WTF with Marc Maron Has Ended: Discover Five of the Top Podcast Interviews

Posted on June 3, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

In a significant shift, Marc Maron has revealed that he will be concluding his widely acclaimed podcast WTF with Marc Maron after running for nearly 16 years and over 1,600 episodes. The series finale is set to air later this year.

“After 16 years of podcasting, we’ve decided it’s been an incredible journey,” Maron stated during a recent episode. “Honestly, it’s time, folks. The WTF era is coming to a close. That’s our choice. Expect a final episode in the fall.”

Maron shared that he and his producer Brendan McDonald are feeling “exhausted” and “burned out,” yet they are “very satisfied with the work we’ve accomplished.”

When Maron launched WTF in 2009, he was already an experienced stand-up comic, having had his Air America radio shows cancelled. He began recording in his garage. Initially, WTF delved into Maron’s emotions as he connected with fellow comedians, revealing his anxieties about his career, relationships, and feelings of abandonment.

With Maron’s increased openness, the podcast transitioned from his personal struggles, including his battle with addiction, to more profound discussions related to creativity and fulfillment. The show attracted a diverse array of actors, directors, and musicians, and Maron’s conversational style inspired even the most notable guests to share untold stories.

For those looking to indulge, there are 1,600 episodes of WTF available (though earlier episodes may be behind a paywall). The highlights typically feature (male) comedians, including Conan O’Brien, Mel Brooks, and Norm MacDonald. However, some episodes, like those with Courtney Love and Ben Kingsley, haven’t been as well-received. Here are five standout episodes:

President Barack Obama recorded a WTF episode in Maron’s garage in Los Angeles. Photo: Pete Souza/White House

5 of the best Marc Maron interviews

1. Barack Obama (Episode 613, 2015)

This episode is a landmark in podcasting, showcasing how powerful the medium can be, even attracting a sitting US president to discuss issues like parenthood, racism, and gun control in a Los Angeles garage. It’s as impactful as the subsequent episode, The President Was Here, where Maron and McDonald share experiences with the Secret Service.

2. Robin Williams (Episode 67, 2010)

In this poignant interview, Williams opens up about his battles with depression, alcoholism, and suicidal thoughts. Maron later re-released it with a new introduction following Williams’ passing in 2014, and it was inducted into the Library of Congress National Records Register.

3. Louis CK (Episodes 111 and 112, 2010)

Over two captivating hours in 2010, Maron and Louis CK embarked on a therapeutic dialogue reflecting on their fractured friendship. CK expressed feelings of abandonment during a challenging period, while Maron acknowledged his hopes for CK’s success. Slate regards it as the best podcast episode ever; Maron himself, however, felt it wasn’t the best interview but found it personally beneficial.

4. Lynn Shelton (Episode 627, 2015)

This episode captured Maron’s initial meeting with indie filmmaker Shelton. At the time, they were both involved with others, but the chemistry was undeniable. They later fell in love and remained together until her tragic passing in 2020 from an undiagnosed blood disorder at age 54. Maron chose to re-release the interview shortly after her death, reflecting on their bond.

5. David Spade (Episode 669, 2016)

Known for roles like Joe Dirt and as the charmingly lascivious character in several films, Spade reveals his true humor in this episode. He shares a surprising personal story about being attacked at home, showcasing his knack for storytelling. “I had to cut him back to two days a week after that,” Spade recalls.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Scientists Discover Genetic Variations Linked to Increased Cat Pairing

Posted on June 3, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Cat (Ferris Katas) has become a beloved companion to people worldwide. Despite its widespread popularity, the genetic factors influencing its behavior have been largely unexplored. A new research team from the Kyoto University Wildlife Research Center has focused on the Androgen receptor gene (ar), located on the X chromosome, and its association with feline behaviors, such as purring.

Okamoto et al. found that male cats with short alleles displayed higher directional call/voicing scores, whereas females with short alleles exhibited increased aggression towards strangers compared to their counterparts with long alleles. Image credit: Natary Anderson.

“Cats are cherished companion animals that significantly contribute to society through their interactions with humans,” said lead author Okamoto and colleagues.

“However, most negrid species, such as the African Wildcat (Ferris Livica), have solitary ancestors, while domestic cats often form groups and display social behaviors.”

“They communicate with both humans and other cats utilizing a range of behaviors and signals, including olfactory cues, touch, visual cues, and vocalizations.”

“Purring, a distinctive vocalization of cats, plays a significant role in vocal communication.”

“Initially, purring may signify a mother’s health, but it continues to facilitate communication among cats beyond the weaning phase.”

“In a social context, purring promotes security and comfort, expresses familiarity, and invites play, though its precise function remains unclear.”

For this study, researchers evaluated the behavior of 280 cats, all of whom were neutered or mixed breeds living in their owners’ homes.

DNA samples were collected and analyzed to compare the ar gene with those from other negrid species.

“Upon reaching out to participants, we quickly received responses and warm messages from 265 cat owners across Japan within just a day,” Okamoto remarked.

“This highlighted the strong public interest in feline research.”

“The findings suggest a genetic basis for both purring and vocal communication.”

“Cats with the short-type androgen receptor gene received higher ratings from their owners than those with the long-type gene.”

“Additionally, male cats with the short form displayed increased vocalizations towards humans, indicating a genetic link to vocal communication.”

“Conversely, female cats with the shorter-type gene demonstrated heightened aggression towards unfamiliar individuals.”

“These findings could indicate a decreased significance of vocal communication in cats raised by humans from kittenhood, particularly those that are typically purebred.”

“Prior studies indicated that purebred cats are more likely to carry long-form genes than their mixed-breed counterparts.”

“This study included numerous mixed-breed cats that were rescued and were previously strays.”

Through comparisons of cat genes with 11 other genes, researchers discovered that both leopard and fishing cats were genetically similar to domestic cats and possessed shorter types, while domestic cats did not exhibit longer types found in other species.

These results imply that the emergence of long types may be linked to genetic changes related to domestication and selective breeding.

“These results may help predict behavioral trends based on genetic data, enhance observation and care based on needs, and ultimately improve animal welfare,” the authors stated.

The team plans to broaden their research focus to include other negrid species.

“Through our research, we aim to enrich our understanding of cats and foster better relationships between felines and humans,” Okamoto concluded.

This study was published online on May 28th in PLOS 1.

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Y. Okamoto et al. 2025. The relationship between androgen receptor genes and cat behavioral traits (Ferris Katas). PLOS 1 20(5): E0324055; doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0324055

This article is based on an original release by Kyoto University.

Source: www.sci.news

Paleontologists Discover Unusual New Species of Erasmosaurus: Traskasaura Sandrae

Posted on May 23, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Traskasaura Sandrae, a 12 m long Erasmosaurus (a type of plesiosaurus) that inhabited the Cretaceous Sea 85 million years ago, showcases an unusual combination of primitive and advanced traits, setting it apart from other Erasmosaurus. This distinctive set of adaptations enabled the marine reptile to hunt its prey from above.

Traskasaura Sandrae. Image credit: O’Keefe et al., doi: 10.1080/14772019.2025.2489938.

The first Traskasaura fossil was unearthed in 1988 within late Cretaceous strata in the Haslam Formation on Vancouver Island, Canada.

Since then, additional fossils have been excavated from the same layers, including isolated right humeri, as well as components of the chest, guard bones, limbs, and a preserved juvenile skeleton.

Initially described in 2002, the fossil gained recent prominence when it was adopted as the official crest fossil of British Columbia.

“Fossils of Prisiosaurus have been recognized in British Columbia for decades,” states Professor F. Robin O’Keefe from Marshall University.

“Nevertheless, despite its designation as a fossil in 2023, the identity of the organisms that produced it has remained enigmatic.”

“Our recent research published today will finally clarify this enigma.”

“I comprehend the scientific uncertainty surrounding this taxa.”

“It exhibits an odd mix of primitive and advanced features. Notably, the shoulders are unlike any other plesiosaur I’ve encountered, and I’ve seen quite a few.”

With the naming of Traskasaura Sandrae, the Pacific Northwest can finally claim a distinct Mesozoic reptile.”

“Thus, this area, known for its rich contemporary marine biodiversity, was once home to a variety of extraordinary marine reptiles from the dinosaur age.”

In the original description of the fossil in 2002, experts were hesitant to classify a new genus based solely on the discovered adult Erasmosaurus skeleton.

The skeletal remains presented a relatively limited number of discernible traits.

However, the newly discovered, well-preserved partial skeleton allowed the research team to illuminate much about the Erasmosaurus morphology found in the Pantledge River, ultimately categorizing it as a new genus and species.

Traskasaura Sandrae possessed a notably lengthy neck, with at least 36 well-preserved cervical vertebrae, comprising at least 50 bones in total.

“And there is no significant knowledge yet; Traskasaura Sandrae boasts an impressive array of autodynamic bones that exhibit its strong ability to swim downward,” remarked Professor O’Keefe.

“This peculiar blend of features is linked to its hunting techniques. It utilizes this capability for descending swimming to ambush its prey from above.”

“The prey included abundant ammonites known from the region.”

Survey results will be published in Journal of Systematic Palaeontology.

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F. Robin O’Keefe et al. 2025. Taxonomy of a remarkable new Erasmosaurus from the Santonian of Vancouver Island: British Columbia’s official province fossil name. Journal of Systematic Palaeontology 23 (1); doi:10.1080/14772019.2025.2489938

Source: www.sci.news

Planetary Researchers Discover Wobble-like Atmosphere Similar to Saturn’s Hazy Moon Titan

Posted on May 22, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Titan is the sole moon in our solar system with a significant atmosphere, captivating planetary scientists for years. Recent analysis of archival infrared data from the composite infrared spectrometer (CIRS) onboard the NASA/ESA Cassini-Huygens mission reveals that Titan’s hazy atmosphere does not rotate uniformly with its surface but instead exhibits a wobbly motion akin to that of a seasonally shifting gyroscope.

This view of Titan is among the final images received from NASA’s Cassini spacecraft. Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/Space Science Institute.

“The dynamics of Titan’s atmospheric tilt are quite peculiar,” remarked Dr. Lucy Wright, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Bristol.

“Titan’s atmosphere acts similarly to a gyroscope and seems to maintain stability in space.”

“We suspect that certain historical events may have displaced the atmosphere from its spin axis, resulting in its wobbling motion.”

“More intriguing is the observation that the degree of this tilt varies with Titan’s seasons.”

Dr. Wright and her team analyzed the symmetry within Titan’s atmospheric temperature field, confirming their hypothesis that it is centrally located at the poles.

However, this symmetry alters over time, corresponding with Titan’s extensive seasonal cycles that span nearly 30 years.

“What complicates matters is that this phenomenon is unaffected by the Sun or Saturn; it remains stationary in space, while the slope direction is fixed,” noted Professor Nick Teenby from the University of Bristol.

“This presents us with a riddle instead of a solution.”

This discovery will impact NASA’s upcoming Dragonfly Mission, a rotorcraft set to reach Titan in the 2030s.

Dragonflies will descend into the atmosphere, subject to the rapid winds of Titan, which are approximately 20 times faster than the surface rotation.

Understanding how the atmosphere wobbles seasonally is crucial for accurately determining the landing trajectory of the Dragonfly.

The tilt influences the payload’s aerial trajectory, making this study vital for engineers in predicting landing sites.

“The Goddard Space Flight Center noted: ‘NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center plays a significant role globally.”

“This instrument travels across the solar system, continuing to yield valuable scientific insights.”

“The behavior of Titan’s atmosphere as a rotating top detaches from the surface prompts fascinating inquiries that enhance our understanding of atmospheric physics, applicable to both Titan and Earth.”

Survey results were published this week in the Journal of Planetary Science.

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Lucy Wright et al. 2025. Seasonal evolution of the stratospheric slope and temperature field of Titan at high resolution from Cassini/CIRS. Planet. SCI. J 6, 114; doi: 10.3847/psj/adcab3

Source: www.sci.news

Scientists Discover the Genetic Region Responsible for Unsticking Blackberry Canes

Posted on May 22, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Stingless blackberries (Lubus subgenus Lubus) canes are highly favored by growers due to concerns regarding food and worker safety, as well as the potential damage to fruit caused by the mechanical injuries associated with stings.

John’s et al. We identified a single locus that regulates unstimulated cane. Image credit: Gerald Antonio Romero.

Blackberries represent a specialized crop that is capturing a larger portion of the fresh berry market.

The rising demand coupled with increasing production costs has created a need for cultivars adaptable to various environmental and management practices.

Stings pose a challenge in blackberry production systems, presenting food safety issues and causing mechanical damage to the fruit, thereby reducing its shelf life.

The primary aim of a fresh market blackberry breeding program is to introduce thornless cultivars. These terms are often used interchangeably in existing literature.

Stinging differentiates plant-based differentiation from thorns and spines due to the formation of cortical and epidermal cells.

“Blackberry breeders lacked the genetic information required to ascertain whether certain plants were devoid of what is technically called nausea, commonly referred to as thorns,” stated Dr. Margaret Worthington, a researcher with the Arkansas Agricultural Experimental Bureau.

“All fresh market blackberry varieties are Tetraploid, meaning they possess four copies of all chromosomes as opposed to the two copies found in humans.”

“The greater the number of copies, the more challenging it becomes to conduct genetic analyses.”

“Previously, the locus and positioning of genes on chromosomes linked to spine traits were unknown.”

The team’s findings introduced the first diagnostic markers related to any traits developed and documented in blackberries.

“These markers are the first publicly available tools developed for both fresh market and processed blackberries,” expressed Dr. Ellen Thompson, Global Rubus Breeding and Development Director at Hortifrut Genetics.

“Markers expedite the breeding process, saving time and resources, and facilitate faster decision-making before seedlings are introduced into the field.”

The authors utilized genome-wide association studies to pinpoint the loci responsible for the spineless traits.

They gathered DNA samples from a total of 374 blackberry varieties.

These samples underwent genotyping, which is a highly accurate method that scans and identifies genetic codes impacting stinging characteristics.

If these variants, known as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), show significant correlations with certain traits, it implies that genes in that area might influence those traits.

These SNPs, or markers, highlight regions associated with the characteristic in question.

“Genetic markers are currently being implemented in blackberries and raspberries, but the technology is more mature for row crops like rice and soybeans,” noted Dr. Worthington.

“Genetic markers are widely utilized in row crops to select for disease resistance, growth or flowering periods, and other desirable traits.”

