Scientists in Australia have discovered a new species of native bee featuring tiny, devilish horns, leading to its whimsically infernal name, Lucifer.
The species is called megachile lucifer. It was identified in 2019 during research on endangered wildflowers in Western Australia’s Goldfields, as reported in a recent study published Monday in the Journal of Hymenoptera Research.
The lead author of the study, Kit Prendergast, who is also a part-time researcher at Curtin University, explained that the female bee earned its name due to its uniquely upturned horns.
“While crafting a description for the new species, I was watching the Netflix series lucifer,” Prendergast mentioned in a statement on Tuesday. “The name felt just right.”
This species was discovered by scientists researching endangered wildflowers. Kit S. Prendergast; Joshua W. Campbell
Following DNA analysis revealed that this species does not correspond with any known bees in current databases, marking it as the first new member of its group to be described in over two decades, according to researchers.
Researchers hypothesize that the approximately 0.9-millimeter-long horns could be used for accessing flowers, competing for resources, or protecting nests, although their precise function remains uncertain. Male bees of this species lack horns.
Prendergast emphasized the significance of studying native bee species, noting that new species may be endangered due to threats such as habitat disruption and climate change.
“If we are unaware of which native bees exist and the plants they rely on, we risk losing both before realizing their importance,” she stated.
Reports indicate that Australia is home to around 2,000 native bee species, with over 300 yet to be scientifically named and described, according to CSIRO, Australia’s National Science Agency.
Tobias Smith, a honey bee researcher from the University of Queensland, mentioned in an email to NBC News on Tuesday that Australia’s native honey bees are “understudied and data-scarce,” resulting in insufficient knowledge about the conservation status of “nearly every species.”
Smith, who did not participate in the study, noted that Australian authorities need “stronger policies” to safeguard native bees from habitat loss, inadequate fire protection, and the heightened threat of large-scale fires.
Smith encouraged Australians to “venture out and seek out our native bees and appreciate their presence.”
Artist’s rendition of a Population III star that existed 100 million years after the Big Bang
Noir Lab/NSF/AURA/J. da Silva/Space Engine/M. Zamani
We may have finally observed the first generation of stars. After decades of searching for these pristine giants, known as Population III stars, astronomers have found their most promising candidate yet.
Population III stars are anticipated to be markedly distinct from today’s stars, or Population I stars. They are believed to have formed from pure hydrogen and helium gases before supernovae and powerful stellar winds dispersed heavier elements across the universe. These stars are also predicted to be larger and hotter than modern counterparts.
That’s precisely the case, according to Eli Visbal. Researchers from the University of Toledo in Ohio made this discovery through a detailed examination of prior James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) observations of a distant galaxy known as LAP1-B. With a redshift of 6.6, this galaxy is visible approximately 800 million years after the Big Bang. Its discovery was facilitated by the magnification of its light due to gravitational lensing by nearby galaxy clusters.
“There’s likely much more to discover in the universe, but we can only see it illuminated by this expanding star cluster,” Visbal noted. When his team estimated how many Population III clusters could exist at this redshift, they figured there should be only one—exactly what they observed. “Our abundance calculations aligned perfectly with those of the previous research team,” he added.
Another advantage of LAP1-B is that it contains only enough stars to comprise several thousand times the mass of the Sun. In contrast, other Population III galaxy candidates usually have significantly larger stellar masses, which do not align with simulations of Population III cluster formation. “This is the most robust candidate we’ve encountered,” says Visbal.
Most Population III stars are thought to have existed and perished between about 100 million and 400 million years after the Big Bang, at which point there were enough heavy elements in the universe to create stars similar to those we observe today. “This object meets many criteria, but I remain somewhat skeptical because these stars emerge later in the timeline, and there may be other viable explanations,” remarks Ralph Cressen from the University of Heidelberg, Germany. “Discovering Population III clusters would be fascinating, but statistically, this would surely be an anomaly.”
However, primordial pockets of hydrogen and helium could linger longer, potentially leading to the formation of Population III stars, as Visbal suggested.
“LAP-B1 is a particularly intriguing candidate, but we are still far from the clear and undeniable indications we would need for definite identification of Population III,” comments Roberto Maiorino at Cambridge University. “[For these to truly be Population III stars] it requires an extremely fortunate combination of factors, each of which is quite rare on its own, and even rarer when they occur together. Further observations and in-depth simulations are essential to ascertain whether LAP1-B represents the first detection of these enigmatic stars.
Understanding Population III stars is crucial, as they offer insights into the formation of the universe’s first heavy elements. “They reveal how the universe’s chemistry evolved from being solely hydrogen and helium to the diverse range of chemicals, life, and entities that exist today,” Visbal states. The stars of Population III were the pioneering building blocks of the complexity encompassing us now.
Fossil brain box and partial skull roof Carnegie Museum of Natural History. This specimen underwent reevaluation and was reclassified, resulting in the establishment of a new genus and species of sauropod dinosaur from the Dicraeosauridae family: athena bellmani.
Holotype brain case of athena bellmani. Image credit: Whitlock et al., doi: 10.26879/1550.
The dinosaur athena bellmani inhabited what is now Utah, USA, during the Late Jurassic Period, approximately 151 to 150 million years ago.
This specimen, designated Carnegie Museum (CM) Specimen 26552, was first discovered in 1913 in the Morrison Formation at the Carnegie Quarry in Dinosaur National Monument.
So far, the specimens have been assigned to a genus of sauropod dinosaurs known as diplodocus.
Dr. John Whitlock, a researcher at Mount Aloysius College and the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, commented, “The Carnegie Museum of Natural History contains some of the most significant specimens for understanding the cranial anatomy of diplodocoid sauropods.”
“One specimen, CM 26552, is frequently overlooked in favor of a more complete skull; however, it holds immense historical significance as it provided the foundation for modern descriptions of brain case anatomy in the diplodocus genus.”
“In view of new discoveries since its initial description in 1978, we are reassessing the anatomical and taxonomic relationships of this specimen.”
The new analysis indicates that CM 26552’s characteristics align more closely with another group of sauropods, the Dicraeosauridae.
“CM 26552 showcases mosaic features that distinctly separate it from other known North American dicraeosaur species,” the paleontologists noted.
“Based on this evidence, we are assigning CM 26552 to a new genus: athena, with the specific name bellmani.”
Research has also revealed that athena bellmani is closely related to dicraeosaurids like Swasea.
The researchers stated, “Considering CM 26552 as a new species of Dicraeosaurina enhances our understanding of this family’s diversity in the Morrison Formation and North America broadly, thus enriching the historically underrepresented sauropod diversity of this region.”
The findings have been published in an online journal this month: Old Trogia Electronica.
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John A. Whitlock et al. 2025. athena bellmani, a new species of dicraeosaur sauropod discovered from Dinosaur National Monument in Utah, USA. Old Trogia Electronica 28 (3): a50; doi: 10.26879/1550
IAfter five consecutive years attempting to steer clear of spending £80 for a stroll around the local park to admire the extravagant Halloween decorations or securing tickets for a wet day at a pumpkin farm in Scotland, I resolved to do something different this Halloween with the kids. We opted for a virtual pumpkin festival.
ghost town pumpkin festival. This game was born during the 2020 pandemic when developer Adam Robinson Yu’s local pumpkin festival was canceled. (Yu also crafted the charming “A Short Hike.”) Each year, the event has returned briefly, letting players take the form of cute ghosts to explore a whimsical micro-world brimming with player-made pumpkins. Each iteration has brought little enhancements, with the 2024 updates featuring a haunted house escape room that took my kids and me quite some time to solve. This year also introduced a movie theater showcasing spooky silent films in vacant rooms.
As you traverse the festival, you’ll encounter other players floating around as traditional sheet ghosts, often adorned with charming hats. Pumpkins populate every corner, from the benches outside a skeleton-themed barn to the corridors of the haunted house. True to form, many designs reflect game themes. Among smiling faces and cat silhouettes against a lunar backdrop created by children, we noticed tributes to Hollow Knight and a meticulous recreation of Majora’s Mask from the spookiest installment of the Zelda franchise.
The advantages of a virtual Halloween festival are numerous. You won’t fall prey to overpriced £8 watery hot chocolate or subpar food van fries. You have the freedom to carve as many virtual pumpkins as your heart desires, and if you make a mistake, you can simply erase it. Plus, it’s no problem if your 6-year-old refuses to don a coat. We were pleasantly surprised by how enjoyable the Ghost Town Pumpkin Festival turned out to be. In addition to the obvious allure of a nerve-wracking hedge maze and a tractor ride through a barn decorated with both cute and cheesy creepy elements, there are countless hidden gems (and collectible pin badges) I stumbled upon during an hour of solo exploration.
Take, for instance, the movie theater. When exiting, I attempted to open the bathroom door only to find it locked. A key was hidden behind the popcorn counter. There was an intriguing code posted on a bulletin board by the bathroom door. Once we cracked that, we discovered another key in one of the stalls and a “restricted access” door beside the theater screen. The compelling little horror game hiding behind that door was too intense for the kids and, honestly, even for me. (Luckily, you can disable all the frightening elements through a menu featuring options like turning off fake blood splatters and swapping out scary images for pictures of dogs.)
The Ghost Town Pumpkin Festival runs until a week after Halloween and can be downloaded below. itch.io Pay as you wish. We highly recommend lingering after your pumpkin carving to explore more.
This newfound species of crocodile existed in what is now Egypt roughly 80 million years ago during the late Cretaceous period.
Dubbed Wasdiskus Kassabi, it belongs to the Dirosauridae family. This group of crocodilians is known for its diverse skull morphology and broad distribution from the Late Cretaceous to the Paleogene.
“In contrast to modern crocodiles, dirosaurs flourished in coastal and marine habitats, characterized by elongated snouts and thin, needle-like teeth optimal for capturing slippery prey like fish and turtles,” stated paleontologist Sara Saber from Assiut University and her colleagues.
“Their notable survival and dispersal following the extinction of the dinosaurs is vital for understanding how reptiles adapted and diversified during the collapse of global ecosystems.”
Wasdiskus Kassabi was estimated to be 3.5 to 4 meters in length, featuring a lengthy snout and sharp, tall teeth.
“What sets it apart from other dirosaurids is its four teeth at the front of the snout versus the primitive five, nostrils placed at the top of the snout for surface breathing, and a notable notch at the snout’s tip where the jaws converge,” Saber added.
“These characteristics suggest that the dirosaurids’ bite was a gradual adaptation, representing a significant milestone in their evolutionary journey.”
Two partial skulls and three partial jaws of Wasdiskus Kassabi were discovered in the Kharga and Baris oases within Egypt’s Western Desert.
“Apart from its unique features, Wasdiskus Kassabi significantly contributes to our understanding of the origins of the dyrosaurid family,” Dr. Saber remarked.
“This new species extends the timeline for the African origin of dirosaurids and suggests their diversification may have begun earlier than previously thought, potentially during the early Coniacian-Santonian period (approximately 87 to 83 million years ago) rather than the Maastrichtian period (around 72 to 66 million years ago) as had been traditionally assumed.”
“This discovery highlights Africa as the evolutionary cradle of dirosaurids, from which subsequent lineages spread worldwide and have consistently been positioned in our phylogenetic analyses.” Wasdiskus Kassabi “is the ancestor of the dirosaurid lineage,” noted Belal Salem, a researcher affiliated with Mansoura University, Ohio University, and Benha University.
“The significance of Wasdiskus Kassabi lies not only in its revelations about the evolutionary history of this remarkable crocodilian group but also in the reminder that Egypt’s Western Desert still holds treasures that guard the mysteries of Earth’s ancient past.”
The findings are detailed in a study published today in the Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society.
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Sarah Saber et al. 2025. Early dirosaurids (Wasdiskus Kassabi) discoveries from the Campanian of Egypt illuminate the origin and biogeography of dirosaurids. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 205 (2): zlaf134; doi: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlaf134
For much of my life, I had a strong aversion to exercise. Each time I tried a new fitness plan, I succumbed to monotony and laziness. My gym membership gathered dust, and my home workout equipment lay unused. The only time I managed to maintain a consistent workout routine was with a personal trainer, but at hundreds of dollars an hour in my area, that wasn’t a sustainable option.
For the past three years, I have been using Future Fitness, which has proven to be the next best alternative. This app and membership connects you with actual trainers who personalize your workout regimen and keep you accountable just like an in-person trainer would. While it costs $199/month, which isn’t cheap, it’s the only fitness app that has truly worked for me, making it worth the investment. Here’s why:
Get Into Gear
I first noticed Future Fitness on my Instagram feed early in the pandemic, promoting a free trial. Having gained a bit of weight from inactivity, I figured it was worth a shot. The app prompted me with questions about my goals and fitness habits, then allowed me to select a coach from several available options.
Photo: Provided by Future Fitness
During a preliminary FaceTime call with my chosen coach, we explored my overall fitness aspirations, preferred training schedule, any existing injuries, and the equipment I had access to at home. I’ve gathered a list of the gear I’ve utilized thus far: a yoga mat, resistance bands, two sets of dumbbells, two kettlebells, a suspension trainer, and a Peloton bike. Future coaches can work with whatever equipment you possess, even if you have none.
There is one exception; you will likely need a smartwatch. While it’s not strictly necessary, having one significantly enhances your experience with the app. The smartwatch syncs with the Future app, allowing you and your coach to monitor key details such as your heart rate during workouts and daily activity levels. The watch counts your repetitions for specific exercises, like bicep curls and deadlifts, in addition to tracking spontaneous activities such as extended hikes. I used my Apple Watch, but Future is also compatible with selected Google Wear OS watches.
