I’ve never attended a watch party, unless you include a gathering with my two friends for the Taylor Swift: ERAS Tour (which featured themed snacks). But now, it seems watch parties are evolving beyond just movie releases. In fact, I’m gearing up to join a watch party for my new telescope in just a few days.
I was fortunate enough to be part of one of the first public groups to tour the Bella C. Rubin Observatory in Chile, a visit organized by New Scientist. Now, just two years later, I’m eagerly anticipating the first image that will be captured by this colossal telescope, scheduled for release on June 23rd.
The Vera C. Rubin Observatory stands as a marvel of engineering. It’s set to perform sky scans across the Southern Hemisphere within merely three nights. Over a decade, the observatory will conduct scans for ten nights as part of its legacy survey of space-time known as the LSST. This project promises to revolutionize our understanding of astronomy, unraveling longstanding mysteries, including those related to dark matter, and revealing new enigmas.
Clearly, the images and videos produced by the telescope will be breathtaking. To fully appreciate their detail, watching on a phone screen won’t suffice. Even a desktop display falls short. To capture the full glory of a single image, one would need to utilize 400 Ultra HD TVs, as per the LSST UK consortium. Consequently, the team is encouraging partner institutions worldwide to organize watch parties for a more immersive viewing experience.
The specifics of each watch party vary depending on the hosting institution, which may include planetariums, museums, or universities. For instance, events will take place at the Perth Observatory in Australia and at City University in Hong Kong. Numerous locations across the United States, including the Detroit Observatory in Michigan, will host watch parties where attendees can enjoy science demos and hear from local experts. A common thread across all these events is the live release of the first images and videos captured by the Vera C. Rubin Observatory at 11 AM EDT (11 PM GMT), with everyone tuning in to the live stream.
Processing the intricate details of each image can be a time-consuming endeavor. Not only is there the requirement to zoom out and appreciate the telescope’s expansive field of view, but also to zoom in on galaxies in unprecedented detail. Images produced by Rubin will offer greater resolution than those from the James Webb Space Telescope, covering similar sky areas with 45 moon-like objects while JWST operates with roughly three years of data. Additionally, a time-lapse video capturing how the sky evolves over time has been recorded by Rubin.
You’ll indeed be able to view the images online, as well as in issues of New Scientist once they’re published or shared on social media. However, if you want to celebrate this moment in a community setting, consider visiting this interactive map to discover a watch party near you—or, why not host one yourself? While you may miss the full definition on your home screen, you can still experience some of the thrill of witnessing the unveiling of these images and videos alongside others.
I’m excited to attend a local event, hoping to capture the sense of wonder I felt when I first stood inside the observatory and marveled at its grandeur. It’s a scale that helps us better understand our place in the cosmos, even when contrasted with the vastness of the universe.
Mosquitoes are notorious as some of the most lethal creatures on the planet, causing up to 1 million deaths annually due to the diseases they carry, such as malaria and dengue.
However, in the UK, we have 36 native mosquito species that rarely pose a significant threat, thus they do not constitute a part of the three-way tie for the deadliest creature in Britain.
One contender is the dog. Recently, Prime Minister Rishi Snack placed the American XL bully dog on the list of banned breeds after a rise in fatalities associated with dog attacks.
Statistics indicate an average of about three deaths annually. However, in 2022, ten individuals in England and Wales lost their lives due to dog bites. This unfortunate trend can largely be attributed to negligent ownership, particularly with the inclination to breed larger, more powerful dogs.
Small creatures can also be deadly. Therefore, bees and hornets are contenders for the title as well, as 0.5% of the population is allergic to stings, which can lead to fatal anaphylaxis, resulting in two to nine deaths in the UK each year.
The ultimate threat may be less apparent. Picture a serene scene with grazing cattle that cause approximately 4,000 accidents yearly in the UK.
Around five fatalities result from these incidents, primarily affecting the agricultural community, but pedestrians are also at risk. Cows, being prey animals, are instinctively protective of their calves.
Most mishaps occur when natural boundaries are disregarded. Cows can injure individuals by knocking them over or trampling them. It’s advisable to keep dogs on a leash and maintain a respectful distance from herds.
This article responds to the inquiry (Adrianna Gardner, Chelmsford) “What is the deadliest creature in the UK?”
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Biofluorescence, the process of absorbing high-energy light and re-emitting it as low-energy wavelengths, has been observed in various vertebrate and invertebrate lineages, particularly among fish. Research conducted by the American Museum of Natural History indicates that fish biofluorescence can be traced back at least 112 million years and has evolved over 100 times, predominantly in fish inhabiting coral reefs.
Phylogenesis of teleosts showing ancestral state reconstruction (absence/present) of biological fluorescence. Image credit: Carr et al., doi: 10.1038/s41467-025-59843-7.
“Researchers have long known that biological fluorescence is prevalent in marine creatures, including sea turtles and corals, particularly among fish,” stated PhD Emily Kerr, a student at the American Museum of Natural History.
“To truly grasp the reasons and methods behind this unique adaptation, we need to explore the evolutionary background and the variety of biofluorescence currently utilized for camouflage, predation, or reproduction.”
In a first study published in the journal Natural Communication, Carr and colleagues investigated all known biological fluorescent extents, focusing on a species of bony fish, which comprises the largest living vertebrate group today.
This research identified 459 biological fluorescent species, including 48 previously unrecognized as biologically fluorescent.
The researchers discovered that biological fluorescence has evolved over 100 times in marine teleost fish, dating back to approximately 112 million years ago, with the initial occurrence found in eels.
Furthermore, fish species residing in or near coral reefs developed biological fluorescence approximately ten times faster than their non-reef counterparts, leading to a surge in fluorescent species following the mass extinction event around 66 million years ago that wiped out non-avian dinosaurs.
“This pattern coincides with the emergence of modern coral reefs and the rapid infiltration of fish into these environments, particularly after a significant loss of coral diversity due to the Cretaceous extinction,” Kerr explained.
“These relationships imply that the rise of contemporary coral reefs may have spurred the diversification of fluorescence in reef-associated teleost fish.”
Among the 459 documented biological fluorescent extents indicated in this study, the majority are linked to coral reefs.
In a second survey published in the journal PLOS 1, Kerr and co-authors employed a specialized photographic system with ultraviolet and blue excitation lights, alongside emission filters, to analyze the wavelengths emitted by fish from the ichthyology collection at the American Museum of Natural History.
These specimens, collected over the past 15 years during museum expeditions to locations like the Solomon Islands, Greenland, and Thailand, had shown fluorescence previously; however, the full spectrum of biological fluorescence emissions remained unexplored.
This study unveiled a broader diversity in the colors emitted by teleost fish, with some displaying at least six distinct fluorescence emission peaks across various wavelengths, surpassing prior reports.
“The unexpected variation observed among a wide array of these fluorescent fish suggests that they may utilize highly diverse and intricate signaling systems based on species-specific fluorescent emission patterns.”
“As these studies illustrate, biological fluorescence is extensive and remarkably phenotypically diverse among marine fish.”
“Our goal is to enhance our understanding of how fluorescence operates within these varied marine ecosystems and its role in evolutionary diversification.”
“The multitude of fluorescence emission wavelengths identified in this study could significantly impact the discovery of new fluorescent molecules that are routinely employed in biomedical applications, including the diagnosis and treatment of fluorescence-related ailments.”
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Carr et al. 2025. The extensive evolution of repeated biological fluorescence in marine fish. Nat Commun 16, 4826; doi:10.1038/s41467-025-59843-7
Carr et al. 2025. Marine fish display exceptional variability in biological fluorescence emission spectra. PLOS 1 20 (6): E0316789; doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0316789
Astronomers from the Atacama Large Millimeter/Submillimeter Array (Alma) have made observations of comet C/2014 UN271 (Bernardinelli-Bernstein).
Artist depiction of Comet C/2014 UN271. Image credits: NSF/AUI/NSF/NRAO/M.WEISS.
C/2014 UN271 was identified by astronomers Pedro Berner Dinnelli and Gary Bernstein through images captured in 2014 as part of dark energy research.
The comet spans approximately 140 km (85 miles) in diameter, making it over ten times larger than any known comet.
To date, little has been understood about the behavior of such cold, remote celestial bodies.
Recent findings from Alma revealed the intricate and dynamic jets of carbon monoxide gas erupting from the comet’s nucleus, offering the first direct evidence of what drives its activity in relation to the sun.
“With these measurements, we can understand how this massive, icy world functions,” stated Dr. Nathan Ross, an astronomer affiliated with a U.S. university and NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center.
“We are observing explosive outgassing patterns that raise new inquiries about the comet’s evolution as it journeys deeper into the inner solar system.”
Alma observed C/2014 UN271 by detecting light from carbon monoxide gas in its atmosphere and thermal radiation when the comet was still distant from the sun.
Thanks to Alma’s exceptional sensitivity and resolution, scientists were able to focus on the very faint signals emitted from such cold and far-off objects.
Building on previous Alma observations that characterized the comet’s substantial nucleus size, the new findings measured the thermal signal to accurately assess the size of the comet and the dust surrounding its nucleus.
Their measurements for the nucleus size and dust mass are in line with earlier Alma observations, affirming it as the largest cloud comet ever identified.
Alma’s precision in measuring these signals enabled this research, providing a clearer understanding of this distant, icy giant.
“This discovery not only represents the first detection of molecular outgassing in a record-setting comet but also offers a rare glimpse into the chemical and dynamic processes of objects from the farthest reaches of the solar system,” the astronomer added.
“As C/2014 UN271 approaches the sun, we anticipate more frozen gases will start to evaporate, revealing further insights into the comet’s primitive composition and the early solar system.”
“Such discoveries help address fundamental questions about the origins of Earth and its waters, as well as the formation of life-supporting environments elsewhere.”
The team’s research paper was published in Astrophysics Journal Letters.
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Nathan X. Ross et al. 2025. Initial detection of molecular activity in the largest known OORT cloud comet: Alma Imaging of The Sun at C/2014 UN271 (Bernardinelli-Bernstein). apjl 986, L22; doi: 10.3847/2041-8213/add526
A team of paleontologists from the University of Zurich has identified chronic instances of osteomyelitis (bone tissue infection) in Plateosaurus trossingensis, one of the well-known dinosaurs from the late Triassic period in Europe.
Diagram of Plateosaurus trossingensis skeletons featured in the Theoprati exhibition at the Museum of Natural History, University of Zurich. Image credits: Dupuy et al., doi: 10.1186/s13358-025-00368-3.
Plateosaurus trossingensis inhabited Europe around 220 million years ago during the late Triassic epoch.
These ancient creatures were approximately 8 m (26 feet) long and primarily walked on their hind legs.
In a recent study, paleontologist Jordan Bestwick and colleagues analyzed the skeleton of Plateosaurus trossingensis from the Klettgau Layer in Switzerland.
They discovered significant osteomyelitis in the dinosaur’s upper arm and right shoulder.
“Osteomyelitis affects various living animals, including humans, birds, and reptiles,” noted Dr. Bestwick.
“The condition has been documented in several dinosaur groups, including sauropods, leading us to assess and compare numerous specimens, including Plateosaurus.
“The impacted bones in the shoulders and upper arms displayed notably rough internal and external textures, altered shapes, and even fusion, which are broad indicators of osteomyelitis.”
Researchers find their discoveries particularly intriguing since this case represents the oldest recorded instance of osteomyelitis in dinosaurs, dating back to about 220 million years ago, and the extent of the infection was unusually large.
“Earlier studies highlighted localized infections, such as in toe bones or adjacent vertebrae,” Dr. Bestwick explained.
“It’s exceptionally rare to observe infections in a shoulder and the entirety of an upper arm.”
“While the initial cause of the infection remains unknown, it likely plagued the animal for a prolonged period, potentially rendering its right arm nonfunctional.”
These findings are detailed in a paper published in the Swiss Journal of Palaeontology.
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sfj dupuis et al. 2025. Osteology and histology of a Plateosaurus trossingensis (Dinosaur: Sauropodomorpha) from the Upper Triassic in Switzerland with advanced chronic pathology. Swiss J Palaeontol 144, 27; doi:10.1186/s13358-025-00368-3
An extinct creature uncovered in North America offers fresh insights into the region’s life around 75 million years ago.
The creature has been described as “looking like a goblin jumping out of a rock,” according to Hank Woolley of the Los Angeles County Natural History Museum. This species, known as Monstaurus, is part of a group of reptiles that thrived during the late Cretaceous period. Woolley notes it could have been “around 3 to 4 feet from tail to tip.” “Best to stay away,” he warns.
Woolley named the species Borguamondor. The first part of the name derives from a Lord of the Rings character, while the second part is inspired by an invented Elvish word, referring to its bone armor — a trait shared with its relatives, modern Gira Monsters (Healoderma Sumpectum).
Remarkably preserved fossils were found in Utah two decades ago by Joseph Sertich. Initially, the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute believed it was a prehistoric lizard. Sertich recalls, “I found a collection of scattered bones in a low, flat sandy area,” including the skull, vertebrae, jawbone, and parts of a hip bone.
Sertich encouraged Woolley to investigate the fossils at the museum in 2022. B. Amondor represents an extinct species of lizard known as the Monstaurus. They found evidence that some could shed their tails when injured, making it the oldest known example of this defensive strategy that modern lizards employ.
bones belonging to Borguamondor
Utah Natural History Museum/Bureau of Land Management
According to researchers, B. Amondor dined on small mammals, frogs, snakes, insects, and “things not primarily plants,” even considering dinosaur eggs as part of its “round-length” diet. Its habitat was likely a wetland ecosystem, quite hot and humid, resembling the modern-day U.S. Gulf Coast rather than the arid landscape we see today.
Randall Nydam from Midwest University in Illinois, though not involved in this research, emphasizes the cautionary aspect of the story, reflecting on the vulnerabilities of such formidable “monsters,” both ancient and modern. “We must also acknowledge that they are long gone,” he states, “vanished due to changing circumstances.”
Continuing the dialogue about B. Amondor, Sertich believes people should broaden their understanding of these creatures. “Imagining North America’s primal tropical forests should portray nightmare lizard-hunting dinosaurs navigating the underbrush and scaling trees,” he suggests.
