Archaeologists Discover Fragrant Oil Residues in Ancient Phoenician Vessels

Posted on August 28, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Archaeologists have performed the inaugural systematic, interdisciplinary examination of the structure, methods, and contents of 51 “Phoenician Oil Bottles” discovered on Motia Island, located off the western coast of Sicily, Italy. Their findings imply that these bottles were likely produced and filled in aromatic Phoenicia during the 8th to 6th centuries BCE and distributed throughout the Western Mediterranean.

A selection of ‘Phoenician Oil Bottles’ (750/740-550/530 BC) from Motia, Italy. Image credit: A. Orsingher.

The Phoenicians utilized aromatic substances in diverse manners. Often burned alongside ceramic, metal, or stone supports, these substances enhanced both indoor and outdoor environments, indicating the performance of various ritual practices.

Commonly depicted in Phoenician iconography are stereotypical images of smoke rising from fragrant burners before sacred figures and symbols.

Moreover, the ornamental or floral designs of the incense indicate a clear connection between scent and the function of the vessel.

Among the Phoenician ceramics linked to fragrant substances, a category of small, simple vessels known as “Phoenician oil bottles” is particularly noteworthy.

While not part of standard production, these jugs, dating from the 8th to 6th centuries BCE, typically feature narrow openings with thick, outwardly-rolled rims, a short, bulging neck that tapers, a single vertical handle, and spherical to oval bodies with either rounded or pointed bases.

Excluding notably large examples from the Teatrocomico of Cadiz, Phoenician oil bottles usually have a height of 11.5-14 cm with a maximum diameter of 8.5-10 cm until the mid-8th century BCE.

After this period, the height decreased to around 9.5 cm, the body shrank to approximately 6.5 cm, and handle sizes diminished, making them difficult to grasp.

These simple, slow-fired jugs have been unearthed from various settings across the Atlantic and Mediterranean regions, including graves, households, sanctified areas, pottery workshops, and shipwrecks, indicating their widespread use.

The small island in western Sicily, Italy, currently produces the highest quantity of these vessels.

“Their extensive distribution throughout the Mediterranean implies that these containers served multiple purposes,” states Dr. Adriano Orsinger, a researcher at CompCances University in Madrid and the Institute of Biblical Archaeology.

In a recent study, Dr. Orsingher and his team analyzed ceramic compositions to trace the origins of the “Phoenician oil bottles.”

Subsequent evaluations of organic residues within the vessels provided insights into their original contents and purposes.

The findings indicate that these bottles were produced in southern Phoenicia, specifically between present-day Beirut and the Carmel region.

Organic residues were found in eight of the 51 vessels, showing traces of plant-based lipids and pine and mastic resins, strong indicators of light oil formulations.

“Our research confirms that these ceramic vessels were employed to transport aromatic oils,” asserts Dr. Sylvia Amikorn, a researcher at the University of Tübingen.

“These oils were not mere commodities. They acted as cultural connectors and embodiments of identity during the Phoenician migration in the Mediterranean,” Dr. Orsingher remarked.

“By carrying familiar scents, they served as tools for memory, enhancing shared practices and olfactory experiences among dispersed communities.”

The Iron Age Mediterranean was characterized by intense mobility, trade, and cultural interconnections.

Phoenicians, celebrated as seafarers, traders, artisans, and settlers, played a pivotal role in this connectivity, establishing communities far from their Levantine homelands.

Central to Phoenician cultural practices was the production and utilization of aromatic substances, for both local consumption and export.

This study urges a reevaluation of historical transitions, trade, and cultural attributions experienced in the ancient world.

“Ancient mobility should be reconsidered not only as the movement of people and goods but as a cycle of sensory, olfactory, and memory traditions,” Dr. Orsingher emphasized.

“The significance of fragrance is intertwined with identity, making its role in migration, reconciliation, and cultural exchange often underestimated, yet crucial.”

“Our findings highlight the potential of interdisciplinary science to uncover the intangible aspects of antiquity,” Dr. Amikorn remarked.

“Investigating the contents and uses of these vessels offers a unique perspective on how scents connected life, landscapes, and identity in the ancient Mediterranean,” Dr. Ouger added.

“Innovative research methodologies continue to yield unexpected insights into the past,” proclaimed Carla Paulman, a professor at the University of Tübingen.

“This study demonstrates that even elusive evidence like ancient scents can be accessed through interdisciplinary approaches, opening new avenues into the ancient sensory and cultural realm.”

Survey results were published in Journal of Archaeological Method and Theory.

____

A. Orsingher et al. 2025. Home scent: Motia’s Phoenician oil bottle. J Archaeol Method Theory 32, 59; doi:10.1007/s10816-025-09719-3

Source: www.sci.news

Astronomers Discover Protoplanets Forming in Disk Gaps Around Young Solar Analogues

Posted on August 28, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Astronomers have successfully captured direct images of the 4.9 Jupiter Mass Protoplanet using ESO’s Very Large Telescope (VLT) sphere instruments, revealing clear gaps in the multi-ring protoplanetary disk. The star Whispit 2 (TYC 5709-354-1) is a solar analog, approximately 5 million years old, located 133 parsecs (434 light-years) away in the constellation Aquila.

This image taken with the ESO’s Very Large Telescope captures the first clear observation of a protoplanet within a disk featuring multiple rings. Image credit: ESO/Van Capelleveen et al.

A protoplanetary disk is typically accompanied by a ring and is a disc-shaped structure of gas and dust surrounding a young star.

These disks are the birthplaces of planets, with rings often suggesting the presence of hungry planets within the disk.

Initially, particles within the spinning disk begin to accumulate, drawing in more material from the surrounding disk until gravitational forces take hold, leading to the formation of an embryonic planet.

“Discovering Wispit 2B was an extraordinary experience. We were incredibly fortunate,” stated Dr. Richelle Van Capelleveen, an astronomer at the Leiden Observatory.

“Wispit 2, a younger version of our Sun, belongs to a small group of young stars, and we didn’t anticipate uncovering such an impressive system.”

“This system will serve as a benchmark for many years to come.”

“We’ve encountered many instances in our research,” remarked Christian Ginsky, a researcher at Galway University.

“However, in this case, we detected a remarkably unexpected and beautiful multi-ring dust disk.”

“Upon first encountering this multi-ring disk, I realized I had to attempt to detect the planets within it, immediately requesting follow-up observations.”

Astronomer captured a stunning transparent image of Whispit 2B situated in the gap of the disk, confirming that the planet orbits its host star.

“Wispit 2B marks the first clear detection of a planet on a multi-ring disk, providing an ideal setting for studying the interactions of planetary disks and their evolution,” they noted.

The Wispit 2B was observed in near-infrared light, retaining its brightness and heat from the initial formation phase.

The same is true for planets detected in visible light using the 6.5m Magellan Telescope MAGAO-X AO system and the large binocular interferometer (LBTI) Lmircam instrument.

This detection at specific wavelengths indicates that the planet is actively gathering gas as it develops its atmosphere.

“Located within the birth disk, Wispit 2B exemplifies a planet that can be utilized to explore current models of planet formation,” stated PhD student Chloe Lawler from Galway University.

The researchers estimated the radius of the disk surrounding Wispit 2B to be 380 AU (astronomical units) or about 380 times the distance between the Earth and the Sun.

“The discovery of Wispit 2B is remarkable,” commented Jake Byrne, a student pursuing an M.Sc. at Galway University.

The findings are detailed in two papers published in the Astrophysics Journal Letter.

____

Richelle F. Van Capelvein et al. 2025. Wide separation planet (Wispit): A gap clear planet Wispit 2 of a multi-ring disc around a young solar-shaped star. apjl 990, L8; doi: 10.3847/2041-8213/ADF721

Laird M. Crows et al. 2025. Wide Separate Planet (Wispit): Discovery of GAPHα Protoplanet Wispit 2B Magao-X. apjl 990, L9; doi: 10.3847/2041-8213/adf7a5

Source: www.sci.news

The Keeper: An Eco-Friendly Gaming Experience – Discover More – Lighthouse | PC

Posted on August 27, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Keeper proudly asserts its claim to be the most unusual game ever unveiled by Microsoft. The backdrop is peculiar—a vibrant, fantastical realm resembling New England. The characters are certainly eccentric, including a bird-like creature named Twig, whose beak appears to be liquid. Surprisingly, players assume the role of an animated lighthouse, equipped with tiny, small feet that help it navigate its wobbly, weeping form.

Amidst a sea of action heroes, the lighthouse emerges as an unexpected protagonist. Creative Lead Lee Petty is somewhat vague about the game’s development, preferring to focus on the character’s design, aiming to enhance the overall action-adventure experience. Despite its apparent absurdity, Petty maintains a certain intuition about it. “Light is intimately linked to life,” he explains. “You can envision the player’s actions, puzzles, and mechanisms that stem from it.”

“Life keeps evolving in completely unexpected ways”…The Keeper. Photo: Double Fine

The lighthouse’s illuminating beacons serve as the primary means of interacting with the game’s vibrant island environment. In “Unfocused” mode, leaves and tiny creatures evolve, morphing in response to the light’s beam amid a fantastic landscape. Conversely, in “Focused” mode, the light’s power is intensified, allowing large objects to transform while some materials are attracted or repelled. This forms the foundation for the game’s more intricate puzzles.

The world of Keeper is filled with psychedelic purples and lush greenery. Bioluminescent rock formations, gigantic flower heads with tree-sized tendrils, magnificent whale-like creatures gliding in the sky, and unexpected vegetation flourishing on their backs. This ecological wonder draws inspiration from 1980s fantasy films like “The Dark Crystal” and other similarly “strange” and “imperfect” works.