Hit the Weights
Photo: Provided by Future Fitness
After our initial consultation, my coach began sending me workout routines via the app, complete with video demonstrations and pre-recorded tips for maintaining proper form. Alongside these strength training sessions, my Future coach can incorporate additional exercises throughout the week if desired. For instance, on days without strength training, I was directed to use my Peloton bike.
Each workout routine typically consists of a quick warm-up, a series of varied exercises, followed by a cool-down. The videos demonstrate how to execute each movement with multiple camera angles and explicit instructions. Strangely enough, I found this clinical method more appealing than the overly enthusiastic styles of many YouTube personalities or loud Peloton music.
However, not everything is straightforward. Initially, some workouts proved to be overly challenging. An in-person trainer could adjust my routine on the fly, but I had to adapt on my own in this case. Thankfully, after reaching out to my coach, she offered alternative exercises (like knee push-ups instead of standard ones) and encouraged me to listen to my body’s needs.
Photo: Provided by Future Fitness
My coach excels at keeping me accountable. Each morning, she messages me to remind me of that day’s workout. My Apple Watch transmits my workout information to her, ensuring transparency. If I take a rest day, she prompts me to refocus. After reviewing my workout stats, she messages me to congratulate me on my efforts and asks for my feedback. This ongoing dialogue with my coach is a significant factor in my ability to adhere to my fitness routine.
I paused my Future Fitness membership due to financial constraints, but I am currently several months into reinvigorating my subscription, and I feel fantastic. My joints ache less, I have more energy throughout the day, and my overall mental well-being has improved. These days, I work out five days a week, up from three initially. It seems I don’t actually dislike exercise after all.
Future Fitness for $199/month
Nicole Lee is a technology journalist with over 20 years of experience covering consumer electronics, social media, kitchen technology, and more. She has also made media appearances on broadcast television and public radio. Outside of work, her passions include baseball, improv comedy, and tabletop role-playing games.
A new genus and species of pachycephalosaur dinosaur has been identified by paleontologists from five fossil specimens found in the Late Cretaceous Two Medicine Formation in Montana, USA.
Reconstructing the life of Brontothorus harmony. Image credit: Connor Ashbridge / CC BY 4.0.
This newly identified dinosaur roamed North America during the late Cretaceous period, approximately 75 million years ago.
Named Brontothorus harmony, this ancient herbivore measured around 3 meters (10 feet) in length.
It is classified within the Pachycephalosauridae, a family of bipedal, dome-headed dinosaurs belonging to the ornithischian clade Pachycephalosauria.
“Pachycephalosaurs are a unique ornithischian clade characterized by distinct morphological features,” stated paleontologist D. Carey Woodruff, Ph.D., from the Philip Patricia Frost Museum of Science and the Museum of the Rocky Mountains, along with colleagues.
“These traits include bipedalism, heterodentary dentition, ossification of the caudal muscular septum, as well as the distinctive thickened frontoparietal dome and decorated skull.”
“Most pachycephalosaurid species are primarily known from cranial remains, making the anatomy, functional morphology, and phylogenetic significance of the frontoparietal dome particularly intriguing for paleontologists.”
“This clade is exclusively identified from Late Cretaceous Asia and western North America, with the latter showcasing a more diverse assemblage of pachycephalosaur species.”
“The oldest North American species is the Santonian variant, Acrotorus odeti, and this group evidently diversified during the middle to late Campanian period, resulting in a wealth of presently recognized species.”
A total of 5 specimens attributed to Brontothorus harmony were unearthed in the Two Medicine Formation located in Glacier County, Montana.
“This new species represents the first pachycephalosaur discovered from the Two Medicine Formation,” the paleontologists noted.
The notable dome structure of Brontothorus harmony positions it as the third largest pachycephalosaur in North America.
“Phylogenetic analyses indicate that this new species is significantly distinct from both Stegoceras and Pachycephalosaurus,” the researchers remarked.
“Thus, this species is not closely related to Stegoceras or Pachycephalosaurus.”
“This discovery not only enhances our understanding of the morphology and diversity of pachycephalosaurs but also highlights that this clade included relatively large species sizes during the early Middle Campanian.”
The finding of Brontothorus harmony is detailed in a paper published on October 9, 2025, in the Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society.
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D. Cary Woodruff et al. 2025. The first pachycephalosaurs from the Late Cretaceous Two Medicine Formation: Influence of the Western Interior Seaway on the evolution of North American pachycephalosaurs. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 205 (2): zlaf087; doi: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlaf087
New genus and species of theropod dinosaur named Antebi Sukuri Longs has been reported by a team of researchers from the National University of San Juan, the Bernardino Rivadavia Museum of Natural Sciences, the University of Birmingham, CONICET, and CIGEOBIO.
Reconstruction of Antebi Sukuri Longs. Image credit: Jorge Blanco.
Antebi Sukuri Longs inhabited the Earth during the Carnian period of the late Triassic, approximately 231 to 226 million years ago.
This dinosaur measured about 1.2 meters (4 feet) in length and weighed around 8 to 9 kilograms.
The species represents an early-diverging theropod outside the Neoheteropod group, with functional traits previously believed to be exclusive to that classification surprisingly derived.
“This is among the oldest and most primitive dinosaurs yet discovered,” stated Dr. Ricardo Martinez from San Juan National University and his team.
“The early diversification of dinosaurs triggered significant ecological transformations in terrestrial ecosystems, culminating in the dominance of dinosaurs in tetrapod populations by the Triassic-Jurassic boundary 201 million years ago.”
“Therefore, investigating the early diversification of dinosaurs is crucial for understanding the formation of Mesozoic populations.”
“Nonetheless, the absence of stratigraphically continuous fossil data in different geological formations, where the oldest known dinosaurs (dating from 233 to 227 million years ago) are found, has hindered our comprehension of this early diversification.”
Paleontologists uncovered fossilized remains of Antebi Sukuri Longs—including a partial skeleton and skull—discovered in 2014 within the Izquiguarasto formation in northwestern Argentina.
“Few locations in the world offer such ancient and well-preserved fossils,” Martinez remarked.
“One notable site is the Santa María Formation in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, and the other is the Izquiguarasto Formation.”
Antebi Sukuri Longs thrived around 2 million years after Earth’s formation in a warm, arid savannah, experiencing episodes from the Carnian rainy season.
“We demonstrate that dinosaur diversity and abundance in the Iskigualast Formation were greater than previously acknowledged, particularly among smaller herbivores (under 30 kg) and medium-sized predators (30 kg to 200 kg),” the researchers stated.
“This diversification took place in Iskigualast during a transition to semi-arid conditions, but a return to wetter conditions created a gap in the dinosaur record beginning around 229 million years ago.”
“Only 15 million years later, during the mid-Norian period, the abundance and diversity of dinosaurs in the basin rebounded, this time characterized by larger-bodied species.”
“Our findings suggest that early dinosaur diversification was interrupted by climate-induced faunal replacement, at least in southwestern Pangea.”
A paper detailing this discovery was published in this week’s edition of Nature Ecology and Evolution.
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RN Martinez et al. Carnian theropods with unexpectedly derived features during the initial radiation of dinosaurs. Nat Ecol Evol published online October 14, 2025. doi: 10.1038/s41559-025-02868-4
WThe temperatures are plummeting, and we all crave a bit more comfort. For some, it’s about getting a plush bed with a fresh memory foam mattress topper or an ergonomic office chair. For others, it’s a chic waterproof hooded scarf to style your wet hair, or a hair dryer that’s ready to return to action.
And for some of you, that might just mean a fringe party skirt and a cheese box arriving in the mail. Who are we to judge? These are your top picks for the month.
When Jane Hoskin, an insomnia sufferer and filter reviewer, experimented with the best (and odd) sleep aids, she didn’t expect a simple sub-£10 eye mask to afford her a solid 9-hour slumber. “The best masks truly obstruct all light without feeling flat or too tight on your eyes,” she shares, calling MyHalos her “ideal match.”
If you’re astonished to find an advent calendar among your favorite products for September, it seems the beauty advent calendar craze has evaded you. People shell out extensively for a selection of these products, which promise significant savings on their contents. Your top choice is, unsurprisingly, the “shockingly affordable” W7 calendar. Reviewer Sarah Matthews noted that the included items “stand shoulder to shoulder with some of the industry’s finest,” albeit they are mostly miniatures.
Office Chair Upgrade
Slouching Task 1
£289 on Slouch
If you’re still working from home on a dining chair, it’s time for a change. Your work chair needs to be as supportive and comfy as your most-used pieces of furniture, like your mattress.
Reviewer Stuart Andrews spends extended hours at his desk, and he was the right person to evaluate the best office chairs. The Slouching Task 1 emerged as his top choice, providing him “everything you desire from a work chair.”
Eco-Friendly Scourers
Non-Kilo Scourers
£13.47 on eBay£3.75 on Amazon
Cotton scourers serve as an excellent way to cut down on plastic waste in your kitchen. “These are amazing for cleaning,” says Maggie, a filter reader and Sustainable Swaps guide. “They’re not packed with food like typical sponge scourers, and I toss them in the wash weekly to keep them fresh.”
Chic Rain Cover
Waterproof Hooded Scarf
£39.15 on Etsy
Looking stylish in the rain can be challenging. However, our fashion writer, Charlotte Gornoll, has crafted the ultimate guide to staying fashionable in wet weather. Your top styling tip was this waterproof hooded scarf. “If your jacket lacks a hood, why not complement it?” Charlotte suggested, likening it to “the late Queen Elizabeth’s stylish touch.”
Letterbox Cheese Board
Perfect British Cheese Board
£10 at Butlers
Of all the gifts that fit through a letterbox, is there anything better than a quality cheese board? A standout from our guide features three exquisite cheeses (Blacksticks Blue, Button Mill, Sunday Best) accompanied by track-reading figure relish and Peter’s yard crackers.
Top Budget Hair Dryer
Babyliss Hydro-Fusion
£60 on Look Fantastic£31.99 on Amazon
“In my years of reviewing beauty products, upgrading my hair dryer brought the most significant change to my routine,” stated Sarah Matthews in his guide to the finest hair dryers. “Modern hair dryers have changed the game.” Sarah’s favored budget option, Babyliss Hydro Fusion, is “sturdy and powerful,” and is currently priced at £31.99 on Amazon.
Mattress Toppers
Panda Bamboo Topper, Double
£139.95 for Panda
“A mattress topper is like the cheese slice on a burger,” wrote reviewer Jane Hoskin. “While not essential, it can be a game changer, particularly if your mattress feels worn out.” Jane found the Panda bamboo topper to be the coolest option in her mattress topper tests despite being memory foam based. Clearly, many of you were drawn to the idea of “not feeling your restless partner’s movements.”
Party Skirt
Fringe Detail Mini
£50 on M&S
“This M&S skirt is an absolute winner,” noted Jess Cartner Morley in the style essentials for September. “I mean, look at it. All the tassels, perfectly cheeky (short but not too short), in chic off-white colors.” Clearly, many shared this sentiment, as this stylish party skirt emerged as a favorite.
Quick Clothing Steamer
Russell Hobbs Steam Genie
£28 at John Lewis
“I determined to be an ironed-clothes kind of woman,” writes Kate McCusker in the Green to the Grand Style Guide for All Ages. “Yet, I’m still waiting for that transformation, so I rely on this steamer in the morning to prevent my clothes from looking like I just rolled out of bed.” It appears many filter readers are still on that journey.
Ceramic Frying Pan
Procook Elite Tri-Ply
£48 on Procook
Trendy kitchen gadgets come and go, yet a dependable frying pan remains an essential kitchen item. We look for durability, easy cleaning, and hopefully no harmful chemical coatings. Is that too much to wish for? Dale Berning Sawa examined twelve premier frying pans under rigorous conditions. Your top pick was this Procook ceramic frying pan, praised for its impressive quality and reasonable price.
MP3 Player – Seriously
Snowsky Echo Mini
£66.99 on eBay
If you thought you’d stepped into a time machine upon seeing the advent calendar, wait until you come across an MP3 player (especially one with a cassette tape design). Yet, digital audio players are staging a comeback, appealing to those who want to unplug from streaming services while taking control of their music. This economical pick from the sub-brand Snowsky offers a “nostalgic vibe” while Alan Martin noted in his review, “delivers a much richer sound compared to other budget gadgets I’ve tested.”
Paleontologists have identified a new species, Eurhinosaurus—a genus of Longirostrin Ikchosaurus from Europe, notable for its remarkable overbite found in Bavaria, southern Germany.
“Iktiosauria is a varied group of reptiles excellently adapted to marine environments, thriving from the early Triassic to the early Cretaceous,” stated Dr. Gael Spicher, a researcher at the Jurassica Museum, Fribourg University, and Reinish Friedrich Willells-un Universetita Bonn and Kokog.
“Fishes show morphological traits like fin-modified limbs, elongated snouts, deep bisexual spines, and developed caudal fins, confirming their complete adaptation to aquatic life.”
“Uoshima had a widespread distribution during its existence.”
“Particularly, southern Germany is renowned for its rich fossil record of Uoshima from the Lower Jurassic, specifically the Posidonianscifer formation, which has yielded thousands of specimens.”