Another significant discovery from this study indicates that the absence of genetic mutations around chromosome RA04 leads to linkage disequilibrium blocks, or regions where genetic markers are more likely to be inherited together than by chance.

For the genes that are spineless within this block, these traits are often inherited from parent to offspring along with various other genes, including those linked to high acidity, lack of cold resistance, and less desirable traits like canes that require support to remain upright.

“The focus on selecting for spineless plants has inadvertently resulted in the loss of genetic variation surrounding the locus,” Dr. Worthington commented.

“Crossbreeding with thorny plants can help restore this variation.”

The team’s paper has been published in the journal G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics.

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Carmen A. Johns et al. Genetic control of exhalation in tetraploid blackberries. G3: Genes, genomes, genetics Published online on March 20th, 2025. doi:10.1093/g3journal/jkaf065

Source: www.sci.news

Planetary Scientists Discover New Evidence of Venus’ Geological Activity

Posted on May 21, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Often referred to as the Earth’s “twin planet,” Venus presents a stark contrast in surface conditions, atmospheric composition, and structural characteristics. Gaining insight into the internal mechanisms that shape Venus’s surface remains a key objective in planetary science.

An artist’s impression of a volcanic eruption on Venus. Image credit: ESA/AOES Mediaab.

The Earth’s surface is perpetually reshaped through the continual movement and recycling of vast sections of the crust, known as tectonic plates, which float above the viscous mantle.

Unlike Earth, Venus lacks tectonic plates, but its surface is still influenced by molten material rising from beneath.

To better comprehend the processes underlying these transformations, scientists have examined structures known as corona.

With sizes ranging from dozens to hundreds of kilometers, coronae are primarily formed where hot, buoyant mantle material ascends and pushes against the lithosphere above.

These features generally exhibit an oval shape and are surrounded by a concentric fracturing pattern.

Researchers estimate that hundreds of coronae are present on Venus.

Utilizing archival data from NASA’s Magellan mission, Dr. Gael Cascioli from the University of Maryland and colleagues identified signs of surface or subsurface activity that significantly shaped many of Venus’s coronae.

“Coronae are not observable on Earth today. However, it is conceivable that our planet’s early history included formations before the advent of plate tectonics,” stated a recent paper published in the journal Advances in Science.

“By integrating gravity and topographical data, this research has provided critical new insights into the subterranean processes that likely continue to influence Venus’s surface today.”

Launched in 1989, Magellan employed a radar system to penetrate Venus’s dense atmosphere and create detailed maps of its mountainous and plain terrains.

Among the various geological features mapped, coronae were notably enigmatic, with their formation remaining initially unclear.

Since then, planetary scientists have detected numerous coronae in regions where the lithosphere is thin and geothermal activity is high.

“Coronae are plentiful on Venus, representing significant features, and over the years, multiple theories have been proposed concerning their formation,” remarked Dr. Anna Gürcher, a researcher at the University of Bern.

“The exciting aspect of our research is that we can now assert that ongoing activity processes driving their formation are highly probable.”

“We hypothesize that similar processes may have also taken place early in Earth’s history.”

Researchers have developed advanced 3D geodynamic models illustrating different scenarios for the formation of plume-induced coronae, which were then compared with Magellan’s gravity and topographic data.

Gravity data has proven instrumental in enabling researchers to detect low-density regions below the surface and identify buoyant structures at elevated temperatures, something that topographical data alone cannot reveal.

Of the 75 coronae analyzed, 52 exhibited buoyant mantle materials beneath them, suggesting potential for significant structural processes.

One critical process is subduction. On Earth, this occurs when one tectonic plate is pushed beneath another.

Friction between plates can induce earthquakes, and as older rocky material descends into the hotter mantle, those rocks melt and re-emerge at the surface through volcanic activity.

On Venus, various forms of subduction are suspected to happen around several coronae.

In this context, hot rock buoyancy within the mantle forces material into the lithosphere, resulting in surface material rising and spreading outward, colliding with surrounding areas and pushing some material back down into the mantle.

Additionally, another structural process known as lithosphere drip may exist, with denser cold materials sinking from the lithosphere into the heated mantle below.

Several locations have also been identified where a third process might be occurring, where molten rock plumes beneath thicker areas of the lithosphere could potentially drive volcanic activity above.

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Frog Casioli et al. 2025. Spectra of structural processes in Venus’ coronae revealed by gravity and topography. Advances in Science 11 (20); doi:10.1126/sciadv.adt5932

Source: www.sci.news

Scientists Discover Genetic Variations Responsible for Orange Coat Color in Cats

Posted on May 17, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

This mutation is associated with Rho GtPase Activated Protein 36 (ARHGAP36). Research conducted by a team from Stanford University School of Medicine suggests that this anomaly occurs in genes of various mammals.

The orange mutation linked to sex in domestic cats results in various reddish/yellow patches in their fur, clearly demonstrating random X inactivation in female turtles and calico cats. Unlike most coat color genes, other mammals lack evident homologs for the orange associated with gender. Research by Kaelin et al. shows that this mutation results from a 5 kb deletion leading to ectopic and melanocyte-specific expression of the ARHGAP36 gene. Image credit: Kaelin et al., doi: 10.1016/j.cub.2025.04.055.

Various mammals exhibit orange shades—like tigers, golden retrievers, orangutans, and red-headed humans—but this is particularly prevalent in domestic cats (Felis catus). The orange coloration is sex-linked and is observed more frequently in males.

“In many species with yellow or orange pigments, these mutations almost exclusively occur in one of two genes, neither of which is sex-linked,” states Christopher Kaelin, PhD, a researcher at Stanford University School of Medicine and the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology.

Scientists have pinpointed typical mutations that stimulate skin pigment cells to generate yellow or orange pigments instead of the default brown or black; however, they only had vague notions about locating corresponding mutations in cats.

They were aware that the mutation, termed sex-linked orange, was located on the X chromosome due to the predominance of male orange cats.

Male cats with this sex-linked orange will exhibit a complete orange coat, while females must inherit the mutation from both X chromosomes to appear fully orange.

A female cat possessing one copy of the sex-linked orange will showcase a partially orange coat with a pattern known as Tortoiseshell, or with patches of orange, black, and white known as Calico.

This variability arises from a phenomenon in females called random X inactivation, where one X chromosome becomes inactive in each cell.

Consequently, a mosaic pattern of pigment cells develops, some expressing the sex-linked-orange and others not.

“I observed this genetic anomaly over 100 years ago,” Dr. Kaelin recalled.

“It was the genetic puzzles that sparked my interest in Sex Link Orange.”

Building on prior research that dissected segments of the X chromosome housing mutations, Dr. Kaelin and his team methodically concentrated on the sex-linked orange mutation.

“Our ability to do this was facilitated by the development of genomic resources for cats made available in the last five to ten years,” Dr. Kaelin explained.

“This includes a fully sequenced genome along with various cat breeds.”

The researchers also obtained DNA samples from cats at neutering and spaying clinics.

Initially, they searched for a variant of the X chromosome common among orange cats and identified 51 candidates.

They excluded 48 of the candidates as they were also present in several non-orange cats.

Among the remaining three variants, one was speculated to play a significant role in gene regulation: ARHGAP36.

“When we identified it, ARHGAP36 had no association with pigmentation,” Dr. Kaelin stated.

This gene, well-conserved across mammalian species, has drawn attention from cancer and developmental biology researchers.

ARHGAP36 is typically expressed in neuroendocrine tissues, where its overexpression can lead to tumors; however, its association with pigment cells remained unknown.

Notably, it was discovered in a pumpkin-colored cat by Dr. Kaelin and his colleagues.

“ARHGAP36 is not present in mouse, human, or non-orange cat pigment cells,” Dr. Kaelin noted.

“The orange cat mutation appears to induce ARHGAP36 expression within pigment cells, where it is normally not present.”

This irregular expression in pigment cells disrupts intermediate steps in known molecular pathways governing coat color.

In other species, typical orange mutations interrupt earlier stages in that pathway; however, in cats, sex-linked oranges confuse the latter stages.

“It’s certainly an unusual mechanism for gene alteration in specific cell types,” said Dr. Kaelin.

The team’s findings are detailed in a study published this week in the journal Current Biology.

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Christopher B. Kaelin et al. Molecular and genetic properties of sex-linked orange coat colors in domestic cats. Current Biology Published online on May 15th, 2025. doi:10.1016/j.cub.2025.04.055

Source: www.sci.news

Discover the Unique Experience of Baroque Breakout Hit Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Posted on May 14, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

MUCH reflects on the remarkable journey of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, a standout role-playing game crafted by a small team. (We recently hit 2 million sales.) This narrative is captivating amidst a landscape dominated by blockbuster flops, live service titles, and exorbitant budgets. The dedicated team has produced something lengthy, unique, and beautiful, priced at £40, leading to a win-win scenario for all involved. However, it’s not entirely accurate.

Sandfall Interactive, the French studio behind the game, comprises around 30 talented individuals. As noted by Rock Paper Shotgun, the credits list more contributors, from Korean animation teams to outsourced quality assurance testers, localization specialists, and performance artists who bring the game’s narrative and emotional depth to life.

When compared to the massive teams behind Final Fantasy titles (the clear inspiration for Sandfall), the comparatively small collective that developed Clair Obscur is noteworthy. What’s even more intriguing is that this small team has fashioned an exquisite French creation that resonates with us all. To the distress of my partner, I opted for the French voice acting with English subtitles to amplify my immersive experience.

Set in the Belle Époque-inspired realm of Clair Obscur, players encounter a foreboding entity known as Paintress Daubs, who has traversed ominous totem numbers annually, descending from a population of 100. (This game and Neva are the only titles in recent memory that have brought tears to my eyes. The beginning.) As the game counts down from 34 to 33, a courageous, slightly magical 30th expedition embarks towards a continent laden with sedatives, facing death in their quest to halt the cycle. The city is stunning, and everyone is dressed immaculately. Also, nothing seemingly poses a threat every few moments.

The most quintessentially French experience you’ve ever had… Claire’s Obscur: Expedition 33. Photo: Sandfall Interactive

Many expeditions have previously faced this fate. As you navigate, you encounter gruesome remnants of these journeys, alongside their recorded accounts left to assist future travelers. Beginning in a ravaged Paris, the distorted Eiffel Tower looms over a picturesque Dali-esque horizon. The game feels like a waltz through a renowned museum on the brink of being engulfed by a black hole. One notable area is a desolate sea, featuring the wreck of a previous expedition, entwined with the carcass of a leviathan, adorned with waves of seaweed fluttering in the absent currents. It’s breathtaking but perilous. You must swiftly master a complex battle system and survive the initial boss encounters.

Clair Obscur’s combat draws inspiration from both classic and contemporary Japanese RPGs. Dynamic and vibrant, you can charge fireballs and time your dodges against the flailing fists of stone automatons. Combining uniquely distinctive character skills is vital. One character wields a rapier, shifting stances with every strike, while another engages with an enigmatic system of Sun and Moon Tarot cards. If this all seems excessively luxurious, it is — and I relish it. The battle menu is a Tinker’s dream, allowing for the development of esoteric powers and skills to create captivating combo attacks.

What captivates me most about this game is its uniqueness; it doesn’t mimic any other title. While most games riff on a handful of predictable franchises: Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Marvel, this game sources inspiration from an entirely different aesthetic and theme pool. It emerges as a Baroque fantasy, a tale encompassing existentialism, love, death, and heritage — articulated through a European narrative style with Japanese-inspired action and artistry. Although it plays differently, its peculiar characteristics evoke memories of last year’s outstanding title, Repantazio. (There seems to be a notable connection between intellectually ambitious RPGs and perplexing names.)

Clair Obscur further exemplifies the impressive capabilities of game development tools available today. If you’re curious how a small team achieved this high-end aesthetic, that constitutes a significant part of the explanation. It instills a sense of optimism regarding the future of mid-tier game development, nestled between blockbusters and indie projects. Many of the most intriguing titles emerged in the early 2000s and 2010s. Perhaps some larger publishers consider this approach to be overly French, but Sandfall has successfully produced it nonetheless. Expedition 33 serves not only as a noteworthy commercial triumph but also as a beacon of creativity in the gaming sphere.

What to play

Exciting, one-minute thrill…Fate: Dark Ages. Photo: Bethesda

The upcoming Doom game is generating buzz, with reviews indicating it’s a glorious heavy metal spectacle of violence. Whether you’re obliterating demons, impaling them with spikes, shredding them with chainsaw shields, or summoning massive hellish creatures from colossal robots, Destiny: Dark Ages boasts a vaguely medieval flair, with slower and more intimate combat relative to its predecessors in the franchise (as suggested by the title), yet remains exhilarating.

Available on: Xbox, PS5, PC
Estimated playtime: Over 20 hours

What to read

Chaos Machine…Grand Theft Auto VI. Photo: Rockstar Games

Grand Theft Auto VI has been delayed until May next year and remains a mystery in the 2025 release calendar. Kotaku indicates some serious rescheduling is occurring behind the scenes leading up to the summer announcement.
The prestigious National Play Museum of America has announced four new games among its Hall of Fame: Defender, GoldenEye 007, Quake, and arguably suitable for Tanaka. They overcame the candidacy of Angry Birds from Age of Empires.
Podcasts and video collectives have sprung up following last week’s industry media drama, with A Giant Bomb becoming independent and contributing to the growing stability of games media outlets supported by worker-owned initiatives.

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What to click

Question block

“Read the book, Roubaix”… Elizabeth from Bioshock Infinite. Photo: 2K Game

Leader Travis submitted this week’s question:

“I’m considering launching a book club-style video game group. Two questions: what should I name it, and which games would you recommend for discussion?”

This is a fantastic idea, reminding me of an attempt I made ages ago as an IGN podcast, though I can’t recall its name. Was it “press the push”? “Save Points”? LFG? For such groups, I lean towards shorter games (so everyone can participate). I’d be thrilled to discuss Neva for its environmental themes and parenting narratives or Life is Strange for its rich, intricate storytelling with supernatural elements, or even a variety of games like While I’m Waiting, which prompted profound thoughts. This would surely be more engaging than merely debating whether Assassin’s Creed is relevant.

I asked my partner for his video game book club name suggestion, and he offered “Text Adventure.” My other friend Tom suggested “Mountain of Shame.” What do you think, reader? Any ideas?

