Key Moments: The Most Crucial Seconds in the History of the Universe

Posted on January 19, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

An Artist’s Rendition of the Universe’s Early Moments

Credit: Alfred Pasieka/Science Photo Library/Alamy Stock Photo

The initial second of the universe’s existence was arguably the most significant moment in history. According to Big Bang cosmology, which is widely accepted by most cosmologists, the universe commenced from an infinitely small and dense state, expanding into a vast cosmos over several light-years.

This monumental journey began with a phase known as inflation. The exact cause of this exponential expansion remains a mystery; however, every 10 years, it is estimated that the distance between any two points in space doubled. This process saw the universe swell by a billion times, far exceeding the total number of grains of sand found on Earth’s beaches – and even surpassing the number of stars in the known universe.

During this inflationary period, foundational structures, which would evolve into the universe’s largest formations, were established. As the universe expanded, minuscule irregularities grew, driven by the randomness of quantum mechanics. These fluctuations contributed to differences in the density of the immensely hot plasma that filled the universe.

The duration of the Inflationary Era and the final size of the universe at its conclusion are topics of ongoing debate. While cosmologists might liken its size to that of various fruits, the consensus is that it lasted just a fleeting moment. Despite its rapid growth, the universe would have been comparable to a grain of sand up to a few meters in diameter, existing as a hot, opaque plasma interspersed with the first particles and antiparticles amidst raw energy.

As this hot sphere expanded, it gradually cooled, allowing particles to bond and form the first hadrons, including protons and neutrons, which comprise most of today’s matter. This process, known as baryogenesis, saw an unexpected surplus of matter compared to antimatter, resulting in the majority of antimatter annihilating with matter during the early universe’s development.

As particles continued to evolve, the universe underwent significant transitions referred to as “phase transitions,” simultaneously altering the state of all matter. This was a unique moment of synchronicity that has never been replicated. Initially, the four fundamental forces of nature – gravity, strong force, weak force, and electromagnetic force – were unified during the Big Bang, but separate distinguished behaviors emerged within the first billionth of a second.

These phase transitions facilitated further changes. The universe transitioned from opaque to transparent, allowing radiation to flow freely, lighting up the cosmos. Newly formed matter particles began gaining mass through interactions with the Higgs field, which had recently become separated from other fields. At this juncture, only a trillionth of a second post-Big Bang, particles, including the fundamental ones, began to acquire mass, significantly altering the cosmic landscape.

As the universe, still less than a light-year in diameter, started clumping together due to the quantum fluctuations, it laid the groundwork for the eventual formation of galaxies and star clusters. While it took an extensive period for these structures to materialize, this aggregation was a crucial event in cosmic evolution.

Approximately one second after the Big Bang, the rapid evolution of the cosmos began to moderate. Although the universe remained considerably smaller than the distance between our Sun and the nearest star, Alpha Centauri, the fundamental particles and forces that shaped its future were already taking familiar forms.

Nuclei formed a few minutes after the Big Bang, but it would be hundreds of thousands of years before they could hold electrons and create neutral atoms. Stars and galaxies took tens of millions of years more to emerge. Yet, the essential foundations for our universe were established within that brief second. Numerous seconds have elapsed since then, with cosmologists tirelessly investigating and piecing together the myriad events bridging that primeval moment to the present.

Ultimately, that single second of cosmic history was transformative. It propelled the universe from a point in the vast nothingness into the primordial soup from which everything else arose.

Source: www.newscientist.com

Genetic Breakthrough Enables Malaria-Resistant Mosquitoes to Clear Crucial Test

Posted on December 11, 2025 by

Research conducted on Anopheles mosquitoes, native to Tanzania, shows promising results in malaria control.

James Gathany/CDC via AP/Alamy

SEI 277528528 — Research conducted on Anopheles mosquitoes, native to Tanzania, shows promising results in malaria control.

James Gathany/CDC via AP/Alamy

A genetic technology known as gene drive has the potential to aid in malaria prevention by transferring genes to wild mosquitoes that inhibit parasite transmission. Recent tests in a Tanzanian lab have indicated that one specific gene drive could be effective if released within the country.

“This technology is poised to be transformative,” states George Christofides from Imperial College London.

Typically, a portion of an organism’s DNA is passed to only half of its offspring due to the halving of DNA in eggs or sperm. By enhancing this inheritance rate using gene drives, small segments of DNA can proliferate swiftly within a population, even if they do not confer any evolutionary advantages.

Many natural gene drives function through various means, potentially even in some human communities. In 2013, scientists engineered an artificial gene drive utilizing CRISPR gene-editing technology, allowing DNA segments to be copied from one chromosome to another.

The objective is to disseminate DNA segments that impede malaria transmission, but the question remains: which segments? Christofides revealed in 2022 that the development of malaria parasites in mosquitoes could be notably curtailed by two small proteins, one derived from honeybees and another from Xenopus. The genes linked to these anti-malarial proteins correspond with those that produce enzymes aiding in blood digestion, so the proteins are synthesized post-blood meal, secreted into the intestine.

However, these tests used lab strains of mosquitoes and malaria pathogens collected decades ago, leaving uncertainty regarding the effectiveness of this method in contemporary Africa.

Currently, Christofides and Dixon Rwetoihera from the Ifakara Health Research Institute in Tanzania have updated local data. The Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes, derived from this strategy, produced gene drive components that were maintained separately to prevent spreading, all within a secure setting.

Initial tests revealed significant suppression of malaria parasites collected from infected children, alongside successful gene replication for anti-malarial proteins. “We can now confidently assert this technology has field application potential,” states Christofides.

The forthcoming phase involves releasing mosquitoes that create anti-malarial proteins onto islands in Lake Victoria and monitoring their behavior in a natural setting. Rwetoijela notes that the team is conducting risk assessments and engaging local communities. “Thus far, political and public backing has been robust.”

The expectation is that gene drives will significantly contribute to the eradication of malaria in endemic regions. A. gambiae is the only species responsible for malaria transmission, and “gene drives could change the course,” claims Christofides.

Multiple organizations are also exploring gene drives for malaria control, alongside various strategies aimed at managing other pest populations.

Genetically modified mosquitoes have already been deployed in certain countries to manage wild mosquito numbers, but these strategies generally depend on continuously releasing high quantities of insects.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Where Did You Store It? Losing the Crucial Encryption Key Could Nullify the Election.

Posted on December 4, 2025 by

Feedback A weekly column filled with strange stories, unbelievable marketing claims, and perplexing instructions.

Locked Out

Feedback believes that the expression “couldn’t make up for it” is frequently misinterpreted. This doesn’t imply a limit to creativity; rather, it signifies that some developments can’t fit into a fictional narrative because people insist, “That will never happen.” The issue is, those individuals are mistaken, as reality can be quite absurd.

One of the key organizations in cryptography is the International Association for Cryptographic Research. This non-profit organization is committed to advancing cryptographic science. Recently, the IACR held elections for new officers and board directors while also adjusting its bylaws. They executed this ingeniously, leveraging their expertise as cryptographers. They utilized an online voting platform called Helios, promising “verifiable online elections.”

Helios is remarkably efficient. Every vote is recorded, ensuring that your vote is counted and remains unchanged. Tampering is thus rendered impossible. Simultaneously, every vote is kept confidential. The system employs advanced encryption technology, where all encrypted votes are compiled into an encrypted tally, and only the tally is decrypted.

But how is this tally decrypted? An organization has to appoint multiple directors. The IACR chose three individuals, each granted one-third of the cryptographic keys. All three needed to enter their portions of the keys to decipher the tally and view the results. This was a complete process—partial decryption wasn’t an option.

Then the expected occurred. “Unfortunately, one of the three trustees lost their private key irretrievably, an honest but unfortunate mistake, and as a result, we are unable to compute the decryption share.” I wrote to the IACR on November 21st. “Consequently, Helios was unable to finalize the decryption process, making it technically impossible to obtain or verify the election’s final outcomes.”

The IACR was compelled to: void the elections and restart the entire process. They now plan to “implement a two-out-of-three threshold mechanism for managing private keys and distribute clear written procedures for all trustees to follow before and during elections.” Feedback is eager to scrutinize that “documented procedure” even if its sole instruction is “Remember” in large bold letters on the cover page.

