The Galaxy Potentially Discovered by JWST Might Be the Earliest We’ve Ever Observed

Posted on September 5, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

A potentially newly discovered galaxy from the James Webb Space Telescope

NASA, ESA, CSA, CEERS, G. Gandolfi

SEI 264756217 — 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

Discover the astronomical wonders of Chile. Explore some of the world’s most advanced observatories and experience the starry skies under some of the clearest conditions on Earth.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

1,600 Years of Samaritan Reconciliation Discovered in Israel

Posted on September 3, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

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.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmrz8wqpfe0

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.”

Source: www.sci.news

New Species of Herbivorous Dinosaur Discovered

Posted on September 2, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Paleontologists have announced the discovery of a new genus and species of eusauropod dinosaurs from the early Jurassic period in China.

Mamenchisaurus Young, sister species Huashanosaurus Qini. Image credit: Steveoc 86/cc by-sa 2.5.

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.

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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

Source: www.sci.news

700-Million-Year-Old Fossils of Crocodile-Like Apex Predators Discovered in Argentina

Posted on August 29, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

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

Source: www.sci.news

Newly Discovered Moon Reveals Uranus Has the Smallest Orbit of Its Kind

Posted on August 19, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

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.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Ancient Training Species Discovered: A 75 Million-Year-Old Find | Sci.News

Posted on August 19, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

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.

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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

Source: www.sci.news

A Newly Discovered Diabetes Subtype in Young People in Sub-Saharan Africa

Posted on August 14, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

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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Source: www.newscientist.com

Fossilized Teeth Might Belong to a Newly Discovered Species of Early Hominins

Posted on August 14, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

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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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Source: www.newscientist.com

Discovered the Largest Black Hole in the Universe to Date

Posted on August 13, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

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.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Newly Discovered Mongolian Bird-like Dinosaurs boasted Strong, Robust Hands

Posted on August 12, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

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

Source: www.sci.news

Remains of Researcher Discovered on Antarctic Glacier After 66 Years

Posted on August 11, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

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.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Ancient Cannibalism Evidence Discovered in Human Bones from Spanish Caves

Posted on August 7, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

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.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Scientists Investigate “Superagers” for 25 Years: Here’s What They Discovered

Posted on August 7, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

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.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Oldest Known Sauropodmorph Dinosaurs Discovered in East Asia, Excavated in China

Posted on August 5, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

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

Source: www.sci.news

Newly Discovered Giant Stick Insect Species in Australia

Posted on August 2, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

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

Source: www.sci.news

Newly Discovered Science Stick Insects: Australia’s Heaviest Insects Yet!

Posted on July 31, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Stick insects from seeds Acrofera Alta

Angus Emmott/James Cook University

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.”

Insects and Ecosystem Expedition Safari: Sri Lanka

Explore the heart of Sri Lanka’s rich biodiversity on this unique expedition focused on entomology and ecosystem study.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Ancient Herbivorous Dinosaur Discovered in Argentina, Dating Back 95 Million Years

Posted on July 29, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

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

Source: www.sci.news

After Years of Speculation, Science May Have Discovered a Genuine Hangover Remedy

Posted on July 27, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

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.

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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.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Possible Underground Tomb Discovered Next to the Giza Pyramid

Posted on July 25, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

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.”

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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.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Taking a Break from Spotify: My Month Away from the Algorithm and What I Discovered About Khruangbin

Posted on July 24, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

I Music serves as a remarkable tool for adjusting your mood, and Spotify excels in this regard. Feeling down? Check out your custom “Depress Sesh Mix.” Navigating a romantic dilemma? You’ll find a curated “situational mix.” As I write this, I’m tuned into Spotify’s daylist—a compilation that refreshes every few hours based on my listening preferences. Today’s vibe is the “Funky Beat Roller Skate Early Morning Tuesday Mix.” At a brisk 120bpm, the algorithm gets that an energetic soundtrack is essential for transitioning from bed to desk.

The downside of this tailored listening experience is its overly familiar AI-driven intimacy, where the same tracks loop predictably. Spotify’s algorithm has dulled the novelty of artists I once loved. I find myself hitting Skip every time Kluang Bin’s slippery, psychedelic bass enters my playlists or seamlessly flows from another artist’s radio.

A decade ago, Spotify championed human-curated playlists crafted by artists, celebrities, and music enthusiasts. However, by 2021, streaming platforms started pivoting toward machine learning, with computer-generated models creating nearly half of daily events. Nowadays, user data—primarily our listening habits, interactions with Spotify, and the time of day—are compiled into tightly personalized mixtapes.

Proponents argue this offers an opportunity to democratize music promotion by accurately matching it with audiences. Yet, critics claim this hyper-subjective approach restricts music discovery to what listeners already know. Despite my attempts, my musical taste has become increasingly narrow. As an experiment, I paused my Spotify use for a month, rediscovering how to find music.

Initially, I consulted my father, someone who has never used streaming services, and who grew up in the vibrant punk and glam rock scene of 1970s London. Spending time at his local record shop, he would sample vinyl, selecting A-sides or B-sides to purchase. Some albums missed the mark, while others transported him to another dimension, akin to experiencing Pink Floyd’s “The Dark Side of the Moon.” He advised me to start with my favorite artist and listen to each album sequentially, as if I were reading a narrative.

Inspired, I purchased a $30 record player from a thrift shop and sought out vinyl. My visit to Record Renaissance yielded slim pickings—Australian pub classics, Christian country, and Christmas hits. However, when a friend pointed out that my new turntable lacked a needle, it unfortunately became a dusty but eye-catching décor piece in my living room.

My 20-year-old neighbor provided another idea: an iPod adorned with rhinestones, found on Facebook Marketplace for $200. Plugging it in with wired ear buds and hitting shuffle was a nostalgic throwback. Sadly, this romance was short-lived since the iPod struggled to sync with my Bluetooth speaker and required hours of tedious uploads.

The biggest hurdle arose during drives in my old silver Subaru, where I was limited to just one CD, a flimsy auxiliary chord, and my thoughts. Stuck in silence, I chanced upon my local community radio station, Vox FM 106.9. More than five million Australians tune in to community radio weekly for an average of 17 hours—and I understand why. The station prides itself on “real music” with the slogan, “I don’t know what I like until you try it.” It was just what I needed! I rediscovered the thrill of rolling down the window and blasting tracks by the Sugababes.

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I reached out to Justin Moon, who manages a popular underground radio station and record shop in Newcastle. He sources music from Record Fairs, friends, and Bandcamp, distributing interesting sounds like a modern-day Hermes, guiding listeners like me towards new auditory experiences. Moon notes that his audience seeks a more “active” listening journey. “It’s not the kind of background noise you forget about ten seconds into boiling two minutes of noodles,” he remarks.

Like movies, TV, and food, music is now more accessible than ever. However, this accessibility has resulted in a phenomenon where music is often drowned out. Instead of relying solely on algorithms, I spent a month finding new music independently, fostering a deeper connection with my parents, friends, radio presenters, and even strangers. Their recommendations embodied parts of themselves, their memories, or mutual interests, regardless of my past preferences.

After my month-long Spotify hiatus, my algorithm hadn’t completely reset. While composing this piece, my daylist evolved into “Indietronican Swimming Pool in France on a Tuesday Afternoon,” featuring two Khruangbin songs. It’s safe to say it’s time to roll the dice on the radio.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Paleontologists Declare Newly Discovered Fossils the First Known Non-Pirate Roboposians

Posted on July 24, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Initially published in 1865, Palaeocampa anthrax predated the discovery of the Burgess Shale in Canada by nearly 50 years. Over the next 130 years, it underwent various classifications until Richard Knecht and his team at the University of Michigan identified its true nature. This organism primarily inhabited freshwater environments, challenging the notion that Paleozoic Robopodians were exclusively marine.

Reconstruction of the Moncole-Le Mines-Lagertet Environment Palaeocampa anthrax: The large Palaeocampa anthrax is illustrated on the banks of a shallow inland river, concealed by dense vegetation and coal forest mist, alongside various euticulcinoids and a pair of freshwater Xiphosrans, Alanops magnificus; the nearest marine environment is several hundred km southwest. Image credit: Knecht et al., doi: 10.1038/s42003-025-08483-0.

Robopodians are extinct, soft-bodied organisms that connect primitive worm-like ancestors to modern arthropods such as insects and crustaceans.

Their iconic fossils are mainly associated with Cambrian marine sediments like Burgess Shale, including Hallucigenia and Aysheaia pedunculata, the latter discovered in 1911, long thought to be exclusively marine.

“Robopodians may have been prevalent on the Paleozoic seabed, but aside from microscopic creatures and terrestrial velvet worms, we believed they were confined to the ocean,” stated Dr. Knecht.