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It’s probable that extreme temperatures will persist during the UK’s summer months.
AFP via Henry Nichols/Getty Images
According to the Met Office, the UK must swiftly adapt to summer temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F). This warning from the nation’s National Weather Service highlights the alarming rate of rising summer temperatures due to climate change.
In July 2022, Lincolnshire, eastern England, recorded an unprecedented temperature of 40.3°C (104.5°F), the highest for that month. Experts state that climate change has amplified the likelihood of such heatwaves by at least tenfold.
Furthermore, researchers caution that these extremes are part of a worrying trend. Under the guidance of Jillian Kay, the Met Office has utilized climate models to simulate over 2,500 UK summers to evaluate the potential for extreme heat under current climatic conditions.
The findings reveal a 50% chance of surpassing 40°C within the next 12 years, particularly affecting the southern and eastern regions of England, which are at higher risk for intense heat. The frequency of such extreme temperatures has surged dramatically in recent decades, increasing six times since the 1980s and nearly tripling since 2000.
Additionally, there is a 1% chance of temperatures breaching 42°C (107.6°F) annually, with the highest projected temperature for the UK under present conditions reaching 46.6°C (115.9°F), though such an extreme is described as “very rare,” according to Kay.
The simulations also provide meteorologists insights into the atmospheric conditions conducive to extreme heat in the UK. A primary scenario involves a persistent heatwave affecting Europe, with hot air moving across the southern and eastern coasts of England. Recently, the Met Office issued a warning of another heatwave forecasted for the UK due to the intense warmth persisting across the continent.
As temperatures rise, these heatwaves are becoming increasingly enduring. In the scorching summer of 1976, daytime temperatures surpassed 28°C (82.4°F) for two consecutive weeks. Today, under current climate conditions, similar temperatures can persist for over a month. Simulations indicate that exceeding 40°C could be feasible for 3-4 days even under existing conditions.
“We could experience temperatures a few degrees higher than the 40°C seen in July 2022, and we must be ready,” Kay emphasizes. The UK faced considerable challenges managing brief instances of heat above 40°C during that heatwave. More than 1,200 additional deaths were reported, rail travel was disrupted, schools closed, and wildfires raged throughout the country.
Kay urged public authorities, especially public health leaders, to “stress-test” systems to effectively handle such extreme temperatures. “The Met Office and similar entities have long predicted that climate change would lead to more intense and frequent heatwaves,” she states. “Our research confirms exactly that.”
Prolonged heatwaves pose significant risks. They not only strain the ecosystem but also dry out soil, wilt plants, and threaten animal life, while putting immense stress on human health, particularly when daytime and nighttime temperatures remain elevated for long durations. Extended heatwaves increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. This risk is particularly acute in regions less accustomed to sustained heat, like the UK, where air conditioning is uncommon.
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In a new research paper published in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, astronomers from the University of Leicester explain for the first time how the “excessive diet” of fresh material in black holes has led to emissions reaching nearly a third of the speed of light.
This image illustrates Seyfert Galaxy PG1211+143. Image credits: Centre Donna Astromyk destrasbourg/Sinbad/SDSS.
The intense outflow of ionized gases has raised significant concerns at the ESA’s XMM-Newton X-ray observatory since its initial detection by University of Leicester astronomers in 2001, now recognized as a distinctive trait of the luminous active galactic nuclei (AGNs).
Professor Ken Pound and Dr. Kim Page from Leicester remarked:
“The black hole’s size increases with its mass, with a solar mass black hole having a radius of about 3 km.”
“Stellar mass black holes are prevalent across galaxies, often forming from the dramatic collapse of massive stars; however, ultra-massive black holes can be found in the nuclei of almost all galaxies except the smallest external ones.”
In 2014, astronomers undertook a five-week investigation of an ultra-massive black hole in the distant Seyfert Galaxy PG1211+143, located approximately 1.2 billion light-years from the constellation Coma Berenices.
Utilizing ESA’s XMM-Newton Observatory, they observed counter-inflows, accumulating at least 10 Earth masses near the black hole.
In their latest study, they detected a powerful new outflow traveling at 0.27 times the speed of light, initiated shortly thereafter. The gravitational energy released as material is drawn into the black hole is heated to millions of degrees, producing an overwhelming radiant pressure.
“Establishing a direct causal relationship between significant, temporary inflows and the resulting outflows offers an exciting perspective for observing the growth of supermassive black holes through continuous monitoring of the hot relativistic winds linked with new material accretion,” stated Professor Pound.
“PG1211+143 has been the focus of University of Leicester X-ray astronomers using ESA’s XMM-Newton Observatory since its launch in December 1999.”
“Initial findings surprisingly revealed a counterflow of rapid movements, reaching 15% of the speed of light (0.15c), affecting stellar formation (and consequently the growth) of the host galaxy.”
“Subsequent observations have shown that such winds are a common characteristic of bright AGNs.”
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Ken Pounds & Kim Page. 2025. Observations of the Eddington-style outflow from the bright Seyfert Galaxy PG1211+143. mnras 540(3): 2530-2534; doi: 10.1093/mnras/staf637
Giant pink star larvae resumed development after freezing at -200°C
Patrick Webster
In a groundbreaking achievement, researchers have successfully frozen and revived sea star larvae, marking a significant advance in conservation efforts aimed at restoring an endangered keystone species.
Since 2013, Coastal Star Wasting Syndrome has been devastating populations of sunflower stars (Pycnopodia helianthoides) and giant pink stars (Pisaster brevispinus) along the North American west coast. The decline of these predators has resulted in a major surge in sea urchins, decimating 97% of the kelp forests in Northern California.
Currently, the sunflower star is considered functionally extinct in California, sparking extensive efforts to cultivate these creatures for eventual reintroduction into their natural habitat.
In January 2025, a giant pink star was birthed at the Pacific Aquarium in Long Beach, California. Just two days later, its larvae were dispatched to the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, where they were immersed in liquid nitrogen and stored at -200°C. The following month, they were transported approximately 700 kilometers north to the Sunflower Star Institute in Monterey Bay.
Upon careful thawing, the giant pink star larvae resumed their development, settling on the seabed and transitioning into a boy shape. “No one has ever successfully frozen a sea star at the larval stage and achieved this,” researchers noted.
Sunflower Stars play an important role in the Kelp forest ecosystem
Pat Webster
The successful cultivation of cryopreserved larvae represents a significant milestone for conservationists, as it opens up avenues for reintroducing genetically diverse sunflower stars back into California’s waters. “The larval cycle of the giant pink star closely resembles that of the sunflower stars,” explained Bank, “after which we will move forward with sunflower star rearing.”
Over the past 15 years, marine ecosystems in the North Pacific have faced a growing tide of environmental challenges. “It’s a daunting narrative involving climate change, ocean heat waves, and ecosystem collapse,” remarked Andrew Kim from the Sunflower Star Institute. “However, within Pycnopodia, there lies hope for recovery.”
A British biotech firm, Basecamp Research, has spent recent years gathering extensive genetic data from microorganisms inhabiting extreme environments worldwide, uncovering 10 billion new species among over a million scientifically recognized entities. This vast database of planetary biodiversity aims to assist in training “biology chats” to address inquiries regarding life on Earth, although its effectiveness remains uncertain.
Jorg Overmann from the Leibniz Institute DSMZ, which houses one of the world’s most extensive collections of microbial cultures, asserts that while an increase in known genetic sequences is beneficial, it likely won’t lead to significant discoveries in drug development or chemistry without deeper insights into the organisms from which they originated. “In the end, I’m skeptical that a better understanding of unique features will be achieved merely through brute force in the sequencing domain,” he remarks.
Recent years have seen a surge in machine learning models aimed at identifying patterns and predicting relationships within vast biological datasets. The most well-known of these is Alphafold, which can predict the 3D structure of proteins using only genetic data, and was awarded the 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry at Google DeepMind.
This “genometric biology” approach has grown significantly, but according to Francis Din at the University of California, Berkeley, progress has been limited. One reason for this is the underrepresentation of biodiversity data. “Current biological models are primarily trained with datasets that favor well-studied species (e.g., E. coli, mice, humans), leading to poor prediction capabilities for traits associated with sequences from other branches of the Tree of Life,” she explains.
Basecamp researchers aim to bridge this biodiversity gap. Their expanding database now includes samples from over 120 locations across 26 countries, as detailed in a report by the company. Jonathan Finn, the company’s Chief Science Officer, notes that their sampling efforts target extreme environments that have yet to be thoroughly examined, spanning from the icy depths of the Arctic Ocean to the warm jungle hot springs. “Most of the samples we’re prioritizing are prokaryotic: bacteria, microorganisms, and their viruses,” Finn states. “We are also aware that some fungi are present.”
Genetic analyses of these samples have illuminated gene variations that are broadly shared across the Tree of Life. Based on this research, the company estimates that their data encompasses over a million species of genetic information not found in public genomic databases utilized for training AI models. This includes around 9.8 billion newly identified genes, increasing the overall known gene count tenfold, each potentially encoding useful proteins, according to the researchers.
“By providing these models with richer data, we enhance our understanding of biological mechanisms,” Finn explains. “We aim to create a ChatGPT for Biology.”
It’s estimated that Earth hosts trillions of microorganism species, many of which remain poorly characterized. Thus, it’s not unexpected that the company has identified such a wealth of novel life forms. “As we explore more, discovering diverse gene variants becomes almost inevitable,” notes Leopold Parts at the Wellcome Sanger Institute in the UK.
Nevertheless, Basecamp promotes the notion that all newly discovered materials might hold value. It’s not alone in this sentiment. “This is among the most thrilling advances I’ve encountered in quite some time,” remarks Nathan Frey, a machine learning researcher at Genentech, a US biotech firm. He emphasizes that most AI biology projects focus on algorithm improvement or generating additional lab data rather than venturing out to collect samples directly from nature.
However, skepticism arises regarding whether this database will yield the meaningful advancements the company aspires to achieve. For starters, it remains uncertain how much this newfound diversity in proteins reflects valuable new functions like enzymes and proteins that can degrade plastic useful for gene editing. “They must demonstrate that this novelty has practical utility,” cautions Parts.
Moreover, if the new genes significantly differ from known genes, Overmann expresses doubts about how easily existing tools can predict functionality or how such data can be utilized for training new models. “I can’t discern the functions of most of my genes,” he states. The company may have created a valuable new repository of biological data, but in traditional lab settings, even the most advanced AI may still face challenges in interpretation.
Rockets can transport cooling aerosols to high altitudes
Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images
Reusable rockets designed to deliver sun-reflecting aerosols into the upper stratosphere could help cool the planet. However, this fleet of climate-modifying rockets presents its own challenges.
The increase in global temperatures has led to a surge in research on solar geoengineering, a controversial method aimed at cooling the Earth by reflecting sunlight. The most recognized technique, known as stratospheric aerosol injection (SAI), entails continuously releasing reflective particles, such as sulfur dioxide, into the stratosphere.
Typically, researchers believe that aerosols will be released from cargo aircraft flying at around 20 km high. Climate models suggest that this could offset warming caused by rising greenhouse gas levels. Nonetheless, it also presents numerous other climate risks, some of which are unknown.
One significant concern is that the aerosols absorb sunlight, warming the stratosphere itself, even while surface temperatures cool. Because of wind patterns, aerosols tend to cluster in the tropical stratosphere, resulting in more warming than in other areas of the atmosphere. This can disrupt jet streams and circulation patterns that influence global weather.
Aerosols may also hasten ozone depletion caused by chlorine, potentially postponing the recovery of ozone holes over Antarctica by as much as 50 years.
Pengfei Yu from Jinan University in China and his team explored whether injecting aerosols at much greater heights—50 kilometers in the upper stratosphere—would change these dynamics. They discovered that high-altitude injections could yield greater cooling benefits than lower altitude methods, as aerosols persist longer, particularly at the poles. This additional height also prevents the aerosols from warming the lower stratosphere until they reach the poles, avoiding the harmful heating in the tropical stratosphere.
Finally, researchers found that these aerosols interact with another chemical that depletes ozone, which results in only a five-year delay in ozone recovery. “We weren’t aware that [injecting at] 50 kilometers offered such a different perspective,” says Yu.
Since planes cannot reach nearly 50 km, researchers propose using rockets. They estimate that deploying 80 reusable, hydrogen-powered rockets every other day could inject between 3 million and 8 million tonnes of aerosols annually, which they say falls within current technological capabilities.
While this scenario may be theoretically feasible, it is likely to be significantly more complex than traditional SAI approaches, according to Douglas McMartin at Cornell University in New York. Some advantages, such as preventing warming in the tropical stratosphere, can be more easily achieved by focusing on higher latitudes instead of high altitudes.
“It may rise higher in the atmosphere for increased efficiency, but the costs are astronomical in comparison,” he states.
Moreover, the high-altitude method does not fully mitigate many risks associated with solar geoengineering, including the rapid temperature increase that could follow if injection ceases. “What happens if the rockets fail on the ground?” Yu questions. “That’s a legitimate concern.”
Helgoland Island occupies a nearly mythical position in quantum mechanics history
Shutterstock/Markus Stappen
Having attended numerous scientific conferences, the recent one on Helgoland Island, marking a century of quantum mechanics, stands out as one of the most peculiar, in a positive sense.
This tiny German island, stretching less than a kilometer in the North Sea, exudes the ambiance of a coastal resort. Even during summer, its charm wanes, giving way to the scent of quaint streets filled with souvenir shops, fish eateries, and ice cream stalls. Picture cutting-edge experimenters in Quantum Technologies casually mingling after discussions at the town hall beside a miniature golf course—it’s quite an experience.
Our purpose here becomes evident as we stroll along the cliffside road, where a bronze plaque commemorates physicist Werner Heisenberg’s purported invention of quantum mechanics in 1925. While it sounds intriguing, it’s an embellishment; Heisenberg merely outlined some concepts here. The more recognized formulation came from Erwin Schrödinger in early 1926, who introduced wave functions to predict quantum system evolutions.
Nonetheless, this year clearly holds significance as we commemorate a century of quantum mechanics. Regardless of how much of Helgoland’s narrative stems from Heisenberg’s own embellishments—he recounted his breakthrough there several years later—this “Remote Control Island” serves as a unique venue for celebratory gatherings.