Gozy, psychedelic purple…keeper. Photo: Double Fine

Real-life experiences have sparked creativity for Petty. During the Covid lockdown, he took solitary walks through the lush hills south of San Francisco, contemplating how life on Earth might evolve without human presence. He engaged with literature and films about mycelium networks, delving into the interconnectedness of ecosystems and their interdependence.

This flood of emotions and real-world reflections melded into what Petty describes as fever dreams. He envisioned “a surreal island, reminiscent of a space populated with humanity, where life evolves in wonderfully unpredictable ways.”

The game’s inception coincided with Petty’s award-winning tenure at Double Fine, the studio behind the whimsical platformer Psychonauts 2 and other unique titles, following its acquisition by Microsoft. The new management embraced his experimental ideas, providing him the freedom and resources to explore his concepts before solidifying them. The Keeper reflects this laid-back creative process, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a fantastical dream where players can leisurely enjoy the strange beauty surrounding them.

https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/cTjCk55-Dg4?wmode=opaque&feature=oembed" title="Keeper – Announce Trailer" height="480" width="854" allowfullscreen="

“There’s no rush, and you won’t encounter mission objectives or pop-up notifications with meta rewards,” Petty states. “You’re free to inhabit the space.”

However, an ironic twist may cast a shadow over this whimsical journey. The vibrant life within Keeper has financial backing from Microsoft, whose cloud-storage service Azure has reportedly been used to support military operations in Gaza and the West Bank. The Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement is advocating for a boycott of Microsoft and Xbox products. Recently, an open letter from members of the Microsoft-owned French studio Arkane criticized the company, stating they “do not want to be complicit in genocide.” In response, Microsoft announced it is reviewing the use of its platform in this context, claiming potential violations of its terms.

Of course, Petty is distanced from the corporate decisions of Microsoft. He emphasizes that “the nature of being part of a larger organization is complex, extending well beyond entertainment.” “Double Fine operates independently and does not necessarily endorse every aspect of the parent company,” he affirms. “Our focus is to create an outstanding game.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

Discover How Frozen Microorganisms Survive for 100,000 Years

Posted on August 26, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Some archaea can endure extreme environments

Steve Gschmeissner/Science Photo Library

SEI 262946127 — Some archaea can endure extreme environments

Steve Gschmeissner/Science Photo Library

Microorganisms found in Siberian permafrost seem to have existed for more than 100,000 years as indicated by DNA analysis. The genetic similarities with other species imply that such long life spans might be common among the closest living relatives of complex cell organisms.

Additionally, microorganisms gathered from ancient marine sediments, some over 100 million years old, raise questions about the survival of individual organisms over such spans. “You can’t conduct experiments over that duration,” states Karen Lloyd from the University of Southern California. “[Time] Coexistence is an unpredictable variable.”

Lloyd and her team aimed to find microorganisms in areas that had been stable for extensive periods. Their exploration led them to the Chukchi Peninsula, the easternmost point of Siberia, where they extracted a 22-meter core of permafrost.

This core allowed them to extract DNA from layers of marine sediment that dates back between 100,000 and 120,000 years. These sediments contained pores filled with liquid water that might have trapped microorganisms, preventing any exchange of nutrients or organisms. “Being frozen means that ice structures encapsulate them,” Lloyd explains.

The subsequent question was how to differentiate between living and non-living cells. Researchers sequenced millions of DNA fragments from the permafrost, utilizing them to reconstruct the genomes of various microbial species present. The degraded DNA was repaired, and enzymes that facilitated genome reconstitution were introduced into the mix.

After incorporating DNA repair enzymes, most reconstructed genomes showed significant completeness, indicating they originated from dead cells that do not actively preserve DNA integrity, according to Lloyd. Conversely, the genomes of six species showed minimal alteration, suggesting that these DNA samples came from living cells actively maintaining their genome since being frozen at least 100,000 years ago.

All six species with intact DNA were from the gate forest, also known as Asgard Archaea. These organisms are recognized as the closest modern relatives to all eukaryotes, encompassing animals, plants, fungi, and other native forms of life.

“Discovering Asgard archaea thriving in ancient permafrost offers insight into their evolutionary path… and their role in the emergence of complex life,” remarks team member Rend Liang at the University of Earth Sciences in China, especially during an era when the Earth was fully frozen.

Even more remarkably, the long-lived species were similar to Asgard Archaea found in less extreme environments, sharing genes associated with protein and DNA repair. This may have facilitated gradual exchanges of cellular components in low-energy conditions without cell division. “They’re like the most uneventful Asgards ever,” Lloyd comments. “Their lack of excitement suggests they possess capabilities.”

Stephen de Hon from the University of Rhode Island considers the study a “significant advancement” in understanding exceptionally long life spans.

Nevertheless, he warns that these findings should not be generalized to environments beyond freezing conditions like permafrost. “Long periods of inactivity in frozen states are different from living extensively at minimal activity levels.”

topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Discover Sunny Cafés in the City of Light: The App You Need in Paris

Posted on August 21, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

In August, Paris typically quiets down as many residents scatter across the beaches and shores for their monthly vacation. Businesses close, and the city comes almost to a halt. Among those who stay are the eternal seekers of Paris: on a quest to find a sunlit terrace for their evening Aperitif.

Securing the ideal spot on the sidewalk outside a cafe can often depend on a timely walk or a quick message from friends. This summer, however, digital solutions gained traction with the quintessentially French take on the old Apple motto: “There’s an app for that.” Jveuxdusoleil is an app that tracks the sun’s movement through the city’s maze, pinpointing exactly where you can snag a sunny seat on your cafe terrace. This innovation arrives at a time of particular uncertainty in Paris.

Jean-Charles Levenne, who taught app development in 2020, created Jveuxdusoleil (“I Want Sun”) as a side project to address personal challenges.

Using a solar position algorithm alongside building height data from the open-source mapping platform OpenStreetMap, Levenne’s app highlights sunny terraces while dimming those in shadow. Users can update the app for new spots or corrections (e.g., trees casting unexpected shadows), thus turning it into a continually evolving and community-driven tool. While the technology is applicable in other cities, most of the app’s terraces are in Paris, which Levenne believes makes it particularly beneficial.

“The app functions globally, but initially focused on Paris due to its unique challenges compared to other French cities,” he remarked. “Finding a sunny spot can be tricky because of the narrow streets and towering buildings.”

The terrace acts as a vantage point to take in the essence of Paris. Chairs are typically arranged facing the street rather than each other, allowing patrons to observe the bustling world around them. The absence of a strong tipping culture in France reduces the urgency for quick table turnover, allowing customers to savor just a drink and linger for hours. For many Parisians, the terrace becomes a second living room.

Pierric Bourgot, a photographer and journalist with about 20 published books, has created a documentary on French bistro culture, emphasizing that the Paris terrace offers one of the city’s most authentic perspectives.

“The terrace embodies a specific concept of Art de Vivre (the Art of Living), as we say in France; it’s a space where diverse groups gather,” Bourgot explained. “You’re not enclosed; you’re somewhat in the street, one foot inside and one foot outside. You’re immersed in the city and the vibrancy of life.”

Searching for the sun after the darkest winter in decades

Jveuxdusoleil’s user base has consistently grown since its launch, now boasting over 1,300 active users weekly, and that number was mirrored during interviews with Levenne. Usage spikes in spring, as Parisians yearn for sunlight after enduring months of a dreary winter.

This year, Jveuxdusoleil experienced a surge, reaching nearly 20,000 visitors in a single week in early March, following a grim 2024 winter, which was noted as the darkest in three decades. Paris, in particular, struggled with multiple stretches of days without sunlight. Jveuxdusoleil remains a passion project for Levenne, who has not profited from it and says, “Actually, it costs money to maintain a server.”

The Parisian photographer I spoke with remarked that the intricate nature of Jveuxdusoleil is part of its charm—using the app to locate a sunny street for a photo while enjoying a drink with friends. Its functionality is streamlined, featuring a single slider to set the time and sunlight, positioning it as an accessible app for everyone.

Can an app revive the declining terrasse culture?

While the user base of Jveuxdusoleil isn’t universally widespread, many young French individuals I encountered on the terraces of Paris had not heard of the app. Yet its existence represents a digital embrace of French bistro culture at a pivotal moment.

Skip past newsletter promotions

According to French Heritage Inventory documents filed in May 2024, the number of French bistros has decreased from 500,000 in 1900 to fewer than 40,000 today. The document notes that Paris has seen a drop from 5,000-6,000 bistros in the 1970s and 1980s to just over 1,000 currently. The Alliance of French Bistro Owners has successfully sought national recognition in September 2024, and has been campaigning since 2018 for UNESCO World Heritage status.

Bourgault attributes this “genocide” to the significant reduction in French bistro density over the past century, faced with relentless threats—exemplified by the shift from 100 bistros per 100,000 people to just 1 per 2,000. The proliferation of cars and highways has redirected traffic away from such venues nationwide, while television, smartphones, and digital communication have lessened the need for socializing on local terraces. Additionally, bistro owners cite globalization and changing consumer preferences as threats to bistro culture.

A law passed in 1941 prohibited the establishment of new cafes, allowing the acquisition of existing licenses only. This stagnation has rendered these establishments particularly vulnerable, especially in Paris, where property prices have surged. French commentators have long decried the “Americanization of Paris,” noting that traditional bistros are increasingly overshadowed by the rapid expansion of McDonald’s and other chain restaurants as habitual meeting spots for many young people.

Pierric noted that technological advances have also played a role in the decline of bistros. People now order deliveries via their phones and when they do venture out, they frequently stay glued to their devices instead of engaging with strangers at the comptoir. He pointed out that the app could actually revitalize Parisian bistro culture.

“Its geographical visualization grounds you in the real world, emphasizing that we are here on Earth,” he stated.