“In these Lower Jurassic ichthyosaurs, Eurhinosaurus is a relatively scarce creature,” they noted.
“Its paleogeographical range is confined to modern-day Europe, with fossil records from Germany, the UK, France, Luxembourg, and Switzerland.”
“This genus is distinguished by its unique, elongated, slender snout with pronounced overbites, resulting from significantly shorter mandibles compared to the upper jaw (over 60%).”
The newly identified species Eurhinosaurus exhibits a typical maxillary extension characteristic of its genus.
It has been named Eurhinosaurus Mistelgauensis, which existed during the Jurassic period approximately 180 million years ago.
Three specimens of the new species were unearthed at the Mistelgau Clay Pit, part of the Jurensismismergel Formation in southwestern Bailos in northern Bavaria, Germany.
“The fossil includes two nearly complete skeletons and a partial snout, preserved in three dimensions in a semi-articulated state, showcasing elements from multiple angles,” explained the paleontologist.
“Their preservation is exceptional, displaying bones in three dimensions, which is a remarkable find and highlights the significance of documenting such specimens.”
According to the author, these specimens belong to the Eurhinosaurus genus.
“The well-preserved fossils from Mistelgau offer invaluable insights into Eurhinosaurus and significantly enhance our understanding of this historically important Uoshima,” they concluded.
Survey results were published this week in the journal Fossil Record.
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Ge Spicher et al. 2025. New Eurhinosaurus (Ichthyosauria) species from the Lower Jurassic (Toarcian) in Mistelgau (Bavaria, southern Germany). Fossil Record 28(2): 249-291; doi: 10.3897/fr.28.154203
Archaeologists have unearthed two Neanderthal track sites across various regions in Europe. At Monte Clerigo, approximately 78,000 years ago, three distinct trackways illustrate how Neanderthals traversed the dune landscape. This behavior implies advanced route planning, as the dune environment may have been conducive for ambush hunting and stalking prey. Additionally, a solitary footprint found at the Praia do Telheiro site indicates the presence of Neanderthals in the Dune Ecosystem 82,000 years ago.
Following guidance, a reconfiguration scenario for Monte Clérigo TrackSite generated by AI tools. Image credit: JM Galán/ai.
“Footprints provide a snapshot of a specific moment, capturing events such as group movements, tracking, and interactions with particular landscapes.”
“The footprints reveal how Neanderthals utilized their environment, exploring coastal areas, forests, sand dunes, and riverbanks.
Neanderthal footprints have been identified at two distinct locations.
At Monte Clerrigo, five tracks and 26 footprints were left by both adults and children over a year old on the steep slopes of coastal sand dunes.
At Praia do Telheiro, isolated footprints were found, likely made by teenagers or adult women, alongside bird tracks typical for coastal and rocky environments.
“The quantity, size, and arrangement of footprints enable us to deduce the minimum number of individuals present, their age ranges (children, adolescents, adults), and even the specific activities (like a hunting party),” noted the researcher.
“Child and baby footprints, which seldom separate from archaeological traces, are identifiable due to their smaller size, offering insights into their social structure.”
“These footprints provide a unique perspective on daily life, serving as a snapshot from tens of thousands of years ago.”
A general view of the main truck site with the human trackway on the north cliffs of Monte Crerigo Beach, Portugal. Image credit: de Carvalho et al. , doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-06089-4.
The analyzed footprints reveal exercise strategies adapted to the landscape, suggesting planned routes, proximity to living areas, potential hunting activities, and coexistence with other species.
For instance, one track shows evidence of interactions with human footprints alongside newly formed deer tracks, supporting theories of pursuit or ambush tactics in the dune environment.
The findings confirm that Neanderthals primarily consumed deer, horses, and marine resources, exhibiting a varied dietary strategy.
“The consistent presence of these mammalian species underscores their role as reliable food sources, regardless of the varying environments occupied by Neanderthals,” stated the scientists.
“Additionally, the Neanderthal diet also included species from nearby coastal habitats, showing an extensive foraging strategy that utilized local biodiversity.”
The team’s research paper was published on July 3rd in Scientific Reports.
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Cn de Carvalho et al. 2025. The Neanderthal coast and the first Portuguese human track site. Sci Rep 15, 23785; doi:10.1038/s41598-025-06089-4
Ahmed Boug et al. 2025/Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Wildlife
Recent findings report the discovery of seven cheetah mummies, dating back thousands of years, in caves located in Saudi Arabia.
The cheetah (acinonyx jubatus) populations have seen drastic reductions due to habitat destruction, hunting, and the wildlife trade, leading to their disappearance from the Arabian Peninsula several decades ago. Ahmed Boug and his associates at the National Wildlife Centre in Riyadh revealed details about these seven mummified cheetahs along with 54 skeletal sites found in the Lauga Cave Network in northern Saudi Arabia during the years 2022 and 2023.
The mummies, preserved through a unique process that inhibits decomposition, date back approximately 4,000 to 100 years.
“These discoveries are incredibly significant,” states Anne Schmidt Künzel from the Cheetah Conservation Fund in Namibia. “While the mummification of Negrids isn’t wholly unexpected, this marks a groundbreaking and important find.”
“The stable temperature and low humidity in the cave environment likely aided the mummification process,” the researchers noted.
The reason for the cheetahs’ presence in the cave remains a mystery, as these animals typically do not utilize caves as dens or for storing carcasses. At the time of investigation, none of the five caves revealed any water supply.
Many of the remains were located in caves accessible solely via sinkholes, leading Schmidt Künzel to propose that the cheetahs may have fallen and become trapped. Additionally, remains of other animals including insects, wolves, striped hyenas, gazelles, and red foxes were also discovered here.
Upon examining 20 complete cheetah skulls, researchers found that six belonged to adults, while the rest were from individuals aged between 6 and 24 months. There were also nine cub skeletons located in the primary cave. The abundance of young cheetahs indicates that adult females might have used the cave for collective protection, according to Schmidt Künzel.
Camera traps set up during the investigation indicated that wolves were also using these caves. “This implies that during the cheetah’s lifespan, they may have frequented several, if not all, of these caves, enabling them to enter intentionally,” Schmidt Künzel added.
While there is only one species of cheetah, it is divided into four genetically distinct subspecies. The Southeast African cheetah (acinonyx jubatus jubatus) is the most populous, while the Northeast African cheetah (acinonyx jubatus soemmeringii) and Northwest African cheetah (acinonyx jubatus heck) exist in smaller, fragmented groups. The Asian cheetah (acinonyx jubatus venaticus), meanwhile, has very few remaining members in Iran.
Boug and his team sequenced the genomes of three sets of artifacts. Their research indicated that the mummified individuals are most closely related to the Asian subspecies, currently found in that region.
Schmidt-Künzel emphasizes that this work supports the notion that all cheetah subspecies can adapt to similar arid conditions, making it feasible to reintroduce them to the area through selective breeding of African subspecies.
Conservation and Rewilding in Central Apennines: Italy
A visit to Italy’s central Apennine region offers an enticing introduction to the concept and practice of rewilding.
Paleontologists have discovered a new species of extinct crocodile-like creature from fossilized remains found in southwest Montana, USA.
Impressions of the artist Thikarisuchus Xenodentes. Image credits: Dane Johnson/Rockies Museum.
The newly identified species existed at the edge of the ancient western inland sea around 95 million years ago, during the late Cretaceous period.
It has been named Thikarisuchus Xenodentes, a type of neostian.
“Measurements indicate it was less than 60 cm (2 feet) from nose to tail tip,” stated David Barilisio, a professor at Montana State University. “If it had grown fully, it could have reached about 90 cm (3 feet) or more, but still much smaller than most members of the Neosuchia clade to which it belongs.”
“This clade includes modern crocodiles and their closest extinct relatives, most of which are semi-aquatic or marine carnivorous animals with simple cone-shaped teeth.”
In contrast, Thikarisuchus Xenodentes likely lived on land and possibly fed on plants, insects, and small animals, possessing a variety of tooth shapes.
“Its unique anatomy indicates it is part of a newly identified family of crocodile-like creatures endemic to the Cretaceous in North America.”
The fossilized remains of Thikarisuchus Xenodentes—including its limbs, vertebrae, jaw, and a skull measuring 50 mm—were discovered in the US Forest Service Black Reef Formation near Dillon, Montana, in the summer of 2021.
“We previously found dinosaurs in the Black Reef Formation, making this the second known vertebrate species discovered in this layer,” remarked Harrison Allen, a doctoral student at Stony Brook University.
Paleontologists found the bones of Thikarisuchus Xenodentes in a densely packed arrangement consistent with the fossils of other living creatures found in the dens of the Black Reef Formation and nearby Wayan Formation in Idaho.
“This supports the idea that Thikarisuchus Xenodentes was preserved in dens and that fossils from these layers are biased toward those found in such environments,” they noted.
The specimen also suggested connections to a newly established family group, wannchampsidae, and a related group identified in Eurasia, known as the Atopasauriaceae.
Both families were small, globally adaptive, and exhibited specific skull and dental characteristics shared with more distantly related groups from the Cretaceous period in Africa and South America.
“We propose that shared environmental conditions and prey availability led to convergent evolution between these two distantly related groups during the same timeframe.
“The vast majority of alligatorid diversity belongs to the past, including fully marine crocodiles, entirely terrestrial crocodiles, herbivorous, omnivorous species, and those with unique shells.”
“This discovery surprised me and motivated my interest in this specific field of paleontology.”
A paper detailing the findings is published in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology.
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Harrison Allen et al. 2025. The impact of newly discovered small heterodonneostians and heterodonneostians in southwestern Montana’s Black Leaf Formation on paleoecology. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology in press; doi: 10.1080/02724634.025.2542185
Reconstruction of the artist’s dinosaur Joaquinraptor Casali
Andrew McAfee, Carnegie Museum of Natural History
During the Cretaceous period, South America was a site of significant dinosaur discoveries.
Named the dinosaur species Joaquinraptor Casali, this megaraptor was uncovered in 2019 along the banks of the Liochico River in Patagonia, Argentina. It is believed to have existed just before the mass extinction of non-avian dinosaurs 66 million years ago.
Recently, Lucio Ibiricu from the National Council on Science and Technology Research in Tubat, Argentina, and his team conducted an in-depth analysis of the fossil, revealing unexpected findings in the nearly complete skull.
“A relative humerus, likely belonging to an extinct crocodile, was found between the jaws of Joaquinraptor and was in direct contact with its teeth,” states Ibiricu. “This indicates a unique ecological interaction at the time of death.”
Further investigations of the crocodilian humerus are ongoing to ascertain its size, but initial assessments suggest it is considerable, according to Ibiricu.
In addition to the recovered skull, the excavation yielded vertebrae, feet, two claws, arms, legs, and hands. Notably, the thumb claw—approximately the size of a human forearm—could have been effective for tearing the flesh of its prey, according to Ibiricu.
Fossils of other megaraptors have been discovered across Asia, Australia, and South America. Joaquinraptor was first identified close to the Cretaceous period’s end, and it is among the more complete specimens found.
The thumb claw of the dinosaur
Matt Lamanna
The scientific team concluded that the dinosaur was at least 19 years old at the time of its demise, based on the microstructure of the tibia. It measured approximately 7 meters in length and weighed a minimum of 1 tonne.
Meanwhile, Tyrannosaurus Rex was considerably larger and boasted a massive head, as noted by Ibiricu. Nonetheless, he emphasizes that both species represented apex predators within their respective environments.
Dinosaur Hunting in the Gobi Desert, Mongolia
Experience an exciting and unique expedition that explores the renowned sites of dinosaurs in the vast expanse of the Gobi Desert, a premier paleontological hotspot.
Researchers have uncovered the most ancient and well-preserved fossils of Pachycephalosaur, a category of dinosaurs distinguished by their domed skulls in Mongolia. A new study was released in the journal Nature on Wednesday.
The fossils, estimated to be between 108 and 105 million years old, belong to a juvenile of an unidentified species, referred to by scientists as Zavasepharelinpoche.
This discovery took place in the Klen Duk Formation in Mongolia’s Gobi Desert, located between China and Russia, and was led by paleontologist Tsogtbaatar Chinzorig from the Mongolian Academy of Sciences.
There is limited knowledge about these two-legged herbivores from the Cretaceous period, particularly in North America, but they are considered one of the “most enigmatic” dinosaur groups, according to the study. Their unique bone structures and representations in media like Jurassic Park have made them quite popular.
Previous finds of Pachycephalosaur fossils were largely restricted to skulls.
“You could fit all Pachycephalosaurus [fossils] known worldwide into two bathtubs, more or less. There are very few fossil examples,” remarked Michael Pittman, a paleontologist at China University in Hong Kong, in an interview with NBC News.
Fossilized skull of a dome-headed dinosaur from the Cretaceous period. Alessandro Chiarenza / Via Reuters
The Mongolian discoveries are considered “most skeletally complete,” providing greater insight into the anatomy of Pachycephalosaurus than previously available.
The individuals identified as Zavasephale were at least two years old and measured approximately three feet in length. More than half of its skeleton has been recovered, featuring long legs, short arms, small hands, and gastroliths, or stones ingested to aid in digesting vegetation.
Though these animals were not fully grown, their skeletons showed already thickened bones above the skull.
The integrity of the fossils “will be a key specimen for understanding how the cranial dome of Pachycephalosaurus evolved,” said Chinzorig, based on insights from the National Museum of History in London.