In their recent study, Dr. Knecht and his co-authors examined 43 specimens of Palaeocampa anthrax, utilizing advanced imaging techniques from two Carboniferous Lagerstätten (Mazon Creek, USA, and Moncole Mines, France), including backscattering scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy.

The analysis revealed intricate anatomical traits, with nearly 1,000 hairy spines covering its body being particularly noteworthy.

Chemical residues at the spine tips were identified using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), indicating potential secretion of toxins to deter predators in wetland habitats.

“I was surprised to find that fragments of biological molecules can be exceptionally well-preserved or altered in fossilized geological materials,” remarked Nanphungyu, a paleontologist at Columbia University.

“We’re thrilled about this technology’s ability to distinguishing fossilized remains from rocky matrices.”

Palaeocampa anthrax from Mazon Creek Lagerstätte. Image credits: Knecht et al., doi: 10.1038/s42003-025-08483-0.” width=”580″ height=”701″ srcset=”https://cdn.sci.news/images/2025/07/image_14089_2-Palaeocampa-anthrax.jpg 580w, https://cdn.sci.news/images/2025/07/image_14089_2-Palaeocampa-anthrax-248×300.jpg 248w” sizes=”(max-width: 580px) 100vw, 580px”/>

Palaeocampa anthrax from Mazon Creek Lagerstätte. Image credit: Knecht et al., doi: 10.1038/s42003-025-08483-0.

The research team posits that Palaeocampa anthrax is closely related to the Hadranax Cambrian Robopodian from Greenland, which is nearly 200 million years older.

Both species are blind, possess 10 pairs of legs, and lack claws. However, Hadranax adapted to navigate deep waters with elongated front appendages, while Palaeocampa anthrax, measuring only 4 cm, had a dense covering of spines over its legs, suggesting it might have thrived in freshwater, perhaps even amphibious environments.

This finding also clarifies the enigma surrounding the Moncole-le-Mines fossil site, which was once thought to be marine.

“Mazon Creek is characterized by a mixture of terrestrial, freshwater, and marine fauna,” Dr. Knecht elaborated.

“In contrast, Moncole-le-Mines, which yielded half of the specimens, was located hundreds of kilometers inland, thus ruling out any marine origin.”

“This reclassification confirms the site’s non-marine nature, offering a unique insight into ancient freshwater ecosystems.”

This discovery broadens our comprehension of Robopodia diversity and poses new evolutionary questions. How many more species could migrate from ocean to freshwater, hidden away in museum collections and misidentified?

“The rarity of conditions conducive to fossilizing soft-bodied creatures such as Robopodians makes this finding significant,” Dr. Knecht concluded.

“While most insights come from Cambrian Lagerstätten, such as Palaeocampa anthrax, opportunities from the Carboniferous Period are scarce, making each new discovery incredibly valuable.”

The results will be published in the journal Communication Biology.

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RJ Knecht et al. 2025. Palaeocampa anthrax: armored freshwater robopod with chemical defenses from the Carboniferous. Commun Biol 8, 1080; doi:10.1038/s42003-025-08483-0

Source: www.sci.news

Newly Discovered Aluminum Isotope: Aluminum-20

Posted on July 23, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The detection of previously unknown nuclear aluminum-20 was achieved by observing attenuation during its flight.

A three-proton release from aluminum-20. Image credit: Xiaodong Xu.

Currently, more than 3,300 nuclides have been identified, yet fewer than 300 are stable and naturally occurring. The remaining nuclides are unstable and undergo radioactive decay.

By the mid-20th century, researchers had discovered several common decay modes, including α-decay, β+ decay, electron capture, γ-radiation, and nuclear fission.

In the last few decades, advancements in nuclear physics experimental facilities and detection techniques have enabled the discovery of various exotic decay modes, particularly in nuclei that are far from stability, especially neutron-deficient nuclei.

In the 1970s, the phenomenon of single proton radioactivity was identified, where the nucleus was attenuated by releasing a proton.

In the 21st century, the discovery of bipolar radioactivity emerged, attributed to the decay of highly neutron-deficient nuclei.

Recently, even rarer disintegration events have been recorded, including those resulting in three, four, and five products.

“Aluminum-20 is the lightest aluminum isotope ever discovered,” states Dr. Xiaodong Xu, a physicist at the Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences.

“It resides across the proton drip line and has seven fewer neutrons compared to stable aluminum isotopes.”

Employing in-flight damping techniques with fragment separators at the GSI Helmholtz Center for Heavy Ion Research, physicists assessed the angular correlation of the damping products of aluminum-20.

Their detailed analysis of these angular correlations revealed that the ground state of aluminum-20 initially decays by releasing one proton into an intermediate ground state of magnesium-19, which subsequently collapses through the simultaneous release of two protons.

Aluminum-20 marks the first observed tripolar emitter, classified as a bipolar radionuclide.

The research also indicated that the damping energy of the aluminum-20 ground state is significantly lower than anticipated based on isospin symmetry, suggesting a potential breaking of isospin symmetry between aluminum-20 and its mirror partner, neon-20.

This conclusion is endorsed by advanced theoretical calculations predicting that the spin parity of the aluminum-20 ground state differs from the spin parity of the neon-20 ground state.

“This research will enhance our understanding of the proton evaporation phenomenon and provide insights into the structural dynamics and collapse of nuclei beyond the proton drip line,” Dr. Xu remarked.

The team’s paper was published this month in the journal Physical Review Letters.

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X.-D. Xu et al. 2025. Isospin symmetry revealed through the attenuation of the three-proton emitter aluminum-20. Phys. Rev. Lett. 135, 022502; doi:10.1103/hkmy-yfdk

Source: www.sci.news

Newly Discovered Small Red Dot Galaxy Found in Our Local Universe

Posted on July 18, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

J1025+1402, one of three small red dot galaxies up to 2.5 billion light years apart

Digital Legacy Survey/d. Lang (Permieter Institute)

SEI 259288289 — J1025+1402, one of three small red dot galaxies up to 2.5 billion light years apart

Digital Legacy Survey/d. Lang (Permieter Institute)

A new analysis shows that peculiar galaxies, once only identified in early cosmic formations, have surfaced more recently, raising intriguing questions about their origins.

Recent observations made by astronomers utilizing the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) have revealed compact red entities from the universe’s first billion years, dubbed Little Red Dots (LRD). These were initially believed to be associated with phenomena in the early universe, like the formation of supermassive black holes at the cores of galaxies, including our own.

Xiaojing Lin from China’s Tsinghua University, along with her research team, has discovered LRD in a much younger universe, about 12 billion years post-Big Bang. “This finding demonstrates that the conditions fostering small red dots are not solely confined to the early universe,” states Lin.

The researchers employed a telescope based in New Mexico to analyze images captured during the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. They pinpointed three objects that appeared as LRD, but significantly, they were merely 2.5 billion light years apart.

“They meet all criteria for classification as small red dots,” remarks Xiaohui Fan from the University of Arizona. “I believe there’s no doubt regarding their similarity.”

Each LRD is estimated to be approximately one million times the mass of the Sun, with dimensions comparable to the solar system. One of these LRDs is nicknamed the “egg” due to its elongated structure. The team also identified a few other potential LRD candidates awaiting confirmation.

These findings are exhilarating, says Anthony Taylor from the University of Texas at Austin, as they provide unique insights into the characteristics of LRDs. These objects are faint enough that telescopes like the JWST and Hubble can analyze them significantly easier than their early universe counterparts, potentially unveiling their true nature.

“They’re much closer to us, making them appear much brighter,” adds Taylor.

A schematic diagram showing what the local small red dots might be, depicting a black hole at the center, encircled by a significant gas envelope (yellow), streams of gas, clouds, and dust.

Xiaojing Lin with Cass Fan

A potential explanation for LRDs is that they signify the nascent phases of extraordinarily massive black holes maturing within the galaxy, possibly marking their initiation as they begin consuming matter voraciously.

It’s currently unclear whether local LRDs are dormant galaxies that have recently awakened or if they have just formed and are starting to consume significant amounts of material. “At this point, it is premature to discuss that aspect,” Taylor points out.

The team is eager to utilize Hubble and JWST to delve deeper into these local LRDs. “I have a proposal for Hubble pending approval,” Fan comments.

LRDs have the potential to exist not just in contemporary and ancient universes but throughout cosmic history. “They may have been lurking, camouflaged, amidst the cosmos,” Fan remarks. “People haven’t known what to look for.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Astronomers Confirm Newly Discovered Trans-Neptunian Objects Move in Neptune-like Rhythms

Posted on July 18, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Identified during a significant survey of a large sloping object (lido) and classified as 2020 VN40, this TransNeptunian entity is the first confirmed object that completes one orbit around the Sun for every ten orbits of Neptune. This discovery, detailed in a paper published in the Journal of Planetary Science, aids researchers in comprehending the behavior of distant objects in the outer solar system and their formation. It lends support to the theory that various remote objects are momentarily “captured” by the gravitational pull of Neptune as they traverse space.