“When encountering friends at the bistro for drinks, we don’t meet in the ether. We gather in a cafe rich with personality, character, and decor. What’s more, we are aware that we are not just two AIs exchanging data protocols. We engage face to face, and it feels undeniably real.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

Paleontologists Discover New Extinct Species of Forest Wallabies

Posted on August 15, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Paleontologists from Australia have unveiled fossilized remains of a new species within the extinct kangaroo genus Docopseud.

Greater Forest Wallaby (Dorcopsis Hageni). Image credit: Melvin Toullec/CC by-sa 4.0.

The newly identified species is part of the tribe Dokopshini, which currently includes six species of New Guinea forest wallabies.

However, this group has a fragmented fossil record that starts in the Australian mainland during the late Miocene epoch.

To date, two additional species of fossil forest wallabies have been described: Dorcopsoides buloloensis from the early Pliocene in southeastern Australia and Docopseudofossil from the late Miocene Alcuta Formation on the continent.

The new species, Dorcopsoides cowpatensis, is smaller than its relatives and exhibits varying combinations of dental characteristics and skeletal conditions.

“New Guinea forest wallabies are not well-known scientifically, and there is limited fundamental information regarding their diet and habitat,” noted Professor Gavin Prideaux of Flinders University.

“The existing forest wallabies are adorable and unique, featuring a slightly melancholic, whippet-like visage.”

“Their robust, curved tails function similarly to those of grey kangaroos, aiding in slow movements, almost acting as a fifth limb.”

The fossil of Dorcopsoides cowpatensis was unearthed at Kaupat Hill in the Alkuta Station of the Northern Territory.

“Forest wallabies likely migrated from Australia to New Guinea around 12 million years ago, disappearing from Australia for reasons still unclear over the past five million years,” remarked Dr. Isaac Kerr of Flinders University.

“During this time, low sea levels regularly connected the islands of New Guinea and mainland Australia, rather than being separated by the currently flooded Torres Straits.”

“Thus, early Australian mammals ventured into New Guinea’s rainforests.”

“However, once the Torres Strait was submerged again, these animal populations became isolated from their Australian counterparts, which did not endure the severe aridity characteristic of most of Australia.”

“Although Dorcopsoides cowpatensis shares many traits with contemporary forest wallabies, it inhabited remarkably different ecosystems.”

“Its environment comprised dry, scrubby bushes surrounded by thick forests, extensive marshes, and ephemeral streams and lakes.”

“These species are believed to have made quick, albeit brief, transitions from dense foliage to more open regions, foraging on leaves, fruits, and fungi.”

Research results were published in Alcheringa, the Australian Journal of Palaeontology.

____

Isaac Kerr & Gavin J. Prideaux. New fossil kangaroo species of the genus Docopseud (Macropodina, Macropodinae) from the Onyeba Regional Fauna in the Late Miocene, Central Australia. Alcheringa published online on July 30th, 2025. doi:10.1080/03115518.2025.2521772

Source: www.sci.news

Researchers Discover Smartwatches Provide Minimal Insight into Stress Levels

Posted on August 8, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Smartwatches are intended to track your well-being throughout the workday, ensuring your life remains balanced.

However, recent studies indicate that these devices are not reliable for accurately assessing stress levels. You may feel overwhelmed when you’re actually just excited.

The findings showed only a weak correlation between smartwatch-reported stress and the levels participants claimed to have felt. In contrast, fatigue was somewhat related to the smartwatch data, while sleep metrics had a stronger association.

Eiko Freed, the study’s author, stated that the connection between smartwatch stress readings and self-reported stress was “essentially zero.”

He further explained, “It’s not surprising since the device doesn’t accurately reflect your emotions and may even heighten feelings of excitement and pleasure.”

Freed recalled that his Garmin had flagged him as stressed while he was exercising and enthusiastically chatting with a long-lost friend from his wedding.

“These findings prompt critical considerations about the ability of wearable tech to truly reflect our mental states,” Fried remarked. “Exercise caution; don’t rely solely on smartwatches. They are consumer gadgets, not medical instruments.”

Freed noted that while many researchers are exploring physiological indicators that could represent emotional states, the accuracy is often insufficient due to the overlap of positive and negative emotions. For instance, increased heart rate can indicate both anxiety and excitement.

Fried, an associate professor at Leiden University’s Clinical Psychology Department, monitored stress, fatigue, and sleep over three months in 800 young adults using Garmin Vivosmart 4 watches. Participants were asked to report their feelings about stress, fatigue, and sleepiness four times daily, which were then compared to the smartwatch data.

As published in the Journal of Psychopathology and Clinical Science, none of the participants found that their smartwatch stress readings accurately reflected their self-reported stress levels. For 25% of participants, the smartwatch indicated they were either not stressed or stressed when they felt quite the opposite.

The link between physical fatigue, dubbed “body battery” by Garmin, was “significantly stronger than stress but overall still weak,” Fried mentioned. Garmin attributes this to a combination of pulse rates and activity levels, though they do not disclose the specifics of how the body battery score is calculated.

The connection to sleep proved to be stronger, although Freed acknowledged the need for improved measurements on undisturbed rest.

In about two-thirds of sleep assessments, a notable correlation between Garmin readings and self-reported data was observed. Researchers highlighted that participants often projected that Garmin sleep duration would increase by around two hours if they reported improved sleep quality compared to a prior day rated poorly. “This effect is quite remarkable,” they noted.

The study aspires to establish early warning systems for depression, enabling wearable technology users to receive data that may facilitate preventive care before a depressive episode occurs.

There are initial indicators suggesting that reduced activity levels could be predictive, although Fried has not yet determined whether this stems from exercise’s protective role against depression or if declining energy arises as mental health deteriorates.

“Wearable technology can offer insightful information about emotions and experiences, but it’s vital to understand their limitations,” stated Margarita Panayiotou, a researcher at the University of Manchester.

“This study will elucidate the reliable insights such data can provide and contribute significantly to the ongoing discussion regarding technology’s role in understanding happiness. It’s crucial to remember that wearable data might not represent objective truths and should be interpreted within a broader context, including individual experiences and perceptions.”

Garmin was contacted for comments.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Discover Bernband’s Alien Landscape: A Perfect Spot for Digital Exploration—No Maps Needed!

Posted on August 7, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

hA game serves as a poetic narrative within its description. Bernband is described as “a science fiction exploration game for those who enjoy wandering….” Players can meander through vivid and peculiar worlds, bask in the glow of streetlights, and navigate beneath the zigzagging flags overhead. They traverse corridors hosting odd green flora growing in planters, and even engage with otherworldly subway trains that sway above them—tentacle grips, perhaps? “I have no objectives apart from walking,” the game’s Steam page asserts. “Where will your feet lead you?”

There’s an alluring quality about a game that encourages exploration. However, this doesn’t imply that creating such a game is straightforward. “Wandering as the primary objective poses numerous challenges,” remarks Tom Van Den Boogart, who began this venture back in 2014 to reassess the project.

“Exploration is our primary goal”… Bern Band. Photo: Sokpop Collective

Consequently, every journey through Bernband commences similarly. In a modest apartment with windows offering glimpses of the strange universe contained within the game. “The idea is to convey that you are a resident of this city,” explains Van den Boogert. “And as time passes, familiarity with the environment will develop. Your adventure starts once you step through the door.” The apartment also serves as a sanctuary for players to return to after their explorations. “It introduces a subtle goal: ‘Can I find my way back to the apartment?’ Even if it’s just at a subconscious level.”

Van Den Boogat discovered quickly that the Wandering Game should offer players destinations to explore freely. Consequently, the majority of the Bernband universe is arranged in a nonlinear manner. “In most instances, there are various routes to a destination,” he states. “Some paths are more obscure or less obvious than others. If exploration is the core objective of the game, I aim to allow players to choose what they wish to investigate.”

An alien city influenced by real-world locations… Bern Band. Photo: Sokpop Collective

Despite this unobtrusive design, Van Den Boogat acknowledges that avoiding predictability is an ongoing struggle. Yet, he persists. “I believe having access to this sort of information can rob players of the enchanting feeling that comes from stumbling upon hidden realms,” he chuckles. “You are aware that they exist on some level.”

The alien city in Bernband isn’t structured as a traditional open world; instead, it comprises distinct areas interlinked by elevators and various transport options. This format was chosen to ensure that players can immerse themselves in specific sections of a broader landscape. Additionally, Van Den Boogat creates from a compilation of locations he finds engaging or enjoyable. To maintain his creativity, he ensures this list remains somewhat vague: a large supermarket, a shaded bar, and a swimming pool with water slides.

https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/yxSl96druSQ?wmode=opaque&feature=oembed" title="Bernband – Announcement Trailer" height="480" width="854" allowfullscreen="

And while the world is alien, Bernband draws inspiration from real-life locations familiar to Van Den Boogat, whether it’s his hometown of Gouda in the Netherlands or influential spots in the gaming industry found in Tokyo, San Francisco, Stockholm, and beyond.

“When I develop games, I prefer to draw inspiration from personal memories and experiences, rather than other media like games or films,” he shares. “This approach fosters a deeper, more personal connection to my work, and I hope it imparts a unique essence to the game and its world.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

Scientists Discover Frost in a Martian Volcano – A Surprising Find!

Posted on July 31, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Water is crucial for life, which is why researchers prioritize finding water sources when exploring other planets. Mars is of particular interest to astrobiologists due to evidence of historical water presence. The current surface of Mars is cold and arid, prompting scientists to investigate what happened to that past water. Studies have indicated that Mars has an active water cycle that produces clouds of water ice, but the existence of water on its surface remains unclear.