If you have a question for the block or feedback on the newsletter, feel free to hit reply or email us at butingbuttons@theguardian.com.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Paleontologists Discover First Fossils of Extant Tropical Tree Species

Posted on May 14, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Fossils of the giant rainforest tree Dryobalanops rappa have been found in Brunei (officially known as Brunei Darussalam), an island nation in Borneo. This discovery marks the first fossil evidence of a living, endangered tropical tree species, opening up new avenues for fossil research and underscoring the importance of Southeast Asian heritage and its preservation.

Leaf architecture from living (C, D, FH) compared to fossils (A, B, E) of Dryobalanops. Image credit: Wang et al, doi: 10.1002/ajb2.70036.

Locally referred to as Kapur Paya, Dryobalanops rappa is a tall tree species that exists today but is threatened with extinction in Borneo’s carbon-rich peatlands, including Brunei.

Fossil leaves estimated to be 2 million years old were uncovered in Kampong Rugh within the Chuton district of Brunei.

“This discovery provides a unique glimpse into the ancient history of Asian tropical wet forests,” noted researchers from Pennsylvania.

“We now have fossil evidence that this remarkable tree species has been integral to Borneo’s forests for millions of years, emphasizing its ecological significance and the urgency to protect its remaining habitats.”

According to Professor Peter Wilf of Pennsylvania, “Fossil records of wet tropical forests in Asia have been surprisingly limited compared to those in the Amazon and Africa.”

Paleontologists identified these fossils by examining the microscopic features of the preserved leaf cuticles, down to the cellular level of Dryobalanops rappa.

“Our findings underscore that these forests are not only thriving with biodiversity today but are also home to iconic tree species that have existed for millions of years,” Wang stated.

“Conservation efforts should not only focus on current species but also aim to preserve the ecological legacy that has endured over millennia.”

“The dominant tree family in Asian rainforests, the bi-pterocarps, plays a crucial role in carbon storage and biodiversity,” the researchers highlighted.

“However, these trees face increasing threats from deforestation and habitat loss.”

“By unveiling the deep historical roots of these trees, this discovery offers a fresh perspective on conservation strategies,” Wang added.

“These findings add a new dimension to conservation, as we strive to protect not only modern species but also ancient survivors that are pivotal to our ecosystem,” Wang concluded.

“This historical context makes both the endangered tree species and their habitats even more critical for conservation efforts.”

“Our research demonstrates how fossil evidence can inform conservation strategies for endangered species and ecosystems, grounded in their historical importance,” Professor Wilf remarked.

“Understanding the history of tropical forests is vital for conservation, especially as numerous key species face rapid decline.” Professor Wilf emphasized.

“Our discovery lays an essential historical foundation for the conservation of keystone trees in tropical Asia, particularly the rapidly diminishing bi-ptery species.”

Details of these findings are documented in a paper published in the American Journal of Botany.

____

Teng-Xiang Wang et al. Fossils of the endemic giant dual-pterocarp species open a historic portal into Borneo’s disappearing rainforest. American Journal of Botany, published online on May 8, 2025. doi:10.1002/ajb2.70036

Source: www.sci.news

Discover Your Dog’s Personality with These Adorable Puppy Tests!

Posted on May 6, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Is your cherished puppy turning out to be a gentle companion or a little troublemaker? Simple behavioral tests can offer valuable insights.

A recent adorable study from the University of Helsinki found that specific playful tasks can reveal significant personality traits in puppies as young as 3 months old.

The tests assess how the puppy navigates obstacles to reach a treat, their ability to follow human gestures, and their reactions to unfamiliar people and environments.

Researchers aim for these assessments to aid dog owners in understanding their puppies and fostering their development from an early age.

“Most previous research has concentrated on whether cognitive testing can predict puppies’ suitability for roles like detection or guide dogs,” said Saara Junttila, a researcher at the University of Helsinki and leading figure in the study, as reported by BBC Science Focus.

“However, there hasn’t been a study examining whether these tests can predict behavioral traits relevant in pets and daily interactions with owners.”

The puppy faced the challenge of retrieving a treat from inside a transparent cylinder – Credit: Elisenbera

In this investigation, 99 puppies were tested between 3 and 7 months of age and were later retested as adults (1 to 8 years old).

Prior studies have indicated that behavioral tests are not reliable indicators for puppies younger than 8 weeks, as their personalities are still developing (and they are often too sleepy to be properly evaluated).

Multiple puppy assessments have shown promising links to identifying the personalities of adult dogs.

Puppies who excelled in the gesture test displayed strong responsiveness to human cues and were generally easier to train. Conversely, puppies that persistently sought treats through clear barriers without learning to circumvent them tended to be more impulsive as adults.

An intriguing finding arose from a challenging task involving a sealed box where puppies attempted to retrieve treats. Interestingly, those exposed frequently to nearby humans were often more likely to fear unfamiliar humans as adults, even if they were strangers.

How to Ensure a Happy Dog

Understanding potential behavioral issues can significantly improve how you train your dog and cater to their needs.

“Pet owners often struggle to recognize when their dogs or cats are feeling anxious,” notes Dr. Emily Blackwell, a behavioral researcher at the University of Bristol who was not involved in the study.

“If you can anticipate which puppies may develop fears, owners can provide additional support during interactions and experiences.”

Similarly, impulsive and high-energy puppies may require different training approaches compared to those that thrive in calm environments.

“Puppies don’t misbehave deliberately,” Junttila explains. “High energy and impulsivity are simply traits inherent in a puppy’s personality.”

Meet Our Experts

Saara Junttila is a doctoral researcher at the University of Helsinki, investigating the relationship between cognitive development and behavior in dogs.

Emily Blackwell is a senior lecturer in animal behavior and welfare at the University of Bristol’s Veterinary School. Her research spans various domestic animal species regarding behavior and welfare.

Read more:

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

A Diver Explores a Stranded Whale, Only to Discover It Has Vanished Upon His Return.

Posted on April 30, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

What happens to an 18-foot long, 2,000-pound body?

This question perplexed divers and photographers who frequently explore the waters off San Diego’s coast.

The saga began this spring when Doug Bonhouse took advantage of the mild weather to scuba dive at Scripps Canyon. As he submerged, a large mass caught his eye beneath him.

At just 115 feet below the surface, he discovered the body of a juvenile gray whale.

Whale carcasses are typically not encountered by human divers; they are usually found by remotely operated vehicles at depths exceeding 3,000 feet.

Local marine biologists speculated about the origins of the gray whale calf. The creature, which was suited to the seabed, had been sighted near La Jolla Shores, desperately searching for its mother. In its final moments, it appeared to approach a boat, as if pleading for assistance.

Other divers quickly made their way to the site, as it was the first opportunity for access during the autumn. Among them was underwater photojournalist Jules Jacobs, who documented his exploration for the New York Times.

By late January, the whale’s resting place was in a canyon valley that required careful navigation to reach. This challenge left Jacobs feeling both anxious and mentally drained.

As Jacobs navigated through the darkness with a team of five divers, the beam from his dive light suddenly illuminated the object of his search: a fragile calf with spotted skin. Its eyes had succumbed to the elements, frozen in an expression of sorrow.

“It’s humbling to swim through a whale’s carcass when only its tail is as large as your body,” Jacobs remarked.

Jacobs planned further dives to study the remains. On his second visit a week later, however, he discovered that the tail was missing, likely taken by scavenger sharks like Seven Gill and Mako.

After a series of spring storms, Jacobs descended again in late February. Gripping his camera gear so tightly that his knuckles turned white, he awaited the sight of the decaying creature.

He was met only by an empty seabed.

The calf was gone.

Adult gray whales can grow to about 45 feet and are known for their extraordinary migrations from the warm waters of Baja, California, to high-latitude feeding grounds in the Arctic Ocean. It’s likely that the calves and their mothers headed north before becoming separated. At this vulnerable point in their journey, the calves would have faced starvation after not eating for six months.

Gray whale populations experience cycles of boom and bust, recovering from significant declines, sometimes losing up to a quarter of their numbers within just a few years.

However, the population has failed to rebound for about six years, mirroring previous downturns. Scientists link this decline to climate change, which accelerates warming in the Arctic and disrupts the whales’ prey availability. Additionally, ship strikes and entanglements further exacerbate mortality rates.

“We are observing a significant increase in fatalities among gray whales,” stated Joshua Stewart, an assistant professor at the Marine Mammal Research Institute at Oregon State University. He anticipates more whale deaths along the West Coast.

Nevertheless, the death of a whale does not necessarily signify an end. Instead, it often triggers new beginnings.

Life flourishes from the remains of whales. Their meat nourishes scavengers, bones become habitats for microorganisms and insects, while the curved vertebrae provide a new foundation for flourishing coral reefs.

“Whale falls are ecological bonanzas, capable of providing sustenance for up to 200 years, as they typically reach the ocean floor,” remarked Craig Smith, professor emeritus of oceanography at the University of Hawaii. “Ironically, we understand more about deep-sea whale falls and associated communities than we do about shallow-water ecosystems.”

Whale decay occurs in three distinct ecological stages. Initially, scavengers like sharks, crabs, and hagfish consume the soft tissue. Next, worms thrive in the nutrient-rich, vibrant masses surrounding the carcass, as Dr. Smith notes; this phase can last up to seven years and is termed an enrichment stage by scientists.

Ultimately, bacteria deep within the bones produce hydrogen sulfide, fueling chemically-chemosynthetic bacteria that thrive symbiotically with the animal hosts and chemically synthesized bacteria on the bone’s surface. This final stage can endure for decades, supporting over 200 marine species within the ecosystem generated by a single whale fall.

However, the calf and its remains had vanished. Was something or someone responsible for preventing the whale fall that would support life?

Gregory Rouse, a marine biology professor at the Scripps Marine Research Institute, considers the matter less enigmatic. He explained that during the whale fall, decomposition within the body cavity can generate gas, causing the body to rise again after initially sinking.

It’s also plausible that strong winds and turbulent currents carried the body deep into the canyon. It could have descended to 1,600 feet below.

“The animal could have grown into a titan, but its life was cut short in infancy,” Jacobs reflected.

However, if it rests quietly in the depths, new life may proliferate and thrive.

Source: www.nytimes.com

Astronomers Discover Massive Molecular Hydrogen Clouds Close to the Solar System

Posted on April 29, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Recently identified by astronomers, this newly discovered molecular cloud is one of the largest structures in the sky and is among the closest to the Sun and Earth ever detected.

The EOS Cloud is situated at the boundary of your local bubble—a region populated by large gases within the solar system. Image credits: Thomas Müller, HDA & MPIA/Thavisha Dharmawardena, NYU.

Molecular clouds consist of gas and dust, primarily composed of hydrogen, the most prevalent molecule in the universe and essential for the formation of all known stars and planets.

Additionally, these structures harbor other molecules, including carbon monoxide.

Traditional detection methods for molecular clouds often involve wireless and infrared observations, which readily capture the chemical signatures of carbon monoxide.

However, Blakely Burkhart, an astrophysicist from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, and his team took a different approach.

“This is the first molecular cloud discovered by directly seeking out the distant ultraviolet radiation of molecular hydrogen,” Dr. Burkhart stated.

“Our data revealed glowing hydrogen molecules detected through fluorescence in distant ultraviolet light. This cloud truly shines in the dark.”

The new molecular cloud, named EOS, was located approximately 300 light-years from Earth and can be viewed here.

It resides at the periphery of a local bubble, a region filled with gases surrounding the solar system.

Astronomers estimate that these crescent clouds are immense, spanning about 40 months across the sky and having a mass approximately 3,400 times that of the Sun.

They are projected to dissipate within 6 million years.

According to the research team, the EOS cloud poses no threat to Earth or the solar system.

Its proximity offers a unique opportunity to explore the properties of structures within the interstellar medium.

The interstellar medium, composed of gas and dust, fills the space between stars in the galaxy and is a key source for new star formation.

“When you look through a telescope, you observe the solar system in its formative phase, but the exact process remains unclear,” Dr. Burkhart explained.

“The discovery of EOS is thrilling because it allows us to directly measure how molecular clouds form and dissolve, as well as how galaxies transform interstellar gas and dust into stars and planets.”

The EOS Cloud was identified using data from the FIMS-Spear Far-ultraviolet spectrograph aboard the Korean satellite STSAT-1.

“Utilizing distant UV fluorescence technology could redefine our understanding of the interstellar medium, uncover hidden clouds across the galaxy, and even push our exploration further back to the very edge of the universe’s inception.”

The findings are reported in a study published today in the journal Nature Astronomy.

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B. Burke Hart et al. Dark molecular clouds near local bubbles revealed via H₂ fluorescence. Nature Astronomy. Published online on April 28, 2025. doi:10.1038/s41550-025-02541-7

Source: www.sci.news

Astronomers Discover Giant Star-Forming Clouds Unusually Near Earth

Posted on April 28, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

One of the most immense singular formations observed in the cosmos, these expansive hydrogen gas clouds, have been found surprisingly close to Earth.

Naming it EOS, after the Greek goddess of dawn, the cloud was discovered through the faint ultraviolet light emitted by hydrogen molecules.

Referred to as molecular clouds, these colossal structures of gas and dust serve as nurseries for new stars.

Historically, astronomers have depended on radio and infrared telescopes to locate these clouds, detecting the carbon monoxide signature. However, scientists took a distinct approach to uncover EOS.

“This marks the first molecular cloud identified through the direct search for distant ultraviolet emissions of molecular hydrogen,” stated Professor Blakesley Burkhart, the leading researcher on the project.

“The data revealed glowing hydrogen molecules detected through fluorescence in distant ultraviolet rays. This cloud truly shines in the dark.”

https://c02.purpledshub.com/uploads/sites/41/2025/04/eos.mp4

Scientists have identified potential star-forming clouds, designated EO. It ranks among the largest single structures in the sky and is one of the nearest formations to the sun and earth ever observed.

Situated just 300 light years from Earth at the confines of a gas-rich area known as the local bubble, EOS spans a region of sky comparable to a full moon width of 40 and possesses approximately 3,400 times the sun’s mass.

Despite its size and proximity, it remained concealed due to being “co-dark,” which indicates a deficiency of carbon monoxide that traditional detection methods rely on.

“The discovery of EOS is thrilling because it allows us to directly observe the formation and dissociation of molecular clouds and how galaxies transform interstellar gases and dust into stars and planets,” Burkhart commented.

Dr. Thavisha Dharmawardena noted, “During my graduate studies, I was informed that observing molecular hydrogen wasn’t straightforward.”

