation was released than was originally absorbed. Zhu attributes this phenomenon to the presence of multiple colors of light. This characteristic is particularly beneficial since sunlight comprises a mixture of colors when hitting solar cell devices.
Aaswath Raman from UCLA indicates that this trial is a major advancement toward turning previously theoretical concepts into reality. He remarks that the stark difference between absorbed and emitted radiation is “a significant breakthrough.”
While novel materials can enhance the efficiency of light and heat-absorbing devices, the requirement for magnetic fields presents challenges. However, Raman remains optimistic about the emergence of new materials that display magnetic properties without requiring proximity to magnets, which could resolve these issues through innovative electromagnetic techniques.
Modern rendition of garum, a fermented fish sauce dating back to Roman times
Alexander Mychko / Alamy
Garum, a type of fermented fish sauce, was a favored condiment throughout the Roman Empire. Recent analyses of ancient DNA extracted from the production vats have uncovered the specific fish species used in this staple seasoning.
This Roman fish sauce was widely appreciated for its intense salty and umami flavors. However, philosopher Seneca famously remarked that one variant had a price “as audacious as that of rotten fish.” There were various types, including a liquid known as Garum or Liquamen, and a thicker paste called Allec. The preparation involved fermenting fish and plant materials, complicating the identification of the fish species used.
According to Paula Campos from the University of Porto, Portugal, “The small, fractured bones and the acidic conditions contribute significantly to the degradation of DNA.”
Campos and her team conducted DNA sequencing on bone samples dating back to the 3rd century AD, sourced from a Roman fish sauce production facility in northwestern Spain. They compared numerous overlapping DNA sequences against the complete fish genome, allowing them to confidently identify the species involved.
This analysis revealed that the remaining fish was predominantly European sardines, aligning with previous visual identifications at other Roman fish processing sites. Additional fish species such as herring, whiting, mackerel, and anchovy have also been identified in various garum production locales.
This finding indicates that “even degraded fish remains” can yield identifiable DNA, suggesting that “it could enhance our understanding of regional variations in the main ingredients of historical fish sauces and pastes,” noted Analisa Marzano, a colleague from the University of Bologna, Italy, who was not involved in the study.
The research shows a comparison of ancient and modern sardines, indicating less genetic mixing among sardine populations across different marine regions in ancient times. This knowledge “may help us gauge the impact of human-environment interactions over the centuries,” Marzano explained.
For future studies, Campos and her colleagues intend to analyze additional fish species from other Roman garum production sites. “We’re broadening our sampling to verify if the results are consistent throughout the Roman Empire,” she added.
A recent study conducted by the University of California reveals that plants utilize a variety of thermosensory systems, with sunlight-generated sugar playing a critical and previously overlooked role in their responses to daytime temperatures.
Arabidopsis plants showing growth in greenhouses. Image credit: Elena Zhukova/UCR.
“Textbooks traditionally assert that proteins like phytochrome B and early flowering 3 (ELF3) are primarily responsible for thermoregulation in plants,” noted Professor Chen.
“However, these theories are derived from data collected at night.”
“We aimed to explore the dynamics during the day when both light and temperature are elevated, reflecting the typical conditions most plants encounter.”
Professor Chen and his team conducted their research using Arabidopsis, a favored small flowering plant within the Institute of Genetics.
The researchers subjected the seedlings to temperatures from 12-27 degrees Celsius under varying light settings and monitored the elongation of hypocotyls, a classic indicator of growth response to warmth.
They discovered that phytochrome B, the photosensitive protein, could only sense temperature in low light. In bright conditions that mimicked midday sunlight, its ability to detect warmth was significantly inhibited.
Interestingly, plants continued to respond to heat, and their growth metrics remained elevated even when the thermosensory function of phytochrome B was curtailed.
“This highlights the existence of other sensory mechanisms,” Professor Chen remarked.
One significant observation stemmed from examining phytochrome B mutants that lacked thermosensory capabilities.
These mutants were only able to react to warmth when grown under light conditions.
In darkness, devoid of photosynthesis, they lost chloroplasts and did not exhibit increased growth in response to warmth.
However, their temperature response was restored upon reintroducing sugar to the growth medium.
“That was the point I realized that sugar does more than just promote growth; it serves as a signal indicating warmth,” Professor Chen explained.
Additional experiments demonstrated that elevated temperatures lead to the breakdown of stored starch in leaves, releasing sucrose.