Recently, an international team of researchers employed high-resolution imaging and spectral photoanalysis to look for frost on Mars’ volcanoes. They analyzed around 4,200 images obtained using a technology known as color and stereo surface imaging technology from Cassis. This technology utilizes satellite imagery of Mars from the European Space Agency’s Trace Gas Orbiter. The researchers explained that they identified frost by searching for the blue wavelengths in blackcurrant data, as frozen surfaces reflect more brightly at these blue wavelengths of spectral light.

Through their analyses, the team located 13 frost regions across four volcanoes, including Olympus Mons, Seranius Solas, Ascleus, and Arciamontes. They observed images taken over a 12-hour period and noted that high frost concentrations appeared early in the morning on the edges and craters of Olympus Mons. In one crater alone, frost covered an area of about 4,500 km or 3,000 miles, akin to the size of Philadelphia. The researchers estimated that these frost deposits were quite thin, measuring around 10 microns thick, which is roughly one-tenth the width of a human hair.

Next, the team sought to determine if the frost was composed of water or carbon dioxide. Given that Mars’ atmosphere is predominantly carbon dioxide, it is possible for carbon dioxide to freeze. Similar to Earth, Mars has ice in its polar regions; the Martian polar ice caps consist primarily of carbon dioxide, with minor amounts of water. Thus, they theorized that the volcanic frosts could also contain frozen carbon dioxide.

The research team utilized Mars weather research and prediction models to calculate the surface temperature of a volcano over a 24-hour period. They determined that the minimum temperature was -190°F or approximately -120°C, which is too warm for carbon dioxide frost to form, as it typically requires surface temperatures below -200°F or -130°C. However, they proposed that these volcanic frost deposits are likely made of water, as they were found at -140°F or -95°C in the Martian atmosphere.

The researchers highlighted that these Martian volcanoes are among the tallest highland volcanoes in the solar system and located within the equatorial region of Mars. It’s generally not expected that water ice would form in equatorial volcanoes since the slopes and sides tend to be too warm for frost condensation. However, their climate model indicated that the unique topography of these volcanic craters created local weather patterns conducive to frost formation.

Finally, the team carried out further observations and climate model simulations of Olympus and Arciamontes to ascertain whether this frost can form solely during the day or throughout the night. They found that frost accumulated in both volcanoes during the early mornings of winter and spring but not in summer, indicating a seasonal pattern that might reflect variations in Martian temperatures.

The researchers concluded that Mars’ volcanoes produce about 150,000 tonnes, or 150,000,000 kilograms, of water frost daily. They suggested that this frost formation is likely influenced by seasonal atmospheric phenomena such as wind patterns and pressure changes. Studying these processes could help scientists determine the potential for life on Mars; nevertheless, they noted that additional research is needed to rule out direct volcanic water sources.

Post view: 57

Source: sciworthy.com

Archaeologists Discover 2,500-Year-Old Honey in Bronze Jars Unearthed in Italy

Posted on July 31, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Archaeologists have reexamined the 2,500-year-old remnants discovered in bronze containers at an underground shrine in Paestum, Italy, previously categorized as a mixture of wax, fat, and resin. Utilizing a multi-species approach, the researchers identified lipids, sugar degradation products, hexose sugars, and key royal jelly proteins.

Paestum Honey: (a) An underground shrine in Paestum, Italy. (b) One of the Hydrias showcased in 2019 alongside a Perspex box containing Ashmolean Museum residues. (c) A graphic representation of the arrangement of bronze artifacts within the shrine. (d) Samples extracted from the core of the residue. Image credit: Da Costa Carvalho et al. , doi: 10.1021/jacs.5c04888.

Honey played a crucial role in ancient societies.

Historical texts and depictions indicate that honey was utilized as an early sweetener in medicinal recipes, rituals, and cosmetics.

Within ancient Greek and Roman traditions, bees and honey were of significant religious and symbolic value.

Honey is thought to confer wisdom, with myths stating that Zeus was given honey in his infancy.

Discovering honey in archaeological residues offers direct chemical evidence of the collection, exploitation, and processing of bee products, illuminating early agricultural and subsistence strategies in various regions globally.

In 1954, excavations at an ancient Greek site in Pestum, southern Italy, dating back to around 520 BC, unveiled an underground shrine dedicated to an unknown deity. This shrine housed a bronze bottle and two amphoras encircling an empty iron bed.

The container was found to hold a paste-like residue with a distinct waxy aroma.

Archaeologists noted that the residue was initially a liquid or semi-liquid. Traces were discovered on the exterior of a vessel that had originally been sealed with a cork disk.

The excavation reports underscored the shrine’s sacredness, with the empty bed’s inaccessibility suggesting the presence of the deity.

Additionally, archaeologists identified the original contents of the bronze bottle as honey, a revered symbol believed to have originated from honeycomb, though only traces of beeswax persisted as a prominent element.

Subsequent laboratory analyses of samples with varying residues ruled out honey from the composition.

In 2019, when the residues from Paestum reached the Ashmolean Museum for display during the final evening of the Pompeii exhibition, it presented a fresh opportunity to reassess the biomolecular composition, leveraging recent advances in mass spectrometry technology.

Researchers from Oxford University, including Luciana da Costa Carvalho and James McCulla, analyzed the residue samples, determining their molecular composition through several modern analytical methods.

The analysis revealed that the ancient residues bore nearly identical chemical signatures to modern beeswax and honey, with elevated acidity levels indicative of changes due to prolonged storage.

The chemical profile of the residue appears to be more complex than that of pyrolyzed beeswax, hinting at the existence of honey or other substances.

Residues in contact with the bronze jar showed a mixture of sugars that had reacted with copper.

Hexose sugars, frequently identified in honey, were present in higher concentrations in the ancient residues compared to modern beeswax.

Proteins linked to Royal Jelly, known to be secreted by western honeybees, were also identified in the residues.

These findings suggest that the ancient material may indeed be remnants of ancient honey.

However, researchers have not entirely ruled out the presence of other bee products.

“The ancient residues are not simply traces of what people consumed and offered to the gods; they represent intricate chemical ecosystems,” remarked Dr. Da Costa Carvalho.

“Investigating these substances will unveil how they have evolved over time, paving the way for future studies on ancient microbial activities and their potential applications.”

A paper detailing the study’s findings was published today in the Journal of the American Chemical Society.

____

Luciana da Costa Carvalho et al. Immortal symbol: evidence of honey in bronze jars from 530 to 510 BC. J. Am. Chemistry. Soc, published online on July 30th, 2025. doi:10.1021/jacs.5c04888

Source: www.sci.news

Discover Your Heart’s True Age with This Easy Tool

Posted on July 30, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

A recent study conducted by researchers at Northwestern Medicine reveals that the cognitive aging of many American adults is occurring at a pace exceeding their chronological age, sometimes by more than a decade.

This study, published in the journal Jama Cardiology, utilized a cutting-edge calculator to estimate the “heart age” of over 14,000 U.S. adults devoid of prior cardiovascular diseases.

Available for free, these tools can be accessed online. By translating risk percentages into age, individuals can more easily reassess their risk scores and comprehend how their lifestyle and health choices influence their long-term heart health.

“Traditional percentage-based estimates can often feel abstract and hard to interpret,” noted senior author Professor Sadiya Khan in an interview with BBC Science Focus.

“We believe that presenting the risk of heart disease in terms of age serves as a valuable supplementary tool that is more intuitive. It’s simpler for individuals to grasp whether their heart age is ‘older’ or ‘younger’ than their actual age.”

The calculator leverages basic health metrics, such as blood pressure, cholesterol levels, smoking status, diabetes, and more to compute a person’s heart age, based on equations formulated by the American Heart Association.

In this study, women exhibited an average heart age that was 4.1 years older than their chronological age, while men showed an average gap of seven years.

However, the discrepancies were more pronounced among marginalized communities. For instance, Black men had a heart age that was 8.5 years older than their chronological age, compared to 6.4 years for white men.

Improving diet and incorporating exercise can help align your heart age with your actual age. – Credit: Getty

Hispanic and Black women exhibited heart ages significantly older than their white and Asian counterparts, and individuals with lower income and educational backgrounds were similarly impacted.

“These disparities are expected given the heightened risk of cardiac diseases in minority groups or those facing social disadvantages. However, they emphasize the urgent need for action,” Khan stated.

“Recognizing individuals with an ‘older’ heart age can prompt them to take immediate steps to prioritize preventive measures.”

Khan envisions that this tool will be integrated into primary care, facilitating discussions about health risks and encouraging healthier lifestyle choices. “The exciting aspect of this tool is the multitude of actions individuals can take,” she mentioned.

“We aim for this to empower people to optimize their heart health, promoting healthier aging and extended health spans.”

Read more:

About our experts

Sadiya S Khan is a professor of cardiovascular epidemiology at Northwestern University’s School of Preventive Medicine. She is board-certified in internal medicine and cardiovascular diseases and holds an active medical license in Illinois.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Discover Top Exercises Tailored for Your Personality Type

Posted on July 15, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Tailoring your workout routine to align with your personality can significantly enhance your commitment to your training regimen, according to new research.

The study, led by Professor Flaminia Ronka at University College London, found that individuals who derive enjoyment from sports are more likely to maintain their participation. This indicates that a customized fitness plan is more effective than a generic approach.

“If you don’t follow that, there’s no point in prescribing the ideal exercise plan,” Ronka stated in an interview with BBC Science Focus.

“Fun is crucial for behavioral change. To encourage the population to be more proactive, a strategic approach is essential in identifying enjoyable activities for individuals.”

This study explored the impact of personality traits on preferred types of exercise.

Researchers categorized participants based on the five major personality traits: agreeableness (willingness to cooperate), conscientiousness (self-discipline and detail orientation), extraversion (sociability), neuroticism (tendency toward anxiety or unhappiness), and openness (willingness to try new things).

The findings suggested that individuals who are more sociable enjoy engaging in intense workouts, particularly those that involve social interactions like team sports and dance classes, implying that many can find enjoyment in vigorous aerobic activities.