Artist’s impressions of the Transneptunian object. Image credits: NASA/ESA/G. Bacon, stsci.

“This marks a major advancement in our understanding of the outer solar system,” remarked Dr. Rosemary Pike, an astronomer at the Harvard & Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics.

“It demonstrates that even the most remote areas influenced by Neptune can harbor objects, offering fresh insights into the evolution of the solar system.”

“This is merely the beginning,” commented Dr. Katherine Bolk, an astronomer at the Institute of Planetary Science.

“We are opening new windows into the history of the solar system.”

The discovery of 2020 VN40 was facilitated by the Lido Survey, which focused on identifying unusual objects in the outer solar system.

This research utilized the Canadian French Hawaii Telescope for primary observations, with supplemental observations conducted by the Gemini Observatory and Magellan Bird.

The study aimed to locate remnants with orbits extending well above and below the plane of Earth’s orbit around the Sun—an area of the outer solar system that has not been thoroughly examined.

“We’ve witnessed considerable effort and extensive results,” stated Dr. Samantha Lawler, an astronomer at the University of Regina and a member of the Lido team.

The average distance of VN40 in 2020 is approximately 139.5 times that of Earth’s distance from the Sun, following a notably tilted trajectory around the solar system.

The object becomes even more intriguing when considering its relationship with Neptune.

Unlike most objects that, based on their orbital duration ratios, are nearest to the Sun when Neptune is distant, the 2020 VN40 reaches its closest point to the Sun when Neptune is relatively nearby, based on its positional perspective above the solar system.

The inclination of the object’s orbit indicates that it is not positioned closely, as the 2020 VN40 is significantly lower than the general level of the solar system.

All other known resonant TransNeptunian objects have orbits that prevent such alignment when approaching the Sun, even from a flat perspective.

“This new discovery is like uncovering hidden rhythms in familiar songs,” expressed Dr. Ruth Murray Clay, an astronomer at the University of California, Santa Cruz.

“It has the potential to alter our understanding of the movement of distant objects.”

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Rosemary E. Pike et al. 2025. Lido: Discovery of a 10:1 resonator with a new, obsolete state. Planet. SCI. J 6, 156; doi:10.3847/psj/addd22

Source: www.sci.news

Have You Discovered an Unexpected Solution to the Environmental Impact of Air Travel?

Posted on July 18, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Will it take flight? This question is increasingly raised by those mindful of the environment. Boarding a plane might seem like the only realistic choice, especially during hard times or when loved ones live far away.

We can certainly engage in some air travel as part of a sustainable future, but we must first dispel certain misconceptions and clearly outline feasible ways to lessen our global warming footprint.

The most common myth is that sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) can resolve our issues. This label is misleading, as SAFs often don’t live up to their name.

Here’s why: there are three primary categories of SAF. The first type is derived from waste, particularly used cooking oil. However, this only accounts for about 2-3% of global flights. The second type consists of synthetic SAFs produced from raw materials like captured carbon dioxide, using renewable energy. The efficiency of these processes is quite low (at least 2 kilowatt-hours of energy are needed to generate 1 kWh of fuel), which is a misguided use of limited renewable resources. The third type is made from crops, which puts immense pressure on farmland and the food system, posing major challenges. In reality, sustainable aviation fuel is not the revolutionary solution many hope for.

Another hopeful concept I often encounter is the idea that electrification or hydrogen fuel could decarbonize aviation. However, electrification is practical only for short-haul flights; battery weight makes it unfeasible for long distances. Hydrogen poses its own challenges due to its bulky storage requirements, even when compressed to 700 times atmospheric pressure.

On a brighter note, there are significant opportunities that haven’t garnered enough attention.

Potential solutions for greener aviation have been overlooked until recently. The high, wispy trails produced by aircraft exhaust – which account for over 60% of the climate impact of flights – carry even more weight when considering their short-term influence over the next two decades.

These contrails reflect Earth’s heat back into the atmosphere and function somewhat like a blanket. However, their overall impact is complex. They can not only trap heat but also reflect sunlight on clear days, creating a cooling effect that mainly occurs during the day, particularly over dark surfaces like oceans. Unfortunately, the warming effect tends to dominate during warm nights over dark surfaces.

By making small adjustments to flight paths, we can manage contrail formation. Changing an aircraft’s altitude or trajectory in specific weather conditions can be beneficial. Deliberate modifications while flying over sunny waters could yield positive results. A slight alteration in flight routes—just 1.7%—could potentially reduce contrail warming impacts by almost 60%. Real-time modeling is essential for integrating this into flight planning, similar to current practices for avoiding storms and managing air traffic.

This presents a relatively cost-effective solution that requires industry leadership. Once contrail management becomes established, the role of SAF might shift significantly, allowing it to contribute to cleaner burning and mitigate the worst impacts of contrails on more challenging flights.

Does this imply we can ignore the climate ramifications of flying? Unfortunately, no. Yet, understanding these factors provides a legitimate reason for optimism.

Mike Berners-Lee is the author of True Climate: Why We Need It and How to Get It

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Source: www.newscientist.com

We Might Have Discovered a Simple Method for Producing Water on the Moon

Posted on July 16, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Researchers have created innovative technologies to extract water from lunar soil, potentially offering vital support for future lunar explorers.

Findings published in the journal Joule highlight how this could significantly lower the astronomical cost of transporting water from Earth, which stands at $22,000 per liter ($83,000 per gallon).

If successfully scaled, this technology may play a crucial role in supporting long-term missions on the moon.

Utilizing samples brought back by China’s Chang’e-5 mission in 2020, scientists showed that water can be extracted from lunar materials and used alongside carbon dioxide to produce essential resources. These resources include oxygen for astronauts to breathe and hydrogen-based chemicals that can be transformed into rocket fuel.

“We never fully imagined the ‘magic’ contained in lunar soil,” said Professor Lou Wang, one of the study’s authors from Shenzhen University and Hong Kong’s China University, in a statement.

“The most surprising aspect of our work was the real success achieved through this integrated approach. One stage of lunar ₂O extraction and photothermal _CO2 catalysts enhances energy efficiency and simplifies infrastructure development.”

This technique employs a photothermal method (which converts sunlight into heat) to facilitate water extraction and the chemical conversion process.

Chang’e-5 lunar samples on display in Beijing, China. The mission returned 1.7 kg (3.7 pounds) of lunar material to Earth in 2020 – Source: Getty

In laboratory tests, the team employed actual lunar soils from Chang’e-5, along with simulated samples, exposing them to CO2 while concentrating light into a batch reactor. The CO2 used in the conversion process can be easily obtained from astronaut exhalations on the moon.

Previous methods for extracting water from lunar regolith lacked direct links to generating other vital resources. This integrated approach indicates a more efficient advancement; however, researchers recognize that significant challenges persist.

The moon’s extreme temperatures, high radiation levels, and inconsistent soil composition complicate efforts to scale this technology. The amount of CO2 produced by an astronaut’s exhalation may not meet the requirements for complete resource recycling, and the catalytic process still lacks the efficiency needed for sustained life.

Nevertheless, this advancement represents a promising leap towards making life on the moon more viable. There is increasing global interest in establishing a long-term human presence on the moon, and leveraging local water resources could be instrumental for deeper space missions.

Read more:

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Many Exoplanets Discovered by NASA’s TESS Satellite Could Be Larger Than Expected

Posted on July 16, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The radius of a planet is a crucial factor in understanding its composition and characteristics. Accurate radius measurements are generally obtained by analyzing the percentage of starlight blocked as the planet transits its host star. NASA’s Transit Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) has identified hundreds of new exoplanets; however, its low angular resolution can lead to the mixing of light from stars hosting exoplanets with that of background stars. If not entirely corrected, this additional light may dilute the transit signal, leading to an underestimation of the planetary radius. In their analysis of the planet Tess, astronomers from the University of California, Irvine revealed that systematically incorrect planetary radii are frequently reported in scientific literature.

Artistic impression of a gas giant exoplanet and its parent red dwarf star. Image credit: Sci.News.

“We have discovered that many exoplanets are larger than previously thought, which shifts our understanding of exoplanet characteristics on a wide scale,” states Tae Han, a doctoral student at the University of California, Irvine.

“This suggests that we may have actually identified Earth-like planets that are fewer than we initially believed.”

Astronomers cannot directly observe exoplanets; they rely on the planets passing in front of their host stars to measure the subtle decrease in starlight.