This sugar stabilized a protein called PIF4, a crucial growth regulator. In the absence of sucrose, PIF4 would decompose rapidly, but its accumulation only occurred when another sensor, ELF3, became inactive and responded to heat.
“PIF4 requires two conditions: access to sugars and relief from suppression. Temperature facilitates both,” Professor Chen added.
This research unveils a complex network of systems. During daylight, when light serves as an energy source for carbon fixation, sugar-based mechanisms have evolved that enable plants to sense environmental changes.
As temperatures rise, stored starch transforms into sugar, permitting essential growth proteins to function.
The implications of these findings are noteworthy. As climate change brings about extreme temperatures, understanding the mechanisms plants use to sense heat may assist scientists in developing crops that thrive under increasingly unpredictable stress.
“This will transform our understanding of how plants perceive temperature,” Professor Chen remarked.
“It’s not merely about proteins activating or deactivating; it’s about energy, light, sugar, and more.”
“The results also emphasize the intricate sophistication found in the plant kingdom.”
“There’s a hidden intelligence in photosynthesis and the management of starch reserves.”
“When the moment arrives for them to reach for the sky, they do so with sweetness and precision.”
study published in the journal Natural Communication.
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D. Fan et al. 2025. Multi-sensor high temperature signaling framework for triggering daytime thermochemistry. Arabidopsis. Nat Commun 16, 5197; doi:10.1038/s41467-025-60498-7
Where does time truly originate? This is a common inquiry I encounter when people discover my background as a physicist. While there isn’t a concise answer, exploring the arrows of time can shed light on the topic.
This concept, emerging in the 1920s, is grounded in the principles of physics governing energy, heat, and entropy. Entropy tends to increase over time, signifying a shift from a low entropy state to a high entropy state—this represents the direction of the “arrow of time.” Often misunderstood as merely obstacles, entropy is better understood as the count of larger configurations, or macrostates, that can arise from smaller ones, known as microstates.
For example, a macrostate with mixed cutlery signifies higher entropy than one where forks are on one side and spoons on the other. Opening a drawer only to find mixed cutlery implies the arrow of time has transitioned from the past to the future.
Yet, a significant issue arises when applying cutlery analogies to the universe. Why did a pristine, low-entropy state ever exist?
This is referred to as the “past hypothesis,” and physicists are generally skeptical of it. When theorizing backward through time, they envision a universe in a state of very low entropy. Given the rarity of such conditions, the existence of such a state raises questions. Moreover, it prompts speculation on whether this state aligns with the Big Bang, the universe’s genesis.
Compounding the mystery is the fact that the laws of physics at scales far smaller than the entire universe—like subatomic particles—are entirely reversible. As Pablo Arrighi from Paris Clair University puts it, this presents a major paradox within physics.
“The laws of physics are reversible, yet our daily experiences contradict this,” he notes. Arrighi and his team set out to create a simplified “toy universe” to better understand this phenomenon.
They discovered that the arrow of time is an inevitability if this toy universe mirrors our own and exhibits constant expansion. In this model, they also discard the need for past hypotheses. The Big Bang can occur without special conditions, while the arrow of time consistently moves forward.
Interestingly, Arrighi highlights that his findings challenge previous notions, such as the potential “big crunch,” where the universe might cease expansion and collapse into a singular point.
Surprisingly, in this constructed universe bound by reversible laws, the Big Bang need not represent a singularity; rather, it opens the door to entropy-driven extensions—conceptually, an alternate universe. “Our existence stems from their emergence. Our challenges are tied to their past,” Arrighi explains regarding the imagined universe beyond the Big Bang.
Though radical, the idea of two universes expanding in opposite directions, each with its own time flow, has fascinated scientists. For instance, in 2014, independent physicist Julian Barbour and his colleagues supported this theory, using gravity studies as a foundation. Unlike Arrighi’s approach, which easily lends itself to simulation, Barbour’s model focuses more on computational arguments. Others, like Sean Carroll from Johns Hopkins University, have previously proposed moving beyond past hypotheses.
Returning to our initial question, can the answer emerge from anywhere, or perhaps from a non-specific place? Philosopher David Albert from Columbia University emphasizes careful consideration of the term “special.” He casts doubt on the assumption that the low-entropic state of the past is inherently special.