And what a celebration it is! It’s almost surreal to witness such a congregation of renowned quantum physicists. Among them are four Nobel laureates: Alain Aspect, David Wineland, Anton Zeilinger, and Serge Haroche. Collectively, they’ve validated the bizarre aspects of quantum mechanics, showcasing how the characteristics of one particle can instantaneously influence another, no matter the distance. They’ve also developed techniques to manipulate individual quantum particles, crucial for quantum computing.
In my view, these distinguished individuals would concur that the younger generation is poised to delve deeper into the implications of quantum mechanics, transforming its notoriously counterintuitive essence into new technologies and a better understanding of nature. Quantum mechanics is renowned for encompassing multiple interpretations of its mathematical framework concerning reality, with many seasoned experts firmly entrenched in their perspectives.
Helgoland’s plaque honors Werner Heisenberg’s role in quantum mechanics
Philip Ball
This divisive sentiment was noticeable during Zeilinger and Aspect’s evening panel discussion. Jill’s Brothers pioneered quantum cryptography at the University of Montreal.
In fairness to the veterans, their theories emerged under considerable skepticism from their peers, particularly regarding the significance of examining such foundational concerns. They navigated an era where “silent calculations” were prevalent—a term coined by American physicist David Mermin to describe how it was frowned upon to ponder the implications of quantum mechanics beyond merely solving the Schrödinger equation. It’s no wonder they developed thick skins.
In contrast, younger researchers seem more pragmatic in their approach to quantum theories, often adopting various interpretations as tools to address specific challenges. Elements of the Copenhagen interpretation and the multiverse theory are intertwined, not as definitive claims about reality, but as frameworks for analysis.
The new wave of researchers, such as Vedika Khemani from Stanford University, are actively bridging condensed matter physics and quantum information. I heard her highlight the evolution from storing information on magnetic tapes in the 1950s to the crucial error correction techniques in today’s quantum computing.
Quantum mechanics applications are on the rise, with theorists also stepping up their game. For instance, Flaminia Giacomini at the Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich spoke about her pursuit of reconciling the granular quantum realm with the smooth continuous world required for quantum gravity, offering profound insights into the essence of quantum mechanics.
While some may consider this exploration to be veering into the realm of speculation, as seen in string theory attempts, Giacomini asserted, “There is no experimental evidence that gravity should be quantized.” Hence, empirical validation remains elusive, despite a wealth of theoretical discourse.
Excitingly, there are plans to test hypotheses in the not-so-distant future. For instance, examining whether two objects can entangle purely through gravitational interactions is a goal. The difficulty is ensuring the objects are substantial enough to exert meaningful gravitational pull while being sufficiently small to demonstrate quantum characteristics. Several speakers expressed confidence in overcoming this hurdle within the next decade.
The conference revealed the interconnectedness of quantum theories and experiments: perturbing one aspect inevitably influences others. Gaining a nuanced understanding of quantum gravity through delicate experiments involving trapped particles could shed light on black hole information paradoxes and inspire innovative ideas for quantum computing and the nature of quantum states.
Ultimately, achieving progress in any of these areas appears promising for uncovering the enduring questions that have fascinated Heisenberg and his contemporaries. What occurs when we measure quantum particles? However, rather than perceiving it as a repetitive struggle, it’s clear that quantum mechanics is much more sophisticated and intriguing than the founders ever envisaged.
When recalling memories, neural activity is sparked in different brain regions
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Even forgotten memories appear to influence our behavior.
“People often perceive memories as something to reflect on or contemplate,” says Nick Turk Brown from Yale University, who was not involved in this research. “However, we don’t spend our days lost in past memories. We work, parent, and have fun. Our memories continuously shape our actions; I believe 95% of our cognitive processes operate in this unseen manner.”
Memory can be described in various ways. One perspective focuses on self-reported recollections, like what someone had for dinner yesterday or details about their seventh birthday. Another way to conceptualize memory involves the persistent networks of brain cells known as engrams, which create the biological representation of experiences we have memorized.
Many researchers have long believed that forgetting a memory implies the disappearance of its related engrams. However, studies on mice suggest that forgotten memories endure even when they cannot be consciously retrieved.
In a study led by Tom Willems from the University of Bern, Switzerland, 40 participants briefly viewed 96 pairs of images, including human faces and objects like guitars and staplers.
The researchers then monitored the participants’ brain activity while testing their memory of whether two images had been paired 24 hours prior, using high-resolution functional magnetic resonance imaging. Participants were also asked if they remembered seeing the images together, if they were uncertain, or if they were just guessing.
When they confidently recalled the images, participants correctly chose the paired images 87% of the time in both tests. Conversely, those who could not recall what they had seen managed to achieve about a 50% accuracy rate.
Participants uncertain of their memory estimated correctly 57% of the time after both 30 minutes and 24 hours, suggesting that this group may still retain some memory of the associations.
Interestingly, when guessers made the right choice, their brain activity patterns mirrored those of participants who confidently remembered, particularly in the relevant hippocampal regions.
During a follow-up test after 24 hours, individuals who believed they had forgotten remained active in the hippocampus, while those who recognized the images exhibited activity in the anterior cingulate gyrus of the neocortex.
As Amy Milton from Cambridge University states, “I suggest that the shift of memory activity to the neocortex is associated with recall, but it remains unclear whether this change is a cause or a result of what is remembered.”
Nevertheless, the findings align with a predominant theory of memory function, known as Standard Integration Theory, as explained by Turk Brown. This theory proposes that memories are initially formed in the hippocampus and later consolidated in the neocortex during sleep for long-term storage.
This research highlights a potential separation between the memories we consciously access and the associated engrams in the brain, according to Turk-Browne. “This offers a fascinating illustration of the subtle, automatic, and pervasive influence of hippocampal memories on behavior.”
“Essentially, what they propose is that some memories don’t have to be consciously searched for in order to influence behavior later,” Milton explains.
She expresses no surprise that strong memory traces can shape our actions without our conscious awareness, referencing the phenomenon of priming. Seeing or hearing something can subtly prompt specific responses without us discerning the reasons.
However, priming occurs in various brain regions, such as the prefrontal cortex, and as Turk-Browne notes, it typically produces only transient effects lasting seconds or minutes.
At the Accelerator Laboratory of the University of Zibaskira in Finland, physicists utilized a gas-filled recoil separator focal plane spectrometer to observe two attenuation events of the newly discovered isotope astatin-188 (188At), which is composed of 85 protons and 103 neutrons.
Kokkonen et al. Report the discovery of the new nucleus 188At, which is the heaviest proton-emitting isotope known to date.
“Proton emission is a rare type of radioactive decay where the nucleus releases protons, moving toward stability,” explained Henna Kokkonen, a doctoral researcher at Zibaskira University.
“This new nucleus is currently the lightest known isotope of astatin, 188At, containing 85 protons and 103 neutrons.”
“Studying this type of exotic nucleus is exceedingly challenging due to its brief lifespan and low production cross-section. Therefore, precise techniques are essential.”
“The nuclei were produced through fusion deposition reactions by irradiating natural silver targets with a 84Sr ion beam,” added Dr. Kare Auranen of Zibaskira University.
“The detection of the new isotopes was made possible using the Ritu Recoil separator’s detector setup.”
In addition to the experimental findings, the physicists expanded theoretical models to interpret the collected data.
According to the team, 188At can be likened to a strong explosion, resembling “the shape of a watermelon.”
“The nuclear properties suggest a shift in the behavior of the binding energy of valence protons,” Kokkonen stated.
“This is attributed to unprecedented interactions with heavy nuclei.”
“Isotopes are rare globally, and this marks the second occasion I’ve had the chance to make history.”
“All experiments pose challenges, and it is rewarding to conduct research that enhances our understanding of the fundamental limits of matter and nuclear structure.”
The authors intend to refine the current uncertainties and half-life of the attenuation energy by further theoretical exploration of charged particle-damped heavy nuclei, observing the evolution of their shapes, and examining additional decay events of 188At.
“Equally intriguing is the study of the collapse of a currently unknown nuclear isotope 189At, which could be a proton-emitting nucleus, an aspect we have yet to explore in future experiments,” they concluded.
Their paper was published in the journal Nature Communications.
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H. Kokkonen et al. 2025. New Proton Emitter 188At signifies unprecedented interactions in heavy nuclei. Nat Commun 16, 4985; doi:10.1038/s41467-025-60259-6
Remarkably, they survived for days without air, water, or any protection from intense solar radiation, showcasing their resilience. Researchers believe these little animals possess extraordinary survival capabilities.
In extreme situations, tardigrades enter a state known as cryptobiosis, essentially drying out and halting their metabolism.
Once conditions improve and water is reintroduced, they can rehydrate and start functioning again as if nothing ever happened.
Recent research has revealed new insights into these remarkable organisms. For instance, scientists have identified a protein called “DSUP” that shields their DNA from radiation, acting like molecular armor.
Researchers from the University of Stuttgart have provided evidence supporting the “sleeping beauty” hypothesis.
This theory posits that in their dormant state, tardigrades may not only pause their metabolism but also their biological clocks.
They survived for days without air, water, or protection from intense solar radiation. – Image credits: Scientific Photo Library via Sebastian Kauritzki/Getty Images
Interestingly, water bears that undergo freezing thrive for twice as long while awake compared to a control group that never sleeps.
In their natural habitats, tardigrades might only be active for a few months, yet they can enter a state of suspended animation and survive for decades.
A 2024 study focused on the recently discovered tardigrade, Hypsibius henanensis, which provided further insights.
The research revealed a gene responsible for producing betalain, which counteracts the damaging effects of ultraviolet rays.
Additionally, they uncovered proteins that enhance DNA repair mechanisms. The next step is to determine whether these proteins offer protection across any of the 1,300 known tardigrade species.
This article answers the question posed by Madison Halladay: “Why are tardigrades so indestructible?”
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Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are believed to be the most prevalent class of organic compounds in the universe, yet their lifecycle in interstellar media remains poorly understood. Recently, astronomers using NSF’s Green Bank telescopes identified cyanocoronene (C24H11CN), the largest PAH discovered in space, located within the starless cloud core TMC-1.
Cyanocoronene, composed of seven interconnected benzene rings and cyano groups, is a region known for its abundant chemistry and was discovered in the cold, dark molecular cloud TMC-1, recognized as a new cradle for star formation. Image credits: NSF/AUI/NSF/NRAO/P.VOSTEEN.
Cyanocoronene is a derivative of coronene, often regarded as a prototype compact PAH due to its stability and distinctive structure.
PAHs are thought to play a crucial role in the chemistry that captures a significant portion of the universe’s carbon and contributes to star and planet formation.
Until this discovery, only smaller PAHs had been identified in space, making this finding a significant leap in understanding size limits.
“Each new detection brings us closer to understanding the origins of the complex organic chemistry in the universe, and possibly the building blocks of life,” says Dr. Gabi Wentzel, an astronomer at the Center for Astrophysics at MIT and Harvard & Smithsonian.
Dr. Wentzel and her team first synthesized cyanocoronene in the laboratory and recorded its unique microwave spectrum using advanced spectroscopic methods.
Equipped with this molecular fingerprint, the astronomers searched data from the Green Bank telescope, the primary instrument for the Gotham project (GBT observations of TMC-1: GBT observations of aromatic molecules).
They identified several spectral lines of cyanocoronene, confirming its presence with a statistical significance of 17.3 sigma, a robust detection by astronomical standards.
Cyanocoronene is currently the largest individual PAH molecule found in interstellar space, featuring 24 carbon atoms in its core structure (excluding the cyano group).
The quantity of cyanocoronene detected is comparable to that of smaller PAHs previously identified, challenging the notion that larger molecules are rare in the universe.
This indicates that even more complex aromatic molecules may be prevalent in the cosmos.
“The presence of such a large, stable PAH lends support to the idea that these molecules can serve as significant reservoirs of carbon and potentially facilitate the formation of new planetary systems throughout their lifecycle,” the researchers stated.
“The quantum chemical analysis in this study reveals that the reaction between coronene and CN radicals enables the efficient formation of cyanocoronene in cold space conditions.
“This implies that even prior to star formation, there can be chemical processes that establish complex organic matter.”
“The discovery of cyanocoronene not only adds new chapters to the narrative of astrochemistry but also reinforces the PAH hypothesis. It suggests that these molecules are responsible for the enigmatic infrared emission zones scattered throughout the universe.”
“Additionally, it establishes a direct link between interstellar clouds, meteoroids, and asteroid chemistry, implying that organic molecules present in our solar system might have originated in similar environments long before the Sun was born.”
Astronomers are making significant strides in comprehending how matter behaves and interacts in space utilizing fast radio bursts (FRB). They have found that over three-quarters of the universe’s ordinary material is concealed within sparse intergalactic gases, and they have also identified the furthest FRB event recorded to date.
This artist’s concept illustrates the density regions and red blank areas of the universe’s web in blue. Image Credit: Jack Madden/Illustristng/Ralf Konietzka/Liam Connor, CFA.
For many years, it has been established that at least half of the normal, predominantly proton-based baryonic material in the universe has gone unaccounted for.
Previous approaches by astronomers employed methods like X-ray and ultraviolet observations to gather significant clues regarding this missing mass, which manifests as extremely thin warm gases between galaxies.
The challenge arises from the high-temperature, low-density gas that remains mostly invisible to most telescopes, leaving scientists unable to assess its presence or distribution.
This is where FRBs come into play – brief, intense radio signals emitted by distant galaxies that researchers have recently demonstrated could measure baryonic matter in space, although its location remained a mystery until now.
In the latest study, scientists examined 60 FRBs, with the most distant FRB recorded at 1,174 million light-years (FRB 20200120E) from Messier 81 and reaching up to 9.1 billion light-years (FRB 20230521b).
This enabled them to pinpoint the missing material within intergalactic spaces or the intergalactic medium (IGM).
“The ‘baryon problem’ was never in doubt,” stated Dr. Liam Connor, an astronomer at the Harvard & Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics. “The issue has always been about its location. Now with FRBs, we’ve established that three-quarters of it exists between galaxies in the cosmic web.”