The data was acquired using a Faltraviolet spectrometer installed on the Korean satellite STSAT-1. Published in 2023, Burkhart quickly unearthed a concealed structure.

“The story of the cosmos is one of billions of years of atomic transformation,” Burkhart explained.

“The hydrogen found in the EOS cloud dates back to the Big Bang and eventually fell into our galaxy, merging near the sun. Thus, these hydrogen atoms have traveled a remarkable 13.6 billion-year journey.”

The research findings were published in the journal Natural Astronomy.

read more:

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Physicists discover innovative methods for producing Livermorium-116

Posted on April 12, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Using the 88-inch cyclotron from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, an international team of physicists successfully created two atoms Rivermorium (Atomic Symbol LV) A breakthrough in which the lab tries to create a new element 120, using titanium beams for the first time.

Rivermorium, make a gate et al. A fusion isotopes of titanium and plutonium. Image credits: Jennius, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

Currently there are 118 known elements, 90 of which occur naturally on Earth.

Heavy elements than fermium (with 100 protons) must be created by combining the nuclei of two lighter elements, but not all combinations work.

The heaviest, currently known element was created by fusing a specific isotope of calcium, calcium-48 (containing 20 protons and 28 neutrons), with a heavier element, but this method works only up to element 118 (Oganesson).

The number of special (so-called magic) protons and neutrons makes it more possible to fusion of calcium and the survival of the nucleus of the resulting compounds.

But to go further, scientists need new techniques.

In the new experiment, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and her colleague Dr. Jacklyn Gates made a major breakthrough by accelerating a beam of titanium-50 (containing 22 protons and 28 neutrons) with an 88-inch cyclotron, dissolving it with the nucleus of plutonium-244 (containing 94 protons and 150 diseases) and titanium nucleus.

Over 22 days, physicists successfully produced two atoms of rivermorium, the chemical element with symbol LV and atomic number 116.

This experiment shows that new elements other than Oganesson can be created in the Berkeley Lab.

However, creating element 120 is expected to be 10-20 times more difficult than Livermorium.

If successful, element 120 is the heaviest known element, offering a new opportunity to explore the outermost limits of atomic structures and further test theories of nuclear physics.

“This response has never been demonstrated before, and it was essential to prove that it was possible before embarking on an attempt to make a 120,” Dr. Gates said.

“Creating new elements is a very rare feat. It’s part of the process and it’s exciting to have a promising path forward.”

“This was an important first step in trying to make something a little easier than the new ones to see how the movement from the calcium beam to the titanium beam changes the rate at which these elements are produced,” said Dr. Jennifer Pore of Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

“When we are trying to create these incredibly rare elements, we are at the absolute edge of human knowledge and understanding. There is no guarantee that physics will work as expected.”

“Using titanium to create element 116, we now have the ability to verify that this production method works and plan the hunt for element 120.”

Team’s paper Published in the journal Physical Review Letter.

____

JM Gate et al. 2025. Towards discovering new elements: production of rivermorium (z = 116) ⁵⁰Ti. Phys. Pastor Rett 133, 172502; doi: 10.1103/physrevlett.133.172502

Source: www.sci.news

What if astronomers discover no signs of habitability or biosignatures on future exoplanets?

Posted on April 12, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Using advanced statistical modeling, a team of researchers from ETH Zurich, Seti Institute, and University ‘Tor Vergata’ Yonversity investigated how many exoplanets should be observed and understood before declaring that life beyond Earth is common or rare.

Future telescopes will investigate mild terrestrial exoplanets to estimate the frequency of habitable or inhabited worlds. Angerhausen et al. It aims to determine the minimum number of exoplanets required to draw statistically significant conclusions. Particularly for null results (i.e., no detection). Image credit: Sci.News.

In science, not being able to find anything can bring important insights.

When scientists look for life on exoplanets, they often focus on certain characteristics, such as water, gases like oxygen and methane, which may exhibit biological activity.

But what if scientists can’t find these features? Can we learn meaningful things about how ordinary life exists in the universe?

“Even one positive detection changes everything, but up until then we need to make sure we are learning as much as possible from what we can’t find,” said Dr. Daniel Angerhausen, researcher at ETH Zurich and SETI Institute.

New research shows that if scientists look at 40-80 planets and can’t find any signs of life, they can confidently conclude that less than 10-20% of similar planets have life.

However, this depends heavily on how certain we are for each observation.

These discoveries allow scientists to set meaningful caps on the prevalence of living in the universe.

Furthermore, if there is only 10% of planets in the Milky Way alone that have some form of life, it could still be more than 10 billion planets.

“This kind of outcome would be a turning point,” Dr. Angerhausen said.

“Even if life is not found, ultimately we can quantify planets that are truly rare or common with planets with detectable biosignatures.”

The findings will have a direct impact on future missions such as NASA’s Habitable World Observatory (HWO) and European-led large-scale interferometers on exoplanets searching for life.

These missions will study dozens of Earth-like planets by analyzing the planet’s atmosphere for water, oxygen, and even more complex biosignature signs.

Research shows that the number of observed planets is large enough to draw critical conclusions about the likelihood and prevalence of life in the galaxy.

However, this study points out that even with advanced equipment, these studies should carefully account for uncertainty and bias, and develop frameworks to ensure statistically meaningful results.

One important insight from this study is that uncertainty in individual observations, such as false negatives, can significantly impact conclusions.

“It’s not just the number of planets we observe. It’s about how confident we are to see what we’re looking for or not,” Dr. Angerhausen said.

“If we are not careful and confident in our ability to identify life, even large-scale research can lead to misleading consequences.”

The study will be published in today’s Astronomy Journal.

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Daniel Engerhausen et al. 2025. What if nothing is found? Bayesian analysis of null statistics in future exoplanet habitability and biosignature investigations. AJ 169, 238; doi:10.3847/1538-3881/adb96d

Source: www.sci.news

Chinese Researchers Discover That Moon Rocks Indicate the Possibility of Water on the Moon

Posted on April 9, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The other side of the moon – the part that is always far from the earth – is strangely different from close. It is pockmarked with more craters, with a thicker crust and less Maria, where lava was once formed, or with fewer plains.

Now, scientists say the difference can be more than the depth of the skin.

Using samples from the moon obtained last year, Chinese researchers believe the inside of the moon is potentially drier than its near it. Their discovery, Published Wednesday’s Nature Journal will provide a clearer picture of how pearly orbs we admire in the night sky have formed and evolved over billions of years.

The difference in moisture in the distant side of the moon and its nearby appears to be “accidentally consistent” with variations in the surface features of the two hemispheres of the moon, said Senfu, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing and author of the new results. “It’s very interesting,” he said.

Until the 1990s, when scientists began to discover tips on water on its surface, the moon was believed to be “dry bones.” These tips were confirmed in 2009 when NASA denounced the rocket stage to the moon’s Antarctic.

One of the goals, including this mission, was to estimate the amount of water that lies deep within the moon. The interior of the moon is not changed much by the process of weathering the surface.

Returning to Earth with a Chang’e-6 sample in hand, researchers looked for hardened particles of lava erupted from the female entrance or within the lunar mantle. Some of these basalts were 2.8 billion years old, and contained olivine, a crystal that had ancient magma cooled in the moon and stored information about the composition of the mantle early in the history of the moon.

The amount of hydrogen trapped in olivine allowed scientists to estimate the amount of water present in the mantle at the time. 1-1.5 grams of water for every million grams of the moon rock.

Previous measurements from samples collected near the moon – the US, the Soviet Union, and most recently 200 times wet.

The harsh difference between the range of nearby lunar ranges between nearby and far side samples could suggest that the parts of the moon that we don’t see on Earth are generally much drier, Dr. Hu said.

Shuai Li, a planetary geologist at the University of Hawaii, Manoa, who studies water on the moon, described the results as “very interesting.” However, he pointed out that limited information can be extracted from a single sample.

“It’s hard to say if the far side is definitely dryer than the nearest side,” said Dr. Lee, who was not involved in the job.

One scenario the Chang’e-6 team proposed to explain the internal differences is that the impact of creating the Antarctic-Aitken basin is strong enough to throw water and other elements near the moon, depleting the amount of water beyond.

Another idea is that the basalt in the Chang’e-6 sample comes from a much deeper, dry part of the lunar mantle.

“For me, that’s a little more realistic,” said Mahesh Anand, a planetary scientist at the UK Open University. Estimate the moisture content inside the moon From near-side samples from China collected by the Chang’e-5 mission in 2020.

Dr. Anand also praised the researchers’ careful selection of hundreds of particles from Chang’e-6 samples, less than 16 inches in size, to estimate water abundance.

“The ability to do that is extremely laborious and requires a lot of sophisticated and careful work,” he said.

More samples from various locations collected by future moon missions will help scientists determine whether the inner interior of the width is uniformly dry, and whether it changes throughout the hemisphere.

Source: www.nytimes.com

Astronomers discover far-off galaxies using neural networks

Posted on April 9, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

It’s similar to how paleontologists use certain known fossils Indexed Fossil Until assessing rock formations and ancient environments so far, astronomers look for specific patterns of light emissions from space to mark the age of space history. For example, early galaxies give the UV rays that originate from electrons in hydrogen atoms to the type of ultraviolet rays that exert from the second lowest to the lowest energy state. Lyman Alpha or ly⍺ Emission.

For decades, astronomers have associated ly⍺ emissions with periods within billions of years of a big bang called the Big Bang. The era of reionizationwhen the average speed of star formation in galaxies was much higher than today. When they find a galaxy that emits light strongly, they classify it into ly⍺Emitter or Lae And we can be sure that it goes back to the era of reionization. Observing Laes, astronomers talk more about the history of the Milky Way and other galaxies like us.

However, researchers face confounding factors when looking for Laes. The expansion of the universe distorts light in a process called Cosmological redshift. However, more prominently Dustboth Intergalacticcovers the light. While astronomers can analyze the full light of light from the galaxy to find evidence of ly⍺ emissions, it would be much faster to develop tools to predict whether a galaxy is likely to be a LAE based on more readily available measurements.

One team of astronomers developed a model for this problem only Machine Learning A technique known as a Neural Networks. This technique replicates how neurons in the brain function, with several interconnected layers receiving and transmitting signals based on initial inputs and generating final outputs.. The trick is that the programmer knows what inputs to input and what output they expect in the end. The algorithm itself needs to know how best to set up a central connection, what to look for, and how to rank the importance of each input.

The team began with data from two surveys of light sources in space: 926 galaxies VanderOf these, only 520 are laes, starting from 507 Musethey were all laes. They trained the algorithm using 80% of this data to explicitly communicate which sources are actual LAES and which sources are not. They saved the remaining 20% of the data for testing.

Through this initial test, the team identified six parameters of neural networks to focus on evaluating galaxies for LAE potential. These parameters were the rate of star formation, total star mass, UV brightness, UV emission patterns, age, and dust. They programmed the network to output an estimate of the probability that a particular galaxy is a LAE, and thought that what was above 70% meant that the algorithm classified it as an LAE.

When we created a neural network using training data, the team tested several additional rounds. Using early test data, their networks found that they correctly identified the network in 77% of the time, as there was only a 14% chance of false positives. When they looked at what their network prioritized to make these predictions, they found that the most important factors were the galaxy’s UV emission pattern, its UV brightness, and the mass of its star.

Following this initial success, the team applied the network to another investigation. cosmos2020and a subset of that raise, SC4Kwith fewer details than the training data survey. From these datasets, the team’s neural network identified true Laes for 72% of the time.

The team’s final results came when they applied neural networks to data from NASA’s new telescope. jwst. The ultimate goal in their model is to study the distant past of the universe, and JWST aims to see better-looking sources than ever before, so the success of the test is Already checking the results of LAE from JWST It will be a good sign of future success. They found a true positive rate of 91% in JWST data, showing the validity of their approach and illuminated the path to know more about the history of the universe.

Post view: 1,100

Source: sciworthy.com

Scientists discover that indulging in junk food can aid in weight loss

Posted on March 29, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

It is common to assume that individuals who are overweight derive more pleasure from food compared to those with smaller bodies, but this is not accurate. Instead, individuals tend to experience increased pleasure from their diet as they gain weight.

Researchers have now identified the reasons behind this phenomenon, as well as how restoring the pleasure response can be facilitated by adopting a healthier diet.

“Obesity is often associated with an excessive enjoyment of food. People believe they cannot resist unhealthy food options,” explained Professor Stephan Lammel, a neuroscientist at the University of California, Berkeley and the senior author of the study, in an interview with BBC Science Focus.

“However, both our research and previous studies indicate the opposite: Over time, individuals may experience a decrease in food-related pleasure.”

These findings are linked to the role of dopamine, a brain chemical associated with rewards, motivation, and pleasure. Researchers have discovered that overweight mice have lower levels of a molecule called neurotensin, which impacts dopamine responses to food.

“Contrary to popular belief, individuals with obesity may not eat for pleasure. In reality, much of their eating habits are influenced by routines and emotional cues rather than pleasure or desire,” Lammel added.

To investigate this further, researchers fed a group of mice a high-fat, unhealthy diet and observed their eating behavior. The results showed that the mice preferred the high-fat diet over regular low-calorie foods, indicating a preference for unhealthy options.

However, when presented with high-calorie treats like butter, peanut butter, and chocolate, the mice showed less interest compared to those on a normal diet. This suggests that their food choices were driven by habits rather than pleasure.

Further experiments involving stimulating brain circuits connected to dopamine yielded interesting results. While normal weight mice responded positively to the treatment, overweight mice did not, indicating an issue with dopamine and neurotensin levels.

The researchers were able to correct this by switching some mice to a normal diet, resulting in a return to normal levels of neurotensin, dopamine function, and interest in high-calorie foods. Additionally, artificially restoring neurotensin levels in other mice led to weight loss and improved food motivation, mood, and mobility.

“Our findings suggest that targeting neurotensin signaling through genetic strategies could help rebalance food motivation and promote healthier eating habits,” Lammel stated.

It is important to note that this study was conducted on mice fed high-fat diets, so the results may not directly apply to obese individuals. Nevertheless, the implications for human health are promising.

When asked about the potential impact on people, Lammel commented, “It could potentially make it easier for individuals to maintain a healthy weight without solely relying on willpower or restrictive diets.”

About our experts

Stephen Lammel: Associate Professor of Neurobiology at the Department of Neuroscience at the University of California, Berkeley. Investigator at Weil Neurohub with a focus on neural circuits mediating motivation and reward. Member of the Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute.