“Many believe all physical states should be equally probable. However, when viewed this way, low-entropy states appear quite improbable,” he argues. “My stance is that it’s unreasonable to determine odds a priori.” He advocates for deriving probabilities through observation instead.
Albert favors omitting past hypotheses from fundamental physics concepts, believing that adhering to superior laws is essential. However, he stresses that these insights should rest on observational evidence. The gap between systems studied meticulously, such as gas particles within boxes, and the entire universe is vast. He cautions scientists to be vigilant about the assumptions made when extrapolating from small-scale observations to universal principles.
“Nonetheless, I find it intriguing to explore whether we can derive outcomes without relying on past hypotheses. If that’s feasible, it would be a remarkable discovery,” remarks Albert.
After concluding my conversation with Albert, I plan to reconnect in a year to assess how our understanding of time evolves. Even if I can’t precisely articulate the origins of time, the arrow undoubtedly propels me towards a future rich with exploration and dialogue.
The MethaneSAT satellite, which was anticipated to revolutionize tracking methane emissions, has experienced a loss of contact less than a year and a half after its launch.
MethaneSAT stated that it “probably cannot recover.” A statement from the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), the non-profit managing the satellite, confirmed this loss as a significant setback in efforts to monitor and mitigate methane emissions, which are responsible for a third of the anthropogenic increase in global temperatures.
Upon its launch in March 2024, MethaneSAT contributed to a growing constellation of satellites aimed at detecting invisible methane emissions from principal sources like oil and gas facilities, livestock operations, landfills, and wetlands. While several satellites focus on specific emissions, MethaneSAT is uniquely equipped to assess methane concentrations on a broader scale, making it particularly effective in identifying emissions from fossil fuel extraction.
This capability was designed for estimating methane emissions in well-known fossil fuel production areas, such as the Permian Basin in the southwestern United States, as well as aiding efforts to identify and contain significant sources of potent greenhouse gases.
“That’s a considerable loss,” commented Jason McKeever from Ghgsat, a Canadian company that intended to utilize MethaneSAT data for strategic guidance on satellite deployment. “MethaneSAT was uniquely positioned in its designated mid-orbit.”
The satellite, which cost nearly $100 million to develop and launch, began its data collection in June 2024 and produced its first detection of methane in the oil and gas basin by November 2024. Researchers were exploring automation for data processing; the satellite, which orbits the Earth 15 times a day, promised near real-time emissions data.
“We had just begun a routine of releasing data every two weeks,” stated John Coifman of the Environmental Defense Fund. “The data produced by the satellites was incredibly valuable.”
According to an EDF announcement, mission operations lost communication with the satellite on June 20th. “After exploring all avenues to reestablish contact, we regret to inform that the satellite has lost power,” the statement read.
The MethaneSAT team is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. Meanwhile, they continue to disseminate the data collected prior to the loss of power, alongside the algorithms developed for analysis.
“We are considering various options,” Coifman remarked, indicating that reactivating another satellite remains a possibility.
Paleontologists have adopted a cutting-edge digital fossil mining technique to examine over 250 fossil beaks from 40 ancient squid species. The findings indicate that there is no prolonged slow-moving change associated with the slower parietal layer, previously linked to the mass extinction event of late white matter around 66 million years ago. Early squid species had already established large populations, surpassing the biomass of both ammonites and fish. They evolved into intelligent and agile swimmers, contributing to modern marine ecosystems.
This lithograph features Loligo Forbesii, a squid species from the order Myopsida. Image credit: Comingio Mercuriano.
Squid are recognized as the most diverse and widely distributed group of marine cephalopods in today’s oceans, serving a crucial role in marine ecosystems as both predators and prey.
Their evolutionary success is generally attributed to the loss of a rigid external shell, a significant characteristic of their parietal ancestors.
Yet, their evolutionary beginnings remain unclear due to the scarcity of fossils from soft-bodied organisms.
The fossil record for squid dates back around 45 million years, with most specimens discovered consisting of fossilized statoris, or small calcium carbonites that assist in balance.
The early absence of such fossils has led to hypotheses that squid diversified following the mass extinctions during the Cretaceous period, approximately 66 million years ago.
Molecular studies of living squid species provide estimates regarding their divergence times; however, these estimates have become increasingly uncertain because of the dearth of prior fossil evidence.