Scientists have proposed that Pachycephalosaurus may have engaged in head-butting behavior or used their domes to attract mates, though the precise function of the dome is still undetermined.
These fossils are approximately 15 million years older than previously found Pachycephalosaurus specimens, enhancing our understanding of dinosaur evolution.
“This is the oldest variety we’ve encountered, thus providing insight into what earlier species looked like and how they evolved over time,” stated Pittman. “The discovery of earlier specimens indicates that they have possessed this dome for quite a while.”
Zavasephale was smaller than later species of Pachycephalosaurs, growing to an estimated length of about 14 feet.
A recent study by archaeologists investigated round heavy metal objects from Seldal, located in the Haland region of western Sweden. Initially thought to be Bronze Age artifacts due to their shape and size, these objects were determined to be composed of copper-zinc-tin-reed alloys typical of the Iron Age and later periods.
Plano Convex Ingots from Seldal in Harland, Sweden. Image credit: Sabatini et al., doi: 10.1016/j.jasrep.2025.105312.
The ancient ingots were uncovered in the village of Seldal on Sweden’s west coast during the fall of 2022.
This artifact has been identified as a Plano-Convex Ingot.
“Plano-convex ingots, commonly known as ‘bread’ ingots or ‘casting cakes,’ were prevalent during the Bronze Age, though they vary in size, shape, and composition,” explains Serena Sabatini, a researcher at the University of Gothenburg.
“These artifacts are typically round with flat top surfaces and various inflated convex bottoms.”
“They are created by pouring molten metal into shallow molds or cavities in the ground.”
“Most of these ingots exhibit a rough, ‘bubbly’ top surface, indicating they were poured into an open casting mold, while the bottom remains smooth, as it was not exposed to air during production.”
“Due to their straightforward manufacturing process, they are widely found across Eurasia and were utilized both in prehistoric and historical periods.”
The Särdal Ingot measures 14-15.3 cm in diameter, approximately 2.5 cm thick, and weighs 1223.5 grams.
Notably, the ingot’s surface displays significant corrosion, especially on the rough, raised area.
The overall dimensions and weight of the ingot initially suggested it could be a Bronze Age find.
“At first, we believed the Seldal Ingot dated back to the Bronze Age,” the archaeologist noted.
“However, since it was found alone and not dated within an archaeological context, we opted for isotopic and chemical analysis to determine its composition and estimate a time frame.”
The analysis yielded surprising results, revealing that the ingot was made from copper-zinc-tin-reed alloys typical of the Iron Age and later.
“The findings emerged thanks to the collaborative spirit of the international scientific community exploring archaeological topics, allowing us to identify the isotopic and elemental characteristics of the Seldal ingots, which closely resemble artifacts from two sites found in the Iwawa Lakeland region of northeastern Poland.
Research into the Baltic Sea area, which had a robust network connected to western Sweden and southern Scandinavia during the Roman Iron Age, indicates that the alloys from both Seldal and Iwawa Lakeland were present in the region during the latter half of the 1st millennium BCE.
“Thus, we propose that the Plano Convex Ingots from Harland and the ingots from Poland represent the outcomes of a metallic maritime trade linking Scandinavia, the Baltic Sea, and the Iberian Peninsula.”
Their paper will appear in the October 2025 edition of Journal of Archaeological Science: Report.
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Serena Sabatini et al. 2025. Iron Age Metals Trade between the Atlantic and the Baltic Sea: New insights from the first complete Plano-Convex Ingot found in Sweden and Ingot Rod in Iwawa Lakeland, northeastern Poland. Journal of Archaeological Science: Report 66:105312; doi:10.1016/j.jasrep.2025.105312
Paleontologists have discovered a new species of rodent, acarechimys, an extinct genus that was widely distributed across South America, based on partial jaws and teeth found in Brazil.
Hypothetical reconstruction of Red-tailed miracles hunikuini. Image credit: Márcio Castro.
Red-tailed miracles hunikuini inhabited the Amazon region, present-day Brazil, approximately 10 million years ago during the late Miocene epoch.
This ancient species is part of the Octodontidea, a family of neotropical rodents within the par order Caviomorpha.
“The aquatic rodent families of the Neotropics, specifically Kabiomorpha, are fascinating due to their remarkable taxonomic and ecological diversity, reflecting a complex evolutionary history,” noted Colonia and colleagues.
“These rodents first appear in South American fossil records at the end of the Eocene epoch, according to current data, particularly from the records in Peru’s Amazon region.”
“The early scarcity of these species had already contributed to the diversification seen in the initial representatives of the Crown Group.”
“Today, Caviomorphs comprise 266 species, organized into two major clades and four superfamilies.”
“The superfamily Octodontoidea includes existing groups like Abrocomidae, Echimyidae, Octodontidae, Ctenomyidae, and several extinct lineages.”
“This represents the most diverse and abundant clade within Caviomorpha, both taxonomically and phenotypically.”
The fossilized teeth of Red-tailed miracles hunikuini were collected from outcrops during fieldwork in 2019 and 2022 in the Solimus Formation near the city of Feijó in Brazil’s Acre state.
“Since the mid-19th century, the Solimus Formation has revealed a diverse array of vertebrate fossils,” paleontologists commented.
“Recent dating of the fossil-rich area has suggested that the sediments date back to the Tortonian stage of the Upper Miocene.”
“Mammals represent one of the most diverse fossil groups found here, including bats, sloths, litopterns, marsupials, prominent families of rodents, primates, and Sirenians.”
“Additionally, remains of birds, crocodiles, Chelonians, fish, amphibians, invertebrates, oological bones, and plant materials have also been documented.”
The discovery of Red-tailed miracles hunikuini in this area, alongside various other fauna, indicates the coexistence of multiple superfamilies and highlights the richness of Brazilian Amazonian fauna.
“acarechimys likely emerged following the end of anemia and diversified in the Patagonia region during the early Miocene,” the researchers stated.
“By the mid-Miocene, it expanded beyond Patagonia, spreading into northern South America.”
“In the late Miocene, this lineage persisted only in regions outside Patagonia.”
“This new discovery marks the last known occurrence of the genus, supporting the theory of a late survival of rodent lineages in tropical areas—a pattern also observed in octodontoids, hydrocherines, and neoepimarids.”
“The rapid diversification and radiation of acarechimys, combined with the scarcity of data and discrepancies among studies focused on this group, and the isolated teeth found in the Amazon region, pose significant challenges for research on this genus.”
“Further studies are essential to enhance our understanding of the diversification and temporal variations of this broad octodontoidea lineage.”
The team’s publication has been featured in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology.
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Emmanuel Fontora et al. 2024. New Late Miocene Stem Octodontoids (Rodentia: Cabiomorpha: Octatinkiyoi) from the Solimus Formation (Brazil): Paleogeographical implications. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology 44 (1): e2382822; doi: 10.1080/02724634.2024.2382822
Paleontologists have discovered the complete skull and skeleton of the Triassic Lepidosaurus species – Agriodontosaurus Helsbypetrae – from the Hellsby Sandstone Formation in Devon, England.
Agriodontosaurus Helsbypetrae. Image credit: Bob Nichols.
Lepidosauria is the most species-rich group of terrestrial vertebrates.
This group comprises around 12,000 species of lizards and snakes, along with a single species of Rhynchocephalia, the Tuatara (Sphenodon Punctatus) from New Zealand.
Collectively known as Squamata, these lizards and snakes not only range in size but also possess highly mobile skulls that enable them to capture large prey effectively.
These vital features of their skulls are absent in tuatara, making the understanding of their common ancestor essential.
The scalypidosaurs thrived during the Triassic period, 252 to 201 million years ago, but incomplete fossils have led to some confusion. Many are general scale pidosauromorphs that lack squamous epithelium or Rhynchocephalians.
“It was always expected that the earliest scalypidosaurs would exhibit some lizard characteristics, such as partially hinged skulls, open lower bars, and numerous teeth on the palate.”
“All of these traits are found in modern lizards and snakes, enabling them to grasp large prey by extending their mouths and using palate teeth to seize smaller prey.”
“The lower bar acts akin to the cheekbone, situated between the cheek and the jaw hinge, and is absent in present-day lizards and snakes.”
“Snakes and many lizards possess all these traits while enhancing skull flexibility.”
“Only the tuatara features a completely low temporal bar, presenting an archaic appearance reminiscent of some early reptiles, coupled with some substantial palate teeth.”
The fossil remains of Agriodontosaurus Helsbypetrae were found in 2015 on a beach in Devon, UK.
The specimen is dated to 242 million years ago (middle Triassic epoch), just prior to the emergence of dinosaurs.
It is approximately 3 to 7 million years older than the oldest known Lepidosaurus, Wirtembergia, from the Erfurt Formation.
“The new fossils revealed characteristics we didn’t anticipate,” remarked Dan Mark, a paleontologist at the University of Bristol and the University of Edinburgh.
“There are no teeth on the palate nor indications of hinges. While there is an open bar on the side, it’s not just one of the three, but also features a grand, large tooth in comparison to its closest relatives.”
Agriodontosaurus Helsbypetrae measured about 10 cm in length and showcased a unique combination of traits.
“When you observe the fossil, the entire skeleton fits in the palm of your hand,” said Professor Michael Benton from the University of Bristol.
“However, thanks to student efforts in cleaning up and scanning the data, we are uncovering remarkable details.”
“This new species possesses relatively large triangular teeth, likely adapted for slicing through the tough exteriors of insect prey, similar to modern tuataras.”
“The discoveries challenge our understanding of the evolutionary pathways of lizards, snakes, and tuataras,” Mark concluded.
D. Marche et al. The origins of feeding adaptations in the oldest known Lepidosaurus. Nature Published online on September 10, 2025. doi:10.1038/s41586-025-09496-9
In summary, no. However, last year, NASA’s diligent rover uncovered indications in ancient rocks that may suggest life existed on the Red Planet billions of years ago. Now, new evidence points to the unique structure of certain clay-rich minerals that might indicate biological origins.
Despite the excitement surrounding these findings, caution is essential: Astrobiologists Trust in detecting life employs strict criteria to evaluate evidence quality. Even the previous discoveries combined with today’s findings remain at initial stages.
What Did NASA Actually Discover?
Perseverance explored a lakebed known as Bright Angel in Jezero Crater last year when it encountered a rock displaying unusual markings referred to as “leopard spots” and “poppy seeds.” On Earth, these patterns are indicative of ancient microbial activity. Leopard spots are small, round dark marks, while poppy seeds are even tinier, darker particles.
Both types of markings are found in a rock named Chayaba Falls, after the Grand Canyon Falls, sandwiched between white layers of calcium sulfate—a mineral typically formed in the presence of water, crucial for life.
Today, NASA announced further intriguing discoveries. Clay-rich samples were found at two locations (one named Sapphire Canyon) along with those previously identified in Bright Angel, including small green spots of chemically reduced iron phosphate and iron sulfide minerals.
Map of Perseverance’s Course on Mars
NASA/JPL-Caltech/University of Arizona
How Are These Findings Related to Life?
On Earth, both leopard spots and poppy seeds are linked to signs of microbial activity. These redox reactions that produce energy during life processes leave colored deposits of iron and sulfur in their “reduced forms,” effectively indicating electron acquisition.
The markings found at Chayaba Falls may have resulted from either microbial actions or high-temperature reactions unrelated to life. Yet, the onboard instrument aboard Perseverance was used earlier this year to analyze the chemical composition of these markings, revealing that they contain a reduced form of mineral, suggesting a higher likelihood of biological activity.
Additionally, the newly identified rocks featuring green spots of chemically reduced materials, akin to earlier samples, may signal the presence of life. Their heterogeneous distribution is also directly related to organic compound concentrations, bolstering the hypothesis that they were produced by living organisms.
Joel Hurowitz from Stony Brook University, along with collaborators, commented in a newly published paper in the journal Nature: “The Bright Angel formation encompasses textures and chemical properties alongside organic signatures that warrant consideration as ‘potential biosignatures.’ However, definitive proof of life on Mars remains unestablished.”
How Can I View the Results?
Analyzing Chayaba Falls and the current samples on Mars is challenging. The best way to gain insight is by returning them to Earth for thorough examination.
Perseverance is tasked with storing these intriguing samples to be handed over to future missions that will physically return them to Earth, but this plan has faced setbacks. Proposals to reduce NASA’s budget during the Trump administration raised concerns about the fate of the Mars sample return mission, leaving collected samples on the Martian surface.
Team member Sanjeev Gupta from Imperial College, London stated that the new findings strengthen the case for funding the sample return mission. He added, “This is the first time we’ve observed evidence suggesting a biological process, and that fuels the excitement surrounding these samples, which we need to bring back.”
“Ultimately, retrieving samples from Mars, including those from Sapphire Canyon collected near Bright Angel formations, will offer the best opportunity to understand the processes that formed these unique features,” the team remarked.
Is There Anything I Can Explore on Mars?
When life emerged on Earth, it proliferated rapidly. Thus, a viable approach without a sample return mission is to look for similar formations. Can we find additional rocks with analogous characteristics?
“We are currently investigating ancient rocks outside Jezero Crater to see if they exhibit similar processes and characteristics. There’s always a chance we could revisit the same site to explore further,” Gupta explained. “However, realistically, we aim to return the sample to Earth for analysis in our laboratories, which remains our primary objective.”