Conversely, those who are higher in neuroticism preferred privacy and were less comfortable being observed while completing the 15-minute cycling exercise used to assess fitness levels. Moreover, they were also less inclined to monitor their heart rate during workouts.

“This indicates that individuals in this category may value a setting that allows for independence and privacy during their exercise routine,” Ronka explained. Participants in this group typically favored more calming exercises, such as stretching, yet remarked that “high intensity was acceptable as long as breaks were allowed.”

All participants who adhered to the program reported positive outcomes, but the more anxious individuals particularly stood out.

“These participants exhibited a notably significant reduction in stress following the exercise program,” Ronka noted. “This is encouraging, as it highlights that those who experience the greatest stress relief are highly responsive to exercise.”

More anxious individuals tended to benefit from calmer exercises, such as stretching – Source: Getty Images

To examine how personality influences exercise habits, this study required participants to engage in an eight-week home fitness program involving cycling and strength training.

Fitness levels were assessed at both the beginning and end of the program, during which participants completed a questionnaire to evaluate their personality type and attitudes toward exercise.

Not all personality types exhibited strong inclinations. Agreeable and open individuals did not show a preference for a specific type of exercise.

“Nonetheless, agreeableness and openness can influence how we participate in health behaviors in different ways, such as the types of exercises we are willing to try,” Ronka added.

“As long as you do not enjoy a specific session, don’t worry,” she concluded. “You can always try something different.”

About our experts

Flaminia Ronka is an associate professor at the Institute of Sports, Exercise, and Health at the University of London. Her research focuses on motor neuroscience and the connection between movement and cognition. Ronka also collaborates with British police to enhance officer wellbeing and performance.

Read more

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Astronomers Discover a Novel Type of Plasma Wave Orbiting Jupiter

Posted on July 11, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Unusual Behaviour of Plasma at Jupiter’s Poles

NASA/JPL-CALTECH/SWRI/MS SS; Oleksuik © CC NC SA

Jupiter’s surrounding space is among the most unique in our solar system, and the plasma present is equally remarkable, exhibiting unprecedented wave patterns.

Robert Lysak, from the University of Minnesota, explores Aurora phenomena. These captivating displays of green and blue light on Earth are accompanied by nearly undetectable ultraviolet rays near Jupiter’s poles.

To comprehend the auroras on this distant planet, it’s vital to grasp the intricacies of the plasma that generates these lights—a mix of charged particles and atomic components that envelopes the planet. Insights gathered from NASA’s Juno spacecraft have led Lysak and his team to identify that Jupiter’s Auroral Plasma resonates with a novel type of wave.

This newly identified wave is a combination of two well-characterized types of plasma waves: the Alfven wave, which arises from the motion of charged particles, and the Langmuir wave, which corresponds to electron movement. Lysak points out that since electrons are much lighter than charged particles, these two kinds of waves typically oscillate at vastly different frequencies.

However, the environment near Jupiter’s poles possesses conditions ideal for both waves to oscillate together. This is enabled by the low density of the plasma in that region and the strong magnetic field exerted by the planet.

“The plasma characteristics observed are truly unique when compared to those in other parts of our solar system,” states John Leif Jorgensen at the Institute of Technology Denmark. With Juno’s data uncovering new wave patterns, he believes we can learn more about the magnetic attributes of distant exoplanets by looking for similar signals.

Juno is currently in orbit around Jupiter, with Lysak noting that if its mission is extended, it could provide unparalleled insights into the giant planet and its complexities. This mission, however, is one among several that may face cuts due to proposed NASA budget reductions.

“Discontinuing missions while they are yielding valuable data would be a significant setback for our field,” concludes Lysak.

Topics:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Paleontologists Discover Ancient Proteins in Mammalian Tooth Enamel from 18 Million Years Ago

Posted on July 10, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Researchers have identified protein sequences within the dense enamel tissues of ancient nasal cavities and materials collected from the Burg and Lopelot sites in the Turkana Basin, Kenya.

The Turkana Basin within the East African lift system preserves fossil communities dating back more than 66 million years. Green et al. Powder samples were collected for paleontological skin analysis from the early Pleistocene back to the Oligocene (29 million years ago) from large herbivores. Image credit: Green et al., doi: 10.1038/s41586-025-09040-9.

“Teeth are the rocks in our mouths,” stated Dr. Daniel Green, a researcher at Harvard and Columbia University.

“They represent the most complex structures created by animals; hence, it’s possible to find teeth that are 100 million years old, offering geochemical records of animal life.”

“This includes insights into their diets, hydration, and habitats.”

“Previously, we believed that mature enamel, being the hardest part of teeth, should contain very little protein.”

Yet, by employing a novel proteomic technique known as liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), the researchers uncovered remarkable protein diversity in various biological tissues.

“The method comprises multiple stages where peptides are sorted according to size or chemistry, enabling detailed sequential analysis at unprecedented resolution,” explains Dr. Kevin Uno from Harvard and Columbia University.

“Recent findings indicate that there are dozens, potentially hundreds, of different proteins present in tooth enamel,” remarked Dr. Green.

Recognizing that many proteins exist in modern teeth, researchers pivoted towards studying fossils of nasal mesentery and related materials.

As herbivores, these creatures exhibited large teeth to crush their plant-based diets.

“These mammals could have enamels measuring 2-3 millimeters in thickness, providing ample material for investigation,” Dr. Green noted.

“Our discovery — peptide fragments and amino acid chains representing proteins spanning around 18 million years — stands to transform the field.”

“No one has previously identified peptide fragments of such antiquity.”

The oldest published findings to date date back around 3.5 million years.

“The newly identified peptides encompass a diverse array of proteins, representing what is known as the proteome,” Dr. Green remarked.

“One reason we are thrilled about these ancient teeth is that we lack a complete proteome for all proteins that could potentially be extracted from the bodies of these extinct elephants and rhinos, yet we can identify distinct groups.”

“Such collections could yield more information from these groups than from a single protein alone.”

“This research opens a new chapter for paleontology, enabling scientists to reconstruct the molecular and physiological traits of extinct species, moving beyond just bones and morphology,” stated Dr. Emmanuel Nudiemma, a researcher at the National Museum of Kenya.

“These peptide fragments can be utilized to delve into the relationships among ancient animals, much like contemporary methods that map human DNA relations.”

“Though a few animals analyzed in studies are completely extinct without living descendants, in theory, proteins could be extracted from their teeth and added to a phylogenetic tree,” Dr. Green elaborated.

“This information may clarify long-standing debates among paleontologists concerning the relationships among various mammalian lineages, utilizing molecular evidence.”

Survey results Today, I will be featured in the journal Nature.

____

Dr. Green et al. Diverse enamel proteomes from rifts of East Africa over 108 million years. Nature Published online on July 9, 2025. doi:10.1038/s41586-025-09040-9

Source: www.sci.news

Scientists Discover That Wild Killer Whales Occasionally Share Food with Humans

Posted on July 8, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

In the paper published online in the Journal of Comparative Psychology, marine biologists detail 34 interactions where killer whales (Orcinus orca) offered food to humans over the last 20 years. These incidents were reported in oceans worldwide, including locations from California to New Zealand, Norway, and Patagonia. The killer whales provided a diverse array of 18 species: six fish, five mammals, three invertebrates, two birds, one reptile, and one type of seaweed. The authors propose that these occurrences may illustrate a form of general altruism.

Case presented by Towers et al. Wild killer whale (Orcinus orca) utilized prey and other items to incite interactions with humans. Image credits: Towers et al., doi: 10.1037/com0000422.

Altruistic behaviors, such as sharing prey, are prosocial acts that can foster various forms of reciprocity.

Such relationship dynamics lay the groundwork for cerebral development related to the evolution of social norms in species like primates and dolphins.

Despite some cultures among these species benefiting from interactions with other mammals, documented cases of wild animals actively providing for humans are exceedingly rare.

“Orcas frequently share food with one another. It’s a prosocial behavior that helps them build relationships,” remarked Dr. Jared Towers, a researcher at Bay Setrogy.

“We are also intrigued by what they choose to share with people and how that relates to us.”

Dr. Towers and his collaborators, Dr. Ingrid Visser from the Orca Research Trust and Dr. Vanessa Prigollini from the Marine Education Association, collected and analyzed data on the 34 food distribution events they and others encountered.

In 11 cases, people were in the water when killer whales approached them. In 21 instances, they were on boats, and in two cases, they were on the shore.

Some instances were recorded through videos and photos, while others were documented via interviews with researchers.

All incidents had to meet strict criteria for inclusion in the analysis; each case required the whale to approach humans and present items voluntarily.

In every instance except one, killer whales observed the reactions after they offered food, and in seven instances, they initially refused to present it before trying multiple times.

“While domesticated animals like dogs and cats occasionally share food with humans, our study provides one of the first comprehensive accounts of such behaviors in non-domesticated species,” the scientists stated.

“This behavior makes sense, as killer whales are intelligent, social creatures that use food sharing to form relationships with both kin and non-kin.”

“They often hunt prey much larger than themselves.”

“By offering items to humans, they are presented with chances to practice, explore, and engage with the cultural behaviors typical of killer whales, while also learning to manipulate and enhance their interactions with us.”

“We believe that the cognitive abilities and social nature of these animals can help explain these behaviors.”

____

JR Towers et al. 2025. Water Test: An Attempt by a Wild Killer Whale (Orcinus orca) to Provide for People (Homo sapiens). Journal of Comparative Psychology in press; doi: 10.1037/com0000422

Source: www.sci.news

Biologists Discover How Plants Detect Heat During the Day

Posted on July 2, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

A recent study conducted by the University of California reveals that plants utilize a variety of thermosensory systems, with sunlight-generated sugar playing a critical and previously overlooked role in their responses to daytime temperatures.