In this recent study, Shin Ikegami, a paleontologist from Hokkaido University, and colleagues addressed these deficiencies using high-resolution grinding tomography and advanced image processing to digitally scan rocks as layered cross-sectional images, effectively revealing hidden 3D models.
This method was applied to Cretaceous carbonate rocks in Japan, resulting in the discovery of 263 fossilized squid beaks from 40 species across 23 genera and five families.
Results indicate that squid emerged around the boundaries of the early and late Cretaceous, roughly 100 million years ago, followed by a rapid diversification.
The authors assert that this newly uncovered fossil record significantly extends the documented origins of the two main squid groups: oegopsida extending back about 15 million years and myopsida extending as far back as 55 million years.
Early oegopsids showcased unique anatomical features that later species lacked, hinting at rapid morphological evolution, whereas Myopsids already displayed modern characteristics.
This study further indicates that late Cretaceous squids were more populous and often larger than their contemporaneous ammonite and bony fish counterparts. This ecological dominance might have triggered the radiation of bony fish and marine mammals roughly 30 million years ago, establishing squid as the first intelligent and agile swimmers that shaped modern marine ecosystems.
“In terms of population and size, these ancient squids were evidently proliferating across the oceans,” stated Dr. Ikenakamoto.
“Their body size rivaled that of fish, often even surpassing the ammonites found alongside them.”
“This demonstrates that squid thrived as the most abundant swimmers in the ancient seas.”
“These discoveries revolutionize our understanding of marine ecosystems in the past,” remarked Dr. Yasuhiro Iba from Hokkaido University.
“Squids were likely the pioneers of fast, intelligent swimmers that dominated the modern ocean.”
Shin Ikegami et al. 2025. The origin and radiation of squid revealed by digital fossil mining. Science E 388 (6754): 1406-1409; doi: 10.1126/science.adu6248
Emotions can manifest as physical sensations—be it a surge of anger, a flutter of excitement, or waves of joy, our feelings often have a tangible presence in our bodies.
This phenomenon arises from the interplay between our mental and physical states.
For instance, experiencing anxiety on a first date may trigger a fight-or-flight response, leading to the release of hormones like adrenaline, which elevate heart rate and tense muscles, allowing you to perceive sensations in your chest and throughout your body.
Both positive and negative emotions can influence various bodily functions, including digestion, breathing, perspiration, skin sensitivity, salivation, blood circulation, body temperature, facial tension, and more.
That’s why we often refer to “gut feelings” and “nervous energy.” These physiological shifts can significantly impact our emotions, creating a continual feedback loop connecting our body and mind.
In 2013, a Finnish researcher conducted a study in which individuals mapped out how different emotions corresponded to specific body areas.
While each person’s emotional experience is unique, common sensations can often be found in specific regions. For example, anger typically resonates in the chest and hands, while happiness is prominently felt in the chest and face.
Over time, our perceptions of where we feel emotions in our bodies may have evolved.
A follow-up study in 2024 examined the emotional mappings of people in ancient Mesopotamia (present-day Iraq) by analyzing a million words from historical texts to discover connections between emotions and body parts.
Researchers noted some parallels with present-day emotional responses. For instance, pride was linked to the heart by Mesopotamians, while happiness was most closely associated with the liver, and anger was related to the feet.
These distinctions may stem from Mesopotamian cultural beliefs surrounding the body, wherein the liver was viewed as the central organ of the soul’s essence.
This article addresses the inquiry from Elisevarn of Sheffield: “Why do we feel emotions in different parts of our body?”
For any questions, please email us atQuestion @sciencefocus.com or reach out viaFacebook,Twitter, orInstagramPage (please include your name and location).
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In an extensive community-based investigation, researchers from the Fatty Acid Institute identified a weak yet statistically significant inverse relationship between various inflammatory biomarkers and omega-6 fatty acids.
This image features Oenothera biennis, plants that produce oils with a high linolenic acid content. Image credit: Georg Slickers/CC by-sa 4.0.
“Chronic inflammation is acknowledged as a significant risk factor for various health disorders,” stated President William Harris of the Fatty Acid Institute and his colleagues.
“Omega-6 fatty acids, especially linoleic acid (LA) and arachidonic acid (AA), have been identified as either anti-inflammatory or pro-inflammatory agents. Researchers have considered both positions regarding dietary intake.”
The researchers utilized data from the Framingham Offspring study, a prominent cohort study in the Boston region.