Read more:

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Scientists discover a mysterious new butterfly species in North America

Posted on March 1, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Entomologists describe a new species of the Tiger swallow (genus genus) Papirio) From eastern North America.

Papilio Sorstian: (a) male, holotype and (b) female, arotype. Scale bar – 10 mm. Image credit: Derotler et al. , doi: 10.3897/zookeys.1228.142202.

Papirio It is a large genus of swallowtail butterflies within the family Papillonidae.

The only representative of the Papillionini family, the genus contains about 200 scientifically recognized species.

Newly identified members of the genus Papilio Sorstianbelongs to North America Papilio Glaucus Species group.

” Papilio Glaucus The group is a model research system for insect evolutionary biology. ” Dr. B. Christian Schmidt Arknides, nematodes and colleagues wrote on paper from the Canadian National Insect Collection.

“Recognition and boundaries” Papilio Glaucus and Papilio canadensis Three decades of study in speciation, host plant adaptation, hybridization, and molecular evolution have been conducted as a pair of classical sibling species. ”

“Recently, we have discovered a third species. Papilio appalachiansisprovided unprecedented insights into speciation by hybridization. ”

” Papilio Glaucus The group is primarily part of the clades of the subgenos of the New World clades on a large scale Pterourussometimes recognized as a distinct genus,” they added.

“The various within the group demonstrate adaptation to a variety of thermal niches that are warmly characterized (Papilio Glaucus), intermediate (Papilio appalachiansis), and cool (Papilio canadensis) Climate region; all have a wide larval host plant diet and are not limited by its distribution. ”

Papilio Sorstian It is closely related to these three species, but unlike all of the series of characters.

“The most important differences are evident in developmental biology and biology,” the researchers wrote.

“Papilio Sorstian Compared to May for all other species, it is unique during long delays in appearance after adult escape, starting from late June to early July to late June to early July. ”

Papilio Sorstian'The geographical range is Papilio Glaucus The southern end of Papilio canadensis.

“Core Range Papilio Sorstian It includes eastern and south-central Ontario, northern and central New York, and adjacent Vermont, New Hampshire and Pennsylvania.²The scientist wrote in his paper.

“In New York Papilio Sorstian He lives in most of the states except the Southeast and New York City metropolitan areas. ”

“In Canada, Papilio Sorstian It extends westward from Montreal, Quebec, to the Bruce Peninsula in Ontario and south to the Niagara region. ”

“The western limits seem to be on the east coast of Lake Huron. We haven’t seen any verifiable specimens of the west there.”

“Current evidence is consistent with the possibility Papilio Sorstian There is a recombinant evolutionary origin of Papilio appalachiansisThey added.

“However, the evolutionary origin of this kind, Papilio Glaucus-complex, I still can’t answer. ”

“Recognizing and defining the taxonomic identity of this unique evolutionary lineage is our hope to provide a staging point on the fertile grounds for future research.”

paper Published in the journal Zookeys.

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CJ Derotler et al. 2025. A mysterious new species of the tiger swallow (Capidae, Papillonidae) in eastern North America. Zookeys 1228:69-97; doi:10.3897/zookeys.1228.142202

Source: www.sci.news

Scientists discover life components in NASA asteroid sample.

Posted on January 30, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

summary

The NASA spacecraft returned to Earth from the asteroid Bennu in 2023.
The first detailed analysis of the material reveals organic molecules, including components of life.
This strengthens the theory that asteroids colliding with Earth may have provided life’s ingredients.

Scientists have found many organic molecules, including major building blocks of life, in a sample collected from distant asteroids.

Surprising discoveries suggest that the chemical components required for life may have spread throughout the early solar system.

NASA’s OSIRIS-REX SPACECRAFT was launched in 2016, gathering material from asteroids, dust, soil, and rocks, and returned them to Earth in 2023.

Analysis of the asteroid materials revealed in a sample published in Journal Nature shows that Earth’s life contains key organic compounds and amino acids.

Researchers did not find evidence of life on Bennu, but the results reinforce the theory that asteroids colliding with Earth may have provided life’s necessary ingredients.

Asteroid Bennu seen from Osiris Lex spaceship.NASA

NASA’s Scientific Mission Bureau stated that the OSIRIS-REX mission has already reshaped our understanding of life’s building blocks in the solar system.

The untouched samples collected from asteroids provide unique insights into the early solar system, unlike meteorites that may be contaminated.

The Bennu sample contains surprising concentrations of ammonia, an essential ingredient in biological processes.

NASA scientists have collected data on September 24, 2023, right after a sample return capsule from NASA’s OSIRIS-REX MISSION.Keegan barber / nasa via Getty Images file

Samples from Bennu also contain traces of minerals that are likely remnants of evaporated brine, suggesting complex compositions on the asteroid.

The microscope image of the sample collected from the asteroid Bennu indicates sodium carbonate, also known as soda ash.Rob Wardel, Tim Gooding, Tim McCoy /Smithsonian

These discoveries on Bennu provide valuable insights into the complex composition of minerals and organic compounds that may have influenced the development of life in the solar system.

Further research is needed to fully grasp the implications of the Bennu samples for our understanding of life’s origins on Earth and other celestial bodies.

“Exploring the unique composition of Bennu and its implications for the emergence of life is a fascinating field of study that could shed light on the mysteries of life on Earth and beyond,” said Jason Dworkin, an OSIS-REX project scientist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Scientists worldwide discover a substantial magma reservoir beneath the inactive volcano

Posted on January 29, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The magma reservoir under the cascade range has a different depth, size, and complexity, but the upper magma body is spread, according to the Global Scientist’s team at Cornell University and Cascade Volcano Observatory.

Mountleinia. Image credit: Walter Siegmund / CC by-Sa 3.0.

The visible lava on the surface is an obvious indicator of the activity, but the long-standing beliefs are expelled during the eruption of active volcanoes, and there are large magma body that breaks down over time as the volcano becomes dormant. That is.

But A New study It is published in the journal Natural global science Challenge this assumption.

The study author has identified the magma chamber under the six volcanoes, six volcanoes of various sizes within the cascade range and six volcanoes.

They discovered that all of the volcanoes, including dormant state, have a sustainable and large magma body.

Given that some of these volcanoes, such as Lake Lake in Oregon, have not been active for thousands of years, the results are surprising.

“Regardless of the frequency of eruptions, you can see a large magma under a lot of volcanoes,” said Dr. Guaning Pan, a researcher at Cornel University.

“These magma bodies seem to be not only active, but also under volcanoes for a lifetime.”

The fact that more volcanoes maintain a magma body is an important consideration on how researchers monitor and predict future volcanic activities.

“We thought that if we found a large amount of magma, we thought it would increase the potential of eruptions, but now we change the perception that this is the baseline situation,” said Dr. Pan. Ta.

The result suggests that the eruption does not completely discharge the magma chamber, indicating that it eliminates excessive amounts and pressure instead.

The chamber can gradually solve the crust, so it can be slowly expanded and replenished over time.

“With a general understanding of where the magma is, I was able to do a good job rather than optimizing monitoring,” said Professor Jeffrey Aberters of Cornell University.

“There are many volcanoes that are sparse or not intensive research.”

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G. bread et al。 Partial melting long life under the volcano in the cascade range. nut. GeosciReleased online on January 23, 2025. Doi: 10.1038/S41561-024-01630-Y

Source: www.sci.news

Only 1 in 100 fathers discover their child is not biologically related

Posted on January 25, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Fundamental biological reality means that a birth mother can be certain that she is genetically related to her child (aside from the case of surrogacy or egg donor IVF).

On the other hand, paternity cannot be accurately known without genetic testing. This can lead to false paternity attribution, where a man unknowingly raises a child not genetically related to himself, or fraud regarding paternity if the man is deceived into such a situation.

In some cases, relationship conflicts may prompt men to have their children undergo genetic testing. Additionally, with the increase in consumer genetic testing for ancestry and health conditions, more men are incidentally testing today.

According to data from a paternity testing company in the United States in 2004, 28% of fathers were not biologically related to their children.

However, Australian academic Professor Michael Gilding argued that this data was biased as it only targeted men with doubts about their paternity. He suggested a more realistic figure of about 3%, based on accompanying data from genetic and medical studies.

It is difficult to accurately measure the proportion of children who are not biologically related to their fathers – Credit: Maskot

Recent data from a US study published in 2022 found that 7% of users discovered they had paternity inaccuracies.

Similarly, a genetic sampling study in the Netherlands in 2017 estimated that just under 1% of fathers were unknowingly genetically unrelated to their children. A recent Swedish study with over 2 million families suggested that this number is around 1.7% and decreasing.

While these recent numbers are lower than earlier claims, they still indicate a significant impact on some men and children.

This article addresses the question, “How many fathers are unknowingly raising children who are not biologically theirs?” (submitted via email by Dave Shaw).

To submit your questions, please email questions@sciencefocus.com or contact us via our Facebook, @sciencefocus, or Instagram pages (remember to include your name and location).

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Discover the hidden wonders of nature with a UV torch in your Country Diary | Plants

Posted on January 7, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Credit for my newfound fascination with Ultraviolet (UV) light goes to fellow diarist Kate Blincoe. She recently expressed her excitement over the UV torch I gifted her, and now she sees the world in a whole new light.

UV light is a high-energy, short-wave light that is typically invisible to the naked eye but can be harmful to many organisms. Life on Earth thrived underwater during the late Proterozoic Era until the formation of the protective ozone layer 15 km to 30 km above us.

When a UV torch is pointed at a plant or animal at night, it triggers molecular interactions that result in the emission of lower-energy light within the visible spectrum. This fluorescence transforms ordinary parts of our environment into vibrant psychedelic scenes. For instance, a sandstone wall can appear as a red sheet (algae) intermingled with glowing lime (lichen).

Spiky sphagnum moss under UV light (left) and normal light. Photo: Mark Cocker

Photography capturing UV-induced transformations requires a comparison of before and after images to illustrate the remarkable changes. One such marvel is the metamorphosis of the golden saxifrage, which turns a lightwood embankment into a sparkling meadow of white and green, evolving into a pool of crimson confetti under the UV torch.

One of my favorite sights is the moss on an old quarry surface adorned with prickly foliage. By day, they present a lush bed of greenery, with central florets encircled by drooping side buds like oversized vegetative spiders. However, under UV light, these plants transform into a vibrant ensemble of lavender, aquamarine, turquoise, purple, and pink hues.

Upon receiving these UV-altered images, a friend questioned their significance, akin to how Henry David Thoreau pondered the beauty of a rainbow in December 1855. Thoreau believed that the world’s splendor far surpassed what meets the eye and that every raindrop had the potential to manifest as a rainbow. He asserted that beauty and music were not exceptions but integral aspects of life. The UV torch merely offers a fresh perspective on the divine enchantment surrounding us.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Paleontologists discover potential record-breaking mesosaurus fossils

Posted on January 3, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Paleontologists in Uruguay have discovered a large, poorly preserved and incomplete skull of an ancient aquatic reptile called a mesosaurus, along with some accompanying bones. These new specimens suggest gigantism exists in mature mesosaurs that reach more than twice the size of previously reported adult and typical specimens.

Mesosaurs are small to medium-sized aquatic or semi-aquatic amniotes that lived in Gondwana during the Early Permian Period. Image credit: Roman Yevseyev / Graciela Piñeiro.

mesosaurus A group of small aquatic reptiles that lived in South Africa and South America during the Permian Period, approximately 299 to 270 million years ago.

These creatures were the first known aquatic reptiles to return to aquatic life from apparently terrestrial ancestors.

“Mesosaurs are often described as small to medium-sized aquatic amniotes due to their elongated bodies and long tails that exceed the length of the rest of their bodies,” Graciela Pinheiro of the University of the Republic and colleagues. said.

“Additionally, their long-nosed skulls consist of very thin skulls with numerous needle-like marginal teeth.”

“Despite the fragility of some parts of the skull, mesosaur fossils are abundant in the Percarboniferous shales and silt deposits of Gondwana, including preserved bones with articulated skulls. This includes nearly complete skeletons in good condition, as well as partially preserved specimens that still have recognizable soft tissue.

“This exceptional preservation has led to the designation of the Mangrullo Formation in Uruguay and the Illati Formation in Brazil as part of the Conservat Lagerstätten of Gondwana,” they added.

“Furthermore, mesosaur fossils collected from these units include a variety of ontogenetic stages, from fetuses to juveniles to adults.”

“Thus, the ontogeny of mesoosaurs is well documented, with body length ranging from 10 to 12 centimeters (3.9 to 4.7 inches) in hatchlings to 80 to 90 centimeters (2.6 to 3 feet) in young adults. ”

“The average body length of the middle dragon is about 70 cm (2.3 feet),” the researchers said.

“Previous research suggested that mesosaurs were semi-aquatic amniotes, rather than fully aquatic amniotes.”

Mesosaurus ontogenetic cranial series documented from specimens discovered in the Conservato Lagerstätte, Mangrullo Formation, Uruguay. Scale bar – 1 cm. Image credit: Pinheiro others., doi: 10.3390/fossils3010001.

Dr. Pinheiro and his co-authors discovered and studied the largest known mesosaur fossil ever recorded.

The specimen includes two fragmentary skulls, a dorsal vertebrae, a tail fragment, an isolated rib, and several other bones.

They come from the regions of Picada de Cuero and El Baron. Mangrullo formation Located in northern Uruguay.

Paleontologists compared the new fossil to a larger sample of the same bone.
Mesosaurus tenuidens.

Their analysis revealed that the size of mesosaurs in the Mangrullo Formation exceeded the typical size distribution previously recorded. Mesosaurus tenuidens.

These individuals were four to five standard deviations larger than average, with skull lengths of 15 to 20 cm (5.9 to 7.9 inches) and total body sizes of 1.5 to 2.5 m (4.9 to 8.2 ft).

“To explore the importance of such large mesoosaurs in the Mangrullo Formation population, we considered the potential effects of Bergmann dominance,” the researchers said.

“This is a study of isolated populations of the same species or different taxa whose body size may have been affected by changes in temperature or food availability, such as competition for nutrients. Although this is an important paleogeographical principle, it does not explain the presence of such large creatures.'' Mesosaurian specimens from the Mangurlo Formation. ”

“We therefore conclude that the large body size variations observed in mesosaurs correspond to their ontogenetic stages and growth patterns,” the researchers said.