Arabidopsis plants showing growth in greenhouses. Image credit: Elena Zhukova/UCR.

“Textbooks traditionally assert that proteins like phytochrome B and early flowering 3 (ELF3) are primarily responsible for thermoregulation in plants,” noted Professor Chen.

“However, these theories are derived from data collected at night.”

“We aimed to explore the dynamics during the day when both light and temperature are elevated, reflecting the typical conditions most plants encounter.”

Professor Chen and his team conducted their research using Arabidopsis, a favored small flowering plant within the Institute of Genetics.

The researchers subjected the seedlings to temperatures from 12-27 degrees Celsius under varying light settings and monitored the elongation of hypocotyls, a classic indicator of growth response to warmth.

They discovered that phytochrome B, the photosensitive protein, could only sense temperature in low light. In bright conditions that mimicked midday sunlight, its ability to detect warmth was significantly inhibited.

Interestingly, plants continued to respond to heat, and their growth metrics remained elevated even when the thermosensory function of phytochrome B was curtailed.

“This highlights the existence of other sensory mechanisms,” Professor Chen remarked.

One significant observation stemmed from examining phytochrome B mutants that lacked thermosensory capabilities.

These mutants were only able to react to warmth when grown under light conditions.

In darkness, devoid of photosynthesis, they lost chloroplasts and did not exhibit increased growth in response to warmth.

However, their temperature response was restored upon reintroducing sugar to the growth medium.

“That was the point I realized that sugar does more than just promote growth; it serves as a signal indicating warmth,” Professor Chen explained.

Additional experiments demonstrated that elevated temperatures lead to the breakdown of stored starch in leaves, releasing sucrose.

This sugar stabilized a protein called PIF4, a crucial growth regulator. In the absence of sucrose, PIF4 would decompose rapidly, but its accumulation only occurred when another sensor, ELF3, became inactive and responded to heat.

“PIF4 requires two conditions: access to sugars and relief from suppression. Temperature facilitates both,” Professor Chen added.

This research unveils a complex network of systems. During daylight, when light serves as an energy source for carbon fixation, sugar-based mechanisms have evolved that enable plants to sense environmental changes.

As temperatures rise, stored starch transforms into sugar, permitting essential growth proteins to function.

The implications of these findings are noteworthy. As climate change brings about extreme temperatures, understanding the mechanisms plants use to sense heat may assist scientists in developing crops that thrive under increasingly unpredictable stress.

“This will transform our understanding of how plants perceive temperature,” Professor Chen remarked.

“It’s not merely about proteins activating or deactivating; it’s about energy, light, sugar, and more.”

“The results also emphasize the intricate sophistication found in the plant kingdom.”

“There’s a hidden intelligence in photosynthesis and the management of starch reserves.”

“When the moment arrives for them to reach for the sky, they do so with sweetness and precision.”

study published in the journal Natural Communication.

____

D. Fan et al. 2025. Multi-sensor high temperature signaling framework for triggering daytime thermochemistry. Arabidopsis. Nat Commun 16, 5197; doi:10.1038/s41467-025-60498-7

Source: www.sci.news

Geoscientists Discover Pulsating Mantle Plume Beneath Remote Area of Ethiopia

Posted on July 1, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

According to a study led by researchers at the University of Southampton, these pulses are gradually tearing apart the African continent, resulting in the formation of a new sea basin.

Variation of geochemical and geophysical properties around distant triangles. Image credit: Watts et al, doi: 10.1038/s41561-025-01717-0.

The AFAR region stands out as a unique site on Earth where three structural lifts converge: the main Ethiopian rifts, the Red Sea rifts, and the Gulf of Aden lifts.

Geologists have speculated for some time that a thermal upwelling from the mantle, commonly referred to as plumes, exists beneath this area and promotes the extension of the crust along with the formation of upcoming sea basins.

However, the details regarding the structure of this upwelling and its behavior beneath the lifting plate have remained largely unknown until now.

“Our findings indicate that the mantle below the region is uniform but not stationary; it exhibits a pulsing nature that carries a unique chemical signature,” explained Dr. Emma Watts, who led the study at the University of Southampton and is currently at Swansea University.

“These rising pulses from the partially melted mantle are directed by the overlying filling plate.”

“This insight is crucial for understanding the interaction between the Earth’s interior and its surface.”

Dr. Watts and her team collected over 130 volcanic rock samples from remote areas and significant Ethiopian rifts.

Additionally, they utilized existing data and sophisticated statistical modeling to examine the structure of the crust and mantle, along with the melts within.

Their research reveals a single asymmetric plume beneath the distant region, showcasing distinct chemical bands that recur throughout the lift system, akin to geological barcodes.

These patterns vary in spacing according to the structural conditions of each lift arm.

“The observed chemical stripes imply that the plume pulsates like a heartbeat,” remarked Professor Tom Gernon from the University of Southampton.

“These pulses seem to behave differently based on the thickness of the plate and the rate at which it is pulled apart.”

“In faster-spreading rifts like the Red Sea, the pulsation occurs more efficiently and regularly, similar to a pulse flowing through a narrow artery.”

The findings illustrate that the mantle plume beneath the distant region is dynamic, reacting to the tectonic plate above it.

Dr. Derek Kiel, a researcher at the University of Southampton and the University of Florence, stated:

“This has significant implications for interpreting processes related to surface volcanism, seismic activity, and continental splitting.”

“Our work indicates that deep mantle upwellings flow beneath the tectonic plate, concentrating volcanic activity in the thinnest areas.”

“Understanding the rate and manner of mantle flow beneath the plate is crucial for further research.”

“Collaborating with experts from various fields within the institution, as we did for this project, is vital for uncovering the processes that occur beneath the Earth’s surface and their link to recent volcanic activity,” Dr. Watts emphasized.

“It’s challenging to see the broader picture, akin to assembling a puzzle without all the pieces unless we employ diverse techniques.”

study published in the journal Natural Earth Science.

____

ej watts et al. Mantle upwelling at an afor triple junction influenced by the dynamics of the overriding plate. Nat. Geosci Published online on June 25, 2025. doi:10.1038/s41561-025-01717-0

Source: www.sci.news

Archaeologists Discover 3,500-Year-Old Rice Remnants in Guam

Posted on June 26, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Rice served as a fundamental crop in the Austronesian region, which includes the ancestors of Taiwan and the islands of Southeast Asia. However, it was largely unknown in the Pacific Islands during their initial encounters with Europeans, with the exceptions of Guam and the Mariana Islands. A recent study conducted by scientists from Guam, China, and Australia highlights the discovery of abundant rice husks and leafy plant oils associated with red melted pottery found in the Litidian Beach Caves in Guam, dating back between 3,500 and 3,100 years ago.

Ritidian Beach Cave, Guam. Image credit: Hsiao-Chun Hung.

The presence of early rice in Pacific Island settlements is part of a broader narrative about rice as a staple in the diet of ancient Austronesian speakers, who formed the world’s most extensive language family prior to the onset of global colonial expansions.

Austronesian communities cultivated rice in Taiwan no less than 4,800 years ago, but cultivation of rice among populations in eastern Indonesia seems to have been carried over into the more remote Pacific Islands. The Austronesian ancestors migrated from Taiwan across the Asia-Pacific region approximately 4,200 years ago.

These early islanders introduced domesticated rice from Taiwan and returned to the Yangtze River Basin in mainland China, the source of these resources.

In this context, rice’s significance in the Mariana Islands in Guam and western Micronesia has garnered significant interest, as it was the sole island in the distant Pacific where rice cultivation occurred, as evidenced by historical records from the 1500s and 1600s.

“These findings provide fresh insights into ancient migration and culture,” states Dr. Hsiao-Chun Hung, an archaeologist at the Australian National University.

“To this point, archaeological records only showed traces of rare rice in the remote Pacific Ocean, dating back perhaps 1,000 to 700 years ago. The evidence we have found pushes that timeline significantly forward.”

Rice cultivation from excavations at Litidian Beach Cave in Guam. Scale bar – 10μm. Image credits: Carson et al. , doi: 10.1126/sciadv.adw3591.

Dr. Hung and her team discovered ancient rice remnants in a cave at Ritidian Beach in northern Guam.

“Rice served as a daily staple in many ancient Asian societies, yet this discovery reveals that, in the remote Pacific Ocean, it was regarded as a valuable item reserved for rituals rather than regular consumption,” Dr. Hung remarked.

“Our investigations found no signs of ancient rice paddies, irrigation systems, or harvesting tools in Guam.”

“Our findings bolster the hypothesis that the first Pacific Islanders transported rice from the Philippines over 2,300 km of open ocean.

“This indicates not just their exceptional navigation abilities but also their foresight in storing and carrying essential resources across vast distances.

“The caves at Ritidian Beach offer unique insights into the lives of early inhabitants in the region, especially given that most other cave sites in Guam were affected during World War II.”

“Despite extensive exploration of outdoor sites, evidence of early rice usage had not been uncovered until this point.”

“This discovery highlights a profound and enduring connection between our ancestral heritage and our Asian roots.”

“Rice husks were found in the oldest cultural layer of this site, dated through a range of advanced methods including radiocarbon analyses of nearby human waste deposits.

“It is likely that rice was prepared and cooked elsewhere, as the grain processing would have left different kinds of evidence.”

“The humid cave conditions were not suitable for storing raw rice in a pot.”

“Ancient residues were only located on ceramic surfaces, ruling out conventional food storage options.”

Details of these findings are documented in a study published in the journal Advances in Science.

____

Mike T. Carson et al. 2025. The earliest evidence of rice cultivation in remote Oceania: ritual use by the first islanders of the Marianas 3,500 years ago. Advances in Science 11 (26); doi:10.1126/sciadv.adw3591

Source: www.sci.news

Discover the First Image from the Vera C. Rubin Observatory: Why You Can’t Miss the Clock Party!