This groundbreaking longitudinal research initiative began in 1971 and follows children from the original Framingham Heart Study, examining genetic and lifestyle factors influencing cardiovascular and metabolic health.
It has yielded valuable insights into chronic disease risks and prevention for decades, establishing itself as one of the most dependable sources for understanding long-term health trends.
This investigation is cross-sectional, meaning LA and AA levels were evaluated alongside 2,700 inflammation-related biomarkers in the same blood samples.
We statistically analyzed the association between the levels of these two omega-6 fatty acids and the levels of 10 blood and urine biomarkers related to inflammation and oxidative stress.
After statistically controlling for several potential confounding variables (such as age, race, gender, smoking status, blood pressure, and weight), researchers discovered that elevated LA levels were significantly linked to lower levels of five out of the 10 biomarkers.
For AA, higher levels were associated with reduced concentrations of four markers; however, there was no statistically significant relationship with higher inflammation/oxidation levels, unlike LA.
“These new findings clearly indicate that individuals with the highest LA (and AA) levels in their blood exhibit less inflammation than those with lower levels,” Dr. Harris remarked.
“This result contradicts the expectation if omega-6 fatty acids were deemed ‘pro-inflammatory.’ In fact, they seem to exhibit anti-inflammatory properties.”
“Amidst discussions in the media about the dangers of seed oils—the primary source of LA in diets—numerous voices advocate for reducing LA consumption.”
“This recommendation lacks a scientific basis, and this study, along with others, suggests the opposite: rather than decreasing LA intake, increasing it may be the healthier choice.”
“These findings diverge from the prevailing narrative but are consistent with earlier studies.”
“Numerous studies within medical literature support the findings presented here.”
The study was published in the journal Nutrients on June 22nd.
____
Heidi T.M. Lai et al. 2025. Erythrocyte omega-6 fatty acids and biomarkers of inflammation in the Framingham offspring study. Nutrients 17 (13): 2076; doi: 10.3390/nu17132076
Recent Summers Show Antarctic Sea Ice Cover at Unprecedented Lows
Nature Picture Library / Alamy
The decline of sea ice around Antarctica has led to a doubling of icebergs calved from the ice sheet and increased spikes in seawater temperatures, exacerbating the effects of heat accumulation in the Southern Ocean.
In recent years, sea ice extent at both poles has sharply decreased. In 2023, the Antarctic winter sea ice area fell 1.55 million square kilometers short of the expected average.
This loss is equivalent to disappearing an ice area nearly 6.5 times larger than the UK. Projections for 2024 suggest similarly low figures, with 2025 also anticipated to experience harsh conditions.
Edward Dodridge from the University of Tasmania and his team are investigating the implications of the long-term reduction of protective buffers provided by Antarctic sea ice.
The researchers discovered that the average temperature in the South Seas has increased by 0.3°C between latitudes 65° and 80° since 2016. Additionally, summer sea ice losses have similarly raised temperatures by 0.3°C.
Alarmingly, the heat from a year with particularly low sea ice does not dissipate by the next year. Instead, it continues to warm the ocean for at least the following three years, resulting in even greater temperature increases than expected, according to Dodridge.
“For some time, we’ve known that summer sea ice loss contributes to ocean warming because ice and its reflective snow cover keep heat at bay,” explains Doddridge.
“The fact that the ocean retains warming effects for three years complicates the consequences of warming in the Southern Ocean.”
Moreover, the dramatic reduction in sea ice may accelerate the loss of inland ice sheets. When sea ice freezes, it dampens the expansion of the South Seas, preventing contact with the ice sheets sitting above Antarctica. Once the protective sea ice barrier disappears, the coastal ice sheets become more susceptible to breaking apart.
The research found that for every additional 100,000 square kilometers of sea ice lost, six more icebergs larger than one square kilometer were formed. “We witnessed double the amount of icebergs at periods of low sea ice,” said Doddridge.
Additionally, the reduction in sea ice significantly impacts species that rely on transferring from the ocean to solid ground for survival. The study indicates that species like the Emperor Penguin (Aptenodytes forsteri) and Crabeater Seal (Lobodon carcinophagus) may face severe challenges.
The scientific investigation in Antarctica is becoming increasingly difficult as the presence of sea ice is crucial for safely resupplying research stations.
Nellie Abram from The Australian National University remarks that “this analysis shows very few positives surrounding the loss of sea ice and its impact on the environment.”