We are also intrigued by how what the IACR calls “human error” can undermine even the most meticulously designed systems. Each time a Silicon Valley entrepreneur speaks of the imminent emergence of human-level artificial intelligence, we internally cringe. The first iteration of such AI will probably align with the average human’s capabilities.

Floating Like a Raisin

The creativity of science journalists in coming up with new and engaging units of measure is always impressive. On November 17th, New York Times featured a story about “a small radio-frequency tag powered by solar energy that weighs just 60 milligrams and retails for $200.” Entomologists utilize this tag to monitor monarch butterflies during their migration across North America.

Anthony Weaver highlighted a sentence aimed at illustrating how heavy the tag is compared to the butterfly. “Most monarchs weigh between 500 and 600 milligrams, meaning each tagged transcontinental traveler is like half a raisin carrying three grains of uncooked rice.”

In the feedback section, we can all agree that this explanation is far clearer than stating “about 1/10 of body weight” could manage. Or as Anthony phrased it, “When I envisioned myself as a half-raisin on a cross-continental trek with rice to Mexico, I genuinely grasped how butterflies relate to science.”

No, this is not a call for you to submit similar examples from your page. New Scientist. Don’t even think about it.

Boys Club

The reason you may not receive feedback on social media is simply because you lack the mental bandwidth to figure out how to stand out on six different platforms with entirely different algorithms. Nonetheless, we half-watch things, which is why I found the spontaneous experiment on LinkedIn intriguing. Women in the field altered their names and pronouns to appear male, resulting in a spike in engagement.

For instance, social media consultant Simone Bonnet observed a 1600 percent rise in profile views after changing her pronouns to “he/him” and her name to “Simon E.” According to The Guardian, others experienced similar increases. Meanwhile, Daniel Hyers, who possesses an ideal LinkedIn name, attempted the reverse by “changing his name to Daniela for 4 days.” Day 1: a -26% drop.”

Sakshi Jain from LinkedIn stated that feedback indicates the platform’s “algorithms and AI systems are not utilized.” Demographic data (age, race, gender, etc.) are factored in as signals to assess the visibility of content, profiles, and posts in users’ feeds. We don’t dispute that, but we also theorize that unintended emergent outcomes play a significant role. Algorithm bias.

Meanwhile, Feedback is in the midst of creating a new LinkedIn page, which we will dub Mansplaining.

Got a story for Feedback?

You can email your article to Feedback at feedback@newscientist.com. Please include your home address. This week’s and past feedback are accessible on our website.

Source: www.newscientist.com

Four Crucial Figures That Could Transform the ‘Masculinity Crisis’ Discussion

Posted on December 2, 2025 by

Facebook creator Mark Zuckerberg asserts that businesses require greater “masculine energy.” Former President Donald Trump claims that “humanity is under attack.” The US Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, contends that the Boy Scouts have deviated from their mission of “cultivating masculine values,” and their “boy-friendly space” is at risk.

These voices are not isolated. They are influential figures articulating sentiments that resonate with many men, particularly younger generations, in recent times.

A 2025 study indicates that Gen Z men and women are the most divided generation regarding gender equality, as reported by Ipsos UK and King’s College London’s Global Women’s Leadership Institute.

The survey discovered that 60% of Gen Z men feel pressured to exceed expectations in supporting equality, while 57% believe that society discriminates against men by overemphasizing women’s equality.

What’s driving this divide? Notable statistics suggest a significant crisis might be emerging for men.

For example, men in the United States have, on average, a life expectancy of five years less than women; this gap is more pronounced in recent years. They are now three times more likely to die from drug overdoses and have a fourfold higher risk of suicide.

Beyond these grim statistics, there’s other evidence indicating that men face emerging challenges, particularly in education.

Research from Pew Research Center, a nonpartisan think tank, found that in 1995, young men and women were equally likely to obtain a bachelor’s degree, with approximately one in four completing it. By 2024, however, 47% of women aged 25 to 34 will have earned a degree, compared to only 37% of men, with women’s degree attainment increasing at a much higher rate.

Gender disparities are also visible in schooling. A 2018 study of eighth graders nationwide revealed that while math achievement was comparable, girls consistently outperformed boys in English.

This influence continues post-education. Over the five decades preceding the COVID-19 pandemic, men’s participation in the U.S. workforce declined by about 10%; furthermore, there were additional decreases in the following years.

Yet, these alarming figures represent only part of the narrative. Although men encounter distinct challenges, the data does not suggest that current efforts toward gender equality have exceeded reasonable bounds, despite claims from some in positions of authority. Four frequently cited statistics illustrate the nuanced reality of the situation.

1. Men Report Higher Happiness Levels.

Despite men’s struggles with well-being, surveys indicate that men are generally happier and more satisfied with their lives than women. A 2024 cross-country study found strong evidence that men currently experience higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction than women.

Using data from the U.S. General Social Survey, researchers noted that average happiness levels for men and women were quite similar from 1973 to 2021. However, during the pandemic, happiness levels plummeted for both genders, with women’s satisfaction experiencing a sharper decline.

Moreover, European survey data indicated that men reported higher happiness than women across various dimensions, including calmness, sleep quality, cheerfulness, loneliness, and anxiety.

Men face a higher suicide risk than women but generally report being happier – Photo credit: Getty

2. Men Earn 20% More Than Women.

In terms of earnings, men consistently earn more than women worldwide. According to the United Nations, women’s salaries are approximately 20% lower, a gap that is less favorable than men’s earnings.

This implies that, on average, women earn about 80 cents for every dollar earned by men globally. In the U.S., although the gap has narrowed over the years, women working full-time earn 83% of their male counterparts’ income in 2023.

3. 90% of the Most Powerful Positions Are Held by Men.

Men substantially dominate leadership roles in both government and business.

Worldwide, women are represented in only about 27% of parliamentary seats, meaning that men hold approximately three-quarters of these positions.

Additionally, as of October 2024, only one-tenth of countries globally have a woman in a top government role.

Similarly, a pattern persists in business, where despite a record number of women leading major corporations in the U.S., 55 out of the Fortune 500 have female CEOs.

4. Men Enjoy More Leisure Time.

Another frequently overlooked aspect is that men typically have more leisure time compared to women.

According to recent data shows that American men spend roughly 45 minutes more daily on leisure activities, while women dedicate an extra hour and 20 minutes to unpaid tasks such as housework, shopping, and caregiving.

This disparity is evident to varying degrees in nearly all surveyed countries. In Norway, the difference is minimal, at 4 minutes per day in 2020, while in Portugal, it reaches nearly an hour and a half (89 minutes).

On average, American men enjoy an extra 46 minutes of leisure time daily – Photo credit: Getty

The Real Gender Story

When considered together, these statistics reveal a far more intricate picture than the “male crisis” narrative suggests.

While there are undeniable concerns about men’s health, education, and economic participation, men still hold a disproportionate amount of power, earn higher wages, and enjoy more leisure time.

There isn’t a singular narrative on either side that captures these complexities.

As Professor Jeon Hee-jung, director of King’s Global Women’s Leadership Institute, posits, framing this moment as a crisis of masculinity is misguided. The actual issue is one of opportunity crisis, particularly for the youth.

“We haven’t equipped our boys to understand that the current patriarchal system is detrimental to them as well,” she remarks.

Chung describes the past few decades as a “revolutionary stagnation.” While society has indeed made strides in “masculinizing” women by integrating more women into the workforce and promoting roles in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), societal expectations surrounding caregiving, primary breadwinning, and domestic responsibilities have largely remained unchanged.

Consequently, Chung asserts, the system has been partially rewired, leading to a disconnect and increased friction for all.

“Gender tensions divert attention from real issues, which are the structural changes occurring in society and the various disparities among income groups,” she adds.

In essence, we find ourselves in an unsettling transition between outdated models that are no longer viable and new frameworks that have yet to fully materialize.

This turmoil may evoke a sense of discomfort, but as we progress, the gender gap could begin to lessen, allowing us to tackle the deeper issues influencing people’s lives, as Chung envisions.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

The Crucial Role of Taxed Grain in the Formation of Indigenous Nations

Posted on November 25, 2025 by

Grain cultivation can produce excess food that can be stored and taxed.