“The smaller body size previously recognized may represent a population dominated by early juveniles, subadults, and young adults, and may be due to normal carcass wasting of animals that died from a variety of causes. It may reflect a catastrophic mass mortality event that impedes the increase.”

“The bentonite layers and gypsum crystals found in the Mangrullo Formation are the result of occasional inflows of ash fall onto the lagoon resulting from increased tectonic activity associated with the Pangea Formation.”

“These volcanic events, combined with the gradual drought and associated desertification observed in the Irati-Whitehill Sea, are the main triggers that may explain the extinction of mesosaurs, at least in the Uruguayan region of the Paraná Basin. It is suggested that
of findings Published in a magazine fossil research.

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Graciela Pinheiro others. 2025. Largest Mesosaurus Ever Known: Evidence from the Scanti Record. Phos. stud 3(1):1;doi: 10.3390/fossils3010001

Source: www.sci.news

Discover the unusual pathways microplastics can enter your body

Posted on December 27, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Studies have shown the alarming extent of microplastics traveling through our bodies.

Scientists have discovered tiny plastic particles in various parts of the human body, such as the lungs, testicles, placenta, and even breast milk. The ingestion and inhalation of microplastics can lead to allergic reactions, inflammation, and an increased risk of certain diseases. You can find more information here.

There are concerns about the possibility of absorbing plastic through the skin when washing synthetic clothing, as it emits microplastics that are smaller than 5 mm. Research is ongoing to determine if there are any risks associated with skin contact with plastic fibers. While the skin is a natural barrier that protects us from the outside world, there is evidence suggesting that some chemical additives in certain products can be absorbed into the skin. Learn more here.

It is generally believed that microplastics cannot penetrate the outermost layer of the skin – Credit: Svetlozar Hristov

While microplastics can get trapped in hair follicles and wrinkles, they are not thought to be able to reach other parts of the body through the bloodstream. Some flame retardants in various products have been shown to pass through the skin barrier and enter the bloodstream, albeit in low levels. Find out more here.

This article addresses the question posed by Natalie Reid from London: Can plastics and chemicals be absorbed through the skin?

If you have any inquiries, please contact us at: questions@sciencefocus.comor reach out to us via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram (remember to include your name and location).

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Physicists discover proof of asymmetry between matter and antimatter in decay of baryons and beauty hadrons

Posted on December 19, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

The standard model of particle physics predicts an asymmetry between matter and antimatter known as charge parity (CP) violation. However, the size of this asymmetry in the Standard Model is not large enough to explain the disequilibrium, and so far the asymmetry has only been observed in certain decays of particles called mesons. In two new studies, LHCb collaboration CERN’s Large Hadron Collider (LHC) has discovered evidence of CP violation in baryon decay and beauty hadron decay into charmonium particles, shedding light on these two pieces of the matter-antimatter puzzle.

Exterior view of the LHCb detector. Image credit: CERN.

Experiments involving LHCb have previously searched for baryon CP violation by looking for differences in the way matter and antimatter baryons decay into other particles.

However, these investigations have so far been essentially empty-handed.

One LHCb study provided evidence for a process in the specific collapse of the bottom lambda baryon, but subsequent studies analyzing larger samples of such collapses did not increase that evidence.

in first new studyLHCb physicists scrutinized proton-proton collision data obtained during the first and second runs of the LHC and discovered various decay modes of the bottom lambda baryon, including decay into a lambda baryon and two kaons. You have searched for

We then investigated the CP violation in each decay mode, essentially by counting the number of decays of the bottom lambdabaryon and its antimatter partner and taking the difference between the two.

In the case of the lambda baryon and its decay into two kaons, this difference showed evidence of a CP violation with a significance of 3.2 standard deviations.

in second studythe LHCb team focused on the decay of a beautiful charged meson into J/psi and a charged pion.

J/psi is a charmmonium particle, a meson consisting of a charm quark and a charm antiquark.

We performed an analysis similar to the lower lambda baryon study, also using data from the first and second runs of the LHC, and found evidence for CP violation in this decay mode of charged meons. Again, the significance is 3.2 standard. Deviation.

This finding represents evidence of CP violation in the decay of beauty hadrons to charmonium particles.

“Our study represents an important step toward establishing whether CP violations are present in these types of collapses,” the authors state.

“Data from the high-luminosity LHC, with its third experiment and planned collider upgrades, will shed further light on these and other parts of the matter-antimatter puzzle. .”

_____

LHCb collaboration. 2024. Study of Λ0b and Ξ0b decay to Λh+h'- and evidence of CP violation in Λ0b→ΛK+K- decay. arXiv: 2411.15441

LHCb collaboration. 2024. First evidence of direct CP violation to charmonium decay in cosmetology. arXiv: 2411.12178

Source: www.sci.news

Discover the worst Christmas game ever – and why I can’t get enough of it

Posted on December 19, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

IIf you own an Xbox and have some sense, you’ll probably be spending this Christmas playing the new Indiana Jones game. And perhaps feeling smug about the fact that it’s a timed exclusive, PlayStation owners will end up pressing their noses against frosted glass like Victorian orphans.

But, PS5 fans, please wipe your tears. Because I found the game that will save Christmas. And it’s only 79p. Let’s say “hello” and “hohoho” to Santa’s Speedy Quest.

I discovered this gem while scouring the PlayStation Store looking for cheap and awful games to laugh at on my Twitch stream. (This is also how I discovered the seminal classic Stroke the Beaver, but that’s another story.) SSQ fits the bill perfectly, and is incredibly cheap (if you have a PlayStation Plus subscription). It’s actually just 23p if you’re paying a fee), which on the face of it is terrible. But it’s also addictive, hilarious, and much more layered than it seems.

At one point during the stream, I might have described this as the pinnacle of the video game medium. It’s a lot like the three pints of Baileys I pre-consumed, maybe a little stronger. But I stand by the claim that Santa’s Speedy Quest is, in its own simple and diabolical way, a work of twisted genius.

As you might imagine, SSQ lacks the polish and high production values of blockbusters like Indiana Jones and The Great MacGuffin. It looks like it was made with Microsoft Paint. It also doesn’t contain any original gameplay ideas, unless you consider “Make Flappy Bird Santa” innovative.

Nothing innovative or original…Santa’s Speedy Quest. Photo: ERIK GAMES

Contains 8 mini games. It all looks familiar. None of them are attractive in and of themselves. Two of them are variations on the “dodge the snowball” concept, depending on whether the snowball comes vertically or horizontally. There are no collectibles, health potions, power-ups, etc. There is no multiplayer mode or online play. I can’t even pause. When you press start, the game continues in the background with a metaphysically challenging message: “You can’t stop this game.”

It feels like Christmas 2008 all over again. At the time, the Wii’s success flooded the market with minigame collections that ranged from poor to very poor quality. I was forced to review many of them just to put food on the table on Christmas Day. on the verge of extinction At Hasbro Family Game Night. I still don’t know if Vienetta was worth falling in love with.

However, here’s the twist. Santa’s Speedy Quest does not allow you to choose which mini-games to play. All must be played. In random order. Continuously without a break. Just for a few seconds at a time. increasing at an increasingly rapid pace and at seemingly arbitrary intervals.

“1.4x faster,” the game shouts. 2.6 times. 3.2 times. This poses a unique challenge for your brain, as it forces you to repeatedly switch between familiar gameplay mechanics that run at breakneck speeds without any notice. All the while, an electro-piano version of Jingle Bells loops endlessly in the background, picking up speed so that the sound becomes distorted and jumbled, like you’re in a horror movie set in an amusement park. I’ll put it away. You can’t stop this game.

And here’s the kicker, the devilish details that elevate Santa’s Speedy Quest from a below-average minigame collection to a diabolical Sisyphean masterpiece. The game takes a snapshot every time you launch another minigame, and when you come back, gameplay continues from that point.

This creates strategic choices. Are you always trying to make sure you’re in a good position so you can pick up where you left off? Mentally recording each state of play every time you get kicked out and knowing which buttons to press when you’re put back in? Do you remember? Or have you forgotten all about it and desperately relied on reflexes dulled by the fact that you were 47, near menopause, and had three pints of Baileys?

The leaderboard isn’t even real…Santa’s Speedy Quest. Photo: Eric Games

Each time you fail a minigame, you are removed from the roster until you run out of minigames, and the game ends. You’ll then see your score and a breakdown of your performance in five key areas: speed, coordination, timing, reflexes, and decision-making. There are leaderboards with seemingly plausible player names like SHADOWBLADE23, but they are fake. No online functionality.

I get this because SSQ has really taken off in my Twitch community, but our high scores don’t show up on each other’s leaderboards. Instead, we have to rely on sharing screenshots on Discord as proof of our efforts. But it doesn’t matter. I’m having a great time.

That’s because Santa’s Speedy Quest is exactly the game you need at this time of year. Easy to learn for non-gamers, difficult to master for serious players, and perfect for reigniting old feuds and creating hotly contested rivalries. It’s a vulgar, stupid, cynical money grab that relies on outdated ideas and sentimental nostalgia. But isn’t it all about this time of year?

Source: www.theguardian.com

Utilizing Neuroscience to Discover the Ideal Children’s Toy

Posted on December 19, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

“Lloyd,” he told me. “His name is Lloyd.” Of course. Why is the green Lego Ninjago called a different name? This plastic figurine has shot to the top of son Sam's Christmas list.

Anyone who knows young children will relate. While they covet the Barbie Color Reveal Deluxe Styling Head, which promises instant but fleeting joy, we want to buy a woodland activity kit that is sure to nourish the body and mind.

If you are despairing of such a choice, help is readily available. Thanks to our increased understanding of the cognitive benefits of specific toys, we now have a better understanding of the relative merits of different toys. This Christmas, I decided to use this research to identify the perfect toy, or at least get as close to it as possible.

If you dig deeper into this world, you'll quickly discover that some toys are really better for young brains than others, and that computer games aren't as evil as you think. Now you know the secret to buying toys without getting bored. Cupboard.

Although toys may seem like a relatively recent invention, they have been a part of our lives for thousands of years. Analysis of rock fragments dating back 60,000 to 80,000 years in South Africa's Western Cape suggests that children may have been tinkering with dull and functionally useless copies of adult stone tools. Ta. These ancient playthings are thought to have been key to the development of cognitive skills, such as the ability to imagine alternative scenarios and come up with new ideas.

Source: www.newscientist.com

Genetic Variation Decides Tooth Shape, Scientists Discover

Posted on December 18, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

According to a study led by researchers at University College London, one of these genetic variations was inherited from Neanderthals.

El Sidrón Neanderthals taste wild mushrooms, pine nuts, and forest moss. Image credit: Abel Grau, CSIC Communication.

“Teeth can tell us a lot about human evolution. Well-preserved ancient teeth are of particular interest to archaeologists, as we learned from the transition to cooked foods and when human teeth began to shrink in size.” We will highlight milestones such as when the , a researcher at University College London.

“However, little is known about the genetic basis of differences in tooth size and shape in modern humans, partly because teeth are difficult to measure.”

“We have now identified a large number of genes that influence tooth development, some of which are responsible for differences between ethnic groups.”

In the study, Dr. Adhikari and his colleagues used data from 882 Colombian volunteers of European, Native American, and African descent.

The dataset included crown measurements (dimensions of the part of the tooth visible above the gums) taken from 3D scans of dental plaster casts.

The researchers compared these measurements to participants' genetic information in genome-wide association studies, using an analytical approach called multi-omics that integrates numerous data sources.

They identified 18 genomic regions that influence the size and shape of different tooth groups, 17 of which had not previously been associated with tooth dimensions.

One of the new connections concerned genes thought to have been inherited from Neanderthals through interbreeding with ancient humans. homo sapiens.

This genetic variation, which contributes to the biological pathway of tooth development, is found only in people of European descent, and carriers of the mutation have thinner incisors (the eight teeth located at the front of the mouth). The thickness of the tooth was measured from back to front).

Generally speaking, people of European descent had smaller teeth.

Scientists also found a link between tooth dimensions and a gene already known to influence the shape of incisors in East Asians, but the new study shows that this gene, called EDAR, It turns out that it also determines the width of all teeth.

“Some of the genes that contribute to normal variations in tooth dimensions in healthy people may also contribute to pathogenic variations, such as tooth growth failure and other dental health conditions,” said a researcher at Fudan University. said researcher Dr. Chin Lee.

“We hope that our findings will have medical benefits, such as people with certain dental problems being able to undergo genetic testing to help diagnose them, and dental abnormalities one day being treated with gene therapy.” I hope.”

“Our findings did not reveal whether the genes that specify tooth shape were selected during evolution for special benefits for dental health. “Differences that occur as a side effect may have been selected for the shape of the area as well as its influence on other areas,” said Professor Andres Luis Linares, a researcher at University College London, Fudan University, and Aix-Marseille University. said.

a paper The findings were published in a magazine on December 12th. current biology.

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Chin Lee others. PITX2 Expression and Neanderthal gene introgression HS3ST3A1 Contributes to changes in tooth dimensions in modern humans. current biologypublished online on December 12, 2024. doi: 10.1016/j.cub.2024.11.027

Source: www.sci.news

The Regretful Decision: Surrendering My DNA to 23andMe Only to Discover My British Heritage

Posted on November 30, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

23andMe is currently in crisis. The once-promising genetic testing company has experienced a significant downfall, with a 98% loss in its $6 billion value, the departure of all independent directors, a reduction in nearly half of its employees, and a decline in its customer base from 15 million. is urgently working to delete DNA data from its records. I am one of the affected individuals.

My journey with 23andMe began hesitantly in 2016 when I ordered their kit by mail. After some delay, I finally submitted my genetic sample for analysis. As a tech journalist, I am cautious about sharing data with companies, especially genetic information, which is immutable unlike passwords or credit card details.

The results revealed that I am 63% British and Irish, and 17% Danish, confirming my extensive northwestern European heritage. However, the absence of my supposed Czech lineage was surprising. With 23andMe’s uncertain future and concerns about the fate of user data, I reflect on the exchange of genetic privacy for such information.

Timothy Caulfield, a University of Alberta professor, notes that many individuals, like myself, experience ambivalence upon receiving genetic test results.

The concept of genetic testing to uncover ancestral roots and its implications on personal identity has always troubled me. Caulfield, who faced similar concerns with his own ancestry, argues that the notion of genetic influence on individual identity perpetuates racism.

Marketing strategies played a significant role in the success of companies like 23andMe. However, the impact of genetic testing results on one’s sense of identity can vary drastically, from affirming to challenging deeply held beliefs.