Marine biologists have identified three new species of deep-sea catanus fish belonging to the Lipalidae family in the Eastern Abyssian area of the Pacific (depths of 3,268-4,119 m).
In situ images of Careproctus colliculi in Monterey Bay, California, USA. Image credit: mbari.
The family of these fish, known as Repalidae, thrives in temperate to cold waters across the ocean basin.
These species play a significant role in ecosystems ranging from the intertidal zones to the hadal trenches (over 6,000 m).
They are well adapted to various habitats, likely due to their rapid evolutionary rates.
In shallower waters, these fish utilize specialized ventral suction discs to cling to rocks, adopting a curled, snail-like posture which gives rise to their common English name.
“The family Ripalidae comprises 31 accepted genera and 450 recognized species, with 43 being described in the last decade,” stated Dr. Mackenzie Gellinger from the State University of New York.
“At the family level, these fish are distinguished by their skate-like body, ventral suction discs formed by modified pelvic fins in many genera, and their elongated body structure.”
“Given the ecological significance of this family, the rapid discovery of new snail fish, and the important efforts needed to revise catanus classification, studying snail taxonomy is essential for advancing our understanding of marine biodiversity.”
The three new species are the bumpy snail (Careproctus colliculi), the dark snail (Careproctus yanceyi), and the sophisticated snail (Paralyparis em).
Paralyparis em and Careproctus yanceyi were collected using a suction sampler from a depth of 4,100 m via the human occupied vehicle (HOV) Albin on the R/V Atlantis.
Careproctus colliculi was gathered by remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) Doc Ricketts on the R/V Western Flyer using a suction sampler from under 100 km off the coast of Monterey Bay, California.
To describe these new species, the authors utilized microscopy, micro-computed tomography (Micro-CT) scans, and meticulous measurements to gather specific data on size, shape, and various physical characteristics such as fin rays and vertebrae for each fish.
“Careproctus colliculi is identified by its pink body, 22 cerebral rock rays, rounded head, eight caudal rays, large eyes, and well-formed wing-like structure that creates a large suction disc,” they explained.
“Careproctus yanceyi features a medium-sized abdominal suction disc, a single nostril, and six branched rays, distinguishing it from other Eastern Pacific deep-sea snails, which have round heads and entirely black bodies with horizontal mouths.”
“Paralyparis em is marked by its long, black, laterally compressed body, absence of a suction disc, sharply angled jaw, a single chest radial, anteriorly positioned anal fin, and five branched rays.”
Researchers also sequenced the DNA of the fish and compared it with other snail species to contextualize the new species within their evolutionary framework.
“Taxonomic methods are crucial for comprehending the organisms we share our planet with and for studying and safeguarding global biodiversity,” Dr. Gellinger asserted.
“The deep sea is home to an astonishing variety of creatures with remarkable adaptations.”
“These three catanus fish serve as a reminder of how much remains unknown about life, the thrill of curiosity, and the power of exploration on Earth.”
The research findings are detailed in a new paper published in the journal Ichthyology and Herpetology.
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Mackenzie E. Gellinger et al. 2025. Description of three newly discovered Abyssal snails (Liparidae) from the Eastern Pacific Ocean. Ichthyology and Herpetology 113(3): 487-506; doi: 10.1643/i2024069
The newly identified Woylie species, Bettongia haoutharae, is likely already extinct, according to researchers from Curtin University, the Western Australian Museum, and Murdoch University.
Bettongia haoutharae. Image credit: Nelly Peas.
“Woylies act as ecosystem engineers, moving several tons of soil each year in search of their favorite mushroom snacks,” says Jake Newman Martin, a Curtin University student, along with colleagues.
“These adorable kangaroo relatives from Western Australia are among the most endangered mammals, as conservation efforts continue to save species at risk.”
In this recent study, the researchers examined fossils found in caves in southwestern Australia.
They uncovered an entirely new species and two new subspecies.
“This discovery unveils significant insights into the diversity of Woylies, also known as the brush tail veton,” explains Newman-Martin.
“Woylies are endangered marsupials that have been the focus of conservation initiatives for many years.”
“This new study officially recognizes it as a distinct species based on fossil evidence, along with two new variants of Woylies for the first time.”
“Regrettably, many of these species went extinct before we even became aware of them.
“Our findings categorize the endangered Woylie into two living subspecies, which are crucial for breeding and translocation strategies aimed at increasing population size and genetic fitness.”
Dr. Kenny Traboillon, curator of terrestrial zoology at the Western Australian Museum, stated:
“This research revealed various species and broadened the known diversity of Woylies by analyzing skull and body fossil materials that hadn’t been thoroughly examined before.”
“What our research highlights is that studying fossils alongside genetic tools can offer vital insights to aid conservation efforts for this endangered native species.”
A paper detailing the discovery was published in the journal Zootaxa.
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Jake Newman Martin et al. 2025. Taxonomic revision of Bettongia penicillata (Diprotodontia: Potoroidae) Description of species complexes and subfossil species Bettongia haoutharae sp. November. Zootaxa 5690(1); doi:10.11646/zootaxa.5690.1.1
A potentially newly discovered galaxy from the James Webb Space Telescope
NASA, ESA, CSA, CEERS, G. Gandolfi
Astronomers might have found galaxies that formed very early in the universe, approximately 200 million years apart from their closest counterparts, but they caution that alternative explanations could exist.
Giovanni Gandolfi from the University of Padua, along with his team, examined data from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) in search of distant cosmic formations from the universe’s 13.8 billion-year timeline.
The greater the distance of a galaxy from Earth, the longer it takes for its light to reach us, and it will be redshifted due to the universe’s expansion.
Until now, the earliest confirmed galaxy identified by JWST, named Mom-Z14, has a redshift of 14.4, indicating that it has been moving toward us since the universe was just 280 million years old. Gandolfi and his colleagues, however, have reported finding 32 intriguing objects with redshifts, placing them at a time when the universe was merely 90 million years old. They have named this discovery Capotauro after the Italian mountains.
“Capotauro could represent the most distant galaxy we’ve encountered,” states Gandolfi.
The team derived their conclusion from observing minor fluctuations in a deep JWST survey of the sky that resemble a distant galaxy. By utilizing various filters on the telescope, they were able to determine the redshift of the light emitted by the galaxy, arriving at a count of 32.
If validated, this object might represent a very young galaxy in formation, or potentially a primitive black hole enveloped by a dense atmosphere.
Nonetheless, this presumed galaxy appears uncommonly bright, akin to those observed in later redshift instances like Mom-Z14, suggesting it has a mass approximating a billion times that of the Sun.
For a galaxy to reach such mass, its efficiency in converting gas into stars must be near 100%, according to Nicha Reese Chawarit from the National Institute of Astronomy in Thailand, indicating that the stars cannot explode. Modelling, however, suggests that achieving 10-20% or even lower is plausible. “I believe there’s something amiss,” she remarks.
If this is not a galaxy, Gandolfi and his team propose that the object could alternatively be a brown dwarf (a star that didn’t ignite). These alternative theories are also compelling, Gandolfi notes, particularly if it is a cold brown dwarf or distant planet, possibly 6000 light years away and at room temperature.
“It could represent one of the first substellar objects ever formed in our galaxy,” adds Gandolfi.
To confirm this, the team requires additional observing time on the JWST to precisely analyze the light from the object. Leethochawalit supports the notion that it may not be a galaxy but also states that such follow-up research could still be worthwhile.
“If it turns out to be a galaxy with a redshift of 32, then a lot of our previous assumptions might be entirely wrong,” she states.
World Capital of Astronomy: Chile
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Archaeologists from the Israeli Ancient Bureau (IAA) have discovered historical agricultural archaeological sites at the KH site, located in Kahru Chatta of central Israel.
Mosaic floors in the building of KH’s archaeological site. Israeli Kahufrata. Image credit: Israeli Ancient Bureau.
“The grandeur of the discovered structures, the exquisite quality of the mosaic floors, and the remarkable agricultural facilities indicate the significant wealth and prosperity of the local Samaritan community over time.”
“The Kh. KafrHatta site is noted as the birthplace of Menander, the Samaritan magician, a precursor to the Gnostics and a successor to Simon Magus, regarded as one of the first converts to Christianity.”
In one of the structures, archaeologists uncovered a stunning mosaic floor adorned with intricate geometric patterns and representations of plants.
“Alongside the central medallion, the acanthus leaves are interwoven with distinctive motifs of fruits and vegetables, including grapes, dates, watermelons, artichokes, and asparagus,” they noted.
“At the doorway of this room, a partially preserved Greek inscription wishes good fortune to the building’s owner!”
“The name of the owner was prevalent in the Samaritan community.”
In the northern area of the estate, researchers discovered olive presses, large storage buildings, and Mikube (public bathing facilities).
“The close proximity of the oil press to Mikube likely facilitated the production of high-quality olive oil,” they mentioned.
“The olive press was meticulously designed, comprising two wings.”
“The Northern Wing featured a major production area, while the Southern Wing included auxiliary facilities.”
“Within the production area, two screw presses and a large basin for crushed olives were found.”
“This type of olive press is more characteristic of the Jerusalem region and the Jewish Shephela, making it less common in Samaria,” explained Dr. Nagorsky.
“Over the years, the estate has experienced significant transformations.”
“The opulence and grandeur of the structures have been supplanted by oil production and agricultural infrastructure.”
“New walls damaged the mosaic floors, incorporating grand capitals and pillars into the updated structures.”
The team suggests these changes are connected to the Samaritan uprisings during Byzantine rule, which occurred in the 5th and 6th centuries, against Byzantine emperors who enforced restrictive laws on non-Christian communities.
“What makes this site particularly fascinating is that, unlike other Samaritan locations that were destroyed during these rebellions, the Kahru Kasim estate has continued to be used, preserving the Samaritan identity.
“It is a captivating site that illustrates the historical contrast between the era of prosperity and the decline of the Samaritan community,” remarked Dr. Nagorsky.
“Its longevity and remarkable findings enable us to reconstruct its history across centuries, enhancing our understanding of this ancient population.”
Named Huashanosaurus Qini, this new dinosaur species is estimated to be about 12 m (39 feet) in length.
It existed in the Cantonese Autonomous Region of present-day China approximately 200 to 162 million years ago.
“The Jurassic sauropods are notably abundant in China, particularly in regions like Yunnan, Sichuan, and Xinjiang, with fewer known areas such as Ganshu, Ningxia, Anhui, Tibet, and Gitsou.”
“In Guangzhou, the record of Jurassic dinosaur fossils is limited compared to those from the Cretaceous period.”
Two specimens of Huashanosaurus Qini, including partial skeletons, were collected from Huqiu Quarry, part of The King’s Formation, located east of Guangzhou in southern China.
The site also yielded some bone fish scales, teeth (likely from Scalpidotes sp.), incomplete plesiosaur teeth, and fragmentary dinosaur bones.
“There is an ongoing debate regarding the geological age of the Prince Formation,” remarked the paleontologists.
“Initially thought to be early Jurassic, the formation has limited paleontological evidence.”
“Scientists are considering it to date from early to mid-Jurassic due to the presence of larger species from this era.”
The team indicates that Huashanosaurus Qini is a member of eusauropoda, a derived group of sauropod dinosaurs.
“This marks Guangzhou’s second eusauropod discovery,” the researcher noted.
“The first eusauropod described, Jingia dongxingensis, was excavated from the late Jurassic Dung Xing Formation.”
The discovery of Huashanosaurus Qini adds valuable information to the understanding of the evolutionary diversification of eusauropod dinosaurs.
“Huashanosaurus Qini is positioned more basally than early Jurassic forms like Balcanodon, Tazoudasaurus, and Goncyanosaurus, as well as early to mid-Jurassic representatives such as Barapasaurus,” stated the scientist.
“It is generally accepted that the main radiation of eusauropods occurred towards the end of the early Jurassic and the early Jurassic intervals.”
“From this perspective, the discovery of Huashanosaurus Qini provides further evidence for early to mid-King’s age.”
Survey results have been published in the journal Acta Geologica Sinica.
____
Jinyou Mo et al. 2025. A new eusauropod dinosaur from the Jurassic Prince Formation in lower and central Nieming County in Guangzhou, southern China. Acta Geologica Sinica 99(4): 909-924; doi: 10.1111/1755-6724.15331
Paleontologists have unearthed exquisitely preserved skulls and jaws, along with parts of the skull and jaws belonging to a previously unidentified species of Peilosaurus in Patagonia, Argentina.
Reconstruction of Kostensuchus atrox. Image credit: Gabriel Dias Janten.
Kostensuchus atrox roamed the Earth during the Cretaceous period approximately 70 million years ago.
This ancient species was a formidable predator, measuring about 3.5 m (11.5 feet) in length and weighing around 250 kg.
These animals featured broad, powerful jaws and large teeth capable of consuming substantial prey, including medium-sized dinosaurs.
Kostensuchus atrox was a member of the Peirosauridae family of crocodiles within the sub-order Notosuchia.
“This new species belongs to the notosuchian clade Peirosauridae, representing the latest and southernmost records of this crocodile-like group,” stated Dr. Fernando Novas, a paleontologist at Argentino de Ciencias Naturales ‘Bernardino Rivadavia.
The fossilized skulls and bones of Kostensuchus atrox were discovered in the Chorrillo Formation, approximately 30 km southwest of El Calafate in the province of Santa Cruz.
“The Chorrillo Formation dates back about 70 million years,” the paleontologist explained.