Luis Montaña/Marta Montagna/Science Photo Library

SEI 275553130 — Grain cultivation can produce excess food that can be stored and taxed.

Luis Montaña/Marta Montagna/Science Photo Library

The practice of grain cultivation likely spurred the formation of early states that functioned like protection rackets, as well as the need for written records to document taxation.

There is considerable discussion on how large, organized societies first came into being. Some researchers argue that agriculture laid the groundwork for civilization, while others suggest it emerged from necessity as hunter-gatherer lifestyles became impractical. However, many believe that enhanced agricultural practices led to surpluses that could be stored and taxed, making state formation possible.

“Through the use of fertilization and irrigation, early agricultural societies were able to greatly increase productivity, which in turn facilitated nation building,” says Kit Opie from the University of Bristol, UK.

However, the timelines for these developments do not align precisely. Evidence of agriculture first appeared about 9,000 years ago, with the practice independently invented at least 11 times across four continents. Yet, large-scale societies didn’t arise until approximately 4,000 years later, initially in Mesopotamia and subsequently in Egypt, China, and Mesoamerica.

To explore further, Opie and Quentin Atkinson of the University of Auckland, New Zealand, employed a statistical method inspired by phylogenetics to map the evolution of languages and cultures.

They combined linguistic data with anthropological databases from numerous preindustrial societies to investigate the likely sequence of events, such as the rise of the state, taxation, writing, intensive agriculture, and grain cultivation.

Their findings indicated a connection between intensive agriculture and the emergence of states, though the causality was complex. “It appears that the state may have driven this escalation, rather than the other way around,” Opie notes.

Previous studies on Austronesian societies have also suggested that political complexity likely propelled intensive farming instead of being simply a byproduct of it.

Additionally, they observed that states were significantly less likely to emerge in societies where grains like wheat, barley, rice, and corn were not cultivated extensively; in contrast, states were much more likely to develop in grain-dominant societies.

The results suggested a frequent linkage between grain production and taxation, with taxation being uncommon in grain-deficient societies.

This is largely because grain is easily taxed; it is cultivated in set fields, matures at predictable times, and can be stored for extended periods, simplifying assessment. “Root crops like cassava and potatoes were typically not taxed,” he added. “The premise is that states offer protection to these areas in exchange for taxes.”

Moreover, Opie and Atkinson discovered that societies without taxation rarely developed writing, while those with taxation were far more likely to adopt it. Opie hypothesizes that writing may have been developed to record taxes, following which social elites could establish institutions and laws to sustain a hierarchical society.

The results further indicated that once established, states tended to cease the production of non-cereal crops. “Our evidence strongly suggests that states actively removed root crops, tubers, and fruit trees to maximize land for grain cultivation, as these crops were unsuitable for taxation,” Opie asserted. “People were thus coerced into cultivating specific crops, which had detrimental effects then and continues to impact us today.”

The shift to grain farming correlated with Neolithic population growth but also contributed to population declines, negatively affecting general health, stature, and dental health.

“Using phylogenetic methods to study cultural evolution is groundbreaking, but it may oversimplify the richness of human history,” notes Laura Dietrich from the Austrian Archaeological Institute in Vienna. Archaeological records indicate that early intensified agriculture spurred sustained state formation in Southwest Asia, yet the phenomena diverged significantly in Europe, which is a question of great interest for her.

David Wengrow points out, “From an archaeological perspective, it has been evident for years that no single ‘driving force’ was responsible for the earlier formation of states in different global regions.” For instance, he states that in Egypt, the initial development of bureaucracy appeared to be more closely related to the organization of royal events than to the need for regular taxation.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Scientists Risk Losing Crucial Tools for Studying Melting Antarctic Ice Sheets Amid Rising Climate Threats

Posted on September 1, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The decommissioning of Palmer has played a significant role in contributing to sea level rise, particularly as certain regions of Antarctica face limited access, raising concerns among scientists regarding potential ice sheet collapses.

In a statement to NBC News, the National Science Foundation (NSF) announced plans to streamline resources by consolidating McMurdo, Amunsense Cott South Paul, and Palmer Station, with the goal of maintaining three research stations operating throughout the year in Antarctica.

A spokesperson for the U.S. Antarctic Program (USAP) mentioned that they aim to “maintain an active and influential presence in Antarctica while facilitating cutting-edge research in biology and glaciology.”

The NSF was the first to propose the termination of the lease this spring, following the Trump administration’s proposed budget cuts of 55%. Scientists expressed their disappointment that Congress initiated the process of abolishing the ship before finalizing its budget.

“Oceanologist Karos Moffat, an associate professor at the University of Delaware, discussed the budgets that have made advancements in both Senate and House appropriations committees.

The NSF is exploring alternative vessels to take on some of Palmer’s responsibilities and plans to return the vessel to its owner, Edison Chowest, a marine transport company based in Louisiana.

In 2024, the NSF finalized the charter of another Antarctic vessel, RV Laurence M. Gould, which has been upgraded to operate in sea ice, rather than utilizing icebreakers. This reduces the options available for enhancing research in polar oceanography and supporting Palmer Station, an annual base on the Antarctic Peninsula that previously depended on two ships.

The NSF mentioned on Friday that there are “alternatives” available to support and resupply Palmer Station, including commercial options.

Measuring 308 feet, the Palmer, named after a 19th-century seal captain, commenced its service in 1992, exploring various regions of Antarctica. The vessel accommodates approximately 22 crew members and can host around 45 scientists.

No other U.S. research vessels can fulfill all the missions that this polar icebreaker is designed for. The vessel is crucial for studying Antarctic ecology, the Southern Ocean carbon cycle, and monitoring the rate at which ice shelves recede and melt, ultimately influencing sea level rise.

Julia S. Werner of the University of Houston, second from the right, friend of Nathaniel B. Palmer.Courtesy Julia S. Werner

While satellites offer valuable data on the dynamics of ice sheet growth and reduction, the primary research on these changes relies on subsurface measurements.

Without such data, U.S. scientists will lack critical insights into the major ice sheets of the Southern Ocean, which are key to predicting future flooding risks in U.S. coastal cities. For instance, researchers highlight that other U.S. vessels are not suitable for safely accessing the notorious Swaitonga glacier, often referred to as the “end of the Apocalyptic Glacier.”

Researchers frequently describe the West Ku as a cork for a bottle that could rapidly drain the West Antarctic ice sheet, serving as a protective barrier against its collapse into the Amundsen Sea. This could result in a sea level rise exceeding 10 feet over a span of hundreds of thousands of years.

By the year 2100, the likelihood of such a collapse could elevate sea levels significantly beyond the 1-3 feet previously anticipated, as indicated in recent reports by the Intergovernmental Panel.

This disintegration could also alter ocean circulation patterns, affecting how quickly the ocean absorbs carbon, which remains an active area of research. Several studies suggest that current Earth temperatures may have surpassed the threshold for collapse, although further investigation is necessary.

Current shifts in mass and stability are influenced by factors occurring hundreds or thousands of feet beneath the water’s surface, necessitating optimal access through robotic instruments.

“To grasp the drastic changes occurring, it’s essential to be at the edge of the ice where it interacts with the ocean,” Werner explained. “And that’s precisely what this boat allows us to do.”

Scientists typically travel to Palmer every two years, using the data collected over the course of a month or more to advance their laboratory research.

The information gathered aboard the vessel is invaluable, enabling scientists to study ice comprehensively for over a decade, adding vital icebreakers to the U.S. science fleet and alleviating the longstanding backlog of researchers seeking fieldwork opportunities at Palmer.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Water Could Be Even More Crucial for Alien Life Than Previously Believed

Posted on July 15, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The alien world found in their “habitable zone” of their stars may not be suitable for life yet

pandorumbs/alamy

Recent findings suggest the potential number of planets capable of supporting alien life may be fewer than previously assumed, largely due to advances in understanding planetary climates. When carbon dioxide levels in an atmosphere surpass a critical threshold, conditions can become inhospitable.

Life as we know it requires liquid water, prompting astronomers to target “habitable zones” around stars—regions where temperatures allow for water to exist in liquid form. However, Haskelle White-Gianella from the University of Washington and her research team have revealed that having liquid water alone does not guarantee habitability.