By analyzing the delays in each FRB signal as it traveled through space, Dr. Connor and his colleagues tracked the gaseous medium along its path.
“FRBs function like flashlights in space, illuminating the intergalactic medium. By accurately gauging how the light slows down, we can assess this medium, whether it’s starkly visible or barely detectable,” Dr. Connor explains.
The findings are revealing—approximately 76% of the universe’s baryonic matter resides within the IGM.
Additionally, about 15% is found in galaxy halos, with a minor fraction embedded within stars and cool galactic gases.
This distribution aligns with predictions made by advanced cosmological simulations, yet this is the first instance of direct confirmation.
“This marks a triumph for contemporary astronomy,” noted Dr. Vikram Ravi, an astronomer from California.
“Thanks to FRBs, we are now approaching a new understanding of the universe’s structure and composition.”
“These brief flashes enable us to trace the invisible baryonic matter filling the expansive voids between galaxies,” he added.
“Baryons are pulled into galaxies by gravity; however, supermassive black holes and supernova explosions can expel them back into the IGM, cooling cosmic temperatures when they spiral out of control,” commented Dr. Connor.
“Our findings indicate that this feedback mechanism is effective, suggesting gas must be displaced from galaxies into the IGM.”
The team’s results are published today in the journal Nature Astronomy.
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L. Connor et al. Gas-rich cosmic web unveiled by the partition of missing baryons. Nature Astronomy Published online on June 16th, 2025. doi:10.1038/s41550-025-02566-y
The partial skeleton discovered in the Fernie Formation in British Columbia, Canada, in 1916, represents a new genus and species of an extinct marine reptile named Ichaosaurus, as stated by an international group of paleontologists.
Photos and interpretation of Fernatator Prentisai skeleton in side view on the left. Image credit: Massare et al.
Fernatator Prentisai existed in North America during the early Jurassic Epoch, approximately 109 million years ago.
“Ichthyosaurs—marine reptiles that superficially resemble dolphins—were prominent marine predators from the early Triassic (Olenek) to the beginning of the late Cretaceous (Cenomanian),” noted Professor Judy Massare from SUNY College.
“They were the dominant large predators of the Triassic and early Jurassic seas.”
“Many partial and complete skeletal remains of early Jurassic ichthyosaurs have been collected, primarily from England and Germany.”
“The early Jurassic Ektisaurus in North America is considered rare,” they emphasized.
“Hence, the discovery of partial skeletal remains from western Canada is significant.”
Excavation of Fernatator Prentisai skeleton. The podium is incomplete, but the additional parts that were lost have since been preserved. T. Prentice At Light, WR Wilson, the general manager of CNP Coal Company, is on the left. Photo taken around 1916, between the Elk River, Morrissey, and Fernie, British Columbia. Photographer unknown. Image credit: Massare et al.
The skeleton of Fernatator Prentisai was found by T. Prentiss in the summer of 1916 while fishing on the Elk River in British Columbia, Canada.
“This specimen represents the most complete ichthyosaur known from the early Jurassic in North America and is one among several ichthyosaur specimens known from the Fernie Formation in western Canada,” the paleontologist remarked.
This new species is a medium-sized ichthyosaur, measuring 3-4 m (10-13 feet) in length, with a distinct combination of features.
“As preserved, the entire skeleton measures 2.8 m long, which includes an impression of the front of the podium,” the researcher added.
“In life, this skeleton likely reached approximately 3.5 m in length, possibly even 4 m.”
“Despite the poor preservation, there is enough identifiable morphology to justify the designation of a new genus and species,” they noted.
“It is characterized by a tall, bar-like orbital, short straight jugals that do not extend beyond the anterior or posterior of the orbit, a long, narrow anterior process of the maxilla, and a cora-like body with a broad curved outer end and a deep anterior region, among other features.”
Fernatator Prentisai symbolizes a sparse record of early Jurassic ichthyosaurs, validated from the Early Jurassic in Canada, and is a significant addition to ichthyosaur taxonomy.
Nature of science journals aims to highlight the complexities of academic publishing.
In an editorial released on Monday, the journal revealed it will include a peer review file with the papers it plans to publish. This will grant reviewers insight into the behind-the-scenes process where authors respond to revisions.
Publishing peer review files has been an option in Nature since 2020, but as of Monday, it has become a standard practice.
“Our goal is to demystify what many refer to as the ‘black box’ of science and clarify how research papers are developed. This aims to enhance transparency and foster trust in the scientific process. We believe that publishing peer reviewer reports enriches scientific communication and contextualizes how results and conclusions are reached.”
Opening the peer review process is becoming increasingly common among scientific journals, but Nature stands out as one of the largest and most influential in adopting this practice.
Peer review occurs once scientific research is submitted to a reputable journal, where field experts evaluate the work for issues such as flawed inferences, poor research practices, and data errors. These external experts provide feedback to journal editors and authors, known as the Judge Report.
“Peer review enhances the quality of the paper,” the editorial states. “The dialogue between authors and reviewers should be regarded as a significant component of the scientific record, crucial to research andits dissemination.”
Nature’s updated process automatically publishes judge reports and author responses. Journal practices evolve particularly when public trust in science wanes; a Pew Research Center poll indicates that trust in scientists fell approximately 10 percentage points from 2019 to 2024, with only 45% of Americans considering scientists to be effective communicators.
Michael Eisen, a former editor of the scientific journal Elife and a proponent of reforming the scientific publishing process, believes Nature’s decision marks a significant step towards greater transparency in the field.
“It’s valuable for the public to witness the process,” Eisen stated. “Much of the criticism stems from misunderstanding, which often arises from a lack of transparency surrounding scientific processes.”
Eisen suggests this move could help skeptics recognize the rigorous scrutiny applied to critical topics.
“For instance, if people observe the thorough examination vaccine-related studies undergo, it can help them better understand and assess the context of scientific findings,” Eisen noted.
At the same time, this transparency may help to mitigate the sensationalism often associated with striking findings.
“It may help dispel the notion that once a paper is published, it is infallible and that all questions have been resolved,” Eisen added.
He also mentioned that Nature could publish reviewer comments on manuscripts that were ultimately rejected.
“The truly transformative step would be to disclose reviews for all submitted papers,” Eisen remarked. “While it’s insightful to understand the questions raised in reviews of accepted papers, it is equally important to see why certain papers were rejected by the journal.”
Image of Sagittarius A*, the black hole at the center of the Milky Way galaxy
EHT
At the core of our Galaxy lies an extraordinary rotating entity: a black hole that appears to be spinning near its maximum velocity.
Michael Jansen from Radboud University in the Netherlands and his team investigated black holes in the center of the Milky Way, specifically Sagittarius A*, utilizing data gathered by a collective network known as the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT). To tackle the intricacies of the data, they opted for artificial intelligence methods.
Initially, they simulated approximately one million black holes using established mathematical models, a computational endeavor that necessitated millions of hours on supercomputers. These simulations served as training data for a type of AI known as neural networks, enabling them to assess the properties of black holes based on empirical observations. Subsequently, they fed the AI with data on Sagittarius A* collected by the EHT throughout 2017.
The AI determined that Sagittarius A* is rotating at 80-90% of its theoretical maximum speed. It also indicated to the researchers that none of the currently available magnetic field models adequately describe the characteristics of this black hole, highlighting the need for additional mathematical modeling. Janssen notes that earlier studies had merely narrowed down the potential characteristics of Sagittarius A*, such as its rotation speed and surrounding magnetic fields, while this new methodology has refined those estimates.
Dimitrios Psaltis from Georgia Tech in Atlanta remarked that some of the findings were unexpectedly counterintuitive. Previous analyses had not clarified whether black hole spins could be accurately discerned from EHT data.
While earlier research suggested that Sagittarius A* might be spinning at significant speeds, Mizuno Yuishi from Zhejiang University in Shanghai, China, noted that there is still room for enhancement in the computational models applied in this new analysis. “Our theoretical model is still not perfect,” he acknowledged.
However, both Mizuno and Psaltis agree that integrating AI into the study of exotic cosmic entities like black holes is increasingly essential. “We possess a wealth of data and numerous models, and we require a contemporary approach to merge the two,” Psaltis states. “This is precisely where machine learning proves to be transformative.”
Yet, this integration presents unique challenges, as AI work necessitates verification to mitigate potential inaccuracies and errors in subsequent analysis.
Janssen and his team have conducted numerous verification checks, including testing the AI with specially designed simulation data. They are also evaluating data from subsequent EHT operations and will be analyzing new findings from observatory results, he explains.
Excavation rigs often stir curiosity in fields dotted with grazing cattle. Although we are in Kansas, these rigs proudly display both American and Australian flags, indicating the origins of their owner. Hyterra, an Australian company, has been exploring for natural hydrogen fuels lurking in deep fractures of North America.
“I believe behind us is the kitchen where hydrogen is produced,” said Avon McIntyre, the company’s executive director. The surge in activity has drawn numerous businesses to the Midwest, positioning eastern Kansas as a pivotal area in the global quest for “geological hydrogen.”
This tale began about 1.3 billion years ago when the continent that is now North America began to fragment into two parts. While the continent eventually stopped separating, the fracture left a 2,000-kilometer-long mark of iron-rich mantle rock. Presently, this cleft lies buried beneath farms and ranches in the Midwest.
In eastern Kansas, older oil and gas wells have recorded high concentrations of hydrogen as solid rocks surrounding these fractures are pushed near the surface. To explore potential harvesting, several companies have secured hydrogen drilling rights over more than 100,000 hectares in the region, according to McIntyre’s analysis of public court documents. Hyterra and its competitor Koloma are advancing their efforts by drilling deeper into the earth.
“It’s like a gold rush, with everyone eager to find it,” stated Kristen Delano from the Colorado-based company Coloma. While she refrained from disclosing their drilling locations in Kansas, she noted that public opinion has indicated their recent excavations. Additional companies, such as the Australian firm Top End Energy, are acquiring mineral rights based solely on where Koloma is active.
“There has been considerable discussion within the community,” remarked Shawn McIntyre, who has no relation to Hyterra’s executive director. As a rancher from Waterville, Kansas, he has leased thousands of acres for hydrogen drilling. “This could revitalize the industry in small towns that have suffered economically in this region.”
The global pursuit of underground hydrogen escalated following updated assessments of global reserves several years ago. Companies investigating gas deposits are hopeful that it could become an alternative to the fossil fuels currently dominating heavy industry, fertilizer production, and electricity generation. “Natural hydrogen fits seamlessly into that narrative,” stated Jay Calbus from the Kansas Geological Survey. “If we are sitting atop a substantial supply of hydrogen that can be harnessed… it could transform not only the state but also the wider region, and the nation.”
As Avon McIntyre and I traverse the muddy terrain to the drilling platform southwest of Manhattan, Kansas, he shouts above the din of the rig, “It’s crucial to understand what’s happening down there.”
The company hypothesizes that water from the underground aquifer interacts with iron-rich mantle rocks within the Middle Continent fractures, resulting in the production of hydrogen through a process known as meandering. This reaction generates hydrogen molecules in the water, which subsequently migrate to the surrounding rocks.
This year, plans include drilling five exploratory wells aimed at identifying hydrogen concentrations along subsurface rises in bedrock known as Nemahalridge. Earlier reports revealed that the first well, drilled at a prominent location on this ridge, recorded hydrogen concentrations of 96%.
Currently, the second well is deepening, surpassing 1600 meters and operating continuously. At the rig, workers sift through the mud, which contains granite scraps from the excavated hole, extracting gas from the liquid for analysis.
In the Mud Shack, a makeshift office at the site’s periphery, a team of contractors monitors and reports in real-time the gas composition from varying depths of the well. While gas levels remained low in solid rock, hydrogen concentrations began measuring over 800 parts per million.
“[The first well] had an impressive peak, but this one is continuously producing hydrogen,” noted Hyterra’s Josh Whitcom.
While these measurements alone carry limited meaning, more precise evaluations require gas samples sent from the site. Moreover, high hydrogen concentrations do not indicate how much gas can actually be extracted or the duration of flow.
Even if hydrogen ultimately flows from any of these wells, numerous questions remain, such as how it will be isolated from other gases, transported, stored, and who will be its consumers.
However, McIntyre is thrilled by the detection of hydrogen and encourages the crew to work through the night. “Our goal is to gather information,” he stated. “And now we have some.”
On Monday, a federal judge in Boston ruled that the termination of grants from the National Institutes of Health signals the end of efforts aimed at diversity-related research topics. Trump’s administration has claimed this decision was “invalid and illegal,” citing discrimination against racial minorities and the LGBTQ community.
US District Judge William Young stated in a non-judicial trial that the NIH breached federal law by capriciously canceling over $1 billion in research grants linked to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
Judge Young indicated he is reinstating grants awarded to organizations that advocated for such initiatives in democratically led states. He also mentioned that as the case unfolds, more significant decisions might follow.
“This amounts to racism and discrimination against the American LGBTQ community,” remarked Young, a Republican appointee of President Ronald Reagan. “Government discrimination is profoundly wrong; I urge the court to prohibit it, and I will take action in due course.”
Discussing the end of grants for research addressing racial minority issues, Young expressed from the bench that he has “never witnessed such blatant racism” in his 40 years on the bench.
“You judge people of color based on their skin,” he stated concerning the Trump administration. “The Constitution does not permit that.”
The Department of Health and Human Services, representing the NIH and its parent organization, has not responded promptly to requests for statements.
Rachel Meelopol from the American Civil Liberties Union, who represents the grant recipients in the lawsuit, mentioned that Young’s ruling impacts hundreds of grants. The plaintiffs include the American Public Health Association and 16 states led by Massachusetts.
The NIH, the world’s premier funder of biomedical and behavioral research, has terminated approximately 2,100 research grants worth about $9.5 billion and an additional $2.6 billion in contracts since President Donald Trump took office in January. I signed on to protest the cuts last week.
These funding cuts reflect Trump’s broader agenda to reshape the government, reduce federal expenditures, and eliminate support for DEI programs and transgender healthcare. Another federal judge has temporarily blocked the administration’s plan to reduce 10,000 jobs across the NIH and other health agencies.