“At that time, southern Patagonia boasted a warm, seasonally humid environment filled with freshwater floodplain plants, home to dinosaurs, turtles, frogs, and various mammals.”
“The newly excavated fossils from this layer are almost complete, including skulls and jaws exhibiting visible details, along with multiple bones from the body.”
Kostensuchus atrox ranks as the second-largest predator identified in the Chorrillo Formation and likely served as one of the region’s top predators.
This new species is also the first crocodile-type fossil found in this geological layer and is among the most intact examples of a crocodilian ever discovered, offering scientists unique insights into these prehistoric creatures and their environments.
“The discovery of Kostensuchus atrox significantly enhances our understanding of the anatomy of the widely distributed Peilosaurus population, which was previously known from highly fragmented specimens found in South America and Madagascar,” the researchers noted.
“The new anatomical data illuminate both the similarities and distinctions between the extensive Peirosauridae and Baurosuchidae, other crocodile-like lineages that evolved independently into apex predators during the Cretaceous period in Gondwana.”
“Kostensuchus atrox provides insights into late Cretaceous ecosystems in southern Patagonia, which formed in freshwater habitats within warm climates, supporting diverse faunas of dinosaurs, mammals, and other vertebrates in a seasonally humid environment,” they added.
“The wide and tall snout of Kostensuchus atrox, particularly its robust forelimb anatomy, along with large, sturdy teeth and broad adductor chambers in the skull, suggests this new species was capable of overpowering substantial prey.”
“These characteristics indicate that Kostensuchus atrox occupied the role of the top predator within this ultimate Cretaceous ecosystem.”
The discovery of Kostensuchus atrox is detailed in a paper published this week in the journal PLOS 1.
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Fe Novas et al. 2025. A new large carbonized crocodile from the Maastrichtian in southern Patagonia, Argentina. PLOS 1 20(8): E0328561; doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0328561
Astronomers have identified a new moon nestled among the 28 others near Uranus.
NASA, ESA, CSA, STSCI, M. ELMOU
A recently discovered, faint moon orbits Uranus, bringing its total count to 29. Several of the other moons of this gas giant bear names from the works of William Shakespeare, and there are discussions among scientists about which character will inspire the new moon’s name.
The moon was uncovered by a team led by Maryame El Moutamid from the Southwest Research Institute in Colorado, utilizing 10 long-exposure infrared images captured by NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) on February 2 this year.
For now, the moon is temporarily designated as S/2025 U 1. However, it is likely to receive a name aligned with the tradition of naming Uranus’ moons after characters from Shakespeare’s plays, a convention established since the discovery of Titania and Oberon, the planet’s first two moons, in 1787.
All proposed names for newly discovered moons must receive approval from the International Astronomical Union (IAU), the authoritative body responsible for assigning names and designations to celestial objects. Mark Showalter from the Seti Institute, who is part of the research team and an avid theater enthusiast, mentioned that while there hasn’t been any discussion on candidates yet, it’s certainly an intriguing proposition.
Showalter described the challenge of detecting such a small, dim moon, comparing it to “trying to see a fly while staring directly at the headlights of a car.” He expressed admiration for the James Webb telescope’s sensitivity, which far exceeds that of any telescope that has come before it.
There is optimism for more moons to be discovered around Uranus, as Showalter remarked, “We certainly haven’t completed our observations.” He believes it’s reasonable to propose that additional satellites exist, particularly those that may influence the ring system.
El Moutamid pointed out that the clarity of Uranus’ rings suggests there could be more undiscovered moons associated with their formation. “Perhaps there are more waiting to be identified,” she added. Some could be uncovered by the JWST, while others may be detected by a proposed Uranus orbiter and probe mission targeted for 2044. “There likely are many very small moons that remain invisible due to the limitations of current observational methods,” she said.
The S/2025 U1 is estimated to measure around 10 km in diameter, rendering it too small to be captured by cameras on the Voyager 2 probe, which launched in 1977 and passed Uranus in 1986, coming within around 81,500 kilometers. To date, it remains the closest encounter with Uranus by any spacecraft from Earth.
The new moon resides at the inner edge of Uranus’ rings, situated approximately 56,250 kilometers from the center of the planet’s equatorial plane, fitting between the orbits of the moons Ophelia and Bianca.
NASA oversees the JWST’s “General Observer” program, which allows researchers worldwide to propose observation targets that require one of the telescope’s advanced sensors. El Moutamid dedicated time to studying Uranus’ rings using the JWST’s Nircam Instrument (a high-resolution infrared sensor), which ultimately led to the discovery of this new moon.
The newly identified dragonfly species, Corduladensa asorni, found in Alberta’s Dinosaur Regional Park, represents Canada’s sole Mesozoic dragonfly, bridging a significant 30 million-year gap in the evolutionary lineage of dragonflies.
Corduladensa asorni. Image credit: Alex Anderson.
The fossilized wings of Corduladensa asorni were uncovered in 2023 by undergraduate students at McGill University during a vertebrate paleontology field course at Dinosaur State Park.
“We were digging in areas where numerous leaf fossils had been found, breaking the rocks,” explained Andre Mueller, a paleontologist from McGill University.
“When we uncovered the partial wings, we were astonished, as we didn’t anticipate discovering insects in that location.”
Due to its remarkable characteristics and unique anatomy, Corduladensa asorni led researchers to establish a new family called Cordualadensidae.
“This marks the first dragonfly from the age of dinosaurs identified in Canada,” noted Mueller.
“Its wingspan was comparable to that of a human hand, and although it was small, it played a crucial role in the Cretaceous ecosystem.”
Fossil wings of Corduladensa asorni. Image credits: Mueller et al., doi: 10.1139/cjes-2024-0162.
“This discovery showcases impression fossils, an entirely new method of preserving local insect fossils, effectively doubling our knowledge of insects from the Dinosaur Regional Parks,” stated Dr. Alexandre Demars Potvin from McGill University.
“We have begun to find more insect fossils by broadening our search areas and methodologies.”
“The diversity of insect life during this era would have been far greater than previously believed.”
The discovery of Corduladensa asorni aids in closing a 30 million-year evolutionary gap.
It is also the first known member of a significant group of dragonflies termed Cavilabiata found in North America.
“The wing anatomy indicates that this species was adapted for gliding, a trait associated with today’s migratory dragonflies and likely vital to their success,” commented Professor Hans Larson of McGill University.
“This specimen offers insight into what life in Canada was like 75 million years ago and provides an important new piece of the ecological puzzle in one of the most diverse regions rich in dinosaur fossils.”
The team’s publication was released this month in the Canada Journal of Earth Science.
____
Andre S. Mueller et al. A new family of fossil dragonfly (Odonata, Kabilaviata) from the Late Cretaceous (Campanian) Dinosaur Park Formation in Alberta, Canada. Canada Journal of Earth Science Published online on August 1, 2025. doi:10.1139/cjes-2024-0162
Classical type 1 diabetes may not be the most prevalent diabetes subtype in sub-Saharan Africa
Milomei/Aramie
Recent studies suggest that some individuals in sub-Saharan Africa diagnosed with type 1 diabetes may actually have a newly identified, non-autoimmune variant, necessitating a reassessment of current treatment approaches.
Diabetes affects every individual’s ability to produce or utilize insulin, a hormone essential for regulating blood sugar levels. However, the underlying causes differ. In classic type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune reaction destroys insulin-secreting beta cells within the pancreas, aided by “autoantibodies.”
Research led by Jean Claude Nyabou Cut from the University of Exeter reveals that approximately two-thirds of young sub-Saharan Africans diagnosed with type 1 diabetes lack these autoantibodies. This indicates that their insulin shortage might not be immune-related. Additionally, these individuals exhibit a lower predisposition to type 1 diabetes, suggesting an entirely new diabetes variant.
Studies have indicated autoantibodies are less prevalent among sub-Saharan Africans compared to their counterparts in affluent regions such as Europe. The reasons behind this discrepancy remain unclear, primarily due to the scarcity of comprehensive data regarding type 1 diabetes in Africa.
To address this gap, Kat and his colleagues conducted the first multicountry investigation of the condition across sub-Saharan Africa. They assessed three diabetic autoantibodies and the associated genetic factors in 894 Black Africans from Uganda, Cameroon, and South Africa, all of whom were diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and receiving insulin treatment.
The findings revealed that 35% of participants possessed autoantibodies, low insulin levels, and an elevated risk of type 1 diabetes. Conversely, the remaining 65% exhibited no autoantibody production, slightly higher insulin levels, and a median genetic risk score that was 18% lower. Despite this, they still experience insulin deficiency and a higher risk of type 1 diabetes compared to non-diabetic individuals. Notably, features typical of type 2 or malnutrition-related diabetes were absent.
Researchers including Silvana Obici from Stony Brook Medicine in New York contend that the predominant form of diabetes in sub-Saharan Africa is fundamentally different from classic type 1 diabetes.
The research team additionally compared their findings with data from over 3,000 participants in the US from the Search for diabetes in youth study. Autoantibody-negative type 1 diabetes was identified in only 15% of Black American participants and 9% of White American participants. Intriguingly, among Black Americans without autoantibodies, the genetic risk for type 1 diabetes was similarly low as that observed in the African cohort. This indicates that among White individuals, autoantibody absence does not equate to a non-autoimmune form of diabetes.
The presence of this new non-autoimmune diabetes subtype among both Black Africans and Black Americans highlights the potential influence of both genetic and environmental factors. Some hypotheses suggest it could be linked to an unidentified gene that induces “beta cell vulnerability,” as noted by Soumya Adhikari from Texas Children’s Health. Other possibilities include chronic infections, childhood malnutrition, environmental toxins disrupting beta cells, or the existence of atypical autoantibodies.
This emerging diabetes subtype may necessitate tailored treatment protocols, emphasizing the need for further research, according to Dana Douberry at the Colorado School of Public Health.
“Currently, insulin remains the primary treatment for this new diabetes subtype due to insulin insufficiency,” Katt acknowledges. However, identifying the fundamental causes of these subtypes is critical for improved management, asserts Daverea.
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Model of Australopithecus Hominin
Credit: Cro Magnon/Alamy
In Ethiopia, 13 human teeth have been found within volcanic ash layers dating between 26 to 2.8 million years ago. Researchers indicate that some of these teeth are attributed to the genus Homo, hinting that others may belong to a newly identified human lineage, suggesting a coexistence of both species.
“They shared resources and everything was fine,” says Kay Reed from Arizona State University. “I cannot be certain at this point.”
Previous finds suggested that early members of several Homo species existed in this region about 3 million years ago, including Australopithecus afarensis, the species of the well-known Lucy Fossil.
The emergence of the first representatives of the genus Homo around 2.5 million years ago showcases characteristics increasingly reminiscent of modern human traits. So, what unfolded during that period? To delve into this, Reid and her colleagues have been excavating at Ledi-Geraru, an area rich with volcanic deposits from this pivotal epoch.
In 2013, her team unearthed a chin from a 2.8 million-year-old Homo species, pushing back the timeline for the origin of this genus. Recently, her team identified 13 teeth across three distinct layers of ash.
The oldest and youngest dental specimens (dated 2.79 and 2.59 million years) also belong to the genus Homo, as per the team’s findings. Nevertheless, they postulate that the teeth from the middle layer (dated 2.63 million years) are from Australopithecus. All excavation sites are within a kilometer of one another.
“We anticipated discovering more Homo specimens, yet we also encountered Australopithecus,” Reid remarks.
Molar teeth from Ledi-Geraru, possibly from an unidentified Australopithecus species
Brian Billmore: University of Nevada Las Vegas
Moreover, Australopithecus teeth exhibit distinctive features when compared to A. afarensis and other members of the genus, leading the team to speculate that they may belong to a new species. If this hypothesis holds, it indicates a more intricate and expansive evolutionary tree leading to modern humans than previously assumed.
“This is a significant finding,” states John Hawks from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. However, he cautions against drawing firm conclusions based merely on a handful of teeth.
“When fossils span a timeframe of 200,000 years, as these teeth do, it’s challenging to assert that they coexisted,” remarks Hawks. “That’s a vast period.”
There are also concerns about the identification of distinct species from these teeth. “Many fossils exhibit characteristics that overlap with various species. It’s feasible to categorize smaller samples into distinct groups—some resembling Homo and others more akin to Australopithecus,” Hawks explains.
“The issue remains statistical; the measurements do not indicate that these teeth are substantially different. They fall within the overlapping size ranges of early Australopithecus and early Homo species.”
Neanderthals, Ancient Humans, Cave Art: France
Join New Scientist’s Kate Douglas for an enchanting journey through time, exploring significant Neanderthal and Upper Paleolithic sites in southern France, spanning from Bordeaux to Montpellier.
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Astronomers have been monitoring the largest black holes observed in space thus far.
Through a combination of two distinct measurement techniques, researchers have recently identified that these colossal black holes possess nearly 10,000 times the mass of the ultra-massive black holes at the center of our galaxy.
This colossal black hole is situated five billion light-years from Earth, at the core of the Cosmic Horseshoe, one of the largest known galaxies. This massive galaxy seems to gather all the galaxies in its vicinity, meaning both it and its black hole have reached their ultimate sizes.
The black hole itself weighs an astonishing 36 billion times the mass of our sun.
The discovery is particularly remarkable given that these black holes are inactive, lacking the typical surrounding luminous dusty disc.
Instead, a recent study published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society utilized a combination of two established methods to ascertain the size of this mega black hole.