“In years with extremely low sea ice, the Antarctic ecosystem continues to experience effects for years afterward. This isn’t just a one-time event,” Abram asserts. “There are numerous ways this loss of ocean ice influences Antarctic ecosystems.”
3D Models of Skulls from Modern Humans and Neanderthals
Courtesy of Kimberly Anne Plomp
Abnormalities in the skull that compress the lower brain can lead to headaches and various neurological issues, potentially passed down from Neanderthals.
Individuals with Chiari malformations possess a smaller, flatter skull base near the spine junction, causing the cerebellum to be pressed into the neck’s spinal canal.
Type 1 Chiari malformations, which are the least severe, may impact about 1 in 100 individuals. Symptoms can include headaches, neck pain, sleep apnea, and numbness, although some may remain asymptomatic.
Approximately 15 years ago, Yvens Barbosa Fernandes, a neurosurgeon at Campinas State University in Brazil, observed that the skull base of his Chiari patients bore resemblance to Neanderthal specimens from the European Museum, particularly the gentle slopes of the occipital bone where the cerebellum rests. Neanderthals had larger brains than modern humans, yet their skulls were more oblique at the foreheads and bases, resulting in a flatter shape compared to the rounder modern human skulls.
In 2013, Barbosa Fernandes published his hypothesis, suggesting that the shape of Chiari skulls could have a genetic link to an extinct human species, Homo sapiens. “In Chiari’s case, I began to consider a lost connection between anthropology and medicine,” he stated.
Motivated by this theory, Kimberly Plomp from the University of the Philippines in Quezon City and her team created digital 3D models of 46 Chiari 1 skulls and 57 unaffected skulls using CT scans. Their comprehensive mathematical analysis confirmed that the Chiari-affected skulls exhibited more cerebral compression at a flat angle at the base where the cerebellum is located.
Subsequently, the group compared these recent skulls with digital models of eight fossilized heads from Homo Neanderthalensis, Homo Erectus, Homo Heidelbergensis, and ancient Homo sapiens.
They discovered that the skull base measurements of Neanderthal heads closely matched those of modern humans with Chiari, while the skull bases of all other ancient species resembled typical modern humans without Chiari. “This underscores the notion that these modern humans may share Neanderthal characteristics,” suggesting another way Neanderthal genes could influence our health.
For Barbosa Fernandes, this research offers solid backing for his hypothesis. “It makes sense; a less pronounced angle results in less space for the modern human brain,” he noted. “Until now, I lacked scientific evidence to support my theory. This research brings me significantly closer to that proof.”
Looking ahead, the team intends to analyze the DNA of individuals with Chiari malformations in search of Neanderthal genetic markers, according to Plomp.
Other Chiari malformations (types 2-4) are believed to stem from various causes. Type 2 is associated with severe forms of spina bifida, while types 3 and 4 are exceedingly rare and can pose life-threatening risks.
Aging often impacts sleep, leading to challenges as we grow older. Factors such as changes in circadian rhythms, increased nighttime bathroom visits, anxiety, and chronic health conditions can all compromise sleep quality.
Yet, let’s examine the flip side: the influence of sleep on the aging process.
Despite bold assertions from various hyperbaric oxygen therapy centers, nothing can halt our body’s natural aging. However, a closer look at the physiological changes that occur during sleep reveals that cultivating healthy sleep habits can help mitigate the effects of time on our bodies.
What occurs when we sleep?
Our bodies engage in powerful recovery processes during sleep to restore, reset, and rejuvenate organs and cells. Each night serves as a mini-reboot: muscles undergo repair, hormone levels stabilize, and the brain executes a version of waste removal.
Key changes that happen in the body during sleep include:
• Integration of emotional and procedural (long-term, implicit) memory during REM sleep. • The brain experiences a neurochemical reset, with significant reductions in dopamine and serotonin levels during slumber. • Muscle repair promotes the release of growth hormone, restoration of glycogen levels, and the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines to assist muscle recovery. • Hormones like melatonin are produced, while others are regulated; for instance, cortisol (the “stress” hormone) decreases, and leptin (which controls hunger) is maintained.
Dive into the physiological changes that occur during sleep.
Why is sleep increasingly crucial as we age?