Trump has also enacted a series of executive orders mandating that institutions ensure grant funding does not support “gender ideology” and puts an end to what the administration deems “discriminatory” DEI programs. Conservative critics argue that these DEI initiatives unfairly target white individuals and others.
Aligned with Trump’s policy objectives, the NIH has directed staff to cease grant funding for research on DEI programs, issues facing transgender individuals, COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, and funding beneficial to universities in China.
The trial presided over by Young on Monday focused on just a portion of the claims in the consolidated litigation regarding the funding cuts. He intends to consider additional claims later.
Young indicated he would allow political parties to present further evidence before making decisions regarding these claims and determine whether to restore grants beyond those allocated to the plaintiffs.
The cessation of NIH grants, coupled with delays in grant approvals and renewals, has reverberated across universities nationwide, many of which now face the loss of significant portions of their research budgets.
As a result, universities have initiated employment freezes, travel restrictions, reduced class sizes, furloughs, and layoffs.
Numerous universities depend on NIH grants for the majority of their research funding. For instance, Washington University, recognized as the top public institution for biomedical research, reported receiving roughly 1,220 grants from the NIH, totaling about $648 million last year, as per court documents.
Students and faculty at universities have expressed concerns that the funding confusion could lead to brain drain from the United States, as researchers increasingly seek positions abroad. This slowdown also threatens long-term research initiatives, including projects focused on banking and studying the brains of Alzheimer’s patients.
The Trump administration has aimed to reduce other critical research funding sources.
In February, US District Judge Angel Kelly halted regulations that severely restricted government payments for indirect research costs, including equipment, maintenance, utilities, and support staffing. The administration projected that this action would eliminate $4 billion in funding for research institutions.
Reading various novels for work can sometimes be challenging, especially when you want to find something captivating. However, Time Saving by Kaliane Bradley instantly drew me in with its engaging prologue. It was a brief glimpse into the life of a man sprinting through the snow, hearing his ship signal him. This offered plenty of intrigue for what was to come.
This month’s selection for the New Scientist Book Club has been a resounding success since its release last year. The narrative follows a young civil servant who unexpectedly applies for a mysterious position involving time travel, a concept kept under wraps, allowing individuals from the past to journey to the present.
These “visitors” require support, which is where our unnamed heroine comes in as a caretaker, dubbed a “bridge.” She is assigned to Commander Graham Gore, living with him and assisting him in adjusting to modern life.
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This is not solely a narrative about time travel; it meticulously explores whether the government would permit time travelers to integrate into society alongside civil servants. The novel confidently posits that, for this reader, it could have crafted Sally without delving into excessive particulars.
One of the intriguing aspects of the story is that Gore is rooted in reality, having been a genuine figure that many remain unaware of. He was the first officer of John Franklin’s ill-fated expedition to the Arctic and met his demise around 1847 or 1848. While the specifics of his final hours remain uncertain, the novel takes a creative approach by transporting him to contemporary London just before his death.
Modern London is full of men from the lost world. But Gore is a resilient and capable officer.
Bradley’s depiction of Gore exemplifies the art of storytelling. She brings him to life with such precision that he appears as a tangible, charismatic individual—rarely do we encounter characters so vividly portrayed in literature.
The vibrant interaction between our young bureaucrat and this spirited officer of the Colonial Royal Navy unfolds within the context of a future version of London, where many individuals from the past now inhabit. Once again, Gore’s resilience shines, highlighting that he is adaptable, making for the most enjoyable segments of the narrative where they learn from one another.
The plot transitions from romance to thriller, composing about 40% sci-fi, 40% romantic comedy, and 20% thriller. I found the initial segment significantly more engaging, though I questioned whether the thriller conclusion would hold up. However, this does not overshadow the fact that the book offers a delightful reading experience, perfect for those looking for fun.
At the conclusion of the novel, Bradley includes a photograph of Gore. Having grown fond of his fictional counterpart, it was a poignant moment to connect with the real historical figure. According to Bradley’s PostScript, he was regarded as “a remarkably fine officer with a kind temperament.”
This beloved, memorable officer represents a captivating twist in history that deserves a place in a bestselling novel nearly two centuries later. Bradley has undoubtedly fashioned a most endearing hero.
New Scientist Book Club Time Saving is our latest selection. Sign up here: NewsCientist.com/bookclub
While this is not science fiction, it resurrects another historical character—Alexander the Great—through the perspective of Bagoa, a young Persian boy in bondage. For me, this book, along with its precursor, provides all I need to know about Alexander.
Emily H. Wilson is the former editor of New Scientist and the author of the Sumerian trilogy set in ancient Mesopotamia. The series’ final installment, Ninshuval, will be released in August. Connect with her at emilyhwilson.com or follow her on X @emilyhwilson and Instagram @emilyhwilson1
The Arts and Science of Writing Science Fiction
Dive into the realm of science fiction and learn how to craft your own captivating stories in this immersive weekend getaway.
Are these vacationers experiencing “seasonal body image dissatisfaction”?
Shutterstock/Puyalroyo
While winter still lingers in the Northern Hemisphere, we’re nearing the summer solstice. The sun overhead signifies one thing: a surge of lifestyle articles and social media posts encouraging you to “get your beach body ready.”
A friend of mine recently shared his anxiety about summer for this exact reason. “I’ve even stopped trying to get a six-pack,” he confessed. “But I feel really self-conscious without my shirt on.”
This conversation piqued my curiosity about whether this sentiment is widespread. I soon discovered several recent studies addressing “Seasonal Body Image Dissatisfaction,” along with strategies to combat it.
Scott Griffith and his team at the University of Melbourne conducted a groundbreaking study involving 823 gay and bisexual men globally. They found that over 70% reported significant physical dissatisfaction during summer, more so than in any other season, attributing it to societal pressures from the media and the increased exposure of their bodies.
These findings align with a recent analysis of 12 million social media posts from 2020 to 2023, revealing that expressions of self-loathing peaked in July, with similar trends noted for December in both hemispheres.
If any of this resonates with you, it may be beneficial to explore research on mindful self-compassion. This concept emphasizes three core aspects: recognizing that one’s struggles are universal, developing a mindful awareness of our experiences, and refraining from getting lost in negative thoughts and emotions.
Personally, I would love to see a rise in “body-neutral movements” on social media. Unlike “body-positive exercise,” which aims to celebrate our flaws, body neutrality prioritizes bodily function over appearance.
Forthcoming research by Raeanna Kilby and Kristin Mickelson of Arizona State University suggests that body neutrality may more effectively decrease self-objectification compared to body positivity. Jameela Jamil advocates for this perspective, stating, “My body is not an advertising board for others. It’s not something for them to judge, nor for me to judge… I focus on enjoying life to the fullest.”
This summer, my goals are centered on health, happiness, and friendships—the true #gains.
David Robson is an award-winning science writer and author of “The Law of Connection: 13 Social Strategies that Change Your Life.”
For more initiatives, visit newscientist.com/maker
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The sun’s corona appears as it would to the human eye during a solar eclipse, but through a green filter.
ESA/proba-3/aspiics
The synchronized movement of the twin satellites has produced the first artificial solar eclipse in space, revealing the burnt corona of the sun in remarkable detail.
The ProBA-3 mission, launched last December, is operated by the European Space Agency (ESA) and consists of two satellites positioned 150 meters apart.
One of the satellites, known as Occulter, features 1.4-meter wide discs made from carbon fiber and plastic, effectively blocking sunlight coming from the second satellite, Coronagraph. The alignment accuracy of the satellites is within one millimeter for capturing images.
In March, the satellites autonomously synchronized for extended periods, providing lengthy exposures of the solar eclipse. ESA scientists can stitch these exposures together to generate a comprehensive image of the solar corona, the outermost layer of the sun’s atmosphere.
“When I first viewed these images, it was unbelievable,” says Damien Galano from ESA. “But shortly after, it transformed into an incredible sense of achievement and pride for all our hard work.”
The image above captures the visible light of the corona, resembling how it would appear to the human eye but through a green filter.
This image illustrates the light emitted from electron-depleted iron in the most heated sections of the corona.
ESA/proba-3/aspiics
The Proba-3 satellite camera also captures light frequencies linked to specific elements within the solar corona, exemplified by the dark green image above.
“We can clearly see the substantial achievements made during COVID,” remarks Galano.
The sun’s corona shown in polarized white light, artificially tinted to look violet.
ESA/proba-3/aspiics
The image above illustrates the sun’s corona, artificially colored purple in polarized white light. This technique allows scientists to distinguish the polarized light from the hot corona from that scattered by interplanetary dust.
These images were primarily captured to verify the ProBA-3 mission’s functionality. When fully operational, they will take pictures of the artificial food every 19.6 hours.
This will enhance our comprehension of solar corona physics, and according to Galano, it will also improve understanding of solar winds and coronal mass ejections that influence space weather.
Total Solar Eclipse 2026: Travel from Iceland to Greenland
Join an incredible journey in August 2026 and experience an awe-inspiring total solar eclipse.
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A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Chicago School of Medicine and Columbia University revealed that increasing fruit and vegetable intake to five cups daily, as recommended by dietary guidelines, is linked to a 16% enhancement in sleep quality.
Borge et al. Increasing fruit and vegetable intake during the day was found to be associated with improved sleep that same night. Image credit: Guillermo Gavilla.
Observational studies have shown that diets of high quality correlate with better sleep quality.
Despite this, a deeper comprehension of this relationship is essential, as dietary changes could represent novel and natural methods for enhancing sleep.
“We have been striving to maximize our lives,” stated Dr. Esla Tasari, director of the Sleep Center at the University of Chicago.
“The temporal associations and objectively measured outcomes from this study are significant in addressing gaps in crucial public health knowledge.”
Earlier observational research indicated that higher consumption of fruits and vegetables was connected to improved self-reported overall sleep quality, but this latest study is the first to establish a temporal link between specific daily food choices and objectively measured sleep quality.
Healthy young adults in this study recorded their daily food intake through an app and wore wrist monitors to allow researchers to obtain objective measurements of their sleep patterns.
The researchers focused on sleep fragmentation, which indicates the frequency of awakenings during sleep or transitions into deep sleep throughout the night.
They discovered that meal choices had significant correlations with differences in sleep quality the following night.
Participants consuming more fruits and vegetables during the day experienced deeper, more uninterrupted sleep that night, similar to those who included healthy carbohydrates like whole grains.
Based on their findings and statistical modeling, scientists estimate that those who adhere to the CDC’s recommendation of five cups of fruits and vegetables per day could see a 16% improvement in sleep quality compared to those who do not consume these foods.
“A 16% difference is substantial,” said Dr. Tasari.
“It’s remarkable that such significant changes can be detected within just 24 hours.”
Future studies will aim to establish causal relationships, expand the findings to diverse populations, and explore the underlying mechanisms of digestion, neurology, and metabolism that may clarify the positive effects of fruits and vegetables on sleep quality.
Nevertheless, based on current evidence, the authors strongly recommend maintaining a diet rich in complex carbohydrates, fruits, and vegetables for optimal long-term sleep health.
“They are making a difference,” remarked Dr. Marie Pierre St. Onge, director of the Center for Sleep and Circadian Research at Columbia University Irving Medical Center.
“Minor adjustments can impact your sleep. It’s empowering to know better rest is within your control.”
The study was published in the journal Sleep Health this month.
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Header L. Boge et al. We anticipate that increased daytime intake of fruits and vegetables will lead to less disrupted nighttime sleep in younger adults. Sleep Health Published online on June 11th, 2025. doi: 10.1016/j.sleh.2025.05.003
Astronomers utilizing the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope have captured remarkable new images of the Dwarf Starburst Galaxy NGC 4449.
This Hubble image illustrates NGC 4449, a galaxy of dwarf stars located roughly 12.5 million light years away within the Canes constellation. Image credits: NASA/ESA/Hubble/E. Sabbi/D. Calzetti/A. Aloisi.
NGC 4449 is situated about 12.5 million light years away in the constellation of Canes.
Also known as Caldwell 21, Leda 40973, or UGC 7592, this galaxy is approximately 20,000 light-years in age.
NGC 4449 was first identified by German-born British astronomer William Herschel on April 27, 1788.
This galaxy is part of the M94 Galaxy group and is in close proximity to the local group that contains our Milky Way.
“NGC 4449 is a dwarf galaxy, meaning it is significantly smaller than our Milky Way and contains fewer stars,” a Hubble astronomer remarked.
“However, its small size is deceptive; NGC 4449 is prolific in star formation.”
“This galaxy is referred to as a Starburst galaxy because it produces new stars at a rate much higher than would be expected for its size.”
“While most Starburst Galaxies primarily produce stars in their centers, NGC 4449 is scattered with bright young stars throughout its structure.”
Astronomers believe this global surge in star formation has resulted from interactions between NGC 4449 and its neighboring galaxies.
“Due to its proximity, NGC 4449 offers a valuable opportunity for Hubble to investigate how intergalactic interactions influence new star formation,” they noted.
The new color image of NGC 4449 is derived from Hubble observations utilizing the Advanced Cameras for Surveys (ACS) and the Widefield Camera 3 (WFC3) across the UV, near-infrared, and optical segments of the spectrum.
Seven filters were employed to capture various wavelengths, assigning different hues to each monochrome image linked to the specific filters.
“The Hubble images of NGC 4449 were previously released in 2007,” the researchers stated.
“This updated version includes several additional wavelengths of light gathered by Hubble through multiple observational programs.”
“These programs encompass groundbreaking science, ranging from exploring the history of star formation in NGC 4449 to mapping galaxies with the brightest, hottest, and most extensive stellar structures.”
Methane penetration refers to a submersible area around the globe where the natural gas you rely on for cooking and heating is known as methane that leaks from the seabed. These penetrations are commonly found in transitional regions where land meets the ocean, known as the continental margin. Methane originates from and is produced by organic matter, including dead plants and animals, that have been buried under layers of sediment for millions of years. Through pressure and heat from within the Earth, this organic matter can decompose into methane, which escapes from the seabed into the ocean.
This methane also serves as an energy source for various microscopic organisms, allowing it to fuel your stove. The microorganisms known as methanogenic bacteria or methanotrophs utilize methane as food through a process referred to as aerobic methane oxidation. These bacteria employ oxygen to extract energy from methane gas, akin to how humans extract energy from food, producing carbon dioxide and water as by-products.