“Essentially, we are measuring the shadows cast by planets,” remarks Paul Robertson, a professor at the University of California, Irvine.

In their study, the authors examined the observations of hundreds of exoplanets detected by TESS.

They found that light from neighboring stars could “contaminate” the light emitted by the stars under study.

This results in planets transiting in front of their stars appearing smaller than their actual size, receiving less light compared to larger planets.

Astronomers have conducted numerous studies explaining the characteristics of planets discovered by TESS.

They categorized the planets based on how different research teams measured their radii and used computer models to estimate the extent of bias resulting from light interference from adjacent stars.

Data from the ESA Gaia satellite was utilized to assess the impact of light contamination on TESS observations.

“TESS data is indeed contaminated, and our custom models perform better than any existing methods in the field,” stated Professor Robertson.

“What we discovered in this study is that these planets could be systematically larger than we initially assumed.”

“This raises the question: How common are Earth-sized planets?”

Previously, it was thought there were fewer planets resembling Earth in size.

“Among the single-planet systems identified by TESS, only three were believed to have a composition similar to Earth,” Han noted.

“This new finding indicates that all of them are larger than we previously thought.”

This implies that instead of rocky planets like Earth, they are more likely to be water worlds (planets entirely covered by vast oceans that are often larger than Earth) or larger gas giants like Uranus or Neptune.

This could have significant implications for the search for life on distant worlds, as water worlds may harbor life but lack the specific conditions necessary for life to thrive as it does on Earth.

“These insights have important consequences for our understanding of exoplanets, including prioritizing follow-up observations with the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope and assessing the prevalence of water worlds in our galaxy,” concluded Professor Robertson.

The study was published in Astrophysical Journal Letters.

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Tae Han et al. 2025. Hundreds of TESS exoplanets may be larger than previously thought. ApJL 988, L4; doi: 10.3847/2041-8213/ade794

Source: www.sci.news

New Neornithischian Dinosaurs Discovered in China

Posted on July 15, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Paleontologists have announced the discovery of what they believe to be a new species of early-running Neonysikhia dinosaurs, part of the Jurassic Yangliao Biota in northern China.

Skeleton of Plasaurustinron shown in side view. Image credit: Hailong Zhang.

Named Plasaurustinron, this newly identified dinosaur species lived in what is now China approximately 160 million years ago during the Jurassic period.

The ancient reptiles are part of what is known as the Yanliao Biota, a Jurassic ecosystem that included dinosaurs, mammals, amphibians, insects, lizards, and numerous plants.

“The Yanliao Biota is one of China’s most significant Mesozoic Lagerstättes, comprising fossil communities from the Jiulongshan and Tiaojishan formations, dating from 168 to 157 million years ago,” according to researchers from the China Academy of Sciences and Yunnan University.

“Overall, between 54 and 58 vertebrate species have been reported from the Yanliao Biota, which includes nine non-avian dinosaurs.”

“The Yanliao Biota preserves a large array of vertebrate material from various species, offering valuable insights into major paleontological milestones, such as the emergence of birds and the early evolution of mammals.”

“However, all non-avian dinosaurs found within the Yanliao Biota are small ceratopsians, while Ornithischia is represented by merely one species likely from the Jehol Biota.”

“This contrasts sharply with other contemporary Chinese terrestrial faunas, like the Shishugou and Shaximiao Faunas, where body sizes and taxonomic compositions are far more diverse.”

Plasaurustinron belongs to the group known as Neornithischia (New Ornithischians), a category of dinosaurs within the order Ornithischia.

First identified in 1985, Neornithischians are characterized by a thick layer of asymmetric enamel on the inner surfaces of their lower teeth.

“Neornithischia is a significant group of dinosaurs with early origins traceable to the central Jurassic region and possibly represented by several early extinction species such as Sanxiasaurus, Agirisaurus, and Hexine Rusaurus found in China,” said the paleontologist.

“Besides China, Neornithischian fossils have been reported from Jurassic regions in Eastern Europe, Scotland, and other geological periods and countries.”

“Neornithischia experienced rapid diversification into numerous species during the Cretaceous period.”

Well-preserved specimens of Plasaurustinron were discovered in the Tiaojishan formation in the Hebei Province of China.

“The fossil comprises nearly complete skeletons encased in slabs of brownish-red sandstone,” the researchers noted.

“The specimen retains most of its skull and complete post-cranial skeleton.”

According to scientists, Plasaurustinron was a small neornithischian dinosaur.

“The specimen’s total length is approximately 72.2 cm (measured from the rostral end of the skull to the caudal end of the last preserved vertebra), whereas the skull measures around 8 cm,” they mentioned.

The identification of this new species enhances our understanding of the biodiversity of the Yangliao Biota and the evolutionary relationships of early-running neornithischians.

“Phylogenetic analyses position Plasaurustinron at the base of Neornithischia, in proximity to Agirisaurus, the earliest neornithischian known,” the authors explained.

“This new species marks the first Neonysichian found within the Yangliao ecosystem and will help bridge the temporal and geographical gaps in the distribution of Neornithischia in China.”

“Additionally, the preserved remains of Plasaurustinron represent the second documented occurrence of ossified laryngeal structures among non-avian dinosaurs.”

“The laryngeal structures observed in Plasaurustinron suggest the presence of ossified laryngeal devices across other dinosaur species.”

In a manner resembling the arc shape found in modern birds, Plasaurustinron may have possessed bird-like vocalizations.

The discovery of Plasaurustinron is detailed in a paper published in the journal PeerJ.

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Y. Yang et al. 2025. A new neornithischian dinosaur from the Jurassic Tiaojishan formation in northern China. PeerJ 13:E19664; doi:10.7717/peerj.19664

Source: www.sci.news

Denverdino Museum Discovered Beneath Your Parking Lot

Posted on July 12, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Denver – The Denver Museum, famous for its dinosaur exhibits, has unearthed fossil bones right beneath its parking lot, bringing paleontological discoveries closer to home than many anticipated.

This find originated from a drilling operation that reached over 750 feet (230 meters) deep to explore geothermal heating options at the Denver Museum of Natural Sciences.

The museum is a favorite among dinosaur lovers of all ages, where full-sized dinosaur skeletons astonish children who can barely reach their parents’ knees, especially the mighty Tyrannosaurus.

Ornithopod vertebrae discovered at a depth of 763 feet in the core excavation at City Park, located within the parking lot of the Denver Museum of Natural Sciences.
Richard M Wicker/Video Denver Natural Museum AP

While this latest find may not be visually striking, the likelihood of discovering a fossil sample shaped like a hockey puck is notably low.

Museum representatives highlighted the rarity of encountering dinosaur remains, even in localized areas with a modest width of just a few inches (5 cm).

“Finding dinosaur bones in the core is akin to drilling into one of the moons. It’s like winning the Willy Wonka Factory. It’s extraordinarily uncommon,” noted James Hagerdorn, the museum’s geology curator.

Geologist James Haggadawn closing a box of core sample locks at the Denver Museum of Natural Sciences on July 9th.
Thomas Paypert / AP

Museum officials mentioned that only two similar discoveries have been documented in borehole samples globally, let alone on the grounds of a dinosaur museum.

These vertebrae are believed to come from small, herbivorous dinosaurs that thrived during the late Cretaceous period, approximately 67.5 million years ago, shortly before the asteroid impacts that led to their extinction.

Fossilized plant materials were also uncovered in the vicinity of the bone.

“The animal inhabited a wetland ecosystem that was likely lush with vegetation at that time,” explained Patrick O’Connor, curator of vertebrate paleontology at the Denver Museum of Natural Sciences.

The region has long been recognized for its dinosaur discoveries, including fossils resembling Tyrannosaurus rex and Triceratops. This recent find is noted to be Denver’s deepest and oldest, according to O’Connor.

While other experts validate the findings, reactions to the discoveries have been varied.

“It’s impressive. However, it might not be scientifically groundbreaking,” commented Thomas Williamson, curator of paleontology at the Museum of Natural History in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Williamson remarked that it’s challenging to accurately determine the species of dinosaur from the evidence found.

Yet, Erin Rack Count, the educational program director for Dinosaur Ridge, located just west of Denver, exclaimed in an email that the discovery is “absolutely legitimate and utterly fascinating!”

The fossil’s shape suggests it may belong to a duck-billed dinosaur or perhaps a tecosaurus.

Currently, the borehole fossils are on display at the Denver Museum of Natural Sciences, but there are no plans to search for additional finds beneath the parking lot.