The researchers conducted nearly 10,000 simulations to determine how CO₂ levels fluctuate based on surface water amounts on planets that are Earth-sized. Their results indicate that at least 20% of Earth’s total water must be present for a planet to be potentially habitable.

This is largely due to the role rainfall plays in carbon storage within the ground through chemical reactions in rocks; insufficient rainfall could lead to CO₂ accumulation in the atmosphere, trapping heat and rapidly increasing temperatures beyond 126°C (259°F).

“We discovered that there exists a water threshold essential for maintaining a stable climate,” White-Gianella stated during the Goldschmidt Geochemical Conference in Prague, Czech Republic, on July 10.

This indicates that simply being in a habitable zone does not guarantee that a planet can support life, according to White-Gianella, necessitating a deeper examination of geological histories.

A parallel situation may elucidate how Venus transformed into the inhospitable environment we observe today, White-Gianella shared at the conference. While the increase in the sun’s brightness since the solar system’s inception is believed to contribute to Venus’ atmospheric changes and temperature rise, it alone doesn’t account for all observed transformations. By re-running models with a Venus-like amount of starlight, the team found that even planets with water levels similar to Earth’s could lose too much CO₂, leading to uninhabitability.

This provides a compelling rationale for how planets similar to Venus can become excessively hot, as noted by Benjamin Tutoro from the University of Calgary in Canada. Over time, reductions in CO₂ emissions complicate planetary climates, as recorded in geological data from Mars.

In the case of Mars, liquid water attracted carbon dioxide and sequestered it as carbonate minerals, which ultimately thinned its atmosphere and cooled the planet, according to Tutoro. White-Gianella stated that the team’s simulations focused on Earth-like planets, agreeing that conditions on planets like Mars could differ significantly.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Ofcom Chief: Age Verification Crucial for Kids’ Online Safety

Posted on July 13, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The UK’s primary media regulator has vowed to deliver a “significant milestone” in the pursuit of online safety for children, although it has cautioned that age verification measures must enforce stricter regulations on major tech firms.

Ofcom’s chief, Melanie Dawes, will unveil a new framework on Sunday. To be introduced later this month, marking a pivotal change in how the world’s largest online platforms are regulated.

However, she faces mounting pressure from advocates, many of whom are parents who assert that social media contributed to the deaths of their children, claiming that the forthcoming rules could still permit minors to access harmful content.

Dawes stated to the BBC on Sunday: “This is a considerable moment because the law takes effect at the end of the month.”

“At that point, we expect broader safeguards for children to become operational. We aim for platforms that host material inappropriate for under-18s, such as pornography and content related to suicide and self-harm, to either be removed or to implement robust age checks for those materials.”

She continued: “This is a significant moment for the industry and a critical juncture.”

Melanie Dawes (left) remarked that age checks are “a significant milestone for the industry.” Photo: Jeffover/BBC/PA

The regulations set to take effect on July 25th are the latest steps under the online safety law enacted in 2023 by the Conservative government.

The legislation was partially influenced by advocates like Ian Russell, whose 14-year-old daughter, Molly, tragically took her own life in 2017 after being exposed to numerous online resources concerning depression, self-harm, and suicide.

Minister Tory Removing certain bill sections has been criticized for potentially neglecting regulations on “legal but harmful” content in 2022.

Russell, who previously referred to the ACT as “timid,” expressed concerns regarding its enforcement by Ofcom on Sunday. He noted that while regulators allow tech companies to self-determine validation checks, they will evaluate the effectiveness of these measures.

Russell commented: “Ofcom’s public relations often portray a narrative where everything will improve soon. It’s clear that Ofcom must not only prioritize PR but must act decisively.”

“They are caught between families who have suffered losses like mine and the influence of powerful tech platforms.”

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Ian Russell, a father currently advocating for child internet safety, expressed concerns about the enforcement of the law. Photo: Joshua Bratt/PA

Russell pressed Dawes to leverage her influence to urge the government for more stringent actions against tech companies.

Some critics have charged the minister with leaving substantial regulatory loopholes, including a lack of action against misinformation.

A committee of lawmakers recently asserted that social media platforms facilitated the spread of misinformation following a murder in Southport last year, contributing to the unrest that ensued. Labour MP Chi Onwurah, chair of the Science and Technology Committee, remarked that the online safety law “is unraveling.”

Dawes has not sought authority to address misinformation, but stated, “If the government chooses to broaden the scope to include misinformation or child addiction, Ofcom would be prepared to implement it.”

Nonetheless, she called out the BBC regarding their handling of Glastonbury’s coverage, questioning whether the lead singer should continue broadcasting footage of Bob Dylan’s performance amid anti-Israel chants.

“The BBC needs to act more swiftly. We need to investigate these incidents thoroughly. Otherwise, there’s a genuine risk of losing public trust in the BBC,” she stated.

Source: www.theguardian.com

How the US Agriculture Organization Played a Crucial Role in Combating Bird Flu

Posted on June 14, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

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.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Flash Floods Devastate Crucial Habitats for Australian Wildlife

Posted on May 23, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Rangers safely transport Tasmanian devils during flooding at Aussie Ark Sanctuary

Aussie Ark

Conservation personnel are racing to safeguard a crucial population of Australian wildlife following unprecedented rainfall in New South Wales that resulted in the loss of four lives.

The Australian Ark Sanctuary in Barrington Tops, New South Wales spans 400 hectares, providing a secure environment for Tasmanian Devils (Sarcophilus harrisii), brush-tailed rock wallabies (Petrogale penicillata), Eastern quolls (Dasyurus viverrinus), long-nosed potoroos (Potorous tridactylus), and broad-toothed rats (Mastacomys fuscus). These animals are protected from natural predators like cats and foxes. The sanctuary acts as an insurance policy for these species in the event that wild populations face extinction.

Since 2010, around 500 Tasmanian devil joeys have been born at the facility, with approximately 50 being reintroduced into specially designated wild areas. Over the coming years, it is anticipated that more of these animals will be released back into their natural habitat to help restore the Tasmanian devil populations on the Australian mainland.

This week, a severe low-pressure weather system hit parts of New South Wales, resulting in a record storm. In a matter of days, the sanctuary received over 400 millimeters of rain. Despite its elevation of 1,200 meters on a mountain, the park experienced flash floods that compromised fencing meant to protect against wildlife and posed risks to the animals housed in small enclosures.

Tim Faulkner from Aussie Ark reported that many animals in breeding enclosures had to be relocated to emergency centers equipped with veterinary clinics. However, a major challenge remains as about one kilometer of the sanctuary’s 10-kilometer perimeter fence has been damaged, with some sections completely washed away by the floods.

“We have approximately one kilometer of fencing affected, with corner posts compromised and sections washed out, resulting in damaged strainer wires,” Faulkner explained. “The electric hot wire is completely down, so you can’t rely on it. Test your defenses.”

Flood-damaged fence at Aussie Ark Sanctuary

Aussie Ark

Despite the damaged fencing, Faulkner’s team is on constant watch to monitor the affected sections. To date, no native species are believed to have escaped, and no wildlife has been found within the sanctuary itself.

“There’s an influx of water, squeezing, pressure, and flooding through every tiny crack on the mountain. I dread to think about the wildlife impacted by these immense floods outside our sanctuary,” Faulkner expressed.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Scientists suggest that this three-day diet is a crucial weight loss strategy

Posted on April 6, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Dieting can become monotonous over time. While counting calories for a week or two may be manageable, doing it daily for months on end can be unbearable.

If you can relate to this struggle, a recent study conducted at the New Year’s trial might offer some relief. The research discovered that certain forms of intermittent fasting led to slightly more weight loss compared to traditional daily calorie counting.

Published in Internal Medicine Chronicles, the study compared two dietary approaches among 165 overweight or obese adults.

One group followed a 4:3 intermittent fasting plan (eating normally for four days, restricting intake for three days), while the other group reduced daily calorie consumption.

Calorie counting can result in deficits from weight loss, but the body’s metabolism is not an exact calculator, and individual responses to the same calorie intake can vary widely – Photo Credit: Getty

Both groups received exercise support and behavioral coaching, including food diaries, personalized feedback, and gym memberships.

After 12 months, participants in the fasting program lost an average of 7.6% of their body weight, compared to 5% in the daily calorie restriction group.

They also exhibited slightly positive changes in blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and fasting glucose levels.