When carbon dioxide interacts with water, it creates a weak acid known as carbonic acid. Carboxylic acids can dissolve calcium carbonate minerals that make up shells in organisms like corals, mussels, and clams. While methanotrophs produce carbon dioxide as waste, scientists remain uncertain about its role in corroding calcium carbonate in marine environments. Research has been conducted in laboratories, but not in natural marine settings until now.
A team of researchers from Germany investigated the corrosion of calcium carbonate associated with active methane along the continental margin off the west coast of Gabon, Congo, and Angola in Africa. They deployed limestone cubes measuring 10 cm (around 4 inches) high and 4 cm (approximately 4 inches) wide above the seabed near active methane sites, as well as on a mussel bed. The cubes were left on the seabed for 2.5 years before being retrieved.
Upon recovery, the researchers noted that cubes situated near the methane leak exhibited rough surfaces. Microscopic examination revealed small holes, termed microborings, likely created by microorganisms. In contrast, cubes placed farther from the methane leak showed no signs of such features. This led researchers to interpret these differences as evidence that microorganisms are responsible for the dissolution of limestone in areas of methane penetration.
To further analyze the role of methanotrophs in limestone dissolution, the team extracted DNA from microbial communities inhabiting the limestone cubes. They identified DNA from members of aerobic methane-oxidizing bacteria, particularly from the uncultured HYD24-01 clade. Previous studies have detected these microorganisms in other methane-rich locations, suggesting their potential for corroding limestone.
To corroborate their findings, the researchers also examined lipid molecules known as lipid biomarkers from microorganisms at the site. Scientists utilize lipid biomarkers to identify bacterial species and their energy sources. They discovered that the lipid biomarkers collected from the seabed sites matched the DNA results. Notably, they found an abundance of lipids from methanotrophs called NC16:1Ω7 among the limestone cubes. This led them to conclude that methanotrophs prominently represented the microbial communities linked to the microborings in the limestone.
The research team proposed that their findings provide concrete evidence that methane-consuming bacteria dissolve calcium carbonate rocks in areas of marine methane. They suggested that these bacteria acidify their environment by releasing carbon dioxide during methane oxidation. The released carbon dioxide combines with water to form carbonic acid, which decreases pH levels, dissolves limestone, and contributes to ocean acidification. They advocated for future research to delve into the specific mechanisms that these microorganisms utilize and to quantify the extent of microbial erosion’s contribution to marine acidification.
In recent years, the desire to establish human colonies beyond Earth, whether to escape environmental issues or explore uncharted territories, has gained significant traction.
While much attention is given to proposed bases on the Moon and Mars, there’s a more challenging and lesser-known frontier much closer to home: the ocean’s depths.
This concept isn’t new. Since the 1960s, with pioneers like French oceanographer Jacques Cousteau, individuals have created and spent extended periods in aquatic habitats.
NASA has been sending teams to the Aquarius Reef Base since 2001. This research facility, located 20 meters (around 65 feet) underwater off the Florida coast, has allowed scientists, engineers, and future astronauts to live in the module for 7 to 14 days.
With advancements in technology, prolonged underwater stays may become feasible. The UK company, Deep, is leveraging this technology to design habitats for extended underwater living. But, is the technology the only challenge we face?
Above the Atmosphere, Under the Sea
Humans are quite vulnerable. We struggle without oxygen or sunlight and are not fond of extreme pressure changes. Thus, we might not be the best candidates for life at the ocean floor.
This doesn’t imply that we can’t thrive in inhospitable environments.
Since 2000, astronauts have spent significant periods aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
Several astronauts have been documented living in the ISS for over 300 consecutive days, but Valeri Polyakov holds the record, having spent 437 days aboard the Mir Space Station in Russia between 1994 and 1995.
Moreover, astronauts returning from lengthy missions often face health issues, such as reduced bone density and muscle atrophy. What does this mean for those who aim to live underwater?
The most extensive study is that of Rudiger Koch, a German aerospace engineer who lived in a capsule submerged 11 meters (36 feet) under the Caribbean Sea for 120 days between 2024 and 2025.
Rudiger Koch on the balcony of the capsule where he lived between 2024 and 2025.
Koch reported no health issues upon celebrating with champagne and cigars.
In second place is Professor Joseph Dituri, who spent 100 days studying the physical and psychological effects of living underwater in a lodge situated at the bottom of a 9-meter deep (30-foot) lagoon in Florida.
Dituri conducted daily tests during his time submerged and following his return to the surface. Notably, aside from minor setbacks, he felt quite well.
He noted improvements in sleep quality, cholesterol levels, and inflammation. His stem cell count, testosterone levels, and cognitive performance also improved.
Interestingly, Dituri appeared to have lowered his biological age (an indicator of the aging process of the body), although he was recorded as having shrunk by over 1 cm (approximately 0.5 inches) due to the pressurized environment inside the lodge.
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A Step Towards Living Underwater
With limited data, we still have a tenuous understanding of life in aquatic environments. This is where Deep comes in.
The ocean technology and exploration company aims to develop two habitats by 2027, with the goal of establishing a permanent underwater presence. They are using a submerged quarry in Gloucestershire as a testing ground for their underwater habitats.
Deep is developing two habitat models: Vanguard, designed for three-person short stays, and Sentinel, a 16-meter (52-foot) capsule intended as a long-term habitat complete with living quarters, bedrooms, and research facilities, capable of accommodating researchers at depths of up to 200 meters (656 feet) for 28 days.
The aim is to enable researchers to remain submerged for extended periods, allowing for comprehensive studies of underwater living impacts and marine life. However, achieving these depths poses significant challenges.
“The most hazardous aspects of diving occur during descent,” explains Dr. Dawn Kernagis, Deep’s scientific research director. “Divers breathe compressed gas, with fluctuating pressure increasing the risk of decompression sickness (DCS), where gas bubbles form in the bloodstream.”
While most DCS cases are mild, severe instances can impact the brain, spinal cord, respiratory system, and circulatory systems.
To mitigate these risks, Deep aims to keep researchers “saturated” in the Sentinel habitats. This means achieving a new equilibrium with the underwater environment.
“Saturated tanks, like ours, facilitate diving into greater depths and adjusting to the pressure, enabling much longer stays, ranging from hours to about a month,” states Kernagis.
Deep plans for close monitoring of researchers during their stays to better understand the long-term physical and psychological effects of deep-sea living.
The foundation laid now may support future inhabitants underwater for weeks, months, or even years. In the not-so-distant future, some of us may find ourselves living in a modern-day Atlantis.
About Our Experts
Dr. Dawn Kernagis is the director of scientific research at Deep, a UK-based ocean technology and exploration firm. She has published in numerous scientific journals, including Journal of Clinical Oncology, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, and Circulation.
Charming animal images are a fast way to uplift anyone’s spirits, and sharing these moments fosters a sense of community.
When someone shares a photo of a playful kitten with their parents or a video of an otter clasping paws, they participate in a phenomenon known as “pebling.”
“Pebling refers to a behavior exhibited by Gentoo Penguins, who offer pebbles as symbols of affection to potential partners,” explained Professor Ghalia Shamayleh, who led the study as noted in BBC Science Focus. “Our findings indicate similar behaviors among humans on social media.”
A male gentleman penguin presenting stones to his mate while perched on the rocks of Mikkelsen Harbor, Trinity Island, Antarctica.
According to Shamayleh, the images, videos, and posts we share online serve as “the pebble equivalent for humans.” We send them to our loved ones as tokens of affection to reinforce our connections.
Animal-themed posts particularly enhance these “pebbles.”
The research, centered around social media accounts dedicated to pets, revealed that creators “infuse joy, love, and entertainment into their social media content.”
This often manifests through visual storytelling, such as taking pets on adventures or introducing them to family members. It also employs “Petspeak,” a blend of baby talk like “dogo,” “teefe,” and “sploot,” alongside playful language and slang.
Animals hold a universal charm. Who doesn’t enjoy seeing pictures of cute puppies or kittens?
In everyday settings, animals act as “social lubricants,” bringing people together to express “AWW” and lift their spirits. This effect becomes even more pronounced in the online world.
Initially, sharing an animal photo may suggest a level of unfamiliarity that prevents sending something more personal.
However, the research indicated that people thoughtfully consider the social media content they choose to share.
Shamayleh and her co-authors, including Professor Zeynep Arsel from Concordia University, analyzed several pet-focused media accounts to understand user interactions and conducted interviews with various content creators and fans.
They found that individuals utilize images and videos to evoke shared experiences among loved ones, reminiscing and reaffirming common histories.
For instance, one might send a friend a brief clip of two baby pandas attempting to stand, accompanied by the comment, “Just like in your first yoga class and mine.”
The study found that incorporating “context clues,” such as the music in this video, influenced how people reacted and what content was shared.
By selecting posts that resonate with the recipient’s interests, senders are able to convey a deeper understanding of their loved ones, by sharing videos of their favorite animals.
“By referencing the sender’s relationship alongside animal content, individuals digitally emphasize their bond, saying, ‘This reminded me of you and our connection,'” remarked Shamayleh.
So, the next time you come across a delightful animal photo or video, don’t hesitate to share it and show your loved ones how much you care.
About the Experts
Ghalia Shamayleh is an Assistant Professor in the Marketing Department at Essec Business School, specializing in sociocultural consumer phenomena through detailed interviews and observations. She investigates the implications of digital interactions on interpersonal and interspecies relationships.
Recent studies indicate that the fats found in olive oil may contribute to weight gain more significantly than fats from other sources.
A recent report revealed that oleic acid, the primary fatty component in olive oil, can stimulate the formation of new fat cells.
Oleic acid is a type of monosaturated fat, often referred to as omega-9. While olive oil is the main source of oleic acid, this fatty acid is also present in other oils, such as canola and sunflower oil.
“You can think of fat cells as the army,” stated the study’s co-author, Dr. Michael Rudolph, Assistant Professor of Biochemistry and Physiology at the University of Oklahoma. “Dried oleic acid initially boosts the number of ‘fat cell soldiers’ in the army, enhancing the capacity to store surplus dietary nutrients.”
“If excess nutrients surpass the number of fat cells over time, it can lead to obesity, and if left unaddressed, may result in cardiovascular disease or diabetes.”
Olive oil is a key component of the Mediterranean diet and is renowned for promoting longevity, healthy aging, as well as optimal brain, heart, and metabolic health – Credit: Elena Noviero via Getty
Researchers from the University of Oklahoma, Yale University, and New York conducted a study where mice were fed a variety of high-fat diets that included coconut oil, peanut oil, milk, lard, and soy oils.
They found that elevated levels of oleic acid influenced the activity of two proteins, AKT2 and LXR, leading to an accelerated growth of progenitor cells that develop into new adipocytes. This effect was not observed with other types of fats.
Nevertheless, Dr. Rudolph emphasized that completely eliminating olive oil is not the answer.
“The key takeaway is moderation and diversifying fat sources,” he advised. “While a balanced intake of oleic acid can be beneficial, excessive and prolonged consumption may pose risks. For individuals at risk for heart disease, high oleic acid levels could be unfavorable.”
In moderation, oleic acid is linked with numerous health benefits. Previous studies have shown that olive oil consumption is associated with longer lifespans, healthy aging, reduced inflammation, and a decreased risk of obesity and heart disease.
It’s important to note that since this study was conducted exclusively on mice, its findings may not directly apply to humans.
Though it might not be as well-known as the Hubble Space Telescope or the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA’s Landsat 7 has significantly enhanced our understanding of our planet. For over 25 years, it has been capturing the stunning landscapes of Earth from space, documenting remarkable details of the planet’s ever-changing environment.
Launched in 1999 with an expected mission duration of only five years, Landsat 7 has instead emerged as one of the longest-running Earth observation missions in history. While it doesn’t gaze into distant galaxies, its instruments are focused on the vibrant, living surfaces of Earth instead.
From an altitude of 700 km (about 435 miles), it has produced vital data for scientific research and conservation, showcasing stunning images of dynamic deserts, glaciers, forests, and coastlines.
“[Landsat 7 has] been essential in tracking environmental changes such as natural disasters, deforestation, and urban expansion,” said David Applegate, former director of the US Geological Survey.
“It documented significant events such as Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the Haiti earthquake in 2010, the Australian wildfires from 2019 to 2020, and rapid urban growth across the globe.”
The Landsat 7’s primary sensor, the Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+), captured in the clean room at Lockheed Martin Space Systems. Photo Credit: NASA/Raytheon
Landsat 7 is scheduled to retire this month after covering 6.1 billion km (3.8 billion miles) in space and capturing over 3 million images. A carefully planned shutdown will involve depleting its batteries, turning off the fuel line heater, and rendering the communications system silent permanently. For another 55 years, the satellite will drift silently above Earth before eventually re-entering the atmosphere and burning up.
As we bid farewell, we reflect on its lens and celebrate the beauty and complexity of our planet, revealing both the impacts of deforestation and the intricate patterns of continents.