“I wish I could dig a 763-foot (233 meters) hole in the parking lot and unearth more dinosaurs, but I don’t think it will happen because of parking constraints,” said a museum official.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Newly Discovered Polyiron Duct Mammal Species in the UK

Posted on July 11, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Paleontologists have unearthed fossilized teeth from a newly identified genus and species of plagioclase polyuria in the lower Cretaceous Luluworth Formation within the Purbeck Group in Dorset, England.

Artist’s depiction of Nova Cradon Mirabilis. Image credit: Hamzah Imran.

Multi-liquids represent a highly successful and diverse group of Mesozoic mammals.

Over 200 species have been documented, ranging in size from that of a mouse to a beaver.

These mammals thrived during the Central Jurassic throughout the Mesozoic Era, even surviving the mass extinction at the end of the Cretaceous, which led to the early, sparsely populated neural period.

They adapted to various ecological niches, from living in dens to climbing like squirrels.

The newly identified species existed during the Beliasia period in the pre-Cretaceous Epoch, around 143 million years ago.

Dubbing it Nova Cradon Mirabilis, this mammal was omnivorous, likely consuming small invertebrates like worms and insects.

Its sharp incisors and distinct, blade-like premolars demonstrate feeding strategies that differ from those of modern rodents such as squirrels and rats.

“This study illustrates how early mammals established their ecological roles while dinosaurs dominated the Earth,” remarked Professor David Martill from the University of Portsmouth and his colleagues.

The 1.65 cm jaw of Nova Cradon Mirabilis was discovered in 2024 by undergraduate Benjamin Weston at the University of Portsmouth.

“The fossil showcases long, pointed incisors at the front, followed by a gap and then four sharp premolars,” the paleontologist stated.

“While it superficially resembles a rabbit’s jaw, the pointed incisors and unique premolars clearly link it to the multi-iron group.”

The specimens were found at the upper beach area of Dalston Bay, Dorset, England.

This location is part of the Luluworth Formation from the Lower Cretaceous period of the Purbeck group.

“The new specimen is the most complete multi-iron structure found in the Purbeck group,” the researchers noted.

“The fossils were extracted from a distinctive layer in the so-called freshwater bed, specifically the flint bed, which scientists believe indicates deposition within freshwater lagoons.”

“Nova Cradon Mirabilis is also the first mammal recovered from the flint bed,” they added.

The discovery of Nova Cradon Mirabilis is detailed in a paper published in the Proceedings of the Geologists Association.

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Benjamin T. Weston et al. A new polyiron tube (mammal, Arosaria) from the Luluworth Formation (Cretaceous, Beliasian) in Dorset, England. Proceedings of the Geologists Association Published online on July 9, 2025. doi: 10.1016/j.pgeola.2025.101128

Source: www.sci.news

The Oldest Protein, Dating Back 18 Million Years, Discovered in Ancient Teeth

Posted on July 9, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Protein fragments survived in the extreme environment of Rift Valley, Kenya

Ellen Miller

In Kenya, fossilized teeth from an 18 million-year-old mammal yielded the oldest protein fragment ever discovered, extending the age record for ancient proteins by fivefold.

Daniel Green at Harvard, alongside Kenyan scientists, unearthed diverse fossil specimens, including teeth, in Kenya’s Rift Valley. Volcanic activity facilitated the preservation of these samples by encasing them in ash layers, enabling the age dating of the teeth to 18 million years. Nonetheless, it remained uncertain whether the protein in the tooth enamel endured.

The circumstances were not promising—Rift Valley is “one of the hottest places on Earth for the past 5 million years,” Green observes. This extreme environment presents “significant challenges.” Despite this, earlier research has detected tooth enamel proteins, albeit not from such ancient samples. To assess the longevity of protein traces, Green employed a small drill to extract powdered enamel from the teeth.

These samples were sent to Timothy Creland at the Smithsonian Museum Conservation Institute for analysis. He utilized mass spectrometry to categorize each molecular type in the sample by differentiating them by mass.

To his surprise, Creland uncovered sufficient protein fragments to yield significant classification insights. This identified the teeth as belonging to the ancient ancestors of elephants and rhinos, among other evidence. Creland expresses enthusiasm for demonstrating that “even these ancient species can be integrated into the Tree of Life alongside their modern relatives.”

While only a small amount of protein was recovered, the discovery remains monumental, asserts Frido Welker from the University of Copenhagen, Denmark. He emphasizes that growing protein and gaining insights into this ancient fossil is a “tremendous breakthrough.”

Unlike other tissues such as bone, sampling teeth is crucial for uncovering fragments of ancient and valuable proteins like these. “The sequence of enamel proteins varies slightly,” notes Creland.

The dental structure may have played a role in preserving proteins for such an extended period. As teeth are “primarily mineral,” these minerals assist in protecting enamel proteins through what Cleland describes as “self-chemical processes.” Furthermore, the enamel comprises only a small fraction of protein, aiding in its preservation, roughly 1%. “Whatever protein is present, it’s going to persist much longer,” Green asserts.

The endurance of protein fragments in Rift Valley suggests that fossils from other locales may also contain proteins. “We can genuinely begin considering other challenging regions of the planet, where we might not expect significant preservation,” Cleland comments. “Microenvironmental discrepancies may promote protein conservation.”

Beyond studying proteins from these specific periods, researchers aim to explore samples from various epochs. “We’re looking to delve deeper into history,” Cleland mentions. Green adds that analyzing younger fossils could offer a “baseline of expectation” for the number of conserved protein fragments compared to those from ancient specimens.

“We’re only beginning to scratch the surface,” Cleland concludes.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Newly Discovered Armored Dinosaur Species Unearthed in China

Posted on July 8, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Paleontologists have identified a new species from the Ankylosaurus dinosaur genus Zhongyuansaurus, using specimens discovered in Henan Province, China.

Reconstructing the life of Zhongyuansaurus Junchangi. Image credit: Connor Ashbridge / CC by 4.0.

Ankylosaurids (Antirosaurididae) were a group of herbivorous tetrapods known for their sturdy, scute-covered bodies, distinct armor, leaf-shaped teeth, and club-like tails.

The earliest and most renowned ankylosaurid dates back to approximately 122 million years ago, while the last species went extinct around 66 million years ago during the mass extinction event.

The newly recognized species belongs to a previously monospecific genus of Ankylosaurus called Zhongyuansaurus.

It is named Zhongyuansaurus Junchangi and lived in the region now known as China.

Fossils were collected from the upper section of the Haoling Formation in Zhongwa village, Henan Province, China.

“The fossils are preserved within an area of about 9 m.²,” noted Dr. Ji Min Chang from the Henan Museum of Natural History.

“They are fragmented and show no overlapping preservation, indicating they belong to a single individual.”

“The specimen includes one right mandible, 14 free caudal vertebrae, seven fused terminal caudal vertebrae forming a rod-like structure, four ribs, one left humerus, one elongated metatarsal, and 41 osteoblasts of varying sizes and shapes.”

The right lower jaw of Zhongyuansaurus Junchangi. Image credit: Zhang et al., doi: 10.19800/j.cnki.aps.2023037.

Zhongyuansaurus Junchangi exhibits a unique autapomorphy, featuring at least five caudal armor plates arranged in a distinct shiny pattern resembling a swallow shape.

“Furthermore, it has a relatively slender mandible compared to the more robust mandibles found in advanced Ankylosaurina,” the paleontologist added.

“The anterior tip of the coronoid process differentiates it from Chamosaurus, extending only into the last two alveoli.”

“The distal caudal vertebrae are decorated with small osteoblasts, and the humerus has a shaft proportion enclosed within 0.46, distinguishing it from Zhongyuansaurus luoyangensis.”

“The discovery of Zhongyuansaurus Junchangi provides new insights into the evolution of ankylosaurs in the lower Cretaceous layers of Ruyang and enhances the species diversity within the Ruyang Dinosaur Fauna,” the researchers concluded.

Their paper was published in the journal Acta Palaeontologica Sinica.

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Ji-Ming Zhang et al. 2025. New ankylosaur material from the lower Cretaceous period in the Luyan Basin, Henan Province. Acta Palaeontologica Sinica 64(1): 60-73; doi: 10.19800/j.cnki.aps.2023037

Source: www.sci.news

Recently Discovered Exoplanet Triggers Flares on Its Host Star

Posted on July 3, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The Hot-Jupiter exoplanet HIP 67522b revolves around its star, HIP 67522, frequently triggering flares from the star’s surface, which seem to heat and penetrate the planet’s atmosphere.

Artistic impression of the HIP 67522 young planetary system. Image credit: J. Fohlmeister, AIP.

HIP 67522 is a G0 star located approximately 417 light-years away in the constellation Centaurus.

This star is part of the Scorpius-Centaurus Stellar Association and is also known as HD 120411, 2Mass J13500627-4050090, and TYC 7794-2268-1.