“The ‘golden’ method generally depends on the kinematics of stars, meaning we measure how the stars move within the galaxy,” noted Carlos Mello in an interview with BBC Science Focus. He is a PhD student at a federal university in Brazil that led the research.
The speed of stars situated at the center of a galaxy correlates closely with the mass of its supermassive black hole. Scientists report that these stars are moving at astonishing velocities, around 400 kilometers (249 miles) per second, indicating an extraordinarily large black hole.
“However, this technique is most efficient for nearby galaxies where telescopes can better resolve the area surrounding the black hole,” Mello explained.
Given that the Cosmic Horseshoe is five billion light-years away, astronomers also employed a second method that utilizes the gravitational lensing effect of galaxies.
The Cosmic Horseshoe is known for the nearly perfect ring of light formed by a gravitational lens that bends light from a background galaxy – Credit: NASA/ESA
Gravitational lenses occur when light from a distant galaxy passes by a massive “lens” object, in this case, the black hole within the Cosmic Horseshoe. The gravity from this “lens” distorts the incoming light much like a magnifying glass, amplifying the light from the background galaxy while altering its appearance.
Astronomers can utilize this distortion to gauge the mass of the lensing object.
“The Cosmic Horseshoe is exceptional because it enables us to leverage both of these powerful methods simultaneously. This gives me greater confidence in the measurements of the black hole and its mass,” Mello remarked.
Both the galaxy and its black hole have achieved immense scales by merging with neighboring galaxies. This is the typical growth process for galaxies over time; ultimately, no surrounding galaxies can merge without reaching significant mass increases.
The Cosmic Horseshoe has reached this advanced stage, existing within a bubble of relatively few bright galaxies nearby.
“This discovery provides a unique insight into the culmination of galaxy and black hole formation,” Mello stated. “By examining this system, we can enhance our understanding of how other galaxies and their ultra-massive black holes evolve over cosmic time.”
About Our Experts
Carlos Mello is a doctoral student at a Federal University in Brazil.
Paleontologists have discovered a new species of Dromaeosaurus dinosaur from a nearly complete and unique skeleton found in Mongolia during the 2000s.
Reconstruction of Sri Lapax. Image credit: Connor Ashbridge / CC by 4.0.
This newly recognized dinosaur lived during the Campanian stage of the Cretaceous period, approximately 75 million years ago.
Based on various derived traits of the skull, vertebrae, and overall skeletal structure, this species can be classified within a group of bird-like theropods known as Dromaeosauridae.
It has been named Sri Lapax, marking it as the second species in this genus, following Sri Devi, which was identified in 2021.
“Dromaeosauridae represents a clade of small to medium-sized theropod dinosaurs that have been found in various Cretaceous deposits across North America, Asia, Europe, South America, and extending as far as Antarctica and Madagascar.”
“Remnants of feather-like structures, true pennaceous feathers, and gastrointestinal remains can be observed in well-preserved Dromaeosaurus specimens from the Lower Cretaceous period, such as Daurong Wanggi, Sinornithosaurus millenii, and Micro Raptor Zhaoianus.”
“Together with Troodontids, Dromaeosaurids are generally acknowledged as the closest modern relatives of birds.”
The nearly complete skeleton of Sri Lapax was discovered in the Djadochta Formation in Mongolia.
“This Dromaeosaurus specimen was illegally collected prior to 2010 and subsequently passed through private collections in Japan and the UK before being obtained by a French company,” noted paleontologist Eldonia.
“The precise location of the discovery remains unknown.”
“We plan to propose a tentative origin for it in the Mongolian Ukhaa Tolgod region based on documentation relating to the specimen.”
Holotype of Sri Lapax prior to preparations at the Royal Institute of Natural Sciences in Belgium in 2010. The arrows denote single femurs reconstructed using parts from both original femurs (which were separated during preparation). Image credit: Moutrille et al., doi: 10.1080/08912963.2025.2530148.
Sri Lapax exhibits a unique combination of vertebral and pelvic characteristics along with notably robust hands.
“One of the most distinctive features of Sri Lapax,” the researcher remarked.
“When adjusted for equal length, the phalangeal elements of the Pollex are about 150% more robust laterally compared to homologous elements in other Djadokhtan Dromaeosaurids, and these hands are stockier than those found in other known Dromaeosaurids.”
“We propose that frequent interactions with the Serratopsians, along with aggressive behaviors from those species, may have driven the development of more robust forelimbs and stockier hands in several Djadokhtan velociraptorines.”
“Assuming that Sri Lapax shared predatory habits with its close relative Velociraptor mongoliensis, the more robust construction of its hands suggests an adaptation for hunting larger and sturdier prey compared to typical Velociraptor diets.”
A study detailing this discovery was published online in the journal Historical Biology on July 13, 2025.
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Léa Moutrille et al. New bird-like dinosaurs from the Mongolian Upper Cretaceous period indicate niche diversification among belosirapthrins with particularly robust hands. Historical Biology published online on July 13th, 2025. doi:10.1080/08912963.2025.2530148
Dennis “Tink” Bell (far right) during a Christmas celebration at Admiralty Bay Station in 1958
D. Bell; Archive REF: AD6/19/X/20/18
The remains of a meteorologist who perished on an Antarctic glacier 66 years ago have been unearthed and returned to England.
At just 25, Dennis “Tink” Bell embarked on a two-year mission to Antarctica in July 1959 to study the climate of the Falkland Islands, which was the predecessor of the British Antarctic Survey (BAS).
Bell encountered a crevasse but managed to call out for assistance. He secured a rope to his belt and was pulled to safety, although the belt broke, causing him to fall again. This time, he did not call out for help.
His colleague made it back to base, but worsening weather conditions jeopardized further rescue efforts.
Ieuan Hopkins noted that working in Antarctica during the 1950s and 1960s was perilous, and fatalities were tragically common. Many bodies of other BAS staff remain lost today.
“There was an average 1% chance that you wouldn’t return,” remarks Hopkins. “It’s an extremely hostile environment. We’re at risk of losing people.”
Earlier this year, a team from the Arkdowsky Poland Antarctic Station on King George Island discovered numerous bone fragments on the glacier’s surface, having been exposed as they shifted over time.
“It’s a large, dynamic glacier, so things are perpetually moving,” explains Hopkins. “The presence of bone fragments suggests significant forces at play.”
The remains were transferred to the Falkland Islands and subsequently returned to Britain by the Royal Air Force aboard an Antarctic research vessel alongside Sir David Attenborough.
Denise Syndercombe Court at King’s College, London, identified the body through DNA comparisons with samples from his older brother David Bell and younger sister Valerie Kelly, as Bell commented in a statement.
The Polish team also uncovered many personal belongings believed to belong to Bell, including radio equipment, flashlights, ski poles, engraved wristwatches, knives, and pipe stems made of ebonite.
Cut marks on the foot bone from El Mirador cave, Spain
iphes-cerca
The discovery of human remains in caves in northern Spain indicates that Neolithic people may have resorted to cannibalism after battles.
Francesc Marginedas from the Catalan Institute of Human Paleoecology and Social Evolution (IPHES) in Tarragona, along with his team, examined fragments from 650 human remains found in El Mirador cave on Mount Atapuerca. These remains date back approximately 5,700 years and belong to 11 individuals.
All examined bones displayed evidence that these individuals had been consumed by other humans. Some exhibited chop markings made by a stone tool, while others showed translucent portions with gently rounded edges. Some of the long bones were fractured open with stones to access the bone marrow, and smaller bones like metatarsals and ribs had clear human bite marks.
This research supports the notion that cannibalistic practices were more prevalent in human history than previously believed.
El Mirador marks at least the fifth significant site in Spain with notable evidence of cannibalism during the Neolithic era, a shift period from foraging to agriculture, according to Margida. “There’s a growing understanding that such behavior was more frequent than we anticipated.”
The motives behind these cannibalistic acts remain unclear. Some archaeological sites show skull cups indicating a ritualistic aspect to cannibalism, while others hint at survival strategies during dire circumstances.
However, Marsidas and his team propose that the findings at El Mirador suggest these acts were linked to warfare. There was a significant amount of animal remains, and no signs of nutritional stress among the humans involved, indicating this early agricultural community was not struggling with food scarcity. Their findings offer no indication of ritualistic behavior, as human bones were found alongside animal remains.
The ages of the individuals ranged from under seven to over fifty, implying that an entire family unit may have been lost to conflict. Radiocarbon dating indicated that all 11 individuals were killed and consumed within a few days.
This evidence reflects patterns of conflict and cannibalism, which have also been noted at two other Neolithic sites: the Von Bregore Caves in France and Helxheim in Germany. This period appears marked by instability and violence due to community clashes with neighboring groups and newcomers.
While Margida and his colleagues are uncertain about the reasons behind these cannibalistic practices, historical ethnographic studies suggest that such acts during warfare can serve as a method of “ultimate exclusion.” “We believe that one group attacking and consuming another serves as a humiliating statement,” states Merseydus.
“The thoroughness of the body’s treatment and consumption is remarkable.” Paul Pettitt from Durham University, UK, comments, “The aggressive nature shown in these artifacts, regardless of whether the consumed were relatives or adversaries, mirrors a dehumanization process during consumption.”
Sylvia Bello from the Museum of Natural History in London concurs that this evidence of death likely ties back to conflicts but remains skeptical about the notion of consumption as humiliation. She suggests that cannibalism may stem from aggression and animosity rather than ritualized farewell practices, implying a more complex interpretation. “It could carry ritual significance, even amid warfare,” she asserts.
Neanderthals, Ancient Humans, and Cave Art in France
Join new scientist Kate Douglas on an enthralling exploration of the key Neanderthal and Upper Paleolithic sites in southern France, spanning from Bordeaux to Montpellier.
After 25 years of investigation, researchers at Northwestern University in the United States have found out why some adults have acclimatized to near-optimal cognitive functioning since the 1980s.
Referred to as “super agers,” these individuals are over 80 years old, yet their memory capabilities rival those of adults in their 50s and 60s.
Since the year 2000, scientists have examined 290 of these super agers, assessing 77 brains to better understand those who resist cognitive decline.
The study revealed shared personality traits among the ultra-elderly compared to the general population. These individuals often report being highly social and possessing strong interpersonal connections.
However, the differences in personality are merely the tip of the iceberg. Dr. Sandra Weintraub – a Professor of Psychiatry, Behavioral Science, and Neurology at Northwestern and co-author of a new paper summarizes the findings regarding these super agers – “What we observed in their brains was astonishing; it felt like earth-shattering news for us.”
In some super agers’ brains, scientists identified amyloid and tau proteins, commonly known as plaque and tangles, which are significant in the context of Alzheimer’s disease. In other super agers, these were absent.
Nonetheless, no brains exhibited the damage typically linked with these plaques or tangles.
“Our observation is that there are two distinct mechanisms enabling someone to become a super ager,” Weintraub stated. “The first is resistance, meaning they do not develop plaque or tangles. The second is resilience; they do form these but do not experience negative brain impacts.”
Super agers displayed not only varying personality traits but also distinct brain structures, particularly in the size and shape of the cortex.
In addition to that, these super agers exhibited youthful brain structures. While older brains generally have thinner cortices compared to younger ones, these individuals did not show such thinning.
In particular, they displayed remarkable thickness in the anterior cingulate cortex, a crucial area involved in processing information related to decision-making, emotions, and motivations.
Moreover, super agers had a greater number of Von Economo neurons, also known as spindle cells, compared to their normally aging peers. These neurons, located in the cortex, play a significant role in social behavior, emotional processing, and self-awareness.
“Our research indicates that exceptional memory in later years is achievable and correlates with a well-defined neurobiological profile,” Weintraub stated. “This paves the way for novel interventions aimed at preserving brain health in older age.”
Researchers expressed hope that their work would encourage cognitive health and unveil new approaches to slow or prevent future neurodegenerative diseases like dementia.
wudingloong wui existed around 200 million years ago in Yunnan Province, China, during the early Jurassic Epoch.
Reconstructed skeletons and representative bones of wudingloong wui. Individual scale bars – 5 cm. Reconstructed skeleton scale bar – 50 cm. Image credit: Wang et al., doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-12185-2.
wudingloong wui was a medium-sized member of the non-Sauropodang group, part of the Sauropodomorpha, a highly successful dinosaur clade found nearly worldwide, from Antarctica to Greenland.
“The Chinese non-Sauropodian sauropods are primarily known from the Rufen and the adjacent Lower Jurassic Rufen Formation in Yunnan Province, including species like Lufengosaurus, Yunnanosaurus, Jing Shanosaurus, xingxiulong, and Yizhousaurus,” said Jamin Wang, a paleontologist at the Chinese Geological Museum and a collaborator.
“The discovery of Qianlong from the Jurassic Jillusin Formation in the neighboring Gituhou province is a recent finding that expands our understanding of non-Sauropodian Sauropodomorphs in China.”
“The discovery of wudingloong wui provides additional evidence that the Sauropodomorph community in southwestern China is the most taxonomically diverse and morphologically varied in the world, featuring a range of species from early Massospondylidae to non-Sauropod forms.”
Fossilized remains of wudingloong wui were collected from the Yubacun Layer in Wande Town, Yunnan Province, China.
“The specimen includes a partial skeleton comprising the skull, lower jaw, atlas, axis, and the third cervical vertebra.”