4:3 What is intermittent fasting?

Intermittent fasting (IMF) focuses on significantly reducing food intake on a few days a week, unlike time-restricted eating (TRE), which involves eating within a daily window (e.g., 10 am to 6 pm).

In the 4:3 IMF plan, participants chose three non-consecutive “fast” days (e.g., Monday, Wednesday, Friday) during which they consumed only 20% of their usual calorie intake, amounting to approximately 400-600 kcal for women and 500-700 kcal for men. The remaining four days emphasized healthy food choices, but participants were free to eat as normal.

“Counting calories can be mentally taxing,” said Professor Daniel Ostendorf, a co-author of the study, to BBC Science Focus. “Limiting it to three days a week may have made it easier to follow over time.”

A 4:3 fasting approach can promote a decrease in calorie intake without conscious effort and show weight loss benefits.

Despite both groups having the same overall calorie target for the week, the fasting group achieved slightly greater weight loss. However, this study suggests that 4:3 intermittent fasting could be a promising option but is not a cure-all.

“The key finding of this study was that the 4:3 approach resulted in more weight loss than traditional calorie restriction,” commented Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition scientist at the University of Surrey not involved in the research.

Collins pointed out that some unmeasured factors could impact calorie intake, emphasizing the potential benefits of intermittent energy restriction over daily calorie restriction.

Should you give it a try? According to Ostendorf and lead researcher Professor Victoria Catenacci, they advise choosing a dietary strategy that feels sustainable in the long term for weight loss goals.

“Our study suggests that 4:3 IMF can be a viable option based on additional evidence,” they concluded.

About our experts

Daniel Ostendorf is an assistant professor at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, specializing in designing lifestyle intervention programs for adults. His research has been published in journals such as Nutrients and American Journal of Public Health.

Victoria Catenacci, MD is an associate professor at the Anschutz Medical Campus, Colorado, focusing on endocrinology, metabolism, and diabetes. Her research has been showcased in journals like Nature reviews endocrinology and Physiology and behavior.

Read more:

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

New research suggests large lakes played crucial role in origin of life

Posted on March 29, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The origin of life on Earth required the supply of phosphorus for the synthesis of universal biomolecules. The closed lake may have accumulated high concentrations of this element on the early Earth. However, it is not clear whether prebiotic sink in such settings was sustainable. New research by scientists from Eth Zurich, Cambridge University and the University of Science and Technology in China shows that high concentrations of phosphorus can be combined in steady states in large closed basin lakes.

Aerial view of Lake Mono. Image credit: Dick Lyon / CC by 4.0.

Phosphorus is an important component of all known forms of biochemistry and plays an important role in such polymers that encode metabolism, cell structure, and information.

However, the environmental conditions that provided sufficient phosphorus available in aqueous solutions to promote the chemical origin of life are uncertain.

“Large soda lakes with no natural runoff can maintain phosphorus concentrations for a long enough long, even if life begins to exist at some point, and could continually consume phosphorus.”

“Such lakes lose water only by evaporation. This means that phosphorus is left in the water, not washed away through rivers or streams.”

“As a result, very high concentrations of phosphorus can accumulate in these soda lakes.”

Not all soda lakes are suitable. Researchers rule out small ones.

“As soon as life develops within them, the supply of phosphorus will deplete faster than it is replenished. This will snag both chemical reactions and developing life,” Dr. Walton said.

“On the other hand, in large soda lakes, phosphorus concentrations are high enough to maintain both basic chemical reactions and life over the long term.”

“These high concentrations are achieved by the large amounts of influential river water, including phosphorus, but the water only leaves the lake by evaporation.”

“Phosphorus doesn’t evaporate easily, so it accumulates in the lake and accumulates.”

In their study, Dr. Walton and colleagues focus on Lake Mono in California, with high phosphorus concentrations at steady state despite extremely high biological productivity.

“This is important because in small lakes, phosphorus is exhausted before new quantities form,” they said.

They consider the large soda lake, which had a constant high phosphorus supply in the early history of the Earth, to be an ideal environment for the origin of life.

They assume that life is more likely to have been born in such a larger body of water than in a small pool, as Charles Darwin suspected.

Therefore, the origin of life may be closely related to the special environment of large soda lakes, which provide ideal conditions for prebiotic chemistry due to the balance of geological environment and phosphorus.

“This new theory will help us solve another part of the puzzle of the origins of life on Earth,” Dr. Walton said.

a paper A description of the findings was published in the journal Advances in science.

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Craig R. Walton et al. 2025. Large, closed basin lakes provided sustained phosphates during the origin of life. Advances in science 11(8); doi:10.1126/sciadv.adq0027

Source: www.sci.news

Cosmic ray showers are crucial in setting off lightning strikes

Posted on March 11, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

It is not well known how lightning starts in a thunderstorm. With the newly developed 3D mapping and polarization system, physicists at the Los Alamos National Laboratory observed that some lightning not only began with positive high-speed discharges, but also faster and wider negative discharges soon began. Surprisingly, the signal polarization is tilted from the direction of the discharge propagation, and the polarization of the two opposite discharges rotates towards each other, indicating that the initiating high-speed discharge is not driven solely by the storm electric field. The authors analyzed these observations in a cosmic ray shower and found that these seemingly strange features could be consistently explained.

Lightning starts with a positive fast discharge followed by a faster, broader negative discharge observed in 3D. The signal polarization from the direction of discharge propagation tilts and rotates between two opposite high-speed discharges. These functions are through a cosmic ray shower that pretreats the discharge path and directs the direction of the discharge current. Image credit: ELG21.

“Scientists still don’t fully understand how lightning starts in a thunderstorm,” says Dr. Xuan-Min Shao, the lead author of the study.

“We noticed an unusual pattern of how lightning started using 3D radio frequency mapping and polarization techniques. Instead of a speedy electrical discharge, the flash of lightning quickly, faster, and negative emissions followed.”

Generally, after the opposition to electrical charge (positive and negative) is separated by clouds, lightning begins, resulting in the emissions that people consider lightning.

In their study, utilizing an innovative, Los Alamos-developed mapping and polarization system called BIMAP-3D, Dr. Xiao and colleagues observed that signal polarization from these discharges had a diagonal pattern from the direction of propagation.

This indicates that something other than the electric field played a role in the initiation of lightning.

In addition to being oblique, physicists have noticed that the direction of polarization has changed between positive and negative emissions.

They attribute this behavior to cosmic ray showers, high-energy particles from spaces entering the Earth’s atmosphere.

These cosmic rays can generate secondary high-energy electrons and positrons in the atmosphere, further ionizing the air, creating paths into thunder, and travel faster after lightning.

Researchers found that high-energy electrons and positrons are pushed in different directions by the Earth’s magnetic field and the cloud’s electric field, leading to oblique discharge currents, i.e. tilted polarization from the path of the cosmic ray shower.

Positrons and electrons were deflected in different directions of the electromagnetic field, explaining why they behaved differently between fast positive and negative discharges.

“This concept can also explain the common case that involves only high-speed positive discharges, and therefore the onset of most lightning flashes,” the scientist said.

Their result It was released on March 3rd Journal of Go Physical Research: Atmosphere.

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Xuan-Min Shao et al. 2025. 3D radio frequency mapping and polarization observations show that a flash of lightning was ignited by a cosmic ray shower. JGR atmosphere 130 (5): E2024JD042549; doi: 10.1029/2024JD042549

Source: www.sci.news

AMOC: Crucial ocean currents are unlikely to shut down completely by the end of the century

Posted on February 26, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

AMOC brings warm water north from the tropical region near the surface and takes cold water in opposite directions of the deep sea

noaa

Important ocean currents will rarely close by the end of this century, according to new findings that undermine the end of the impending catastrophic collapse.

The Atlantic Meridian Surrounding Circulation (AMOC) transports warm water from the tropical north and helps maintain temperatures in Northern Europe. The temperature and the influx of cold water from the Arctic ice weakens the current temperature, and scientists fear it can stop it completely. This will disrupt marine ecosystems and cool the European climate a few degrees faster.

Some researchers say that the irreversible closure of AMOC could be in the century. But I say this worst-case scenario is unlikely Jonathan Baker At the Met Office in the UK.