At about 17 million years old, HIP 67522 is home to two young exoplanets.

The inner planet, HIP 67522b, completes an orbit around the star every seven days and has a diameter roughly ten times that of Earth, making it similar in size to Jupiter.

Using five years of data from NASA’s TESS and ESA’s CHEOPS telescopes, astronomer Ekaterina Ilin and her team studied the HIP 67522 system in detail.

They uncovered that the planet and its host star share a powerful yet destructive connection.

Although not completely understood, the planet becomes ensnared in the star’s magnetic field, resulting in eruptions on the star’s surface that transfer energy back to the planet.

When combined with other high-energy radiation from the star, these flares appear to significantly enhance the rapid inflation of the planet’s atmosphere.

This indicates that the planet might not remain within the size range of Jupiter for much longer.

Continuous exposure to intense radiation can lead to atmospheric loss over time.

In about 100 million years, this could change the planet into a hot Neptune state or even result in more severe atmospheric reductions, with sub-Neptunes commonly observed in our galaxies, but lacking smaller planetary types than Neptune in our solar system.

“We found the first definitive evidence of the interaction between the flare star and the planet, demonstrating that the planet induces energy eruptions in the host star,” remarked Dr. Ilin, lead author of a paper published in the journal Nature.

“What is particularly thrilling is that this interaction persists for at least three years, allowing for in-depth study.”

“Such planetary interactions have long been anticipated, but these observations were made possible with this extensive spatial telescope dataset,” stated Dr. Katja Poppenhäger, an astronomer at Leibniz-Institut für Astrophysik Potsdam and Potsdam University.

“The planets are essentially subjected to intense bursts of radiation and particles from these induced flares,” explained Astron astronomer Dr. Harish Vedantum.

“The conditions in this self-inflicted environment are likely to expand the planet’s atmosphere and can significantly accelerate the rate at which the planet is losing its atmosphere.”

In a separate paper published in Astronomy and Astrophysics, astronomers confirmed that HIP 67522 is a magnetically active star emitting strong radio radiation along with a magnetic field.

They monitored the star at low radio frequencies for approximately 135 hours using the Australian Telescope Compact Array (ATCA), revealing it as a bright and explosive source of radio waves.

However, there were no indications of radio wave flares resulting from star-planet interactions.

“The lack of detection aligns with the notion that planet-driven flares may be too faint for ATCA to observe, corroborating the conclusions on magnetic star-planet interactions presented in our Nature paper,” they noted.

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Ekaterina Ilin et al. Nearby planets induce flares in their host star. Nature, published online July 2, 2025. doi:10.1038/s41586-025-09236-z

Ekaterina Ilin et al. 2025. Search for planetary-induced radio signals from the young exoplanet-host star HIP 67522. A&A, in press; doi: 10.1051/0004-6361/202554684

Source: www.sci.news

A11PL3Z: Interstellar Travelers Discovered Racing Through the Solar System

Posted on July 2, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The predicted trajectory of A11PL3Z marks it as the third interstellar object observed in the solar system

CSS, D. Rankin

SEI 257609617 — The predicted trajectory of A11PL3Z marks it as the third interstellar object observed in the solar system

CSS, D. Rankin

Potential interstellar bodies are now observed zipping through our solar system, and both amateur and professional astronomers globally are racing to direct telescopes towards these phenomena, refine their trajectory models, and ultimately validate their status as visitors from another star.

The object provisionally named A11PL3Z represents the third interstellar entity detected to date. The asteroid ‘Oumuamua was first seen in October 2017, just three days after it passed closest to Earth, and its unusual acceleration sparked a variety of hypotheses, including the possibility of it being an alien spacecraft. The second identified object, Comet Borisov, was observed in 2019, allowing for closer examination given its early passage through the solar system.

A11PL3Z was first identified by the Deep Random Survey in Chile, a group of amateur astronomers. However, a review of earlier observations by other teams revealed that it was initially spotted on June 14 by NASA’s Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS). It is estimated to measure approximately 20 km in width and is currently traveling at around 66 km/s, accelerating as it gets pulled in by solar gravity. In October, it will reach its closest point to the Sun, passing within two astronomical units (the Earth is twice the distance from the Sun) before swinging away and exiting the solar system.

This provides a limited window for studying A11PL3Z, though it’s more than that available for previous interstellar objects, which were seen hurtling towards the solar system. “These objects move through the solar system at incredible speeds,” remarks Mark Norris from the University of Central Lancashire. “They are quite transient, which restricts our ability to learn about them.”

Sadly, the prospect of sending missions to intercept and study A11PL3Z is beyond the reach of current technology, notes Norris. “If we were to launch a mission today, it would be too late,” he states. However, the European Space Agency (ESA) is planning a comet interceptor mission set for launch in 2029, which would remain in space to await the arrival of newly discovered comets and possibly interstellar objects.

For the time being, astronomers are relying on existing telescopes to observe A11PL3Z from a distance. “We anticipate we will be observing it by the end of the year, giving us ample time to prepare our spectrometers once we finalize the trajectory,” shares Richard Moisle. When will our observers discern its visibility? There’s a palpable excitement as everyone is prepared and looking forward to this opportunity.

At the time of this writing, over 100 observations of A11PL3Z have already been logged, and the Minor Planet Center—the official body responsible for monitoring and reporting such celestial entities—is expected to confirm its interstellar classification later today.

Topics:

Source: www.newscientist.com

New Permian Herbivore Species Discovered in China

Posted on July 1, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Paleontologists have discovered a new genus and species of medium-sized Paleasaurus, identified from two fossilized specimens found in China in 2018.

Artist Reconstruction Yinshanosaurus angustus. Image credit: X.-C. Guo, Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleontology.

The newly recognized species, Yinshanosaurus angustus, existed during the latest Permian period, around 259 to 254 million years ago.

These ancient creatures were part of Paleiasauria, a distinct group of herbivorous tetrapods that thrived across the Supercontinent Pangaea during the Middle Permian.

“Pareiasauria was a bizarre quadrupedal herbivorous clade present during the Guadalpian and Ropingian epochs, significantly impacted by both the late Capitanian and Permian mass extinction events,” stated the Chongqing Institute of Paleontology.

“Fossils of Pareiasauria have been discovered globally, spanning Africa, Europe, Asia, and South America.”

“Pareiasaurus served as a primary herbivorous consumer within various terrestrial tetrapod faunas, including those from the late Permian in northern China.”

“Since the 1960s, eight species of Chinese Paleasaurus have been documented.”

Two significant specimens—a partial post-skull skeleton with a nearly complete skull and another partial skeleton—were excavated in China in 2018.

“The first specimen was found in a dark purple siltstone layer of the Sunjiagou Formation, near Zhangjiage Tuo Village in Bird County, Shanghai,” reported the paleontologist.

“The second specimen was located in purple silty mudstone at the upper section of Member I of the Naobaogou Formation near Qiandian Village in the Siguai district of Baotou, Inner Mongolia.”

According to the researchers, Yinshanosaurus angustus features the narrowest skull of all Pareiasaurus species, with a length over twice its width at the lateral edge of the cheek.

“With the skeleton of Yinshanosaurus angustus, we present the complete skull and detailed post-cranial structure of this Chinese Pareiasaurus for the first time,” they emphasized.

Their study was published this month in the journal Paleontology Papers.

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Jian Yi & Jun Liu. 2025. Tetrapod fauna of the Upper Permian Naobagou Formation in China: A new medium-sized Pareiasaurus Yinshanosaurus angustus and its implications for the phylogenetic relationship of Pareiasaurus. Paleontology Papers 11(3): E70020; doi: 10.1002/spp2.70020

Source: www.sci.news

Two Parasitic Bacteria Discovered in 99-Million-Year-Old Amber

Posted on June 28, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The fossilized bacteria from Cachin Amber in Central Cretaceous belong to the same family as the zombie ant bacteria, ophiocordyceps unilateralis, which has become well-known as the inspiration for various popular apocalyptic video games and TV series, such as Our Last.

Ecological reconstruction of Cretaceous insects and insect pathogenic fungi. The ants have abandoned the infected PUP, and the infected fly is located on the trunk of a distant tree. Image credit: Zhuang et al., doi: 10.1098/rspb.2025.0407.

Two newly identified species, Paleoophiocordyceps gerontoformicae and Paleoophiocordyceps Ironomyiae, represent some of the oldest fossil records of animals and pathogenic fungi.

These specimens were discovered in 99-million-year-old fragments of Kachin amber, sourced from a mine near the village of Neuebham in northern Myanmar.

“Insects and fungi are among the most diverse groups of living organisms, cohabiting Earth’s ecosystems for over 400 million years,” explains Professor Edmund Jalsenbowski, a paleontologist at the Geology, Paleontology and Natural History Museum in London, along with his colleagues from the Nanjing Institute of Studies.