Posted on June 18, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Vera C. Rubin Observatory

Rubin Observatory/NSF/AURA/A. Pizzaro D

I’ve never attended a watch party, unless you include a gathering with my two friends for the Taylor Swift: ERAS Tour (which featured themed snacks). But now, it seems watch parties are evolving beyond just movie releases. In fact, I’m gearing up to join a watch party for my new telescope in just a few days.

I was fortunate enough to be part of one of the first public groups to tour the Bella C. Rubin Observatory in Chile, a visit organized by New Scientist. Now, just two years later, I’m eagerly anticipating the first image that will be captured by this colossal telescope, scheduled for release on June 23rd.

The Vera C. Rubin Observatory stands as a marvel of engineering. It’s set to perform sky scans across the Southern Hemisphere within merely three nights. Over a decade, the observatory will conduct scans for ten nights as part of its legacy survey of space-time known as the LSST. This project promises to revolutionize our understanding of astronomy, unraveling longstanding mysteries, including those related to dark matter, and revealing new enigmas.

Clearly, the images and videos produced by the telescope will be breathtaking. To fully appreciate their detail, watching on a phone screen won’t suffice. Even a desktop display falls short. To capture the full glory of a single image, one would need to utilize 400 Ultra HD TVs, as per the LSST UK consortium. Consequently, the team is encouraging partner institutions worldwide to organize watch parties for a more immersive viewing experience.

The specifics of each watch party vary depending on the hosting institution, which may include planetariums, museums, or universities. For instance, events will take place at the Perth Observatory in Australia and at City University in Hong Kong. Numerous locations across the United States, including the Detroit Observatory in Michigan, will host watch parties where attendees can enjoy science demos and hear from local experts. A common thread across all these events is the live release of the first images and videos captured by the Vera C. Rubin Observatory at 11 AM EDT (11 PM GMT), with everyone tuning in to the live stream.

Processing the intricate details of each image can be a time-consuming endeavor. Not only is there the requirement to zoom out and appreciate the telescope’s expansive field of view, but also to zoom in on galaxies in unprecedented detail. Images produced by Rubin will offer greater resolution than those from the James Webb Space Telescope, covering similar sky areas with 45 moon-like objects while JWST operates with roughly three years of data. Additionally, a time-lapse video capturing how the sky evolves over time has been recorded by Rubin.

You’ll indeed be able to view the images online, as well as in issues of New Scientist once they’re published or shared on social media. However, if you want to celebrate this moment in a community setting, consider visiting this interactive map to discover a watch party near you—or, why not host one yourself? While you may miss the full definition on your home screen, you can still experience some of the thrill of witnessing the unveiling of these images and videos alongside others.

I’m excited to attend a local event, hoping to capture the sense of wonder I felt when I first stood inside the observatory and marveled at its grandeur. It’s a scale that helps us better understand our place in the cosmos, even when contrasted with the vastness of the universe.

topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Paleontologists Discover Early Jurassic Ikchosaurus Fossils in British Columbia

Posted on June 17, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The partial skeleton discovered in the Fernie Formation in British Columbia, Canada, in 1916, represents a new genus and species of an extinct marine reptile named Ichaosaurus, as stated by an international group of paleontologists.

Photos and interpretation of Fernatator Prentisai skeleton in side view on the left. Image credit: Massare et al.

Fernatator Prentisai existed in North America during the early Jurassic Epoch, approximately 109 million years ago.

“Ichthyosaurs—marine reptiles that superficially resemble dolphins—were prominent marine predators from the early Triassic (Olenek) to the beginning of the late Cretaceous (Cenomanian),” noted Professor Judy Massare from SUNY College.

“They were the dominant large predators of the Triassic and early Jurassic seas.”

“Many partial and complete skeletal remains of early Jurassic ichthyosaurs have been collected, primarily from England and Germany.”

“The early Jurassic Ektisaurus in North America is considered rare,” they emphasized.

“Hence, the discovery of partial skeletal remains from western Canada is significant.”

Excavation of Fernatator Prentisai skeleton. The podium is incomplete, but the additional parts that were lost have since been preserved. T. Prentice At Light, WR Wilson, the general manager of CNP Coal Company, is on the left. Photo taken around 1916, between the Elk River, Morrissey, and Fernie, British Columbia. Photographer unknown. Image credit: Massare et al.

The skeleton of Fernatator Prentisai was found by T. Prentiss in the summer of 1916 while fishing on the Elk River in British Columbia, Canada.

“This specimen represents the most complete ichthyosaur known from the early Jurassic in North America and is one among several ichthyosaur specimens known from the Fernie Formation in western Canada,” the paleontologist remarked.

This new species is a medium-sized ichthyosaur, measuring 3-4 m (10-13 feet) in length, with a distinct combination of features.

“As preserved, the entire skeleton measures 2.8 m long, which includes an impression of the front of the podium,” the researcher added.

“In life, this skeleton likely reached approximately 3.5 m in length, possibly even 4 m.”

“Despite the poor preservation, there is enough identifiable morphology to justify the designation of a new genus and species,” they noted.

“It is characterized by a tall, bar-like orbital, short straight jugals that do not extend beyond the anterior or posterior of the orbit, a long, narrow anterior process of the maxilla, and a cora-like body with a broad curved outer end and a deep anterior region, among other features.”

Fernatator Prentisai symbolizes a sparse record of early Jurassic ichthyosaurs, validated from the Early Jurassic in Canada, and is a significant addition to ichthyosaur taxonomy.

A paper detailing this discovery has been published in the June 2025 issue of the journal Paldicola.

____

Judy A. Massare et al. 2025. The most complete early Jurassic ichthyosaur from North America. Paldicola 15(2): 86-99

Source: www.sci.news

Discover “Monster” Tumors That Can Develop Hair, Teeth, and Organs

Posted on June 13, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

This concept may surprise you, but certain tumors can indeed develop parts of your body, or at least fragments of them.

These peculiar layers, known as teratomas, originate from germ cells that possess the extraordinary capability to transform into any type of tissue.

Germ cells typically evolve into sperm or eggs; however, when their development is disrupted, they can create a disorganized mass of tissue.

The term “Teratoma” is derived from the Greek word Teras, which means “monster,” aptly reflecting its nature.

These tumors feature an astonishing array of components, ranging from hair and teeth to muscle tissues and even organ-like structures such as the thyroid and eyes.

While fully functional organs are exceedingly rare, the intricate nature of these tumors is undeniable.

Teratomas are most frequently observed in the ovaries and testes, but they can also appear in the midline of the body, such as the mediastinum (the chest area that houses the heart) and the base of the spine.

The majority of teratomas are benign and can be easily excised, though a small percentage—particularly those in men—can become malignant and necessitate urgent treatment. Surgery is generally the primary method for addressing these tumors, and the prognosis is typically favorable.

It can grow teeth, muscles, thyroid, eyes, and other tissues from the teratoma – Image credit: Science Photo Library

In addition to their medical implications, teratomas have offered significant insights into the science of cellular development.

They can include tissues derived from all three layers of germ cells, making them an intriguing model for studying how cells differentiate and organize.

So, can a tumor grow organs? In a way, yes. However, these structures are often nonfunctional and poorly organized.

Teratoma serves as a striking and unsettling example of the bizarre and unpredictable aspects of human biology.

This article addresses the question posed by Anisa Manning and Steve Nage: “Can tumors grow their own organs?”

If you have questions, please email us at Question @sciencefocus.com or message us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram (please include your name and location).

Explore our ultimate Fun Fact and more captivating science pages.

Read more:

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Paleontologists Discover Fossilized Intestinal Contents from Sauropod Dinosaurs

Posted on June 10, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Diamantinasaurus Mathilde, which existed approximately 94 million years ago during the mid-Cretaceous period, primarily consumed conifers, ferns, flowering plants, and utilized intestinal microorganisms for digestion almost entirely. You can learn more about it at the Winton Formation in Queensland, Australia.

Artist’s impression of Diamantinasaurus Mathilde (Judy). Image credit: Travis Tischler.

Understanding dinosaur diets is essential for grasping their paleontology and their roles in Mesozoic ecosystems.

Nevertheless, while many non-avian dinosaurs are interpreted as herbivores based on their anatomy, only a few fossils provide tangible evidence in the form of coprolites (fossilized intestinal contents).

Out of the thousands of herbivorous non-avian dinosaur specimens identified globally, only three have shown likely or atypical gut contents, all of which belong to armored theropod dinosaurs preserved in marine layers.

Other herbivorous non-avian dinosaur specimens with fossilized gut contents include hadrosaurid ornithopods found in river environments.

Thus, the intestinal contents of sauropod dinosaurs—arguably the most ecologically significant large terrestrial herbivores during the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods—remain largely unexplored due to their immense size.

“Since the 19th century, paleontologists have universally classified sauropods as herbivores,” stated Dr. Stephen Polopat, deputy director of the Western Australian Centre for Organic and Isotope Geochemistry at Curtin University.

“However, the specific plants they consumed and the heights from which they fed remained largely unknown until now.”

Dr. Polopat and his team examined the fossilized intestines of a specimen of Diamantinasaurus Mathilde informally referred to as Judy.

This fossil was discovered at a site near Winton and excavated in 2017 by museum staff and citizen scientists at the Australian Dinosaurs’ Museum of Natural History.

Among Judy’s stomach contents, paleontologists identified pinus and bracts from tall coniferous trees, as well as leaves and fruits originating from small seeds and flowering plants.