To investigate whether a complete AMOC collapse of this century is possible, Baker and his colleagues used 34 climate models to simulate changes in AMOC under extreme climate change, and greenhouse gas levels trained overnight from today's levels. The team also modeled a large amount of freshwater entering the North Atlantic at many times the rate of ice melting now.

They found that although AMOC is significantly weakened in these two scenarios, ocean currents continue in their weakened state, supported by deep-sea upwellings in the North Atlantic, driven by southern sea winds. “The Southern Ocean winds continue to blow, and this brings deep waters up to the surface. This works like a powerful pump,” Baker says. “This keeps AMOC running on models of this century.”

This finding helps explain why climate models generally simulate more stable AMOCs in the warming world compared to studies that rely on statistical methods. This tends to suggest that AMOC is more vulnerable.

Niklas Bore The Potsdam Climate Impact Institute in Germany said the findings are “good news” for those worried about the imminent collapse of the AMOC. “I agree that all cutting-edge climate models will not show a complete AMOC collapse within the 21st century.

However, the model does not predict a complete collapse of AMOC, but shows that quaternary reddish CO2 concentrations lead to a 20-81% reduction in the current intensity.

With AMOC weaker by about 50%, the impact on climate will become important, Baker says it will be important due to marine ecosystem disruption, sea level rise on the North Atlantic coastline, and changes in global rainfall patterns that affect crop harvests around the world. However, this type of weakening does not bring rapid cooling to Europe, he says.

In comparison, Bohr emphasizes that AMOC, which is 80% less than today, will have a devastating effect. “Of course, it's a nearly blocked AMOC,” he says. “It has all the impact on Europe's cooling and changing patterns of tropical monsoon, and all the things we are concerned about.”

Stephen RahmstoefHe is also at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact in Germany, and agrees that under the extreme warming of this century, there may be a weak and shallow AMOC trend left in the world. Some studies even define AMOC disintegration as this type of substantial weakening, he says. “A new study is investigating the remaining wind-driven covers [current] In more detail, this is a valuable contribution to the scientific literature,” he says. “However, in response to human-induced global warming, we will not change our assessment of the risks and impacts of future AMOC changes.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

NASA’s wise decision to implement a backup plan proved crucial in wake of the Starliner grounding

Posted on September 5, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Whenever a rocket launch or mission goes wrong, experts always say the same thing: “Space is hard.” As advances in the space industry accelerate, this mantra has only grown more important, if not less, as we face—and, for the most part, overcome—the challenges of spaceflight with increasing frequency.

The situation that has unfolded aboard the International Space Station (ISS) over the past few months is a case in point: Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft successfully completed its first manned flight on June 5, but a hardware problem meant that after arriving at the ISS it was unclear whether the two NASA astronauts on board would be able to safely return to Earth as scheduled.

So after ground tests and much deliberation, NASA reversed course, announcing that its astronauts would stay longer and return instead in February 2025 aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft (see “Astronauts stranded on ISS reveal U.S. space program not in peril.”) A potentially catastrophic problem was reduced to a mere inconvenience thanks to NASA’s wise decision a decade ago to hire not one but two companies to build the capsules that would carry astronauts into space. We’d always known space was a tough place, and preparation paid off.

The first ever private spacewalk will likely be the most dangerous one ever.

Hopefully, the thorough preparations will also pay off for the crew of SpaceX’s upcoming Polaris Dawn mission, which, if all goes well, will conduct the first-ever civilian spacewalk, and perhaps the most dangerous one ever (see page 8).

If the flight goes well, it will be another big win for commercial spaceflight, and especially for SpaceX, as it will be the first test of the company’s new spacesuit. Aging spacesuits have been a big problem for NASA and other space agencies for decades. The spacesuits NASA uses are the same ones astronauts wore in the 1980s and are long past their prime. A new spacesuit that is comfortable for civilians to wear, has better mobility, better temperature regulation and is more reliable would be a big win. It would make life in space a little easier.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

The 1.5°C target may be out of reach, but climate action is still crucial

Posted on August 22, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

AP Photo/François Mori, File/Alamy

As a COP₂₆ During climate change negotiations in Glasgow, UK, in November 2021, a new slogan entered the vocabulary: “Stay at 1.5°C.” The phrase, on everyone’s lips from politicians to climate scientists, was aimed at maintaining the goals set as part of the Paris Agreement at the COP six years ago._{twenty one}In hindsight, this ambition was probably already fizzling out, destined to remain merely an empty slogan.

New Scientist The argument began in 2022, when expert opinion did not reflect their personal views or the data we were seeing. Scientists felt trapped and unable to speak out because limiting warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels is still possible according to the laws of physics, but not realistic given the political, social and economic upheaval.

Since then, there has been a growing recognition that 1.5°C is unattainable, but there was no frank discussion of what that meant. Now, for the first time, researchers have explicitly rejected that, saying that 1.6°C is the best we can hope for, and that higher temperatures are more likely (see “Best-case scenario for climate change now is 1.6°C warming”).

Will policymakers finally realize that platitudes and slogans are not enough to combat climate change? Promises to “maintain” these targets are meaningless if we do not achieve the only means of preventing rising temperatures — reducing emissions of carbon dioxide and other global-warming greenhouse gases to net zero.

Unfortunately, the phrase “net zero” is losing its original meaning as a description of atmospheric physics, and instead being used by many to mean “environmental policy I don’t like.” This is dangerous, because extreme temperature changes have locked us in a vicious cycle of emissions that only a net-zero energy system can break (see “Efforts to combat extreme temperatures are making the situation worse”). If we are to have any hope of limiting warming, we need to learn from the failure of “stay 1.5°C” and not let “net zero” become meaningless.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

The Crucial Misunderstanding of Critics Towards the International Space Station

Posted on August 8, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

The International Space Station (ISS) is nearing the end of its lifespan, with agencies around the world planning to decommission it around 2030. After nearly 24 years of continuous use by astronauts from the U.S., Russia, Europe, Japan, Canada, and many other regions, the giant orbiting spacecraft is showing its age, and it’s nearly time to bring it down before its aging parts are destroyed in far more dangerous ways (see Inside NASA’s Ambitious Plan to Crash the ISS to Earth).

The effort to keep such a huge research facility in orbit has been controversial, with some saying it’s a waste of money and that it should have been taken off orbit long ago. Critics claim that the facility hasn’t lived up to all expectations and that the scientific results from research on the space station don’t contribute enough to problems on Earth. These criticisms may or may not be true, but they miss the point.

The ISS has always symbolized the possibility of a better world of peace and cooperation as a global collaboration in a very challenging adventure in space. Its two major stakeholders, the United States and Russia, have long been at odds on the ground, yet their astronauts continue to work together on the space station to increase global knowledge and reach into the solar system. The ISS is a symbol of humanity working towards a common goal.

With the ISS gone, it will be nearly impossible to see the same view again. NASA and other space agencies have their eye on the Moon, where the possibility of building an international astronaut village there, while promising, remains a pipe dream for now. The ISS, a prime example of international cooperation, will burn up in the atmosphere and sink into the ocean. Its loss will have ripples that go beyond space science. It would represent a decline in the global cooperation needed to address the big challenges the world currently faces, such as climate change, and is a loss we should all mourn.

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International Space Station/
Space Exploration

Source: www.newscientist.com

The Top 5 Crucial Experiments Conducted on the International Space Station

Posted on August 6, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Beyond eating floating food and introducing curious Earthlings to vacuum toilets, the crew of the International Space Station (ISS) have some serious work to do as their time on the ISS nears its end.

Since the space station opened, astronauts have conducted more than 3,000 experiments in the microgravity and high radiation of low Earth orbit. Experiments range from making sure fertility levels remain unchanged (in mice, not in the crew) to testing the feasibility of using lunar soil to make concrete that will help build a future lunar base. Here are four of the most impressive aspects of ISS research.

Artificial retina

Millions of people suffer from a degenerative disease that affects the retina (the layer of light-sensitive cells at the back of the eye), and there is no cure, only treatments that slow its progression. But implants that mimic the function of the retina could be a solution, and US-based company Lambda Vision has successfully produced them by depositing layer after layer of a light-activated protein called bacteriorhodopsin. On Earth, solutions of bacteriorhodopsin tended to clot and deposit poorly, but much better results were achieved earlier this decade. In microgravity on the International Space Station Lambda Vision is currently seeking to scale up manufacturing of its artificial retinas in space, claiming that these are among the first technologies with potential clinical use to be evaluated on the ISS.