“Consequently, they have developed intricate and close ecological relationships, including reciprocity, predation, and parasitism.”

“Entomopathogenic fungi, in particular, have garnered attention for their role in regulating insect populations, though much remains unclear about them.”

“The infection process begins when spores come into contact with the proper host, initiating germination through enzymatic hydrolysis, allowing entry into the insect’s body cavity (hemocoel).”

“Once the fungus infiltrates the insect’s body, it (as yeast-like cells at this phase) proliferates via budding, consuming the host’s body from within.”

“Eventually, the host typically succumbs to fungal toxins, leading to the formation of chains of yeast-like cells that transition to the filamentous stage shortly after the host’s death.”

“These filaments gradually organize into compact spore-producing structures (sporocaps) that emerge from the softer parts of the insect, dispersing spores into the environment to infect additional hosts.”

Holotype of Paleoophiocordyceps Ironomyiae. This comparison of mid-Cretaceous specimens shows similarities with existing Bacillus ophiocordis: (a, b) Lateral and dorsal views of the bipteran host, where potential fungal structures are visible. (c) Closure of the fungal stroma of Paleoophiocordyceps Ironomyiae; (D, E) Apex of the fungal stroma. The red arrows indicate the surroundings. (f, g, h) Presence of ophiocordyceps stromas for Ant and Dipteran hosts. Scale bars – 0.5 mm (a, b), 0.1 mm (c) and 50 μm (d, e). Image credit: Zhuang et al., doi: 10.1098/rspb.2025.0407.

According to the authors, Paleoophiocordyceps gerontoformicae was found in a young ant, while Paleoophiocordyceps Ironomyiae was discovered on a fly.

“It’s captivating to observe that some of the unusual phenomena we witness today were also present during the age of dinosaurs,” remarked Professor Jarzembowski.

“Known as a zombie fungus, it can influence the behavior of its host, a feature that has been depicted in popular apocalyptic video games and series like Our Last.”

“Given that the infection is lethal, ophiocordyceps and its fossil counterparts likely played a significant role in regulating insect populations during the Middle Cretaceous, similar to how their modern relatives do today.”

“While parasitism is common in today’s ecosystems, evidence of these interactions is seldom found in the fossil record.”

“This is primarily due to the poor preservation of their soft tissues in fossils and the fact that they reside within their hosts, making identification among insect remains challenging.”

“While ancient parasite specimens have been uncovered, our understanding of their evolution remains limited.”

“This new discovery provides rare insight into these parasites from a long-ago era.”

The team’s research paper was published in the June 2025 issue of Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biology.

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Yuhui Zhuang et al. Cretaceous insect pathogenic fungi illuminate the early evolution of insect-fungal associations. Proc. R. Soc. B 292 (2048): 20250407; doi: 10.1098/rspb.2025.0407

Source: www.sci.news

Ancient Karawon Fossils Discovered in New Zealand, Dating Back 19 Million Years

Posted on June 28, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Paleontologists have unearthed a new species of large passerine birds based on fossilized remains from the Bannockburn Formation near St. Bathans in Otago, New Zealand.

Australian Magpie (Gymnorhina Tibicen), adults and juveniles, in Tabeumi, Fiji. Image credits: Charles J. Sharp, https://www.sharpphotography.co.uk / CC by-sa 4.0.

The newly identified bird inhabited New Zealand during the early Miocene period around 19 million years ago.

It has been named St. Batan’s Caloun (MioStrepera Canora), closely related to the Australian Magpie (Gymnorhina Tibicen) found in New Zealand today, likely exhibiting an entirely black plumage.

“We’ve experienced a lot of excitement and hard work,” shared Dr. Paul Scofield, senior curator at the Canterbury Museum.

“We probably haven’t encountered a member of this large magpie family for just five million years.”

“New Zealand’s ecosystem has undergone significant transformations over millions of years, welcoming diverse species throughout various eras,” noted Dr. Trevor Worthy, a researcher at Flinders University.

“There’s a notion that we should strive to restore New Zealand to its pre-European ecosystem.”

“However, that ecosystem had been in a constant state of flux for millions of years.”

“By the time humans arrived, Aotearoa had already lost much of the floral diversity that once thrived.”

“There were limited tree seeds available, but the decline of the choloun and other pigeons indicates this loss.”

“Different plant and animal groups emerged between 2.6 million and 11,700 years ago.”

“Even more have come since humans began to inhabit the land.”

“New Zealand’s pre-European ecosystem isn’t inherently better or worse than any other period in the past.”

“The fossil record hints at the absence of a utopian state and encourages us to celebrate the diversity present today.”

The fossilized remains of MioStrepera Canora were found at the St Bathans fossil site, which was once located at the bottom of a vast prehistoric lake.

“The research revealed that the Miocene bird population in New Zealand bears surprising similarities to contemporary Australian birds,” Dr. Scofield mentioned.

“New Zealand was vastly different during the Miocene, between 200,000 to 5 million years ago.”

“If you walked through New Zealand’s forests during that time, you would have seen abundant eucalyptus, laurel, and casuarinas, much like the forests of Australia today.”

“The most significant factor shaping New Zealand’s current landscape was the extinction of many plants and animals that thrived in warmer climates, following a rapid cooling that began around 13 million years ago.”

“It was likely not the only bird call you would have heard in ancient New Zealand.”

The discovery of MioStrepera Canora is detailed in a paper published in the journal Palz.

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Worth it et al. A large-scale clastatin passerine (Aves, Artamidae, Cracticinae) from the early Miocene of New Zealand. Palz published on June 25th, 2025. doi:10.1007/s12542-025-00736-x

Source: www.sci.news

Dan Russ: The Funniest Things I’ve Discovered Online | Comedy Insights

Posted on June 25, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

I plan to purchase the Guardian from the newspaper publisher. Digital mediums are intertwined with analog ones, allowing you to discover trends through print. I’ll grab it a bit later. I got some insights after reading the Economist last week.

I wish technology had paused in 1996, when playing Mario Kart was sufficient but not life-altering. Just a need for Microsoft Excel was all that was required.

Aidan Jones: 10 Funniest Things I’ve Encountered (On the Internet)

I avoid social media, leading others to think I possess mental clarity. Yet, I’ll attribute it to the shop hours of Harvey Norman.

Here are my favorite moments I’ve stumbled upon on TV via YouTube late at night. They all seem to speak for themselves.

1. Norm Macdonald on a Morning TV Show

https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/GFQbLwaElt4?wmode=opaque&feature=oembed" title="Norm Macdonald on WGN Morning News – CHECK IT OUT (2011) Full Interview" height="480" width="854" allowfullscreen="

This is one of his numerous hilarious appearances across various platforms.

2. Rodney Dangerfield on Various Late-Night Shows

https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/MecU2keW54I?wmode=opaque&feature=oembed" title="Rodney Dangerfield at the Top of His Game (1980)" height="480" width="854" allowfullscreen="

I’ve revisited this quite a bit.

3. Don Rickles in Various Late-Night Clips

https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/vFJgDtDupJg?wmode=opaque&feature=oembed" title="The Very Best of Don Rickles" height="480" width="854" allowfullscreen="

This is another clip I frequently watch to uplift my mood. I tend to replay the same ten clips repeatedly. Many are featured here.

4. Joan Rivers

https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/iUZavNQA9MM?wmode=opaque&feature=oembed" title="Joan Rivers Hilarious Stand Up Comedy (2006)" height="480" width="640" allowfullscreen="

I also enjoyed her documentary which she referred to as “the work.”

5. Isn’t Damien Power Quite Engaging?

https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/F9s8kAIqFLM?wmode=opaque&feature=oembed" title="Damien Power | Not So Funny Now Is It?" height="480" width="854" allowfullscreen="

This one is truly intriguing.

6. John Curkshank’s Redfern Electrical

https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/a-sWFZyVXFo?wmode=opaque&feature=oembed" title="Redfern Electrical" height="480" width="854" allowfullscreen="

He has his unique slang that is both subtle and bland simultaneously.

7. Eddie Pepitone: For the Masses

https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/ik-skhmSFLI?wmode=opaque&feature=oembed" title="Eddie Pepitone | For The Masses (Full Comedy Special)" height="480" width="854" allowfullscreen="

We watched this during the pandemic, and it made for a great pairing.

8. Sam Campbell

https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/RfVS_MAMNqk?wmode=opaque&feature=oembed" title="Grandmaster-level baddie Sam Campbell being ‘somewhat’ foolish @ Bill Murray comedy club" height="480" width="854" allowfullscreen="

He builds one gag at a time into something larger.