Waste removal The Glymphatic System operates while we sleep to clear neurotoxic waste, such as beta-amyloid. This process becomes increasingly critical with age. The National Library of Medicine states, “The aging process involves a range of neurobiological changes in the brain, including the accumulation of toxic proteins like beta-amyloid plaques and tau tangles.”*
Immune support As the immune system naturally declines, deep sleep becomes vital for enhancing immune cell activity, thereby supporting our immunity.
Cardiovascular health Those with a Fitbit will attest that heart rates drop during sleep, allowing blood pressure to lower, which in turn gives the cardiovascular system a chance to rest.
Insulin sensitivity Sleep quality, duration, and timing all influence insulin sensitivity; inadequate sleep can increase insulin resistance and elevate the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.**
Maximizing quality sleep
Hestens, a Swedish bed manufacturer, recognizes the significance of a good night’s sleep. Since 1852, luxury brands have been crafting handmade beds, with each taking up to 600 hours to create using only natural materials.
“Miracles happen while we sleep,” Hestens states. “It’s the sleep that makes a difference. This is a natural process that cannot be replicated or bought over the counter. You can’t cheat your way to perfect sleep, but understanding its importance and implementing good practices can improve your chances of a restful night.”
For more on the advantages of sleep and to explore the full collection of beds and accessories, visit Hestens’ website.
Book local sleep spa bed tests online at www.hastens.com or visit your nearest certified retailer.
Orcas have been observed seemingly presenting deceased prey to humans.
Marine research organization Bay Cetology, led by Jared Tower, was documenting orca pods (Orcinus orca) as they dined on seabirds in Alert Bay, Canada, when a remarkable discovery occurred. Two whales, named Akela and Quiver, approached a tower while clutching birds. The younger orca, Akela, dropped a dead bird in front of the tower and lingered, seemingly watching for a reaction. Following suit, her brother Quiver also dropped a bird and waited.
In a surprising turn, both whales retrieved their prey once more and swam closer to the tower. “I remember thinking, did that really just happen?” Tower recalls. This occurrence aligns with similar ones documented in 2015 and 2018, where a young female orca presented a researcher with a harbor seal pup, prompting further observations of this intriguing behavior.
Further interviews revealed an additional 32 instances between 2004 and 2024 where orcas exhibited similar behaviors. This includes a young male orca from New Zealand, nicknamed Funky Monkey, who repeatedly approached researchers with a long-tailed stingray. Altogether, 18 different prey species have been offered, ranging from gray whales and seals to jellyfish and turtles.
Such behaviors have been regularly observed within the orca pod. “They exist in a highly intricate social structure and share food throughout their lives,” Tower notes.
Yet, the behaviors extend beyond mere interactions. “They engage in actions that reflect goodwill towards another species,” states Lori Marino from New York University, who was not involved in the study.
Tower indicates that this behavior suggests killer whales may possess a capacity for generalized altruism or kindness. Additionally, orcas demonstrate curiosity and boldness, understanding other beings’ perceptions, and actively experimenting with them, he explains.
This form of generalized altruism is beneficial in a social community where collective cooperation brings rewards. Killer whales are also among the few marine predators that sometimes find themselves with surplus prey. “They may leave it uneaten, play with it, or utilize it to explore their surroundings,” notes Tower.
For many killer whales, their generalist predation is characterized by curiosity and exploratory behavior. “Curiosity is a key factor in reducing uncertainty,” Tower adds. “They are actively learning about us by testing the waters.”
Moreover, this behavior might indicate that orcas have a theory of mind, a capability previously recognized in certain birds, primates, and marine mammals such as dolphins.
Hal Lacroix’s adventure unfolds on a spacecraft that has been exploring new planets for centuries
Dotted Zebra/Alamy
Exciting science fiction awaits fans this July, with two highly anticipated books making their debut. Are you intrigued by the beautifully articulated vision of rapid transformation as its effects evolve in a subtle yet increasingly unsettling manner? Don’t miss Alex Foster’s Circular Motion. Or maybe you’re captivated by the excellent “generation ship” narrative? If so, keep an eye on Hal Lacroix’s Here and Beyond. In addition, there are tales of climate fiction, zombies, space romance, and more. Enjoy yourself – I certainly will!
Set in a near future, this striking debut novel envisions an Earth with a colossal aircraft in orbit. Meanwhile, the Earth’s rotation gradually accelerates, initially shortening by mere seconds. However, it ominously contracts to just two hours as the story unfolds, leading to dire consequences. I’ve just completed this novel, and it may very well be my top read of the year so far—smartly written and truly engaging.