Coral Reef Conservation
In the first year of the Landsat 7 mission, detailed images of coral reefs were gathered from around 900 locations worldwide. These vibrantly colored swirls depict atolls, enclosed coral reefs that typically surround a lagoon, often formed from eroded volcanic islands. Photo Credit: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Science Visualization Studio
Guinea-Bissau, West Africa
Guinea-Bissau, a small country in West Africa, showcases intricate patterns evident in the shallow waters along its coast, where silt from the Geba and other rivers is carried away by the Atlantic Ocean. Photo Credit: NASA/USGS
Siberia, Dragon Lake
Dragon Lake, formed by the Bratsk Reservoir along the Angara River in southern Siberia, Russia, is shown here frozen in winter. Photo Credit: NASA/USGS
Lena Delta, Siberia
The Lena River, approximately 4,500 km long, is among the largest rivers globally. The Lena Delta Reserve is the most extensive protected wilderness area in Russia, serving as a sanctuary and breeding ground for many Siberian wildlife species. Photo Credit: NASA/USGS
9/11, New York
This true-color image was captured on September 12, 2001, by the Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+) sensor on the Landsat 7 satellite shortly after the Twin Towers fell. Photo Credit: USGS/EROS
Comprehensive Continental Mosaic of Antarctica
A complete continental mosaic of Antarctica was constructed using images from Landsat 7. Photo Credit: NASA/USGS
Bolivian Deforestation
Once a vast expanse of lush vegetation, the Amazon rainforest is rapidly changing. This image demonstrates the significant deforestation occurring in Bolivia’s portion of the Amazon Basin, where loggers have carved extensive paths while ranchers have cleared areas for grazing. The bright red areas indicate healthy vegetation. Photo Credit: NASA/USGS
Icefall, Lambert Glacier, Antarctica
Lambert Glacier, the largest glacier in the world, features an ice waterfall that nourishes the glacier from the expansive ice sheets covering the plateau. The ice flows slowly, resembling water, descending about 1,300 feet (400 meters) to the underlying glacier. Photo Credit: NASA/USGS
Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill
On April 20, 2010, a catastrophic oil spill followed an explosion at an oil well in the Gulf of Mexico. Efforts to contain the expanding oil slick began immediately. Landsat imagery provided by the US Geological Survey reveals the extent of the spill, with Landsat data being vital for monitoring its range and movement. Photo Credit: NASA/USGS
Westfjords, Iceland
The Westfjords are a series of peninsulas located in northwestern Iceland. Though they comprise less than one-eighth of the country’s land area, their rugged coastlines account for over half of Iceland’s total coastline. Photo Credit: NASA/USGS
“Spilled Paint”: Iran’s Dasht-e Kavir
Resembling spilled paint, this image showcases a vibrant tapestry of landscapes in Iran’s largest desert, Dasht-e Kavir, or Great Salt Desert. It spans approximately 77,000 square kilometers (29,730 square miles) and consists of dry stream beds, desert plateaus, and salt marshes. Extreme temperatures and dramatic daily fluctuations, alongside severe storms, are characteristic of this harsh environment. Photo Credit: NASA/USGS
Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans
Following Hurricane Katrina, which led to severe flooding of up to 80% of New Orleans, Landsat 7 captured this image on September 15, 2005. Two and a half weeks post-hurricane, efforts were ongoing to siphon water back into Pontchartrain Lake, with pumps extracting approximately 380 cubic meters of water every second. Photo Credit: USGS/CEROS
Namib Naukluft National Park, Namibia
Namib Naukluft National Park is an ecological reserve in the Namib Desert, where coastal winds give rise to the world’s tallest dunes, which can reach 980 feet (300 meters). Photo Credit: NASA/USGS
Vatnajökull Glacier Ice Cap, Iceland
This image features blue ice fingers breaking away from the Vatnajökull glacier in Iceland’s Skaftafell National Park, situated at the southern extremity of Europe’s largest ice cap. Photo Credit: NASA/USGS
Uppsala Glacier Retreat in Argentina
Landsat images captured in 1986, 2001, and 2014 illustrate the retreat of the Uppsala Glacier. Photo credit: NASA
As opponents of US water fluoridation voice their concerns, scientists warn that eliminating fluoride may lead to a significant rise in dental decay, potentially costing states billions and disproportionately impacting lower-income communities.
Statements from states like Nebraska, Kentucky, and Louisiana indicate their intentions to remove fluoride from water supplies, raising questions about how quickly these changes will affect Americans.
Fluoride Variation
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in freshwater, initially added to community drinking water in the United States in a controlled manner in 1945. Effective methods to prevent dental decay.
According to the CDC, community water fluoridation was reported in 1999, promoting the development of baby teeth and safeguarding them through adulthood. This initiative is recognized as one of the 20th century’s greatest public health achievements.
Recently, however, concerns have emerged that adding fluoride through foods, milk, toothpaste, and dental care products could lead to total fluoride intake surpassing safe levels.
Nevertheless, the NTP noted that there was insufficient data to establish whether the lower US fluoride level of 0.7 mg/L negatively impacts children’s IQ, admitting that out of 74 international studies evaluated, “52 were deemed low quality (high risk of bias).”
Vida Zohoori, a public health and nutrition professor at Teesside University in the UK, is known for her research on fluoride. She asserts that the studies available do not provide enough data to reach definitive conclusions.
“Most research occurs in regions with fluoride concentrations significantly exceeding US standards, limiting the relevance to community water fluoridation at 0.7 mg/L,” she explains. “Most studies are cross-sectional, not longitudinal or randomized, making it impossible to establish causal links. Furthermore, many did not control for key variables like iodine or lead exposure, malnutrition, and socioeconomic status.
Children’s teeth are particularly prone to decay
Conversely, there is substantial evidence supporting the addition of safe fluoride levels to drinking water. Based on a systematic Cochrane Review from 2015 (updated in 2024), Zohoori anticipates a notable rise in pediatric decay, known as early childhood tooth decay (ECC), if fluoride is removed from public water supplies. This primarily affects children aged 1-5 and the permanent teeth of those aged 6-12, who are extremely susceptible to damage.
This perspective is echoed by Dr. James Becker, an associate professor specializing in pediatric dentistry at the University of Utah. “No scientifically credible research has demonstrated harmful effects from fluoride when administered at safe doses,” he remarks.
Bekker explains that while toothpaste fluoride provides a topical effect during brushing, small amounts in drinking water and supplements deliver continuous systemic exposure, which reinforces tooth enamel and enhances its resistance to acid.
“Many children lack access to fluoride supplements,” Bekker noted, emphasizing that fluoridation was only present in half of Utah prior to the ban.
“We’ve observed a significant increase in tooth decay in communities without fluoridated water compared to those with it. If left untreated, cavities can enlarge and eventually reach the tooth’s nerves, leading to infections and the loss of teeth.”
If all 50 US states discontinue community water fluoridation programs, it is projected that children and adolescents aged 0 to 19 will incur 25.4 million cavities in the next five years, equating to one new cavity for every three children in America. A recent report indicated this would result in an estimated cost of $9.8 billion (£7.2 billion). Jama Health Forum in May.
“We specifically quantified the increase in dental cavities that could necessitate interventions ranging from fillings to root canals and even extractions,” stated Dr. Lisa Simon, a PhD fellow in Oral Health and Medicine Integration at Harvard Dental School and co-author of the study.
“We accounted for decay in both baby teeth and adult teeth, which began to escalate when the children were around six years old.”
Lessons Learned
With the fluoride ban in Utah now in effect, Bekker anticipates it could take five years to observe its full impact. However, the effects were evident even sooner in Calgary, Canada, which removed fluoride from its drinking water in 2011; three years later, children’s dental decay surged.
In one year, 32 out of Calgary’s 10,000 children underwent general anesthesia for dental treatments, whereas only 17 did so in Edmonton, another city within the same province. Subsequently, Calgary voted to reinstate fluoride.
The leading reason for children aged 5 to 9 being admitted to hospitals is treatment for tooth decay.
“Recent studies indicate the benefits of water fluoridation are less pronounced than in the past, particularly since fluoride has become a common ingredient in toothpaste since the 1970s.”
“However, rates of tooth decay are rising, and increased education on dental care is essential. The frequency of sugar intake is key to prevention, which supports water fluoridation initiatives in the UK.”
Dr. Scott Tomar, a professor and associate dean of Prevention and Public Health Sciences at the University of Illinois, Chicago, and spokesperson for the American Dental Association, commends the UK’s fluoridation expansion.
He expresses concern that misinformation about fluoride in the US could induce fear surrounding other sources of minerals, including toothpaste, leading to more bans across various states and communities.
Tomar highlights the overwhelming support for fluoride within the dental community as indicative of its safety and effectiveness, countering any narratives that oppose it driven by the economic interests of dentists.
“So, why do we advocate for this type of water fluoridation?” he inquires. “I’m genuinely worried because there are no alternatives to fluoride, and we can no longer rely on the federal government for guidance.”
In light of this, dentists and industry groups are joining forces to advocate for their cause.
“This appears to be primarily a political issue,” comments Lorna Kosi, chair of the coalition in Davis and program director for a dental clinic serving vulnerable communities. “We firmly believe that water fluoridation is safe. It remains the most effective and cost-efficient method to combat decay.”
An unusual radio pulse was identified by the Antarctic Impulsive Transient Antenna (ANITA) Experiment. Various instruments were deployed on NASA balloons over Antarctica, aiming to detect radio waves produced by cosmic rays impacting the atmosphere. This experiment seeks to illuminate events in the distant universe by scrutinizing signals that reach Earth. Rather than bouncing off the ice, this radio signal seemed to originate from beneath the horizon. Such a direction challenges our current understanding of particle physics and might indicate a previously unknown particle or interaction.
ANITA instruments were stationed in Antarctica to minimize interference with other signals. The setup involves balloon-mediated radio detectors flying through ice to capture what is known as an ice shower. Image credit: Stephanie Wissel/Penn State.
“The detected radio waves were highly angled, approximately 30 degrees below the ice surface,” said physicist Dr. Stephanie Wissel from Pennsylvania State University.
“Our calculations suggest the anomalous signal interacted with thousands of kilometers of rock before reaching the detector.
“This poses an intriguing question as we have yet to understand these anomalies fully. However, we do know they likely do not represent neutrinos.”
Neutrino signals typically emerge from high-energy sources such as the sun or significant cosmic events like supernovae and the Big Bang.
Yet, these particles present a challenge: they are notoriously difficult to detect.
“A billion neutrinos pass through any point instantly, but they rarely interact,” Dr. Wissel explained.
“This presents a paradox. If we detect them, it means they traversed this way without interacting with anything else.”
“We can even identify neutrinos originating from the edge of the observable universe.”
“When observed and traced back to their source, these particles travel at speeds comparable to light, offering insights into illuminative events that reveal more than the most powerful telescopes.”
“Researchers globally have been focused on creating specialized detectors to capture faint neutrino signals.”
“Even a minor signal from neutrinos can unveil valuable information, making all data crucial.”
“We’re aiming to utilize radio detectors to establish a significant neutrino telescope, anticipating low event rates.”
ANITA was one of these detectors, positioned in Antarctica to reduce interference from other signals.
To capture the ejection signal, it deploys a balloon-mediated radio detector to traverse ice stretches and identify what is known as an ice shower.
“We operate these radio antennas on balloons that soar 40 km above the Antarctic ice,” Dr. Wissel noted.
“We lower the antennas into the ice, searching for neutrinos that interact within the ice, resulting in radio emissions detectable by the instrument.”
These unique ice-interacting neutrinos, termed tau neutrinos, generate secondary particles called tau leptons that are released from the ice as they lose energy traveling through space, producing emissions identified as air showers.
“If visible to the naked eye, an air shower may resemble a sparkler dispersed in one direction.
“We can distinguish between two signal types (ice and air shower) and ascertain details about the particles that produced the signals.”
“These signals can be traced back to their sources, akin to how balls thrown at angles bounce back predictably.”
However, the recent peculiar findings cannot be traced because they display sharper characteristics than existing models anticipate.
By analyzing data gathered from multiple ANITA flights and contrasting it with thorough simulations of both mathematical models and common cosmic rays and upward air showers, researchers successfully eliminated background noise and ruled out possibilities of known particle-based signals.
Scientists then cross-referenced signals from other independent detectors, including the IceCube experiment and the Pierre Auger Observatory, to determine if any upward-facing air shower data had been captured by other experiments similar to those identified by ANITA.
The analysis disclosed that no other detectors documented anything capable of explaining what ANITA detected, leading researchers to characterize the signal as abnormal. This indicates that the particles responsible for the signal are not neutrinos.
The signal defies conventional paradigms in particle physics. Some theories propose it could hint at dark matter; however, the absence of follow-up observations from IceCube and Auger significantly diminishes this possibility.
“Our team is in the process of designing and constructing the next major detector,” Dr. Wissel shared.
“We aspire for a new detector called Pueo to be larger and more adept at identifying neutrino signals, which should clarify the nature of the abnormal signal.”
“My hypothesis is that some intriguing radio propagation phenomena occur near the ice, close to the horizon—effects I don’t fully comprehend, but we are certainly investigating them.
“So, this is one of those enduring mysteries, and we are eager to achieve enhanced sensitivity when we deploy Pueo.”
“In principle, we should detect more anomalies, and perhaps we’ll decipher their nature.”
“We could also encounter neutrinos, which would be tremendously exciting in their own right.”
The team’s paper was published in the journal Physical Review Letters.
____
A. Abdul Halim et al. (Pierre Auger Collaboration). 2025. Exploring abnormal events detected by ANITA using the Pierre Auger Observatory. Phys. Rev. Lett. 134, 121003; doi:10.1103/physrevlett.134.121003
This article is based on a press release provided by the Pennsylvania State University.
Gigantic herbivores in the Americas vanished roughly 10,000 years ago, disrupting the long-range seed dispersal of sizable fleshy plant species. The Anachronistic hypothesis of the Neotropics, proposed in 1982, posits that large fruits evolved to attract these massive animals. While this idea accounts for several significant adaptations in “megafaunal fruit” plants, it lacks strong evidence. Recently, researchers from Chile, Spain, and Brazil uncovered fossil evidence of frugivory, pointing to the existence of the extinct South American species Notiomastodon platensis. Their findings indicate that the extinction of this species and its relatives heightens the risk of giant fruit plants becoming extinct in certain South American regions.
Diversity of extinct mammals inhabiting the environment of Lake Tagua, Chile. Image credit: Mauricio Alvarez.
“In 1982, biologist Daniel Jansen and paleontologist Paul Martin proposed groundbreaking ideas, suggesting that many tropical plants developed large, sweet, colorful fruits to attract large animals like mastodons, native horses, or giant herds,” said iphes-cerca and colleagues.
“The theory, known as the anachronism hypothesis of the Neotropics, has remained unverified for over four decades.”
“Our research provides direct fossil evidence to substantiate this concept.”
In this study, Dr. González-Gurda and co-authors examined 96 fossil teeth from the Pleistocene mastodon, Notiomastodon platensis.
These fossils were collected over a distance of more than 1,500 km, spanning from Los Bilo to Chiloe Island in southern Chile.
Nearly half of the specimens originated from well-known sites such as Lake Tagua, an ancient basin abundant with Pleistocene fauna located in the current O’Higgins region.
To understand the lifestyle of Notiomastodon platensis, various techniques were utilized including isotopic analysis, microscopic examination of dental wear, and fossil calculation analysis,” the authors stated.