Diamantinasaurus Matildae skeleton with intestinal content. Image credits: Poropat et al., doi: 10.1016/j.cub.2025.04.053.” width=”580″ height=”470″ srcset=”https://cdn.sci.news/images/2025/06/image_13971_2-Diamantinasaurus-matildae.jpg 580w, https://cdn.sci.news/images/2025/06/image_13971_2-Diamantinasaurus-matildae-300×243.jpg 300w, https://cdn.sci.news/images/2025/06/image_13971_2-Diamantinasaurus-matildae-60×49.jpg 60w” sizes=”(max-width: 580px) 100vw, 580px”/>

Diamantinasaurus Mathilde skeleton with intestinal contents. Image credits: Polopat et al., doi: 10.1016/j.cub.2025.04.053.

“The findings indicated that sauropods consumed a variety of plants from different levels above the ground, contributing to their long-term survival and adaptability,” Dr. Polopat remarked.

“The stomach contents we analyzed belonged to a 12-meter-long sub-adult sauropod.”

“Our research shows that several types of sub-adult sauropods could feed at varying heights and adapt to diverse climatic, environmental, and vegetation changes during the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods.”

“We also verified that sauropods exhibited bulk-feeding, similar to methods utilized by herbivorous reptiles and birds today.”

“This implies they did not chew their food but swallowed it whole, allowing their digestive systems to process it completely.”

“Any meal would have lingered in their gastrointestinal tracts for as long as two weeks before being excreted.”

“Finally, the ability to observe sauropod stomach contents for the first time corroborated prior hypotheses regarding their dietary behavior.”

“Sauropods were remarkable creatures that roamed the planet for over 130 million years. Understanding their dietary patterns is crucial for comprehending their impact on the Earth’s ecosystem, particularly concerning plants and other herbivorous species.”

“Further research is necessary, and ideally, we aim to discover additional sauropod fossils containing stomach contents to ascertain whether their feeding habits evolved as they matured, especially regarding their consumption of growing plants.”

Professor Kliti Grice, founder of Curtin University’s Western Australian Centre for Organic and Isotope Geochemistry, expressed:

“Utilizing advanced organic geochemical methods, we confirmed the existence of both angiosperms and growth structures within the diet of this sauropod.”

The team’s research paper is published in the journal Current Biology.

____

Stephen F. Polopat et al. 2025. The contents of the fossilized intestine reveal the feeding habits of sauropod dinosaurs. Current Biology 35 (11): 2597-2613; doi: 10.1016/j.cub.2025.04.053

Source: www.sci.news

Women Discover They Are More Attractive Than Men

Posted on June 6, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Women’s faces are often viewed as more attractive than men’s

Aleksandarnakic/Getty Images

Research indicates that women’s faces are generally deemed more attractive than those of men. This conclusion comes from an extensive study involving 12,000 participants globally, revealing that women tend to rate other women’s faces as more appealing than men do.

“When analyzing the gender of the raters, it becomes clear that women’s preferences for female faces are significantly stronger,” says Eugen Wassiliwizky from the Max Planck Institute for Empirical Aesthetics in Germany.

Typically, in many species of mammals and birds, males develop traits to attract females, as noted by Ushiri Withkey. For instance, male mandrill baboons showcase vibrant red and blue facial colors.

“Females are usually the selective sex,” he explains. “This has resulted in men appearing even more attractive over time.”

Yet, as biologists like Charles Darwin have suggested, humans seem distinct in their preference for women as the “fairer sex.”

“There has been ongoing discourse since the 19th century regarding the reversal of sexual roles in humans, but surprisingly, this has not been empirically tested,” Wassiliwizky comments.

Using raw data from various studies on facial attraction, he seeks to substantiate this assumption. For instance, one study his team analyzed looked at the impact of emotions on perceived facial attractiveness.

Much of the analyzed data stems from studies intentionally recruiting heterosexual participants for facial evaluations, according to Washiri Withkey. While some ratings come from volunteers identified as LGBTQ+, their numbers are too limited for substantial conclusions.

Women’s preferences for facial attractiveness seem to cross cultural and national boundaries, with the research revealing “moderate to large scale” trends in nearly all global regions, excluding sub-Saharan Africa and ethnic groups identified as African.

As noted by Washiri Withkey, the perception of women’s faces as more attractive correlates with distinct physical characteristics between genders, yet familiarity with individuals can also influence how attractiveness is perceived by both sexes.

By assessing women’s ratings between feminine and masculine facial features, the research concluded that roughly two-thirds of women’s preferences are attributed to physical disparities, while the remaining third reflects an understanding of gender.

Why do women regard other women as more attractive? “Women might display solidarity with each other or better appreciate one another’s beauty,” speculates Washiri Withkey.

Conversely, regarding why women rate men less favorably than other men, he suggests it might stem from a reluctance to acknowledge male attractiveness, compounded by awareness that their assessments are scrutinized.

Alternatively, women may consider a man’s character based on his appearance. Wassiliwizky advocates for more focused future research, proposing questions such as, “Do you find yourself physically attracted to this individual?” and “How appealing is this face?”

“This paper thoroughly displays the gender variations in attraction across numerous images and cultures,” states Anthony Little from the University of Bath, UK. “Nevertheless, researchers have long highlighted that appeal transcends merely selecting peers.”

“Meta-analytic studies decisively affirm the existence of a ‘gender attractiveness gap’,” adds Karel Kleiner from Charles University in the Czech Republic.

Kleisner’s research uncovered that physical differences in facial features are least pronounced in certain African populations, potentially explaining the lack of significant effects observed there.

Moreover, local beauty standards can vary considerably from global norms, Kleisner notes. “A key limitation of this study is its insensitivity to the unique aesthetics of African beauty.”

In addition, studies focused on body attractiveness might yield different results. “Truthfully, we remain uncertain,” Washiri Withkey admits, highlighting the absence of comparative studies on full-body appeal.

topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Paleontologists Discover New Biomarkers for Identifying Megafauna Species in Australia’s Fossil Record

Posted on June 3, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Paleontologists have discovered peptide markers for three extinct Australian megafauna. This breakthrough facilitates research on creatures such as hippo-sized wombats, colossal kangaroos, and marsupials with enormous claws, aiding our understanding of the series of enigmatic extinctions that took place 50,000 years ago and the potential role of humans in these events.

Palorchestes Azael. Image credit: Nellie Pease/CABAH/CC BY-SA 4.0.

“The geographical distribution and extinction timeline of Australia’s megafauna, along with their interaction with early modern humans, are subjects of intense debate,” commented Professor Katerina Dorca from the University of Vienna.

“The limited fossil finds at various paleontological sites across Australia complicate the testing of hypotheses regarding the extinction of these animals,” added Dr. Kali Peters, Ph.D., of the University of Algarbe.

“Using ZooMS (Zoo departments by mass spectrometry) can aid in increasing the number of identified megafauna fossils, provided that collagen peptide markers for these species are accessible.”

Through the analysis of peptides in collagen samples, researchers can differentiate between various animal species, occasionally even distinguishing among different variants.

Collagen proves to be more resilient than DNA, making this method effective in tropical conditions where DNA may not endure.

However, most reference markers originate from Eurasian species that are not found elsewhere.

This study aims to develop new reference markers tailored for Australian contexts, enhancing the understanding gleaned from the fragmented fossil records of Australia.

“Proteins tend to endure better over extensive time periods and in harsh environments compared to DNA,” noted Dr. Peters.

“Thus, in studying megafauna extinction, proteins might still be preserved even in the absence of DNA.”

The research focused on three species crucial for comprehending megafauna extinction: Zygomaturus trilobus, Palorchestes Azael, and Protemnodon Mamkurra.

Zygomaturus trilobus and Palorchestes Azael belong to a lineage of animals that vanished entirely during the late Quaternary period, while Protemnodon Mamkurra survived long enough to likely coexist with humans arriving in Tasmania.

Scientists previously dated fossilized bones from one species back over 43,000 years.

“Zygomaturus trilobus was among the largest marsupials that ever lived, appearing much like a hippo-sized wombat,” said Professor Douka.

“Protemnodon Mamkurra was a massive, sluggish kangaroo that might have occasionally walked on all fours.”

“Palorchestes Azael was a uniquely shaped marsupial with a distinctive nose and long tongue, powerful forelimbs, and a skull equipped with large claws.”

“If ancient continents connected early modern humans to what we now know as Australia, New Guinea, and Tasmania 55,000 years ago, they would have encountered astonishing creatures.”

The researchers eliminated contaminants and compared peptide markers using reference markers.

The collagen in all three samples was well-preserved, enabling the identification of appropriate peptide markers for each species.

With these markers, paleontologists successfully differentiated Protemnodon from five living genera and one extinct genus of kangaroo.

They could also differentiate Zygomaturus and Palorchestes as these two species couldn’t be distinguished from other large extinct marsupials.

This is common in ZooMS, given that collagen changes accumulate slowly over millions of years of evolution.

Unless further studies enhance specificity, these markers are most effective at identifying bones at the genus level rather than the species level.

Nevertheless, Zoom’s ability to distinguish genera from temperate regions presents opportunities to try and identify bones from tropical regions, where closely related species may feature similar or identical peptide markers, since DNA preservation is rare in these environments.

“The introduction of newly developed collagen peptide markers allows us to identify a multitude of megafauna remains in Australia’s paleontological collections,” stated Dr. Peters.

“Yet, many more species still require characterization through collagen peptide markers.”

“For instance, Diprotodon, the largest marsupial genus ever known, and Thylacoleo, the largest marsupial predator.”

The team’s findings will be published in the journal Frontiers in Mammal Science.

____

Kari Peters et al. 2025. Collagen peptide markers from three Australian megafauna species. Front. Mammal. Sci. 4; doi:10.3389/fmamm.2025.1564287

Source: www.sci.news

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.

____

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.

____

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.

____

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.

____

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.

____

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.

____

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.

Skip over newsletter promotions

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.

____

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.

____

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