Invisible Flame

When you light a match, the wood burns and reacts with oxygen to produce heat, light, and other substances such as carbon…

Source: www.newscientist.com

Scientists say orange peel could be a crucial factor in enhancing cardiovascular health

Posted on May 30, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

A study by researchers from the University of Florida, Texas State University, and the United States Department of Agriculture suggests that an extract of the polar fraction of orange peel, which contains a compound called feruloylputrescine, may reduce cardiovascular disease.

Lee othersThe inhibitory effects of orange peel polar fraction (OPP) and orange peel non-polar fraction (OPNP) on the production of trimethylamine (TMA) and trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) in response to L-carnitine treatment were compared. In vivo and In vitro.

Recent studies have shown that some gut bacteria may contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease.

During digestion, gut bacteria produce trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) when certain nutrients are ingested, and levels of TMAO can help predict future cardiovascular disease.

In a new study, Dr. Yu Wang from the University of Florida and colleagues investigated the potential of orange peel extract to reduce the production of TMAO and trimethylamine (TMA).

They tested two types of extracts: a polar fraction and a non-polar fraction.

To obtain the polar fraction, they extracted orange peels using polar and non-polar solvents.

“Think of a salad dressing. The things that are in the water and vinegar section are polar compounds. The things that are in the oil section, away from the water, are non-polar compounds,” says Dr. Wang.

“The solvents we used are not exactly the same as water and oil, but they have a similar polarity.”

The authors found that extracts of the non-polar fraction of orange peel effectively inhibited the production of harmful chemicals.

The researchers also identified a compound in the polar fraction extract of orange peel called feruloylputrescine, which also significantly inhibited the enzyme involved in TMA production.

“This is a novel discovery that highlights a previously unrecognized potential health benefit of feruloylputrescine in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease,” Dr Wang said.

“The discovery regarding orange peel is significant because five million tonnes of orange peel are produced annually in orange juice production nationwide.”

“About 95 percent of Florida oranges are used for juice. About half of the peels are used to feed cows. The rest are discarded.”

“But the FDA considers natural orange peel extract to be safe for human consumption, so we're looking to get more out of the peel.”

“These findings suggest that orange peels, which are often discarded as waste in the citrus industry, could be repurposed into valuable health-promoting compounds, such as ingredients in dietary supplements and foods,” Dr Wang said.

“Our study paves the way for the development of functional foods enriched with these bioactive compounds, providing a new therapeutic strategy for heart health.”

of result Appears in Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

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Hana Lee others2024. Discovery of novel bioactive compounds from the polar fraction of orange peel and their inhibition of trimethylamine and trimethylamine N-oxide by a metabolomic approach. In vitro and In vivo Assay: Feruloylputrescine inhibits trimethylamine by suppressing the cntA/B enzymes. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 72(14):7870-7881; doi:10.1021/acs.jafc.3c09005

Source: www.sci.news

Efforts to Reduce Emissions are Crucial for Success of Plastic Pollution Treaty

Posted on April 30, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

People rally in Ottawa to support ending plastic pollution

The Canadian Press/Shutterstock

Representatives from nearly every country will gather in Canada to hammer out the details of a global treaty to tackle rising plastic pollution. One source of disagreement at the summit, which concluded on April 29, was how to address greenhouse gas emissions produced by the production and use of plastics, which are increasingly not recognized as a cause of climate change. was.

“When people think of plastic, they think of something visually visible,” he says. Vermilion Alice At the University of Toronto, Canada. However, the extraction and processing of fossil fuels and other chemicals used to make plastics produces large amounts of greenhouse gas emissions, as does the generation of the energy needed to make plastic products. Plastics currently account for about 10% of total oil and natural gas demand. Coal is also increasing Used to power plastic production.

Incineration of plastic waste is also a source of greenhouse gas emissions. As plastics in the environment degrade, they can emit carbon dioxide and methane. Plastics may even reduce the amount of carbon that ecosystems can store, although the effects have not been well quantified, Zhu said.

The emissions numbers associated with plastic production are more clear-cut.in study Published this month, Nihang Kalari Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in California estimated that plastic production produced 2.24 billion tons of CO2 in 2019, accounting for about 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions. This is roughly four times the emissions produced by aviation that year.

They found that as plastic production increases, these emissions could triple by 2050, assuming no changes in the way plastics are made. Most of the emissions are related to the extraction and processing of fossil fuels and other chemicals used to make plastics, so decarbonizing the electricity grid will have a small impact on projected emissions. It also became clear that

The global plastics deal currently under discussion could offer a “historic” chance to limit these emissions, the researchers write. In 2022, more than 175 countries have agreed to join a legally binding treaty to tackle plastic pollution throughout the lifecycle of materials, with final details expected to be agreed by the end of this year.

But a group of oil-producing countries, including China and Russia, said during negotiations that the treaty should only address plastic waste through cleaning and recycling, and that production, which is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions from oil, would They argued that it should not be restricted or changed. plastic.country group Including UK and EU argued that the treaty should include provisions to reduce production to keep emissions in line with global climate goals.

“There's a lot on the agenda, but climate certainly isn't talked about much,” he says. neil nathan Professor at the University of California, Santa Barbara, attended the conference to advocate for an ambitious treaty.

according to modeling We've heard from Nathan and others that a strong treaty that takes measures such as limiting production and requiring plastic products to contain a high proportion of recycled content could keep emissions at current levels. Probably. He said the Plastics Treaty would be a “failure” if it did not address production.

Sarah-Jeanne Royer Researchers at the University of California, San Diego suggest that even if the treaty did not reduce greenhouse gas emissions, there would be more sustainable options for making plastics, such as recycled or captured CO2, such as bioplastics or captured CO2. It said the switch would also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by reducing the use of new plastics. Expressly.

but, paul stegman Dutch research institute TNO has warned that plastic alternatives such as steel can generate more emissions, depending on how they are reused and recycled. “Ultimately, we need policies that reduce the impact on society as a whole, not just move the problem elsewhere,” he says.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Recognizing gender disparities in the brain is crucial for mental well-being

Posted on February 26, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

we heard it all. Men's brains are larger and have better spatial awareness. Women's brains are adapted for multitasking and emotional intelligence. Stereotypes about how sex influences behavior abound, and as increasingly sophisticated brain-scanning technology emerges, claims about such inconsistencies are becoming more apparent.

But as we discovered in our feature on the human brain (“Your Amazing Brain: 10 Challenging Questions That Uncover Amazing New Discoveries About the Human Brain”), men's and women's behaviors, interests, We are trying to identify the biological reasons for population differences in . The issue of occupation is a delicate debate that includes not only sex but also gender, and has never been resolved.

Still, we should keep trying. In particular, if there really are gender-related brain differences, this would have a major impact on our health. That's because many pathologies related to the brain and neural branches affect men and women at different rates and in different ways. For example, women have higher rates of depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. Men have higher rates of autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

There are many possible reasons for this imbalance in the gender ratio. For example, autism may be underdiagnosed among girls, or typical behaviors may manifest differently. Similarly, biological factors may make women more susceptible to depression because they tend to have lower incomes or because men are less likely to seek help for mental health problems. .

However, brain differences between the sexes may also exist. If so, the photo is not yet complete. These may not be due to direct genetic or sex hormonal effects, but may be due to the way society generally treats men and women differently throughout their lives.

Elucidating all of this could shed light on the mechanisms behind these symptoms and lead to better treatment strategies. After all, this is not a competition between male and female brains, but an initiative that has the potential to help everyone.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

The Crucial Link Between the Brain Microbiome and Curing Alzheimer’s Disease

Posted on February 19, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Russell Kightley/Science Photo Library

It looked like a classic case of Alzheimer's disease. The man, in his 70s, had been experiencing severe cognitive decline for three years. Frequently forgetting the names of his family members, he was unable to drive or leave the house alone. Further deterioration seemed inevitable. But then his doctor tested him and found that his cerebrospinal fluid sample I noticed a fungus called Cryptococcus neoformans. They put him on antifungal medication and the results were amazing. Within two years he had his driver's license reinstated and returned to his job as a gardener.