“We discovered typical starch residues and plant tissues of fleshy fruits, including the Chilean palm (Jubaea chilensis),” added Professor Florent Rivals, a researcher at ICREA, Iphes-Cerca, and Rovira I Virgili University.
“This directly confirms that these animals regularly consumed fruit and contributed to reforestation.”
“Stable isotopic analysis enabled us to reconstruct the animal’s habitat and diet with high accuracy,” noted Dr. Ivan Ramirez Pedraza, a researcher at Ifes Serca and Rovira I-Vilgiri University.
“The data points to a forest ecosystem rich in fruit resources, where mastodons roamed across long distances, aiding in seed dispersal. Its ecological role remains pivotal.”
“Dental chemistry offers us a direct glimpse into the past,” commented Dr. Carlos Tornero, a researcher at Ifes Cerca and the Autonomous University of Barcelona.
“Combining various evidence allowed us to strongly affirm the critical role they played within these ecosystems.”
The researchers also employed machine learning models to assess the current conservation status of megafauna-dependent plants across different regions of South America.
Their findings are intriguing: in central Chile, 40% of these species currently face threats. This ratio is four times higher than that of tropical regions where animals like tapirs and monkeys continue to function as alternative seed dispersers.
“If the ecological connection between plants and animals is completely severed, the repercussions will be evident for thousands of years,” states ecosystem researcher Andrea Leuza.
The survey results were published today in the journal Nature’s Ecology and Evolution.
____
E. González-Guarda et al. Fossil evidence of material frugivory and its lasting impact on pre-American ecosystems. Nat Ecol Evol Published online on June 13th, 2025. doi:10.1038/s41559-025-02713-8
Recent observations suggest the existence of a volcanic formation at the edge of Mars’ Jezero Crater, currently under investigation by NASA’s rover. This rover might already be collecting samples from materials expelled during an ancient volcanic eruption.
Perseverance, which landed in Jezero Crater in 2021, is methodically moving toward the western edge, tracing an ancient river that is believed to have flowed between 300 million and 4 billion years ago.
The rover is gathering samples meant to be returned to Earth as part of the Mars Sample Return mission planned for the 2030s. However, this endeavor faces potential cuts proposed by the Trump administration affecting NASA’s funding.
Some of the materials in the samples were thought to be volcanic, showcasing characteristics of lava flow. Recently, James Ray from Georgia Tech in Atlanta and his team have identified a possible volcanic structure at Jezero Mons—a dormant volcano situated on the southeastern edge of Jezero.
High-resolution images from Martian orbiters have revealed fine-grained materials in the vicinity, possibly indicating ash from the volcano. The dimensions and shape of Jezero Mons—21 km wide and 2 km high—parallel those of similar volcanoes on Earth.
“The evidence for igneous volcanoes is most consistent with our observations,” states Ray, noting that magma may have originated from beneath the surface. “This is the strongest case we can make without physically visiting the site.”
By analyzing the craters near the volcano, Ray and his colleagues estimate that Jezero Mons may have last erupted around a billion years ago.
This finding suggests that the rover might have collected volcanic samples. If they can be returned to Earth, scientists would be able to accurately date volcanic activity on another planet for the first time.
“Knowing when that volcano was active is incredibly exciting,” exclaimed Briony Hogan from Purdue University in Indiana, a member of the rover’s science team. This information could significantly enhance our understanding of “how the interiors of planets evolve over time,” she adds.
Ideally, Ray mentions that he hopes to direct Perseverance to the volcano itself, but acknowledges this may not be feasible. “There are really fascinating ancient rocks to the west of the crater, so they’re likely driving in the opposite direction,” he explains. “I can’t blame them.”
Researchers have discovered the first known “ghost plume” beneath Oman, suggesting a column of hot rock rising from the lower mantle with no visible volcanic activity on the surface.
The mantle plume is a mysterious intrusion of molten rock believed to transfer heat from the core-mantle boundary to the Earth’s surface, sometimes occurring beneath the heart of continental plates, as seen in regions like Yellowstone and East Africa. Notably, “these scenarios typically feature surface volcanoes,” states Simone Pilia from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals in Saudi Arabia. Oman lacks such volcanic indicators.
Pilia first hypothesized the existence of this “accidental” plume while examining new seismic data from Oman. The analysis revealed that seismic waves from distant earthquakes travel more slowly through a cylindrical region beneath eastern Oman, indicating it is less dense than surrounding materials due to elevated temperatures.
Additional independent seismic assessments identified critical boundaries where Earth’s deep minerals undergo changes that align with the hot plume’s characteristics. This evidence suggests the plume extends over 660 km from the surface.
The presence of these plumes also explains why the region continues to elevate despite geological compression, a process where the crust is squeezed together. This discovery fits models that explain alterations in Indian tectonic plate movements.
“The more evidence we collected, the more convinced we became it was a plume,” remarks Pilia, who has named this geological feature the “Dinni plume” after her son.
“It’s plausible that this plume exists,” agrees Saskia Goes at Imperial College London, adding that this study is “thorough.” Nevertheless, she emphasizes that identifying narrow plumes is notoriously challenging.
If verified, the existence of a “ghost plume” trapped within Oman’s relatively thick rocky layers suggests there might be others. “We are confident that the Dinni plume is not alone,” says Pilia.
If multiple hidden plumes exist, it could indicate that heat from the core is transferring more readily through the mantle in these regions, influencing our understanding of Earth’s evolutionary history.
Manipulating Giant Atoms for Enhanced Quantum Computing
koto_feja/istockphoto/getty images
Recently, giant atoms have emerged as prime candidates for the development of advanced quantum simulators and computers, thanks to researchers demonstrating control over them for an extended period in room temperature environments.
Using electromagnetic pulses or laser light, scientists can modify the quantum properties of an atom—allowing for the adjustment of electron energy to encode information. Manipulating thousands of such atoms paves the way for constructing a quantum computer or simulating unusual quantum materials. However, spontaneous state changes in atoms can cause errors, with these atoms being controllable only within a limited “lifetime,” previously recorded at up to 1400 seconds. Despite advancements in trapping atoms longer, these methods typically required refrigeration systems, leading to logistical hurdles.
Zhenpu Zhang and Cindy Regal, along with their colleagues at the University of Colorado Boulder, have shattered previous room temperature records by employing Rydberg atoms. These atoms have outer electrons positioned far from the nucleus, resulting in a larger atomic diameter. The research team successfully loaded these atoms into a vacuum chamber, effectively blocking interfering air particles and employing laser-based “optical tweezers” for precise atom manipulation. This technique is standard for controlling Rydberg atoms, noted for their sensitivity to electromagnetic fields and light.
The team enhanced their setup by adding a copper layer inside the container, which they cooled to -269°C (-452°F). This cooling shields the atoms from thermal interference that could alter their states. Additionally, Zhang explains that air particles condense onto the copper walls, akin to how water droplets form on cold surfaces, further improving the vacuum within the chamber. Consequently, they managed to maintain control of approximately 3000 seconds (or 50 minutes), which is nearly double that achieved in previous experiments.
Zhang has been developing this innovative setup for five years from the ground up. Regal adds, “This represents a significant evolution in how we approach these experiments.”
Clement Sayrin of the Kastler Brossel Laboratory in France emphasized that this new methodology may facilitate manipulating even more atoms. “3000 seconds is quite impressive. Achieving such extended lifetimes for these atoms demands considerable effort,” he states. However, as the number of atoms in the chamber increases, so does the requirement for additional lasers to control them, potentially shortening the atomic lifespans and introducing further engineering challenges, according to Sayrin.
Prevalent strains of avian flu affecting US livestock
Mediamedium/Alamy
Since the beginning of Donald Trump’s administration in January, key US public health organizations have reduced their pandemic preparedness efforts regarding potential avian flu outbreaks. However, in contrast, another government agency has ramped up its activities.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) previously conducted regular updates on measures to prevent a broader transmission of the deadly avian influenza virus known as H5N1 among humans, but these efforts were largely suspended after Trump took office. Funding for vaccines targeting the virus was also cancelled. Meanwhile, the USDA intensified its fight against the spread of H5N1 in poultry and dairy populations.
This particular strain of avian flu, named H5N1, poses a significant risk to human health, with about half of the nearly 1,000 individuals who tested positive globally since 2003. While the virus spreads quickly among birds, it remains poorly adapted to infect humans and is not known to transmit between individuals. However, mutations might enhance its ability to spread among mammals, presenting an escalating risk with increasing infections in mammals.
The likelihood of H5N1 evolving into a more human-threatening variant has significantly amplified since March 2024, when it transitioned from migratory birds in Texas to dairy cattle. More than 1,070 flocks across 17 states have since been affected.
H5N1 also impacts poultry, making it more human-compatible. Since 2022, nearly 175 million domestic birds in the US have been culled due to H5N1, with 71 people testing positive after direct contact with infected livestock.
“We must take [H5N1] seriously. Its spread continues, and it frequently spills over into humans,” says Sheema Calkdawara from Emory University in Georgia. The virus has already claimed lives in the US, including children in Mexico this year.
However, the number of incidents has minimized since Trump took office, with the last recorded human case in February and a significant reduction in affected poultry herds by 95% from then through June. Outbreaks within dairy cattle herds are also being managed effectively.
The cause of this decline remains unclear. Some speculate it may be due to a decrease in bird migration, limiting the opportunities for the virus to jump from wild birds to livestock. It may also reflect the USDA’s proactive containment strategies on farms. In February, USDA detailed a $1 billion investment plan to combat H5N1, which includes free biosecurity evaluations to help farmers enhance their defenses against the virus. Only one workplace among the 150 reviewed reported an outbreak.
Under Trump’s administration, the USDA also maintained its national milk testing initiative, requiring farms to submit raw milk samples for influenza testing. Should a farm test positive for H5N1, the USDA can monitor livestock and take preventative measures. The USDA initiated a comprehensive program in December, further enhancing their engagement in 45 states.
“The National Milk Test Strategy is a robust approach,” states Erin Sorrell from Johns Hopkins University in Maryland. Coupled with improvements in on-farm biosecurity, milk testing is crucial for containing outbreaks, Sorrell believes.
Despite the USDA’s heightened efforts concerning H5N1, HHS doesn’t seem to be keeping pace. According to Sorrell, the decrease in human cases may also be due to diminished surveillance resulting from staff cuts. In April, HHS announced 10,000 job cuts, impacting 90% of the workforce at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, which monitors H5N1 incidence among farm workers.
“As the saying goes, you can’t detect something unless you test for it,” Sorrell comments. Nevertheless, a spokesperson from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated that their guidance and surveillance initiatives remain unchanged. “State and local health departments are still tracking illnesses in individuals exposed to sick animals,” they expressed to New Scientist. “The CDC is dedicated to promptly sharing information regarding H5N1 as necessary.”
Vaccination strategies are another area of contention between USDA and HHS. USDA has allocated $100 million towards the development of vaccines and additional strategies to mitigate H5N1’s spread among livestock, while HHS has halted $776 million in contracts aimed at developing influenza vaccines. This contract, which ended on May 28, was with Moderna for a vaccine targeting various influenza subtypes, including H5N1, potentially leading to future pandemics. This announcement coincided with Moderna revealing that nearly 98% of around 300 participants who received two H5 vaccines in clinical trials exhibited antibody levels considered protective against the virus.
The US currently possesses approximately 5 million doses of the H5N1 vaccine, produced via egg-based and cultured cell methods, which is more time-consuming compared to mRNA vaccines such as Moderna’s. Sorrell observes that Moderna’s mRNA vaccine platform enables rapid government response and production capabilities during a pandemic, providing a solid foundation should a general public vaccine be required.
HHS’s cancellation of its contract stemmed from concerns regarding the mRNA vaccine technology, an issue previously flagged by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a leading public health figure in the nation. “The reality is that mRNA technology remains inadequately tested, and we will not waste taxpayer dollars repeating past errors,” stated HHS Communications Director Andrew Nixon, as reported by New Scientist.
However, mRNA technology is far from novel and has been in development for over 50 years, with various clinical trials confirming its safety. Like all treatments, there can be mild side effects, but these are typical of most medical interventions. In a recent announcement, Moderna indicated its intention to seek alternative funding avenues for the project.
“I firmly believe we shouldn’t dismiss any option, including various vaccine strategies,” asserts Calkdawara.
“Vaccinations are the most effective defense against infectious diseases,” emphasizes Sorrell. “Having them available as a contingency provides a wider range of options.”
This concept may surprise you, but certain tumors can indeed develop parts of your body, or at least fragments of them.
These peculiar layers, known as teratomas, originate from germ cells that possess the extraordinary capability to transform into any type of tissue.
Germ cells typically evolve into sperm or eggs; however, when their development is disrupted, they can create a disorganized mass of tissue.
The term “Teratoma” is derived from the Greek word Teras, which means “monster,” aptly reflecting its nature.
These tumors feature an astonishing array of components, ranging from hair and teeth to muscle tissues and even organ-like structures such as the thyroid and eyes.
While fully functional organs are exceedingly rare, the intricate nature of these tumors is undeniable.
Teratomas are most frequently observed in the ovaries and testes, but they can also appear in the midline of the body, such as the mediastinum (the chest area that houses the heart) and the base of the spine.
The majority of teratomas are benign and can be easily excised, though a small percentage—particularly those in men—can become malignant and necessitate urgent treatment. Surgery is generally the primary method for addressing these tumors, and the prognosis is typically favorable.
It can grow teeth, muscles, thyroid, eyes, and other tissues from the teratoma – Image credit: Science Photo Library
In addition to their medical implications, teratomas have offered significant insights into the science of cellular development.
They can include tissues derived from all three layers of germ cells, making them an intriguing model for studying how cells differentiate and organize.
So, can a tumor grow organs? In a way, yes. However, these structures are often nonfunctional and poorly organized.
Teratoma serves as a striking and unsettling example of the bizarre and unpredictable aspects of human biology.
This article addresses the question posed by Anisa Manning and Steve Nage: “Can tumors grow their own organs?”
If you have questions, please email us atQuestion @sciencefocus.com or message us onFacebook,Twitter, orInstagram (please include your name and location).
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