As 23andMe’s future remains uncertain, questions arise regarding the handling of existing user data. The ethical implications of genetic information extend beyond personal privacy to potentially compromising the privacy of relatives.

To safeguard my data, I opted to delete my account and requested a copy of my genetic information. However, concerns persist about the retention of such data by the company, especially in case of bankruptcy or ownership changes.

23andMe’s commitment to customer data protection is emphasized, with assurances of maintaining privacy standards even amidst financial instability.

Receiving my genetic data opened up new insights into my heritage, but the challenge lies in interpreting the vast amount of genomic information provided. Despite this, I have not taken any actions based on this data, as the complexity of genetic identity remains a source of ambivalence and uncertainty.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Japanese researchers discover a new species of pterosaur

Posted on November 26, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Paleontologists have announced the discovery of a new species of Quetzalcotorin azhdarchopterosaur. Nippotherus mifunensis from the Late Cretaceous of Japan.

Restoration of life in the giant azhdarchid group, Quetzalcoatlus nothropi foraging in the Cretaceous fern steppe. Image credit: Mark Witton / Darren Naish.

Pterosaurs were highly successful flying reptiles (not dinosaurs, as is commonly misunderstood) that lived between 210 and 65 million years ago.

They were the first flying vertebrates on Earth, with birds and bats appearing much later.

Some pterosaurs, like the giant azhdarchids, were the largest flying animals in history, with wingspans exceeding 9 meters (30 feet) and a standing height comparable to modern giraffes.

“Pterosaurs, the earliest vertebrate group to achieve powered flight, exhibit remarkable morphological diversity, with a fossil record that spans from the Late Triassic to the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary. '' said Dr. Naoki Ikegami of the Mifune Dinosaur Museum and Dr. Naoki Ikegami of the University of São Paulo. Rodrigo Pegas and his friends.

“The pterosaur skeleton's fragile air bones make its fossil record particularly irregular and uneven.”

“Most well-preserved, relatively complete archaeological sites are confined to a few Lagerstätten around the world. In contrast, most other deposits that yield pterosaurs are typically fragments. generate a typical sample.

“For one thing, there are very few records of pterosaurs in Japan, so every artifact has special significance.”

“The first pterosaur specimen discovered in Japan came from the Ezo Group in Hokkaido, and is representative of an indeterminate pterosaur species consisting of a femur, metatarsals, foot phalanges, and part of the caudal vertebrae. It is.”

6th cervical vertebra Nippoterus mifunensis. Image credit: Zhou others., doi: 10.1016/j.cretres.2024.106046.

The newly identified species is Quetzalcoatrinae a subfamily of the pterosaur family Azhdarchidae.

“Azhdarchids represent a very special clade of pterosaurs, particularly notorious for containing some of the largest flying creatures in history, with wingspans of 10 to 11 meters (33 to 36 feet).” Quetzalcoatlus nothropi, aramburgiania philadelphia and Hatzegopteryx tanbema'' said the paleontologists.

“The azhdarchid clade, most prominently characterized by elongated cervical vertebrae with reduced neural spines, is widely distributed in Turonian to Maastrichtian pterosaur communities around the world.”

“They represent the most diverse and widespread group of pterosaurs during the Late Cretaceous.”

named Nippoterus mifunensis the new species lived in what is now Japan about 90 million years ago (late Cretaceous period).

“Nippoterus mifunensis “This is the first nominally Japanese pterosaur species,” the researchers said.

“This new species exhibits many Quetzalcoat line characteristics and bears a striking resemblance to the unnamed Burcant azhdarchid of Mongolia's Turonian-Coniacian.”

Part of the 6th cervical vertebra Nippotherus mifunensis It was produced from an outcrop of the Mifune Group near Amagi Dam in Mifune Town, Kumamoto Prefecture, Kyushu.

“The specimen was found in a 30-centimeter (12-inch) thick layer of coarse lenticular sandstone, nestled between two tuff layers, in the middle of the upper formation of the Mifune Group,” the scientists said. said.

their paper Published in this month's magazine Cretaceous research.

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Zhou Xuanyu others. Re-evaluation of azhdarchoid pterosaur specimens from the Mifune Group, Late Cretaceous of Japan. Cretaceous researchpublished online on November 16, 2024. doi: 10.1016/j.cretres.2024.106046

Source: www.sci.news

Scientists discover precise form of individual photon

Posted on November 21, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

New research from the University of Birmingham examines the properties of photons (individual particles of light) in more detail than ever before.

Ben Yuen and Angela Demetriadou define the precise shape of a single photon. Image credit: Ben Yuen and Angela Demetriadou.

Professor Angela Demetriadou from the University of Birmingham said: “The geometry and optical properties of the environment have a significant impact on how photons are emitted, including defining their shape, color, and even the likelihood of their existence.” said.

The team's new research shows how photons are emitted by atoms and molecules and how they are shaped by their environment.

The nature of this interaction creates endless possibilities for light to exist and propagate, or travel, through the surrounding environment.

However, this infinite possibility makes modeling interactions extremely difficult, a challenge that quantum physicists have been grappling with for decades.

By grouping these possibilities into distinct sets, the authors explain not only the interaction between the photon and the emitter, but also how the energy from that interaction is transmitted far into the far field. I was able to create a model.

At the same time, they were able to use calculations to visualize the photons themselves.

“Our calculations have enabled us to transform a seemingly unsolvable problem into a computable problem,” said Dr. Benjamin Yuen from the University of Birmingham.

“And almost as a byproduct of the model, we were able to generate this image of a photon that physics had never seen before.”

This research is important because it opens new research avenues for quantum physicists and materials scientists.

Being able to precisely define how photons interact with matter and other elements of its environment allows scientists to discover ways to communicate securely, detect pathogens, control chemical reactions at the molecular level, and more. We can design new nanophotonics technologies that have the potential to change the world.

“This research will help us better understand the energy exchange between light and matter, which in turn will help us better understand how light radiates into nearby and distant environments,” Yuen said. Ta.

“A lot of this information used to be thought of as just noise, but there is so much information in it that we can now understand and use. .”

“By understanding this, we have established a foundation from which we can engineer light-matter interactions for future applications such as better sensors, improved photovoltaic cells, and quantum computing.”

of work Published in a magazine physical review letter.

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Ben Yuen and Angela Demetriadou. 2024. Precise quantum electrodynamics of synchrotron radiation environments. Physics. pastor rhett 133, 203604; doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.133.203604

Source: www.sci.news

Discover the fascinating true story of Tetris in Tetris Forever

Posted on November 13, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Believe me when I say that I thought I knew everything about the story of Tetris. The popular puzzle game’s journey from 1980s Moscow behind the Iron Curtain to becoming a multi-million selling video game has been extensively covered in numerous articles, a fun book, and recent movies. With over 30 years of experience playing Tetris across different platforms like Game Boy, Nintendo Switch, and even VR, I didn’t expect to learn anything new when I opened Tetris Forever, an interactive documentary by Digital Eclipse that delves into the 40-year history of Tetris.

Did you know about Hattoris, the 1990 sequel to Tetris where colorful hats are stacked on top of your head? Maybe vaguely. How about Spectrum Holobyte’s quirky twist on the game called Faces…Tris III, where players try to build a human face by stacking different facial features? Surprisingly, Henk Rogers, a key figure in Tetris’ global success, revealed interesting details about his past, including his days surfing in Hawaii and forging business friendships in Japan. Tetris Forever offers a treasure trove of images and videos documenting the game’s evolution and significant moments in its history.

https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/zz9LaO3w2EY?wmode=opaque&feature=oembed" title="Tetris® Forever – Launch Trailer – Nintendo Switch" height="480" width="854" allowfullscreen="

The documentary is divided into five chapters, offering a comprehensive look at Tetris’ history post its codification by Alexei Pajitnov in the early days. It includes playable versions of games, behind-the-scenes footage, and interviews with key players in Tetris history. Tetris Forever sheds light on the game’s complete history, unlike the surface-level coverage seen in other media adaptations.

Tetris first appeared on Electronica 60 in 1985. Photo: Digital Eclipse/Tetris Company

While Tetris Forever may cater more to hardcore gaming enthusiasts, it offers a respectful reissue of the game’s history. The playable versions included are faithful to the originals, allowing anyone to experience Tetris’ evolution. Personally, I still believe Tetris Effect remains the pinnacle of the game’s adaptations, created by Tetsuya Mizuguchi, known for his synesthetic music games.

Playing the first version of Tetris on Electronica 60 computers takes me back to the game’s humble beginnings. Despite the various iterations and controversies over the years, Tetris remains a timeless classic that has endured for four decades, largely unchanged.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Scientists discover 16 different types of neurons responsible for human sense of touch

Posted on November 6, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

A new study led by scientists from the University of Pennsylvania, Karolinska Institutet, and Linköping University has revealed a landscape view of the human sense of touch.

Somatosensory diversity arises from heterogeneous dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. However, the cell body transcriptome, a key piece of information for deciphering the function of individual human (h)DRG neurons, is lacking due to technical difficulties. In a new study, Yu others. They isolated somatic cells from individual hDRG neurons and performed deep RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) to detect an average of more than 9,000 unique genes per neuron, identifying 16 types of neurons.

Humans perceive touch, temperature, and pain through the somatosensory system.

The general understanding is that there are specific types of neurons for each type of emotion, such as pain, pleasant touch, or coldness.

But new research casts doubt on that notion and shows that bodily sensations are probably much more complex than that.

“Much of the knowledge we have today about how the nervous system works comes from studies of animals,” said Dr. Wenqing Luo of the University of Pennsylvania and colleagues.

“But how similar are mice and humans, for example?”

“Many discoveries made in animal studies have not been confirmed in human studies.”

“One reason for this may be a lack of understanding of how it works in the human body.”

“We wanted to create a detailed atlas of the different types of neurons involved in somatosensation in humans and compare it with neurons in mice and the primate macaque.”

The study involved a detailed analysis of the genes used by individual neurons, so-called deep RNA sequencing.

Neurons with similar gene expression profiles were grouped as one sensory neuron type.

In this way, the researchers identified 16 unique human neuron types.

This study is the first to link gene expression and actual function in different types of neurons.

To investigate the function of neurons, the scientists used microneurography techniques to listen to the signals of one neuron at a time.

Using this technique, skin neurons in awake participants are exposed to temperature, touch, or certain chemicals, and individual neurons are “listened in” to determine how those particular neurons respond and send signals to the brain. You can find out if it is.

During these experiments, the authors made discoveries that would not have been possible if mapping the cellular machinery of different types of neurons had not given them new ideas for experiments.

One such discovery concerns a type of neuron that responds to pleasant touch.

The researchers discovered that this cell type unexpectedly responded to heat and also to capsaicin, the chemical that gives chili peppers their heat.

Scientists were surprised that the touch-sensing neurons responded to such stimuli, since their response to capsaicin is typical of pain-sensing neurons.

Additionally, this type of neuron also responded to cooling, even though it does not produce the only protein known to date that signals the perception of cold.

This finding cannot be explained by what is known about cellular mechanisms and suggests that there are other mechanisms for detecting colds that have yet to be discovered.

The authors speculate that these neurons form an integrated sensory pathway that produces pleasurable sensations.

“We have been listening to the neural signals from these neurons for 10 years, but we knew nothing about their molecular characteristics,” said Dr. Håkan Ólausson from Linköping University.

“This study shows us what kinds of proteins these neurons express and what kinds of stimuli they can respond to, and we can now make connections between them. Moving forward.”

Another example is a type of pain-sensing neuron that conducts very rapidly and has been shown to respond to non-painful cooling and menthol.

“There is a common understanding that neurons are very specialized: one type of neuron detects cold, another type detects specific vibrational frequencies, a third type responds to pressure, and so on.” said Dr. Saad Nagy, also from Linköping University.

“That's how people often talk about it. But it turns out it's much more complicated than that.”

So how do mice, macaques, and humans compare? How similar are we? Many of the 16 types of neurons the researchers identified in their study are largely similar across species.

The biggest difference they found was that conduction in pain-sensing neurons was much faster in response to stimuli that could cause injury.

Compared to mice, humans have more pain neurons, a type of neuron that sends pain signals to the brain at high speeds.

“Our study doesn't answer why this is the case, but we have a theory,” Dr. Ólausson said.

“The fact that pain signals are emitted at a much faster rate in humans compared to mice is probably just a reflection of their body size.”

“Mice don't need such rapid neural signaling. But in humans, the distances are longer and the signals need to be sent to the brain more quickly, before reacting and withdrawing.” You will be injured.”

Regarding this research, paper in diary natural neuroscience.

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H. Yu others. Utilizing deep sequencing of single cell somatic RNA to explore the neural basis of human somatosensation. nut neurosipublished online on November 4, 2024. doi: 10.1038/s41593-024-01794-1

Source: www.sci.news

Astrophysicists discover that black hole-hosting binary star V404 Cygnus is part of a triple system

Posted on October 25, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

V404 Cygnus, an X-ray binary star that hosts a low-mass black hole, has a wide echelon with a tertiary companion at least 3,500 astronomical units (AU) away from the inner binary, according to MIT astrophysicists. It is said to be part of a triple star.

V404 SIGNI. Image credit: Verge others., doi: 10.1038/s41586-024-08120-6.

V404 Cygni is located approximately 7,800 light-years away in the constellation Cygnus.

This system first attracted attention more than 80 years ago, during the 1938 nova explosion.

Another eruption occurred in 1989 and was discovered by the Japanese X-ray satellite Ginga and high-energy instruments aboard the Mir space station.

The 1989 explosion, known as Nova Cygnus 1989, was pivotal in the study of black holes.

Until then, astronomers had known of only a handful of objects that could be black holes, and V404 Cygnus was one of the most likely candidates.

V404 Cygnus is known to host a central stellar-mass black hole in the act of consuming a small star that spirals very close to the black hole every 6.5 days. This is a configuration similar to most binary star systems.

But new research suggests there's a second star orbiting the black hole, albeit much further away.

“Most black holes are thought to be formed by violent explosions of stars, but this discovery helps cast doubt on that,” said Kevin Burge, a researcher at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Ta.

“This system is very interesting for the evolution of black holes, and also raises the question of whether triples exist.”

Artist's impression of V404 Cygnus: The central black hole (black dot) is consuming a nearby star (orange object on the left), while the second star (white flash at the top) is far away orbiting a distance of Image credit: Jorge Lugo.