Neuroscientists have long suspected that certain infections can increase the risk of dementia.For example, both Porphyromonas gingivalisthe bacteria behind periodontal disease, the herpes simplex virus that causes cold sores, It has been pointed out that there is a relationship with Alzheimer's disease.. However, cases of “reversible dementia” are emerging from the idea that our brains are teeming with microbes and that imbalances in this “brain microbiome” can make people more susceptible to neurodegenerative diseases. is beginning to arouse great interest.

Until recently, it was thought that the brain was free of microorganisms. This was especially due to the blood-brain barrier, a special membrane that protects pathogens and toxins in the blood from the brain. Therefore, the idea of a brain microbiome was controversial. But new research seems to confirm the case. Richard Leeds University of Edinburgh, UK and colleagues Analyzed data obtained from postmortem brains It is housed in four brain banks in the UK and US. They discovered a wide variety of microorganisms of different types.

Source: www.newscientist.com

Scientists warn that Amazon’s crucial water cycle is on the brink of collapse

Posted on February 15, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

A study published Wednesday in the journal Nature warns that wildfires, deforestation, and global warming could permanently disrupt the water cycle in parts of the Amazon rainforest if action is not taken in the coming decades. The study suggests that between 10% and 47% of the landscape is at risk of transitioning away from tropical rainforest by 2050 if rates of warming and deforestation are not dramatically reduced.

Lead author of the study, Bernardo Flores, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Santa Catarina in Florianópolis, Brazil, stated that “So many stressors are intensifying, including climate stressors and land-use stressors, that when combined will ultimately cause water stress in forests. We could reach a point where forests can no longer survive.”

The Amazon contains about 10% of the world’s terrestrial biodiversity and serves as a vital carbon sink. Exceeding the limits of rainforests could accelerate climate change and have dire consequences for communities, including indigenous peoples, who depend on rainforests. Flores said he is optimistic that the changes outlined in the study are already occurring, but they could slow or even stop.

The study focuses on overlapping stressors on the Amazon, including rising temperatures, extreme drought, deforestation, and fires. Ernest Alvarado, an associate professor at the University of Washington’s School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, who was not involved in the study, emphasized the importance of maintaining the Amazon’s water cycle, stating, “If you lose your balance, it’s a big problem.”

Reducing the amount of water-absorbing forests due to deforestation, wildfires, drought, and climate change reduces the amount of water available to the atmosphere from plants and reduces the amount of rain that sustains the landscape. Approximately 15% of the Amazon has already been lost, according to Flores.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

It is crucial to regulate artificial intelligence within the multi-trillion dollar API economy

Posted on December 22, 2023 by Igor Mitreski

With 20 years of experience as a technology leader, Alex Akimov former Head of API at Adyen, now revolutionizing embedded finance. monitor Easily integrate your clients by building a best-in-class API.

Application programming interface (APIs) power the modern Internet, including most websites, mobile apps, and IoT devices we use. And thanks to the Internet’s ubiquity in nearly every corner of the planet, APIs have allowed people to connect to almost any functionality they desire. This phenomenon is often referred to as “.API economy“teeth, Market value to reach $14.2 trillion by 2027.

The increasing relevance of APIs in our daily lives has attracted the attention of several authorities who are introducing major regulations. The first level is defined by organizations such as IEEE and W3C and is intended to establish standards for the technical capabilities and limitations that define technology across the Internet.

Security and data privacy aspects are covered by internationally recognized requirements such as ISO27001, GDPR, etc. Their main goal is to provide a domain framework backed by an API.

But now, with the advent of AI, regulations are becoming even more complex.

How AI integration is changing the API landscape

Different types of AI have been around for a while, but it is generative AI (and LLM) that has completely changed the risk landscape.

Many AI companies are leveraging the benefits of API technology to bring their products into every home and workplace. The most notable example here is OpenAI’s early public release of its API. This combination would not have been possible just 20 years ago. At that time, neither API nor AI had reached the level of maturity that we started observing in 2022.

When writing code or collaborating with AI, Rapidly becoming the standard in software development, especially in the complex process of creating and deploying APIs. Tools like GitHub Copilot and ChatGPT can write code that integrates with any API, and will soon define specific methods and patterns that most software engineers use to create APIs. In some cases, even if you don’t fully understand it.

We’ll also discuss how companies like Superface and Blobr are innovating in the API integration space, using AI to enable you to connect to the APIs you need in a way that would interact with a chatbot.

One type of AI that has been around for a while is generative AI (and large-scale language models). [LLMs]) completely changed the risk landscape. GenAI has the ability to create things in infinite ways, and this creativity will either be controlled by humans or, in the case of artificial general intelligence (AGI), will exceed current control capabilities.

Source: techcrunch.com

New Research from Yale University Uncovers Crucial Factor in 90% of Enigmatic Miscarriages

Posted on October 27, 2023 by Igor Mitreski

A Yale University study reveals that placenta testing can identify the cause of 90% of previously unexplained miscarriages, providing a path to improved pregnancy care and emotional relief for affected families.

Researchers at Yale University have demonstrated that placenta testing can accurately pathologically determine more than 90% of previously unexplained miscarriages, a finding that researchers say could help inform future pregnancy care. say:

The results of this study were recently published in the journal Reproductive science.

Miscarriage statistics

Of the approximately 5 million pregnancies each year in the United States, 1 million end in miscarriage (miscarriage occurs before 20 weeks of pregnancy) and more than 20,000 end in stillbirth after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Up to 50% of these losses are classified as “unspecified.”

Emotional strain and research purpose

Patients who suffer from these pregnancy outcomes are often told that their loss is unexplained and that they can just try again, contributing to patients’ feelings of responsibility for the loss, said lead author and obstetrics department specialist. said researcher Dr. Harvey Kliman. Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine.

“Pregnancy loss is a tragedy, and to be told there is no explanation causes great pain to the families of those who have lost,” said Kliman, who is also director of the Reproduction and Placenta Research Unit. “Our goal was to extend the current classification system to reduce the number of cases that remain unidentified.”

Methodology and findings

For this study, Professor Kliman collaborated with Beatrix Thompson, currently a medical student at Harvard University, and Parker Holzer, a former graduate student in the Yale School of Statistics and Data Science, to explore the pathology of loss. We developed an expanded classification system for pregnancy loss based on clinical tests. placenta.

The team started with a series of 1,527 single-child pregnancies that ended up being losses and were sent to Kliman’s Consulting Services at Yale University for evaluation. After excluding cases for which there was insufficient material for testing, 1,256 placentas from 922 patients were tested. Of these, 70% were miscarriages and 30% were stillbirths.

Domenic Rice is 33 weeks pregnant with her fifth child, holding a photo frame of herself with her stillborn son, TJ.Credit: Photo by Nancy Borowicz

By adding distinct categories of “placenta with abnormal growth” (atypical placenta) and “small placenta” (less than 10 placentas);^th For example, the authors were able to establish a pathological diagnosis for 91.6% of pregnancies, including 88.5% of miscarriages and 98.7% of abortions, based on existing categories such as cord accident, avulsion, thrombosis, and infection. I did. stillbirth.

The most common pathological feature observed in unexplained miscarriages was placental dysmorphism (86.2%), a marker associated with genetic abnormalities. The most common pathological feature observed in unexplained stillbirths was a small placenta (33.9%).

Impact and future recommendations

“This study suggests that more than 7,000 small placentas may be detected per year associated with stillbirth.” in the womb “Before the loss, we had flagged these pregnancies as high risk,” Kliman said. “Similarly, identifying placental dysmorphisms could be one way to potentially identify genetic abnormalities in the approximately 1 million miscarriages that occur in our country each year.”

Additionally, “having a specific explanation for the loss of a pregnancy can help families understand that the loss is not their fault, begin the healing process, and, if possible, prevent similar losses in the future, especially It can prevent stillbirths from occurring.”

When asked what the most effective way to prevent stillbirth is, Kliman replied, “Measure the placenta!”

References: “Placental Pathology in Unexplained Pregnancy Loss” by Beatrix B. Thompson, Parker H. Holzer, and Harvey J. Kliman, September 19, 2023. reproductive science.
DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01344-3

Source: scitechdaily.com