9. Robbie Hoffman’s Zero Personality Disorder

https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/_ofQX6Xykhg?wmode=opaque&feature=oembed" title="Robby Hoffman – Zero Personality Disorder" height="480" width="854" allowfullscreen="

Another fantastic viewing experience during the pandemic.

10. Zach Galifianakis

https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/XNlI-WuVHeQ?wmode=opaque&feature=oembed" title="Zach Galifianakis: Live at the Purple Onion (1/4) Zach And Seth (2007) HD" height="480" width="854" allowfullscreen="

It feels very immersive, as if you’re right there, even while feeling uncomfortable.

Dan Russ is a comedian. He will be performing his award-winning short “Tropical Death Paucity” at Monkey Barrel Cabaret Voltaire from July 31st to August 24th. Edinburgh Fringe.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Cyanocoronene Discovered: Astronomers Find 7-Ring Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in TMC-1

Posted on June 17, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are believed to be the most prevalent class of organic compounds in the universe, yet their lifecycle in interstellar media remains poorly understood. Recently, astronomers using NSF’s Green Bank telescopes identified cyanocoronene (C₂₄H₁₁CN), the largest PAH discovered in space, located within the starless cloud core TMC-1.

Cyanocoronene, composed of seven interconnected benzene rings and cyano groups, is a region known for its abundant chemistry and was discovered in the cold, dark molecular cloud TMC-1, recognized as a new cradle for star formation. Image credits: NSF/AUI/NSF/NRAO/P.VOSTEEN.

Cyanocoronene is a derivative of coronene, often regarded as a prototype compact PAH due to its stability and distinctive structure.

PAHs are thought to play a crucial role in the chemistry that captures a significant portion of the universe’s carbon and contributes to star and planet formation.

Until this discovery, only smaller PAHs had been identified in space, making this finding a significant leap in understanding size limits.

“Each new detection brings us closer to understanding the origins of the complex organic chemistry in the universe, and possibly the building blocks of life,” says Dr. Gabi Wentzel, an astronomer at the Center for Astrophysics at MIT and Harvard & Smithsonian.

Dr. Wentzel and her team first synthesized cyanocoronene in the laboratory and recorded its unique microwave spectrum using advanced spectroscopic methods.

Equipped with this molecular fingerprint, the astronomers searched data from the Green Bank telescope, the primary instrument for the Gotham project (GBT observations of TMC-1: GBT observations of aromatic molecules).

They identified several spectral lines of cyanocoronene, confirming its presence with a statistical significance of 17.3 sigma, a robust detection by astronomical standards.

Cyanocoronene is currently the largest individual PAH molecule found in interstellar space, featuring 24 carbon atoms in its core structure (excluding the cyano group).

The quantity of cyanocoronene detected is comparable to that of smaller PAHs previously identified, challenging the notion that larger molecules are rare in the universe.

This indicates that even more complex aromatic molecules may be prevalent in the cosmos.

“The presence of such a large, stable PAH lends support to the idea that these molecules can serve as significant reservoirs of carbon and potentially facilitate the formation of new planetary systems throughout their lifecycle,” the researchers stated.

“The quantum chemical analysis in this study reveals that the reaction between coronene and CN radicals enables the efficient formation of cyanocoronene in cold space conditions.

“This implies that even prior to star formation, there can be chemical processes that establish complex organic matter.”

“The discovery of cyanocoronene not only adds new chapters to the narrative of astrochemistry but also reinforces the PAH hypothesis. It suggests that these molecules are responsible for the enigmatic infrared emission zones scattered throughout the universe.”

“Additionally, it establishes a direct link between interstellar clouds, meteoroids, and asteroid chemistry, implying that organic molecules present in our solar system might have originated in similar environments long before the Sun was born.”

The scientists presented their Survey results on June 11th at the AAS246, 246th Summer American Astronomical Association.

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Gabi Wenzel & Gotham Collaboration. 2025. Discovery of 7-ring PAH cyanocoronene (C₂₄H₁₁CN) from Gotham observation of TMC-1. AAS246 Summary #75

Source: www.sci.news

Two Uncommon Radio Signals Discovered Emerging from Antarctic Ice

Posted on June 14, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

An unusual radio pulse was identified by the Antarctic Impulsive Transient Antenna (ANITA) Experiment. Various instruments were deployed on NASA balloons over Antarctica, aiming to detect radio waves produced by cosmic rays impacting the atmosphere. This experiment seeks to illuminate events in the distant universe by scrutinizing signals that reach Earth. Rather than bouncing off the ice, this radio signal seemed to originate from beneath the horizon. Such a direction challenges our current understanding of particle physics and might indicate a previously unknown particle or interaction.

ANITA instruments were stationed in Antarctica to minimize interference with other signals. The setup involves balloon-mediated radio detectors flying through ice to capture what is known as an ice shower. Image credit: Stephanie Wissel/Penn State.

“The detected radio waves were highly angled, approximately 30 degrees below the ice surface,” said physicist Dr. Stephanie Wissel from Pennsylvania State University.

“Our calculations suggest the anomalous signal interacted with thousands of kilometers of rock before reaching the detector.

“This poses an intriguing question as we have yet to understand these anomalies fully. However, we do know they likely do not represent neutrinos.”

Neutrino signals typically emerge from high-energy sources such as the sun or significant cosmic events like supernovae and the Big Bang.

Yet, these particles present a challenge: they are notoriously difficult to detect.

“A billion neutrinos pass through any point instantly, but they rarely interact,” Dr. Wissel explained.

“This presents a paradox. If we detect them, it means they traversed this way without interacting with anything else.”

“We can even identify neutrinos originating from the edge of the observable universe.”

“When observed and traced back to their source, these particles travel at speeds comparable to light, offering insights into illuminative events that reveal more than the most powerful telescopes.”

“Researchers globally have been focused on creating specialized detectors to capture faint neutrino signals.”

“Even a minor signal from neutrinos can unveil valuable information, making all data crucial.”

“We’re aiming to utilize radio detectors to establish a significant neutrino telescope, anticipating low event rates.”

ANITA was one of these detectors, positioned in Antarctica to reduce interference from other signals.

To capture the ejection signal, it deploys a balloon-mediated radio detector to traverse ice stretches and identify what is known as an ice shower.

“We operate these radio antennas on balloons that soar 40 km above the Antarctic ice,” Dr. Wissel noted.

“We lower the antennas into the ice, searching for neutrinos that interact within the ice, resulting in radio emissions detectable by the instrument.”

These unique ice-interacting neutrinos, termed tau neutrinos, generate secondary particles called tau leptons that are released from the ice as they lose energy traveling through space, producing emissions identified as air showers.

“If visible to the naked eye, an air shower may resemble a sparkler dispersed in one direction.

“We can distinguish between two signal types (ice and air shower) and ascertain details about the particles that produced the signals.”

“These signals can be traced back to their sources, akin to how balls thrown at angles bounce back predictably.”

However, the recent peculiar findings cannot be traced because they display sharper characteristics than existing models anticipate.

By analyzing data gathered from multiple ANITA flights and contrasting it with thorough simulations of both mathematical models and common cosmic rays and upward air showers, researchers successfully eliminated background noise and ruled out possibilities of known particle-based signals.

Scientists then cross-referenced signals from other independent detectors, including the IceCube experiment and the Pierre Auger Observatory, to determine if any upward-facing air shower data had been captured by other experiments similar to those identified by ANITA.

The analysis disclosed that no other detectors documented anything capable of explaining what ANITA detected, leading researchers to characterize the signal as abnormal. This indicates that the particles responsible for the signal are not neutrinos.

The signal defies conventional paradigms in particle physics. Some theories propose it could hint at dark matter; however, the absence of follow-up observations from IceCube and Auger significantly diminishes this possibility.

“Our team is in the process of designing and constructing the next major detector,” Dr. Wissel shared.

“We aspire for a new detector called Pueo to be larger and more adept at identifying neutrino signals, which should clarify the nature of the abnormal signal.”

“My hypothesis is that some intriguing radio propagation phenomena occur near the ice, close to the horizon—effects I don’t fully comprehend, but we are certainly investigating them.

“So, this is one of those enduring mysteries, and we are eager to achieve enhanced sensitivity when we deploy Pueo.”

“In principle, we should detect more anomalies, and perhaps we’ll decipher their nature.”

“We could also encounter neutrinos, which would be tremendously exciting in their own right.”

The team’s paper was published in the journal Physical Review Letters.

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A. Abdul Halim et al. (Pierre Auger Collaboration). 2025. Exploring abnormal events detected by ANITA using the Pierre Auger Observatory. Phys. Rev. Lett. 134, 121003; doi:10.1103/physrevlett.134.121003

This article is based on a press release provided by the Pennsylvania State University.

Source: www.sci.news