Burge and his colleagues estimate that the third companion star orbits the V404 Cygnus black hole every 70,000 years.

The fact that black holes appear to exert a gravitational pull on distant objects raises questions about the origins of black holes themselves.

Black holes are thought to be formed by violent explosions of dying stars. This is a process known as a supernova, in which a star releases a huge amount of energy and light in one final burst before collapsing into an invisible black hole.

But the team's findings suggest that if the newly observed black hole had originated from a typical supernova, the energy released before it collapsed would have kicked loosely bound objects around it. It suggests that it might have been.

So the second outer star shouldn't be hanging around yet.

Instead, the authors believe that the V404 Cygnus black hole formed through a more gentle process of direct collapse, in which the star simply collapsed and formed the black hole without a final, dramatic flash. I think it might be.

Such a benign origin poses little impediment to loosely bound, distant objects.

Because V404 Cygnus contains a very distant star, this suggests that the black holes in this system were born through a more gradual, direct collapse.

And while astronomers have observed more violent supernovae for centuries, this triple system may be the first evidence of a black hole formed from this more gentle process.

In addition to providing clues about the black hole's origin, the outer star also revealed the age of the system.

Astrophysicists observed that the outer star happened to be in the process of becoming a red giant, a stage that occurs at the end of a star's life.

Based on this star's evolution, they determined that the outer star was about 4 billion years old.

Considering that the neighboring stars were born at about the same time, they conclude that the components of the binary star are also 4 billion years old.

“This has never been done before with old black holes,” Dr. Burge says.

“Thanks to this discovery, we now know that V404 Cygnus is part of a triple star. It may have formed by direct collapse, and it formed about 4 billion years ago.”

of findings Published in this week's magazine nature.

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KB barge others. The black hole low-mass X-ray binary V404 Cygnus is part of a wide triple. naturepublished online October 23, 2024. doi: 10.1038/s41586-024-08120-6

Source: www.sci.news

Astronomers Discover Fewer Potentially Hazardous Asteroids Near Earth than Initially Predicted

Posted on October 10, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

astronomer using Zwicky Temporary Facility (ZTF) investigated. Taurus resonance groupa large interplanetary system containing Comet 2P/Encke, several meteor showers, and possibly numerous near-Earth asteroids.

This image taken by NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope shows comet 2P/Encke running along a pebble trail of its debris. Image credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech / University of Minnesota.

“We can take advantage of the unique opportunity that this asteroid swarm has to approach Earth to more efficiently search for celestial objects that may pose a threat to Earth,” said Dr. Kuanji Ye, an astronomer at the University of Maryland. ” he said.

“Our results suggest that the risk of impact from large asteroids in the Taurus group is much lower than we thought, which is good news for planetary defense.”

Prior to this study, astronomers had predicted that the Taurus resonance complex contained a significant number of large kilometer-sized space rocks, probably left behind by large objects up to 100 kilometers (62 miles) wide. I was guessing.

If a large object were to hit Earth, like the Chelyabinsk asteroid in 2013, it could cause regional damage.

Even larger objects can cause extinction-level events, like the asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs more than 66 million years ago.

“Fortunately, we found that there are likely only a small number of asteroids in this large size class, perhaps only nine to 14, in this population,” Dr. Ye said.

“Judging by our findings, the parent object that first spawned the swarm was probably closer to 10 km (6.2 miles) in diameter, rather than a giant 100 km diameter object.”

“We still need to be cautious about asteroid impacts, but knowing this result will probably help us sleep better.”

The Taurus swarm holds important clues about planetary evolution, especially because of its association with Comet Encke.

This comet has the shortest orbital period of any known comet, at just 3.3 years.

It is also unusually large and dusty for a short-period comet that orbits the sun within 200 years.

Considering all available evidence, scientists believe that Encke has experienced significant fragmentation in the past and may continue to do so in the future.

“Studying the Taurus swarm helps us understand how small objects like comets and asteroids form and break up over time,” said Dr. Ye.

“Our research has implications not only for asteroid detection and planetary defense, but also for our broader understanding of the solar system's celestial bodies.”

The researchers presented their findings. findings this week's DPS56Annual Meeting of the Planetary Science Division of the American Astronomical Society.

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Yosenshi others. 2024. In search of potentially dangerous asteroids in the Taurus resonance group. DPS56

Source: www.sci.news

Scientists discover new exoplanet near Barnard Star that is smaller than Earth

Posted on October 1, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

An exoplanet with at least half the mass of Venus orbits Barnard's Star, the closest single star to the Sun, once every 3.15 days.

Artist's impression of Bernard B. Image credit: ESO / M. Kornmesser.

Barnard's Star is a 10 billion year old red dwarf star located in the constellation Ophiuchus.

At a distance of about 6 light years, it is the second closest star to the Sun after the Alpha Centauri triple star system.

The star, also known as Gliese 699 or GJ 699, is much smaller than the Sun and is classified as an M3.5 dwarf.

Despite the prospect of a “super-Earth” with a mass 3.2 times that of Earth in 2018, no planets have ever been confirmed to orbit this star.

The new exoplanet discovery is the result of five years of observations using the ESPRESSO instrument of ESO's Very Large Telescope (VLT) at the Paranal Observatory in Chile.

“We were always confident that we would find something, even if it took a long time,” said Dr. Jonay González Hernández, an astronomer at the Canarias Astronomical Institute.

The newly discovered planet, named Barnard b, is about 20 times closer to Barnard's star than Mercury is to the Sun.

It orbits its parent star in 3.15 Earth days and has a surface temperature of about 125 degrees Celsius (257 degrees Fahrenheit).

“Bernard B is one of the lowest-mass exoplanets known, and one of the few exoplanets known to have less mass than Earth,” said Dr. González-Hernández. Ta.

“But this planet is too close to its host star, closer than the habitable zone.”

“Even though this star is about 2,500 degrees cooler than the Sun, it's still too hot to support liquid water on its surface.”

In addition to the confirmed planet, astronomers also discovered hints of three more exoplanet candidates orbiting the same star.

However, additional observations are required to confirm these candidates.

“We need to continue observing this star to confirm other candidate signals,” said Dr. Alejandro Suárez Mascareño, also from the Canarias Astronomical Institute and co-author of the study.

“But the discovery of this planet, along with previous discoveries such as Proxima b and Proxima d, shows that our cosmic backyard is full of low-mass planets.”

Bernard B's findings were published in a. paper in diary astronomy and astrophysics.

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JI Gonzalez Hernandez others. 2024. A sub-Earth mass planet orbiting Barnard's star. A&A 690, A79; doi: 10.1051/0004-6361/202451311

Source: www.sci.news

Paleontologists discover three new species of ancient thylacine fossils

Posted on September 10, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Palaeontologists from the University of New South Wales have unearthed the fossils of three new species belonging to the thylacine genus. Basitinus, Nimbakinusand Ngamalasinas It inhabits upper Oligocene sediments in the Riversleigh World Heritage Area, northwest Queensland, Australia. Bassinus timforkneri, Nimbasinus peterbridgeand Ngamalasinas NigermalbeniThese new species are among the oldest known thylacines and indicate an earlier diversification of the family Thylacidae. Thylacine More than previously understood.

Bassinus timforkneri Eating a corpse Silvavestius Michaelvirti.Image credit: Peter Schouten.

The three new species of Pectiniidae lived during the Late Oligocene epoch, between 25 and 23 million years ago.

The largest of these is Bassinus timforkneriThey weigh between 7 and 11 kg, roughly the same size as a large Tasmanian devil.

“Like the Tasmanian devil, Basisinas timforkneri “They could easily crush the bones and teeth of their prey,” said lead author Tim Churchill, a doctoral student at the University of New South Wales.

“But up until now, we've only seen much smaller Bassinus TurnbulliiWeighing in at around 2.7 kg, this dinosaur is the only thylacine relative found in the Late Oligocene.

“The lower jaw and teeth, including an isolated first molar, were found at the Hiatus site at Riversleigh, which is even older than the White Hunter site where B. turnbrii was previously found.”

“This will Basisinas timforkneri It is undoubtedly the oldest thylacine ever discovered.”

The second species is Nimbasinus peterbridgeIt was slightly larger than a long-eared quoll and weighed about 3.7kg.

The species was described from a nearly complete jawbone from the White Hunter site at Riversleigh.

“Nimbasinus peterbridge “It was probably a more generalist predator, targeting small mammals and other prey in the ancient woodland of Riversleigh,” Professor Mike Archer, from the University of New South Wales, said.

“We think it may have been directly related to only one other species. Nimbakinus,big Nimbasinus dicksoni (5-7kg) was discovered in 15 million year old deposits at Riversleigh.”

“This group of thylacines, Thylacine.”

“The other two new species described here appear to represent distinctive side branches on the increasingly complex thylacine phylogenetic tree.”

“This means Nimbasinus peterbridge It is probably the oldest known direct ancestor of the Tasmanian tiger.”

The third new species, Ngamalasinas NigermalbeniIt weighed about 5.1kg and was about the size of a red fox. This one was also unearthed at the White Hunter site in Riversleigh.

“This was a highly carnivorous thylacine,” said Dr Sue Hand, from the University of New South Wales.

“We know this because the cutting edges of the lower molars are elongated and have deep, V-shaped meat-cutting notches.”

“Ngamalasinas Nigermalbeni These notches were more developed than in any other thylacine species of similar size.”

The existence of three distinct lineages of specialized thylacines in the Late Oligocene highlights how rapidly this group of marsupials has diversified since they first appeared in the fossil record, the researchers say.

“These new species have very different dental adaptations, suggesting that several unique carnivore forest niches existed during this time,” Churchill said.

“All of these lineages became extinct by 8 million years ago, except for the lineage that gave rise to modern thylacines.”

“The previous idea that Australia was dominated by reptilian carnivores for the last 25 million years is steadily being disproved as each new discovery adds to the fossil record of these new thylacine-like marsupial carnivores,” Prof Archer said.

“The diversity of mammalian carnivores in Rivers Leaf during this period rivals any other ecosystem, including the large dispersal of mammalian carnivores that developed in South America,” Churchill added.

of study this month, Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology.

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Timothy J. Churchill othersThree new opossum species (Marsupialia, Opossumidae) discovered from Late Oligocene deposits in the Riversleigh World Heritage Area, north-west Queensland. Journal of Vertebrate PaleontologyPublished online September 6, 2024; doi: 10.1080/02724634.2024.2384595

Source: www.sci.news

Monster Hunter Wild: Discover even fiercer and more intimidating creatures in this exciting action game

Posted on August 22, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

ohBut out in the desert, the skies begin to darken. You are here to hunt Dosha-gama – fearsome, scaly, lion-like, squashed-faced beasts that roam the dunes in small herds. But a looming storm suggests something much bigger is approaching. Soon, a giant shadow descends from the heavens: Lei Dau, a horned, gold-trimmed dragon who wields lightning. Are you strong enough to face it? Or is it time to flee to the hills?

Monster Hunter is one of Capcom’s most successful game series, but it wasn’t always that way. When I started playing it on the PlayStation Portable in 2006, very few people were interested. It was notoriously cumbersome, demanding, and difficult, and online play didn’t work well. On the other hand, when I moved to Japan in 2008, it was hard not to see someone playing Monster Hunter on the train or in a cafe. It was 2018’s Monster Hunter: World that really made the game a global hit. Technology finally allowed for vast natural settings worthy of gigantic, intimidating, and highly realistic monsters, and smooth online play became a reality.

Watch the trailer for Monster Hunter Wild

“It was a challenge to bring the series to a global level that hadn’t been there before,” recalls Ryozo Tsujimoto, who worked as a designer on the original Monster Hunter, which was released in Japan and North America in 2004, and has led the series ever since.
“In order to make it a global hit, there are some things we haven’t done before… It may not be so visible to players, but compared to the past, we are in much closer communication with our Western offices and staff around the world, so we’re in a much better position than before to listen to player feedback and reactions to the game and decide how to approach the next title.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

Regulators discover that SpaceX has contaminated water in Texas multiple times

Posted on August 13, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

summary

Texas environmental officials notified the company last week that Elon Musk’s SpaceX had discharged pollutants into or near Texas waters, violating environmental regulations.
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality report came five months after the Environmental Protection Agency notified SpaceX that it had violated the Clean Water Act.
The breach could threaten SpaceX’s ambitions to increase StartShip launches from its StarBase facility.

Elon Musk’s SpaceX has repeatedly discharged pollutants into or near Texas waters, violating environmental regulations, state officials said in a notice of violation that focused on the water discharge system at the company’s StarBase launch facility.

The notice from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) last week came five months after the Environmental Protection Agency’s Region 6, which oversees Texas and surrounding states, also notified SpaceX that it was violating the Clean Water Act through similar activities.

The notice and related investigative records obtained by CNBC have not been previously reported.

TCEQ said its office in the South Texas city of Harlingen, near Boca Chica Starbase, received a complaint on Aug. 6, 2023, alleging that SpaceX was “discharging floodwaters without TCEQ authorization.”

“The Harlingen area received a total of 14 complaints alleging environmental impacts from the facility’s water discharge system,” regulators said in a written statement.

Aerospace companies, including SpaceX, generally comply with state and federal laws. Federal Aviation Administration SpaceX had been seeking permission to conduct up to 25 launches and landings per year of its Starship spacecraft and Super Heavy rocket at the Boca Chica facility. The notice of violation could delay those approvals and lead to civil fines, further investigations and criminal charges against SpaceX.

in Long post about XAfter this article was published, SpaceX said regulators told it it could continue launch operations despite the violation notice.

“Through ongoing coordination with TCEQ and EPA, we have specifically asked whether we should cease operations of the Deluge system and have been informed that operations can continue,” SpaceX wrote to EPA.

Neither regulator responded to CNBC’s questions about SpaceX’s statements.

SpaceX’s Starship in Brownsville, Texas on June 5.
Brandon Bell/Getty Images file

Rushing to rebuild

On July 25, 2024, TCEQ environmental investigators “conducted an internal compliance records review” to determine SpaceX’s compliance with wastewater regulations. The investigation found that SpaceX had discharged industrial wastewater without a permit four times between March and July of this year.

A water system with flame deflectors would dissipate heat, sound and energy generated during orbital test flights and rocket launches, but SpaceX didn’t have one installed at its Boca Chica launch pad before it began test flights of Starship, the biggest rocket ever made.

The FAA did not give a reason for the delay and said a new date would be announced in the future.

Source: www.nbcnews.com