“Fully developed skull elements and closed central nerve sutures suggest that the specimen is likely a mature individual.”
wudingloong wui is the earliest and statistically oldest Sauropodomorph dinosaur discovered in East Asia.
“The new species fits within the Sauropodomorph classification, predating Massospondylidae and Sauropodiformes, thus contributing valuable information to the Sauropodomorph community in southwestern China,” the researchers stated.
“Thus, the Sauropodomorph community in early Jurassic southwestern China is possibly characterized by four distinct associations comprising four relatively small species, including the medium-sized Massospondylid Lufengosaurus, early Zauropod horns, and assemblages resembling late Triassic to early Jurassic medium-sized sauropods, presumably quadrupedal Massopodans, akin to those found in the Elliott Formation of South Africa and the Zauropodmorph group in Zimbabwe.”
“Close phylogenetic ties between wudingloong and Plateosauravus from the Elliott Formation in late Triassic South Africa, as well as Ruehleia from late Triassic Germany, indicate that the early dispersal of Sauropodomorphs in East Asia occurred at least during the Late Triassic Rhaetian (206-201 million years ago) or around the Triassic-Jurassic boundary (201 million years ago).”
“To substantiate this hypothesis, further samples and additional analyses are required.”
“Nonetheless, the discovery of wudingloong raises questions regarding the distribution of non-Sauropodian sauropods in East Asia and its correlation with Triassic-Jurassic extinction events.”
The team’s paper is published in the journal Scientific Reports.
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YM. King et al. 2025. The new early Jurassic dinosaurs represent the earliest and oldest Sauropodmorph in East Asia. Sci Rep 15, 26749; doi:10.1038/s41598-025-12185-2
Australian entomologists unveil a remarkable new species from the Stick Insect genus Acrofella, identified from two female specimens and their eggs.
Holotype of Acrofera Alta in its natural habitat. Image credit: Ross M. Coupland.
Originally described in 1835, Acrofella is a genus of stick insects belonging to the tribe Phasmatini.
Species in this genus inhabit nearby regions including China, Australia, New Guinea, Tasmania, and Lord Howe Island.
The newly classified Acrofera species is found in the highlands of the Wettropic Bioregion in Queensland, Australia.
“Key locations include Lewis National Park, Evelyn Tableland (likely encompassing Maarlan National Park), Topaz, Upper Baron, Mount Hypamie, and Dumbra,” stated Professor Angus Emmott from James Cook University and his colleague Ross Coupland.
The new species, named Acrofera Alta, can reach lengths of up to 40 cm (16 inches) and weigh approximately 44 g.
Typically light brown in color, this species is exceptionally camouflaged despite its large size.
“Although there are long stick insects in this region, they tend to have relatively light bodies,” explained Professor Emmott.
“As far as we know, this is Australia’s heaviest insect.”
The eggs of Acrofera Alta were also crucial in distinguishing it as a new species.
“Every stick insect species has distinct egg characteristics,” noted Professor Emmott.
“Their surfaces, textures, and corrosion patterns vary. Shapes can differ as well.”
“Even the caps of the eggs are uniquely identifiable.”
Researchers speculate that Acrofera Alta may not have been discovered earlier due to the inaccessibility of its habitat.
“Their environment could explain their large body size,” Professor Emmott added.
“It is a cool, damp habitat.”
“Larger body weight might enable them to endure colder temperatures, which could have led to their evolutionary characteristics over millions of years.”
The identification of such a large new insect species highlights the critical need to conserve remaining biologically diverse habitats and ecosystems, with potential undiscovered species like stick insects awaiting description.
The discovery of Acrofera Alta has been documented in a study published in the journal Zootaxa.
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Ross M. Coupland and Angus J. Emmott. 2025. New giant species of Acrofella Gray, 1835 (Fasmida: Fasmida), from the highlands of Wettropic, Queensland, Australia. Zootaxa 5647(4): 371-383; doi: 10.11646/zootaxa.5647.4.4
A recently identified giant stick insect species, discovered in the wet tropical rainforests of Australia, is poised to be recognized as the heaviest insect ever recorded on the continent.
Acrofera Alta weighs 44 grams, roughly equivalent to a golf ball, and measures around 40 cm in length. To date, only two female specimens have been collected, with a third individual photographed and released by surprised locals.
The genus of these insects has been known since 1835, yet this particular species remained hidden from scientific discovery, likely due to its elusive habitat, according to Angus Emmott from James Cook University in Townsville, Australia.
The lush, damp tropics of northeastern Australia serve as a pristine wilderness, rich with cool rainforests and home to other rare species like tree kangaroos.
So far, Acrofera Alta has only been found in tree canopies above 900 meters, specifically in the mountainous regions of Millaa Millaa and Mount Phypipamee in Queensland.
The species name Alta reflects both the altitude of the forests it inhabits and the height of the trees it commonly frequents.
“It has very large wings, but due to its bulky body, it can only use them to glide down to the ground,” Emmott explains.
Current population status remains uncertain. “We can’t really determine its rarity,” Emmott states. “It’s limited to small stretches of high-altitude rainforests and exists primarily in the canopy, making it less visible to observers unless they survive being affected by cyclones and birds.”
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Paleontologists from Argentine Patagonia have unearthed parts of the posterior skull from the previously unknown sauropod dinosaur, Levvatissaurus.
Reconstruction of the life of Astigmasaura genuflexa. Image credit: Mattia Yuri Messina.
The newly identified dinosaurs thrived in what is modern-day Argentina during the late Cretaceous period, around 95 million years ago.
This species has been scientifically named Astigmasaura ungflexa and measured approximately 18 meters (59 feet) in length, weighing over 10 tons.
These ancient giants belong to the Rebbachisauridae, a large family of sauropod dinosaurs within the superfamily Diplodocoidea.
“Rebbachisaurids are medium to large, non-selective, ground-level browsers, characterized by highly specialized skulls, elongated axial elements, and gracile appendicular skeletons.”
“Fossils from Levubatisaurus, spanning the early to late Cretaceous, are particularly diverse within the ancient supercontinent Gondwana, with numerous specimens discovered in North Africa and South America.”
“Notably, Patagonia has produced more than half of all known rebbachisaurids, including the earliest forms and the most recent Rebbachisaurus.”
Fieldwork in the El Orejano region of the Huncul Formation in Patagonia, Argentina. Image credit: Flavio Bellardini.
Fossilized remains of Astigmasaura ungflexa were found in the El Orejano area of the Huncul Formation within the Neuquén Basin in Patagonia, Argentina.
The material type of Astigmasaura ungflexa was described by paleontologists.
This new species represents one of the last Levubatisaurus dinosaurs before it went extinct around 90 million years ago.
“Astigmasaura ungflexa shares a variety of traits with other rebbachisaurids, including anterior caudal vertebrae with tall neural spines and tetrameric nerve layers, an asymmetrical neural arch, a mesolaterally compressed proximal tibia, and medially tilted distal condyles and femurs,” the researchers noted.
“Furthermore, Astigmasaura ungflexa displays a unique combination of diagnostic features that set it apart from all other sauropods.”
“This new finding not only enhances our understanding of the previously unexplored caudal and pelvic girdle anatomy of Rebbachisauridae but also indicates greater taxonomic diversity within the family during the late stages of evolutionary history than previously recognized.”
The team’s paper was published online in the journal Cretaceous Research.
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Flavio Berardini et al. 2025. Alongside the Titans: a new Levuvacisaur dinosaur from the Huncul Formation (Upper Cenomanian) of Patagonia, Argentina. Cretaceous Research 176:106188; doi:10.1016/j.cretres.2025.106188
Scientists don’t need reminding that hangovers are unpleasant. Excessive alcohol intake can trigger a cascade of headaches, nausea, fatigue, and inflammation.
While the long-term health hazards of alcohol consumption are well-known, it’s surprising that research on hangovers is quite limited.
“When I searched for ‘hangovers’, I found about 600 articles since 1945,” notes Professor J Leigh Leasure, who maintains a database of biomedical and lifestyle research. “It’s astonishing how little has been explored on this topic.”
Leasure, a neuroscientist at the University of Houston studying the effects of alcohol, is among the researchers striving to enhance our understanding of this unclear condition.
As a participant, she has experimented with various hangover remedies—from traditional eggs and bacon to electrolytes, vitamin mixes, and caffeine infusions.
High-Intensity Exercise to Sweat Out Hangovers
Meanwhile, some individuals tackle their hangovers through high-intensity workouts. Whether it’s a run or a spin and kettlebell class, the goal remains the same: to sweat out the “toxins” from the previous night.
“Interestingly, many people swear by sweating it out,” says Leasure.
In 2024, she and her colleagues released their first study examining whether exercise can alleviate hangover symptoms. Published in the journal Addictive Behavior, the research involved approximately 1,600 university students who had experienced at least one hangover in the past three months.
Participants completed a survey regarding their alcohol consumption, activity levels, and the frequency and severity of hangovers.
Some findings were unsurprising: increased drinking correlated with more severe hangovers.
However, the study also revealed that students who engaged in intense exercise during the previous three months reported fewer and less severe hangovers compared to those who were less active.
It’s worth mentioning that this was a retrospective study. The students were not tested in a controlled setting, so the results should be viewed with some caution.
This study suggests that vigorous exercise might generally mitigate the worst hangover effects, rather than alleviating them in the immediate aftermath.
Read more:
Reduced Inflammation from Elevated Endorphins
There’s reason to believe that training after a hangover can be beneficial. Endorphins released by rigorous exercise act as natural painkillers, which could help alleviate headaches.
One study indicates that high-intensity exercise is particularly effective at boosting endorphin production compared to lighter workouts.
Leasure posits that exercise may also have anti-inflammatory properties.
“One prevailing idea is that alcohol, especially in large amounts, elevates short-term inflammation, while exercise tends to counteract this,” she explains.
Research has shown that regular exercise can reduce the likelihood of chronic inflammation. In 2023, Harvard Research identified one mechanism involving the release of regulatory T cells that modulate the body’s inflammatory response.
Earlier studies suggest that moderate exercise for just 20 minutes can trigger an anti-inflammatory response.
However, don’t expect to break personal records on your morning run. While exercise can help with hangovers, the hangover itself can impair performance, says Leasure.
“As one might expect, hangovers don’t improve athletic performance. Research indicates they make physical activity more challenging.”
One significant idea is that alcohol increases inflammation, while exercise has the opposite effect – Illustrated Credit: Jamie Coe
Another unexpected finding emerged from Leasure’s study.
“There is a substantial body of literature examining the connection between exercise and alcohol consumption,” she states. “Physically active individuals tend to drink, which seems somewhat paradoxical.”
One theory from Leasure and her colleagues suggests that people often have a debit and credit mindset regarding health. Engaging in unhealthy habits like drinking might lead some to compensate by pursuing healthier activities, such as an intense workout on a Sunday morning.
As this study continues, the effects on hangovers will become clearer.
About Our Experts
Professor J Leigh Leasure is a neuroscientist and associate professor in the Department of Biology and Biochemistry, focusing on the effects of alcohol at the University of Houston in the United States. She has published in multiple scientific journals including Alcohol, Neuroplasticity, and Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research.
Archaeologists have unearthed two unusual structures concealed beneath the ground adjacent to the renowned pyramids of Giza, Egypt.
Utilizing radar and electrical technologies, a collaborative team of Japanese and Egyptian scientists identified a perplexing 10m (33ft) L-shaped formation, positioned approximately 2m (6.5ft) underground, alongside a larger, deeper structure located about 5-10m (16-33ft) below the surface.
The purpose of these structures remains undetermined, but researchers propose that the L-shaped formation may signify an entrance to a larger object beneath, potentially a tomb entrance.
These findings were made in a vast empty area within the Western Cemetery, believed to date back four to five hundred years in Giza.
Previously overlooked during excavations due to the absence of visible structures above ground, this sandy region contrasts with surrounding cemeteries filled with numerous flat-roofed rectangular graves made from stone and mud, known as Mastabas.
This research, as published in Archaeological Research in early 2025, employed ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and a subsurface scanning method known as electrical resistance tomography (ERT).
GPR operates by sending radar waves into the ground. When these waves encounter a buried object, they are reflected back to the surface detector. By measuring the time taken for these waves to return, scientists can construct 3D representations of subterranean structures.
In a similar fashion, ERT involves sending electrical currents through the ground and assessing how easily electricity traverses different materials hidden below the surface.
Through these advanced techniques, archaeologists can detect variations in soil composition and pinpoint the shape and location of anomalies.
This is the entrance to the Mastabus in Giza, a rectangular tomb created for Sessmoufer IV. – Credit: DIY13 via Getty
However, Dr. Roland Enmarch, an Egyptian scholar from the University of Liverpool who was not involved in this study, told BBC Science Focus that the nature of these structures remains unclear.
“It’s difficult to say more until there’s an actual excavation at the site. [the L-shaped structure] but I wouldn’t be surprised if it turned out to be some form of grave,” he noted.
Regarding the deeper anomaly, Enmarch remarked:
Researchers suggest that this deeper structure might merely be a mix of sand and gravel or an air-filled void.
Enmarch expressed, “I’m genuinely eager to hear about the results of their excavations and verify my GPR findings.”
Read more:
About our experts
Dr. Roland Enmarch is an Egyptologist at the University of Liverpool in the UK, specializing in inscriptions of Egyptian literary laments and quarrying expeditions, particularly related to the Alabaster quarry in Hatnub.
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