I have a special fondness for compelling “generation ship” stories. This one stands out, as 600 people embark on a 360-year voyage to a new planet following Earth’s downfall. Yet, generations must survive aboard their vessel, Shipworld, facing challenges from illness to rebellion, raising tensions among the crew. But don’t take my word for it; our sci-fi reviewer, Emily H. Wilson, gave it a hearty thumbs up, and her taste is impeccable (or at least aligns with mine!).
While I pen these words, London is engulfed in flames, making Susanna Kwan’s dystopian depiction of a rain-soaked future San Francisco even more captivating. We follow Bo, who has fled a city ravaged by catastrophic floods. Living alone on a street transformed into a river, Bo is tempted to leave her boat until her elderly neighbor Mia requests assistance, prompting her to remain. This novel draws comparisons to Emily St. John Mandel’s literary dystopia Station Eleven and Eleanor Catton’s climatological thriller Bilnum Wood, both of which I cherished; thus, I’m eager to delve into Kwan’s rainy world.
Susanna Kwan’s awakening unfolds in a flooded future San Francisco
Bulgac/Getty Images
This month’s science fiction takes us from Earth in disarray to the rain-soaked where the sun is waning. A unique story features two sisters in a small village amid arid lands who struggle for survival as temperatures plummet, leading villagers to confront death—”an ordinary man replaced by a blinding light that sears his head like a miniature sands.” Fascinating!
Another tale revolves around Quetza, an acrobat in a Martian circus who stumbles upon “ominous secrets.” Millions of years later, Azad inhabits a desert planet, teaming up with a space travel historian to discover why their ancestors abandoned Mars.
This climate fiction narrative (I refuse to adopt the “CLI-FI” label as I find it unappealing) unfolds in a self-sustaining community established on a remote Welsh island in 2056, aimed at escaping a tyrannical government. But 13-year-old Gresni suspects her family harbors secrets, especially when an event from the mainland washes ashore.
Penned by the acclaimed publisher recognized for Gabrielle Zevin’s Tomorrow, Tomorrow and Tomorrow, the narrative follows Zoe and Jack, who meet as chemistry students at Harvard University. Two years later, they drop out to join a venture promising longevity, yet their love faces challenges that test its limits.
I confess that this may not fit traditional science fiction norms, but I’m finding it hard to resist: it’s a 2022 road trip story set in Ukraine, featuring “The Maverick Scientist” Yeva and Lefty, “The Only Snail” navigated to ensure the survival of his species. Yeva funds her passion for breeding rare snails by dating men who come to Ukraine for a “guidance romance tour” in search of obedient brides. “Glorious…funny and clever, filled with science, longing, and adventure,” Anne Puckett states. Therefore, I believe a blend of science and snails would surely captivate sci-fi enthusiasts.
As a passionate fan, I feel there’s a distinct lack of zombie novels like The Walking Dead. Fortunately, Lee Radford addresses this gap with a tale about a scientist whose spouse was the last person bitten by the zombie epidemic. While the government quarantines infected individuals, scientist Kesta harbors perilous secrets. Her zombie husband, Tim, is restrained to prevent his rampage. Rick Grimes, I’m just suggesting he could have handled Tim with a heartbeat…
I’ve earmarked this next book for my reading list and am eagerly anticipating it. Elric only awakens once he’s healed, envisioning an experimental treatment center where heartache can be anesthetized. Naturally, there are some “shadow side effects,” and it follows four strangers (and a dog). The Wizard of Oz certainly seems to embody the journey toward healing from heartache.
The publisher describes it as “Suffic’s action-adventure sci-fi novel.” Volatile Memory features Willa as she uncovers cutting-edge technology on nearby planets. This tech, however, turns out to be the remains of a woman donning an AI mask that resurrected her. Together, they seek to unravel its mysteries…
Emily Buchanan’s Send Flowers depicts a woman’s deceased boyfriend reborn as a houseplant
Ozgurcankaya/Getty Images
In a world nearing climate collapse, eco-influencer Fiona has stayed secluded in her apartment since her boyfriend Ed’s passing. One day, his favorite plant is left at her door, prompting her to sprinkle his ashes on the soil. The next morning, she discovers that the plant not only blooms but can also speak. Ed has returned—albeit as a house plant.
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